The Soloist: TRUE TALENT

The Soloist is an upcoming American drama film directed by Joe Wright and written by Susannah Grant.  The film is based on a true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless. Jaime Foxx portrays Nathaniel Ayers, one of the most talented musicians of all time, and Robert Downey Jr. portrays Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times columnist who discovers Ayers and writes about him in the newspaper.  Production of the film began in January 2008 and will be filmed mostly in Los Angeles.  The film was scheduled to be released on November 21, 2008, but has been delayed to March 13, 2009.

MOVIE PREVIEW

DIDDY. . .The NEXT BOND???

"TO BE OR NOT TO BE"

I'M AN ADDICT: PEEP MY NEW HEELS

Fly high in these lovely aviation-inspired booties

TAKE A LOOK

HAPPY B-DAY J aka Jay-Z aka Jigga

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE Jay-Z JOINT. . .IN THE SPIRIT OF HIS B-DAY

Chamillionaire - Interview about his LP3 (VENOM)

This is the best article that I have read in quit sometime. One of the most remarkable moments during this read came from David Banner, who said ‘Man, you know what we got to realize: we’re trying to be great before success.’ As a result, new horizons of artist vision was developed. And, in the end, as the saying goes “IF YOU KNEW BETTER, YOU WOULD DO BETTER!!!”

 

I AM SO INSPIRED!!!!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

WATCH OUT FOR AUTHOR: Malcolm Nelson 

WORLD OF GOOD: Beautiful Handcrafted Pieces

Handwoven from Cana Flecha or Arrow Cane fiber and originally used by the Zenu Indians, the fiber is colored using vegetable dyes and methods that pre-date the arrival of Columbus. Today, this ancient tradition helps thousands of artisans with men harvesting and women tinting and weaving the cane. These bracelets are right on target for helping artisans and preserving ancient traditions. | 2.5" x 1.75" | Cana Flecha Grass and Satin | Handcrafted in Colombia.

$6 CUFF

I.O.U.1 GIRLICIOUS

THE LOVELY LADIES OF GIRLICIOUS ARE CREEPING INTO THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET. . .SEEN HERE BELOW PERFORMING "I.O.U.1". . .

MS. MILKY aka THE LYRICAL PEN PIMP. . . (LOOK OUT FOR HER. . .SHE'S DOPE)

CHECK IT OUT!!!

I.O.U.1

Jamie Foxx - Just Like Me (feat. T.I.) Music Video

Jamie Foxx - Just Like Me (feat. T.I.) Music Video

Art in the Eye of a Needle

Okay, I know that it has been quite sometime since my last post, but today is very special. This UK based artist grew up with his personal struggles with written compositions. Meaning, trouble reading and writing has just sold his personally designed art collect for $20 MILLION. Wow, I know right, and to take it another step. . .his collection was constructed from a single grain of SAND. PLEASE CLICK BELOW

Art in the Eye of a Needle

KING.OBAMA: "History repeats itself and no one trully reinvents the will. . ."

Coretta Scott King (April 27, 1927 – January 30, 2006) was an American author and activist, and the wife and widow of Martin Luther King, Jr. Alongside her husband, Coretta Scott King helped lead the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Scott King's most prominent role may have been in the years after her husband's 1968 assasination; following Dr. King's death, Mrs. King was responsible for finding a new leader of the civil rights movement; when Josephine Baker and others turned down the leadership position, Mrs. King took on the mantle of leadership herself, remaining an important voice in American politics until her death in 2006.

Michelle LaVaughn Obama née Robinson (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and the wife of Barack Obama, who is the President-elect of the United States[2] and Senator from Illinois. She will be the first African-American to become the First Lady of the United States.
She was born and grew up on the South Side of Chicago and graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. After completing her formal education, she returned to Chicago and accepted a position with the law firm Sidley Austin, and subsequently worked as part of the staff of Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, and for the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Hospitals.
Michelle Obama is the sister of Craig Robinson, men's basketball coach at Oregon State University. She met Barack Obama when he joined Sidley Austin. After his election to the U.S. Senate, the Obama family continued to live on Chicago's South Side, choosing to remain there rather than moving to Washington, D.C.

"JUST LIKE ME" Jamie Foxx feat. T.I.

Guess who’s back? Jamie comes back with a SMASH feat. T.I. I’m interested to see everyone's reaction. HERE THE LINK

Jamie Foxx [Just Like Me] (ft. T.I.)

HIP HOP: BEFORE THE DOLLAR

A slow, thumping bass fills the air delivering such an impact that one chest becomes the accent drum . . .a sea of bobbing heads . . .a mc spitting thought provoking rhymes to a crowd of starving students, hungry for KNOWLEDGE! Do the math! This is Hip-hop . . . a cultural movement that has surpassed its 1970’s beat boxing beginnings in the streets of New York City reaching supernatural heights in ’88 with Tribe Called Quest, KRS-one, and Rakim. I believe hip-hop is a lifestyle defined by elements of the art, music, fashion, written, and social awareness.

In order to become a successful urban designer one must understand the hip-hop lifestyle. It is through this understanding of style that will deliver the tools necessary to appeal to the urban customer/clientele. I believe that I have what it takes to become the next urban fashion designer because I am passionate and committed to the hip-hop lifestyle. It is my belief, seeing is the gateway to our souls and tapping in that powerful gateway allows us to make dreams reality. In which case it is my goal to “Plan my work, and Work my Plan!” I am creative and discipline, flexible with a clear vision refined by my down to earth personality. When I walk in a room people can feel my passion. Look into my eyes and you will see my passion. When I speak it is my mission to reveal my pre-destined passion to the World. I don’t believe in the negative energies of this world that come in the forms of bad luck, coincidence, or chance. For luck, is when “OPPORTUNITY meets PREPARATION.”

This is an opportunity of a life-time, to reveal to the world my dedicated preparation and passion to become a fashion designer. My ongoing commitment to personal and professional excellence, and my tremendous ability to translate my thoughts and visions into works of art. I am eager to hear a response from all of my supporters/clientele because through this opportunity it is my goal to be an example of my preparation.

STAY TUNED. . .

Shantelle M. Brumfield
AKA "LADYBUG"

FISH PEDICURES: THE NEW PAMPERING CRAZE

Hello Lovelies,

So, as you know I focus on fashion, art, and music. . .but I could not avoid discussing the lastest craze. Are you ready for latest in spa pampering? Prepare to dunk your feet in a tank of water and let tiny fish nibble away.

These fish pedicures are creating something of a splash in the Washington D.C. area, where a northern Virginia spa has been offering this experience for the past four months. So, it is said that the little fish are naturally attracted to the unwanted shedding feet scales (YUCK). But, I guess in fish world its a delicatessen.

They have found a new way not to touch stinky, scaley feet, without lifting a finger. . .I WONDER WHAT'S NEXT!!!

STAY TUNE

LadyBug

P.S. if you are ever in the Washington DC area and want to join the 5,000 people who have already taken the plunge. . .Visit John Ho and his wife Yvonne Le at Yvonne Hair and Nail Salon.

Fonzworth Bentley - Everybody f. Kanye West, Sa-Ra & Andre 3000 (Video)

Hello LOVELIES,

I am here again delivery some musical food for your soul from the ultimate collaborations of the year. The stylish southern gentlemen recently idolized for his lifestyle while making his debut in the reality tv world as host of "From G's to GENTS". . .Mister Fonzworth Bentley has honored his position with the release of "EVERYBODY". This project showcases the heavy hitters of the music game today in an oldskool kind of way. The line-up goes a little something like this. . .SA-RA, Kanye West, and ANDRE 3000. . .I need to say no more!!!

STAY TUNE

Please enjoy this trip into the official world of MUSIC. . .

CoolOutrageousLoversOf UniquelyRawStyle. . .

NEW BLACK BARBIE: (SOROR EDITION) CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE LOVELY LADIES OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.

Okay Lovelies,

I could not resist this breaking news. Barbie has launch a new collection of Black Barbie dolls, SOROR BARBIE. Since its launch in 1959 by Mattel, Inc., the sells of this fashion doll has been a major source of revenue. The American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002), creator of Barbie, which was inspired by a German doll called Bild Lilli.

Barbie has been an important element of the fashion doll market for nearly fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving spoofs of the doll and her lifestyle. So, with the creating of the new collection the Black SOROR BARBIE it is only fitting to have "CRITICS".

The Black SOROR BARBIE series begins by celebrating the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary. A strong representation of power, vision and commitment endured by the Founders through the course of ten decades. Since 1908, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, has been inspired by the vision, history, service, honor of sisterhood, anniversary, achievements and the legacy built by the Founders by strengthening their commitment to service. And, this BARBIE honors that spirit. . .


STAY TUNED

NSSoul LADY: BLACK FASHIONISTA OF THE MONTH

Well, Well, Well,

I am not sure if you lovelies have viewed the AUGUST 2008 issue of INSTYLE, but whoa!!!! Miss West Indian singing sensation/fashionista Rihanna is on the cover. This is huge for BLACK WOMEN representing beauty & entertainment. Not to mention she is doing her damn thang, big ups to URSULA STEPHENS (notable celebrity hair stylist) who in my opinion helped give Rihanna a cutting-edge. I love the hair cut and Rihanna is sure to be a show stopper at each and every event. Get it girlie!!!!

LADYBUG

Artistic Sole to Launch PARTY w/ guest DJ Bobbito

CONGRATS, IMANI!!!

My dear SNEAKER FREAKER. . . .Your work is so DOPE!!! A portfolio ranging from tattoos to customs sneakers to graphics. . .what’s next!!!
Yoooooooo… shot out to Bobbito, outside of being a dope dj delivery quality product, he is very very humble. I had an opportunity to spit with him outdoors for a kool minute and he is SERIOUS!!! ( DO THE KNOWLEDGE)
Then on to the play by play b-roll footage captured by (ERNedits & mista HEADbussa. . .dont quote my spelling) but view the video:

ARTISTIC SOLE

PO Box 62882

Washington, District of Columbia 20019
202. 492. 9084

http://www.artistic-sole.com/

(Introducting IMANI, artist)


Finally, I have to plug my company. . .the photo above with the funky leg warmers is my work. . .for more information CHECK OUT http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.ning.com/
THAT’s PEACE

LADYBUG (DJ Bobbito & LADYBUG, National Society of Soul)

POSITIVITY PHOTO EXHIBITION SUNDAY JUNE 22 @ CORRIDOR GALLERY

SUNDAY JUNE 22

I had the honor of being in attendance at the photo exhibition curated by Jamel Shabazz called Positivity. Hosted by DANNY SIMMONS' Corridor Gallery

334 Grand Ave.

Brooklyn, NY

(C or G train to Clinton and Washington)
OPENING RECEPTION 4pm - 7pm Sunday, June 22, 2008

(Danny Simmons and LADYBUG, National Society of Soul)

(Jamel Shabazz, photographer & curator)

BACKYARD COUTURE @ Harriet's Alter Ego Saturday, June 21st 2008

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL

NSSoul Lady Accessories: POCKETBOOKS (GRANNY CLUTCH)

REALLY GREAT TURNOUT. . .

Backyard Couture at Harriet's Alter Ego was DOPE! And the BBQ, yay was all veggie diet! GOT HELLA EXPOSURE & LOADS OF CONNECTS!!!

NSSoul COLLECTIVES: June 15th 2008

SUNDAY, June 15th 2008

NSSoul COLLECTIVES: Promoting FASHION, ART and Music

Location: Twelve Lounge1123 H Street NE

Washington, DCBetween 12th and H Street

9-2am

FASHION SHOW:Presenting Designs by: NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY:CHRISTIAN RICH featuring DJ Jasmine Solano

LIVE ART and Auction BY:Charles Jean-Pierre

SPONSORS: SCHEME Magazine, Level VODKA, NSSoul COLLECTIVE

(JUNE 14th 2008) NSSoul Lady Accessories: SAMPLE SALE feat. DJ Jasmine Solano

NSS:Soul Lady Accessories

[SAMPLE SALE]
FASHION, ART, and MUSIC. . .

This event on June 14, 2008, will showcase DEKKA Showroom and introduce NSS:Soul Lady Accessories (SAMPLE SALE) for National Society of Soul in the thriving U Street area of Washington, DC. Also, featured will be New York's DJ Jasmin Solano www.myspace.com/jasminesolano.

DATE: Saturday, June 14th 2008
LOCATION: DEKKA Showroom
1338 U Street NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC
TIME: 3-7:30PM

Featuring: NY's DJ JASMINE SOLANO

DEKKA FAM: National Society of Soul, YOSOY, Biribelle, GoodGirlz, Xzuberance, Renee France, Artistic Sole, Holland Cox, Dinorah, CG Originals, LilyLily Shop, LC Beads to Wear, AME Cosmetics. . .

And, of course the ARTISTS:Alex /Sofiya/Emily& JMC

NSS Letter to ERYKAH: May 9th 2008

2: My SIS ERYKAH,

We meet in NY for your pre-album release party at the Chapel of Scared Mirrors. . . I am the fly crochet designer who gifted you the signature gold DOOR-KNOCKER earrings, who was wearing the crochet leg warmers. I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for staying true to your heart and inspiring my LIFE. I have been a fan since day one . . . a fan of your craft . . . a fan of your drive, entering an industry full of wolves and you have manage to define and conquer your territory. . . a fan of your courage to step out on faith. . . I LOVE your music it has been the soundtrack to many experiences in my LIFE. Now, on to the new album . . .thank you for sacrificing your time to put this album out. This album, in my opinion, bears many emotional poetic moments and reflections of your world revealed to your fans. In previous albums we as fans were given more metaphoric underlining lyrical thoughts and now there is more vulnerability present. (i.e. “ORANGE MOON” vs. “ME”. . .)
Through my clothing line the mission is to “illustrate the importance of life through the use of fashion, written, and social awareness!!” done through sharing your soul through fashion. And, NEW AMERYKAH has become the soundtrack to my creations for its ability to portray the day-to-day struggles real people face. So, thank you. . .

STAY TUNE
Shantelle “LADYBUG” Brumfield
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL (www.nationalsocietyofsoul.blogspot.com)

APRIL 28th 2008: VIRTUOUS BLUE features NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL

VIRTUOUS BLUE:


Kenya and Teneasha - two women that share many differences, yet are divinely connected. These tow lovelies are the founders of Virtuous Blue. Both hail from the sunny state of California; Kenya from Los Angeles and Teneasha from Oakland. Brought together in an immediate friendship when their paths crossed freshman year at Howard University in Washington, DC and through their powerful bond were unveiled the true power of sisterhood. Virtuous Blue will create an atmosphere that boosts self esteem, promotes comradery among women, and breaks down the "true blue" on beauty through the discussion of fashion trends, products, and all things glamorous.







Sis Teneasha Pierson
Co-founder of VIRTUOUS BLUE





Sis Kenya Morris
Co-Founder of VIRTUOUS BLUE











APRIL 2008: NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL feature. . .

Greetings LOVELIES!!! Howard University is known as the capstone of Black Education. Holding true to its name, HU has afforded us the opportunity to meet so many talented and creative entrepreneurs, movers & shakers, fashionistas, and future success stories. Today we're pleased to introduce you to NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL (NSS) and Ms. Ladybug ,Shantelle Brumfield, the owner.
VB had the esteemed honor of being in the presence of the one and only Shantelle to pick her brain and soak up some of her creative juices. Check out the conversation. It inspired us and we hope that you gain some motivation to get on your grind and make your dreams a reality as well. As women, encouraging one another is a trait that we consider to be VERY blue.

TO READ MORE VISIT http://www.virtuousblue.com/2008/04/national-society-of-soul.html

APRIL 5th 2008: DEKKA Showroom GRAND OPENING (SVELTE TV VIDEO)

CHECK OUT B-ROLL FOOTAGE FROM THE GRAND OPENING of DEKKA Showroom!
SVELTE TV (ELAINE MENSAH)
www.svelte-emc.com/sveltetv



Look out for the short interview with designer Shantelle "LADYBUG" Brumfield, of NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL. . .

THANKS ELAINE,

This video is wonderful!!!

Tuesday April 15th: OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY/FASHION SHOW DEKKA Showroom @ Fourteenth and PARK DC

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL

DESIGNS BY: "LADYBUG"

(L to R): Brandi, Evita, "LADYBUG", Bianca, PEPPER

Model: "PEPPER" (Dress by: National Society of Soul)

WHENEVER I, Shantelle "LADYBUG" Brumfield, the designer of National Society of Soul, presents a collection, fashionistas, buyers and consumers always fall into a trance — myself included. It has happened again this past Tuesday, April 15th 2008 at the elite/upscale Washington DC nightlife destination Fourteenth and PARK. People left the showcase put on by DEKKA Showroom blown away— feeling they had again witnessed history. Our showroom encompasses raw talent ranging from designs by emerging fashion, jewelry and purse designers and retailers- including National Society of Soul, Xzuberance,Renee France, Good Girls, Biribelle, Yosoy Fashion, Holland Cox, CG Originals and retailer LilyLilyShop.com. Ame Cosmetics, also a DEKKA member, provided its line of mineral make up for the show.
Immediately following the event, there was a live on-site fashion photo shoot with the DEKKA members with photographer Peter Stepanek of Sky High Art Photography.

Special THANKS to DENNIS BURK make-up artist, MODELS: Brandii, Evita, Bianca, and Jessei-"PEPPER", and my extended guestlist of VIPs including Tia, Shakisha, Crystal,Emore "J", Mona, Samson, Berry and the list goes on...
Model: Bianca (skirt and shirt by: Biribelle, purse by: Holland Cox, and hat by:NSS)

***
DEKKA consists of a diverse group of clothing and accessory designers, retailers, and fine artists. DEKKA is located at 1338 U Street, N.W., 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20009. For information about DEKKA and its designers, please visit http://www.dcafam.com/

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/express/pdfs/EXPRESS_04182008.pdf .page 51

EXPRESS is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. It currently distributes about 190,000 copies of this publication through various avenues in the area including the Metrorail system and many other urban locations with heavy daytime foot traffic. In addition, EXPRESS is a free daily newspaper that features local, national and international news along with sports, business, entertainment, health, fashion, career and other information in a colorful, convenient tabloid format. Published Monday through Friday, the paper is distributed in more than 1,800 news racks at health clubs, apartment buildings, restaurants, college campuses, urban street locations and at Metrorail stations where it is also passed out by hawkers. Express reaches an audience of 285,900 daily and 531,300 weekly. It's a quick-read newspaper for people on the go.

And, today Friday, April 18th my company (National Society of Soul, earrings pg.51) was featured, while bringing notice to being a feature designer of DEKKA Showroom (1338 U Street NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC).

Saturday, April 12 9PM COMCAST NETWORK 8: Style War @ 1693's Fabergé Event -FEATURING DEKKA Showroom

Shantelle "LADYBUG" Brumfield
FASHION DESIGNER/SYTLISTNATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.com/
CHECK ME OUT ON

MYSPACE http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=232623955

FACEBOOKhttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=200322

CONGRATULATIONS Miss Natalie Goins!

CN8, The Comcast Network and DEKKA Showroom were on location at a TEAMBBC / 1693 Luxury Entertainment’s Fabergé event, held at Todd English’s swanky Olives Restaurant in Washington, D.C. CN8’s “It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle” captured the action of a much anticipated “Style War” while addressing current fashion trends and getting tips from the top designers in the building. The “Style War” and special interviews with the designers and guests will be featured on the show. Also, video clips of the event will also be available on Comcast OnDemand.

During this event Natalie Goins (Fashion Guru & Style War Competitor) and Janelle Julien (Fashion Guru & Style War Competitor) battled it out on camera for the title of champion WASHINGTON DC STYLIST. The challenge was for each stylist to choice one model a piece and perform a quick change make-over using merchandise provided by DEKKA Showroom!!!

WINNER!!! Stylist: Natalie Goins


DEKKA Showroom FAM: (L to R)-Sherri Green, Lily, Patricia, Valerie Williams, Madia Willis, Luciana Tiktin, Josh Tiktin, "LADYBUG", Marilani Huling, and Ashely Green

DEKKA Showroom:Luciana Tiktin – Designer, YOSOY Fashion; Co-owner DEKKA Showroom, www.DEKKAFAM.comJoshua Tiktin – Owner DEKKA Showroom, http://www.dekkafam.com/, Lily Girma – Retailer, LILY LILY! http://www.lilylilyshop.com/, Shantelle "LADYBUG" Brumfield – Designer, National Society of Soul; http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.com/ , Valerie Williams - Handbag & Accessories Designer, Holland Cox http://www.hollandcox.com/ , Marilani Huling - Jewelry Designer, LC BEADS, Madia Willis – Designer, Biribelle http://www.biribelle.com/, Sherri Green – AME Cosmetics http://www.amecosmetics.com/ , Ashley Green – AME cosmetics.