Ha: FRAME & BANG.... Part Deux

....Queen Charm Bracelet steps out again... UN-DONE. Here she is overseas posing for the razzi.

MC looks like a 14 year-old Spanish girl from Queens.

With a BAD pair of FRAMES.

((...touch her jack-et!))

iCON :)

Dom Kennedy - The Interview

Last week I introduced you to Dom Kennedy, an up-coming artist hailing from Los Angeles. Check out his official interview with Lateboots.com in the "Read More" and also peep the video for his first single "who rolling with me" off of his new album titled The 25th Hour.


Click here for Dom's Myspace.

-Richy Ro$$

What separates you from other artists today?

My natural ability to stand out and my memory. I don't really get involved in whos better than who I just focus on what Im doing and make sure its my best effort. The rest will take care of itself. I read a TI interview where he said he isnt better than anybody he is just more well put together. I mirror that statement.

Who would you sign with tomorrow?

Myself! But honestly everybody and everything has a price mine its just gonna be real high haha. I could probably tell you who I wouldnt sign with before I can tell you who I would tho.

What is the process of writing for you, what are you most inspired by?

Im mostly inspired by people. Sometimes places but more often people. I don't force myself to write anything, I have to have something to talk about. The worst thing I could do is make a song just to make a song. If a have a great beat I try to conect with it and find something alot of people to vibe to and connect with. Writing is always personal with me.

What is the style of your records?

My style of record is a record from a young kid from LA. Thats it. Thats all I am and all I ever will be. So everytime you hear my song you will know exactly where it came from and who is behind it. I don't try to blend in or do whats popular. I try to be and make sure people who know me can be proud of the songs I come up with. And thats exactly what my songs soung like.

Can you tell me more about the messages embedded in your songs?

I dont really try to preach to people with my music but I would be lying if I said I didnt think about the effect I have on people hearing my music. Almost every song I make has some sort of message in it. Even a song like who rollin with me I talk about things like wearing a condom. Think about that.... every rapper in every song in todays music talks about having sex but hom many times do they even mention condoms? I could go on forever...


What is your favorite song on the album, why?

Damn thats hard, every song mens something different. If I had to pick one it would be Dreams Don't Come True just cause it has so many important people and events mentiond in the song. I love em all though.

What is the story behind your album?

The story behind my tape is that I felt like it was time. Alot of things in Hip Hop are being ignored right now and I just wanted to have my say. I believe Hip Hop is a youth movement, it started that way and always will be that way. Its just time we returned to what everyday people live like. Good times, bad times, finding a new girl you like, breaking up with a old girlfriend etc are things that never change. Rap music is suppose to be the voice of the young people and pretty soon it will be again. 25th Hour is just getting you ready for whats about to happen. Stay tuned.

Is it possible to look at music and style separately?

Music and style go hand and hand. Every great Hip Hop artist had a unique style. Style for a rapper is very important because if people see your into the same things they are then they connect with you more. Then if they see your ahead of the curve style wise, the world is yours.

What is it about “performing” that satisfies you?

Performing gives me time to be with fans of my music. Its the best experience for a artist because we spend alot of time writing and perfecting our craft then to see people respond to it in person is the best shit ever. I practice performing at the house all the time. You just kinda fall in love with it I guess.

Who would you like to work with?

I would like to work with young up and coming artist/producers like myself. I could easily just say I wanna blow up and work with just blaze or kanye west and maybe I will but thats not what Im here for. I listen to beats daily from producers all over so if you reading this and got some beats get at me!


What artist and or/ genre of music influenced you growing up?

DJ Quik, Stevie Wonder, Biggie, Ice Cube, Jay and Im sure I missed a couple but those did for sure. Im Hip Hop to the heart but Stevie Wonder is the greatest to me.

What projects are you currently working on?

hummmm alot of things. I cant really say too much cause I dont want to give it away then get lazy and people be like "what happen?" But Im not even done for 2008 so be on the look out.

How do you want to be remembered in the music industry?

Mainly as a person who stood for something. I want to leave a legacy that shows kids hard work and great ideas can get you places you never thought you would go. Whatever it is you want to do, do it!

When and where can your music be purchased?

Right now you can only download it on my myspace page, but In a little over a month I will have copies for sale at shows and wherever you can find me. PEACE

DvF for American Express: Are you a Cardmember?

If you haven't seen the latest American Express commercial, here it is, starring the legendary DIANE von FURSTENBERG. As apart of the "Are you a Cardmember?" campaign, DvF shares her story and illustrates what it's like from her perspective, to be an American Express cardmember. When I first saw this commercial last night, I was instantly captivated and intrigued, it has a certain calmness about it that made me think. Short and sweet it may be, but it definitely speaks volumes. Something I thought I would share.

Enjoy!

Fabulously Yours,
Jennifer Pauline

CAUTION: Fabulous When Wet

With April beginning tomorrow, I found it fitting to bring my "Fabulous When Wet" series. They say April showers bring May flowers so I thought it best to be prepared. Stumbling upon these great trench pieces I just knew that Marc Jacobs, Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana and Christopher Bailey ( pieces pictured above, consecutively) were whistling the tune “Singing in the Rain” when they came up with the designs for these trenches. Now I must admit, I’m not a rain lover per say, but with these coats, I just might stand outside and let it rain on me and my trench. Ranging in price from $685-$1,900 (I know quite outrageous) let me give you a little advice when I purchase expensive pieces. Take the price of the item and divide it by the estimated number of times you wear it. That’s the best mathematical equation i’ve ever used. When it rains, it pours, so you might as well be fabulous.

Wellies and Umbrellas coming soon.

Fabulously Yours,
Jennifer Pauline

Juice Box: Can You Dig It?

With the summer right around the corner, it’s time for the heavy release of sneaker packs. Using the elephant print which is popular with Jordans, Reebok has done their own rendition on their lifestyle flagship models: the Pump Omni Lite, Court Victory Pump, and the running model Ventilator. I'm usually not a fan of Reebok but I've been feeling the pumps lately. Kevo go ahead and jump on these joints!

Available now at Reebok dealers.
more photos after the jump.

-sham

Random $hit: You Ready Bey?

"Things are getting more serious for Jay-Z and Beyoncé. The couple of nearly six years have been slow to take that next step in their relationship, in part because her parents believe she’s too young (26) to get married. But now that Beyoncé’s acting career is taking off, her folks are more open to the pair getting serious, says a pal of the Knowles clan. While Beyoncé was on location filming “Cadillac Records,” Jay-Z met up with Knowles sibling Solange in the Florida Room of South Beach’s Delano Hotel, where the pair sipped on Don Julio tequila and chatted about how the hip-hop mogul could move things to the next level."

I think you should go ahead and pop the question Jay, before somebody else come scoop her lol. But seriously Jay..if not Beyonce then who?

-Richy Ro$$

Bootprint: Gaya

For those cozy New York homes the new fireplace collection from Safretti, called Gaya, will change the way you like at fireplaces forever. This wall mounted fireplace can be a focus in your living room and pass for a modern art piece. The designer, Roderick Vos, known of his intuitive way of working, draw limited sketch, elaborated to actual size, than immediately followed by an initial prototype. Now that's what I call instant gratification. So you need a new look in your home? Replace your mounted plasmas screen with a fireplace. Ha!

Roderick Vos

-sham

Juice Box: 3:33 Footwear

California-based 3:33 Footwear company takes inspiration from house slippers, moccasins, and classic worn-in sneakers. "Treading confidently beyond the dilapidated definitions of a fractured culture in the digital age" is how 3:33 describes their new trend for footwear. Although I'm not sure I like the walking around in my house slippers look. What do you think?

3:33 Footwear
more photos after the jump...

-sham

Say a Prayer

Lateboots would like to send condolences out to the LeVert family who has just lost another member of their family, Sean LeVert. At the young age of 39, Sean, who was also an R&B singer, died yesterday March 30, 2008 from unknown causes. Please pray for the LeVert family as they deal with their second loss in two years.

Jennifer Pauline

New New: Victor Glemaud

I rarely ever touch on mens fashion, it’s something that I appreciate from afar but never actually ponder or discuss. Perusing style.com I came across the picture of a Victor Glemaud (seen above) and anytime I see the picture of an individual on style.com, who is not a familiar face, I immediately begin searching for whom this person might be. Well, this time I struck gold. Glemaud is a former employee of KCD (my dream fashion public relations firm) as well as a graduate of FIT who ran off to Paris to follow his designing dream. So, what does this mean? Glemaud is the next best thing in mens fashion, he has the creative direction and innate ability to present his collection in the most desirable way. Debuting his eponymous line in 2006, this Hatian native is making strides to pave his way through the fashion industry on the mens side. The current seasons collection is quite interesting, presenting a juxtaposition of pajamas and day wear. Incorporating bright colors, cardigans, polo shirts and silk blends, this spring/summer 2008 collection is laid back yet full of life. I love it.
Fabulously Yours,
Jennifer Pauline

source1, source2

Boy Scout Of America- The Challenge

I'll start off by stating that No I am not an advocate or a strong community service volunteer, but what I do know is that it's really important to give back. This season I will be devoting my time to a few places in the Atlanta area providing a helping hand. There are so many people who live without-needs you and I may take for granted. Although this is a "fashion blog" I challenge you to lend your "fashion hands" to an organization in your surrounding area.

Here are a few of the places that I plan on helping out: St.Francis Table, Sheltering Arms Child Development, St.Vincent de Paul Society and Poverty Rights Office. Im highly dedicated to this mission and Im asking for the ones that do volunteer to send me pictures of you helping out and I will post them. Don't you remember the Naomi Campbell spread in W Magazine.Remember to send your name, location and mission of the organization that you volunteered so we could spread the word. I hope that you challenge yourself to do something good, it's more to life then this "stuff". Give back.

Click To Volunteer
Click To Volunteer Link 2

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

CAPTION THIS!

...Leave your captions in the comments section!

Kate Moss was caught out and STUCK at the LAX airport in Los Angeles over the weekend!

Here's mine:

"Damn, I thought SHE would hide me!"....

((...get OUTTA my head!))

iCON :)

Pic-of-the-Day: Bangee FISH

D.Woods & Aubrey of Danity Kane got real "loose" in Opera nightclub in Los Angeles over the weekend. Why did skunk head have to take her shoes off? That is so out of line to me as a professional individual. And look at them feet! If you looked at her from the feet down looks like her name DAVID!

...and I guarantee you those shoes are probably STEVE MADDEN.

((...kick off your SHOES and relax your feet))

-iCON :)

PRESENTING: The "iCON" Chronicles

As a writer and contributor to this un-ordinary fashion & lifestyle blog, I can sometimes get caught up in the glitz and the glamour of the NOW and that sometimes overshadows what I should know and keep close to me, which is our PAST. Now for this particular STYLE ICON, you don't have to go back to far to interpret her importance because it was just a year ago that her life ended before she could even build onto the EMPIRE that she had already started. Known for her impeccable style and head-dress, I introduce to you one of my inspirations and MOGULS... Mrs. Isabella Blow.
Blow was born into a middle-class family of four (2 sisters & 1 brother) in London England. She soon relocated to New York City in 1979 and quickly became acquainted with the elite in the fashion industry including Anna Wintour, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat (who reportedly she had relations with). She was initially hired at Vogue to assist Wintour but then later on backed Andre Leon Talley as his assistant. In 1986, Blow returned to London and worked for Michael Roberts who was then the fashion director of Tatler and the Sunday Times Style magazine.
Shortly after her return she met and married her second husband and was introduced to Philip Treacy. Treacy designed the bride's wedding headdress's and a now-famous fashion relationship was formed. Blow established Treacy in her mother-in-law's basement flat, where he worked on his collections for two years. Blow eventually appeared, wearing a Treacy hat, in the 2004 Wes Anderson film, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. This is when she took over the scene with these "avant-garde" head pieces. The thing that made her noticed.

((..The ART of LEARNING))

iCON :)

Izzy as they called her, not only was a style mogul, but she was always trying to help and bring others to the forefront. In 1993, Blow worked with photographer Steven Meisel producing the "Babes in London" shoot featuring Plum Sykes, Bella Freud, and Honor Fraser. Isabella Blow had a natural sense of style and a good feeling for future fashion directions. She later discovered Alexander McQueen and purchased his entire graduate collection paying him off bi-weekly.
(Isabella Blow & Alexander McQueen)

After spotting Sophie Dahl, Blow described her as an "blow-up doll with brains" and helped catapult her career as a notable model in the industry. According to Vanity Fair, she also was responsible for the resurgence of the crystal/rhinestone firm Swarovski after convincing her designer friends to use the company's products in their fashions and accessories department.
(Sophie Dahl & Izzy Blow)

Blow became the fashion director for Tatler Magazine and consulted for DuPont Lycra, Lacoste, and Swarovski. Shortly afterwards Blow became highly depressed and saddened by her life, and no one really knew why. She attempted suicide a NUMEROUS amount of times before finally executing it properly on May 26, 2007. She in-took the weedkiller Paraquat, that caused her to be in the hospital for two days before she passed. Her coffin, made of willow, was surmounted by one of her Philip Treacy hats instead of a floral tribute. She was buried in Guards Chapel in London on September 18, 2007. Blow will always be a legend in the fashion industry because of her drive and admiration for creative others. I am elated that she was able to grace this Earth so that I may have had the opportunity to learn about her life.... THE Isabella Blow.

Not Because I Have Them- Bring It Back

Every man should have velvet slippers, tap into these Ralph Lauren Cassandro Slipper's-it's a classic and sophisticated look. Kings and royalty stroll around in them. Is that why people use to look at me crazy when I use to walk around in them with my bath robe on? In any case, these slippers can be worn with tuxedo pants, jeans and even a robe ( who would've ever thought ) Thanks for bringing my shoes back Ralph!

Get into this new ish.

Click To Purchase Cassandro

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Go-C: The New Face Of Benneton- Salieu Jalloh

The Come Up Kid has landed another job being the new face of Benneton FW08 which is being shot in NY with photographer David Sims. He is definitely on the come up, from 7 runway shows @ NY FW08 fashion week including Duckie Brown & Sean John and having done editorials in: Paper Magazine, Wonderland Magazine and Vibe Magazine . As soon as the campaign releases I will post the pictures!! Good look Jalloh!

photo: Joseph Bleu

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Cartier Times: Upgrade U- Jay-Z For Fendi

It's the Roc, ( throws up sign ) it seems that Jay-Z is playing model for Fendi's upcoming campaign. Jay-Z was reportly seen with Fendi head Karl Lagerfeld at a New York Fendi photo shoot. Not sure of the launch date but that's a good look, better yet a hood look, believe me!

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Rihanna Kills It-Get Into Her Shoe!!!

Scream at the top of your lungs...Rihanna rocked some hot pumps lastnight @ Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards..that heel is something serious...Jennifer do you see them!!

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Trade It All For A Small...

So people, Im on my seventh week of dieting and I've gone down a couple of sizes. One problem, now I can't find anything in my size. Talk about being pissed off, so I haven't been eating all the foods that I love in order to fit into a size that isn't sold in stores. Today started off as a good day, I checked my account, thumbs up, I checked my hair, two thumbs up, I checked my gas, three thumbs up but then I go shopping and my spirt was crushed. I spent over 3 hours having store personnel call around trying to locate my size. They called the New York, Chicago and California stores-still nothing. All I saw was 32's in paints and 40's in jacket sizes.....why do they order everything so big. Where are all the smalls....so what made me fed up is when a store employee suggest that I shop in the children's section....it was time to go, we all know that the kids don't have couture!!! lol I hate this problem, what shall I do.....a burger is starting to sound good right about now...

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Remixed : Alexander Meet The Streets

Got Swagg? Got Labels? Well Im personally not into street clothing or sneakers ( sorry ) but one of my favorite designers has created this poster print hoodie that should definitely be paired with a fresh pair of sneeks ( naw mean ). This multi color Alexander McQueen hoodie reminds me of "dem" harlem boys, yo, Im sayin son-educate the streets McQueen style. ( that didn't even sound right ) Lol.

Click To Purchase Hoodie

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Ricky Line 1-Pick Up For Customer Service

We all know how much I love Mr. Lauren and last week I made myself tip into the women's side as I was at the Ralph Lauren store getting alterations done and I was attracted to this clear bag with sliver lining. The store specialist called out the name "Ricky" and I turned around with this look on my face like "did he just call me Ricky" NO, my name is Marquis, I drop so much here you should know my name by now. Well we all know how the story ended. This Ricky bag is a must. Get into it ladies.

Click To Purchase Ricky

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Myspace Hit : Alex Young

Im not sure if Im the only one that checks out Myspace's "music" section but there you'll find a lot of new and young artist. So I came across Alex Young and her music so sexy and fresh. A few of my favorites are "Cold", "Broken Heart" and "Heavy Breathing". Her beats and lyrics give me exactly what I need. Signed with ANAKA RECORDS and with one video already under her belt Im sure Alex will be storming the charts soon! I hope.

Click For Alex Young

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

Best Behavior- Wendell- The Artist

Wendell Lissimore does it yet again in his latest shoot by Aron Norman which only goes to show that this dude knows what he's doing. I've never seen a male model this year that's delivering photos as he does.

Im clocking Lissimore as one of the hardest working male models this year, he's able to transform into character during each shoot yet still remaining to add a certain masculinity to his photos.

Bravo.

m a r q u i s . p h i f e r

HA: Ruffle HER Feathers!

....Now I'm all about being yourself, and expressing your inner feelings, but Miss Crocker was totally out of line for this! She/he showed up on the red carpet for the launch party for SocialVibe.com looking like Kerri Underwood after football practice! Those big manly thighs popping out those stockings and those shoes are leaning on the ever-lasting arms! Come on Jesus!

This deserves a very BIG: HA!

((... big bird has been robbed))

iCON :)

Get-Back! 1st Annual FIERCE Awards

I don't care what TyraKeisha does in her everyday life, and people can bash her all they want, but I still LOVE her. I feel that T.K. is definitely on the come up out here, and before you know it... she's going to be sitting on a gold mine!! Anywho, Bankable held the 1st annual "Fierce Awards" (which I feel was a joke) in NYC and they will air on her show during an upcoming episode. The awards show brought back some "old" veterans from ANTM.... But I bet you can't guess who this is....
....It's Miss "I was born to do this" Jade!! She is actually sitting in this pic!! I chose her because she looked the hottest to me. The other backwood figurines that stumbled down the red carpet are after the jump!

((...what REALLY defines the word FIERCE?))

iCON :)


Stamped!!! Jade is SICK-O-NING.


Bianca (cycle 9) has always been WRETCHED to me. Here she is in her Greek-Um dress with a embellished kitten heel. I don't see it.


Camille (Cycle 2)


Carrie-Dee (winner of cycle 7)


Jaslene (winner of cycle 8)


Joanie (cycle 6)


Mr. Jay Manuel (Miss ANTM!)


My "HOMIE" Keenyah (cycle 4)


Salesha (winner of cycle 9)


Tocara (cycle 3) Looking real awkward...