Rapper and writer Kevyn Hunter, also known as Uptown Hunter, was born in Washington, DC. Growing up in the Northwest section of Washington, DC has not been easy but he has remained focused on his talents with the hope of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel through his versatile form of word play that does not go unrecognized.

As an artist, his passion for music started at a very young age when he was inspired by two of hip hop’s most respected artist, the late Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. After starting his music career in 2006, Uptown Hunter quickly established his name at an open mic show at Tacoma Station, where fans immediately loved him and the unique connection he generated. From there, he began writing and performing such hits as “Love Song”, “Hard Out Here” and “Hey Baby” vigorously throughout his community at The Market Lounge, Keys to the City, and numerous recreation centers, high schools, and cook-outs/pool parties.

His performances are electrifying, captivating and always full of energy. Uptown Hunter knows how to rock the crowd. After completing his first album Time for a Change in February 2011, he continues writing and performing in his hometown. To further his career he is meeting with local radio stations in the Baltimore area for radio air play and more recognition. With his busy schedule Uptown Hunter still has time to reach out to his internet fan base via Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and numerous music websites.

To hear tracks from this artist, visit www.reverbnation.com/uptownhunter and www.youtube.com/uptownhunterp36.

Every man and woman should make sure their hair and nails stay fly – not just their wardrobe. I have listed some of my all time favorite products that help me stay on top of my game when I leave out of the house.

• Suave Body Wash  SUAVE® offers professional quality products for the entire family, proven to work as well as salon and specialty brands. Price: $2.08 to 6.05
• Kinky Curly Kinky Curly hair products are formulated to add moisture to curls, give hold without drying hair out and offer protection from elements. All Kinky Curly hair products are cruelty free, natural, organic, and made without harsh ingredients. Price $10 – 30
• Oil Sheen Cantu Shea Butter Oil Sheen Spray is made with pure shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil in your hair leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine. It’s great for natural styles, pressed, or permed hair.  Price: $3.99 – 9.49
• Vaseline Baby Gel When skin is healthy and hydrated, light reflects off the rich color below the surface, giving it an amazing natural glow. However, daily showers strip natural, protecting oils from skin allowing essential moisture to evaporate. Cocoa butter vitalizing gel body oil, used after bathing, replenishes skin and locks in moisture for naturally radiant skin. Price $6-
• Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse — Clear Mint If you can’t visit the dentist, Crest makes products to keep your teeth gleaming in between appointments.  Price: Around $5
• Chapstick/Lip Gloss Protecting your lips is important all year round. Chapstick and Burt Bees make some of the best chapstick around. When it comes to lip gloss pick something that is not too sticky and that will last a long time is ideal, I suggest Covergirl or Maybelline – you will most definitely shine. Price: $1 -2
  
• Waxing There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. It is an effective method to remove large amounts of hair at one time. It is a long-lasting method. Hair in waxed areas will not grow back for two to eight weeks. Price: Varies
• Hair Trims Damage to your hair will move up from the ends and the only way to stop it in its tracks is to remove it as soon as it happens. Use good tools to trim your hair, using anything else can actually encourage more splitting down the road! It’s important the scissors you use are very sharp, made specifically for cutting hair, and used for nothing else. Trim hair a half inch every month or so (the average rate of hair growth) if you are maintaining your length. If you are actively growing your hair, trim it a half inch every three or four months. Price: Varies
• Mane & Tale Shampoo and Conditioner This exclusive micro-enriched protein formula thoroughly cleanses the hair without stripping natural oils leaving it soft, shiny and manageable. It contains conditioning emollients providing body, shine and manageability for healthy looking hair every time you shampoo. Price: $5.10 to 7.27 (Regular Size)

We love Suzy Chin Maggy Boutique dresses!  They are versatile, fun and perfect for both day and night.  Nordstrom is having their Anniversary Sale, so a few of our favorite dresses are on sale now!

Print Jersey Dress, $104.90 After Sale – $158.00 & Ruffle Trim Crepe de Chine Dress, $158.00

Print Silk Blouson Dress, $149.90 After Sale: $228.00 & Beaded Blouson Dress, $158.00

Bead Sleeveless Dress, $168.00 & Boutique Print Jersey Blouson Dress, $104.90 After Sale: $158.00

suzy chin maggy

Since I was younger I have love, love, loved makeup! From lip gloss to mascara – makeup has been a staple not only in my bag, but in the women who spend approximately $8 billion a year on cosmetic products. Cosmetics were made to enhance our already beautiful features. It can be worn day and night but just not overnight. Please make sure you wash your face before going to bed. Also remember that sometimes less is more!

There are several companies that sell makeup but there is one company that offers bold and innovative products for women at a reasonable price – Topshop. Topshop was basically known for their clothing and shoes but in May of this year they launched their makeup line.  Not only is Grace Jones a fan, but so is Kate Moss which shows that their reputation is phenomenal. So check out http://us.topshop.com and update your collection. Topshop is showing that makeup has never been so much fun.

I recently discovered Madewell on Shopbop and have found some great pieces to update my wardrobe. I’m really into scarves, so the Mosaic Square Scarf with Fringe immediately caught my eye. The colors in the scarf will really pop against neutrals and add visual interest to an outfit. Price: $52.00 at Shopbop.

Resale-Riches has a beautiful, classic black Burberry bag that a-list celeb Victoria Beckham owns! Not only is this majorly coveted arm candy, but it makes a great everyday bag. It has soft and supple quilted leather with a padlock. The condition of the bag is described as well cared for, gently used condition, with just a bit of rubbing on the corners and a number of areas where the gold is starting to fade. But overall, it’s still completely fabulous, with loads and loads wear left to go! Price: $850.00 $775.00 at Resale-Riches.com

I have always wanted to be a makeup artist but I ended up going to fashion school instead of pursuing a career as a makeup artist. Secretly, I wish I had the confidence to go all the way with it because I know I would have been really good at it. So for all you who love to experiment with makeup, I found the Smashbox Master’s Class: Ultimate Eyes – Hazel ($175 Value) while browsing at Sephora. It allows you to learn the tips and tricks for creating natural, smoky, and ultra-glam eye looks with this collection of customized shades for hazel eyes. This set features multiple shades to complement your hazel eyes and an illustrated Step by Step Get-the-Look Guide that shows you how to wear them. Here’s what you get:

- 0.04 oz Limitless Eye Liner in Plum

- 0.273 oz Eye Shadow Quad in Ultimate Eyes-Hazel

- 0.3 oz Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout

- 0.0035 Artificial Light Luminizing Powder

- 0.08 oz Finish Lid Primer

- 0.05 oz Cream Eye Liner in Graphite

The HandbagReport.com boutique now carries Haute Latitude clutches!  These are fabulous day to evening clutches in rich, vibrant colors. I fell in love with Haute Latitude accessories while browsing through Harper’s Bazaar magazine. The designers of Haute Latitude collaborate with artists from around the world to help create beautiful statement pieces that add a splash of color to your wardrobe. Each design has a story full of tradition, culture, and local flavor that represents the location it originated from. Available in orange, turquoise, lavender, teal, and gold. Price: $70.00.

]]> http://www.styleandtrendreport.com/2010/07/haute-latitude-brooch-clutches/feed/ 0 http://www.styleandtrendreport.com/2010/07/bows-arent-just-for-children/ http://www.styleandtrendreport.com/2010/07/bows-arent-just-for-children/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:23:29 +0000 Chantel http://www.styleandtrendreport.com/?p=1801

A new trend on the red carpet is bows. Whether it is on the shoulder or on the waist it is a stylish way to make your dress or shirt a little bit more feminine. We are not talking about little bows either…we are talking about big statement bows. For as long as I can remember, bows have been a big part of dresses. From church dresses to prom dresses and even bridesmaid dresses bows were a must have. Now they are back in full force and I am not mad. If you are going to try bows make sure it is tasteful, it is one of those trends that can overpower you. So if you are going to wear a bow, make sure the rest of your outfit is as simple as possible. Also, make sure it doesn’t take away from your beautiful face and hair, it should just add to your fly aura.

Do you need tips? Check out a fashion magazine, they have the best advice for all trends and sizes. Try InStyle, Allure, and Marie Claire, you will not be sorry.

I have grown to rely on Ehmonie of Handbag du Jour and What’s Haute Magazine to stay informed of all things related to fashion.  She never fails to deliver the latest haute trends, collaborations and NYC events.  Ehmonie recently reviewed Season 2 Project Runway Winner, Chloe Dao’s, Nuo Tech bags which I was excited to share with our readers. Chloe is one of my favorite designers from Project Runway, so I was happy to hear that she has so many haute collaborations and projects in the works.

Dao was tapped by Nuo Tech, an industry leading manufacturer of stylish laptop bags, messenger bags, briefcases and mobile technology cases, to design her own line of laptop bags. The result is the Dao Chloe Dao for Nuo Collection featuring a rolling laptop brief, a slim laptop brief, a flip tote, a mini backpack, 20″ carry-on trolley, over the shoulder satchel and a netbook envelope clutch covered in funky colors, graphic prints and geometric shapes. Prices start at $24.99.

Chloe Dao commented, “I design for working men or women like myself – professionals who do not want to sacrifice style for function. The Dao Chloe Dao Collection has the best of both worlds. I am a woman that is always on the go, literally. It has been wonderful to be able to work with Nuo to design accessories that are functional and fashionable that help me navigate my busy life with style.”

Ehmonie took the abstract floral Chloe Dao for Nuo satchel (pictured on left) out for a spin for a few days and loved it. She describes it as super lightweight but still durable enough to protect your laptop. It’s also made of a durable, water-resistant polyester material. There are tons of pockets – and we mean TONS! They’re called Chloe’s ’signature exterior kangaroo organizer’ pockets, and the best part is that they’re concealed so they don’t look bulky and obvious, but still are deep enough to store things safely and smoothly. There are two front pockets which could easily fit a water bottle, umbrella or other cylindrical-shaped object, a large rear opening with Velcro closure, and a horizontal zip pocket at the bottom which opens so you can easily slide the bag onto your luggage handle. Brilliant! Inside there’s a waterproof nylon lining, extra padding to further protect your computer and a cell phone pockets, pen and pencil storage and an additional pocket. The bag fits average 15.6″ screen laptops. There’s a 14″ handle which is the perfect size – not so long that it swings around every time you move, and not so short that it hurts the underarm.

Visit Chloe’s store – Lot 8 or Nuo Tech to view the entire collection.