The Glammed Giveaway!

It's time once again for another giveaway sponsored by MYSELF!!!!! I am going on a cleaning spree because I've become a fashion hoarder and I MUST clean out my closet. I am giving away a VINTAGE Empire Waist Sequin Harem Dress because I love it so much and I'm trying to part with things that has value to me. What's the catch? Here's what  you have to do:

Enter the giveaway here:



<a id="rc-3d991a0" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d991a0/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Just in case you can't see it, here are the rules:

1. You must like "The Glammed Griot" page on Facebook. Tell them that "The Glammed Giveaway sent you".

2. You must follow "The Glammed Griot" on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. You must make sure that you post "The Glammed Giveaway" in order for your follows to be valid.

3. You must post on "The Glammed Griot" blogpost and let me know what you would like to see more from an indie perspective.

4. Share with friends and have at least 5 people to share the contest. Let them know that they have to put your name in order for the entries to be valid.

Sounds like a lot? Yea, but the best things in life are what you work hard for!!! The contest ends on Friday, March 9 at 12:00 AM!!!

Now, GET TO SHARING!!!

Fergie's "Centerstage" Collection

This post was a long time coming! Fergie has been seen on several on Wet 'N Wild's giftsets, on their website and also on Rachael Ray's show as well. Now if you have yet to experience it, here is Fergie's "Centerstage" Collection."

I had the opportunity to purchase ALL of the lipsticks, along with a bronzer, primer, gel liner and  2 eyeshadow palettes.

Out of them all, there were only a select few that I would consider having a huge payoff, but even then it reminded me of the signature Wet 'N Wild Megalasts.

The packaging for the "Centerstage" collection is pristene compared the signature WNW collection.

On the left of the picture are the nudes from the signature WNW collection, while on the right are the nudes from Fergie's "Centerstage" collection. They are very similar, with a shade or two difference from the signature.

All in all, I will say that WNW did perform well with the packaging on the lipsticks, but as far as the rest, I'm not very impressed. The gel liner dries out very quickly and the primer is too runny. The bronzer and eyeshadows are quality as well. I would like for them to come out with different colors and textures of the product if they do plan to continue to collaborate with a celebrity.

From Me to You: Thank You!

2012 has been a year of accomplishments both great and small for me. One is the relaunch of the Glammed Griot. I want to personally take the time to thank everyone who took it upon themselves to visit my blog and comment. I hope you take away positive vibes, feelings of increased growth and prosperity, along with the self acclimation that there's NOTHING you can't do!!! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! 


Sincerely,

The Glammed Griot

M.A.C.'s "Grey Friday" VS. Kate Moss' #15 VS. Urban Decay's "Oil Slick"

So, I stepped out of my "Frugal Box" and went ahead and purchased my first M.A.C. lipstick. "Grey Friday" went on sale on Black Friday so I was compelled to purchase. Many reviewers stated that there were dupes to this, so I decided to go on the hunt. After reading several reviews, I decided to compare it to Kate Moss' #15 and Urban Decay's "Oil Slick".

Now the veteran's of M.A.C. stated that "Grey Friday" originally was debuted in the 90's as "Jet". I was only into Avon at that point in time only because my Aunt sold it. The go to color for me was "Cherry Jubilee" lol!

Left: Urban Decay's "Oil Slick", Rimmel's Kate Moss in #15 and M.A.C.'s "Grey Friday"

These lipsticks are very different in color and in texture as I intially noticed. Looking at the textures, I wondered about the payoff in the color.

Urban Decay in "Oil Slick"

Urban Decay's "Oil Slick" is EXACTLY what it says: OILY. I didn't like the texture or the payoff in color. I felt as if I was putting on a lip gloss opposed to an actual stick. I buffed my lips before applying and "Oil Slick" still found a way to find creases and dry skin on my lips to make it stand out. It was a definite thumbs down in my book.

Rimmel London's Kate Moss in #15

Rimmel London's Kate Moss in #15 is more of a purple frosty color. (Think of 80's lipsticks). It is definitely a cool based lipstick, and it can possibly be pulled off for a 9-5. This is definitely the wearable color out of all three.

M.A.C. in "Grey Friday"

M.A.C.'s "Grey Friday" is a frost lipstick as well. Though the color is an absolute go for Gun Metal, I would say that the texture and the payoff in color makes it worthwhile to play in makeup to create different looks. I want to try it with a black lipliner to see how it would look.




All in all, these colors look NOTHING alike. Oil Slick is too oily, #15 is a good frosty purple to wear to the office and Grey Friday is definitely a fun color to play up or down, depending on your mood.









 



Happy Anniversary, GG!

As I sit here contemplating on what I'm thankful for, I am truly thankful for the ONE year that I've been a blogger. I know if anyone has their mind set on it, they can do it and become a very successful blogger, but I am just appreciative of the platform that I've built and am now expounding upon. I am grateful for the first post, the sabbatical, the return and now the current. I'm expanding, and I can only hope that you guys will be there with me to see my continous growth!

Happy One Year Anniversary, The Glammed Griot!

Be Impressed: Interview with Stylist Bryant Hendrix

Bryant Hendrix, well known for his versatility in styling and dapper appearances, took the time to answer a few questions that I had the privilege of asking. Below is our conversation of his big break in the fashion and style industry.

GG: Please tell The Glammed Griot readers a little bit about your story and how you got into fashion styling.

BH: I have been known for a long time as a painter/ visual artist. As a child I grew up in a creative family and also the city of Chicago. As a result I was infused with a lot of art from sewing/drawing/painting/graffiti…ect. I became known for my styling when I began dressing my friends and family in college. I also continued to do small shows in the city of Indianapolis and Chicago thus showcasing my Graffiti blazers and other outerwear. 

  

GG: What made you want to become a stylist? How did you get your start?

BH: In a way we are all stylists. I became a stylist when I began to be asked to do shows as a stylist and in return receiving positive feedback from the perspective buyers. I also enjoyed being respected for my style point of view.

GG: I know by personal experience that the fashion industry is a tough business to break into. What was your big break?

BH: My big break was doing shows for a number of Gay pride organizations. These shows I was able to style and also network with a few celebrity hosts. As a result, I was asked to continue being the lead stylist and coordinator for 3 years until I started working with Mode Magazine and other style organizations in Chicago and Indianapolis.

GG: What is your typical day?

BH: My typical day is checking my email and also looking at press releases of upcoming shows and events. I also love to blog about my current style aesthetic. I am at the moment sketching deconstructions and one of a kind pieces that will be launching with my sister in the upcoming months.

GG: What are the basic guidelines when styling someone?

BH: The guidelines I have when styling someone is to be a blank canvas. Most of the models in this industry have no idea what that means: *groomed face and body *Hair must be prepped to style *Spanx and other (black/white/nude) undergarments *last but not least any personal items or prop…

GG: There must be a basic style you work with, something that's makes your styling unique. How would you describe this basic preparation?

BH: My personal style is “Urban Leave it to Beaver.” I note my style as classic meets urban America. I always want my heritage to show in my work because I believe African American has been a major influence in history and todays latest trends. Thus I love the urban eclectic placing of some garments that makes a person say… I" know a black person styled her or him."

GG: Is there one look or outfit that you styled that you would consider your most favorite?

BH: My favorite look is I deconstructed and 70’s shift dress into a one of a kind balloon dress and paired it with a cargo belt and vintage Gucci bag worn by one of my favorite models Shanna Wilson.

GG: What’s the biggest challenge when styling someone?

BH: The Biggest challenge when styling someone is not taking them too far out of their comfort zone. I think when working with a stylist a person should know that they are going to be given a few looks that is different than what they would pick for themselves.

GG: Name your three favorite shopping destinations.

 

BH: GOODWILL, H&M, RAGSTOCK

 

 

GG: Any future projects you want to plug or share with our readers?

 

 

BH: Me and my sister Ramekia Hendrix will be produing a line of couture that will be showcased throughout the Midwest... look out for outrageous cocktail dresses and one of a kind pieces.

Also, Mode Magazine will is going back into press and I will be continuing my role as the fashion editor and also street spotter in the city of Atlanta.

GG: What would be your advice to someone starting out in the fashion industry?

BH: This is the statement that helped me “Accept What God Allows.”

Thus if this is what you think God spoke into your life walk in it and make it happen. It is yours just reach up and get it…

GG: How can we find your work?

BH: Portfolio and booking is also on BNPRESSED blog

http://bnpressed.tumblr.com/

 

 

Vintage: Remix! Outfit of the Day!

Today was a very cool and brisk day. I purchased a Vintage sweater dress a few weeks back because it was very reminiscent of Patrick Kelly (A Mississippi Native AND designer) due to the buttons that were used. It looked beautiful and different, and I had to have it. I felt today was the perfect day to wear said dress.

The dress was made by Peter Ashley, and it was also made in the USA (And all of my followers know how I love to have ANYTHING made in the USA). It was listed as a medium and a size 12. It fits very well with a lot of stretch, and it was in GREAT condition.

I decided to add a little fever of the wild to my recent purchase by adding what else? Leopard print! I used the same belt I used in a previous post, which I purchased from Wal-mart. Be sure to reduce, reuse and REMIX your outfits with accessories that you already have.

My tights? H&M of course! I absolutely LOVE these tights. They are EXTREMELY easy to rip. So I have to be very careful with them. I don't think they sell these anymore.

The awesome thing about this dress? It has POCKETS! I LOVE pockets on dresses! It made the outfit complete! I appreciate pockets because I can place my lip balm in them.

My eyewear? They are by the wonderful Jackson Harlem, of course. These Jack ICONS are Blackout with clear lenses. I love wearing my ICONS everywhere!

I purchased my shoes from Aldo back in 2008. I adored these shoes when I first purchased them, and 4 years later, I still love them so!



I can honestly say that I was excited about wearing this dress. Any vintage garbs in great condition MUST be styled appropriately and worn with the upmost care. I love all of my vintage apparel, and I hope to eventually pass them on to someone who will love them just as much as I have.