Gucci Coon

Just like black people to make something so urban. As I posted earlier black entertainers and people in general have made what started as a high end label into what we'd call "The Pitts". If you don't know the term, learn it. As you've learned by now I'm not really into labels. I don't knock anyone who wears them or can afford to buy them, but it's just not for me. So when I saw this bag so urbanized I was appalled. I just wish a rep for Gucci would contact both women and inform them of how late this purse (be it real or fake) is. Until they've been contacted I leave you with the infamous Soulja boy "Gucci Bandanna". What's the world coming to?



The Fashion Connoisseur

Gag Reel: Beyonce & Rihanna

Peep this picture of Mrs. Carter (the one and only for the haters) and Ms. Breezy(the ONLY,literally) taken from Stand Up For Cancer benefit. What i find so interesting about this picture is that Beyonce and Rihanna are near each other. There has been talk for awhile about the two not liking each other because of some steamy rumors of an affair between Ri-Ri and Jay. Now we all know that's false, but the picture is still funny nonetheless. It looks like Beyonce is thinking "If this whore's hand touches mine, it's over". While Rihanna's saying "Why did I not put my bang down to cover up my forehead"? I've love to really know how these two feel about each other. With the way Jay-Z has both of these two on lock I guess we'll never know. Any who, The two ladies alongside an array of other female artist are included on the song "Just Stand Up", which goes toward helping people living with cancer. Below is the actual video of the lades performing "Just Stand Up". Get into who starts off the song!!

The Fashion Connoisseur

VMA Fashion: Past & Present

To gear up for the 2008 Video Music Awards which airs tomorrow on MTV at 9pm, we've posted some pictures of fashion hit(s) and misses from the past. The awards will include performances by Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, T.I., Lil Wayne, Kanye, Paramore and Pink. On top of that I know everyone is looking forward to seeing what people wear on the red carpet. For that reason I've posted these pictures via MTV.com of celebrity outfits from the red carpet. Peep the pictures and let us know how you feel about the outfits worn by your favorite stars.

Christina
Aguliera

I like Christina Aguliera, even though her outfits can come off extreme at times. I feel as if she's learned what her niche is. I love when she does the red lip with a simple outfit. It gives me that simplistic element I adore. My favorite outfit she's worn would have to be 2006, that's when she realized classic was the way to go.

Rihanna

Here we have Miss. Blogger herself, Rihanna. I'm not an avid Rihanna fan but, I must admit the media loves her. Looking at these 3 pictures I can see where she has come a long way. From the belly shirts and baby doll dresses to fitted ruffle tops and high waisted skirts, Ri-Ri is a trendsetter on the move. She has learned her niche via her record label and ran with it. Looking at these 3 pictures Rihanna use to be very blain but, now she's the "it" girl for new trends and go to looks. I get life off her a bit but, I can't give her too much!

Justin Timberlake

We have JT himself. He's an icon. He is one of the only white musicians who can pull off the tailored look. JT use to go for the ruff around the edges look but, he's transformed into this tailored, suit wearing gentleman which I like alot. I really adore his 2006 outfit. I looks like an all day outfit which is great. He could put that on around 4pm and wear it deep into the wee morning, which is a great element for a ensemble to posses. JT has got his designer cool points, for sure.

Gwen Stefani

From punk rock to pulled together chic, Gwen Stefani is EVERYTHING. I love how she takes vintage pieces, throws them with something funky and everyone follows suit. She is another avid wearer of the red lip which everyone can't pull off. What I like about her so much is her 'I don't give a fuck what you think' attitude. This attitude dates back to the beginning when Gwen first tipped onto the scene with No Doubt via the blue hair and crazy outfits, she gave funky tease and still does now with a more tailored effect. I say "Keep Going Off Gwen"!

Ludacris
Ludacris would have to be my number one choice for Most Improved. He went from urban guru to suit connoisseur (no punt intended). I like how he transitioned also. He didn't try to go from Ecko to Versace overnight. He took it in strides which is what you should do. Keep up the good work Chris, I look forward to seeing his threads at the awards tomorrow night.

Mary J. Blige

I don't always agree with Sister Mary's choices when it comes to fashion but, she always sticks to her roots. Mary is that home girl down the street who takes designer clothes but doesn't let them make her. She realizes 'yeah I'm wearing this d&g dress but, I'm still the girl from down the block that'll beat your ass' which I love. She always gives me face beat via MAC with a nice sew-in. I say stick to the normal Mary and you'll never go wrong.

Beyonce

Ahhh Mrs. Carter!! Now she hasn't always been a style iCON but, she goes off in her own way. One thing I've noticed about Bey is that she loves metallics. I don't know what her infatuation with metallics is but, she always looks great in them. I think it's the fact her skin is always bronzed and her lace-front wig intact. Beyonce is another person who transitioned through time with fashion. She started as a flop (via Jumpin, Jumpin and Bills, Bills, Bills) but, she now takes what works for her and uses it to her advantage. (via entire B-day promo pictures) Red bottoms on deck, Go-- Mrs. Carter.

Usher
Usher who's been M.I.A VMA awards since `05 still goes hard in the fashion department. I love his 2004 outfit which was the year the awards were in Miami. He chose the perfect outfit to show off his skin and suave persona. At that particular show he looked so comfortable and chic which is key to being FLY. Usher equipped with his dad swag goes off when he needs to. Always decked out in black leather or all white Usher gets my vote as a style connoisseur in his own right.

As he dashes off to find his VMA ensemble,

It's The Fashion Connoisseur. Trademark that bitch!!

Time To Put In Work

With both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions coming to a close, the official Presidential Campaign season has begun. For the next two months, we will be bombarded with all types of coverage of the candidates. From the scandals to the presidential hopefuls hitting the key campaign states, we will be getting it all from now until November. With this in mind I really want to make sure that everyone knows who they are voting for and why they are voting for that person.

In order to prepare for this election season, I highly recommend that if you are eligible to vote that you take the time and do the research on the candidates. I find that all to often most Black people will just go with the flow and vote for who ever is on the Democratic ticket just because "that's the party of Black people." However, contrary to popular belief, this was not always the case. Before the Great Depression, Black people were mostly Republicans because a long time ago a guy named Lincoln freed our ancestors; and guess what he was Republican. But when the Great Depression hit and Democrats rose to power under Franklin D. Roosevelt, most Blacks switched over to the Democratic side. Basically, history has shown that Blacks tend to migrate to whichever party has the best interest of African Americans at the time.

Now that we have a little history on the trend in the Black community involving politics, I would like to see an end to this blind follow the leader routine with African Americans. For a long time I considered myself to be a Black Republican, and when I would tell people this they would often look at me like I was crazy and demand to know how I could side with people who "didn't care for Black people." Well the reasoning behind my former stance as a Republican was that I had a very conservative view of society and I felt that the Republican party offered solutions that, were harsh at times, but needed especially in the Black community. I have always felt the Welfare system was designed to keep Blacks down and that Abortion was wrong. However as I got older and learned more about myself and my people I realized that there are many different ways of life and that I have varying opinions on a wide range of topics. This is not to say that I still do not have conservative views, but I also have liberal views as well; which makes me proud to call myself a Centrist instead of a Democrat or a Republican. But as more and more people are getting ready to vote, I feel that you should really look at what the candidates stand for and what you truly agree and disagree with. Do not let the media or your friends or family influence your choice. And when the time comes to vote, do so with pride and the knowledge that who you vote for is an informed choice that reflects your political stance.

As a first time voter myself, I really cherish the fact that I can vote and see it as an honor and a privilege that pays homage to those who came before me. So do yourself a favor and register to vote and then make the choice to research all the candidates and make the right choice for YOU!!

The Intellect

Converse Presents N.E.R.D. & Bad Brains

Converse sponsored this show and N.E.R.D. got to share the stage with Bad Brains. Kudos to them, Im sure they were ciced. Check out the clip of the performance. If you haven't noticed I'm a huge Pharrell fan!



///Pharaoh

Ciara Goes Nude For Vibe

This cover gives me light life. It isn't nothing out of the ordinary. I was hoping with the release of this new album that Ciara would release a new look for her promo pictures. Her hair and makeup gives me Evolution and I want something new, I deserve something NEW!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Stars Discuss Brit's Fashion Sense

This is a piece derived from MTV.com where celebrity stylist discuss Britney Spears and her fashion sense:


Tim Gunn, Project Runway:

"I'm sorry! Well, she's a mess. I mean, I know she's getting better. I'm woeful about her. I'm dubious about how much she wants to succeed. I think she's in a bubble, but I don't trust it will last. I don't mean to be mean, but she's difficult."

Richie Rich, Heatherette:

"Just show off her body. She's looking great these days. I think Britney needs to show it off. [That's] what she's the best at. ... Everybody wants to root for her. It's gonna be good!"

June Ambrose, Stylist To The Stars:

All Britney needs this year is clothes. "She was naked last year, so clothes," she explained. "I think she should accentuate her legs, show soft cleavage — not overt cleavage — and less sparkle. ... Go more matte and mod, more '40s pinup. It can be hot for her."

This just goes to show there are people who want Brit to tip again. Come on Britt, we have faith in you!

The Fashion Connoisseur

News Update: Brit is Opening The VMAs, Just Not By Performing

It has been confirmed via MTV that Ms. Spears will be opening the 25th Annual Video Music Awards. There was speculations of Brit opening the awards but, MTV reps confirmed that she would not be performing. Instead, a press release stated Brit will be opening the awards by saying hello to her fans and showing her excitement for her 3 award nominations. Brit who has never won a VMA but, has been nominated many times may win an award this year. The 3 award nominations are for her single 'Piece Of Me'. Despite all the backlash Brit has been suffering lately I think she is on the road to recovery. With the maturity showed by giving K-Fed full custody for the well being of her kids and the rehab stints it goes to show Brit wants to take back her career. All we can do is Root For The Best. People don't like to admit it but, Miss Brit use to go off. She is coming back!! So get prepared.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Ne-Yo tells R.Kelly "Gimme My Money"

I bet if you look for Ne-Yo he's at the bank cashing his long, awaited check from mogul Robert Kelly. Ne-Yo, who was dropped from Kelly's Trapped In The Closet Tour for undisclosed reasons was finally awarded what he would have made on the tour, $700,000. The tour which Ne-Yo would have been on for 25 dates would have grossed him the amount of $785,0000. Who cares about that measley $85,000 when you didn't end up having to do any of the dates anyway. I know R.Kelly is kicking himself for dropping Ne-Yo off the tour. We all know Ne-Yo is hot right now and Kel's felt threatned. But, to drop the dude and still end up paying is late as fuck. With that said, We say laugh right on to the bank Ne-Yo. Ca-Ching!!

photos: AP Photo/Getty Images

The Fashion Connoisseur

Brand New Brandy Video

Get into the video for Brandy's new single "Right Here (Departed)" off her new album, Human which is set to be released on Novemeber 11th. I think the video is alright. Brandy looks great to have been out of the lime light for so long. I was hoping with all the court issues she had been experiencing that she'd come back with a strong, first video. But, we can dream right? Let me know how you feel about the video You Got Tea readers.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Throwback Thursday

This was the week of Ms. Jackson. Tuesday we gave you 'I Get So Lonely' and I present 'Anytime, Anyplace' this time around. This was another video to add to the sexy list for Janet. The sexiness conveyed in the lyrics and shots in the video were intense. I love the interaction between Janet and Flex Alexander (ie: singer Shanice's husband). This video a la 1993 gave sexy tease for a time when you didn't really see overly sexy videos on MTV. Janet was a connoisseur I'd say myself.

Take A Sip.

-The Fashion Connoisseur

Race Symposium at UNCG

Hello All!!!

I know I have been away, but with school starting and the holiday weekend I needed a break to get it all together. But now that I have officially settled into the school/work routine I am back and better than ever.
As a Junior at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I feel that I know a little bit about interesting things that go on in and around the Greensboro area. With that being said, as I was checking the university website (yes, I do this often...geek?? maybe)I came across an excellent opportunity for anyone who is interested in Greensboro's history on race. UNCG is offering a two day symposium (Sept 19-20) in Weatherspoon Art Museum that will focus on exploring race and history. The symposium is free to the public with parking also being free, and will offer panel discussion, open forums, and a documentary on a real FBI informant from Greensboro who infiltrated the KKK. I think this symposium will be a great learning experience for everyone no matter what race. Also from September 7th through December 21, the Weatherspoon Art Museum will be host an exhibit called; The 1960s: Decade of Change. This exhibit will showcase this pivotal decade in American history through all sorts of artistic mediums.
So there you have it two events to look forward to and hopefully I will see some of you sippers there.

Peace,

The Intellect
*For more info on the Symposium check out the link below
http://www.uncg.edu/ure/news/stories/2008/sep/symposium090208.htm

[R]eal [F]ashion [I]con

Fashion extraordinaire Andre 3000 stopped by TRL with John Legend to premiere the video for "Greenlight" off Legend's new album. Get into the safari feel of his outfit. Dating back to the mid-90's, Andre was one of the first men to break the barriers of fashion. From blond wigs to parachute pants, he exemplifies all the qualities of a Fashion Icon. He doesn't care what people think or how they feel about what he wears. And that's how a Fashion Connoisseur should feel. With that said, I say GO OFF ANDRE 3000.

who else would it be?
The Fashion Connoisseur

She Stings Again

She just continues to sting. Peep the October 2008 Cover of Marie Claire UK. From endorsements to movie roles to hit bearing albums Mrs Carter is the "It Women". I can't even begin to explain how I'll feel when Bey tips off the scene to begin a life with Mr. Carter. Kids with the white picket dream. I can see Bey and Hov pulling up their 80 million dollar home with their 2 children. Ahh that's the life. But from the looks of things (ie: fashion rocks, performances & the new album) that won't be for awhile. So we can breath for now.

The Fashion Connoisseur

C. Breezy

Either Ri-Ri dressed Chris or he realized that his outlandish outfits were not fashionable or by any means trendy. The saying "Simple is better" is so true when it comes to clothing. I think it just took Chris awhile to realize that. Nonetheless, I'm proud of him for throwing on the cardigan with a simple jean. I get lite life. Go Off C.Breezy!!

Beyonce Update

I haven't written about the INFAMOUS Beyonce in awhile so I thought today was the perfect day. Two things have surfaced in the news about Bey. First, there has been an unofficial announcement that The Carters (ie: Jay-Z & Beyonce) are considering doing a tour together. I posted awhile back about how that would be a great idea. Long behold it's now coming to the forefront. This would be GIGANTIC. To pack a concert arena with fans of Hov and Bey would be crazy. As i stated before I could only imagine how much the tickets would cost. But, the artistry that would take place on that stage would be phenomenal and worth the money. Being how secretive Hov and Bey are they probably won't announce until the last minute the tour. Just to keep it exclusive. But, that's the only way to do it. On another note there has been another a tidbit of news released on Beyonce's performance at Fashion Rocks via Beyonceworld.net. It has been said that the song she will be performing is NOT her first single and that she will be performing without any dancers. BET awards `07 much? It has also been said that it's not new material but, something that people have been waiting to see for awhile. Last, but not least it's been said that someone will appear on stage alongside Queen Bee. With the little bit of news that has surfaced I can only imagine what she will do when she graces that stage. When Beyonce performs, she MOTHAFUCKIN performs (excuse my language, that was my banjee side). Nonetheless, make sure you tune in Tuesday, September 9th to CBS to see how Mrs. Bee-Carter stings. I know i sure will.

The Fashion Connoisseur

A [R]eal i[CON]

I don't even know where to start. Jay-Z has crossed so many barriers in the Hip Hop game it makes no sense. From rapper to media mogul, Shawn Carter is the man many strive to be. With the world as his playground and the baddest chick in the game on his arm, How can life get any harder? It can't!! With that said, peep the new Rocawear Evolution ads. They give me grown man meets urban. Hov shows that it's okay to be a black man on your hustle. Be it in the streets or in the office. He's the first man to show thugs and business men that you can succeed. It may seem like an oxymoron but everyone isn't white collar. So I'm not going to even act like it. These ads have ran in magazines such as XXL, Vibe and even Complex. Hov keep cashing those multi-million dollar checks. I'm not mad at you!!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Throwback Tuesday

The Throwback Tuesday video is none other than Ms. Jackson. Get into the Janet era of red hair and sensuality. I loved this period of Janet's career because she was sexy but, not scandalous. She seemed so secure in her skin and it was so appealing. Velvet Rope is one of Janet's greatest albums and that's because of the sexuality she portrayed through the singles and videos released. I'm not as big a Janet fan as The Intellect but this one was one video I went up hard for. I love the breakdown dance sequence with the breast exposure at the end. Just like Janet to have those titties sitting pretty. I'm not mad at you Janet, GO OFF!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Disclaimer: Sorry For The Delay

I just want to take the time out to apologize to the people who have visiting the site and have not received any new, news. With the new school year rolling in and the adjustment of schedules, internships and work it has been hectic with all You Got Tea contributors. We apologize there is never an excuse for late news. But, being the loyal people that we are we had to take the time out to apologize. With that said we are preparing for a new layout, new pics and some new stories. We love the great feedback we've received to have only been up a month and some change and want to continue to grow. With that said, continue to sip! If you ever have any questions also about the site, contributors or maybe a story you'd like to see featured feel free to drop us a note or two @ yougotteablog@gmail.com, We promise that we'll answer your request in a timely manner. With that said, Embark on the rest of your day Young Soul and remember every day is a journey, so pick your voyage wisely.

It's Me Bitches,
The Fashion Connoisseur

Happy Labor Day You Got Tea Viewers

Happy Labor Day to everyone. This is the day to be labor free, enjoy time with family and of course eat with all the cookouts going on. I know that's what I'll be doing!!

with that said,
The Fashion Connoisseur takes a bite out of a hamburger
kosher of course.