Wednesday, November 30, 2011


Here at
Purpleskyyys, we can never get enough of Ms. Kelis Rogers.

And neither can the legendary magazine, Dazed and Confused, who have chosen Kelis and 19 other artists to feature on their December issue covers. The 20 + 20 Covers Project By Rankin is D&C's latest project which celebrates their 20 year anniversary of being one of the UK and the world's best magazines that contain articles on different musicians, artists and much more.

Pharrell Williams, Kate Moss, Bjork and Alicia Keys are just a few of the many legendary pop culture figures that are featured on these 20 different covers, whom also will have exclusive interviews in this issue. And to know that Kelis has been recognized in this way is awesome. She is someone who definitely deserves this honor and I am very excited to read more about her musical and life journey in her own words.

And the sickest thing about this whole project is not only the legendary cover artists, but the 20 other artists that they consider to be the new leaders of world culture. It's going to be so dope to see who the artists have chosen and why.

Be sure to check out the mini interview of Kelis and singer, Jamie Woon, below.
Now all I have to do is find out how this American girl is going to get her hands on a copy!



DazedDigital.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2011


Yesterday, many music heads were sadly informed that Javon Coleman, better known as J-1, passed away. J-1 was a well known drummer and member of the band Master Blazter, which included Funk artist Dam-Funk.

What's so mind blogging about his passing is that recently I have been doing SO MUCH research on Dam-Funk, being that I am really feeling his music right now. And throughout this process, I began to learn about his performance band which included J-1. It's like I've seen J-1 in many different performances and videos that I have come across, but I never knew who he was as an individual artist. He was very talented to say the least, and seemed to have a very humble soul.

My condolences and love are with his family, friends and loved ones.

Life is too short family, cherish the day.
Peace









More on J-1: LAWeekly.com

Thursday, November 24, 2011



I hope you all have a wonderful Turkey Day! Whether you celebrate this holiday or not, you can never go wrong by being thankful for all of the blessings that you have. Spend some time with your family, call a friend... Do something that shows people that you care.

Give Thanks!!!

Monday, November 21, 2011

My favorite online magazine, Ghubar Magazine, has finally released their November issue. And what's so fabulous about this particular issue is that it is all about Green!

I honestly used to despise the color green as a child, but it was not until a couple years ago in college that I grew to love the color. A color of so many meanings and full of expression; I love how Ghubar Mag chose to focus on this color and how it has become a new favorite in the fashion world and everyday style.

I also like the fact that Ghubar not only talked about Green fashion, but how "going green" is an initiative that can be very beneficial for our environment and personal health.


This new issue is something that you can truly learn from, whether you are looking for some new fashion tips or new ways to be more conscious about your surroundings. Be sure to check this issue out, guys! I'm loving the photo shoot spreads, as well.

One love

GhubarMagazine.com

Saturday, November 19, 2011


LMAO!
Have a fabulous weekend, peeps!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011




As you all should know by now and if not, let me refresh your memory; I have a LOVE for accessories. Ever since I was younger, I have always felt that a fresh outfit was nice, but the accessories that you wear really make you stand out. So when I came across the amazing creations of Charisma Eclectic, I was undeniably in awe.

I discovered these beautiful accessories by chance, a couple months ago through a Vegan website that had an article about an African American woman and her experiences being a Vegetarian. One link led to another and I discovered the beautiful creations of Ms. Clara Star. This 31 year old mother, vegetarian, and jewelry and accessory designer decided to create her own business last year based around what she loves; creative accessories! And I must say, for her to only have been in business for a year, she has definitely made a name for herself amongst many style and fashion bloggers, websites and jewelry collectors.

I decided a couple weeks ago that I wanted to do an interview with Clara, because her creations really inspire. I purchased a pair of her "Wish You Would" earrings, which are of the 70's blaxploitation character Foxy Brown which is SO my style. What I like about Charisma Eclectic is that it is a collection that really represents unique and individual style. It reflects culture, merges styles from every decade and has a piece that anyone could be attracted to.



My interview with Clara Star of Charisma Eclectic.com:

What city were you born in and what city do you currently reside in?
[Born in] Louisville, KY [I currently live in] New Albany, IN

How old were you when you realized that you had a love for accessories and making things?
5 years old

Do you have a love or obsession for jewelry and accessories?
As a plus sized teen, cute and trendy clothing were hard to come by. I relied on accessories to define my style. I always loved colorful sneakers and handbags.

Were you always into making jewelry?
Being a hobbyist, I've toyed around with making jewelry in the past, but crocheting and graphics took up most of my time.


What inspires you?
Foremost originality inspires me. Original forms of music, visual art, spirituality, anything that is fresh and exciting keeps me motivated to create.

I can tell that you have a love for shapes, the boldness of colors and patterns etc... Where does that stem from?
I adore bold colors and shapes because they usually speak for themselves. A circle is just a round object alone, but pair it with a triangle and it becomes a design. I used to spend countless hours in the library skimming fashion, photography and music books. Throughout all of these I found inspiration for color, patterns and more.

Do you try to send out a message/feeling with your art?
My objective for every piece that comes from Charisma is individuality. I want the piece to speak to the owner and the viewer. Like art, I see my works as conversation pieces. If I have on a pair of Nina Simone earrings, I want someone to say, "Hey, that's Nina. I love her music!". We may then talk of poetry or black feminism. However, another may ask me who she is or why I'm wearing her on my ear. This is then a chance to introduce her and her works. I want my designs to be a statement for fashion. A lot of people need to know [that] the definition of style has changed. We are in the age of individuality.


Many of your pieces are pictures of musicians, artists and activists; why?
I think my whole life has been made up of music, art, and community activism. Since Charisma is a product of me, my pieces definitely reflect such. Growing up, I hung around my Uncle Roey a lot who was a local singer. He introduced me to Al Green, Parliament, and Cameo. I kept the love for these musicians in my adult years. Music is a melodic art form that fuels my creativity. I was so inspired by Al Green's charismatic personality, that I named my business Charisma Eclectic. Art has always been conducive to fueling movements. Many items in my collections are inspired by community activists, groups, or spirituality. Both are near and dear to me for they have the power to change lives.

Are all of your pieces handmade by you?
Yes, I am a one woman show and every piece is handmade by me.

I can tell by many of your pieces, you have a nostalgic love for the 70's (like myself), is this true?
I love the 60's and 70's. Often times, I wonder if I had a past life that took place in the 70's! I feel like we're reaching an era like the 70's now. Everyone is into rocking vintage pieces, clothing and jewelry. I love the 60's and 70's for its fashions, slang language, bold interiors, huge cars; all of that funk!

How important is it for African Americans to have jewelry that reflects who we are and our culture?
I think African Americans can wear jewelry and anything for that matter and make it ours. We can throw on a sweatsuit and a Chinese jade necklace and be fresh! I'm glad to see the resurgence of African prints, Navajo patterns and more. When I was a teen these items were mocked because they were so opposite of the European styles the mall sold. I think its important for us to wear what reflects us, be it metaphysical crystals or antiqued brass.



What is your favorite item to make and what is your favorite piece that you have made thus far and why?
I love creating earrings with faces. As a graphic designer there's nothing like having a vision, rendering it, then seeing it manifest.

As a Black woman and business owner, how has your experience been owning and operating your own business?
I've had a wonderful time running my business. I think its because I'm the sole owner and only employee (smile). This means I have full creative reign, marketing, and financial power of my business.

What kind of advice would you give to people out there that may be interested in owing their own business based around their own personal creations?
This is a good time in the world for Black women to start their own businesses and utilize their creative skills. Find your niche and research it. Analyze what makes your business different from someone else's. Perfect your product, master it.


Do you have any new items that you are currently making?
I've been working on a new collection for Winter. I'll also relaunch the home decor section of my site soon. Sometimes I shell out pieces one after another. Other times I wait for the inspiration and vision to move me. I guess you could say I'm trying to be like Maxwell and D'Angelo, hahaha.

What are your futures plans and dreams for Charisma Eclectic?
I love seeing my goods in boutiques so I'm working toward landing more wholesale accounts especially overseas. And of course I dream of my fave female celebs in my pieces!

Quote that you live by:
"Be and it is." -Bible
__________________________________________________

Thank you so much, Clara for doing Purpleskyyys's first interview! It was truly a pleasure and I wish you love and luck in your future endeavors with Charisma Eclectic.

To check out more of Clara's amazing creations, peep:
CharismaEclectic.com
Email her: lotusenergy@yahoo.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011


I didn't even know what I would title this post honestly, just felt the need to share this with you all.  I mean, words can't describe how breathtaking this photo is for me.  Beautiful Black man, strong Black wombman, whom you cannot see, but her presence is definitely felt through the expression of her soul mate and through the being that is growing within her womb.  I mean, the man's expression is what really sets this photo off.  The pure bliss and feeling of elation that he gives off is enough to make anyone smile.  There is nothing like the union and bond between the Black man, woman and child.  Puts me in the mind of Ausar, Auset & Heru and their holy trinity pertaining to Egyptian spirituality and the story of the beginning of mankind.

This is Love

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Dwight "Heavy D" Myers
May 24, 1967- November 8, 2011

Hearts around the world ache as the news of Heavy D passing has struck us.  I still can't believe it.  All that I keep seeing people say on twitter and other sites is "what a good guy he was" and how "he always wore that smile".  And this does not surprise me, because you could tell that he had a sincere heart and beautiful spirit.

What I love the most about him is that he added his own unique flavor to Hip-Hop.  From his stage presence, to the way he rapped to his impeccable dance moves... No one could touch my man!  He made music that the youngins could listen to all the way up to the adults.  Dwight Arrington Myers will be missed.  May you rest in peace, my brotha!


What is your favorite Heavy D joint?

This was my song in grade school, I loved singing the chorus!


Video courtesy of:  Egoggles's Youtube channel
More on Heavy D's life and legacy:  nytimes.com mtv.com

Monday, November 7, 2011

I happened to come across this video via Facebook off of my friend's wall, shout out to Savage Ballet. Being that he is a Hip-Hop artist, many of his posts are videos or links of up and coming or already established artists that are really dope. A couple days ago, he posted this video and I was amazed.

Fable is a Hip Hop artist from Chi-Town and this is the debut video for his song entitled, "I Beg To Differ", and it's HOT! This song screams Hip-Hop; the lyrics, the laid-back beat. And what I like about the video is that there is no special effects (rumpshaking, Benzs & flashing lights); real scenery that matches the content of a real song.

This video is just so refreshing to see because, it let's me know that people out there are still pumping out that real Hip-Hop. Big ups to this brotha, this is for the real Hip-Hop Headz out there!

Peace & Enjoy



Fable's website: Fablebangers.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2011


I came across this photo today via Tumblr and I thought it was so sexy. Very soulful, urban and sensual. It gives me a random photo taken in a juke joint in the south type of feel... you see me? I believe this photo was taken inbetween the time of Brown Sugar and Voodoo.

And what's so funny is I was reading an interview that D'Angelo did for Pulse! Magazine this past weekend. So now, I only have one question...... D'Angelo, where you at brotha???

Last week's episode:
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