The GlamSpot

"Don’t be a Knockoff be a KNOCKOUT!"

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:39:00 -0600

“Don’t be a Knockoff be a KNOCKOUT!”

- Aishia

Kimberly Snyder's Inspired Glowing Green Smoothie

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:38:00 -0600

This book, is a life changer!

Nearly 3 years ago I stumbled on to the blog of Kimberly Snyder where I found the smoothie that has changed my life. Inspired by Kimberly’s glowing skin and youthful looks I decided to give her glowing green smoothie a shot. The recipe I started with contained things like celery, cilantro, banana, romaine lettuce, apples and pears. I know this does not sound at all tasty, however I gave it shot and found that my assumption was right. I remembered that she had a another recipe on her blog made with spinach and me being the spinach lover I am decided to give this a shot. In addition to the spinach this recipe included peaches, mint leaves, banana and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Well I found this one to be pretty lackluster in taste,peaches are not always very flavorful, it was worth tinkering with. I decided the best way to approach this would be the same way I approach cooking, using things that I like.

Using the things that I like I was able to develop a smoothie that taste great and has relatively the same benefits as Kimberly’s. The following is my take on the glowing green smoothie.

Aishia’s Glowing Green Smoothie Recipe:

3-4 handfuls of baby spinach (fill the blender nearly to the rim)

2-3 sprigs of mint leaves

1/4 cup of water

1/2 lemon

1 banana

1/2 cup-1 cup of frozen mango

1 1/2cups-2cups frozen pineapple

Combine spinach, mint leaves, lemon and water into your blender mixing the ingredients until it has turned into liquid. Add banana, mango and pineapple and stir until it has reached that smooth consistency. Drink up and enjoy!!

After drinking these 3-5x’s a week for a month I noticed that I had more energy, glowing skin, stronger and longer nails, hair growth and my menstrual cramps became a thing of the past.

Just remember, use things that you like and please tell me what you guys think!

The Infamous Carmel Cupcake

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 07:30:00 -0600

Besides chocolate (the finest dark chocolate that one can find) I have a major obsession for carmel. These darling delectable cupcakes are one of the most divine treats on the planet. After lots google searches and some trial and error I have come up with the most insanely tasty carmel cupcake yet.

Let me warn you early, if you do not have patience stay clear of this recipe. The most challenging and time consuming part of this recipe will be making the carmel however in the the end it will all be worth it.

Cupcake Recipe:

This recipe was adapted from seriouseats. It’s a simple yellow cake that is the perfect buttery combination for the sweet carmel frosting. This recipe will make about 42 cupcakes and would be perfect with just about any frosting.

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup nonfat buttermilk

*I use an equal ratio of brown and white sugar because the brown sugar creates an intensly moist cupcake.

Pre-heat oven to 275°F and position the rack to the center of the oven. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Use a ice cream scooper to transfer batter to cupcake liners.
Cream sugar and butter until it’s light and creamy
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla just until combined. On low speed, slowly pour the egg mixture into the butter mixture and mix just until incorporated.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. On the lowest speed, add about one-third of the flour mixture to the egg-butter mixture and mix just until barely combined. Immediately pour in about half of the buttermilk and continue to mix on the lowest speed until the buttermilk is almost thoroughly incorporated. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl well. Again on the lowest speed, add about half of the remaining flour mixture and mix just until barely combined. Add the rest of the buttermilk and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake cupcakes for about 20-25mins or until the tops are golden and the cakes springs back when pressed with a fingertip
Let the cupcakes cool so that you may begin putting in the work to make the frosting!

Carmel Frosting:

The recipe is adapted from Cupcake Project, I have of course made some changes to the ingredients..

1 3/4 cups of sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract (optional) I actually forgot to add and it honestly didn’t make a difference

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, mix butter, sweetened condensed milk and 1 1/4 cups of sugar.
Heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Do not allow to come to a boil.
Once sugar dissolves, reduce heat to low.
In a small cast iron skillet on medium-low heat, melt half cup of sugar - stirring constantly until liquid and brown
Pour the browned sugar into the saucepan and quickly stir to incorporate.
Stir regularly until the liquid reaches the soft ball stage. It’s easiest to check for the soft ball stage with a candy thermometer (the caramel should be about 235 F). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test by dropping a small amount of caramel into water to see if it forms a soft ball (hence the name). It may take up to thirty minutes to reach the soft ball stage. Here’s where the patience kicks in. Resist the temptation to turn up the heat because the caramel can easily burn.
Let cool slightly. If you wait too long, the caramel will become difficult to spread

*I find that dipping the cupcakes into the frosting to be one of the best ways to top them with the carmel, however be careful this frosting is EXTRA hot and when it touches the skin it burns immensely!

Enjoy, these babies won’t last long!

Kim Kardashian Nails It

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:45:28 -0600

I’m sure I am not the only one who has been slightly concerned about Kim K’s apparel choices as of late. It looks like she is experimenting quite a bit, and for whatever reason she has been coming up short. Well that was until last week..

Kim showed up to Millions of Milkshakes Kuwait in this cutting edge white number. Honestly this is one of her best numbers to date, personally I find Kim’s style rather predictable sauteed in Jennifer Lopez. But this look says we’re making progress splashed in Beyonce. This look is clean and is all about The DRESS!!!

Now let’s all take a deep breath and welcome Kim back to fashion salvation, and may she continue to make strides to find her fashion mojo.

Good Hair with Jill Scott

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 07:24:00 -0500

This edition of Good Hair is not really about hair but how one’s beauty can shine even with so little hair. Jill Scott’s recent cover on Essence magazine in my opinion is one of the most refreshing things I’ve seen in a long time. Jill looks absolutely stunning with her warmly tinted TWA (Teeny Weenie Afro).

Wearing a TWA takes a lot of confidence and a lot of makeup (until you become super comfortable with your new found beauty). However as a former member of the TWA Club I find that this is one the most beautiful and fierce periods of a woman’s life. This is a time where people are forced to really look at your face and see all of the things that make you uniquely beautiful.

When I chopped my hair off a year ago I found that men were the most welcoming of my new found beauty. While amongst women I received mixed reviews followed by feelings that would you make you think I was on a mission to detain chick’s weaves and relaxer kits …”you have to have the right shape head for that”…”girl I could never do that”…”you look like a cute boy”…Honestly none of these comments mattered because this was one the most beautifully humbling moments of my life. And it was also one of the most low maintenance moments of my life, literally 5 minute hair. Ok, I might be lying it probably took me 20 minutes, getting good curls takes time.

If I looked like a boy, I sure as hell was a cute one tho!

Being hair deficient allows one to really tap into establishing their very own definition of beauty, it allows them live outside of the box and redefine who you really are without allowing society and others dictate their version to you.

Scarface The Missing Link

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:21:33 -0500

I’m probably the only person in the entire Hip Hop community to recently watch Scarface. Wait…before y’all go in on me, I need to go in on EVERY Hip Hop artist who has created an album inspired by this film.

While I found this to be one of the WORST highly recommended films I had ever seen, I found the wardrobe to be the best part of the entire film. I can’t seem to understand how every single scene in this movie has been made into a Hip Hop album but not one person has taken the fashion and run with it. Of course a few artist have shown up to an award show dressed in their interpretation of Scarface or they may have done a photo-shoot inspired by him. But absolutely no one has committed to taking Tony Montana’s look and making it their own.

Tony was a suave looking dude and if one is going to be inspired by him they could at least commit to creating an inspired look appropriate for them. It’s time for Hip Hop to start looking like a bag of money and finish what they started!

Manicurist Dawn Danielle shares her take on this season’s...

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 07:26:05 -0500

Eye-catching and flashy these soft metallics are a nice fresh approach to a season riddled with heavy dark colors.

Dawn Danielle's metallic picks

With a bit of mattification, these gorgeous gray tones are taking to the next level

Dawn Danielle's Fall nails in gray

Jewel tones are a Fall staple, however Dawn Danielle dolls them up a touch with China Glaze's Cleopatra as a finishing touch. This combo was an absolute fav amongst my friends.

Dawn Danielle's jewel tone picks

When glitter isn't enough, that's when you go for mattifying your jewels. Bold, beautiful and clean!

There is something so Sub-Saharian about this look yet wonderfully perfect for the beauty who is looking for a clean yet muted look.

Dawn Danielle's muted nail picks

Manicurist Dawn Danielle shares her take on this season’s Fall nail trends, she says “I like to be innovative and create my own trends.”

If your looking to get into fall with Dawn Danielle you can find her on Facebook or Styleseat for an appointment. Don’t forget to tell her that The GlamSpot sent you!

Glamour Girl Queries

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:29:00 -0500

I love helping people and I especially love helping those who are fashionably challenged. I’m here for you guys and I love nothing more than to help you to be the best most beautiful you. One of my friends wrote the following question on my Facebook wall:

I read something recently that the new trend this year is lace. I’m not into trends or lace(I think it belongs in the bedroom only), however, I would like to incorporate some in my wardrobe. Any suggestions? I’m a little conservative :)

I am uber excited to embrace me some lace, I mean all of my favorite people wore lace when I was growing up…Prince, everybody associated with Prince, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna. While I am excited I am also optimistically cautious. Lace is very sexy but it also has the abilitly to head into grandma town if it is not paired properly with the appropriate pieces. I personally have been on the hunt for the perfect lace pieces for awhile now and I have yet to discover the perfect pieces to add to my life. Although I may still be hunting for the perfect lace pieces I think that I have found some things that will work for you my Facebook friend.

This first look combines some very ecletic items. I have combined lace, metallic and patent leather to create a very unique but wearable look. It’s rich and full of texture and perfect for anytime of the day. You could totally wear this day or night, from a baby shower to a Jay-Z concert. This look look has tons of personality and glamour.

Leisurely Laced by theglamspot featuring bracelets & bangles

Next up you have a look that can take you to work followed by some after work fun! This look is a combination of naughty and nice. The skirt is so nice but all the of the extras are working to take the nice look into to naughtyville. Even sweet girls are naughty, right!

Leather & Lace by theglamspot featuring nars cosmetics

Now for the last and final look, a look perfect for an evening of fun. This look is classy, chic and elegant with HAUTE DATE written all over it. No date, don’t worry girl this look will be your introduction and I would be willing to bet if you rocked this while having cocktails with the girls you would be closing a few deals by the end of the night.

Night time lace by theglamspot featuring french connection

Lace is fun, sexy, playful and if paired properly it can be EVERYTHING!!

Well friend I have put together some looks to inspire you to take the lace from the bedroom to the concrete runways…you like?

Basic Beauty with Beyonce

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 06:31:00 -0500

Basic Beauty is all about taking off all of the fillers/additives and tap’n into mother nature. Mother nature has taken one hell of beating over the last 5 plus years. A lot of women are working against her instead of with her. I would love to see more women embracing their natural beauty while finding things to enhance it instead of covering it up and layering it with the things that are neither authentic or natural to them.

Beyonce is one of my favorite beauty’s who is all about the less is more movement. Bey knows how to be basic when it counts and usually that is when she is not working the red carpet or the the stage. “Stage Time” Beyonce takes it to the moon takes it to the stars when it comes to her beauty but “Everyday” Beyonce knows how to keep it simple, chic and beautiful!

It’s obvious that Beyonce takes great care of her skin and she keeps those brows SNATCHED!!! She also wears the most minimal amount of makeup and takes the time to play up what mother nature has given to her. Liquid liner, blush, bronzer and either gloss or lipstick is all a girl needs.

Beauties, it’s time we got back down to the basics!

Gucci Does Groupon

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 07:40:30 -0500

So yesterday while going through my newsfeed on Facebook one of my friends posted a status update that essentially reflected a Gasp. Her: “Oh my, Gucci has a groupon? LV would never and I mean never do that!” Honestly I thought she was kidding until I opened up my Groupon app and saw the following with my own two eyes…

There Gucci was being bought and purchased like a $25 mani-pedi at an area spa. While I am not an individual who lives and breathes labels, I found it quite interesting that an uber exclusive label such as Gucci would be slanging their goods on Groupon like a Saturday beauty shop booster. I honestly wonder does this type of exposure take away from the exclusiveness of the brand or was this just a way to move some bags that for obvious reason were not selling. Let’s face it, these bags are not really that fly, if these bags were cute I’m sure these bags would have been on someone’s arm instead of on Groupon.

What are your thoughts on Gucci’s Groupon debut?

Good Hair with Rihanna

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:23:29 -0500

When it comes to hair, Rihanna has nearly done it all! She has been short, long, red, black, shaved, bob’d, layered and faded. Never boring Rihanna is one of the most experimental celebs in the universe when it comes to her hair. This chick inspired a movement, where women around the country went under the scissors to get their very own version of the “Rihanna” cut. Even I hoped on the bandwagon for a year and half long stint with one of the most the versatile hair cuts ever.

Of all the celeb’s, Rihanna manages to keep her hair fun and interesting. She doesn’t stick around in one look for too long. Right when your thinking I’m over it Rihanna has already switched it up.

Just recently after one of her long hair stints Rihanna has decided to revisit the short side. She showed up to the MTV Music Video awards sporting this uber short sexy pixie cut.

With Fall approaching and Winter bound to rear it’s frosty head, I’m sure Rihanna’s has a few more hair tricks under her sleeve.

Fashion's Night Out Chicago

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:24:01 -0500

It’s that time of year again, that time of year when beauties and fashion geeks come together for a night of schmoozing, boozing and of course shopping. According to fashionsnightout.com it “is an unprecedented global initiative created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy during the recession, and put the fun back in shopping! In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York.”

TimeOut Chicago and Racked Chicago has compiled a list of the happenings for this year’s events here in the city. From the looks of things, Chicago’s Water Tower Place is looking rather promising, check out the links to plan your fun filled evening.

Good Hair with K. Michelle

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 07:26:22 -0500

Any of you who watched the Atlanta edition of Love and Hip Hop knows that singer K. Michelle has had more hairstyles than Beyonce has wardrobe changes during a single concert performance. Averaging 3-5 different hair styles per episode, it’s probably safe to say that K. has broken the record for the most hairstyles in a single televised episode.

We adore that K. is a risk taker and we also love that she changes her hair up at the drop of a dime. The end of this season’s Love and Hip Hop hasn’t stopped K from changing up her locs, just Sunday night K. tweeted “Loving my new hair.”

We LOVE it too K.!

Glam or HAM...Dianna Ross Throwback

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:55:56 -0500

Celebs love recreating the looks of other iconic famous folks that have come before them. Today we have the original boss Ms. Dianna Ross.

It appears that both Solange and Kim Kardashian have been inspired to recreate the look of this iconic beauty by don’n epic sized hair, monster lashes oozing with swag!

So tell us, are these ladies GLAM or HAM?

Kanye’s love of fashion goes so deep that he takes time...

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:21:00 -0500

Kanye’s love of fashion goes so deep that he takes time out of his day to bring Kim up to speed. How would you feel if your BF wanted to go through your closet?

Leather Goods

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:24:00 -0500

I am totally obsessed with the idea of all leather EVERYTHING!! While I know that I’m destined for greatness I’m pretty sure I’m destined to wear leather this year and beyond. I have put together a few looks to inspire you to add some leather to your wardrobe.

First up the leather pant, honestly I can’t wait to get a pair of these to rock with my vintage fur. The very thought of it is sending chills down my spine! Leather in itself is uber sexy, but in pants form there is something so tough and cutting edge about it.

Leather Goods by theglamspot featuring spiked pumps

This fun flirty leather skirt is a feminine look with tons of attitude.

Leather Goods by theglamspot featuring yellow gold hoop earrings

Outside the leather pants this leather dress is among my list of MUST HAVES! This dress is classy, sexy and rough around the edges!

Leather Goods by theglamspot featuring high heels

Will you be adding any leather to your wardrobe this Fall/Winter?

Heavy Metal

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:43:00 -0500

My love for metallics exceeds above everything that is fashion and beauty. Over the years I have found metallics to be a fun yet bold member of the neutral family. As a matter of fact metallics are not just for special occasion but one could even find ways to sneak it into an everyday kind of setting.

Below I have created 3 fun options, you may be inspired by them in their entirety or you could even choose individual pieces. Whatever you decide, we can all agree metallics have a place in every girls closet!

Heavy Metal by theglamspot featuring clutch handbags

Good Hair with Taraji P. Henson

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:26:00 -0500

That moment when you find that perfect hairstyle, well that is just what happened to Taraji P. Henson when she cut her hair into the ever classic bob. This beauty’s bob has been been giving me life ever since! While the bob is classic and chic it also manages to deliver a cutting edge look. In my opinon ever woman in the universe should have her hair cut into a bob at least once in her lifetime.

I’m pretty sure that most will agree they have never seen anyone that didn’t work a fierce bob!

12 Better Than Faux Handbags

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:41:00 -0500

There are two fakes that I absolutely can’t stand…the first one being fake people and the second is the often duplicated less than fabulous faux handbag. Just last week while out and about in the city of Chicago I bared witness to several faux handbag sightings. Bags lacking supreme craftsmanship, shoddy leather in styles never dreamed of by luxury designers. While people are out here faking it till they make it they could just be doing them and keeping things cute with a fly bag for about the same or a fraction of the cost.

I have put together 12 handbag options $100 and below that I believe are a better than any faux handbag trotting the streets!

There’s no need to “fake it till you make it” with these glamorous options.

12 Better than Faux Handbag Options by theglamspot featuring river island

thefashionbomb: Understood?

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:33:47 -0500

thefashionbomb:

Understood?