Finally - My Latest Beauty Secrets

I get tagged quite often, and I am a turrible knucklehead about responding in kind. I don’t mean to be a jerk, I just get super busy and overwhelmed and before I know it, a month has gone by, then two, then three… and then ah forget it. But not this time! My friend in cocktails, Christina of E Beauty Daily, tagged me about a month ago in the perfect kind of meme for a product addicted bella like yours truly. Without further ado, here are my freshest beauty faves — quite a few of which are products I haven’t had a chance to review yet!

My Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: I was stuck on Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation for a while there.. then I wandered into Sephora with Mama Bella. A very friendly saleslady made us out for the ripe targets we were, and proceeded to give me an unrequested makeover using Benefit’s Play Sticks (my shade? Teeter Totter). I had to buy it. And Mama Bella bought TWO! The reviews over at Makeup Alley are mixed, but this cream stick foundation works great for me as a spot concealer. I blend with my fingers (or a wedge sponge), dust with the aforementioned Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation and I’m GTG.

My Mascara: Oh boy. Or as my mom sometimes says, boysie kapoizie. I have an array of mascaras to choose from, and I switch it up on the regular… but my current favorite for day is Lash Blast, but for evening drama… I’m really digging Prescriptives Plush False Eyelashes mascara of late. It gives you that bold, thick, lash drama without any mess.

My Blush: I am currently obsessed with NARS Orgasm, and like Chrisette Michele, I prefer to use two shades — so Orgasm and b.l.a.c minerals’ toasty. Just a teeny bit really gives my cheeks a delicious glow.

My Eye Shadow: No pigment stands out better on my skin than MAC. I can’t deny it. When I use shadow, I invariably return to MAC. But I do love Urban Decay’s range of colors, and you know what — Make Up For Ever makes a fine Star Powder that I adore as well.

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The Best of Best of the Best

On Sunday, I succumbed completely to reggae fever. My husband and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary at Best of the Best, the biggest dancehall reggae festival in America. And as you can see, I went decked out in Rasta colored resplendence.

I’m rockin’ those Reggaelicious hoop earrings, and some big faux designer sunglasses, because I sweated off all my eyeshadow. Oh, and don’t ask me what that pose is — I’ve got my rum and coke in hand and was having a whole lotta fun, so I have no explanation.

Like my shirt? It’s made by G*ology, a fresh teeshirt line out of England designed by Gabrielle Smith. These are men’s tees, so I modified mine using tips from Generation T: 108 Ways to Modify a T-Shirt, a pretty handy book written by Megan Nicolay. G*ology has other afrobella friendly shirts — do you not love the sassy “My Afro Is Too Big For This Tiara” tee? I do. Go ‘head, Gabi!

If you want a lengthy review of the concert, here’s a brilliant and detailed one by Esther Park. I agree with quite a bit of what she said — and as an oft-conflicted fan of dancehall music, I’d like to say that I was really happy that none of the artists used the stage to incite any messages of violence or hate. I’ve seen it happen at past concerts, and it’s made me actually leave a show before. But this year’s Best of the Best had positive vibes. The atmosphere was truly celebratory and lovely. Several of the artists sang about Barack Obama, and the pride his candidacy makes them feel. One of my new favorite artists, Tarrus Riley, did an improvised song about America having its first black president, and it warmed my heart to see so many island people waving their flags and applauding the prospect.

I will say, I’ve seen several of the performers before, and I’ve seen them put on better shows — Buju in particular left me a little disappointed. But I’m just biased, because I was hoping for a more mellow Til Shiloh type of set, and Buju was in a dancehall frame of mind. He opened with Me and Oonu, so if you’re a fan you know the kind of speed his set started off with. He slowed down eventually and did a range of his classic material — from How The World a Run to Driver A (which I adore). Machel Montano made flags fly, and Sizzla Kolanji did a tremendous set, delivering 15 minutes of pure fire. Yes — 15 minutes was all the time he had, because of time constraints and scheduling issues. As much as I agreed with Esther’s review, to me the absolute highlight of the whole show was Barrington Levy. Longtime readers might remember, I’m a big, big fan. I already knew I was in for an experience, and I got what I came for. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand. His voice rings out strong and true, and he’s all about interactivity. He hardly sang a word of Too Experienced — we all sang lustily, word for word. It was a beautiful, blessed moment, with the sun setting in the background. We loved it.

Barrington delivered a barrage of hits, and he granted my husband’s wish — all he wanted was to hear that skiddly-waddily-iddily-diddily-diddily-whoa-oh-oh live and in person. And he got his wish and then some. I wish there was good live footage from the show, but in lieu of that, there’s this. Live Barrington from the Bongidae festival in 2005. This is Murderer.

I hope Barrington comes back for next year’s show!

All in all, it was a great experience, filled with island pride, good food, gorgeous weather, and wicked live music. If you’re a fan of reggae music, definitely make the trek to Miami next year — this show is worth it.

Worth a Click — and finally, the Creme of Nature giveaway winners!

“When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I say is ‘Thank you for waking me up this morning.’ Then I look in the mirror and say, ‘You are beautiful!’ The third thing I say is, ‘I am going to have a fantastic day!’”

This is why I love Andre J, better known to Crunk & Disorderly readers as Gaymonn. I absolutely admire his unflappable joie de vivre. And I love the photos on NY Photo Forum.

Beauty blog superstar Tia Williams recently released her latest book, Sixteen Candles! Tia is truly an inspiration to me (and so many other beauty bloggers out there) — not only is she blazing trails with fun, clever young adult literature, but she co-wrote one of my bona fide go-to beauty bibles, Iman’s The Beauty of Color. If you’ve got a young adult in your life, click here to pick up some summer reading material for them.

And speaking of fabulous beauty bloggers… congratulations to the wonderful All About The Pretty, for winning Total Beauty’s Best Beauty Reporting Award! I love her blog.

Racialicious is one of my favorite blogs out there, and they’ve been doing amazing stuff of late. Now they’ve been collaborating with one of my favorite fashion blogs, Make Fetch Happen. Both blogs are really excellently written, thoughtful, and smart. I learn so much from Latoya, Carmen, and Brigitte.

Click here to read their take on Liya Kebede’s latest “exotic” Vogue fashion shoot, and click here to see a complete slide show of images.

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Fashion Mission — Bright Yellow Top

I am obsessed. I’ve been daydreaming about it. The perfect bright yellow tee, at the perfect affordable price.

Let’s be real here — money is tight and times are hard. I wish I had $500 to just blow on the hot new trends, but I don’t. Not if I want to pay for gas and bills and all of the not-so-fun necessities of life. So I am allowing myself a few spring/summer staples, and to follow up on my adapted Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style List, I need to look fly on a budget. Some of you might recall, I recently ordered some items from Kiyonna — a dress for a wedding, and a pair of shorts. The shorts weren’t gonna cut it. Too tight, didn’t look cute… still looking for the perfect summer shorts, and I strongly suspect I won’t find them online. This needs to be a try-on-in-store purchase. But the dress fit like a charm, and was quite flattering once I jazzed it up with jewelry — I splurged on a gorgeous aquamarine lariat necklace from Innasense Gems, a store in the east village (I think). The price was right and the jewelry is gorgeous, but methinks their website is broken. Does it load up properly for you? Probably not. If you’re wandering through the village anywhere near Christopher and Bleecker, stop by — you’re in the neighborhood. And their stuff is amazing, I seriously wanted to buy everything.

Back to my full figured fashion review — overall, the Kiyonna experience was favorable… watch yourself if you tend to linger before sending back an item, they won’t accept a return if it’s been a month since the date of purchase. But here’s my real beef with Kiyonna. Their designs are simple and flattering, but I think the prices are inflated. Feel free to jump in and correct me, if I’m wrong. The Hamptons Surplice Tee is exactly what I’m looking for, but it’s $56! Which is more than enough to make me question whether or not I really need it. (answer — I don’t.) I’d look divine in this yellow top, but you know what else I’d look divine in? A plane, on the way to Paris. Or a house of my own. Or a car that’s been completely paid for. I’m trying to be thrifty here, and blowing $60 for a cute teeshirt isn’t the way forward.

So I planned to compromise with my fashion sense by getting this cotton/Modal smocked tank top from Old Navy. It’s $15 on sale, and I can work it with a cute cardigan over it for work. Then one of my favorite style bloggers, Sylvia of I Like Her Style, recently highlighted plus-size destination Size Appeal, and most specifically, this adorable Alice in Yellow top for $29. Light fabric, breezy v-neck design… I like it! And it’s extremely similar to the Kiyonna shirt, for half the price. Ladies, Size Appeal definitely has cute, summery clothes at an array of prices. Well worth checking out. Have any of you ordered from them? Was the experience worthwhile? Please let me know.

For now, I already found MY perfect yellow shirt — it’s sunshine bright, soft jersey, short sleeves, square neckline with has some ruching at the front bustline that looked weird on the rack but was extremely flattering on me. Sadly, I don’t have a photo of it yet - I just got it this week, and I can’t even find a website by the designer! But just so my plus size bellas can be on the lookout, I keep finding these super cute, very flattering tees by Derek Heart designs — here’s a link to some other tops by this designer on Overstock, Amazon, and on Kohl’s. All I know is, Derek Heart is apparently a juniors plus size designer whose garments eventually get sold in discount fashion stores like Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, and Ross, which is where I found my perfect yellow shirt. For less than $10!!! Love that. I’ve had more than a few amigas clown on me for my regular Ross shopping sprees, but you know what — I keep going back because I always find cute, affordable tops there. And they just expanded their women’s plus department. No shame in my cheap shopping game.

Have you been on a fashion mission lately? What have you been searching for, bella? Tell me!

Summer Footwear, Having a Blast

Too much politics gets me down, bellas. Time to lighten up with a shoe post!

I don’t know how the weather is where you’re living, but for me in Miami, it feels like summer already. It isn’t quite at the point where I feel like I’m melting as soon as I open the door to leave my house, but we’re just around the corner. Summer in Miami is hot, sticky, and almost unbearable. (Don’t get me started on hurricane season, I’m nervous about this year). To combat the humidity and oven-like temperatures, you’ve got to dress like a native. Think light, flowy fabrics — linen is great. And flip-flops and comfortable shoes that breathe are a must! Here’s some of the sweet summertime shoes I’ve been spying.

My shoes of the Summer? I adore these toe strap flip flops from Old Navy. You might look at these and wonder, are they as comfortable as regular flip flops? I say yes. Actually, for me they’re even more comfortable. I’ve had chic cloth flip flops that basically cut the thin and delicate skin between my toes before. These won’t do that. When I first got them it took some getting used to, but now I am definitely planning on purchasing a second pair. Why? Because they’re chic — I’ve gotten quite a few compliments and questions on them — comfy, and just $5!! Holla! I currently own a pair in basic gray, but my second pair will definitely be one of the multicolored pairs. Love those.

I’ve been a fan of mary janes for as long as I can remember. Don’t interpret that illegally — I’m talking about shoes here! I rock a pair of mary janes at least three times a week. I’m a flats-only lady (OK, maaaybe you might catch me in a kitten heel at a party). They’re cute, funky, sometimes clunky, and always in fashion, if you ask me. My current favorite mary jane shoes are Crocs. Yeah, you heard right. Crocs!

I resisted them for so long. I still think the big Crocs are crazy ugly — it’s one thing to see a cute little kid in bright orange or pink clunkers, but for a woman like me… not so much. I’m sure they’re comfortable, but they didn’t appeal to me. I actually didn’t get the appeal of Crocs until I laid my eyes on Alice. Now these, I could wear! The Alice crocs are low-key, comfortable as you can imagine, and come in a slim-fitting style that goes great with jeans, skirts, whatever your fancy.
I finally get the appeal of Crocs — they are perfect for beach, outdoors, an afternoon stroll… they’re just really easy slip-on shoes. One word to the wise — take your time to make sure they’re the perfect size for you. I thought the 10’s were too big, so I got a 9 instead… and they are definitely super snug. They’re meant to be a bit big, I think — to let your foot breathe to the max. So my next pair will be in the right size, and I won’t question the Crocmeisters. (My next pair might be those Adara cross front flip flops. Tres chic! And for my ladies who love heels, did you know Crocs cyprus are the first high heels made by the popular brand? They’re kinda cute, no? I don’t wear heels, but I’d love to hear from any of you bellas who have tried these. Are they as comfy as you’d hope they would be?)

I saw these on My Air Shoes and flipped out! I have loved Reeboks with the straps for years upon years. These are the Milkfed Reebok Freestyles, created in honor of the Reebok Freestyle’s 25th anniversary. I love the pastel brightness of these — they make me want to get outfits to match! Yes, I am a dork like that. These shoes are super fun, and take me back to being 9 years old and absolutely dying to have a pair of high top Reeboks to wear to school. These make me want to jump rope and play hopscotch again. I want these just for the retro value, but I haven’t found a price point just yet… so for now, I’ll admire from afar. Did any of you own Reebok freestyles back in the day? Reminisce with me!

Which will be your shoes of the summer? Do you have any sandals or flip flops you absolutely can’t do without? Share!

The Downside of Online Shopping

So this is a quick follow-up from my Worth a Click fashion post from a few weeks ago… I bought my first items from Kiyonna, and the experience totally underscored why I prefer to shop in person, rather than online. I got these shorts in chocolate brown, and yeah… I’m gonna be sending those back ASAP. Sizes apparently run a bit smaller than I’m used to at Kiyonna. Still looking for those perfect summer shorts, and I’m gonna trade these in for one of those fabulous daffodil yellow tees I mentioned before.

And I bought this dress, which is cute and comfortable, but it didn’t wow me right away like I thought it would. The sleeves aren’t as kimono as I expected, and to take it from understated to amazing, I’ll be needing to purchase some kind of fabulous necklace to kick it up a notch. But here’s the thing —
I bought this dress because I’m going to a wedding this Sunday and it’s the kind of event where there may be some haters to the left if you catch my drift. I want to really look stunning and work it for all it’s worth. My options are…

1. get the aforementioned necklace or pendant and just rock the dress with my head held high,

or 2. Get a new dress that will do the job, ASAP.

I’m leaning towards option #2. And as luck would have it, I’m actually heading to NYC for a fleeting, fleeting trip this weekend, so I need advice from my gorgeous full figured bellas who live in NYC! Where should I go to get the dress of my dreams?

I’ve been doing some research, and I think it’s between Salon Z at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Monif C, which is on W. 38th St. (I’m staying on the upper East side, so I have no idea how far away either place is). I’m not sure I’ll have enough time to shop at both stores, so any input to aid in my decision making would be much appreciated. Monif C looks like the kind of store I’ve been dreaming of — OMG I love this dress! But I wasn’t planning to spend more than $200. I actually wanted to spend like $150, tops.

Help me, bellas! You’re my only hope. Where should I shop when I head to the Big Apple?

Worth a Click

I’ll take “self-inflicted political scandals for $800, Alex.”

Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up! Or… maybe you can? What an utterly insane campaign season this is proving to be. And I really don’t mean to needle any Clinton supporters who read Afrobella — at one time, I too admired her simply for her intelligence and capability even though she was never my candidate of choice. But as the campaign wore on, my disdain for her tactics grew stronger. And now here we are, with Sinbad of all people, at the epicenter of an unraveled, repeatedly-told lie. Comedians, bloggers, and news anchors are having a field day. I’m not wading into the campaign waters any deeper than this for right now, y’all. I’m just saying, the iron is sizzling for a Sinbad comeback! I just want to see him on like, the Colbert Report this week or something. And strangely enough, when my brother in Trinidad mentioned Sinbad during my Earth Wind and Fire music post of last week Thursday, I was like…. man, SINBAD! I haven’t thought of that brotha in FOREVER. Flash forward a week and he’s on the news every night. Strange.

My days of being “the tall girl” ended when I was oh, eleven or twelve. Then I became the average-height girl. But I was still able to identify with Life as a Tall Girl, an essay written by University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh senior Rebecca Thomas. She’s 6 foot 4, and has always attracted gasps and stares from obnoxious onlookers. “I often wish people weren’t so rude. How can they act so unabashedly shocked when they see someone who is different from them? And I’ve got it easy; I’m a minority only in the sense of height. I can only imagine how those under the burden of a group prejudice based on their race or religion must feel. I like to think that those who have insulted me didn’t intend to. I do believe that most people are basically good, but they can be insensitive,” she says. Finally, she’s wearing her height with the regal bearing it demands. “In fact, sometimes I wear heels. Just to make them look twice,” she adds.

Go ‘head, Rebecca! I found her story to be inspiring, and maybe you will too. In somewhat similar news, the world’s tallest man just got a new bicycle! Totally random, but I love to know about the lives of Guinness World Record holders.

I always welcome an opportunity to be a part of the News and Notes bloggers’ roundtable, but alas, I was sick this weekend and had to back out on Monday. Monday’s discourse focused on Obama’s marvelous speech, the website Stuff White People Like (which yes — is a classic, lazy, con-job, but an oft-hilarious one, IMO), and Kwame Kilpatrick’s indictment on perjury charges. If there could be a soundtrack to this indictment, might I suggest Radiohead’s Just? You did it to yourself, Kwame. You and no one else. Can’t blame the media for everything.

Even though I still think of this as a quote-unquote beauty blog, sometimes I get political on Afrobella. OK, often. Maybe too often. Especially recently. But sometimes I prefer to keep things light and positive, cause truth be told, too much politics makes my blood boil. So in the interest of keeping things relatively light, I’m just going to address this burning political fire in my belly real quick then get back to the calming seas of beauty and style.

This weekend, I wound up in one of those conversations where you can’t lose your cool. You know — you’re at the office, or in a doctor’s waiting room, or at a social event where you’re required to keep the polite face on… then someone goes and says the thing that just gets under your fingernails the deepest. I wound up in a doozy this weekend, filled with gems like, “I just don’t like Obama because he’s a Muslim and attended a madrassa,” and “President Bush was right to invade Iraq.” Anyone who knows me, knows how hard it must have been for me to respond to inflammatory statements such as these without raising my voice and my pressure. But I’m proud to say, I did neither. I implored with the ignorant party to educate themselves, I pointed them in the direction of the Obama Fact Check — note, not to be confused with the LOL-worthy The Obama Facts. Regarding the issue of President Bush, I wish I had told this person to see PBS Frontline’s special series, Bush’s War. Exhaustively reported. Unflinchingly examined. It should be required viewing for anyone still driving around with a W sticker on their car. Be forewarned — as this Reuters review would indicate, “the level of incompetence uncovered by “Frontline” is stunning.” And if you feel like I do, it’ll make you mad as hell.

Whew. I need to cool down with some fashion. How’s about a giveaway?

I love funky jewelry, I love indie designers, and I love shouting out blossoming businesses. So when singer, songwriter, artist, and jewelry designer Rhonda Ray contacted me about her banging earrings, I was excited. Rhonda’s taken this natural hair thing to a whole new level. She even wrote a song about it! Like to hear it? Here it goes. It’s Afrolicious!

Besides banging out beats and tunes, Rhonda weaves some magically beautiful earrings. I absolutely love them! They are meant to ideally compliment a big fabulous fro. I’ve been rocking the reggaelicious hoops, and I also got a gorgeous pair of pear earrings in her “lavender dreams” color range (which is so Pisces, so soft, so my favorite calming colors). Rhonda’s earrings cost $20, and if you buy three pairs, you can get a free Afrolicious tank top with her fetching logo on it. Or, you can enter this here giveaway and possibly win a pair of Afrolicious earrings for free!

Rhonda has graciously made these five earrings for Afrobella readers. Do you want a pair? Do you, bella? Well then, you know the drill, it’s totally random. Just leave me a comment that begins with the phrase, “I’m totally afrolicious!” And tell me (and Rhonda Ray!) why you deserve to rock these fly hand-woven earrings. And make sure to visit Rhonda Ray’s site and show her some love!

I’ll close these comments by Saturday. Good luck, my afrolicious afrobellas!

Worth A Click

Here’s a random assortment of the Afrobella-related issues I’ve been meaning to address…

One Door Opens Where Another Door Closes —

Today at 1 p.m., New York Governor Designate David Paterson will be sworn in before the State Legislator, effectively ending Eliot Spitzer’s in-office shame spiral. Thus far, the result of this whole incident has been history-making — Paterson will be the first African-American governor of New York, and only the fourth African-American governor of a U.S. state in history. He is legally blind, and is also an unwavering Clinton supporter. In the whirlwind of scandal, life is about to change dramatically for him and his family, and the burdens of responsibility will be placed squarely on his capable, well-respected shoulders. Congratulations to Governor Paterson! Here’s hoping he’s steeled himself for a strong dose of overnight political celebrity, and the scrutiny that’s bound to come with that. He certainly seems to be the best man for the job right now.

Spring Shopping Spree

Having just turned one-year-closer-to-the-big-three-o, I’m having all kinds of swirling emotions about this new age I’ve found myself at. It’s all expressing itself as a deep burning need for a fabulous new wardrobe. Will all of my age crises manifest themselves this way? Lane Bryant hopes so!

I have such a love/hate relationship with the LB. One one hand, I completely agree with Too Fat For Fashion (love that blog!), LB seems to specialize in loud prints, muumuu shaped tent tops, and generally uninspiring dresses and shirts — the kind of thing I’ve sworn not to wear. But on the other hand, their wide leg pants (like these) are incredibly flattering, and make for a great, effortless day-to-evening wardrobe staple. (Has anyone tried the Secret Slimmer pants? Are they worth the money?) Lane Bryant does basics pretty decently, and these days, I’m all about the basics. Oh, and BTW, LB’s currently hosting the “Closet of Your Dreams” sweepstakes, and if you enter you could win a closet makeover by ClosetMaid (valued at $2,500), a Lane Bryant wardrobe (valued at $2,500), and help from a personal shopper. Click here for details.

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Worth a Click — Unique Chic

You know my style by now — I love clothes, accessories, and shoes that are both classic and quirky, funky and functional items that come from smaller boutique businesses. I’ve been keeping an eye out for the kinds of fly items any afrobella would love to get in a heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day. Here you go!

I love wearing something that absolutely nobody else owns. And Melissa Laine Scotton’s School Shoes are exactly what I’m talking about. Vans = classic, and her amazing handpainting skills = quirky, unique, and super fresh. I discovered her through Fly (duh! Fly is my go-to blog for the coolest fashion and design trends!). Melissa is a designer and illustrator who has done some amazing snowboard gear for the likes of Roxy and Grenade Gloves. Now she’s getting her MFA in Graphic Design, and selling School Shoes to pay her way through. I love the mermaid and the peacock pairs the most. So cool! They go for around $120 each, $135 for a custom job on your Vans of choice. And please allow me to directly address my husband on this point — purple customized Vans = perfect present, plzthxluvyabye.

Missbruno’s My So Called Scarf collection is like straight-up art for your neck. The U-Carmen is fierce — bright orange stretch cotton with snakeskin on the ends. (I hope that’s fakeskin. Is it, missbruno?) Sketches in Dakar is a dramatic Indian cotton neck bracelet, and it takes a fly, flamboyant bella to pull that look off. If you’ve got the flair for it, go on and work it. They range from $220 to $40.

While trying to twist my hair up into an updo last week, I snapped an octopus clip in half. In half! And those clips are supposed to be made to capture curls, too. My hair is strong and wild and it needs a capable yet distinctive accessory to hold it together. That’s why I’m so psyched about Tomoka’s Twists — such a simple, beautiful accessory for afrobellas everywhere! Being an all natural bella herself, the designer knows that our texture requires a strong accessory, but one that still feels comfortable to wear. The copper wire used in Tomoka’s Twists is pliable enough that it can be used to form a high afro puff (which was Tomoka’s original intent), and ladies with thick locks can use the twists to pull them back into a neatly regal ponytail or updo. I’ve been rocking the Ivory Tower to work this week, and so many people asked me about it! There’s something about a tall, swept back afro puff that’s elegantly adorned that definitely attracts positive attention. If you’ve got something to say, Tomoka’s Twists also features an alphabet line, featuring phrases like “good hair” and “natty girl.” Prices range from $12 for just a twist, to $20 for a complete set with earrings to match.

Speaking of earrings, I love the hoops sold by Goddess Zuri! The philosophy behind the teeshirt and accessory line is Declare Your Natural Beauty. So you know I’m all about it! Goddess Zuri has some cool tees, some are bold statements, some are funny and a little naughty. They go well with their awesome earrings, which are made with beads from India, West Africa, and Thailand, among other places. A fabulous natural ‘do + bold, big earrings = instant fashion do, and effortless look-at-me-I’m-so-fly style. Love it.

You know who else has look-at-me-I’m-so-fly style? Santogold. Santi White has been a part of the black rock scene for more than a minute, but she’s starting to get a lot of more mainstream attention now. I just saw a feature on her in the latest issue of Bust, and she was recently named an artist to watch in Rolling Stone.

I love The Creator, but I think it’s very MIA + Bjork’s Army of Me. I’m sure Santi’s sick of hearing that, but it’s true. Shove It is my favorite song of hers — hear it on her official MySpace. It’s fabulously dubby and trippy, and the lyrics are heavy. Her song Find a Way is my JAM. Hope you dig it like I do, but be forewarned — this is a quirky, different, futuristic groove. Can’t beat that bass.

psst… for a free Santogold/Spank Rock download, hit up the ever-funky Undercover Black Man. Hope you like what you hear!

Happy Thursday! Look out weekend, here I come!