Karmin

Video: Sh*t "Concious" Black People Say

2012-01-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

Out of all the "Sh*t ___ people Say" series that's impacted the internet thus far, this video has got to be BY FAR the most accurate when it comes to Black people and African Americans. It's crazy, I totally agree with everything that they are being satirical about because there are so many individuals playing "righteous", calling everyone their brothers, sisters, kings, and queens, but when Rack City comes on, you know all the words?! Too funny. Nobody's perfect, but don't play this role if you're really not about it!

Opportunities Pouring In

2012-01-26T16:22:00.000-08:00

I love my life. Strive for what's right and what's true to you, and you will be highly blessed!

(photo credit: photog: jamilsmithphotography.com ~ stylist: charleseantoinette.com )

Experience and Thoughts: Modeling

2011-12-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

(Photo Credits: www.joshfarria.com)

I think it's all about persistence. If you really want something bad enough, you can get it. I was listening to a sermon the other day, and the pastor said "There is no such thing as 'Oh, If it weren't meant to be, it wasn't meant to be.' God likes persistence. If you keep praying to God you want something so bad, he'll make a way for you to have it." I've dibble-dabbled on the idea of modeling for a long time not sure if I'd fit the trend agencies are looking for now a days, or knowing if I was even passionate about it. I think praying to God about finding your passion is the only way it can really come to light. I used to question it, but I think questioning yourself is the first mistake you'll ever make.

I'm happy to say that I have tried and failed when it came to a few ideas I've had, and that only pushes me to get back up and dust myself off with vengeance (lol love that word). I've been blessed with a few opportunities to shoot with amazing people who see the light that I've seen and had yet to see in myself, so I'm ever so grateful for that. I'm just going to keep trying until I get where I want to be.

Experience: To Leave, or Not To Leave? That is the Question

2011-11-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

A lot of people including myself have been in a relationship where we felt we were mistreated and taken advantage of. It's one thing to get up and say "I've had enough," but when your emotions get entangled into what you and that other person have had and shared, it's hard to muster up the strength to call it quits. I've been there, done that, and the results have been extremely rewarding. You begin to realize that time alone allows you to create your own hidden force field keeping out what you won't put up with, and keep in what's true to yourself.

I think what probably worries people in my generation is the thought focused around what others may think about the situation. I can't lie, I used to hate the fact that my ex and I hung around pretty much the same circle. If you had a public relationship, meaning you broadcast you and your companions love life, then things can get tricky. You may feel like you can't go anywhere without seeing him/her or the person's friends and feel like you want to get away. All in all, you have to weigh out what's worse; self-imagined social embarrassment or a crappy relationship?
This is where I include this next clip. We should all know exactly who Amber Rose is and that she dated Kanye West and is currently with rapper Wiz Khalifa. Amber Rose was invited on the Wendy Williams show where she was asked questions about (dun dun dun) her relationship with Kanye West.
A lot of people look at Amber Rose and have their own thoughts about her (I happen to respect the woman), and base a lot of their opinions off of what they see or hear on the tabloids. Regardless of what you may think about her, you should keep in mind that she's only human, and role model or not, she KNOWS what's best for her. Anyways, enough reading, here's a great clip and earful of Amber Rose's perspective on how her past relationship helped her move on and meet who she claims is the love of her life <3

Experience: Just USE and ABUSE

2011-11-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, I think the use of the internet has been used and abused! I mean, we have great social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace (not that anybody uses it) and now Tumblr, where we are all supposed to come together as one and sing "KUMBAYA" like its no big deal,

right?

Wrong. Social networking sites have gotten way out of hand. Yea, they can rekindle that old flame you had back in elementary school, re-unite you with a long last family member/friend, but lets keep it real! Hearing the negative outweigh the positive when it comes to the internet is DEFINITELY a trend for us, ESPECIALLY with our generation!

I mean, this stuff gets addicting, you got tumblr and twitter which is like text and pictures on steroids. The more you follow and get followed back makes you feel obligated to be in "the know," meaning you gotta figure out whats new, whats hot and whats not, what to be on top of and most of all (ding ding ding) HOW TO BE DIFFERENT from everyone else.

You can sit back and tell yourself "it's not that serious," but the last time I checked, EVERYBODY wants to get noticed for something. Who doesn't want to stand out? Look different? Be KNOWN for something that they do? Whether it be a singer or a nurse, I mean it's one thing to be in the so-called norm, but everyone likes to have their little twist to things making them somewhat an "individual".

Ok so what's the point I'm trying to make? Well, I wish more people tried to really be themselves. It sounds easy, but when you think about it, everyone is like a carbon copy of somebody else. I can't front, sometimes I may look like or act like somebody else to you. I always think about my parents who had maybe one television in their homes growing up, but who's style could they really jock? Not many. A lot of that stuff was original, and now I really think people lack originality these days thanks to the world wide web folks! We've become a materialistic generation only making two dollars an hour, and we are far less independent than any generation before us! I mean we still depend on our parents for crying out loud, but we want the best because so and so has it too.

Like I said, these are just opinions of mine that do NOT really matter anyways, but I think I pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one. Turn off a tv for once, shut down twitter for more than an hour and sit back and relax and be in the moment. Talk to your mom, dad or whoever else is in the same room because you'll never known when they'll disappear. Cut out these addictions, and take time to yourself, and don't deny it, just do it!

Style: Black Faux Fur Coat on MyDearVintage.com

2011-11-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

So I happen to follow this young lady that goes by the name of @mydearvintage on twitter who sells a few great finds she scours the earth for. I just posted my first "Frugal Girl" post thinking "there's not too many times you come across a cheap faux fur coat in such good condition", but voila, to my surprise, she's selling one for under 30 bucks and I mean c'mon, you just can't beat that. You can't even walk into Macys with two"50% off" coupons thinking you'll find something this cute for THIS cheap!

I love it, and if I didn't have one so similar I'd buy it, but you guys should jump to the chance before I do and look at the other pieces she has to offer as well!
mydearvintage.com

Frugal Girl #1 Quickie: Racks on Racks and a Faux Jacket

2011-11-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hi guys, so this is my FIRST of many to come "Frugal Girl" posts. I was messing around with the iPhone app called "8mm", it's pretty cool and lets you record videos on a couple different settings similar to an original 8mm film camera. I decided to test it out on my first frugal girl post by showing you guys two awesome buys I recently found in a nearby thrift store.

For the longest, I've been in dire need of a shoe rack for my closet and so I ventured to Bed Bath Beyond thinking I'd find one at a decent price ($45.99?!) but nope, I wasn't happy with what I saw and decided to just give up for the time being.
Until I got hungry. So I stopped around the corner at some sandwich spot and saw this thrift store I never saw before in my entire time of living in my area, so I went inside and found the PERFECT shoe rack! It's metal, expandable to fit at least 15 shoes on both top and bottom racks and it was only $3!!! Such a good buy.
Next I couldn't help but float around the place, and I also laid eyes on this black faux fur coat for only $17!!!
Thrifting is always good when you find something you love!

Experience the iPhone Confessionals

2011-10-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

So a couple of months ago, I got the idea that I wanted to get to know the people in my area. I knew there were a lot of creative personalities, so I just wanted to get to know who they are, what they do, and what makes gets them motivated. I interview people that I know and don't know well and what's cool about these interviews are that they are recorded via my iPhone, so I guess the interview felt overall informal as opposed to a more serious dslr, light-shining-in-the-face approach.

In the beginning, I was kind of all over the place with my questioning because I didn't know where I was going with this whole idea, I even added unexpected but funny questions at the same time, but I promise that in the next features, things will be a lot more organized. Here are a few examples of how my interviews turned out!

In the future, I want to record mini jam out sessions, interview future teachers, doctors, just so I get to grasp a little idea of where our generation is headed! If you would like to be interviewed because you have something awesome to share, please feel free to email me at
iamkarmin@gmail.com!
Please don't be shy! I'm willing to promote anyone who's trying to make a difference with their craft or ideas because everyone can learn a lesson from anybody!

Magic?

2011-10-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

A mutual friend of ours Dina Dyme, which also happens to be an amazing make-up artist recently tweeted the new promo video for Dermablend I wasn't quite sure what to expect as the video commenced when I saw an angry man with piercings on his face, and then the magic unfolded and completely took me by surprise!

Without giving too much away about the video, I am a woman with a big, beautiful, colorful tattoo on my upper arm and this product will help me conceal it for certain social events. Some of us of course love our tattoos, but let's face it, they aren't always acceptable to particular people or environments and we wish to conceal them without having to wear jackets and sweaters... so with that being said watch the video!

Sandra G.

Let Me Count the Ways

2011-10-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone, first and foremost I want to thank Karmin for letting me be a contributor to her blog. My name is Sandra G., I am a freelance make-up artist and I am going to try and keep you guys updated on some amazing ideas and techniques on overall beauty and lifestyle. I stumbled upon a great video on one of my favorite blogs I Spy DIY on 25 different ways to wear a scarf, which couldn't have come at a more perfect time because it surely is scarf season and I know everyone wants to wear their accessories fashionably. Enjoy.

Sending you good spirits,

Sandra G.

My Cameo in Tabi Bonney's "Feelin More" Video!

2011-10-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

So a couple months ago, Colin, CEO of Clockwise Clothing thought it'd be a good idea for me to participate in Tabi Bonney's video for the track off his new EP "The Summer Years" titled "Feelin More New", directed by CoolKidsForeverFilms member 6shoota!

When I got there, the set was awesome! I got to see some familiar faces like Reggie Black of Black Collection who I happened to model for on a few occasions, Zewidu aka Nyne of Nyne Lyves, and meet Aziza aka Aziza Original and Tabi Bonney himself!

It was a great experience and not only was I grateful to be apart of the video, I was glad my trusty DISPOSABLE camera got in on the fun too! Here are a few pics from the set and video!

Now here's the finished product! Enjoy the video!!

Books I Recommend: "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie

2011-10-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

(Image Source)

A few of you that know me know that I started my own brand a couple of years ago called "Piece by Karmin." The focus of my brand was foggy, since I really didn't know what I wanted to do with it. I knew that I wanted to revolve it around a good cause, because growing up I acquired the notion that in order to be successful, you must give to get back. What I mean by that, is that it's always great making money but if you don't share your wealth in some shape of form, what can you really be proud of? In my opinion, it's a waste of my time and energy not to do something I think has a purpose, and that is to help people. I realized that I was doing the same things as everyone else in my surroundings and decided that I really need to take a step back and get on the right path.

* Out of the blue, a guy friend of mine told me that he recently had dinner with Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS who just published his first book "Start Something that Matters", a step by step guide for people who want to help other people, start something charitable, or simply find inspiration/passion when starting a business. To be honest, I never even had the desire to buy a pair of TOMS. I thought the shoes were super plain, I didn't know the story behind the business because I thought it was just another guy trying to catch a break by using the "it's for a charity" excuse.
How ignorant of me!
I think highly of my all my friend's opinions and suggestions, so I decided to download the e-Book from iTunes ($11.99 USD). After reading the first few chapters, Blake stresses that in order to have a successful business, you have to have a story. What does that mean? Well, you can't just start a brand or company without a particular purpose or reason. You have to have a story in order to gain supporters, because supporters Blake says, are more important than having people that just "buy" to "buy". Supporters are with you through thick and thin and believe in you and your vision.

If you haven't seen it, here is the promo video for Blake's book.

The promo shows clips of a few people who were perfect examples of what Blake was trying to convey in his message. You are probably familiar with the brand "Method" right? (Cleaning products in Target ring a bell?)
Anyways, I can't spoil the book because I'm not done reading it, BUT I will certainly do a review on it just in case you all want to know more about it.

Keyshia Dior's KA'OIR "Baby Bleu" Matte Lipstick

2011-10-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

I have been anticipating the arrival of Keyshia Dior's "Baby Bleu" lipstick from her line KA'OIR! Before I get started on this review, who is Keyshia Dior? She's a video vixen turned entrepreneur who decided to start her own line of make-up for women! Here's a video from her website which sums up who she is and how she got started...

Keyshia's drive and work ethic is amazing! I believe that no matter what you set out to do in life, if you have that drive, you WILL be successful!

Next up, if you haven't noticed already, I mentioned I bought the "Baby Bleu" shade matte lipstick. I have relatively full lips, so I'm hoping this won't look too crazy on me. I love anything bold, so I'm hoping this works out. Let's see what we ended up with...

Specs:
Lipstick Shade: Baby Bleu
Finish: Matte
Price: $14.99 + Shipping = $20 USD

So there you have it! What do you think? I love it!

Here is the link to LIPSTICK's by KA'OIR site: http://www.kaoir.com/

Thanks for watching! Love, Karmin! xoxoxoxox

"Love, Karmin"

2011-10-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Like the logo? It's coming along haha, I'm no photoshop master! It's been about four years since I've had a blog-spot. I remember getting tired of it after Myspace and Facebook came on to the scene. On those two sites, it was like I didn't have to do anything but post pictures, sit back, and watch the comments, compliments, and new faces bless my profiles, unlike blogger where people really didn't care to read much of what you wrote anymore because...well, they didn't care what I thought.

I became lazy and didn't feel like writing anymore, but I'm back!

What can you expect from me this time?

I started up this blog again to share my experiences from day to day, my opinions on different matters, style advice, WIW(What I'm Wearing) posts, my favorite books, and life lessons that I think we all need to be reminded of. I'll also host give-aways of my pieces and other items if you aren't already familiar with
www.piecexkarmin.com

I'm excited since this is all new for me, so please, bare with me as I go through the trials and errors in blog form!

Happy reading!

xoxo,

Karmin

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