As I mentioned before, I have a thing for bad boys; and tattoos by all means make you bad. There is just something sexy about a mans arms; it shows his strength. Now take that same man and put Tattoos all over his arms and he instantly becomes this Ultimate Warrior. I love it. I think tattoos really add to the image that the individual wants to portray. Lets take Allen Iverson for example,

 

During his rookie year Allen did any and everything to be the NBA rebel- missing out on practice, butting heads with his coach, inviting his unruly entourage to attend games, but for some reason we couldn't be upset with Allen we understood that all of this was an example of the struggles he had to face growing up, he was not your typical Silver Spoon kid...

Artist Like Lil Wayne & Jim Jones are sporting so many tattoos that they don't even need to wear a shirt, some people may think this is way too much but for me its sexy. The only question I do have ask is "when is old too old" for Tattoos?... Take Skate board P for instance, I LOVE THIS GUY, he's like from another planet in his own little way.  

But now that this NERD is on the fashion scene he wants to clean up his act and the first thing to go are his TATTOOS, AAAAAHHHHHH (Kevin's Home Alone screaming voice)... Pharell has revealed that he is trying a new revolutionary removal procedure, which involves applying new skin over old body art. (OK THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH) It's said to be like a skin graft, you are not taking skin from your legs and reapplying it. These people actually grown the skin for you, first you give them a sample of your skin, which they replicate, then they seamlessly sew it on. OK I STILL THINK THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH. When asked about the cost Pharell stated That's Irrelevant "It's going to be pricey, but worth it." "I got fire on my arms! I'm a grown man!"

Which takes me back to my question, "When is old too old for tattoos?"

Leah Janell: In My Shoes 

GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD...

THIS SATURDAY NOV. 15TH @ 8PM

Join me and my Lady friends as we explore 

WHY GOOD GIRLS, LIKE TO BE BAD...

Mirror's on Grand 

284 Grand Avenue in Brooklyn

No Cover Charge 

Tattoo Artist will be present...

Essence Young Women Leadership Conference...

This past weekend my girlfriend Kenya and her cousin attended the Essence Young Women Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. The theme of the conference was to encourage and motivate young women to "Jump start Your Future" The conference was made up of several workshops, each included guest speakers whom offered insight into how to prepare for success, gain financial control and how to be your own boss...

Kenya is going fill us in on exactly what the conference had to offer...

You, Inc: Market Yourself for Success

Moderator: Candice Fredrick

Speakers:Amy DuBois Barnett, Rhonda McLean, Dee Marshall and Deanna Singelton

I thought this was an excellent opening of discussion; it is important for young women and men alike to know that its great to have a 4.0 GPA, the best internships, glowing recommendations and sophisticated attire, but it is equally important that your presence matches your credentials. Not only are employers looking for a well-qualified candidate for the job; they also want someone they can see themselves working with on a daily basis. The impression that you leave will weigh greatly on whether you get that call back. Ladies, "check yourself before you wreck yourself"; your presence, demeanor, image and energy are key to landing your job. The interview process can be pretty nerve-racking but loosen up. In other words, be yourself!

"Diversify Your Circle" Now this was some great information! I'm all about stepping out of my comfort zone so my ears really perked up when they touched on this subject. If everyone in your circle looks like you, thinks like you and has similar interest, professional etc. then you could be limiting your opportunities. It's important to fraternize with individuals from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, ages, professions etc. Networking is the newest way for people to get linked with people that may be able to offer you a job, or refer you to someone who may offer you a job. Diversifying and expanding your circle can be extremely beneficial to introducing opportunities that would have otherwise been unknown,

Tips for making yourself more marketable also include "Joining A Cause" which encourages you to seek opportunities to become apart of your desired field. Volunteer, intern or pursue board seats...

Amazing: I would like to thank Kenya for part I of the Essence Leadership Conference Review...

Written by: Kenya A.

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Sam's Closet

My girlfriend Samantha is one of the most fashion forward people I know. S he can always tell me where to find a hot dress, with the perfect shoe and just the right necklace to wear to top my outfit off. I admire her style because its simple and chic, no colorful high boots, no door knocker earrings, no over sized Gucci printed handbags for her... So today I decided to go to her for a bit of fashion advice I wanted to know what was in and what was out...

L. Janell: So Here's a list of things that I need to know whether they are in or out...

L. Janell: North Face Jackets

Sam: North Face jackets are IN as a functional ski jacket, you know like for a trip to Aspen, OUT as a fashion statement...

L. Janell If you want to make a fashion Statement I suggest you go for the Moncler Fox Collar Quilted Down Jacket on sale at Intermix right now for 1,798.00 (Yup it cost to be the boss)...

L. Janell: OK so what about High boots

Sam: IN. This is a fashion staple, I think the booties are somewhat of a trend; albeit a cute one...

L.Janell: I'm feeling high high boots this season, like these black leather boots by Report Signature for $400.00

L. Janell: Your thoughts on the Rhianna look, you know I went through my phase...

Sam: IN for Rhianna she owns it, OUT for everyone else. Stay in your own lane, create your own look...

L. Janell: So I take it that OUTS black nail polish

Sam: I actually love black nail polish, but you can always opt for other dark colors as well.

L. Janell: Marc Jacobs had a huge sale on rain boots, I mean they were practically giving them away which made me wonder were these boots an out and marc just wanted to get rid of them...

Sam: Rain boots are IN as a functional item, but I would say change into your shoes when you have reached your final destination. Unless your like me and you're really don't care in that case you'll rock them all day. Please leave the ones with the designs to the kids though.

L. Janell: Some people in red lipstick kills me, I get afraid to even speak to them out of fear that the lipstick will be smeared across their teeth.

Sam: Red Lipstick is IN, but its honestly not for everyone.

L. Janell: I have noticed that women are shying away from the traditional thin arched eye brow and going for a fuller look. Are thin eyebrows out?

Sam: Thin Eyebrows, I happen to hate this look but I guess it works for some people, its an OUT for me.

L. Janell: I am more of a simple girl, small earrings always suit me best, am I out of touch or are Chandelier earrings in.

Sam: It all depends on the outfit, chandelier earrings don't go with everything. But I will say this fad is an in.

L. Janell: I have my one pair of favorite jeans that I refuse to give up, my H&M skinny jeans that you actually bought me for my birthday...

Sam: Skinny jeans are still in, but it might be time for you to hang that pair up lol

L. Janell: I'm big on dining at the finest restaurants, so is Mr. Chows still in...

Sam: This one is borderline for me, there are just so many good upscale restaurants out there, that I wouldn't want to limit myself to Mr. Chows. Mr. Chows is more like a see or be seen thing. Give Morimoto a shot. The Morimoto Omakase is an experience in itself, I Love that place.

L. Janell: Morimoto is located at 88 10th Ave in NYC

L. Janell: What about drinks, I've always been a wine girl but when I want to step out of the box I always get a Mojito, in or out.

Sam: Mojito's are in during the summer or on vacation, but out for the Winter.

Interesting... I would like to thank my good friend Samantha for her fashion/lifestyle insight, and as most of you know I have an event coming up this Saturday and I think I have found just the perfect place to find an outfit at, where other than Sam's Closet...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's 

SUPER SWEET 16...

I am so glad I stayed up late last night, I wanted to catch the replay of Real Chance at Love but Instead I was glued to MTV's Super Sweet Sixteen, last nights episode featured a young lady name Christy the daughter of Salt & Pepa's D.J. Spinderella and NBA player Kenny Anderson.

In my honest opinion this episode was the best SUPER SWEET SIXTEEN episode by far, for starters Christy is your average sixteen year old. There was no disrespecting of the parents, belittling of schoolmates and NO FANCY CARS. I mean come on guys lets just admit, Barack is not giving Sasha a Bentley GT for her 16th birthday and he's the president so why in SAM hell are these celebs treating there children like royalty. Whatever happened to that good Ole fashion myth where your kids got cars for graduating college, or at least for going to college. 

At any rate Christy and her VIPs  hit up the Christian Audigier store on Melrose, where they were styled for her 80s theme bash... In the essence of it all Christy even got on the 1's and 2's to give her mom a taste of what DJ Christy could do... 

The Night Ended with Christy getting exactly what she asked for a GREEN VW Convertible bug, HOW CUTE... 

Christy was the first celeb kid that has ever shown sincere appreciation when receiving her gift, she actually shed tears...

Loved this episode, only negative was that I did not see much of her father and I would have loved to see that Father/Daughter connection...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Calling it a Night...

 Last week was my girlfriend Kenya's birthday, she wanted to do something fun yet simple, so I stopped on Dekalb Avenue at a cute little winery "Thirst" and purchased a bottle of Rose. My next stopped was Juniors Bakery on Flatbush Avenue for a Strawberry Short Cake. I arrived home in time to eat dinner, take a shower and iron my clothes. I decided to wear a pair of high waisted over sized wide leg pants by "KLS", a black bustier, and 4 inch studded peak toe pumps by BABY PHAT yes BABY PHAT trust they are not your average, the shoes are mean. When Kenya arrived we sipped on the champagne and laughed about our college days in reference to where we are today. This was said to be a throw your hands up and let your hair down kind of a night, so instead of driving we took a taxi. Outside of Sway Lounge we were greeted by a group of fellas whom of which needed female escorts to get into the Lounge. As our two girls Jemi and  Saachi arrived we kindly escorted the gents in and went on our way. We found a cozy little booth, ordered our drinks and we let the party begin. We danced to tones played by our favorite DJ The Fresh Prince who made us feel like every song was dedicated to us. The night was slowly approaching it ends, when some naughty patron pulled a show stopper as I went to grab my sweater, they grabbed my purse, leaving me and my friends to search frantically. But to avail, I must admit that the managers at Sway were not helpful AT ALL. I felt like I had just donated my most valuable possessions to charity, some lost soul is walking around swinging my Marc Jacobs bag, talking on my cell phone, showing my ID to get into clubs, and taking pics of the city on the digital camera that was also in the bag...

NOT COOL, NOT COOL...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

I have decieded to give this red hot color a new name, ALTER EGO... Forever Young is best worn by the Innocent Girl, who wants a chance to unleash her wild side. It allows Beyonce to let Sasha Fierce come out and Play. Sexy with all white and a must do with all black, Alter Ego will keep you FOREVER YOUNG.

Forever Young can be found on the Essie Website www.essie.com on sale right now for $8.00

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

To be WITH or to be WITHOUT.

There are a few things that Ms. Leah Janell can not live without, Nail Polish, The NBA Play offs, Jay- Zs Reasonable Doubt and Mozzarella Cheese... But just imagine having a partner in crime that without them your existence would be bleak, kind of like Tom without Jerry, Fred without Barney or Thelma without Louise...

Here's a few pairs that I question what would it be like if they stood apart.

Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union

While most may think that this new hot item makes a cute couple, I find something sexy about the man who stays with the mother of his child, the female who was there before the money and the fame, that good Ole ride or die chick. D-Wade some how lost his swag when he signed those divorce papers. I believe in MARRIAGE but I don't believe in DIVORCE, and I think good Ole Gabbey new exactly what she was doing when she snagged this one. Still I feel that D-Wade is better off WITHOUT  Ms. Union and I would kindly urge him to go HOME to his wife... Through Sickness and health FOR RICHER OR POORER...

Vanessa & Angela Simmons

These two cute sisters have some how become apart of house holds all over America, The pair share a business venture that has little girls around the world raving. There family proves that African American families like the Huxtables do exist. But with all the great things these girls have brewing they are just that, "a pair" there is no Angela without Vanessa. I have a sister whom of which I am extremely close too but when my Alma mater Lincoln University offered her a Scholarship she turned it down and paved her way through Howard University to be known as Shyah Dickerson and not Leah's little sister. There's just something sexy about creating your own lane and staying in it. Unfortunately I don't see these two successfully creating their own lanes Angela & Vanessa are better off WITH each other. 

Malinda & D Nice

After a bitter divorce with actor Mehki Phifer, actress Melinda Williams (a single mother) managed to balance out a successful career and find true love. While everyone wants to be a POWER COUPLE, Melinda and Derrick D-Nice, yes D-NICE of Boggie Down Production : ) prove that there is power in LOVE... The pair have known each other since they were 18 years old and I think these two are better WITH each other...

The Big three & The Boston Celtics

Did I fail to mention that the way to my heart is through my stomach, but if you want a faster route sunflowers, a care bear and a court side seat to an NBA game will do. That's why I know the Boston Celtics are nothing without the BIG THREE. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and my personal favorite Ray Allen, prove that their amazing talent can bring the Celtics back to the days of Larry Bird... The Boston Celtics are better WITH the big three...

Michelle & Barack Obama

There is a saying that beside every strong man there's a Phenomenal Woman and that woman is she "Our First Lady Michelle Obama. While this past year may have felt like a public separation Michelle has supported her husband all the way to Victory. The pair are the Epitome of BLACK LOVE, it's without a doubt that Michelle and Barack are better WITH each other... 

Leah Janell: In my shoe's

TRICK or TREAT

I have never been a Halloween kind of girl, so here are my top four picks for the hottest couples on Halloween...

#4 Diddy & Cassie 

I love the fact that PUFF goes all the way with everything that he does and his POPE costume was no different, unfortunately seeing as how him and his wonder women CASSIE have yet to openly confess their love for each other they fall short of the victory and land in at number four.

#3 John Legend & Christine Teigen

These two have to be the cutest couple ever, she's sweet and he might be sweeter : ) lol... In at number three is John Legend and his girlfriend Christine Teigen Cowboy and Indian...

#2 Nick & Mariah Carey Cannon

This has to be one of the most original concepts ever, he's the Milk to her Cookie. Husband and wife Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey

#1 Reggie Bush & Kim Kardashian

Super Sexy and Classy, this pair knows how to turn heads. Dipped in 20's gear Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush were the Hottest couple for Halloween...

Just too Scary Heidi Klum & Seal

This Pair did not make the list for Hot Couples on Halloween, they were just too scary for me...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's