Young, Pretty and Focused: Jaureal Practice Mixtape

If you enjoy the clever, ambitious, and hard-hitting lyrics of the man who's become a rap figure of the 2010s, Drake, then you'll definitely enjoy a rapper whose lyrical skill and creativity challenge his. Hailing from Louisville and Chicago, rapper Jaureal has released a mixtape titled Practice along with DJ Slikk. The album's title is aptly named and if the lyrical quality and flow of Jaureal's rap ability in this mixtape is only practice, then I am definitely waiting to see what he plays like in the game. Knowing Jaureal personally from my hometown, Louisville, KY, his style, more particularly his love of Christian Audigier and his Ed Hardy collection always stood out to me. He's been featured in my fashion sets before in previous posts. Always one to be attentive to his appearance and keen on the latest cutting-edge style, Jaureal' sartorial savoir-faire rests in his fondness for uniqueness, a personal quality that describes him as well. He's a member of the Epsilon Rho chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated and a graduate of Western Kentucky University, and although considered a "pretty boy", Jaureal doesn't mind getting his mic dirty to slay would-be rappers with verses like "Yeah ballin' how I'm supposed to be/You tell her throw it in the bag you just talkin' groceries/Don't bring that girl close to me/That ain't what you wanna to do/You be off with Pleasure P/Singin' bout you number two" The mixtape goes pretty hard and overall the tracks are reminiscent of Drake. Jaureal's rap game is off to a promising start and his talent is more appealing than any other rapper from Louisville. No one ever said a pretty boy in the streets couldn't be a pretty nasty boy on the beat. Check out and download Jaureal's mixtape Practice here. And if you want to see Jaureal's photo shoot for Urban Ink Magazine, watch it here. Also check out the sets of Jaureal below.

Dive Underground Feat. Jaureal Dillingham by prettyboypaul featuring Zoo York hoodies

Jaureal 2.0 by prettyboypaul featuring ASH shoes

Jaureal by prettyboypaul featuring Ed Hardy belts

Dee and Ricky

When I first happened upon the Dee and Ricky brand, it was through the blog of one of my favorite fashion personalities Marquis Phifer, LateBoots. The brand was started by twins Demetrius and Ricardo, hence its namesake, and their pieces combine avant-garde creativity, retro influence, and the juxtaposition of the wearable with the unwearable to create interesting accessories that could easily pass as Lego creations. Though their items may resemble toys, the twins have proven their careers to be more than child's play. Appearing in issues of Vogue, GQ, and Complex, Dee and Ricky is becoming a noticed brand by eclectic fashion icons such as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Marquis Phifer. Along with their colorful wear, Dee and Ricky specialize in the classic Etch-A-Sketch toys made by Ohio Art, distributing them in nostalgic hues. Dee and Ricky's attention to the gaming community also places them in the spotlight there. Dee and Ricky's line of T-Shirts and accessories have successfully achieved the feat of keeping one foot in the future and another in the past. Some photos of Dee and Ricky items are below, and if you'd like to check out their merchandise, click here.

The Best of Black Men's Fashion

In the fashion world, Black men's fashion has evolved into an extremely thriving and creative section of the fashion industry. Whereas before, Black men were grouped into areas of traditional urban apparel, many new Black menswear designers are shifting from the oversized polo shirts, jeans, Timberland boots, and extra large T-shirts in favor of more classical items such as bow ties, cardigans, suits, velvet slippers, fashion frames, and blazers. This revolution has changed fashion for Black men allowing them to be seen as conscious and stylish fashion consumers, a feat that has been most difficult in past eras for all of men's fashion. So to show my appreciation for the awakening of the Black dandy and in honor of WKU's BSA's Rip Da Runway event, here are the best in Black men's fashion.

V.I.P.-Ready Fashion Sets

Following Rip Da Runway, BSA and Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated are hosting an exclusive after-party at Registry Apartments in Building D from 10-2 a.m. across from the south end of campus. Any smart fashionista and any fly guy knows that no fashion show after-party is complete without an outfit as equally stylish as the ones on the runway. So if you're looking to give some whiplash and draw all eyes on you at the party, we here at Fashion Inc. have got you covered with fashion sets to help you pull some inspiration. So if you want to make them love to see you leave but hate to see you go, then look below to find your stylish soiree set. The party's $3 for Greeks and $5 before 12.

PARTY every day! by ♥Factory Girl♥ featuring ASOS shoes

La Bella Vita... <3 by ♥Factory Girl♥ featuring Angel Jackson bags

for Didivine by babyblueaddict~good 2 be back! featuring MICHAEL Michael Kors bags

Без названия by lstrenina featuring Rick Owens jackets

Морской стиль by lstrenina featuring GUESS watches

Warner - Fireman by Whimzikal featuring Lanvin belts

 

Western Kentucky University's BSA Presents: Rip Da Runway '10

Western Kentucky University's Black Student Alliance is presenting its annual Black fashion show inspired by the BET fashion show of the same name. The fashion show is a creative production that showcases Black male and female models selected directly from the WKU student population modeling the latest in fashions to contemporary music. In previous fashion shows, students have also constructed garments to be worn by the models. BSA sets the bar for community involvement among Black students with its monthly forums that open discussions about critical topics to Black students on campus, its annual "Night at the Apollo" that showcases individual Black student talent, and involvement in social causes on campus centered around minorities. Rip Da Runway is the BSA's most awaited event and weeks of finessing and practice are taken by the directors, the models, the set constructors, and also the publicity committee. Fashion Inc. is proud to support the Black Student Alliance in its mission to provide Black students with an affair that promotes expression and enables students to show off their individual talents. Rip Da Runway is Thursday, April 15 in the Garrett Ballroom.

Langston Said It Best...

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

So what really does happen to a dream deferred? What exactly are you supposed to do when you find that the dream you should be living now is being lived by someone else? Sure, blessings come with patience, but you can't help but feeling that sense of that was supposed to be me. But alas, experience is the best teacher, and there is one lesson I must say that I have learned: Don't get mad, get better. Often those things that we ask for are sometimes things we find out later that after maturing that we really didn't want. Sometimes having to wait for a dream means appreciating it more when it comes true. It's easy to step into the tar pits of envy and disappointment, but if you stay there too long, you'll find yourself inevitably sucked down into them that you won't remember how you got there. And who knows? Why shouldn't I be happy for them? Maybe they wanted it more, or just wished upon more stars than I did. Let's not forget our favorite Disney heroine Mulan and her wise father's choice words: the flower that blooms in adversity is often the rarest and most beautiful of all. Looks like I'm going to have to pour a watering pail and stand in the sunlight for this one...

Toni Braxton for Bleu Magazine

The long and strong-running 42-year-old songstress Toni Braxton covers the latest edition of Bleu Magazine speaking about her new LP Pulse set to release May 4, 2010. Bleu Magazine is an upscale fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment magazine that features news about events in Black contemporary culture as well as spotlighting key figures in the entertainment world. Bleu magazine is also responsible for thrusting many hopeful male models into successful careers through the us of its "Bleuberry" section of the magazine, dedicated to showcasing unsigned male models. The magazine publishes quarterly with faces such as Kelly Rowland, Ryan Leslie, Estelle, Trina, model Wendell Lissimore, Wendy Williams, and model Shawn Sutton having graced its covers. Primarly targeted toward the conscious and fashionable Black gentleman, Bleu magazine is establishing itself as the Black man's GQ and continues to deliver promising results. If you want to find out more about Bleu, check out their site here.

Bombdiggity Butter! - 1980s Party Style

In honor of the 80s-inspired college party hosted by the Exquisite Epsilon Zeta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated Saturday night at the Pavillion in Bowling Green, KY, Fashion Inc. is making sure that you're cold lampin with flava on the dance floor. Whether you're blowin' up the spot or getting your b-boy jam on clown walking to the fresh funky rhythm of Run-DMC's "My Adidas", Public Enemy "Fight the Power", Slick Rick's "Children's Story", the Beastie Boys' "Paul Revere", make sure you're fitted with these fashion sets...

1980's Inspired by moɴCʜɑɴ℮ʟ ♪♫ featuring Louis Vuitton

80's GIRL #194 by lena-a featuring Proenza Schouler jackets

1980's by snkr.frk featuring Adidas shoes

Run It! by prettyboypaul featuring Adidas activerwear pants

80's by Andre19 featuring Steve Madden shoes

Nostalgia degli anni 80......spring/summer 2009 by Yumy (Plz join in my new group) featuring Jimmy Choo shoes

LookBook Spring Arrivals

As we scoured the pages of our favorite site for fashion enthusiasts and inspiration, Lookbook.nu, we located some hot new looks to steal for Spring. These looks speak to the tenets of springtime: happiness, beauty, flowers, and color. We made sure to include some ultra-feminine looks this time as well as the usual stylish, yet slick men's looks for spring as well. If you've think you've got some styling ability of your own or you just want to find more fashion inspiration, then LookBook.nu is the place to check out. All of the looks are from real people who really love fashion, not models. Below we've got the week's newest looks.

 

April Set Showers

As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, make sure you're coming out smelling like a rose with these floral-inspired fashion sets for the second week of April. We're giving you petals, prim, and polished to get your wardrobe and your look spectacularly springy. If you're feeling some inspiration of your own, head on over to Polyvore.com and show us what Spring Statement you're hoping to make this month.

April by Ivannnna featuring Miss Selfridge tops

Queen of the Roses by prettyboypaul featuring Charlotte Russe dresses

One time by ♥ Duchess ♥ Broken Laptop :( featuring Carvela shoes

For my ~♥♥~ dear sarah1998~♥♥~ by a.c.♥♥♥(birthday 17 march:) featuring Forever21 dresses