For seven years I published an online and print literary journal, Small Spiral Notebook. What started as a gripe within a circle of friends evolved into a publication that was revered and critically-acclaimed, having given scores of emerging writers a way in which they could share their work with others. Back then my goals were [...]

There is a war raging underneath my skin, and the past few weeks of unrest and stress have made the fight that much more difficult. From the Exxon-inspired oil manufacturing situation taking place on my forehead to the random dry spell above my chin, I’m learning that keeping my complexion glowing and fabulous depends [...]

In the summer of 2005, I filled a trashbag with bleaches and toxic household chemicals. Clorox and Windex were verboten, and it finally felt good to clean my bathroom without fear of faint. During a Whole Foods shopping spree, I purchased boxes and recyclable bottles of green cleansers, eco-friendly shampoos, and aluminum-free deodorants. And [...]

Since 2000, I’ve read hundreds of books. Some were forgettable, others left an indelible mark. Also, I learned a few things: there are an infinite number of ways one could tell a story and not any one of them is necessarily correct. From W.G. Sebald’s fiction, where the continuity of story is grounded in disconnected [...]

I’m not sure why talk of acne is a shameful, verboten topic in certain circles. Acne exists, millions of us suffer from minor blemishes to conditions requiring prescription medication, so why not share what works when it comes to obliterating blemishes?
Over the past two weeks my life has been frenetic, a running-on-empty kind of scenario. [...]

I’m not one to embrace trends. True, I’ve gone through sartorial lows — the horrible farm-girl Anthropologie phase (I’m still trying to sell/donate those floral skirts), and the year when I believed it fashionable to sport baggy, paint-spackled sweatpants — but when it comes to style one could never err if they acquire the [...]

It never ceases to amaze me how much one’s life could change in a single year. Last year, at this very moment, I would’ve been on the subway, riding to a job that was slowly killing me. Self-absorption was a mantra. My only concerns would’ve been how to survive my day without screaming during [...]

Avoid the Exxon look on your lips and snag this divine, paraben & petroleum-free balm!

Every season presents challenges for my coarse curls. From epic-Chia style frizz to Sahara dry-outs, it’s downright crucial to switch up your hair regimen between seasons and pay special attention to your divine mess of curls. CEO of Urbanbella, the Curly, Kinky, & Wavy Hair Salon and Apothecary, Keneesha Hudson was supremely generous in [...]

I’m having a massive purple moment! The luxe hue suggests the nocturnal, the folded and burning of leaves, and a season where draped scarves and soft suede are the norm. Aubergine, blackberry, violet, plum, boysenberry – these deep, deep purples are evocative, royal, bold, and statement-making, and are worthy competitors to the ubiquitous New [...]

Sometimes I very well need a weed-wacker to sift through all the nonsense cluttering my inbox. From Nigerian money-wiring scams to by-the-minute updates from sample sale sites, my mornings have evolved into a mass-delete strategy. However, there is one email that I actually look forward to: Rachel Zoe’s daily style recommends and obsessions. Move [...]

If you’re vying for the big lash look, pause, click, and snag CoverGirl’s LashBlast Length Mascara ($7.49). For months, I’ve assiduously tried the make-up game. From playing with creme foundation to sampling endless palettes of smoky and plum eye color, but I discovered what I already knew: I’m simple when it comes to cosmetics: [...]

Where you’ll presently find me: rolling around my apartment, past the horrid Pepto-pink bathroom, the blue serenity bedroom and the large kitchen, clutching magazine tear-outs from the Salvatore Ferragamo Fall/Winter collection.
For the past few seasons, the Italian designer failed to hold my interest; my opinions of the handbags were tepid, at best, but [...]

I never thought that these words would leave my mouth but Liz Claiborne’s Fall collection is unbelievably chic. Rethink the brand that has consistently offered consumers conservative office basics, boatneck sweaters and pleated trousers, for famed designer and Creative Director, Isaac Mizrahi has brought his wit and whimsy to a whole new collection of [...]

Who knew I would be seduced by a damn ruffle?! Every store I set foot in I run smack into a rack of ruffle. I tried to fight it, I belittled it, thought it too precious and common, but soon I found myself in a dressing room admiring how the detailing was clever enough [...]