From the Hypefiends shoot, where the girls and I exhibited an array of “streetwear parodies”.

Following my last write up (see below), I received a personal email inquiring why we don’t often write about men’s “streetwear” here at The Fresh Fiends. I wasn’t going to acknowledge the subject or even reply to the email, because who am I to knock anyone’s hustle and also because I can’t relate to any certain “scene”, much less a MAN’S scene. But because this is the perfect platform to state my opinions, I’ll oblige my inquirer to the best of my ability. Back in the day, the term “streetwear” was coined to describe aspiring clothing companies who wanted to offer a high quality product (but something you couldn’t find in a department store), while incorporating the inspiration of their surroundings. Most of these companies consisted of surfers, skateboarders, and artists who had strong, legitimate, and influential messages to convey. But in any industry, rising demand and popularity increases the chance for a product to lose its integrity. The quality is compromised, designs get lazy, and the SCENE outgrows the MESSAGE like weeds in a garden. The number one reason we don’t acknowledge most streetwear labels is simple: the influx of the ego. The companies we DO write about are family and brands that we generally respect as human beings: those we admire as ARTISTS. And by nature, we support the ladies in all of their endeavors…that’s a given. But when it comes to the guys nowadays, the common ground for most labels seems to be based on who can “out-cool” who. That is NOT a message. We don’t care who came out first. We don’t care how quick you came up or how big you think your “buzz” is. Our concern is creativity, motivation, integrity, and above all else: the VOICE. This isn’t Hypebeast and if you’re sad about it, I truly apologize. Say something we haven’t heard before and then maybe we’ll CONSIDER writing about it. Until then, best wishes and let us get back to work, thanks!

Michael Kors Fall 2010, which featured a COYOTE coat. SICKENING.

As New York Fashion Week comes to a close, I can’t help but remember how often during childhood that I would convince myself that ANY Fashion Week (NY, LA, Milan, Paris, London) was my version of the holy grail. My love for couture started around the time I was 11, I’d flip through my cousin’s Vogue magazines and make it a point to research each designer and pronounce their names correctly. To this day it irks me when I hear someone say GAVINCHEE (referring to Givenchy). UGH. I also remember during my junior year in high school; I had blown an entire paycheck on a Dolce and Gabbana NYLON tote. Not because it was cute by any means, but because it simply said DOLCE AND GABBANA across the front. Silly, and now that I think of it, PRETENTIOUS. The way I feel about high fashion now is hit or miss. From a design perspective, I can still appreciate the modern/opulent gowns of Marchesa and the timeless chic of Donna Karan. What I DON’T support however, is the fashion industry’s everlasting love affair with FUR. Now don’t get me wrong, I have a few pairs of leather gloves and I still eat meat (which I’m trying to phase out). The simple fact I will not wear fur is because the animals used are killed in the most horrifying of ways (some are electrocuted at the genitals or skinned alive). AND because I feel that it’s completely unneccesary. If you’re rolling your eyes by now, I’m not some PETA vigilante. Fur is just gross to me and it fuckin stinks. Have you ever smelled mink up close?? ALSO, NOTHING reeks of new money than a chinchilla coat. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d rather be dead broke than flash new money. Another reason FF hardly ever covers high fashion is due to it’s unrealistic prices and designers’ over the top egos (remember the fit Ralph Rucci threw on Bravo’s Kell On Earth??). Yes, it may only be television, but it’s glamorized, nonetheless. The fashion industry not only tolerates this behavior, but embraces it! Not here at FF! I admire designers who create diffusion lines or pair up with stores such as Walmart (Hi Miley ) or Target. It’s a true form of showing humility and integrity FOR THE PEOPLE, something that the high fashion industry still needs to work on. Nowadays my handbags are hand-me-downs and the only logo I sport comes from my boyfriend’s clothing line- when it’s time for bed. What are YOUR thoughts on high fashion?

to address an issue that’s been plaguing the girls and I since the inception of FF. Although we support any and EVERYONE’S creative endeavors, we have our own agenda. That being said, FF is NOT the group to call on if you want your start-up MEN’S line “exploited”. Let me explain a bit. I get countless emails asking if we’ll simply, “throw on a hat and tee and make it look sexy”. We don’t do that. We don’t parade around in oversized tee shirts and believe that to be photo worthy. I’m not bagging on anyone who has gone that route for an ad/look book. If it works for you, by all means have at it! But LADIES: remember that you’re more than some forgettable broad in a baggy tee. SPEAK UP! Sleeping in your man’s shirt is one thing, promoting it (especially half naked with no creative story line) is another thing. And it’s definitely not OUR thing. See how we flipped it HERE.

Black Milk Lace Leggings-$70

Xhilaration Lace Leggings-$12.99

I LOVE leggings. I really don’t wear much else, ask anyone. I do however, think it’s completely ridiculous to spend $70 on a pair. YES. Black Milk offers cool shit. But it’s just too damn pricey. Here we have some leggings by Target brand, Xhilaration for $12.99. *Sorry for the screen shot, I was unable to drag the actual picture. The look is similar, plus at that price you can buy two pair! Ladies (especially the little mamas): NEVER let anyone dis you for buying cheap clothes. Creativity is born when you’re completely stripped of financial resources. If you’re able to make something out of NOTHING, you’re wayyy ahead of the game

ONE HUNDRED percent of the proceeds will benefit relief efforts for Haiti. Just another reason to keep stuffing your face with these goodies. GO NOW.

If you don’t religiously carry around a travel sized hand sanitizer by now you have some serious screws loose. HOWEVER, those with little ones should take precaution. Statistics show that it only takes 3 small squirts of hand sanitizer to be fatal to a child, due to its high alcohol content. Enter Bye Bye Germs from Colorado based company, Reduce*Relax*Rejuvenate. This all natural, aromatic antibacterial spray contains tea tree and grapefruit oils in a witch hazel, aloe vera juice, and distilled water base. The essential oils are proven germ fighters and smell heavenly. This hasn’t left my handbag since I got it Click HERE for inquiries

1. The initial meeting- Ok, let’s face it. It’s 2010 and people DO connect via social networking sites, that’s just how it is. Chances are, the person you’re talking to has the same friends as you do, so you probably would’ve met anyway. Networking sites just speed the pace up a bit, so don’t feel bad.

2. Goes without saying, but meet in a well lit, public area and drive separately. You never know. Your sister in law’s baby cousin’s uncle Day Day MIGHT wear a human skin suit, so always have an escape route.

3. Dress appropriately; don’t over accessorize. For example, if the night DOES go well (and you’re the type to put out on the first date), you don’t want to lose your hat, earrings, or extensions in the shuffle. Plus, guys don’t like a lot of “extras” and WILL NOT send them back if you lose them.

4. Be prepared to pay at least half. In this economy, there’s no room for old fashioned ideas. Sure, it’s a nice thought that the man should always pay, but if you ask someone to dinner, do the right thing and foot the bill. It’s not only fair, but modern. Besides, you don’t know where dude’s head (or wallet’s at) so be prepared.

5. Step away from Twitter. This is especially crucial if you follow your date and vice versa. I mean, how does “On a date with a secret someone…” appear to be in the slightest bit elusive? It doesn’t, so stop it! NO ONE CARES (especially the ex you’re trying to piss off).

6. Also goes without saying, but never discuss the EX. More so, never try to out-cool each other’s ex’s. This I can tell you from experience. It doesn’t matter how many celebrity parties your ex has dj’ed or if your date’s ex was a semi finalist on America’s Next Top Model. Trying to “OUT-EX” each other will inevitably cause many painful rifts in the long run. However, it IS necessary to clarify if you’re friends with an ex. Your date (as well as YOURSELF) should realize that there was a previous life before you entered each other’s. This doesn’t mean you have to constantly talk about it. Ignorance IS bliss at times, believe me.

5. Be cool. That phrase comes in handy throughout the entire course of a date. Stay calm, talk slow; THINK. Every move should be carefully poised and calculated. If this seems more like a tutorial on how to get through a job interview, that’s good because that’s exactly what a first date is, duh!

6. Ask questions but don’t do ALL the talking, that’s annoying. Even if you could give two shits about the guy, you’ll always be remembered as the least annoying one if things don’t work out.

7. Be brutally honest. If all you’re trying to do is get your lil jay-jay wet, then go for it. But keep it trill. Don’t feel obligated to waste time and minutes on someone you just want to bang for a few. Honesty is truly the key for any successful relationship, whether it be one year or one night.

8. Don’t take on your date’s persona. I have seen this happen far too often. If your date is a die hard J. Dilla fan, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t try and front like you are too. Bitch, don’t even pretend to know who that fool is. You like Tiesto, big deal. But don’t fake the funk and make sure to let your REAL self shine.

9. Never discuss: Religion, politics, other people, and MONEY. Those topics are a surefire way to end a date. Nothing screams DESPERATE than bragging about your trust fund. New money is tacky anyway.

10. Buyer Beware. KNOW who you’re going on a date with. If your top priority is to date an athlete or a rapper (sorry to hear about that) then don’t have over the top expectations of them! There’s a reason behind a social stigma, so either deal with it or don’t fuck with it. That simple.

Of course I’m assuming EVERYONE has been inside a dollar store at one point. Here in Arizona, they seem to be in every strip mall from the Westside, Southside, and even here in Arcadia! If you find yourself turning your nose up at this, get your mind right boo! The point is, you wanna be able to save money for the upcoming holiday season, so we wanted to share with you just HOW MUCH you can come up on. But before you plan your pillage, remember a few key tips:

1. Pass on cosmetic items (with the exception of grooming implements, like nail files) and food. Even at the most REPUTABLE dollar store, makeup and food items have shelf lives that sometimes get overlooked. Also, pass on body washes and facial cleansers. The quality (especially scent) are completely watered down.
2. Stick to household cleaners (many dollar stores even carry name brands), detergents, q-tips/cotton balls, paper towels and t.p., storage containers, and holiday decor.
3. Gum and candy is OK, although consider the stale factor. If you don’t mind it, buy away!
4. If you entertain a lot, dollar stores offer a wide range of items for stuffing goody bags or to use as prizes for baby or bridal showers.
5. Stocking stuffers. Especially around the holidays, dollar stores offer dope gifts for your little ones to enjoy. Trust me, to a kiddo, it’s the QUANTITY that counts.
6. Pregnancy Tests. Believe it or not, these suckers do the trick!! Skip the $15 Clear Blue Easy and hit up that dollar store. No they’re not as fancy, but you WILL get accurate results. TRUST ME. And truthfully, do YOU want to literally piss away $15 bucks? Didn’t think so.
7. Don’t be shy to buy a gift card to ANY dollar store if they offer them. They will be MORE than appreciated. In my household at least

Dollar Tree is located throughout the valley.

I wake up thankful for EVERYTHING. God knows I’m a spoiled brat; I virtually have all I need in life: fam, friends, a roof, and a whip. So this year I’d like to give thanks for all the boys in my life. They make me laugh, make me cry, test my patience, and inspire me in ways unimaginable. Dad, Slim, Oscar X, Rook, and Walter Crunkite: Because of you, I’ve learned virtue over vice. You are the greatest teachers anyone could have.

Dad: kindness and compassion

Slim: humility and loyalty

Oscar X: patience and persistance

Rook: discipline and integrity

Walter Crunkite: creativity and courage

LOVE YOU GUYS