ONE DAY. ONE PLACE. ONE VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS.

DC Stop Modern Slavery (DC SMS) is an active group growing in the community to take action against ending modern slavery wherever it occurs, beginning in our own city. DC SMS vision is to have a world without slavery and conquering that through community education and action. On October 22, 2011, thousands of people and many organizations will gather on the National Mall for the "DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk," a united effort to celebrate human rights and raise funds for the fight against human trafficking. The event will include a 5k walk, a resource fair, live music, and luminary speakers.

Funds will help:

• Rescue and provide emergency, short-term, and long-term care and services for victims.
• Create, strengthen, and implement anti-trafficking laws; train law enforcement to identify victims and implement laws effectively.
• Operate the national human trafficking hotline that handles tips of potential human trafficking situations, provides general information to the public; and offers training and technical assistance. 
• Raise awareness about all forms of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is modern-slavery and is now considered the 2nd largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. Cases of human trafficking has been reported in all fifty states as well as DC. Victims are trafficked for a wide variety of purposes, such as commercial sex, agricultural work, and house-keeping. Yet they all share the loss of the world's most cherished rights: freedom.

Please Join DC SMS, and help spread awareness and funds to combat human trafficking on October 22,2011. 

 

For more information or to sign up for the walk: http://walk.stopmodernslavery.org

You can donate at: Donations DC SMS

Blockheads

On my last visit to NY I had the pleasure of dining in downtown, Hell's Kitchen at Blockheads they are famous for their delicious burritos and unique margaritas. Blockheads not only is great but affordable as well. They bartend amazing 4 dollar margaritas, are recognized for their famous "bulldog" drink priced at only $7, this cooling drink includes a margarita with a shot and a Corona on top; seriously, whats not to love? The location is a plus, walking distance from Time Square, with a relaxed urban feel to enjoy your night with great company, what a complete win! Accommodating outdoor seating for those nice days, enjoy the scenery (visit before cold weather arrives). The food is delicious, tasteful and fresh not to mention great portions. Waiters deliver outstanding, attentive and cheerful service. Make sure to make an appearance at blockheads if you are in the area, I guarantee that you will enjoy every bit of it.

Complimentary chips & salsa

Drink menu

Outdoor seating area

The famous "Bulldogs"

Quesadillas

Chicken tacos

Chicken & steak burrito

Rock the Bells 2011 NY!!!

Rock the Bell 2011 was a salute to some of hip-hop's most celebrated MCs, R&B greats and their biggest prized albums. I got to see one of the strongest line-ups ever, featuring Lauryn Hill performing "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", Nas performing "Illmatic," Erykah Badu performing "Baduizm", Cypress Hill performing "Black Sunday" and many more at Governor's Island, NY. Last year Rock the Bells hit the DMV area, unfortunately this year they did not. This year they were in LA, San Francisco, Boston and New York. Most of the day seemed to celebrate how special New York hip-hop was in the mid-late 90's and how important it continues to be since New York is were many of these artists call home. Here are some pictures in order of the acts on the main stage.

Cypress Hill

Cypress Hill was the first performance on the main stage, he did such a great job with getting the crowd ready. He was so pumped through each and every song. He had the audience going crazier then ever when he brought back his number 1 1993 US hip hop chart hit "Insane in the Brain."

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu had to be my favorite, she completely aced her performance and gave extra credit. Her funky & soulful music was such a hit it left the crowd wanting more; it was such a relaxed tease. "Other Side of the Game" and "Apple tree" had to be my favorite as she did such an immaculate job playing the keyboard. She also humbly came down the stage to greet the audience as I was able to get up-close and personal pictures. Couldn't have asked for a better performance, I will anxiously wait for her to come to the DMV area to see her once again.

Lauryn Hill

 Lauryn Hill is such a legend and her album is so memorable. Although, sound effects were not working along side L-Boogie, as she sang and rapped, she kept motioning vaguely and abruptly to the musicians to to play harder or softer. Once her guest co-performer Pras came out I think things fell into place, they rocked the stage together to "Ready or Not." "Lost Ones" and "Ex-Factor" had to be my favorite, she had the crowd singing to the top of our lungs. Lauryn Hill NEEDS to come out more often, she is such a diva!

Nas

Nas closed the night out getting through his 16 year old album with special guest Pete Rock and DJ Premier. His stage setting was literally constructed onto the stage to recreate "Queensbridge" where he is from in New York. He blew everyone away with his lively performance. He also brought out Ms. Lauryn Hill again to sing and rap their famous song "If I Ruled the World." What a way to end Rock the Bells, it was a HIT!!!

What goes around comes around...

and the explosion of the 90's combat boots are back!

It is truly fascinating in terms of fashion history that Dr.Martens has been around since the 1960's and they've come in and out of style over the years. Gladly to say for Fall 2011 they are back!! This is a great way for self expression through a infatuation of shoes. It feeds off  a punk and hip style. 

 

Dr. Martens has also collaborated with Hello Kitty for their 50th anniversary. (one of my personal favorites that I am excitingly waiting for) 

On  Dr.Martens website they describe the history of how these trendy combat boots were predominately worn by the punk or skinhead culture in England during the 1960's. He is truly a symbol of freedom. The history is really unique and striking, relating to the brand to all kinds of cultural references and technology, bringing us back into TODAY and what self expression is all about. Make sure to check the website out and possibly get a pair yourself.

....Dr.K Vintage

If you haven't been hitting up U St. I suggest you do. Especially stop by Dr.K Vintage. He is awesome, goes on vintage hunts all over, and you never know the treats you will bump into in his boutique. Here are a few things that I found were impressive:

He has such a great collection for men      

                                     vintage shoes.                                         

 

Loved his art. Up above is a Audrey Hepburn.

Down below is a SwirlGirl piece

 Absolutely fell in love with their cheetah print leather loafers. 

 

 Feather leather fedora hat

 So I wanted this skateboard badly, then I had to remind myself I don't know how to skateboard!!! So if any of you are up to teach me? I'm down to learn :) 

 The fitting room

really like this men's look. too bad summer is almost over :( 

 Here are some chic sunglasses

 OK! this is for all my REDSKIN FANS out there!! Two of my favorite pieces.

 Wish they had this cashmere vintage burgundy button up sweater for girls!! I would of SO COPPED IT! 

Peep the vintage Redskins kicks. Those would look awesome cased up!