What's really HOOD?

What’s really Hood?

Hood: Short for neighborhood. Adopted by the urban community to refer to an area where “keeping it real” and “stop snitchin” is the daily mantra. A place where you can get a 3 wing combo with fried rice, a bottle of vodka, hair products, and a pack of toilet paper all in the same store. A place where you have the choice of getting your car serviced at Merchant’s tire, or paying Big Earl to come to your house and change your oil for $20. . I googled the word hood and this is what came up:
The word HOOD gets thrown around so much now that its true meaning is vague. For the purpose of this blog let’s separate living in the hood from being labeled hood. Some folks refer to hood as all things “too” Black (Or African-American, Afro-American, Africans in America etc.) Now see, I have a problem with that. I will admit that Black folks are more likely to do things that may be perceived as hood, unfairly. I’d like to think of it more as resourceful. For instance, when my dryer broke I layed my clothes out on the chairs and used the heat turned up on high and the floor fan to dry them. Immediately someone said to me “that is so hood” but, maybe I’m just resourceful. The other day I saw someone driving to the dump in our complex holding the trash bag on top of the car with one hand. Hood? No, that is resourceful. He didn’t want that funky trash in his car!

I’ve heard several people in the DC area refer to clubs as having a hood element. Now as tough as I think I am, club hoodness is where I draw the line. I will never frequent a spot where I don’t feel safe walking to my car, or going to the bathroom. But what constitutes a club being “hood”. Is it the people, the environment, the promoters? I think that there are a lot of under cover hood clubs masked with red carpets, lavish VIP areas and big headliners. I also think that clubs can be infiltrated by “the hood” and from that point be unjustly referred to as such. Some of you people are so uptight about the club scene maybe you should go to this club instead

Okay so since this whole argument is extremely relative, I asked some people who are apart of the message board I frequent about what they considered hood with respect to nightlife. Shout out to Chise and BOSTOWN FAMILY Bostown Family. I got their permission to use their board IDs and quote all or a portion of their responses. I think you will find this interesting.
FYI: Some folks, including myself, changed their names to reflect support for Barack Obama, a creative bunch we are!

Barakian Obama 1179 wrote: Hood is a combo of things, atmosphere, the folks you're with, and most importantly the attitude that you may have or the attitude that other folks are giving off to you. Hood can be a good thing though..

Barackquisha ObamaNay wrote: The dress code is a deal breaker. If you can wear anything, then 9 times out of ten, it's a hood party. The age is also another indicator. If it's 18 to dip, 21 to sip, then 9 times out of ten, it's a hood party. If you roll up to the door and it's like ten police officers out there and it's just 11:00, then 9 times out of then, it's a hood party. Also, the promoters will also be a good indicator of the type of party it will be.

KRISDEE wrote: If you can't take your purse inside its HOOD (I.E. The Classics, Le Pearl)

Indi wrote:
If you got BAMMAS in the parking lot...CLUBBIN...its HOOD
If someone tries to sell you something afterwards its hood

Kewl_Baracker wrote:
If you have to take your shoes off and lift up your feet for the bouncers....you're in a hood spot.

Piggy wrote: if someone got killed inside or around the establishment, it's hood.

ARSENIC wrote: did somebody already mention, if the neighborhood bammas serve as the unofficial valets and parking attendants and expect tips

Qpid wrote: Hood is going to the club just to get high and coming out smelling like a drug bust. You will never hear Frankie Beverly in a hood establishment...but you'll see a bitch look like Frankie Keisha Cole's mom.

Dre wrote: If the VIP has more people than regular patrons... you may be in a hood establishment lol

Stinky wrote: 18 to Cum, 21 to Swallow as advertised on the radio..
Niggas in fitted hats, bitches in hoochie attire(hood and low brow)
No concierge service in bathroom...
Entry fee less than $20
The dance floor bigger than the lounging area

luv wrote: hood..

one bathroom
only make basic drinks and shots
only take cash..no tabs


And there you have it. What are your thoughts? I wonder if this will change how some of you throw around the word hood. I think everyone’s idea of hood is different but we all can sorta recognize it. Now personally I think buying fake bags is hood and that has nothing to do with race or environment. I mean why do that seriously. Not only are you hood but you are a terrorist and a nazi! Let me find out you are going to the carry out and coming out with a Pseuo Gucci.

BagLady

Check out my FRESH!

Hey everyone!

I worked on this new layout for the last 2 hours....thanks to all who put in your input and gave it the okay! I think this is a brighter and happier layout. I love the song..I've had more than one person send it to me, saying that it reminded me of them. Now of course I would never say the word "POCKETBOOK", it's either Purse, bag or Handbag. Someone asked me what I thought of a "pocketbook" they were going to buy one time and I blacked out and woke up in jail, apparently I just started swinging on 'em.

Anyway....While I have you here what do you think about LAMARTHE:



Lamarthe
mandarin calfskin 'Exception' studded bag
retail value: $540.00
bluefly: $324.00
sale: $291.60




Lamarthe
brown calfskin 'Exception' hobo
retail value: $675.00
bluefly: $405.00
sale: $364.50




Lamarthe
taupe leather 'First Class' drawstring tote
retail value: $777.00
bluefly: $466.00
sale: $419.40


Goodnight....Goodmorning

BagLady

HMP Exclusive!! New Ciroc Premium Vodka Commercial

That damn Diddy you gotta love him, and I'm sure the Frank Sinatra lovers of the world will love the background music.

Ciroc has grown on me, I'm usually not a fan of Vodka but chilled it tastes pretty good, with a "hint of grape". Check out the video! It officially airs next week.




Let me know what you think!!!

BagLady

The Voter Registration Card is the New Black Card

We are embarking upon one of the most important elections of the 21st century. For African Americans, Black Americans, Africans In America, Blacks, or whatever you wish to be called, we may witness one of our own taking the reigns as commander in chief. Naysayers will see that the quintessential black family unit can exist with Barack, Michelle and the girls. We may have a Vice President who can make decisions and run our country just as well as the president. We may have the pleasure of listening to a president who can hold a fluent conversation void of vocal fillers, catachresis, and improper pragmatic language. Maybe the world won’t laugh at us anymore, or atleast not as hard. At this point, even if Obama does not follow through with what he has promised, he will take us further than Dubya. My father told me in 2004 that “they are going to re-elect this idiot”. I hate when he is right.

Despite the fact that many have died and suffered and worked hard for us to vote, there are approximately 8 million unregistered black voters. Read that sentence one more time. Go back to it like Sarah Palin did during her much scripted debate with Joe “Obiden”.

I keep telling folks that I’m taking Election Day off. I want to make sure anyone that needs a ride to the polls gets one. But maybe I should take the day after off. It could go either way. I get sick thinking that I could wake up on November 5th to four years of McCain-Palin. I’ll tell you if that were to happen I will be the most miserable bag toting female dog you will meet. I will not speak to anyone that doesn’t have a voter registration card.


The voter registration card has taken on a whole new meaning. It holds more street credibility than any platinum or black card. On Election Day you should be able to use your voter registration card for purchases. You should be able to use it for back stage access to the Janet Jackson concert if she doesn’t call in sick. You should be able to get free manicures and pedicures and car washes. There is a different type of coolness associated with taking advantage of the right to vote. Registered Voter in the building, swagger on a hundred, thousand 700 billion.


I say we all line up and smack the folks that don’t think its that important to vote. Let's treat them like they buy or sell fake purses. Sure we have the Electoral College. Now personally I think that is an archaic system used when the majority of Americans were unable to make a decision regarding presidency. Get rid of it. Let’s get this thing fair and square and not have it taken away, shout out to my man Big Al Gore. “We” use this as an excuse to say voting doesn’t matter. Well, you don’t matter if you can vote and don’t. Y’all can vote for the next American Idol but not the next Commander in Chief. Shame on you if you don’t vote.


I want all the club promoters to deny access for the next 4 years to anyone who doesn’t have a voter registration card. Reinstitute segregation, voters vs. non-voters. Make them sit at the back of the Metro. Carry-outs should give them the real hard chicken wings with no meat on them, and no mambo sauce. Employers should reduce their lunch breaks by 15 minutes per half hour. Make them pay a toll for crossing the street. Tie them to a chair and make them listen to hours of non-stop Bill O’Reilly.

Seriously, I cannot stress enough the need for all of us to do our part. If you have paid attention to anything going on in the last few months, you will know the importance of casting that ballot. This is SPARTA! We have a war going on right here and our survival is at stake. (I almost quoted Mob Deep but I want to stay serious lol). The middle class is lined up with guns pointed at us. Yes it’s that crucial, have you peeked into your 401K recently? I see nothing but red like someone got killed in there!



I for one will sleep better at night with a presidential regime that doesn’t consist of someone who refers to Raul and Fidel Castro as “The Castro Brothers”, or gives shout outs to 3rd graders who should be sleeping during a debate, or that can’t name one supreme court decision that she doesn’t agree with. Or one PERIOD. I want a president who can remember his own stance and quotes and doesn’t run with the foxes and hunt with the hounds (Ask your grandma what that means). P.O.W. is the new Maverick.

Ladies and Gentlemen, get your Voter Registration card, and use it. Sure a black card can buy you that hotness but that VR card will buy you freedom.



*Pulling down my Barack Star Fitted*

What a girl wants…what a girl NEEDS…

A couple years ago I ordered a pair of leopard print pumps from Victoria’s Secret.com. Before they had a chance to make me limp home from the club, my dog chewed the toe off. Well obviously after my mini melt down I had to order another pair. They were there within 5 days. I was happy and the UPS man was fine. So anyway I actually got to wear this pair but only once. The beagle strikes again. This time the heel is the part of the shoe that met its fate. So after I threatened to make deep fried beagle, I went back to VS.com and ordered another pair.

Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Well this time I was exonerated and his definition proved untrue, the pumps are still here. Why did I tell you this story? Well because it leads me into the point of this blog. For you English heads this was a topic-associative approach. I need those leopard print pumps. They are a part of the must-have section of my wardrobe.

The must-have portion of your wardrobe consists of a collection of items that polish off and complete your outfit. Some refer to them as signature items. In addition to my pumps there are a few other items that I just can’t possibly go without. They are the things I pack first when I leave to go out of town. They stay at the front of my closet or my dresser. They are the things that I base my outfit around. Here is my list. Ten is a good number:

1. Leopard Pumps
2. Huge Silver hoops (studded or not)
3. One of my beloved purses, the one that gets the most play is the LV Damier Speedy but they are all equally loved. A purse alone can make or break you.
4. Fitted stretch button down with French cuffs (Black, white and red )
5. Dark denim boot cut low rise jeans
6. Black belted trench coat
7. Sterling silver and gold tone “family ring” from Silpada Designs
8. Silver studded Swarovski bracelets (Got them on the cruise ship!)
9. Good solid make up kit: Foundation, concealer, tools for smokey eyes, kiss me lashes mascara, fluid line eye liner, Chanel sheer lip gloss.
10. Knee high black leather boots

I can pack all of the things listed and go away for a weekend and be completely satisfied with my look. I don’t follow specific fashion guidelines or trends but I do pay attention and piece together what is right for me, throw my own seasoning on it and serve it up for all to see.

I could not have done this entry without consulting some of whom I consider a few of the best. I chose these ladies because they all have unique tastes that I think are hot. Here is what they have to say about the wardrobe “must haves”.

DenyseG. Wrote:
I'm pretty simple when it comes to clothing, I consider myself casual chic, my must haves are premium jeans "boot cut" fit, cotton t-shirts(scoop or v-neck) and flats, I have a weird obsession with flat shoes. With those I can dress up or keep it casual for any occasion simply by maybe changing shoes and adding accessories. I LOVE accessories! I have everything, Bamboo earrings (which BTW will NEVER will go out of style), scarves, long chains, chunky bracelets, headbands and the most important of them all, the handbag. I hate to see a woman pull a "Beyonce" and wear every accessory she owns all at once, walking around looking like crazy Aunt Gypsy from The Beverly Hillbillies. The mission is to look fly no matter what your style is, never gaudy or just plain ridiculous. My motto is KISS, Keep It Simply Sexy. Oh and being a hairstylist/makeup artist, I feel the need to say this because makeup for some is part of their daily routine, eye shadow all the way up to the eyebrow is ridiculous, please stop the insanity.


“Feisty” wrote:
Well I must have earrings, I don't care how jacked up my hair, I don't even care if I care I'm matching (well that's a lie) but I must have on earrings, a naked ear is almost as bad as a naked a$$. Jeans are also a must have, every woman needs the perfect jeans, and the perfect fit (it would hurt if mine came with some but pads) but hey you can't have everything. Last, but certainly not least is the ultimate handbag, now it doesn't have to be designer, but if it is then kudos to you, if it's fake, slit your wrist (and I mean that in the nicest Canal Street, Sally's Beauty shop way as possible). Nothing sets off an outfit like a trendy bag, I don't care how much of bamma you are, even if you have on a flowered shirt and some horizontal stripe pants, if your bag is super cute, no one will even notice your hot pink tracks and your outfit from hell..because everyone will wonder who the "hot mess" is with the banging bag. So my must have pieces are earrings, jeans and a handbag..... don't go trickin without them.

StarApple wrote:
Shoes are the exclamation point at the end of a fashion statement!! So that's where I'll start. I must have every type shoe in at least the basic colors.
I must have at least 3" heels. The basics are black, black patent, red and chocolate brown. Navy is ok but not a staple. White shoes are so demode unless
you are a debutante or a bride. I need chucks in my life at all times. Basic black, off-white canvas, purple and the funky hippie trippy ones of course low and high tops. Sandals with heels, a couple pair of cute flip flops. I like color so I have to have some purple and maybe some green thrown in just for GP. Let's not forget the metallics.
I need pumps and sandals in gold (matte and shiny), silver (matte and shiny), and bronze in my wardrobe. And don't throw away the LV miroir pochette and heels. They are
timeless.
Foundation undergarments are next. No need in spending thousands on a wardrobe and it looks like hott caca on. Basic slip, correctly fitted bra, panty girdle, spanx whatever makes the outfit hang correctly. Nothing wrong with a little support.
The little black dress is a must have. No matter the style you must have one that you can pull out and lace up with a strand of pearls or a diamond necklace or a brooch,
sheer hose and the appropriate shoes and bag.
Every lady must have at least 2 suits or suit coordinates. Nice skirts in each length (knee, above knee, mid calf, ankle), fabrics for each season, and the basic colors,
(gray, black, brown, navy and ivory). Black and Navy blazer. Crisp button downs (white and also have fun here with the colors). Don't forget houndstooth and pinstripes.
Subtle pinstripes. A collection of silk scarves and an array of belts just to mix things up a bit.
Trench coats are a must. Now that they are trendy again there isn't an excuse not to have one or two or three in different colors and fabrics. A wool coat, leather coat, leather jackets, and full
length fur coat are basic necessities. A car coat/pea coat wouldn't hurt. I always keep a couple of dainty cardigans in rotation.
I only need a couple pair of jeans in my life. Not concerned with the brand just the fit. I need them to be comfy. Dark denim, light denim and black is all I need. Don't wear them much anyway. But on the fly with the right shirt and a jacket and pumps/sandals you can be ready for whatever in a jiffy.
In the summer I live for short flirty skirts and tanks. I like my legs and like to show them off in the summer. I have to have no longer than mid thigh shorts as well. I'm a beach rat so there ya go.
I never leave the house without my cartouche, my oyster perpetual day date, a diamond ring that my mom gave me and diamond studs. NEVER!!! If I'm feeling extra
fly I'll put my white gold diamond hoops in the second holes in each ear and my thin gold bangles. Other accessories as needed depending on my mood and the occasion
and the outfit.
What would a wardrobe be without formal wear? Shop your style and not the fad of the season. Keep classic formal wear. You never know when you'll be asked to go to
see the Philharmonic or to an after 5 affair at the last moment. Always be prepared. Satin slippers, a clutch that makes a statement and you're ret ta go.
Ahh hats. Fedoras, church hats, baseball caps, knit caps, newsboy caps, etc. Get some in your life. Not every day is a good hair day. *wink* Also a hat/cap
can take an outfit to a totally different place. And sometimes that's a good thing. Same with sunglasses. Experiment. Have fun! I have a drawer full. These are things
that go in and out of fashion. So buy a few pair a year and then peruse the fashion bibles and recycle. That goes for bangles, earrings, baubles and beads.
Handbags, Purses, Pocketbooks... sigh... Hobos, satchels, buckets, totes... buckles, zippers, silver hardware, gold hardware... One of each please and thank you!
Buy in season and out. You can make or break an outfit with a handbag. They might not remember your not so great choice in the cut/color of your dress or what have you
if all they are focused on is that FABULOUS handbag that you are sporting. Don't worry that it may get more attention than you when they remember the bag they'll remember
whose arm it was gracing. It bags are a must just don't go overboard on an outrageous one unless you have a way to get a ROI to enable you to purchase the next It bag.
I can't bear to part with my handbags and shoes so unless it is so over the top that I simply can't wear it again in polite company then I'll gift it or sell it.

CS wrote:
The way I see it, fashion is really simple. People make it harder (or
wilder) than it is. Every woman should have a "go to" option for each
category of an outfit, to have a complete wardrobe. It can be a classic
piece, like a button down shirt, or some bamboo earrings for flavor
(okay, I really hope no one has bamboos as a CLASSIC piece lol). But you
get my point. What are my classic pieces you ask??? Like to hear it,
hear it goes.

These are the things that are a must in my closet:
A pair of designer shoes
A designer bag
A pair of gold hoops. Not too big, but not too small
A trench jacket/coat
A black fitted dress
Smolder eye liner from MAC

Notice, I only have one actual piece of clothing, while everything else
are accessories. I'm a firm believer that YOU make the clothes, but
creating a look is key. I shop at Forever 21 and H&M religiously, but I
find ways to bring out the best of it. Nothing does a better job than a
nice handbag and some heels that will make even an old man nod and smile
at you. While hoop earrings aren't for everyone, they fit my face
beautifully, and sometimes make my outfit a little more fun instead of
being so serious. A trench coat , if you have a good one, is a classic
piece that will never go out of style in my opinion. While the style has
been altered with the times (I.e. bubble sleeves are everywhere this
season), a trench is still a trench, bottom line. And of course, every
woman needs that "little black dress". Find that one that is perfect for
your shape and elegant enough to wear at most events. Finally, even
though eye liner isn't an article of clothing, this eye liner works
wonders for my eyes. It makes my eyes look smoky and sexy without a lot
of effort and extra makeup.

Well ladies there you have it! Good luck finding your must haves and happy shopping! You all know how i just love replies. Please reply and tell me what your must-haves are! Men you can do this too I'm sure *wink*

BagLady