RIP Secretista

This is the end of Secretista and the beginning of Dara Adeeyo. That's my real name in case you didn't know. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm ready to move on. Visit my new site to get the deetz on the change.

XOXO

Do you/would you bleach your skin?

My instant response is HECK NO, but a recent visit to my Dermatologist has me saying maybe...

I LOVE my milk chocolate skin tone. Mmm; I taste and look so good, I make you want to say "Hershey is" when I walk into a room... Ha!

The idea of bleaching skin actually sickens me. Every time I think about it, I revert back to my freshman year of college where I learned about skin bleaching via my Anthropology Race & Ethics class (WATCH: A Girl Like Me).

In some black communities and countries like Jamaica and Thailand, skin bleaching is common. It has to do with the idea of beauty and lighter skin being more desirable. This obsession with whiter skin can be traced back to times where those who were considered farmers had a lower status and tended to be darker from being in the sun all day (i.e., slaves and farmers/peasants from ancient China). Thus, having lighter skin is now a way to define ones status in a world with no definite cast system.

So anyway, a recent visit to my new Dermatologist changed my mind (slightly) about skin bleaching. Anxious about meeting my new doctor for the first time, I was ready to see him and go back to using my daily facial regiments. You see, I ran into some health insurance issues and stopped using my normal prescribed products completely (eek!), causing me to breakout like I was some prepubescent teen. HELLO, I'M 21!

Since I was 10 years old, I've been going to a Dermatologist. I've also been using the same acne meds for 10 years. About 90% of my skin care products aren't over-the-counter and since I have sensitive skin, I don't have the luxury of trying all the fun less-expensive-than-prescription topicals. 

But back to my visit with the new doc...

During my consultation there was talk about pills (?!), Epiduo and Hydroquinone. Epiduo is the new popular prescribed topical in the world of Acne. Remember when Differin was in? Tried it. It was poop. However, when he mentioned Hydroquinone, I scratched my head - never heard of it. Hydroquinone is the by-prescription-only bleach cream. I have bad scarring from picking my pimples (nothing feels as good as popping a zit), so doc recommended I use the cream to lighten my dark spots because it will fade them quicker. I plan on only using it at night because I'm scared what will happen to my face after I apply it and then expose my skin to the sun. I also plan on using the tiniest amount possible and stopping once I see a good or bad change in my skin.

Thoughts? Do you use bleaching cream or something similar?



XOXO

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*Editor's Note (7/3/10) : I've been too scared to use the cream. It was a waste of money. It cost over $100 because it wasn't covered by my insurance. WASTE! I've been using Bio Oil on and off for over a year now and I'll just stick to that.

Sway.com Coming This Fall!

Hmm. So, a new site called Sway.com is come this fall. This is a site that will give its members access to cute dresses everyday. I'm thinking it might be the youth version of Gilt Groupe, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Thoughts?

XOXO

CURRENT OBSESSION: The Power Femme

I love a good Power Femme. It's a good look and a good attitude.

To me, a PF is a woman who takes her life by the horns and lives her life the way she wants it to be lived. She doesn't let anyone dictate her next earth shattering move. My current favorite Power Femme is Christina Aguilera. She has reinvented herself so many ways and manages to stay on top. I not only lover her AMAZING singing voice, but also that she is always trying to empower woman. You can agree with me or not. If you don't, listen to this song.

Needless to say, I'm sort of a Feminist. I'm not a bra burning and male hating Feminist. Although, I don't think that's the correct way to describe any Feminist because if you believe in equal rights for all genders, then you are technically a Feminist.

Anyway, I questioned my Feminist ways last year as I sat in my Intro to Women's Studies class. I'll take you back with me...

My mind is somewhere else. This crazy weather (cold then hot then cold again) has got me sniffing and wiping my snot-infested nose. And being in the basement of an academic building listening to two professors (that's right. I have TWO professors for one class) rant about post-feminism bullshit is the last place I want to be. At least I've got my good friends sitting behind and next to me. We're obnoxiously loud in class with our laughs--like it's high school all over again.

Professor A is a tiny silver-haired lady with eyes that bug out like a mad African man (dad, is that you?). I've never seen her make eye contact with any of us students. She's always staring at the back wall, forcing me to constantly look back to see if there's anything there. There isn't. Professor B is another tiny lady who is much younger and a little off beat with her nose ring and disheveled short chestnut-colored hair. Both nice.

We're in the middle of discussing Sojourner Truth (I think) when Professor A blurts out (like she always does), "I have a question for you!" Great. We'll never get back on topic. "Why do women wear heels?"

My focus went from my chocolate chip muffin to her. What did she just say? And like she heard my thoughts she repeated, "Whyyyy do women wear heels?!"

I shoved the last piece of my muffin in my mouth, swallowed and raised my hand instantly. I mean, I am the shoe queen. "Well, I don't know about other women but I wear them for personal reasons. I love the extra height, the way I look and the way I feel." Proud of my answer, my focus went right my to my muffin. Are there any crumbs? GOD, I'm hungry.

"Hmm. Interesting." Professor A said. Other girls in class began to answer. Some liked the length it gave their legs and some, actually a lot, responded that they just liked them because they did and never thought about it.

"Well." Professor A began. "Why do you feel the need to wear heels? You should not feel the need to wear heels. It doesn't do anything for you other than make your feet hurt. They are pointless. That's all I wanted to say."

Stop. Did she just? I mean, really. Did I just get chastised for liking heels? Oh. No. My hand shot up. "I mean, it's not like I FEEL the NEED to wear heels. I wear them because I like them. I wear them because they are cute. I wear them because I love shoes. There's no deeper meaning to the reason I wear heels, other than it's for sartorial reasons."I can get a little sassy in class.

Professor A responded, "All right, but don't blame me when you have feet problems in the future." Too late. My arch hurts when I wear flats.

That discussion turned me off for the rest of the semester. Any woman who looks down on heels and ridicules me for my fantastic footwear decisions was dead in my book. I began to think, was I not a Feminist because I believe in wearing heels is a woman's GOD given right? Later in class we got into the discussion of marriage. Let's just say that I got put down because I wanted to have a "traditional" wedding ... 

This is when I realized that being a Feminist wasn't about oppressing the "traditional" aspects of being a woman. To me, being a Feminist means believing in equal rights for women in society. I'm not saying chivalry should die because I truly adore a man who holds the door for me. Seriously. When a man holds the door open for me I look at them like they are my knight in shinning armor. But, I think that a woman should be allowed to feel like she can fulfill her woman-like duties, whatever that may be, without the burden of betraying her fellow Feminist Fatales. Thus, the birth of the Power Femme.

XOXO

Photo: Style.com

WEDGE WANTS: Wisteria Chiffon Tie Wedges

WHERE TO BUY: Topshop

PRICE: $135 

WHY: Red is the color of passion and also number 1 out of all the colors I love (if you didn't know). There's also something remotely romantic yet sexy about the shoe. Perfect for a date and a night out on the town. There's only one size left on the website, but you might be able to snag it at the nearest Topshop.

XOXO

MUST WATCH: Mahogany Starring Diana Ross

Over the weekend, I was aimlessly flipping the TV channels when I stumbled upon a familiar face wearing a chic camel trench coat paired with a burgundy scarf and sweater. That familiar face was none other than Diana Ross. I could instantly tell what I feasted my eyes on was a movie that was set in the 1970s. My channel changing spastic finger stopped. Mahogany was the name of the film. Secretly for the past month, I've been on a Diana Ross kick. I don't know why (Seriously). Her and BoA are my go-to stations on Pandora. But yes, I've been on a DR diva kick, so I was super excited to sit and watch the entire film.

For those who don't know, Mahogany is about Tracy (Diana Ross) who is an aspiring fashion designer. Her dreams take her to Rome where she is then pushed into a whirlwind known as the fashion industry, leaving her humble abode in Chicago. "Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with" was the underlined meaning of the entire movie. All in all, it's a must watch. If not for the actual storyline, then for the decadent fashion that Diana Ross dons.

Begin watching it below. My orders.

Source: YouTube

XOXO

Hemma Trunk Show Friday June 11, 2010

Friday June 11, 2010, Hemma is having a trunk show in Soho to showcase the collection. This African-inspired and 100% eco-friendly line will have all their delectable pieces available. A percentage of the sales will be going to La Yahoushua middle school in Ghana.

XOXO

SPOTTED: Jeffrey Campbell's Snick Back in Stock!

Remember these JC badboys I introduced to you guys back in March? Well, they're back! You can purchase them on Solestruck.com or Lori's Shoes.

But psst, Solestruck is cheaper and word is from a Jeffrey Campbell insider that they will have the Snicks available in black very soon:

@JCshoes: @Secretista "Black should be up tomorrow... Or so I heard! WORD."

You're welcome.

XOXO