Letting Your True Colors Show "Underneath It All"

In consideration of "Throwback Thursday," I'd like to share one of my favorite No Doubt videos! "Underneath It All" -- a track from the band's 2001 Rock Steady album, featuring Lady Saw -- is a beautiful, simple song about a lover finding beauty and warmth in another lover despite his faults or shortcomings ("You see the colors in me like no one else...And behind your dark glasses you're, you're something else...").

I think this video is interestingly beautiful, as it features Gwen Stefani doing what she hoped her lover (or ex-hubby Gavin?) did -- revealing her true self as she stripped away all of her layers of layers of...stuff. The end result is a more youthful-looking Gwen in a more vulnerable, makeup-less pure state -- the state of being that I believe all women secretly wish to live in if they knew there was no risk in losing their lover.

Is "Underneath It All" also one of your fave No Doubt videos too?! Do tell! xo

Bursts of Color (in Sexy Styles!) Ruled the Red Carpet! Check Out My Top 8 Picks!

I absolutely would choose a form-fitting black gown before selecting a bright pop of color for the red carpet! Er...I mean, typically I would choose black. But the bursts of color in sexy silhouettes worn by Hollywood faves, including Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry, are giving me life in a refreshing way! Here are my top 8 looks from the Golden Globes' red carpet coverage:

(Jennifer Lopez)

(Guiliana Rancic)

(Olivia Wilde)

(Jennifer Lawrence)

(Jada Pinkett-Smith...and hubby Will!)

(Katy Perry)

(Emmy Rossum)

(Kate Winslet)

Photo Credits: Random Instagram finds! 

Presented by Her Mama, Lady Gaga Receives "Woman of The Year" at Billboard's Women in Music 2015

Did you catch Billboard's Women in Music 2015 Awards last night? Even though I missed nearly the entire show, what I did catch was in perfect, divine timing. When I flipped to Lifetime, a woman with a kind face, platinum hair, and a gorgeous pearl necklace was talking about a girl. As my ears perked and I listened in closely, I quickly realized that this woman -- Cynthia Germanotta -- was talking about her daughter, Stephanie. Or, rather as we know her, Lady Gaga.

In this 15-minute video clip, I believe you'll soak up heavy doses of inspiration -- no matter the type of creative professional you are! It includes Gaga's performance ("Til It Happens To You"), a warm embrace between a mama and daughter, and her beautiful, emotionally heavy acceptance speech after receiving the "Woman of The Year" Award. I'd love to know your thoughts on this major moment. Feel free to comment and share how/if it affected you!

NEW Podcast Alert: 'So Chic' with Arzo Anwar is Soooo Worth a Listen!

Before I listen to episode 3 of "So Chic" -- a fresh podcast gem on CBS radio -- I must share why this new wave of fashion, beauty, and pop culture chatter from Arzo Anwar is sooooo worth a listen! 

The number one reason why couture-loving fashionistas, beauty product OCD-ers, and pop culture junkies should tune in: it's REAL. Listening to this podcast is pretty much like being a fly on the wall while the girlfriends you wish you had chat about what's hot, what's not, what's a mystery, and what's sooo over. Whether you agree or not with everything being said, it's all just so juicy and on point that you don't wanna move 'cause you don't wanna miss any of the industry insight.

YES - Arzo is delivering relevant content packaged up in random, fabulous convos. Then again, what else would I expect from this New York City fashion entrepreneur (owner of Blend Showroom), celebrity stylist, and Reality TV star of "Beauty, Sweat & Heels" (Season 2) on Bravo?!

In episode 1, Arzo dishes on NYFW Spring '16 with supermodel and Victoria's Secret Angel Shanina Shaik, while in episode 2, she welcomes fashion designer Samantha Black ("Project Runway" season 11). With different co-hosts by her side for each episode, including comedian Trena B Real on episode 2, this podcast will also get you thinking about your own wardrobe and image. (e.g., "Ta-ta see-through leggings! I knew I should have gotten rid of you years ago!")

Not only do I stand for authenticity when it comes to fashion choices and how one chooses to present him or herself, but I believe in having the chutzpah to use your authentic voice regarding your thoughts on our fashion climate. So I love that Arzo is someone who knows what she's talking about and does so with a raw, entertaining energy and selectively chooses her co-hosts and guests with a similar vibe.

In episode 3, which I'm about to listen to as I stir up breakfast for my sleepy boyfriend in bed, Arzo welcomes celebrity publicist BJ Coleman. The title of the show is called "It spells chic not chick." Um, yeah, I think this is gonna be goooood. Eggs, bacon, and Arzo. That's how I'm spending my morning. What about you?

Keep up with the latest from Arzo Anwar by following her on Instagram and Twitter! Listen in to catch up with all three episodes of "So Chic." 

Photo Credit: www1.play.it

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If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:

"Interview: Jeannie Mai Talk Style...And Why Steampunk Rocks!"

"It's My Life...Don't You Forget"

"Are You OVER Your Style? Top 3 Tips on How To Reveal the Real YOU!"

INTERVIEW: Jeannie Mai Talks Style...And Why Steampunk Rocks!

("I love the touch of gloss in my Steampunk style!")

Hella stylish. Hella passionate. Hella knowledgeable. 

Yes….I absolutely love the relatable, fashion-oriented personality of Jeannie Mai! The bubbly style maven who grew up in the Bay Area, now living in our television sets and on our social media newsfeeds, is testament to the importance of pursuing your passion. 

From enjoying her dark tresses with a funk of blue as she hosted Style Network’s double Emmy-nominated series, “How Do I Look?” (now hitting Asia!) to keeping up with her insightful perspectives and hilarious “Mama Mai” impersonations on Fox’s “The Real,” I appreciate Jeannie doing her thang while naturally bringing diversity to fashion’s forefront. Now, host of the highly-anticipated “Steampunk’d” on GSN (premiering tonight at 10/9c!), Jeannie is helping to bring a whole community and subculture to light – one that is based on pure innovation. Hosting this show in glammed-up, Steampunk style (with the help of her glam squad: Sienree Du/hair, Jamie Leonard/makeup, and Daniel Musto/stylist), it’s clear that all of Jeanie’s experiences led her right to this very point – her roots.

After speaking with Jeannie, it’s also very clear to me that she is an a-typical celebrity with a love for sisterhood. Also a television correspondent to many major networks, including NBC, FOX, E! News, and MTV, Jeannie is proud to have the talent and ability to empower women. In fact, she empowered me just by saying she’s a fan of my blog right before we started to chat! (I know…eek!)

So when it comes to you being host of “Steampunk’d”….I understand that you especially relate to this show due to your own experience with style as a teenager?

Yeah, so true. I come from the Bay Area, and I believe that a lot of the Steampunk movement comes from within the cities of Palo Alto, San Francisco – definitely San Francisco – Campbell, Oakland... And for me, I couldn’t afford a lot of the beautiful things I would see in magazines, but it didn’t matter, because what I really loved were the things that I could make. My idea of putting together an outfit was taking a corset and cutting it, ‘cause I have a really short torso – I’m not one of those beautiful Victoria’s Secret models who we see donning the corsets – so I would go to old playhouses and vintage shops and buy corsets and then just kinda cut them half and distress the edge or finish the edges. And I would just put my outfits together and just stack upon stack upon stack…and there’s nothing that celebrates a woman’s body more than the Steampunk movement.  I mean, the curves and the Victorian shape. And like, more is more, you know? It’s so much fun, and that’s what I really got into when I was dressing up with the Steampunk life…and you feel a sense of strength when you can wear something that no one else can buy because, quite frankly, you made it. There’s nothing that can top that! And I love that the show is bringing that back, and inviting women to upcycle – make or reinvent – all the things that they see in magazines, but even better because they’re shaping it to their own body. 

("It truly is the definition of imagination when it comes to 'Steampunk'd...")

So what was it like working with all the contestants? I’m sure they are so innovative and creative…

They were amazing! I would have to say that everything I described with what I did is a joke to what these Steampunk makers are doing. They are a very illustrated combination of wood makers, carpenters, watch designers, bakers, fashion designers, of course, and just everything you can think of. What’s interesting is that even though we scoured the U.S. for the best Steampunk makers, not one person stands a chance against the other unless they can really put on more hats.  And what I mean by that is that just because you’re the best carpenter there is out there, there are challenges that go through the season where you might have to design something. You might have to literally get into sewing fabrics together or creating a piece that can illustrate, you know, the entire room to a house.  These challenges are really competitive, so these makers have to throw all their tools on deck and really make something happen.  It truly is the definition of imagination when it comes to Steampunk’d, the show.

So, I’m going to assume that this show inspired you even more regarding fashion, itself…?

Absolutely. So my house has a little bit of Steampunk elements to it, because when I was living in San Jose, my aunts and I used to love going through our old furniture, and things like that, and just adding a bit of varnish and giving it the great, distressed edges and color that the Steampunk culture kinda brings. Now, after watching the show, oh my gosh…I learned so much more that you can do. From pipes to woodwork and to borders in the house, every single thing! Like I walk in my house now, and I’m like 'ugh.' I wanna upgrade in a whole new way. And I actually have started the projects throughout my house now.

And you know, a lot of people will struggle with defining what ultimately Steampunk is. But at the end of the day, it’s really just being inventive. You know, re-living the Victorian, science fiction era and re-embracing the technology from back then to now, and just weaving the story into everything you create. The Steampunk community can get really geeked out over everything that they handcraft, because their heart and soul is into it. And that’s why I love the show so much, because you see that.

("It's about getting these Steampunk makers to feel like their voice is heard.")

As you use the word “community,” I didn’t realize that Steampunk makers are really a subculture…

Correct. Yeah, that’s absolutely right. It’s a subculture and it exists everywhere in the world, not just big metropolitan cities…sometimes even just the smallest areas. One of our very own judges, Thomas Willeford, is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. When you go there, you see the WalMarts and the Targets and the families…My husband’s from there, so I’m there three times a year, and I never know such great Steampunk talent lives there! So I’m actually going to go visit Thomas when I go to Harrisburg next. But Steampunk is everywhere!

It’s so exciting to hear this, because the show’s concept is such a part of your personality. They definitely casted the right person to host it! You’re not just filling a role, this is your passion…

Oh absolutely. It’s my passion, and most importantly, it’s not about me. It’s about getting these Steampunk makers to feel like their voice is heard. For me, as a host, it’s important that the judges get a really good understanding of each maker and their story. Why are they here? What do they have to say? What’s their contribution to the community? And, why is it important that they’re recognized as a Steampunk icon? Each person has a different goal, they have a different background, and when it comes to a competition, you know, sometimes voices can get clouded over by somebody louder or more dramatic. But it’s not about that at all in this competition. We have some really smart judges – the judges see right through that.

Well, I’m excited for the show especially because the concept is still new to me. Looking forward to learning even more about it!

My definition of Steampunk has evolved to kind of be a glam punk. Like, I love the touch of gloss in my Steampunk style. I like everything to look glossy and shiny and mystical…and that works for me. All the ladies on the show wear a lot of their own self-made pieces, and that’s the coolest part about it, so you’re getting ideas alone from the contestants even if they haven’t won. We’re representing so many different people that have touches of Steampunk...

("...At the end of the day, it's really just being inventive.")

How did you get involved in the fashion industry and really start making a name for yourself?

I would like to think that it started in San Jose, where I lived and dressed everyday women. I had the blessing of working with great artists, like Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera, and I was touring with them and doing their makeup. At the same time, I was helping them get dressed and style them as well. But when I would come home to San Jose, it would be everyday people that would come knocking on my door for tips and advice that really helped me to understand that everyday women are equally as important as that big A-list celebrity out there. And may sometimes need more help because they don’t have that team, that access to a showroom or designer labels….and these women reflect the world. As much as I love the celebrities I work with, there is a lot of smoke and mirrors, you know. Not everybody is perfect, but everybody is flawed. We all have our own different flaws that make it a beautiful package. For me, it was teaching these women at home, in the town of San Jose, that made me think, 'Gosh Jeannie, you have to teach and help women embrace their bodies.' A woman who wakes up every morning and despises her legs or can’t stand showing off her hips, or wishes that she was five sizes smaller is not a woman who is recognizing her worth. That kind of stuff leaves me awake at night. So, for me, as soon as I moved out to LA, I pitched myself to different networks to have them understand the opportunity they had to do a makeover show. I’m really thankful for the Style Network.

Hearing you talk about your passion is so refreshing, as your authentic appearance on TV mimics who you really are. That said, my last question for you is: What tip would you give 14 or 15-year old kids who don’t like what they see in the stores, limited in their budget, but really want to communicate their personality in fashion?

I would say the first thing you do is visit a craft store, like your local Michaels or Jo-Anne Fabric and Craft. That, to me, is my favorite store over a Barney’s. I love a good craft store, you know, learning how to get pictures on the grommets, learning how to put button holes in, learning how to place darts…they have books to teach you how to line basic garments, and where to place the darting on an average women’s body. A craft store is going to help people, because their books are easy and thank god we have the Internet now. There’s also just tools you need to create anything you want from anything you see out there. Just get lost in there! That’s the best advice I can give.

The premiere of "Steampunk'd" comes on tonight at 10/9 c on GSN! To learn more about Jeannie Mai, be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter (if you’re not already), and definitely check out her “25 Things Google Won’t Tell You About Me.” Hilarious! 

(*Fun Fact: The embellished gold dress Jeannie is wearing above was designed by LA fashion designer, Daisy Gonzalez, who was recently featured on Good Girl Gone Shopping!)

Photo Credits: Courtesy of GSN

"It's My Life...Don't You Forget..."

Twelve years ago, No Doubt released their cover of Talk Talk's "It's My Life" (originally released in 1984), and I love how ND's version gave new life to this awesome song -- thanks to Gwen's signature vocal sounds.

This empowering song usually gives me some extra pep in my step and reminds me that my life is...my life. ("Don't you forget...") Just like many of you, I consistently remind myself that there is significance in all that I do, and that there is value in both the highs and lows of weekly (and daily!) challenges. So I'm sharing this video with you for your enjoyment as well as some motivation before Monday hits! We could all use some.

Happy Sunday! Rock on...xoxo
Elana

Red Carpet Realness at 'The Voice Spring Break Concert" Event!

(Featuring The Voice's top 8 contestants of Season 8!)

Had a blast night hangin' out on the red carpet with my friend and blogger buddy, Leeann of Join the Gossip, for "The Voice Spring Break" concert! Amongst the competition that actually does exist among press and the blogging community, it was quite a joy to attend "The Voice Spring Break Concert" event with someone who also prides herself in being an ethical journalist first. (She and I are both CSUF alumnae with print journalism degrees!) But that's a whole other topic to write about...

(Me and Leeann red carpet-ing it up. We love black!)

So, in between Leeann and I gabbing about all that is entertainment and the randomness we obsess over, we got some face-to-face action with Season 8 contestants. They chatted about tons (with other reporters right next to us), including their love for music, the support they provide one another, their love for the judges, and how being on television has changed their lives.

Not only did I gain inspiration from the contestants, I truly enjoyed meeting Pharrell (he and Blake hit the red carpet with the contestants also!). Due to the slight chaos that typically develops behind the ropes, I didn't have a chance to ask my favorite fashionable male celeb a question. But kindly, he shook my hand and I was able to introduce myself. In fact, the did that with every reporter, which according to Leeann (who hits more red carpet events than I do), that's an extremely rare gesture from a celeb.

(Pharrell: Judge, Trendsetter, Music Mogul)

Speaking to a reporter from Hollywire, Pharrell provided genuine insight to the world of the contestants and what he believes their goals are as performers: "The love what they do...So, yeah, they wanna win, but I think they want to learn and advance more than anything else. And that's what's super-exciting for me...And I think that's what America's responding to..."

If you religiously watch The Voice, you definitely do NOT want to miss out this Monday, 8/7c! Word on the street is (and well, everywhere...that just sounded cool), is that former judges CeeLo, Usher, and Gwen are returning to the show to provide coaching support.

My only question about that is: What will Gwen be wearing??? (Can't wait.)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of my new iPhone 6 Plus!

Want Boss-Style Inspiration? 'Cookie' Shows You How It's Done in Animal Print!

For many fashionistas and fashion critics, animal-print clothing has had its day. It's often associated with tacky New Joisey fashion or cheap street style. Then, for others, incorporating bits and pieces of a leopard or snake-print look in your wardrobe can add a sexy-like sassiness.

While I tend to sway back and forth with my interest in animal-print clothing (I've had a few leopard-print heels in my life!), I do find that the single common trait among those who dare to wear such a trend is: CONFIDENCE. And boy, oh boy, does my new favorite character on TV these days exude just that. I'm talking about the one and only "Cookie," played by the awesome Taraji P. Henson, in the new (semi-controversial) Fox Television hit "Empire." 

Despite being a Reality TV junkie, I'm always down for a good drama! Think: hip-hop, record label politics, prison time, ex-loves working together, murder, a gay son clearly not accepted by his dying music mogul father (played by Terrance Howard ), unexpected celebrity cameos, and multi-layered perspectives on race, culture, entertainment, and health. Yup - the show has definitely gotten my attention. And if you've yet to tune in at 9 p.m./pac time on Wednesdays (tonight!), I suggest that you give it a try.

I mean, even if this drama sounds a bit too erratic for you, Cookie's style will make you re-think animal-print style. Shoot, she may even make you re-evaluate your wardrobe altogether! From stepping out of the limo to storming in on board meetings, this Boss is definitely making a fashion statement...even after spending over a decade in prison! (Like I said...you gotta tune in.)

Photo Credits: Google Images

I Wanna See You Tweet!

Happy Monday! Hope y'all had a fabulous weekend! From following up on new interview sources and phone chatting about a new project in the works to enjoying two nights out in Hollywood and playing a little b-ball outside (phew!), I was heavily busy.

...And because I'm social media-obsessed (proud of it), I typically tweet about my randomness in one or another. So if you're on Twitter, which I'm thinking you definitely are, be sure to follow me! I'm totally into creating connections and building relationships with like-minded creatives, so yup - I follow back, retweet, and reply regularly.

Tweet me or leave your Twitter handle in a comment below!

My Run-In With Pop-Punk Princess Eryn Woods During New York Fashion Week!

(Me and Pop-Punk Princess Eryn Woods!)

It was ultra freezing during (my first trip to) New York. I mean, ridiculous chilly. Like 22 degrees and below. (I actually left before it got unbearable, I've heard.) But that didn't stop the fiery explosion of this week-long east coast event! One of my memorable moments was in the lobby of Studio 450 on West 31st Street. As a bunch of us guests for the Darkoh show piled into the lobby of Studio 450, shivering and happy to get inside somewhere warm, I had the pleasure of watching pop-punk princess Eryn Woods come in from the cold looking ultra-fab. I originally saw this style queen walk the runway for Tumbler & Tipsy during one of last year's Project Ethos events, and wow...I was blown away by her confidence, charisma, and insane sense of unique style! Totally ironic that I ran into her in New York, because I've always meant to contact her and request an interview in LA. So perfect timing for me to introduce myself, request that interview, and score this awesome photo. For some exciting fashion and music inspiration, check out her website, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and stay tuned for my interview on Agenda Magazine!

‘Apollo Night LA’ Sets Off Internet Radio With the Right Vibe, Voice, and Talent

My mind is always going, my coffee mug is rarely empty, and my music is always on. And, naturally, what I listen to depends on my mood and the project I’m working on. Sometimes my fingers will dance on the keyboard to Frank Sinatra…or I’ll feel a special surge of energy as Drake goes on about starting from the bottom…or I’ll sway to the sounds of Tori Amos as if I’m on the piano bench playing with her. I don’t have a “type” or specific genre of music that I’m in love with – I just appreciate interesting music. And I appreciate those who enjoy discussing and analyzing music in the most relatable and insightful way. 

Sooooo this brings me to “Apollo Night LA” – a hot Internet radio show gaining tons of momentum from several social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram. Apollo Night LA is an hour-long show that tapes Monday evening and then goes live on YouTube the very next day. The concept of the show is pretty awesome: A group of people giving unsigned artists the opportunity to have their entire song played. A pretty revolutionary show, actually. And while I do tune in to get a taste of new stuff that’s out there, I get my fix from the real entertainment – the hosts! When Karen Sims (show's creator), Luenell, Jocko Sims, Lotto, T.D., and Tracy Kennedy are on, they’re on.

(From left: Jocko Sims, Karen Sims, Lotto, T.D./ Bottom: Luenell)

All is fair in love and war with this group. They sometimes agree on which songs are truly noteworthy, but more often than not tend to differ in perspectives. Sometimes discussion can get heated between the hosts, but that’s when it gets good! I appreciate the sense of respect they give one another even when they agree to disagree. After all, music is so universal and equally so very personal, and it would just be weird and completely fake if they always agreed. I dig that Apollo Night LA is a space for these knowledgeable and experienced professionals to share thoughts, laugh, dance, give praise to unsigned artists, shoot unsigned artists (watch the show and you’ll see what I mean), and enjoy their Armadale Vodka. I can totally see Apollo Night LA on a major network like MTV or Revolt TV! Not to mention, the hosts are stars themselves; comedian and actress Luenell was recently on Arsenio Hall, actor Jocko is a cast member of Fox's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and Lotto and T.D. are featured in the new Honda commercial. 

(Top: Guest Elgin Charles, Jocko Sims/ Bottom from Left: Tracy Kennedy, Karen Sims, Lotto, T.D.)

Currently, in its 25^th week, Apollo Night LA is also a cool place for talented guests to come in and contribute to good talk and the overall liveliness. Check out last night's show, featuring the lovely Elgin Charles! Ever wonder what “partaking” means in reference to hip-hop? About halfway in, listen up – Lotto and T.D. explain. WATCH VIDEO. 

Follow @ApolloNightLA on Twitter to stay up-to-date with upcoming shows as well as the launch date of their new website! You’re welcome.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Are Back to Host the 71st Annual Golden Globes Tonight on NBC!

(Photo Credit: www.nbc.com)

The 71st Annual Golden Globes starts tonight at 5 p.m./pt on NBC! With the fashion and beauty hype always surrounding award season, I ask you: Will you be tuning in for the talent recognition or the celeb fashion? (Or, is my question too black and white -- What about both, right?) 

Held at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel, the hosts this year are two of my fave, ex-SNL comediennes - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.  They're baaa-aack and their chemistry is adorable! Check out this great 'lil news article by CNN, featuring fun facts about the two "BFFs" and their amazing work in comedy and TV. 

Happy Viewing! 

Exclusive Interview: Entertainer QT Jazz Talks Fashion, Music, and Being Grateful!

She was singing by age 3, dancing by 7, and now at 18, QT Jazz is redefining (and refining) what a "Pop Princess" is. Godchild of "Mama Joyce," star of  "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," QT Jazz embraces her career as a solo artist and fashion maven. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Atlanta, Georgia-based star, who was born "Jasmine Robinson." Having traveled the country with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry and worked with a slew of awesome artists, including Neyo, Monica, B.O.B., Mindless Behavior, Diggy, Jacob Latimore, Issa, Jawan Harris, TI, Tiny, Kandi, and Lil Wayne, QT Jazz is coming into her own. 

After watching her video, "Heels Bags" (video above), I realized that she's not only a talented singer and dancer, she's not afraid to explore fierce fashion! I'm proud to feature this young, spirited entertainer on Good Girl Gone Shopping. With her supportive family and mature intellect, QT Jazz understands that hard work and perseverance is the name of the game. She's a big star in a small and ultra-stylish package! Thank you to Tara Thomas Agency for setting up our convo. Check it out:

First off, your “Heels Bags” song is HOT. So tell me about your own personal style!

Between my stage name, QT Jazz, and my actual name, Jasmine, there’s a running joke in the house that there are two different people…like a “Hannah Montana” and Miley Cyrus kind of thing. Jasmine’s style would be long sweaters and rugged sweaters…and cowboy boots. And QT Jazz, of course, would be the baggy pants, gold chains, hoodies, the hats, the leather…all that good stuff. So they’re very different.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

When it comes to performing, how much of a say to you have with wardrobe?

Well, for a performance, we all have to agree with each other. We’ll sit there for hours and throw out ideas between me and my mom…And you know, my family. It’s really easy for us to come up with concepts and try them because I design the clothes and she makes them.

That’s some awesome teamwork!

We got a Tina and Beyoncé thing goin’ on! Like I said, we all have to agree and have a say-so regarding what is and what’s not gonna cut it. Especially after long conversations, we want to end up with the best outfits.

What are some tips you'd give to teenage girls who are nervous to step out of their comfort zone with fashion? I mean there are so many cool trends that teens can try…

There’s no such as thing as wrong. Everything you can think of…mixing patterns, mixing prints…Anything you feel comfortable in is right for you. It may not look right or seem right to other people, but there is no such thing as wrong. It’s always what’s right for you.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

 I agree with that. There are so many trends out there, but not every trend is for everyone. 

Yeah, like the gold foil…that’s not really a trend for me! But…it might be for someone else. [laughs]

Another video of yours that is so adorable is when you’re about 3 years old, in 2001 (see video below). Even that outfit was so cute!

Well, it’s really always been inside of me. I started singing when I was about 3 and dancing when I was 7. So we’d always try different things, especially when going to auditions. My mom would make me outfits – I mean there are pictures galore in my house. The different things we did with feathers…And oh goodness! It’s laughable now, but back then, I was the hot stuff.

What’s great in looking at your photos throughout the years, you’ve seemed to stay true in having fun with fashion. That’s especially what I felt when watching your “Heels Bags” video. Fashion does have to do with brand names, but it really is about having fun with it…

It really is, especially because I drew out all those outfits. I literally penciled and drew out what I wanted to look like. I didn’t want to be too conservative but I didn’t want to be too grungy. I wanted to have a mixture of everything, like the cheetah jumper with the wedge sneaker. Stuff like that.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

I think it definitely works for your image! So how old are you now?

Well, I just turned 18 in October.  Shout out to the Libras! It’s interesting, the older that I get the more comfortable I get with certain things. Like as far as trying different styles.

So when it comes to your music, you’ve had some amazing experiences. What are some of your most inspirational moments thus far in your career?

Wow, there’s a lot! I guess one memorable moment that I did have was something that wasn’t a person-to-person conversation…It was seeing someone live. It was Monica. She sings just like her record, and it was so inspirational because she borders gospel, she’s R&B, and she’s fun with every genre. I opened up for her actually in Atlanta, Georgia…And I’ll never forget it.

So you must have grown up listening to her, and then you eventually opened up for her. That must have been pretty mind-blowing. 

You already know. I knew all her songs…I had just as much fun as the people that came to see her. I was backstage rockin’.

Now that we’re in a new year, what can your fans look forward to in 2014?

More videos…more ideas and content regarding who QT Jazz fully is. We did the “Heels Bags” video and the “Back Up Off the Wall” video, but I don’t think they showed the total picture of what or who I am. And now, it’s more of a 360. I’m gonna have more videos and getting ready for photoshoots, and all that. Really, we’re gonna go so hard!

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

 It seems like you have a really great support system with your family...

Yeah. Like I said, there’s my mom who designs clothes and she’s also the “mom-ager,” of course. And also my brother ("Gphonics"), the producer of “Heels Bags” and “Back Up Off the Wall,” who is also producing my upcoming EP, which is coming out soon. I’m so excited! Hoping everyone loves it as much as I do, because it’s my first solid project.

As a solo artist, have you had many challenges?

I have. It’s a challenge because I’m one girl in this big industry and it can be kinda hard. There are so many of us! There are so many different artists where I’m from, in Atlanta, Georgia, and everywhere you turn. So the most difficult thing I would say is separating myself. And I do that through my clothes and through my music. There’s a borderline of what’s appropriate for kids and what’s entertaining…Whether I wear something revealing or it’s up buttoned up all the way up to my neck, it’s always a thought.

In a recent interview, I read that Chris Brown and Beyoncé are two artists that you would love to perform with...

Not only just to work with them (performing with or opening up for them), but to see their artistry and how they react to certain things – just to be there and pick up on the things that not many people can teach you. Some stuff you have to witness in order to learn it. So that’s the big picture when I say I want to work with artists like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and the Bruno Mars’. Everything I do takes a thought, and I would like to see what it takes for their event projects…their thought behind it.

I think a lot of people forget how much effort it takes to sing, dance, and maintain the energy on stage.

Well, I actually do have the most fun on stage, ‘cause you’re singing, dancing, and acting. You know, you’re acting out your music and painting a picture for the audience, so I mean it’s hard, but it’s fun. And it’s worth it.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

 At 18, did you think this is where you would be? And, are you where you want to be?

Well, I’m always grateful for being able to do what I want to do in life. So I would never say I’m not where I want to be, but I always plan to grow. I would never say I planned on doing this at 18 and 'No, I am no there yet.' That would just be ungrateful on a whole other level. I have goals and I’m working on them.

So my last question for you is fashion-related: What are your overall thoughts about the fashion industry?

You don’t see kids in fashion. You see the Rihannas and the Madonnas doing the high fashion, but you never see kids or teens or young adults. So I think that’s missing. I mean, it’s not that I don’t ever see kids in the fashion magazines, it’s that I’m not inspired by the pictures.

Well, I’m happy to feature you on Good Girl Gone Shopping, showing you as a young adult entertainer making fashion her own. Any last words?

If someone asked “What’s the first step?” I’d say just trying. Start now. Don’t wait until you go to college or finish college – start now. That’s something that people don’t really realize. I mean, the “Heels Bags” project was all independently done – my mother, my brother, and us as a family. That was just us. We don’t have to wait on anyone to give us something. Just claim it. Play with fashion.

(Sometimes, you're just born with it! I love this home video, featuring QT Jazz on the right, next to Zonnique Pullins - "Star"- of OMG Girlz)

Keep up with QT Jazz on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also stay on top of the latest by visiting her website: www.qtjazz.com. 

'Settle Down' Y'a'll! No Doubt Never Left.

So I've been keeping up with No Doubt's process of working on their new album through the most popular, ingenious, unavoidable method of online communication today: social networking. I love reading Gwen's tweets and  viewing twitpics featuring her, Adrian, Tony, and Tom in the studio. And today, it was the debut of one of their soon-to-be-hit songs ("Settle Down").

For me, and many of my friends who have been fans of No Doubt for more than 15 years at least, it's ridiculously exciting to have good, solid music hit the airwaves. The overall vibe from the media seems to be a "Welcome back No Doubt!" or "No Doubt has returned!" And yes, it's a fact that they have not technically recorded a new album for about 10 years. But there's a major part of creating art that many people forget about, don't understand, or don't always understand its value: the creative process. 


I'm assuming that it is only natural for bands to take a helluva long time to make decisions. Maybe a sort of hold period of about 10 years is not the norm for most bands, but from  hiring producers and figuring out melodies to songwriting and rehearsing...the process of creating any art form takes time and conscious effort from everyone involved. And while a new No Doubt song has not hit the radio in some time, they have still remained a band (never broke up), pursued individual interests (producing, guest performing in other bands, fashion design, etc), and started families. Meanwhile, tons of their big hits from other albums have continued to play on major stations -- from pop stations (102.7 KIIS FM) to rock stations (106.7 KROQ).

Yet while I still really don't have a clear picture of what it takes to be in a band, I do know what it takes to create my own sort of music through writing. Gathering inspiration and finding the right voice is very important. Maybe Gwen and the guys needed the experiences of having kids, getting married, traveling the world, etc. to find the right voice for this album. I respect the years it has taken to give us, the world, a new result of their hard work. Point blank: No Doubt is amazing at what they do, and because I'm sure their wheels were turning throughout the years, I don't believe they ever left. Their physical presence is simply more visible now. Now CHEERS to that!

I love returning to a band's roots to truly see how much they've grown and how far they've come. That said, you gotta check out this 1990 No Doubt interview clip I found. You gotta! It is said that this is their first television appearance. Totally unpolished and real.

For a more polished interview from the famous, fully established, Orange County-based band, tune in to E! Entertainment tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT for their exclusive interview with Ryan Seacrest. New album set to release on September 25th! For updates and other fun stuff, be sure to follow the band on Twitter. 

Photo credit: www.maytherockbewithyou.com   

Video credit: www.youtube.com