Shock Factor: Kim Kardashian Goes Out To Eat With BFF... NeNe Leakes?!

Now in the name of fashion, whoever celeb I think looks best, I like to post about them. But this one came across as a shock, like seeing a preppy white family in the deep HOOD of Detroit.

I know you've seen the above picture so you see what I mean. Kim Kardashian is no stranger to the reality world. She earns her millions from co-producing her reality shows, to endorsement deals, to most recently a movie deal with Tyler Perry, 'The Marriage Counselor.' So could she be a good fit with NENE LEAKES, a reality star on the opposite end of the spectrum?

NeNe is known as the loud-mouthed matriarch who first exploded onto 'Real Housewives of Atlanta.' And a few years later, she got deals to star in Celebrity Apprentice, The Game, GLEE, and possibly more this year.

SOOO... NeNe and Kim (not THAT Kim) were hanging out together, laughing and having a ball, even though Kim's makeup artist accidentally tweeted the Kardashian sisters' numbers. SMH.

BTW, both women wore very nice and respectable clothing. Ladies, you can't go wrong with a good pair of jeans and a blazer. NeNe and Kim wore the same thing, only Kim in Louboutins and NeNe with a Hermes Birkin bag.

Pic: FreddyO

NY Fashion Week Lookback: One of my friends, Janel LaFleur, Launched JLaFleur Designs There! Congrats!

Congrats to one of my fashion friends/FB friends, Janel, who has launched JLaFleur Designs, a women's line specializing in Old Hollywood Glam styles. She's based in Detroit and I did a shoot with her late last year, and that was for my first magazine cover!

Congrats Janel! Big ups to you and your line! I'm inspired by her, which is one of the reasons why I started my tie line, Vintage Ties by JAIDEN Detroit.

Vid: Youtube/ JLaFleur

Chrysler's New 'Halftime In America' Superbowl Ad

Last year, Detroit made its initial comeback and rocked the nation with Chrysler's groundbreaking 'Imported from Detroit' Superbowl commercial. It featured Detroit native and strong supporter EMINEM and iconic Detroit buildings and sceneries (see below). This time around, the United States of America is included in the picture.

I think this year made more sense because we have Detroiters and people outside of Michigan boundaries who manufacture cars for Chrysler, and wanted to be included in the Motor City comeback but felt left out. Well, Clint Eastwood brought America all together, just to pay homage to Detroit's comeback. That's called 'HALFTIME IN AMERICA.'

Beautiful and LASTING video not just made for the Superbowl XLVI.

See last year's video:

Video: YouTube / Chrysler

'2012 Detroit Auto Show' Edition: Harald Wester of Maserati and Sergio Marchionne of Fiat Pic

Just a quick pic... BOYY do I love cars! Cars are FASHION, too!

Check this picture of Harald Wester, CEO of Maserati, and Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and reviver of the Chrysler brand, at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS).

Guess what they're posing next to?

It's the Maserati Kubang crossover concept. Beautiful, beautiful!

Pic: Freep (Detroit Free Press)



'2012 Detroit Auto Show' Edition: BMW Outsells More Than Other Luxury Brands

This is a special editon post in relation to the DETROIT AUTO SHOW, professionally named North American International Auto Show. Lots of news will be posted about cars because I not only am a fashion buff, but I'm a car buff too!

Check the latest: It's been reported that BMW outsold more than any other luxury brand in the U.S. See the press release below:

The Wall Street Journal reports that BMW and rival automaker Mercedes-Benz both delayed sharing sales figures for December 2011. While most brands released those numbers on Wednesday, BMW and Mercedes held their stats for an extra day. Both knew that they were contenders for the top luxury spot in the U.S., and each wanted the other to announce figures first, in hopes of following up that announcement with a triumphant "We're #1" press release.

It was a very close race -- not as close as Romney and Santorum in Iowa, but still neck-and-neck. In the end, BMW sold 247,907 luxury vehicles over the course of the 2011, while Mercedes sold a couple thousand less, ringing in at a very respectable 245,231. (The race was closer back in May, when the two were separated by just 29 sales.) Both companies' year-end figures represent double-digit increases over 2010.



And Lexus? Lexus came in much further down the chart, at 198,552, more than 13% below 2010.

Wow. And that goes to say that BMW is my favorite of the 'domestic' (sold in the U.S.) luxury brand. It'll be real interesting and uplifting to see the 2012 recovery rate of the auto industry as a whole.

Pic: the car connection; Source: TCC



'2012 Detroit Auto Show' Edition: 2012 Chevy Corvette Centennial

Here in Detroit is the season of not just COLD WEATHER, but it's AUTO SHOW season! Today marks the first day of 2012 for press releases, reviews, and reveals of new vehicles for the 2012-2013 model year.

Please note that the North American International Auto Show located in Detroit, MI is THE PLACE TO BE to see the automakers put their best foot forward, as Detroit is still considered the AUTOMOTIVE HUB of the world.

One of the cars that grabbed my attention was the 2012 CHEVY CORVETTE CENTENNIAL. On the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet, the company released this black-on-black-on black Corvette that is just stunning all over. Here are some of the specs from the press release:

• Bose premium sound system, with one-year XM subscription, navigation and USB
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• Power-adjustable and heated seats
• Memory package, home remote, Head Up Display and power-telescoping steering wheel
• The Custom Leather Wrapped Interior Package, with leather-wrapped upper instrument panels, upper door trim panels and console storage cover and red contrasting stitching
Z07 performance package, including Brembo ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and 19-inch/20-inch wheels and Michelin tires
• CFZ package includes carbon fiber rockers, front splitter and roof
• New Carbon Fiber raised hood option for Z06, which was introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition.

The Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette expresses racing heritage, but does so with a sleek, modern, even sinister-looking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The wheels are constructed of lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red outline around the perimeter of its surface on the Z06. The wheels are specific to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension and a technology advance initiated by Corvette, is included on all Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette models.

The Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet’s racing history. A graphic logo featuring an iconic image of Louis Chevrolet appears on the B-pillars, the center caps of the wheels, and the center of the steering wheel. The seat headrests also carry an embossed centennial logo.

Cars are FASHION, too!

Pic: Serious Wheels

New Music Video of ART: Big Sean ft/ Nicki Minaj 'Dance (A**)'

Look at all the pretty colors!! *In child voice*

Just Big Sean and Nicki Minaj only is pure art! (Note, if you're reading this, I do not condone music videos or the message it gives... and then place it on my blog. It takes quite a bit of decisive thinking about what music video to display as ART.)

Big Sean and Nicki Minaj's latest collabo, 'DANCE (A**)' is a song dedicating BOOTYS all over the world-- I'm not going to talk about bootys but rather the art that went into making the video.

FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR THROWBACK.

BEATERS.

2011-2012 DAISY DUKES.

HOMAGE TO THE BRITISH ON NICKI'S CURVES.

STILETTOS.

JEREMY SCOTT-INSPIRED BACKGROUND ART.

PAISLEY.

MITCHELL & NESS SNAPBACK CAPS.

GOLD JEWELRY.

CRAZINESS.

URBAN ART, BABY!

 Pic: YouTube/ Idolator/ Timmy Got Soul

ELIJAH CONNOR from 'Ultimate Merger' On TV One COOOLD Style

Check out Detroit native ELIJAH CONNOR (from TV One's 'Ultimate Merger' Reality show) with his ice-cold style. I just wanted to run it by you. If you ever watched 'Ultimate Merger', you would immediately notice Elijah's keen eye for style.

Check out a few 'ELIJAH' looks:

He's reppin' Detroit pretty well in style. GET IT 'LIJAH!!

Pic: Google/ Facebook

BIG SEAN's 'Ice' (Jewelry) from 'Do It Big' Video

Big Sean is a rapper from Detroit and while my blog doesn't cover music, it does cover people of music who are 'fashionable'. So check out Big Sean showcasing his pieces in his 'Do It Big' Video. The pieces featured range from the Rolex watch (above), Chanel bracelet, to Cartier eyeglasses.

That's a lot of ICE. 

RIHANNA Before/After LOUD Concert in Auburn Hills, MI

She's out doing her thing, EXPOSED and all (see pic above). She's even doing her thing at her LOUD concerts (which I went to at the Palace of Auburn Hills on June 14!!). Rihanna was hott and way awesome and the visual effects and props in the show played a big role in contributing to Rihanna's creativity.

Gotta hand it to her... it sure takes a lot to do a concert... I can't imagine remembering every lyric, dance step and running back and forth on the stage, let alone doing 50+ shows almost consecutively. 

Pic: Rihanna Daily

Baller BRANDON JENNINGS and Rapper TEYANA TAYLOR Spotted At REVIVE

GRRR... and I missed; I didn't even know that Brandon Jennings and Teyana Taylor were in town in metro Detroit shopping for shoes at sneakerhead store REVIVE in Birmingham, MI. This was apparently news for Birmingham, news for Detroit sneakerheads, and news for me since I spotted the above picture.

I might pay REVIVE a visit and see what's up...

But check out the hot shoes both of them were wearing (WAIT-- I thought they broke up?? Maybe they're just friends now). Brandon Jennings was wearing Christian Louboutin suede studded sneakers for $1,095! Mmm... gotta have a pair--when they go on sale, and yes, these high-end labels DO go on sale. And Teyana Taylor was in the classic Air Jordan 3 Sneakers for about $150.

 

Man, it's gettin' warmer, and I'm not just talkin' about Spring's warm air front (finally reaching 70 degrees this weekend!).

Pic: UpscaleHype

Jaiden's Spotlight on DETROIT: Recording Artist T.R.A.I.N

             

I'd like to introduce Detroiters and the world to T.R.A.I.N . He is an accomplished songwriter who turns the table on the whole rap game by rapping contrary to your norm favs that are on your MP3 or iPod. It's more like rapping about a real-life experience and PROVIDENCE.

T.R.A.I.N released his OFFICIAL PROMO VIDEO above. Be blown away!! I had the pleasure of assisting him with setting up his blog. And that's not the end of it; there's more COLLABO to come!!

You know about them UNDERDOGS, like me...like T.R.A.I.N, just you wait! With enough determination, faith, and hard work, we're TOP OF THE BILLBOARD CHARTS and MAGAZINE SPREADS and INTERVIEWS!!

Check the BIO:

In today’s world of hip-hop, it is very rare to find an artist who brings passion, authenticity, and positive music to the table. DetRapper/Songwriter T.R.A.I.N (short for Teaching, Reaching, And Instructing Nations) embodies all of these characteristics effortlessly.

Coming from an area severely stricken with the effects of the recession, crippled by changes within the auto industry, and haunted by the ghosts of the Motown he refused to let these be obstacles hindering his success. T.R.A.I.N has never been one to let anything stop his progress. This was evident during his high school football days when he was initially given his name. 

Attracted to music at an early age, he began honing his rap skills at 13. T.R.A.I.N describes his style as Unorthodox REALity Music. A term he originated to set himself apart from what he saw as the stereotypes of rap music. As long as he allows nothing in the way of his tracks, the sky is the limit for T.R.A.I.N !

What Our DETROIT TIGERS' Players Drive-- These Whips Are NOT Cheap...

Check it out. This is Detroit Tigers' VICTOR MARTINEZ's whip (slang for "car")that was spotted at the Tigers' Clubhouse, IN PLAIN PUBLIC VIEW. This is a 2010 or 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost. the Ghost is slotted below the father Phantom, which is so huge inside, it is often called a "rolling living room." The Phantom is priced starting at $380,000, while the Ghost (above) is priced starting at $245,000.

The Ghost is becoming popular among ballers, celebs, and Wall Street brokers since it's more 'sensible' and a more 'humbler' drive. I don't even know if humble's a word because a Rolls-Royce is still a Rolls-Royce.

Martinez's whip most certainly costs more than $245,000 because I can clearly see the custom Rolls-Royce rims, tinted windows, and custom body kit. I would like to know where he got this body kit.

Heyy, he just signed a $50M contract with the Tigers so what's you expect him to get?

FRREESSHHH!!!!!

Also see JUSTIN VERLANDER's 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia that was there on the same day.

 

See portfolio of Ferrari 458 Italia below:

Source: DetroitNews/ Jalopnik

Detroit Luxury: A Beautifully Remodeled Mansion for an Unprecedented $2.5 Million

Rarely in Detroit do you see a home that's for $2.5 million. Sure, there is an extraordinary line of great architectural buildings all around Detroit that were designed by Albert Kahn and other designers, and even down to the grand homes of the Boston-Edison District, a venerable comparison to Birmingham, Michigan in looks and price.

For example, a 5-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, 6,000 sq. ft home in the Boston-Edison district may run for $450,000 or more, depending on the amenities and build of the home. Whereas a similar home in a Birmingham, Michigan neighborhood may easily nick the $2 MILLION range.

But the home in the picture is not from any of these neighborhoods. It is in Detroit, but located in the ruins of Brush Park (near Comerica Park and Ford Field, home of Super Bowl XL). If you don't know, Brush Park was considered the Beverly Hills of Detroit in the early 1900s with haberdasheries, bakeries, fine hotels, and great nightlife and entertainment.

This home that was remodeled is so large for such a low cost of $2.5 MILLION. I know that isn't cheap, but elsewhere.... think $10 MILLION OR ABOVE. Here are the stats:

-Formerly a low-rent boarding house

-Bought and remodeled to a Victorian mansion beginning 1986

-11,000 sq. ft., 10 bedrooms, 11.5 bathrooms, 135 YEARS OLD.

-14-foot ceilings, East and West kitchens

Pictures:

Personally, I do hope that someone wealthy will take notice in this wonderful home. It has a lot of potential to be anything: An exclusive hotel, an office or headquarters, a party place, or whatever strikes the imagaination. but I would really like to see an out-of-the-box, daring millionaire pick this home out of all the great homes in Michigan.

Fashion Review: CELEBS Who Attend Fashion Shows



Diddy, Dawn, and Kalenna  at the Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Fashion Show

Hey y'all...It's a fresh, new day and a chance to look forward to a great, healthy, and prosperous day no matter the weather or circumstance, the same way fashion designers look toward the coming seasons and creating an excellent line.

Now, we see fashion around us all the time. It doesn't have to apply to just clothes. It's in architecture. It's in the design of a concept car. It's in even the ergonomic feel of a pen. Fashion invokes a feeling, a fluttering, primitive sense of euphoria when a new design is first spotted. The eyes are drawn to the way it accentuates the body (for both men & women). Fashion captivates...from the 'fashion connoisseur' sitting front-row at an exclusive fashion show in Paris, to the young urban guy checking out some flyy kicks in Detroit. 

Fashion is the unspoked language that draws people together in like interest, even the busiest celebrities. Now I don't need to say a whole lot about what celebs do when it comes to fashion. They OOZE it. It's an attention-getter. It's got to be EXPENSIVE or EXCLUSIVE. It's gotta make people want it. It's gotta be full of swag, timelessness, whatever the celeb is looking for.

So, without further ado, I want to post a couple pics of different celebs embracing fashion shows (some are actually designers like Diddy of Sean John or Kanye West of Louis Vuitton). So go ahead and check out the latest pictures of fashion shows that celebs have attended. They SURELY enjoy fashion, and the same goes for many of us fashionistas (source:Zimbio and of course, my owwwwn self *LoL*).  



"Diddy Dirty Money" crew Including Karl Lagerfeld Fall 2011

Sidney Toledano, Kate Moss, and Alexis Roche at Christian Dior Spring 2011

Rihanna in Elie Saab-- attends multiple fashion shows a year

Salma Hayek and Liv Tyler at Stella McCartney Spring 2011

Kelly Osbourne and Kanye West at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Show Spring 2011

Julianne Moore and Kerry Washington at Calvin Klein Spring 2011

Fashion blogger BRYAN BOY at Isaac Mizrahi Spring 2011

...And.... me!!

NeNe Leakes (Real Housewives of ATL) and ME in Detroit event

...Anyone can love fashion! For those of you who don't know, you don't have to be an A-List to get front-row privilege! Search in your city for a local fashion show, mingle with the coordinator, and BADA-BOOM-BING, you get a front seat and/or VIP.. :-)

KID ROCK Celebrates 40th B-Day In Detroit In Star-Studded Event

The 'Kid Rock Party' apparently was a banger as about 60,000 fans packed the house at FORD FIELD anticipating the biggest house party of 2011. Classic Detroit favorites and Detroit-lovers also packed the house: the legendary Anita Baker, "Run's House" and Run DMC's Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Uncle Kracker, and more surprises laid out for the night.

Kid Rock also sang a bunch of his hit songs with his special guests, singing songs like "Rock Box" and "Born This Way." Anita Baker made the night enchanted with a SOUL-ified version of "Star Spangled Banner." Also included in the fun-filled night were video tributes from Late-Night-TV talking heads Jay Leno, Conan O' Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, and even the animated Beavis & Butthead. 

The night ended on a great note. Even though it was Kid Rock's birthday, you would thimk it would be all about him. NOPE. Rock donated $25,000 each to four Detroit organizations that serve the community (man, that just touches my heart!) and in turn, Detroit City Council president Charles Pugh presented Rock with the 'Spirit of Detroit' award and Chevrolet presented him with a thugged-out *LoL* --ahem-- customized 2011 Camaro.

I'm sure that's a 40th BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER...

Detroit's BIG SEAN 'Hometown Heroes' Concert and Movie Preview

(Scroll down for text and videos)

G.O.O.D. Music artist BIG SEAN ("slave name" *lol* Sean Anderson) has been touring north, south, east, and west bringing fun, catchy, uplifting music to a lot of fans nationwide. His music style is not the only thing fans see; it's also his fashion sense, which is very urban and laid-back, never too thuggish or over-the-top.

 He's doing his thing at his young age, but when the studio lights are off, when he steps away from the mike, when he takes his custom jewelry off, when he chills on the couch and just thinks, HE'S ALL DETROIT. He's one of the select heroes from Detroit who never forget where they came from.

Big Sean visited REVIVE, a sneakerhead/clothing shop in Birmingham, Michigan on December 26th, with Teyana Taylor and TI$A. WOW... DAT'S WASSUP!! He announced a 'Hometown Heroes' concert and short film/movie that will be coming soon. Stay tuned and get more info by visiting his website: http://uknowbigsean.com/ .

See Recent Interview:

BIG SEAN's Effortless Style...

It truly takes BIG talent to pull off a look so simple. The reason being is that some people just try way too hard to be stylish and casual that it ends up being... on my 'FASH, CRASH AND BURN' posts.

Check out Detroit native rapper BIG SEAN who pulls off a simple look such as a white tee, dark denim jeans, simple sneakers, and a "man bag" to style. Keep in mind fellas, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH A MAN BAG... it just depends on whether it looks more like a lady's purse is when it's a problem.

This rapper also sports his simple jewelry (chain), YSL pocket tee with a red handkerchief in the pocket, TI$A sneakers ($125) and an MCM duffle bag.

It just don't take much to look good. If it's hard for you, you should study this...

THE ONLY JAIDEN's Official Photo Shoot

I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS... I'm revealing to you my official pics from my photo shoot from December 1st. These photos were captured by Detroit's VOIST MAGAZINE photographer Patrick Gamaliel, who is extremely talented in his field of work of photography and graphic design.

Patrick and I met in person for the first time for an in-studio shoot and was very polite and welcoming. I think it's very important to establish that great business relationship/rapport with a photgrapher and share your expectations and what your capabilities are so that he/she will know how to better work with you.

So as a result, Patrick got some excellent shots of me, and I gave as much as I could to the camera.. 

There is NO one-way communication, and as a model, it's important to be fluid and go through a variety of poses that are uninhibited and poses that you would do in real life if you were a model.

For example, doing daily things in a certain position and applying them as a look in front of the camera usually turns out well instead of looking "stiff and staged."

But anyway, check out my pictures and link in the Portfolio page:



Check out more pictures that I've posted on Facebook, and 'fashion people' in Detroit, contact me for shoots and shows!