Bombshell By Bleu

ISSUE

9

STARRING..

VASHTIE

MASTHEAD | CONTENTS

Editor

EBONY ALLISON Deputy Editor

TANYKA RENEE Beauty Editor CATAANDA J

Assitants to the Editors TAYLOR STABLER

KISHON SPRINGER Contributors

AJ CRIMSON

CHRISTOPHER LOGAN

ENRIQUE MELENDEZ + ASHLEY ELIZABETH (EnA Creative) EDWARD CRUZ for Tracey Mattingly ( Benoit ) ( agent ) PAUL WARREN for Art Dept Manicurist | ERI NARITA Dear Bombshells, Kelly Cutrone once said, “Sometimes, if not most of the time, you find out who you are by figuring out who and what you are not.” We here at Bombshell each sat back and realized what this statement meant to us and while many of us had different ideas on the meaning, there was one solid conception that we all stood firm on and that was the idea of simply being free. So many of us are just prototypes of what we think we’re supposed to be; we’re influenced by society, our family and friends and end up being nothing more than a robot, built by people around us, instead of being our true authentic self. So this season Bombshell’s we encourage you all to be FREE! Be bold and courageous enough to be 100% you regardless of how it makes others feel! Forget the rules and enjoy everything!

With love from your editors, EBONY ALLISON & TANYKA RENEE

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4 BEAUTY Simply Beauty

6 FASHION Dark Matter

10 BOMBSHELL Vashtie

14 Health

New Year, New You

Vashtie Cover button up shirt dress Y-3 wool jacket SAINT LAURENT jewelry VASHTIE'S OWN socks COMMES DES GARCONS python flats CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN bag VALAS LOS ANGELES

Vashtie Back Cover

mint and black loafers ACNE fur coat AMERICAN RETRO

Vashtie Contents Page matching wool plaid coat and short set AUGDEN

FEATURING VASHTIE 02

FACE IT:

BEAUTY

Simply Beauty Demystifying the perception that a "beat" face is on trend, a simplistic edge to a natural makeup flow is spewing across the faces of our favorite beauty icons. This season's beauty forecast is all about that face! The "no makeup" makeup look is easy breezy.

First prep the skin with your moisturizer of choice. Next decide which face armor you want to add to your regimen.

BOMBSHELL PICK Dior Hydra Life BB Creme SPF 30 or Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Sunscreen

BOMBSHELL PICK Yves Saint Laurent Touché Eclat Radiant Touch or L'Oréal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Highlighter

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BOMBSHELL PICK e.l.f. Studio Lip Stain or Tarte Lip Surgence Lip Tint Colorful lips is the kiss to a "barely there" makeup look. Apply a natural stain with little to no sheen in hues of pink and coral or dabble on a hint of red if you're feeling flirty.

For the perfect Hi-light, accentuate the high points of the face where the sun would naturally hit, giving you what some makeup scholars call the "toddler glow", starting above the cheek bone, slightly above the brow in a "C" formation, down the bridge of the nose, a small area at midpoint of the forehead, then adding a stroke to the cupids bow.

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Bombshell Trends:

TRENDS

Flirty fringe

Proenza Schouler, Givenchy and Céline maxed out on the flap and flow with one of springs biggest trends, fringe. Just make sure you have the strut to match the shake!

dress

backpack photo

$1,402 TIM RYAN

$480 B-LOW THE BELT

$1,324 THE FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY lamp

sandals

$450 B BRIAN ARWOOD

bracelet $275 CAROL WORKINGER

Statement Earrings Big and bold is the way to go. Whether embellished or plain, size your earrings up for an instant conversation starter!

purple earring $350 YVES SAINT

black and gold earrings

LAURENT VINTAGE

kate spade gold earring

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$98 KATE SPADE

$207 GERARD YOSCA

runway CELINE S/S 15

Temporary Tattoos For the ink like no other, that won’t scare your mother, try out some glamorous temporary tattoo jewelry.

With the shimmering pieces, you can wrap your wrists, neck and fingers in a unique combination of peel and stick jewelry.

Stars like Beyoncé, Jeannie Mai and Alessandra Ambrosio have already joined the movement!

temporary tattoo $22 LA FEMME

Gleaming Metallics

TRENDS

Shimmery luxuriousness will make you stand out from the crowd. Whether paired with animal prints or more neutral palettes, metallics offer the right dose of edginess and enviable shine.

trousers $47 NEXT

dress $1,050 ALEXADRE VAUTHIER blazer

$178 SCHUMACHER

iPad case $195 REBECCA MINKOFF

purse $178 FOSSIL

heel $695 Giuseppe Zanotti

candle $55 RITZ PARIS

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FASHION

DARK makeup by MUGOPUS model by RACHEL JAMES photos by LANCE GROSS styled by lital of L'ANIMAL CO

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all clothes SKINGRAFT bag ZARA jewelry L'ANIMAL

FASHION

MATTER 07

FASHION

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FASHION

09

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BOMBSHELL

VASHTIE KOLA producer AJ CRIMSON fashion editor EBONY ALLISON photographer CHRISTOPHER LOGAN fashion stylist ENRIQUE MELENDEZ / ASHLEY ELIZABETH make up EDWARD CRUZ hair PAUL WARREN manicurist ERI NARITA

shirt dress PUBLIC SCHOOL shorts 3.1 PHILIP LIM studded choker necklace PUSHMATAAHA other jewelry VASHTIE'S OWN

Vashtie Kola has made quite the name for herself as a New York based director, filmmaker, model, artist, designer and all around creative. Known as Downtown’s Sweetheart, her inventive flair and business savvy has allowed her to touch several different corners of the entertainment industry, all the while embedding her own cultural influences into her work. The forward thinking force spoke with Bombshell about her life-changing move from Albany, New York, to New York City, how she got her start in the industry and what it’s like to still be such a major influencer after over a decade in the game. words ALIVIA ROYAL

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matching wool plaid coat and short set AUGDEN buckled creepers COMMES DES GARCONS

Where did the nickname Downtowns Sweetheart come from?

I’m sort of like an ambassador for downtown. I’m just a really sweet and friendly girl. One day I was actually with a friend and offered to walk with him and he told me no because if I had walked with him we would be stopping everywhere to talk to everyone… it just wasn’t something that he wanted to do.

I don’t know, I’m just really sweet. It’s sort of cliché but I’m really like the “Girl Next Door.”

What was life like growing up as a First Generation Trini-American?

My parents were very “working class people.” That is what sort of pushes me to keep going with all that I do. Growing up the way that I did has really made me just really want to take advantage of all the opportunities that my parent provided me with through their hard work. I have a really hard time hearing people complain about their workload knowing all the things that my parents over came through working.

You clearly wear several hats as far as your career is concerned. Is there anything that you want to focus on more, or do more of?

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I really just want more time to live my life. Me being so busy is something that really sort of bites me in the ass a little. I’ve been missing out on moments and memories with my friends and family because I’m just always so busy going here and doing this when I really wish I could just live my life.

What was it like working for such a huge brand like DKNY?

It was amazing. Just very exciting because they’re a brand that recognizes NY talent.

What’s everyday makeup like for you?

Well I didn’t grow up wearing makeup. I only saw my mother wear make up for special events like West Indian Parties and things like that. I didn’t really start to get into wearing makeup until around 2008-2009. I prefer women without makeup; I just like more of a natural look.But when I do wear makeup for like shoots, or red carpet event where people are taking pictures and I’m on camera where everyone can see everything, I keep it pretty simple. It’s usually a mineral powder foundation, with smudged eyeliner and a bold colored lip.

Is there was anyone you could meet who would it be?

BOMBSHELL

I don’t really want to meet anyone specific. I mean I like to be surprised by who I come across through out what I’m doing. I just like to meet other artists that are doing things around the world.

Through out your career have their been any fans or people that have really stood out to you?

I really hate the word fan, I just feel like it put me above people and that not something that’s true.

What's your favorite brand?

Supreme.

Favorite Sneaker?

The Jordan 2 I helped design.

What are some of your favorite foods?

I like really raw foods. I eat very healthy.

How would you describe your taste in style?

I definitely have a “Tomboy Style”. Well that is unless I have an important meeting or a special event, I dress up a little more then.

-It was amazing.

Just very exciting because they’re a brand that recognizes NY talent."

What are three songs that you feel describe yourself?

1) Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus and Pliers 2) Overgrown by James Blake 3) New York State of Mind by Nas

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HEALTH

new year new goals new you!

It's a New Year, a clean slate and a chance for you to do things different. The average American gains about a pound during the holiday season, and most people keep on the extra weight permanently. New Year’s resolutions give you a chance to get back on track and in shape!

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day 1..

hell u s b m o b by ble Did you know?

On average, resolutions only stick for about 3 days.

Here are some ways to turn your new resolutions into goals, and give them some traction to make them stick in 2015!

Smart Goals

Keep Track of Your Progress

When creating a plan for your goals you want a strategy that will let you know how and when you have reached it. This method should be measurable, if you can’t quantify it, you will never be able to manage it. It should be attainable. All goals should be realistic.

Remember

Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Time-Bound GOALS. When creating your goals, you always want to know what, where, why and how.

Plan of Action

Create a detailed plan of action. You want to think through details like how often you’re going to exercise, for how long, where, when and with whom. Write these details down. Post them where you can see them. You can even try making rules about portion control.

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Set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Create a plan of action and keep a journal to monitor these steps. An exercise and food journal will allow you to see what works and what doesn’t. It will help you notice your accomplishments and lessen your failures.

A new year means nothing if you are in love with your comfort zone. Get out of your comfort zone, get those goals together and knock them down.

2015 will be your year!

Realistic Resolutions

•Drop 10 lbs •Drop a dress size •Lose the “chicken wing” arm flab •Complete a daily workout video like P90x or run a marathon!

•Cook more, cook something healthy for yourself at least once a day •Never finish a big meal out, instead put half in a take-home container immediately to help you with portfion control

TIARA THOMAS

With whom would it be a dream to collaborate?

Well, I am a big fan of Lauryn Hill, so I’d love to work with her.

Is there a specific place you would like to travel?

I really want to go to Italy and Greece. Also Japan!

They are so hip over there and Japanese candy is really good. I love culture and I’m really open-minded.

What is the name of an album that you love or connect with?

I love R. Kelly’s 12 Play. It’s so old school. When I think about an album I connect with it’s Jasmine Sullivan’s Fearless. I went through a breakup years ago and that’s all I listened to for a while. Even Shania Twain’s Up. I was on that for a minute.

SPOTLIGHT

What are your must-have beauty products?

My number one favorite product is my beauty blender. It makes your concealer and foundation go on so smoothly.

I use it every day. For eyeliner I use Stila from Sephora.

And for brows, Anastasia, which is a matte paste in a tube. For lips I like Lip Tar. Lip Tar is really pigmented in a small tube. It comes in hundreds of colors at Sephora and you only need a tiny bit. I collect them: nudes, mattes, bright ,they’re great!

Can you name one fashion trend that you are loving right now?

I really like hats. There is a hat designer named Rene Mantilla. He made me a hat with black wool and the brim goes straight across—I’m obsessed with it.

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