My fiance surfs and wants me to surf with him when we honeymoon in Hawaii, and I’m not trying to drowned!!! So I’m getting ready! This new endeavor and an Essence article has lead me to this amazing clarifying shampoo, Sof n’ Free Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo, which removes all the chlorine build up from my hair and scalp leaving my hair soft, squeaky clean, and not dried out! Whether your swimming at the beach or in the pool, you will need to clarify your scalp and strands from either salt or chlorine build up.

Here are some other reasons whys it’s important to clarify you hair at least once a month:

Clarifying ensures that you will remove any mineral build up that comes from washing hair with tap water, any dirt/oils and product build up. A healthy scalp is free of dirt, extra oils (which can cause dandruff), and build up. Clarifying will ensure a healthy scalp which aids in hair growth.

Sof n’ Free Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo gently removes deep-down dirt and buildup. The ingredients are listed below .

It’s true. Hair care ingredients can have some pretty artificial sounding names. So, what are they doing in our Nothing But products? Simple. These essential, good-for-your-hair ingredients aren’t as scary as they sound. Here’s what they are and how they make your curls look and feel gorgeous.

Ingredients:

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate — A cleansing agent naturally derived from coconut oil.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine — A product thickener and antistatic agent.
Cocamide DEA — A modified form of coconut oil used as a cleansing agent.
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate — A cleansing, foaming, and lathering agent.
Polyquaternium-10 — An antistatic agent that enhances hair’s body and sheen.
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate — A cleansing and thickening agent used to assist other ingredients get absorbed into the hair shaft.
PEG-6 Capric/Caprylic Glycerides — Emollient that gives a smooth feel while emulsifying natural oils in the products.
Polysorbate 20 — Allows essential oils to become soluble in water.
Diazolidinyl Urea — Discourages bacterial growth and spoilage.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate —Discourages bacterial growth and spoilage and is a gentle alternative to paraben preservatives.
Citric Acid — A natural preservative and antioxidant derived from citrus fruits.
d-Limone — Aromatherapy-fragrance ingredient used for its citrus fruit scents.
Linalool— Essential oil used for its stress-reduction properties and floral and spice scents.
Citral — Used for its lemon scent.

You can purchase here Sof n’ Free Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo or by clicking on any of the highlighted links .

What do you use to clarify your hair?

Tell us your name and where you are from?

Helloooo! My name is Khaleb Salah Sojourner. I’m originally from Chicago and am currently living in Philly.

How would you describe your personal fashion style?

I would describe my style as Dapper Afropunk Realness! I like to mix different styles. Some days I’ll off set a bow tie with a pair of wings or wear Disney sweaters with Doc Martens…

What do you do? Is there a resistance or compatibility with your style in your field of work?

I do a range of things and mix my hobbies with professions. I’m a slam poet, model, fashion designing, painter that throws queer warehouse parties on the weekends. I recently started my own line of AfroDapper bow ties and Varsity Jackets! I’m also a full time student studying International Studies and Women and Gender Studies. I travel a lot doing social justice work in developing nations as well. I’ve never had a huge issue with mixing my style with work. While abroad I usually wear traditional clothing from the region I’m in. I eventually would like to do artistic rehabilitation with youth in post-conflict zones. I’m planning on law school in a year though and feel my style might cause some difficulties due to dress codes… we shall see! I like to spice things up.

What is the strangest request, comment or style story?

This isn’t a strange request but more of a struggle I have faced with my style. I identify as a transman so at first I had difficulty with maintaining my style while presenting in a way that allowed me to be perceived in a comfortable way. Initially I attempted to dress very masculine but that wasn’t me! I know dress pretty androgynous and am comfortable with mixing bright colors and fitted menswear for an effeminate masculine look. I still struggle with finding modeling work that will allow me to dress in a comfortable way though.

When it comes to your style who, what or where does your inspiration come from?

My biggest inspiration is the fashion in all of the countries I have lived in and visited. I have had the opportunity to spend a summer in Cambodia, a summer in Bolivia, 6 months in Costa Rica, 2 weeks in Panama, a year in India, a week in Cuba, and next month I’m heading off to Chile for the summer! All of these countries have impacted the way I see and connect with the world. Through that they also have heavily influenced my fashion and wardrobe. Another inspiration is Rocker’s Closet in South Philly. They have some of the coolest vintage and thrift items I have ever seen! I wouldn’t have been able to come up with a lot of looks I go for without the help of their clothes.

What would you say to others who judge individuals negatively for their personal fashion style?

I say forget them!! Everyone has a way of expressing themselves and if you like what you are wearing and feel empowered in that than do it all day every day. People in this world will always find something to judge you on, wear what makes you happy.

What advice would you give to people who might be afraid to show their true fashion sense for fear of being judged by others?

Take risks!!! Some of the hottest looks have come from people who step outside their comfort zone. Maybe we have been waiting for YOU to show us what the next big turn in fashion is. Don’t be afraid! I got your back!

If you could name one person from the past and present whose closet you would love to raid, who would it be?

Just one!!?? There are a few people who’s closets I would like to raid! Andre 3000, M.I.A., and all of the characters in “Do The Right Thing”!

Do you have a blog/website?

Yes! My personal blog is khalebsalah.tumblr.com and my modeling blog is freedom modeling.tumblr.com !! You can also catch me on twitter: @FirstAmmendment

Anything else?

I would like to thank the two photographers that took pictures of me for this interview!!!

Heather Feather of Rocker’s Closet
http://rockerscloset.tumblr.com/
and
Abbie Sue
http://abbiesue.tumblr.com/

Also, you can message me through my personal tumblr or stop through to Rocker’s Closet to check out some of the items I’m making or my artwork.

What makes you an Urban Bush Babe?

I am an Urban Bush Babe because while I’m enjoying fashion and creativity I am dedicated to having a positive impact on my community and those in need. Activism and social justice work has literally brought me into the “bush”. And while I have on a mixture of local dress and urban vintage wear my focus is changing the world.

“a tech savvy college student named Mark who creates a cutting edge spyware app that allows him to remotely view any cell phone in New York City. He begins to invade the ‘privacy’ of hundreds of New Yorkers remotely via the ‘Privacy App’ he has just developed, but then spots a beautiful and mysterious girl, named Alexis, whom he begins to spy on. She appears to be looking for someone, while at the same time being sought after by a shadowy figure. Mark is drawn into her world and has his best friend Toby contact her when she is in need of an apartment. Alexis moves into Mark’s building where Mark and she meet and fall in love. But their romance quickly disintegrates when Alexis’ dark past catches up with her, entangling Mark in a web of murder, political intrigue and privacy invasion.”

Last week I found out ‘Privacy’ was accepted in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in France. This invitation only festival is the most prestigious and recognized film festival in the world which previews films, including documentaries of every genre.

The reason why this project is so special, is not only because it is my first feature film but because I worked so damn hard on it. The film shot in various locations around New York City over a span of 2 months, 6 days a week, 12 hours a day. Yes 12 hours a day. Which means after I came off set I would go home to work on Urban Bush Babes, this translated to many sleepless nights but I was dedicated to both commitments that I loved so much and neglect was not an option. Of course it was a little difficult for my boyfriend to understand in the beginning just because he saw I wasn’t getting any sleep but I knew the difficulty was coming from a place of caring for my well –being and like Nas said “you can sleep when you’re dead” but then again I knew we were shooting for 8 weeks, if this was a 3-6 month shoot more sleep would be necessary or I literally would be dead. In addition to sleepless nights the temperature last summer was enough to make sleeping impossible. With scorching temps compared to the mild weather we have been having this year, this made shooting that much more difficult. There was a two week period when we were shooting the main character, Mark, in which many of his scenes took place in an apartment setting and man let me tell you this part of the shoot was no joke! Due to sound from outside elements all the windows had to be closed and since the apartment we were using had no central a/c we had to turn off all window a/c’s because of sound as well, this meant temperatures sky rocked to 113 degrees. Yes 113 degrees and the cast and crew were not the only ones feeling the heat, using the latest cameras and gear we experienced technical difficulties often from the over- heated equipment, but due to the dedicated crew and cast everyone persevered. Including my sister, TK Wonder and Nikisha’s fiance’, Carl provided soundtracks that made the score.

In hindsight, all of the previous mentioned is a grain of sand compared to the immense joy I felt, not only to be working with so many incredible and talented people but to work on something you love is not really work at all but a destiny fulfilled. Though it seems my destiny had one more surprise in store…The 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

Of course I could play it off and nonchalantly suppress my extreme excitement but you know that is not my style so when I found out the film I was a part of was accepted in the Cannes Film Festival, excitement is a drab comparison to the emotion I felt. Then on the flipside of this blessing I will not be able to physically view the film at the festival due to invitation only but since my work will be represented I feel I will be there in spirit.

To view a sneak preview of the feature film ‘Privacy’ click here –> Privacy Feature Film Trailer

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Behind the Scenes of Privacy

From left to right Brenton Duplessie as Scott, Gina Busch as Alexis, John Shepherd as Mark and Clayton Stocker Myers as Toby

Director Jorg Ihle

Producer Anre Garrett with Director Jorg Ihle

Had to constantly squeeze past tight spaces, lol

In a shirt I designed. The quote was silk screened and the suede apple grenade patches were hand sewn.

Yeah it was that hot!

The Preview Screening at the Tribeca Cinemas in NY

privacythemovie.com

Click here to see the sneak preview –> Privacy Feature Film Trailer

The Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza in New York is the fifth largest library in the United States containing over a million cataloged books, magazines, and multimedia materials. Building of the Central Library began in 1912 and was completed in 1941. Today it’s regarded as one of America’s greatest art deco buildings.

Central Library Renovation Project

Grant funds will support full replacement of the original 1937 main entry doors at Central Library. The bronze and glass doors, including two sets of double doors and a central revolving door with four leaves, provide the base for the 50‘x20’ entrance to the landmark building. The doors and supporting hardware have undergone numerous repairs during their 70-year lifespan and will be replaced using historically sensitive materials and methods.

In advance of the six-month project period, and using separate funding, Toshiko Mori Architect will design and provide specifications for the replacement of Central Library’s severely deteriorated bronze and glass front entry doors. Toshiko Mori Architect is currently managing the redesign and renovation of the adjacent Grand Lobby and Entrance Hall spaces, as well as the new Information Commons, and will ensure a cohesive and unified design for these significant Central Library spaces.

The new doors will be fabricated to exactly resemble the originals, which after 70 years of heavy usage are in extremely deteriorated condition and no longer able to be repaired. All visible parts of the replacement doors will be built with a statutory bronze finish similar to that of the originals in order to blend in with the building’s magnificent Art Modern Façade and signature glass curtain wall that rises from above the triple doors. The existing door pulls and hardware will be refurbished and reused as feasible, or replaced with custom-built new versions, if necessary.

We are huge advocates of making sure that one of the biggest libraries is preserved. A library is the only public place where you can access a plethora of free collections of books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, prints, records, and tapes. Not to mention we have frequented the Brooklyn Public Library many times growing up and it is our favorite library!

The Brooklyn Public Library is one of 40 historic sites all competing for the $3 million in grants, so make sure you vote for them or another historic location daily through May 21, 2012 at PartnersinPreservation.com or Facebook.com/PartnersinPreservation.

Brooklyn Public Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/
partnersinpreservation.com

Vote now for any of these sites below
PARTNERS IN PRESERVATION Sites:

- Alice Austen House Museum, Staten Island
- Apollo Theater, Manhattan
- Astoria Pool, Queens
- Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Bronx
- Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Brooklyn
- Brown Memorial Baptist Church, Brooklyn
- Caribbean Cultural Center, Manhattan
- City Island Nautical Museum, Bronx
- Cleopatra’s Needle, Manhattan
- Coney Island B&B Carousell, Brooklyn
- Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn
- Duo Multicultural Arts Center, Manhattan
- Ellis Island Hospital Complex, Manhattan
- Erasmus Hall Campus, Brooklyn
- Federal Hall National Memorial, Manhattan
- Flushing Town Hall, Queens
- Gateway National Recreation Area, Brooklyn
- Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Brooklyn
- Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan
- Helen Hayes Theatre, Manhattan
- Henry Street Settlement, Manhattan
- High Line, Manhattan
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Manhattan
- Japan Society, Inc., Manhattan
- Jefferson Market Library, Manhattan
- Louis Armstrong House Museum, Queens
- Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Manhattan
- Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, Bronx
- Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
- New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society of Rosebank, Staten Island
- Queens County Farm Museum, Queens
- Rocket Thrower, Queens
- Rossville African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Staten Island
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Manhattan
- St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, Manhattan
- Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, Staten Island
- Tug Pegasus & Waterfront Museum Barge, Brooklyn
- Weeksville Heritage Center, Brooklyn
- Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx

***Disclosure: We have partnered up with Partners in Preservation as a blog ambassador to help spread the word and raise awareness of select historical sites throughout the tri-state area. Though we are compensated for my time, I have not been instructed to express any particular point of view. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Much Love,

UBB

In attendance with my sister TK Wonder and good friend Tarah we shared what only could be only described as a once in a life time performance from Jill Scott. Before I began my hailing of this incredible woman and giving you the juicy scoop I must say sitting first row I was able to easily see the physical beauty and connection she had with the audience. I knew there was magic in the air because VH1 Storytellers gives you an intimate in your face encounter with some of today’s biggest musical artist. Portraying a side that is not often seen in the public eye, Storytellers gives us a platform of truly connecting with the artist and the stories behind their music.

The arrival time was 6PM sharp and unfortunately no cameras were allowed but completely understandable due to privacy issue until the actual air date and most importantly respect to the artist who is performing in a very intimate setting but intimate as the setting was the audience was extended for this night due to the high anticipation of Jill’s performance. Once the auditorium, sound and stage were set Jill Scott took stage at 7PM and the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause.

In VH1’s 16th season of Storytellers, Jill Scott performed some of her classics and the stories behind many of her lyrics including ‘Golden’, ‘Gettin in the Way’, ‘The Way’, ‘He Who Loves Me’ and why on many stations ‘Crown Royal on Ice’ was taken off the air. Many of the songs were not only paired by a wig change (which she shared it was great to give her a own hair a break) but a costume change as well, which for me as the viewer felt I was receiving two treats in one because not only was Jill Scott performing…she was PERFORMING, giving us theater and a concert in one. Her set was accompanied by amazing musicians, including an electric guitarist, string quartet and backup singers who were pulling out all the stops with old school Temptation like moves. There were many moments when she related to the audience and even turned and nodded directing her attention to my sister and I in stating women can do anything including fashion & hair and not letting fear consume us because you only have one life, so live yours (you know I erupted in huge applause for that one). Even with that small acknowledgement I have to say my absolute favorite part of the night is when she began to sing Opera in full blown Italian, this almost brought tears to my eyes and yes I may be getting sensitive in my old age but I was not the only one who felt the emotion as she received a standing ovation.

In capping off this experience I truly felt a sense of who this woman was besides oozing the obvious sex appeal and beauty, Jill made a point to connect with the audience in a rawness and realness that can only come from a genuine spirit. UBB Fam, I mean to break it down Jill was so real there was a small Q&A session with Jill during the show in which my sister asked “Where the strangest place she found inspiration for a song?”. Jill was like “Oh you did not ask me that…For real, For real, I mean FOR REAL? On the toilet…. it was a song about letting go.” Yes Jill went there! It took a minute for the audience to quiet down after that one.

In capping off, the performance was from 7-9:30 PM but went by way too fast and I wasn’t the only one who shared the same sentiments. The audience begin asking for an encore which included tony nominated actress Condola Rashad, Jill Scott’s co-star in the remake of one of my favorite 1989 classics, Steel Magnolias. If I keep going I would be here all day but if you think this something there is so much more to share, but to really understand the experience, tune in to VH1’s Storytellers featuring Jill Scott on Monday, May 21st at 9PM ET/PT on VH1.

*Also so stay tuned for premiere dates of VH1 Storytellers with artists Jason Mraz (June 1), Norah Jones (June 8), and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (June 15).

Spring is all about lightening up your makeup. Time to trash the heavy foundation, the lip lacquers, and that 4-year-old cream blush. Now, looks and products play to the “effortlessly dewy,” with springy palates, sheer coverage, illuminating shimmers, and trendy colors that (judiciously) pop.

We’ve culled from the crop of natural and organic cosmetics, and road-tested them for how the new brands and stalwarts wear—and for just how pretty they are on the inside, too. -Well+Good

Check out their 12 favorites here –> Well+Good

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Describe your style…

I like color, print, fluffy stuff… and mixing loads of different things together – textures, prints, colors..

You get photographed obsessively by bloggers. Has that changed how you dress?

No, not really. Today, I’m wearing jeans, Converse, a Christopher Kane jumper and a fluffy coat. I’d wear that if I was going to shows. The only difference is that I don’t usually wear heels because I’m always running around.

You started out as a model. Was it difficult to go from that into styling?

Not really. Modeling was a really good way of supporting myself when I was interning, trying to get into magazines. But I never saw it as a long-term thing.

How did you get to be a fashion editor so young?

I just started young. I didn’t go to university. I knew I really wanted to work in magazines and just went for it. My brother’s girlfriend at the time worked at i-D, so I started interning there. I was only meant to there for two weeks, but I stayed for ages.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I’m not much of a party animal, so going out for dinner, chilling out, watching films. One of my favorites is Casablanca.

Do you have a fancy dress costume?

Last year I went to a Disney themed Halloween party as Minnie Mouse with Afro ears.

=Julia’s SS12 Styling Tips…

Clash your stripes!
Layer different shades of pastels
Wear bold statement shoes.
Go for bright and printed socks.
Invest in accented accessories.

What’s on Julia’s Playlist…

Juicy – Notorious B.I.G
Bills, Bills, Bills – Destiny’s Child
Youth Dem Cold – Richie Spice
Sorry – Monsta boy
Flowers – Sweet Female Attitude (Sunship Edit)
Bonnie and Clyde – Serge Gainsbourg and Briggite Bardot
La Vie en Rose – Edith Piaf
4 Page Letter – Aaliyah
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay – Otis Reading
Waterfalls – TLC
Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
No Diggity – Blackstreet
Don’t let go – En Vogue
You da One – Rihanna
Say my name – Destiny’s Child
Irreplaceable – Beyonce

What’s on Julia’s Bookshelf…

Nothing Lasts Forever – Tyrone Lebon
Irreverent – Carine Riotfeld
Ghetto – Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin
Wonderlandi-D Magazine
The Multiples – Joseph Beuys
Polaroids – Helmut Newton
Photographs – J.D.’Okhai Ojeikere
Portraits – Rineke Dijkstra

If you love Julia’s style, be sure to take a look at the rest of the shots from the fashion story she styled for our summer magazine. We love that it’s called Come As You Are! -Topshop

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Also to find out Julia’s three staple wardrobe pieces she could not live without, head on over to –> Topshop Inside-Out