Rihanna Covers Esquire UK July 2012

In other Rihanna news, the pop sensation strips all the way down (again) for the July issue of Esquire UK which hits stands today. She was shot by Matt Irwin in what Esquire is calling her "sexiest ever shoot".

Don't know if it's sexier than GQ's January 2010 Issue or Esquire's own shoot last year when they dubbed her "the sexiest woman alive" but that's a matter of everyone personal opinion. It begs the question though, are sexy and nude synonymous terms now?

Watch the behind the scenes video of the shoot here:

And a look at the spread (some of which she tweeted):

Will you be rushing to get your copy today or have you seen enough of Rihanna in various states of undress?

Yours,

A.

Rihanna x Jeremy Scott: Rawr

Rihanna was snapped yesterday wearing these Jeremy Scott x Adidads Leopard Tail high-tops and although I could easily disregard the rest of the outfit (I could do without the pink Joyrich Cash Flow snapback), I must say I really adore these shoes. These are also the shoes she sported at Coachella this year.

I have admittedly scorned curiously studied more than a few of Jeremy Scott's Adidas creations (teddy bears and all sorts of other "sartorial" details which don't need to adorn my feet) but these - I love. I was on the fence about the little tail sticking out at the back but I had to remind myself that this is Jeremy we're talking about after all.

In anything else I would find the addition of a tail repulsive but, as I am a lover of (almost) all things leopard, I find this detail more charming than obnoxious.

Rihanna ready for Coachella

Jeremy Scott x Adidad Originals Leopard Tail Sneakers:

What do you think, ye or nay on the high-tops?

Yours,

A.

The Slow Productive Sunday

Oh Sunday. That day you roll over later than you usually would, have a luxurious 30 minute breakfast while reading this month's Harper's Bazaar (wishing you could acquire Mila Kunis's wardrobe and bright sparkling eyes), take naps, drink tea and ultimately - do nothing. Or perhaps that's just me. I personally believe this day is designed for us to be happy and sloooooow.

After several hours of lounging I usually get around to doing a few things that are a must for me on Sundays since I usually don't have time or energy to do them any other day of the week.

Here's what usually happens at some point in my Sunday (I also included tips for guys):

Cleaning make up & hair brushes

This is important for me to do at least once a week because my skin is very sensitive to well, everything. So I clean all of my brushes with a mild detergent and lay them out in a line to air dry. Men, clean your electric shavers/trimmers and your hair brushes also because they harbour bacteria. You probably will not do this any other day of the week so I think it's a good way to start the week off fresh.

Exfoliation

Smooth glowing skin is everything. I usually scrub myself with a body brush daily or once every 2 days but on Sundays I ensure I also exfoliate my face, neck, hands and feet especially. Shaving also removes the top layer of dead skin but still exfoliate to reduce ingrown hairs. People often exfoliate their faces but forget their necks - pay attention to your neck! If you can't go out and buy a product now or you forgot, you can always use some good old baking soda. Ensuring that your feet are exfoliated and moisturised is a must. You can also apply cuticle oil to the base of your toe nails to keep them moist and soft. Give your hands some love with a good exfoliation and follow that up with a nice creamy moisturiser. Guys, this goes for you too. Rough hands on a man is an absolute NO. Because you're a man doesn't mean your feet or skin should be rusted, busted and crusted either.

Nail clipping/filing

It's important to me to keep my toe nails as short as possible and my fingernails filed at all times. I have long fingernails so I soak them and file them on a Sunday to get rid of any nicks or chips that I may not have fixed during the week. I also believe a well groomed man keeps his nails short. Generally speaking men pay less attention to cleanliness than we do and it irks me to see dirt under nails. Seriously, UGHHH! So keep it short and neat guys! Ladies, if you buff your nails on a Sunday it's more than enough to keep them looking healthy during the week. You can apply a coat of clear polish (if you're not willing to risk your colour peeling or chipping) for extra shine.

Shampoo & Deep Conditioning

I shampoo (Pantene Relaxed & Natural or Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo) my hair once or sometimes twice a week. If I shampoo during the week I usually only leave my conditioner (Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise) in for a few minutes then rinse but on Sundays I go all out. I apply my conditioner and put on a shower cap first(or you can even use a plastic bag) and usually sit under my heat cap for about 20 minutes. I rinse and apply my carrot oil (with coconut oil) to my ends, brush the ends out and add a little less than a dime-sized amount of Root Stimulator Olive Oil/Hair Fertilizer or some argan oil to my entire head (I have long hair so use an amount that suits your hair length, you don't want to be all greasy and whatnot).

Consume something sweet

This is a new part of the routine as I'm trying not to ingest the absurd amounts of sugar I usually do. I have sacrificed drinking Coca-Cola since my return from Toronto on the 9th and I intend to give it up permanently. The hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. No, really.

I indulged in a lot of cake in the last 2 weeks (2 back-to-back birthdays) so I'm getting more diligent about my sugar reduction now. With the exception of pancakes and pancake syrup. That I will have whenever I please. Don't judge me. I intend to limit myself to a sugary treat every Sunday evening with my tea but keep my sugar intake low during the course of the week. I'll be baking on Sundays to ensure I know exactly what I'm eating. I'm still doing more research on the many ways too much sugar affects our bodies but basically - it's really, really bad.

Have a great Sunday!

Yours,

A.

New Music: Steve Aoki feat. Kid Cudi & Travis Barker - Cudi The Kid

Kid Cudi is continuing on his rock rager trend on this track with Steve Aoki and Travis Barker. This is more of a rager meets dubstep but I really like it and also appreciate the artistic concept of the video. It reminds me of dreams I've had and I have an extra inclination to like the song because I love the video (am I the only one that happens to by the way?).

This feels like a continuation of 'WZRD' which Cudi dropped in February with producer and friend Dot Da Genius. The album was very rockstar and featured the rapper doing more of his new favourite thing - singing (as he does on this track with Aoki). A lot people essentially said, "get back to rapping." Cudi fans however went out and got the album and fully endorsed his new sound because after all, it's Cudi, he's a talented and creative guy and it's always interesting to see what his new music will consist of. I appreciate when my favourite artistes try new sounds, it says to me that they aren't stuck, that they're willing to try new things and step out of their comfort zone. Musical evolution and exploration - I see nothing wrong with that. Don't we all have to try new things at some point in our lives to avoid a rotting existence?

Learn more about WZRD here and check out the new video below.

Yours,

A.

New Music: Rita Ora feat. Tinie Tempah - R.I.P.

Brit bird Rita Ora, who made her debut earlier this year in the US with 'How We Do', is back again with a UK single 'R.I.P.' The ROC's new female artist is flaunting a very Rihanna-like style in the video, accompanying what I think to be very blasé vocals. Tinie Tempah's verse saved the song for me but this is not one I'll be listening to in my spare time. It leaves me wondering if with all the controversy surrounding Rihanna and Chris Brown collaborating, allegedly against Jay-Z's wishes, Rita Ora is now being prepped as her replacement. I doubt I'm alone on this but the way she fluctuates her tone is very much like what Rihanna is known for also.

Now, I say all this not because I'm one of those people who love to compare a new artist to an established one, but because it's plain as day for me to come to these conclusions. This is not comparable to when Rihanna first came out and everyone was comparing her to Beyonce. They don't even have the same sound nor did they have the same look at the time (aside from hair colour). People just LOVE to do that whole compare and contrast to stir unnecessary drama/beef/whatever you want to call it. With Rita and Rihanna though I think after watching the video you'll be able to understand why the comparison is so evident.

Here are some stills from the video and you can decide for yourself if I'm crazy.

And here's the video:

Let's just say it's a good thing Rihanna's back to black.

Yours,

A.