What sites and projects do you rep?

My girl from school Kristin and I began an art and fashion blog almost nine months ago called HoneyCrate. Our aim for the blog is to basically inspire ourselves and others to showcase inner creativity through a wealth of information about innovative art and fashion that we love, our mamas love and the fellas love. We also try and showcase rising visual artists and fashion designers of color who are making an impact in their area of expertise.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten?

This unknown book given to me on Christmas day by my father about four years ago titled, Dreams from My Father by this man named Barack Obama. I passed my copy on to everyone I knew, which is why I have no clue where it is right now. Little did I know, he would become our first black president.

What’s the best gift that you’ve ever given?

In kindergarten or 1st grade, my brother and I made these circular, cardboard picture frames garnished with raw ziti pasta that had our pictures in the center and we gave them to our parents as gifts. They still have them sitting up in the house and our ridiculous little faces are pure hilarity. But seeing my mom get all nostalgic over them every time I cringe at them let’s me know that someone appreciates them.
What trends do you hope get left behind in 2008?

I’d love to see that scoop neck two-toned spandex dresses by American Apparel slowly fade away. It’s the dress that people usually buy in white/black, red/black where the top half is one color while the bottom is another. I think I’m over it. And as much as I love the man, Barack Obama shirts, aside from the official campaign gear, must go. Victory was won and it’s only fitting that we move on with him and leave those behind.

Do you have any trend predictions for 2009?

I see a lot of West African print influences in the work of designers and a lot of boutique designers have actually utilized these prints in order to create their pieces. The interweaving of colors like yellow, blue and orange is probably the most gorgeous thing I’ve seen in a while. Ruffles on blouses and tops are going to be coming back full force too and I can’t wait.
Any style related resolutions for the new years?

I’d like to embrace hats and hair bands more because I think it can do so much for an outfit especially for someone like me whose whole wardrobe consists of black. I really love floral arrangements on headgear but have never really tried it out. Accessories are imperative when trying to assemble something fly to wear.

What sites/projects are your representing?

I just represent me. Self-indulgent to the maxx. I suppose I represent my work as well, but if that wants to come up it will at a later time.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten?

i love batman. hardbody. so my boyfriend gave me a mobile for christmas… of origami bats. it was a “bat-mobile.
What’s the best gift that you’ve ever given?

the best gift i ever gave was 2 center orchestra section seats to the lion king on broadway for my parents just this past christmas. it was their first ever movie/concert/performance they’ve gone to since they’ve immigrated, which was about 25 years ago. they rarely go on dates like that so it was really sweet. my mom apparently couldn’t stop talking about it.

What trends do you hope get left behind in 2008?

i really hate those kanye west sunglasses, and i know these are both impossible but i’d love to get rid of hipsters and eating disorders.
Do you have any trend predictions for 2009?

i don’t know about trend predictions, but me myself am playing around with the idea of minimalism. also, i’m intrigued by this grunge-glam look and may try to pursue that.
Any style related resolutions for the new years?

resolutions!!: get into accessories. i don’t really have many, but they really help brighten up an outfit. also, i would like to get better at seeing different looks within my current closet… makin my clothes more versatile.

Looking toward the New Year, are there any causes, projects, or charities that you’d encourage people to get involved in?

i would just really push people to adapt sustainable practices into their everyday life. it’s gotten to the point where being green isn’t just trendy or an option.. daily temperatures are at 40 degrees and it’s late-december. the world is changing, and carrying a refillable water bottle, refusing plastic bags, recycling, composting, and riding a bike/walking/public transit are all practices that are no-brainers and also easily do-able. our current way of living can’t last. it’s not sustainable, it doesn’t work long-term. so we have to change it so it does.

What sites/projects are your representing?

I have one blog – theblogismineredux.blogspot.com… a supposedly general nostalgia blog.. which has quickly become a nineties explosion of fun! (I’m trying to bring it back to its original and wider timeframe though) It can be difficult trying to make stuff from back then relevant or fun to read about now! Given the current state of the world, its hard to justify doing a blog with such content… do we really care about mini backpacks and Blossom anymore??? I strive to make us care! Or at least talk about it in such a way that is conducive to both laughter and a healthy tug at our heartstrings, maybe even connect it to larger issues prevailing in our lives.

Another project is an as-yet untitled anthology… as part of my Divine in Oh Nine (an extension of Fly in Oh Eight!) plan… I have vowed to make available to myself and my loved ones those things that we mark as contributing to our own individual spirits and making of our dreams. What are the things that inspire us? That make us grow? That make us get up each morning? I am blessed with beautiful friends and family and am excited as compiling their words and art into an anthology that lets us admire/appreciate/share/link the innermost beauty of what we desire… stay tuned for more details/request for contribution!

What’s the best gift that you’ve ever gotten?

The best gift I’ve ever received was given to me by my grandmother (Nanu!) when I was eleven, even though I didn’t realize it at the time. Its a gold name plate that reads “Promiti” in Bengali characters. Though when I received it, I found it to be gaudy and wholly unbearable, the worst orangey shade of gold that one finds only in South Asia… but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to be very attached to this piece of jewelry, as it connects me to my family – namely my uncle who named me, with whom I share a complicated and ever changing relationship… and Nanu, who is still my lifeline!

What’s the best gift that you’ve ever given?

Gift-giving is completely underplayed in my family… We buy each other things, but the most valuable gifts have consistently been those that come from the heart and are wholly appreciated by the recipient. I would say the best gift I’ve ever given was to my mother – I’ve finally discovered the courage to give her the poetry that I’ve written for/about/to her in the past few years. It’s scary to share yourself that way! She was so adorable about it, and I had to admit that mere writing was only half of the act of poetry in this particular case, it wasn’t complete until I shared it with the subject. Love the fam!

What trends do you hope get left behind in 2008?

The following should disappear in ’08: skintight onesies at American Apparel that are too fabulous and too unwearable for 99.99% of the population, the disheveled layered look a la Olsen twins, hatin’ on Jennifer Aniston (I’m not really a fan, but think people are a little TOO obsessed with making her out into being a giant turd) and concomitantly lovin’ on Brangelina, and… whoa i’m reading too much Perez Hilton AND caring about it. Yikes.

Do you have any trend predictions for 2009?

I want to see more one piece jumpers in ’09… I’m obsessed with shorts right now. I don’t know why. Also Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Wannoo see more of him. Just everywhere. All the time.

Any style related resolutions for the new years?

Style resolution: heels! heels! heels! I have many, and wear none. womps (x3).

Looking toward the New Year, are there any causes, projects, or charities that you’d encourage people to get involved in?

Sadie Nash Leadership Project!! This is an amazing feminist and social justice youth organization that I’m currently working for (and have worked for in the past!) that is an absolutely phenomenal program for the youth that are involved and the adult staff that work there. They are currently accepting applications for staff positions for their Summer Institute. Please check it out!!