Halloween on the weekend before the most historic election in recent history. Wow. I spotted this pumpkin over at Yes We Carve and thought it was awesome!

I don’t know what I’ll be doing tonight, but whatever it is – I’m thinking of dressing up as the Lady of Rage — I rock rough and stuff with my afro puffs!. It would be so easy!

Will you be celebrating? Dressing up? Taking your little ones trick or treating?

Whether you’re getting all dolled up for a costume or just planning to enjoy candy and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown — Happy Halloween from me to you!

Living in Miami for a decade has had its benefits — most notable of which has been a collection of really intelligent, talented, wonderful friends. One of the coolest people in the city (in my humble opinion), is Jason Fitzroy Jeffers.

When I first got to know Jason, he was a respected local journalist. Then he quit his full time writing career to focus solely on being a musician, and now he goes by his middle name. Fitzroy made a bold move, but it’s totally paid off — he performs regularly in venues throughout Miami, and his shows are known for being passionate, eclectic, and energetic. And his videos receive regular airplay on Caribbean video network, Tempo. (WHY can’t we get Tempo as a cable television option, Comcast? I bet Miami locals would love it!)

When Fitzroy is on stage, he transforms from the gentle and friendly Jason I know into a truly dynamic performer. And if he won’t mind me saying so – his hair is practically part of the performance. When the music hits him, Fitzroy whirls his magnificent mane of locks around like a dervish. His hair reflects and magnifies his energy. I was lucky enough to interview my friend, and ask him all about his hair philosophy.

Afrobella — You’ve got some awesomely long locks. What made you decide to grow them to begin with?

Fitzroy — It started with simple admiration of locks when I was a little boy growing up in Barbados. Even then, I felt that there was some kind of liberation that came with having your hair that long, not tampering with it’s natural outgrowth. Adolescence brought with it natural curiosity, particularly as far as spirituality was concerned: Islam, Judaism, Rastafari of course – I delved into them all.

It never seemed to me that any of these modes of thought or worship had some exclusive access to the path towards enlightenment, but there were things I picked up from each of them. The locks, came from a deep affinity with not only Rastafari, but also with other seekers around the world like the Hindu Sadhus of India. Throughout time, there have been people from many cultures who have grown their hair in this manner as a physical extension of their lifelong devotion to an inner spiritual quest, and when I was 18, I decided I wanted to do the same.

It all sounds heady, but I’ve been that guy since then. Thing is, my hair, my quest and I have been battered by neglect just as much as they have been cultivated through devotion. I’d be a proud frigging liar if I told you that I have always been unwavering in the exploration of my spirit, and by extension, in the care of my hair. I’m 28 now, and about 3, 4 years ago, things were pretty rocky; doubt and other such bastards were regularly at my door. The beautiful, humbling thing is that this affected my hair, and it’s only in the past year or so that I’ve started to see the results of the neglect that dug in deep. It’s interesting – you can study your locks much like how you can study the health and life of a tree through the rings inside its trunk. Towards the ends of my hair, I’ve experienced some breakage and weakening, and if I had to take a good guess, I’d say that it took root during that period in my life when there was a lot of indulgence and denial going on. Of course, some of this might have also come from twisting my hair a lot (I used to do this years go), but I’ve seen the breaks, and recently, I made a clean start again by severing the links, removing the weak parts where the breakage starts. No razor or scissors were involved, just my hands – the most simple, honest ceremony possible.

It’s all been – here comes that word again – humbling. A year ago, my hair was damn near to my knees, now most of it is just halfway down my back. While it was hurtful to see some of it go, the realization emerged that it was only some vain part of myself that could be causing that feeling, and that’s not something I wish to put any energy towards. I’ve never grown my hair for its appearance.

I must say though, this entire process has also been very empowering: the roots of my hair are stronger than they’ve ever been, and there’s a new freedom I feel. Essentially, it’s 10 years on since I set off on this particular journey, and though there have been some stumbles, the road continues to unfold and my spirit, my hair, and I continue to grow.

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Hey bellas! This is just the beginning of a new adventure in the Afrobella journey.

I have opened a Zazzle store, and I’ve got men’s and women’s Afrobella logo teeshirts for sale! And one very fly tote bag. And I’m working on some new, really cool other stuff too!

As of right now, prices range from $19.95 for this tank top, to $33.75 for this trendily distressed men’s tee.

This is an initial foray into the world of Afrobella merchandise — I want my tees to be more affordable, for starters. But these are the standard prices for online tees, and I did a whole lotta research on good tees vs. not so good tees in terms of texture and print quality. Zazzle rules in the ratings I read, plus their shirt sizes run up to 2X — so my full figured bellas can feel the Afrobella love as well.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

I hope you like them, and if any of you have better/cheaper tee shirt recommendations, designs you’d love for yourself, or just thoughts in general, please let me know!

Did you see Michelle Obama on Leno this week? To paraphrase one of my favorite Barrington Levy songs — every day I love her just a little bit more.

I would be ever so proud to have her as the first lady. But this post isn’t about politics. It’s about fashion!

55 Secret Street already gave Michelle some fashion recommendations, and I think Stereohyped hit the nail on the head when they cited her style icon status as key to her increasingly successful campaigning.

I look at Michelle and she makes me want to step up my style game. And she makes me think I can almost afford to do so — this Obama mama shops at H&M and J Crew (love that Italian Deco tank!). Fabulous blog Mrs. O really details her fashion better than I ever could.

Michelle is a fashion trendsetter. She’s not afraid to accessorize, and the central focus of her look is often a bold, jeweled brooch. As the LA Times notes at the Democratic National Convention: “…with her jeweled pin, she may have single-handedly brought back the brooch. Grandmas, guard your jewelry boxes.”

The LA Times reader poll rated her DNC style as “matronly,” but I say give it time. If Michelle becomes first lady, we might be in for a whole new renaissance of pinned on chest jewelry. So, Mrs. O — if I may be so bold — might I recommend some fun, funky, fresh brooches to breathe fresh life into your favorite retro fashion accessory?

Michelle admitted she likes to shop online, and she’s always looking for a bargain. So I extend this invitation to Michelle Obama, and any woman who wants to work a little of her style into their wardrobe. Brooches FTW! Come with me to Etsy, where everything is handmade by talented artists, and prices are waaaay cheaper than Neiman Marcus or Saks. Just sayin’.

I’d like to think Michelle Obama is technologically savvy, well read, and funky enough to appreciate steampunk style, and I think this cool steampunk Springs and Things pin would get folks talking in a good way. It’s delicate and pretty, yet edgy and cool. And it’s $25 from Etsy shop The Grand Design.

Michelle could stave off the haters and those who question her patriotism with this big, bodacious USA rhinestone pin. Ten bucks and over the top. (Is it me, or does that pin look like it would go great with Weavin Steven’s hairstyle on Joanne Cash in that episode of Split Ends?)

I personally prefer the simplicity of this lovely vintage mother of pearl brooch. It’s a mere $35 from Ye Olde World Shoppe. Classy and refined, just like Michelle!

This mahogany pin made of Scrabble pieces is cute, timely and cheap — just six bucks.

We already saw that Michelle likes to pile on the flower brooches. A floral accessory can be so fresh and fun, and it’s a fabulous accent for spring, summer — even fall if you choose your colors right.

Eleanor Rot makes some pretty flower pins — I could totes see Michelle working the delicate ice blue and metal Liana flower brooch. A STEAL at four dollars.

I also love the $45 darling coppertone Dahlia brooch/headband by Australian designer Begurple Designs. Very pretty, very unique, great seasonal colors. Michelle could so pull off the wrist corsage/brooch. Tres chic.

Is might be kind of weird to wear floral jewelry in winter, when you can see your breath and the ground is blanketed in white. If you’d like a seasonal spin on an eye catching accessory, this snowflake brooch could be the ticket. $240 is pricey by Etsy standards, but the creator, Beadmatrix is an award winning jeweler. Their Moonlight Corona biwa pearl brooch was the Silver Medal Winner for Wirework, at Fire Mountain Gems 2008. So $220 is worth it for that kind of craftsmanship.

Another way to rock a brooch is to combine it with another piece of jewelry. Check out this stunning black enamel brooch necklace, for example. $63 from Stacy Cameron Jewels, who also makes ribbon wrapped, brooch studded bangles.

How do you feel abut Michelle’s accessories, bellas — do brooches strike you as a touch matronly? Or are you ready to add a new accessory to your fashion arsenal?

When I was growing up in Trinidad, I took the Hindu festival Divali for granted. I appreciated a public holiday and the opportunity to eat all the roti I wanted. But other than that, it was just another public holiday that led the way to Christmas.

Now that I’ve been living away from Trinidad for ten years, I realize what an amazing cultural experience I am missing every year. Triniview beautifully captured the Divali celebrations last year — in communities across Trinidad deyas — clay pots that are filled with coconut oil — are mounted on bamboo structures, creating a real spectacle of light that’s worth traveling through the country to see.

Divali is a magical time for kids; I remember being excited to light deyas every year. The smell, the flickering flames, the taste of curry, the sound of tassa drumming. I love living in America, but on days like this I miss the multiculturalism of Trinidad. Black, white, Chinese, Indian – everyone at home loves Divali, and it’s a wonderful day of celebration regardless of religious beliefs.

One of my favorite Trini bloggers, The Bookmann, took the beautiful photo above, and also put together a great video of last year’s celebrations in Patna Village, a community known for its ornate displays of deyas. Watch the video to see and learn more of Trinidad’s diverse culture. Thanks to The Bookmann – I am living vicariously through you!

Shubh means blessed, or lucky. And if you’re at home to celebrate, you really are lucky! I know my family and friends will be enjoying today.

Shubh Divali to all my Trinis!

Gorgeous!!

Saw this photo on Just Jared and there’s another one on Jezebel, of Halle shopping at Whole Foods in Vancouver, Canada.

Love it!

But of course, I think Halle looks great whatever she does.

I’m wondering — is this curlicious style just because she’s letting her hair do its thing, or is this for her role in Nappily Ever After? Either way, I hope she sticks with it for a while. Of course, I might be biased — I’m a bit of a Halle stan, ever since the days of Strictly Business and Boomerang. So forgive me if I gush.

What do you think, bellas? Yay or nay on Halle as an afrobella?

Trisha R. Thomas’ book has been on my list of upcoming books to check out at the library for a while now, so I don’t know if Halle is apropos for the role or not. According to those message boards on IMDB, her casting is controversial at best. Nappily Ever After fans, what say you? Yay or nay on Halle as Venus Johnson?