szYes, spring is here and do you know what that means? It’s time to get your festival style ready to rock this season! No matter if it’s a free outdoor concert in your local city or Lollapalooza, it’s time to step up your threads. Now, we’re about hit you with the 5 C’s to help you nail your festival fashion. Check it out!

Cool- Of course, the first  ‘C’ is cool.  Not only do you want to be fly as you’re rockin’ your wide-brimmed hat but you also want to be physically cool too! Back-to-back shows going from stage to stage can have your body temp rising while you’re vibin’ to your favorite artists. So cut offs, loose fitting tanks and sun glasses are all great must-haves to keep the sweat down this year.

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Chic-  Yes, keeping it laid back chic is important too. Even if  you’re going to keep it cool with some skin out make sure it’s still stylish and not over the top exposure. If you’re rockin’ a pair of cut-offs pair it with an off the shoulder shirt or if you’re wearing a crop top pair it with a longer flowing skirt. You get the drift, right?

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Comfy- Grass, dirt + mud sometimes aren’t the best accessories  with a fresh fit so make sure to keep it comfy. Footwear is key!  A pair of gladiator sandals or combats (especially with toe stomping) are great go-to options. If you’re not comfy, how can you sing all the lyrics to your fave artist’s song?

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Creative -Staying on trend is great but adding your on touch is what style is all about. Borrow your mom’s broach or vintage boots and remix them to fit your look. Take risks and have fun when festival hopping this year.

Chill- Let’s chill!!! Chill and enjoy the music. Whatever you put on make sure you can move, dance and have a ball with your friends with whatever you wear.

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Happy Festival Hopping!

Rock star athlete Mo’Ne Davis,  2014 Sports Illustrated Kid of the Year + first female pitcher to win a Little League World Series, has officially teamed with M4D3 (Make a Difference Everyday) and Because I Am a Girl to release a limited-edition Mo’Ne-designed sneaker!

Her shoe designs replicate the stitching on a baseball with the slogan #ThrowLikeAGirl. Priced at $75,  the shoes are not only stylish but are for a great cause! Fifteen percent of the proceeds will go towards the Plan International’s Because I Am a Girl initiative, which helps girls living in poverty in developing countries.   Excited to launch her sneaker Mo’Ne said, “Designing shoes with M4D3 is exciting, and I wanted them to support Because I Am a Girl to help girls and give them a chance at a better future.”

M4D3 spokeswoman Lisa Zbitnew added, “We are creating a shoe that we know Mo’ne fans will love and be proud of, and that will ‘make a difference every day. Together with Mo’ne, we are designing a shoe that represents who she is: contemporary, spirited and athletic, but at the same time being very caring towards other girls and young women that are vulnerable around the world Mone Davis says, “I never thought at the age of 13 I’d be a role model, but having young girls look up to me is pretty cool. If I can inspire them to reach their goals, that would be even cooler.”

Her fresh sneaker collection is currently  available for pre-order online! #MakeADifferenceEveryday #M4D3 #ThrowLikeAGirl #limitededition

Order HERE!

We’re loving Mo’Ne over here at C.O.R.E Mag! Boom!

We’ve been feeling Diggy’s chill music vibes lately! Time to dive into the weekend with his vid for his newest song Fall.

Check it out—->

We all need a little music rush in our lives. So take a dose of Jaden Smith’s three new chill tracks named “Beast Mode.” The three tracks are presented as one nine-minute song.

Vibe out…

Oh, how love is in the air! Hugs, kisses, chocolates, bears and the oh so sweet surprise gifts that Valentine’s Day brings! So it’s great if your boyfriend or girlfriend showers you with gifts but let’s be honest who doesn’t love to spoil themselves a little bit, too?  No matter if you’re boo’d up with your love or kicking it with your girlfriends, it’s all about showering love on yourself and we’re going to show you exactly how to do it.

Let’s get started…

Treat Yourself! – From classes to college applications to the parentals, you barely have time exhale.  We get it.  Being a student is exhausting…seriously. Sooo it’s time to schedule some well needed  ‘me-time’ this semester. We’re not encouraging you to blow your entire allowance BUT we are saying treat yourself to something you love. A cute top, an eye catching nail polish, or just time away from everybody without feeling guilty! It’s your world and you deserve a prize every now and then!

Playlist Party! Feeling yourself? Well, make a playlist that shows it! Create a playlist with all the songs that makes you feel like Beyonce, Michelle Obama + Naomi Campbell all in one. Crank up the volume, lock the door and have your own personal music video in your room. Yes, you’re the star of this party so you have to kill each move.

Dress to Impress- Here at C.O.R.E Mag we’re HUGE believers that it’s all about your beauty shining from the inside out! So if you don’t have a beautiful or kind soul you’ll never a have true outer beauty. Now, since that’s clear….it’s time to dress up how beautiful your personality is to the world. Have fun with your style + appreciate your creativity + beauty!  One quote will wrap this whole idea up—–> “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak’ . -Rachel Zoe

Give IT away- Ok, so this post is all about showing yourself some love but the best way to receive love is when you give it away! Yes, what you put out in the universe is what you get back in return. So share your appreciation to your besties and fam members! It’s the start button to feeling  the love.

Pucker  Up + Say It! –  You are the first person to hear your own words. That’s deep, right? Ok, so we’ve just dropped a little knowledge your way it’s time to head to the mirror, pucker up (we know you’ve perfected this with all your kissy face selfies for Instagram)  + say I LOVE YOU to yourself! Ok, now do it again, again, again and every morning that you wake up! Love every inch of yourself + let it shine bright! *KISSES*

SENDING YOU BEAUTIES TONS OF LOVE YOUR WAY!

Happy weekend, loves!

The perfect combination of talent, determination &  positive energy are the ingredients that continue to sky rocket LiYAH’s booming musical career!  Her new single “Radio”, — produced by Grammy Award winning “Huge Music” — embodies the energy and youthful spirit that LiYAH radiates as an entertainer.

Co-Headlining with LL Cool J at a packed American Airline’s Arena in Miami, Liyah never looked back after feeling the rush of performing live. She has toured internationally with Pitbull, ignited the Power 96 stage at the Calle Ocho Festival and performed alongside Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Keri Hilson, Rick Ross and more. LiYAH’s  single, “Raise Em High” has charted in over 48 countries and charted number one internationally.

Born in Durban, South Africa, LiYAH was just a year old when her family moved to South Florida. Always her biggest fans, LiYAH’s family has supported her passion for music from a young age. LiYAH has worked with numerous Grammy award-winning producers and Platinum-selling recording artists and songwriters, including J-Kwon, Mims, Hugo Diaz, Streetrunner, Drop, and Delisha Thomas. Paving the way for a new age of independent artists, Liyah and her team are poised to hit the road to promote her new single and continue to spread positivity and love to her ever growing fan base.

Let’s get to know LiYAH a little better…

You’re an incredibly talented young lady who has performed + worked with top artists such as LL Cool J , Pitbull, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Keri Hilson, Rick Ross and more, how did you dive into your amazing singing career at such an young age?
I knew from the time I could walk and talk that I was going to be a pop star. I was always different from everyone, which was a good thing. I didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing, my only goal was to be a successful artist. I always envisioned myself from the age of 4 performing in sold out arenas, and being a role model, someone my fans could relate to; I know crazy at such a young age.

Being originally from Durban, South Africa, does your music reflect your culture?
I was born in Durban South Africa, but I moved to Miami when I was a year old. So I think more than anything my music is a representation of me, Liyah.

You’ve already accomplished so much at an young age! If you had to choose, what would be the biggest highlight in your blossoming career so far?
The highlight of my career was being able to tour South Africa as the opening act for Pitbull. That was a dream come true, my first biggest tour in the country I was born in, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
This is such a tough business, so feeling a little defeated is not uncommon. But when I feel that way I usually like to spend some time alone, gather my thoughts and at the end of the day I know what my ultimate goal is.

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions?
My advice would be to never stop dreaming, make a statement, express yourself & always fight for what you believe in no matter what!

Your future is shining extremely bright! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?
I am extremely excited to announce that I am currently in the creative process as we speak, working on a new project. This project is so special to me, because it’s going to show my fans who I really am. It’s an extremely personal and vulnerable side of me. This project in particular hasn’t been easy for me, I’m really baring my soul. I believe the end result will be fulfilling and hopefully have made an impact on a few lives, and that to me is what matters most.

We are all about female empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
Female empowerment means EVERYTHING to me. I want to be able to rule the world one day! I believe females are equally as powerful as males. It’s so important to have a strong message these days and really stand for what you believe in. And most importantly be a role model, someone that girls can look up to, and relate to, in a positive way.

Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
My celeb crush would have to be Eminem, because he’s so passionate, you can hear the passion in his voice through his songs. He
means what he says. I admire the fact that he really speaks his mind regardless of whether or not people like it. My favorite artists would have to be the Queen herself Madonna, of course Michael Jackson and last but not least, someone I’ve always held close to my heart Selena Quintanilla Perez! My favorite food is avocados, I know some people think I’m a little crazy.. And my favorite movie, Selena!!!!!!!

Check out more of LiYAH here

LiYAH Music

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Ok, so over here at C.O.R.E Mag we absolutely heart our rockstar intern, Tia Banks! Yes, if you saw us we would be chanting “our intern is better than yours”…just saying. Tia is an amazingly talented female who is currently majoring in Public Relations at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA.  She recently returned to the states from her study abroad program last semester!

Take a peek at her awesome trip to Spain, Italy, and France!

Live  BOLD, BEAUTIFUL & FEARLESS!  The Black PEARL (Pretty, Educated, Aware, Refined, Ladies) Program encourages young women  to step into their destiny!  Created by Phylicia Henry of La Perle Noire LLC, the program is designed to teach & encourage teen females  on how to tap into their inner being and accept who they are instead of what they are not. They are devoted to educating young girls on self-confidence and a positive self-esteem.

PEARL’s underlying message for young women is to seek approval within, without seeking the approval of others.They moderate and encourage a series of discussions and workshops shaped by their own curriculum on self-esteem, beauty and wellness. It addresses the sensitive and difficult topics that arise during the teenage and adolescent years. Their goal is to encourage young women to know and understand that they are beautiful.

Let’s get to know  The Black Pearl Program a little better…

The Black Pearl Program teaches and encourages young women to tap into their inner being and accept who they are instead of what they are not. What made you launch this empowering organization? 

 The Black PEARL Program was started for many reasons, but what really inspired me was the story of one girl that I had to opportunity to work with.  She wrote a suicide letter and in that letter she wrote that she wished she was never Black. She wished she was born white. She hated the fact that god made her Black and for that reason she wanted to kill herself. At that point I knew that something had to be done to help young women struggling with their image. I worked on developing The Black PEARL Program curriculum to cover many of the issues young women of color face and help them develop a positive self-image and self-esteem.  

 PEARL stands for Pretty, Educated, Aware, Refined, Ladies. How does your organization encourage young ladies to embrace their individuality + personal strengths? 

 We encourage our girls first with our staff. The Black PEARL Program works with many different women with different looks, shades, sizes and ethnicities to show our participants first hand that beauty is subjective and there isn’t a “one look fits all” when it comes to a women’s beauty. Through our lessons and curriculum we showcase and incorporate different aspects of Black femininity and intelligence. We use that to strengthen young women’s self-esteem, image and individuality.

 If you had to give one piece of advice to teen girls who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be? 

My advice for teen girls struggling with being comfortable with themselves is to research a woman who they admire. Try to mirror their confidence and traits that you find the most intriguing and attractive about them. If you are struggling with your appearance find a positive female figure who has your similar hair type, skin color, body type, whatever it is and use that person as a sort of role model for yourself.

 We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

 Wow, so many women inspire me! From women like you who have started this wonderful magazine to single mothers working 3 jobs to provide a great life for themselves and their children. I respect people who are going hard and mastering their craft and living life. Two of the women that have inspired me the most over the years have been Naomi Campbell, her confidence, poise and sophistication are untouchable and the amazing Angela Davis; her intellect, beauty and strength are so incredible!

 Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?

Well when working with the “At-Risk” population where people may be very judgmental, I’ve learned that there is no such thing as a “bad kid.”

Many teens just need guidance, motivation and someone to inspire them. I have learned to be a bit more understanding and also that teens are eager to learn in a way that it’s meaningful to them from people who GENUINELY care. Teens can sense when your being authentic and when your just there to collect a paycheck.

 We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?

Empowerment equates to motivating while encouraging and uplifting others in a meaningful and positive way. Empowering others last a lifetime.

Fun Faves! Song? Food? Artist? Celeb Crush?