*1992-1993* When TLC debuted in 1992, Left Eye donned extremely baggy, brightly colored clothing complete with unique, over-the top fashion accessories such as color-coordinated condoms pinned on her shirts, pants, in her hair, or taped onto lens-less eyeglasses; oversized plastic sunglasses; and gumball machine jewelry. She wore little to no makeup, large hats, or rags tied around her head, often decorated with the infamous condoms or grafitti-style airbrushing to match her outfits. The look could be easily described as "rainbow ghetto". Left Eye's rhyme style on TLC's first album, Ooooooohhh...On the TLC Tip (released 1992) was somewhat done in "riddles" as she puts it. Her lyrics were very metaphoric, and sometimes hard to interpret. A few of the best examples of this can be heard in her verses in the songs "Bad By Myself" and "Depend On Myself". Left Eye's youthful appearance and personality had many people thinking she was much younger than she actually was. However, she would soon be facing a point in her life where she would have to grow up fast. *1994-1996* When TLC returned with their sophomore effort, CrazySexyCool, Left Eye transformed from funky and unconventional to sleek, street and mature. (Although, we all know that Left Eye could never take herself too seriously.) Her wardrobe, while still somewhat tomboyish, was simpler and and a little sexier. The hairstyles were basic, the makeup minimal. Gone were the trademark condom eyeglasses; in their place was a black smear under her left eye she wore as a symbol of her boyfriend, football player Andre Rison. Musically, Left Eye was not rhyming as frequently on the new album as on the last, since the songs were mellower, and more R&B. Her voice was of a higher pitch and she was rapping faster (best examples of this can be heard on songs like "Waterfalls" and "My Secret Enemy"). However, her lyrics - while they were a little less riddle-like - were still as saucy as ever. Left Eye's attire may have been growing more laidback, but her bold attitude didn't change. *1997* During this period, since TLC was away, Left Eye took advantage to get into some side projects. Defintely one of the most infamous ones was "Not Tonight Remix" better known as "Ladies' Night", the bangin' summer jam Left Eye recorded with a team of female MCs including Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, Da Brat and deejay Angie Martinez. The Grammy-nominated smash was an instant hit. It was now that Left Eye started getting a little more creative with her looks. Her first dramatic change was in the video for "Ladies' Night", where she rocked a long red weave in the place of her regular shoulder-length, dark brown locks. She also began experimenting with more revealing clothing, especially when she performed with Lil' Kim and the others at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. Left Eye shocked everybody when she came on stage in a gold glittery bikini-type get up, and stiletto heels. This was obviously the beginning of a new era for Left Eye, because the outfits only got tighter, shorter, and more outrageous from there. *1998* When Left Eye began hosting MTV's daily, half hour-long talent show, The Cut, it became all about what she was gonna wear next. Left Eye took it to the next level with her hairstyles, outfits, color-coordinated wigs and makeup. One day she'd be rocking a skin tight red catsuit with a matching hat , and the next ultra short pale turqoise shorts, a matching bra top, and white sneakers with stacked heels. Left Eye showcased tons of style and personality on The Cut - so much in fact, she basically stole the show from the performers. But Left Eye's newfound raunchy style was not always in effect. As always, she continued to push the envelope but switchin' up on us - she could be seen in magazines going classy with coppery curls, a white suit and a pearl necklace; keepin' it sleek and chic with stylishly short hair and a slinky dress; or taking it back to old-fashioned high-glam with sexy black clothes, flowing hair and heavy makeup. But no matter what the look, Left Eye was making one thing clear - her sense of style was becoming anything but ordinary. *1999-2000* TLC's third album FanMail was released February 1999, and once again Left Eye wasn't heard on much of the album. Her voice had changed drastically since the last album, and had become of a much lower pitch. (Best examples of her low voice can be heard in songs like "Cradle Rock" with Method Man and "Let Em Have It" with Tupac). "My old voice annoys me," she said. As for her look, Left Eye became more into fashion than ever - not only did she take part in a modeling campaigns for Calvin Klein and The Gap, but she began the process of launching her own clothing line. She continued to shock and impress with her unique sense of style everywhere she went - from the brown suede and fur ensemble she rocked at the 1999 Source Hip-Hop Awards, to the lime green satin get up with a mass of blonde curls at the 2000 MOBOs, to the skimpy cow print bikini top and thong she performed in at the 2000 Soul Train Awards. Her wardrobe seems to be getting more over-the-top and revealing with each appearance she makes, and it's obvious she plans on continuing to make statements and get attention with her looks, style, and fashion. *2001* During this year, Left Eye went for a look that was a'lil more natural. Her attire was somewhat more casual and laidback, and she wore no relaxers or weave in her hair; - just her naturally curly style. She also grew out her trademark bangs, which gave her a look that was more sophisticated and mature. *2002* With Left Eye's new found "N.I.N.A." image, of course had to come a new look. Left Eye experimented with red wigs, hats, and sunglasses to give her a more mysterious flair. The outfits were sexy and edgy - skin-tight leather pants, belted jackets, suede tops, aviater shades and stiletto boots were among some of the things she rocked. As N.I.N.A., Left Eye appeared on BET's 106 & Park, as well as the hip-hop magazine, XXL. If it's one thing Left Eye knows how to do, it's reinvent herself and keep changing her colors like a chameleon. Whether it's her versatile rhyme stylings, or her beauty and creative fashions, Left Eye is always looking great and sounding great, no matter which way she does it. |
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| This section contains a timeline of Left Eye's many looks, sounds, and images. |
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