Event Recap: Essence Magazine’s 24/7 Style Breakfast

February 16, 2012
One of the highlights of New York Fashion Week for me so far was attending Essence’s “24/7 Style” breakfast at Strand Hotel on Monday. The intimate gathering hosted by Essence Editor-in-Chief, Constance C.R. White, was the perfect way to kick-off and celebrate the beauty of black women in fashion. 
Designer Mimi Plange showcased her Fall 2012 collection, which featured breathtakingly beautiful, modern, and sophisticated silhouettes. Three stunning models strutted their stuff in camel-colored, cream, magenta, and burgundy ensembles throughout the venue for up-close viewing. Plange, known for her luxury, chic and sleek womenswear definitely delivered. 
Pictured L to R: Editor Constance C.R White, models, and Mimi Plange. 
Not only were attendees treated to the lovely Plange designs, but were also pampered with manicures from our favorite BG nail polish pioneers – Ginger + Liz Colour Collection. Plus, we were also gifted with crystal bracelets provided by Swarovski Elements.

Pictured L to R: T. Bernie (CocoaChic Beauty), Kathryn Finney (The Budget Fashionista) and me (I think I was just about to blink).
The morning was filled with food, fashion, and friendly networking, which is always great! Be sure to check out Essence.com for all your FW needs, including street styles, photo diaries, and more. 
Have you been attending any Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week festivities? 
Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Red-Hot Looks for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2012

Whether you plan to have an intimate dinner with your significant other or have a fun-filled night out on the town with your girls, celebrate Valentine’s Day by incorporating the sexiest shade of all — red, into your look.

From fire-engine red lips to sexy, scarlet-colored stilettos, adding a bit of crimson can instantly create festive flair for the lovey-dovey “holiday.”

Check out some of these picks:

Maybelline ColorSenstational Lipstick in “Red Revival” available at www.drugstore.com for $7.50

Deena Ozzy Faux Snakeskin Envelope Clutch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $10

Enzo Angiolini Red Bow Heels available at www.6pm.com for $54.99

Ginger and Liz “Draw Blood” nail lacquer available at www.gingerandliz.com for $12

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Modern Straight Leg Jeans available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $100

L’Oreal Color Rich Red Ravishing Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $8

Eight Sixty Tie Dress in “Chili Red” available at www.piperlime.com for $89

P.S Since red lips can sometimes make your pearly whites look well, less than pearly; preserve your camera-ready smile by applying the Listerine on-the-go teeth whitener pen, as well as gargling with mouthwash for clean and fresh breath. So when your sweetie comes in for a kiss, you’ll be confident.

Check them out:

Listerine Whitening Pen available at www.drugstore.com for $12

Listerine Whitening Plus Restoring Mouthwash available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29

Are you incorporating red into your look today?

Category: Beauty, Fashion | 4 Comments

Grammy’s Red Carpet Looks

February 13, 2012

Although Grammy weekend got off to a somber start, the stars still managed to shine brightly for the biggest night in music. From Nicki Minaj’s head-scratching red habit getup to Kelly Rowland’s blush-toned embellished dress, BGs definitely rocked the red carpet.

Check out the night’s looks:

Kelly Rowland wearing Alerta Ferretti

Alicia Keys wearing Alexandre Vauthier Couture with her husband Swizz Beatz.

LL Cool J 

Nicki Minaj 

Rihanna in Armani. 

Taraji P. Henson 
Evan Ross with his mom Diana Ross. 

Who was your best and worst dressed celebrity of the night? 
Category: Fashion | 6 Comments

Event Recap: AmberMag’s Survival Secrets of Game Changers

February 11, 2012

Although New York Fashion Week didn’t officially start until two days after AmberMag’s Survival Secrets of Game Changers event with stylist to the stars Rachel Johnson and style expert and author Daisy Lewellyn, it was a great way to kick off the fashionable festivities.

Hosted by Marcia Cole, founder of AmberMag, the event was packed with over 100 beautiful and like-minded women eager to learn the secrets from the night’s industry pros: Johnson and Lewellyn. Held at the UniWorld offices here in New York City, Johnson and Lewellyn dished about the do’s and the don’ts of making it in the fickle fashion business.

Daisy Lewellyn and Rachel Johnson

Having helped transform athletes such as Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony into rising fashion figures, Johnson was completely candid and transparent in divulging what it took for her to become the authority on styling some of the most prominent professional athletes in sports.

Attendees enjoying delicious nibbles.

While Lewellyn who has worked at various fashion glossies served as the moderator throughout the evening,  she also shared personal stories and informational tidbits on how to make it in fashion journalism.

Super stylish attendees

From how to land a coveted internship to how to act professionally at industry fetes to the importance of staying humble, they spilled the beans on everything that any aspiring celebrity fashion stylist or editor would need to know to make it in the oftentimes cut-throat industry.

If you’d like to learn from seasoned pros in the beauty, fashion, media, and non-profit sectors, AmberMag’s Survival Secret speaker series is an event that you won’t want to miss.

*Photos by Cali York Photograph


Click here to learn more.

Do you frequent networking events and mixers in your area?

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Ring Around the Collar

February 2, 2012

Move over blingy notice-me necklaces and make room for more refined designs. Sleek gold collar statement pieces are popping up on celebrities and fashionistas for a chic, bold look.

Whether hammered or hard-studded, these necklaces are an easy way to instantly add polish to any ensemble.

From L-R: Christina Milian, Angela Simmons, and Kelis rocking eye-catching gold collars.

Check out these picks:

Allen Schwartz Canary Coast Gold Tone Collar Necklace available at www.endless.com for $85

Alexis Bittar Liquid Gold Collar available at www.bloomingdales.com for $375

Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Hinged Collar available at www.shopbop.com for $215

Hard-Studded Collar Necklace available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $24

Hive and Honey Hammered Collar Necklace available at www.piperlime.com for $26

Are you a fan of statement necklaces?

Category: Fashion | 4 Comments

Citron: My “It” Color of the Moment

January 24, 2012

Between the occasional pink summer pieces, my wardrobe is pretty devoid of color. That’s all about to change. This spring I’m starting anew when it comes to welcoming bright and bold colors into my closet. With the neon trend taking over the runways and makeup counters across the country, I’ve decided to partake in some of the fun.

Right now, citron is catching my eye. While you won’t catch me rocking the vibrant hue from head to toe, I will wear the citrusy shade in small doses. Citron can freshen and complement neutrals such as gray and tan for an updated twist on basics.

Me wearing a citron top under a leather jacket.

J. Crew Toothpick Jeans available at www.jcrew.com for $108
Marc by Marc Jacobs Python Effect Neon Leather Waist Belt available at www.netaporter.com for $130
Camilla and Marc Cylinder Crepe and Jacquard Dress available at www.netaporter.com for $660
Marni Rope Necklace available at www.theoutnet.com for $354
J. Crew Pencil Skirt available at www.jcrew.com for $110

Proenza Shoulder Zip Wallet available at www.shopzoeonline.com for $560

Neon Racerback Tank available at www.bluefly.com for $24.79

Would you wear citron this spring? Do you have a go-to color that dominates your wardrobe?

Category: Fashion | 6 Comments

Cool Kicks to Kickstart Your Cardio Plan

January 6, 2012

If those weight loss commercials featuring divas Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, and Mariah Carey have motivated you to kick-start your New Year by getting fit, check out these cute sneaks that will have you hitting the pavement and gym in style.

Nike Women’s Air Max Moto +9 Running Sneakers available at www.macys.com for $95

Puma Women’s Faas 250 Running Sneaker available at www.endless.com for $46.75
Puma Future Cat M1 Big Cat Ferrari Fashion Sneaker available at www.endless.com for $75

Nike Women’s Air Relentless Sneaker available at www.macys.com for $65

New Balance Women’s 442 Sneaker available at www.dsw.com for $50
Y-3 Running Sneakers available at www.ssense.com for $130

Adidas Women’s L.A Trainer W Sneakers available at www.macys.com for $49
Alexander Wang ‘Dillon’ Sneaker available at www.lagarconne.com for $385
Is working out more one of your New Year’s resolutions? What do you do to stay fit?
Category: Fashion | 4 Comments