Fashion

Cool Contest: Win Over $8,500 From Silpada Jewelry!

October 2, 2012

My friends over at Silpada Designs are hosting a super cool giveaway that I’m sure you guys will want to enter!

The sterling silver jewelry company’s Style Yourself Fabulous contest will give away over $8,500 worth of jewelry from their collection.

From now until October 14th, simply visit their Facebook page to create a fabulous wish-list “style board” (similar to Polyvore set) and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win!

If you’re looking to add some quality jewelry to all of your fall ensembles, don’t miss this chance!

*Disclosure: I was gifted a $50 credit to purchase jewelry from Silpada in exchange for this post.

Are you more of a sterling silver or gold jewelry girl?

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Knock-out Nylons

September 25, 2012

Fall is officially here and I couldn’t be happier!

Now’s the time to store summer ensembles and make room for new fashionable finds. I’ve already stocked up on the quintessential fall must-have—tights!

Last week, I scored three pairs for under $15 at the newly-opened Burlington Coat Factory in Union Square here in New York City. Two pairs were footed and the other was a footless fleece pair. I had never seen a fleece-lined pair of tights so I had to have them! Plus, tights are like panties, you can NEVER have too many!

From funky patterns to sexy fishnets, tights are the perfect way to keep gams warm while exuding cool, seasonal style.

Check out a few of these knock-out nylons:

Hue Layered Net Tights available here, $17

Wolford ‘Mona’ Tights available here, $72

Nordstrom Ribbed Tights available here, $9.90

Pretty Polly ‘Pretty Sqiggly’ Tights available here, $17

MAJOR SPLURGE: Missoni Printed Tights available here, $205

Emilio Cavallini Tights available here, $30

Pretty Polly ‘House of Holland’ Zig-Zag Tights available here, $34

What’s your fave tights style? Basic opaque, ribbed, or unique designs?

Category: Fashion | 4 Comments

Get Inspired: Kerry Washington’s Emmys Look

September 24, 2012

Rose gold seems to be having a bit of a moment. Last night at the 2012 Emmys, “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington beamed in the exquisitely feminine color.

Her rose-gold sequined Vivienne Westwood gown lit up the red carpet thanks to its complementary, shimmery shade. Ultra-flattering against many BGs’ skin, gilded rose is a great alternative to traditional yellow-toned gold.

Kerry Washington at the 2012 Emmys in Los Angeles. Photo: Strauss/Invision/AP

Whether I purchase a subtle pair of studs or an eye-catching top, I hope to somehow incorporate the soft hue into my fall wardrobe.

Get inspired:

CC Skye, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kotur, Asos

Shortsleeve Tops
Clutches

Are you a fan of rose gold? Did you watch the Emmys?

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Backstage Beauty: Rolando Santana S/S 13

September 12, 2012

When it comes to making models look super-human and runway-ready, hair stylists play a huge role.

At the Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation on Wednesday, Aveeno Celebrity Stylist Patrick Melville transformed models’ lackluster tresses into perfectly tousled masterpieces.

Patrick Melville styling backstage at the Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation.

He created volume and texture to strands with the help of Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo to complement Santana’s water-inspired designs. “I chose this subtle, 70’s inspired style that gently swept tresses around the face to give a wispy, natural look,” commented Patrick. “The dry shampoo literally transforms the hair texture for more a more dramatic look.”

Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo available here, $8

If my fellow naturalistas and relaxed BGs are wondering if dry shampoo is for us, you’d be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s a great go-to for those in-between washings. It doesn’t completely strip away our natural oils, which is key to keeping our curly coifs cute and healthy. I’ve used this product before and it served as a wonderful and quick alternative to washing. That said, I obviously wouldn’t recommend using it too frequently to substitute standard shampooing.

Former “America’s Next Top Model” winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, backstage.

A model getting styled backstage.

Aside from the gorgeous hair on the runway, Santana’s designs were stunning! His aquatic inspiration was brought to life with sheer, flowing dresses in pretty pastels like sea foam green and powder blue. Embellished trousers, feathery blouses, pretty peplums, and metallic high-waisted skirts rounded out the ultra-feminine collection.

Overall, I spied several pieces that I’d warmly welcome into my spring/summer wardrobe!

Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation

SPOTTED: Dania Ramirez and Jessica White

Have you ever used dry shampoo? If so, what are your thoughts?

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Category: Beauty, Fashion, Fashion Week | 1 Comment

Recap: Harlem’s Fashion Row Presentation

September 10, 2012

We all know that when it comes to fashion, far too many of our BG and guy designers aren’t given the adequate exposure to showcase their talents.

That’s why I made it a point to head over to Harlem’s Fashion Row’s annual show last Friday at the Jazz at Lincoln Center to celebrate our creations taking center-stage.

Harlem’s Fashion Row 9/2012

The amazingly talented Dark & Lovely lead stylist, Keith Campbell, was on hand making sure the models were runway ready.

Founded by Brandice Henderson in 2007, this year’s HFR featured designers: Latisha Daring, Nzinga Knight, Omar Salam, Bethune Brothers, and fashion favorite Kevan Hall.

Structured, eye-catching prints and colors dominated Latisha Daring’s presentation.

Nzinga Knight showed that she has a knock for creating flowy feminine looks.

The Bethune Brothers featured tailored styles such as pencil skirts and textured trenches.

The uber-statuesque model and reality TV star, Nicole Murphy, graced the catwalk in an all-black, show-stopping jumpsuit during Omar Salam’s presentation.

For the finale, Kevan Hall’s models looked red-carpet ready cocktail frocks and flow-skimming gowns in an array of candy-colored and sherbet shades.

SPOTTED: Vanessa Williams, Tasha Smith and Natalie Cole

I actually didn’t notice Natalie Cole during the show, but managed to snap some paparazzi-esque pics of her entering her car after the show.

Natalie Cole

Who are your favorite BG/guy designers?

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Take a Look: Jennifer Hudson’s New Clothing Line

September 10, 2012

It’s safe to say that Jennifer Hudson has blossomed into a bonafide fashionista right before our eyes. Since claiming those coveted front row seats at Fashion Week for several years, she’s apparently been taking notes.

Photo courtesy: QVC

The slimmed-down actress/singer, 30, is now taking her love of fashion to the masses. During last week’s Fashion’s Night Out, she debuted the Jennifer Hudson Collection, a collaboration with QVC. From figure-flattering wrap dresses to flouncy tops to outerwear, the collection includes contemporary pieces for women of all body types.

Check out some of the pieces from her line:

Leopard Print Twist Front Dress, $68.28

Dolman Sleeve Top with Waist Detail, $53.50

Slim Leg Pants with Stitch Detail, $49.24

Maxi Skirt with Pocket Detail, $74

If yo u like what you see, be sure to tune in to QVC tonight (11pm EST to midnight) to purchase!

What do you think of the Jennifer Hudson collection?

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5 Fashion Emergency Must-Haves

September 7, 2012

If there were ever a time that I was in need of a fashion emergency kit it was yesterday. After attending the enlightening Dark & Lovely/Harlem Fashion Row Blogger Breakfast (more on that later), the strap broke on my wedge sandals! Granted, they were over 10 years old; but they still looked good and were super comfy.

That said, I found myself unexpectedly at Nine West purchasing a pair of leopard print ballet flats to foil my shoe disaster. However, after a few hours, I realized that they were the shoes from hell! My feet were on fire from the pain of the patent leather incessantly rubbing against my big toe.

The shoe strap that started it all!

I have endured pain for pumps or sky-high heels, but that doesn’t fly with flats! I exchanged them lickety-split without a hitch only to buy a pair of pretty impractical snakeskin peep toe ankle-strap stilettos. Of course, by the time I walked around the block my feet were still in pain from being tortured in the ballet flats. Long story short, I ended up buying yet another pair of pointy toe flats by evening’s end.

Whether you’re an on-the-go woman covering New York Fashion Week or busy working mom, here are five style emergency staples to keep on-hand in the event that your ensemble (or you) goes awry: