Style

Boobie Prizes

March 1, 2012

Now that spring is on the horizon, what better time than now to clean out your closets and refill your drawers with brand-new bras? It’s typically this time of year when I treat myself to beautiful bras to feel special and spruce up my lingerie stash.

Plus, we all know that our “girls” need to be lifted and appreciated and buying a good bra will do just that. Who can forget Oprah’s life-changing boob-intervention episode? A good-fitting bra can instantly take you from frumpy to fabulous. From underwires to wow-inducing demi-cut wonders, bras are definitely the essential undergarment that we can’t go without.

Check out a few of my favorite styles:

Calvin Klein Naked Glamour Underwire Push-Up Bra available at www.nordstrom.com for $25.90

Deborah Marquit Lace Soft Cup Bra available at www.netaporter.com for $175

Hanky Panky Neon Yellow Bra available at www.shopplanetblue.com for $37

Xhilaration Multi-Scoop Bra available at www.target.com for $16

Orange Multi-Way Bra available at www.victoriassecret.com for $39.50

No-Wire Full Coverage Bra available at www.victoriassecret.com for $39.50

Cosbella for J.Crew Emilia Underwire Bra available at www.jcrew.com for $68

What’s your favorite bra cut?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

The Best of NYFW: Tracy Reese & Rachel Roy

February 16, 2012

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 has finally come to a close, but not without leaving fashion lovers with their bi-annual dose of fierce style both on and off the catwalk.

The fashionistas that descended on Lincoln Center were just as captivating as the professional models who they’d come to see walk the runway. From avant garde getups to prim and proper conservative looks, everyone knows that nothing’s off-limits when it comes to fashion week in the city that never sleeps.

While inside the coveted shows, it came as no surprise that the collections that wowed me the most came from my two make-believe besties: Tracy Reese and Rachel Roy. Even though they’re not on my speed dial, I have had the pleasure of interviewing both sought-after BG designers.

Their bold, colorful, audacious collections were akin to watching a fashion fantasy come to life by way of exquisitely beautiful beings. Not only were their designs mind-blowingly gorgeous, but their ability to use makeup to further convey their stories was nothing less than a job well-done. The lovely Mally Rancol worked her magic for the TR show, while makeup legend Bobbi Brown brought out the best in the RR models.

Although spring is near, the fashions shown this week have me anxious for autumn already.

Check out some of the highlights:

Model wearing Rachel Roy

Bobbi Brown’s makeup chart for the Rachel Roy show.

Model wearing Tracy Reese

Mally Roncal’s makeup chart for the Tracy Reese show

What’s your favorite look from these two collections?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Beauty, Fashion | 1 Comment

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?

Subscribe in a reader

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?

Subscribe in a reader

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?

Subscribe in a reader

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?

Subscribe in a reader

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.