I am constantly searching for new sources of inspiration for outfit ideas. One of my favorites is The Sartorialist website. I could literally spend hours searing through the random selection of pictures that Scott Schuman has added to his blog. Everyday I find a new look or part of an outfit that I am just dying to replicate. This black and white combo is easy enough to replicate, but also lends itself to be individualized effortlessly.
There’s obviously no shortage of gorgeous women stalking red carpets lately. But seriously, Jessica Biel just gave everyone a run for their money. This outfit is head to toe gorgeous.
So, obviously my invitation was lost in the mail. I mean, that’s the only logical explanation as to why I was not at the Ebony 100 Gala, which was last night, in New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center. But, me being the bigger person, I will not hold grudges. I will be an adult and move on and talk about what really matters: what people wore on the red carpet.
The Good:
Amy Dubois Barnett- Nice color, nice makeup, nice hair.Keija MinorBerry Gordy- The tie sucks, but his smile makes up for it…..a little.Rhonda Ross- Lovely dress, hair and accessories.Lee Daniels- Looking good. Suit could stand to be a little more fitted.Jessica White- Stunning woman, but the dress, hair, and the makeup are just a shade too severe.
The Bad:
Carla Hall- No. Just no.Desiree Rogers- Too much tulle, not enough pretty.Cynthia Rowley- I usually love her quirky style, but this is just bad.Eskedar Gobeze- Maybe she was trying to channel Marilyn Monroe, but between the stockings and the shawl made of children’s tears and bunny fur, it was not good.Mellody Hobson- Too cutesy for a grown woman.Marcus Samuelsson- Too. Much. Going. On. Can’t focus.Rachel Johnson- With such great stature, she should have chosen a better color than “preschool puke brown”.Pauletta Washington- Separately, maybe I could like the hair, the purse, and the dress. But all together, it looks like she’s trying too hard. What’s with the stockings?
The Gorgeous:
Jermaine Jackson, Randy Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Tito Jackson- Well done dudes. Well done.LaLa Anthony- This dress is amazing on her body. The hair and makeup look elegant and simple.Magic and Cookie Johnson- His graphite suit is MONEY and she look SLICK in her black dress.Nick Cannon- Love Love Love brown with pink and fuschia. The patterned suit against the floral tie and pocket square scream Gentleman. Well done.Kimberly and Tyson Chandler- He’s a tall drink of water in his suit with the skinny tie. And she looks elegant and poised. Beautiful couple.Van Jones- Great smile (check), Great suit (check), Great tie (check). Slow clap all around.Victor Cruz and Elaina Watley- I like a man who thinks outside the Black Suit Box. This is a great color choice for him and Elaina looks cute in her dress and (I Want Those Shoes) heels.
Lupita Nyong’O is in the movie of the year and one of the best movies I’ve seen this past decade. 12 Years A Slave is groundbreakingly good. I’m pretty sure I just made up a word there, but whatever. I think it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a lot of Lupita in the years to come, which is good on two fronts: she’s an amazing actress and she has amazing style. Move over Marion Cotillard, I’ve got a new red carpet crush.
This Sunday (November 3rd) the annual Black Girls Rock awards show will air on BET at 7pm. This awards show was created to showcase amazing Black females in the entertainment industry and there was no shortage of drop dread gorgeous women that walked down the red carpet this past weekend at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. As a fan and follower of Tracee Ellis Ross on Instagram, I was excited to see which outfit she decided on for the show. The Instagram videos of her outfit choices and the plethora of inspiration from the Pinterest hastag- #traceebgr- left me chomping at the bit to see what the final decision would be. Black Girls Rock is a fun event and I was not at all disappointed with the fun, sometimes feisty, outfits the stars donned as they strutted down the red carpet.
Queen LatifahGirlfriends stars and show creatorKeke PalmerJennifer HudsonKelly RowlandShaun RossAlice SmithMara Block AkilAmber RileyLuke James
I have been searching high and low for a classic slip dress to add to my closet. I like to find items that I believe are classics and will last me a few years. A well made, well-fitting slip dress can be dressed up or down. Fall is the perfect season to get full use of a slip dress.
Now, I have yet to find one that fits my body and bank account. But I will not be dissuaded. I know one day I will happen upon a gorgeous slip dress and it will be love at first fit. Until that fateful day, I will endure the hunt and search on. If you are lucky enough to already have a great slip dress, but find yourself perplexed as to how to transition it into the fall, I present you three options, all using the affordable $76 TOPSHOP Strap Back Slip Dress:
When topped with a long cardigan and belted, the slip dress takes on a more businesslike look. Use simple jewelry and round toe heels to further demure the sexy slip dress.
I like the juxtaposition of the soft slip dress against the toughness of a leather jacket. A pair of nude shooties and gold accented accessories and jewelry complete the date-night look.
An oversized shawl sweater and flat boots are the perfect pieces to take this slip dress down a notch. Whether it’s Saturday lunch with the girls, running errands, or hitting up a matinee, this casual outfit will keep you comfortable and stylish.
During the Spring, there are many trends that always repeat: brighter colors, lighter fabrics, looser more relaxed fits, and pastels. These trends cross the gender lines. Spring just makes people want to be brighter, lighter, and more carefree and clothing is often used to relate that feeling.
For Spring 2014, the designers pretty much agreed on the standard trends and added a few extra; such as foliage, different layering techniques, and the color white. I know, I know, it’s only October, but it’s never to early to start looking ahead for the next fashion season.
Despite the fact that it’s October freaking 10th and it’s been at least 80 degrees for the past two weeks, it’s Fall. Fall is usually when you get to wear boots, sweaters, corduroys, and tweed. You know what I’ve been forced to wear lately? Shorts, sundresses, and sandals. I really need it to be Fall already. Like now!
Rant aside, this is my Manly Man Men week and I am moving on to Menswear trends for Fall (if you hadn’t read the title). This fall some trends that dominated the runways were: boxy jackets, biker looks, monochromatic outfits, double-breasted jackets, and an update on the 3pc suit featuring vests or v-neck cardigans. Everything kinda had a stylish city commuter vibe.
Channel your inner, angsty Kristen Stewart and show up looking “too cool for school” in Nicole Miller Artelier’s Fall 2013 collection. Nicole Miller’s Fall collection is a great combination of dark and somber separates that come together to create a rocker-meets-girl-next-door tomboy look. Overall, I love the skinny straight leg jeans and pants. The close fitting bottoms paired with loose, flowing tops help to create a slimmer silhouette and gives off an effortless vibe. Add some punky ankle boots and throw in your own expressionless gaze and bitch resting face and you’ve got the K-Stew look nailed.
Nothing says fall like a nice floral dress, right? It used to be standard procedure to pack away your bright floral swing dresses every September and pine away for them until May. But those dog days are over. This fall has seen an influx of darker toned floral dresses that are more wearable into the cooler months. To pull off this look into the chilly months of October, November, and December, pair floral dresses with a warm leather jacket and some kicky ankle boots in this season’s must have color: taupe- rhymes with dope because it’s so awesome and extremely wearable. Taupe is much like other color neutrals: black, brown, navy, and gray. You can pair these colors with nearly any other color and they’ll look great. Taupe booties and a dark, heathered tight can be your best friend with it comes to extending the wear of your floral dresses. But, if you’re not too keen on taupe yet (whatever, you’re missing out), there is always the standby black tights and black booties or shooties combination.