FashionLiterate

Beauty?

2010-09-23T14:53:00.007-04:00

Today in my Social Aspects of clothing class we had a discussion about physical appearance, its variations and different factors effecting it. My professor showed us this video(below) and I was in pure shock.

Dove Evolution Ad
Uploaded by pezhammer. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

The world of Photoshop has its ups and downs. However, in terms of deception, it is ridiculous. We are overwhelmed everyday with photos of celebrities, from the internet and magazines that society has labeled "beautiful" or "sexy". The eventual image of beauty we are foolishly expected to believe, is one without a single defining quality about the entire body. A blank, painted stare; enough makeup to virtually mold an entirely new face, flawless muscle definition, not a single percent of body fat, and a gorgeous, tropical tan. (source) All of which the features are crafted, hours of hard work so that these women are "made" to be "beautiful" or constructed to look the way society expects her to look.

The media is able to skew our perception of beauty because we allow them to.. Beauty is natural and it is not only reflected by the physical appearance. It is a combination of both, physical and mental aspects of an individual. This has, is and will continue to hold truth. Just don't get so caught up in your favorite celebrities and wanting to be made into this "perfect being" (they don't exist).

Kid Cudi for COMPLEX magazine

2010-09-21T18:48:00.008-04:00

Blazer by Band of Outsiders; Shirt by Cheap Monday; Tie byPaul Smith;

Belt and Pants by Diesel Black Gold; Shoes byGiorgio Armani; Fly Pin by Cast of Vices

Sunglasses by Karen Walker; Blazer by TOPMAN; Shirt byEndovanera; Jeans by Cheap Monday

Shirt by Armani Exchange; Belt by LAI; Pants by TOPMAN;

Shoes by Florsheim by Duckie Brown; Rings by Cast of Vices

Jacket by Shipley & Halmos

CSN $35 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY!

2010-09-21T16:37:00.005-04:00

This is my my very first giveaway for my lovely followers. CSN Promotions Team has contacted me for a promotional opportunity with my blog and their company. CSN stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags, or a fabulous end table to complement your modern home decor!

Rules of the Giveaway..

(x) Follow my blog

(x) Leave your name and email address under this post

contest ends Saturday, Sept. 25th..

Thanks & Good Luck :)

*giveaway is only open to those in the U.S. and Canada

Fashion's Night Out

2010-09-13T01:14:00.003-04:00

Three of my favorite fab ladies..

Kelly Rowland, Angela Simmons and Vanessa Simmons pose with Giuseppe Zanotti at his store.

ANGLE7

2010-09-09T17:44:00.005-04:00

New merchandise from Angle7 Clothing!!

If you haven't already, make sure to check out the local designer tab for more information about the line.

Also, a percentage of sales between today and sept 12th will be donated to the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION...

Support the cause!

"Jadore" ladies raglan tee

"Bow" ladies raglan tee

"Chanel #7" tote bag (natural/black)
"Chanel #7" tote bag (black/white)
ladies "newspaper" v-neck tee

FOLLOW: ANGLE7

SHOP HERE: http://www.angle7clothing.com/

2010-09-09T17:18:00.004-04:00

I've been extremely busy the past month & a half with NOVAFW blogging, work and now re-adjusting to this school schedule. But I'm back and I plan to make a few changes and definitely get back on track with my updates.

Since my Junior year started, I've been named Historian for Fashion Association and Fashion Intern for Angle7 clothing! :) This will be a busy year, however, I'm ready for it!

..Just wanted to keep you all updated, thanks for supporting me & my journey.

Amber Janiane

Designer Spotlight: Fhonia Ellis

2010-07-19T16:08:00.017-04:00

I love finding new designers that are grinding to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry. There are so many, yet their inspirations, attention to detail, intricate designs and exactly how bad they want to be known is what set them apart from their competition.

I ran across this designer for the first time a few weeks ago, on one of my favorite fashion sites and fell in love with her designs. I did a little further research and decided to write a post on her and never got around to it. But because it's fate, I recieved a random email telling me about this HOT designer and it just so happen to be the SAME one I peeped for the first time a few weeks back.

Her passion began in high school, when she began making clothes for her friends. In efforts to pursue her dreams, she created her own line and it's coming along VERY well!

Fhonia, who started her "Rebirth" in 2007 is following the right path to becoming a known for creating "experiences and magic" with the garments she design.

She says her clothing line is for women and children that brings unique, style, and one of a kind designs. Her purpose is to formulate women and children to feel good about themselves and their appearance.

Fhonia Ellis is a name that you will never forget!!

Talented lady that turns clothing and art into magic!!! She is to be reckon with.

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, soon enough you'll be able to spot one of her creative designs!

CHECK OUT her website: http://www.fhoniaellis.com/

or FOLLOW HER on twitter: @DESIGNSBYFHONIA

Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist: Julian Lark

2010-07-16T16:09:00.009-04:00

Celebrity stylists are the people we need to fall in love with. They're the genius individuals who create the best looks for our favorite people in the spotlight. Some of my personal favorite are June Ambrose, Mariel Haenn, and Khalilah Williams-Webb.

Now added to the list is Julian Lark. A very talented guy from Atlanta Georgia who has successfully captured the likes of various celebrities which includes Vivica A Fox, Chilli, Trina, Pretty Ricky, Atlanta Housewives Kandi Burress and Kim Zolciak, Dawn from Dirty Money and more. His unique boutique styling has motivated the world of media with nothing but suspense and salutations. Julian Lark captivates his creativity by unveiling bold, vibrant and innovative styling to the world of Fashion, Film, Music, and Sports. And having a little over a year of success, he is considered one of the next Top Wardrobe Stylist and Designers' to bring the Entertainment Industry into the New Era of Style.

Definitely be on the lookout for Julian! Here below are a few looks he styled..

Fashion Feature: Qi'Anna Norman

2010-07-16T15:32:00.009-04:00

The newest Fashion Feature goes to Qi'Anna Norman..

"I really can't describe it, im all over the place. i like some labels, im trendy, but i also like a good buy and I will die for a sale. when i buy an item, i think about all the ways i could possible wear it. I like to get a bang for my buck. i don't like have on or shop where everybody goes."

"..I'm a bag and jean fanatic, so as of now im going through a gucci phase and i love a rock & republic jean. everything else can be of normal spending but my bag and jean have to be legit.."

"Fashion to me means being yourself. wear what you want. some people might not understand your style but its YOUR style and they need to move out they way. "thats my runway ;)" be original and own it."

..and there you have it!

Zoe Saldana: new face of Calvin Klein

2010-07-08T11:07:00.004-04:00

Calvin Klein Underwear Announces Actress Zoe Saldana to Be Featured in Fall 2010 Global Advertising Campaign.

Zoe Saldana is the new face of Calvin Klein's new lingerie line, Envy.

"We are excited to have Zoe Saldana as the face of Calvin Klein Underwear, and Calvin Klein Envy, our new product launch," said Bob Mazzoli, Chief Creative Officer of Calvin Klein Underwear. "Zoe brings the campaign to life, and her universal appeal will enable us to continue to expand our dialogue with our consumers worldwide."

We feel strongly that Zoe's natural beauty and authenticity in the upcoming Calvin Klein Underwear campaign will resonate with our consumers and enhance the awareness of the brand."

She's beautiful nonetheless, so I'm more than certain she'll do an excellent job!

BRANDY for 160 Mag

2010-07-08T10:22:00.004-04:00

Brandy's spread with 160 Magazine

Tricolored Structure Shell Jacket ANA LOCKING, bonanza skirt and dynamite pants VEDA, patent leather shoes YVES SAINT LAURENT.

Necklace TELAHUM ZURI SMOKEY.

Shell jacket and jodhpur shorts ANA LOCKING, lean boots LaREAR, necklace DANNIJO.

Peach structured suit WILLIAM TEMPEST and bracelets LESLIE DANZIS, LEE ANGELS.

Dress ANA LOCKING, shoes with pink chain shoes LaREAR.

check it out HERE!

Serena Williams in Harper's Bazaar

2010-07-06T13:20:00.006-04:00

Funny that I've recently started going to the gym with "missionserena" underway. I love how toned her body is and in a few months, I'll be the mini version of her lol..

Serena Williams' who recently crowned Wimbledon winner was interviewed for the August 2010 edition of Harper's Bazaar, where she shared her views on beauty & body image. (She of course looked fab while doing so.)

Photo by William Klein
On her body image, she says, “I was 23 when I realized that I wasn’t Venus. She’s totally different. I’m super curvy. I have big boobs and this massive butt. She’s tall and she’s like a model and she fits everything. I was growing up, wanting to be her, wanting to look like her, and I was always fitting in her clothes, but then one day I couldn’t. But it’s fine. Now I’m obviously good, but it’s a weird thing. . . . To this day, I don’t love my arms. People want more fit arms, but my arms are too fit. But I’m not complaining. They pay my bills.”

On beauty she reveals, “Since I don’t look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that. To be different. But different is good. I feel so much sexier with short hair. I wanted to reach inside me and feel better. I don’t want to hide behind a facade of hair.”

Stay tuned for the story at www.harpersbazaar.com/serenawilliams.

Mary J. Blige on GMA

2010-07-05T18:29:00.003-04:00

Mary J Blige blessed the Good Morning America stage, in NYC last week, with her presence as she performed a few of her hits.

What she wore:

Knee-high Gucci Leather cut-out platform boots with a wing-sleeved romper.

I love this lady, always have and always will...

Rihanna does Seventeen!

2010-06-30T16:09:00.005-04:00

Here's yet again another post on Rihanna.. She'll be the face of Seventeen Magazine for August 2010. In the interview she expressed her take on style.. Excerpts below, check it out!

Here's yet again another post on Rihanna.. She'll be the face of Seventeen Magazine for August 2010. In the interview she expressed her take on style.. check it out!

"The thrill in fashion for me is taking a risk and daring myself to make it work. Even when I go shopping, I always buy something twisted and I know I’m going to have to figure out somehow to pull it off and make it my own."

"I’m a big fan of mini-dresses – they're my favorite silhouette – because they're flirty and you get to show a little skin without revealing too much, especially if the sleeves are long and cover up a lot of the body. I also like dresses that come to the knee that are a little tight and show off the shape of the body."

"I like to wear out my clothes because I think I spend so much money on them that I have to wear every cent out of them. I especially love when I have a piece, like a jacket, that I can wear so many different times with so many different things."

"I like ankle boots because somehow they always give a great shape to my leg, like I’ve been working out a lot!"

"For everyday, I like jeans that are supposed to be skinny jeans but aren't tight. I like them tomboy-ish so that they're almost a size or two bigger than my normal size and slouch a bit. When I go out, I like a more structured jean because, for my body, they're more flattering on my legs."

"I really like cat-eye sunglasses, but I would say my favorite everyday shape is [the shield] straight across on the top, because they're really flattering for the shape of my face. "

"I love sneakers and my favorite sneaker is the Nike Blazer. I don't really like low-tops, but if a high top is paired with skinny jeans, it makes your feet look really big, but the Blazer gives a really good shape for girls, especially with skinny jeans."

SOURCE

Solange goes GLAM

2010-06-30T15:25:00.008-04:00

I never really cared too much about Solange, no specific reason, it was just something about her that never appealed to me. However, after seeing and reading interviews featuring Solange over the past couple of months, she started to grow on me.

I applaud her for overcoming the obstacles that she has faced and for successfully making a name for herself outside of the limelight of her famed sister Beyonce.

She recently had a photoshoot with Refinery 29 and shared her views on her style and fashion..

here are a few of Solange's responses..

You've got such unique style, would you ever consider being involved in the family fashion business, Dereon?
"Why thank you very much! It's funny you ask because I initially was involved as the spokesperson, but the clothes just didn't reflect my personal style and I decided to hand that over. That's the great thing about my family. We work together so closely that if something's not working out, we can be honest about it and there won't be any grudges or issues. I wrote a couple of songs on my sister's last album and if there's a line she doesn't like, she changes it and we keep on moving. I will say though, they did just do a bedding line that I am extremely in love with and I was like, 'Can I model that... in my house?'"

What inspired the bold new 'do? You mentioned you can no longer hide with that hair, has it changed the way you see yourself?
"When I was recording, I was staying in a house with five guys and two showers. I knew there would be a shower wait everyday and with my natural cropped hair, it's mandatory that I wash it otherwise it gets stuck to my head like glue! I wanted to get something that I could literally roll out of bed without looking nuts. I watched so many Chaka Khan YouTube videos and became sort of obsessed with her during the process. I went to my stylist and said 'Give me the fro.' I walk differently now, sing differently; This hair has spirit and soul."

If your style were a song, what song would it be?
"For sure Q-Tip's 'Vivrant Thang'."

Who are your style heroes?
"My mom in the '70s and '80s! She was a bad bitch. Sex and the City totally jacked her steez on the camels. I have a pic of her on a camel ride in Egypt in the '80s serving the hell out of that desert! Also, Diana Ross, The Fela Kuti Queens, Björk, '70s-era Chaka Khan, Chloë Sevigny, '90s Erykah Badu."

What's your secret style weapon?
"Shoes! I'm all about the shoes! I order a ton of them online and play with my entire wardrobe until I find the right shoe. Unfortunately, so many people get it right from the head until the ankles. The shoe is very important. I can't even fuck with you if your shoe game is slacking."

SOURCE

PhotoShoot FAB: Dawn Richards

2010-06-30T00:12:00.003-04:00

Ghubar Magazine

BET AWARDS: Red Carpet

2010-06-29T01:30:00.011-04:00

The BET Awards aired last night and while I was anxious to see who was there and who was going to perform, I was more interested in WHO was WEARING what on the Red Carpet. I don't think a lot of the artists dressed for the weather, hence the extreme attire. However, I was quite impressed by a few looks.

My TOP 2 looks by far: Ciara & Lala. oh & EVA, those shoes honey..YES!

Lala looked fabulous in her sequin plunging little black dress.

Not too much, not too little!

Ciara - AP Photo/Dan Steinberg; Balmain runway photo - style.com

Ciara wore a black and metallic gold combo mini from the Balmain

Fall 2010 ready-to-wear collection. Her look is straight from the runway. .

LOVE IT

I enjoyed Eva Marcille's look, but THE point of interest are definitely the SHOES!

Gasoline Glamour

$3000

Mixed Print Trend..

2010-06-25T18:39:00.005-04:00

I have varying emotions about mixed print, which is probably the most popular trend for Spring/Summer 2010. But at the end of the day, I guess it all comes down to how well it's pulled off. Some of the trendiest looks consist of wild, daring & flat out outrageous prints. However, if done incorrectly, it could definitely be a disaster.

It undeniably adds more personality and that bold factor to different looks.

Rihanna is the best, by far at pulling off the "mixed print" looks.

Amber Rose does YRB Mag

2010-06-24T02:36:00.005-04:00

Amber Rose was recently featured in YRB Magazine. The crazed trendsetter shared her views on growing up, her relationship with Kanye and more importantly her ties to fashion and some of her favorite designers..

“It was amazing,” Amber says. “I have always been a fashionista ever since I was a kid, so it was a dream come true. It’s an adrenaline rush to walk down the runway. I never thought this would happen to me… [Modeling] is just the beginning for me. I want to explore all different avenues of life and build a career for myself. But I would love to keep modeling for campaigns and magazines. It’s fun to get glammed up!”

Photography by Mike Ruiz

Exploring is now what’s on Amber’s agenda as she dives into the fashion world beyond the runway and into projects that she gets to be in control of creatively. Although rumors are swirling of an Amber Rose eyewear line (which would be fitting, being that she’s often seen in stylish shades), she’s currently sworn to secrecy on the details of her ventures for now. But giving just a little hint, she declares, “…Of course I do love sunglasses. They’re my babies!... Right now I’m not focusing on clothes, but I’m focusing on other really dope things.”

check out the rest of her interview HERE..

SOULCONN

2010-06-24T02:21:00.001-04:00

I promise to help with the store, as soon as I find a way*

RIP PK ♥

Nakimuli: America's Funky Sweetheart

2010-06-23T11:31:00.007-04:00

I ran across a couple of dresses on various blog sites from the Nakimuli line, fell in love with them..did a little research and FINALLY found who's responsible for the attention grabbing creations.

Tennille, native Brooklyn Bombshell is designer and CEO of naKIMuli Inc. (an up & coming tasteful clothing line began in 2008) She is a very talented and an undeniably unique designer. Her style of dress, mixed prints and wimsicle designs definitely set her apart from other designers. Shoutout to the Black.Independent.Designer making her way to the top of th industry..

Tennille whose first was dance, taught herself how to sew back in 1999 and began to develop skill by making clothes for friends and family members. After graduating with a BA in dance, she decided to follow her heart with designing clothes and has been making moves ever since.

naKIMuli, her first line was soon created, followed by her 2nd line Shanae, which debuted in 2009. As of today she designs all of the clothes from both of her lines out of her home in Brooklyn, NY.
Tennille's mission she's currently accomplishing:

Clothing, both the classical and the innovative, is fueled by imagination. naKIMuli aims to go beyond the traditions of women's fashion and explore more of the imagination, what could be rather than what should be. The world we live in often dictates what we should wear and creates millions of it. We at naKIMuli want to create a fashion revolution: replace the cookie cutter model with one that embraces individuality, comfort, and fun. Become your own trendsetter.

Dream. Explore. Dare.

Check out more of her line & SHOP at: Nakimuli INC. or peep her Tumblr

(peep the dress to the right..I plan to be wearing that for my 21st :))

FASHION FEATURES

2010-06-15T20:35:00.007-04:00

QUINTON MCDUFFIE

coming SOON...

Trina for SOURCE..

2010-06-15T19:59:00.007-04:00

LOVE THIS.. check it the rest of the pics at SOURCE.

WEAPON or shoes?

2010-06-15T19:07:00.010-04:00

Designed by:2 B*tchez Deep

Made especially for Nicki Minaj, these 15 POUND shoes were worn during her performance at Hot 97's Summer Jam.

I don't know how I feel about them, the spikes are hot, can't really fade the clear platform..and 15 pounds is a tad BIT extreme!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Credit where SEQUIN is due

2010-06-14T17:00:00.011-04:00

Everyday I do my rounds on my favorite fashion and gossip sites. I can never get enough of photoshoot fab and red carpet wear of different celebrities! I recently ran into a new site (fashionbombdaily) and here I found this lovely Fashion Bombshell.

I'm not usually a fan of sequin, I think It's just overdone at times, but this dress the feature is wearing below is HOT! (sn: check out the Louboutins on her feet*)

Loved the look..it DEF works for her..