I am really feeling this vintage, old Hollywood esque style revived recently after the release of the Great Gatsby. Women during the 1920′s to 50′s dressed in a  sexy, sophisticated style that was pure glam.  Here is my modern take on old Hollywood glamour and tips on how you can achieve this sultry, understated sexy,  and ultra glam look.

1. Look to old Hollywood for Inspiration

When I think of vintage fashion, two Hollywood icons come to mind: Lucille Ball (wife of Rick Ricardo’s (Desi Arnaz) and star of “I Love Lucy”) and Audrey Hepburn (Connecticut native, actress and humanitarian) .  My inspiration for this look came from Holly Golightly, played by Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

2. Pick a modest and sophisticated dress and heels

You should be able to find vintage, usually one-of-a-kind dress at a vintage shop. If you can’t find a vintage, usually one-of-a-kind dress at a vintage shop, you can probably find one online. Or look for a vintage inspired dress like the one I am wearing which reminded me of the one that was worn by Holly Golightly. I chose this red peep toe, platform shoe because they looked a little more closer to the shoes that were worn during that era.

3. Add diamonds, lots of diamonds 

As far as accessories are concerned, the more bling, the better. You can find accessories that will complement your look at online jewelry shops such as 77 Diamonds and the like.  You might even score pieces that are similar to those of Holly Golightly’s.

4. Wavy hair or updo 

In addition to looking at old movies, I also looked for inspiration for hair and makeup on sites like Lookbook.nu and youtube. Wavy long hair and updo’s are popular old Hollywood style features. I went for this super easy to do at home updo (about 6 hairpins, hair piece in the back and lots of holding spray) that was similar to Holly Golightly’s.

5. Red Lipstick

Shaped eyebrows, dramatic eyelashes and red lipstick define old Hollywood makeup.  I used a matte primer under Smashbox’s camera ready matte BB cream, maybelline’s great lash mascara (I couldn’t get the faux ones on) and red lipstick from Hour glass.  If you skip the eyebrows and eyelashes, the red lipstick is a must.

Dress: Black dress with leather look trimming (Dorothy Perkins) | Shoes: Red suede heels from Nine West (old) | Accessories:  All from my personal collection.

Ossie took these photos!

XoXo, Natasha

PRESS SAMPLE

(l) Outfit photo in front of the grand staircase in the foyer leading to the private quarters | Connecticut state seal on the entrance gates. | chandelier hanging over the main entrance of the home

Connecticut  has been my home since I moved to the United States in the early 80′s.  While our activities aren’t as plentiful as the two major cities to our north and south, there is actually plenty of things to do here. This past Saturday, the Connecticut Tourism Board hosted Connecticut Open House Day which allowed residents and friends from our neighboring states, to explore what the state had to offer.

I started my day at the Governor’s residence in Hartford. We were only allowed in the downstairs common areas (the governor and his family actually live there), and although the interior was nice, it wasn’t at all what  I expected.

Standing in the dining room with decor provided by a local jeweler. | smaller inset photos are of dining room, sun room and living room in the Connecticut Governors residence

First of all, it was smaller on the inside than it looks from the outside and wasn’t as “mansion like” as I expected.  There wasn’t anything expensive looking or elaborate enough for me to break out my tax protest signs. I’m also not sure how I felt about the eclectic decor which ranged from contemporary to French country. The blonde, parquet, herring bone patterned floor in the sun room was nice though as was the immaculate and manicured gardens which was littered with sculptures, I assumed, were donated by local artists.

Visitors were all treated to Italian ice. I ate mine sitting on a landing at the back of the house. The back yard has two levels. I am on the top one. The photo on the right shows the immaculate and well manicured gardens.

My next stop was the home of  famous abolitionist, and author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe. The home of the woman whose work allegedly fueled the sentiment which launched the civil war is situated in the Asylum Hill neighborhood next to Mark Twain house in Hartford. We weren’t allowed to take photographs inside, but the home is well preserved (furnishings, 1800′s kitchen and all) and decorated throughout with victorian furnishings.

Standing at the entrance of the Harriet Beecher Stowe house in Hartford. | Inset photos: a woman dressed in time period costumes walks through the backyard of the Harriet Beecher Stowe house. | A clearer view of the home located in the Asylum Hill neighborhood in Hartford

What I Wore:

I was anticipating a long day and I really wanted to throw on some jeans and sneakers. However, because I knew I was visiting the homes of prominent people I made an effort.  I wore this Beyonce date night inspired outfit for my stops at the Governor’s and the Harriet Beecher Stowe homes.

Blazer: White textured blazer from Zara (Similar: Topshop Textured Blazer ($130) available at Nordstoms | Bottom: Leather shorts from Asos (also seen here and here)  | Blouse: beige Ann Taylor suit shell blouse | Shoes: Mint green platform shoes from JustFab (Similar: Michael Antonio Love Me ($49) available at Zappos | Necklace: press sample provided by  Bead for Life | Bag: Nine West cross body orange purse from Marshalls

 Ossie took these photos:

XoXo, Natasha

DISCLOSURE : This post includes an item that was provided as a press sample for consideration from Bead for Life. All opinions and my decision to feature a specific item are honest, and most importantly, my own.

The new Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed and Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural collections feature ingredients specially chosen for your unique hair needs. Whether you rock a relaxed ‘do or a natural look, you can plan on a great hair day. Thanks to Pantene for sponsoring this post!

I’ve been doing my own hair at home, in between my relaxers, so I can save for my trip.  Lately, it seemed that my cat and I were running a competition as far as hair shedding (breaking) was concerned. After a single pass with a brush or comb, a “concerning” amount of hair, would unhinge and make its way to my sink or bathroom floor. When this happened in the past, I made an appointment for a hair cut, but I am trying to grow my hair and cutting it is not an option.

I was just beginning to experiment with various products and home made remedies when I learned about the opportunity to try  Pantene Pro-V products that were specially formulated for relaxed hair. I don’t remember any claims about breaking hair, but all the same, I gave it a go.

The un-boxing revealed four different products:

• Light Weight Shampoo with coconut and jojoba oil ($4.99) claims to gently cleanse hair without weighing it down.
• Intense Moisturizing Shampoo with coconut and jojoba oil ($6.99) claims to clean and help restore moisture to relaxed hair.
• Moisturizing Conditioner with coconut and jojoba oil ($6.99) claims to moisturize relaxed hair without unwanted weight.
• Oil Creme Moisturizer with coconut and jojoba oil ($7.99) claims to deeply moisturize and shines.

What I liked

• All of the products have a flowery smell that wasn’t too overpowering while I was washing my hair and was not very noticeable after. 
• My hair usually tangles when I wash it. I always have to comb the tangles out after applying conditioner which subsequently leads to more breakage. To my surprise, a comb through was not required when I used these products.
• I wash my hair once a week and it usually gets stale after day 3. Stale as in, my hair starts to smell a little funky, stale. However, I was able to get through the entire week with my hair smelling clean.
• Finally, after 3 consecutive washes, I noticed less breakage. I think the addition of the jojoba oil and coconut oil in the shampoo, conditioner and finishing cream provided moisturizing that I obviously wasn’t getting from the other products that I was using.

What I didn’t like

• I really wish a setting lotion or mousse was included with this line. In lieu of blow drying, I set my hair using magnetic rollers and prefer to use setting lotion or mousse. 
• I preferred the final results after using the lightweight shampoo vs. the moisturizing one.
• My hair didn’t have that bounce, or snap back effect (shake my head and it falls back in place) with the products.

Quick tip on the oil cream moisturizer.

Just don’t squeeze a dime size amount and then apply it over your whole head in one swipe. I part my hair into small sections and work it into my hair from root to tips.  I also wrap my hair every night and cover it with a silk scarf before going to bed at night.

I love this line and this is something that I would definitely buy once my samples run empty.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

I bought this dress at the Coliseum in Queens, New York City to wear during one of the events held during our annual West Indian Week celebrations.

I used to be fairly active in the West Indian community here in Connecticut, but stepped away at the end of 2010.  I was burned-out and jaded  and had an overwhelming desire to do something new. I did! I launched a blog which gave me access to events and a diverse group of people I would never otherwise have access to. I loved love every minute of it.  In my new life, that’s what I call it, I was on my own schedule (outside of work that is), nothing had to be decided in a group and there is no fear or pressure from any cliques or outside forces that sends my blood pressure and anxiety over the edge.

I was chatting with a fellow Connecticut blogger this week about my community activities and realized just how much I actually enjoyed being a part of the force that preserved and promoted West Indian culture. Earlier this evening I picked up the phone and called my mentor to say hi. Actually, I called to offer my condolences regarding a death in his family. In the course of the conversation, though, we talked about the event, now in it’s 7th year, that he and I both launched on a wing, prayer and criticism.  As he extended an invitation, I recoiled.  I love my new associates with their open minds and politically correctness. But then there is that thing, deep inside of me, that is calling me back to my old circle where patois, “rass clawt” shared experience and drama reigns. I am gonna have to find a way to keep my feet in both.

Ossie took this photo when I launched my blog 2 years ago!

XoXo, Natasha

The wireless mobile device is one of the biggest tools for bloggers. We depend on them to help us stay connected and engaged. Over the last several years, a slew of apps (I call them tools) have become available which has been beyond beneficial to the blogging community. When a potential tool becomes available, we have to evaluate them to see how they can support our digital publishing goals.  However, software companies just don’t do an “all platforms” launch for many of their mobile device apps. Most everything is launched on the Apple’s iOS platform first, then launched later on Android.

I am on team Android! The coveted iPhone was not available on my wireless carrier when I upgraded last year.  I love my Android, but for once, I wish I didn’t have to wait to test and enjoy some of the many tools that come available on the mobile device app market. This morning  when I found out that Vine, the much talked about and hyped app, was finally available for the  Android platform I logged into the Play store, found the app, attempted to download it  and got this:

My Samsung Galaxy 2 is using Android version 2.3.6 (gingerbread).  Vine runs on Google 4.0 (ice-cream sandwich) and higher. According to Google’s website, the most current version of Android is 4.2 (jellybean).  4.0 is also not available by “over-the-air” update.  It has to be fed to my mobile device through a USB cable that is tethered to another device.

Before I go through the hassle of updating my software, I wanted to make sure (and I am sure my fellow Android gingerbread users are wondering the same too) if Vine is really worth the hype.

Is it worth the hype?

A quick search on google returned the following articles:

• Six reasons why Vine is worth your time
• Twitter’s Vine is An Absolute Winner
• Vine – Does it Deserve the Hype?  This writer at least points out the very important fact about data storage and battery drain issues.

I concur with the girl from the last article.  I guess it’s at least worth checking out because one of the unintended consequences of being a digital publisher is that we become tech heads.  We don’t have a choice. In order to stay relevant and competitive in the swift, ever changing world of digital publishing we have to stay on top of everything, including trendy super hyped apps like Vine.

How will it help my fashion blog?

The folks over at IFB, (Independent Fashion Bloggers) published a great post addressing this very question “Eleven Things Fashion Bloggers Can Do With Vine“.  These eleven things included:

• Play around with short DIY tutorials
• Show an outfit on a hanger, then on you, and then in motion.
• Use Vine as an invitation for followers to visit your site
• Show off your gift bag swag
• Share your 5 must-have items of clothing
• Create a daily style challenge for your readers with participation through Vine

That bit about  ”Use Vine as an invitation for followers to visit your site” sounds enticing, but the article also points out that “it’s not going to be very effective as a traffic driver in the way that Pinterest and even Instagram can be.”  It could add a little spice to my bone dry, text only, twitter timeline though.

Where and how do I get Android 4.0 software?

Regardless if you decided to download Vine or not, it’s wise to update the operating system on your device.  This is how you can update your operating system.

• First, check out this article on Computer World and see if your device is on their list.
• If you are listed, I would suggest that you call your mobile device carrier and ask how you can upgrade to the latest Android version. They will more than likely forward instructions and any required links by email.
• Finally, the manufacturer of your mobile device will more than likely have a link available on their site of how you can upgrade your software. Here is the link for Samsung Galaxy 2 owners.

I would love to  hear your thoughts. Have you tried Vine? If so, how did you like it?

XoXo, Natasha

PRESS SAMPLES

Every woman should own at least one sheath dress in a solid neutral color. It is a wardrobe staple which can be used as a building block for a number of looks when it is combined with other garments or accessories. The sheath is also timeless and is just as current today as it was 40 years ago.

I found mine in Marshalls.  I added a red belt and shoes for extra drama. This dress was featured previously “Classic Navy Blue Dress“.  For more inspiration, check out my other sheath dresses featured here, here and here. I wore this outfit to work yesterday.

What I Wore:

Dress: Calvin Klein navy blue sheath dress from Marshalls (similar: Tommy Hilfiger Navy Sheath Dress ($88) or Adrianna Pappel Seamed Crepe Sheath Dress ($118) | Accessories: silk chiffon printed scarf with hand rolled hem, press sample provided by Camilla Olson ($98) | chain link bracelet, press sample provided by African Charm  | Nine West cross body bag from Marshalls | Shoes:  Prabal Gurung for Target strappy sandals (similar: Steve Madden Real Love ($79.95) | Lipstick: Indie Flick by NYX ($5.99) | Nail polish: Just Juici from Milani

Check out yesterdays post for more outfit images

Ossie took these photos!

XoXo, Natasha

Disclosure: this post includes items or products which were provided as a press samples for consideration. All opinions and my decision to feature these specific items are honest, and most importantly, my own.

PRESS SAMPLE

Camilla Olson is my new hero! The former microbiologist launched her fashion design career in 2010 at the age of 57, after completing her MFA in fashion and textile from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Designer Camilla Olson in her textile studio in Belmont, CA

With $200,000 of her savings, she launched Camilla Olson LLC in Palo Alto, California. She premiered her first collection as part of Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York City in 2010.

Her sophisticated and classic designs feature natural and luxurious fabrics. She often incorporates silk layers and an innovative, environmentally friendly proprietary printing technique, called “iron transfer” to create one-of-a-kind looks.

Her designs target modern women who need to take their clothing from day to night, including baby boomers.  Her design career received a major boost when she dressed Betsy Franco, mother of James Franco, for the 2011 Oscars.

Her Spring 2013 collection, is inspired by historical and contemporary music. Influences range from the design and details of an instrument, to sheet music and even speakers. Actress Tanna Frederick is the face of her 2013 collection.

Her success thus far has earned her an award as a distinguished alumna from the University of Maryland. She also received honorable mention as “Best Second Act Reinvention” from digital publisher SecondAct.com.

This goes to show you that it’s never too late to launch a new career.

Model wearing a Camilla Olson sheath dress

Model wearing hand printed coat and gabardine white shift designed by Camilla Olson

Camilla Olson scarf that was provided as a press sample from Camilla Olson LLC

Images for Camilla Olson LLC provided by RacerMediaInc.
Ossie took my photo!

XoXo, Natasha

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Tis’ the season for sandal boots and there are a lot of contenders this summer.

Photograph: Salvatore Fergammo  | Altuzarra embellished leather cage sandals $1357 (Net-a-porter.com) | Alexander Wang  | Tom Ford strappy buckeled sandal boot $2472 (Neiman Marcus)

However, hands down, the Tom Ford sandal boots are the wickedest shoes that I have ever seen. If I had $3,000 plus of disposable income, I would have purchased these heavenly creations too. The best part about these summer boots, is that they are perfect for 20-somethings, 30-somethings and 40-somethings. Yep, finally a trend 40-somethings can actually wear.  Both 40-something style icons Jennifer Lopez and Anna Dello Russo rocked these bad boys and they looked dope!

20-something Rihanna rocking nude Tom Ford sandal boots with shorts and a graphic print top. Image via Tom Ford (Facebook)

30-something looking model rocking gold Tom Ford sandal boots with a silver metallic beaded dress. Image via Tom Ford

40-something Jennifer Lopez rocking silver Tom Ford sandal boots in a short metallic dress. Image via Harpers Bazaar February 2013 issue

Affordable Alternatives

If these knee-high sandals are a “must have” to turn up your summer wardrobe and $3,000 plus is a stretch for your wallet, try these:

La Cage Gladiator Sandal $255 via NastyGal.com

La Cage Gladiator Sandal – Studded Black ($255) available on NastyGal.com

Breckelle Diva-22 studded knee-high open toe strappy gladiator sandal heels. ($69) available on Amazon.com

image via apairandaspare.com

For DIY’ers, check out Geneva’s DIY Alexander Wang Inspired Gladiator Sandal via A Pair & a Spare.

XoXo, Natasha

I couldn’t resist sharing these press photographs of the 2013 Life Ball which was held on Saturday in Vienna, Austria. The event is organized by AIDS LIFE, which was co-founded in 1992 by Gery Keszler and Torgam Petrosian. The event, which raises funds for HIV and AIDS research, is the biggest charity event of its kind in Europe.

The theme of this year’s event was ’1001 [Arabian] nights.’ Designer Roberto Cavalli, who was the events guest of honor presented a special runway show which featured some of his most famous creations as well as pieces from his latest collections.

A MINI Cooper personalized by Roberto Cavalli was also auctioned and sold for 150.000 euros at the event.

Wasn’t this fantastic? I will be sharing additional images and  notes from the event on my instagram account on May 28th.

XoXo, Natasha

Following in the footsteps of Rob Kardashian, Plaxico Burress recently launched his own luxury socks line for men.  The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver debut his socks line last week in a swanky New York City nightclub with New York City’s social elite and of course models wearing nothing but button down shirt and socks.

According to a report in the Business Insider, “[t]he Plaxico Burress collection aims to delve into the world of bow ties, cuff links and belts but began with what Burress called a long held passion.”  Burress also told the New York Times that he has been planning  his sock line from behind the scenes for years.

The socks will retail for $24 or more and will be available in select retailers next month just in time for father’s day.

So what do you guys think? Hit or Miss? Will you guys stick with the brown and blues?  Will you add these to your shopping list for father’s day? If you are a guy would you wear these?

Images via PlaxicoBurressCollection

XoXo, Natasha