Afrolistas and the City™

Le Look Du Jour: Solange Knowles and Monique Péan @ TIFFANY Celebrates The Launch of True Love Event

2012-01-26T08:13:00.000-06:00

Solange Knowles was enlisted as the celebrity DJ during the Tiffany celebration of the launch of True Love in Pictures with style bloggers, The Sartorialist Scott Schuman and Garance Dore at Tiffany & Co. on January 25, 2012 in New York City.

Solange's Christopher Kane dress is perfect for summer and I'm still in love with those FENDI shoes from a few seasons ago because of their jewel colors. Her Malene Birger's Rufe Faux Leopard Coat is simply elegant when it comes to animal prints. I love Solange because she rocks to her own beat and isn't that what individuality is supposed to be about?

The always elegant and stylish jewelry designer Monique Péan was also in attendance.

Photos: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images

"FRO'S WE LOVE: NABIHA BENSOUDA

2012-01-25T12:01:00.000-06:00

I love me some Nabiha Bensouda because she simply rocks! Boomerang is a serious workout and dance song.

Photos: Nabiha Music

What's Haute Now: Grace Bol for Cityist

2012-01-24T09:18:00.000-06:00

I follow some really cool people on Tumblr who share some of the best fashion news and when I saw this editorial of Grace Bol I had to share it. See the rest of the shoot here.

PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTIINA WILSON
STYLIST: MARTIN WAITT
MAKEUP: MARGINA DENNIS FOR OCCMAKEUP.COM

Source

What's Haute Now: Adepero Oduye for W Magazine

2012-01-24T08:49:00.000-06:00

The image of one of the years best breakout performers, Adepero Oduye for W Magazine. When I saw this photo in the magazine I thought it was Kelly Rowland for a moment until I read on. Proud of her and the other women of the movie Pariah.

Man of Style: Eyan Allen Creative Director of HUGO BOSS

2012-01-22T23:57:00.000-06:00

Two Looks from the HUGO BOSS Herbst/Winter 2012 Collection

I hardly ever see much written about the man who is letting his collections speak for themselves, especially in the American fashion press about Eyan Allen.

Who is Eyan Allen?

Eyan Allen is the Creative Director of HUGO BOSS and head designer of their womenswear label. Eyan attended the Royal College of Art University of Central Lancashire, England before branching out in a career in design. Eyan has over 15 years of design experience having previously held positions with Ellesse UK, Nike Europe, Puma and Adidas before taking over the helm of HUGO BOSS. Eyan has definitely bought back the allure and modern style the HUGO BOSS label is known for.

PHOTOS: HUGO BOSS

Four Looks: SÃO PAULO FASHION WEEK INVERNO 2012 RTW

2012-01-21T19:46:00.000-06:00

A few of my favorite looks from Brazilian designers Samuel Cirnansck and Mario Queiroz during SPFW Inverno 2012-RTW.

Photo: Zé Takahashi

Le Look Du Jour: Julia Sarr-Jamois Paris Fashion Week A/W 2012 Hommes

2012-01-21T18:44:00.001-06:00

Black and Gold

Photo: Gianluca Senese

What's Haute Now: Alima Fofana for ELLE Italia FEB 2012

2012-01-20T08:59:00.001-06:00

Alima is one of those models that I wrote on my Tumblr as one to watch, so keep your eyes on this beauty.

Photo: ELLE Italia

Julia Sarr-Jamois For TOP SHOP

2012-01-19T08:57:00.000-06:00

I'm so proud of Julia and I'm even prouder that she's being who she is, a stylish women who turns heads. TOP SHOP has enlisted her styling expertise in their latest campaign.

Photos: TOP SHOP

The Documentary: Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles

2012-01-15T12:09:00.002-06:00

Pat Cleveland, Billie Blair, Amina Warsuma and the other models take center stage at Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles.

I can now finally add to my ever growing collection of fashion documentaries and books something that is truly a reflection of me. Something from the women who have inspired me most of my life with their incomparable beauty and style. Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles is now being made into a documentary for all the world to see and fashion lovers and historians everywhere will now see all of the hard work and sacrifices these women endured to show the world that they too could be just as stylish, glamorous and just as elegant as the next woman.

The documentary, Versailles ‘73: American Runway Revolution is directed by Deborah Riley Draper and is also produced by Deborah Riley Draper, Caralene Robinson, and Michael A. Draper for Coffee Bluff Pictures. Once this documentary hits theaters, please go out and support this legendary film.

Photo: SIPA

Defining Fabulous: Model and Educator Roanne Nestbitt

2012-01-12T10:18:00.001-06:00

While some models have been lauded as legendary and ground breaking, little is known or is hardly ever written about those who have lapsed into relative obscurity with little or no fanfare. They were the firsts when many didn't recognize them as being firsts in regards to Herstory. I've been interested to learn as much as I can about Roanne Nesbitt after learning about her modeling career in Paris during the `60s and `70s and seeing her photos in vintage American and French fashion publications and archives.

Many have only learned of Roanne because of her iconic photograph (see below) that was photographed for LIFE magazine by the legendary Yale Joel. Roanne began her career in modeling in her home town of Chicago, Illinois where she came from a very prominent family of educators and activists.

I honestly believe that Roanne was one of the models who modeled for Paco Rabannes controversial first showing here in the USA. Roanne modeled both extensively in NYC and in Paris for André Courrèges and other Paris based designers before returning back to the USA and continuing her teaching career to empower youngsters in inner-city Chicago in hopes of a better life.

Sadly, Roanne died tragically at the hands of her estranged husband in 1973 at the age of 26 after being stabbed to death. I'm sure her imagery is on the negatives of several well known photographers from here to France, but we'll never know.

Roanne Nesbit and Carol LaBrie shot by Gianni Penati for VOGUE.

Roanne in ad from the '70s.

For L'Officiel 1969 shot by Patrick Bertrand.

From VOGUE Paris

Photos: Ciao Vogue| My Own Archives|L'Officiel

Fro's We Love: Solange Knowles for InSTYLE Magazine

2012-01-10T15:45:00.003-06:00

I couldn't contain myself as I was flipping through my daughters latest copy of InSTYLE magazine when I came upon these gorgeous photos which featured our favorite woman of style, Miss Solange Knowles. With Solange's latest news of her signing to NEXT models, I'd say we can expect to see more editorials featuring this fabulous woman. I didn't take a photo of the one featuring her wearing the headwrap because I've seen similar ones before, either way she looked good in it. Enjoy!

Fashion Sense: VOGUE Italia's EIC Franca Sozzani Visits Ghana

2012-01-04T09:08:00.001-06:00

In Accra,Ghana Franca Sozzani met both with Ghanaian fashion designer Kofi Ansah and other emerging fashion designers of The WEB-Young Designers Hub, an association of local young fashion designers who presented a runway showing of their collections.

Source: VOGUE Italia and Fashionista Ghana

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:54:00.001-06:00

Au revoir 2011, Hello 2012!

I have no complaints because 2011 was a blessed year for me and my family and I'm still above ground. The economy is off the chain, but it's been like this since I returned to the states. I've got to make 2012 even better and stop procrastinating and get it done!

Make 2012 yours!

Living My Life Like It's Golden

2011-12-22T20:39:00.000-06:00

2011 has been a blessing for myself and my family and if I have nothing else in this world I'm thankful to be alive. Regardless as to what 2011 brought you in the form of defeat or despair, know that you have been blessed with the gift of life to start all over again. 2012 will be even better if you believe it and act as if it will be one of your best years ever. Do you!

Le Look Du Jour: Patra (The Queen of Dancehall)

2011-12-21T18:06:00.002-06:00

One would have to be living under a rock, in a cave or have not been born yet to not know who this iconic woman is. Dancehall Queen Patra was recently seen performing at the 5Th Annual Okay Player Holiday Jam.

Photos: Wire Image

Annie Ilonzeh Covers the Premiere Issue of AEON Magazine

2011-12-21T11:33:00.000-06:00

I saw this is in the bookstore the other day and I must say this is a beautiful cover. The magazine touts itself as the Gentlemen’s guide to sex and lifestyle. AEON Men’s magazine is especially for sophisticated males aged 25-60 with a desire for style. It’s the pinnacle of the premium men’s lifestyle magazine market and covers style, culture, entertainment and more. I know we've all heard this before and I hope they're around for a while, but I seriously doubt it.

I say this because most new magazines start with aplomb and then fizzle due to the lack of advertisement dollars and subscribers and yet they highlight all of these luxury brands without a luxury advertisement inside the magazines. Or better yet, they'll start out as a niche publication and then do the old bait and switch once they make money from subscribers and become all of a sudden diversified like a certain magazine has done looking confused and indecisively ignorant of who is exactly their customers.

What's Haute Now: Urban Expressions Accessories

2011-12-21T09:49:00.003-06:00

I want this bag to replace the one that I bought thirty years ago at a bargain before inflation hit and was stolen.

But I love these two beauties. The bags are certified vegan and PETA approved.

I'm always on the hunt for something chic and classic that doesn't cost me an arm or a leg and is well made and affordable. My children have been asking me what I wanted for Christmas and I've been repeating the same old thing. "I want a CHANEL 2.55 bag for Christmas." Imagine the number of side-eyes I kept receiving with that comment.

After much prodding and pleading, I told my girls to get me whatever they thought I liked and I'll take care of the bag issue. We hit up our local MARSHALL'S to see what goodies they had and lo and behold I found the perfect bag's. I've never heard of URBAN EXPRESSIONS before but I wish that I could have every color they had in the store. I saw two that I really liked and couldn't make up my mind which one I wanted, so I bought them both. Urban Expressions is also available at most boutiques and stores in your areas and the following web retailers: ebags.com, baghaus.com and hautelook.com

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or are searching for the perfect birthday gift for a friend, these stores like MARSHALL'S, ROSS, T.J. MAXX, etc. have the ultimate deals and steals if your looking for chic dresses and so much more.

I know where to go to get the best bargains to save money. What are some of your best-kept shopping secrets?

Defining Fabulous: Peggy Dillard-Toone

2011-12-17T12:51:00.000-06:00

Super Model Peggy Dillard-Toone

These days the web is full of 'natural hair' gurus for the less experienced to follow. My inspirations were numerous and I must say that Peggy Dillard-Toone was numero uno when it came to experimenting with my tresses. When ESSENCE would feature her hairstyle how-toos...I was copying her looks and wearing them to class the next day. Thank yo Peggy for being an inspiration and a trailblazer.

There's Only One

2011-12-17T11:16:00.000-06:00

A Glamtastic Flashback of One of the Worlds Super Models and Philanthropists: Naomi Campbell

Stunning!!!

One To Watch: Actress/Singer Celisse Henderson

2011-12-17T00:19:00.001-06:00

The Broadway stage is now blessed with the super talented Celisse Henderson who stars in the Broadway revival of the rock musical GODSPELL. I came upon Celisse's photo in the latest issue of Vanity Fair and definitely had to learn more about her. I'm totally blown away by her beautiful voice and not only can she sing, she also plays the acoustic guitar. Henderson has compiled an incredible list of theatrical roles she has appeared in, starting first in her hometown of San Francisco and in several traveling stage plays which definitely adds to her becoming one of the toast of Broadway.

Celisse is one of those artist who has a sound that many listeners can relate to and with a voice that is smooth like honey with a delivery that will attract even the most discerning listener.

I quickly logged on to amazon.com to purchase her latest music offering titled, Show & Tell which I know will be on continuous repeat in my vehicle and is also available on iTunes.

Celisse Henderson was born in Oakland, California and she currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. If you're in NYC be sure to check out the play GODSPELL which not only features Celisse, but also consists of an equally talented cast.

Intro To Me by Celisse Henderson

Baby Blue by Celisse Henderson

Photos: Celisse Henderson

What's Haute Now: Shala Monroque for Town&Country Magazine

2011-12-10T15:38:00.002-06:00

There's nothing like a Saturday where you can kick back and just relax. This made my day once my daughter said that I received a magazine in the mail today.

Whoo hoo! Shala's on the cover of Town&Country magazine and I'm looking forward to reading my issue. I tried to send a photo of the cover through my new Blackberry and it didn't work.

Shala is resplendent in looks from her favorites: MiuMiu, Valentino, Prada and Delfina Delettrez among other's photographed at Hotel Raphael in Paris.

Photos: Johnathan Becker
Makeup: Lisa Legrand

Style Inspiration From Julia Sarr-Jamois and VOGUE UK/Alberta Ferretti

2011-12-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

The best deals are online and if you know what you like and buy from the right stores you don't have to worry about ill fitting clothes or other disappointments. Julia Sarr-Jamois is highlighting the best looks from Alberta Ferreti for Philosophy and Vogue UK's Online Fashion Week 2011.

I love Julia because she makes every thing look so effortless. Thanks to Naturellbelle for sharing this info with her followers.

The '60s silhouettes are some of the best styles to wear and the most comfortable. Enjoy!

Being Yourself Never Goes Out Of Style

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

There's nothing more beautiful than a woman who embraces her own individuality and style. When everyone else wants you to "Get the Look" or "Copy Her Style." Why not just "Do You?"

Let's face it a lot of grown women are still following the leader when it comes to style because they're afraid of stepping out of the box and still value the opinions of strangers. Why? I'll never know.
Instead of looking like yourself you come off looking like a Xeroxed copy of someone else when that's done. Confidence is one hell of an accessory, so wear it proudly.

The above look may not be for everyone sans the make up, but it sure is fantabulous!

Le Looks Du Jour: The Premiere of Pariah

2011-12-04T16:28:00.001-06:00

The Lovely Kim Wayans

Actresses Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans

Adepero Oduye, Dee Rees, Kim Wayans

Actress Adepero Oduye

Director Dee Rees

Adepero Oduye

To learn more about the movie Pariah click here.

Photos: Getty Images