Diamant Noir

Gallery Thursdays

2008-04-07T21:03:00.011-04:00

So let's kick off our first celebrity edition of this gallery feature shall we?

I want to share some odd choices of my fave celebs..Drew and Jen. Congrats Jen on the beautiful baby twins...I know I know, thou shall not sell thy child for cover of People, but hey....this whole selling your soul for mags started because celebs will get harassed like hell by paparazzi anyway, so I don't mind anymore..its almost like she is protecting her children. I also love how Marc keeps his hand on her belly for ALL the pics while she was pregnant. As for Drew..well what can one say. What a friggin' beauty man! That face...how perfect can her features get. I worry about my face being super round due to my chunky delicious (trademarked term via the boyfriend) cheeks. But she makes the not-a-stick-figure model wanna be look good if you ask me. So enjoy!

PS- Who are your fave celebs for their beauty, grace and style?

Promises, Promises

2008-04-06T20:03:00.008-04:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

I owe tons of updates I know, but trust me its worth it. In the mean time, here is one of the many promised images. Way back in the day (as in 2 weeks ago: here is the post) I shared the story of my photography studio in progress- a gift I am working on for my boyfriend over time. So far I have gotten him two lights, a camera that was all the rage in his la la photo land, and some helpful accessories. Of course this will help me on my venture as well for my fashion empire soon to be seen. I have been really anxious lately trying to figure out exactly what that empire will entail, and I really welcome any comments about others having the same stresses about what their purpose will be in this home we call the fashion industry. I know its been especially hard for Ms. Bubble as well...so there must be others living through trial and error. Here is one resulting image from a rolled-out-of-bed-and-put-on-makeup-which-led-to-an-impromptu-beneficial-photo shoot! I plan on using this image for the home page of a new website I am paying to be designed as we speak- my company website! Hope you like....

PS- Can anyone guess what industry this new company website is geared for based on the pic hahaha?

Photo Credits: Photography- My lovely boyfriend of course! ER Photo and Styling by muah duh
xoxo

Who Knew...

2008-04-06T19:35:00.008-04:00

Diane Kruger

So pardon me if I am living the next two months totally reminiscing about my obsession with Sarah Jessica Parker until the launch of you know what..but on another knew blog I am in love with, turns out there is someone else just as classy, elegant and gorgeous I didn't remember about. I see her in magazines time and again, but never had a reason to Google or stalk her red carpet style. Now I do!

"What I really love about her is how classy she always looks, especially compared to so many other young starlets (*cough LindsayLohan cough*). Her style is super feminine, quite a bit trendy, and I like that she’s not afraid of sparkle and frills. She pulls it off well and it’s never over the top."

-Quoted from Kim

"Dream Like You'll Live Forever, Live Like You'll Die Today"

2008-04-01T09:28:00.004-04:00

Uh, my life is Sex and the City..wish I had some single gals to party away this grandiose premiere!

Gallery Thursdays

2008-03-27T09:18:00.000-04:00

Shopping Report Wednesdays

2008-03-26T08:22:00.035-04:00

Beauty

Miami Beach circa 2008

So you read about my outrage (post below) while shopping at CVS and Walgreens this past weekend for a small photo shoot with the boyfriend. Well, after much array, I did end up with some things...some good and some BAD things..naturally. I know its been all but decades since some of these first took place on shelves across America (and beyond..hi France!) but that won't stop me from saving a fashionable few from wasting their money on the crap that's out there. These pharmaceutical department stores are great for college students, stylists on the go, and anyone with a working woman's budget that wants to stock her medicine/makeup cabinet with some goodies. But be ware, for every Maybelline Great Lash, there are terrors that lurk.....

Note: Rating system is 1-10, 10 being highest and ...well duh....

Let's start with some good news..fruity tooty is still in! This Alba Coconut Lip Balm was about three bux (expensive for a tube) but worth every penny. I remember back in the day when these suckers were 99 cents on the corner. But with technology advances, comes inflation. I appreciate that when something so small and insignificant leaves my lips feeling smooth as rose petals with the aroma of a summer pina colada. The boyfriend loves it too. Always a plus. The scent is subtle to others, but fun for you. Even tasty at that! Double up and use as a perfume! That's what I call a bargain.....

Diamant Rating: 10

M aybelline Shadow Stylist may be the mother or all liners..if you like liners that are powdery, smoky, sometimes dusty substances. My review is based on the fact (through mostly recent experience) that powder cosmetics (besides pressed powder foundations) are notoriously messy. Whether its that fave eye shadow you stock up on, or that suntanned kiss glow bronzer...all powders make messes. With that said, I finally met my match while on the lookout for the perfect smoky eye. I have been trying to perfect the smoky eye for years now (I'm no artist, what can I say?) and working with amateur makeup artists has only proven my point that its a difficult task indeed. Well, not anymore because I am one step closer. This little wand is jam packed with highly pigmented hues from olive to black...with a steady hand, anyone can make smoky magic. I used it to line my lids on top and bottom, as well as smudge the corners. Result...well I feel like a Cover Girl...ooops!

Diamant Rating: 7

I have a long long story to tell that I was supposed to share last week but got distracted...something along the lines of "I read the most life changing book and am now vegetarian." (see Must-Reads to the left) Yes I know, most of you got the memo, and although like most, thinking I could never give up meat, I made the leap and already have amazing skin to prove it. REALLY. Ask my boyfriend...So part of this sisterhood includes embracing the organic and healthy lifestyle, from head to toe; inside and out. Well then thank goodness for those beauty companies that are catching the drift. Yes To Carrots is a new brand boasting minerals and vitamins with an all-natural complex. I still have more research to do on this line, but I bought the Exfoliating and Soothing Mud Mask with Vitamin C, claiming to leave skin noticeably smoother and rejuvenated. The word exfoliating is what got me since after my close-up (photo shoot) I realized my skin was rather bumpy. It didn't do anything to rid the mess, but I must admit, if you want your face to feel like a baby's bottom, this is the way to go.

Diamant Rating: 6

I won't even provide a link, because this brand is total shenanigans. Be ware, this is the most default pharmacy brand around..except for one product (look below). I was highly excited as they focus on eye products, and I am all about the eyes. I wanted something that would help give me the defined brows every girl dreams of mixed with some Dior Spring 2006 drama. These Perfection Stencils are a waste of time unless you have three or even four hands. With no adhesive help in sight, you are required to hold up the stencil to your face (this item is plastic by the way...sliding factor is great) while filling in with brow product of choice..gel, powders, liner, what have you. Well can anyone tell me how I am suppose to hold up a flat object to my round face? Didn't think so. At one point I thought of taping it down, but there is something called integrity.

Diamant Rating: 1

I came home with three Ardell products, and this is my absolute fave! The Brow Defining Powder worked wonders on my barely-there eyebrows. Not quite as severe as Dior's brow monstrosities, but if there was ever a need for the ready-to-wear version, this is it! Perfect for everyday use, and on set when layering leads to beauty fun, this little guy goes a long way. Each one comes with the helpful slanted brush (synthetic) that perfectly works the edges of my brows and creates the thin tip I like for my face shape. Again, this is a powder, so the con was that it will drip everywhere if you are not careful. During the shoot I found fleck on my cheeks...and lord knows getting on clothes is life threatening for a stylist.

Diamant Rating: 9

On the old version of my L Report blog, I did a beauty report of the top 5 essential makeup bag must-haves. Maybelline makes every list for every girl. There is something for everyone. After researching the history of mascara, turns out Maybelline were the pioneers (though Rimmel made the actual formula) creating the wand and applicator for a very useful package. After Great Lash came out, it only got better and better as technology advanced. Waterproof, Curling, Lengthening. I am curios to try Lancome and MAX Factor, but I am just too satisfied to start an affair. The XXL Curl Power Mascara is double the fun and results. I didn't really see any curling affect (you should use a curl clamp anyway..duh) but the photos afterwards were proof enough. Especially when the boyfriend was goo-goo-ga-ga over my eyes. Thanks Maybelline!

Diamant Rating: 8

Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse...oh what can I say? This is too good for words. Hopefully their expertly created TV ad campaigns..as well as print..has suckered you into at least trying it, but one look was all I needed. Both fingers and foundation brushes work great with this delightful treat. I even used it under liquid foundation as a concealer. How can you resist. My face looked like pure velvety chocolate. Don't ask me how they do it, but it goes on smooth like batter and dries a light, fluffy powdery texture. All I can say is, stop reading..go buy it!

Diamant Rating: 10

What's New Mondays

2008-03-24T09:29:00.017-04:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

Sorry for the absentee...I have been suckered into thinking that all posts need pictures to be quality posts. Bullshit! I have been finding and reading amazing blogs that are imageless..yes you heard right, imageless!! Did anyone check out my "Newly In Love With" blogroll yet to your left..well if you did you would have seen by now the unforgettable View From The Fourth Row...basically as hilarious as Emma, but vintage (as it started long ago and ended already) and more in depth juice..anyhow, my point being is that although I still am baffled at how Susie Bubble juggles 40 hours at a time consuming, detail-oriented career with a 3-post a day image heavy blog, with my new job that requires my full attention (not really, but getting caught is no fun either), I can at least pop in and say hello right...or...what's new..so let's get to it!

First off..2 weeks into the job and I already got this, "Hey Hot Black Girl, how you doing today?" Now, I was in front of colleagues, so not only was it embarrassing, but um..hello! Did anyone hear that..so I go home not really bothered by it until I tell my fiance casually what happened and he is all like "Oh my gosh, did you tell your boss! You have to tell your boss! Seriously!" and I was like "Damn right I do!" but I still didn't think he cared so much about it, and got proven right as soon as I said, "and he is black too" Then my boyfriend lets out this weird sound that can only be described as relief mixed with mockery, "Oh, he's black? Leti, c'mon!"

Excuse me!

Since when is it okay for totally inappropriate work behavior to go permitted because two people are the same race? Did I miss some memo before signing up for this job? I tried to explain this to the highly-against-even-the-slightest-amount-of-racism-boyfriend...until he finally got my point. Now I would like to hear your thoughts....its not because he said black girl, or the fact that he is black, it is everything together..am I right?

***I just typed a whole mess for you and darn thing got deleted by accident..I'm so not in the mood, but will try to do it again..ugh!!***

Moving on...did I mention I am building a photography studio for my boyfriend (yes best darn girlfriend in town, you can go ahead and boast that you know a celebrity now) which started off with the Digital Rebel camera you might have heard of because its all the rage right now..or was a few months ago, and so naturally he is already on Amazon looking for more expensive, more raging cameras for me to buy (must interrupt to bring you this message...last night while for the upteenth time that he was begging me to buy him the photography book (yes I am woman with power of money, hear me roar!) he said "c'mon Leti its the HOTTEST book right now..at first glance he is your average hetero alpha male, but dammit I turned another one..woot woot) so he can learn more and keep enhancing his skills. We did some awesome test shots yesterday, the results of which I will share on Friday when he finishes editing them. I can only mention that I think I make a damn fine model..or would anyway if and when they finally accept ethnic and minority models in national publications and stop saying they do because they place Chanel Iman in every freakin Teen Vogue, Bazaar and Elle on the planet...c'mon, her name is Chanel Iman..need I remind you that they just so happen to find those perfectly white looking black models (I think we all remember the Beyonce ads for L'Oreal..don't lie). I am not going to go there, but until they stop claiming they are doing the minority races justice by hiring these models and then photo editing them to death with lighter skin, different nose, chin and forehead, please don't insult our intelligence. (Oh which brings me to another thing..as for those test shots I was telling you about, of course a girl had to get her hair done, nails ready and look for fool-me-once makeup..do you know it took me 2 hours in a freakin CVS and Walgreens to find makeup that was slightly close to my skin color...this is BULLSHIT. Not to mention the fact that they don't sell Iman's (yes the real one) line of cosmetics anymore, and as for the Queen Collection for CoverGirl by Queen Latifah...well, her picture is still there but ain't no queenish makeup to be found..they don't even have foundation darker than beige..Beige!! HELLO! where exactly are working class citizens suppose to get their makeup. Granted I go to Sephora and am a MAC girl myself, but this is an outrage to have to spend $100 (because I did) on various colors that you would have to blend hoping to make a match...I am not a makeup artist...I don't want to freakin blend..All these magazines like Oprah and Essence that show makeup galore..where is it? Don't even get me started on the last 4 Allure magazines I bought that have nothing but pure porcelain white women! I mean I love love all races..but c'mon...BS..totally). Anyway, like I was saying..the studio will keep growing. We are buying more lights this weekend to go with the beginner light kit I already got, then some cool backgrounds.. which I will..because thanks to my new job, I feel like the sky is the limit. Which brings me to Lesson #1. Ladies, if you are as ambitious as I am (but take it down a notch, because my level of ambition is not at all healthy..will get to that later) then please get your ass a job and stop trippin'. Yeah you heard me..Paris Hilton is not going to appear out of nowhere claiming you are her long lost half sister..so get your head out of the clouds and down to a 9-5 (unfortunately I do 10-7..who made these schedules anyway..Satan?) but not just any 9-5, it took me 13 jobs to find this one (oh you know, a mix of being fired and quitting because I am too cool for them) and life couldn't be better when you have a quality, well-paying job you deserve that puts a few extra bucks in your pocket for hobbies...likeeeeeee

I want to be a Creative Director..that's my new goal. After finally accepting the fact that I am a perfectionist (no really...I took the quiz in Glamour magazine and they told me so) and need to stop the self-destruction perfecting behavior like perfect blog with perfect images, perfect business with blah blah blah..I rather be normal and calm the fuck down ya know. Especially when perfectionists are annoying and people take your ambition as arrogance. No no no no, not anymore. With my new aspiring title of Creative Director, I am allowed the following: wardrobe styling, fashion journalism, photography and team management. So my first step towards this goal is to buy a portfolio (I usually don't share my gold mines, but this one is too much to keep to myself..for all you photogs, models, or artists that need statement books, look no further: http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com ) and filling it with creative power that shows my ability to solve problems, create stories and style accordingly. This is all leading up to a big meeting with one of Miami's prestigious agencies. If I could get accepted, the world would start raining pink cotton candy...that's how amazing it would be for me. Then I could spend the rest of my time until moving to London just working on the jobs they get me and enjoying my accomplishments. But let's not get ahead of ourselves..one step at a time

I am curious to know, what are your dreams and goals?

Gallery Thursdays

2008-03-21T12:07:00.009-04:00

Ok so I'm a day late, but puh-leaze! Would you really want to miss this.......

This is Iconogenic, found her on istockphoto.com while at work looking for images for a website project. Turns out she is one of the most popular photogs there (wonder why). Deriving from the Netherlands, this is a true display that genuine talent has many faces from many places. Enjoy!

What's New Mondays

2008-03-17T07:37:00.004-04:00

So I was recently wondering just how Susie Bubble does it? Susie, if you are reading, help a girl out. You work at a wonderful and fruitful digital advertising company and find the time daily to rant on about your lovely fashion sense. But me, here in my new digital design job with the stereotypical cubicle…. cannot even find time to check my online banking statement (well more than twice anyway). Given, it’s a bunch of artsy fartsy pants I work for, with video games and junk food galore, but I still must work. Anywho, I digress. Just coming upon all these infinite fashion blogs of presumably successful and therefore busy people, where do we get the time to blog? Either way, I’m glad whoever you are that writes fantastic gibberish keeps on keeping on. So please find your way to the newly added blogroll to your left titled “Newly In Love With” where you will find blogs I stumble upon and its love at first glance..literally. I only add blogs here that totally captivate me, because unfornutalely out of 8 million and growing, only a handful of blogs have worthy content not including the Beckahms latest outfit and gallery slideshows that are already sliding across America for the upteenth time.

Week-in-Review Fridays

2008-03-14T02:08:00.035-04:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

What a week huh? Ok so that was posed as a question, but ofcorse you have no idea how my week went..thus I must share! More like what a whirlwind month (but I just started this whole Week in Review feature so bear with me...a girl has to catch up eh). So we started off with this post where I vowed to stop procrastinating about one of my many dreams (though be it already came true in some shape and form when TheLReport.net was created) of being a fashion stylist...perfectly coinciding with my love of fashion journalism (of which will be further enhanced by my education at the prestigious University of the Arts London this coming fall....delayed I know). So anyway, a click and a shop away landed me six gigs with an L.A. photographer working with all the top models in Miami Beach. Naturally the one I was raving about in the aforementioned post was so TOP she couldn't even become available...but no worries, soon I will be so TOP myself I will summon her to my headquarters...(I don't really have headquarters, hoping you know that). It started off quite easily actually..a little shopping here, borrowing there, until ofcorse I returned the lovely wares to the consignment store borrowed from, only to find out the measly $150 that I was being paid by the photographer (very frugal man) that I ofcorse used to rent the clothing on a fee (for decades this fee has been refundable upon return of items) would not be given back to me! Oh yes, you heard right..what I celebrated to bee my first income of a stylist was never actually in my possession long enough to freakin celebrate..turns out these bitches charge you..CHARGE you..to give them press. HELLO! Are you serious..Nonetheless, I got over it and kept on renting...making sure the photog reimbursed me each time (please do this, don't feel passive aggressive and get taken advantage of like I almost did). In the end, its well worth the sacrifice for both when you sit back, relax, and see breathtaking photos that have your name written all over it. I would share more, but I assume I bore you already. If anyone cares to know how the shoots came about, drop a comment and a Part Deux shall commence.

XOXO

PS- Yes, I'm the chocolate one fixing up the other chocolate one in all the pics. Wink.

Gallery Thursdays

2008-03-13T10:20:00.023-04:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

As previously stated in my speak-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace brutally honest post, you learned its quite the battle for me running two blogs, an online store, aspiring to journalistic stardom (not really) and slaving over a full time 42 hours a week day job. But no worries, I’m a man with a plan (woman didn’t sound as sweet). Along with Gallery Thursdays which seems to be passing over well (and might I add you may also remember in that brutal post that I had some fashion photo shoots in the works, so stay tuned for tonight because as promised the results are in..this week's Gallery Thursdays will have a personal touch..my own fashion photography and styling! woot woot), there will be Week In Review Fridays, What’s New Mondays (only fitting since weekends should be…well, you know..), Shopping Report Wednesdays and a little jumbo surprise in between. This is my online journal after all right?

PS- Yes the image above is a sneak preview of my very own art directed, styled and all around "I-am so-proud-to-be-the-shit-right-now-but-not-really" photo.

***********UPDATE*************

Hey babes, here are my resulting photo shoot images from the past month. I did a total of 5 shoots and although totally exhausting and sometimes bordering nervous breakdown, it was well worth it. Sorry I can't put up the best images or show the edited ones since the internet has a bad rap of thieves stealing other people's shit, but you will see them soon enough in some hot off the press editorial and ofcorse for the launch of my renovated IndieCoterie.com

Images are copyrighted and watermarked

Shopping Report Wednesdays

2008-03-12T10:37:00.005-04:00

VOLUME

Extra volume in clothing is everywhere for the upcoming fall season. The general silhouette is showing a growing acceptance of fullness in all areas. That easy fullness is likely to last a year or so before it begins to deflate to more form fitting lines again.

Rules for Wearing Volume Fall '08

Fashion Wardrobe Tip - Whatever your physique the trick to carrying off volume is to avoid choosing a garment that makes the body look over burdened with masses of fabric. You do not want to look like a walking duvet!

-If you have a wide collar opt for a streamlined look below the collar line.
-If you have volume in your sleeves try to have some waist definition.
-If you wear full wide trousers, top them with a body defining neat top or a cropped jacket.
-If you wear skinny jeans or leggings you can afford to have a more voluminous garment like a down puffy parka or fur trimmed jacket on the top half.
-If you have good waist, but saddle bag thighs cover the thighs with a cinched waist fuller skirt with hemline interest.
-Wear volume to look up to date, but wear volume in moderation.
-Think of this volume in moderation rule before you buy.

Speechless Elbow-sleeve Knit Dress $29.00 @ Dillards.com
Karen Scott 'Layla' Flat $29.50 @ Macy's.com
Quilted Barrell Bag $48.00 @Urbanoutiftters.com
Opaque tights $12.50 @ Delias.com
Earrings and Gold Owl Necklace w/ruby eyes $14.05 @ Fashioncloset.com

Sarah Turtleneck $26.50 @ Delias.com
SS Turtleneck and Woven Skirt $22.80 @ Forever21.com
Boots @32.99 @ Gojane.com
Village Pom Beret and Granny Satchel @58.00 @ Urbanoutfitters.com

Gallery Thursdays

2008-03-06T15:59:00.007-05:00

And now for series introduction number two, I will now share my fave pics across the www every Thursday that are awe-inspiring and feature delightful fashions. Please comment your thoughts, as I'm sure the stylists, artists and photographers who work so hard day in and day out would appreciate it. And when I can, there will be interviews with these brilliant minds behind the camera so we can get some insight into their creative thought processes. I for one think photography is one of the eight wonders of the world!

Enjoy....

Look of the Week

2008-03-06T14:36:00.002-05:00

From Work to Play...

Figured I will introduce some new weekly sections to keep us fashionably invigorated!

For those who don't already know of this magical place (polyvore.com) just lick on the images and start shopping!

"In Case You Were Wondering"

2008-02-28T09:23:00.016-05:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

In case some people were wondering..yes, I am real lol. I read some disturbing comments today from another fashion blog that is writing about me that they think I brag allot and my writing is horrible because I mi spell some words. Hmmm..well decided to take it old school like Susie Bubble did back in the day (member that horrific stalker man that would not leave her alone and said she would amount to nothing in the fashion world?) and look at her now! Stylist, buyer, editor..not to mention all-around great gal..so that's why I will be doing a feature on her tomorrow with all the juice you never drank..(ok I mean all the gossip you never heard, you get my point) and then I think its time to spin the wheel on myself and share how I came to be..since it seems..well, some people want to know. And if you don't, then read somewhere else!

PS- Good God, am I the only one starting to look like a spitting image of my mother?

PSS- Just had to correct my spelling..noticed I wrote as instead of is..yup, that girl is right, I'll never reach journalism stardom..boo hoo..hope any of you doubting yourselves do not listen to commenters that comment under the name anonymous..(UPDATE, case in point..just found this in my december post: Anonymous said... wtf this blog sucks ever since u took over u barely ever update and u just talk about ur other blogi miss the days when this blog wuz good.
8:38 PM ) that was the case with Susie as well..isn't it funny how those who have the worse to say can't even admit who they are..none more true than on Cathy Horn's blog..poor girl

Scarf: Pucci available at Neimanmarcus.com

Tank: Calvin Klein

(not that you cared, but its a fashion blog after all hehehe)

......Deep in thought................. The famous Susie pose................. HUH?

"Too Late For New Year's Resolutions"

2008-02-27T10:14:00.013-05:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

So in light of the recent negative press about my baby (IndieCoterie.com) I've decided depression doesn't look good on me. I'll never get a date looking like frown the clown. So what did I do? Well, watch a marathon run of Sex and the City ofcorse! Ok so you know that episode where Charlotte thinks she will never find love and drags Carrie to that love guru lady..and she's all like "Oh Charlotte you need to put yourself out there"..and Charlotte is like "But I am" and the crazy bitch wasting peoples time is all like "No I mean REALLY PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE"..and before Charlotte can start crying Carrie defends her in that cool macho woman thing she does so well? Yea..you know what I'm talking about. So I figured..hell! This must be true for love and life in general. So last night I put myself out there, (not on a pedestal..more like on craigslist.org) and guess what, that crazy bitch was right! If for one moment you stop feeling sorry for yourself and actually do something to make your voice heard, people actually listen. Thanks to three minutes of my time and a free ad, I just booked myself 4 gigs as a fashion stylist on some upcoming shoots with supermodels-in-the-making and famous photographers. I know, I know..I'm too cool for school. Isn't this girl (my model for the shoot) below gorgeous! My lord!! Can anyone say Future Karen Elson....

Stay tuned..I'll be sharing my ideas for the shoot soon..and will need some help!

Justified?...No Not Timberlakes Album

2008-02-22T08:41:00.007-05:00

Can someone tell me why the outfit to the right is a mere...oh I don't know..$20,000!!! Look. I know some of us dimwits don't know money from paper, but here is a little brief 101. If you have 20k layin' around, please don't walk into Bergdorf Goodman and hand it to the cashier....the charity you were looking for is two doors down. I mean, I don't know what magazine this is from, but their lofty product descriptions are very, very sneaky.....leading us to believe the jacket is some sort of hidden BMW and the pants turn into IPhones. Don't get me wrong, if I were filthy rich, my fave designers would indeed be Giambattista Valli (of whom created the masterpiece of a jacket) and none other than the magnificent Alaia, but after this outfit parades in your closet, how many years do you have to wait to shop again? 10? 30? Incarnated to the next lifetime?

Well, is it just me? What do you think....has semi-couture really earned this much value? The industry has even smothered what the definition of semi-couture means. "Oh because they only made one hundred of them..with a waiting list..to be sold exclusively in one store, I think I'll wait to pay my mortgage until next year and buy those lovely leather pants!" says the shopper with no brain..living in the middle of Texas.

Giambattista Valli charcoal-and-yellow

graphic print wool crepe trench coat ($4,050).

Black stretch silk-knit turtleneck ($625)

available at Blake. Louis Vuitton black leather

pants ($3,200).Vincente Agor diamond and

gold leaf bracelet ($9,000) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Claudia Ciuti bronze and steelmetallic leather

heels with tuxedo bow detail ($276) at

neimanmarcus.com

"Learning To Love Brussel Sprouts"

2008-02-22T08:03:00.044-05:00

Fall '08 Runways

BCBG Runway

Max Azria Collection

Well, well what do we have here. Seems there's a traitor in our midst. Don't get your thong in a twist (yes, you too Benjamin). Its just me. But the 2008 me just so happens to have a secret love affair with BCBG...yet another made-in-china, stock market greedy, inventorially (not a word I know) over saturated, filtered down brand. But ya know, let's share the love for once, not pass judgment. Sure, BCBG has as many corporate ethics as childe-labor-lovin The Gap and as many original designs concepts as Target, but I now realize although I am not rich, BCBG is an amazing store for shoppers in the $50,000 per year bracket...(maybe even less if you're like me and starve for clothing). So who's to say a simple rayon tank that's two hundred smakaroos isn't perfect for someone who is completely oblivious to the value of money (no offense). Some day down the road when success comes my way, I'll finally afford some covetable DVF and 3.1 phillip lim pieces, and surely somewhere between 5th Avenue and bankruptcy, I'll take a looksy inside BCBG and end up with a delectable impulsive buy just because I can. So now that we got that out of the way and everyone is in their place (those of us broke as hell in one corner...the others in Chanel suits laughing and pointing in the other) lets hear a brief synopsis shall we? Right off the boat (ok not really..it was a plane..first class) and not yet one week in Miami, I landed a job in sales at BCBG in South Beach. Our uniform was a requirement of 3 BCBG pieces each day, and this sweety was no Dior...its not like they gave us an expense account or something, just a measly discount that still didnt get me anything until 3 months into the job. Long story short, being harassed by management, threatened by price points and forced into bad fashion was not the best way to start off my relationship with MR. Max Azria. Quit the job (fired? hmmm, same thing right) and cursed that brand all the way home. But,

NOW!

However, I am in love with Max Azria. Whatever he's drinking (copying?) is working, because these collections he has been whipping out are fantabulous. Don't get me wrong, nothing has changed about the whole made-in-Timbuktu phenomenon, but let's appreciate the brand for what it is. Legend has it Mr. Azria is the king of bohemia. His timeless take on the 60's era has earned him a following by everyone from vampire slaying Sarah Michelle Gellar to the cute Jewish girls right here on the beaches of Miami. Also notorious for dressing every celeb for their d-list red carpet events (as in events not including gold statues and crystal fountains) he has taken stake in eleven different mini-brands including BCBG Girls, the new (and personal faave) BCBG Runway, and not to mention the highly improved defunct Herve Leger that has taken Hollywood by storm (note: tried one on at Intermix, definitely worth every penny from the $900 price tag). My glorious boyfriend is their visual merchandiser, so needless to say I am always kept abreast of their latest and greatest inventory. You all are in-the-know so no need to undermine your intelligence with what his merchandising job entails, (we all have had our share of NYC Macys' windows right?) in fact I'm pretty sure 76% of the earth wants to be a freakin merchandiser (whats with that anyway?...ok I digress..back to the point). Yes, yes, its fun...but not as fun as cupcakes!!

Thought I would share with you a small look in time of BCBG's current seasons.

Each season I am more and more impressed. So impressed, you might remember my post about their highly delicious quilted bags (Chanel..pshtt..whatever!) with gold hardware that was to die for. Lord, I almost killed for one. Nonetheless, Spring 2008 at BCBG is looking pretty damn good
too. Their worst curse, but at the same time biggest blessing is that one needs to look past the cheaply produced look book images and actually make friends with the clothing. Touch, feel, try on! The place is practically a department store waiting to happen, so trust me, playing dress up with fifty pieces for an afternoon won't hurt. This is true for their resort collection. At first glance nothing more than Plain Jane, but once in the fitting rooms its a princess' delight. Some of my favorite looks are this ageless rendition of the lingerie trend. So effortlessly chic you'll look in this black chiffon shift and gladiators for day or Loboutin wannabees for night. A must-have (and I mean MUST-HAVE) top is this cream chiffon

blouse with black ribbon detail. Paired with skinny jeans, patent pumps, messy bed hair and headbands, all the construction workers will sure be whistling your way. Throw a leather jacket over for a breezy date evening, or buy it one size too big for that electric belt stashed in your closet that will add a pop of color. Other pieces to give your wardrobe a pick-me-up are the oens below. The most precious babydoll you ever did see, or perhaps "I'm-so-Monte-Carlo-in-this-long-and-flowy-dress" dress.

BCBG

2008-02-22T07:45:00.005-05:00

"The Quest For A New Ultimate Carry-all That Resembles My Fave Bag From The Spring '07 Runway of Derek Lam, But Not Resembling In A Counterfeit Sort Of Way, And Also Only Costs $100...Make it $50"

Miami Beach circa 2007

Long story short...........I didn't find shit! Excuse my German. But really, how frustrating that I find myself to be the ultimate sale shopper (proof of which will be in tomorrow's post) and during mega pre-holiday sales here in Miami Beach, I came home after a soothing (yes, I said soothing because shopping is a massage for me) day of shopping sprees galore...........empty-handed, as in no new fabulous handbag to call my own. I do indeed blame this on the fact that chain stores change their merchandise like once every lunar eclipse. Ok that's not true.........maybe being unemployed...or self-employed rather (*cough* they run along the same lines no?) has had a traumatic affect on my ability to shop....you know because I hear you need money to actually take the items out of the stores, otherwise it is know as shoplifting or something like that.....hmmm (but wait a minute, wasn't Ms. Shoplift Universe on the cover of Vogue's August cover all swathed in Vera Wang and Vuitton?....so maybe Anna Wintour is sending us all a message!....those who steal shall be rewarded with a complimentary career booster).

So anyway, after involuntarily (not really) taking a step into my one-stop-knockoff-shop, in which was stocked to the wine rim glass with adolescent Bettsyville patent wristlets and nothing else worth noting, I hopped over to 'Never Disappoints Me When Strapped For Cash' Urban Outfitters, and what did they do? Freaking disappoint me that's what! Not only did the inventory bore me out of my mind with all these bologna canvas totes that scream "I'm a tourist with nowhere to place my paper camera and Havana flip flops," but they have all the merchandise I've been eyeing on their online store that's actually on sale there (but then you pay shipping so what's the big whoop?). So I drag myself over to Zara after refueling on T.G.I. Friday's brownie obsession sundae yet again (they don't call it obsession for nothing....its another reason I'm no longer size O...or 2...or 4...or) and dresses, then there it was, gleaming ever so brightly on the top shelf. A plane? A bird? No dimwit, a patent leather, quilted, two-tone handbag. Oh yes!...Oh no, way overpriced with only two size options: McDonald's super-size or Apple Ipod nano-size. Cmon! So after mind wrestling with my budget-conscious alter ego, I agreed two hundred bucks wasn't so bad if I promised to take care of it, maybe even Windex it and stuff. So just as I forced myself to settle for the grey, a color I don't care too much for on everyday use, my fiance pops over (well hello, what did you think? I was financing this new wardrobe myself? Ha!) yelping that the black version was soooo much better. Of course it was! I love black, I'm New Yorkan. But low and behold, they sold out of black in super-size the day before. Shit.

It comes down to this: The new signature bag and its little sister (all $298 of it) at BCBG is still my fave in the quilted trend department, and if any of those sales persons value their lives, they will arrange to have one miraculously show up on my doorstep......I mean it!

"Why I'm No Longer Size 0....or 2...or 4...or..."

2008-02-22T07:44:00.001-05:00

Miami Beach circa 2007

"Nigel: Not since two became new four and zero became the new two."

- Nigel, The Devil Wears Prada

You ever had denial so bad you might as well be diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Schizophrenia? I was at my new job the other day (stylist at LF) in which I had to try on an entire line of premium denim in hopes fit knowledge would lead to client satisfaction. "What sizes do you need Letitia?" "Oh, all 25's," I replied confidently as if I totally didn't remember devouring burgers, sundaes and pasta nonstop for the last two years would go straight to my ass. Needless to say, after the poor girl brought me eighteen pairs of jeans all in 25 (equivalent to a size 2 in my book) the scene went down something like this: "Oh Lisa, I didn't know these were skinny jeans, I'll need a 27 or 28." (see how the numbers jumped? what about a 26? clue that the denial process has sunken in) "Oh Lisa, I think colored washes changes the fit, can I get a bigger size?" "Sorry Lisa, do you happen to have a size 27 around just in case...well you know...my thighs expand while I'm here in the dressing room?"

Yes, I know what you're thinking, but stop looking at me like that through your screen! I swear I have tried to stop pigging out. Gym memberships, South Beach Diet, walking up stairs once a week as oppose to the elevators. But I have a good excuse- pizza! Its an evil, evil drug that the FDA started long ago to maintain the production of plus size (over size 6 no?) garments in partnership with manufacturing associations so that they could charge more (larger sizes need more fabric) thus revitalizing the economy. Lame right? Oh well. Its just that pizza is a mouth-watering, tongue drooling, appetite-seizing food that should have its on calendar day. An Italian dish so flawless, hall of fames should be invented for it. Its a 'build-it-yourself delight. The buttery bakes bread, warm melted cheese, zesty tomato sauce and endless toppings.....what could be better? Fitting into my old jeans that's what! But who can deny the succulent and luscious temptation of pizza? Certainly not I.

And so I propose an open call of suggestions. By no means will I spend another $600 for David Barton or Crunch memberships, or think I'll actually get my butt out of bed to do yoga on my old dirty wood floors, or even jogging on the beach like the rest of those sugar daddies do every morning. There must be some way though, that I can go back to my naturally fit self without the forbidden sacrifice of foods du jour? Or is there?..........

"All Things Twice"

2008-02-22T07:43:00.000-05:00

New York circa 2005
......what happens once is always more fabulous the second time around.......

You know how people always say "walk away from stylists who promise to make your hair resemble the likes of Parker Posey circa 1999"? Well, no one says that really, I just made it up, but you should, and don't walk- run! That's exactly what my latest gal pal, Saralynn and I did one Friday night. I'm always sifting through newspapers for casting calls of any sort (a habit I wish upon everyone) being that I am an aspiring model/actress (big whoop right?) among other things you will discover later. So when I learned Matrix and another mysteriously unnamed hair company were holding hair model searches, I invited Saralynn due to her radiant beauty (my lack thereof admittedly rendered the need of a sidekick, I'll be honest) and we were over there faster than Michael Jackson can get himself into trouble.

Up first was Matrix, who you all should remember because back in the day there wasn't a damn teeny-bopper magazine that didn't showcase their edgy colorful cuts in an innumerable amount of advertisements. Well, they of course turned me down for lack of insanity and glowing porcelain skin, but adored Saralynn (go figure....damn sidekicks!) Yet there was something fatally wrong waiting in the midst. Turns out their revolutionary vision for her particular coif was to chop her hair ear length (now let me interrupt to let you in on a little secret about Saralynn, well not so much of a secret is you know of That Girl, and Sara is most definitely That Girl. That Girl is the envious princess that frolics through school with effortless style, somehow manages to pass all her classes though you always wonder what percentage of brain mass she actually maintains, and needless to say is one of a many growing breed that thinks their long, lavish locks are the key to success in life. You know what I mean. They sit around twirling chunks of professionally manicured tresses, are always pulling ponytails out in that Herbal Essence, Garnier, Pantene sort of way and constantly keep a brush in their hands as oppose to t Mobile like everyone else. And yet, we all want to be That Girl, because once we are, we finally experience the realization that the to secret prosperity is in fact a head full of flowing, luxurious hair. Shit.) So like I was saying, Matrix had in mind to cut her hair ear length, and then a dye job to resemble fire...I kid you not...that was the actual image they showed us- tomato red, Starburst orange and I'm sure some banana yellow was in store. So like I said, we did the smartest action we could at that moment- we ran!

Second time around was an answered prayer. We found out the nameless casting ad was for Scruples, another insider salon company. Although we were being digitally documented from the moment we arrives be a man sickly resembling John Galliano (minus the botox and pirate gear) they were not at all Courtney Love crazy and only planned a trim and highlights. Showtime was Sunday in the am.

Saturday afternoon was going to be shared with new gal pal #2, Morgana (a.k.a. Mama Cita as she clearly stated on my cellular phone book). She came to me earlier in the year with a Halloween request- "Make me into Paris Hilton". No comment. So we set out for the garment district in which I once saw a nude man playing trombone for quarters (yes I know totally irrelevant, but you had to be there...well I mean if you like that sort of things). Unfortunately, most of the............

Ok breaking news- "I'm friggin hungry." Papa Johns here I come!

To Be Continued.........

Ok I'm Back!!............

Unfortunately most of the fabric outlets were closed for the weekend and just as we were giving
up, there is was in the shadow of 38 st.s mighty towers, SPANDEX WORLD. Now I'm just human, but wouldn't you be deathly afraid and start picturing John Travolta in Grease or elderly male gymnasts in a bike marathon, or...ok you catch my drift. Well, that's what I was fearing, but we were involuntarily sucked in with ounces of hope. To much of our surprise, we found fantabluous (you like that don't you....and I don't care what anyone says I want full ownership to that word!) graphic print fabric that would do wonders recreating Paris' little Heatherette number from the Fall '05 runways. At only eight bucks a yard, it was a touchdown (or steal..w/e).

Just like men after hours of sports (or sex for that matter....hmm ok maybe not hourssss then) we too needed a desperate refuel via T.G.I Fridays soda pop and sundaes. It was your average midday hour in Times Square. Pedestrian tourists couldn't help but get in our way, deterring us from our meal plan with their J-walking, flyer-passing-outing (is that a word?), "Hey there sexy mama" shout outs, and random movie filming (this was of course back before NYC slapped a million dollar price tag on shooting in the city, so every loser and their mother had a permit to take their stab at Oscar...not Wilde...the statue..) So that last bit, I never thought would cross my path. Not yet anyhow (remember- starving wannabe actress). Just when I was fixing to hail a cab to drag my tired tush six blocks we could have easily walked ourselves (let's get real though right, we're talking city blocks) an obviously foreign man with a video camera stopped us dead in our tracks proclaiming we had great style. 'Ok guy' I said to myself, 'tell me something I don't already know'. I just had to choose my Jean Paul Gaultier tee that I scored at Century 21 for just thirty bucks (a real steal if you know the brand, but not so much if you know the store) and matching hair flower broach. Well it paid off. The videographer wanted some genuine stylish NYC street hoppers for an upcoming film dubbed "School of Fame". You know those annoying flashing slides that pop up randomly at the beginning or ending of movies and stuff (ie. all those hug-happy people at the end of 'Love Actually'....one of the best movies of all time!....if you like chick flicks like me) Well, that with a dialogue including, "This is School of Fame in New York! Yeah!!" was our get famous quick gig. I've got to say, although highly eccentric what with the little oriental man's frustrating instruction repetition and his jersey-wearing assistant that had way too much fun distracting us with that 'follow my finger with your eye' technique, is was all quite exciting. I'm still pondering what to do with my soon to come fame and fortune. Maybe dinner with Ashton Kutcher. Demi Moore who?

So when we did finally get to T.G.I. Fridays it was as if heaven held a conference and chose teenage girls as the new lucky species of the day. It was the Fridays on 42nd and Lexington, paired next to Grand Central Station that we found where all the 20-something, tropical island, dreamboat waiters were hiding. note to girls with pestering single friends that try to steal your man: take them there! After massive flirting with cornball lines like, "Since I am Halle Berry's daughter and she personally sent me to fetch her food, can I get nachos with this platters instead of potato skins?" Morgana helped me write a note with my number on a napkin to leave for our adorable waiter (he sort of resembled that guy in Crazy/Beautiful with young Kirsten Dunst but who went on to make like 3 more D-rated movies that were all crap while Kirsten is living in her posh Spidey mansion and that's why I don't remember his name..) Anyway, embarrassingly enough, he came to pick up the check right as we were leaving the note. However, you should always go with your lustful instincts because there are a thousand Fridays restaurants, but only a handful of drool-worthy guys. In an almost marathon-paced sprint, we reached the door before realizing, "What if that ugly ass bus boy picks it up instead?" Oooppss.Lesson: If you have the guts to even click open the pen and fetch the napkin, stick to hand-delivering your love notes. I mean would you really want Gary Coleman to call you instead of Usher..or Carrot Top instead of JT? *Quivers*

Sunday came in a flash, and unfortunately without any cute waiter phone calls (one can only wonder). It was time for Saralynn and I to meet Kelly Deboe of Sruples at the Jacob Javits Center for our modeling gig. The place was the size of a MTV Cribs reunion special and we felt all diva sashaying past the pushy public without VIP passes. It was a whole different story when we got to the other side. Turns they didn't realize my Beyonce bronze tresses and Sara's Lindsay Lohan auburn locks were extensions, which was a no-no for chemical coloring. So they sent us off with free gifts and we sadly dragged ourselves past the signs of Paul Mitchell, Redken, Pantene and every other hair care company known to man (girl rather) all the way to the big....red....Exit sign.

My motto though, is to always seize the day (the Romans say Carpe Diem, now go try it around people who think you are uneducated). So instead of have my wonderful new friend go all the way back home to Willamsburg (Borrklyn) full-handed but empty-hearted, I decided to drag her reluctant tush to the Hell's Kitchen weekend flea market Morgana and I saw from the bus window the day before. Her spirits were low and so was our jewelry hunting luck. After paying a dollar to get in and another on coconut icies, a two dollar subway ride home did sound more exuberant. It was on West 23rd street with its unsightly garbage and usual suspect warehouse deliveries (black market?) that we unwillingly discovered tucked away in a parking garage ramp was yet another treasure hunt market! Saralynn finally found a porcelain bangle to call her own and I went greedy on plain gold chains with matching charms that cost us both only a buck each. The to our surprise, we saw that there was a downstairs!....There were racks of vintage frocks, foreign jewels and delicious designer bags. Note: Try not to get disheartened by some of the vendors' prices because it is true there is a match made in heaven for everyone if you just keep looking for it. With stomachs full of artificially flavored ice, and jewels that I planned on saying came from Tiffany & Co., we went our separate sub-ways. Right before I hit the underground, for about three more dollars, I snatched up yet another NY Times to scour more adventures for the next week!

Color Of The Moment: Spring 2008

2008-02-21T20:32:00.007-05:00

Just thought I would share what I think to be the most fabulous color of the season..(along with canary yellow, strawberry pink, and heavenly neutrals of course). I was flipping through the latest Bazaar and my mouth dropped (no really..my boyfriend had to pick it up for me)..not that I am crazy for Versace (not that I would know since I am sooo lazy, I haven't even checked out fall 2008, let alone the spring shows yet) but I am crazy for her keen take on what women of all colors (being as though I am chocolate, not too many colors look good on me) will look good in this season..not just tan-as-hell Paris Hilton. So yay for all of us Latin, Asian, middle eastern, and anyone (everyone?) else I left out who now has a breathtaking hue to call their own. And I should know, because quite frankly it took my breath away.

Plain and simple at Jil Sander.

On sale at Shopbop for only $183.

Please Welcome To The Stage "Diamnt Noir For Bombazine Doll"!!

2008-02-21T09:35:00.009-05:00

Miami Beach circa 2008

I don't know why its so hard for bloggers to stay focused on their blogs. Its only now that I realize how lucky we are to have free therapy. I mean who wouldn't want to blab away about fashion, love, and...well...more fashion while all the world listens (mostly me listening to myself) and chimes in? So I'm back..from outerspace...you know the rest. And boy is there much to tell. Long story short..people are crazy! The world needs a serious chill pill. Can I get an amen......

So like I said, allot happens in this little life of mine, but I can't be so self-centered as to not make time to share all the details right? (does that make sense or was that hypocritical) Anyway, I have a vision for this frivolous, meaningless, needle in a haystack of a blog..and it includes boring you ALL with insight into my DAILY fashionable life. I am now merging Diamant Noir with Bombazine Doll to make this the best fashion blog ever! Yes you heard right....In a nutshell my name is Letitia and I am a confused gregarious fashion-addicted 20-something year old with way too many aspirations (please read my profile to the right and learn more) and I figure there must be soemone who wants to know how I do what I do. At least I hope so. But if not, no worries, this can be my little online diary either way. So listen up! I have an online blogzine called The L Report (currently abandoned because I'm here with you now), an online store called Indie Coterie (currently being renovated) I work at Wilhelmina Modeling Agencies full-time (when do I sleep you ask?) recently accepted to London College of Fashion for fashion journalism based on looks alone (ok not really) and in Miami Beach for love and nothing else, until the wee old summer whips around and then I'm off to London..city of...well..not sure really. My goal is to own an empire full of fashion, photography, styling, shopping, design, and on and on and on. You get my point. Wherever the wind takes me I shall go...but trust me the wind comes often..so you might want to grab some popcorn.

Enjoy the ride!!

Photo Credit: Ofcorse taken by moi for Indie Coterie. New Fall 08 arrival by Os Os Clothing.

"Fashion Approval"

2008-02-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

I’m thinking of merging Diamant Noir with Bombazine Doll since it seems improbable I will healthily balance three very popular (I wish) blogs at once. If anyone thinks negative of this, speak now of forever hold your peace. It will be like my personal view on fashion (ok that was too obvious) with tidbit sharing of my everyday life. But I feel spreading myself too thin, is not only disappointing long time fans of BD, but will never grow my own blog. The deed will take place at midnight tonight with my first foray into Fall 2008 coverage!

Looking Back

2007-12-27T12:06:00.001-05:00

Who needs grunge when you can be refined. And what's with nostalgia when we can look to the future. And no we're not talking police sirens mama. Designers were dishing the untouchable old holloywood glamor crimson lips, diva hair, grown-up glamor siren of the 1940's all year. Now that it has finally cooled off, I would love to know what you guys thought of this everlasting and monumental trend. Did anyone take hold of it and try their own spin?

Anywho, I liked to call it Future 40's. Think you don't have what it takes to pull off this bourgeois beauty,well maybe you don't, (what did you think I was going to say, this isn't a motivational speaking blog), but if you do have balls and the brains (maybe not both) you have a chance of knocking some socks off. The whole point is not looking too costumey or nostalgic for everyday. Pair attention detailed painted lips with messy bed hair or Veronica Lake waves with neon make-up, jeans and a white tank. Individual style is key, make everything your own and dive into DIYs. But don't look stupid. If you really want hot off-the-runway hair, call a salon ladies!