Oh what a difference a name makes - Same style, better price. This is only costume jewelry, which most of us typically wear on occasion and not as "everyday wear", so if you have the option to save a couple bucks I say GO FOR IT!
They may not be BCBG's but hey who'll ever know the difference?
Well...you can trust me, I'm good at keeping secrets!
During the recent finale of Basketball Wives, Shaunie O'Neal wowed audience members in a custom knee length color-blocked number by Atlanta based designer Nicci Hou. While Ms. Shaunie has the means for an amazing stylist (Mr. Bradshaw) and a fab designer to assist with creating color-blocked dreams, most of us budget fashionistas have to stick to the racks to achieve this greatness.
But have no fear because these Motel pieces may be the answer to our color-blocking prayers....
The color palette on this number features the same Pinks, Blues, & Oranges seen in Shaunie's dress however these colors are more muted versus the brightly colored custom dress. One great thing about a more muted color-blocking scheme is that you are able to dress it up and down differently, wear it during anytime of the year, all the while allowing yourself to be bold without worrying about flaunting too much color.
This sleeveless dress can be worn alone during these last days of summer with nude open-toed pumps or wedges but can also be transformed for fall by adding a simple blazer, opaque tights, & a colored pump or wedge.
Not feeling the dress? Well perhaps this other Motel piece can answer your prayers...
Pairing this skirt with a neutral black top will allow you to have the boldness of the color-blocking on bottom without going too crazy on top. Try this skirt with a sheer black blouse, black tank or even a fitting long-sleeved mesh top.
Follow the color-blocked road & look fab with these two Motel pieces & more at Karmaloop.com
The Twitter world was buzzing last night with constant updates about MTV's Video Music Awards.
Highlights of the night included Beyonce's introduction of her baby bump, Gaga as Jo Calderone, & Adele's 1st VMA performance which showcased her amazing vocals.
This year celebs sashayed across a black carpet to show off their threads for the evening, and as usual there were some hits & some inevitable misses.
Here are a few looks from last night that I loved, liked & could have done without with.
Loves
Beyonce; in Lanvin
Kelly;
In Falguni & Shane Peacock & Christian Louboutin
can't stress how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVEE Kelly's dress!
Demi Lovato; in Mandalay
Beyonce [performance look]
& last but of course not least....
Gaga aka Jo Calderone
Likes
Kim Kardashian
Everyone knows I love Kim K. but this dress of hers was not a usual fave of mine.
However from the neck up she's gorge as usual.
Jojo; in Marco Marco
...Could Have Done Without
Selena Gomez
[On the cusp of like & dislike..]
This Julien MacDonald gown, though beautiful, is a little too much for her small frame. I understand the edginess she was going for, but I'm not into it.
Nicki Minaj
I'm ALL for self expression, but seriously Nicki this is Harajuku'd out!
Call the Harajuku Lover Gwen Stefani for better tips!
Katy Perry; in Versace & Jimmy Choo
Another woman who I like but I'm not a fan of this "Polynesian Pin-Up" look.
Kreayshawn
I'm still confused on how this girl got to the VMA's, but this 'fit has me even more confused.
& tell Sha-Naynay I said hey next time she does your hair.
[all images are property of MTV & Getty Images]
***
Perhaps next year's VMA's will be more entertaining & have more surprises.
With the dog days of summer almost over & fall quickly approaching, what better then a good shoe to step into the season with? The other day I ventured into Old Navy & rather surprisingly I ran into these babies. A sueded bootie with a rubber wedge? A match made in soles heaven! The bootie comes in three lovely fall-esq colors; Camel, Grey & Olive Green, and will fit almost any look.
Last but not least the price is right plus they are on sale now!
So after writing a long spiel on how I was re-insipired to blog & a few posts; I went M.I.A again.
What happened you ask? LIFE! This is the usual excuse.
I graduated college in May & have since been looking for employment & trying to enjoy my time off. Its been a good summer so far, got to catch up with friends & family, make up for much lost quality time with my boyfriend & also enjoy things I've had NO time to do in almost a year. Its been pretty lovely, despite the daunting reality of being a college grad & searching for a job amongst millions of others.
Things shall be okay & will work out with time, only the lucky ones get dream jobs straight out of college.
Now about this blog...
I vow to start posting again, ranting about fashion & such. I want to change up a few things as well, so just stick with me during my "reconstruction phase" & I hope to excite you! Don't hesitate to follow me on Twitter in the meantime for my randomness - @VanitySixx.
Soundtracks used to be glorious, compilation albums featuring all your fave artists with songs you loved, new tracks to match & classics as well. Now a days soundtrack success seems to only be limited to musical movies or the teeny bopper department - the Disney crew & I can't truly vibe with Miley, HSM kids (High School Musical) or the Cheetah chicks all day.
I want that old thing back.
As an ode to the soundtrack I wanted to point out some of my personal faves, from tracks to whole soundtrack albums.
Clap clap bravo.
***
New Jack City; "I'm Dreamin" - Christopher Williams.
This is one of my favorite movies, I remember screaming getting it on VHS as a bday gift (yes VHS) & yes i was old enough to handle the movie, anyhow, I love this song. Christopher, who also co-starred in the movie (Kareem Akbar), commanded attention from the start of the song - you know the 90s start lyrics shout before the beat drop thang, he also completely fit the 90s lightskin pretty boy persona as well. Ice T's "New Jack Hustler", "New Jack City" - Guy, & "I Wanna Sex You Up" - Color Me Badd also hold weight on the soundtrack, good ish.
Above The Rim; "Regulate" - Warren G. & Nate Dogg
Who doesn't know this song? Featuring a smooth sample from Michael McDonald, a young Warren G rapped while Nate Dogg added his iconic voice to the hook - RIP. The Above the Rim soundtrack also features "Anything" by SWV which is also a fave & the cassette version of this soundtrack featured 2Pac's "Pain" which on its own is amazing, heard at the start of the film.
Juice, "Uptown Anthem" - Naughty By Nature
After seeing that typical old skool freeze frame movie cut of Q (Omar Epps) who could forget this playing while the credits rolled. Naughty By Nature gave Jersey status in terms of the rap game & who wouldn't wanna "break, bash, roll or smash" after hearing this. This still bumps. Besides "Uptown Anthem", EMPD's " "Juice (Know the Ledge)" is also a notable track from the Juice soundtrack.
Boomerang, "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" - Toni Braxton
Remember when Halle Berry told Eddie Murphy "Love shoulda brought your ass home last night!"? Well Toni channeled her pain alongside melody with this song. Babyface & LaFace Records ruled during the 90s, & as the soundtracks producer he used some of his top artists (TLC, Toni) to be featured.. "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men - that breakup song that makes you shed a tear - is also on this soundtrack.
Waiting to Exhale - 1995
Aretha, Patti, Chaka, Whitney, Mary on one album? Need I say more. This soundtrack, also a product of Arista/LaFace & Babyface, was epic. Whitney had everyone saying "shoop", Brandy had us mimicking her by slappin their hip in the mirror like she did in the "Sittin Up in My Room" video & Toni told us to "Let It Flow". I remember my grandma had this soundtrack, as a youngie I'd always sneak it into her cd player for a listen.
Purple Rain - 1984
Though this is Prince's album based on the movie & not the typical soundtrack, this still deserves a shoutout on this list. "Darling Nikki", "I Would Die 4 U", "When Doves Cry", "PURPLE RAIN"! Im done.
This Christmas - 2007
Ok, YES I know SURPRISED? Well come over to the mi casa after Thanksgiving & my fam plays this album over & over. I think I know it in & out. Though it has a the cheesey additive of B2K's version of "Jingle Bells", its a good soundtrack - the only one from the '00's I care for - that doubles as a Christmas album. Plus it has one of my all time fave Christmas songs "Sleigh Bellz" by TLC.
****
I have a few more but I'll save those for another post, I know your track'd out - lol.
What are some of your favorite movie tunes and/or soundtracks?
When you hear the two words Boxing Kitten, what comes to mind?
Hm, maybe two cute little stray kittens fighting for scraps in the alley way of a restaurant.
Well in this case Boxing Kitten is nothing of that sorts, in fact it is an fastly emerging fashion brand consisting of vintage inspired pieces made with beautiful hand made West African Ankara fabrics.
The designer Maya A. Lake - Brooklyn born & Jersey breed (lovely combo) - started the line in 2006 & since then Boxing Kitten has been seen on the foxy booties of Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Rhianna & Solange [she's definitely a fan of the line & is always spotted looking hot in the pieces] & has also been featured in top fashion mags including W & Teen Vogue.
I love Boxing Kitten's original mix, using West African fabrics to create vintage inspired looks with a modern twist. A few of the pieces scream Dorthy Dandridge, 1950's to some pieces giving me that 80's New Wave - padded shoulder vibe. I just love how Maya takes vintage, funky & original, pops it in the fashion oven & VOILA - out comes the sweet creations of Boxing Kitten.
Get into it...
Designer - Maya A. Lake sporting Boxing Kitten threads
From print ads to real life, the gorge Solange in Boxing Kitten
This jumper is by far one of my favorite pieces.
SB; Do you all peep the lovely Naima winner of America's Next Top Model Season 4 in the ads? Love her!
Fergie Ferg [& we love her long time]
Solange in a Boxing Kitten bustier - such a natural beauty!
To shop, peep the blog, check out press info & more swing over to the site - Boxing Kitten
Mother Nature - in her defense - would say, "well at least there's no snow on the ground"
Anyways, we all need that one jacket that connects the matching dots between Winter & Spring. Something that is light, that keeps you warm during the early morning & night time breeze but yet nothing too bulky. Yes, light leathers scream early Spring, but what about something different.
Though the Shearling is nothing new in fashion, nor a new trend, its definitely a look that is often ignored when shopping for an in-between seasons jacket. I noticed it being featured for Fall 2010 in the fashion mags but even ignored it myself. I thought it may look a little silly on me but the more I see it (& the more its going on SALE) I think it actually takes the standard flat collared pleatha' jacket & adds a funky vintage twist with the addition of the fleece.
In most cases the jacket surely reads Boho, but it can be worn with anything your little hearts desire; From skinny's to mini's to kicks to wedges!
The faux shearling combines a good mix between Winter & Spring without being too heavy or too bulky, enough to look cute during those sunny but windy days that we here in Jersey have been having lately.
[this version of the jacket is a little less Boho & more dressy Moto jacket]
Though I only shared the link to three all leather jackets - you can have whatever you'd like; the look comes in various forms from suede, to denim to canvas each are paired with full fleece collars & lining.
Give it dance - Don't knock the shearling till you try it.
Its Friday night & after a long week of work, school, & other daunting tasks what better way to celebrate the end of the week then to spend time with the girls for a lovely night of drinks & partying. But what to wear? *Hm* Its got to be hot, something to show off the bod, something that offsets the typical 9-5 office gear, something that screams Vanity6.
This fit combines my three loves; lace & animal print & of course the romper in a simple yet intricate design. It screams sexy; the lace imitates a zebra print, the slight V-neckline can offer the right pop of cleavage, while the sheerness of the lace shows off a tease of skin. Though I love the front, the full lace back is the clencher. A great Friday night fit that can be worn in the summer with bare legs & during chillier days can be paired with simple black opaque stockings or thigh highs. Throw on your best platform pumps with crazy bangles & rings as accessories then get ready to hang with the girls girls, get a drink or two & catch a number - or five.
Its been a long time, since I left you without a strong blog to read to...
So whats the excuse for my absence? Well, many things - life, inspiration, COLLEGE, socializing, personal issues - i could go on. But anyway all these draining things have come to play in my world & sadly my Diamond in the Rough got "rough" on postings.
But I'm back.
Alas inspiration has filled my wavy head, for now, & I feel blogging with again become my friend, my platform to expose myself, to be creative, to generate attention, to speak to friends, meet new ones, whatevah *Rose Perez voice*, I just feel the need to re-express myself & just blog again.
Today a speaker visited my college, her name is Michaela Angela Davis, stylist to the stars (her roster includes Puffy, Oprah, The "Donald" (Trump), & so on, she's a former editor at Vibe & Honey Magazine, she's worked with Essence - not to mention has been mentored by Susan Taylor! - and she is currently working with BET with their current re-branding project. This woman has a golden resume, along with a beautiful golden 'fro to match, yet she was more interested in our words than speaking about her own journey. Michaela told us that during her first meeting with Susan Taylor, she talked with her about her accomplishments - which included a box featured in VOGUE & Susan said to her, "Well that's beyond amazing but...what are your doing for your people?" As an African American women that struck me, yes I know that advancing does not always mean directly reaching out to MY people per say, but I would love to make an impression on MY people. Michaela then talked about various topics including her times as an assistant to her aunt who was an editor at Vogue, the 80's Hip Hop culture in NYC, the degradation of women in Rap music, & her work in the industry concerning women's movements. She also spoke on the misrepresentation of Black women on television because the only television that we're on is "reality TV", sadly its the only platform that we (as an African American woman) have right now. Producers want us to act like fools, audiences want to see the Basketball Wives that aren't wives fight over food stamps, audiences want to see us fight over Flavor Flav's busted ass, but yet Whitney & Lauren get to star on "The Hills" and have major creative opportunities but we have to be presented to the world as ghetto hot girls on reality TV or mammy types helping our spunky friends on sitcom television. Its crazy because though I personally would love to see myself represented on a Hills like show - which I have been an intern & its nothing like The Hills at all - but unfortunately people don't demand reality television like that and its sad. Michaela told us to use our resources to our advantage, instead of looking for old boo's on Facebook and Twitter use it to connect with people, voice important opinions, & demand that we see television of substansial caliber, she admitted herself it may sound cliche but shes absolutely right!! Among other things she left us with three rules to live/grow by;
1. Don't be the angry Black woman/man be HAPPY or GET HAPPY - as society expects us to be finger snappin' & head rollin' we need to prove them wrong & let our accomplishments outshine the negativity that stereotypes us. And the weights of anger that we carry and we don't have to, she told us to talk to someone, get help, "get on that couch" & LET IT GO in order to get happy & move on to grow in life.
2. Stick together, be each others Support System - as young people we can't get together only when needed we have to have friends & if we grow we can't leave them blowing in the wind. We have to stick together, be each others support system even down to something as simple as venting to a friend at the end of a long day.
3. GET TO WORK! - McKayla told us that if we want to succeed in the entertainment industry we have to hustle hard (no pun intended to Ricky Ross), that we have to grind. We can't come in thinking a job is too minuscule we can't have the attitude that we're too good for something; we have to put in and pay our dues.
And with that inspiration began boiling.
Her attitude was so humble, she was thanking us for being there, for staying beyond the 2hour time frame. She even uses her Facebook & Twitter to reach out, to share conversations with others which is so smart & real. Honestly its nice to know that there are real people left in the fashion/entertainment industry and not snotty robots only looking out for self and no one else. It was a much needed boost for me. I appreciated her words, her honesty, & most of all after all of her endeavours her continued genuine interest in the entertainment industry and the newbies entering it.
Not to ramble but I turnt my light back on, I said to myself that maybe I may not be Lauren or Whitney but I will be heard. Blogging can be my platform & my form of growth. So I shall re-begin my blogging rants, I hope that I am able to catch and maintain your interests.
Lace has gone from the bedroom to the dance floor to even the college classroom as a vital piece of a young woman's wardrobe in the form of full bloom lace tees, tanks & leggings. Recently the bandeau top [the tube shaped top that covers the "goodies] has re-arisen from a layering under piece to outerwear. With the fashion world transforming the bandeau from basic black to neon colors to jeweled & sequined pieces of bedazzled greatness. Lately I've been toying with the idea of taking on the undies as outies look, but in a classy way of course.
Forever 21, the budget fashionista's other best friend, has a few intimate pieces that I would love to try as outerwear. Possibly pairing these bra corsets with a simple black blazer, a pair of high waist leggings, jeans or (my fave) body-con skirts & of course a killer heel - or wedge.
Forever 21 - $10.80
Forever 21 - $7.80 [in Black & Pale Pink]
Forever 21 - $9.80
Forever 21 - $10.80
Below I have created basic blazer & bottoms that can be paired with these corset tops. I also added in a few jewelry pieces, shoes & other accessories. No look is ever complete without a touch of pink lipstick - muah!
