REQUIRED READING: Clutch Magazine

Okay. I know it's been quite some time since I've posted anything. I'm not sure how many people care :), but I do have 2 semi legitimate reasons

#1-See last post "Fashion Boredom"

#2- See Clutch Magazine





I'm an all- or- nothin' kind of girl and for the past few weeks my focus has been on the fashion section at Clutch magazine (sorry Fashion Euphoria :( ). I am so pleased to be a part of the magazine. Not only has it been great to work with people who are professional and passionate about what they do, but the end result is something that would make any young, ambitious, forward-thinking, well-read, African-American female proud!



But don't take my word for it...See for yourself and please let me know what you think!!



www.clutchmagazine.com

www.clutchmagonline.com

FASHION BOREDOM

So all of the 'What to wear for Spring!' magazine issues are beginning to roll in. I'm normally all excited about going to purchase the encyclopedia thick mags so that I can view the awe inspiring layouts filled with items that I can't possibly afford. But this year, I'm flipping through these joints and I'm positively BORED.
I've seen nothing that I felt compelled to try to run out and buy or even fantasize about purchasing in the future. While this may be good for my wallet (I've found nothing on the last 3 shopping trips), it's not all that great for my blog or full time job which requires me to inspired. I hate to write about or buy clothes that I don't absolutely love. I just think that life is too short and my closet space too limited for mediocrity.
I said all that to say that I was just wondering if I was alone in my thought that fashion was kind of slow these days. I'm kind of feeling like I've see it all before. I'm hoping that when I get around to checking out footage from the Fall 07 shows that we'll be seeing something new, fresh, and totally unexpected.

Here's hoping.......

GET DRESSED TO THIS: WANT YOU by Lloyd f/ Lil' Wayne

It's amazing how music can change your mood. You know how there's that one song that gets you up and at 'em in the morning or that song that gets you in the right mood before you go out at night. "Want you" by Lloyd f/ Lil' Wayne is currently doing that for me. I swear I was almost late for work because I was dancing to this song.

TREND WATCH '07: PUNCH IT!

Punchy brights up and down the runway:

@Martin Grant

@Fendi (LOVE the skirt!)

@D-squared (this color COMBO is definitely a DO!)

just a touch of color @ Lanvin

A.Keys workin' the trend

You are sure to stand out in the bold primary and neon colors that are all the rage for Spring. Green, yellow, and blue hues are taking center stage with other bold colors being used as accents. Go all out in one bright piece or just add small touches of color with neutral tones to make your look pop!

ACTIN' SHADE-Y

Celebs show us how it's done

Every fly girl (and guy) needs a pair of signature eyewear to roll out in true Hollywood style. What other accessory instantly ups the chic factor and allows you to go incognito, all while protecting your delicate skin from the glaring sun ?

Mary J. Blige is rockin' my favorite style of the moment-vintage and oversized. I hear that oversized glasses are "out", but I could care less. Whether you choose over-sized, aviators, shields, or wrap-arounds make sure to get a pair that compliments the shape of your face.

All available at 80's purple; ranging from $15

80's purple and Nordstrom's Brass Plum/juniors department has a great selection of adorable and affordable vintage-inspired sunglasses. Flea markets are also good places to score vintage finds.

YOUNG, FABULOUS, AND BROKE

My fashion dream is to have a closet that rivals those featured on MTV's Cribs. I want it to be filled to the brim with high-end, dynamic pieces and cheap 'n chic trendy items. I ask you how I am supposed to achieve this dream while balancing student loan debt, the ridiculous cost of living in Los Angeles, and a job that I'm extremely grateful for, but keeps me 1 1/2 paychecks away from skid row? Being Young, fabulous, and broke is no easy feat. Perhaps one day I will get around to reading Suze Orman's book on the subject. I find it amusing that there is a clothing line of the same name (Young,Fabulous, and Broke) who can't even hold up their end of the bargain. No Y.F.B person I know wants to pay $88 for a T-shirt.

Thus begins my love/hate relationship with fashion. Shopping is one of my favorite past times and my job requires that I keep up with the latest trends. Being surrounded by overpriced wares touted as "must haves" (Yes, I am aware that I am guilty of posting such items) can make you feel like everything in your closet is one minute away from becoming obsolete. On the other hand the fashionista in me can't help but to become excited about all of the endless possibilities -aspirational or otherwise-that shopping presents.

I look forward to the day when I can go shopping and not have to be bothered with silly things like price tags! :) Even if I had the means to do so, I can't say that I would be all that enthused about spending thousands on any single clothing purchase. Maybe, what I meant to say was that I'll be glad to see the day when purchasing something that I "must have" won't involve me putting my rent money in jeopardy.

THE GOLDEN GLOBES

Award show fashion usually doesn't move me because A) everyone ends up looking alike or B) I'm left scratching my head going "WTF?". This years show involved more of the later. Certain celebs might want to think about reorganizing their staff (read: fire your stylist). That's not to say that there weren't any fashionable moments, but for the most part I was underwhelmed. Here are a few moments that stuck out in my mind-and that's not necessarily a good thing.

Okay, let's just get this one out of the way. Beyonce's look has pretty much topped everybody's worst dressed list. It wouldn't have been so bad if she didn't...hell, I don't know. The pose, the glitter, it's just all too much.

These looks pretty much exemplify the "WTF?" moments that I was speaking of earlier. Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz are usually so well put together and I expected more from them.

I'm not sure why I thought this dress was knee length, but I liked it better that way. I was all ready to hand out my best dressed award to Salma Hayek before I saw all of that excess fabric. Then again, Any woman who can pull of gathered fabric around her hips is okay with me. This dress would've been so much hotter if if were knee length!

Reese Witherspoon's shoes are really doing it for me. The shoes + the dress...not so much. Am I missing something, cause I just don't get it.

Vanessa Williams looks absolutely stunning from the neck down. If I squint my eyes really hard I can kind of see what she was trying to do.

I'm having mixed feelings about Jennifer Garner's dress. Something about it really speaks to me. I think I'll just toss this one up as being "Interesting".

I hate to come off as one of those people who never has anything positive to say so I would like to add that I was thoroughly impressed by Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett Smith. I thought they were absolutely stunning and congrats to all the winners including America Ferrera (sp?), Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, and Forrest Whitaker.

HAPPY MLK DAY!!

I was none too pleased about the fact that I had to work today, but that's a whole 'nother post. On the way to the office, I couldn't help but to think how easy it is to take for granted the struggles that brought us the freedoms that we enjoy today. I decided to post these lest we forget.

DO IT YOURSELF:T-SHIRT MAKEOVERS

Turn your plain ol' t-shirt into something faaaaabulous dahling with the help of T-shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashion. The D.I.Y book features step-by-step instructions for "transformations" that can be done with or without a sewing machine. You can have a whole new look in as little as 20 minutes! I had the pleasure of flipping through the book on a recent trip to Urban Outfitters and the book cover alone made me want to buy it and put it onto my non-existent coffee table.

The authors, fashion duo Carmia Marshall and Carmen Webber (pictured at left), have given me yet another reason to never throw anything away. You never know when you can use it again! These ladies are about more than just teaching us how to make a haute t-shirt. Their clothing line, Sistahs of Harlem, has been seen on the likes of Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu. They describe the label as being "Street couture" with a Parisian flair. Check out their website to view the collections. AOL's Black Voices has more information about the book and the authors. You can also view a slideshow of some of the finished projects.

JENNIFER HUDSON

Jennifer Hudson has been one busy girl. She's turned up just about everywhere in the past few weeks. She appears to be healthy and happy and her style choices have been on point. Do I even need to mention how refreshing it is to see positive images of a woman whose collar bones and rib cage aren't poking out at us?

Speaking of which I couldn't help but to notice the stark contrast between the body types featured on e-commerce sites geared toward Black women and white women. Can you guess which one is which?

pictured: House of Dereon vs. William Rast @ Shopbop.com

I'm not trying to be funny, but somebody needs to eat a sandwich.

Nia does Essence

I was just watching Love Jones for the millionth time the other day wondering where has this chick has been. I've always liked Nia (Ha! like we're old friends) and wished we could see more of her. I guess the February cover of Essence will have to do for now.

TREND WATCH 2007: 70's/80's chic

Shell buckle belt: $24; high waisted jean: $110, patent skimmer: $34; all @ Urban outfitters, Vintage collection shades: $15, 80s purple; printed dress: $168 famous style

This spring we get to see a bit of the 70's and the more sophisticated side of the 8o's. It's very reminiscent of some the kinds of things my mom wore back in the day that -years ago-I wouldn't have been caught dead in (I swear she owned a belt just like the one pictured above). Oh, how times have changed. Also, was I the only sweatin' the high waisted jeans that Thandie Newton's character was sporting during the Pursuit of Happyness ?

This isn't the best picture, but if you saw the movie -which I believe was set in the 80's-you get the idea.
I can't quite put my finger on what draws me to this look, maybe it's the interesting silhouettes, the vintage-y prints, or perhaps I'm just feeling a bit nostalgic. Either way this trend is definitely one of my faves.

And what's this I spy with my little eye?

Me thinks Gabby was spotted out recently wearing the dress featured above.

FLAT LINE

I never thought that I would see the day when I would choose a flat shoe over a high heel. Alas, I have reached a point in life where I can no longer suffer needlessly for the sake of fashion, so my money is on shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Luckily there are many options out there that don't require the sacrifice of either.

Patent skimmer: Karmaloop, $69.99, Eyelet bow flat: 79.95, Nina shoes; D'orsay flat: $70, Piperlime; Star skimmer: $25.50, Alloy

Camo ballet flat: $70, Steve Madden; leopard print: $69.99; Nine West, Studded flat: $29.99, JCPenney; Satin flat: $79.95; Steve Madden; Lace flat: $69.99; Aldo

Don't be discouraged if most flats don't appeal to you upon first glance. This is especially true if you're used to the glamour of a high heel. Cute flats that don't read as dowdy can be hard to find and in most instances they look better on your feet than they do on a store display or picture. That being said, I highly recommend investing in a pair of flats if you are participating in any kind of activity that requires you to be on your feet all day. You know running around with the balls of your feet burning is not the business! If you feel like you are too "low to the ground" in flats, but still want the same effect, kitten heels and sliver wedges are great alternatives.

TREND WATCH 2007: SEQUINS

There are some interesting developments on this year's fashion horizon. Designers were inspired by everything from Asian culture to the New York club scene. Not sure what that means for your closet? Stay tuned for a series of "Big in '07" trend posts. I had every intention of putting them all together in one post, but that mess was taking forever! Moving on...

First up in the series is Sequins.







Sequins, Sequins everywhere! Apparently the more the better. It looks like fashion is having some kind of Studio 54 or whenever the hell sequins were big moment. I swear this trend was around like 2 years ago and here it is again. Interesting. Stars like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez are already getting in on the act.

It's a no brainer that this is a great option for evening, but it can also add a touch of glamour during the day. Get your shine on with a few key pieces:
belt: $3.80, asos; handle bag: $159, fashionbliss; platforms: $168, famous style; striped dress: $159, frenchconnection, striped tank, £22, topshop; bag: $97, fashionbliss

BEAUTY BEAT: I'M OBSESSED

As I have stated before beauty regimens aren't really my thing. I just started using moisturizer a few months ago! I'm usually flying by the seat of my pants in the mornings so that leaves little time for make-up. If I use any beauty product for more than 2 consecutive days then that speaks volumes about the results. Such is the case with these little gems.


I've been plagued with under eye puffiness since I don't know when. That is until I discovered Sonia Kashuk's recede under eye treatment (Target, $13). Now I am no longer greeted with "You look so tired" first thing in the A.M. by tactless co-workers. I usually put it on at night before bedtime and I am virtually puff-free the next day!



My boss gave me this amazing lip glaze gift set by Stila (Sephora $28) for X-mas and I love, love, love it! Apparenlty so do a lot of other people because it's sold out on the Sephora website.

Which one will I wear today: Vanilla? Brown Sugar? Apricot? Grapefruit? Starfruit? or Raspberry?

Did I mention how much I love this stuff?!