My NEW Obsession

So, I was walking through the mall the other day, and decided to stop in Sephora (just to play)!!

Didn't think I was gonna see anything new, but I was wrong.

Make up Forever has come out with some new an AMAZING color palette. Honestly, it's probably not new, but I've never seen it before.

I'm speaking of the flash color case. It's got 12 in bright and brilliant FLASH colors that can be used in a variety of ways on the eyes, lips, or cheeks (the colors are in the form of cream). I'm going through a phase right now, where I'm really into color. I sooooo want this Flash palette, but it's $100. I'm not being cheap but GEEZ LOUISE!!! I just don't think it would be smart for me to pay $100 for some color. I really don't even know if I would use all the colors.

Sephora also sells the colors separately, and they have some DOPE colors that aren't in the case. Those are $18 each. I'm thinking I'll buy the individuals until I get all the colors I like. Its tough though. I really want the palette. What to do, What to do. Welp, I've added a DONATE section! Feel free to donate to the cause. I NEED MAKE UP....FOREVER!!! LOL

I have to get those pastels in the bottom right corner. The purple, periwinkle, and aqua (blue/green) are amazing!!! Those will be the first one's I get if I don't get the palette.

PRETTY!!!!

A Make Up Forever look that I LOVE!

Wish more people walked the streets with this type of look!!

The world would be such a better place!!! LOL

WoWzers

Alexander McQueen is THE best for sending these lovlies down the runway.

Some call it torture, I call it LOVE!

I wanna walk somewhere in these babies. Where you ask? To the grocery store, maybe?  Who cares, WE (me and the shoes) need a moment together!

*Paris FW Spring/Summer 2010

Fallen Princesses

This is an AMAZING exhibit by Dina Goldstein. Goldstein said, "I began to imagine Disney's perfect Princesses juxtaposed with real issues that were affecting women around me, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues."

She is one of the brilliant minds of our time!

Snow White's prince isn't so charming anymore.

Get it? Jasmine in the war over there....WOW
The fatigue threw me off at first.

Sleeping beauty's prince is still waiting.

If she wakes up, will she still want him? Doubt it!!

Guess Cinderella got kicked out the castle...LOL

Goldie Locks....Yikes

Saved the best for last!

Can't you imagine this happening if there 'really were' an Arielle?

I can...Well maybe not!

Overall perspective: SAD, SICK and TWISTED but AMAZING!!!

Wait a minute...or Choo!

I can't believe it, but Jimmy Choo is doing a line for H&M. Actually, I can believe it! We're a recession and these BIG-WIG designers are beginning to cater to the more frugal crowd...like me, LOL!

Let me start by saying I ♥ H&M because they have affordable FASHION. It's bitter sweet though, (my relationship with H&M) I am not happy that there isn't a location in my state, however, I'm glad because I would drop too much cash their if it were so easily accessible!

Back to the point! I am so happy that Jimmy Choo is bringing more style and design to one of my favorite stores. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the line...

Love the boots. Hmmm, when would I wear them?

Who cares...I need them!

I would do the dress w/o that belt!

Don't like that combo, but LOVE the dress!

I wonder is my ankles are to skinny for these....

probably not

Really like this purse, but I have a feeling it looks different in person.

I'll need to see it first!

"Yeee HAaaWWww!!!" says Chanel

The Spring/Summer 2010 Chanel show was anything but average.

My dear, Karl Lagerfeld, took Chanel on a hayride, and this was the result....


Umm..Yeah...OK. Ordinarily Chanel does a sleek white runway with ultra-chic designs. Now I'm not saying that Chanel shows are ever ordinary, because we all know that Chanel is one of the HIGHLIGHTS of Paris fashion week.

However, this was very different. I've been reading reviews, and I've come to the realization that Karl Lagerfeld can do no wrong in some people's eyes. I'll admit, he is a fashion genius. However, this didn't really add up to me. The only part of the collection that was connected to the barnyard were the clogs, and I think they only added the clogs to be able to use this theme. I feel Chanel was really reaching for a ways to out-do itself this year. None the less, I LOVED the clothing. LOVED those white jeans on that really skinny model. LOVED the jacket on the first model. Even with the forced theme, I thought the show was fun and exciting...wish I was there...SIGH

Hmmm, now that I think about it, maybe Karl was trying to relay the idea that fashion isn't to be taken SO serious. Fashion is fun, exciting, and different. It doesn't follow the rules. It's whatever you want it to be! Ah-Ha... my revelation!

Rachel Zoe is HILARIOUS!!

If you watch the Rachel Zoe Project (reality show) on Bravo, then you know about her funny sayings and mannerisms.

Chelsea Handler's talk show, Chelsea lately, did a hilarious skit mocking Rachel Zoe and her assistants. Watch it!! They have Rachel's, Brad's, and Taylor's personas down to a T. It's BANANAS!!!



HAHAHA....

I LOVE both of their shows (Rachel & Chelsea)!!

NPR on FASHION

So, I was riding in the car with my dad today, and he ALWAYS listens to NPR (National Public Radio).

Amidst listening to the boring BLAH, BLAH, BLAH of today's news, my ears perked up when I heard the word FASHION! The reporter even sounded surprised to be speaking on the subject!

The report was very interesting. Apparently, Germany's top fashion magazine, Brigitte, has planned to cease all use of professional models, and will only use 'REAL' women in the magazine's photo spreads next year. Brigitte chose to do this to separate itself from the 'rail-thin' image of beauty that we have all become accustom to seeing in every outlet of fashion. The magazine's readers have 'reportedly' been writing in to express that they are tired of seeing bones popping out of the size 0 models used in the photos....

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I don't like the phrase 'real women' because it can be discriminatory in my eyes, however, I will back NPR up in reference to this saying because Brigitte plans to use ACTUAL real women. Not necessarily 'plus size,' but the magazine plans to use it's regular readers and other prominent women in next year's photo spreads. Kudos to you: Brigitte Magazine!

SIDE NOTE: (Directed to Brigitte) PICK ME!! I want to model. ☻LOL
But seriously, if you happen to live in Germany and read the magazine regularly, you should send your picture in with a short bio. They might use you in a spread!

To all my fashionistas, the industry is changing ladies/gents. I predict a real paradigm shift in the next few years in regards to size and body image. Lots of magazines are moving towards the 'plus size' or 'real women' trend. If this trend persists, designers will follow.

Maybe sz. 8 will be the new 2! Who knows what the 2012 runways will look like. Imagine all size 8 models!!! Well let's not push it, I think couture designers would rather slit their wrists! J/K!!

FUN FACTS!

*"In 2007, the U.S. Council of Fashion of Designers of America issued voluntary guidelines to curb the use of overly thin models." -NPR.com

*"Fashion officials in Madrid set a minimum body-mass index, and those in Milan tightened restrictions. Efforts gained urgency after 21-year-old Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died of anorexia in November 2006, weighing 88 pounds (40 kilos)." -NPR.com

P.S.
Louisa von Minckwitz, who owns the German-based Louisa Models agency, told The Associated Press she believed the ban on models was a marketing gag that would not last for long.
"Women want to see clothes on a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing person," von Minckwitz said.

Sounds like Brigitte has a HATER!! Understandably though. German modeling agencies will lose business.

WELL, it's gonna be some broke skinny models in Germany next year!! Or either they'll be fleeing the country!! I guess we'll be seeing the NEW Heidi Klum in America soon... LOL

SHE by Sheree

Well, I'm a little late... as usual, but if you didn't know, Sheree from the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' debuted her clothing line at New York Fashion Week last month.

After all the time she's had, I wasn't WOWed by it. For those of you who don't watch the show, Sheree tried to produce a show about two years ago, and it was a FLOP because she had NO clue what SHE was doing! ANYWAYS, she did a little more research this time and was able to show her garments.

Like Mychael Knight said; I'm tired of these NBA wives coming out with clothing lines and having fashion shows. Its just another way for them to get attention. These ladies just don't understand that a fashion line doesn't just happen. You have to do the research and you HAVE to put in work, time, and SERIOUS effort. Sheree was the classic example of how failure can and WILL happen. I'm over it.

Smh...Here are the clothes.
The jumpsuit was the highlight...

Boring...

That jacket is kinda interesting...

The middle look is cute

The dress on the right is pretty

The best piece of the line

And Sheree looking a HOT mess. The shoes would be dope on someone else, but they just don't work for me here...

For me, it was just OK. IDK, good first effort. But then again this IS the second go round!

Guess I'll wait for next season before I really start judging... ; )

Real Woman?

So I was watching TV the other day (a talk show), and they had people from the studio audience modeling some clothes. One model came out and she was "plus size" but not HUGE... just not thin. So the host says, this is Holly... She's a real woman, with real curves.

This sort-of thing irks me. It kinda gets under my skin when big girls are labeled "real women." What does that make me...FAKE? Umm, I think not. I'm as real as it gets.

I don't have huge curvy hips or a stomach billowing out of my pants. I just have a high metabolism. This is the way I am naturally. Just because I'm thin, it doesn't mean I'm plastic. I eat just as much as an overweight girl, maybe even more, cause I can get away with it. SIDEBAR: I am tryna eat healthier now-a-days tho. Tryna stay diabetes free!

But back to my rage: I AM A REAL WOMAN. Women of all sizes should feel comfortable in their skin, but let's not categorize ourselves. I dream of a day when women are judged, NOT by the size of their jeans, but by the content of their character!!!! MLK reference there. Hahaha, I needed to laugh and get this off my chest.

Thanks for listening!

P.S. Did you know that after all her ranting and raving about SKINNY BITCHES; Monique is losing weight. She says she is doing it for her husband, who is concerned about her health, but WHATEVER. I still love her tho. No matter how much she was against ladies of a thin stature. No matter how much of a hypocrite she seems to be now. She is still funny as all get out!

Before

40 lbs. lighter

P.S.S her hubby is cute!

Reach Magazine TV

So its been a while, but I met a lot of people at the MAGIC tradeshow in Vegas....

These are some pretty cool people that will be hosting an up-and-coming TV show. Reach Magazine TV is a mix between pop culture and religion in my words. The hosts described the purpose of the show as "to "touch one life" with our show and to inspire youth that with God you are capable of Greatness!" James "J" Love is to the left; Sherrie-Marlene in the middle; and J.O. is on the right. Me; didn't look so hot in this pic. Wasn't really ready, but its OK! Anyway, they are each individual artists. J-Love has recorded some of mixtapes and Sherrie is an up and coming gospel/ r & b singer.

I like the concept of this show, particularly because of the message it provides. I think that we (in general society) get so caught up on material things and peer perceptions that we lose focus on our religion, and our spiritual lives and goals. These are things we should hold precedent to getting the latest clothes, 'chillin' with friends, or going to the hottest parties. One of the main things I am focusing on in my 'O so busy life' is growing in faith and gaining a stronger sense of spirituality. Life is so busy, and I sometimes forget to focus on GOD. Watching this show will help keep me focus on what is really important, while entertaining me with the latest in pop culture (music, celebrity interviews, etc.)!!

The show premiers November 2nd on JCTV. Catch it every Mondays at 7 p.m!
If you would like to hear more about Reach Magazine TV, visit the website: reachmagazinetv.com

They were a friendly bunch so I decided to shout them out on my blog. Wish you guys the best of luck in your budding careers!

Fall Fashion

If u didn't know....today is the first day of Fall.

I'm so happy. I love fall fashion. It's soooo HOT in summer. I hardly want to wear clothes at all!! LOL.

But now I can wear my boots and jackets; I love layering!

Anyway, I thought I'd post a Fall fashion alert! Here are some of the trends of the season...

Houndstooth: It's back AGAIN

Draping: From clothes to SHOES to jewelry!!

BIG bows: Hmm, I'm kinda over the whole bow-thing, but I'll probably buy something with a bow on it...ain't gonna lie!

80's rocker look:

Kisses...Yeah, actual kisses or lips:

Menswear (for women): Nothing new, we've been doing that:

Royalty & Opulence (which, by the way, is my new favorite word!):

FUR!!! (PETA, don't get me):

Leopard print. OMG, I just bought a leopard print skirt while in NYC!:

Buckles:

Well, that was a lot of pictures. I'm pooped!

Enjoy Fall fashion friends!

P.S. Guys can follow these trends too. Just in GUY clothes! Actually, if you like to dress up in women's fashion... enjoy that too!! I don't discriminate.

Charlotte, NC Fashion Week...Yeah it exists!!

Who knew the Queen City had a fashion week! I say (all the time) that Charlotte is the new Atlanta. It has really been blossoming into a powerful metropolitan area in the last few years, but I was completely jarred when I found out that this past week was Charlotte's "fashion week." Yeah but you can tell the city is still growing when fashion "week" lasts only three days. It was more like fashion weekend, but we all have to start somewhere! Also this is only it's second year in existence.

The shows ran from Thursday September 10th-Saturday September 12th at the Mint Museum. I found out Friday night, so I was only able to catch the Saturday show. I'm glad I made it though. If it's fashion, I'm there; and you don't get too much of it in Charlotte.

The Clothes.

Honestly, I wasn't wowed by the clothes. Some were good, but not what I would call high fashion. I had to keep telling myself, "this isn't New York fashion week." Almost all of the clothes were made well. There was one company that sent some puckered seams down the runway. Their line was more about the scarfs than the actual dresses but, in a runway show, the entire look MUST be styled and sewn well. There might have been some better fashion on Thursday & Friday that I missed. ???

Meet the models.

I must be honest and say the I was more wowed by the models, than the clothes they were wearing! Make-up was done by MAC cosmetics, and hair was done by Varji Varji Salon.

This is Jessica (age: 22); represented by E agency. When she walked the runway, I was like "I know her from somewhere." Turns out she used to work at one of my favorites stores.

Anyway, her favorite beauty product is mineral make-up by Mica Bella. I have some of their eyeshadow, and I really like it too!

This is Daira (age: 15). I think she modeled in the bridal wear segment, which I arrived late to : / !! She was very cute and sweet! Obviously young. She models for an agency called Ice. Her favorite beauty product is Colossal mascara by Maybelline. ♪Maybe she's born w/it, Maybe it's Maybelline. ♫Ha Ha

These were some models in bridal "couture." Not my idea of couture, but it fits the definition. Custom-made and fashion forward. Hey, it's Charlotte... not NY!

This is me with the director of Charlotte, NC Fashion Week, Anthony Simons. His companies (Networkz2000 & Plitzs Fashion Marketing) began the annual show last year, and plan to continually grow the event. Please believe I got the card. Must keep networking game up!

So, next year I plan to attend and work the event IF I'm not doing anything better! I could probably model as well. Hell, I could definitely fit in with the models I saw! We'll see what happens...