Monday, December 17, 2012

Fall 2012 Style Inspiration: 5 Fab Birthday and Holiday Party Ideas

I’m attending a gathering of professionals celebrating the holiday season. I desperately need fashion advice!”

Look professional, yet holiday ready in a gold sequined Donna Karan pencil skirt and a sequined shell. Cover up with a resplendent blazer, and show your style with bronze mirrored Giuseppe Zanotti heels:
Janae says, “I’ll be attending an upscale cocktail party for the holidays. Any ideas?”

When all else fails, I bet on black with gold accents. Look like the gift you are in a $477Notte by Marchesa bow front dress. Offset the cost of your cocktail with a pair of $140Brynn pump by Ivanka Trump. Top with a coat of your choice:
Schuyler writes, “I will be turning 21 on New Year’s Eve and since this is such a HUGE event for me, I need some help to find the right outfit to celebrate my birthday. I have no idea what to wear and I’ve been surfing the web to look everywhere and I’m so indecisive of what to wear. Helpppppp please!”

Look fun and flirty in a feathered skirt, and sauce it up with a bodysuit. Complete with a smart blazer, velvet booties, and a statement bag:
If all else fails, a cute sequined number will always work!

Be creative with colors and unexpected shoe choices:
Marthe writes, “ I know you get these requests daily. It is my birthday in a month and I was searching for an outfit. Because all I could find on this website (or even on other fashionsites) are dresses as ideas for your birthday. I’m not really into dresses and the music of my party will be reggae/dancehall so I should shake it! (and that’s a little hard to do with a dress going up to your bellybutton if you go too low). I love black, white and khaki, studs, gold, statement pieces yet simple outfits. Can you please give me some inspiration?” Nita adds, “I’m turning 25 in the chilly borough of Brooklyn, NY and I need a cute but casual outfit for a night of dancing at a local bar/lounge! I don’t want to be over the top but I still wanna be cute for my 25th!”

Sounds like you both want to be casual, yet still pop! I’d suggest throwing a gold jacket, like this $40 option from Mango, over a tank and faux leather pants. Flaunt your love of spikes with a pair of fab peep toes, and keep a rock theme going with spiked bracelets:
There you have it!
Which look is more your style?

Weekend Hot! or Hmm…VH1 Divas 2012, Kerry Washington, Rihanna, and More!


Happy Monday everyone!
We’re drawing close to the end of the year (which I cannot believe) and we’re just a week away from Christmas. I am truly excited!
This was an action-packed weekend for celeb style with the VH1 Divas show happening at the Shrine Auditorium in LA, a few talk show appearances, and more.
Let’s get into this weekend’s look shall we?
Ciara served glamour at the VH1 Divas show in a sequin gown from Pamella Roland with sheer sleeves. Hot!
Glitz was on the menu for LaLa Anthony in a long-sleeve silver dress with mirror embellishment. All the life I need for Monday is right here in this look.
Some of the ladies were definitely green with envy at the sight of Kelly Rowland’sglowing skin and thigh-slit wrap gown.
Nene Leakes gave blonde ambition in a $1,675 Dolce & Gabbana Lace Dress.
A double-breasted black jumpsuit with satin lapels from Emilio Pucci and shimmeringChristian Louboutin pumps were Keri Hilson’s choices for the night. Hmm…
What I did love on Keri was her performance look. Get into that body honey! She needs to dish on her gym regimen, stat.
Melanie Fiona opted for menswear-inspired chic in a contrast lapel and trim blazer, leather skinnies, and $1,075 Christian Louboutin Highness Peep-toe Platform Pumps. Hot!
“The Little Mermaid Gone Bridal” is the best way I can describe Kat Graham’s ensemble for the night.
I almost didn’t recognize Tami Roman, but I did recognize her Christian LouboutinDivinoche Sandals! She looks fab no?
Clearly, Sheila E. is still living the glamorous life because she looked flawless in a strapless sweetheart gown in the most delectable mint shade. She and Prince have been trading youth potions I see!
Amber Riley looked gorgeous in an embellished illusion top, miniskirt, and blue peep-toe pumps for a pop of color.
Lisa Raye wore her signature hue and a host of other accoutrements. What is happening here? I don’t know where to start, but if you all would like to try…
Lenny Kravitz is that you? No, it’s just Nicole Murphy in your clothes! This woman could wear anything and make it look beautiful, so it’s beyond me why she chose this look.
Iggy Azalea looked quite tame compared to her usual ensembles in a $2,889 Emilio Pucci Black Sheer Mesh Trim Gown.
Miley Cyrus looked pretty hot in an Omo by Norma Kamali cutout turtleneck dress. I’ll take one of these dresses please!
I know she’s a bit of an acquired taste but I live for Paloma Faith! The British songstress definitely turned heads in a Fall 2012 Julien Macdonald dress. I wish she would have opted for a sleek chignon here: her hair takes the look overboard.
Kerry Washington was the epitome of femininity on The Today Show in a printedDolce & Gabbana coat.
Rihanna and bff Melissa hit Las Palmas Nightclub in Hollywood. Loving Rih’s on-trend dark lip and her favorite Jimmy Choo Blade Sandals!
A dash of shopping was on the agenda for Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian in Miami. How adorable is Kourtney’s $176 Cameo Mountain Dew Dress?
Jennifer Lopez kept it ultra casual while with her family in Sydney, Australia. She still looks cute!
Olympian beauty Jessica Ennis dazzled in a $2,625 Victoria Beckham Belted Wool and Silk Blend Double Crepe Gown at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in London.
That’s all folks! Who had your favorite looks?

Best of 2012:Most Improved Fashionista


We’re kicking off our Best of 2012 superlatives with our Most Improved Fashionista, taking a look at the lady whose style has evolved the most over the year:

Check out who received the most nominations.
1. Khloe Kardashian

This year saw Khloe Kardashian with a new X Factor gig, and a renewed svelte look to boot.

Aided by superstar stylist Monica Rose, Khloe captured our attention in Dolce & Gabbanalace, staight-off-the-runway David Koma frocks, and, of course, spiked Christian Louboutin pumps.

You ladies have responded in kind, with Bella B effusing, “Gorgeous!!! Khloe’s style has been out of the park during this whole taping” and Style is My Obsession adding, “Khloe is looking so chic and fit these days. Loving her new confidence and style.”

True. But Khloe has always been kinda fly…!
Khloe Kardashian at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards
At any rate, review her best looks of the year here.
2. Brandy

As soon as Brandy released her new album, Two Eleven, the songstress stormed the scene, working music videos and performances in a potpourri of nuanced ensembles sprinkled with lots of labels.

Her Put it Down video was styled in BalenciagaGiuseppe Zanotti, and Roberto Cavalli.

She took her look to real life in a mix of Kenzo separates, Proenza Schouler pieces, Mary Katrantzou knits, and Stella McCartney must haves.



We’ve been totally on board with Brandy’s chic evolution.
She’s definitely improved since 2011…
Brandy at the 2011 Pre Grammy Gala

Can’t wait to see what she does next. See more of Brandy here.
3. Beyonce
Once Beyonce aka BaddieBey joined Instagram, her fans were able to see a more fashionable side of the already accomplished songstress.

She titillated fans with her impromptu poses, and her quirky/cool mix of J.Crew paisley, brocade MarniMary Katrantzou dresses, and comic printed 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Sure, she works it in her own way when out and about, but the true budding BaddieBey fashionista has found a home on Instagram.

See Beyonce in 2011:
Beyonce at Fashion Week in 2011

And get a full view of Beyonce’s style this year and more here.
4. Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor has also garnered a following on Instagram, flaunting her enviable frame in high slit dresses and crop tops.

The once confirmed Tomboy is now letting her inner feline out, to the delight of her 565,000 followers.

On any given day, you’ll find her in a low cut, body hugging dress, a snapback and close fit pants, or baggy trousers and an abbreviated top.

She’s blossomed beautifully, and is leaving her mark in her own way.
Take a look at how she used to rock:
Teyana Taylor in November 2011
See a few of her more recent ensembles here.
5. Keyshia Cole

Working with Former Bombshell of the Year and stylist Olori Swank, Keyshia Cole has certainly stepped it up, working both edgy and tailored ensembles.

From Jimmy Choo Teazer sandals to Mary Katrantzou jackets, Keyshia kept it interesting in 2012 with a host of statement pieces.

This year also saw Keyshia designing a bit on her own, collaborating on a line of heels with Steve Madden.

It’s a far cry from her older looks:
Keyshia Cole at the 2011 BET Honors
She’s certainly gone glam–but is she the most improved fashionista?

Tell us who you think evolved the most this year.
  •  Teyana Taylor
  •  Beyonce
  •  Brandy
  •  Khloe Kardashian
  •  Keyshia Cole
There’s still time to submit your nominations for other categories!
Click here to leave your thoughts.
Stay tuned for the rest of the best of 2012!