I'm obsessed with bodystockings! Trust me, they aren't just for ladies of the night. Bodystockings make awesome layering pieces and give that extra umph to our usual winter 'fits or New Year's Eve ensembles, for that matter. Still don't believe me? Check out some shots from the Ruffian F/W 09 show [above]. -Steph
A pioneer and icon to the fashion industry, Naomi Sims paved the way for the acceptance of black models and continued to be influential in the lives of her fans and peers with a multimillion dollar cosmetic company. She leaves behind a legacy after her passing this past summer. Let's reflect and honor Naomi Sims.
Considered the "first Black supermodel," Naomi Sims was first seen on the cover of Ladies Home Journal in 1968. Sims later went on to grace the covers of Life and Cosmo and walk for legendary houses like Halston. After five years, Sims left modeling and became wildly successful with her multimillion dollar company Naomi Sims Cosmetics and authored five books on health and beauty for Black women.
Naomi Sims opened doors for darker-hued models at a time when racial ambiguity was highly prized, as seen with the also legendary, Donyale Luna. Because of Naomi Sims, we have Naomi Campbell and so on. -Steph
Deets: vintage tee via having it since I was like 10, vintage blazer, H&M jeans, Uniqlo heattech Men's socks, new Steve Madden boots
High-waisted jeans, a distressed tee and a blazer. It's foolproof and makes me feel comfortable, put together and still stylish. I recently got a new job and while acid wash jeans may not be typical office wear even for the most fashion forward offices, the blazer makes it alright...in my eyes at least.
And for a look [employ whisper voice here] behind the scenes...
Wedges are so hard to pull off. If the heel is too low, you give off a nursing home in Florida look. If they're too high, you're praying for every step you take. These, however, are just right!
I'm not big on Christmas, but Max Azria, you can put your Kuumba (creativity) to work and drop these in my Kwanzaa basket. I promise to love you eternally!
Hands down my favorite designer is Tom Ford. On Christmas day, he might also be added to the list of my favorite film directors. Ford is makes his directorial debut in A Single Man.
Starring Colin Firth, the film follows a gay English professor as he deals with the untimely death of his partner. Based in the 60s, I'm squealing at the thought of the amazing costume design! Besides Colin Firth winning the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival, A Single Man has also been thrown in the Oscar pot. Check out the trailer to hold you over until you see it. -Steph
Have you seen Contessa on Style Like U yet? She's a mild version of her party-hosting, constantly voguing, belly-baring self. After one amazing night at Redbull Space, I went up to her and said "Contessa, I live for you!" Yes, I live for her and her audacious style. See why in this video or in a past post I've done on her.
Although blogs are the shit, we still need magazines as I don't see myself producing a shoot with Liya or Freja for O.M.O. anytime in the near future...nyt
You can make a grip on Etsy. But really? You can make a grip following your dreams and passions. Get some if you haven't already. and i promise I won't ever say grip again;) nyt
American Apparel x nail laquer=ooohh eeemmm geee! I read about it first on Is Mental but I was convinced that I had to make the purchase after trying on all of the testers like a paint palette on my thumbs.
I got these three colors, Office (the Chanel-like green), Factory Grey and Passport Blue...plus "winter leggings" in black! Merry Christmas to meeee!
Boots by: Bess Vest by: Sass & Bide Erin Wasson has this careless way of dress. Two day old eyeliner, muddy shoes, shredded shirt defines her look which goes against what any decent girl should look like. Not even boho queen, Mary Kate dresses this haphazardly. But for Erin, she wouldn't look as good any other way.
In fact, I cringe when she cleans up for the red carpet. A steam gown on Erin? yuck!
Lauren Moffatt has me ready to put audacious paper mache bows in my hair and be a little more girlie. Maybe it's time for everyone to adopt a new look...she has. With Kate Lanphear on her team as the stylist of her Spring 2010 lookbook, her pieces look a lot fresher than her last couple of collections. The very pretty Moffatt designs paired with the pulled together and tough Lanphear aesthetic prove to be a winning combination. It's got my attention.
Magazines always try to make a statement. All black issue...blackfaced models...now plus-size as if it's mainstream? Not quite as V magazine presents question over the acceptance of plus-sized models rather than inserting it as the norm.
Crystal Renn, the plus size model in this story, is actually a great model. Here though, she pales in comparison, seeming almost amateur next to standard zero-ish-sized, Jacquelyn Jablonski. The idea was a good one. The execution, not so great.
looks from fall 08, spring 09, fall 09 (from left to right)
I wouldn't say that I'll shed a tear, it's not Chloe or YSL. God forbid! But Phi was a line, one that I admired and soon it'll be no more. The Spring 2010 collection will be it's last.
Phi CEO, Julia Hansen reported: “It’s just very difficult to look forward with confidence against the opportunity in that market,” she said. “The realization is that for a smaller brand, it’s going to be a very challenging time even beyond 2010.”
Maybe we can rejoice over the sample/warehouse sale that will be coming up!
Goapele has been making my das at work that much sweeter. Her voice is like an instrument itself, not intrusive on your ear, yet strong at the same time. And as she has the whole Sa-Ra team behind her as her musicians and engineer as well as Linda Perry on deck to pen a few pieces, there's no wonder why her sound is as much inventive as it is reminiscent of artists like Sade. Check out her blog HERE Check out her music HERE
CC Skye's eponymous line may boast a luxury look at first glance, affordable gaud at second, but all styled up and ready to go, it's a little bit around the way girl, a little bit glamazon and the rest is up to you. GEN ART Best New Accessory Designer-nominated Skye sets to fill your jewelry box with all the jewels your heart desires in studs, bows and pave pieces.
On my list of what I want for Christmas, Skye has bags covered too! And don't expect them to be any less amazing than her jewelry. With chain straps, gold fringe embellishments and shiny gold studding, her handbags are right in line with the fresh look of her baubles and such.
Join the Japanese-inspired brand that every guy loves, Sabit, and the blog that brings you everything fly, Stuff Fly People Like for a holiday mixer party that starts in about an hour!
Throw on your best holiday look and your meanest shoe to stomp over there and against the snow piles in the city.
If this past weekend was an indication of what is to come for the rest of the winter, then I am definitely in need for some boots. Why not stay warm with style. These BAPE x Sorrel Boots are just what the doctor ordered.
The Diamond Headz event started off crowded and heavy with corporate folk from a double booked event. Peep my tweets: But as long is Chay$ is there, more great people flock and good times are bound to be had. So the night got amazing really quick and early, lucky for me as I dipped on the decent side of the hour... Co-win-key-dink? Three of us have our left eye covered. Are we free masons??? oooohhh [rolling eyes]
If you didn't catch Chay$ wares and exclusive sales last night, don't fret. Put your orders in through her online store, C$tg Designs
Here's a snippet of what Refinery 29 has in store for you tonight:
"Our Very Vintage Holiday party this Wednesday night co-hosted with Madewell, and featuring Au Revoir Simone DJing will be well worth the complimentary martinis. Come join us from 7-9 p.m. at Madewell Soho at 486 Broadway where for one night only you can shop an exclusive selection of amazing vintage and thrift finds"
Deets: H&M dress, French Connection tights, new Steve Madden platform wedges
My company had a holiday dinner after work, but I had to dress for it for the whole day. So I wore this with my red blazer (not shown here) in the office.
PaperMag, the glossy that keeps the NY music/party crowd in the know, hosted its 5th Annual Nightlife Awards this last week.
By the time we hit the carpet, Corey and I knew we were in for the time of our lives! From 7ft tall drag queens with fringed headpieces to Mischa Barton, this was more than your average awards show. Sponsored by the good folks at Svedka with tunes from Best DJ winners Harley & Cassie ( that played Sam's theme song "I Took The Night") the energy was intense!
It was shoulder to shoulder in that piece, but I was able to get a couple shots of some fly chicas!
One of my fave gals to party with, PaperMag thinks so too, Lady Fag. (left) Loved Zewi's fun with patterns. Check her blog here. (right)
Shoe: 'Nuff said
The awards were just as much about fashion as they were about NY nightlife, so lets dish on a few of the night's winners!
Here in NYC, the weather outside is frightful, but functional layering is SO delightful!
I was tipping around Soho and I spot O.M.O.'s very own, Samantha, beat out of her mind at French Connection's Holiday party. Squealing at her perfect execution of the F.L. look, I had to snap some shots. Below freezing temps are no excuse for dumpy dress, ladies! -Steph.
