Orange is the New Black

Halloween is here and like any average person, I don't have my costume together lol! But if you're like me and the last thing on your mind is dressing up (going out more for the drinks) then you're more worried about your pre or post Halloween outfit. One big taboo around Halloween is the combination of orange and black. When anybody put those two together automatically I hear witches cackling, zombies groaning and kids screaming.  But I'm here to tell you that it's possible to pair them! All you need is a little flair! 

 Incorporating the latest trend, athleisure, I styled around this Sunset Sweater since it has a variety of hues. From orange, to red to a splash of pink and burgundy this gives you the chance to add other colors to your wardrobe; thus, bringing black & orange to a united front. One side is styled more playful by adding different textures while the other is city chic. But both have comfort in mind. 

Keep going...

Fashion continues to Christopher Columbus Urban Culture

As I searched the internet this past weekend to figure out what my next post should be an interesting article, which I read a few days ago, popped up again in my newsfeed. I am happy that Black Twitter was swift on the up-take but it's articles like this which drove me to create Blak Labels:

Now, every one knows that fashion is one big retrograde hamster wheel with sequins, avant garde and exquisite hand-crafted artistry thrown into the mix every now & again to present it as a "new must-have/trend". However, there were always a reference to where this "new" idea originated. May it be commentaries such as "90s grunge chic" or "Elizabeth Taylor realness" we are reminded somehow or in some way where the trend began. But Elle, or particularly Danielle Prescod, decided to alert the masses of this trend without a single reference to Timberland’s popular and longstanding place in African-American culture. That feels like a slap in the face especially coming from a background where Timbs were my go-to boots before Uggs even entered the picture. A staple for the Fall/Winter months from when I was a kid and such said tradition carried into adulthood. Hey, let's not lay all the blame on Elle. They were just one of many offenders who've been feigning ignorance and dabbling in culture appropriation. Last month, during NY Fashion Week, Lucky magazine tried to rename gelled down baby hairs as "slick-down tendrils"; Marie Claire called Kendall Jenner's cornrows "epic" & "stylish"; a reporter from Los Angeles Times wrote a hairstyle article claiming braids were first seen on an actress by the name of Bo Derek from the movie "10". 
Then finally, NY Times & Vogue decided to rediscover a section of a woman's body that us, women of color, don't really consider a "trend" but more of our anatomy: 

Really? That's like re-discovering the Blues and calling it straight out Jazz. To add salt to the already festering wound, both articles reference Jennifer Lopez as the matriarch and founder of the voluptuous derriere. Then to continue this impertinent dance of obtuseness, NY Times takes another step by stating:

"Not that this is exactly new. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Biel, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Pippa Middleton and Beyoncé (who, on her tour that just ended, wore a bodysuit with the tush cutout) have all been praised for their behinds."

This only makes them look foolish and emphasizes the racial dissonance in the industry. Yes, these women have been praised for their backsides; (Jessica Biel & Pippa Middleton??? They were really reaching with those picks! Why not Shakira?Oh wait, she's Latina *sighs*) however, the author pretty much trapezed between giving diminutive attention to African-American culture without divulging too much. BUT (pun intended) you can't mention a song like "Baby got Back" by Sir-Mix-a-Lot and then in the same breath (well, article) mention only white women and A-list celebrities as the ones pioneering the big booty trend. So we are just going to ignore Erykah Badu, Pam Grier and, if you want me to take it way back, Sara Baartman? 

In no way am I saying "Hey, white people! Stop taking our stuff! We see you! You're not slick!". Actually, quite the opposite. Culture appropriation is the heart of this country and it's definitely what makes us unique. All I am asking of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, NY Times, LA Times and any other media outlet that they stop Columbusing our culture. Stop stepping over us and replacing prominent black figures with "mainstream appropriate" figures. Give credit where credit is highly due! Stop calling our style "ghetto", "urban", "untamed" then flip-the-script when those same items are worn by our white counterparts. Clearly there is no issue of recognizing culture since Elle published articles about being 'French-chic'. So why can't African-American culture get the same recognition and we are right here in your backyard? Either journalists are getting lazy or they just don't care. Whatever the reason, Blak Labels, Black Twitter, Jezebel, FashionBomb Daily and others are here to remind you!

Happy 'Columbus' Day everyone!

Tracee Ellis Ross, mixed & loving it!

Hello Blogosphere! It feels good to be back! I know I've been on a small hiatus but sometimes life gets in the way. And when that happens you just have to buckle down and get to work! Speaking of 'work' can we take a second to admire how Tracee Ellis Ross is werking this dress!

Love love love it! The 'Black-ish' star posted this pic of herself on Instagram wearing a custom floral printed dress from Duro Olowu Spring 2015 collection. The cut of the dress is simple but what gets me is the variety of bold prints that work cohesively together to create this beautiful soft pastel color scheme. To add the cherry on top she paired it with a bright pink Christian Louboutin pumps (Breast Cancer Awareness!).

By the way, have you been tuning in to 'Black-ish'? I watched both episodes and thoroughly enjoyed it. To me, I honestly don't see too much of an issue with it. I can understand how some can view the show to be a bit racist or some who are wishing a return of the Cosbys; however, I believe this is an appropriate take on a modern multi-cultural, pre-dominantly Black family within the suburbs. Times have change but there are still social issues, especially identity, that Blacks deal with today. May it stem from being raised in a mixed family (ex: white mom, black dad or vice versa) or being the only Black person within your office. This show has potential to address these issues and more. I think 'Black-ish' is mainly being attacked for the name. But hey, like the classic saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover.." 

'Black-ish' comes on every Wednesday, at 9:30pm on ABC. 

What are your thoughts on the show so far?

Can't get enough Lupita!

It was only a matter of time before Anna Wintour got the hint and graced the cover of Vogue with the talented dark-skin beauty, Lupita Nyong'o, who has been slaying the red carpet and our hearts! The Most Beautiful Person of 2014, as named by People magazine, was photographed by Mikael Jansson in the enchanting city of Marrakech. On the cover she is seen wearing a Prada Fall 2014 frock that perfectly reflects her colorful style and her signature low-cut hairstyle for the infamous glossy American Fashion Bible July issue. If you think she looks stunning on the cover wait until you see the spread! Pure perfection! I am loving the fact that Hollywood and the Fashion World are loving and appreciating Lupita. It really is given dark-skin women not only a boost of self-esteem but also hope. Hope that they, just like their light-skin or white counterparts, can be seen as a beautiful individual.  Check out a few of the pics of her in Givenchy, Proenza Schouler and more. Two snaps and encore for Ms. Lupita! 

Designs of a Decade fashion showcase

Tanise Francis, co-founder & designer of Fabric Twinz

Skin, cut-out patterns, lace, slits and sheer oh my! Last night was the Fabric Twinz premiere of their spring/summer line Designs of a Decade as well as designer, Tanise Francis, 27th birthday celebration! It was an all-white extravaganza and the new items from the line definitely did not disappoint! It actually embraces and embodies the edgy, risque, chic woman of NYC. Although there was no fluorescence or glow-in-the-dark as she previously mentioned from our last meet the basic ready-to-wear style and provocation of the line allowed me to simply say "Who cares!? I want it!" 

Click here to read more.... 

Nicki Minaj: Pills N Potions & free clothes!

THIS JUST IN!!! 

If you're in NYC and want some free clothes then pay close attention! Starting at around 1pm TODAY, a pink RV with the words #NICKIMINAJCOLLECTION emblazoned across the side will be driving through the city today and tomorrow giving away free clothes from Nicki Minaj's K-Mart collection. Did you catch that? FREE CLOTHES!!! The artist herself will be doing her rounds to promote her song 'Pills N Potions'. 

Of course, I just got wind of this at the last minute so there's no way I'm going to be able to catch the RV today. But if you're like me and missed out on today's giveaway don't fret! They are making their rounds tomorrow, Saturday June 7, as well! Here's where to catch them, and score some free duds:
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 106th Street and 3rd Avenue, Manhattan
3 p.m.: Parsons Boulevard and Hillside Avenue, Jamaica (At the Brown Underground)
3:45 p.m.: 156th Street and Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica (At the Jamaica Colosseum Mall)
5:30 p.m.: Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues, Brooklyn (At the Barclays Center)
6:15 p.m.: Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue (At the Fulton Mall)

Nicki Minaj you are on a roll! Thanks for hooking up my summer wardrobe! 

The Best Dressed at the CFDA Awards 2014

Last night the fashion crowd assembles for the 2014 Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) Awards, one of the biggest fashion events of the year. Consider it a follow-up to the Met Gala which in this case, it was desperately needed to make up for the lackluster fashion display at the Met. The CFDA Awards celebrate the best and the brightest of the industry this year. Of course I had to critique and compile my list of the best dressed; however, I had a LOT to choose from! I think a lot of celebrities brought their A-game this year!

First up is supermodel Iman wearing a color-block dress by Juan Carlos Obando. I am not a big fan of the way this fits on her or the loose material. Kind of makes her look like she's unraveling. But the colors are no doubt gorgeous on her & she looks magnificent at her age!

Next is Queen of the Runway & mentor on the show "The Face", supermodel Naomi Campbell stuns in this metallic embellished gun-metal gown!

Model Coco Rocha stunned with this black-white number designed by Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano. I've been following Siriano's work & I am glad he's getting the recognition he deserves. His designs are very detailed, ethereal & unique. 

It seems like all the models were killing it at the CFDA. Chanel Iman looked nothing less than gorgeous in a black beaded Monique Lhuillier dress.

Joan Smalls did not disappoint & strutted her flawlessness all over the red carpet in this sultry Prabal Gurung gown with a thigh high slit. Werk!

Liya Kebede, model & founder of  the Ethiopian clothing line LemLem, kept it chic & simple in a white blouse with an embellished white pencil skirt designed by Wes Gordon. 

Actress Olivia Wilde stayed on trend in this black fringe dress by Decades. The funny thing is I have been steering clear of anything fringe so far because I have a serious disdain for it. But this look is not bad at all & made me see the light...just a bit.

Grammy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o looked amazing in this colorful striped crop top & matching culottes designed by Suno. This definitely played to her playful nature & changed the tone of the evening since majority of the attendees opted for floor-sweeping gowns or dresses. 

I love Emmy Rossum's style and this J. Mendel dress did not disappoint! The color isn't the best but she pulls it off anyway & I just love the lace inset on her chest! 

SOLANGE!!! I felt after the media lashing she has been receiving from the elevator showdown at the Met Gala, this event & this outfit was so needed to bounce her back into our good graces. She is serving some Diana Ross/Donna Summers realness in this Calvin Klein shimmering gold dress! Yasss girl!

Coming in at #2 is recipient of the well deserved Style Icon of the Year award, Rihanna! Wearing a crystal-embellished sheer gown with matching gloves, hat & a soft pink fur stole to cover her lady bits this outfit, designed by Adam Selman, leaves very little to the imagination. Surprised she's not my #1 pick? Well, simply I want to see Rihanna do a little bit more than show us her sexy naked body. When I saw this it made me go "Wow! Typical Ri-ri.." instead of "Wow! She blew our little fashion mind...again!"

And coming in at #1 is legendary supermodel & casting director Bethann Hardison, recipient of the Founders Award for her fight for diversity within fashion! Wearing a heather grey Prabal Gurung dress, Hardison greatest accessory is her passion for fashion & equalizing the playing field for models & designers of color. 

Do you agree or disagree with the order of 'Best Dressed'? Who were your favorites?

The Best of the Met Gala 2014

Last night was the annual Met Gala extravaganza! The night that every fashion lover anticipate besides New York Fashion Week and Fashion Night Out (pleasssseeee bring it back this year!). The annual ball, which formally kicks off the Metropolitan Museum of Art's yearly Costume Institute exhibit, always brings in an array of stylish celebrities/stars and of course, some stunning couture. This year the theme of the night is a tribute to Charles James, America's First Couturier, which means bright colors and some over-the-top gowns. This year was quite underwhelming and it felt that a lot of celebrities played it safe so the pickings were slim. Nonetheless, I managed to create my top 10 list. You know I only list the ones that I truly like so if there are people missing from this list but they made an attendance to the gala, well better luck next year! 

Janelle Monae comes in at #10 simply because I wasn't sure if I wanted to hate this look or love it. At this angle, Janelle looks stunning in her Tadashi Shoji cape and pants attire.Her hair plus make-up just adds to the wow factor! However, I saw another pic of her in the same outfit that made me go "Holy Vatican Batman!"

Supermodel Joan Smalls is rocking the Bejeezus out of that Vera Wang dress! I love the silk tulle underneath that gives the dress its elegance. My only issue is that the color of her shoes and lip clashes. Its either one or the other not both. 

Kim K is another celebrity who has been a hit or miss with me. This Lanvin black/blue dress with an Angelina Jolie slit was a hit for me. It showed off her post baby bod quite nicely. The end.

Supermodel and Queen of the runway, Naomi Campbell, kept it simple in a white Givenchy dress with sexy cut-outs and a feather wrap. I've seen Ms. Campbell in outfits much better than this one so this was actually somewhat of a let-down but she's in her 50s so to look that good is a win every time. 

Zoe Saldana looks really cute in this Michael Kors black ball gown with a black-white paisley pattern on the bottom. But the Met Gala is not about cute! I really do wish to see her be more daring and couture with her looks and next time, leave the puff.  

Now for the top 5! This Ralph Lauren couture gown looks amazing on Chrissy Teigen and I absolutely love the color on her! Even the ruffled collar enhances the dress more than hinders it and the sexy side-boob doesn't hurt either!

LUPITA!!! I always look forward to her outfits. Her and Katie Holmes, who wore a bright yellow Marchesa gown that resembles Belle from Beauty & the Beast, played on the 'costume' aspect of the Met gala. This green, feather sequin mesh dress by Prada gives her that 1920s flapper girl realness and the color looks amazing against her skin. The only problem with Lupita's outfit is that its not in theme (its all about couture gowns).

Of course Rihanna looks fresh off the runway! Donning a two-piece Stella McCartney ensemble, Ri-Ri showcases her toned midriff and stays trendy with the monochromatic white-on-white effect. Her hair in an updo, light make-up & minimum jewelry softens the look. 

I am not a big fan of Blake Lively but I give props where props are due and I could not take my eyes off of this Gucci dress! Its simple yet gorgeous and the nude/blush color is lovely! The cape just makes it 'Super Glam' and gives the dress a 'Gone with the Wind' fabulosity! 

Yes, Beyonce is #1 on my list! I am absolutely in love with Beyonce's ensemble! This Givenchy dress (made with over 2,000 black Lorraine Schwartz beads), the headpiece and the lipcolor gives me LYYYFE! 

Do you agree or disagree with the order of 'Best Dressed'? Who were your favorites?