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! 

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?

R.I.P to two beautiful souls

It's with a heavy heart to report hair vlogger for Black Girl Long Hair, Domineque Banks, and founder of For Brown Girls, Karyn Washington, both passed away this week.

Domineque was suffering from lupus and, unfortunately, lost the battle on April 9. She was 27 years young. Currently, Domineque's family is aiming to raise $10,000 to help with funeral costs. So far, the GiveForward fundraiser has raised over $5,300. If you would like to make a donation, please click here. 

Karyn, whose website sought to empower dark complexioned black women, died on April 8, by committing suicide. She was 22 years young. Her passing is a devastating loss for black women who went online to seek refuge in any one of Washington's many initiatives.  The most popular is the #DarkSkinRedLip project. Spawned by A$AP Rocky's statement that chocolate colored women weren't considered attractive with red lipstick, it  encouraged black women to wear whatever shade of red lipstick that best suited them. 

It hurts to hear that two inspiring women with so much promise had been called away to be with the Heavenly Father. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans and supporters of these beautiful young women. 

Two red lips for two amazing women