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?

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 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?

Blak Friday; Blogger of the Week

It’s the last Friday of April and my April reign (get it? April reign à rain? I made a funny!) is coming to an end!  But with it brings new opportunities, new beginnings and maybe a new hair-do! I know I’m not the only one who gets that “I need to do something different” itch when the weather starts to get warmer. But who can you trust with your hair? This brings me to my Blogger of the Week! This week is another friend of mine from college whose skillful hands are touching the manes of models & natural girls all over! Say hello to hair stylist/ blogger Ashley Lee of Ashley Lee Styling!

I admit I was surprised that Ashley didn't start a fashion blog. I’ve always known her to be stylish, polished and dressed to impress! I was convinced fashion was her calling! However, when she launched her website and started posting videos for hair care and her work at photo shoots, I was pleasantly surprised! Her work has been featured on Whim online magazine, ThatsFoxy.com, SevenTribes magazine and the latest Txture magazine (hasn't been released yet)! Also the way she hooks up her own natural hair can seriously leave a girl with hair envy. I reached out to Ashley to ask my standard “simple” 4 questions.

BL: Do you feel there are more or less beauty products available for women of color?
I believe the market is greatly expanding to accommodate women of color (black women in particular). When it comes to makeup, I think women of darker skin complexions have the most difficulty whereas if you are a woman of color (black, Hispanic or Asian) I do feel as though beauty products are readily available.

BL: If you have to recommend a makeup brand or represent one, which would you choose and why?
I'm not really a make up buff, more of a drug store junkie. However, for low prices makeup I've found that maybelline has always made me happy with both foundations and lip color. I particularly like the mousse line that they have and am now using a liquid foundation of theirs. I get great coverage, in other makeup I find that they have great pigments and the cost is low which makes it accessible to almost everybody.
BL: What is one basic item that every woman should have in their makeup/ hair care arsenal?
For makeup, I think every woman should own a brow powder. No matter how little makeup you have on, if your brows are done, you look alive. As for hair care, I think every woman should own a wide tooth comb to safely detangle and avoid breakage.

BL: What do you love most about blogging?
My heart and soul is committed to hair care and advocacy. Although I love being trendy and fashion forward, I find myself obligated as a cosmetologist to spread knowledge about all things having to do with hair and beauty in my power. Just like you go to your doctor about your health, I want people to come to me about their hair.

 

Her site, Ashley Lee Styling, also offer services ranging from basic shampoo and blow out/set to spa services such as lash extensions and facials. She also does in-home visits! Book her through Prettier Please and have the salon come to you! Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and Twitter, @alstyling! Two snaps for Ms. Ashley Lee! 

On the Horizon - Fabric Twinz

Happy Monday everyone! I hope your weekends and Easter were grand! I had the pleasure on Thursday before Good Friday interviewing a very humble young woman with a fashion line thats puts the word GLAM in glamorous! I was quite surprise we were able to meet so quickly seeming as I contacted her so late the previous evening. But she responded A.S.A.P and from the emails plus text messages I could tell this was going to be a very pleasant experience. We met up at her showroom located near 27th street off of 5th Ave and suddenly I became self conscience. I wasn't dressed to kill matter fact I think I looked a bit geeky. I really didn't think too much into my outfit, which is bad because first impressions are key! But I think I got lost in the excitement that this was going to be my first interview I just didn't want to sound like an idiot. Well, I didn't sound like an idiot but I may have accomplished looking like one, good job!
After being swiped in and checking myself over in every reflection I laid my eyes on, I met with Tanise Francis, co-founder of Fabric Twinz.

New York City based designer, Tanise “Fabric Twinz” Francis is creating quite the buzz among the stars. Known as one half of the “The Fabric Twinz” duo by the industry’s elite, Tanise has been able to maintain the popularity and integrity of the Fabric Twinz brand since her partner’s departure in 2011. Since then, she has dressed and styled hip hop icons such as Lil Kim, R&B sensation K.Michelle, actress Elise Neal, Terri Vaughn, tv host Rocsi Diaz. Reality TV stars from VH1′s Love & Hip Hop and Basketball Wives such as Thairy Jose, Shaunie O Neal, Jennifer Williams just to name a few. Even many of NYC’s most popular socialites.

Click here to learn more....

Blak Friday; Blogger of the Week

It's Good Friday and I still haven't gone grocery shopping for Easter Sunday! Ugh! But I am prepared to dish another Blogger of the week! This week I'm featuring a very dapper, young gentleman who is a good friend of mine prior to the creation of his blog. Say hello to David Rochez of From NY to TX.

David at Suit Supply Grand Opening in Texas

Back in college (why does that feel eons ago? -__-) he would always lay out his outfits and question the style, the color coordination, the vibe it gives off and if it was on trend or ahead of the trend. At first I thought this was slightly off since I hardly met any guy around our age as meticulous with their outfits as he was. I was use to the idea of a man stepping into his closet, throwing on anything that doesn't have a stain, a hole (sometimes that doesn't even matter) or a pungent smell and walking out the door. However, I've grown accustomed to his questioning and eye for details which later blossomed into admiration and appreciation. His style spoke several different languages to me but that's what I loved about it! One day he could look like a preppy Harvard student the next a suave gentleman from an ad for a sophisticated cognac A model, stylist, men fashion blogger, savvy thrifter and teacher of etiquette it was only right I got in contact with him and asked him a few questions so you guys can get to know the man behind the ensemble.

BL: If you had to name your style, what would you call it? Why?

Lol, I'd say my style would be traditional with an edge. When I'm dressed up I'm more tailor, but I love wearing my leather jacket whenever the weather in Houston allows me. That's why I say traditional with an edge.

BL: What is your opinion of a man taking a high interest into his fashion and style?

It's a great thing, we as men and everyone else should know that appearance is everything and with style once you understand who you are as a person your style starts to reflect that.

BL: What is the one basic item every man should have in his closet?

Besides clothes that fit his body type, I would say a very nice watch and shoes. That's one thing my mom taught me growing up.

BL: What do you love most about blogging?

Being an inspiration is what I love about blogging.... It's a passion, I'm good at it (being modest of course)

Make sure to follow him on Instagram and Twitter @_frmnytotx and check out his site, From NY to TX, for tips, style ideas and the latest in men fashion trends. Let's not forget, two snaps to David Rochez, Blogger of the Week!

Driver roll down the partitions plsss....! Beyonce on the cover of Out Mag

Hitting stands and Stans April 22 is Out magazine's annual May Power Issue featuring one of the most powerful women in the music industry: Beyonce Knowles Carter aka QueenBey! 

Photographed by Santiago & Mauricio and styled by Lysa Cooper, Beyonce is seen rocking a Marilyn Monroe-esque bob draped with pearls and a sultry look that whispers "come hither". It's a no-brainer as to why Aaron Hicklin, Out magazine's editor in chief, picked her to represent 'POWER'. 

The Grammy Award winning singer, who recently wrapped up her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, is the embodiment of what it means to be powerful. Perfect example is when she released her self-titled video album late last year bypassing the traditional marketing tactics and still managed to top the charts as well as break record sales. She had newspapers, magazines and pretty much all of social media re-writing their top 100 lists because they had to factor her in! She took the world by storm and you can't expect anything less from a Boss.  She’s poised, she’s commanding, and she does it all at her own pace.

"I’d like to believe that my music opened up that conversation," she says when asked about creating her most sexually liberated album to date. "There is unbelievable power in ownership, and women should own their sexuality. There is a double standard when it comes to sexuality that still persists. Men are free and women are not. That is crazy. The old lessons of submissiveness and fragility made us victims. Women are so much more than that. You can be a businesswoman, a mother, an artist, and a feminist—whatever you want to be—and still be a sexual being. It’s not mutually exclusive."

Who run the world!? Two snaps for Mrs. Carter!

Lupita Nyong'o is the fresh,new face for Lancome

The Lupita reign continues on strong and in the best way! The 31-year old Kenyan actress, who won an Oscar for Best supporting role in 12 Years a Slave, joins the ranks of Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz and Julia Roberts as one of Lancôme's ambassadors. Although she is the fourth actress to cut a deal with Lancôme, she is their very first BLACK ambassador!  The new ads will appear in September.

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself," Nyong'o said in a statement released by the French beauty house.

This announcement is right on the heel of her recent stint with the French high fashion brand, Miu Miu, for their spring 2014 campaign. 

The French love them some Lupita and it’s quite understandable why!

Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International, said the company's decision to add Lupita was because she is "talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices."

Oui oui Monsieur! Two snaps for Ms. Lupita Nyong’o!

Black Dresses Exhibition

What’s funny about me writing this post is how nervous I am! As mouthy and opinionated as I can be I’m actually feeling…shy? Lol! But the same rule that I apply to my everyday life I shall apply it here! And you, my fabulous readers and fellow bloggers, shall be receiving the best of me!

With that being said,

  WELCOME TO BLAK LABELS!!  

The fashion/style blog focused on designers and entrepreneurs of color within the fashion and beauty industry!  How did I come up with this concept? Actually the origin of this blog correlates with my first post!

My cousin and good friend, Shantavia Loh, sent me a text about celebrity designer, LaQuan Smith, and a few other designers, coming together to debut their collection at Pratt Institute in honor of Black History Month. I work alongside Shantavia as her assistant for her PR firm, Panache PR &Marketing, and post daily gossip & news on their Facebook page. The name of the fashion exhibition is Black Dress: Ten Contemporary Fashion Designers and it featured designs by LaQuan Smith, Tracy Reese, ByronLars, Epperson, Samantha Black, Omar Salam, Michael Jerome Francis, Donna Dove, Stephen Burrows and Jeffery Banks. I researched the information further, landing on the Pratt Institute webpage and immediately became enthralled (FYI: I love SAT words! I even have the Dictionary as an app on my phone. SO if there’s any way I can throw in my word of the day or a SAT word I will =-D )! I noticed they had a panel discussion scheduled one night and I made sure to clear my schedule so I can attend.

When I got there the room was packed but I noticed the majority of the attendants were of an older generation. There were a few in my age group, a few students, one of the designers and the other was a part of the panel. But, overall, my 20s group was scarce.  On the panel were the curators of the exhibition, a fashion consultant, a fashion blogger and editors from Teen Vogue, The Huffington Post, and Ebony. After a round of introductions the discussion began and it was very informative.

The overall theme of the discussion was the lack of recognition and progress black designers have made in the fashion industry. One of the panelists even challenged the audience if they can name several black designers other than Tracy Reese and LaQuan Smith. Honestly, I couldn't really think of any other designers. Either I’m not as fashionably adept as I thought I was or my fashion pool is very shallow. But our silence proved the point. Referencing back to the attendants being of an older generation, whom by the way, were able to answer the question of naming more than 2 black designers, most of them were from the fashion days when supermodel Iman reigned supreme and Naomi Campbell’s name barely left anyone’s lips without an inquisitive “who?” followed afterwards.  They echoed the same sentiments that this is a battle that has been waging on for generations! One even stated that she expected 7^th avenue (Fashion Avenue) to have at least 1 or 2 black-owned clothing stores open by now but she is still currently waiting to hear the news.  This led me to ask the profound question of the night (I’m not exaggerating. I literally heard “ooohhhh….good one!” all over the room lol): “Why aren't black designers, or designers of color in general, not highly recognized as their counterparts? Is it because of the lack of coverage from the media, the lack of support from their communities or the lack of passion & commitment from the designers themselves?”

This question not only stirred a whole new discussion but it also sparked an idea in me! Especially when one of the panelists, fashion Blogger Joy Adaeze, responded that most of her clothes she post are from black designers, more specifically, African designers. I thought “Why don’t I start a blog focused on black designers and creating that publicity they need!?” We can’t deny that social media is becoming our main way of communicating with one another and creating exposure for brands, ideas, services and products. So why not take advantage? At first I was hesitant because it felt like just another fashion blog in the mix of all the other fashion blogs out there. I didn't want to get lost in the sauce! But I realize that there are so many duplicates out in the world, for example the concept of burger and fries, that I figured there is room for one more blog! Besides, I aim and will strive to make mine stand out from the rest especially since I am shining a light on a particular niche that needs to be exposed. Thus, Blak Labels is born!

Donna Dove's collection

After the discussion they opened the exhibit to the audience for about 30 minutes and I took several pictures. My favorites were Byron Lars, Donna Dove (her designs were made out of shirts!), LaQuan Smith (Duh!), Tracey Reese (another duh!) and Samantha Black. I posted a few of the pictures for your viewing pleasure! The exhibition, which is free by the way, is available for viewing until April 26^th so make sure to stop by Pratt Manhattan Gallery (144 W. 14th Street, New York, NY 10011) before it’s over! 

Donna Dove's collection

Byron Lars' collection

Byron Lars' collection

Tracy Reese's collection

Omar Salam collection

Jeffery Banks' collection

Stephen Burrows' collection

Michael Jerome Francis' collection

Samantha Black's collection

Epperson's collection