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?

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?

Keke Palmer makes herstory!

Keke Palmer was always like a shooting star to me: You don't see her too often but when you do she always shines or amazes you with her appearances or performances. This time is no different. 

Keke Palmer at Elle's Women in Television Celebration 2014

It was recently announced that Keke Palmer was picked up by BET and Mathis Productions (Judge Greg Mathis) in association with Telepictures for her very own daily talk show! At age 20, the singer/actress will be the youngest talk show host in TV history. A record like this hasn't been achieved since Ricki Lake first hit the scene with her show and she was only 25 years old.  The idea stemmed from Palmer's and fans' interactions on social media. 

“I like to read quotes that touch on how I am feeling,” she said. “If I am dealing with confusion, I will read quotes about clarity and peace of mind. I started posting these quotes on my Twitter page, and the fans responded so positively! I realized that many of them were dealing with similar issues, and the quotes helped to open up a genuine dialogue between us.”

Aimed at young adults, the show is set to cover topics such as fashion, pop culture, social issues, sex as well as feature celebrity interviews, street segments and  undercover gags. The Keke Palmer Project, the alleged name of the show, is set to air in July.

I am really happy and excited for her! There has been a lot of ratchetness all over television with no signs of slowing down. Hearing this was like a breath of fresh air because we need more positive, Black women to be showcased! I am looking forward to this show and will set my DVR to record it if I have to (more than likely since most talk shows happen while I'm at work anyways). But most definitely two snaps for Miss Keke Palmer!

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.

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