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?

Blak Friday! Blogger of the Week

As a new comer to this competitive, versatile, vast "new world" we know as blogging, one can easily be intimidated. Kind of like being the new kid in high school in which all eyes are on you because you're an alien in their town but they can really careless if you come or go.  I have come to appreciate all the bloggers before me because this is not easy (I swear I lay awake at night just thinking about my next post. Nerd much?)! Starting off my Blak Friday: Blogger of the Week is Monica Awe-Etuk also known as Awed by Monica!

Monica wearing Ladyee Boutique skirt
w/ ReneeQ.  Intuma Belt

This outfit is what made me fall in love and click the follow button on Instagram! Its simple, chic, clean, lean and different all wrapped up in a fashionable ensemble. What's also make this outfit stand out for me is the fact that the belt and skirt are products of Black owned boutiques! A two for one, sweet! The belt is by Renee Q. Boateng and the skirt (yes, its a skirt not a long black dress. Love the illusion!) is by Ladyee Boutique. Her style is always classy and modern while adding an individual flare all her own. Plus she's the mother of two! I heard too many times where moms tend to lose focus on how they look because they're caught up on taking care of the family. So I definitely commend her for being on top of her game. I reached out and asked four quick questions to get a peek into the creative mind:

             

BL: What era of fashion do you relate to the most?

I would say for right now, definitely the 50s, I am obsessed with the midi, lady-like, meets modern trend.

BL: Which celebrity's closet do you covet?

 It's a tied between Solange ‎Knowles and Kim Kardashinas, they both get everything sent to them so why not lol!

BL: What is the one basic item every woman should have in her closet?

 LBD, the black dress is still the most important item to have, it always works

BL: What do you love most about blogging?

Expressing my personal style and style inspiring my followers.

Make sure to follow @awedbymoni, @reneeqgh and @ladyeeboutique on Instagram and give two snaps to Ms. Monica Awe-Etuk, blogger of the week!

"JODY!!" TPH snags the cover of Upscale

"Hold up, hold my phone...!" Did you guys see who is rocking the cover of Upscale magazine May 2014 issue? The gorgeous actress Taraji P. Henson and boy is she killing it!

Adorned in a Nicolas Jesbran romper the actress shows us that age is nothing but a number when it comes to owning a hot bod! Lucky for us, we will be seeing more of Ms. Henson on the big screen with the upcoming movie Think like a Man Too, two films, No Good Deed and Empire, which are in post production and another film, Term Life, currently in the works! Twenty years in the game and no sign of slowing (or aging) down!
Below are some behind the scene pictures she posted on her Instagram from the photoshoot. Absolutely flawless! Two snaps for Ms. Taraji P. Henson!

(I mentioned in my other post that I was going to the gym. Now I'm DEFINITELY going to the gym!)

Men in suits! Ooohh ohhh!

First off can I say how gorgeous the weather is right now!? I mean, it's still a little nippy but the sun is shining oh so beautifully! Actually makes me a little bit more excited to hit the gym (just a little, lol)!

Moving on, how many of you enjoy a man in a good suit? I know I do! Especially when its tailored for the gawds! Yess! Halleloo! I came across this picture on Instagram:

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

And instantly I was in love! From the red and white polka dot socks to the matching tie and the contrast of the deep olive green vest and pants. Attention to details is everything and this designer made sure of that in his collection! So of course I had to find out who is the designer! This is Rodney Emeka, the mastermind behind the menswear McMeka:

Rodney Emeka

The Nigerian designer was acknowledged last year as the winner of the MTN Young Designer of the Year award at the 2013 Lagos Fashion & Design Week. But would you believe that he started off with a background in Accounting!? Some people believe that once you start off in one degree or career there is no changing that. An irrevocable (my word of the day!) decree one must follow until the end of days! On the other hand, we have people like Mr. Emeka who breaks out of that mold and shows the world one can do, create or build anything if they set their mind to it! I borrowed (teehee) a few of his pictures from IG to share with you guys! But you can find more of his work on his Tumblr page and Instagram! If you wish to learn more about Rodney Emeka check out the interview by Bella Naija on their webpage. I wonder if he could create a woman's suit? Hhhmm.....

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection

Spring/Summer 2014 "Man About Town" Collection