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...

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!" 

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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?

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!

MTV Movie Awards Best Dressed

Last night I had to make a tough decision between watching the MTV Movie Awards or a new episode of Game of Thrones. After watching the Red Carpet Pre-Award show with as much excitement as if the actual show was commencing I decided hitting the record button on my remote and tuning into GoT was a better way to spend the remainder of my evening. Besides, no one really take this award show seriously other than to watch the trailers for new-upcoming summer blockbusters. Plus, I watched what I needed to watch; the who, what and wear of fashion. I was so glad I made that decision because last night episode was the happiest I ever been with a show's ending! "Ding dong the witch is dead" is all I have to say to that! On to the best dressed at the MTV Movie Awards

There was a lot of contenders but I kept the list as short as the average length of a Hollyweird relationship. Starting with my no. 7 pick, Rita Ora:

Rita Ora is often a hit or miss with me. One minute I'm like 'Yea that's definitely dope!" the next I'm left like an anime character with a bunch of ??? around my head. But this black, low-cut gown by Barbara Casasola is a win in my book. 

Next is Jessica Alba. I was inches away of putting Jessica in no. 7 simply because I'm not too please of the shape this outfit gives her. It's almost boxy. BUT I love the color choices and the overall look she pulled together with a summery bandeau top by Pieve d'Anarchive, a flared skirt by Kenzo and printed Jimmy Choo pumps.

This is such a cute summer outfits Rocsi Diaz wore plus she's is pulling the monochromatic all-white trend quite nicely. Took me a while to find out who she was wearing (I guess no one cared to ask, ouch) but she is wearing Monica Rose by @loversfriendsla with nude Christian Louboutin pumps. 

Now for the top 4! I placed Nicki Minaj as no. 4 because she kept it simple,clean and dashed it with sexy in this body-hugging Alexander McQueen dress! I think this is one of her best looks to date! When she's not doing her caricatures and wearing her Lady Gaga-esque outfits I love to see more of this Nicki Minaj.

Rih-Rih!! This woman's fashion senses are off  the charts and I love her daring nature! This look, lounge wear couture by Ulyana Sergeenko, is feeding me Eartha Kitt from Boomerang if she was still in her prime! Fabulous darrrling! However, she's no. 3 because, honestly, if it was anyone else wearing this I don't think they would receive the same praise and/or reaction as everyone is giving Rihanna. 

It has been very interesting and fun watching Miss Zendaya grow and I'm quite pleased with her sense of style. She knows what works for her and this time isn't any different. This floral frock by Emanuel Ungaro, which is totes on trend, fits her tomboyish figure perfectly adding length to her slender frame. The slit as well as the ankle strap Christian Louboutins add to the sex appeal.

My no. 1 look for the evening was hands down Ms. Lupita Nygon'o! This colorful Chanel frock is vibrant and playful! You really can't help but to stop and look at the details. Pairing the outfit with sky blue Christian Louboutin (I guess CL shoes was the memo) added to the sugary fun of the overall look!

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

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!

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