Sway.com Coming This Fall!

Hmm. So, a new site called Sway.com is come this fall. This is a site that will give its members access to cute dresses everyday. I'm thinking it might be the youth version of Gilt Groupe, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Thoughts?

XOXO

MUST WATCH: Mahogany Starring Diana Ross

Over the weekend, I was aimlessly flipping the TV channels when I stumbled upon a familiar face wearing a chic camel trench coat paired with a burgundy scarf and sweater. That familiar face was none other than Diana Ross. I could instantly tell what I feasted my eyes on was a movie that was set in the 1970s. My channel changing spastic finger stopped. Mahogany was the name of the film. Secretly for the past month, I've been on a Diana Ross kick. I don't know why (Seriously). Her and BoA are my go-to stations on Pandora. But yes, I've been on a DR diva kick, so I was super excited to sit and watch the entire film.

For those who don't know, Mahogany is about Tracy (Diana Ross) who is an aspiring fashion designer. Her dreams take her to Rome where she is then pushed into a whirlwind known as the fashion industry, leaving her humble abode in Chicago. "Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with" was the underlined meaning of the entire movie. All in all, it's a must watch. If not for the actual storyline, then for the decadent fashion that Diana Ross dons.

Begin watching it below. My orders.

Source: YouTube

XOXO

Elephants in Fashion: June 2009 Vogue UK with Daria Werbowy

I don't know how I stumble upon these editorials with my favorite animal in the whole widest world (the last three words bring me back to childhood), the Elephant, but I'm glad I do! The image below is a snippet from an editorial with Daria Werbowy for the June 2009 issue of Vogue UK. It takes place in India and is appropriately titled Indian Summer. Check out the rest of the spread by clicking here.

Source: Fashionising.com



xoxo


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H&M's Style Eye Premiere Episode

Source: YouTube

Last week, H&M debuted the first episode in their Style Eye series. I LOVE H&M! I think the store has a lot of great items that will help someone young at heart hone their sense of style. The series follows three friends, who each have a different taste for fashion, shop around H&M and find  pieces that fit their personal style; showing, that you can define your style at H&M!

xoxo

Channeling Jackie O

As I slipped on my sweet potato-colored shift dress, gold flower pearl earrings, bone-colored peep toe platform pumps, pearl/gold hair clip and elephant pin, I couldn't help but be astonished at the fact that my junior year of college was coming to a close. I thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm forgetting my ring and bracelet!" -- Ha. No. -- I actually thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm a summer away from finishing my college career (unless I decide to go to Grad school) and I'm preparing for my 2nd to last Student Government Association formal as an undergrad." Gallivanting around campus and basking in my new life venture as a "college kid" seemed like it was just yesterday. Freshman year, where did you go?

The formal was Friday and I decided to channel Jackie O. I've always considered my style to be inspired by the 1960's, so it felt right to don the orange frock to the left. The dress is from Target's Merona Collection, which I absolutely love. I've grown to be a big fan of the Merona brand from Target, especially the dresses. All the dresses are always classically chic and can be dressed up or dressed down.

Anyway, I paired the tangy dress with mostly gold and light-colored accessories. I didn't want to look too Halloween-like so I made sure to sport bone-colored pumps from Aldo and my bag is from Zara. The only thing I regret about the outfit is not ironing down the creases from the dresses fold. But I kind of think it adds to the primp and proper look, no? Charlotte York would be very proud...

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: 1996 L'Uomo Vogue with Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah shot by Michel Comte for 1996 L’Uomo Vogue magazine.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrition

Look what I found while surfing the web, or uh, procrastinating my work. Who knew this eye patch wearing Kill Bill star could be so glamorous! See the rest of the photos from the photoshoot here.

xoxo

Angela and Vanessa Simmons' Baked Goods!

As a total food (specifically cupcakes) and fashion enthusiast and "good girl," I am a strong supporter of Vanessa and Angela Simmons. I think the two of them are awesome role models for young girls, and I see a lot of myself in them. They are young, fun, wholesome and hardworking girls. Some of their sneakers aren't exactly my cup of tea (then again, sneakers in general aren't), but I believe that Pastry is just-right for their targeted audience. The girls recently released a new shoe called Home Sweet Home. Inspired by Dorothy's ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Home Sweet Home heels come in a sparkly pink or black color and are paired with flats. Meaning, each pair of HSH heels you order comes with a matching flat--genius!

Also, the Simmons sisters have redone their website! Check it out at LovePastry.com.

xoxo

The Sequined Beanie

I'm a huge fan of hats. On days when I roll out of bed with no time to do my hair how I want, I plop on a hat. I'm currently searching for a medium sized fedora in a neutral shade. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I was at a photo shoot back in October for my school's magazine and I paired one of the models with a royal blue sequined beanie. Truth be told, prior to the shoot, I never saw such a sequined head accessory. And up until Wednesday's airing of Ugly Betty, I was convinced a sequined hat, specifically the beanie, was a piece that should be worn by someone young.

Take a look and tell me your thoughts!




Christina (Ashley Jensen) from Ugly Betty in a black sequined beanie.
Photo courtesy: Modeny.com


Royal blue sequined beanie on a student model.

xoxo

My Problem With Dressing Like A Slob To Class

Photo courtesy: VSPink.com

The other day I overheard a conversation amongst students that made me scratch my head. I was at an unnamed office on campus at around 7PM filling out paperwork, with my back turned to the door. A girl who may have been wearing heels or something else flashy had walked passed the door. One of the Student Aides in the office looked at the girl who walked by, rolled her eyes, sucked her teeth and made the comment, "Some girls look like they wake up at 6AM to get dressed." This then sparked a conversation between two of the Student Aides in the office about getting dressed/ready for class. They all raved about how they take 10-20 minutes (???) to get ready. One said, "I usually wake up and just put on whatever is on the floor of my room." The other, who happened to be a girl, said, "It takes me 10 minutes to get ready. I don't have time in the morning to do all that extra stuff." They then went on to talk about how it's okay for college students to dress a little messy or slob-like to class...

Now. My problem here isn't so much that these students would rather get up as late as they can in the morning, throw on whatever piece of crap they please and rush to class. My problem is that they seemed to think less of the girl who decided to put a little more effort into her looks that day. What's wrong with caring about what you look like? Nothing. Just because you make the decision to put less time into your morning routine, doesn't make you a better person, nor does it make the girl a better person for putting in the effort. I was more annoyed that they thought it was okay and the "norm" for college students to look like a mess. I don't think it's okay for anyone to look like a slob. We all have our days where we decide to dress down and be a little more comfortable, but falling into the habit of not looking presentable is NOT okay in my book.

Personally, I don't wear sweats to class. Something my English cousin said to me once stuck in my head. When he came over to the United States for school, one of his first comments to me was "I don't understand you Americans and your collegiate sweats." And he's right. What is our big infatuation with wearing sweats and pajamas outside our homes? I used to do it as a teen, but now I see how gross it is. Let's face it, the way you present yourself, is the way people will perceive you.

If you choose to dress like a slob, fine. I won't judge. But if I choose to take the extra time to look cute, you don't judge either.

xoxo

RIP Alexander McQueen

Today I woke up to a text from my buddy Chelsea of PinkRockCandy saying, "Alexander McQueen may have committed suicide! ;(" I shot out of my bed and went to Twitter, where I found sources that confirmed her statement. This is so sad. Why do the talented die so young? My condolences go out to his family. I know how hard it is to deal with the death of a loved one.

RIP

xoxo

Already Fashion WEAK

Remains from my 5th box of Tissues in 5 days.

New York Fashion Week begins this Thursday (!!) and I'm already exhausted. I'm not only exhausted from thinking about my activities and work (because Fashion Week is actually work for me), but I'm physically exhausted from this cold I am battling!

It began sometime last week as a scratchy throat and sporadic sniffles. I watched it blossom into a full-blown cold, but thought I'd be nipping it in the bud with Mucinex. Wrong. Friday night, I witnessed my voice slowly wither away from my ground-shaking chest cough as I watched Dear John with my college cronies; the constant tears caused by the movie didn't help my stuffy nose either. I have high hopes my voice will at least return by Thursday, but until then, I shall remain silent.

I'm going on a bit of a tangent here, but you know what I hate more than feeling under-the-weather? It's having to take a sick day because you are feeling ill. Ugh! It's such a waste of a day. All I did today was sit in my room and watch Reality TV marathons on Bravo. And because I felt rather lethargic, I didn't do the reading for my classes. Meaning, I must do them now. I feel a pop-quiz coming on. Grr.

In addition, you probably won't see me blogging for another week. You will most likely see my NYFW related posts on TeenVogue.com. Be sure to follow Teen Vogue on Twitter to get the latest scoop from the Runways!

Now, excuse me as I delve back into the fiery pits of Dante's Inferno...

xoxo

Coutortured College Kid

Chanel Spring 2010 Couture
Photo courtesy: Style.com

Pictures from the Spring 2010 Couture presentations in Paris are filing in and it could not be at a worse time. I'm trying to exhibit some self-control and focus way more on my school work this semester. I am a student after all and grades do matter. I will say that I am in love with the Chanel Spring 2010 Couture collection because it's a lovely twist on the demur style of Chanel. I secretly see myself as a future Park Avenue Princess (aka Charlotte York from SATC) and if I had to spice up my conservative style a bit, I would stomp down the New York City concrete in one of Lagerfeld's electric creations. WOO!

Anyway, the Spring semester officially started for me yesterday, but technically it started on Monday. You see, I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make room for my other weekly activities. That's five classes back-to-back from 8am to 3:45pm twice a week--kind of like high school, except these classes are one-hour longer.

As I write this post, I'm in between figuring out how to buy all my books without paying an arm and a leg, configuring plans for the several clubs I'm president of, watching Sex and The City on TV and flipping through the Chanel Spring 2010 Couture collection. I think I'm a chronic multi-tasker. Would you say this is a good or bad thing? I think it's a serious problem of mine! Actually, I wouldn't call it a problem. It's a gift. If I do more at once, I feel that I get everything done in a timely manner. What do you think? Am I being delusional here?

Needless to say, I feel like I hit the nail on the head with my professor selection this semester. I finally have professors that do not make me want to pound my head on the classroom desk and wonder why I am at school. I mean, you've got to respect a professor who effectively mentions Lady Gaga in their lecture right?

Right.

xoxo

Artist Appreciation: Elise Fargnoli

Meet Elise Fargnoli. She's a textiles and design student at Rhode Island School of Design. She creates mostly floral paintings and hopes to one day take her creations from canvas to fabric. She claims Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, DVF and Betsy Johnson as some of her art-spiration, which is clearly visible. Elise will soon be represented by Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York City and will  have her first painting ever in London on January 20th for an exhibit with Showcase London. You go girl!

I have a true appreciation for art, as most fashion feens do. My favorite paintings are below. What do you think of her work?

Checkout her giveaway with my girl Xtina. You could win a pair of Havaianas flippy floppies!


xoxo

Blast From The Past: Tights as Pants

Before Lindsay Lohan made wearing tights/leggings as pants famous, there was me; a 5 year old budding Fashionista who knew that this trend would briefly take over the world.

The real story behind the photo below is that my father snapped a picture of me on a Sunday after Church when I was 5 years old. We were in Nigeria at the time and my cousin (who came with us) told me to just wear my tights as pants while we were changing out of our Sunday's best.  It also made it easier for me to slide across the wood paneled floor. And well, Mom & Pop didn't contest to me gallivanting around our house in nothing but tights and a blush pink top.

This, my friends, is the only time you will ever see me wear tights as pants:

My eyes are half open because I thought I was doing a "cool" pose.



xoxo

Meet Deb

Going away to college has so far been one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Truth be told, I just couldn't see myself in the Garden State anymore and roaming around the same old town with the same old people (with the exception of a select few) I've known for over 10 years. I've met so many wonderful people while at school and I've learned a lot about myself and from others. I've also become good friends with the most kooky-cool peeps.

Meet Deborah, aka Deb. She's my artsy/sister-from-another-mister friend. We met two years ago and have been friends ever since! I think we're so tight because we think a lot alike, she's blunt and isn't afraid to disagree with me on well, anything. She also says the darnedest things.

Deb recently got new sun glasses and a blazer that I think make her look like Yoko Ono. Take a look (the background is one of her paintings):

Her response to me calling her a mini version of Ms. Ono:

"I actually AM Yoko Ono.

And if you google image her, there's not a single picture of her wearing anything but black.

Which, I just realized, could mean she's perpetually in mourning.

Which is painfully poetic and beautiful.

Which is the exact opposite for why I wear [nothing but] black. Anti-poetic. Anti-statement. No statement is the best statement.

And so...

I actually am NOT Yoko.

Oh the irony."

HILARIOUS!

That my loves is my friend Deb. Who's your coolest friend?


xoxo

Music Obsession The Script Inspires An Outfit

I'm currently obsessed with musical group The Script. I fell in love with their music sometime around February or March of last year. The powerful and poetic lyrics from their song "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" impressed me immensely. A couple months later, their music video came on TV while I was with my friend and she too was instantly moved. We both became Script-ettes. Come December we saw them perform at Terminal 5 in New York City. I can't even describe how much fun I had at the concert. It might have even been better than the Spice Girls Reunion Tour. Yeah, I said it!

The band hails from Ireland. I've only been to Ireland once and wouldn't mind going again if it meant I would bump into my loves The Script. They inspired me to create an outfit that had a touch of rock. Take a looksie:

Kiss me, I'm Irish... Not.

xoxo

J'adore Jeffrey Campbell

I am in love. I am in love with Jeffrey Campbell... shoes. Don't get me wrong. I am still heavily addicted to ALDO Shoes--Footwear I can actually afford. I just desperately need the 99 shoes:

Photo Courtesy: Solestruck.com

And with my 21st birthday in 15 days, I think someone out there should get me a pair of these. My shoe size is 10--you know what they say about people with big feet!... What DO they say? Anyway, Jeffrey Campbell released their Spring/Summer 2010 lookbook. Take a looksie below. The site asks, "CAN YOU HANDLE THIS?" No. I don't think I can. I want. I want. I want! But, I can't... I can't... afford. Yet.

Photo Courtesy: Jeffrey Campbell

XOXO

My Family's Style

A recent post by The Sartorialist got me thinking about my family and their style. My current fashion choices are a sole result of my outfit decisions that were dictated by my mother and father as a child. I was given fashion freedom come middle school and on, but prior to, what Mama and Pops said went. Daddy isn't in any of the photos because he's a camera junkie and snapped all of these delectable pictures. Take a look below. My favorite photo (and current Facebook default) is the one with my mother and I taken in 1996.

Me & my older bro.


Me & Mama.


Meeee!

xoxo

Harper's Bazaar Talks Fashion (1971)

I've been feeling nostalgic lately. It might really just be because I'm about to hit one of the many milestones in my life--16 days until I'm 21!!

I stumbled upon this intriguing video that makes me yearn for old fashion times, when the true aesthetic of clothes making was really appreciated and it wasn't just about the overall look. There are some great coats showcased and I am in need of a new wool coat. Preferably Red. Any suggestions? One thing that also stuck out to me in the video is that the blazer will clearly never go out of style! The lovely lady interviewing the high-ed American designers is China Michado,  former Harper’s Creative Director. She visits Betsey Johnson, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, Halston, Anne Klein and others. It's a MUST watch!

Watch Harpers Bazaar Talks Fashion (1971) in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

xoxo

Kelly Cutrone. You Are My Hero.

Photo Courtesy: WWD

Kelly Cutrone is coming out with a book and I could not be happier. I love people who give it to you straight, as I am the same way, and I admire Cutrone for the very same reason. In addition, she is a self-made woman and a self-proclaiming "Mama Wolf." Power to the female! In her interview with WWD, she says her book “covers everything from marriages to relationships to jobs to….Even Ashley Dupré makes a little appearance in my book.” Cutrone wrote the book amidst shooting two reality TV shows and running three offices. Can you say Super Woman? My inner feminist really hopes she and her book empowers many young women to go out there and achieve their dreams.

xoxo

P.S. Check out this raw footage of her by ASVOF speaking about the book: