INSPIRATION: THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

GRAND OPENING!!!! URBAN LEGENDS VINTAGE

After plenty of crazy nights and stress that would make most people yank their hair out, 

I am extremely proud to say that the time has finally come, ladies and gents:

Urban Legends Vintage is officially open for your shopping pleasure!

And in lieu of our grand opening, 

we're offering FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS to anyone in the U.S!

From custom-made denim cutoffs for the fashion savvy gals to rare vintage duds for the dudes,

Urban Legends is the place to make your wardrobe ultra-cool.

CLICK HERE to grab some dope threads before they're all gone!

Follow Urban Legends on Twitter and Facebook!

THAT GIRL'S GOT STYLE!:: SOLANGE KNOWLES

One of my biggest style/beauty/everything else inspirations is Solange Knowles, so you can imagine how excited I was to finally see her as Who What Wear's Girl of the Month! As a WWW intern, I got an early peak into the fashion closet to see all of the amazing Solange-inspired frocks, and I must say, I am very pleased with the selections of today's GOTM story!

No matter the scene, Solange always manages to turn heads. Whether rocking ethnocentric duds from Boxing Kitten, looking incredibly chic with a funky turban wrap--which has become her style staple and has caused a trend frenzy--or piling on layers that still show simplicity, Solange has got this entire fashion flair in the bag. She's extraordinarily daring and is a usual subject of high-brow critics....But you know what they say, if they're talking about you, you must be doing something right.

While the industry can tend to turn a blind eye to the concept of diversity and shut out people of color who are overflowing with creativity, it's so awesome to see a trendsetter like Solange be able to transcend all boundaries! It is 2011, so you would think that racial ignorance would be diminished by now, but sadly, it still rears its ugly head. However, I'm so glad that Who What Wear isn't all about the color of your skin, but is more obsessed with the funky clamor of one's closet! In this industry, fashion is what we all have in common, regardless of anything else, and I'm so relieved that I work for a company who embraces that! :)

Bravo Ms. Sol-Angel! :)

W MAGAZINE: KALEIDOSCOPIC HIP POP EDITORIAL

Stylist, Lori Goldstein + W magazine = Stellarly fantabulous. {Yes, I just made that up. lol}

The crazy mix of textures and colors makes the model seem to pop right off the page. This topsy turvy editorial  is a perfect culmination of Spring fashion.

And although this spread is set to hit newsstands tomorrow, I figured I'd share my 

early scoop discovery with you!

CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE: SPRING/SUMMER BEAUTY LOOKS FOR WOMEN OF COLOR

I've been wanting to try my hand at experimenting with color combos that have been dancing around in my head all Winter, and what better time to give them a try than amidst this amazing Cali weather! I've been anticipating buying some new beauty products--lipsticks, nail polishes, and eye shadows in particular. I've never been much of a glamazon when it comes to make-up because I've always felt it should enhance your beauty rather than define it. However, I've always been a fan of the fabulousness of it all.

As a young woman of color, it's hard to find shades that appeal to my dark skin tone. Although I like mainstream beauty editorials, I do believe that at times, they can be a bit unrealistic and unable to cross cultural boundaries. If you're just as obsessed with fashion magazines as I am, this lack of universal appeal can be depressing and irritating at the same time. lol Yet oddly enough, when I spotted this editorial from Harper's Bazaar Singapore, I felt as if the make-up artist snatched some of my ideas right out of by brain when I wasn't looking! lol Although the  model, Rudi, is much more fairer skinned, her beauty looks are phenomenal and can work for women of all shades! Deep purples, bright pinks, and shimmery corals, all paired with sultry lux shades that vamp up the eyes. AAH! I can't wait to try them!!

NYFW FALL 2011: INTO THE WILD

NYFW takes a trip to the exotic.

Animal prints, tribal fabrics and colorful blends are my absolute favorite parts of what's in store for Fall 2011. 

Though I've always wanted to take a trip to embark upon an African safari,

I don't mind settling for these eclectic runway looks in the meantime. 

NYFW FALL 2011: GLAMOUR AMOUR

I thing the glitz and glam is one of the greatest things about being a girl.

If anybody knows how to jazz up a gown, sequins, or a fuzzy fur,

it would be a woman.

NYFW FALL 2011: DARK & DAPPER

Crazy. Sexy. Cool.

No, I'm not talking about TLC. lol

Playing around with the ideas of androgyny and sultriness, 

New York Fashion Week took a walk on the dark side.

NYFW FALL 2011: ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES

With us nearing the 20th anniversary of Marc Jacobs' infamous grunge collection--the one that got him fired from Perry Ellis and yet launched him into being one of the greatest designers of all time--Joesph Altuzarra couldn't have picked a better time to debut his take on teen spirit.

Rich burnt oranges and dark olives, silky satin dresses with shredded hems, and fur-frilled parkas are all diverse elements that seem to work so perfectly together.

NYFW FALL 2011: IN LIVING COLOR

Although we're still in the dreary midst of winter,  the bright future of fashion for the year's end has made its way down the runways of New York City. Fall 2011 takes on a colorful twist, giving the finger to the blah mood that sunshine-less weather brings while not turning a blind eye to the furs, heavy layers, and woolen fabrics that keep us toasty.

HELLO LOVER

Christian Siriano, Fall 2011 RTW

Doesn't this just scream Carrie Bradshaw?!!!?!?!

This entire look has SJP written all over it.

If it weren't for the bipolar weather and the meager limits of my bank account,

I'd wear this everyday! lol

photo via style.com

HE'S A KEEPER

I don't know how I failed to mention how my Valentine's Day went,

but nonetheless, it was amazing...

considering the fact that I got these puppies as a gift from Kevin!

My first pair of Jeffrey Campbell kicks!

Aren't they amazing?

I still can't believe they're mine! ALL MINE! ha ha haaa {evil laugh} lol

This year, V-Day was all about simplicity.

Nothing too fancy, just a yummy dinner and some QT.

This gift was the icing on the lovey dovey cake,

and I can't wait to get my hands on another pair.

THE ICING ON THE CAKE

Tom Ford's S/S 2011 collection nailed it right on the money.And I'm loving the fact that there are so many cameos of some of fashion's most gorgeous gals...Not to mention Tom Ford, in all of his dapperness. ;)

AN EARLY GOODBYE

Gone, at 54 years old.

Fifty. Four.

That's so young...

Teena Marie is a legend.

And it seems like as the years progress, the artistic outlets that once breeded the revolutionaries, non-conformists, critical thinkers and articulate speakers are being cashed in for sex, lies, and idiot-tapes.

This is precisely why I don't listen to the radio anymore...

and I barely watch t.v., all because of the fact that there's a great lack in integrity that 

artists like Teena Marie achieved.

Old school tunes are all that I listen to nowadays.

It was in those eras before my time that music was a form of 

emotional release, profound intellect, and movement making.

Yet everyone is stuck on people like Miley Cyrus and Souja Boy. 

O_O 

Sad if you ask me.

Though I am quite young, classic artists like Teena Marie will always have a place in my heart.

And though she is gone, she will be truly missed.

I hope that people really take a look into her music as well as the countless careers of other legends that have seemed to disappear with the time, so that they know of the greatness that existed 

despite what we have today.

Here's a few of my all-time faves from Teena Marie! :)

Rest In Peace.

'TIS THE SEASON

It's editorials like these that make me all warm and fuzzy inside...

not only about Christmas, but about fashion.

Fashion Editor Giovanna Bataglia captures the essence of the Christmas season
in this Vogue Gioello shoot, photographed by Giampolo Sgura and starring the stunning Cato Van Ee.

Indulging in hot cocoa while sitting by the fire place in a cozy cabin is my idea of a perfect holiday,

not to mention being covered from head to toe

 in the fabulousness known as Givenchy, Dolce & Gabanna, and Prada.

For a second, I considered ice skating, but after some thought,
 I realized that probably wouldn't be the greatest idea if I plan on
making it to 2011 without any broken limbs.

I'll just stick to rollerblades. lol

Though I know Christmas isn't officially here yet,

no one every said we couldn't extend the celebration.

So bring on the furs, chunky knits, earmuffs, and mistletoe!

 

photos via fashiongonerogue

ON THE EDGE

Actress Kerry Washington covers the December 2010 issue of L.A Times Magazine with a look that is definitely a good way to end the year: with a BANG & an EDGE. 

Kerry looks flawless.

Though there's no doubt she's gorgeous, I've never really seen her in such a fashion-forward light.
Yes, there are her usual red carpet appearances for award shows, movie premiers, galas and such,
but she always looks so reserved and well....in my opinion...old.

However, this editorial gives her just the stylish touch she needs and is quite far from matronly.

INDIGO CHARLIE

CALL OF THE WILD

WHIP IT REAL GOOD

Soooo I love Willow Smith. lol

I didn't really understand what all of the hype was about surrounding her,

but after watching her highly-anticipated vid for her single "Whip My Hair,"

I've officially hopped aboard the Willow train lol

Not only is her swagger out of this world

--especially considering the fact that she's 9 years old--

but she's just so friggin' cute! lol

The entire time I was watching the video, I kept getting flashbacks of Jada and her dookeybraids in her Menace to Society days.

I'm so thrilled to see such a positive role model for young black girls.

Finally the days of looking up to rump-shakin' video vixens and risqué female entertainers

are OVER!

Now, black girls have someone that they can actually relate

to that promotes embracing and celebrating your individuality.

I really hope that Willow doesn't become a product of the industry like Miley or Britney lol

So I'll stand in her corner until she shows otherwise.

Aaah! This little girl is just too dope for words!

DEAR DENISE

The 80s couldn't have produced a more daring fashionista

than The Cosby Show's Denise Huxtable.

Her outfits of choice for each episode always had me in awe,

and even at times a tad confused. lol

Ethnic printed turbans, overly ruffled tops, oxfords, and funky harem pants

all intermixed with a bit of androgyny are just the tip of the iceberg

of Denise's unpredictable style.

So thank God for Lisa Bonet, Bill Cosby, free spirits and fashion savvy imaginations!

via WhoWhatWear.com

And since we're on the subject of imaginations,

I conjured up a few looks that I think are Huxtable worthy.

Bess badlands baja tasseled suede poncho:: Net-A-Porter

Basic maxi skirt:: Topshop

Suede front-tie waist belt:: Asos

Diane Von Furstenberg octavia wooden wedges:: Net-A-Porter

Animal sequin headband:: Topshop

Spitfire removable lens sunglasses:: Asos

Pepe slit studded bag:: Asos

Retro style slinky style bracelet:: Asos

Draped tuxedo jacket:: Topshop

Snake & bead tunic:: Topshop

Horn button tapered trousers:: Topshop

Feather trilby hat:: Topshop

Leather heeled desert boots:: Asos

Oasis metal sheen graduated fringe necklace:: Asos

Chunky metal ring:: Asos

Felt boater:: Topshop

Netted charms necklace:: Forever 21

Elizabeth & James cheyenne printed silk shirt:: Net-A-Porter

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania philosophy wool plaid skirt:: Net-A-Porter

Black bamboo tights:: Topshop

Double welt stripe ankle socks:: Topshop

Hegyi platform mule buckle detail clogs:: Asos

Owl ring:: Urban Outfitters

Deena & Ozzy architectural reptile satchel:: Urban Outfitters