A Diva State of Mind

Football season is here and I love it! It’s the time of year to enjoy tailgates, show our school spirit at a college game and rock our favorite jersey on game day Sunday. What should be left out of this football equation are stilettos along with the mini skirt and short shorts.  

I attended a football game a few weeks ago and ladies were walking around in some outrageous, “doing the most” outfits.  Ladies looked like they were ready to attend a party instead of a football game. 

I never understood why females dressed up to attend a football game.  Well I take that back; I know WHY they do, but don’t they realize they are doing too much?  Ladies, if you’re trying to impress a player on the field, he won’t notice you from the stands. He SHOULD be focusing on the game and not worrying about who’s in the stands wearing what.

In theory it may make sense to dress up for a game because guys attend football games so you have the opportunity to catch someone’s eye.  But to me, I think a guy would like to see a girl who was into the football spirit, rocking her favorite team’s jersey or t-shirt.  When you walk around looking like you’re going to The Park instead of FedEx Field, you’re giving off the vibe that you can’t be laid back and enjoy the game and atmosphere. You look like you’re there only to try and impress someone (believe me ladies, it’s a plus if you can just chill out and enjoy football like everyone else). Fellas, am I wrong?

I’m not suggesting every female attend a game in sneakers and loose jeans. You can rock a jersey, t-shirt or nice top with skinny jeans and flats (or flat boots) without screaming “I’m trying really hard to get attention.” 

Some people may even rock a t-shirt or jersey with jeans and heels.  For me, that’s still doing a lot. If I have to walk around getting snacks, stand in line for the rest room and go up and down stairs at a stadium, doing so in stilettos just won’t cut it. And as a women who loves heels, if I could rock them all the time I would. But at a football game is neither the time nor the place.

Save the sexy heels and your mini skirt for the after party or a night out on the town, when guys really take notice.

Photo: AceShowBiz

Designer Dana Greaves, “one of the District’s most promising design talents,” will be showcasing her work by celebrating the grand opening of her new pop-up-shop ARTAYA on Saturday, October 30^th.  The showcase is FREE, open to the public and begins at 7pm.

Co-hosted by Industry Gallery and Conner Contemporary Art, the grand opening event will take place at Industry Gallery (1358 Flordia Ave NE, WDC) and showcase ARTAYA Spring 2011 Collection.  The event will feature music by DJ Tj, passed giveaways, complimentary drinks and a special performance by recording artist Carolyn Malachi. Attendees can also purchase jewelry, art and pieces from the current Fall ARTAYA Collection.

ARTAYA is a collection designed with artistic, modern and multicultural consideration. The pop-up-shop is located in Georgetown at 1425 Wisconsin Ave NW (between N P St & N O St) Washington, DC 20007.

If you’re one who loves fashion and loves shopping in “non-traditional” retail stores, you should definitely attend this showcase and check out Fall and Spring ARTAYA Collections!

PLEASE RSVP to [email protected]

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, A Diva State of Mind and Urbane Lifestyle and Entertainment Group present The PINK Party! 

The event, sponsored by Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, will honor those who have been affected by breast cancer. Representatives from the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be in attendance to offer information and donation options (I encourage all of us to make a donation, no matter the dollar amount).

The PINK Party will be at The Park at Fourteenth THIS THURSDAY, October 21st from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.  Specials include $5 Ciroc drinks.

The host committee includes:

Keri Henderson, Jamila Walker, Jessica Maddox, Miah Tyree, Kristen Johnson, Kiara Jewette, Brittany Jackson, Lielte Estifanos, Chelsea Phiilips, Christine Walker, Jayne Kennedy, Ashlee Chin, Ashley Gilmore, Nzinga Smith, Monica Faulkner, Kate Quander, Eskedar Melaku, Jessica Thorpe, Ra Williams, Jackay Henderson, Shaina White, Sydney Potter, Shatira Gilmore, Yodit Gebreyes

Please RSVP at urbaneworldwide.com/keri. Advance dinner reservations [menu] are available until 10 p.m. and can be made via (e) [email protected].

I hope to see you this Thursday as we honor all of those who have been affected by breast cancer.

The internet has been going crazy this week over the release of Willow Smith’s new video “Whip My Hair.” I finally had a chance to see the video and I absolutely love it like so many other people. Who would’ve thought so many adults would be jammin to a 9 year old’s song!!

I was anxious, like many people, to see the video. She doesn’t sound like a 9 year old and her parent’s willingness to let her express her creative side (her hair and dress) makes her seem older than she is.  But the video is very appropriate for young girls.  It’s just a fun, colorful video of people having a good time and that’s all it should be. And the dancers in the video work it!

While a lot of people like the video, a lot of people wonder what all the hype is about.  I think people are amazed that a 9 year old could perform such an entertaining song.  She is bringing something refreshing to the music scene. And I know a lot of young girls like her because to them she is  just like them.  Just think about it, we all grew up watching Raven Simone and kids on tv shows.  Those were our “idols” and Willow Smith has become the new “idol” for the younger generation. As long as she’s singing about something positive in a fun and energetic way, who wouldn’t like it? It’s a nice change from the same songs and 5 artists we continuously hear on the radio talking about the same thing. I’m sure it helps too that her parents are Jada and Will Smith too!

If you’re one of the few that hasn’t seen the video, check out below:

I wonder how many people are going to hurt themselves trying to whip their hair everytime they hear this song!

EliteDC Magazine is known for taking amazing pictures at DC events throughout the city (I’ve had a few pictures taken by EliteDC Mag), but there’s more to the magazine than just photos! The online magazine features vidoes, blog posts, a weekly update of DC happenings and host various events in the city.

The online magazine is expanding and this Wednesday, October 20th will celebrate the release of the Fall Print Issue.  THE RELEASE party will be at Layla Lounge (501 Morse St. NE 20002) from 6-9pm hosted by Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka. Admission is FREE!

If you’ve ever had a picture taken by EliteDC Mag (you’ll see an e in the bottom corner of the photo) then you should definitely stop by and show support for Anwaa and the entire EliteDC Magazine team as they celebrate the first print issue. I’m sure this is only the beginning of what we can expect to see from EliteDC Magazine!

Congratulations!

Learn more about EliteDC Magazine by visiting http://elitedcmag.com/magazine/ and follow on twitter at @EliteDCMag.  You can follow Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka @CirocNation

We’re almost done going through this year’s Fall/Winter 2010 Trend Report. Just a few more trends to go!

Just when you thought the 80’s were over….This year when you think of party dresses, think of metallics and sequins. We’ll continue to see jewels and sequins on tops this year as well. Another major sequins and jewels trend is shoes! I’ve seen a lot of shoes that are either fully covered in sequins and jewels or have jewels on the back of the shoe near the heel.

If you’re wondering where you can wear metallic, sequins or embellishments think a New Year’s Eve party!! It’s a great occassion to wear this trend! There are plenty of dresses that sparkle giving you the chance to stand out in the crowd!

Fashion Week isn’t over yet!

While New York Fashion Week and DC Fashion Week have passed, NOVA Fashion Week returns this month providing a fabulous lineup of fashion shows by DMV designers.  

NOVA Fashion Week (NOVAFW) was created for the fashion-eccentric consumer who lives for fashion and dies to see the latest trends.  An integral part of the growing Northern Virginia fashion industry, NOVAFW is exposing buyers and tourists from around the world to this “secret fashion Mecca” and all that Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland area has to offer both in fashion and international flair.

The event will take place from October 21-24, 2010 in HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER overlooking the National Harbor.  This year’s NOVA Fashion Week will benefit three charities: The Lupus Foundation of America, Susan G. Komen For The Cure and Baby Haven.

Check out the complete NOVA Fashion Week schedule below (click on the event link to purchase tickets)

Jewell Green Post Couture Fashion Show - Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 7:30PM

Kenny “KAS” Flanagan Fashion Show - Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8:00PM

Natalia Sanz - Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM

Aidah Collection - Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM

Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman - Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8:00PM

Elizabeth St. John - Sunday, October 24, 2010 1:00PM  - 2:00PM

Andrew Harris - Sunday, October 24, 2010 at 3:00PM

Durkl - Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 5:00PM to 6:00PM

Visit www.NOVAFashionWeek.com to learn more about the designers and fashion week!

Animal print is everywhere this season! From tops and cardigans to shoes and clutches, everyone can incorporate this trend into their wardrobe. Like any print, make sure you balance out your outfit. If your dress or top has animal print, then your accessories should be solid. If you’re going wear all black then spice up the outfit with animal print clutches, scarves and/or shoes. Animal print from head to toe is just TOO much!

Remember to purchase pieces that you know you’ll wear over and over again. This trend is great as an accessory (shoes, clutches, scaves) because these are pieces that can always compliment an outfit.

Along with over the knee boots, another favorite trend of mine this fall is fur!  Fur will come in a variety of styles, but the faux fur vest is is the biggest fur trend you can expect to see (what I like to call recession proof fur).  The faux fur vest is a statement piece and the great thing about this trend is that it is A LOT more affordable than real fur, so anyone can rock this trend!

There are a number of retailers where you can find faux fur vests. These stores include EXPRESS, Chico’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Rachel Zoe on QVC, and Bloomingdales.

I’m not a huge fan of kitten heels (although I own one pair and don’t really like them) but they are definitely making a comeback. I prefer 4+ inches or flats, but if you can’t stand to walk around in heels and you’re tired of wearing flats all the time, you can be just as fashionable in kitten heels.

In the past, these heels came across as boring and “old,” but these days there are plenty of styles that are just as fashionable and fun as stilettos. Numerous retailers sell kitten heels including Nine West, ASOS, Nordstrom, and Target.