Archive for January, 2011

Looks We Love: Black Boyfriend Blazer

A friend of mine hit me up on gchat last week to ask about blazers. She was trying to decide between purchasing a grey or black boyfriend blazer. I suggested she go with black. It’s a staple and she’ll get more wear out of it. She can purchase the grey blazer in a few months just in time for Spring. She then asked if she could wear a black blazer with black jeans. My answer: ABSOLUTELY!!!

A few months ago, I co-hosted an event at The Park and I wore an all black ensemble: Black jeans, black blazer and black top. It’s all about how your all black ensemble is styled that determines if the look is a hit or a miss.

So for those of you ladies wondering how to style a black blazer with black jeans, here are a few suggestions:

BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkxFSmhkX1lzNEJHVDZ1NlRKZVVBOGcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ Looks We Love: Black Boyfriend Blazer

 
*Black Stripe Wave Sleeveless Tunic (topshop.com), Goldsign Misfit Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans (net-a-porter.com), Sam Edelman VANCOUVER (solestruck.com), Black Military Satchel (metroparkusa.com), House of Harlow 1960 14KT Gold Sun Cocktail Ring (shopthetrendboutique.com), Gold Medallion Necklace (charmandchain.com), Topshop Boyfriend Blazer (wardrobeboom1.blogspot.com)

BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFktuMDFNMEVzNEJHZFQ0RG1XYWxoMUEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ Looks We Love: Black Boyfriend Blazer

 

*Hobbs Limited Edition Torridon Blouse, Storm Blue (johnlewis.com), Goldsign Misfit Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans (net-a-porter.com), Multiple-buckle Peeptoe booties (houseoffraser.co.uk), Collage-Large Light Grey Leather Clutch (forzieri.com), Khaki Filigree Cuff Bracelet (dorothyperkins.com), Flat Hoop Earrings in 18k Gold (3/4”) (bluenile.com), Topshop Boyfriend Blazer (wardrobeboom1.blogspot.com)

BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlZpcFg4a0FzNEJHVnQzVjZKZVVBOGcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ Looks We Love: Black Boyfriend Blazer

 

*Free To Live Tee (metroparkusa.com), Goldsign Misfit Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans (net-a-porter.com), Sam Edelman Dixie (lorisshoes.com), Black and Grey Python Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag(forzieri.com), Femme Metale Jewelry Eva Turquoise Ring (couturecandy.com), Dot Hoop Earrings (harrods.com), Topshop Boyfriend Blazer (wardrobeboom1.blogspot.com)

You can wear a black blazer with anything (black and blue jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings). Two staples like a black blazer and black jeans give you a variety of styling options; use accessories to define your look (edgy vs. classy).

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Looks We Love: Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show

head long 012411 Looks We Love: Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show

Rachel Roy is one of my favorite designers. Her Rachel Roy and Rachel Rachel Roy Collections are both modern and sexy with an element of class offering affordable looks for all women. 

My most recent email notification from Neiman Marcus featured looks from the Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show.  The Spring Collection features vibrant colors and prints, two very hot trends of the Spring season.  Ladies, if you’re looking to add a little excitement to your wardrobe, I highly recommend you add the Rachel Roy or the Rachel Rachel Roy Collection. I know I will!

Ruffled Blouse Tiered Watercolor Print Skirt Looks We Love: Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show

Ruffled Blouse & Tiered Watercolor-Print Skirt

Coral is a must have color of the season and one of my favorite colors.  This look is great for those who frequently attend events after work (you can opt to wear with a blazer or cardigan during the day to work). You can also wear this outfit out on the town during the weekends.  With this color, you’ll definitely stand out in the crowd.

Eyelash Crochet Sweater Lunar Reef Sheath Dress Looks We Love: Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show

Eyelash Crochet Sweater & Lunar Reef Sheath Dress

While the structure of the dress may be a staple in many wardrobes, I doubt many of you have a pencil dress in this type of pattern. I challenge all of you to add bold patterns to your wardrobe this season. This type of dress is an essential; the structure is classic, allowing the dress to be worn from season to season. It will never go out of style.

Printed Draped Dress Looks We Love: Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show

Printed Draped Dress

This is a gorgeous off-the-shoulder romantic dress for a date night or evening event in the city. The dress is black and white so don’t be afraid to add a little color (i.e. red shoes, turquoise clutch, etc).

Watercolor Print Dolman Blouse and Tropical Zip Pocket Pants Looks We Love: Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show

Watercolor-Print Dolman Blouse & Tropical Zip Pocket Pants

Talk about some hot pants!!! These pants are wool, but they are lightweight, so don’t shy away from wearing them this spring/summer. The pants are a great option for a tropical vacation. Pair with fabulous heels as pictured and gold earrings.

Check out the entire Rachel Roy Spring Trunk Show HERE.  You can also check out the Rachel Roy and Rachel Rachel Roy Collections at www.rachelroy.com

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Christian Dior Spring 2011 Haute Couture Fashion Show

The Christian Dior Spring 2011 Haute Couture Fashion Show created a lot of buzz last week (at least it did on my twitter timeline).  Pictures and video from the show that took place at Musée Rodin on the Left Bank in Paris were posted online and the looks are AMAZING!!!! I can only imagine what it would’ve been like to see the show in person.

Created by John Galliano, the designs for this year’s show focused on color and shadow. There are a few gorgeous gowns I can’t wait to see hit the red carpet.   If you’re a true lover of fashion, you’ll love the pictures from the show just as much as I did. Below are some of my favorites.

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You can view the entire collection and video of the show at VOGUE.

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Ladies, What Number Are You?

kim diddy cassie Ladies, What Number Are You?

Pictured featured on The BVX

One thing I appreciate and at the same time find entertaining is how candid my male friends can be. I’m not even sure how the conversation came about, but one day my friend Russell and I were talking about him and the various women in his life.  I soon learned that guys look at women in numbers; you’re either a  #1, #2 or #3. And since my homeboy was so willing to share with me this theory, I asked him to share his theory with all of you.  According to Russell, you’re either a #1, #2 or #3.  Knowing how guys view you will help explain their behavior towards you.  

In my 33 years of life (20 of those years spent dealing with women), I have discovered that there are three types of women. In talking with my friends and cousins over the years, I have realized that a lot of guys share my sentiment.  The three types of women are based upon a woman’s ideology in how a man must treat her. 

The first aka #1 is “wifey material.” She is a “one and only” woman.  When she’s dating a guy, she’ll be the one asking after a couple months “where are things going?”  You either want to be with her or you don’t; there is no gray area. If you choose to be with her, you are committing to a monogamous relationship. #1 is the woman a man must work hard to sleep with.  She views herself as precious and doesn’t feel that every guy is worth entering her secret garden. Now a lot of men in their twenties and even some in their early thirties may find dealing with this woman too much work.  However, she is ultimately the type of woman all men want to marry. She’s the woman that gets taken home to meet momma. 

The second aka #2 is the “potential.”  This woman embodies a lot of the ideologies of a #1; except being in an exclusive relationship is not as much of a big deal for her. She doesn’t mind just dating with a guy that she likes for a length of time without a clear definition as to where things are going.  Normally, one hears the statement, “We’re just friends,” a lot from her concerning a guy that she likes.  She tends to be a very patient, understanding girl so she doesn’t require a lot of time like a #1 (this is a bonus for a playa).  Depending upon the situation, a #2 will become a #1 and that transition is usually an easy one because for guys, they already know everything about the #2 and genuinely likes her which is why she always remained in the picture.      

The third aka #3 is the “jump-off.”  Aaahhh!! Forgive me I just had a flashback. What is there to say about a jump-off that we all don’t know? Nothing.  Simply put….she is the girl just to keep for a physical relationship.  She is used to not communicating regularly with the guy.  The only time they communicate is when he wants some or he might shoot her a text every now and then just to keep the lines of communication warm.  #3s require minimal time (a playa’s dream come true)…no dates, no long talks on the telephone and she is cool with this, but a guy gets entrance to her not-so-secret garden on the regular!

Now that we all know the three types, I must tell you that there is a caveat.  As we all know, there is no definite in life; not every woman is always her normal type.  Life situations sometime cause a woman to change her type (usually a brief ideology change).   For example, a #1 can act like a #3.  This sometimes happens when she has recently ended her relationship, but she allows the physical relationship to continue because: (1) she is comfortable with only her ex (2) its good….keep it real (3) she thinks the relationship can be revived.  #1s normally don’t act like #3s for too long (sorry fellas, I wish it wasn’t so too) eventually her dominant ideology will kick in and cause her to end it.  Also a #2 can act like a #1 or #3, but again it all depends on the situation.

I know many of you may be thinking, “he isn’t serious?” Believe me he is so serious; we’ve had multiple conversations about the different type of women in his life. I asked my other male friends how they look at women and this view isn’t uncommon.  Some even narrow it down to two categories, either she’s wifey material or she’s not (a jump off).

So the question is, what number are you?

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Jimmy Choo Shoes…For Men?

mens first picture Jimmy Choo Shoes...For Men?

Fusing modern British style with luxurious Italian craftsmanship, the Men’s debut footwear collection has a Mod aesthetic with a hint of a 1960s Mayfair playboy.A perfect balance between classicism and Rock ‘n Roll style, this versatile collection covers several moods of getting dressed with more formal styles such as lace-ups, loafers, slippers and rugged masculine boots. Trainers appear in both subtle and more eccentric materials.

I’ll admit when I first saw the headline “Jimmy Choo Kicks For Dudes” on another website, I was a little surprised and quite curious. After all, Jimmy Choo is a womens’ shoe designer.  But after viewing the pictures, I’m quite impressed with the new Men’s collection that will relaunch Fall/Winter 2011 after a nine year hiatus.  I think you’ll be impressed too!

OBE Founder and Chief Creative Officer Tamara Mellon states, “I am thrilled to introduce men’s shoes to the Jimmy Choo world. My vision of the Jimmy Choo man is one who exudes confidence and style whether he is an artist or an investment banker. The first thing I look at on a man is his shoes.”

jimmychoomen2 Jimmy Choo Shoes...For Men?

Biker Book - I really like these!

jimmychoomen1 Jimmy Choo Shoes...For Men?

Trainer - Feeling the hightops too!

jimmychoomen3 Jimmy Choo Shoes...For Men?

Evening Slippers

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Loafer

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The Double Monkstrap Boot

jimmychoomen61 Jimmy Choo Shoes...For Men?

The new Jimmy Choo Men’s footwear will be available July 2011.  Fellas, what do you think of the new Jimmy Choo shoes?

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Looks We Love: alice + olivia’s First Look At Spring

alice + olivia Trunk Show Looks We Love: alice + olivias First Look At Spring

It is barely 20 degrees outside and stores have already changed their floor sets to spring collections.  You know I like to wait until at least the end of February or early March to start talking about Spring trends and collections because it’s hard to focus on Spring when you’re still wearing sweaters. However, after I previewed the alice + olivia Trunk Show online, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to start talking about Spring now!

I receive email notifications from Neiman Marcus that focus on the latest collections, trends and in-store/online sales.  Last week I received an email that gave customers a look into the alice + olivia Spring Collection and it’s fabulous!

The Collection features animal print, wide leg pants, bohemian styles and floral prints.   What else does a girl need for spring?! While the online Trunk Show is only a small glimpse into the Spring line, it was enough to get me excited for the trends we can expect to see this Spring. Check out some of my favorite looks featured on the Neiman Marcus website:

Riley Blouse with Tie Erica Wide Leg Pants Looks We Love: alice + olivias First Look At Spring

Riley Blouse with Tie and Erica Wide Leg Pants

My name is Keri and I’m in love with wide leg pants! These Erica Wide Leg Pants are hot.  Wide leg pants are one of the most flattering pants a woman can own.  As you know, masculine styles have been incorporated in women’s fashion for many seasons and this look is a masculine ensemble that is polished, modern and sexy all at the same time. Wide leg pants look great with a blouse or fitted top and heels or wedges.

Printed Silk Romper Looks We Love: alice + olivias First Look At Spring

Printed Silk Romper

The color combination in this romper gives you so many options with accessories. You can pair it with tan shoes and tan/gold accessories or you can brighten up the look by adding a bold belt like the red one pictured above. The great thing about rompers in the spring/summer is that they are easy to transition from day to night. Rock your romper with flats and a long necklace during the day for a casual look.  Switch into fun heels, bolder accessories and a belt at night.  (I’m still trying to find a romper that fits me right. I’ve tried them in the past and they just haven’t worked for me yet, but it is definitely a cute spring/summer look).

Bridget Poet Bohemian Dress Looks We Love: alice + olivias First Look At Spring

Bridget Poet Bohemian Dress

This is a great option for the weekend when you’re meeting friends for lunch or going on a casual afternoon date. It’s trendy yet simple which makes this type of a dress a must have in any woman’s wardrobe.

Matilda Boquet Print Dress Looks We Love: alice + olivias First Look At Spring

Matilda Boquet-Print Dress

Don’t be afraid of floral prints this Spring. I’m the type that typically loves to wear black dresses because they can be matched with any color accessory. But a floral printed dress like this will definitely make me want to step out of my comfort zone and you should too! This is a fun and flirty dress, great for a summer night out on the town.  You can dress down for a day look by pairing with flats.

Check out the Alice + Olivia Trunk show HERE. You can also check out the entire Spring collection at www.aliceandolivia.com

Now if only the weather could be 60 degrees warmer!

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EVENT:Crystal Couture “Exotic and Elegant to Everything Everyday”

Crystal Couture EVENT:Crystal Couture Exotic and Elegant to Everything Everyday

For its third year, Crystal Couture finds a new home in the former food court at the Crystal City Shops at 1750 totally transformed into a rocking runway space with great lighting, a lounge and more than 20 fabulous fashion boutiques and designers each night from around the DC area.  From 6 PM to 10 PM every night, the space will be alive with a cash bar, runway shows, body art, makeup makeovers, and tunes from local favorites DJ Heather Femia and DeeJay Neekola.

Special guests include America’s Next Top Model contestant Bianca Chardei, DC Magazine Editor in Chief Karen Sommer Shallet and many more! Contemporary fashion designers and bridal clothiers come together to bring trunk shows, pop-up shops and runway extravaganzas. Designers include Ke’Chic, L~Shandi Designs, Thembe and Natalia Sanz; bridal clothiers include Elizabeth St. John Couture, Persnickety Bride and Occasions House of Bridal.

In addition to bringing great runway and retail into the hands of fashionistas from the DC area, Crystal Couture invites creativity with the return of the t-shirt design competition. Inspired designers can download a form from the BID website to submit their work.

Where: Fashion hot spot at 1750 Crystal Drive.

Metro: Crystal City

When: February 1 - 5, 2011 6 PM to 10 PM every night

Schedule:

February 1 - Host, Philippa Hughes, Pinkline Project - T-Shirt Contest

February 2 - Host, Bianca Chardei, America’s Next Top Model Contestant

February 3 - Host, Karen Sommer Shallett, DC Modern Luxury

February 4 - Host DJ Sarah Fraser from HOT 99.5 - Go Red for Women

February 5 - Closing bash hosted by Bisnow - The Scene

The Crystal Couture event is free and open to the public.

Visit http://www.crystalcity.org/do/crystal-couture1 for more information

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DMV Helps Haiti One Year Anniversary Concert

DMVHelpsHaitiOneYear 527x1024 DMV Helps Haiti One Year Anniversary Concert

It was only a year ago when the 7.0 earthquake destroyed Port De Prince, Haiti killing over 200,000 citizens.  People from all over the world came together to support Haiti through online donations and aide supplies (food, water, etc).  Washington, DC did its part to help Haiti by hosting the DMV Helps Haiti Benefit Concert at the 930 Club.  Over 1,000 people came together to raise $37,000.

To commemorate the DMV Helps Haiti Benefit Concert, the team has organized the DMV Helps Haiti One Year Anniversary Community Initiative which will include a concert featuring some of the most talented Washington, DC area artists. The concert will be held at The Warehouse Loft (411 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002) on Sunday, January 23rd. Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm.  

Concert performers include: 

  • Fat Trel
  • Kingpen Slim
  • Greenspan
  • Harmony Muzik
  • Lola Monroe
  • Bear Witnez
  • DeAngelo Redman
  • Amber Mimz
  • Alison Carney
  • Vince L
  • Kyonte
  • And many more!  

WKYS’ DJ Quicksilva will be spinning and tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.  100% of the proceeds will benefit Partners in Health, an organization that has been on the ground in Haiti since day one. For more information on the organization, please visit www.pih.org.

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Seeking Your Vote For Elite DC Awards ’11

THANK YOU for nominating my blog for the “Best LOCAL BLOG” category for the Elite DC Awards ’11. I really appreciate all of you taking the time to do so. Since you all stepped up to the plate to nominate the blog, I’m reaching out to you again to vote.

I made it to the final voting round and need your help to win! I’m up against very popular DC blogs so it’ll take a group effort to win this category.

To vote, please visit http://elitedcmag.com/magazine/?page_id=5708. You can vote anonymously and multiple times so if you find yourself bored today or this weekend, feel free to vote over and over and over again! icon smile Seeking Your Vote For Elite DC Awards 11

Again, thank you for nominating the blog. More importantly, thank you for being interested in the topics I blog about because I know you don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to check it out.

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Diva Spotlight: Katrina Bello - Singer On The Rise

This month’s Diva Spotlight is provided by J. Bennings!

Singer/songwriter Katrina Bello is an up and coming R&B artist.  A native of the D.C. Metropolitan area, this DIVA has been singing for as long as she can remember and has one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard.

After attending the University of Pittsburgh for 2 years in pursuit of a nursing degree, she boldly decided to follow her dreams of being an artist and transferred to Berklee School of Music in Boston where she studies Music Business/Management. Her ultimate goal is to become a recording artist and she’s making positive strides by recording both original music as well as covers of popular songs. She recently released a mix tape titled The Boiling Point which features some of her original music.

Raised by Nigerian parents, music was a major part of her upbringing. It was at the age of 12 or 13 that she realized she wanted to pursue music. When asked what artist she admires or looks up to she says “old school artists such as Prince, Chaka Khan, Tracy Chapman, and Eric Clapton.”  Some of her current favorites include Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Keri Hilson, and Melanie Fiona. She adds “I could go on forever because I can usually find something to appreciate in most artists. As long as they are doing what is true and unique to them to the best of their ability, I respect them.  We all have something unique to share!” She is a huge fan of who she calls “Beyzus” (Beyonce) and admits that Lauryn Hill is her by far her favorite artist.

When it comes to writing music, she finds her inspiration from life experiences. “I’m just passionate about experiencing things on my own and observing experiences of others. Maxwell said live first, create later.” She views songwriting as storytelling, and wants people to take real life stories away from her music.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to watch her grow not just as an artist but as a true friend. Her songs really do tell a story. Her unique voice draws listeners in and we can all relate to the stories her lyrics tell. So this month, let’s shine the DIVA Spotlight on Ms. Katrina Bello

Check out 2 of her original songs below:

You can follow her at @KBello, and watch her videos at youtube.com/katrinabello. You can also find her mixtape The Boiling Point at katrinabello.bandcamp.com

Thanks J. Bennings for your Diva Spotlight.  I hope Katrina’s story will inspire others to have faith and follow their dreams. You only live once so you might as well live on purpose!

pixel Diva Spotlight: Katrina Bello   Singer On The Rise
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