Thee PERFECT dress for a wedding

Next June, I will be heading to VA for my friends wedding. I'm trying to find something to wear that is not too tight and will be comfortable for an already (what I'm anticipating to be) warm beginning of summer. So, I peruse online (I tend to go there first) and I find a beautiful Rachel Pally find at the Trend Boutique. This really isn't a plug, it's real life. This dress is absolutely beautiful and I must get it.

GQ & Half Naked

 

 

Between GQ & Italian VOGUE, Rhianna's starting to be very comfortable with posing with 90% of her clothes OFF.  Hey whatever works I guess, right?!

This ones for you Brad

This post is dedicated to "Bow Tie Brad" Stylist Rachel Zoe's too daper assistant, Brad Goreski. I love it, I wish straight men took this much style into their appearance. Honestly, I think that could promote  World Peace.

She gets it

Photos courtesy of Scott Schuman of the sartorialist.com

Food for Thought

They say "Don't judge a book by its cover" but how often do you first look at someone and create your own judgments about them within the first minute of meeting them?

THINK ABOUT IT!

The Nude Pump

After a quick chat with one of my friends the other day (hey psyche) about which shoes she should wear with a yellow dress, I immediately told her nude if she wanted her dress to "pop." I then decided that my next pair of pumps need to be a pair of platform nude pumps. There is something so powerful about a pair of nude pumps with a knee-length dress. Its somewhere between sexy AND elegant and I'm going to find it. So my mission has begun, I must find my shoes.
My fave fashion blogger, Karla from Karlascloset.com

Halle Berry

Little Black Headband

Gloria and Beatrice event... if you're in Los Angeles December 10th come out and support.
8478 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA (323) 655 - 2630

It's that time of year again...

GUCCI for UNICEF TIME!!!!

For the 5th Anniversary of the Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF, Creative Director Frida Giannini has commissioned acclaimed author and illustrator Michael Roberts to create a magical new children's book. SNOWMAN IN AFRICA, which will be launched together with exclusive Gucci accessories and a Gucci Gift Card to benefit UNICEF.

From November 16 to December 31, 2009, Gucci will donate 100% of the retail price from the book, and 25% of the retail price from the dedicated accessories collection and Gift Cards, to UNICEF.

*Please support this, the books are $25.00 dollars and it supports child literacy as well as international child advocacy efforts through UNICEF.

Gloria & Beatrice

A new line filled with pretty spectacular headbands is on the scene. Creator & Owner, Kristen Turner has turned the thought of regular head-wear into a glamorous and have to have accessory, especially for the Holidays. "Nothing in the collection is over $50 so it makes for a perfect gift and it's a great way to dress up your fave little black dress so you'll look great for all those party's and not break the bank," says Turner. And I say - what reccessionista and fashion savvy girl doesn't want that? Enjoy a few pics of a few items in the Holiday collection and make sure you check out the site, www.gloriaandbeatrice.com

SEASON'S GREETINGS!

My wisdom for the week

It's okay to dress up.

If someone asks the reason for such an ensemble... simply share with them... "I'm Alive"

Enjoy the week. Make it the best one by far.

Rihanna's Russian Roulette

THIS VIDEO IS EVERYTHING TO ME! Stellar return. Many kudos to her and the minds behind such a creation.

Dalia MacPhee spread in Glitterati magazine

ALL VEGAN GOWNS. Never knew Vegan could look so good, ey?!
Visit the site: www.daliaonline.com

Dee-Vah

Photo courtesy of theybf.com

Design your OWN scarf

We have a really exciting offer for your readers.

We'd love to extend an offer for your readers to design their own scarf!

The winner (selected by us) will have their scarf created by us as per their specifications and sent to them. We will provide pictures of the winning scarf (once completed in Nepal) for you to show your readers.

Your readers can draw or photoshop or create their scarf any way that is electronically transferable so we can read their instructions. They cannot copy an existing design directly but can made variations on an existing design. They can use our color chart to indicate their color selections on their scarves, located at:

http://www.tdmdesigninc.com/pages/color-chart

The scarf can be created from any of the natural fiber content that we use in our high quality scarves at Nepali by TDM. To remind your readers, we use:

1. Cashmere

2. Silk Chiffon

3. Cashmere/Silk blend

4. Bamboo

5. Cashmere/Bamboo Blend

Scarves can be designed by using style, dyeing techniques, weaving techniques and/or print designs. Length and width needs to be specified on the design.

If you are able to run the "design your own scarf" contest in November/December, we will be able to have the scarf created and sent by the first week in January. If you are not able to meet this time line, but are interested in a "design your own scarf" contest, please contact me and we will work within your schedule.

Please note that we have had quite a few requests from fashion bloggers/media to offer this exciting event so your readers will be included in a group of other readers for the final selection.

I look forward to hearing from you so we can set the final date for this event.

Kindest regards,

Michelle Baldwin

www.tdmdesigninc.com

Dakota Who?

DAKOTA FANNING, half way grown up and posing for Teen Vogue. Wild!

Glamorous at the Glamour Awards

Ambassador Susan Rice (w/ Kenneth Cole)
Tyra Banks
Zoe Kravitz
Liya Kebede
Gabourey Sidibe
Lisa Ling and Laura Ling

Rihanna was honored with Woman of the Year and looked absolutely stunning and then some. Post tragedy I sense she has become more humanized in the limelight and will connect with many more people than ever before. Congratulations. And congratulations to all of the women who were in attendance. Sheroes UNITE!

Walk like me

says Daphne Guinness in her Nina Ricci Shoes. POW!!!

TDM Designs' Bambi Grande Scarf

I LOOOVE SCARVES. Between scarves, broaches, shoes and bags (my top 4 favorite things) scarves place 2nd, very close behind shoes. Nonetheless, a semi-new scarf line caught my attention back in 2008. I learned of a scarf line co-created by 2 women, both named Michelle, based out of Maryland called Nepali by TDM Design. This discovery came during a time where trend was not just a word but a way of life in the world of fashion and clothes. As I read more into this line I found there was a purpose behind it and it wasn't just to make money. I found... NEPALI by TDM Design provides sustainable income to Nepalese women and helps weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them above market compensation and access to education and health care. NEPALI by TDM Design assists in empowering Nepalese women, their families and their communities.

Fashion with a greater purpose was something that struck me as remarkable. Sometimes us humans can be very selfish and un-willing to help others, but there was a reason why I discovered this line when I did because I was going through my own personal tribulations and it helped to show me there is still compassion and concern in the world. You may have to really search for it but it does exist.

I Digress.

So, a year later I finally have had the privilege to experience a scarf from the Nepali by TDM Design line. My Bambi Grande Scarf in black and white (favorite binary combo) is as big as it is comfortable. It is very light in weight and my first thought was this is not going to keep me warm but to my surprise it kept me very warm and did not hurt my neck. (Sometimes when I wear my scarves - all day - they can be somewhat restricting that my neck gets stiff) The bambi grande scarf did not do that. It is EXTREMELY soft which shocked me because it is 100% Bamboo. When I think of bamboo, I think of pandas and sticks (slightly ignorant but true) I would have never thought of creating a scarf out of it, but the masterminds behind TDM Design have accomplished the unthinkable. I would definitely recommend this scarf, especially with the holidays fastly approaching. This would be a great way to give to loved ones while giving back to strangers in need. It's funny because the design and texture allow for this scarf to be dressed up with a shift dress, tights and heels or dressed down with skinny jeans and riding boots. Versaility is what everyone should look for when purchasing key items for the wardrobe. I can add my scarf to that list and am very excited about it.

"Affordable, high quality, natural, eco-consious scarves – NEPALI by TDM Design"

and you thought your Moleskine was expensive

WELCOME SMYTHSON...

I came across Smythson looking at the net-a-porter site today. Right on the homepage, there it was, one of my many weaknesses, fancy stationery. Anyone who knows me knows I really enjoy fancy stationery, almost as much as I love Charlie Wilson or Anita Baker. So I clicked on the link only to find I would probably never own anything from Smythson except for maybe a shopping bag I luckily found on the street. This nice little "Fashion Diary" costs $"FROM 330.00" I think that's outstanding in a recession. And the "FIVE DRAWER DELUXE JEWELLRY BOX" to the left is a mere $3,360.00.

You know, I love my precious stones and items as much as the next girl, but there's no way I'm spending that much on what I CARRY my items in when I can spend that on WHAT my items are. This blew my mind, I guess if I had the funds to spend on extravagant luxury, this post may have read with a different tone but as for now my heart is pretty set. I am very content with my moleskine and my *undisclosed name* carry-on. What do you think?

Is that right?

So, on a recent trip around the internet neighborhood, I came across this photo on a popular fashion based website. It was a comparison photograph in which visitors could comment and vote on who looked better in the same dress just of different hues. To keep a long story short, the comment written by the writers / owners / administrators / whoever shared they thought Megan Fox looked more classy in the dress and that Amber Rose had "too much" going on.

Now, for my time, I think Amber looks GREAT in the dress. I like Megan Fox but in this photo she looks malnourished and belongs on a commercial late at night on channel 11 right before MASH comes on. What killed me about that comment is the lack of consideration that "women of color" (which is debatable in Amber's case) are voluptuous or we are so quick to be labeled by having "too much" going on. That's a hot mess. Who wants to see a stick parading around in a beautiful dress. People make the clothes the clothes shouldn't make the person, and in Megan Fox's case, she might as well come with the dress when ordered. A woman HAS CURVES (or should have curves, well some KIND of curves lol) therefore you are going to see SOME kind of curve or lovely lady lump when women wear fitting clothing. It's a shame that "main stream" media is so stuck in the barbie doll era of every woman should look like the broom down stairs in my basement. Quite frankly that's wack and I am personally OFF THAT! POW!!!

Looking for a stylish pair of wellies a.k.a Rain Boots

Hunter wellie rain boots are the next hot thing for stylish and dry feet throughout any city. Browsing around. I found Aigle rain boots, made in France. These boots are more fitted than your regular rain boot you may find at say Target and the riding boot style gives an illusion that you've just got back from the stables when in fact they are made completely of rubber. A stylish, tall rain boot with a pair of black, grey or dark blue leggings with an over-sized knit sweater is the perfect look for a casual but stylish rainy day. These boots are tailored and are just as stylish as the Hunter wellies. These boots are from Aigle, which provides outdoor gear to French sportsmen, equestrians and those who visit the countryside for pleasure. Yes, these are the real deal and are perfect for urbanites looking for a waterproof and comfortable city rain boot.

Where to get ‘em!

Retailers including Martin + Osa and J. Crew now carry Aigle boots. On the upper left is the Aigle Start Riding Boot ($103.20 once $129.00 at Martin and Osa), a plain black riding boot that is a perfect reproduction of their leather counterparts. On the model are a pair of violet burberry rain boots (upper right, $195 at Net-a-Porter) to show you how great skinny jeans look tucked into tall boots. On the bottom row far left is the Aigle Women’s Bergen lace up rain boot ($207.95 at Shoebuy.com). Again in the riding boot style these two-toned Aigle Jumping Rubber Boots ( bottom row middle, $199.99 at saddlesource.com) look like traditional dressage riding boots if you are looking for the Bon chic, bon genre aka French preppy style. Lastly is the two-toned Aigle Women’s Rubber Boot in Brown, ($149.00 at studentmarket.com).

photo courtesy of blackburn and sweetzer

Angell Conwell: Day & Night

Actress Angell Conwell switches up the look from elegant and classy to sexy and sassy all with the power of a dress change. Both dresses are Dalia MacPhee originals and Ms. Conwell wears both well. 95% of MacPhee's line is vegan friendly and is comfortable as it is eco-chic.

The Yellow dress is style 3040 "V" & the Black dress is style 3123 "V"

You're just an L.A. Girl

I don't know why I felt like putting this up but I did. I felt inclined and inspired. By what, I don't know but whatever it is, it's allowed me to share this photo with you. Happy birthday (again) to my friziend M. Headcase ( in the blue skirt). Good times even though we're getting older :/

How does this make you feel?

A shirt from Revolve Clothing

Intimidated?

Every young fashion savvy girl/young woman's dream is to be able to work with Ms. Anna Wintour, 'the scorpion'. This is just an EXTREMELY short peek into what it may be like to actually get that chance. Do you really think you could handle it?

Please click here for the video in its entirety.

BOHO magazine challenges its readers to 'TWEET IT FORWARD"

‘Tweet It Forward’
BOHO Magazine is Changing the World, one Twitter message at a time, with the launch of its World Changing Chick Challenge

BOHO magazine, everyone’s favorite new green fashion magazine, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with the launch of its World Changing Chick Challenge. Created to kick-start BOHO’s mission to change the world, one simple act at a time, BOHO is inspiring people everywhere to begin to “Tweet it Forward”, and start tweeting a good deed of the day on BOHO’S Twitter page. “We wanted to take the Twitter platform and create a revolution that gets people tweeting and challenging each other to do good things for others. It’s a way to get people to start BEING the change they wish to see in the world, and not just talk about it. Whether it’s dropping an extra quarter in a stranger’s parking meter to help them avoid getting a ticket, or baking cupcakes to welcome a new neighbor into the community, the key is all about spreading love to others in small and virtuously costless ways,” says BOHO’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Gina LaMorte. “Generosity costs nothing, yet has the greatest value. In this economy, people need to know that the foundation, Love, is all around them and that kind people do exist. It’s a new way of thinking, and that’s what BOHO Magazine is all about, a NEW AMERICAN SPIRIT,” LaMorte adds. Confident and free-spirited BOHO girls everywhere are getting involved in creating this new trend of kindness. And it’s not about tweeting your own horn, “We see this challenge as a way to inspire each other to dare to do something different out of their comfort zone. By simply being kind and spreading the love seed to others is essentially making an impact on society, one good “tweet” at a time,” says LaMorte. BOHO even envisions fellow entrepreneurs helping each other out as well through this challenge. “During these tough economic times especially, it is essential that we help one another prosper. I see women-owned businesses tweeting back and forth to each other, sharing tips and words of wisdom that will help them get through their common business day challenges,” adds LaMorte. And this World Changing Chick Challenge must be for real. ‘The “Tweets” must be authentic. We don’t want people to only tweet about their ideas, rather we want to hear real life actions people are actually doing. That’s how we can begin tweeting it forward.” says Glenn Wolski, BOHO’s Co-Founder and VP. Every month on the BOHO blog, BOHO will acknowledge a World Changing Chick that had a motivating, revolutionary idea. Participants will have a chance to even become featured on the pages of an upcoming issue of BOHO magazine. The best idea will also win a 1 year subscription to BOHO Magazine, and some exciting sponsor-awarded prizes. Want to immediately share your good-deed-tip of the day? BOHO is blogging, facebooking, and tweeting moments of positive change daily! The Fall 2009 issue of BOHO has just hit newsstands and offers 100% re-cycled, re-styled, re-used ideas and features for the eco-friendly fashionista, as well as a chance to “tweet” it forward. To enter world changing stories and tips log onto BOHO’S Twitter handle bohomag or the BOHO blog www.bohomag.blogspot.com

Desiree' Rogers : A hero in more ways than one

Not only is this African American woman successful beyond all thought but I was reading up about Ms. Rogers and found out she is a survivor of Breast Cancer. Coincidentally, October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I'd like to dedicate this post (and month) to this woman. She is far beyond just an inspiration to myself but to know that someone as smart and as powerful as she is is still human and still faces real problems is hard-hitting for me. We often see these people we label as our role-models to be super-human but to know that she fought and won in the battle against a life-threatening disease such as breast cancer is amazing. Desiree' Rogers - you are truly a hero of mine.

Desirée Glapion Rogers (born June 16, 1959) is an American public relations executive. In November 2008 she was selected by Barack Obama's office as the White House Social Secretary for the incoming administration, the first African American to serve in this function (via wikipedia)