Real Housewives of New York Re-Cap 07/16/2012

I've been watching the Real Housewives series since the original Real Housewives of Orange County aired in 2006.  I have to say that my favorite installations are the DC and New York housewives.  For the most part, the women of DC and New York are classy, and their interactions are realistic, understandable, and sans fist fight something rarely seen on reality television today.

So, let's recap episode 7!  

With so many members of the aristocracy on this season, taking the cast to London, was the perfect move for Heather to do in episode 6.  The London trip continued into episode 7, where Carole expresses her annoyance with LuAnn's tendency to "one up" everyone else and LuAnn's lack of originality.  I got a kick out of Carole and LuAnn's interactions.  Carole's choice to "one up" LuAnn with everything that she said in hopes of getting LuAnn back were funny to watch.  But the funniest thing on the show was the party that was hosted by Sonja's new special events company for Aviva and Reid's fifth anniversary party.  I was definitely underwhelmed by the party itself.  It made me wonder if Sonja even plans her own parties that we've seen earlier in the season.  Her parties are glamorous, with great food, good wine, and well considered guest lists.  However, Aviva's party was the complete opposite.  This party went off with quite a few hitches.  There was not a signature dish, as promised in the previous episode, and I couldn't put my finger on it, but everyone seemed slightly over dressed for what was ultimately delivered.  The most notable hitch was the entertainment.  The pop singer would have been appropriate for a Sweet 16, but an anniversary party for forty-somethings?  Not so much.  If you haven't seen this week's episode, please  check it out.  It's hilarious, and brings with it the weekly dose of manageable drama.  

- PB 

Beauty Samples Galore!

So, I'm probably late to the party, but better late than never, right?  I received a subscription to Birchbox for my birthday, and I've been slightly obsessed with it ever since.  Birchbox is a company that sends its subscribers product samples on a monthly basis in a cute little box like this.  Since redeeming my subscription I've gotten a number of perfume samples, tea, bronzer, and lip gloss! So, if you haven't already started using Birchbox, I suggest that you do!  It's a great way to learn about up and coming brands and new products.

New York Fashion Week (Thus Far!)

So, I told myself that I was going to try to wait until the week was over to do a blog post, but clearly that's not what's happening here.  There are so many wonderful clothes coming out on the runway for Fall 2012, that I just have to share some of my favorites!

If there's any commonality among the clothing from this season, I would have to say that many of the looks seem to be inspired by the professional woman's look that pervaded office buildings nationwide from the late 1970s to present day.  The looks are classic and the fabrics are luxe adding a bit of soul to formerly lifeless and monotone looks.  All Images Courtesy of vogue.com

With this 1920s inspired maroon ruched dress from Tory Burch, I can almost hear the music playing from Gatsby's backyard.  The form fitting ensemble is accentuated with elbow length leather gloves and spectator t-strap pumps.

 

 

This fall coat from Victoria Beckham's collection in taupe is gorgeous.  The combination of patent leather detailing and military detailing in the shoulders and button work makes this coat a winner in my book.

This look from Thakoon's RTW collection is fully of color and texture.  It's a little bit 1960s mod with the incorporation of hot pink and orange color blocking in the skirt, but the exaggerated bagged waist line makes gives this ensemble an otherworldly look.   

Here Tory Burch pairs a burgundy textured leather trench coat with 70s inspired plaid slacks.  Together with loafer  pumps and a floral chain link bag for a pop of color, the look is perfect for a Sunday stroll in the park. 

Soo, if you can't tell by now, I LOVE coats.  This gray wrap coat from Carolina Herrera is accentuated with a distinct belt and dresses up any outfit. 

This Week in Fashion

Images Courtesy of Essence.com

Halle Berry was seen cruising the streets of Los Angeles in a loose fitting sheath style dress with a natural colored rope belt and snake print gladiator sandals.  She accessorized with a large gray leather tote.

Zoe Kravitz is seen here in an ensemble reminiscent of summers in The Great Gatsby.  She wears a straw hat, brown round frame glasses, a sleeveless blue plaid romper, nubuck colored cross body bag and distressed oxfords with bobby socks to complete the look.  Daisy Buchannan would be proud.

Beyonce and Jay-Z arrive in Du Galle airport in Paris.  Beyonce sports a leopard print romper with an oversized pattern.

Selita Ebanks is seen here wearing a fuchsia cocktail dress with leopard print booties.

This weeks fashion indicates that animal print and rompers are still in!

Spring Prints

 

Image courtesy of the ybf.com 

Journey Smollett is seen here in an airy butterfly print dress.  She's paired it with pewter leather clutch and soft gold peep toe pumps.  This is a perfect day into night for the warmer spring months.  

Springtime in the City

Picture courtesy of Essence.com 

Selita Ebanks is seen  here strolling the streets of New York.  She sports a chic bob haircut, tan trench coat, leopard print clutch and snake skin stiletto pumps.  By incorporating pieces and accessories from the same color family, she has successfully combined two animal prints.  

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: A Big Heart

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

A giving and kind heart is the best accessory that a man can have.  Isn't this picture just adorable? 

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: Colored Suits

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

With spring on the horizon and summer around the corner wardrobe color choices are getting more and more vibrant.  Who's to say that this trend can't spread to what is considered one of the most formal pieces of menswear, suits.  Kanye is seen above wearing a red linen suit.  The casual nature of his outfit is emphasized by the black rocker t-shirt he wears and his loose fitting pants.  I'm not sure if a bright red suit would fly in the next board meeting, but as Kanye's indicated it will work perfectly at a concert, party or a night out on the town.

This Week in Fashion

This week fashion is all about embracing the warmer weather.  Stars were seen out in ensembles that reflect the warmth that comes after one of the most brutal winters in recent history.

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Jessica White was seen at the Purim Party at Prime KO in New York City sporting an airy v-neck ecru colored blouse with cheetah print leggings and brown suede booties.  This is a great transition look that can easily be dressed up by adding a heel, a blazer or cardigan and statement jewelry.

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Elise Neal was seen at Millennium Network event at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood wearing a neutral colored tiered tutu skirt, a pewter loose fitting sequined geometric blouse, paired with a tan bolero blazer with gold weaving.  She completed the look with nude round toe pumps.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Tameka Foster was spotted at an Essence R & B Star Launch event wearing a studded loose fitting mini dress accessorized with white peep toe pumps and a small pewter and white evening bag.  Her gold cuffs popped against the grey in the dress. 

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Thandie Newton at a London Louis Vuitton party wearing a floral sea colored shift dress with black piping and black strappy stiletto sandals and a pink multicolor clutch.  

As the Seasons Change: My favorite time of the year

Paris in spring time.

So,  I don't know about you, but as the sun stays out longer and the mountains of snow finally start to melt, I get antsy for warmer weather.  I've even bought a wardrobe of sunglasses in anticipation for the spring, and I rock a pair of shades every chance that I get; even if it is 30 degrees outside.  As long as the sun's out my shades are in tow.  I don't know if you can tell, but this is my absolute favorite time of the year.  I love putting my boots in the back of the closet and replacing them with flats and pumps.  It feels so liberating!  However, since I'm not in a warmer climate, I have to resist the urge to throw on a pair of sandals for a little while longer (unless I want frostbite).

Here are a few of my tips on making a chic transition from the bulky sweaters of winter to the flowy skirts of spring:

Embrace the in-between:  Try to incorporate some of spring's fashion trends with winter trends.  This way you will remain warm, but you can still look a little brighter than the duller days of winter.

Cardigans and Light Sweaters:  These are perfect to wear alone or under a coat.  They guarantee warmth without the bulkiness of a heavier sweater.



A sweater like this Foliate knit sweater from Forever21.com is perfect for the winter-spring months.



This nautical inspired sweater from Forever21.com has the cooler colors of winter that easily go into spring.

A dress like this Geometrical Shift dress from Forever21.com will take you from late winter to early spring. The 3/4 length sleeves and crisp coloring are perfect for the time period in between winter and spring.  Pair this dress with a pair of booties or cognac knee high boots, and you'll be ready to go!

When formulating outfits for the in between time, consider items with 3/4 length sleeves, items that can be layered and materials that offer warmth but are light enough for those 50 degree days.

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: Pinky Rings

As I was watching American Gangster this evening, I couldn't help but notice how impeccably dressed the characters in the movie were.  One thing that caught my eye was the jewelry that the men in the movie had on.  In this day in age, we often don't see men wearing any jewelry other than their watches, but I appreciate when a man has put in a little extra effort to find jewelry pieces that show his personality and heightened fashion sense.   Celebs like Jay-Z and Big Boi have been wearing the pinky ring to accentuate their ensembles for years.  I encourage men to take a chance and sport a pinky ring this season.

Image courtesy of theurbangentleman.com 

Jay -Z at the 2009 Grammy's awards show. 

Image courtesy of upscaleswagger.com 

Big Boi at a GQ red carpet event.  

"As If": The Cher Effect

In the past few seasons, what I like to call the Clueless influence has taken storm of the fashion world.  Basically, the fashions that were popular in the early to mid 1990s are resurfacing in shoes, clothing and accessories everywhere.

Image courtesy of Google Images

Remember the platform shoes that Cher and Dionne wore to class everyday?    A number of designers, including the European ASOS are releasing platformed sandals with thick straps and stacked heels, like the ones seen below.  

Image courtesy of fashionologie.com 

The good thing about the resurgence of this trend?  Stacked heels and thicker straps are more comfortable than the stiletto heels that have become popular in recent years.  Let's hope this trend sticks around for a while.  

Like Brittany Murphy's character, Ty, Rihanna and a host of other celebrities have been spotted pairing combat boots with a more feminine ensemble.  

Image courtesy of UpscaleHype.com 

Rihanna is seen below in leopard print knee over the knee socks by Wolford.  These socks are a nod to the knee-highs that Alicia Silverstone and Stacey Dash made popular in the mid-1990s. 

Image courtesy of UpscaleHype.com 

This Week in Fashion

This week marked a new year in fashion. Some of Hollywood's major stars were seen at various social events ringing in the new year.

Image Courtesy of Essence.com

Tyrese and Dahntay Jones at Dahntay's 30th birthday party.  Dahntay's striped bowtie and plaid shirt contrast each other perfectly.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com

Jessica White and Drake at a NYE party. Jessica's embellished cocktail dress stands out amongst the crowd of little black dresses that populate the New Year's Eve crowd.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Alex Rodriguez, Jay-Z and Beyonce at NYE Party.  Beyonce's wows in a studded black and white leather mini dress paired with bead bangles.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Malinda Williams looks effortlessly chic at CIROC's New Year's Eve Party in her textured patterned tights paired with a black ruched mini dress and sleeveless fur shrug.  

Can Non Celebrities Dress like Celebs?

Image Courtesy of Google Images.

Today, while watching 106th and Park, I couldn't help but notice Rocsi's eclectic mix of patterns in her ensemble. She wore a loose fitting nautical striped shirt, a graffiti-floralesque ballet skirt, and a gold chain necklace. As I was watching the show, Rihanna's most recent video, "What's My Name" featuring Drake came on. And I had an epiphany, oh she's imitating Rihanna's look from the What's My Name Video where she sports a bright red wig, black corset top, black and white stripped blazer, black and white color block gym shorts, nude pantyhose, orange ankle socks and camel colored "granny oxfords". This is Rihanna's signature look, and it works on her because she is a celebrity with a certain branded image associated with her, but does it work for others?

Clothing in the City

Image Courtesy of oliviapalermo.blogspot.com

Today, Fashionista.com reported that Olivia Palermo, star of MTV's The City will be releasing a fashion line sometime in the near future. The fashion release will be documented through the filming of a reality show. There is no word yet on specific release dates, but I am curious as to what the young socialite will be marketing in her brand. If I had to predict, I would definitely say that Palermo's line would focus on accessories. After all, Joe Zee did hire her as an Accessories Editor at Elle. Rightfully so, too. Palermo has been known to grace the red carpets and white tents with some amazing cocktail rings, necklaces, handbags, shoes and a multitude of other outfit making pieces. I can't wait to see her collection premiere!

Luxe to Ring in the New Year

What better way to bring in the new year than lavishly?

"A Fresh Pair of J's"

If you've been paying attention to any of the trending topics (TT) on twitter.com today, you probably noticed that Michael Jordan's newest shoes dominated the TT. #coolgreys, #michaeljordan and #butyougotthemjsthough were just a few of the most popular TT that spurred the conversation surrounding the footwear release. Michael Jordan fans have been clamoring for Jordan's for years lining up at stores in the wee hours and in the coldest temperatures in hopes of getting a pair of the coveted shoes. Michael Jordan shoe releases are more highly anticipated than Christian Louboutins and Manolo Blahniks combined.


I'm no sneaker head, but after observing the mania surrounding the release of the "Cool Greys", I started wondering if there is a way that fashionistas dress up their J's and successfully incorporate them into the chicest of wardrobes?





A picture of the "Cool Greys", a reissue of the Retro 11's that Michael Jordan wore in his final game in the NBA.




Ciara is a celebrity dancer and music artist that is often seen around town in her Jordan's. Here she is at her album launch party wearing Air Jordan V's "Raging Bull".





Picture courtesy of sneakernews.com


Let's break down how we can take tips from Ciara on how to successfully incorporate Jordan's into an outfit that doesn't include basketball shorts.

• A loose fit boyfriend jean perfectly compliments the sneaker. Since they are a bit "dressier", they are a step up from the normal sweat pant that is worn with tennis shoes.

• A fitted v-neck top. Adding a top that is fitted adds a feminine touch complimenting the loose and more masculine fit of the boyfriend jeans.
• Include a a statement accessory such as a chunky necklace, chandelier earrings or a large cocktail ring.

The New Jackie O

Eric Daman, the stylist for the CW hit series released a statement that Blake Lively, star of Gossip Girl, is like the Jackie O of her time". Needless to say, I beg to differ. If we're discussing the relevance of this statement within the confines of the show, I would say that Leighton Meester's character, Blair, has a much more classic style that closely resembles Jacqueline Onassis. However, Eric's statement got me to thinking who I feel is the Jackie O, style wise, of our generation. If I were to make a list, here's who would be on it:

Kerry Washington

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Selita Ebanks

Image Courtesy of zimbio.com

Zoe Saldana

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Olivia Palermo

Halle Berry

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Reese Witherspoon

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Thandie Newton

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Anne Hathaway

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Samuel Clemens would be proud. Tom Sawyer inspired clothing.

Yesterday afternoon I was watching BET's 106th and Park where the cast of Takers was featured.

Chris Brown wore a navy and red plaid blazer with cuffed denim shorts and toffee colored hi-top sneakers. This look channeled the wardrobe choices of some of the familiar characters in Mark Twain's popular coming of age novels, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Perhaps Chris's wardrobe choice indicates that there will be a peak in frontiersmen like dressing?

Image Courtesy of theybf.com

In order to replicate Chris's look,

Try this Ezekiel brand "Reynolds" plaid lightweight jacket from Nordstroms.

Pair it with distressed jeans and a pair of shoes like these Sand color Bally Suede boots from Saks Fifth Avenue and you will have a Mark Twain inspired look in no time!