style 'n the city.

The Hill's spin off The City is MTV's newest nicotine filled reality show. Lauren's working partner in crime Whitney port left lala land to set her sights in the Big Apple. Whit snagged a job at the fashion house of Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF to us fashion followers) along with an Aussie named Jay (think Justin Bobby with an accent.) The show premiered Monday, Dec. 29 and is apart of the new MTV Monday Night line up following Brody Jenner's new shoe Bromance. It seems that some of The Hills cast is branching out on their own reality show endeavors. The Simmons Sisters Angela's and Vanessa's new show "Daddy's Girls" will also be apart of the line up starting January 9 @ 1030 (can't wait for that one too.)

In the premiere episode "If She Can Make it Here," Whit goes on her first day of working at DVF where she meets her new co workers including uptown socialite Olivia. I predict back stabbing from her seeing that she takes an uncomfortable interest in Jay. We are also introduced to her temp roomie Erin, who is classified as a downtown girl. As Whit explained in the beginning of the episode, uptown girls are [stuck up] "socials" and downtown girls are care free partiers. Uptown, downtown... the difference between the two is like Sarah Palin--pointless. I'm sure Whit wouldn't categorize herself as either, at least I would hope. 

A second episode "The Truth Will Reveal Itself" premiered right after, which was a nice treat. Whit got to meet shoe mastermind Manolo Blahnik (who is an old white guy...surprise surprise) with Olivia, who wasn't shy from sharing her story about her first pair of Manolo's...repeatedly. But we really get to the drama when Jay is accused of hooking up with his ex, by jealous Alex whom Whit previously met in NYC for a job trip that still obviously carries some interest in her. Both guys seemed pretty shady if you ask me. Though there may be some truth in the accusation, Alex's motives for bringing it up to Whit were purely for hero sake, which back fired. What didn't was Whit's ability to be adorably decked out in short and draped dresses through out each episode. My favorite was her first day of work 'fit which was a yellow printed and banded dress that looked like it was designed by Ms. DVF herself. (She got approval from some construction workers when she was walking to work, LOL...welcome to The City!)

Here are some promo pics...

Hmm... wonder who's hand she's holding.

Love the dress...

L 2 R: Olivia, Whitney, Erin

Jay

One question remains, will The Hills still be alive for a fifth season?

Catch The City, Mondays @ 10 on MTV. Need to catch up? Watch here. 

a touch of color in vogue.

When I flipped through the latest January 09 issue of Vogue, with Ms. Pretty 'n Pale herself Anne Hathaway on the cover, I couldn't help but notice that this edition included more Black (and of course fabulous) faces than usual. Smack dab in the middle of the magazine starting at page 85 are famous African American figures that will change the future. Of course and obviously President-elect Barack Obama along with his future first lady are a couple of those people, featured in the Vogue Point of View spread. Beautiful portraits of the Obamas, photographed by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz were apart of the layout. I must say, Michelle looks absolutely radiant and regal in her teal subtly couture gown designed by Narciso Rodriguez (yes, surprisingly this is the same designer who created that catastrophes of a dress she wore during Obama's election victory.) 

Here are some of the pages of Vogue with the Obamas (I had to snap them because I couldn't find the pics online.)

Immediately following that, my two new favorite models, Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn are in a 16-page fashion story entitled "Magical Realism," modeling designer clothes from Marc Jacobs to Louis Vuitton. Iman and Dunn capture the idea of modeling with movement, making these clothes flow and flare with their tribal-like ponytails slinging in the air. These Black and ground breaking ladies are shaping a new mold and leading the new crop of colored models that will hopefully be more present in prominent fashion magazines, shows, and ads. 

Jourdan Dunn

Chanel Iman (appropriately dressed in Chanel)

Vogue Italia managed to dedicate a whole issue to black models, but who's to say that will stay consistent? I also couldn't help but notice that in this issue all the people of color are grouped in the center pages of the magazine where you can't miss them. Was that purposefully done to excuse the notion that not enough black people appear in Vogue? And once they are placed, will the next issue feature just as much, or more... or not as much... or none at all? Not to say that I'm not happy to see these faces of color (I wouldn't have thought it to be important to blog blurb about if I wasn't) but the issue remains a cloud hovering over the fashion world.

fashion designs for the first lady.

Coveted fashion designers from Michael Kors to Diane Von Furstenberg sketched designs for Michelle Obama to wear to Inauguration Week. The designs include beautiful ball gowns, suits, coats, and even dresses for daughters Malia and Sasha to wear.

Here are some of my favs (I have quite a few):

Isaac Mizrahi

This is my favorite out of all of the designs. Mizrahi's choices of fabulous fruity colors would look great on all three. 

Michael Kors

Beautifully silhouetted and royally blue. 

Diane Von Furstenberg

DVF has a knack for drapery and drama and knows how to capture the elegance of a woman, which Mrs. O has plenty of.

Elie Tahari

Another stunning silhouette.  I'm not familiar with the designer, but everything right down to the slick and chic chignon is right on!

Badgley Mischka

Another great color choice. The deep purple and jeweled detailing are definitely show stopping. 

One of the few day looks from the collection of sketches. It's casually chick and subtly patriotic.

Some sketches that I was not so fond of:

Christian Lacroix

The gown and gloves are nice, but the overly dramatic cape and patriotic purse is distracting. Not to mention he drew her scowling in his sketch.

Betsey Johnson:

Oh say can we not see! I know Bets is known for her whimsicality, but this is way too literal. And why did she draw Mrs. O looking dragish?

Take a look at all of the designs here!

rihanna graces gucci.

Songstress and style icon Rihanna collaborated with designer brand Gucci for its newest Tattoo Heart Collection campaign to benefit UNICEF. 25% of sales made from the collection will be donated to support the UNICEF programs that aid orphans and children affected with HIV and AIDS. Rihanna partnered with Creative director Frida Giannini, who designed the collection, for the ads shot this September in Milan. I intuitively believe Rihanna inspired the idea for the tattoo emulated adornments on the accessories since she has a solid collection of her own tats. The double page spread featuring RiRi, fabulously stretched out on what looks like a ring swing (pictured above), appears in the newest issues of Elle and InStyle Magazine.  

Here she is draped in a mauve Gucci gown at the Tattoo Heart Collection Launch event this past November. 

The collection will be sold from November 19 until January 31, 2009. Take a look at the TATTOO HEART COLLECTION which includes bags, shoes, a necklace and a scarf.

What do you think about the designs, yay or nay? (Take the poll!)

cover girl: mrs. o in essence.

Future First Lady Michelle Obama will grace the cover of the upcoming January issue of Essence Magazine, on news stands December 12. President-elect Barack Obama will also be on the cover as a separate issue. These editions are definitely collectors items, featuring a 56 page spread of pictures and perspectives from prominent photographers and writers. 

I must say that this cover gives the September Ebony Magazine issue a run for its money. Michelle looks amazing, and her ensemble is to die! (Finally an outfit we can rave about since the Ebony cover. Clearly the magazines offer stylists that know what they're doing.) 

Michelle Obama on the September cover of Ebony. 

Which cover has Mrs. Obama looking her best? Take the poll on the right...!

style snag: rihanna & selita ebanks.

when femininity met masculinity. 

  

Songstress Rihanna is a style icon for being fashionably fearless. Supermodel Selita Ebanks, one of the (darker) faces of Victoria Secret, obviously oozes sex appeal (its her job.) Both have mastered being subtly sleek with adding a masculine touch to their identical outfits. A slouch sleeved blazer provides a professional and powerful pizazz to the sexy simplicity of a slinky blouse with a fitted skirt and fierce heels. Though the looks are similar, Rihanna's graphic tee provides a playful edge, while Selita remains effortlessly elegant. 

Steal this look for cheap(er)!

Express Cropped Satin Jacket (opened), $118

Rihanna:

Urban Outfitters Heartbreakers Peace and Love V-Neck Tee, $19.99

American Apparel Micro Fiber Tulip Skirt, $28.00

Urban Outfitters Heirloom Locket Necklace, $28.00

Aldo Tarabulus Sandal, $70.00

Selita: 

Express Racerback Tank Necklace Embellishment, $19.50

American Apparel Shiny Late Night Mini Skirt, $32.00

Express Pleated Patent Clutch (Deep Aquarius), $20.75)

Steve Madden Sellena, $89.90

I am exploring my own masculine femininity with this crisp bow tie button up I bought from MNG by MANGO (think Zara.)

... very Sarah J if I must say so myself.

puzzle piece: hippie chic

It's a given that fashion repeats itself. The flannel shirt was revived from the 90's era, and now the head wrap piece, rocked in the 70's, is being resurrected by 21st century stylistas.

How to wear: The headband is a tricky accessory, but appropriate for fashion experimentation straying away from conservatism. It's the perfect piece to add some chic excitement to a casual outfit. Wear it straight across the forehead (as pictured above) for the ultimate hipster look, but push it back towards the top of the head for ambiguity.

Where to wear: This accessory is best to wear out and about, a night with the girls, to a lounge or a bar. It also could be worn during the day as well, but I would probably refrain from wearing it in the classroom.

Where to buy: Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, H & M

Celeb Style (take the poll on the top right to vote which celeb rocks the accessory the best!):

Chanel Iman

Angela Simmons

Lauren Conrad

How I Do it:

I'm wearing a feathered headwrap from Urban Outfitters.

puzzle solved.

the winning look.

The votes are in and the people have voiced their opinion. With 40% of the votes, the winning look is the Black and White belted and ruffled David Szeto frock with the White Louboutin Slingbacks. I accessorized with Vera Wang pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet along with a red Chanel quilted clutch. 

The runner up was the Black collared and bow wrapped Diane Von Furstenberg, with nine votes trailing very close behind with 36%. The Teal patterned and wrapped Diane had 24 % of your votes. Though the David Szeto won, I'm sure all looks would have looked beautiful on the woman of the white house, Mrs. O.

fashion mission for michelle O.

because mrs. obama is now our first lady, her domineering presence will be in the public eye a lot more. so inspired by her new and well earned position, I am continuing my mission  of making michelle O the next Jackie O. 

I came up with a couple of outfits that I feel are fitting for the new first lady. which one would be a winner? take the poll (on the right.) 

#1 Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoes: Chanel

 #2 Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoes: Louboutin, 

#3 Dress: David Szeto, Shoes: Louboutin

the winning outfit that will be determined by the end of the week will be completed in a set.

an essence of empowerment.

Today I went to an event called the Essence Young Women Leadership Conference with one of my good friends Tierra at the DC convention center. I anticipated going to this conference for some time and I have to say, I am so happy and thankful that I got the opportunity to attend. For more reasons than one. 

When I arrived ( I was a tad late due to confusion on the metro lines) the first thing on the agenda was a general panel session. The  Simmons sisters Angela and Vanessa spoke on the panel that was moderated by Essence Entertainment Director Cori Murray. They discussed how they built their fashion business and overcome struggles to get to where they are now. Tia Mowry was supposed to speak at the conference as well, but I believe the Simmons sisters appropriately replaced her. The girls' presence was more effective since they doing things that I aspire to do at my age. 

 Angela, Cori Murray, and Vanessa on the big screen monitor at the conference.

The Simmon's Sisters answering questions from the audience.

Angela and Vanessa did a meet and greet in the expo room next door following the session.  I was somewhat excited to meet them, not to mention, they were adorably dressed (Angela wore these hot pink plats that were to die for!) I sat next to Vanessa during an awkwardly rushed photo op (pictured below) and she complimented me on my blouse! It was funny to watch Angela, she seemed very fun and relaxed as she was randomly robotting and slouching on the couch sidekicking. 

Essence Entertainment Editor Cori Murray on the far left. Angela and Vanessa in between.

(Angela chilling at the expo lounge. Love her sparkled jacket!)

(Angela sitting in between two other attendees toward the left, and Angela is sitting next to me on my right. Tierra is on the far right.)

After the meet and greet, Tierra and I went to this workshop called "Real Life 101: Lessons Learned Outside the Classroom."  The panel participants were Essence Entertainment Editor Cori Murray, former Teen People Editor and author Amy Barnett, former Diddy assistant and Global Brand Manager of Sean Jean Capricorn Clark (also a judge on "I Want to Work for Diddy), and CEO Shante Bacon. Associate General Council of Time Inc. Rhonda McLean moderated. 

I felt so honored and proud to be a part of this session. to be sitting in front of these strong, beautiful black women who have faced so much struggle but still managed to overcome their adversity was so inspirational. they offered advice to us  young African American women who strive to be in their shoes. the advice didn't really pertain to business challenges, but more so how to overcome personal challenges. 

Amy Barnett at the mic.

Capricorn Clark at the mic (can't help but notice her Spike Lee's)

Amy Barnett offered the most inspirational story and advice. She opened up about how she dealt with being at a very low point in her life and talked about how her mother's passing from cancer pushed her. When she saw a picture of her and her mother, she had an epiphany: "No one is going to rescue me now..." and with that, she knew she could only rescue herself. I admit that I got slightly teary eyed when she spoke of her journey. I realized that is exactly what I need to do... save myself, because no one is going to do it for me. These successful women were sitting right where I aspire to be someday. I hope to empower several sparkle eyed young black women through sharing my experiences. 

Then, we went to another general session moderated by Jeffery Johnson. Most people would know him as "Cousin Jeff," but according to him, he got rid of the juvenile nickname. The panelist were Entertainment Executive Valiehsa Butterfield, Speak2Society LLC and owner Quinn Conyers, and Rahama Wright. It was interesting to hear Johnson's male perspective amongst the predominately female discussion. 

Jeffery Johnson's picture on the big screen moderator

Pictured on the monitor from left to right: Rahama Wright, Jeff Johnson, Quinn Conyers, and Valeisha Butterfield.

Cori Murray announced winners of raffles that the conference attendees participated in after the panel. Tierra and I entered a raffle that offered an opportunity to win an interview with Time Inc. When Murray was announcing the winners, a couple of them did not show up.  I was the last name (incorrectly) called and was one of five lucky ladies who won! 

I was so excited and shocked; I couldn't believe it. I did believe, however, that this was all a sign. Especially after I had attempted to get an internship with Essence, but did not follow through. 

This conference was an overall amazing experience that I will never forget. I am so happy that I attended because I  got the opportunity to be surrounded by all these beautiful strong women who strive just like me to be successful in all aspects of their lives. It also granted me an opportunity that potentially will bring me to my fate. 

Visit Amy Barnett's site and buy her book (which I just recently purchased): "Get Yours"