Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a blessed holiday season!!!!

My Wishlist

My wishlist is a bit extravagant and I wouldn't have it any other way.  These fabulous pieces will add the "umph" factor to any wardrobe.


What's on your wishlist??

Anne Lowe: Fashion Pioneer

Known as society's best kept secret, Anne Lowe is an African-American unsung fashion designer whose name will go down in history for designing Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding gown when she married John F. Kennedy in 1953; however, she also designed for other top society families such as the du Ponts, Roosevelts, Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts.

Anne was born in Alabama in 1898 and comes from a line of seamstresses.  Her mother and grandmother designed for the first ladies of Alabama.  She moved to New York and enrolled in S.T. Taylor Design School; and later worked as a commissioned designer for some major fashion houses where they took all the credit for Anne's work and her name was never mentioned.

Olivia de Havilland, Best Actress for To Each His Own in 1946, wore a pale blue appliquéd gown designed by none other than Anne Lowe.

Let's keep Anne Lowe's legacy alive by sharing her story with the world so that aspiring fashion designers will be aware of her fabulous contributions; her fashions can be seen in a permanent collection at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington D.C's Black Fashion Museum and the Smithsonian.

I have to admit, I had never heard of  Anne Lowe until a few months ago.  Has anyone ever heard of this designer?  If so, when and where?

Lanvin at H&M

 Fun window dressings!!

Happy shoppers (including myself) waiting in line.

Tutu style Lanvin dresses.

Red Hot-My lucky find, the last 8 in the store.

Lanvin finally arrived at H&M today and although I didn't stand outside in a long line for the 8am stampede at the Beverly Center, the store was still jammed packed at 3 o'clock when I arrived. The dresses that were left were a bit too over the top for me but I'm happy to say I lucked out and got the last pair of red patent leather studded pumps!!

Did anyone make it to H&M today?? If so, did you find anything good??

Hot Fashion Trend: Turbans

Chrisette Michele with her stylist, June Ambrose; both in funky turbans.

Shala Monrogue

Salma Hayek

Jason Wu Spring 2010

As a child, I remember my grandmother sporting stylish turbans to our weekly trips to the grocery store. She had such great style and I'm sure I get it from her and my mother. :-)

Turbans have been around forever but seems they are emerging again on the runway and about town with panache.  Whether your rocking it bohemian style or black tie, you're sure to turn heads.

Would you rock a turban?? 

Through Your Eyes

                                                                              
No one sees "Life" through your eyes!!

We all have a unique gift that makes us special and different.
Live life to your own rhythm and inspire others to do the same.
For additional inspiration, please read my fellow Black BeauTee, Myisha's blog, Free to be Bohemian Me!

Sassy Shoe Saturdays

I call these darlings, Witchy Poo boots and they are absolutely fab.  I love the suede, ruffles and that they lace up.  Would look great with an LBD just to add flair and edge!

Vintage Black Beauty: Jayne Kennedy

Growing up in the 70's, I remember seeing Jayne Kennedy on different shows such as Sanford & Son,  Wonder Woman and The Love Boat and thought she was so beautiful; who could forget her gorgeous mane?

Born as Jane Harrison, she was the first African American to win the title of  Miss Ohio USA in 1970 and was one of the 15 semi-finalists in the 1970 Miss USA pageant. It was rare for an African American woman at that time to be in the contest but Jayne changed all of that and she was the first woman to co host The NFL Today.

In those Jeans

Jeans are a staple in my wardrobe because they are so chic, stylish yet comfortable!  The versatility of jeans are immense and I love pairing them with classic pieces such as a crisp white blouse and some fun jewelry.

What is your wardrobe staple???

Black Girls Rock!

"Living Legend" honoree, Ruby Dee and "Motivator" award winner, Dr. Iyanla Vanzant were in attendance.

"Who Got Next" recipient KeKe Palmer with "Black Girls Rock" founder, Beverly Bond.

 Jill Scott and Ledesi grace the "Black Girls Rock" pink carpet look oh so rocker chic!!

BET Videos

 BLACK GIRLS ROCK, YES WE DO!!!  

Tune in on BET, Sunday Nov. 7.  Check your local listings.

Reflections

May we take time to reflect on our blessings and give thanks for all that we have (i.e. health, family, friends) instead of being hard on ourselves about the things we lack.  Often times we compare ourselves to others and if we feel we don't measure up to them, we think we are less than, this is so not the case!!  Whatever is yours, will be yours.  Stay focused and follow your dreams because in due season you will reap your harvest.

Hermes Goes Black

Most of us are aware of the iconic orange Hermes boxes and accessories but this Fall the Hermes Birkin bag went "Black"  with their new So Black line which is available in classic noir leather or matte crocodile with darkened hardware.  These bags are top of the line and has my name on it!!  Visit Hermes for the full collection.

Burberry Inspired

My Burberry inspired jacket from H&M.

Burberry Fall 2010

Jacket on dress form

H&M is my favorite new store because their pieces are fun and relaxed with a bit of an edge. This jacket is not too shabby for $29.95, considering it retails for thousands at Burberry!  If you like this aviator style jacket, head to your local H&M before their gone bye bye!

Hot Fashion Trend: Black Lace

Lace & Things by Deanna Jackson featuring a black necklace

Black lace is hot again and I love that it can be demure as well as edgy. I like to mix a sexy lace top with skinny jeans, where fun and flirty meets casual!!

Vintage Black BeauTee: Helen Williams

Helen Williams was the epitome of elegance and glamour.  Although she appeared in our own publications of Ebony/Jet, she was one of the first black models of the 60's to appear in print ads for mainstream America; promoting everything from beauty creams to jewelry.

Until recently, I had never heard of Helen Williams so I would like to give homage to her for opening the doors for so many black models that came after her!

Technology & Style

Yes, iPads are all the latest rage but have you seen the fashionable cases that some haute couture houses are selling?? I know...so chic & stylish! I'm currently attempting to win an iPad from a local radio station here in L.A. and one of these sleek carrying cases would be so....apropos!

Black BeauTees on the Runway: Spring 2011

                                     

Sessilee Lopez-Naeem Khan

Chanel Iman- Oscar de la Renta

Jourdan Dunn- Paul & Joe

Arlenis Sosa-Nicole Miller

Joan Smalls-Akris

Herieth Paul-Christian Siriano

Melodie Monrose-Badgley Mischka

"May our presence continue to grace the runway because our beauty & style are undeniable!"

Crown & Glory

The Afro is a symbol of Black pride and a woman's crown & glory!!
70's singer and novelist, Marsha Hunt's afro was the epitome of soul and glamour.
Simply gorgeous!

Sassy Shoe Saturdays

 I, like most women adore shoes so I started Sassy Shoe Saturdays awhile back on Divne Life Collection to highlight fabulous shoes. These sassy shoes are by none other than Brian Atwood, whose stilettos are simply stylish with amazing detail on the heels, literally:
1. Coffee suede pump w/silver python heel.
2. Nude patent leather pump w/black patent leather heel.

3. Mauve leather pump w/chain embellished heel.

 

                                                                

Shoes courtesy of  Net a Porter

Black BeauTees Book Review

In Fashion by AnneMarie Iverson is a great book to add to your stylish library, gives insightful information on different jobs in fashion from designer, celebrity stylist to a makeup artist; everything you need to know to break into the fashion industry. What I love about the book is that it gives a birds eye view into the lives of various artists and their testimonials on how they got into the fabulous fast-paced world of fashion.

A definite must read that can be purchased at Amazon.

Black BeauTees Designer Spotlight: Hemma

Business partners, Cindy Gaston and Edna Bissoon lauched their collection, Hemma, while studying in Ghana.  The two were inspired by the rich culture & Kente cloth.  The designers have added some kick to shrunken blazers, corsets & pencil skirts with this intricate fabric and since Kente cloth represents royalty and luxury, you're sure to look regal in each garment.

That 70's Flare

Tracy Reese' S/S 2011 collection was full of 70's flare with beautiful floppy hats, fun sundresses and what I call "Charlie Angeles" trousers. Tracy's collections are always girly, effortless and nothing short of fabulous.