Fashion Presentation: DEIVIE S/S 13

On Wednesday night, I was invited to attend the Uh-Oh! S/S 13 presentation for Deivie at the WeWork Lounge in NYC. When I saw the sparkly handgun detail on the invitation I knew I had to attend to see what it was all about. I sipped on delish wine via Yellowtail as I met Christina Mannino, Deivie creator and designer, and walked around her amazing collection that was inspired by the 1960's era when fashion met rock and roll. I have to say, the collection also had a nod to mod, and I must get the models' Bond/Barbarella-esque hair for winter (hopefully to wear along with her 2-piece white gown and skirt ensemble that I adored). And I loved the hand-embroidered details. The collection offered glam and everyday glamour, with day and night options.This was my first introduction to the collection and designer and it is definitely on my radar now.

Check out the collection below...

Shoes the models were wearing

Christina Mannino

Yellowtail sponsored bar. 

Deivie SS 13 line-up

Spotted these color blocked pumps! 

Had a great time with these lovely dolls!

J'adore: Mel Boteri Tasseled "Lauren" Clutch

Mel Boteri. Tasseled Lauren clutch. $525

Once again, facebook feeds my shopping addiction. I am a major fan of Mel Boteri handbags and when I saw them post this on their page, I stopped, stared, and imagined a life with this clutch. I am obsessed with tassels! I also love that this clutch is in black and white because it means it can go with everything. As a side bonus, it can go from clutch to handbag as it comes with a chain strap. Just like shoes, you can never have enough chic bags!

Mel Boteri. Tasseled Lauren Clutch. $525. Shop.MelBoteri.com

What I Want Now: April Marin City Ruffle Shawls

April Marin. City Ruffle Shawl. $89

A few weeks ago on facebook I saw this photo of amazing colored shawls and had to stop. April Marin is an amazing designer of not just shawls but of fabulous dresses and coats too!! I definitely need all of these shawls for Fall. And it's kind of hard to pick just one color, I need them all! I never really thought about shawls until my mom started sporting them years ago as a jacket/coat alternative. And now I am obsessed with the look over a pair of skinny jeans, boots, and a simple shirt or smooth turtleneck (with a handbag or oversized clutch, something you can carry in your hands). These new colors of the City Ruffle Shawls are set to debut next month.

Be sure to stop by the site to check out all of her designs and get a Fall shawl!

April Marin. City Ruffle Shawl. $89. AprilMarin.com

What I Want Now: Denim Shirt

I am obsessed with the denim on denim look for Fall. So all I want and need is a denim shirt to sport with my skinny jeans and a pair of heels (or flats depending on where I'm going). It's such a classic look that can go from day to a different kind of night (you can only dress up the look but so much). It's very american and can flatter anyone (if you matched the right proportions for your body). My denim on denim desire only intensified when I attended a rooftop event a few weeks ago and saw Kelly from Masque Magazine sporting the look. For me, since I am curvy, and plan on wearing the look with skinny jeans, I am looking for a somewhat looser fitting (and slightly longer) denim shirt that still defines my waist (since I always have to wear a belt with my jeans and can't wear a skinny belt on the outside of the shirt too). My search is on. In the meantime, I did some online scouting. When I find my shirt, I will be sure to post my look!

More Eddie Bauer...

Model Walk: Nykhor Paul

Shoe Quickie: Nicholas Kirkwood

Today's shoe quickie is brought to you by the later 'N', for Nicholas Kirkwood. These Erdem geometric-heeled printed silk-covered leather pumps are everything! I adore the whole mixed design of print with lucite with black. I can see this shoe with a LBD, or a pair of tailored black pants with a white shirt...the shoes are the sole statement.

Nicholas Kirkwood. $1,395. Net-a-porter.

Fashion News: Nene Leakes x ShoeDazzle

Recently, RHOA star Nene Leakes launched "Nethia" for the shoe club site ShoeDazzle. I am not a member of ShoeDazzle, but I must say I would sign up just for a pair of Nethia's (a caged styled lace accented bootie with a gold colored heel and platform). The shoes cost $39.99 and it is said that 100% of the proceeds will go to Saving Our Daughters, a non-profit organization for teen girls to spark positive activism. Nene, by the way, was wearing a $1,950 “Zuzanna” Foil Print Coated Bandage Dress from Hervé Léger’s Spring 2012 collection.

What do you think about "Nethia"?

"Nethia". $39.99. ShoeDazzle.com

Here is Nene sporting her own design with Basketball Wives star, Jennifer Williams.

Nene and Jennifer.

Obsessed: Smoking Flats

Breckelle's leopard spiked smoking flats. $12.99. Burlington.

I have been obsessed with smoking flats for a long time now. Finally I own a pair. I bought a pair of spiked leopard print smoking flats from Burlington Coat Factory last week (in DE) for just $12.99. Whoever said you can't be stylish and budget savvy is wrong. Smoking flats, which used to be confined to the bedroom or if you're Hugh Hefner, are now in mainstream fashion. They're comfy chic and are perfect with rolled up/cuffed skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, or shorts + a tee (and a blazer depending on the weather and look).

Well you know I always do my sole searching for you dolls too. No matter your budget or style, you can find a pair of smoking flats too. Get 'em while they're hot.

More Steve Madden...

Will you be wearing smoking flats?

What I Wore: Sunday Session

So I really want to do more style posts on the site. Unfortch, I don't have a photog with me 24/7...but I deal. Sundays are always my dress up days. Today I decided to go two-tone color blocking, but add a dash of color here and there with my shoes and accessories. And I was dying to rock this dress...as I just bought it last week at T.J. Maxx. I swear I can't hold onto anything new for long periods of time.

Here's a break-down of what I wore:

Dress: London Times. $29.99. T.J Maxx (in DE)
Shoes: G by Guess. $34.99. DSW
Bag: Foxcrow Philosophy. Gifted. (one of my fave handbags)
Sunglasses: Oakley. Gifted.
Ring: House of Harlow 1960. Gifted (by my aunt). Nordstrom.

P.S. Pardon me not smiling. I was snapped before I could smile. And the other photos didn't come out as well. You know how that goes.

So, how do I look?

Shoe Quickie: MAX BIANCO

It's no secret that I love shoes. And when I come across a pair that make me stop, I have to share them with you. Today's shoe loving moment is brought to you by MAX BIANCO. While there is nothing outlandish with this pair, it is the yellow and deep purple combo that have me swooning. First of all, you can never have too many pumps. Second, this is color blocking for Fall done right. And third, they are just the right type of girly and strength. With a change of season right around the corner, these shoes don't have that weigh me down feeling and make me think summer while being appropriate for fall/winter.

MAX BIANCO. $155. Platform Pumps. Yoox.com

Model Walk: Devanie Gobir

What I Wore: Summer Prep

Last week I went away for a little R&R...which was just way over due. The last night before I left (this past Tuesday) I had a ladies night and finally got to try a look that I have been dying to try. Have you ever had that moment where you have been waiting for the right time to wear a specific look? Or where it's like you're finally on trend? Ok, well I had that moment. I was able to match my shorts with a longer basic tee, topped with a blazer. Usually I carry bags big enough to transport tiny people in, but this time I was able to break a chain clutch out of my archives, and wore a fabulous pair of heels. Since I am not a size 2, it's always major for me when I rock a look I have seen in the magazines, because I want to make sure it translates properly and proportionally. And as you can see, I went very minimal on my makeup (it was a ladies night, so I didn't have to beat my face hard).

Here is what I am wearing from H to T:

Jacket: (from my closet that I bought a long time ago, no label) Black blazer with pinstripe lining
Top: long black tee from Old Navy (purchased a couple of years ago)
Shorts: Rockstar Skinny shorts from Old Navy (purchased this summer) $15
Bag: bronze chain clutch from H&M (purchased years ago) $5
Shoes: Vince Camuto "Neven" peep toe sandals from Marshalls $25 (purchased summer 2011. Seriously my favorite sandals!)
Accessories: custom bracelet design by Mallory Musante Designs (gifted); Kyboe USA watch (gifted)

So, how do I look?

On My Tele: Old Navy Commercials

If you're an 80's baby like moi, then you're probably loving all of the Old Navy commercials featuring (my hands down all-time favorite 90's TV show) the original cast of Beverly Hills, 90210. While I still watch the new 90210, it's just not the same. These commercials made more nostalgic than ever for a REAL West Bev High reunion! I thought the first one I saw with "Brandon" and "Andrea" were great, but when they brought back "Kelly" with (two guys I could never choose between either) "Brandon" and "Dylan", I died! Old Navy really got creative over the summer...and I wouldn't be an 80's baby if I didn't mention how I enjoyed the Blossom commercial, "whoa!" I am sure years from now, there will be a Gossip Girl Old Navy reunion. Can you imagine?

[P.S. Which team are you? Team Brandon or Team Dylan??]

Getting Nailed: I have a "Summer Dream"

All summer I have been dying to try yellow nail polish. For me, it was all about finding the right shade to compliment my shade and not look yellowed. You know what I mean. Well, it only took me until the end of summer practically to find the right yellow. It's called Summer Dream by Duri Cosmetics. Now that I found my perfect yellow, the possibilities are endless.

What do you think? Is this a shade you would try?

Duri Cosmetics. "Summer Dream". $5. Duri.com

Sale: Rolando Santana

RSVP required. RSVP to sales@rolandosantana.com. 

Model Walk: Ayan Elmi

Shoe Quickie: KG Kurt Geiger

KG Kurt Geiger. "Adelaide." $245. KurtGeiger.com

It always take a pair of shoes to bring me back and remind me of what's important...talking to all of my dolls (and kens)! I have been so busy with work that I haven't had a moment to write. But I have some time and I am ready to catch you all up. Today's shoe quickie du jour is brought to you by the letter "K"...for Kurt Geiger that is. I cannot wait for Fall...just to get away from this blazing weather, but more so for the Fall footwear. These are perfect as a transition piece and a conversation piece. Oh Adelaide...you and me need to meet.

KG Kurt Geiger. "Adelaide." $245. Kurt Geiger online.

Thursday Talk: Crabs in a barrel...Even at the Olympics?

It’s been a little while since our last Thursday Love, and while it has been a while, know that I’ll always come back to you.

This week we’re not going to address the issues between men and women and their romantic relationships; we’re going to address another issue that rears its ugly head far too often!

In this past week a young 16 year old black girl from Virginia Beach by way of Des Moines Iowa made history by becoming the first African American girl to win a gold medal in both the team gymnastics competition and the individual all-around competition. I’m speaking about Gabby Douglas, and despite her historic accomplishment at the 2012 Summer Olympics, many people took to twitter to make comments about her. Not applauding her meteoric rise to fame, her skill, her poise through the pressure filled competition, but making disparaging comments about her hair. Yes, you heard right…her hair!

You would think that Americans in general would have been so proud to see such a performance on such a grand stage. Even more so you’d think that fellow African-Americans would admire, and hold Gabby Douglas with such great esteem after proving her to be the best all-around gymnast in the world! Especially since no other black woman has ever won the individual all-around gold medal.

I saw more people than I’d cared to see making some form of negative remark, not about her performance or being “sudden gymnastics enthusiasts” but criticizing her for “not having her hair done because she’s representing black women all around the world”. I think that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I mean what were they expecting, her to have an 18-inch weave in her hair during a physical competition which involves jumping, flipping, spinning, etc.! I mean come on….had she gone that route and went overboard with extra hair and makeup, then people (particularly black women) would have been criticizing her saying that she was still misrepresenting black women!

Enough is enough people; we have got to stop it with this crab in a barrel mentality! Why is it that every single time a black person, be they male or female, accomplishes something huge, other black people feel the need to tarnish their accomplishment with scathing remarks? Do we feel so threatened by others successes and so unimportant in our own lives that we feel the need to downgrade everything others do? It’s unfortunate that people felt the need to criticize Gabby’s hair especially while they were sitting at home not making history, and generally underachieving compared to the 16 year old gymnastics phenom. Jealousy is an ugly mistress and over the last few days, she’s had many disillusioned partners! Until we learn to celebrate our successes as a people, they’ll always be few and far between!

I applaud Gabby Douglas for what she’s accomplished and the sacrifices both her and her family have made for her to reach this level in her career. And to the women who had something negative to say about her hair, she’s about to be on the cover of a Wheaties box, and is about to sign some other endorsement deals, all because of her performance and it had nothing to do with whether her hair was done or not! Let me ask the Gabby hair haters out there a question…would you rather be at home watching the Olympics with your hair done, or competing in them, winning two gold medals and very soon being worth a few million dollars if not more?

SMH!