Celebrity Closet Raid With Fashion Maven & Entrepreneur Angela Simmons
January 24th, 2013 by Christen
Sister 2 Sister Magazine has teamed up with Chevrolet’s All-New 2013 Malibu Eco to launch “Celebrity Closet Raid,” an online video series that gives fans and viewers an up-close and personal look into the closets of some of their favorite celebrity style influencers. The first episodes are out and feature fashion maven and entrepreneur Angela Simmons.
To kick off the series, “Celebrity Closet Raid” takes viewers inside the closet of fashion maven and entrepreneur Angela Simmons, as she gives viewers a glimpse into her designer label-clad wardrobe and discusses her favorite accessories, custom pieces, must-have items and much more.
Through candid, conversational interviews with some of today’s top celebrity fashionistas, Sister 2 Sister’s Jamie Foster Brown offers viewers an interesting and more personalized perspective on celebrity style, as she discovers how clothing and accessories are so closely tied to major life moments, occasions and memories. Jamie Foster Brown also uncovers the “inspiration behind the closet” with conversational topics ranging from closet organization and presentation, to sentimental and favorite wardrobe items, to the most expensive pieces and best bargains, all from the celebrity’s point of view. Check out the episode below where Angela Simmons discusses her style and logic behind many of her closet purchases.
Angela Simmons has a style all her own, as a budding fashion mogul and more – her style exudes her personality, brand and more.
What do you think of Angela’s closet and style?
Conversations With Celebrity Stylist and Author – June Ambrose
January 24th, 2013 by Fashion Staff
Harlem Fashion Row hosted “Conversations” with awe inspiring celebrity stylist and author June Ambrose at the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture this week and boy was it a treat. Hosted by Brandice Henderson, CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row guests were able to enjoy June’s candor, poise, grace, and realness for an enjoyable night reminiscent of exchanging old memories with your best friend over wine.
As the evening began, the questions poured in. One of the notable questions that June often gets asked is, “How to create a career in fashion styling?” How did June get started in styling anyway? As a product of a single parent home June and her sister were raised in the Bronx. Her family came to America from the Caribbean when June was 3 years old. June Ambrose’s mother always stressed education above everything else. As a teenager, June wanted to attend LaGuardia High School for their renown drama program but was not accepted and instead attended Talent Unlimited at Julia Richmond. In her sophomore year she auditioned for LaGuardia again, and this time was accepted, but decided to stay with the family she built at Talent Unlimited. When she finished high school she enrolled in Lehman College for Marketing and was working in at an investment bank in the research department. As a 19 years old making $50k a year, June was smart enough to what she wanted in life, built a nest egg for survival and went after it. After quitting her job in investment banking, this opened an entire new world for June and her family was not happy about it.
When asked about her first styling gig she admitted to only showing up with one outfit. “The video called for one look so I came with one outfit” It was for a recording artist on Epic Records. She was just an intern at the time at Uptown Records, Sean “Puffy” Combs was a new A&R and when they began talking about styling it just clicked to her, “I could do that” and why wouldn’t she? A costume designer in high school who was also a drama major she was all about fashion from a young age. Luckily her first snafu at styling didn’t break her spirit or her career. The publicist saw her one outfit and said, “Darlinggggg, what is this? Always come with options!”, lucky for June, the video was for a rapper so the one outfit she bought worked, but from that day forward she knew to always come prepared.
A pivotal turning point in her career? When she got booked to do the R Kelly “Down Low” video with Hype Williams. Originally Hype didn’t was to work with her so she knew she needed to wow him. And wow him she did! “Down Low” was the first long form video, it was much more than a video it was a mini movie. She flew in dresses from Paris and created the entire Mr. Big persona through her wardrobe styling. Her goal was to bring the iconic Edith Head design aesthetic to urban videos and because of that, Hype and June developed a great working relationship from then on.
But we know great success doesn’t come without challenges and when asked what challenges she faced throughout her career, June shared that she was a “weird kid with very bad skin”. She was raised in a time when being West Indian wasn’t cool, growing up in her neighborhood people teased her. She always wanted out and going to high school in Manhattan was her way to escape everyday so when she left her old neighborhood – she left for good.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring stylists in the audience or those who want to change careers to go into fashion she said, “Before you leave, have a plan, know who you are and what your vision is. Be consistent and authentic. ”
June is a self taught stylist, who always had a knack for fashion, but she read as many books as she could on design and color theory. When she knew she wanted to start a company she went out there and formed an entity, got a tax id and took a number of other steps before landing her first styling gig. She admits that even now at 40 years old she still considers herself under construction, reinventing herself and her brand. She knows a lot of people enter this industry for money and fame, but styling to her was never about making money, “I want to have a good time” and she never worries about the competition although she knows they exist. She also shared that her life is a delicate balancing act that keeps her humble. The world may consider her a celebrity now but she always has to remember that her role is in service and when she is working she still has to tie people’s shoes.
The juiciest question of the night was, will Styled by June be back on Vh1 for a second season and unfortunately the answer was no, but she will be returning to television soon with a project she couldn’t yet reveal but will be launching later this spring. June Ambrose is also in the works on her very own shoe line exclusively on Home Shopping Network with prices ranging from $59-$119 and more. As a mom, businesswoman, celebrity stylist and more, we’re sure to see much more from June Ambrose beyond fashion week, television and we’re looking forward to discovering what she does next!
Do you love June Ambrose as much as we do, tell us why in the comments below!
Fashion’s Favorite “Go To” Twins Coco & Breezy Are Back With Stylish Shades
January 17th, 2013 by Christen
Coco and Breezy keeping cool in shades at BlackEnterprise.com’s Best in The Blogosphere 2012
Known for their unique hand-crafted studded sunglasses seen on the faces of Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Osbourne and more, they’re sticking to their ethos with another unique collection. The new “Omorose Collection” presents an evolution of the Coco and Breezy brand. From eyewear, accessories and more, they have revolutionized their design technique from past collections to bring a new wave of stylish eyewear to the masses.
Offering a collection of oversized frames, circle lenses, leather temple tips, cut outs from the frames and cat-eye inspired unisex sunglasses. This collection makes great use of creative asymmetrical cuts, metals and more.
Omorose is a name for beautiful that originated as an Egyptian name. Each piece designed was based off the architecture found in Egypt. This campaign is called “The Beauty of Unity”, each style of sunglasses has its own structure that fits different face shapes and personalities.
Goldenheart
Goldenheart
Mosi
Zesiro
Thema Brown
Thelma Yellow
Omorose Collection price ranges from $125 – $275 and currently available online at cocoandbreezy.com
“We started as the 19-year-old girls that quit our jobs, left Minnesota and moved to New York to go for our dreams. We knew we had a product, which was our studded glasses. We have now grown into 22-year-old young business women, and want to create not only fashionable, but functional and good quality sunglasses. We are learning as we go, and want you to continue following our journey!”
- Coco and Breezy
Golden Globes Recap: Red Carpet Style For Everyday Life
January 15th, 2013 by Fashion StaffHollywood’s Super-women were out in full force for the 70th Annual Golden Globe awards. The Golden Globes recognizes those in front and behind the scenes of some of our favorite tv shows. While the gowns had most going wild it was the soft-waves, fish-tail braids, side-swept buns and ponytails that dominated the red carpet. Check out some of our favorite red carpet trends and how you can incorporate them in your own style with a few easy steps below…
Celebrity Stylist, June Ambrose predicted last year that this year’s red carpet would be lend a lot of love to colors like Nude and Scarlet, and on the gowns it did. But, it was the make-up, or lack thereof, that really caught our attention, focusing solely on the face. Scene stealers like Jessica Chastain kept it classy with sleek hair and a sexy lip stain. And only J. Lo can shut it down with ombre-hair and a nude lip, elegantly thrown over one-shoulder.
Achieve This Look: With the pin-curl method. After curling (over and under to avoid creating the ‘flip’ hairstyle) separate the hair, about 1” and roll in the shape of a pinwheel, secure with a bobby-pin. After a few hours (do attempt this a few times) unroll and shape hair, using spritz into relaxed, tousled waves. This look can also be tightly tied at the nape of the neck and pinned into a low bun.
Taylor Swift and Lucy Lui’s messy yet put together styles have a certain level of elegance with them. Lucy Lu’s fishtail braid is perfection.
Achieve The Fishtail: by separating hair into two equal sections. Hold right section with your right hand. Then, take your left hand and grab about half-inch of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over the inside of the right section. Repeat on the other side and continue to end of the hair and secure with an elastic.
Not many opted for a bold look, so when its done we tend to take notice. Julianne Moore, Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba all both opted for one bold color and we have to say, they nailed it!
Achieve Nicole’s Bold Eye: Her makeup artist Beau Nelson used Single in Sky eyeshadow by Elizabeth Arden and Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Midnight on her top and bottom lash lines. For Jessica’s Bold Lip: Use the exact color its Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera.
Halle Berry and Anne Hathaway sported the classic pixie cut, a look that flatters almost every woman’s face. Smokey eyes and matte lips completed both looks.
To Achieve: Begin with exfoliated lips. You can use a toothbrush or a damp washcloth to remove any dead skin. Then follow with some lip balm, not lipgloss as you will not achieve the desired effect. Next apply a deep pigmented lip stain like Lip Stain in Scarlet, $20, available at Laura Mercier or Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in Code, $32, available at Nordstrom. For a nude lip try Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Nude, $24, available at Sephora.
Sadly, we didn’t see many nail trends on the carpet, but the funny and quirky Zooey Deschanel shared with her followers via Instagram her nails which featured vintage cameras and film rolls.
Which starlet SLAYED the Golden Globes red carpet? We’ve picked our favorites – but you did you choose? Share below…
How To Unleash Your Divine Fashion Inspiration Online Using Polyvore…
January 9th, 2013 by Fashion StaffNeed a place to unleash your divine fashion inspiration? Meet Polyvore.
Polyvore.com, a fashion-centric website geared for the inner stylist in all of us, allows users to create hypothetical outfits from real-life fashion finds.
Once you’ve completed the site’s free registration (which can be streamlined by signing up through one of your social media accounts), you can use the search function within Polyvore’s “Editor” pane to search products by category, brand, and store and to filter them by, price and more.
From there, you can select your favorite products to be part of an original look, which can then be published to share on the rest of the site. Once you get the hang of things, you can even style an entire collection.
The best part? Rather than merely being the stuff of style dreams, each look’s composite pieces are clickable and lead to information about where you can buy the finds that your closet covets most.
Sure, there are a plethora of style-minded sites designed to woo us into breaking our banks.
But, at its core, Polyvore seems, well, different.
Instead of limiting itself to being one huge sartorial collage, Polyvore tries to be the web equivalent to a big sister with a few additional years of being chic under her belt.
The site’s “Ask” feature— which allows user-submitted style questions to be answered by any other users on the site— is reminiscent of pre-first-date fashion panic and improvisational style woes.
The “follow” capability, on the other hand, which allows users to express their admiration for fellow users’ editorial eyes, feels much akin to sneaking a peek into the said sister’s closet, in hopes that some miraculous flash of fashion wisdom will come out of it.
Polyvore is the perfect tool for amateur and professional stylists, alike, to quickly and efficiently assemble ready-to-wear looks from contemporary sources and curate their runway-worthiness. For those divas who geek out on fashion business, Polyvore also offers brand- and shopping-site-specific analytics, giving them an inside edge on the future of fashion. Yet, its warm tone and inclusion of pieces accommodating a variety of price points makes it an invaluable resource for the everyday working woman who just wants to look gorgeous and have fun.
By successfully navigating the tightrope straddling exclusivity and audience-minded entrepreneurship and combining the best of social media, consumerism and streamlined style, Polyvore has won the heart of this dorky diva and it will win yours too.
Cash for Clothes: Discover Yet Another Reason to Love H&M…
January 8th, 2013 by Fashion Staff
As if we needed another reason to love Swedish fashion retailer, H&M. From sleek budget friendly fashions to monster collaborations with leading designers, now H&M is going to help us be ultra fashionable after cleaning out our closets for 2013. We all have items in our closet that would be better off in the trash bin don’t we? Wouldn’t it be great to take those old clothes and recycle them for cold hard cash? Ok, not real cash… but H&M dollars are just as good! Starting this February, 2700 H&M stores in 48 markets will be launching a “Global Clothes Collecting” eco-friendly sustainability initiative. There’s no better time to take those bags of old clothes and make a donation to your local H&M store.
H&M will be the first fashion company to roll out clothes collecting in selected stores worldwide. Through the global initiative H&M’s customers can save natural resources and contribute to reduced environmental impact by avoiding textile waste. Any pieces of clothing, from any brand and in any condition are accepted. In return, the customer will receive a voucher for each bag brought.
H&M meets I:Collect
H&M and I:Collect have collaboratively launched this program which will allow you to bring in old clothes in ANY condition into participating stores in exchange for a voucher for NEW H&M clothes. Based on their condition the articles will either be repurposed into new textile items or converted into a source of energy.
This program not only allows H&M to continue to be a leader in textile sustainability, but it also allows you the customer to participate in their global effort and be rewarded! Talk about a triple winfor you, H&M and our environment.
“Our sustainability efforts are rooted in a dedication to social and environmental responsibility. We want to do good for the environment, which is why we are now offering our customers a convenient solution: to be able to leave their worn out or defective garments with H&M, “ Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of H&M.
Learn more about H&M’s sustainability efforts throughout the years by clicking here or watching the video with Helena Helmersson, Head of Sustainability below.
H&M Leads the way in Sustainable Efforts for Earth Day from 3BL Media on Vimeo.
Wild Shoe Wednesday: Haute Holiday Heel Edition
December 26th, 2012 by Fashion Staff
What better way to end our Wild Shoe Wednesday posts of 2012 with a haute pair of Louboutins., divas allow me to introduce you to the Christian Louboutin Dandita Boots. Made from napa leather, the pointed toe six inch boots have cutouts going up the twenty inch shaft with a fourteen inch circumference. The shoes have a leather lining and insole and the signature red leather outsole.
These $1995.00 boots, which can be purchased at Neiman Marcus could easily be rocked with a A-line dress or a pair of leather shorts an a blazer, a perfect look to bring in the New Years in rather your hitting the town with your girlfriends or on a date with that special someone.
If you need more style inspiration check out Melanie Fiona working the stage at VH1 Divas in the platform Louboutins, which she paired with a leather cut out frock and a mustard top, doesn’t she look amazing.
Ladies how would you work these shoes into your wardrobe or are you on to the next pair? Are you loving Melanie Fiona look with these boots or would you have styled her differently, let us know your thoughts below!
Celebrate Your 2012 In Style With Verizon Wireless #My2012Moment
December 26th, 2012 by ChristenWhat’s the funniest thing that happened to you in 2012? What 2012 moment are you most proud of? What 2012 moment do you wish you could relive forever? Join us this Thursday as we kick off My2012Moment and relive the events that shaped our year!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Thursday, December 27 at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL TWITTER PARTY – Hosted by The Online Mom and Friends
#My2012Moment
Join @VerizonInsider @DivasandDorks @TheOnlineMom and friends this Thursday at 8pm ET as we look back at 2012 and Share Our Favorite Moments!
RSVP and join the party for a chance to win GREAT PRIZES!
(You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP: Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com subject line: My2012Moment | Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://tinyurl.com/y8trhhf | Join us on Tweetchat or Tweetgrid (#My2012Moment) this Thursday between 8 and 9pm ET | Tell your Twitter followers!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Monday, December 31st at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL NYE PARTY IN THE HEART OF TIMES SQUARE
Tag you photos, tweets and more with #My2012Moment and you could appear on MTV’s Video Billboard in Times Square!
#My2012Moment
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Last Minute Holiday Street-Style Snapshot: NYC
December 24th, 2012 by Fashion StaffNot to be outdone in the midst of the holiday rush, New York City’s chicest individuals paraded the streets this Christmas Eve in search of last-minute gifts and everyday errands, alike. Check out the haute holiday rush of last minute shopping in NYC below…
The Oversized Sweater (Lucy, NY)
Big sweaters with bright colors and crazy patterns aren’t just for satirical parties anymore. Follow Lucy’s example, shown here on the Lower East Side, and pair a busy sweater with an understated, neutral bottom and accessories in the same color to make a bold, but sartorial, statement this holiday season.
Contrast to Complement (Mizuki & Babu, Brooklyn)
Mizuki and Babu, a couple from Japan now living in Brooklyn, are a fashion statement of their own. By contrasting Babu’s patterns with Mizuki’s minimalist color scheme but bold textures and linking them with the simplest of accessories— a baseball cap— these two form their own bohemian rhapsody. Achieve a similar effect with your significant other by dressing in clashing palettes and choosing one common accessory to make the overall look cohesive.
The Statement Scarf (Kenda, Gainesville, Florida & Claudia, Italy)
The recent deep-freeze may force you to prioritize warmth over glamour, but a statement scarf, as worn here by Kerry (left) and Claudia (right) can add a punch of color to an otherwise-neutral ensemble and allow your personality to warm up the cold weather. Our favorites feature unexpected prints and rich colors.
Feminine Without Freezing (Kerry, Malibu)
Follow Kerry’s lead and layer soft, textured pieces over cold-weather staples like jeans in order to achieve a smart take on classic, feminine pieces. Vary up the color palette, mix up lengths and textures, and accessories intelligently to achieve a measured, yet eclectic aesthetic shown here.
If All Else Fails, Stay True (Leah & Stefan, Australia)
Leah and Stefan made the most of classic style to stand out this winter. If you aren’t one for style experimentation, but still want to have fun, stick to tailored pieces in classic cuts and styles but in unexpected colors (i.e. Leah’s bright yellow tights) to simultaneously pay homage to fashion tradition and take the world by surprise.
How To: Christmas Eve DIY Holiday Nail Art Fun
December 24th, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffTis the season to be jolly and express your Holiday spirit on your phalanges (Challenge the Phalange! I hope you said this for it to rhyme…) We searched the web far and wide, also known as google, for some of the best holiday, all holidays this season, DIY (do it yourself) nail art! Even if you have less than ten nails, which is common these days, these designs are sure to get you great compliments and set the perfect mood for holiday cheer:-) Feel free to emulate or get inspired to create your own.
Did you say “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”? Even if snow doesn’t fall this year, you can guarantee a white christmas with NailArt101.com featured snowflakes tutorial! take a look!
Not to offend anyone but where my jews at?! Representing for the Hanukkah Holiday msnlving.com featured this bloggers creative celebration titled “Hanukkah Nails”. Using silver striping paint, accented with white and black paint on top of a royal blue this is a sure way to express your holiday cheer.
Habari Ghani! Whats the news! Does anyone celebrate Kwanzaa?! Surprisingly there were few designs for this National African American holiday, ironic enough the one found featured on Bee Polished blog was designed on an Euro-American hand, but no judgement! This just leaves alot to the imagination! You can just grab you a red, black and green polish and paint accordingly or give this candle design topped on a gold paint a try!
Elegant and soft, this nail look was featured on Allure.com’s top 6 holiday nail looks. We love this idea for both nightlife and professional events. Did someone mention the New Year’s eve celebration?! Check out this great look!
Nothing gives creative nail art better than bedazzled jewels and stones. Try this bubble nail look featured by Truly Madly Beauty blog. Notice the beautiful discrete glitter base that accents the jewels. Nail Glue is a great adhesive for your extras and don’t forget to seal with a clear top coat!
So challenge the phalange (you should definitely had read this to rhyme by now!)
Merry Chirstmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah Happy New Years and Happy You!
Have some nail art suggestions of your own? Share and comment below!
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