2012 BET Awards

The BET Awards aired this past Sunday and of course I had to watch it! Plus I needed to get my red carpet fashion fix. Although a few notable celebs didn't walk the carpet there were plenty of others who proudly strutted their looks. If there weren't many wow moments outside the event there were definitely some backstage and on stage. Here are my favs...

Shocking Pink Leopard Print

Lately I’ve been finding it harder and harder to come across a good nail technician who knows what I’m talking bout when I say I want ombre nails, lace nails or any other new trend that I’m interested in trying out. Maybe it’s because I don’t live in a major city like NY or Miami, maybe it’s because the nail techs I’ve come across just aren’t that good or experience, who knows. Last week was an exception though…

A friend of mine told me to give her place a try she even listed the names of which nail techs were pretty good at designs and trends, so I did just that. The result… I love my nails! Ok, even though the pointy nail shape and the leopard design on only 2 fingers were both my ideas, my tech did a great job at executing the design and shape I wanted. These pointy nails kindda make me feel like I have Lady Gaga claws… a little monster indeed.

I used a color from the salon by China Glaze called Shocking Pink.

Goodbye :-(

(Can you believe none of us even planned all that color coordination)

A few weeks ago my very good and dear friend Iiona moved to Texas. She recently graduated from college and decided that it was a good time to seek out some new opportunites for her and her family, (how dare she). Well not only was Iiona a close friend, she was also my amazing photographer for the past year and a half.

Generously lending me her time and expertise, she always meet up with me whenever I said "Let's do a photo shoot" like the ones I posted here, here and here. Then there were those other shoots that I got her to do which I posted about here, here, and here. The other day I posted the last from our outings here, but before she left we managed to get in a final impromtu shoot that I posted here. As you can see this girl put in work!

(We're both wearing black but we didn't plan this color coordination either!)

So a very huge thank you Iiona! I love this girl and wish her all the best!

Check out her blog here!

If you live in Texas and need a great photographer drop her a line!

I want that look... for less!

Keri Hilson was seen leaving the modeling offices of Whilimena the other day. Does this mean some model work for Ms. Hilson in the near futture? Guess we'll find out soon enough, but in the mean time I'm loving this look! I soo wanna recreate this on me, those booties are sick... edgy with a dose of chic-ness. The gold chain combo on the bag and cuff of the shoes go nicely with scarf. Love how this all came together!

Get the curvy version of this look for less

Abstract Print

I found this really colorful printed dress (and took these pics) a while ago and fell in love with the design, it looks like an abstract painting to me. I normally go for pieces that are different so as soon as I saw it I knew it was meant for me, especially since this was only one. When I tried it on and discovered the side pockets, say no more... sold! For a dress like this I knew I wanted get shoes that equally stood out...

No Necklace Needed

So this tee has quickly become one of my favorite shirts. I just can't get enough of all this fringe goin on and what not. One of the best things about it is that I don't even need a necklace when I wear it. But it's funny how many people think that my shirt really is a necklace.

A Moment of Inspiration

Isis King (past transgender contestant on America's Next Top Model) for American Apparel.

A Moment of Inspiration

Sui He for Vouge China June 2012

Source

Gimmie Gimmie

Lately I've been obsessing over these Isabel Marant wedge sneakers! When I first started seeing these I wasn't sold on em. Then slowly but surely these chic street shoes kept growing on me. Maybe it was because of those terrible high heeled sneakers a few years back that had me turn my nose up at these wedges. But I'm off my high horse now because I say gimmie gimmie to these awesome sneakers!

Of course the originals will run you about $660. Even if you have the money many retailers are sold out or are on back order. So what's a girl to do when getting the originals aren't an option... find a similar and cheaper pair! My fav of the lesser versions are these pink Ash Bowie ones... hot!

Ash Bowie
Rose Leather Wedge Sneakers
$250.

ASOS
Deny Wedge Sneakers
$79.

Steve Madden
Cognac LLEVE
$90.

Steve Madden
Blue Multi Color OLYMPIAA
$110.

Ash Bowie
Red/Black Wedge Sneaker
$235.

Steve Madden
Taupe OLYMPIAA
$110.

Nine West
200 Les Sneaker
$75

A Moment of Inspiration

Beyonce performing at her Revel Concert in Atlantic City.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Diet Coke

Apparently, Jean Paul Gaultier was named creative director of Diet Coke a while back (how did I never hear this colossal news). Anyway the designer has created 2 very special and limited edition bottles called "Day" and "Night". Of course something this cool and unique could only be available in Europe (insert sad my face). Hopefuly he comes out with something as equally cool or better for America!

Check out the rest of the campaign!

Turquoise & Caicos

The other day I got my nails done and had them painted this fabulous Turquoise & Caicos color form Essie! I actually bought this nail polish a while back during the colder months but never used it until now.

Originally I was looking for a mint color (which can be hard to find in November) that led me to this. I love this color but fyi, it goes on really sheer at first and it took 4 coats plus a lot of drying time to achieve the color I wanted. But it was soo worth all the time I had to sit and let it dry because I loved the results!

I got mine from from Walmart and I'm sure you can find them at target too, but if your having trouble finding Essie shades their website here.

I want that look... for less!

Jessica Alba was out spending time with her fam this past weekend in a very comfy and stylish look. I love her play on colors with the lime green and blue! She makes me want to start wearing hats again, but with my short hair I sometimes feel like hats make me look like I'm bald.

I usually try not to have the same color dress and shoes because I hate being too matchy matchy. But Jessica's version is inspiring and she proves that it doesn't have to equal overkill.

Get the curvy version of this look for less!

ASOS Curve

Jersey Maxi Dress

$47.71

Lane Bryant

3/4 Length Sleeve Cardigan

$44.95

Heels.com

Fixation - By Naughty Monkey

$95

Forever 21

Striped Band Straw Fedora

$10.80

Forever 21

Geo Print Hobo

$22.80

Charlotte Russe

Rhinestone Trim Tortiouse Shell Shades

$5.50

Urban Outfitters

UO Côte d'Ivoire Bracelet

$20

Urban Outfitters

Delicate Arrow Necklace

$19

A Moment of Inspiration

Meagan Callen for Flare Magazine June 2012

2012 Billboard Music Awards

The Sunday night Billboards Awards was full of great performances, including an amazing Whitney Houston tribute from John Legend and Jordin Sparks. Celebs came ready to show off their best on the red white carpet, so let's take a look at what people wearing!

We Have A Winner

Kara Laricks walked away with the title of Fashion Star this past Tuesday night. In addition to her title she also claimed the real prize... 6 million dollars worth of purchase orders from three major retailers!

Check out a glimpse of each winning collection for Macy's, H&M and Saks!

A Moment of Inspiration

 Jada Pinkett-Smith on the cover of spanish magazine IO Donna Source

Rihanna for Armani

Rihanna has designed a second capsule collection for Armani Jeans and it looks great! For this collection Rihanna and Giorgio Armani are incorporating actual pieces for you to mix and match.

Night of a thousand gowns

So this post is kind of late but I couldn't end the week without talking about this past Monday night. Happy Friday, hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Monday night may not seem like the best night of the week to break out your gowns and one of a kind couture pieces. But when you've got a ticket to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala, Monday night is the perfect night to get all dolled up. This year's theme celebrated the opening of the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" exhibit.

To me I feel like this is one of the best nights in fashion, above any other event. It's like Fashion's Night Out, the Grammy's and the Oscars all rolled into one exceptional red carpet show!

Let's see who came with who, and who was wearing what...

Why don't you... try a trend!

As the weather keeps heating up, I thought I'd do another post about one of my favorite trends. Neon bags will of course be huge again for the summer like they were last year (no surprise there, I love neon). They're the perfect way to add some bright summer fun into any outfit. These cute bags of all shapes and sizes are a must! Definitely for the girl who's not afraid to have all eyes on her, because these bold colors won't go unnoticed.

If your the girl who likes the idea of neon but doesn't want something so in your face, try  bags with small pops of neon like the Claire Vivier Neon Stripe Flat Clutch.No matter what your style is, you can find a neon bag that will work for you!

More MICHAEL Michael Kors...

A Moment of Inspiration

 Naomi Campbell on the cover of Antidote Magazine

A Little Leopard Goes A Long Way

Happy Friday guys! I'm soo happy that the weekend is finally here, although I'm not sure why being that I have to work the whole weekend. Maybe I'm happy because the weather is getting nicer. Even though it was raining pretty bad today the sun still managed to make an appearance. Anyway onto my outfit...

A Moment of Inspiration

Martina Milkusic for Cake Magazine Photographed by Andrea Massari

Source

Gimmie Gimmie

I spied this beautiful green maxi dress online the other day and I'm thinkin I need this in my life. I'm always talkin about how much I love maxi dresses and here we go again because this one is soo pretty and has such a great color. I fell in love with it right away, hopefully the color looks the same in person *fingers crossed*. It looks so simple and easy, perfect for a girl like me (always late aka always rushin out the door). I may have to take a trip over to Old Navy and try it on.

I want that look... for less!

Olivia Wilde was spotted by the paparazzi wearing a very cute little number. Her stripped maxi dress and leather jacket combo make the perfect casual daytime outfit. Great for running errands, lunch with friends or a quick coffee run. I happen to be OBSESSED with maxi dresses, for me they're the perfect go to grab on many occasions. You can dress em up with heels and jewelry or keep it simple with flats. Either way throw on a cardi or jacket for your arms, grab your bag and shades and your done... ready to hit the streets! 

Get the curvy version of this Look for Less

Bloomingdale's
Vince Camuto Striped Maxi Dress
$67.20

ASOS Curve
Leather Jacket with Stitch Detail
$218

Steve Madden
BPARKKER Quilted Bag
$98.

ASOS
Retro Sunglasses
$22

Finish Line
Converse Chuck Taylor's
$45