It's that special time of year when families get together and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, the festival of lights in Jerusalem, or whatever it is that we Black Americans are supposed to be celebrating for Kwanzaa.
Princess KimmyKin's shows my exact state of emotions during this holiday season. I'm so overwhelmed I could ugly cry.
Take a quick breather from all of your shopping, family time and ugly crying to check out new (free!!!!) music from Lykkie Li, The Weeknd, new videos from Drake, Stalley and Rihanna and a last minute budget friendly shopping guide
Hope everyone had a great weekend and is surviving through week since we've last convened. I know I said I'd have a post up two weekends ago but... don't act like y'all don't already know, I'm about that trife life. (*rolls eyes*)
But it's not ALL bad since last Thursday (9/15) was the last day of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. So in theory, I was just waiting in the wings while events were happening and now that it's over I've decided to step out of the shadows and have my say. Right!
Although we all know nothing on here is in my Dead Broke price range, I can still press my face against the glass and creep.
I am heavily digging Derek Lam's 10 Crosby line.
I'm a simple style girl, give me a pair of wide leg trousers and a blazer and I'm happy. I love the contrasting stripes and the belt on this look. See the entire collection here.
I also spied moments of homage (pronounce it like this... "oooommmhhaaaggee" and leave your bottom lip hanging) being paid to the era of Stepford Sophistication, the 1950s and 60s.
All she needs is a martini glass and a cigarette holder
I'd rock this in a Coupe De Ville
The Billy Reid presentation was another throwback era inspired collection that spoke to my inner hippie indigo soul (huh? Just let it vibe, it sounded deep when I first thought of it.) I love the wrinkled linen effortlessness of it. I hate looking good without trying too hard and this collection has that energy. The Men's looks are pretty noteworthy too, but I only really focused my attention on homeboy's beard, because if you hadn't noticed I've gotta thing for the facial flow.
Speaking of beards, this Michael Kors man candy is working the well groomed trimmed look, but I pray to the high holy heavens that none of my 'Smooth Groove' candidates will think it's acceptable to rock a sarong and birkenstocks.
I dig skirts. I just want to be the only one in my relationship that wears one
I love the drama of this Christian Cota dress... if ever I had the chance to wear something like this, I'd be the living and twirling embodiment of a Diana Ross drag impersonator. The Marchesa collection also had my mind drifting somewhere deep on the Vegas strip in a hazy lounge with 'Upside Down' on constant rotation.
This look is worthy of "20 Million Lire!!!" *shame on you for not getting my Mahogany reference*
I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed the DKNY collection (no shade hear me out.) I'm not into conventional mall brands. Although Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's get my coins on the regular, I'm not a big fan of following the Macy's crowd and when I think DKNY, I think Macy's (No shade to Macy's either though....aghh, nevermind)
Clean and Classic never hurt nobody
In other mall brands that get the side eye (but not really, because I'm just bitter that I can't afford it)... I love everything about this J. Crew look
I feel it's my life's purpose not to match...ever. It gives my mom such heartache
Jill Stuart came to win. In my opinion, this was one of the best showings of the week...but who am I? I also adore the techincolor spectacle that was the Milly collection.
Newcomer Kelly Wearstler caught my attention with her mod squad meets Jackie O collection
I can't believe that I'm about to say this but, here goes... I absolutely LOVED all that L.A.M.B. had to offer. Yes, this is the same person that just said I don't like the mall wear brands but I also call myself a vegetarian and have the chicken wing spot around the corner on speed dial. Work with me people. This collection is a great mix of prints, color blocking and classic basics. It's a good barometer for what the general fashion scope of Spring/Summer 2012 will be like. I am NOT, I repeat, NOT going to traipse on down to Bloomingdale's and go HAM on the L.A.M.B rack (ughh... I'm sorry, it's late) but I will keep these styled looks in my mental file folder for future trips to my cheap chic boutiques (that's a fancy way of saying Marshall's or TJ Maxx)
Other notable presentations include the always pleasant Erin Fetherston, Jenni Kayne and her snapshot of what I'll probably be wearing when I'm in my sixties (stylin' on all you blue haired birdies, prepare to hate) Kevork Kiledjian came strong with sexy dresses that gave fever to my flavor with those high slits and sheer cutouts.
I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Luca Luca and usually pleased with everything that's done there, this year proved to be no different.
I'm sure you've noticed that I've left out most of the major brands and big name designers... you can go anywhere and find the recap of those shows. My favorite thing about Fashion Week is looking at the shows and presentations of the designers that I've never heard of before, and skimming through the well known powerhouses like the Ralphs, Marcs and Michaels.
Tell me, what was your favorite show from NYFW? What trends are you most excited about for Spring 2012?
Now if you'll excuse me, London is already upon us, I must get back to my window peeping.
I love older men... especially ones with salt & pepper beards. They are my weakness.
My secret code name for attractive bearded older fellas is 'Smooth Groove.'
Damn Boy!...I mean, Sir
Please understand that not all older men that can grow facial hair are worthy of the Smooth Groove title. No. It takes much more than just being an old man with facial hair.
Being a smooth groove doesn't also mean that you have to have a beard (although, a well groomed beard is an advantage in my book)
It's all about the way one carries himself; like a majestic master of the universe. He's well versed in the art that is life because he's lived it. He's mellow and a good listener. He can suggest the perfect wine for dinner and can wear the hell out of a linen shirt.
His taste is refined and his passport is well stamped.
So I raise this glass of light pinot noir while listening to the enchanting sounds of Phyllis Hyman and I salute you Mr. Smooth Groove.
We're all familiar with Minx nails... adorned by everyone from Beyonce to Keri Hilson and Rihanna. Maybe even you if you were on top of your nail trend game a couple of years ago (Pin a rose on your nose *rolls eyes*)
Like any other product loving girly girl (and deranged pop culture groupie) I sashayed down to this exclusive nail salon to get my nails Minx-tafied... because I couldn't live another day until my nails were solid gold! Well when that receptionist told me that it would cost $75 my whole dead broke life flashed before my eyes.
So with my hopes and dreams of solid gold glory crushed, I went back to old faithful... Sally Hansen.
It can pretty much be counted on that whenever there is a popular high-end nail trend, Sally Hansen isn't too far behind with a more affordable version.
I adore the Sally Hansen Salon Effects strips. They have a lot of the cool colors and graphics that are offered by Minx at a fraction of the price.
You have to take your time and make sure you place the adhesives on your nails neatly, but after the first two or three times, you'll become a pro. They also last for about 5-7 without any chipping (10 if you're a mannequin)
My hand with the "Kitty" design
Shop your local Target or Rite-Aid for your Dead Broke Bourgeois fab nail experience.
I've always had a thing for the older bad boy type, and my five year old self had the fever for West Beverly's own Dylan McKay.
Those smoldering features with the James Dean inspired style and pompadour made him the nighttime fantasy of myself and millions of other fresh little hussies around the world.
He was cool because he didn't try to be (Poor David...bless his little Hip Hop heart)
He was "the man" but didn't step on anyone's toes to be that (props to Brandon)
At some point or another he had all the ladies (except for Donna and Andrea...Hags)
Sure he had his fair share of ups and downs (that heroin addiction was bad business, but we still loved you)
The older I get, and the more old episodes of 90210 that I catch in syndication, I realize that Brandon Walsh was the more ideal boyfriend type. But do we ever want the safe, dependable, good guy with the good head on his shoulders and the bright future ahead of him?... Hell no.
We want the trust issues having, commitment-phobes that end up sleeping with our best friend and will find some way to blame us for it...and you know what? We take it.
Oh my, how I've digressed!...
So here's to you Dylan McKay, for being one of the first to influence my taste in the guys that were all wrong for me and my sensitive little heart.
Somewhere in the world there's a bunch of Brendas and Kellys (I fancy myself to be the Brenda type #TeamMoodyEmotionalSelfishBitch woohoo!!) that will always hold a place in our hearts for you. Whether that place is connected with love or hate is debatable, but I do know that we'll never forget you.
Ever since I've moved into my new cozy apartment, I've become obsessed with finding the perfect candle. Thus far, I'm quite pleased with some of the Bath & Body Works scents like Sensual Amber, Creamy Nutmeg, Black Amethyst and the Winter scent from the Christmas collection. I also love the Cranberry Scented oil and diffuser from The Body Shop, and if I'm really on a budget, or just too lazy to go to the mall, Glade's scented oils candles in french vanilla is a good option too. But, for a splurge, allow me to introduce you to the fabulous scented candles from the signature collection of DL& Company. With the average price of candles at $80, it is well worth the money spent. These slow burning candles last 40+ hours, and come in beautiful glass flower shaped jars. The strong, rich smelling fragrances that give off a mellow and not overpowering aroma, include Thorn Apple, Pink Pepper, Lady Rhubarb, Absinthe, Prickly Pear, Black Dahlia and my personal favorite Angels Trumpet. I've been a fan of these candles for a couple of years now, but don't just take my word for it....OPRAH chose the Lady Rhubarb as one of her favorite things.
Check out their website to find out more about the signature collection, and the rest of the candle collections, diffusers and the other delightfully luxurious gift items. http://www.dlcompany.com/
I've been a really good girl all year. I haven't asked for anything in a while, but maybe you can help me with this...I want a gift basket wrapped up in a bow and sitting on my doorstep. I'm not asking for the kind of gift basket with all of those weird cheeses, spreads and fruitcake. (on second thought...include the cheese. It would pair well with my wine and crackers). To make it easy for you, I though I'd give you a list of all the items I'd like in my basket, pictures too, it might make things easier for you.
A brand new Bobby Flay, complete with his chef uniform and a delicious 5 course meal
An authentic Maxwell to sing to me all night...preferably this...
An sparkling Idris Elba so I can swoon over his chocolate STUDly-ness and charming English accent
A Shia Labeouf in mint condition to make me laugh at his adorable, dorky, yet cool awkwardness
A collectable COMMON to freestyle a verse to me about...whatever. He can rap the phone book to me...
A portable David Beckham with clothes and accessories to play dress up with
A smooth talking Rick Ross...random, I know...but, he's so damn cool.
(Please just promise me he'll keep his shirt on. Thanks.)
and lastly...A Justin Timberlake, so I can watch him do stuff like this...
If this is all a little too heavy to carry on your sleigh, don't worry...I will gladly reimburse you for the shipping and handling. Make it snappy Santa, I'm not too good at being patient.
I'm am so happy that the whole sloppy, wearing shirts that look like nightgowns and the GROSS sagging pants trend is over. (Of course there are those few that just can't let it go, but we'll pray for them)
Over the past few years the trend that has taken off is men dressing like MEN. And it is an understatement to say I like it. (I love it) For me, there's nothing sexier than a guy with a confident presence that steps into a room and everyone notices. He's dressed nicely, well groomed and he knows it. There's nothing wrong for getting noticed for all the right reasons.
Now what you don't want to be noticed for is being the guy that looks like he played ball all day and just decided to keep the sweaty stuff on, or worse, the guy that picked his clothes out of the hamper. Just a little effort may go a long way fellas...you never know who's watching.
