Weekend Hot! or Hmm…: Kelis, Ciara, Melanie Fiona

Weekend Hot! or Hmm…: Kelis, Ciara, Melanie Fiona

Happy Monday, Fashion Bombers and Bombshells!

Vuitton here currently regrouping after a long weekend and dreading having to go back to work today, as I’m sure the lot of you can empathize. And it seems a few celebs are in our shoes as well. Moving from pillar to post, the stars were caught by photographers at events or just plain old shopping.

But were they snapped while looking their best, or was it best for a few of their ensembles not to have seen the light of day? You be the judge.



First up is Ciara, who was spotted shopping it up over the weekend at Barney’s New York…

The singer went for a military inspired look with this army green cropped tee, denim cut off shorts and biker boots with a black Givenchy purse slung across her arm. She showed a lot of skin, but she made it work without looking too risque’. A cool and laid back summer look for CiCi. Hot!

Next up is Kim Kardashian, who was all smiles at the launch of her perfume at Macy’s Aventura…

 

The reality starlet donned a colorfully printed Rachel Roy dress, belted at the waist and accented by Christian Louboutin Daffodil platform pumps. Despite the conservative appeal of her outfit, Kim still managed to evoke some sass with the length of the dress hitting right above the knee. The colors and fit complimented her skin tone and figure as well. Hot!

Nicole Richie made her way to Nordstrom on Fashion Island to promote her new collections of Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960…

 

Sporting a wide brimmed hat, printed blouse, denim cut off shorts, black tights and black booties, the mini mogul didn’t stray from her boho chic predilection. I love how she paired the black tights with the cut offs to dress the look up a bit more without overdoing it. Hot!

 

He rocked all black from head to toe and showed us that rappers can be stylish as well. Despite the lack of color, I liked that there was definitely some thought put into the outfit, especially because of the leather jacket and boots. Fly!

Actress Katerina Graham was also in attendance at the concert…

 

The actress played with her ponytail on the red carpet as she struck a pose. One thing she didn’t strike was a high note with this ensemble. Usually a hit or miss with me, her look here resonated with the latter as there isn’t a focal point with her outfit. Her makeup was too severe for an already severe ensemble: strapped bustier, black shorts, nylon stockings and laced up ankle boots. Hmm…more ComicCon than concert in my opinion.

Melanie Fiona attended The Reveal of the What Is Sexy List hosted by Victoria’s Secret

She wore a sequined white and black dress with platform YSL Tribtoo pumps. Though some may say Melanie skews towards boring, I personally love this look! It’s simple, chic, and hot!

Kelis attended a Uganda Project Fund Raiser Presented By Make Believe in West Hollywood:

 

She wore a boyish top buttoned to the hilt with leather cigarette pants and peep toe pink suede heels. Perhaps certain elements could work separately, but together? Hmm…not sure why she chose this particular combination, especially given her chic predilections. Better luck next time, Kelis!

And last, but not least is Glee star Naya Rivera, who played host at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards…

 

Another who is usually hit or miss for me surely made me bite my words in the this metallic Camilla & Marc number. The length was a bit conservative, in my opinion for someone her age, but she made it work and it showed how versatile she can be sartorially. Gray suede YSL Trib Too’s completed her simple, yet chic look

Tag, You’re it! Are Fashion and Facebook Making us Broke?

Tag, You’re it! Are Fashion and Facebook Making us Broke?

So this past weekend I attended my college friend’s graduation from medical school. It was a lovely event, so I wanted to look spring pretty.

For the occasion, I hit up Nordstrom Rack and purchased an outfit I loved: a strapless blue cheetah print dress paired with a mirrored gold Michael Kors belt. I loved it so much I ducked photographers all day. When I was finally pulled into a group shot, I complied, only if the photographer agreed not to put the picture on Facebook.

My Ashtyn Birthday Dress, January 12th

Before the age of digital cameras and social media, women could rework and re-wear their favorite outfits without worry. Sure, your friend might remember you wore the same striped tunic to both a picnic and a baby shower, but there was no record–no proof that you dipped back into your closet reserves.

At a Vivienne Westwood Dinner February 21st, wearing my birthday dress from January 12th.

There is absolutely zero shame in wearing the same thing twice or thrice. Michelle Obama notoriously repeats cardigans, belts, and dresses.



But we can’t deny there’s a slight social stigma or shame associated with the dreaded outfit repeat. For one, we’re influenced by celebrity culture, where our favorite stars are almost never spotted repeating. And if they do….the horror.

Who Wore it Better? Kim Kardashian vs. Kelly Rowland vs. Keke Palmer in Rachel Roy Resort 2010

Who Wore it Better? Kim Kardashian vs. Kelly Rowland vs. Keke Palmer in Rachel Roy Resort 2010

Kim Kardashian launched her perfume this past weekend at Macy’s Aventura wearing the same colorful Rachel Roy Resort 2010 dress previously spied on Kelly Rowland and Keke Palmer.



While Kim chose to accessorize hers with her signature Christian Louboutins and a black belt, Kelly paired hers with celery green heels in shiny satin. Keke went the simple route with black pumps, a berry lip, and a smile.

Weekend Beauty Hot! or Hmm…: Tracee Ellis Ross, Ciara, Jordin Sparks

Weekend Beauty Hot! or Hmm…: Tracee Ellis Ross, Ciara, Jordin Sparks

Hope all your weekends were bright and filled with fun things to do. I’m sure finals and graduation prep have many of you tied up, but take solace in knowing summer will be here in just a few weeks!



So let’s get into a few of our fave celebs:

Ciara was beach ready in body, face, and hair as she made some waves in Miami Beach. She’s working the vacation hair, makeup-less look, and the sick body.

Tracee Ellis Ross helped celebrate the opening of her sis Chudney Ross‘ store Books and Cookies. Tracee looks good (but would better as the star of a hot new sitcom—which she totally is coming out with soon) and Chudney has that “my dreams are coming true” glow. Cute.

Then over at Cannes, Rosario Dawson went for an easy breezy minimal look. She pulls off the no-makeup look well, but with such a pretty dress I would have loved to see at least some liner and bronzer.

Olivia was chilling at the taping of the “Love and Hip-Hop” reunion show. Hair and makeup were both perfectly executed. Brava

And finally Jordin Sparks was seen out at a party looking cute as a button signing autographs. I like her makeup but would have loved a creamier lip color formula. Love her brows as always.

This Week in Chic: The Maxim Hot 100 Party, Brandy, Kim Kardashian

This Week in Chic: The Maxim Hot 100 Party, Brandy, Kim Kardashian

Hey all! Vuitton here gearing up for a more exciting weekend that last week’s. I trust all of you are doing the same. But before we get ahead of ourselves, we must take a gander at a few celebs who had us doing double takes this week. The stars were out and about across the globe at events, or just candidly snapped by meandering paparazzi. But they obviously spared no expense when it came to their ensembles.

Rihanna opted for a simple look this go ’round as she wore a black dress, Miu Miu ostrich leather hobo bag, and nude Louboutin pumps while in Paris. Swizz Beatz spinned a few sets at TAO nightclub in Las Vegas and looked fly while doing so in a gray and black leather jacket and Reebok Kamikaze sneakers from his collaboration with the brand. Apl.d.Ap and Fergie looked amazing as they showed their charitable sides at the Robin Hood Annual Gala. He wore Lanvin sneakers and Fergie donned a pair of Louboutin Daffodil platform pumps. As for Latoya Jackson…it’s nice to see her creative take on colorblocking.

How to Break into Fashion: Celebrity Stylist Mr. Bradshaw

How to Break into Fashion: Celebrity Stylist Mr. Bradshaw

We’ve been slipping just a little bit with our Breaking into Fashion interviews, but this week we’re bringing it back with two special treats!



The 25-year-old counts Amber Riley, Shaunie O’Neal, Tasha Smith, Angela Bassett, and Laz Alonzo as his clients, and had lots of advice for you aspiring stylists out there.

Bradshaw started out pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in LA while working part time at Bloomingdales. During his second week at Bloomingdales, he struck up a conversation with a gorgeous lady with a great look–who happened to be Kim Kardashian’s stylist Monica Rose.



The two scheduled lunch for the following week. Bradshaw confessed, “I didn’t know what she did at first, but by the end of our meeting, she had offered me an internship.” And just like that he was working side by side with Monica, helping style clients in her long celebrity roster. After working with Monica for several years, Bradshaw eventually branched off on his own.

Fashion was always in Bradshaw’s blood. He said, “When I was in high school, I styled all my friends for prom. Any occasion I could use to get my hands into wardrobe–dance, homecoming–I would do it. I’d dress them for free because it was my passion.”



He continues, “When I was a kid I used to live down the street from my elementary school. I was always late because I had to have my socks creased a certain way and my hair had to be parted a certain way.” Sound familiar?



Now you’ll see him styling celebrities for the red carpet, creating looks for TV appearances, and working behind the scenes for magazines like Rolling Out.



For those looking to break in to the biz, he says, “Start now. And know that you have to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run. Patience is a HUGE virtue in this business. You have to sacrifice a lot to get the end big result that you want.”



He continues, “Always pay attention to the person you’re dressing. Don’t think it’s like dressing yourself. It’s like dressing anyone. Celebrities are normal people. Pay attention to detail and be aware of what you’re dressing them for. Don’t follow trends, be a trendsetter.”



Alright! Keep an eye peeled for a profile on Mr. Bradshaw in this month’s Elle Magazine.