Global Style. Marie Claire South Africa

In an editorial titled 'Showroom' newcomer Milan is featured wearing some of South Africa's top designers including Terence Bay, David Tiale and Amanda Laird Cherry in The September issue of Marie Claire South Africa. Gorgeous. I like the funky edge mixed with the classic aesthetic. I always notice the greater diversity of models featured in magazines outside of the U.S.






Photographer: Steve Tanchel
Location: 12 Decades Hotel


Photos: (via) fashiongonerogue.com

I Like His Style. Lenny Kravitz

T by Alexander Wang

Zoe Kravitz (daughter of the oh so fine and talented Lenny and the lovely actress Lisa Bonet) is featured in the fall ad campaign for T by Alexander Wang along with model Max Motta. The line of super soft T-shirts and casual pieces will only be seen in New York's Soho, East and West Village this fall. I really like the look of the ads. Zoe knows her angles.















Photos: (via) Instyle.com, fashionista.com

Daily Bliss.

Notes. Quote of The Day

"Do not complain, make every effort to change things you do not like.
If you can not make a change, change the way you have been thinking, you might find a new solution." - Maya Angelou, "Letter to My Daughter"

Nature's Beauty. Oats

Consumption of whole grains and dietary fiber is known to lower your cholesterol, blood pressure as well as reduce risk of heart disease.


Just don't add too much butter and sugar to that bowl of oatmeal!








Photo: (via) Flickr

Style Tip. It's Worth Spending Major Coins When..

1. It's seasonless.
2. It's versatile.
3. It has great craftsmanship, high quality and made to last.
4. It's timeless.
5. It's rare and unique.

Get The Look For Less at Forever 21

Miu Miu's whimsical satin cat print Mary Jane platform which retails for approximately $590.00 gets the 'inspired by' treatement from Forever 21 with it's own polka dot version coming in at under $30.00.

Music Notes. Esperanza Spalding "Little Fly"

Update Your Style. 2 Quick Tips For Women

1. Change your lipstick, try something new.

2. Get your eyebrows done professionally, and while you're at it take care of your lip line, remove that mustache! A clean lip line and beautifully groomed brows really do wonders for your face. You'll see the difference.

Before it Hits Stores. Target Partners with Gilt

Get a jump on the limited edition fall fashion Friday August 20.

Read the full post by clicking header of article.
















Photo: (via) www.mashable.com

Notes. Quote of the Day

"You may not control all events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." - Maya Angelou

In My Beauty Bag. RoC Daily Moisturizer

Despite rumors and special effects photo's seen out of context on a few blogs several years ago from my album 'The Makeover', I have not had any facial plastic surgery. The concept of those photo's was in fact inspired by a layout from Italian VOGUE in July 0f 2005 called "Makeover Madness". The issue featured Linda Evangelista and was a satire on the lengths some women will go through to appear younger. I haven't even tried botox or any of the many fillers available either. Living in Los Angeles I see the stretched, pulled and overly plumped faces all the time. From my eyes it doesn't make anyone look younger, just 'different'.

What I have done is become somewhat of a moisturizer and anti-aging skin cream addict. I'm always trying new products. We all get older which is a blessing of course and rather than going nuts bemoaning the fact, I believe we can slow the down the wrinkle process by simply pampering our skin in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When choosing moisturizers, especially if you're over 40, Retinol (one of the animal forms of Vitamin A), Matrixyl 3000, Resveratrol (produced naturally by several plants) is something to look for as well as SPF and other essential minerals, fatty acids, and collagen. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
I'm currently using this daily moisturizer by RoC which was under $20.00 having just finished another by Chanel. I try them at all price points.











Photo: (via) Jody Watley

Liya Kibede Rocks Italian VOGUE

The always gorgeous fashion icon Liya Kebede appears in a more edgy layout for Italian VOGUE photographed by Tom Munro. These are two of the 7 page layout. Feathers and velvet for fall it is!









Photo:
Italian VOGUE, August 2010
(via) thefashionspot.com

Art and Fashion.

Sketches from designers Christian Lacroix and Diane Von Furstenberg for First Lady Michelle Obama for 2009's inauguaration. Many wondered what she'd wear and which designer. She went with Jason Wu, though it was fun to see the inspirations of others.

Notes.

"There is everything you know and there is everything that happens. When the two do not line up, you make a choice." - For One More Day, Mitch Albom

A New York State of Mind.

A few highlights from a beautiful fall fashion layout in September Elle featuring new model Georgie Baddiel. I like the modern retro feel all around.






Photographer: Laurie Bartley
Styling: Samira Nasr
Photos: (via) the fashionspot.com

Notes. Quote of the Day

"Trusting in yourself, not what you accomplish, is the key to success and happiness." - Deepak Chopra

Affordable Chic. Capes From H&M

Two cape options under $50.00 at H & M, knit and classic trench.










Photos: Jody Watley

Capes and Cloaks For Fall

Channel your inner super-hero with a stylish cape or cloak for fall. Instantly glam up any outfit, including jeans. Don't worry if you might feel a little like Inspector Gadget you'll look chic!







Left: Stella McCartney Cloak

Nature's Beauty. Almonds

Almonds are one of my favorite snacks. They are full of the same healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil known to prevent heart disease. Nuts such as almonds also help lower cholesterol according to the British Journal of Nutrition. Almonds contain Vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. Eating almonds is known to reduce glycemic index.
Another benefit from the Journal of Obesity is that people who eat nuts at least two times a week were 31% less likely to gain weight than those who never eat nuts, although many people believe the opposite is true.

Notes. Quote of the Day

"The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them." -Unknown

Halle Berry Covers VOGUE

The always fabulous Oscar winning actress Halle Berry is featured as cover girl on the all important September Fall Fashion issue of American VOGUE. There have been so few black women to have this coveted spot. Naomi Campbell is the only black model to be featured on the cover in the prestigious fall fashion issue. This is major, not to mention overdue. I love it!











Photo: (via) vogue.com

Individual Style. Erykah Badu

Always confidently rocking her individuality in music and style, Grammy winning artist Erykah Badu unveiled a new blond Mohawk in performances this weekend including the Lollapalooza Music Festival.
She revealed in an interview with Billboard Magazine that among new beginnings will be a jewelry line "Funktional Art" featuring "Baduwings" and "Earwings". The line is available as a part of the tour merchandise and will be available at select stores around the U.S and Europe.

The "Earwings" shown are boldly fantastic. Erykah has always worn striking accessories and I imagine there will many unique looks to come in the line. As a longtime fan of vintage clothing myself, I like the way she rocked the dress as well funking it up with the Louis Vuitton belt with the oversized cuffs and black booties . The look is right in line with ladylike looks for fall with the circle skirt silhouette being a hot option.










Photos: (via) Getty Images

Classic Looks. GAP Fall 2010

Photos: (via) style.com

Notes. Quote of The Day

"A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well." -Unknown

Rachel Comey Fall 2010

One of the trends for fall is velvet. I really like this pencil skirt paired with the white blouse and cardigan, very classic.









Photo: Rachel Comey
(Via) style.com

Art and Fashion.

Illustration: Robert Clyde Anderson
(Via): Stylishly Drawn, Laird Borrelli

Nature's Beauty. Cherries

The summer is the optimum time to enjoy this fruit, though you can get them year round frozen, dried and as juice. Cherries contain Vitamin C, potassium and have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the eyes because of their lutein and zeaxanthin properties. According to researchers a flavonoid found in cherries has anticarcinogenic called quercetin which can help prevent heart disease. The soluble fiber in cherries may also have a positive influence on cholesterol. Cherries also contain antocyanins which may help relieve muscle and soreness.









Photo: (via) Flickr

Notes. Quote of The Day

"Freedom is not worth having if it does not involve the freedom to make mistakes." ~Gandhi

Notes. Quote of The Day

"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself." -Thich Nhat Hanh

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010

Chunky buttons incorporating the military style will continue to be an option for Fall/Winter. There's a variation on the shape in their signature plaid bag as well which I'm sure will delight many women. You can achieve this look at various price points if you shop around.












Photo: (Via): burberry.com

Casual Looks From J. Crew

I like these combinations.




Photos: (via). jcrew.com

Daily Bliss.

Illustration: "Room To Breathe" Leigh Standley
Curly Girl Design Inc. 2008

Notes. Quote of The Day

"Fires can't be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men. Enthusiasm in our daily work lightens effort and turns even labor into pleasant tasks."
- James Baldwin

New Looks. The Hundreds Fall 2010

I first learned of "The Hundreds" line from my son and his friends, I like it.

Click the link of this post to visit their website.




Photos: (via) thehundreds.com
Photo: Black messenger bag (via): highsnobiety.com

Affordable Style. Nine West Fall 2010

Affordable looks for the style conscious should always be on the radar. If you can save some cash and still look great - that's the best. Nine West always has really good 'Get The Look For Less' options. Here are a few pieces in line with the 'military' inspired trend for fall, which I might add; the look never seems to completely go away. I've never been a huge camouflage fan, but these pieces really work.




Photo: (via) Flickr

Fall Fashion 2010. Elizabeth & James

Feathers are another trend for fall, and I like the way they are worn here. Model Chrishnell Stubbs is featured wearing Elizabeth & James for Neiman Marcus in the Alita Ruched Floral Dress and Feathered James Blazer; nice.








Photo: (via) photobucket.com
(via) beautyisdiverse.com

In My Beauty Bag. Lemon and Rose Hand Cream

I just bought this Carol's daughter lemon and rose hand cream a few days ago before a business trip. It smells delicious and makes my hands feel extremely soft without leaving a greasy residue; simply divine.












Photo: (via) Jody Watley

Daily Bliss.

Notes. Quote of The Day.

"Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure." -Don Wilder and Bill Rechin

Beauty.

I've always found a beautifully done head wrap really chic, especially when you add bold jewelry.






Photo: (via) Flickr

Malaysian Glam.

Music Notes. Suite For Ma Dukes Orchestra

Discovered via: http://watermirrors.tumblr.com/
One of my favorite blogs.

Notes.

"No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you'd be more productive." - Dr. Joyce Brothers

Art and Beauty.

Timeless.





Cover. Vanity Fair Magazine, 1936
Illustration: Miguel Covarrubias
Bali Beauty