Joan Smalls Becomes New Face of Estee Lauder.

WWD announced today that Joan Smalls, is the newest face of the beauty brand Estee Lauder. The model has had an incredible year; from major fashion editorial's around the world or working the runway, The new campaign will debut in May 2011.  The venerable brand announced signing Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen  earlier this year to broaden the range we generally see in advertising here in America - kudos to all involved for the vision and making it happen.

Joan working it in Tom Ford. Harper's Bazaar UK. Photographer: Terry Richardson

For Prada Fall RTW 2010.

Notes.

"Live in joy, in love - even among those who hate."  Dhammapada

Art and Fashion. Anna Sui

Illustration: Hiroshi Tanabe

Illustration. Michell Kim

Illustration: Masiyaki Ogisu

Illustration: Michael Economy

There's something really cool to me about T-shirts with unique stylized illustrations. Designer Anna Sui has a knack for choosing the right illustrators.

Thierry Mugler's 'Womanity'. Jody Watley

"Womanity" powered by revolutionary designer Thierry Mugler is an international based website which weaves together a mosaic of stories and features from women about women. I was profiled in the UK by Simona Rabinovitch.

Read "Jody Watley's Real Love" Here:

Classic Cool.

 Political Activist, Educator, Author Angela Davis with Nobel and Pulitzer Prize Author, Novelist, Professor Toni Morrison.

There's just something special about black and white candid photography. There's something intriguing about the candid moment, and I really appreciate vintage images as well. I really appreciate the 70's stylistically, musically, socially and so on.

Notes. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I always come back to this principle "Actions speak louder than words". 
Put your words into action today. In relationships, ask for what you want - but notice what you get!

Notes. Spirit and Grace: Elizabeth Edwards

I'm sorry to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. She was a woman of inner strength and dignity; both qualities I admire tremendously.  A mother, fighting hard in the midst of family tragedy, health and marital struggles, tabloid headlines and public scrutiny captured the hearts of millions of women who in my view were pulling for her to prevail.

This article from NPR say's it best:
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/07/131862855/elizabeth-edwards-succumbs-to-cancer

New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes

Elizabeth Edward's very poignant message posted just the day before her passing on her Facebook page, which beautifully puts life in perspective and her showed her incredible spirit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20024768-503544.html

May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to her children, family and friends who truly knew and supported her with love.





** I have to add..
I wonder how former Senator John Edwards and that woman who seemed to take so much smug glee at helping push their marriage into a ditch feels.... it's beside the point, but it crossed my mind.

Notes: On Life. Creativity. Art.

"I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then." -Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll

For The Shoe Lover In You. Christian Louboutin Spring 2011

Simply divine.



Photo: (via) www.twitter.com/sashacharnin
US Magazine

Spring Forward. H&M Lookbook 2011

Taking a diversion from holiday and winter style, courtesy of Barracuda Films is a first look at what's going to be in-store at H&M for Spring/Summer. I'm digging the vibrant colors (this from an absolute black-a-holic) and the maxi dresses from the women's wear collections.

Holiday Shopping. Macy's "Heart of Haiti" Collection

Handcrafted votive  holder made from recycled metal.

Ceremonial Bowls. $10.00 Each.

Give a gift that gives back from Macy's, with unique handcrafted items reflecting the culture, history and drive of the Haitian people to rebuild their lives.


Click the link to learn more:

http://www.macys.com/campaign/social?campaign_id=134&channel_id=1&bundle_entryPath=/haiti_landing



Photo: (via) macys.com

Notes.

“I am miracle ingredient Z-247. I’m immense. I’m a real, slam-bang, honest-to-goodness, three-fisted humdinger. I’m a bona fide supraman.” - Catch-22, Joseph Heller

Yves St. Laurent. L'Amour Fou

Individual Style. Rachel Stewart Jewelry

Fallen Angel Earrings $35.00.

Masai Beaded Bangles - $10.00 each

Cuffs are a great way to add flair to any outfit. I love these!

I recently discovered this wonderful jewelry and accessories line by Rachel Stewart. If you're looking for tasteful pieces with a bit of cultural flair, add her boutique to your list. I've posted a few of my favorite pieces.




Photo's: (via) rachelstewart.bigcartel.com

Music Notes. Seu Jorge "The Model (Part 2): Oshun and The Dream"

This video is intoxicating to watch and listen to whether you're familiar with the effortless cool and distinctive sounds of Seu Jorge or not.

Notes. World Aids Day

"To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time." -Night, Elie Wiesel 

I miss so many friends who remained silent rather than ask or seek help and died from AIDS. Suffering in silence must end. Knowing your status or that of your partner is crucial for women, men, teens and older adults - all races but especially for black women and teens where the numbers are new cases are increasing.  Perhaps with greater knowledge, care and education available today, things would have been different for them but whatever the case - I remember them and miss them all at once; today and everyday. 

Work It Wednesday. Seen In Los Angeles

I stepped up to the ATM and saw this cutie waiting for it's owner, she had a bit of attitude as well! I couldn't resist taking the photo.

Work It Wednesday. H&M Holiday Ad Campaign

Sisters. Kesewa and Adoa

Friends. Fei Fei Sun and Du Juan

Brothers. Louis and Claude Simonon

Friends. Waris Dirie and Liya Kebede

I adore this diverse holiday campaign from H&M which includes family members and friends. There's something really refreshing to see the natural in this campaign worn by one of the sisters. The men's tuxedo jacket is a mere $29.99 and the black and gold brocade strapless dress worn by Liya is $19.95.


Photos: (via) H&M

The Art of Window Styling. Bergdorf Goodman NYC Holiday

Nature's Beauty. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are in your local produce section or farmer's market in abundance this time of year and in the juice section year round. It's another whole food or fruit full of natural anti-oxidants and full Vitamin C and B6. In addition, you can add pomegranates to the list of fruits that can be preventative against breast, prostate and lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and helpful in raising the good cholesterol.

Holiday Style. Liya Kebede For Anne Taylor

The holiday campaign featuring Liya Kebede for Anne Taylor is lovely. I'm currently obsessed with large chunky necklaces and bracelets and really like the ones featured in this ad. To see more images click to see the complete Lookbook.


Photo: (via) beautyisdiverse.com

Classic Beauty. Carmen Dell'Orefice

There's something to be said about aging gracefully. It's always nice to see examples, though as we all know it's rare; especially in fashion, film, music and media. Legendary model Carmen Dell'Orefice has done so magnificently.

Notes. About Attitude

"You cannot tailor-make the situations in life but you can tailor-make the attitudes to fit those situations." - Zig Ziglar

Beautiful Make-Up. IMAN 'Eye Con' Collection

I just discovered this fantastic make-up combination from IMAN Cosmetics via Jones Mag due Janaury 2011. The all inclusive palette includes shadow trio's in addition to brow and eye liner to help you achieve dramatic or more neutral looks.
This would make a nice gift for Christmas, but you don't need to have the holiday spirit to give! The Eye Con Collection will be available in January for $35.00, check drugstore.com or other retailers that carry IMAN Cosmetics.

Art and Fashion.

Window Shopping. Club Monaco Beverly Hills

Just the right touch of sparkle...

Great asymmetrical Grecian goddess lines on top..

Notes. Self Belief

"Whether you think you can, or you can't....you'll be right both ways." - Henry Ford

In My Inbox. Giuseppe Zanotti

 

There are probably variations on this look with a price tag not as steep as this very hot pair of Giuseppi Zanotti strappy crystal embellished vamp pumps. Adding a bit of sparkle is a great way to make an outfit pop this season. Just remember not to over do it - just say no to sparkle from head to toe!

Lanvin For H&M. The Madness

Beverly Center Window. "The Necklace" I hoped for.

Lanvin For H&M. "The Aftermath"

I''ll never line up behind a rope of any kind and wait to buy clothes no matter how coveted. Subsequently, I have been unlucky with every exclusive designer line for H&M. This reality hasn't stopped me from trying.

In the case of Alber Elbaz for Lanvin 'Hearts' H&M Collection, I had my eye and hopes on the red jeweled necklace.  Arriving several hours after the debut, and obviously long after the hardcore fashionista's had fought for color coded wristbands to be 'the first'.  I envisioned them leaving with multiple stacks of the designer items from dresses, shoes to handbags gleeful that they were leaving nothing for the stragglers. There was nothing to be found beyond my own wishful thinking, eternal optimism and empty shelves being dismantled by employees and few dresses, size 4.  Oh well..

Music Notes. GRAMMY 'Rewind' To 30th Annual GRAMMY Awards

In the two weeks leading up to The GRAMMY's Nomination's concert which will air on CBS on Dec. 1 at 10 PM ET/PST, the academy will highlight special moments in the history of the show. It was nice to revisit that year from Grammy.com not only because it's the year I won 'Best New Artist', but to be reminded of the great company I was in musically. Releases and nominees that year ranged from U2 and Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston, Terence Trent D'Arby, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prince and Paul Simon.

Read More:
http://www.grammy.com/news/grammy-rewind-30th-annual-grammy-awards


Join and Learn About The Recording Academy:
http://www2.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/


Photo: John Chiasson

Notes.

"Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing." -One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey

A Touch of Lace. Update Your Holiday Look

Giuseppe Zanotti

Christian Louboutin

Dolce and Gabana

Nine West

A great way to add a bit of elegance to your evening or holiday party look is a pair of lace pumps; currently a trend in fashion though actually quite timeless. Lace shoes are available at various price points. The Nine West 'Expoze' peep toe is a current bargain for under $50.00. I'd wear any of these with either a simple cocktail dress or leggings and a great top. You could totally wear lace pumps to even to dress up a pair of dark wash jeans. Elevate your style and always wear what works best on you!

Couture In Manhattan. Lanvin For H&M - The "Haute Couture" Show

I loved watching this presentation of "Hearts H&M Collection" from Alber Elbaz.  Full of whimsical Parisienne chic, there are so many looks and pieces I'd rock. The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan last night was indeed the place to be.

Music Notes. Full Crate and FS Green

Discovered (via):  http://watermirrors.tumblr.com/

Work It Wednesday.

Du Juan For VOGUE China Beauty

I'm a longtime admirer of the 50's make-up aesthetic, especially the strong brow and mouth. Some of my most memorable looks channel that era, because I always want to keep things classic - this was true for me even in the 80's.

Model Du Juan is working this editorial. Click the 'Beauty' link to see the full effect!


Photographer: Michelangelo di Battista
Photo: (via) www.fashiongonerogue.com

Notes. Confidence

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." - Norman Vincent Peale

Work It Wednesday.

Giving Attitude.

Model: Dafne Cejas
Photographer:  Greg Kadel
(via) Numero Magazine

Art and Fashion.

Julia Saner

Melodie Montrose

Arizona Muse

Absolutely stunning paintings of new models on the rise by Danny Roberts. Click the link to view full gallery.


Image source: (via) www.models.com

Alpha Gear For Gents.

If you are looking for great gifts or really groovy items that run the gamut from books and grooming items to clothing for the man in your life, Alpha Gear For Gents is a great place to put on your boutique or online shopping list. Owner, Darren Gold has a great eye for handpicking the stylish and fun.

Check out this recent profile from Style Section L.A.
http://www.stylesectionla.com/area/find/2010/10/29/boutique-obsessions-alpha

Notes.

But you know you haven't done it all because you know everything keeps evolving and changing; and you know you can evolve with it if you grow and develop as a human being. - Conrad Hall

Music Notes. Dam-Funk "Mirrors"

His Shoe Game. The New "Geno" From Creative Recreation

For the sneaker lover in you, is the new "Geno" shoe from the Creative Recreation Collection Spring 2011, available in a wide range of colors and choice of leather or suede.

Photo: (via) www.thecrjournal.com

Relaxed Style. ZARA Men's Homewear

View the ZARA Men's Homewear Collection. It definitely caught my eye!

Photo: (via) Zara

Tom Ford Back In VOGUE.

Tom Ford returns to women's fashion after a six yeat hiatus with a nod to individuality and 70's glamour from his new Spring Collection 2011.

Photographed by Steven Meisel for VOGUE U.S. December issue.

Photo's: (via) Vogue

Notes.

Find something to be thankful for everyday.

Ralph Lauren Celebrates With 4-D Light Installation

This seems like a pretty spectacular way for designer Ralph Lauren to celebrate the 10th anniversary of it's U.S. e-commerce business and the launch of its e-commerce site in the UK. I would have loved to see this in person this past Wednesday.