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.