Malan Breton. Fall 2011 Opening. New York Fashion Week

I've been a fan of Malan Breton since he was a participating designer on Project Runway in an earlier season.

Ironically, I would later learn that I was a big inspiration to him. Additionally, I learned what an extensive and eclectic history he has. Malan graciously designed a special chantilly lace and leather dress and jacket for me to wear on an appearance on a morning news show in New York a few years ago. We'd never met previously, until the morning of the show - the dress fit perfectly.
Malan is very much a classic gentleman reminiscent of what men may have been like in another era when good manners and class were expected. He also represents the tenacity required beyond his obvious talent. It doesn't matter where you start but where you finish, and he has been incredibly successful since his Project Runway exposure.

This opening of his Fall 2011 Collection brings a bit of the drama of Kabuki Theater to the runway. Of course not only do I want couture kimono but the hand held fan.

The rendition of the Rihanna/Eminem hit "Love The Way You Lie" is performed to perfection by Ariana Grande of Nickelodeon's "Victorious'.

 Make sure to visit Malan's site.

Quote Of The Day.

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. ~ Michaelangelo

In My Beauty Bag. MAC Cosmetics "Get Rich Quick" Dazzleglass

While looking to update my make-up bag before my recent trip to Japan with a few new colors,
I fell 'in like' with a 'Dazzleglass' from MAC cosmetics. I tested it in the store and said "Yes!", even before I knew it had such a fun name.
There's just enough color to give a bit of 'pop' and it goes on sheer with a touch of sparkle. It also has staying power and doesn't seem to wear off easily - I wore it onstage.

Vivienne Westwood Opens Flagship Boutique In West Hollywood

If you've followed my blog you know I've been anticipating and documenting the process since I first noticed the building go up! I'll have to go back into my files and put them all together now.

Happy shopping LA Westwood fashionista's!

Friday Fab. VOGUE Italia "The Black Allure" Video

With Nina Simone as the soundtrack setting the intrigue to this fashion editorial, you really can't go wrong. VOGUE Italia's "The Black Allure" is captivating on film and features some the today's most in demand models.

As a side note, as a longtime collector and user of hand held fans; I really need the ones used in this video - they are so me!

Fashion Week 2011 NYC. Nail Glam.

From Fashion Week
Photo: (via) Twitpic - twitter.com/fashionista_com

Quote Of The Day.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." - Lao Tzu

Tokyo. Kimono Style

We arrived a couple of days ago, and so happy to be here again in Japan. Guests receive warm greetings in the lobby of the hotel from the moment you walk into the lobby, as well as stepping into and out of the elevators. Many of the ladies who work here wear traditional kimono's which I find very beautiful.

Art and Fashion.

Illustration: Rene Grau for DIOR

Music Notes. Kraak & Smaak "Dynamite"

In My Beauty Bag. Touche'

I discovered Touche' Beauty just before my most recent birthday. To say I'm a products junkie is probably accurate. As I get older, focusing on my skin is paramount. I try not to obsess about staying young; the reality is father time gets everyone eventually if we are so blessed to make it for the long haul. I do, however, want to look good and not tired on the outside and feel good on the inside most of all. No surgery, needles and fillers - just give me creams, potions and serums, in addition to a healthy lifestyle. I love trying new products and changing my beauty regime, my skin never gets a chance to get bored.
I'm currently using all three of the serums: Oxygen, Caviar, and Marine Collagen. In addition to the serums, their 'Jade Roller' has become an instant hit. I've learned that jade has been used for centuries in Ancient Eastern Medicine and known for it's curative and restorative benefits. Who knew?!  I've been rolling away on my face and eyes with the few fine lines between my eyebrows getting extra attention. The 'Jade Roller' is like a spa tool after a facial perfect for home and has an instant calming effect. The serums are lightweight and can be used individually or together.

I recently tried a "Collagen" candle from another company which was also cool - but that's another post!

Editorial Of The Week. VOGUE Italia "The Black Allure"

I'm living for this jewelry.

Ultimately, it will be great when the fashion industry moves beyond grouping models by ethnicity - which seems to be a recent trend in fashion editorials. Models of all races should be included without the need for 'concepts' from my point of view. It would be refreshing to see women of all races and sizes and ages represented on a regular basis.

Those feelings aside - this is a fabulous editorial. VOGUE Italia always has the best of the best layouts. I've selected a few of my favorites, click the link to view in full.


Photographer: Emma Summerton

Click Here To View:
Full Layout

Nature's Beauty. Eating Healthy

I thought I'd share this article on 15 Superfoods for Under $20.00 :
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/15-superfoods-for-under-20-stocking-your-pantry-on-the-cheap.html

Club Monaco. New Classics for Spring 2011

The Gina Dress

Sweet energy in this photo and I adore the beaded bag.

Lauren Hutton. Classic all the way around.

Cyrus Linen Shirt.

Club Monaco never disappoints with their clean lines and affordable chic. This upcoming Spring Collection has several new timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe. I appreciate the fact that they used one of my favorite longtime truly iconic models, Lauren Hutton. Older women are less visible in advertising which is a shame, especially in this day and age.


Photo's (via): Club Monaco Spring 2011 Lookbook

Quote Of The Day.

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." - Dr. Seuss

Quote of The Day.

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. " -Ashley Smith



I will add to that:

"Notice the beauty of the sky - Look UP!  (me)

Health and Beauty. Omega-3 Fish Oil

With healthy Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA this supplement is definitely worth consideration. Anything that may lower cholesterol, risks to strokes, breast cancer or heart disease  while increasing brain function is worth a look to me. I take one capsule everyday as a part of my anti-aging regimen.
I learned this from Dr. Oz  on one of his first appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show a few years ago.

Jody Watley On TV-One's Way Black When Primetime

"Way Black When Primetime" airing on TV-One throughout February celebrates Black Pop Culture in Music, Television, Film and Style.

On February 4, I talk about free style dancing and the art of living in the music spontaneously without the aid of a choreographer and individuality in style. 'Waacking' is having an international resurgence, and I love it. I've been doing it since I was a teenager, and as many know before the kids were 'Vogueing' we were hitting poses with 'Waacking'. The dance is seen in many of my performances and in particular the video 'Still A Thrill' which featured Soul Train's Dean of the Dance and all things 'Fierce' - Tyrone Procter. I loved dancing with Tyrone, which is why of all of my former partners I chose him for the video. 'Still A Thrill' filmed on location in Paris, France has become a classic to a lot of fans around the world.  I have mentioned before Tyrone really helped me unleash my inner 'Diva'. My performance on "Way Black When" marks the first time I've ever appeared with a group of dancers on television - waacking or otherwise as an artist. I also talk to host Sinbad about other topics related to the 70's and the significance of the iconic show 'Soul Train'; for me personally as well as the shows ultimate influence on black pop culture.



Click Here For Schedule:

Trend Guide. Spring Summer 2011.

The menswear collection has some pieces I'd rock, though I'm a woman. I especially like the one piece 'playsuit' and jackets. The range of looks for men gives updated options for the more conservative or fashionista.
On the women's wear side of the spectrum the long flowy color blocked dresses are a must and always classic as are white pants for men or women.

With regard to the bold color trend; if you want to ease into it, I'd say add pieces of colorful chunky jewelry.

Quote Of The Day.

"It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of someone's life with perfection." - Baghavad Gita