The Grammy's Winners and Losers

Well,well people! If last night was anything,it was trumped full of big winners and losers! Shouts out to Beyonce for winning, count em, SIX Grammy's last night and The Black Eyed Peas for their three wins.You should know that The Grammy's are my favorite awards of the year because I really love music and this is a red carpet where you will literally see anything. Now with all the logistics out the way,lets get to the important stuff,who wore what! I'm gonna exclude Lady Gaga from my worst dress list because hey,she's Lady Gaga and if she showed up in some fabulous couture gown,I would question her sanity!lol

My Top Five:

Pink in Tony Ward Haute Couture: This ladylike dress was a huge thumbs up from me.The normally tough round the way girl took a backseat last night. The layering of the material combined with the ombre effect of the different shades of gray was like nothing we have seen before and mirrored nothing else that night. WERK Pink!

Keri Hilson in Dolce and Gabbana: I am a big Keri Hilson fan but her look always comes off as cheap to me. From the hard curls in her hair to the outfits,it just always looks wrong to me. Well that all changed last night when the Cinderella of the evening shocked us looking more like an A-List actress than a down to earth chick from Atlanta. Kudos!

Beyonce in Stephane Rolland: I love Beyonce but I'm always nervous before she hits the red carpet in hopes that she doesnt look the same in gold sequins with lots of body gloss. I was relieved when she showed up and out in a very memorable gown that was both appropriate and fabulous. The cap sleeve was a change from the norm and the rich detailing throughout the dress and the body curving materials all worked super for Ms.Fierce. STANDING O Bey!

Usher in Dolce and Gabbana: I would be assuming if I said that his ex-wife was somewhere kicking herself when she seen Usher last night.lol I'm just saying I would have because,he was the picture of what a man should look like post-rebound and ready to win back out hearts after that mistake that was a marriage. Just kidding. Good work Usher,keep up the high fashion while pushing the envelope with hot combos and unexpected piping tracing the suit. Love loved the look!

Rihanna in Elie Saab:If you have kept up with my blog,you know Rihanna is one of my favorite fashion icons. Last night was no different. This was a look I think she could only pull off,anyone else would have gotten torn to shreds. Her confidence is one reason it worked. Paired with light colored makeup and minimal jewelry really put emphasis on the high neckline and high split in the dress. It was classy,fun and fashion forward all at the same time. I'm so not surprised at this one!

My Bottom Five:

Imogen Heap: Attention whore(enough said)
Ciara: Needs to be drug and shot!
Shaila Durcal: Do you know better??
Kristen Bell: This is not a backyard bar-b-que!
Katy Perry: Are you a Vegas showgirl or what honey?































Now the Losers......

A Fanny Pack!

Yeah so I am just kinda mesmerized by this chick Amber Rose. She is very daring and will do anything to get some camera time. Now with that being said,I cant front and act like this Louis Vuitton fanny pack isn't kinda hot! It takes the right outfit and super confident girl(that's her) to pull off this look. I commend her for having the vision to rock this look. Go Amber!.....Now if I could only hear her voice? lol

Kanye and Amber Rose?

If Kanye and his arm candy Amber Rose are anything,its entertaining! Love them or hate em,they keep use lookin and talking. I guess its true what they say,there is no such thing as bad press! I think that Kanye is one smart cookie. This is him and his lady at the Chanel Spring-Summer 2010 Fashion Show and the Louis Vuitton Show the day before. Enjoy!

The Golden Globes Fashion

So last night was the Golden Globes and although it rained the whole time,that didn't stop the stars from shining as bright as the sun. The great news is that Monique won her first Golden Globe for her role in Precious(GO Mo!). The even better news is that the red carpet had a lot more winners than losers (Tina Fey). I was happy to see the new trends of Spring are starting to pop up all over the red carpets. The soft,delicate fabrics and colors were all over the place and loved how the stars. Enjoy my top winners of the night!

The People's Choice Awards Fashion

Well last night was the first awards of the new decade and lots of people started the year on a high note with hot colors,cuts and lenghts. I was most impressed with Taraji P. Henson and Demi Lavoto but others made me proud as well. Few fell short of the mark by wearing clothes that looked too big and over stated shoes that clashed with their ensembles. Instead of focusing on the loosers of the night,lets highlight the clear winners of the red carpet last night.

How to Look Slimmer while you Diet

Most peoples New Years Resolution is hands down, to lose weight. With that being said, weight loss is a process that shouldn't be crashed upon and in the meantime you still want to turn heads when you walk in a room right? I mean no need to climb into this shell until you get the picture perfect body. I'm gonna show you how you can make yourself look slimmer with just some minor alterations.

Pictures
Now if you know me, they say I'm always ready to pose for a picture and they are right! But there is a science to it as well. To minimize your frame while taking a picture,always go for a side shot. In addition,you want to suck in your stomach, push your shoulders back and, cross one leg in front of the other. It sounds complicated and may feel weird at first but it actually works. Beyonce is one that pulls this off so effortlessly that I swear she hops out the bed like this. Try it in the mirror a few times before you actually pose for a real picture so that you look comfortable.
Loose vs. Fitted?
I think its naturally assumed that when your trying to mask something that you are to wear clothes that are two times too big to achieve the look. Well in some cases like a baby bump you can get away with a empire waist type top to hide your budle of joy. But in the case of trying to tone down the bulge of arms and legs, not so much. When trying to hide your thunder thighs til they are where you want them to be, go for darker colors and heavier materials but not necessiarly looser. I promise, if you wear some black straight leg trousers with a full sweater that hits at the hip with lets say, a tapered waist line or belted waist,you will thank me later. You are still to look like a woman at all times regardless of where you are in your quest to lose weight.
To take attention off of your arms avoid wearing blouses and sweaters that draw attention to what your trying to hide. Shirts with shoulder pads and puffy materials around the arms will make you look fuller up top. As an alternate,go for dolman sleeves that flare out and are not form fitting. With this,your arms are masked and you cant tell how big they are either way. This works for small and big girls alike!

Long over Short and Short over Long
Here is a basic concept that will help alot of people. This is a fail proof method that helps almost anyone. Long over short for example, would be wearing a pencil skirt that hits above or right at the knee with a long jacket or tunic that comes past it. Another way to rock long over short would be to wear some super skinny jeans that look painted on,with a long tunic. Short over long would be wearing a cropped jacket or cardigan with a dress that comes to your knees fitted or A-lined. Think a leather jacket with zippers and buckles with a solid color dress that has minimal detail. This gives your waistline definition and is a really sexy look.

Strips
There is a wrong way and a right way to wear strips. The wrong way is to wear Huge vertical strips in one long continuous fabric. The right way to do it is to wear thin horizontal strips in a not so loud color. Get neons out your mind. Epic Fail!! When wearing a stripped dress, make sure that you tone everything else down. Weather permitting,wear some dark tights with shoes in the same color of the tights,this is lenghting as well as slimming. Dont feel the need to wear lots of accessories and heavy ornate jewelry with strips. The strips draw enough attention and you dont want to go too hard by loading on everything from braclets to earrings,rings etc....

Look of the Day

This is the gorgeous Penelope Cruz on the red carpet in a beautiful Chanel gown. I love everything about this look,the draping the color,the cut everything. She always knows how to dress for her body type and always pulls it off effortlessly.And to add to it all,the one shoulder look is reinging this season something serious! Fierce!

<
Princess Siriwanwaree Nareerat of Thailand at the Chanel fashion show this past fall. The all black keeps this look classy and grown, while the sheer draping and slighty off the shoulder neckline keeps this look totally fresh. The form fitting skirt with the origami type material is flattering and totally works for all body types. This is an ideal look for a cocktail or holiday party or a formal event. FAB!

Look of the Day

This is Ms.Berry looking ever so fab in this all black get up that is on point in every way. How she is wearing these leggings is exactly how you wear them,with a long sweater that comes at or past your hips. The relaxed cowl neck and combat boots relaxes this look and the leather jacket gives this look an overall rocker chic feel. This is a perfect outfit for shopping, a lunch date or just running errands as it appears she may be doing,and looking quite well in the process!

Look of the Day

This is Terry Hatcher(my favorite housewife) in stunning Hugo Boss suit. This look is right on trend for the fall Structured Look that a touched on a while back. This has a masculine feel but still holds her in all the right places so its still very ladylike. Lots are scared to wear white in the winter but here is a perfect example of how to do it with class and style. Love it !!

Look of the Day

Here is Rachel Weisz at a movie premier in L.A in this sizzling Valentino ice colored tiered mini. I am especially fond of this because its a fun length for a party but still very flattering. The tiered look is going to be a HUGE trend this spring, as it was on everybody who is anybody's runway at Fashion Week. She is getting an early leg up on the trend and pulling it off quite nicely may I add. Fierce!

Look of the Day

src="

This is our first lady Michelle Obama at the Obama's first State Dinner at the White House. The sparkly cardigan with metallic belt,paired with this watercolor knee length skirt shows us all why she has become an instant Fashion Icon. She always seems to get it right and knows exactly how to dress for her body type. The stacks pearl bracelets add jazz and class to this beautiful ensemble making me more proud of my first lady more and more each day!

Look of the Day

I have said before and will say again, Rihanna's fashion sense is simply sick!! agghh!! Sticking with her mentors motto of "all black everything", she manages to keep this muted color alive, feminine and fresh. The sweetheart neckline and draping is sooo fashion forward. I just wanted to drop this to gush about how this girl never does any wrong and we all could take a tip or two from this good girl gone bad. Good Day!

Bargain Shopping for the Holidays

Thanks to our sinking economy,this years holiday shopping will prove to be a feat only the smart will reign in. In this day and age, gone are the days of expensive splurges. Now its all about how to make your dollar got further while still making an impact with your gift. No problem. Simple,cheap gifts that still go a long way is the new Fierce!


In past years the silk neck scarf was all the rage as everywhere we turned someone had one on. Young,old, in plaid or solids. Men and women. Well to shift things slightly,this year its all about the endless sweater scarf. Its one piece of continuous fabric in a sweater knit that can be doubled up several times over or just twice for a loose flowy look. Its great because its fashionable and warm as we enter into more cooler weather. Whats even more great, is that Forever21 has these for 8.80 in a variety of colors! So why not get a few and gift them to your favorite fashionable girls this year. Very Eco-chic!

Another great gift would be a nice belt. If anything has remained a constant this fall is that a belt does nothing but help an outfit if worn correctly. For your full figured, busty family members, stick with a skinny belt in some type of animal print or skin. A sparkly belt for them also works well. This way,the eye is draw in on the detail of the belt and not so much of what its covering. Also a skinny belt on a full figure cinches the waist which gives the illusion that its smaller. Again Forever 21 has these for just a few dollars. I got a gold,black and, purple croc skin belt for 3.50 a piece! Old Navy also has metallic belts starting at 5.00 and going up to 13.00. Tell me I cant find a bargain?

Something else worth looking into is a great pair of leather gloves. Faux leather is just as good too. With this, feel free to look at different colors and lengths. Long elbow length gloves are so cool when paired with a three quarter length jacket or sweater. Red,yellow and purple gloves are also trendy,keep them at the traditional length though. The biker gloves with cut outs for your favorite punk rock niece will fit quite nicely with the leather jacket that we're all rocking this year. Target has gloves for 17.99. Gotta love Targe't.

Now cardigans have long been something associated with old lady's who had no style. Today, that couldn't be further from the truth. Cardigans have come in and straight dominated the fashion scene. They come in long, waist length, cropped, in various materials and patterns. Its a necessity that I touched on in my first blog on Fall Trends. But more than a trend, it has proven itself to be a much needed staple. A very versatile piece that can be worn over jeans and a tee, a day dress,with or without a belt. This piece has no age limitation. Check out T.J Maxx in the woman's section as well as Ross and Marshalls. Lots of people avoid these store because of the unorganized setup at certain locations. But if you can get past that, you'll find gold in some of the top brands like Kenneth Cole Reaction, Express and Calvin Klein for a little of nothing.

How to Flatter Your Figure and Remain Fab

Whats up people, glad your sticking with me. So this time, we are going to get into how to look slimmer with just a few easy adjustments to your wardrobe. With the average woman in the country being a size 12, I feel this can help a lot of "real" woman, and not the picture of women we see on TV and red carpets. These few adjustments probably never crossed your mind as adding pounds to your figure,that is why I'm here.
As a rule of thumb for curvy women your goal should be to define your waist and elongate your figure,not mask it. Generally you want to look for clothes that fall smoothly over your curves and pieces that are nipped at the waist and shirts that have darts at the waist. A common misconception is that baggy clothes cover up the problems but really,it just adds pounds,so steer away from too loose clothing. Lets get into how to wear...

Jeans
Most of us probably feel there is no swaying you from your favorite pair of jeans and feel that if we cant do anything right,we know about our jeans. I'm not here to steal you happiness, I'm just gonna hit you with some rule of thumbs for curvy women. Please avoid super low rise jeans that you can bend over in. Showing your thing is NEVER gonna be hot. Also go for darker colors, lighter colors with the whisk in the front on your hips and, jeans with heavy embellishments on the pockets only draw attention to parts that you want to flatter. You will find yourself most comfortable in a boot cut jean with minimal detailing. Skinny or straight leg jeans isn't something that I'm totally against for plus size woman but don't think you can wear them like the skinny girls. Pair your skinny jeans with a long or cardigan or v-neck sweater that covers your junk with a ankle boot is the safest way to pull this look.

Sweaters
Since we are November,this is a relevant topic as you pull out your sweaters from last year. Busty women (myself included) should not wear turtlenecks as it draws the eye to your bust because there is no skin to distract. Alternatively,always aim for v-necks,cowl necks or scoop necks that minimize. Also if you wear big hoop or decorative earring it draws the eye up and away. Chunky sweaters can add weight to your figure especially if you wear a wide belt over it. If going chunky, go for the above cuts I just mentioned. If your into belts which is a hot little punch, go for a thin belt which actually slims you especially if its the same color as your sweater.
If you have that extra weight in your arms that drives you crazy,three quarter length tops and dolmen sleeve tops are excellent choices to flatter that problem.

Dresses
The wrap dress that was created and made famous by Diane Von Furstenburg is a MUST full figured women should have. If you don't have one, go get one tomorrow! The jersey knit is the most forgiving of them all and does not wrinkle,really it just doesn't happen with that fabric! The wrapping around the middle makes it comfortable and fashionable with draping being a hot trend right now. The A-Line dress is also great for full figures. The cinching at the waist and flaring out,hides wide hips and thighs. Follow this look through with a natural color pump that adds length to your legs and makes you appear taller. Keep the neckline open as well, as the combination of a little cleave at the top and the leg showing from the knee down draws the eyes toward your skin,not to what your covering. Again a thin belt over it,draws the eye toward your natural waistline and not wide hips or thighs.

Shoes
Who knew shoes contributed to added pounds to your figure? Well it can. Pointed shoes as well as dark colored shoes narrow your foot,so this is a good option if you have "pig feet". Also if you are one of those shapes that big up top with skinny legs,don't wear mid calf shoes,its not proportioned correctly. Try either a ankle boot or go all the way up with a knee boot. When wearing ankle boots with a dress or skirt,wear the same color tights to elongate your legs and solidify your look. You want a consistent look,not choppy and broken up. You'll look taller and slimmer! Also,if you own knee boots that gap,that's a violation. Get a knee boot in a sturdy material that doesn't slouch. Another rule of thumb is if you are wearing animal print shoes,don't wear everything else in that same print. One piece at a time is just right. The illusion of an animal print from head to toe can actually make you look like that animal!

Coats
This is one of the most neglected pieces of your wardrobe. People get so caught up in whats up under the coat that you don't consider that it is the first thing people see when they see you. Its a very important piece that should be invested in wisely according to your figure and not just whats cozy and warm.You can be warm and fabulous at the same time. First off, full figured women shouldn't wear shoulder pads that add bulk that's not really needed. I mean, who really says"my shoulders are cold in this coat"? Also you want a coat that like your clothes,cinches your waist and falls right at your knee,at the longest. Any longer and makes you look frumpy and if your petite,it makes you look a lot smaller than you already are. Look for straight or belted styles that bring the eye inward. Try to get away from double breasted styles and ones with busy pockets on the bust line. As far as color choices,red is flaming and it adds punch to an otherwise muted outfit. Be sure if you wear a "crayola" colored coat that your doing it to add punch, not to be so matchy matchy. Puffy bombers that come right around your waist,floor lenght coats,busy patterns,(unless its small like tweed) should be avoided for full figured woman. It honestly doesn't help flatter.

Purses
This is another that doesn't get much thought for your figure when you make the purchase. The great thing about purses now is that,what is hot right now is exactly what a full figured woman needs. You probably didn't know that round bags don't work for round woman. You don't want anything adding to your round-ness. Look for rectangular and more square shapes. Opt for the structured bag like a satchel with double handles that's to be clutched in your hand or,one that is to fall right in the bend of your elbow. A big hobo bag that you throw over your shoulder if you think about it,adds pounds to your whole silhouette. Now I know that the hobo bag is a God-send for busy women who carry lots of things and don't have time to be all dainty while juggling kids,books and whatever else you got going. But the next time your purse shopping,look in the mirror from all angles at yourself with this over sized bag,and if your petite, forget about it! YOU should be carrying the bag,not the bag carrying you!

Classics All Women Should Have

A classic is defined as of the first or highest quality, class, or rank,serving as a standard, model, or guide. With that being said,this time we are going to explore staples every woman should be able to go to at a moments notice. These things don't have an expiration date on them and will never go out of style. Now if you have to shop low end markets for these pieces,that's okay but the objective of a classic is that it is intended to last for years to come, These are splurge items that you shouldn't feel guilty about investing in. Think of all the use that you will get out of it and dive in. Lets get it!

The Trench Coat
The trench coat was invented by Burberry as an alternate to the heavy coats for the French and British during the the 1850's. Now if that's not classic,I don't know what is! Although, created as a covering during the first World War,this look is anything but combative. This is a attention grabbing piece that says you mean business. Weather your going to work with your trousers or pencil skirt or, on your way to your man's house on a rainy night with nothing underneath. Think Robin Givens in Boomerang! Over the years the look has evolved to include different colors and textures but I'm gonna always bet on the classic tan color that hits right at the knee in a wool fabric or the the normal cotton. My grandmother who was a fashion god, wore them back in the day and pulled it off with ease as you will too. Banana Republic has these for 198.00.


A Crisp White Button-up
This is one of the most versatile looks that we will touch on because this is something that defies all demographics. No matter if you are one who doesn't like to dress up or, your a glamour girl,this can be worked in hundreds of ways literally. If your more of a simplest,a clean white button up with your favorite jeans and boots or pumps,nobody will be able to tell if your rich or just making it. This is something that transcends tax brackets because if you look in these fashion magazines at celebrities,they all wear them,the key is how you work it. Now if you put a little more into you look,pair with long necklaces and big earrings or,skinny jeans and knee boots or,rock it out with your motorcycle jacket or blazer. Going to work with it,wear your tweed skirts and stockings for a mature look. Really,this is one piece who's opportunities are endless,we could go all day! Express has these for 49.50.
The Little Black Dress
Coco Chanel invented the LBD in the 1920's and intended it to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color. Traditionally a short skirt this a something that is a definite necessity to all women! This is a great choice when in a rush in the morning or a dinner date, drinks with the girls,church, a wedding, I mean this is more flexible than any trend could ever imagine to be. I recommend a cap sleeve dress that can be worn in any season. You could wear it alone in the summer and spring,or with a cardigan or your favorite shawl in the winter months. I cant say it enough how important this piece is. Get it in your life asap if its missing. Arden B and Bebe as well as Ann Taylor all have these in a variety of cuts and shapes ranging from 58.00 all the way up to 180.00. Find yours!


Red Pump
This is a color that the old fashion woman shy away from out of fear of being considered too "loose" but I couldn't disagree more. I happen to love a red shoe. How it transforms a simple outfit or adds punch to one solid color outfit is unprecedented. This is always an appropriate touch when wondering how to take it up a notch. Understand that red doesn't have to be in your ensemble for you to drop this in. The fact that you would add this color to an outfit that doesn't have that color in it all,speaks to your level of confidence and that is the most fierce accessory of all. A closed toe shoe can be worn all year,so try that to get more bang for your buck. Patent leather ones look cheap to me especially pointed toe ones,even if they're not, so go with leather or suede ones in round or square toe. DSW is always my first choice when looking for a go to shoe and online,they have extra discounts like free shipping and such.


A Black Pant Suit
A french designer named André Courrèges created the pant suit in the 1960's but YSL up'd the anty in 1966 by creating a woman's formal pant suit like the mans tuxedo. This is an outfit that is synonymous for job interviews and funerals. Since neither of those things are rarely planned,this is something that should always be in the cut. This is typically a very professional outfit to be worn with a nice button up or structured blouse. To take the fuse out of it,just accessorize it with sparkly jewelry and statement shoes and a busy purse. There isn't much to be said about this trend as its relevance is pretty obvious to anyone who's had to throw together a professional look quickly. Newport News has several different cuts to choose from for all different body types.


Black Knee Boots
If you look through old pictures of yourself or others, out with friends or just candid shots taken during the winter months,one consistency is the black knee boot. Its practically the first thing we turn to when the weather takes a cold turn! Its the unspoken word that fall is here. It's like the one item that we look forward to all year to wear as soon as the temperature falls below 55. Although I haven't worn mine yet, My Guess motorcycle boots are my favorite shoes. Partly because I got them for like 40.00 bucks marked down from 200.00 at the end of the season. But its actually how well made they are,comfortable and classic at the same time. All of this is reason to invest in this staple as we all know the importance and reliability of having these. Flat, stiletto, chunky heel, whatever fits you, go for it! Never old, versatile, and sexy all at once....lets say it together people...FIERCE!!