Make it Express..no really it's EXPRESS

It's all about Express! After digging deep into my closet I re-discovered a long forgotten button down shirt. This Paisley print regular fit button down shirt by Express created this whole ensemble. Paired with a v-neck merino wool sweater and my all time fave moto-jacket, w(cream with gray pinstripe Producer pants),I wanted to look 'put together' but with an edge!!

Simply Green

Earth-tone greens can be a great inspiring color even in drab winter. I've had these pieces in the closet for so long, and I figured to test drive them. The fedora hat was actually a gift from an old manager. It's from Target! surprising? The oversized sunglasses I got from an NYC sidewalk vendor. The olive green button down is by Old Navy paired up with a cable knit button down cardigan by H&M. Love my stretch distressed slim fit jeans by Kenneth Cole. The boots you've seen before from my previous blog, it has a great stitch detailing in the front- by ALDO shoes. The moto riding gloves are from Hot Topic, the double tusk chain is from Forever21, and the watch by Marc Ecko. For a future blog post I'm going to play with bold color blocking, until then keep an eye out!

Brown and Black Combo- YES it can be DONE!!

People nowadays get apprehensive with pairing together black and brown, but it's not as uncommon as people may assume. So it started with me finding a pair of jeans lost in the vortex I call 'MY CLOSET'. These Levi's 501 straight leg had a distinct brown stitching on them which definitely went great with these ALDO boots (gotta love the detail stitching on these). I love a great comfy v-neck tee (VURT) paired up with a cropped Calvin Klein jacket..The multi-ring necklace is by H&M, and the watch is by Ecko.

Jackets?? No! Knit Wool Sweaters, warm and cozy..

Wool Knit Sweaters are this season's hottest alternative to a bulky heavy winter jacket. Warm, soft, cozy, and most of all lightweight and stylish a great wool sweater can definitely keep away winter's cold bite. Last year I lucked out on this great wool zip sweater from the GAP, but was never able to wear it, so I took advantage of the early season freeze to break out my cozy sweater. I paired it with a cream basic v-neck tee (H&M) and accessorized with a wool scarf and glove set both complementing the sweater (by H&M). Completing my look are a great pair of distressed jeans from Express and chocolate boots by Aldo Shoes, and last but never the least are my ever present DIESEL sunglasses (minus the SUN), deep tortoise color and oversized, just the way I like them!

Saturday Night Lights..Chocolate and Faux Fur keeps the Cold Away!!

Saturday Night Lights called and I answered..Fashionably of course! Beginning with an early afternoon birthday party for triplets, then to a rock band performance by Tasting Grace, to a Lucha Vavoom sex and wrestling show, and ending with an after-party @ Watermark Club/Lounge..
I'm all about keeping that mystery, so I never go without my sunglasses night or day, these oversized aviator tortoise shell lenses are from Aldo, as well as these cowboy inspired chocolate brown boots-super pointy just the way I like it. I do love a comfortable t-shirt, so I went and scooped up this brown light cotton shirt with a mini square pocket from the Gap. The jacket is a double breasted chocolate wool pea-coat by Perry Ellis, and the denim jeans are 80's inspired bleached distressed look from Zara, and with a 1% lycra elastic in the fabric, it's uber comfortable!! The faux fur stole adn double chain ring neclace are both from H&M. I never disappoint!!

Here Comes Fall 2010..Layered sweaters and wool fedora hat

As the weather gets colder the chance to break out fall sweaters, scarves, hats, and awesome fall boots has finally come!! It's not quite time for the heavy winter coats just yet, but never fret because this is the perfect time to show off great knit sweaters, angorra wools, sheep, and many other luxurious blends to keep one toast.

From head to toe: here's what I have..

Hat is a wool blend fedora @ H&M

Shirt is a bronze panther design also @H&M

Sweater is a chunky wool knit by @Diesel comes as a double breasted with hood..

Classic Denim jeans straight cut by @GAP

Shoes are a bronze/gold python skin by @Aldo Shoes circa 2005.still amazing!!

Watch is an all black with white bezel by @Fossil and accessory bracelet by @Aldo

October 20, 2010..In Remembrance..So PURPLE

There isn't much to say except that it is a shame in all humanity that we have to remember those who have taken their lives because society can't get past its own ignorance when it comes to people's sexual preferences.. Purple is in remembrance of those who took their lives because other's couldn't respect something as simple as being a HUMAN being!!

Another Buy....Lanvin Perfume & Ben Sherman Bag

So proud of my purchase with the perfume and bag. Retail price for the Ben Sherman bag was $200 and the perfume at $60...but a smart shopper like me never pays for the retail price!! I decided to make it down to my local Marshalls and got the best bargain shopping experience.. The bag ended up being $29.99 and the perfume at $9.99.. pre-tax both came below $40.00. Chic-ness can be achieved at a discount.

New Hair and Death of the Mohawk!!

So I decided to put the mohawk to the grave and now its just a shorter chicer version of a side swiped haircut. Now its 2/3 blonde and 1/3 black..I use the darkside to put on designs on i.e tribals, swirls, everything my crazy mind can come up with.. credits to my hairstylist AMEERAH JONES, I style the design and she executes! It's a perfect team to make me amazing!!

DSquared2..Shines in Fall

Last month I took some time to visit Saks Fifth Ave. in New York City always ending up on my favorite floor in the store, the 3rd floor "Men's High End Line". On this visit what caught my eye is the DSquared2 fall2010 line inspired by that rough masculine moto riding jackets, but with a taste of oppulence and glam from the shimmering mini rhinestone covered denim jeans! Some background info on the brand: creators/designers are Dan and Dean Caten based out of Milan, Italy the duo creates a cool yet uber glam pieces of clothes ready to wear on the city streets of New York, Paris, Los Angeles, London, and anywhere else, but chic enough to transform into an evening attire simply by switching pieces around.

The jacket does come in a full length but minus the belt design. I prefer this cropped version over the full length simply because it's more versatile and usable in everyday life-specially in the hustle and bustle of city life. But undeniably my favorite piece of the collection is the glittering denim jeans!! price range from $198-$3000... T-shirts start at the lower end..

You Never Forget Your First....

Runway that is..My first professional runway attendance was at the Malan Breton show during New York Fashion Week for S/S 2011. Being able to watch these gorgeous creations by Malan, (former Project Runway Contestant), was one of my highlights during fashion week. From Simon Van Kemp and Alex McCord (Real Housewives of NY), to prominent stylists and media stars Derek Warburton and Nole Marin, to Denise Richards, Howard Stern, Gilbert Godfreid and much more this was the event that debuted me into the fashion social scene. I will always remember this event as my first runway event and the icing on this already unbelievable day was that during check-in I went in as 'standing audience' but before the show began the PR people came up to me and sat me in 2nd row!!! not bad for a first time attendee huh?? Supermodel Irina Pantaeva opens the show, and the rest was a dream as the orchestra lulled everyone in fantasy!

Its All About Smelling..Magnifique!!

Chanel's newest men's perfume caught my eye a few weeks ago while visiting SAKS fifth Ave. in NY. Its carries a cool and clean scent but with a touch of lasting opulence that doesn't over power. I'm always drawn to scents that actually last all day but isn't too strong, rather slow release over time. Bleu de CHANEL simply captures a feeling for me of youthful determination and class.
Other scents I'm currently using are the older Givenchy 'PI', Bora Bora by Liz Claiborne, Bvlgari 'Absolute' though a summer scent, its bold enough that you would only need a bit to last you all day! Moschino 'friends' is another oldie but goodie, its predominantly a citrus scent so spring,summer,and fall are the best times to use this perfume. and my current go to scent is Dolce and Gabbana 'pour homme' until I get accustomed to the Bleu de Chanel!
other old favorites over the past few years are these.

1. Bvlgari-Notte 2.Prada- Amber Pour Homme' 3.Dolce&Gabbana-Light 4.Carolina Herrera-212 5.Aqua di Gio 6. Versace-Versace 7. Versace-green jeans 8. Hugo Boss-Boss 9.Yves Saint Laurent-L'Homme 10.Versace-L'Homme 11.Gucci- Gucci 12. Gucci-pour homme II 13.Armani Code 14.Bora Bora 15. Salvatore Ferragamo 16.Escada-sentiment 17.Givenchy-very irrisistible 18.Issey Miyake 19. VERSACE-MAN (not pictured are Issey Miyake summer limited edition, Jean Paul Gaultier Le'Male, Burberry, and Gucci Pour Homme I)

NYFNO 10' ..Fun and STYLE..

Friday, September 10, 2010.. Fashion is in full force in the streets and stores of New York City as fashion's night out 2010 brings out both the Fashionable and those "fashion without fashion!" (pause for laughter)

I kept it simple and classic with white and black, because after all style doesnt have to be gaudy nor ubber flashy. If you got 'IT' whatever you wear always makes a show stopping statement!!

From Head to Toe:

sunglasses: off of Canal St. (I also have the black version)

Shirt: V-neck tee from Pac-Sun

Jacket: Black leather jacket from Express

Pants: White drop crotch/skinny jeans from ZARA

Shoes: black boots from Cole Haan

Styling Work...More like fun though 5/08/2010

When the chance to style a photoshoot came up I was more than ready to lend a hand. A vintage Alice in Wonderland theme but with a naughty twist was hatched up and were set to go!! Alice and the the Queen of Hearts were my ladies for the day!!

On Alice: a tiered cut French Connection dress with scalloped edging, and to add a little depth I used a faux fur bolero!! Since the dress was straight cut I wanted to cinch to give her a little shape and used a silk rope (the ones they use for a drapery tie back). For accessories I used oversized gold chains ala Run DMC!!!

On the Queen of Hearts: with her it was just a fabric and tulle explosion!! Without using any threads or needles, no tape or clips, I used yards of red cotton fabric (Walmart fabric dept) and wrapped it around her like an Egyptian mummy!! the black cropped jacket by H&M was used to

keep it in place along with a silk rope (used for

drapery tiebacks from Walmart also). Finally, I

took yards of tulle and wrapped it around and

inside her even creating a huge rose shaped collar

and veil over her face!!

The make-up on all the girls were done by

Beverly Bonilla http://afullbeat.blogspot.com/

Where it all Started!!

Back in July 2008 the opportunity to receive a $150,000 PR representation from Jack+Bill pr firm came thru from a friend in Macy's events planning dept. and I took the chance to show up and show out. Competition was intense, but Tribeca was not ready for me! Prcouture.com took me to the side for a one on one interview, and the rest was history!!
http://www.prcouture.com/2008/07/20/fashion-pr-gets-cast-jack-bill-attract-top-fashion-talent/

from Head to Toe:

Sunglasses: ALDO

Shirt: Fender custom Tee shop

Jacket: Material London

Shorts: H&M pinstripe

Shoes: ALDO

Weight Don't Mean a Thing!!

Whoever said being big means being sloppy and unstylish definitely hasn't met me yet!! All eyes are on me before I even wow them with my charms. There is no secret and no tricks, simply owning your style can mean a world of difference between fading in the background or taking center stage in a blaze of limelight!! There is no formula to great style except that, you know the outfit is for YOU when you feel amazing and on top of the world!! Un-freakin'-stoppable!!!

from head to toe:

sunglasses: ALDO

Shirt: H&M (sleeveless ethnic print-AIDS support tee)

Blazer: Heritage (forever21's men's line) pinstripes

Shorts: H&M (pinstripes)

Shoes: ALDO (sorry cant see it but its a white lace-up point toed loafers)

Accessories: chains are actually belt pant chains from Hot Topic

BAG: Lucky Brand

Rockin' City Chic!!

A New York City excursion is a sure fire way to cut out any inhibitions and draw on some inspiring outfit choices..
Well at least for me it always gets the creative juices going. Last season H&M @ 6th and Herald Square came out with a slouchy neck long sleeve tee with the built in thumb hole..(gotta see it to fully understand). And salmon is a great color for a pant to complement this black shirt, drop crotch (aka harem/MC hammer) pants. Even on 5th ave, its still very much an eye catching piece!!

from head to toe:

sunglasses- ALDO

shirt- H&M

Pants- H&M

Jacket- Express

studded shoes- H&M

bag- Lucky Brand

White & Black...Classic Edge

So for those that fear the 'white', be afraid no more!! I always turn to white for a classic, clean, and crisp look thru any season. Forget the old "Don't wear white after Labor Day" myth. During late spring / early summer I like to wear a blazer with any shorts/tee shirt outfit, I feel it just kicks the outfit one more notch above everyone else!! of course I chose black as my classic combo, but an all white outfit can blend with jackets of multiple colors--the brighter the better!!

And YES I used BOOTS!!!

from head to toe:

sunglasses- ALDO

printed tee-shirt- H&M

white slim fitted shorts- H&M

Ethnic African print jacket- Buffalo by David Bitton

Boots- ALDO (circa 2005) no longer available

Spring to Black 2010

Who said 'black' has to be boring? Black is the perfect pallet to oversized accessories i.e re-purposing some pant chains into an eye-catching necklace!!

From head to toe:

sunglasses black with red ear pieces- Aldo

v-neck black tee- Old Navy

cropped style jacket- Calvin Klein

Shorts(originally Gap slim fit khaki pants, I cut on the spot and folded high)- GAP

Lace-up boots- Cole Haan

(this was during spring time, but can definitely work for fall also)

Balmain S/S 2010

'Madmax Beyond Thunderdome' translated into an editorial reality by Christophe Decarnin for Balmain. Key pieces like chain mail mesh dresses and metallic jackets dominated Balmain, hard, edgy yet uber sexy dresses came down the runway for Spring 2010. Though certain pieces kept true to this seasons fashion crave-the 'utilitarian look', feminine sex appeal was not lost. Distressed liquid leggings paired with a victorian inspired jacket still translate into spring because of its casual appeal. The low neckline gold metallic shirts paired with a skinny leg jeans work both as an attention grabbing day-wear or as a laid-back steamy club outfit, either way all eyes are fixed on you! For some, the 'bold shoulder' look has become redundant on the runway, on magazines, and on the streets, but its undeniable that Balmain did not disappoint for S/S 2010 by re-inventing the bold shoulder out of the 80's inspired jacket and into a victorian inspired piece. Ladies remember that one of the sexiest feature to enhance about one's self is the shoulders, and these jackets are a way to go! Sexy should never translate trashy!