March 2008 Archives

Wassup 1224! Happy Monday!

If you are a true Styleaholic, you are already right up on this trend..gloves darling! They are everywhere this season and no I'm not talking about those woolly, warm mitts..I'm speaking about elbow length, satin gloves with vintage threading; metallic fingerless motorcycle gloves, soft buttery gloves in dark greens with white capped collars; hot pink tranny gloves and more!

Peep some of my favorite looks captured at some of NYC's hottest events!

As you may or may not know, the funky fashion duo known as Heatherette just launched a beauty collection with M.A.C., well the other night they had a launch party complete with a performance by Teyana Taylor. I managed to capture some of the most stylish Styleaholics in the building and Teyana's performance, while stuffing my face full of strawberry popcorn.

Any Styleaholic will tell you that RETRO STYLE is in full effect!

For the past several years we've seen a strong 80's trend, which shows no signs of slowing up; but after covering NYC fashion week last month, I can honestly say that ALL ERAS GONE ARE IN!

Seriously, right now you can rock the 30's on Mon, the 80's on Friday and the 50's on Sunday..it's open season. Peep some of the most fun--if not fashion forward--looks that I've seen on the streets of NYC.

Now honestly very few of us can rock an entire ACID WASH JUMPSUIT!

As you all know, I'm out at least 3 nights a week capturing the most stylish Styleaholics here in New York City. That being said I tend to come across not only the most interesting looks apparel wise but also accessories, which can totally make or break an outfit.

Captured below are some of your all time favorite artists rocking their custom made BLING. I wonder if you can guess which pieces belong to Snoop, Teyana Taylor, Trill and others. Enjoy and do leave me comments on which pieces are your favorite.

Personally I can't choose between the diamond dice or the bridge sign paying tribute to 155th St.

Though many celebrities can barely find their way around a department store, some of them do know how to hire the right stylist-especially Rihanna..she is killing it! Beyonce actually could do with her stylist--but then again the chile is from the yard-so what can I say-Caribbean flavor all day!!! Peep the looks I'm lovin' down below.

The Grey Trench Coat: MJB & Rihanna are killin these trenches! Style notes include the unusual trench color of dove grey, the swing coat silhouette and the double breasted cut. Go Divas!

The Colored Jean: This trend is going to hit super hard and leave it to a supermodel--Liya Kebede and Grammy award winner Alicia Keys to totally rock it first. Though these ladies stuck to a more the more subtle gray tones, I encourage you to go out and get jeans in candy colors--think Skittles! Have fun--it's Spring now!

The Short Suit: This is a must have look for Spring! Whether you are hanging with the girls, having a corporate lunch or walking the Red Carpet, this season you absolutely can not go wrong with a lovely short n' jacket suit set. Jada and Rihanna show us how to have fun with bright colors and fun lace!

Honestly if you are not up on this particular trend, I will have to revoke your Styleaholic card. LOL. Over the knee black boots have been trending strong since the fall. Styles can include stacked heels or flat heels, rounded toe or pointed toes, muted black leather or patent black leather; details can range from a Goth feel (note the studs in the first pair) to an "English country" look.

Here are some looks both on the streets of NYC and fresh off of the Paris Runway.

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Well it's Friday and I say: "Why not?" Grab a bottle of water and let's dig in shall we?

Angela Basset: Captured here moments after blessing her star on the walk of fame (still no Oscar but this is a GREAT look) she looks DYNAMIC, IMPECCABLE AND BEAUTIFUL! Style Notes: The cropped shrug with the cute lil bow and the sleek sexy dress that hits just below the knees. FLAWLESS. Trust me she is the highlight! Double peep the hat!

Kimmy! You know better than to rock a BLACK LEATHER jacket with a pastel dress. This is a horrible, fashion faux paus! And every urbanista knows that the color peach is for the piano lady at your local Baptist church--and only for the piano lady!

Ms. Woods: Okay I give you a few points for originality-but the kicks? Come on girl! Get your endorsement contracts tight-let them know under no circumstances--not even for a Red Carpet event at Rucker's Playground would you be caught with sneakers on your feet at ANY Red Carpet event. Yowser! Next time stick to some patent leather pumps and keep it moving!

Raven! Raven! Okay I do understand where you were trying to go with this..I sorta rock one of these styles myself--but--and this is a big but--I rock my hair like this--ALL THE TIME!!! You don't! So don't! It truly looks like you were trying to grow out your perm (though personally I like it) it just isn't working for you overall. Let's go back to our sleek weaves--shall we?

Not only is Tracy Reese personally a beautiful talent--inside and out--but her Fall collection was absouletly dynamic! Usually I find myself wanting to nod off during her shows, but this season I was wide awake! If her Spring collection was all about the global, chic, aristocratic traveler (2 piece dress suits, flowing skirts with floral prints, wide-brim sun hats) this season it was all about the girl that “just wanted to have fun” bright, bold colors, metallics, swoosh, full on skirts coupled with understated sweaters. Her prints captured both the story seas and the green earth.
Here is a small clip OF A BIT from the show:

And here are some groovy photos of the upcoming collection--shot backstage during her show.

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Is it just me or have handbags gone the way of mini suitcases?

I mean understand as women that we absolutely can not leave the house without our cell phone, cell phone charger, wallet, change purse, make-up bag, 4-5 different lip glosses, lip balm, brush/comb, extra hair accessories, compact mirror, chewing gum, small bag of dried fruit or some small snack, book, magazine, gym clothes, extra cardigan, laptop, pack of tissues, digital camera, bottled water..okay well maybe after doing this laundry list maybe we do need bags this size..but come on! The sizes of these bags are a bit much for me!

Style Note: Take notice of not only the size but the funky colors all in patent leather!

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Skimming around the web (and of course the gossip blogs..he he) I've noticed..really since the Grammy's that our fave celebs are going BLACK..as in Brunette..even Beyonce has stepped over to the darker side. I have to admit though that very few of us can do the Beyonce hair bounce FROM BLONDE TO BRUNETTE because as you can see the darker color washes out Keyshia Cole's skintone, while Fanny should have tried a different shape..but at least she had some fun!

Christina Milian kills it on her latest album cover! I'm totally digging the lush, Latina curls and though this isn't the most daring hairstyle Tichina Arnold has worn, I do like the retro, bowl shape, Salt n' Pepa vibe that she is giving.

Your thoughts?

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

I can't front, I love me some Kanye West; and I have to give it to him he is the most versatile rapper-style wise-and let's be real--beat wise too! Here are some of the various looks he sported during Paris Fashion Week a few weeks back. I'm especially digging the two-piece tweed suit with the kicks--not an easy look to pull off--but this Styleaholic did it! Also take note of the 80's style leather jacket with the white on white bowtie..yum!

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Yesterday I had the lovely honor of joining Agnes Commack, the Fashion Director for Essence Magazine on NPR's Tell Me More show with Michel Martin; we discussed what was hot right now for spring, why the skinny jean is trumping the boot cut jean, whether tribal prints were culturally appropriate and exactly how one can incorporate the "stripper heel" into their wardrobe this season. Tune in here.

After spotting so many Styleaholics, rocking a variety of funky fur hats, I copped a mink headband (vintage) and wrapped it around my rasta-fro.....what creative ideas are you thinking of? Take note of the various colors, types of fur hair, structure and shape of the hats..honestly I can't even choose which one is my favorite!

Right in the heart of the fashion district, I caught up with famed designer Stephen Burrows in his showroom for his Fall 2008 show. Opting for a presentation over a full runway show, models struted into the intimate brick-walled room, to launch their poses onto a white background, allowing a bevvy of writers, bloggers and photographers the ability to really dig into and shoot the collection. Burrows said the line featured, ” elements of water and earth.” Peep the collection below.

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Wassup 1224! I so adore YouTube, it's like a digital library for our generation!
Anyway, folks are always stopping me and asking me about a variety of ways to get a certain hairstyle, or lipstick shade or eyeliner to stay on their face or some special tip or trick about beauty--the easy way preferred. Well below I skimmed around YouTube to find out some of the most universal DIY videos. Let me know if you enjoy them and want to see more of this!

In the video below you learn how to create THE SUPERMODEL POUF (and yes this trend is still going strong)

Learn how to get that lovely RETRO LOOK WITH POPPIN PINK CANDY EYES!

Learn how to get FABULUSH FALSE EYELASHES!

Please do let me know if this something you wish to see more of!

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

My instincts tell me this isn’t exactly a super new trend, but probably a return to an old one. You will notice that these snazzy gloves are adorned with funky cocktail rings. Note the vivid colors on both pairs and that one sits right on the wrist with a funky white piece of folded over leather and the other is a satin elbow length sheath. Oooh sexy! As for the rings I do believe that’s a “Jesus piece.”â€"Mr. West:) Show me love-leave me comments! Gracias!

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

As we slowly inch our way into Spring, I'm seeing quite a few spring or early fall jackets on the horizon. The biggest trend to date? Plaid/flannel looks, mostly in red and black. Below you will see this look executed in a maxi mini skirt, cropped peacoat style and bomber jacket.

We all know the Clutch is the MUST HAVE bag this season, but I see that many of you have taken it a step further and started to rock what I call the mini-clutch; where you are rocking your change purse--usually in bright, bold colors as clutches.
Love it!

--CELELBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Wassup 1224!

I want to put you on to one of the dopest indie design team/boutiques around: Harriet's Alter Ego Boutique and Collection .Basically it's like this! If you want to look hot, edgy, with a hint of Afro-New Mileu-fusion then you want to get down with Harriets in Brooklyn BABY! Not only will you step into a sexy jazz/incense infused space complete with teak wooden floors and handmade oversized pillows but you WILL FIND the Perfect Piece for your new skinny jean/fall Fedora/overpriced Vintage tee/hot new throwback kicks/funky spring trench coat. As a long time fan, I'm not always rocking their pieces but getting tons of compliments and they do a bunch of fun art and shopping party events on top of it. This collection/boutique is very much a lifestyle:)

--CELEBRITY STYLEAHOLIC NAJWA MOSES

Hey 1224! Any Styleaholic worth their weight in fab shoes, knows that your beauty regimen (this includes skincare, bathcare, lingerie and everything in between) is just as important as your fashion game. Here I've scoured the web to bring you the low-down on a variety of products that you just might be interested in trying, probably never heard of--and these are from some of the biggest, expert beauty Bloggers!

Enjoy!

WE LOVE BEAUTY gives you their TOP SPRING LIP PICKS are you ready for the cherry stain?

TIA WILLIAMS SHAKES YOUR BEAUTY with the 411 on MINERAL MAKE-UP

WARDROBE OXYGEN puts you on to THE BRA STRAP SOLUTION

THE SCENTED LIFE breaks down about her ADDICTION TO DIOR'S latest fragrance and why you too should jump on board!

AFROBELLA puts you on to the hottest hair accessories for natural curls: TOMOKO'S TWIST CLIPS

HAVE A BEAUTYFUL DAY 1224 STYLE!

--Celebrity Styleaholic Najwa Moses

Though there are very few photos floating around on-line (Trust, I spent HOURS looking and only found the two below) it is said that Andre 3000 is ready to debut his Fall collection this year even sans an investor.

Side note to Diddy: Though I have yet to know if Benjamin has a solid business plan, help me understand why you would invest in Zac Posen and not Andre?

*Another thought 1224 isn't it interesting that in the same year both Erykah Badu and Andre 3000 step into the fashion and beauty game? Hmmm....

But I digress…..the Benjamin Bixby line is said to be a mixture of English traditional cuts mixed with good ole fashion American pie. Starting with sporty pieces that are inspired by American football team uniforms of the 30's, crossing over the Atlantic to include more tailored pieces in Italian fabrics: woven shirts with white collars, thick and snuggly slim fit sweaters, wool trousers and of course men's tailored suits that one can mix n'match.

As a Styleaholic I've not only been hearing about this proposed line for sometime, but it sounds quite dandy and frankly I can't wait to see it. But until then, feast your eyes on the two photos below.

*Sigh*