The Stylish Life's Virtual Trip aka A Guest Blog Post

I spent a little time over at The Cubicle Chick's web home, dishing about last night's Oscar fashions! Come on by and see me. Leave a comment too!  Click here --->The Cubicle Chick

Drive By Post: Fashion Don'ts

This is a quick drive by post. I'm looking at some celebrity pictures from Essence Magazine's Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon and I just had to comment on these eye sores. Enjoy!



Kim Whitley  - The luncheon was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel and I know hotels are often quite chilly and having a sweater on hand is a good idea. What I want to know is who told Kim Whitley this chintzy cardigan was okay to wear? A nice black wrap would have been a better choice. The dress is not at all flattering and her "hair" is a complete no.



Lynn Whitfield - It kills my soul to say something bad about Ms. Whitfield who has always looked fab at various events, but this black bra beneath the sheer coral blouse business is a fashion no-no. When going sheer match the bra or camisole to the top.



Vanessa Williams - Out of ALL the shoes she probably owns, she wore those heavy black suede joints!! Why, God, why???? She had a chance to kill in this dress but she opted for the worst footwear she could find. I pray her strappy sandals or a pair of pumps were in that bag.

Pictures courtesy of Zimbio

To see more pictures click here

My girl Danyelle over at The Cubicle Chick has the run down on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon too!



A Mantra for Monday

It's Monday morning and I'm doing my usual  pre-work day activites - reading blogs, browsing the New York Times website, and downloading today's WWD (Women's Wear Daily). I need a few moments to myself before my work begins.

I love when I find something positive and encouraging online. This mantra was posted on Christen's blog, Creative Seven. I like the simplicity of the words. We often are told to visualize what we want, write it down, pray on it, ask God, etc... We make it so complex when it really doesn't have to be. These four lines really put everything in perspective for me. I am challenging myself to live by them and see what unfolds in my life.

Happy Monday...Guess I'll officially start my work day now ;-)

Halle Berry Reveal

I received a bottle of Halle Berry, Reveal so I'll be wearing it this week and posting a full review later. I love the ad. Halle looks gorgeous. Does she ever take a bad picture?

Reveal something...not everything. That's always been my motto. A woman should always maintain some mystery. Hopefully Reveal will be a fragrance winner for me.


This post contains a sample product provided for a review. I am not being compensated for a favorable review or mention.

Press Play: Janet Jackson Alright

The video for Alright, track 12 off the Rhythm Nation album is EPIC. I have always love this video because of the 1930s styling, the numerous dance numbers and of course the cameos by The Nicholas Brothers, Cyd Charisse, and Cab Calloway.

I really do miss music videos of this caliber. Enjoy!!









By the way, Janet Jackson's new book True You is in stores now. I'm planning to get my copy from the concert. Now I just need to devise a plan to get backstage so Jan can autograph it for me. I am serious about trying to get a meet & greet while she's here. Maybe one of Janet's people will stumble across my blog and reach out to me. *praying*

Black History Feature: My Favorite Zora Neale Hurston Quote

"Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can anyone deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It's beyond me."  ~Zora Neale Hurston

 

‘TAX FREE’ Shopping Event 900 N. Michigan Shops

Celebrate Presidents’ Day weekend by shopping  ‘Tax-Free’ February 19-21, 2011


The 900 North Michigan Shops is once again celebrating Presidents’ Day weekend with a rare three-day shopping event where shoppers can splurge “TAX FREE” on Saturday, Sunday and Presidents’ Day Monday! Get a jump on spring shopping and grab some great deals as more than 40 retailers will offer a 9.75% discount (equivalent to Cook County sales tax) to all shoppers including sale items!

For the third year in a row, customers can take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity available exclusively with the retailers at the 900 North Michigan Shops including; J.Crew, Michael Kors, MaxMara, Montblanc, DNA 2050, Diesel, Club Monaco, L’Occitane, Charles David, Original Penguin, Mark Shale, Galt Toys & Galt Baby, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, Christofle, Sermoneta Gloves, Adidas, Fogal, space519 and many many more!

For a full listing of participating retailers, please visit www.shop900.com/taxfree

Individual store exceptions may apply.

As a Presidents’ Day bonus, shoppers can park at a special “Alexander Hamilton” rate – only $10 for the entire day from Saturday, February 19 through Monday, February 21. Parking tickets must be validated with purchase.

About 900 North Michigan Shops

Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, 900 North Michigan Shops features 70 luxury retailers on seven levels, including Gucci, MaxMara, Michael Kors, DNA 2050, Club Monaco, J.Crew, Lululemon Athletica, Williams-Sonoma and many more. Over its two-decade residence, the 900 North Michigan Shops has provided the Magnificent Mile with a diverse collection of luxury lifestyle brands, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining Michigan Avenue as an internationally recognized shopping mecca.

900 North Michigan Shops is located at 900 North Michigan Ave. For more information, call 312.915.3916 or visit www.shop900.com.

Store hours: Monday - Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM; Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM.
 
 

Rock Away Racism with the YWCA Future Leaders!

I am very happy to share this event with my readers. My good friend and fellow blogger, Nikia aka ChiTown Fashionista serves on the junior board of the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Future Leaders Council).

The Future Leaders Council hosts a yearly event called Rock Away Racism. This event raises awareness of racism while promoting unity and inclusion through music. Music has the power to heal and motivate change so support a great cause by helping to rock away racism along with the YWCA Future Leaders!

The official press release:

YWCA Hosts Concert to “Rock Away Racism”

 

Chicago, (January 11, 2011) – YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s Future Leaders Council will host its Rock Away Racism concert on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave. The concert event is focused on celebrating Chicago’s diversity through music and will feature a variety of artists, including Model Stranger, SB and Kamilah Sumner.

Through Rock Away Racism, the YWCA honors Black History Month and those who worked toward racial and social justice, while also spotlighting an issue that continues to impact our society today. “As an organization committed to the elimination of racism, the YWCA works to raise awareness through many vehicles,” said Christine Bork, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago CEO. “Music has historically been used to overcome or respond to prejudice and intolerance, and helps us recognize our similarities and appreciate our differences.”

General admission for the event is $40 until February 11, 2011 and $50 thereafter (VIP admission is also available). To purchase tickets or for more information about Rock Away Racism, please visit http://www.ywcachicago.org/

###

About the YWCA: Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women is actualized through a large breadth of programs and services. Regardless of race or economic status, the YWCA provides women with the support and tools they need to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and raise healthy families. Our four core programmatic areas include: economic empowerment services, sexual violence and support services, early childhood services, and the center for racial justice and activism. With more than 150 employees working at 10 locations throughout metropolitan Chicago, we serve over 138,000 women, children and families annually through these programs. And while our services are broad and varied, they are linked by a common thread—our dedication to promoting racial justice and personal empowerment across everything we do.

I Die!!!! Rachel Zoe's Lookbook

Rachel Zoe is at the top of my list of favorite fashion and style phenomenons. I am crazy about her ability to mix high end vintage with contemporary fashions to create an eclectic yet glamourous style that she completely owns. She is all types of fierce in my opinion.

The Rachel Zoe Collection, an upscale contemporary line will be in Nordstrom and Bloomingdales this fall. If I have to, I will eat cereal and brown bag my lunch to afford a few pieces. I nearly screamed at work when I saw the lookbook was online. As over the top as Rachel Zoe's day-to-day style can be at times, I am a little surprised at how chic yet subdued her debut collection is, but I love what I see.

Here are my favorite looks:
 

Very classic Rachel Zoe look minus a ton of accessories.




Loving the 70s style secretary blouse!

 



Must. Get. The. Bag.


You can check out the entire collection here

Press Play: Janet Jackson The Pleasure Principle

March 8th, I will be jamming to Janet in concert!!! This week's Press Play is one of my absolute favorite Janet songs, The Pleasure Principle. Who wasn't trying to do the entire dance routine from this video? Enjoy!!!

Black History Feature: Essence Magazine

May 1970, the first issue of Essence magazine. Barbara Cheeseborough was the cover model.



Essence magazine has maintained a mission to celebrate, empower, and inspire the black woman for 40 years. Let's hope they get back on track very soon... 

Black History Feature: Beverly Johnson



August 1974 Vogue magazine, Beverly Johnson makes history as the first black woman to grace iconic magazine cover.



Black History Feature: Academy Award Winners

2009 - Mo'Nique, Best Actress in a Supporting Role



2006 - Jennifer Hudson. Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Dreamgirls.

 

2004 - Jamie Foxx. Best Actor. Ray.

 

2002 - Halle Berry. Best Actress. Monster's Ball

 

2002 - Denzel Washington. Best Actor. Training Day.



1996 - Cuba Gooding Jr. Best Actor in a Supportinf Role. Jerry McGuire.



1989 - Denzel Washington. Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Glory.



1990 - Whoopi Goldberg. Best Supporting Actress. Ghost.



1963 - Sidney Poitier. Best Actor. Lilies of the Field.



1939 - Hattie McDaniels. Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Gone with the Wind



That's all folks!

Black History Feature: Madam C.J. Walker



Sarah Breedlove better known as Madam CJ Walker



Thank you Madame C.J. Walker for your contribution to African American hair care and your remarkable business savvy. Here are a few facts about the first black female millionaire:

• Tired of losing her hair, Madam C.J. Walker created her own hair care products, Wonderful Hair Grower and Vegetable Shampoo.
• Launched her business selling door to door. 
• Conducted product demonstrations in churches.
• Opened Laila College, a beauty school to train Walker Hair Culturists.
• Purchased her very own factory where her products were made. Opened a second beauty school.
• She was a philanthropist and a tireless activist.
• Developed the Madam C.J. Walker Hair Culturists Union of America, which was a group sales agents who sold hair products just like the Avon, Mary Kay, and Tupperware sales reps of today.
• Conducted the first national sales meeting for her sales agents.

For more information:
Madam CJ Walker

Gwen Stefani for L'Oréal

How did I miss the news that No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani is now a L'Oréal gal? I just saw her commerical on TV and it is fabulous. I love how Gwen Stefani has stayed true to her personal style despite an ever changing music industry and here today gone tomorrow trends.

Gwen is one of the few who gets the platinum blonde  hair and bold red lip right. Christina Aguilera {Reigning Queen of  Platinum Gone Wrong} needs to have her people call Gwen's people so she can get a much needed makeover. I digress.

What do you guys think of her commercial?

Yedi Inside Out Hearts Cup & Saucer Set

Heart shaped tea cups and saucers?! How cute!! I saw this set in the February issue of O magazine and instantly fell in love! They are glazed porcelain cups and saucers trimmed in gold plating in a variety of gorgeous colors!

I think I just may have to add this sweet little set to my collection. After I get them, I'll have an old fashioned tea party, only this time I'll have real people at the table, not dolls and teddy bears. I hosted my last tea party a few years ago. I was seven. *smile*

You can purchase the Yedi set online at Nordstom.com

Black History Feature: Vintage Ads

Various beauty and fashion print ads from 1970 to 1976.