Throw Some Shade

Gucci, Fendi, Christian Dior, and the like are no longer leading the shade game in my opinion. It's a rare occasion when a pair of HBs at Neimans or Saks accelerate my heart rate. Thank goodness younger and fresher brands and designers are entering the market. Their shades may not always be functional but they damn sure catch your eye and make your heart skip a beat. Check out a newfound favorite steveboi.com and more fresh shades from a-morir by kerin rose (creator of the Barracuda shades, see previous posts).

STEVEBOI.COM, two words: visual orgasm (VO). Before you can even zone in on the shades the high fashion photoshoots used to showcase the merchandise have you wanting to purchase first and check the details later. The one glitch with steveboi shades is that you can go from fashion zoom forward to tacky in the blink of an eye if your lacking in the styling department.

Did I fail to mention the affordability? You might want to cop a few. And you can CUSTOMIZE your own pair of SB shades. Visit the site, you will not regret it.

Stevieboi is about the business. Show above modeling one of his unique creations is America's Next Top Model Cycle 3 Winner Eva Marcille.

SB Flat Stones / $20 / stevieboi.com

SB Shines / $30 / stevieboi.com

SB Diva's / $45 / steveboi.com

These are no longer available on the site but I had to post them, they are too fab.

If you order anything make it known that voyage 2 venus gave them some shine!

 And for those with money to blow: A-MORIR BY KERIN ROSE / A-MORIR.COM

Rihanna rocked these babes in Italian Vogue

Sabotage Sunglasses (preorder) / $600 / a-morir.com

Sioux Lace Eyewear / $210 / a-morir.com

Love/Hate Convertible Chain Sunglasses / $250 / a-morir.com

Love/Hate Convertible Pearl Sunglasses & Eyeglasses / $260 / a-morir.com

My favorites are the SB Flat Stone by steveboi and the Love/Hate Convertible Pearl Sunglass from a-morir by kerin rose.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Confessions of an MMS Patient

Client Intake Form

Date: Tuesday, October, 26, 2009
Reason for Admittance: Suspected MMS (Matchy-Match Syndrome)
Symptoms: Severe, see above documentation
Diagnosis: Confirmed MMS

Client Personal Statement:

My name is ChiomaB, and I suffer from MMS. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, so there...I said it! EVERYTIME I shop for shoes I find myself thinking, "Wait do I have anything to go with this?" If the answer is no, then I usually end up leaving the store with something black, brown, or (if I'm really feeling out there) gray. I know, I know, sad case, right? I have finally come to the conclusion that, due to my close-minded way of shopping for shoes, my shoe game has no real versatility. The fashionista in me refuses to let that be, so I am now a girly on a mission...a mission to find a fierce, fab, and COLORFUL shoe! Wish me luck! Pics will be up once the mission is accomplished.

If you're an MMS Patient join start your  own mission and let us know how it goes!

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Don't Match, Coordinate!

     If your main concern about buying a pair of shoes is "I don't have anything that matches" then you might be suffering from MMS, a severely debilitating disorder that affects hundreds of millions of women.
     Matchy-Match Syndrome (MMS) is what prevents many from taking their personal style to the next level. It inhibits people from purchasing the items they want in the color they love, leading to moderate disappointment, dream shattering, and in many cases, a lackluster outfit.

NO! NO! NO!

     There is only one way to defeat MMS and that is to throw caution to the wind! More than likely you have an outfit that coordinates (notice I didn't say matches) with those electric blue, emerald green, or magenta pumps that you've been eyeing. Just think outside of the box! 
The first picture above is a part of an outfit that I coordinated. The green hoody and magenta pump play off of each other in an aesthetically pleasing way. Two very different colors, yet the combination works. Choosing to wear a black pump would definitely not be a fashion faux pas, but the magenta pump takes the outfit to another level style-wise. This is why fashion is art! Be Picasso!


     Another example of coordination is on the right. The colors in Beyonce's dress are pink, white, blue, and green. The dress is paired with electric blue pumps, a combination that many would not think of, or feel comfortable trying due to the color of the dress, the rose design, and the minimal amount of blue in the dress. However, those are reasons that also make this ensemble work. The shoe and dress pairing change the feel and perception of the outfit. (I must say that I am not very pleased with her choice of handbag, but I realize that the camera might have skewed the color of the bag a bit.)

Coordination Tips:
1. To begin with, keep complementary colors in mind when shopping and creating outfits. Complementary color pairs are: Red-Green, Blue-Orange, and Yellow-Purple. These pairings offset each other best because their opposing color appears brighter in contrast.

2. If you are not sure about an outfit you've coordinated, lay it out or try it and take a picture of it. Pictures always provide a different perception because the show the outfit in a different light.

3. Keep in mind that the material, and size and place of an item on the body may affect how well the pieces of an outfit flow together. (Which is the number one reason why you take a picture!)

For more examples check these out:

#1 and #2 are easy-peezy, #3 is on the way and it's tricky!

#1

Don't Match, Coordinate! by vBARBIEv featuring SIWY jeans

#2

Don't Match, Coordinate! 2 by vBARBIEv featuring SIWY jeans

WHAT DO YOUT THINK?


BONUS! Sneak Peak of what's to come:

Don't Match, Coordinate! Bonus by vBARBIEv featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Forward to anyone suffering from MMS! And more help is on the way!

YOUR THOUGHTS?

PAST OR PRESENT MMS Patients do share :=)

Fashion Flashbacks

Chioma B

JERSEY DRESSES & THROWBACK JERSEYS!!! (Circa 2002-2003)

I remember wanting a jersey dress soooo bad when I was a senior in high school! I never got one, and I'm glad I didn't because this is definitely a fashion flashback that I'm proud to say I wasn't a part of. Throwbacks for guys were big back then too, but I think they were way more popular in NY than in the DMV (DC, MD, VA area). If I had owned a jersey dress back then, I probably would've rocked them with some hightop Keds. SMH, thank God no such pictures of me will EVER surface LOL!

POSH Powell

This was taken in the spring of 2005. This was when I bought what I thought was cute but didn't think about if it was really worth it in the long run, or if it was really me. I didn't think about the future, as in "Will I still like this a month from now?" I thought about quality, but quantity was more fun. Seeing this now, I shake my head and am thankful that I am no longer caught in the trappings of the evil Wet Seal spirit. What in the world was I thinking?! Thinking back on the tube dress/top now, it reminds me of a cheap tablecloth or curtains belonging to a tacky 70 year old woman. And keeping that flower pin on that it came with? Not tres chic like I thought at the time. And then I have jeans on underneath? I can't. My saving grace is the Coach bag (keep in mind this was 2005), and the shades since they hide my face and I can deny this picture should it ever resurface at another time and place.

WHAT'S YOUR FASHION FLASHBACK?

Owned any of these items? If so, tell us about it!

Brave enough to share with others? Send a picture along with a short reflection piece to LilBeBe111@aol.com.

Can We Talk: Filling the Void

For the past couple of months I had been feeling like something was missing, like I wasn't doing enough, but I wasn't sure what was missing and how to fill the void. While being in graduate school is great and it's where I want to be, I also have other goals, desires, and have gifts that I have been ignoring or suppressing. I haven't been reaching my full potential.  Basically, the emptiness I was feeling was from being complacent; not doing enough with my talents, especially my love for writing, and fashion has always been about more than clothes to me, fashion can be in many ways be art. Doing this blog makes me feel very alive and like I'm on the right track. I had been wanting to do a blog for years but could never think of anything that I cared or felt comfortable enough to write about and present to a mass amount of people. NOW HERE I AM. Doing this blog happened at this time for a reason. Is there anything that is coincidental? I don't think so. I'll learn something from doing this, and I hope that it grows into something far beyond its current state.

Even before beginning the blog with ChiomaB I began filling the void by submitting articles to an online blog called "Keeping Up With the Huxtables at Imkeepingup.com. I could go on about why I love the blog but I'll be brief. Simply put, the creator, The Socialite, has made a platform to uplift members of the African American community by showcasing young black professionals and informing and educating others. Everything about the sight reflects an individual who is passionate and serious about what she does. Check out the site's mission statement:

Imkeepingup.com is a blog that focuses on the African American dream. We strive to provide the fastest and easiest way for you to "Keep Up" with what is going on in our community. We bring you a positive spin on our leaders, urban hotspots, hottest events to attend, talent in our own backyard, issues that effect us and solutions to our problems. We hope to inspire and motivate the lifestyles and careers of people all over the world...one post at a time!

Check out the articles I've written so far for Keeping Up With the Huxtables:

Young and Keeping Up: Kyle O'Connor "Graphic Designer"

(A personal friend from college whom I'm very proud of!)

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT: Still Taking Care of Our Own in 2009?

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT:  Kanye's Mental Health

Explore the sight in it's entirety and you will love it as instantly as I did.

I encourage anyone reading this to also pursue what they're passion about and what they've been given a talent to do. Reach your full potential. It's so easy to settle into complacency, however even then you still feel the tug on your heart and hear the nagging in your mind that you could be doing and being something more. We ignore that feeling and nagging for many reasons: laziness, the trappings of our daily life tire us, fear of failure or success, feeling that what we have to offer isn't good enough or that even if it is good enough there's no one who will care to listen and we don't want to try to convince them why they should. We fail to realize, in this instant gratification and individualistic society, that our efforts will be worth it in the end. We may not receive credit or praise for it right away, or even at all, but that's when we have to learn that our peace of mind for doing what we feel we should do or love is all that we should expect and hope for. Anything more is really not guaranteed.

Follow Kyle, The Socialite and I on Twitter!

Kyle @KOCP

The Socialite @Imkeepingup

POSH Powell @vBARBIEv

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Anti-Kanye's Big Ego

Mr. West was in the building but currently he's in the doghouse. No surprise there. Sometimes when you swag surf, you crash. voyage2venus wishes you the most blessed recovery.

In the meanwhile the anti-Kanye movement grows stronger. Check out the movement's newest additions:

And last but certainly not least:

all $12 / all at districtlines.com (currently out of stock, available for preorder)

 I wonder if he sees these in his nightmares?

Fashion Flashbacks

ChiomaB

This pic was taken in early 2006, right when leggings first came back out. I remember being very pleased with myself when I bought them from Express, and even more pleased when I completed the outfit because it came out exactly how I had envisioned it. Minus the kitten heels, this flashback pic doesn't make me cringe at all...I don't mind laughing at myself so please believe there will be some fashion blunders up very soon! Stay tuned...

POSH Powell

I purchased my fir pair of destroyed denim in 2003; a pair of light blue faded Abercrombie boot cut jeans. They were absolutely fabulous! I adored them. They were laid to rest in 2007 due to an ever-widening hole-that-used-to-be-a-just-a-slit right below my butt. Sigh.

WHAT'S YOUR FASHION FLASHBACK?

venusFlection: POSH Powell On Dresses On Panties Off

Issue: See through dresses (and quite frankly all articles of see through clothing)

Verdict: Love it.

Exposition: At first glance I love the look. Rihanna has the body, image, and taste to pull off the outfit. The problem I believe most people have with it is that we are used to dresses covering up more than they are showing off (unless your Ice-T's wife Coco).  Also, this dress eludes to the absence of both bra and panties, which is a definite no-no in our society, a a definite no-no for me personally.

     My concern is that people will wear this dress and others like it without keeping in mind their body type Can someone with more meat on their bones rock this look? Of course they the can. Khloe Kardashian, who is thicker than Rihanna, also wore a dress with see through elements. The netting went down along the side of the dress, which suited her body type and physique well. However, this look is not for everyone. Swag (which consists of confidence, style, demeanor, and reputation according to urbandictionary.com) should also be considered before debuting this look. No to Celie, yes to Shug Avery.
     A lot of people are severely lacking in the styling department. You can not rock your newest pumps with this outfit just because you paid $150 for them at Steve Madden, and would you really need to wear bracelets on both wrists, pedulous earring, and a chain necklace? No bueno. Furthermore, something that hugs your booty and your chest doesn't necessarily look good, especially if you have plenty of one or the other, or both. Rihanna's dress, or any other see through article of clothing can go from looking chic to sleazy if you're not careful.

Closing Words: I know I could rock the world in this babe, but would I? Probably not. It's a hot number but just not my style.

Hate It / Love It: Dresses On Panties Off

Rihanna caused quite a stir when she wore this little number during Paris Fashion Week, and it looks like she's not the only one who's into this risque trend. Khloe Kardashian (-Odom?) was recently spotted out and about also rocking a dress with no undies...

If you're feeling daring and want to copycat this look, you can find a dress similar to Rihanna's at Topshop.

http://www.topshop.com/ - Knitted Stripe Dress - $80

Worried about baring it all for this look? Pair it with nude panties. Look closely and you'll see that was Rih Rih's secret...and ya'll thought she was just being a freak ;-)

WOULD YOU ROCK THIS LOOK?

Where the Wild Things Are...To Be Purchased

I just happened to be perusing urbanoutfitters.com when I came across a link for "Where the Wild Things Are," the popular children's book has been made into a movie that's due to hit theaters Friday, October 16th. This movie is a highly anticipated release, which of course necessitates it having t-shirts and other silly trinkets merchandised in it's honor. Thank goodness Urban Outfitters kept the big kids in mind. Peep the pics below to see what's available. The links take you straight to the merchandise page.

I'm putting my favorite piece first of course. Leggings are for ANY occasion, however use them, don't abuse them.

Where the Wild Things Are by Mary Meyer Printed Legging / $28.00 / urbanoutfitters.com

L-R Where the Wild Things Are Allover Woods Crew $28 / Where the Wild Things Are Tee $28 / Where the Wild Things Are by Mary Meyer Kimono Tunic $38 / Where the Wild Things Are by Mary Meyer Colorblock Skirt $38 / all at urbanoutfitters.com

And here's a little something for the fellas.

L-R Geoff McFetridge Wild Things Profile Tee $28 / Wild Things Boy Tee $28 / Where the Wild Things Are Tee $28 / Where the Wild Things Monster Tee $28 / all at urbanoutfitters.com

And yes, of course they have trinkets, keychains and little dolls no bigger than the palm of your hand. ENJOY!

Can We Talk: Nigerian Independence Day

A friend of mine recently wrote a note on Facebook about whether or not Nigerian Independence Day should be celebrated. Those who are familiar with Nigeria know of the country's long history of corrupt leaders and the image of "419" (google it lol) that is too often associated with our beloved country, but from my point of view that is no reason not to celebrate how far we've come.

I have to be honest with you, I know little to nothing about Nigerian politics. I remember as a child hearing stories about Babangida, armed robbers, and witchcraft. Hearing these stories made me think there was no way in the world I would ever step foot in the place where my roots were firmly planted. Thankfully, my parents refused to pay attention to my childhood angst and, as often as they could, they took my sisters and I on trips to our home country. With each trip my love for Nigeria and my fellow Nigerians grew.

Then came September 29, 2007, the day I first celebrated Nigerian Independence Day and was first introduced to Nigerian nightlife in the U.S. I had the time of my life that night! I was surrounded by beautiful people who were, for the most part, all Nigerian, and all night I danced to the most unforgettable music by Nigerian artists such as P Square, 2Face and D'Banj. After that night I realized I didn't have to go to another continent, or wait to attend a family function to be reminded of how proud I am to be Nigerian. I could now YouTube the artists whose music I heard playing at the party anytime I wanted and be reminded. I could now converse with the new friends I'd met and be reminded. I could always go back to pictures from that night, and similar nights to come, and be reminded. So in saying that, I encourage my fellow Nigerians to forever celebrate the day of our country's independence. If not for Nigeria itself, do it for its people...your people.

Me, Alexis, and B celebrating Nigerian Independence Day @ LOVE in DC on 10/2/09.

Photo courtesy of http://www.amebor.com/

Barracuda Shades Run This Town

BARRACUDA SHADES OFF OF PREORDER
As seen in Jay-Z's "Run This Town"  music video

a-morir by kerin rose / www.a-morir.com / $350

The most talked about shades of the Fall are now available for immediate shipment. Previously the shades were on preorder status. Remember to consider head size and face shape when purchasing shades.

Hate It / Love It: Destroyed Tees

The destroyed movement of 2009 has taken a new article of clothing hostage: T-shirts. Cutting the necks off and cropping shirts to rock them Flashdance style still has its appeal, but now a more edgy, grungy, and dare-to-be-different look is surfacing.

It's evident that this trend is either going to be hated or loved. Elements of the destroyed t-shirt include holes, slashes, and slits made on the shirt without rhyme or reason, and a loose fit.

It was love at first sight when I purchased the below shirt from H&M circa May/June. Think pink tank was used to show the location and size of the holes. It looks MUCH better in person and on the body. I debuted it with a neon yellow/lime thin strap cami underneath, medium tone grey skinny jeans, and electric blue pumps/booties. The outfit definitely turned heads.

There are much cleaner versions of the destroyed t-shirt, more appropriately referred to as slashed tops and not destroyed. Slashes/slits are cleanly-cut and patternized.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Good: Edgy, dare-to-be different

The Bad: Every single aspect of the outfit must be on point. You either dress it completely down or glam it completely up, there is no inbetween.

The Ugly: Reminiscent of a homeless person.

WEAR WITH CAUTION! The destroyed t-shirt trend is for the fashion savvy. Beginners need not apply, this is risky business.

WHAT'S YOUR VERDICT?

Have you rocked this look? Contact us and if we love it, we'll post it!

Purchase Information - Picture 1. www.urbanoutfitters.com / Evil Genius Destroyed Tee / black, red, white / Orig. $38 Sale $19.99 ~ Picture 3. www.forever21.com / Metallic Slash Peep Top / $19.80

POSH Powell Intro

I have been a PFG (partying and fashion girl) since I graduate college in May 2007. The fashion instinct has always been there, but I didn't develop into the social butterfly that I am today until after I graduated. Since then my life has revolved around the Washington, D.C. social scene for young African Americans, and I've loved every minute of it! My PFG status is in a bit of a hiatus since I am now enrolled in graduate school, but I will never be out of touch with my love for fashion and socializing/partying. Partnering with ChiomaB in doing this blog is an outlet for me, I don't want to ignore my other talents and interests.

My Personal Style: I am neither here nor there, but everywhere; I am a compilation. I can be edgy or a prim princess, glamorous or casual chic. This all reflects the different sides to my personality: the vixen, the ice princess, the cool kid, the sweetheart. 


My #1 Fashion Advice: Accessorize! Accessories make the outfit. A simple white t-shirt and jeans or leggings when paired with the right accessories can make you look and feel just as glamorous as if you were wearing the hottest freakum dress of the moment.

My Style Icons: Rihanna (cutting edge), Solange (dares to be different), and Kerry Washington (sophisticated jaw-dropping sex appeal). As far as males are concerned, I salivate over the wardrobes of Chris Brown, Kanye, and Jay-Z.

I'll leave you with one final thought and my favorite quote:  Fashion is not just about the clothes, but about the person who's wearing them. "A lady should always be two things, Classy and Fabulous." ~Chanel