Black History in Fashion: Zelda Wynn Valdes

Zelda Wynn Valdes, was a fashion and costume designer that dressed Black Beauties from Dorothy Dandridge to Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, and even famed singer Gladys Knight. Valdes was also the owner of the first Black business on Broadway in NYC back in the 1940′s. She got her start by making patterns out of newsprint, studying her grandmother’s seamstress, and working in her uncle’s tailoring shop. Zelda’s work was catching to all the right eyes including Hollywood and even Hugh Hefner. Zelda designed the first Playboy Bunny uniforms (WOWZERS)! She also designed the uniforms for the Dance Theater of Harlem.  And she created the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers! Zelda Wynn Valdes is definitely legendary and I'm very proud to say she represented for Black Women breaking into the Fashion Industry. 

images & info via: Sparkleshock.com 

MILAN Fashion Week: Blumarine Fall 2011 Collection

MILAN Fashion Week: Gucci 2011 Fall Collection

via: 5min.com 

Gucci Fall 2011 Collection Milan Fashion Week

Crushin On You: Cartier LOVE

Hello, I'm in LOVE! Need I say more? 

Event Alert: The Fashion Rules! Party

Be among the first to preview the Christian Louboutin Spring collection while enjoying Kir Royale cocktails! 

Join pastry chef & author Rachel Thebault for a signing of her cookbook Sweet Chic: Stylish Treats to Dress Up for Any Occasion, & preview spring fashion trends inspired by her delicious confections.

                                          


What: THE FASHION RULES!™PARTY
When: Thursday, March 3 2011 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie | 5300 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC
Who: Fashionistas, foodies, and philanthropists seeking a little fun with their shopping
What’s Next? RSVP to rsvpwashington@neimanmarcus.com or call 202.966.9700 ext. 2411

Receive a complimentary monogrammed shoe bag with your regular-priced purchase of the designer's shoes. 

The 83rd Academy Awards: TOP 10 BEST DRESSED

The 83rd Academy Awards took place, Sunday, February 27, 2011 and the stars came out in their finest! I didn't get the chance to watch the actual Oscars Show (I was spending time with my cousin) but I managed to catch the E! News Red Carpet special. I choose my favorite 10 looks of the Night and I must say it was VERY hard. Everyone looked AMAZING! 

Jennifer Hudson looked stunning in a one of a kind Orange Versace dress!

Jennifer Lawrence modeled a fierce Calvin Klein dress! Elegant! 

Mila Kunis dazzled on the red carpet in a Elie Saab dress! Great Choice! 

Halle Berry looks refreshed and flawless in a Marchesa gown. 

Gwyneth Paltrow glittered in Calvin Klein! Very unique & one of a kind!

Hillary Swank got feathery in a Gucci Premiere gown. Ravishing!

Celine Dion showed off her post-baby figure in a Giorgio Armani Prive dress! Gorgeous!

Matt McConaughey (wearing Dolce & Gabbana suit) & Camila Alves looked stunning in a Kaufman Franco gown. 

Hostess of the Mostess' Anna Hathaway had several outfit changes (loved them all) but she stole the show with this Oscar de la Renta gown! AMAZING!

Mandy Moore graced the red carpet with a Monique Lhuillier dress. Perfect choice!

all images via: InStyle.com 

T.G.I.F- Thank God I'm (Twenty) Fly!

LAST Friday was a very special day for me, I turned the BIG Twenty Five Fly and I must say it was the best weekend EVER! I spent the entire weekend with the people I loved the most! Check out a few pictures from the My Schuntel-Palooza (as my friends would say). Thanks AGAIN to everyone who made my Birthday all I've ever dreamed of. Infinite Hugs & Kisses to YOU!

From HEAD to Toe:

Lispy Embellished sweetheart dress from Bloomingdale's

Chandelier Earrings from BAKERS

Sparkly bangle from ASOS

Christian Louboutin Heels from Neiman Marcus

 From HEAD to Toe:
Silk cream blouse from BEBE
Sunglasses from H&M
Hoop Earrings from BAKERS
Floral High-waisted pants from Urban Outfitters
Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Red Peep-Toe heels (not pictured) from ALDO Shoes 

From HEAD to Toe:

Over-sized earrings from BEBE

One shoulder dress (can't remember the designer name) from Bloomingdale's

"S" Letter chain from Urban Outfitter's

Red Peep-Toe heels from ALDO Shoes

After the dinner party, came the after-party....followed by a Spa Day with my girlies sans my Preggo Wifey (Lynice we missed you!) then a nice mid-day lunch and then there was the Hookah Bar---SOO MUCH FUN! Saturday evening I did the most liberating thing EVERY girl should do and that was Flying Trapeze (glad a few of my girlfriends joined me in my CRAZY adventure), Sunday was dedicated to being Grateful for Blessings & dinner with my family and boyfriend. WHAT A WEEKEND! Shout out to my out-of-state friends JeeVan's World, Boogie, Miss.Priss, Kira aka Diddy & Matt for the video messages *tears to my eyes*

ANYWAY, time to re-group this weekend!

*bows out gracefully*

Luxury Men Online Site MrPorter.com has Officially LAUNCHED!

via: Selectism

Move over Net-A-Porter.com, Mr. Porter opened their doors today – publicly – allowing all men to explore and spend their money on the finer things in life. The brand-strong site offers a slew of garments and wears from the likes of Bottega Veneta, John Lobb, Mr. Bathing Ape, Gucci, Burberry including many others.  

SHOP SHOP SHOP!

http://www.mrporter.com/

Jeremy Scott + Linda Farrow 2011 Spring Sunglasses Collection

Jeremy Scott + Linda Farrow = MAGIC

Winged, Cross, and Hands Sunglasses retail between $246 and $300. The one of a kind Sunglasses are sure to make people look twice! Want them? Need them? Buy them here.

via: MeetsObsession

Event Alert: The Launch of Choo 24:7 Bags

RSVP to specialevents@mysistersplacedc.org

ASK for Giorgio Askew for all your Jimmy Choo needs!

UGG + SWAROVSKI Crystals Gets Patriotic for Washingtonians!

ATTENTION UGG LOVERS!

Georgetown UGG Australia store has partnered with Swarovski Crystal to produce a one-of-a-kind classic UGG boots just for the DC market (Yes you heard correctly). This may not tickle everyone's fancy but, it’s definitely a must-have for those Washingtonians looking to show their extra-patriotic side. The limited edition boot costs $800 and can only be purchased at the UGG Australia Georgetown store located 1249 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest.

Happy Shopping!!

Chic of the Week: Kate Bosworth

via: InStyle

On February 22, 2011 Kate Bosworth was spotted wearing a Burberry Prorsum pencil skirt, biker jacket and buckled booties at the label's Fall 2011 show.

She's are official "Chic of the Week" IT Girl! Gotta love a girl with a edge ; )

BARBIE ATTACK! Nicki Minaj for BlackBook Magazine

via: BID

WOWZERS! STUNNING to say the least *pause*........SO FETCH!

Black History in Fashion: Tyson Beckford

Born Tyson Craig Beckford on December 19, 1971, in New York, the catwalk star had no plans to be a model as he grew up in Jamaica and the Big Apple. In fact, his exotic eyes and high cheekbones – a fascinating combination resulting from his Jamaican-Panamanian-Chinese heritage – drew ridicule from his schoolmates.

The man who would become one of People magazine's Most Beautiful People was barely out of his teens when his striking looks caught the eye of the editor of hip hop magazine The Source in 1991. Within two years the 6ft 2in hunk had a starring role in Ralph Lauren's Polo Sport fragrance campaign.

Before long, Tyson – who sports at least eight tattoos on his chiseled bod – was featured on the covers of dozens of magazines, had posed for top photographers Herb Ritts and Bruce Weber, and was as named VH1's 1995 Model Of The Year. He was also praised by style icons such as Ralph Lauren who cited his "all-American look with a dramatic edge", saying: "He conveys power, style and intelligence in a very exciting way."

However, as a forerunner in his field, Tyson's path hasn't always been smooth. He once turned down a spot on the coveted Milan Fashion Week catwalk because he was the only black man invited to the event. "There are so many African-American and African men who are trying to get jobs, and they weren't giving the jobs to them," he said at the time. "I'm not the only brother out here trying to make it. So I didn't go."

via: MostBeautifulMan.com

 Black History FACT: Tyson Beckford is the first black male supermodel and is also the highest paid male supermodel of ALL time!