CHIC OF THE WEEK: Beyonce, Rita Ora, Taylor Swift & More!

Happy Friday Beautiful people! It's almost the end of February (literally) and celeb's were definitely serving chic realness this week as we count down the days until Spring. This cold weather has to go..RIGHT NOW. Arent' you guys ready for Spring? Check out a few of my favorite looks this week below:

 

Beyoncé inspired one of my looks for my upcoming vacation. I love it! Casual yet stylish.  

 

Jasmine Tookes & Lily Aldridge served up coordinate and crop top realness, I'm here for it.

 

Rihanna has me swooning over this over-sized sweater, cozy and chic to say the least.

 

Gabrielle Union is making her rounds and looking quite fabulous if I do say so myself.

 

Kim Kardashian showed off her curves in this one-piece, I'm more obsessed with the choker and Alaia heels to be honest...oh and her new bob! WERK!

 

Rita Ora always kill it, she looked fabulous in this sparkly gown number at the Brit Awards.

 

Taylor Swift is becoming a new style favorite of mine, this dress is perfection...definitely a good color on her.

 

Rosie Huntington-Whitely gets my vote for sexy woman of the year, she's effortless yet slays every single time. Go girl!

 

RECAP: 29 Shades of Telly [Birthday Edition]

I'm back, I'm back, I'm backkkkk! As you know I celebrated my birthday last week and it was more than I imagined. I wanted to be a little bit more low-key this year (mission accomplished), so I only planned one event. I've been reading the very popular 50 Shades of Grey trilogy so it was only fitting to go see the movie after it came out on Valentine's day weekend. Since my celebrations are always so large in party size, I decided to keep it pretty small this year with only inviting my closest friends to celebrate this new milestone in my life (21 people to be exact lol). We sipped on a few cocktails and went to see 50 Shades of Grey at the fancy movie theaters iPic. Prior to my actual birthday I had a pre-birthday dinner with my family, which really warmed my heart (they are so sweet & thoughtful). Check out a few pictures from my birthday celebration below:

 

As I was getting ready for dinner with my family, I came back into a room filled with 29 balloons! 

Birthday dinner: Striped turtleneck by H&M/ PVC Vinyl skirt by Topshop (old)/ Christian Louboutin "So Kate" heels/

 

It's beyond freezing in the DMV so I opted to bundle up for my birthday dinner.

 

Of course there was a cake involved...I hope my wish comes true!! #29

 

 

On my actual birthday I picked up my custom cupcakes by my dear friend Lala. Aren't these perfect? It was sooooo good and soooo fitting for my birthday theme. Handcuffs, masks, ties and pearls...loved it!

 

I've been wanting a new look lately so I decided to see my favorite stylist, Sky at KARMA Salon for some highlights. It was the perfect touch to my look, and I've received tons of compliments. I've done the whole "color/dye" thing before so I really appreciated taking it easy with the color and making it look totally natural. I'm kind of obsessed with it now!!

 

 

 

After a few cocktails with my friends, it was time for the movie where we enjoyed delicious food! OMG, the whole iPic movie experience was everything I imagined and I think all of my friends enjoyed it too. Definitely going back :)

 

29 SHADES OF TELLY MOVIE DATE: Grey maxi dress from Trendsetters Boutique/White leather pants by H&M(old)/Black caged booties by Steve Madden (old)/

 

Mother nature has been such a pain lately that I was having so much anxiety when it came to planning my birthday. It's been snowing like crazy so much and on my actual birthday it decided to start snowing as my guests were travelling from all over the DMV. With cold temps I decided to make the dress code cozy chic and tell my guests not to fret over dressing up anymore. Originally this dress was supposed to be worn as a maxi dress but with freezing temps I decided to put on my leather white pants to make it more casual for the occasion, do you like? I was giving a little side boob action...I mean why not? HA! Anyway, my birthday was everything I wanted, low-key-intimate-filled with love-shady-and-warm. Thank you all for the birthday wishes, cards, gifts, messages and shout-outs, I intend to make this my best year yet. Cheers to 29! 

 

 

 

 

Dear Beautiful Brown-Skinned Girl...

 

It's exactly 1 week until my 29th birthday and I have to admit that I've been on a emotional rollercoaster for the past month. I don't know why my anxiety is on level 1000 but it is, my 20s have been so amazing, life-changing and fulfilling...I've experienced so much it's got me eager to see what's left of it before I turn the big 3-0 next year. I think part of my anxiety is that I'm almost done with this chapter of my life (20s) and my 30s will be the beginning of a new chapter, with all things new it brings on anxiety and sends my brain into overdrive but this time I decided to take a page out of my Oprah's Inspiration site to write a letter to my younger self. I'm an Aquarius woman down to the core so I wanted to write this letter to myself as a sense of encouragement and exclusively share it with you all as an ode to my 20s.    

 

Dear Beautiful Brown-Skinned Girl,

 

You'll never know your true potential until you fall 7 times and stand up 8 (Proverbs 24:16). In this picture you were so young and didn't even know all that your 20s had planned for you. As you stand by your father's side at the annual family trip with his one hand around you and in the other hand a video camera that would document the most precious moments of your life, you'll truly appreciate these memories. Although it was a hot day in Florida on yet another family trip you'll cherish these family trips as they will be the cornerstone of your life and mold you into the social delight that you are in your twenties. As elementary school was a breeze and you focused on your school work for the most part (You parents are foreign---it's ALWAYS going to be about education being the first priority in life get used to it because you've got so many years of it ahead of you).    

 

 

You'll dance, act and travel throughout elementary and middle school. You'll have your first kiss in middle school and meet so many friends that will be in your life 10 years later. In this picture you were 14 years old and graduated from middle school. You styled yourself for the first of many special occasions in your life and this smile on your face will be a permanent fixture in your life. You'll learn to smile through the toughest days of your life and on your most proudest moments.

 

  

 

 At the age of 24 years old, you'll enjoy volunteering and giving back because you finally discovered your gift of philanthropy. This gift will bring fulfillment to you more than all your beautiful clothes, shoes and bags that you own. This photo was taken in 2010 where you spent all day at a chartered DC school to mentor young children and reinforce the importance of education as it was what you were taught at a young age. As you rise, you'll feel the need to reach back. Always remember to "never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts." 

 

After graduating high school, attending a prestigious university in North Carolina, learning the true meaning of friendship and companionship you'll experience more of that throughout your 20s. You will hold many hats in life ----a daughter, sister, friend, student, paralegal specialist, fashion blogger, aunt, god-mother and even a social butterfly. You'll wear these many hats with great confidence and you'll conquer your fears and realize that God will always have your back. You'll experience love in many ways and learn to forgive quickly because you know that you are a woman of many strengths.

 

 

You'll hold tight to those people that you can learn from the most and the one's that inspire you like no other. You'll lose a few along the way (and that's OK) but at the end of each day you'll be grateful for the many seasons of friendship, love and knowing that you are becoming the woman you've always wanted to be. Love will knock at your door a few times and you'll know which ones to answer but because you are so giving you'll open that door alot. Eventually you'll know who to open your heart to over time. Truth is, some of those guys weren't the ONE...in due time and in due season.

 

You'll also find the joy of travelling is your "go to" so you'll see most of the world and yearn for an adventure because you realized that life is a journey and there is so much to see. Be sure to thank your parents for those family trips every year. And although it may be hard to see right now, from my point of view there are only a few regrets you'll have but many life lessons that will teach you all you need to know. Stay encouraged, recognize your strength, be patient with others and let your actions reveal your heart. You are extraordinary.

 

Love you deeply,

 

Schuntel

  

 

 

BEST DRESSED: The 57th Grammy Awards

Happy Monday!! Last night I got the chance to tune into the 57th Annual Grammy Awards with a few friends after a much needed Sunday Funday. Although I missed the red carpet, I was able to watch a majority of the show and I have to say that it was really good this year. I really loved Common & John Legend's performance, Beyoncé took us to church and Sam Smith and Mary J. Blige was perfect, and of course Kanye "trying" to take away Beck's award because Beyoncé didn't win was EPIC, why is he so funny?!  Anyway, in fashion related news I was really impressed with what I saw on the red carpet this year, check out my favorites below:

 

 

Katy Perry dazzled in this Zuhair Murad dress, how perfect was this on her?! A great look for her!

 

Beyoncé stayed true to her style in this Proenza Schouler gown. Her hair and jewels were perfection!

 

Taylor Swift brought the legs out in this Elie Saab dress. She totally werked this look, the pop of color with her sandals was spot on!

 

This is by far my favorite look on Nicki Minaj thus far. The Barbie took a plunge in this Tom Ford dress, everything about this look is perfect. Less is certainly more! 

 

Rita Ora sparkled like no other in this Prada one-of-a-kind gown.

 

Chrissy Teigen almost never misses the mark, she looked like a total angel in this Emilio Pucci gown.

 

Jhene Aiko went for a feathery princess look in this Alberta Ferretti dress. Gorgeous! 

 

Jessie J. wore a beautiful sheer Ralph & Russo gown that I'm still swooning over. FLAWLESS!

 

 

Style Icon on the rise, Zendaya Coleman opted for a cropped hair do and a one-shoulder Vivenne Westwood dress. Kudos to her stylist, this is an AMAZING look on her.

 

 

 

*drum roll please*..Mrs. Kim Kardashian West stole the entire show in this Jean Paul Gaultier gold gown. As of recent, Kim decided to chop her signature locks and I couldn't be happier to see her pull it off of this very beautiful gown. She said she was styled by her hubby, Kanye (not surprised) and I'm loving it all. #allGOLDeverything  

 

 

 

 

HAUTE FRIDAY: Diana Ross!

 

The Diva of all Divas, Ms. Diana Ross has always been an icon for me and will forever be the Black Icon for all women. Her style, class, sophistication, work ethic and poise is just some of the many things that her so beautiful in my eyes. She is my inspiration and definitely how I'm feeling on this Friday...with that said, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! XOXO

 

*bows out gracefully*

VIDEO OF THE DAY: FourFiveSeconds By Rihanna featuring Kanye West & Paul McCartney

Rihanna has finally released her first song off her new album, and I'm loving it so much! Great to see the Bad Gal is back to making music after taking a much needed break to just be her fabulous self. Check out her video FourFiveSeconds featuring Kanye West & Paul McCartney.   

 

 

 

 

WHAT I WORE: Game Night!

Game Night: Floral Printed jacket from Trendsetters/ White tee from H&M/Distressed denim (old) by Zara/Jimmy Choo 'Anouk' heels/Gucci Bag/ "Available" chain (old) by F21

 

 

After the longest week of my life (literally), me and my girlfriend decided to go to the Wizards game to just catch up and support our home team. Although they lost it was a really good game, I even ran into my sister and we chatted it up over cocktails and food. I've been on the move so much lately, I threw this outfit together right before leaving the house. I'm really loving this new floral jacket I snagged the day of, it will definitely be my staple this Winter and even Spring. Now let me get to sending out these birthday invites....Geesh, time flies! Happy Wednesday beautiful people!

    

SPEAK ON IT: Black is Beautiful!

Hello everyone & Happy February! I know I've been a little MIA from posting but January was a SPIRAL beyond my imagination and now that I am able to think clearly, I can fully dedicate my time and energy into blogging. I cannot believe how quickly the first month of 2015 flew by, as you may all know February is black history month (and fashion week &  my birthday *cover eyes*) so I've been watching a few shows highlighting black history lately so I'm taking a fashion pause (because there are real issues in the world) to discuss a very important issue that has been weighing very heavily on my heart for the past few weeks. After watching OWN's documentary Dark Girls & Light Girls about two weeks ago, I couldn't stop thinking about how important it is recognize that being beautiful isn't based solely on a shade of color. It isn't based on just the physical attributes of a person but it's based on the contents of one's character and the beauty that comes from within...that is what makes someone beautiful. My concern for the black community when it comes to defining what beauty really is has intensified as I've seen such a divide within my own race I can no longer remain mum about the topic. This is my vision, my story, my opinion and my what make's black beautiful.   

 

Ever since I was a little girl my family would always tell me how beautiful I am and how important it was to be proud of who I am. I thank them for constantly showering me with love because it truly boosted my self-esteem because not only was a little brown girl with foreign parents but I was skinnier than the girls in most of my classes and struggled with my own complex of not being "totally American" at times. Their reinforcement that it was okay to be different and that my different was beautiful really shaped the person I am today and for that I thank them. All through out middle school, high school and even college (I went to a predominantly white university with a black community) I never really had to defend or discuss my skin complexion until a few years ago. Being considered dark skin never bothered me until a guy randomly approached me while I was out with my girlfriend and told me "you are beautiful for a dark skin girl"....I mean WTF?!? I've never heard this before and I didn't know how to respond but to nod and walk away feeling less than beautiful. It was a moment that opened my eyes to a race issue within my own black community that I never experienced before. It crushed me that a guy could say that to a woman of my skin complexion and think it was okay. It enraged me that he didn't just say that I was beautiful but that he had to define my beauty based on my melon.

 

Since that moment I noticed that men would refer to me "chocolate" (which I love snickers!) or "my dark skin sister" opposed to calling me by my name. I noticed how men would address my girlfriends of a lighter complexion as "beautiful" and I was confused. Why was this happening? When did this start? Was I not beautiful? Why weren't light skin girls considered "sisters"? I've noticed men talk negatively and degrade one complexion or another on social media which heightened my own frustration. So as perplexing and disheartening this was for me I decided to boost my own self-confidence in ways I knew how....PRAYER! I prayed for men that disregarded black women with my skin complexion and hoping that someday someone would just recognize my beauty opposed to me being a light or dark skinned women. We all check the same box (black/African American) so it really annoyed me that after all these years of fighting for race equality that we would divide over complexion. I've mentioned this issue with my girlfriends in the past and we always come to the same conclusion "light skin doesn't equate to beauty and dark skin doesn't equate to ugly", beauty shines from within and there's no way a particular complexion can define what is beautiful.  
 

 

I think there is something so beautiful in a woman's confidence and who she is as person that a skin complexion should never define her beauty. As women we struggle enough with being "enough" in a real world. We all have insecurities and complexes that surpass our own understanding at times that it's so important to feel beautiful. Being Black is a beautiful entity within itself, to think their are so many shades of black women is intriguing alone. No shade or complexion is the accurate description of what beauty truly is, as a race we need to come together to uplift women because after all they are the fierce human beings that brought us into this world...without them where would we be? I challenge you to tell people how beautiful they are without using their physical attributes and see how much your perspective shifts (beauty shines from the heart first).  

 

February is all about LOVE, lets try to spread love to beautiful women in your life because they need it more than you know. Actress, Lupita Nyong'o said it best "What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul. There is no shame in Black beauty".