What Not To Do: Rihanna’s Pasties

Okay, so you guys know how big of a fan I am of Rihanna’s style, but that doesn’t mean she can do no wrong in my eyes. She recently hit up a 4th of July party in Las Vegas thrown by her “big brother” Jay-Z wearing sequenced pants, a black blazer with pasties underneath her blazer:

Why is this wrong? Well, it’s just too much. I understand it’s her “thing”, but pasties on your nipples with your breast on display for the world to see. NO! I guess cleavage bearing corsets weren’t enough. It’s one thing to be proud of your teta’s and wanting to show them off to the world (personally, I LOVE my boobies! And my cleavage game is mean, if I do say so myself), but there are ways to go about it.

2009 BET Awards- Red Carpet Arrivals

The BET Awards is the first award show to air since the passing of Michael Jackson. So, as you may know, emotion was everywhere and Michael inspirations and impersonations were everywhere on the red carpet:

Beyonce rocked a mini sequenced Balmain dress from the Spring 2009 collection, and some very interestingly cool shoes. While the show was airing, and she was accepting her award for ‘Best Female R&B Artist’ I was like “what is that shaking on her shoe?” But, as usual, Bey looked great. HIT.

Keri Hilson came out rocking an interesting colorful stars (and other shapes) dress. I’m guessing this one is from her stylist Brea Stinson’s line B. Star. Surprisingly, I love her look! HIT

R.I.P. Michael Jackson, King Of Pop (and Fashion)

At the devastating, sudden, and heart-breaking news of Michael Jackson’s death (I still can’t believe it!!), many people are remembering him for the  many things he have done, and contributed to pop culture and the world at large, through out his 50 years of life. I am a “youngin’”, so while I wasn’t around to experience and be apart of his BEST moments, I did become a HUGE fan of his! I mean HUGE. Any one who knows me, knows that I am a huge fan of Micheal Jackson, and get very offended when people say anything bad about him. What I remember most about him, is him bringing me through all the difficult times, the times when I felt alone, defeated and like I couldn’t do it, with “You Are Not Alone”. But besides remembering his musical influence on young stars like Chris Brown, Usher, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Ciara and so on, we can’t forget his influence on the fashion world. (Okay, I had to incorporate fashion into this!) Here are his greatest fashion moments:

This silver & gold suit, with the armor on his arms & legs has been a huge influence on how performers dress to hit the stage today. After seeing Michael live, there was no way that tank tops & slacks would ever cut it on the stage again! This look has been relived through people like Beyonce, when she performed at the 2007 BET Awards:

Neutrogena Fresh Faces Sweepstakes

Ever wanted to be flown to LA to hang with Hayden Panettiere, Vanessa Hudgens, Emma Roberts and Susie Castillo? Well, here’s your chance! Neutrogena and Vh1 Save The Music Foundation has teamed up to bring you Fresh Faces of Music VIP Event, where one lucky girl and a friend will be flown to LA. Prize includes airfare, hotel accommodations for 2 nights, and $500 for winner. Ten first place winners will receive a Neutrogena® product package.

To enter for your chance to win, click here.

Fab Look Of The Day

Chanel Iman hosted a cocktail party for the designers of Bensoni in NYC a couple nights ago, looking just flawless:

This red mini dress with ruffled sleeves, black clutch & black embellished gladiator sandals was just fabulous!

Rebecca Minkoff Online Sample Sale

Log onto www.RebeccaMinkoff.com to enjoy this Sample Sale, starting today at 9pm-Sunday at 9pm.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Oh yes honey. You read that right. After all these pairings and collaborations with Matthew Williamson, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfield, Stella McCartney, and others, God has finally answered my prayer!

Jimmy Choowill be collaborating with the Swedish chain, making it their 7th big name designer range, since Karl Lagerfield launched in ‘04. This linewill be the first to focus solely on shoes & accessories. Jimmy Choo’s new range for H&M is to include around 15 different pairs of women’s shoes. The accessories range will be complemented by a one-off capsule collection of Jimmy Choo womenswear, as well as a men’s range of shoes, bags and accessories.

Tamara Mellon, the founder and president of Jimmy Choo, is overseeing the project. She has described the designs as “the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night”. The Jimmy Choo collection will be launched in 200 H&M stores worldwide on November 14th and will be available in the UK at the Oxford Circus, London W1 flagship and branches in major cities. The collection will range from $55-$278.

Hmmm… any predictions on who’s next to collaborate with H&M?

Keri Hilson Covers 944 Magazine

Keri Hilson is gracing the pages of  the June issue of 944 magazine, looking fabulous & ready for summer:

In the mag, she speaks about what it’s like to be a woman in the music industry:

In any industry, as a woman, you have to demand respect because it’s not something you are given on a silver platter. That’s why I am where I am today, because I fought. It’s survival of the fittest. I have been blessed with the mentality to not see a stop sign as a stop sign.  No one is going to give you anything in life. I pity the woman who feels that they can just rely on their looks or whatever. Professional women have to have a one up on men  just to get the same amount of respect.

Tell ‘em Keri…  To see more pictures from her spread, plus behind the scenes video

When Did She ROCK It?

Kim Kardashian first rocked these distressed denim Bebe shorts when surveying the damage done to her DASH Miami store several weeks ago, then again at the Eminem & Jay-Z concert a couple days ago:

While in Miami, she went for a casual chic day look by pairing it with a white tank, nude vest & Christian Louboutin fringe boots. Then at the concert, she went for a casual rocker chick look, pairing it with a studded Balmain vest, back LNA tank & Jil Sander pumps. So…

When did she ROCK it?

FM Interview: Rashidah Ali

Not many people have the opportunity to turn their most innate passion into a successful business, but Rashidah Ali did! The Bronx native opened her high end “shoetique” in Harlem, Bourgeoisie Shoes, back in 2007 at only 23 years old and have built her reputation off of exceptional customer service. I got the opportunity to get the busy bee to take a minute from building her empire to sit & talk with me about her journey, her inspiration, and her advice on everything shoes:

 

FashionManifesto.net: What inspired you to open a “shoetique”?

Rashidah Ali: What inspired me to open a shoetique is my true love for shoes. I always knew I was going to be a boss, but it was more so about establishing a game plan. Finding something that would not only be lucrative, but would also keep my attention. Each time I step into those show rooms, it’s like love at first site all over again.

FM: It seems like everyone is either closing or down sizing due to tough economic times, what made you decide to open/expand your store during these times?

RA: Well naturally one expects for the first three years to be a difficult transition when opening a new business. At the time when I opened, we hadn’t yet been declared in an official recession yet. So honestly, I planned for the first few years of challenges.

FM: There are tons of boutiques in New York City, what makes yours different?

RA: What makes Bourgeoisie Shoes different from any of the other boutiques in NYC, would have to be the experience. In addition to the merchandise that is hand picked by myself “no buyer” were offering a service that goes hand and hand. Either myself, or the sales rep give each individual unmatchable attention and advice. We offer refreshments and Hors d’ ourves while your there, in addition to a luxury delivery service.

FM: What are some of the designers you carry?