MAHOGANY GLAM

ARETHA'S HAT SEEN AROUND THE WORLD

It was the hat seen around the world and probably space too I might add. The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin made quite a statement at President Barack Obama's Inauguration last week. Sure, everyone was relieved that the Grammy winner decided to cover up her ample assets, but no one could predict Aretha would well, be Aretha and wear the biggest Swarovski rhinestone-rimmed bow on her head while singing "America." I remember thinking that's a big $%# bow. Apparently, "the hat" is now the hottest thing since stirrup leggings. The hat’s designer, Luke Song of Detroit’s Mr. Song Millinery, told the Los Angeles Times, he’s sold thousands since its debut on national TV. While Aretha’s hat was a customized version, Song will be responding to demand by producing a collection of 12 hats in a variety of colors and bow sizes, priced from $150-$220. My fellow fashionistas I know some of you want, maybe even need the Aretha hat for Sunday service, Easter, or even casual brunch with friends. So if you want to be just like Aretha, check out the hat collection named after the singer herself at mrsongmillinery.com Puh-leeze send pictures!!

Photos courtesy: people.com

PADMA COOKS UP FINE JEWELRY

Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi is cooking up a new jewelry line inspired by her love of food and family."It's inspired by things like seeds and pods, like cardamom, lentils and cloves," said the former model. The fine jewelry line simply called "Padma" will be a collection of fifty styles of 10-karat and 14-karat gold jewelry including necklaces, cuffs, and rings. I'm not a huge jewelry freak unless I'm catching a sale at Banana Republic, but these unique pieces are really beautiful. The 37-year old designer added, "I wanted jewelry that isn't big or grand. I wanted to make something with an exotic lilt and a nod to my background." The collection will debut at Bergdorf Goodman in May with retail prices ranging from $375 to $6,000. Hmmm yeah, I kinda wanted to support Padma, but I'm gonna continue to build my jewelry collection at Forever 21 and Banana with prices ranging from $3.99 to $19.99!

photo courtesy: fabsugar

SAG AWARDS 2009 STYLE

The pat on the back awards aka the 2009 Screen Actors Guild Awards ended with the usual suspects winning "the actor." However, everyone knows the fashion show on the red carpet is must see t.v, especially in Los Angeles. "Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto was freakishly beautiful in a periwinkle Marchesa gown. The unusual color complemented her olive skin and I was completely in awe of her exquisite makeup and sleek updo. My new girl crush was hands down the nights biggest winner in my style book!

Starlet Rosario Dawson went old school Hollywood glamour in Dolce and Gabbana. The satin ruched gown was elegantly unexpected for the New Yorker who usually dons vivid colors for the cameras. The red lips was a nice touch, but I cant help the urge to run out to Ikea for curtain rods.

Best Supporting Actress Nominee Taraji P. Henson showed off her dangerous curves in a fitted Herve Leroux gown. I thought "The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons" star was flawlessly gorgeous. I can't wait to see what she wears to the Academy Awards in February.

I'm not used to seeing "Doubt's" Viola Davis on the red carpet, but she grabbed my attention in this vibrant marigold David Meister gown. It was the perfect hue against her mahogany skin and the Juilliard grad proved she isn't a wallflower and is definitely poised to be an A-lister.

Saucy Eva Longoria Parker can pretty much wear anything, except for this Spring 2009 Jenny Packham gown. I didn't mind the peachy color, but the rest of the dress just had too much going on. The bedazzled neckline and the can-can ruffles around her waist was Not flattering to her five foot tall figure. The matronly do' didn't help Eva's faux pas. Seriously, she really looked like a Desperate Housewife.

Muy caliente! Spanish star Penelope Cruz sizzled in vintage Azzedine Alaia. In a sea of color, she stood out in the fitted black velvet gown. Although it was simple, the couture confection was a toast to high fashion and Penelope wore it well!

Photos courtesy: accesshollywood, extratv.com, fabsugar.com, people.com

FREE COSMETICS FROM CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

OMG!! My fellow fashionistas we all know there's nothing more glorious than scoring free cosmetics. As part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit, department stores nationwide are giving away $175 million in cosmetics to customers who purchased beauty products between May 29, 1994 and July 16, 2003. In the class-action lawsuit retailers and manufacturers are accused of price-fixing, a violation of the U.S Anti-trust laws. The Cosmetics Settlement site lists as possible freebies various cosmetic products from a host of manufacturers including Chanel, Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, along with many other well known designer cosmetic products. "An affected class member could receive body lotion, perfume, mascara, shower gel or various creams." It's a sweet deal for cosmetics junkies such as myself, cause even if you don't need it right now you probably will in a few weeks--what the heck it's free!! Retailers such as Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's will give customers up to $25 worth of cosmetics with no previous proof of purchase required. It's open season ladies, cause we all know we've spent a gazillion dollars on makeup etc in just one year alone, so this is like a beauty stimulus package. The free for all is going on until Monday (1/26) and it's first come first served, so expect to wait in line and be prepared to sign a statement saying you bought cosmetics at one of these stores between 1994-2003. (squealing like a girl) It's Free!! I plan on getting some new wrinkle preventing cream, what I need it-I have to be prepared! Please let me know what you guys end up with! (Additional Retailers include: Sak's Fifth Avenue, Dillard's, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Parisian, Bergner's, & Younkers)

photo courtesy: latimes.com

First Lady Michelle Obama Chooses Jason Wu For Inaugural Gown

As predicted First Lady Obama was absolutely ravishing at the Inaugural Ball in D.C. She was a vision in a white chiffon one shoulder gown by up and coming designer Jason Wu. Again, it wasn't my favorite favorite dress on the First Lady, but I think she looked glamorous. It showed off her enviously toned arms and the silhouette drenched in floral appliques complemented her statuesque figure. Even the President was in awe of his First Lady. "First of all, how good-looking is my wife?" The President asked a cheering crowd at the Neighborhood Ball at Washington's Convention Center.

I think its cool of Mrs. Obama to choose innovative designers such as Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu to begin her reign has a fashionable First lady. "The gown will be donated to the Smithsonian, according to tradition," the first lady's spokeswoman said. Mrs. Obama was dignified and stylish in her first day as First Lady, and had to walk endless fine lines in her green kitten heels on her way to the White House. To keep in tradition like First Ladies before her, to be beautiful but to not overshadow the inauguration of her husband, all while appearing stylishly humble and not ostentatious in the midst of our country's economic turmoil. The First Lady succeeded brilliantly. She'll become one of the most photographed women in the world. Her personal style will be copied by millions and her chic je na se quis will be written and talked about for at least four years, and certainly for decades to come. First Lady Michelle Obama is a style icon.

photos courtesy: ap, newsday.com

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA RADIANT AT THE INAUGURATION

The wait is finally over, the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama has been sworn in and fashionista's rejoice for our new First Lady, Michelle Obama. The weeks of tireless speculation is over, First Lady Michelle Obama wore a pale gold modern shift dress with bejeweled neckline paired with a gold embossed coat by designer Isabel Toledo. Liked it, but didn't love it. However, I thought it was event appropriate with a nod to pass inaugural style. The First Lady looked radiant and stood out amongst a sea of dark coats braving the frigid cold. The Cuban American designer said the dress is made of Swiss wool lace, backed with netting and lined in French silk. Toledo also said of the dress, “I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine. I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody.” I was completely charmed by the First Lady's elegance and grace on such a monumentous day. I thought her green kitten heels was a nice touch as well. The First Lady's hair was flawlessly coiffed, her hair stylist earns kudos for sure. Before First Lady Michelle Obama has even spent a night in the White House, she's already one of the most talked about women on the planet. Just think we have a fashionable mahogany glam First Lady to ooh and ahh for at least four years! Stay tuned for more because I know our First Lady will not disappoint for the Inauguration Ball. 

 Photo courtesy: tvcrunch.com

AUBREY ORGANICS TO THE RESCUE

If you have thick unmanageable hair like mine Aubrey Organics shampoos and conditioners is a godsend. I discovered Aubrey Organics online when I was looking for something to moisturize and tame my dry relaxed hair. Everyone raved about their products, so I had to check it out of course. I hoped it would do the trick because usually after one shampoo my hair looks like my friends cat played in it, and it's so freakin' tangled I have to take water breaks while I'm trying to comb thru it. The shampoo completely detangled my do' and after the conditioner my hair was like silk. This stuff is like magic in bottle. It will set your tangles free. It left my lovely locks luxuriously moisturized and completely divine to touch. My Italian BFF was always beside herself with her thick honey colored hair. She tried Aubrey Organics and now she totally swears by it. I also like that their product line is completely organic. There's no paraben preservatives, no petrochemicals, no artificial colors or fragrances of any kind. It smells organic but not in an overpowering I churn milk on farm everyday sorta way. You can find Aubrey Organics at Whole Foods or online at Aubrey Organics. I use JAY Desert Herb Revitalizing Shampoo and Jojoba & Aloe Desert Herb Revitalizing Conditioner, but they have several shampoo and conditioners for oily, normal, color treated, dry, special needs hair. The entire line will heal your hair worries!

photos courtesy: aubreyorganics.com

DIORSHOW ICONIC MASCARA IS EYE OPENING

My fellow fashionistas this Diorshow Iconic Mascara has changed my life. No really, this new mascara by the renowed fashion house is hands down the best I've ever used. I know I know I say that all the time, but this one is the real deal. My obsession to make my peepers appear larger I think has come to an end. It really makes my lashes super looonnnnggg. It looks like I'm wearing false eye lashes that's how good it is. Dior's trademarked obliqued brush gets every puny lash and quadruples them. It truly separates and defines without clumping. Unfortunately, Dior Iconic is $27 freakin' bucks!! Seriously, I whipped out my card before my brain screamed no #$%* way, cause I know I wasn't blessed with long luxurious lashes. I had to do it! Since we are in a recession I've put myself on a beauty budget. Only $25 a month for mascara, lip gloss, eyeliner etc. I clearly went over but for a few bucks more, I now have doe-eyed lashes ala Kerry Washington. I feel good about my purchase, plus I'm stimulating the economy. Yep, anything can be justified in the name of beauty and fashion:-)

photo courtesy: bloomingdales.com

Golden Globe 2009 Fashion Hits and Misses

Thank God the 2009 Golden Globes is over. They really should just give those globes out in a private ceremony and make a two hour show about what all the stars wore to the pat on the back fest. Best Overexposed Singer/Actress, Beyonce' showed up on the red carpet in a strapless Elie Saab gown. She's absolutely enchanting, but whats up with that awkward pose? I didn't jump up and down over the dress, but her 200 carat platinum and diamond necklace, Jesus take the wheel it was over the top beautiful!

I raised an eyebrow when I saw the Best Oversexed Dress winner Jennifer Lopez, in a solid gold va va voom Marchesa gown with a plunging neckline. I was on the fence hate it love it hate love it, final answer--kinda hate it. It was a tad Grammys-ish, not her usual age appropriate regal elegance. I know she's flaunting her post baby bod, but I think it might be time to retire this tired silhouette. It wasn't flattering at all, but her hair and makeup was to die for!

The Cute But Could've Been Cuter Award goes to America Ferrera, who looked lovely in a  cocktail length Oscar De La Renta, kinda wanted it to be longer but she's young so I'll overlook it. I thought "Desperate Housewives" Eva Longoria was a nominee for Best Phoned It In Dress. I thought she played it safe in Reem Acra, but the vibrant red against her olive skin was stunning.

Eva Mendes was the hands down winner for Best Old Hollywood Glamour. She simply shined in a white Dior taffeta gown and her turquoise jewels was an unexpected yet nice touch. And the Best Fashionista in Training award goes to Freida Pinto from "Slumdog Millionaire." Freida wowed in a mustard hue dress that stood out on the red carpet. This woman is off the chain drop dead gorgeous! The Mumbai native is for sure my new girl crush. Just breathtaking!



photos courtesy: tvguide.com, stylelist.com

SAY IT ISN'T SO...MACY'S CLOSING STORES

The spiraling economy continues to take a toll on the fashion industry. Macy's is closing eleven stores across the country including the Macy's in downtown LA. I quickly checked to make sure that my Sherman Oaks Macy's wasn't closing as well. Thank God, I wouldn't be able to handle the loss. Not to mention there's a One Day Sale this weekend. I can totally understand the downtown Los Angeles store closing, it's a pretty lame and I haven't been there in like seven years. In a statement on Thursday, Terry Lundgren President and Chief Executive of Macy's, Inc. said, "These closings are part of our normal-course process to prune underperforming locations each year in order to maintain a healthy portfolio of stores." Whateva Terry! I guess he has to show a strong front to the board of directors. However, the reality is people aren't shopping!! I hope these closings aren't a foreshadowing of more to come. Sigh...Macy's is like one of my happy places. Every other day they're having a sale. I'm gonna check out the One Day Sale this weekend to support the magic of Macy's. I can't guarantee I'll buy anything, but everything is an additional 50 percent off.