MAHOGANY GLAM

2009 VMA Fashion Hits and Misses

The 2009 VMA's was the hottest ticket in New York on Sunday. I didn't ooh and aah at the potpourri of fashion trapesing down the red carpet, but I wasn't bored either. Fashion icon Jennifer Lopez made quite a statement in this flesh toned mini. What is that velvet! I wasn't feeling the curtain inspired sleeves and how it wrapped around her neck. Not her best style moment, but she gets a ten for hair and make up. Oh and her lacey heels...sick! I want em!

Shakira aka "she wolf" rocked a sequined Balmain mini with thigh high boots. It's a tad stripperesque but to each is own. I kinda wished she had pulled her hair back, cause her hair just wasn't on point.

It's safe to say that Cassie can pretty much wear a paper bag and look stunning. However, this frock reminded me of tacky bathroom wall paper circa 1986 that no one should have in their home or wear it in public. (Sigh) I'm still in denial about what she did to her hair. Blank stare.

Amerie showed off her best assets, her shapely gams. The teal mini is fab for sure, but the excess fabric in the back makes me think she's about to take flight.

Keri Hilson took it back to the eighties with her shoulder padded satin jump suit.Love it! The plunging neckline is super sexy and bad to the bone. She's the only one who could wear this and get away with it!

And in non related mahogany glam news I think Lady Gaga is a raging fashion victim. Someone please send help!

photos courtesy: mtv.com & gossipcenter.com

 

Long Live The King Of Pop

Michael Jackson is gone, but certainly will never be forgotten. He has left an indelible mark on our culture as a music icon, who was worshipped for his out of this world dance moves and killer style. I personally loved his look in the Billie Jean music video. I guess I have a thing for a well dressed man, who was haute in leather and white lace-ups shoes! 

He was totally awesome! Everyone wanted to be Michael Jackson and/or at look like MJ. Who didn't beg their parentals to get them the red and black "Thriller" jacket? or wear high water pants with penny loafers. I know I did. Michael Jackson was too cool for school during the eighties.

One thing was for sure Michael knew how to make a fashion statement. Rhinestones, epaulets, buckles, leather, zippers, you name it--Michael whipped it together and created envious ensembles. Before his untimely death, his military style was already making a comeback. Beyonce' and Rihanna have rocked Balmain's Spring 2009 homage to the King of Pop. I so want one for like $40 instead of $4,000. I'm sure we'll see more MJ inspired collections on runways and ready to wear stores for years to come. I can't wait, if they bring back that leather suit from "Billie Jean," wrap it up, I'm buying it! Long live the King of Pop-Michael Jackson!!

 

photos courtesy: hellobeautiful, latimes, dailymail

CAMERON DIAZ GOES ROCKER CHIC FOR V MAGAZINE

Ooh la la-Cameron Diaz shows off her edgy side for the July issue of V Magazine. In the saucy black and white spread the A-lister shows off painted tattoos while wearing a bra made from gaffers tape. A really different look for Cameron, who's promoting her latest film "My Sister's Keeper." She's buff, beautiful, and looks ready to kick butt. The pics are a tad bit Madonna during her bleach blond "Papa Don't Preach" phase, but Cam looks great nonetheless. At 36-years old the Cuban-American is smokin' hot. “I’m not going to be the 23-year old ingenue again. If I tried to hold onto that, I’d be a pretty unhappy individual,” said Diaz. I say if you've got it flaunt it, and Cameron's definitely got it!

photos courtesy: people.com

MARIAH CAREY GLAMS IT UP IN CANNES

Are my eyes deceiving me, it seems the heavens have opened up and the angels are singing Hallelujah!! Mariah Carey is stunning and age appropriately dressed at the Cannes Film Festival. The diva left tongues wagging in a black Dolce and Gabbana gown at the premiere of her indie film "Precious." I'm floored cause I haven't seen Mariah look this good since...thinking...thinking...I give up. My fellow fashionista's we all know Mrs. Nick Cannon usually saunters around like a 21-year old who works at a cotton candy stand at the county fair, so this look is a Huge upgrade. I'm gonna frame this picture for the house. I hope the 40-year old continues to embrace this chic elegant style that she definitely wears well. Magnifique!

photos courtesy: theybf and mailonline.com

A-LISTERS AT ANNUAL COSTUME GALA IN NY

The biggest celebrities in the world donned their favorite designers couture trappings and sashayed down the red carpet at the annual Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This is like the Oscars of fashion! The theme of the night--"Model Muse: Embodying Fashion" meant everyone went all edgy glam rock to wow discerning eyes. Jessica Alba was bold in Jason Wu beaded bodice cobalt blue mini-dress. Yep, the same Jason Wu who designed First Lady Michelle Obama's inauguration gown. He's so scored!

Eva the diva Longoria Parker was elegantly understated in Diane von Furstenberg, I think her best accessory is her dapper hubby Tony Parker. Yummy!

There is a God and he created Eva Mendes! Hot! Hot! Hot! in a metallic Calvin Klein gown. She could show up in a K-Mart Jacyln Smith collection dress and still be the best looking woman on the red carpet!

Tyra got the memo and ran with the night's theme! A ruffled mermaid concoction by Badgley Mischka. Hmmm, her braided updo was puzzling but probably was an homage' to the early nineties. Girl you better work!

My girl Rihanna was avant garde in a Dolce and Gabbana puff sleeved mens suit. Not my favorite look for Rih Rih, but the edgy design was just the thing to get people talking about something other than the obvious. Plus, it's the Costume Institute Gala dahlings!! everyone is trying to outdo everyone else to land on Page Six and Mahogany Glam!

photos courtesy: people.com

Zoe Saldana Sophisticated Lady In Giant Magazine

The stunner aka Zoe Saldana is looking muy caliente' in the May issue of Giant Magazine. These pictures are so old school glamour, that it makes me want to do a boudoir photo shoot. Zoe's beauty just leapts off the pages of the trendy mag. Even though Zoe is not a megastar, she's certainly on the raise and I'm glad she's finally getting her due. In case you didn't know, she stars as "Uhura" in "Star Trek" the movie in theaters May 9th. Expect Zoe's popularity to go where no man as gone before, well probably not but I couldn't suppress my inner Trekkie:-) 

 

 

Photos courtesy: urbancelebs.com

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

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

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

KERRY WASHINGTON HOT HOT HOT IN HELMUT LANG

Kerry you betta stop!! The beautiful actress stole the show in Helmut Lang at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association salutes Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles. Who knew Ms. Washington could bring the heat like this... usually she's clad in fabulous couture gowns flown in from Italy. I'm really feeling this sexy smoke grey leather bustier and skinny black leather pants! I seriously need this entire ensemble in my life. Those killer patent Louboutin's heels are totally making my palms sweaty. I know its gross, but it happens when I go into style shock! Well done Kerry for proving glam girls can keep em guessing from time to time, now watch ya back...cause you know PETA don't play!!

photo courtesy: people.com