MAHOGANY GLAM

Arden B. Has Holiday Style, Who Knew?

My favorite shopping gal pal and I were walking in the winter wonderland aka The Grove in Los Angeles. Every store is practically having a fire sale and Arden B. was no exception. The sign in the window read buy anything in the store get the second item for $5 bucks. Of course we had to go in. I was shocked and awed by how far this store has fallen from grace. Five years ago, Arden B.'s clothes were elegant and chic, now they've fallen face first down the side of godawful mountain. About 95 percent of what they were trying to give away was still hanging on the racks, they can't give it away. They were a couple of shining moments tucked away on the side of the store. A striking gold sequin dress and a perky red taffeta rose dress! Both stunning and perfect for the holidays, oh and New Year's. I would totally wear the gold sequin for New Year's Eve. It just goes to show even the midst of a fashion abyss, tragic stores such as Arden B. might be worth a look see.

photo courtesy: ardenb.com

Cover Girl WetSlicks Amaze Mint Lip Gloss

My fellow fashionistas you guys know that I love lip gloss and I'm always looking for new flavors of the month with benefits. One of my pretty BFF's was raving about Cover Girl Wetslicks Amaze Mint lip gloss in plum crazy. This non-sticky glossy gloss is lightweight and packed with Crest peppermint oil to keep your breath super fresh. It also has blue based plum and pink shades designed to make your teeth look whiter. Yeah right, don't believe everything you read cause a lip gloss is not gonna make your teeth whiter. One thing I know for sure is Cover Girl Wetslicks Amaze Mint lip gloss does help you fight the dragon that is bad breath. For $5.49 it's a winner in my style book, so pucker up!

photos courtesy: covergirl.com

Serena Williams Bares It All For ESPN Magazine

Tennis superstar Serena Williams didn't need clothes to look mahogany glam on the cover of ESPN magazine. In the sports mag's first ever "Body Issue," Serena and five other sports stars that I've never heard of--go full monty. Serena looks phenomenal woman, cause all she brought to the shoot was her moulin rouge red lipstick and Johnson's baby oil gel. Absolutely incredible! I'm sure she's gonna have this picture framed albeit a life size version for her home in Florida. I totally would. ESPN Magazine's "Body Issue" is on newsstands this Friday.

photos courtesy: dailycontributor.com

Prescriptives Cosmetics Will Be No More

If you're a fan of Prescriptives cosmetics, as of January 2010 it's no more. I know a lot of fashionistas who swear by their custom blend foundations who'll be devastated by the sad beauty news. The cosmetics line designed for all skins and all women has hit hard times according to their parent company Estee Lauder. "After a thorough analysis of the Prescriptives brand, management concluded that the brand's long-term business model is no longer viable, given the current market environment." I used to wear their Calyx perfume back in the day and still used their night repair cream from time to time. Ugh...what's a girl to do but pray for a fire sale! All Prescriptives products will be available online while supplies last. My fellow fashionistas let's keep a stealth watch for extreme Prescriptives markdowns in the coming months.I'm bummed the line will be no more, but there's nothing wrong with stocking up!

photo courtesy: stylehive.com

Five Must Haves For Fall 2009

My fellow fashionistas hear me when I say it won't be hard this fall to dress to impress. Most of your fabulous summer styles you can carry over to fall. Leggings are still in...they've just gone all 21st century chic. From bold hues, crazy prints, to cool embellishments (think zippers and ruffles) is super hot. 

Jewel tones on just about anything will get you noticed this season! Plus it looks beautiful against our mahogany skin.

 

If you wanna be the talk of the town be wild in leopard this fall. The classic print is versatile and adds the right amount of sex appeal. Just don't wear an entire animal print outfit, you'll look desperate and dumb!

 

 

Skinny jeans like leggings are here to stay, but this season try them in rich colors or with studded details.

 

Large statement jewelry is just the thing. Don't be shy about wearing big bracelets, rings, cuffs, earrings. Don't kid yourself, size matters for Fall 2009!

 

photos courtesy: urbanoutfitters, americanapparel, nordstrom.com

Rachel Roy Haute Shoes At Macy's

My fellow fashionistas if you're into shoes like I am, the next time you're in Macy's check out Rachel Roy's new line of shoes. Rachel recently launched her moderately priced line at the retailer that includes clothes, jewelry, and of course shoes. I wasn't moved by the clothing line it just didn't take my breath away, but the shoes I was white knuckling not to buy everything full price. The Izzy ankle boots are $139, kinda steep but you would wear these from fall to winter. I can picture them with jeans, leggings, or a cool frock with tights. The studs on the side is bad to the bone!

Then there's the Genna ankle boots in a faux alligator skin. Hot Haute! The sexy peep toe could get a girl about town in trouble. It also comes in a deep plum hue that really stands out amongst the same old same old. At $129 it's not a bad price, but I'm a card carrying member of Macy's every week one day sale and no doubt these boots will be marked down soon. Plus, it's still 100 freakin' degrees in LA so I can totally wait. I'd be okay paying $80 with 15 % off for using my card. God bless Macy's!

photo courtesy: macys.com

More More More-Jewelry That Is

My fellow fashionistas I've developed a fetish for jewelry. Don't get me wrong, it's not David Yurman type of baubles. Nope--at least not yet. It's all kinds of rings and things that has me mesmerized. Big statement jewelry is the thing to wear for fall but I think I've taken it too far. I don't care where I get my fix-- Banana Republic, Forever 21, The Gap, Urban Outfitters, if it's shiny and new it's mine. Oh I even bought a $12 dollar fantastical ring from the Marc by Marc Jacobs store on Melrose. It's like one of the cheapest things in the whole store. Then I was at the bestest mall in the world The Topanga Canyon Mall and scored a hot ring for $16.95 from....wait for it.....New York & Company. Shocking right, they actually have some pretty nice pieces, but I think I bought the most fabulous of the fabulous. 

The moral of the story is, no store is safe. I'm trying to corner the jewelry market and if I have to hit up every Forever 21 and/or H&M to spend $10 bucks or more, well that's what I'm gonna keep doing!

photos courtesy: newyorkandcompany & forever21.com

Primetime Emmys 2009 Fashion Hits and Misses

The Primetime Emmys 2009 is already over and honestly who cares who won, it's how the stars dressed to impress that matters. O-M-G, Sandra Oh is the red carpet winner in my book! She looked super sexilicious in a strapless gold Marchesa gown. I raised an eyebrow at the rope around her waist, but I think it made the dress interesting. I can't believe she's 38 years old cause Sandra looks youthful and stunning!

Padma Lakshmi unleashed her purple passion in this decadent confection with a splash of red flowers on her hip. The Top Chef host simmers in the form fitting Badgley Mischka that was a show stopper. I loved the details on this gown, the knotted sleeveless sleeves really modernizes what could have otherwise been a boring grecian dress. En Fuego!

I'm a huge Vanessa Williams fan, especially on "Ugly Betty." The turquoise gown wasn't va-va-voom like the others but it was classic elegance. Sometimes less is more and it worked in Vanessa's favor. The color made her blue green eyes sparkle and complemented her honey kissed skin. She's looking fifty in the face and looks better than most women half her age.

Lovely Lindsay Price was a vision in a purple one shoulder J. Mendel gown. This is definitely one of my favorites of the night. It's unique elegance that I hope is replicated at my neighborhood ABS store. The black satin strap makes it a little edgy and fun. Magnifique!

I find "The Office" freakin' hilarious, and unfortunately I think of Mindy Kaling's refusal to fire her stylist freakin' hilarious too! Most award shows she shows up in a horrid frock that leaves me aghast. This year is no different and I'm guessing this over tulled gown was purchased on whim at Wet Seal. It makes her look gargantuan and I know she's not. Mindy there's no shame in upgrading your stylist!

photos courtesy: accesshollywood.com, gossipcenter

Tracy Reese Spring 2010 Ready To Wear A Hit!

My fellow fashionistas you know I loves me some Tracy Reese. If I was a lady of leisure I'd exclusively lounge around in her exquisite couture designs. Tracy's Spring 2010 ready to wear collection doesn't disappoint. Everything is completely wearable and lovely. Tangerine, apricot, and electric blues are just some of the vibrant hues featured in her spring collection. Everything is mix and match which is easy on the budget. I adore the simplicity of this collection and the familiar details that make each piece flourish with elegance. I want like ten things Tracy Reese, especially the ruched leggings and sleeveless leather vest. In my mind I'm already rockin it! It's weird thinking about Spring when we haven't even felt the chill of winter yet, but I guess we can start planning our next season ensembles. Check out Tracy Reese Spring 2010 Ready To Wear at style.com

photos courtesy: style.com

Vera Wang Spring 2010 Ready To Wear-Not So Much

One of my favorite designers Vera Wang unveiled her Spring 2010 designs during Fashion Week 2009. Usually I drool for her clothes, but I wasn't wowed by this latest collection. The designs were abstract and playful with hues in ebony, silver, blush, and purple. I judge a collection based on its wearability and there was only two frocks that I would rock (above). The rest of it is shapeless hogde podge of terrible tulle that would only work if you were super skinny. The MC Hammer inspired jumpers, really! We all know runway fashions eventually trickle down to our local Forever 21 and BCBG, but let's pray Vera Wang's Spring 2010 Ready To Wear collection is chained to the catwalk. I still love ya Vera!

photos courtesy: style.com