Jada Pinkett- Smith: Do We Love This Look!

I must say that this look is very daring...I love the riding boots and the play on colors! I respect a women who loves to take a risk!

Sneaker Heads!

I know I am a little late reporting this info for all those die hard sneaker junkies...Anyway, Reebok launched its first pop-up store on November 15th, in a two story 3,000 square feet art gallery in Bowery, NYC. This particular concept store will be open until December 14th which will feature limited edition sneakers and merchandise. The sneaks featured above were released earlier in the year but I just wanted to give you an example of what to expect. Based on the photos the store reminds me of an 80's throwback due to all of the pop colors. It appears that the mass retailers are starting to catch on to the pop-up store concept that has become well known in the specialty retail sector. Reebok Pop-Up is located on 169 Bowery and Kenmare Street; Hours of operation are: Tue-Wed. (11-7), Thurs-Sat (10-7) and Sun (11-6).
Photo Credit: NyMag.com

The Year Of The Gentlemen!

The Year Of The Gentlemen by Jovon


Sorry Neyo, but I had to steal the title of your album...The title just seems so appropriate for this post. Anyway, I have notice over the past year how various key players in the entertainment industry has embraced a more classic and refined look. I call it the "English Gentlmen look. I love the fact that men are not afraid to rock the rich tweeds, bold plaid suits, news boy caps and classic style sweaters. So, hats off to the men out their who ain't afraid to get their grown man on! Places where you can go to get your grown man on...Jcrew, RalphLauren and BananaRepublic

Coat Check!

Coat Check by Jovon


I guess I can no longer continue to pretend that winter is months away. For those who live in the US, we can honestly say winter is here to stay! Since it is currently snowing relentlessly, I was inspired to find some fun colorful coats that would help keep the memory of summer in mind. Bold colors always reminds me of the summer! So, as you battle your way through the cold temperatures think twice before you purchase yet another boring black coat!

Full Figured Swag!

For my voluptuous sistahs, I think that it is very important to accentuate your waist and show off your beautiful shape. For Instance, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah are great examples of how important it is to cinch the waist and show off what your mama gave you. Cinching the waist gives you a great hour glass shape. No matter what body type you are, it is all about the fit! Another great style technique is to find a great long Grecian style dress with a deep V neck and accent it with bold accessories! (Check out Jill Scott photo) If you find that you were blessed with a lot of frontal cleavage than a great way to divert the attention from your top half is to use bold accessories and the right bra of course!
photo credit: Essence

Below I provided you with some great wallet friendly alternatives...


full figure swag by Jovon

Who's your favorite? Also, click on photo to see where to buy items!

Jenesis Magazine: "Its More Than A Movement, It's Evolution Defined"

Move over Vibe and all those other wanna be urban magazines, there is actually something new and fresh bubbling on the virtual newsstands. Jenesis Magazine is the urban voice for Pittsburgh's young professionals, fashionistas, music lovers and rockers. The magazine's content ranges from local bands (November issue features Formula412) to national figures like our president elect Barack Obama. So, If you need a steady voice of what's going down on a a local and national street level, I suggest you check out their sleek and interactive website...JenesisMagazine.com.

Open Call For Emerging Designers!

Once again, Supima the worlds luxurious cotton company is having an open call for emerging design talent. To be considered for participation, interested designers will need to be present at an open call that will take place on November 20th from 4pm to 9pm and November 21st from 10am to 1pm at the Thompson Hotel in SoHo. Designers will interview with a panel composed of fashion editors, established designers and Supima representatives. At the open call audition, each person must have: a sketch of their evening wear entry, Design portfolio, Current CV/Resume, A garment they have designed and sewn.

Those selected will be provided with 10 yards of fabric with which they can create a women's evening wear design and will be displayed at the Supima runway event on the evening of Wednesday, January 14th 2009. For more info...Check out supimacotton.org

The TasteMaker: Brett Banks

A native of Pittsburgh, Brett Banks has made tremendous strides since leaving the steel city. Brett currently resides in NYC and is the Director of Presentation for Ralph Lauren. He actually is the first African American in his division. In this role at Ralph Lauren, he is responsible for a slew of merchandising duties that range from managing a team of individuals to assisting with the development of merchandising strategies. For instance, this past summer, Ralph Lauren designed the Olympic uniforms and he assisted with the in store merchandising strategies across the country. Aside from his day job he continues to create waves on the fashion scene by serving as a stylist to many heavy weight clients in the entertainment industry. During NY fashion week, he was featured in the NY Daily News due to his unique use of denim (Pictured above, He's the one who is featured in the creatures of the tent article). In addition, he was also featured in the DNR (Brett is featured in the Bicoastal affair article above) . In the near future, look out for more exciting projects from this current taste maker who believes in working hard, seizing the moment and always follow your heart!

Photo Credit: DNR (Photo 1) and NY Daily News (photo 2)

Beauty Find Of The Week!

Happy Monday to everyone...I thought that I would start the week off with a great Vegan beauty product that I discovered in the latest Lucky Magazine. 100% Pure Products does not use harsh synthetic chemicals or dyes that normally irritate or dry out the skin. These products are 100% cruelty free! Above is a picture of one of many naturally scented body washes. Other products include Fruit Pigmented Cosmetics, Body Scrub, Shower Gel, Body Cream and Butter, and Sea Therapy....For more info about these products...Check out, 100percentpure.com.

Photo Credit: 100percentpure

McQueen at Target!

In March 2009, Target is planning to introduce a new designer collection after Issac Mizrahi's final collection cycles through stores. The contemporary retailer plans to launch designer collaborations, which is aimed to be an ongoing program that will bring a series of established designers to the masses at low prices. Designers Collaborations is separate from their Go International series that highlights young or emerging designers. The first launch collaboration will be with Alexander McQueen, who will create a version of his McQ collection called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will feature lightweight sweaters (pictured above), skinny jeans, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts. Signature pieces include a coated cotton black trench, a rock and roll grey denim studded jacket, a mens wear inspired tuxedo blazer and a color blocked one shoulder dress with a bubble hem. However, each collection will only be available for a limited time so don't wait around...for more info check out...Target.

Photo Credit: WWD

Keisha Cole: Do We Love This Look?

This particular photo caught my attention because it appears to be a different look for Keisha Cole. This look translates refinement and confidence. She was photographed at Diddy's VIP birthday bash, a day after Obama's historic victory. I like to support artist/individuals who show growth in their fashion sense. What are your thoughts?

Photo Credit: Essence

Boutiques On The Move!

In This fickle economy, many small businesses and retailers are coming up with unique ways to continue a consistent traffic of customers and steady profits. Well, leave it to our West Coast counterpart to start a trend of Pop-Up boutiques. The idea of this transient concept is to allow a retailer to offer new items to their customer for a short period of time. So, you may find out about a cool boutique one week and two weeks later, it has relocated to a new location, with new vendors and set-up. Interesting concept...I wonder if this trend will pop up on the east coast? If you know of any boutiques like this, please share with us some of your favorites. In the same vein, the current issue of Lucky mentions a traveling sample sale called the Thread Lounge. The Thread Lounge has popped up in 14 major cities across the country. For more details and a schedule of the Thread Lounge, check out...ThreadLounge.com.

Presidential Style and Grace!

Last night was a historical moment for the American People, President elect Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama graced the stage with style, ease and confidence. It was such a wonderful feeling to see people of all ethnic backgrounds coming together to rejoice for such a monumental occasion. While canvassing through all of the Presidential coverage, I came across some great photos of the Obama's. The one above I think is striking because it not only shows the next presidential family but it depicts a healthy, strong black family! This dipiction is great for America because their are so many unhealthy images ingrained in our culture that portray African-American culture as one-dimensional.






On a Fashion note, Michelle Obama wore a stunning dress by Narciso Rodriguez Spring 09 collection. Many media outlets wrote mixed reviews about her untraditional choice of attire. I thought that her dress choice was totally unexpected, accented her pear shape and was extremely fashion forward. So, kudos to Michelle and her Stylist!

The Time Is Now: Get Out And Vote!

Need I say more...The above image speaks for itself!!

Chanel's Mobile Art Exhibit In NYC!

For those unable to make it to the Rotten Apple between now and November 7, 2008, I found a great video on youtube highlighting the 50th anniversary of Chanel's iconic 2.55 quilted bag. If you are wondering what the 2.55 refers to...Well, this is the month and year that CoCo Chanel introduced the handbag. Anyway, creative director Karl Lagerfield and architect Zaha Hadid created a space age, futuristic exhibit that houses 18 handbag inspired installations by international artists Sylvie fleury, David Levinthal, Yang Fudong and Michael Lin. So, if you plan to make a trip to NYC check out this exhibit at Central Park's Rumsey Playfield, it is free to the public...Drop a few lines and let us know what you think of the exhibit...Chanel.com.

PS: If you get a chance, check out Chanel's Spring/Summer 09 fashion show...What an amazing show...The set design was unbelievable...Anyway, I guess you can only expect the best from such a great and iconic design house!
Check out this link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu_bqlH45mc