AMA Awards

Although I was not inspired to watch the American Music Awards in its entirety this year, I was in awe of some of the fashions on the red carpet.

Some of my favorites of the night were Bajan beauty Rihanna and her blush handkerchief mini. It was soft and just beautiful. I loved how the softness of the dress contrasted with her hard-core punk haircut. She looked exquisite!

Another jaw dropper on the red carpet was teen darling Miley Cyrus in her beaded black and gold Grecian mini dress. I love how she is always age appropriate in her red carpet choices. How chic was she on her Sweet 16!

I think Pink looked amazing in her sparkly animal-printed Viviene Westwood dress. I loved her side swept hair also.

I also liked the Pussycat Dolls who were draped in Project Runway winner Christian Siriano's creations. The ruffles, the ruching, the colors...they were so Christian! He is truly an artist and knows his craft!

I thought Alicia Keys looked elegant in her navy one-shoulder evening gown. The bindi on her forehead sort of confused me, but she still looked fabulous.

Lady in Red...and Black

I am still on cloud nine after the historic election of President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday night, but one thing that got tongues wagging is soon-to-be First Lady Michelle Obama and her dress choice for Election Night.

As the first family ascended on the platform at Grant Park in Chicago, all eyes were on Barack and his dapper navy suit and bold red striped tie, little Sasha in her black dress accented with a huge bow, Malia with her red dress and mom Michelle completing the coordination with a red and black scoop neck dress by Narciso Rodriquez.

The red and black embroidered silk chiffon and satin dress that Obama wore was a less sexy version of the Spring 2009 runway frock that featured sheer black straps and sheer black beading at the hem of the dress.

While many in America's fashion world decimated Obama's fashion choice, saying it was a "misstep," and although it was not my favorite look on her (maybe it was the add of the cardigan sweater), I thought that it made her stand out.

Not so much as a fashion mishap, but at the fact that Obama takes risks with her fashion choices. So, she may not hit it on the nail every time, but it is all about trial and error right? She still in my book goes down in record books as being a politician's better half and one that comes close to fashion icon and former First Lady, the late Jackie Kennedy, with the classic cuts and the sheath dresses.

However, she did get people's attention and that has happened all along the campaign trail, (remember the infamous White House Black Market black printed scoop neck dress she wore on ABC's "The View," and the fashion scramble afterward?)

I just can't wait to see what ballgown she will wear on Inauguration night...

My beautiful booties!

Since it is boot season, I thought I would rave about the new boot craze: the peep-toe boots. What a wonderful creation!

Although I do not know if this phenomenon will work for some areas of the world, say in the Midwest states that get extremely cold winters. I think it is more ideal in milder weather winter states like California, Georgia or Florida. That is just my two cents. Plus the fact, it is another way to keep up pedicures during the fall and winter.

Whatever the reason for this new fashion, I dig it. I think it give sweater dresses and skirts an edge. It spices up the skinny jean and is the perfect compliment to the cardigan sweater and legging look.

Viva peep-toe boot!

Rachel Zoe Rocks

I was channel surfing tonight, when I came across the "Rachel Zoe Project" on Bravo, which features celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. The episode that I watched showed Rachel at a New York Fashion week, where she was picking gowns for the Academy Awards for her clients.

In the meantime, she was dressing other clients, like model Joy Bryant to attend a Zac Posen show, while trying to get in some shopping for herself.

I absolutely love her and her job. I have heard about Rachel Zoe, but never experienced her fabulousness!

It re-energized me to continue blogging and findng my passion in fashion.

Here is a picture of Joy Bryant in the darling Zac Posen dress Rachel dressed her in. I loved it! Although the coat did not do the dress justice, it was a lovely pick to wear to a glamorous fashion show where you are there to be seen.

Two thumbs up!

Frugal or Fashion: That is the question

During these tough economic times and with the holiday season approaching, I wonder if retail will have profitable sales at all by the end of the year.

If I do any shopping these days, I head to discount clothing stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, Kohl's or Target. I used to love strolling the aisles of Macy's and Nordstrom's, but with a recession, that is not really smart.

I feel like I should be saving any money that I get, but my shopaholic syndrome kicks in...when I'm bored, when I'm sad, when I convince myself that I need a new pair of shoes.

It is something to ponder. I wonder if the second stimulus check will ever happen and if so, will that help retail. We shall see.

Summer Interview Wardrobe

I recently had a dilemma of what to wear on a job interview in the dead of summer. I often ponder every day as I am getting ready for current job what to wear, what is appropriate to wear to the office and what I can stand on my body in the dog-days of summer.

In my line of work, I have to leave the office often, and the humidity sometimes is unbearable and it feels that the sun is just sitting on my shoulder at times, so I couldn't bear the thought of wearing pantyhose to an interview.

I did some online research about what is the current trend of wardrobe wear to an interview.

Although I had my mom and my aunt's words ringing in my ears, "Keep it simple, less is more, always wear your classic string of pearls," I did not want to don a pantsuit, pantyhose or heels for that matter.

I was ready to march into my interview with a black linen suit, soft colored shell sleeveless shell underneath and peep toe pumps. But, my conscience got the best of me, and so did my good friend who works in corporate America and dresses the part.

During my contemplation, I found many style articles and blogs that even suggested that wearing the "little White dress" with a black skinny belt is ready-to-wear for summer interviews. I was blown by that. Of course, you have to consider what type of setting are you going to for the interview.



Another style blog suggested a fitted, high-waisted linen pencil skirt paired with a soft, feminine white cotton-blouse and classic, patent-leather pumps will do the trick. Throw in string of pearls, a hobo bag and minimal jewelry, maybe a subdued ring will do the trick. I found this look a little casual, but I love the idea of wearing it to work. That look screams Ann Taylor or Banana Republic.











Another style blog suggested wearing the traditional colors in suiting, including black, navy, brown or gray, but in lighter shades. Light-wool fabrics were also recommended, as they do not wrinkle like rayon or linen suits tend to.




There was also a suggestion to purchase many different tops to change the versatility of suits. For instance, chambray or chartreuse colored blouses can dress down a suit in most casual settings, while white and pin-striped blouses can dress a suit back up.


Some style experts say that wearing a twin-set as opposed to a jacket might be acceptable in some interview settings.

In the end, I ended up wearing my classic black pinstriped skirt suit, my black pumps with a patent leather toe, (closed toe) and I did break out the pantyhose. Call me classic! I did not get the job, but I think that my wardrobe did not have anything to do with that.

Happy Shopping!

The Mrs.

I have been engrossed in Presidential Election coverage since last year and just can't seem to get enough of it, even when I am furious about the latest political misstep.

I adore Barack Obama after having the most memorable interview of my career thus far, and although I have not had the pleasure to meet the "Missus" Michelle Obama, I love her style, grace and personality.

Down to earth divas always win in my book. That deserves a fist bump from me!

Anyway, before the millions of fashion trade magazines,bloggers,journalists and columnists ranted about her black and white White House/ Black Market printed leaf tank dress that she wore on ABC's "The View" as a guest hostess, I loved her gorgeous, purplish V-neck dress by designer Maria Pinto that she accented with a pearl choker and a lovely black leather belt and classic black heels. That dress accentuated her curves nicely, and you know how much I love flattering fashions on women with real shapes.

That was the moment that I spazzed over Michelle Obama's fashion choices. She seems to love this particular designer, as the July 7th issue of People Magazine showed some of her campaign looks in Pinto's red two piece dress suit and sizzling orange 3/4 sleeved dress.