Last week Trey Songz premiered the video for his latest single “Heart Attack” with Kelly Rowland as his leading lady. In the video the two have AMAZING chemistry. I wouldn’t be mad if they actually became a couple. So of course I noticed the great fashion in the video. Although the amount of scenes were minimal, Kelly looked amazing in all of them.

Two of my favorite looks were the orange jumpsuit and the crop top with the black leather pants. Here are some options to get the look like Kelly Rowland.

Jumpsuit

Fedoras

Black Skinny Jeans and Leggings

Crop Tops

Summer is fast approaching and with that comes SWIMSUIT SEASON!!!!  Are we excited yet??? *cue the sarcasm*

For most women it’s hard to find the “perfect” swimsuit. (Perfect swimsuit:  A suit that we actually like, is flattering to our body and we feel sexy yet comfortable in. :) )

The “finding of the swimsuit” is probably the hardest part (yes, harder then actually strutting around the beach with the suit on!) and can be really time consuming!

Here a few tips to finding the right suit for you:

- EMRACE YOUR CURVES!!! Don’t focus on what you hate about your body; focus on what you LOVE about your body (best features) – eg. A defined waist, long legs, a bigger bust, etc.

- FIT!  Make sure the swimsuit you choose is flattering to your body shape, make sure it is supportive and most importantly make sure it is YOUR size.  Most of us know what our body shape/type and size is and we know what looks good on our bodies.  Don’t let the swimsuit shopping intimidate you and make you forget all you know about dressing YOUR body – use the same “rules” (colors, cuts, likes, dislikes etc.) that you use to purchase everyday clothes when selecting your swimsuit.

- You must be comfortable in whatever suit you purchase.  If you are not comfortable in the suit you buy you will not be able to walk around comfortably and confidently (and you may even try to cover up with the dreaded t-shirt —– DON’T DO IT LADIES, A T-SHIRT IS NOT A REAL SWIMSUIT COVER UP!!!).  EXUDE CONFIDENCE!!!

If you feel comfortable purchasing a swimsuit online I’d highly suggest you do as there are many more options available (just make sure the retailer has a good return policy).

Some of the hottest swimsuits this season can be found on the websites below:

www.simplybe.com (10-28)

www.modcloth.com (up to a size 3X)

www.onestopplus.com  (12-44)

http://www.monifc.com/ (14-24)

http://www.everythingbutwater.com/ (up to a 2x)

www.oldnavy.com(up to 4x)

 

Check out some of my personal favorites:

Bikinis:

Mod Cloth: Hollywood Hills Swimsuit – Get it here

Mod Cloth – Hollywood Hills Swimsuit

Mod Cloth: Beach Betty 2 piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Beach Betty 2 piece

Mod Cloth: Bathing Beauty Two Piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Bathing Beauty Two Piece in Rosebud

Mod Cloth: Beach Prowl In 2 Piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Beach Prowl 2 Piece

Monif C: Sao Paulo High-Waisted Bikini – Get it here.

Monif C - Bikini 2012

One Piece:

Mod Cloth: Merry Mariner One Piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Merry Mariner 1 Piece

Forever 21: Ruffled Ruched Swimsuit – Get it here.

Forever 21 - Ruffled Ruched Swimsuit

Old Navy: Women’s Plus Printed One-Shoulder Swimsuit – Get it here.

Old Navy - One Shoulder Swim Suit

Monif C: “St. Tropez” Teal Fringe Swimsuit – Get it here.

Monif C -One Piece Teal Suit

One Stop Plus: Miraclesuit Escape Animal Attraction – Get it here.

One Stop Plus -Miraclesuit Animal

SimplyBe: Beach to Beach Bandeau Swimsuit – Get it here.

SimplyBe - Beach To Beach One Piece

Tankinis:

SimplyBe: Beach to Beach Two Piece Blouson – Get it here.

SimplyBe - Beach to Beach Tankini Blouson

Old Navy: Women’s Printed Halter-Keyhole Swimsuit – Get it here.

Old Navy-Womens Printed Halter

Everything But Water: Halter Tankini Top – Get it here.

Everything But Water - HalterTankini

Everything But Water: Asymmetrical Tankini – Get it here.

Everything But Water- Assymetrical Tankini

Swimdress:

Everything But Water: One Piece Halter Dress – Get it here.

Everything But Water - Halter Dress

One Stop Plus: Roaman’s Swimdress with Side Bow – Get it here.

One Stop Plus- Roamans Swimdress

One Stop Plus: Chevron Halter Swim Dress – Get it here.

One Stop Plus - Swimdress

 

(Also ladies, please keep in mind that although a retailer may not advertise that they have plus sizes it doesn’t mean that some items cannot be found in your size.  If you see a bathing suit you love find out what size it goes up to and check the size chart on the website— also check the fabric as most bathing suits are very stretchy and you may be able to go down in size. )

There are so many BOLD choices this season ( I love the high-waisted bikinis most) which style will you be rockin’?

 

 

 

 

For Curvy Girls: Hot Swimsuits

Plus size swimwear
$148 - monifc.com

One piece bathing suit
$90 - modcloth.com

Plus size bathing suit
$90 - modcloth.com

Esther Williams beach bikini
$63 - modcloth.com

Esther Williams sheer bikini
$90 - modcloth.com

Esther Williams retro swimwear
$90 - modcloth.com

Tummy control swimwear
$50 - jcpenney.com

Liz Claiborne tankini swimwear
$27 - jcpenney.com

Lala Anthony was at the Garden Thursday night supporting her booski Carmelo Anthony during Game 3 of the Knicks/Heat Round 1 Playoff Series. Lala rocked a Helmut Lang Sugar jacket, black tank, white and teal Rag & Bone Scuba Skinny Jeans, and pair of Charlotte Olympia wedges.

The jeans are definitely on trend with the color-blocking and neon colors. The simple hoops compliment the outfit very well. You do not want to over accessorize this look because the jeans are definitely a statement.

I would definitely rock this look would you?

A few weeks ago I was introduced to accessories designer Elleina D. via my friend/brother from another mother Kel Spencer. I’ve known Kel it seems like my whole life and I trust his judgment on a lot of things so when he told me Elleina was a dope accessories designer I knew I could take his word for it.

Last week I met up with Elleina D. to get the scoop on the designer and her brand.

Basics

  • Name: Elleina D.
  • Birthplace: Maryland
  • Current Location: Bed-Stuy Brooklyn
  • Age: 27
  • Occupation: Educator and Accessories Designer
  • Hobbies: Painting

Elleina D. is a multi-facetted person and brand. She was once a managing editor for an online women’s magazine and she made jewelry to express her creativity and decided to make accessories that speak to the people. The  brand’s motto is Style. Innovation. Personality.

Elleina D. has always made accessories for herself. When she went out in to the public she got a good response. She thought what could she make that is different from other accessory retailers online.

When asked what sets her apart from other brands she said “Style. Innovation. Personality.”  meaning she creates unique pieces that fits the individual personality. She hates walking down and seeing everyone have on the same exact thing. She never makes more than 3 of the same bracelet. So what you would see on her site won’t probably won’t be there at the end of the month. Her double-strand technique is also a staple when setting her apart from other brands. She gets inspiration from just observing people and their individual style. She makes pieces for males and females  in an array of designs.

When asked where she sees her brand in the future she said she would like to branch out in to other fashion avenues to help other brands be part of a bigger plane.

I was most impressed with her value on customer satisfaction. She does custom designs and really listens to what her clients want in order to produce the best pieces. Her double strand technique is AMAZING. She brought some samples and her bracelets are strong and sturdy. The beads that she uses have a very luxurious look and feel.

Elleina D. is definitely one designer to watch. Check out her website www.elleina-d.com

Photos of Elleina D. courtesy of Charles Rock Photography

A few weeks ago I attended an innovative fashion show at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, Danielle from The Style and Beauty Doctor. The show was hosted by the Jamaica Center to help increase business and the great fashion sense on Jamaica Avenue in Queens.

This was not a traditional runway fashion show. It was very up close and personal. There were platforms placed throughout the crowd and everyone was able to get a great look at all of the designs. This innovative approach was great for the audience.

There were four designers featured Unisa Eurani by Anasa Greaves, Louie-Llewellyn by Louie Llewellyn Greaves, OYATO by Odunayo Aye, Riddim Driven, and the last presentation was a collective of different items from various stores and boutiques on Jamaica Avenue like The Gap and Nine West. Take a look at some of the designs from the show.

Unisa Eurani by Anasa Greaves

Louie-Llewellyn by Louie-Llewellyn Greaves

Riddim Driven

OYATO by Odunayo Aye