Steal Her Chic: Rihanna in Leather & Denim Cutoffs

Rihanna is forever slaying. The Barbadian-crooner was spotted at a NBA playoff game giving life in cutoff mini shorts, a Givenchy Nappa Leather Top and Brian Atwood Isabeli gladiator pumps. Riri – who has finally wrapped up her Diamonds world tour – is the epitome of rockstar chic with this trendy, casual fit.

I especially love Rihanna’s decision to don tons of gold jewels to amp this look. She’s decked in bangles, rings and a thin necklace. Ri is her own best marketer. She added a pop of color to the look by sporting her sold-out RiRi Woo lipstick by MAC and a gorg red Céline clutch. I couldn’t even afford the clutch, but we can all steal Rihanna’s chic for much less:

- Evette Dionne

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Not Quite SXSW

It was one of those days when I didn't think I had anything to wear. But let's be real, we fashionistas always have something to wear, even when we have "nothing" to wear.

So it went from being a need-to-do-laundry-therefore-nothing-to-wear kinda day to a jeans, t-shirt and sneaks moment. I'm bummed I didn't get a chance to head to Austin, Texas this year to participate in South by Southwest. A few months ago while perusing the men's tee section at Buffalo Exchange, I stumbled on this old SXSW tee and decided to purchase it with the intent of wearing it there.

Life got in the way, as it tends to do, but hopefully I'll make it down next year.

My St.Patrick's Day mani is still going strong (DIY tutorial here). Perfect compliment to an arm party.

 Ever heard the phrase "Been there, done that, bought a T-shirt?" Well, I just bought the T-shirt. *shrugs*

Even though I prefer dresses and silky blouses to jeans & tees, every once in a while it's cool to switch it up.

Leather Jacket: Vintage (similar here) | SXSW Tee: Buffalo Exchange | Jeans: Joe Fresh | Sneakers: H&M (similar here) | Beanie: Street Vendor | Bag: Street Vendor | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova (similar here for $89.99) | Rope Chain: H&M | Nameplate c/o Nameplate Depot

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Mixed Media

So I'm officially obsessed with this leather dress from H&M (few seasons old). I wore it in an outfit post during NYFW and again earlier this season and I found yet another way to rock it with this outfit. Honestly, it's one of my favorite seasonal pieces because there are so many different ways to work it. This lovers+friends ($166.00) version is very similar. And if you're more of a skirt person, this Urban Outfitters ($99.00) version might strike your fancy.

I had been searching far & wide for a really awesome denim shirt. I found this one at American Apparel ($64.00) back in September and it's been holding me down. ASOS ($43.10) has a super cute version with a studded collar.

It's stretchy so I can wear it long or tie it at the waist and wear it cropped. Goes really well with leggings (my lazy day uniform) and pretty much anything else. It's also great for making dressy outfits a bit more casual.

So remember I told you about my backpack obsession this season? It's still going strong... 

I found this leopard & leather number at Urban Outfitters ($79.00) and we've been inseparable ever since.

The booties! Y'all know I love a good bootie for the fall/winter season. I snatched these up at Bare Feet Shoes, but they're available at a few different retailers. Find a few different colors at Zoo Shoo ($38.90) - super affordable and cute.

For the face, I've been really enjoying my new foundation & powder combo from Cover FX. They were nice enough to gift me a set of products at their last press event and I've been loving them ever since. I use their Total Cover Cream Foundation ($42) and Matte Setting Powder ($32) to get complete coverage that's light and natural-looking. I layered my LiSi Cosmetics Flushed Pressed Powder Blush ($7.90) on the cheeks for a hint of color, and topped it off with my MAC Ruby Woo ($15).

As for the curls, I achieved this look with a braid-out. As promised, later this week I'll be posting about my updated hair regimen including how I achieve this look and the products I used so stay tuned.

Photo Credit: Sandrine Charles (photosbysands)

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Sneak Peak

Sneakers, fitted caps and backpacks. Yes, I'm about that Tomboy life this season. As a "girly girl" who normally wouldn't be caught dead without a flouncy skirt and platform wedges on, this is a true testament to the versatility of personal style.

Although I'll never give up on my A-line skirts, dresses or my heels, this winter I'm saving room for boyish staples I otherwise wouldn't be caught dead in.

Why? Because I can. And why the hell not? Our grade school favorites have been given an adult upgrade.

 Trends are all about embracing them with your own personal stamp. So here's mine.

Blazer: Vintage (similar) | Dress: H&M (similar) | Bag: Vintage (similar) | Sneaker Wedges: Forever 21 (similar) | Nameplate: Shame on Jane (similar here for under $90) | Spike Bracelet: c/o t+j Designs | Ring: c/o Stella & Dot | Bangles: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

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What grade school staples are you embracing this season? Soundoff below!

- Photography by Sharifa S. Daniels

LoveBrownSugar Chic: All In The Pleat

I was playing around in my room taking test shots before snapping this outfit. Two of my recent finds. Two new wardrobe staples - the tribal top and the pleated skirt.

So happy I can finally get my hair up in a top knot. I used the sock bun method. Tutorial coming soon on how I do mine.

Hair & Makeup

I went for a shimmery eye and a matte red lip. Tomorrow I'm going to post a mini how-to on products I used to achieve this look so stay tuned.

Nails

Last week I got minx done at Channing in the City's 2 Year Anniversary Party. The lovely ladies of Nail Taxi hooked me up. My first time getting a full set of minx and I really like it!

The Look

I paired the look with my favorite jewelry and a pair of wedge booties.

Top: Forever 21 (similar one for under $20 here). Skirt: H&M (similar one here and cognac version here for only $64). Wedges: Forever 21 (similar here for only $40). Watch: Michael Kors. Wrap Bracelet: Linea Pelle.

Have you voted for me yet? Click my picture below and go to the 'Popular Contestants' tab to vote!

LBS in San Francisco: Day 2

Our second day in San Francisco was one of my faves. We had the entire day from morning until night to experience the beauty of the city. We started out by taking the bus from SoMa where we were staying to the Haight, which is an amazing neighborhood full of restaurants, cool cafes and the most fantastic vintage shopping.

This is my happy dance, once I found out we were going vintage shopping. Friday was a beautiful day so I broke out my new favorite maxi dress (the same Forever 21 one from this post), my leather jacket and my Cambridge Satchel. Brace yourself, you'll be seeing alot of both throughout these posts. I only traveled with a carry-on, don't judge.

The jewels on the right are new ones I scored from H&M on our shopping trip the day before. I'm in love with the chainlink bracelet and ring.

Purchased both for under $25 combined. Gotta love H&M.

Jumi and I did alot of colorblocking on Friday. We kept getting stopped on the street. If it wasn't for our bright dresses and bright accessories, it was for our natural hair. "Are you guys from here? You're not from here are you?" Not gonna lie, I enjoyed the attention!

We got off the bus at Haight & Ashbury and were surrounded by thrift shops and cutesy cafes. I was in heaven.

We had lunch at this latin fusion restaurant called Cha Cha Cha. We had BBQ wings, fried plantains, jerk chicken & sangria. Four things I never thought I'd consume altogether. It changed my life. 

After lunch, we wandered down the street to this really cool record store called Amoeba Music. If you're a music head, or really into vinyls, this place is a must-see.

 

Overall, I had a blast in The Haight. Definitely my kinda neighborhood. 

Great eats, great shopping and amazing people. Definitely coming back here.