LBS in LA (Part 2): Essence Black Women in Music Red Carpet

7:30PM We arrive on the purple carpet at the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln. Like I mentioned in my Prepping post, I went with the Tadashi Shoji lace peplum dress in Sand. I'm really happy with my choice, I feel comfortable and confident.

I'm wearing gold-studded stilettos from Steve Madden.

8:00PM The celebrities start to arrive. First beauty I spot on the red carpet is Sharon Leal who looks amazing with her short cropped cut and flowing cream gown.

I loved her eye makeup!

Goapele was there, looking stunning in a bright red lip and side-swept bangs.

Jennifer Williams of Basketball Wives was in attendance. She gave me the scoop on her outfit, and it was mostly Zara! Gotta love celebs who shop at the same stores we do.

Estelle looked beautiful with her cascading curls, deep berry lip and bold lashes. She wore a suit by Eugene Lim suit.

Denise Vasi of VH1's Single Ladies was in attendance. She's so gorgeous! Her red pout and green jewels were the perfect compliment to her Peter Hidalgo outfit.

My twin Jill Scott was there! She's so beautiful, even more so in person.

Jurnee Smollet rocking a Trina Turk dress, with her date. Can't wait for the newest Tyler Perry film featuring her and Kim Kardashian. Should be quite interesting!

Lisa Rae, also of VH1's Single Ladies, was in attendance. She was a joy to talk to. She rocked a white Tadashi Shoji dress, and we gushed over wearing the same designer to the event. She has good taste! 

Keke Palmer was there sporting new, luxurious locks. Love her curls! She was "big hair don't care" like me that night. I just had a styling session with her hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez recently. She does a fab job.

Yes y'all, I ran into the one and only Nene Leakes of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame! I told her she's my favorite. She chatted me up about some of her favorite designers, who include Christian Louboutin and Dolce & Gabbana.

Naturi Naughton posing in front of the 2013 Lincoln MKX. She wore a blue lace dress from an independent designer called Mignon.

I met new R&B artist Sevyn Streeter. I LOVE her single "I Like It" so I couldn't wait to chat with her. She's penned songs for top songstresses like Alicia Keys, Brandy, Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige and more. She's so pretty! And her outfit was on point.

9:30PM Right before I head in for the event, I spy Ford Motors' Shawn Lollie, honoree of the evening Solange, and President of Essence Communications, Michelle Eubanks.

Once inside, it's time to enjoy the performances. First up is the lovely Lianne La Havas who woos the crowd with songs off of her album "Is Your Love Big Enough".

I spied Lianne chatting it up with Jill Scott after her performance. Two of my favorites!

Next up was Solange! She sung my favorite "Losing You" and I went wild. Love that song!

Jill and Solange posing for the cameras right after her performance. I felt so blessed to be in presence of women like them. Real musicians.

11:00PM The event is nearly over but I CAN'T leave before grabbing a picture with my favorite Amber Riley! One of my style stars, she always looks flawless. Loving her new short hair.

And that's the perfect end to my evening with the stars courtesy Lincoln Motors. I had a fantastic time out in LA for the Essence Black Women in Music event! Special thanks to Lincoln for sending me, to Essence for having me, and to Tadashi Shoji for helping me look my best! 

LBS in LA (Part 2): Prepping for Essence Black Women in Music

4:30PM It's 2.5 hours before I have to be downstairs in the lobby of the Sofitel in Beverly Hills, ready to be escorted to the Essence Black Women in Music event, sponsored by Lincoln. At this point, I still haven't chosen a dress but I've at least dwindled it down to these two Tadashi Shoji options, based on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feedback from you guys...

5:00PM I try both dresses on again and I think I've made a decision, but I still need more time to mull it over. In the mean time, I have SO much to do! I forgot my spanx at home! My nails aren't done! My hair isn't set! It's crunch time.

5:15PM First order of business - figure out what other accessories I need. So far, I'm squared away on shoes and handbag. I'm going with my birthday heels - these Steve Madden studded stilettos that I absolutely adore, and my favorite vintage leather clutch.

5:30PM Head to the Beverly Center across the street from the Sofitel to grab some undergarments from Macy's. No red carpet look is complete without a good pair of spanx! And I just happened to leave mine at home so I have to go grab a pair before getting dressed.

5:45PM After leaving Macy's I head over to Sephora for a set of nail appliques. With only 1.5 hours left before I need to bounce, I have no time for a full manicure. My best bet is to grab up some sparkly appliques and get to work.

6:00PM I'm back at the Sofitel and our Lincoln will be here in just an hour! It's time to make some decisions. After mulling over my decision for 15 more minutes, I finally decide...

...to go with the lace peplum dress in cream! Though I absolutely love the color of the blue dress, the cream one just compliments my figure so well I can't pass it up!

  It will also be easy for me to go bold with makeup and pair with my neutral accessories.

 This dress puts a smile on my face, so I know it's a winner.

Since it's a high-cut neckline, I went with a delicate gold necklace with diamonds and gold. Get this: I got it at H&M!

6:30PM I throw on my python print nail appliques from Sephora and a statement ring that was given to me as a Christmas gift last year. All gold everything. (woo!)

6:45PM Time for makeup! For my beauty look, I kept my textured waves & curls the way they are and just gave them an extra boost of texture and shine with Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam Styler. On the face, I used Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation ($42.00) to give my skin a smooth finish. For my lips, I went with my favorite oxblood color - Makeup Forever Aqua Rouge in Deep Raspberry (blogged about it in My Top 3 Winter Lip Shades post). For the eyes, I used the new Sam Fine for Fashion Fair Supreme Eyeshadow Quad in Amalfi Coast ($38.00) to give me a subtle smokey effect.

7:00PM The Lincoln is here to pick us up! I head down to the lobby and hop in, both anxious and excited about the night ahead. I'm so happy about my dress choice, and when I look good I feel good. Excited to cover the red carpet and meet some celebrities, courtesy Lincoln and Essence. 

Stay tuned for my final post with a recap of the red carpet, my celeb run-ins, and more!

LBS in LA (Part 2): Lunch With Lianne La Havas

1:30PM I'm finally ready to hit the road! They picked myself and the other journalists up in a glossy red 2013 Lincoln MKX. I'm loving the newest Lincoln models.

They're really redefining what the Lincoln brand is all about, and it shows. Classy, sophisticated and stylish.

1:45PM We're off to lunch at fine Italian restaurant Ago. I love italian food, so I'm beside myself. Like I mentioned in my last post, I went with a casual yet tailored look for lunch with the Lincoln team.

2:00PM We're seated and drinks are served. The bartender whips me up a delicious concoction of lemonade and muddled strawberries. Like heaven in a glass.

The first course is a traditional italian specialty (and my guilty pleasure) - pizza! We had two selections, the traditional cheese pizza and arugula-topped.

2:30PM Just as we're digging into the first course, our surprise guest of honor shows up - Lianne La Havas! I had no idea we were going to have lunch with her. Such a pleasant surprise. I'm immediately enchanted by her cute British accent and her infectious smile.

Not only is Lianne absolutely stunning in person, but she's one of the sweetest and most humble artists I've ever met. She also has impeccable style. What a cute crop top! And I love her side-swept hairdo. Get this: I mouth to her from across the table "I like your top!" and she mouthes back to me "I like yours!" Instant besties.

I really loved her entire getup. The side-swept hair was edgy but tres chic and she was rocking a fierce cat-eye that I proceeded to go home and attempt on my own.

Head to toe stunner! She paired her geo-print crop top with satin high-waisted pants and black suede peeptoe heels for a trendy, hipster-meets-sophisticate look. At lunch, Lianne greeted us all and answered a few of our pressing questions. She expressed how humbled she was to be honored at the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln. About her musical inspirations, she said "I'm inspired by so many people. Everyone from artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott, to legends like Prince, to up & comers like my label mates Little Dragon." She's even opened for artists like Prince and Alicia Keys.

3:00PM We're on course two. A trio of Ago's finest pasta dishes. Yum.

Clockwise from left: Linguini Mare (Seafood linguine), Paccheri Al Ragu D’Agnello (Large tube pasta with a lamb ragu), Risotto alla Pescatora (Seafood risotto in a light tomato sauce).

 Clockwise from left: Agnello di Latte al Forno (Baby rack of lamb), Spinach, Rosemary potatoes, Pesce Bianco (Whitefish sautéed with spinach and artichokes), Pollo alla Toscana (Chicken roasted in herbs).

4:00PM By dessert time, I'm completely stuffed and officially in love with Lianne La Havas. She's such a gem and I can't wait to hear her perform tonight...

 Dessert Plate - Cheesecake, pies and tarts galore

...that's if I can fit into my dress for tonight. About that - it's almost time to PICK A DRESS! Stay tuned for my recap of the big night - my Essence Black Women in Music prep and the red carpet!

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LBS in LA (Part 2): My Arrival

10:30AM Upon landing in LA, I'm picked up at LAX in a brand spankin' new 2013 Lincoln MKT. While gleefully stroking the leather interior, I take in the sight of palm trees and sunlight. Feels good to be back in LA (albeit for 24 hours). Next stop, the hotel!

11:00AM We've arrived! I'm staying at the Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills. It's beautiful, and conveniently located right across the street from the Beverly Center (a massive shopping mall).

 I'm a little jet-lagged so this big soft bed looks mighty good. But it's crunch time. No sleep allowed.

11:30AM Special delivery! The lovely folks at Tadashi Shoji have left a special package at my hotel with three dress options for tonight's festivities. I could die. Is this real life? Can't be...

I have three beautiful Tadashi Shoji options to choose from in red, cream, and blue (patriotic, eh?). At this point, I'm torn and so I take to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to ask for a vote!

 1. Cutout Jersey Halter Cocktail Dress in Peppermint ($348.00), 2. Embroidered Lace Peplum Dress in Sand ($328.00) 3. Pintuck Jersey Boatneck Dress with Sheer Lace Detail in Marina ($348.00).

After trying on all three dresses, I'm most drawn to the cream lace peplum and the blue A-line dress. I love the shape and texture of the cream dress, but I'm gagging over the rich color of the blue. Ugh, why does Tadashi make it SO hard?

12:30PM I have just an hour before it's time to grab lunch with the Lincoln team. For a business lunch, I wanted to look stylish but still tailored. I didn't bring any blazers with me but I did bring a pair of tailored pants, a cargo jacket and some new red heels.

 After tootsie rolling because I can actually wear open toe shoes (I love LA), I put together a look I think is both sophisticated but still reflects my sense of style.

The Cargo Jacket, H&M, $59.95

The Red Heels, Zara, $89.99

The Cream Blouse ($29.99) & Chain Link Necklace ($12.95), H&M

The Handbag, c/o Handbag Heaven Kourtney Crossbody Mini Satchel, ($42.46)

 Behold the final look before makeup. Comfortable, stylish and still professional.

Popped on a red lip and I was ready to go!

Stay tuned for a post about the lunch and meeting one of the honorees of the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln - Lianne La Havas!