LoveBrownSugar Feature: VOGUE Black

I am completely overwhelmed and overjoyed with this news. I found out over the weekend that yours truly has been featured in VOGUE!

Words can't even express how excited I am to be among the company of style greats like top model Ajak, stylists June Ambrose and Crystal Streets, and bloggers Tamu McPherson of All The Pretty Birds and Karen Blanchard of WhereDidUGetThat to name a few!

Photo courtesy Swagger360 for VOGUE Black.

I have to send a HUGE shoutout and internet hug to my good friend Guerre of Swagger 360 for snapping this amazing photo of me. Although my feet were killing me, he made me look like a glamazon. That's what great photographers do right? I saw Guerre everyday on my way to the tents at NY Fashion Week, snapping away and capturing beauties on the NYC pavement. I'm just glad to call myself one of his featured subjects. Anyway, check out the feature over at VOGUE Black.

Oh yeah, here are my outfit credits. (A few of you asked about my pink floral top from [THIS] post).

Fur coat: Vintage, Top: American Apparel, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Forever21, Fringe Bag: H&M, Ring: Forever21

Soundoff below - tell me what you think!

LBS Runway Report: Rebecca Taylor Fall 2011

The Rebecca Taylor Fall 2011 collection was another one of my season favorites. I love how Rebecca's lines, no matter the season, are always feminine, fun and flirty. There are always appropriate pops of color and the beaded embellishments, long maxi silhouettes and tailored pieces in the Fall 2011 collection were enough to keep my attention going. 

 This beaded fuschia pieces was one of my favorites of the Fall 2011 collection. Fun & girly but still chic. Who says Fall has to be all about muted neutrals and long pants?

At the Rebecca Taylor show I ran into the fierce and fabulous June Ambrose once again, rocking another one of her iconic head accessories. June loves a good fur.

I also bumped into Garcelle Beauvais! Remember her? Fancy on The Jamie Foxx Show? I was surprised to see her but she looked amazing. Clad in Rebecca Taylor as well.

Overall, a great show. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing what she has in store for next spring, come September.

LBS Runway Report: BCBGMAXAZRIA Fall 2011

 Yesterday was my first official day of runway shows under the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. What a whirlwind day! My first stop was the BCBGMAZXAZRIA show. 

 Trends I spotted at this show were color-blocking, maxi dresses and belts belts belts!

Garcelle Beauvais, Ashanti

Front row at BCBG were celebs like Taraji P. Henson, Garcelle Beauvais, Ashanti and Kelly Rowland.Taraji is an absolute doll! I stopped her backstage and she gladly took this pic with me. 

Taraji & Me

 Kelly Rowland, a BCBG front-row mainstay looked gorgeous as well. I'm glad she's back to the short cut sans the blond streaks.

To access all the BCBGMAXAZRIA runway photos, 'Like' LoveBrownSugar on Facebook and check the Runway Album HERE.

LBS Runway Report: Christian Siriano

 As you can see, this season I've decided to do something a little bit different. In the past, I've been the type to write runway reviews for every runway show I attend. The good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between. This season, I'm taking a different approach and I'm only reviewing the collections that I myself enjoyed the most, and those I think you'll enjoy too. Feel free to check out all my runway reviews over at UPTOWN Magazine. But here on LoveBrownSugar, you'll only find the ones I completely DIED for. Christian Siriano was one of them. 

Aside from the lust-worthy platform stilettos his models stomped the runways in, Christian Siriano's collection was full of innovative design, opulent fabrics and red-carpet worthy gowns. I absolutely loved it. It's obvious he goes great lengths to work intricate detailing into his pieces, because it shows. And the shoes! My goodness, let's just say next season's Christian Siriano for Payless digs are going to be major.

While there, I bumped into a few notables. One being gossip/entertainment blogger Necole Bitchie. Don't you love her hair? She's fab.

Also bumped into the lovely Crystal Streets who I first met at the Ginger & Liz event last September. She's a celebrity stylist, reality star (House of Glam) and now added to the roster of titles - jewelry designer! Crystal has a new line of jewelry called LyraLoveStar which she debuted under the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tents at Lincoln Center. Be sure to check out her collection, it's amazing.

LoveBrownSugar's New York Fashion Week Begins!

It's that time of the year again! You know, the time of the year when runway reviews overtake the site, celebrity sightings and subsequent Twitpics abound and street style photos are a daily occurrence? Cue the Andy Williams soundtrack "It's-the-most-wonderful-time-of the year!" It's New York Fashion Week ladies and gents!

Kelly Roland & Ashlee Simpson, BCBG SP'11 Runway Show

Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week doesn't officially kick off until tomorrow February 10th, but believe it or not I'll be covering my first few shows between this afternoon and this evening. At 2pm today, I'll be attending the Jsong Way show and this evening at 7PM will officially begin my coverage under the tents with the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection. Each day I'll be giving you guys a taste of NYFW as I see it, from celebrity interviews to runway pics and fun videos so stay tuned and check back daily.

As part of my New York Fashion Week coverage, I'm proud to announce that LoveBrownSugar will be welcoming a new contributor to the site! Thus far, you guys have heard mainly from myself with the occasional cameo from my bff Jasmine touting her beauty regimen and recommended products.Well now I'm welcoming a new fashionista to the family. Her name is Sisi and she's the fab blogger behind MyModestMouth. With my crazy hectic NYFW schedule, I knew I couldn't take on this season's shows without a little help and fortunately this lovely diva came to the rescue...

Sisi, Blogger, MyModestMouth.com

 Be sure to check out her blog AND vote for her! She is one of the Top 3 contestants on Refinery29's Style Blogger competition. All you have to do is head over to the contest page HERE and vote! Contest closes this weekend so head over there now and show her some LBS love!

Me, Angela Simmons, Kanayo Ebi 

Before I head off to the craziness that is Fashion Week, here are 3 things you should do to keep up with the madness on LoveBrownSugar (and make me feel like this all worth while):

1) Follow me on Twitter! I'm a maniac on that thing, but I promise if you follow, you'll enjoy the ride. I'll be taking twitpics of the collections as I see them, as well as the celebs I see front row.

2) 'Like" LoveBrownSugar on Facebook! All the runway photos I take that don't end up on LoveBrownSugar.com, end up in the Facebook Photo Albums. So if you'd like to see the collection photos right on your mini feed, just head over and click 'Like'. I mean, I like you all! Hopefully you like me too :)

3) Subscribe to LoveBrownSugarTV on Youtube! All my celebrity front-row interviews will be available here, as well as the final walkthroughs for each of the shows. Don't miss a beat!

Wish me luck and be sure to check back daily for updates. Also, comment below and tell me - which shows are you most looking forward to and why? I wanna know your favorite designers. Soundoff below!

Flavor of Friday: Fashion Week Prep Secrets

Harper's Bazaar posted this really cute feature on popular fashion bloggers and what their Fashion Week prep secrets are. Well as I'm gearing up for next week's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week craziness as well, I figured I would give a hand at the Q&A. I may not have been featured, but I still have my secrets to share! Here they are...

Flashback: Fashion Week Street Chic

The lovely Hannan Saleh, photographer for Essence.com, shot this picture of me outside of the tents during fashion week in NY this past September. It's late, but...a girl can reminisce right? Good times. Thanks Hannan for emailing me this pic. Already feeling the itch to relive fashion week all over again...

Blazer: Thrifted. Sheer Top: H&M. Skirt: H&M. Wedges: Forever21. Necklace: Forever21. Ring: Street Vendor. Leather Shoulder Bag: Thrifted.

P.S. Apologies for the lack of posts lately! Just started a new position at UPTOWN Magazine and I've been swamped trying to get into the groove of things. No worries, tons of cool posts and off the chains giveaways coming for you guys this month!

LBS Runway Report: Monique Lhuillier, Herve Leger, Betsey Johnson

From left: Monique Lhuillier, Betsey Johnson, Herve Leger S/S 2011 shows.

My last few days at Mercedes-Benz Fashion week saw a mixture of different trends from the high-end and always body conscious cocktail dresses at Herve Leger to the quirky downtown rocker looks at Betsey Johnson. One thing is for sure, these next few designers had the most exciting shows, for me, of the entire week...

Herve Leger, Spring 2011

 I loved the sexy yet regal prestige of the Herve Leger show. And for the simple fact that I can count on certain celebs to rock out with these pieces on the red carpet this upcoming season, it excited me to see the preview of what's to come, up close and personal. Herve Leger showed lots of mesh, detailed and pristine ruffles below the waist and tight body-hugging luxe materials up top. View the entire collection in the Facebook Album HERE.

Monique Lhuillier, Spring 2011

Surprising fave Monique Lhuillier was a red carpet stylist's dream with stunning floor-length gowns and rainbow colored asymmetrical frocks crowding the runway. In my opinion, Monique Lhuillier's show was the true definition of a show. I gasped each time a model popped out from behind the stage and onto the runway. That's how amazing the gowns were. View the entire collection in the Facebook Album HERE.

Check out the final walkthrough at Monique Lhuillier:

Betsey Johnson, Spring 2011

And of course, the most fun show of the entire week by FAR was the Betsey Johnson S/S 2011 show. From the upbeat tunes to the amazing punk rock meet grunge meets nautical pinup looks and down to the lace thongs Betsey delicately placed in each goodie bag, I had an absolute ball at the show! Of course Betsey did her signature cartwheel, and the show's looks were girly, quirky, naughty and fun just like Betsey! View the entire collection in the Facebook Album HERE.

Be sure to Subscribe to LoveBrownSugarTV on Youtube for even more exclusive videos.

Fashion Week Diaries: Vashtie

Backstage at Custo Barcelona, LoveBrownSugar caught up with "Downtown's Sweetheart" Va$htie. She's an artist, director, designer and all-around fly girl at the age of 25. Check out what she has to say about fashion week and her personal style philosophy...

Keep up with Va$htie at her BLOG and @Vashtie on Twitter

Spotted: Estelle at Max Azria

 LoveBrownSugar caught up with Estelle to talk about her fashion week "hangover" and her love for Max Azria...(we heart her)

LBS Runway Report: Max Azria, Custo Barcelona & Korto Momolu

(Left to right: Korto Momolu, Custo Barcelona, Max Azria S/S 2011)

The shows on Day 4 ran the gamut from chic minimalism to eclectic edge. From brunch-ready pant suits at Max Azria to feathered couture pieces at Custo Barcelona, the tents surely had us in for a treat...

Though neutrals and pale pastels set the tone for the Max Azria S/S 2011 collection, there were some unexpected printed pieces I absolutely fell in love with, like the maxi dress above. Overall the collection exuded effortless chic. Pant suits and separates perfect for uptown weekend brunches and "ladies who lunch" were prevalent, as were A-list celebs front row like Solange Knowles and Estelle. See images of the full collection in my Facebook Album HERE.

 Images courtesy Custo Barcelona via WhatsHaute.com

What's not to love about Custo Barcelona? The S/S 2011 collection was fun and fancy-free per usual. Far from the minimalist collections I had gotten so accustomed to seeing, Custo stuck with their traditional aesthetic and showed a funky yet well-rounded mix of pieces embellished with fringe and feathers. I also got a chance to sneak backstage for the Custo show and kick it with Angela Simmons and her stylist Kanayo Ebi.

 Fashion Week Diary video coming soon to the LoveBrownSugarTV channel!

First let me say, I absolutely think Korto was robbed during Season 5 of Project Runway. She was my fave from the beginning and she's a brilliant designer. I can sefely say, I wanted to own every piece that went down the runway at Korto Momolu's Spring 2011 show.From really stunning printed maxi dresses to cocktail-ready separates and chic work attire, Korto Momolu showed a collection fit for a queen.

For up-to-the minute updates on LoveBrownSugar's fashion week coverage, follow @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter and stay tuned to LoveBrownSugarTV.

LBS Runway Report: Guli, BCBGMAXAZRIA & Ports 1961

Images from (left to right)  Ports 1961, Guli, and BCBG Spring 2011 Collections

The runways of Day 2 were filled with amazing pieces. From mesh topped cocktail dresses at Guli and BCBG, to draped silks and amazingly vibrant neutrals at Ports 1961, Day 2 had a little something for everyone...

Guli, S/S 2011

 This season was my first time viewing the Guli collection and I'd have to give it a high score on my list ofs faves. I really loved how innovative the designer was with the cuts, his choice of fabrics were immaculate and I truly coveted each piece. Check out pics from the full show in the Facebook Album HERE.

BCBGMAXAZRIA, Spring 2011

 Ladies and gents, long gone are the days of the body con. This year, evidenced by the king of body con himself Max Azria, it's all about billowy silhouettes, maxi cocktail dresses and elegant body draping. The minimalist trend carries from fall into spring 2011. Full show posted to Facebook Album HERE.

Here's a glance at the final walk through for BCBGMAXAZRIA Spring 2011:

Ports 1961, Spring 2011

 Always a favorite of mine, Ports 1961 was full of a girl's favorite treasures per usual. From embellished frocks in irridescent fabrics to silky tops and separates, Ports 1961 was sophisticated chic at it's best this season. Full show posted to Facebook Album HERE.

Check out more pics of each show on my Facebook Page and watch all my runway videos on LoveBrownSugar TV.

LBS Street Chic: NYFW Day 2

 Day two at Lincoln Center, I spotted a few more pieces of fashion eye candy. Check out some of these looks and tell me what you think!

Denni, Fashion Blogger, thechicmuse.blogspot.com

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have deemed this outfit weather-appropriate, but during Fashion Week, anything goes! Loved this fashion blogger's iconic high bun and bright red lips...runway-ready indeed.

Chalya, Fashion Blogger, chalya.onsugar.com

I promised this fashionista I wouldn't get a shot of her shoes (although her oxfords were cute as a button), since she had just changed out of her heels. With or without stilettos, I thought her eclectic mix of pieces was perfect for fashion week. Loved her printed purse!

Keia, fashion lover

This curvy fashionista made her headpiece the center of attention. She rocked a blue turban with feathered earrings and a psychedelic printed top.

What do you guys think of the looks here? Soundoff below!

S/S 2011 Fashion Week: Day 2 Sneak Peek

 Wow! It's Day 3 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion week and the fashion bonanza is really in full swing. I'm again, in between shows, so here's a sneak peak at my crazy day yesterday....

Anna Wintour, Vogue

 Spotted: The Anna Wintour seated front row at BCBG's S/S 2011 Runway show...

Left: Kelly Rowland, Right: Ashlee Simpson

 Spotted: Also seated front row were recording artists Kelly Rowland and Ashlee Simpson. I was lucky enough to interview Kelly about fashion week. Video posted to my Youtube channel coming soon!

LoveBrownSugar & Friends, Fashion's Night Out (Courtesy Eighty-vii.com)

And of course last night was Fashion's Night Out! What a blast we had...

Olivia Palermo of The City, spotted at DVF Fashion's Night Out event

 We spotted celebs, shopped, drank and had a ball!

Stay tuned for more updates soon. And remember to follow me @LoveBrownSugar on twitter for up-to-the minute updates on my life under the tents!

LBS Runway Report: Bensoni & Concept Korea S/S '11

Pictures from Bensoni Spring 2011 Show

 I had the pleasure of attending two shows under the tents yesterday: Bensoni & Concept Korea...

Bensoni showed some really amazing printed pieces, lots of pleats and A-line shapes...

 Alot of the pieces gave a downtown vibe, with the long skirt silhouette as an anchor for the collection...

And this neon number below was my fave of them all. Amazingly rich color...

The Concept Korea show had some amazing pieces as well. For a peek at what they showed, here's a video of the final walk through...

S/S 2011 Fashion Week: Day 1 Sneak Peek

It's official! Fashion Week is in full swing and your girl is going absolutely crazy! I'm in between shows so expect a full rundown of today's happenings tomorrow morning. In the mean time, here's a sneak peek at my crazy day...

 Ran into this lovely on the way to the tents! Alexis Bledel of Gilmore Girls fame had just come from a runway show. She looked stunnning in a minimalist outfit and cherry red heels.

One of my favorite looks at the Bensoni S/S 2011 show....

More later on! I promise...keep up with my under the tents @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter!