Cover Girls: Janelle Monae for Honey Magazine

 So not only are they paying the bills but Honey Magazine is just an amazing online publication overall. We've had the opportunity to have some really amazing stars on the cover of our pages over the last year. This month's cover story though is my absolute favorite: "Elle Matador: Janelle Monae"

Let me start out by saying she was an absolute joy to work with. Not always something you can say when working with celebrities. she has this fearless and enchanting spirit about her and SO incredibly humble - another rare characteristic in the entertainment biz.

The shoot's overall theme was "Elle Matador" - cute play on words huh? You know, that's how my boss does it! Anyway, to play off her affinity for tuxes and black/white, we clad Janelle in bullfighting attire...

What I loved about Janelle's shoot was her intensity. She never has a problem smiling with her eyes - I'll say that much. Tyra would be proud. 

And of course, per usual, her fro is FIERCE! Best shoot ever...

Check out more of our shoot with Janelle Monae over at Honey Magazine! There are more amazing pics and an interview you won't wanna miss.

Here's a cutesy photo of Janelle Monae and the Honey fam!

(From left: Me, Editor-in-Chief Shanel Odum, Managing Editor Erika Ramirez, Cover girl Janelle Monae)

Style Icon: Shingai Shoniwa

 This girl might be one of the most underrated style icons I know. Shingai Shoniwa, British vocalist and bassist for the Noisettes is an undercover killer when it comes to fashion and I happen to enjoy googling her latest looks for inspiration. Shingai was spotted at the Matthew Williamson Fall 2010 show in London this past week in this vibrant ensemble. Don't you just want to be her best friend?

 Shingai and Noisettes band members at a movie premiere in London. She's just fierce by nature.

Below is a really cute from NylonTV of the Noisettes performing at Nylon offices. Her 'fro is a force to be reckoned with. Enjoy!

 Image Source

Sick Site Spotlight: Chictopia

Do you ever get inspiration from other people's outfits? I do. From celebrities to my fashionable friends to just people on the streets of NYC - I take inspiration from everywhere. So when I stumbled across this amazing online community called Chictopia that allows fashionistas all over the world to broadcast their style and creativity, I had to bring it to your attention:

Sadly, I am currently without a digital camera (see upcoming Xmas wishlist), but for now I'm having fun just browsing the amazing looks people post throughout the website:

I first took notice of the site when KethiaJ over at the Flaunt Files had it displayed on her page. I've been addicted to it ever since. Once I'm up and running with a digi cam again, I'll post links for you guys on my daily outfits! Lookout for it in 2010!

Style Icon: Cassie Strikes Again

Love this dress Cassie wore to the CFDA/Fashion Fund Event.

These shoes are a nice compliment as well

It's sexy, but still classy. Currently searching for something similar....stay tuned!

Style Icon: Priscilla Renea

Many of you are probably wondering why I'm writing a Style Icon feature about Priscilla Renea. In fact, many of you probably don't know her either! Well, until yesterday, I didn't know who she was myself. I had to do some research on her for a promo we're doing at HoneyMag and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Priscilla Renea is this overnight sensation that has scored a record deal off of her Youtube videos! Crazy, huh?

Anyway, aside from the alarming fact that she's gotten a record deal off of Youtube videos, she also has a daring and eclectic sense of style. Usually, for new artists in the game, you don't see such bold fashion choices...but Priscilla Renea - she takes it there!

This one's REAL bold! Double-sided tights?!

What do you guys think of her? Fierce or Foolish?

Check out some of her videos at her Youtube Channel. Here's my fave, it's called Rockabye Baby:

Style Icon: Aaliyah's Legacy

As today marks the 8 year anniversary of Aaliyah's tragic death, people across the nation are paying tribute to the fallen songstress. My tribute to her this year is a salute to her style, her fashion & the strong statement she left for all to remember. She was truly "More than a Woman"...

Aaliyah was one of the first divas to master the art of "Tomboy" glamour. One of the only artists I know that could pull off looking absolutely stunning in baggy jeans and a cropped top:

As far as beauty is concerned, she was the ultimate advocate for the side-swooped bangs! You know you all begged your mamas to let you wear the side-swooped bangs. And when you finally got 'em, you could only see out of one eye for the whole day, but you looked cute!!


Aaliyah was rarely caught in public without a firey red or deep mahoganey lip. She truly mastered the deep colored lip look...

We miss you Aaliyah...R.I.P.

Style Icon: Rihanna Loves Florals & Leather

You know I can't go too long without reporting on the latest Rih Rih was spotted wearing in the streets. Ran across these pics at JustJared and thought I would share. LOVE her style:

Rihanna, in Rag&Bone one-shouldered dress

This look is great on her. I love how Rag & Bone merged the floral print with strips of leather and made something that could've been very girly, a little more edgy. Just Rihanna's style!

In fact, just last week she was spotted in florals and leather:

Rihanna, in Parker Floral dress and leather lace-up booties

And I LOVE these black fringed T-strap flats...I have a cute pair from Urban Outfitters myself

Balmain Ankle flats, $525

Urban was selling a similar replica for the LOW LOW price of $9.99, but it appears they're now sold out:

Here are a few other options:


Guess, 35.99


Chinese Laundry Scarlett Flat, $45.25

Rising Style Icon: Letoya Luckett

Ever since I was a crazed Destiny's Child fan, I have always admired and adored Beyonce the most. However, when it came down to great looks, I've always secretly believed Letoya was the prettiest. Now that Letoya Luckett is back on the radar as a solo artist, her true style and great looks are really getting noticed. Though she might be an EX-Destiny member, she has risen from being an outcast off the island of "Destiny" to a Rising Style Icon on my radar..

At the Grammy's in February. This outfit put her back on the radar for me.

This amazing statement necklace takes the conservative neckline to new heights. It took me a while to warm up to this snakeskin envelope clutch, but because of the simplicity of the dress, I'll let her get away with it. Love the color of this dress! Not a fan of the pumps, though.

Ms. Luckett sported this bedazzled minidress look at the BET Awards on June 28th. Risque but not too much. The shoes are interesting. I think I might have preferred some diamond-studded stilettos but I'll let these metallic platforms rock!

This dress/statement-necklace pair really took it there for me. When I saw her go on stage and present in this look, I was immediately drawn to the layered chainlink crystal chains. With a neutral color like this one, you need something extra to make it POP. So, the necklaces were definitely a good choice. Again, not a fan of the shoes! I don't know, maybe its her ankles that throw things off for me?? Rule of thumb for those with skinny, barely-there ankles, don't wear shoes that straddle them - especially not platform because they EMPHASIZE the slimness in the ankle.

Although she hasn't made the best shoe choices, I applaud Letoya for showing up and showing out at these Awards shows. I mean that's why she's a "Rising" icon... not quite there yet. But she will be if she keeps up the good work...

Michael Jackson: Style Icon

It has been a little over a week since the passing of the great King of Pop, Michael Jackson. At the tender age of 50, he left us and simulataneously created one of the greatest media frenzies in history. Sources say large database websites like Google and Twitter were out of commision for minutes at a time because of all the buzz about Michael Jackson's sudden death.

Aside from being an incredibly talented and nearly-worshipped entertainer, Michael Jackson was known for his edgy and vibrant style. In fact, there are a number of trends that were started because of him and MY prediction is that there will be a HUGE surge in the reincarnations of many of his trends now that the star has passed away. Here are my predictions:

1. SPARKLE & SHINE*

Clearly there was nothing dull or drab about the late great MJ. Anytime he walked into a room, walked on stage, or graced anyone with his presence - he took the SPOTLIGHT. With sparkly ensembles like this one, you had to pay attention. My crystal ball is telling me, there will be an influx of designers creating jackets and vests with this concept in mind. Gold embellisment, sparkles and sequins will abound, whether it be in subtle detailing or in standout peices like this one!

2. MILITARY INSPIRATION

Michael Jackson was one of the first big-time celebrities to rock the Military trend to no avail. You could always spot him rocking the structured jackets with the gold embellishment, high shoulder pads and fringe. This trend is catching on quickly as some of reputable high-end designers have already started putting peices like this in heavy rotation. Even celebrities like Beyonce and Rihanna have been spotted with the Balmain military jackets and I'm POSITIVE more designers as well as lower end retailers like H&M and Zara will be catching on soon.

Beyonce, sporting the Balmain jacket with a white tank & skinny jeans

Rihanna rockin the Balmain in true MJ style, with the curly hair and dark shades - love it!

3. BLACK FEDORA

Now I know fedoras in general have been making a style comeback since Spring 08. Walk along any tree-lined street in NYC's East Village and I challenge you to count how many heads are donning a lightweight fedora. However, the black fedora (perhaps in a heavier material) provides a very stylish way to rock a hat in the Fall and channel that old-skool vibe.

4. RED

What better way to channel energy and command attention than in firey red duds. Red is known to be a color that commands power and also insinuates sex appeal. I mean there was never a song like "Lady in Brown", right? It's always been the "Lady in Red" that takes center stage. But male or female, this color has the power to attract. And the King of Pop was no stranger to this color as Thriller induced an unmistakeable association between firey red and Michael Jackson.

Well, that's my forecast of what's in store for the Fashion world now that MJ is gone. Mark my words, any designer that decides to pick up an entire line dedicated and inspired by Michael Jackson's style, will be wildly successful. Not just for his legacy and his inspiration, but also because it would be a line of really amazing peices. I'll be first in line for a sparkly jacket!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson - King of Pop & Style Icon

LoveBrownSugar*