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!