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...
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!
Canna wait to see all the good stuff.
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