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! 

Fierce or Foolish: Keke Palmer's New Look

The transition from being a child star to a young adult icon can be a difficult one and for celebrity kids, the world gets to watch you go through it. We know Keke Palmer for being a sweetheart. A well mannered young lady with talent, and essentially the prototype for young girls in Hollywood. You’re probably looking for a BUT to completely eliminate all the great things we just mentioned about Keke, but there isn't one. We think she's fab!

Although she hasn’t done anything horrible to tarnish her image, let's weigh in on her most recent transition. She's making bold moves, y'all.

Let’s start with her most recent appearance:

This week, the singer and actress was spotted at 106 & Park wearing a revealing, unbuttoned denim shirt that showed off her neon green and black bra and you guessed it - the twins. Her tummy was showing too. If she opted to show off one of the two, we would have understood the look, but the twins and the tummy? Hmmm.

And for the beauty look:

We’re used to seeing Keke with long black tresses, natural looking makeup along with a neutral lip. She normally gives off young, fresh and sophisticated but this week she revealed new hair. Keke now has a full head of blonde hair! This look has really worked for edgier celebs like Rihanna and Ciara, but is it working for Keke?  

What do you all think? Is her new look Fierce or Foolish?

- Makisha Timothy

Steal Her Chic: Keke Palmer at Do Something Awards

This past weekend, actress and singer Keke Palmer was spotted at the 2012 Do Something Awards looking extremely sophisticated in a white shift dress, black pump and heels. There's something so sexy yet age-appropriate about this look on her. And this look works perfect for so many occasions - the red carpet, a swanky brunch, even the workplace. So I said to myself "Self, let's steal her chic." So here it is:

The White Shift Dress, Fabrizio Lenzi, $303.45

Start out with a structured and sleek white dress. Depending on your curves, you might want to choose an A-line or pencil silhouette. Below are some more options:

The Satin Black Pump: Stuart Weitzman, $325.00

The satin pump is truly versatile as well. They're great for church, work or play depending on what you pair with them. Definitely a closet staple. You can also substitute satin for leather to get the same look.

The Python Clutch: Nine West, $29

The definition of FIERCE honey. A clutch like this one provides just the touch of edge you need to keep this look from being too "First Lady" (no shade to Michelle O - hey girl hey!). And at $29, why hesitate? Here are a few others:

The Red Lip: Nars Lipstick in Jungle Red, $24.00

Nothing puts the exclamation point on this outfit more than her red lip! You guys already know from my Perfect Red Lip post what my faves are. This one is quite easy to add to the rotation. Here are some others:

Feeling this look on Keke? Would you "steal her chic"?

Cover Girls: Keke Palmer for VIBE Vixen

I'm absolutely obsessed with Keke Palmer on the cover of VIBE Vixen. They're handpicking some of my favorite ladies this season, huh? Their first Dec/Jan cover reveal was none other than classy & chic Tracee Ellis Ross (see it here).

Now taking a younger spin on the issue's cover is actress and singer Keke Palmer. She chatted it up with VIBE Vixen about her love life & new projects in 2012:

LBS Fashion Countdown: BET Awards 2011

You guys know the drill! Here are my Top 10 Best and Worst of the BET Awards 2011 red carpet. Feel free to chime in with your commentary. This year's fashions were...interesting to say the least. There were prom queens and club-hopping train wrecks galore. As well as a few understated gems. Take a look!

Birthdays All Around: Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer celebrated her Sweet 16 this past weekend in L.A. From the pictures, she seems to have had an amazing time. Her party was appropriately prom-themed and she had a gorgeous prom gown to match:

I love the one shoulder, the color and the cinched draping...so pretty!

Among other young celebrities was Keke's good friend Lil' Mama who performed at the venue as well. Needless to say, Lil' Mama was looking a mess but surprisingly LESS of a mess than usual...

Speaking of hot messes, this is Keke dancing with her daddy for the traditional father-daughter dance. What's up with the plaid pimp suit??

Anyway, I think Keke was so elegant and beautiful in her ball gown. In true diva fashion, she changed clothes halfway through and her 2nd dress was an 80's prom look-alike complete with tutu skirt.

Looks like she had a great time!