Kickin' It: Night On The Town with Motions

Last night I hit the town with the Motions team and a group of my favorite style bloggers for a fun night out. In celebration of the new Motions Straight Finish collection (which I blogged about here) as well as Motions Global Ambassador and celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen opening her new salon in Brooklyn, we took a fun ride along a party bus from Manhattan to Brooklyn to wish Ursula a huge congrats and then to party like a rockstar at the Rihanna concert. Here's all we got into:

So first off, the Motions team asked us to take our hair from curly to straight in honor of the new Straight Finish collection. What a task! In last week's post, I simply used the collection to straighten my curly hair that is left out of my extensions. This time around I straightened the entire head and it was not easy but I finished! In the end, I love volume so it was straight but still had tons of va-va-voom.

Jessica of Glamazons Blog, Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor,  and yours truly

We met up with the Motions crew in midtown Manhattan and boarded a fun party bus. Some of my blogger faves were in attendance, ready to party it up and whine it down.

Ty of GorgeousinGrey, Danielle of HelloBeautiful

Our first stop - Ursula Stephen, The Salon for the launch of Ursula Stephen's first ever salon in Brooklyn!

I've been a secret admirer of Ursula Stephen since Rihanna's first haircut by her. You guys remember when Rih decided to chop it all off and go from good girl to bad? Yep, that was Ursula's work. She's just as sweet as pie, and the girl has skills.

Me, Andrea of Glamazons Blog, Ursula Stephen, Danielle Young of HelloBeautiful

Her new salon is located at 66 Lafayette, Brooklyn, NY 11216 (Between S. Elliot Place & S. Portland Avenue). If you're in town, you should absolutely check it out!

It's a really fab space and the walls are lined with Ursula's celebrity work including countless top tier magazine covers featuring her main client Rihanna.

Cocktails for the evening were sponsored by Courvoisier - thoroughly enjoyed their Rosé and Moscato.

I ran into the lovely Taren Guy, Youtube hair extraordinare.  Loved her vintage top, neon skirt and neon nails! I rocked my new Beyonce for H&M collection maxi dress for the night. I love anything that's printed, flowy and form-fitting in all the right places.

Next up, we headed to the Barclay's Center for the Rihanna concert of a lifetime. This was my first time seeing her perform live, and she was amazing. Nothing like hearing your favorite songs live.

While there, we each got our own stick of Rihanna's new lipstick shade for MAC Cosmetics - RiRi Woo. I'll be doing a review post of that shortly. Honestly, it looks very similar to my favorite Ruby Woo. I'll do a comparison of the two when I try it out.

Pics courtesy @Rhapsodani on Instagram

Rihanna slayyyyed on stage! I swooned over everyone on of her outfits. And I dutty whined to all of her jams. I had such an incredible time. Big huge thanks to Motions Hair for such a great experience. If you haven't already, check out my review of the Straight Finish Collection HERE.

Giveaway Winner: Congratulations to Makeda Saggau-Sackey for winning the Motions Instagram giveaway! Please send us an email so we can get you your goodie bag of Motions Straight Finish + a flat-iron!

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Steal Her Chic: Rihanna in Leather & Denim Cutoffs

Rihanna is forever slaying. The Barbadian-crooner was spotted at a NBA playoff game giving life in cutoff mini shorts, a Givenchy Nappa Leather Top and Brian Atwood Isabeli gladiator pumps. Riri – who has finally wrapped up her Diamonds world tour – is the epitome of rockstar chic with this trendy, casual fit.

I especially love Rihanna’s decision to don tons of gold jewels to amp this look. She’s decked in bangles, rings and a thin necklace. Ri is her own best marketer. She added a pop of color to the look by sporting her sold-out RiRi Woo lipstick by MAC and a gorg red Céline clutch. I couldn’t even afford the clutch, but we can all steal Rihanna’s chic for much less:

- Evette Dionne

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Confessions of a Shopaholic: Urban Outfitters NEW Fly Girl Inspired Collection

Even though they were around only 15 measly years ago, the 90’s are back in fashion. Trendy favorites from the Pac and Biggie era—like the dark plum lip— are seen on street fashion blogs and on actually streets. The “Poetic Justice” braids, stretchy acid washed jeans, combat boots, see through neon accessories, and black maxi dresses are here to stay. But, you can’t revisit 90’s fashion without remembering the Fly Girls.

The leading ladies of In Living Color are re-making fashion history thanks to Urban Outfitters. They have inspired a collection of the best fashion that the 90’s had to offer including zany prints, rompers, the classic baby doll dress, lots of crop tops, hats and acid washed everything. 

My favorite pieces from Urban's hip, young and flirty collection include: the Sparkle & Fade High-Rise Faux Leather Pinup Short, the Silence & Noise Illusion Mesh Tee, and the Silence & Noise Silky Zip-front Dress. 

And, no lie; I am a sucker for that Sparkle & Fade Mesh Inset Maxi Skirt. I’m a 90’s baby. I have a thing for mesh and leather shorts.

The accessories are the coolest part of the collection. The five panel hats, platform sandals, cool jangly bib necklaces would bring an interesting touch to a still modern leaning sense of style. I particularly loved the Mel By Melissa Shoes Macadamia Sandal since it's wearable through spring and into summer. The jelly sandals comes many cute colors like pink, green and nude. So you can forget about Snapbacks and Tattoos, this spring it’s all about crop tops and cut outs.

Feel free to check out the collection here and tell us what your favorites are below!

- Chrislande Dorcilus

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Cover Girls: Kerry Washington Covers ELLE Magazine

Finally the cover we've all been waiting for Ms. Kerry to do! Everyone's favorite Scandal star Kerry Washington (aka Olivia Pope on Thursdays) has landed the coveted slot as cover star of ELLE Magazine's June issue.

The starlet looks absolutely flawless and is flaunting her body and her regal stance on the pages of the premiere US fashion glossy.

Aside from being obsessed with her on and off-camera style, I love some of the nuggets she drops in her interview with ELLE about her career and rise to fame.

On her recent Scandal success:

"I'm the luckiest broad in Hollywood now. To be the lead actor on Scandal and to be in the highest-earning Tarantino movie- I don't get to ask for more."

 On prepping for red-carpet appearances:

"I found out I enjoy the process. All these people show up at my house, they all have kits, someone has dresses. And it's like, Let's have fun. It's not all about me. We're able to create stories on the red carpet."

Sister girl looks super glam - I'm beyond proud of her. Aren't you?

Source: ELLE Magazine

Fashion Countdown: 2013 Met Gala Top 10 Best Dressed

This year's Met Gala theme was punk inspired. Despite having an out-of-the box theme to adhere to, celebrities showed up to the red carpet clad in everything from baroque to bazarre last night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Check out my top 10 favorites below:

10. Taylor Swift in J. Mendel

There wasn't much chat about Taylor Swift's look but upon e-browsing I stumbled on her Met gala look and thought it was absolutely stunning. I love that the dress is dark but the clever mesh detailing makes it lighter. I'm also a fan of her smokey eye look and slightly messy hair. Punk yet chic.

9. Solange in Kenzo

Solange was her regular classy, elegant yet fun & eclectic self. Of course I'm OBSESSED with her oversized afro. The bigger the hair, the better in my book. And I love how her dress leaves a bit to the imagination with the thigh-high detailing and keyhole.

8. Nicole Richie in Topshop

I have to applaud Nicole Richie for fully committing to the punk theme and for becoming a style muse with this Met Gala look. Although silver strands are not typical, she somehow managed to pull it off without a hitch. Even bolder? Gracing the red carpet in Topshop. Straight bad-a** and I love it.

7. Beyonce in Givenchy

So Queen Bey is no stranger to Givenchy. She donned the design house at last year's Met Gala as well. Contrary to popular disapproval, I actually was a slight fan of this look on Beyonce. There are two things she must lose for me to love it though. The belt and the boots. It's overwhelming the look.

6. Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Rooney Mara slayed in this custom Givenchy gown. She looks like a dark angel with the scalloped gown in stark white and her bold purple lip. The makeup, the hair, everything was just right.

5. Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney

Cameron Diaz is another celeb that was under the radar at the gala but I thought looked absolutely beautiful. Her Stella McCatrtney looks was an eye-catching cobalt blue with a structured cape and a metallic studded belts for punk effect.

4. Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles & Philip Treacy Headpiece

Oh Carrie, how I love thee. In case you forgot how glamourous Sarah Jessica Parker can be, she reemerged on the red carpet at the Met last night to remind you. SJP was glowing in a Giles printed gown and a Phillip Treacy head piece. I thought this was not only a beautiful gown but that she really committed to the the punk theme as well. And anyone willing to don a headpiece that massive, gets extra cool points.

3.  Kerry Washington in Vera Wang

You guys know I stan for Kerry Washington. Olivia Pope can do no wrong. I thought this Vera Wang dress was a beautiful selection and her smokey eye and neutral lip were a perfect compliment. She accessorized with long leather gloves and sleek straight hair.

2. Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino

Now THIS is punk glamour at it's finest. Anne Hathaway normally floors me with her red carpet choices and last night's Met Gala look was no exception. I loved the subtle mesh detailing of this gown and the fact that it's a 1992 vintage piece makes it all the more fitting. Anne fully committed to the look, even dying her tresses bright blonde for the occasion. She hit the nail on the head with this look.

1. Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors

I was so blown away by Jennifer Lopez look last night! The #1 spot for me was pretty close between J. Lo and Anne Hathaway. Lopez looked amazing in a body-hugging Michael Kors gown. I love the pattern and how it coincides with the punk theme and I LOVE her mohawk-inspired hair. She always manages to kill it on the red carpet.

Did I miss anyone? Who were your Met Gala faves?

Photo Credits: Fabsugar

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Black & White & Green All Over

I mentioned in my post about the Rachel Roy x FEED India initiative that the RR team sent me one of the bags from the collection to style in my own way. I paired the bag with an easy breezy look - jean cutoffs, a sheer oxford, my favorite vintage leather jacket and sneaker wedges. Super simple and comfortable.

 I found this army fatigue fitted cap at the Goodwill in my neighborhood. It was only $2 - I love it!

 You might remember these sneaker wedges from this post and this post. I always get asked where I snagged these - H&M believe it or not.

The Rachel Roy x FEED India bag not only supports a great cause, but it's really beautifully made. I love the bright colored tassels and how roomy it is. It's a great bag for day - also serves double as a reusable shopping bag.

Had way too much fun shooting this in my backyard. Something about being surrounded by greenery makes me giddy. Reminds me of childhood.

Jacket: Vintage | Top: H&M | Cutoffs: Forever 21 Plus | Sneakers: H&M | Bag c/o Rachel Roy x FEED India | Hat: Goodwill | Bangles: Forever 21 + Street Vendor 

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Exclusive: Rachel Roy's FEED India Initiative

Rachel Roy is always up to something amazing. As one of my favorite designers, I admire her not just for her keen fashion aesthetic but also because she really makes an effort to encourage social change with many of her collections and collaborations. You guys remember her VOTE tee that I so adamantly supported last year before the election. Now, she's partnering up with the FEEDProjects initiative to show that Kindness Is Always Fashionable.

Last year during Rachel’s travels to India to pay homage to her heritage, she worked with local artisans to create this two amazing FEED India handbags ($78.00), which officially launched yesterday. Each FEED India bag sold will provide 100 meals to hungry children in India.

Aside from going towards a great cause, the handbags are really unique and also very functional. The RR team sent me one to style for an outfit post and I wore mine with jean cutoffs and a leather jacket.

For those of you based in NYC, Rachel is co-hosting a special shopping event at Bloomingdales 59th St on May 9th to celebrate the collection. Deets below:

Check out RachelRoy.com for more information on purchasing the FEED India bag.