Want to be invited to the hottest holiday parties in town? Are you black? Then you have a fighting chance!

I just have to share with you some of the foolishness that has been the byproduct of Obama’s historic presidential win. The article attached below is from Gawker.com and outlines the lengths that some are going to get “acceptable” black folk to their parties this season.  

Apparentely, public relation directors are going out of there way to get some “color” on their exclusive holiday party lists. Clearly Obama’s win has opened their eyes to our fabulousness, which they have been blind to for centuries (other than a Michael Jordan here or a Beyonce there).

I don’t buy it! I see it as just another form of discrimination. Don’t start acting brand new just because we have a cool…amazing…smart….and accomplished black man that is about to start running the country. Furthermore, I don’t think the proposed list is the best representation of who we are as a people. I can name quite a few others (other than myself, of course. Hehehe) that would make amazing party guests. For example…everyone that has supported the company or individuals that are throwing the party that aren’t necessarily “socialites,” “celebrities” or have more money than God.

Rather, invite your secretary, nanny, driver, etc (because you know…like I know…that they are probably all people of color). These are the people that really hold you down. These are “acceptable” people in my humble opinion. I know, I know…you need some fabulosity (in the form of the semi-famous) up in there too, but I’m just asking that you spread the wealth!

The Acceptable Diversity Party Guest List: Moises de la Renta, Kehinde Wiley, Rachel Roy, Jason Campbell, Malcolm Harris, Maggie Betts, Marc Baptiste, Bonnie Morrison ,Nicola Vassell, Genievieve Jones.

Click Here To View This Year’s Most Fashionable Holiday Party Accessories Are Black People

Our favorite Caribbean songbird, fashionista and rebel with a cause–Rihanna, has teamed up with Gucci for their white Tattoo Heart Collection, which benefits UNICEF. Gucci will donate 25% of any sale from the collection to support UNICEF programs for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The collection is bevy of accessories that will surely add some kick to your wardrobe this spring. The tattoo theme is seen throughout all the items in the form of hearts that read “Love Gucci” (which of course we do), pretty flowers, whimsical birds, enchanted mermaids and other charming details.

Times are hard and there probably isn’t much money in the budget for fabulous designer goods (prices for the collection range from $235 for a silk scarf to $3950 for a python bag). Ouch! However, if you do have the means to invest or are looking for a super special gift (my birthday is on January 25th. Wink wink!)–make sure to pick one that gives back!

The collection is only being offered until January 31st, 2009–so make sure you support the cause if you can.

And can I get a “Fierce and Fabulous!” shout-out to Rihanna for those killer campaign shots!? She looks amazing!

So, our favorite diva Beyonce was spotted sporting these flashy shades on the set of her new video. Wow!

I must say, that I’m a fan completely based on looks….since they are clearly not functional. They push the envelope and make a statement. it’s hard to stand out from the crowd sometimes and these shades will definitely fix that. However, I’ll venture to say that these puppies will probably run you one months rent! Yikes!

Fierce or Forget It???

It’s that magical time of year…no, not the Holidays….Sample Sale Season!

Two times a year–a few months after the Fashion Weeks have wrapped, our favorite fashion companies purge their warehouses of samples and overstock for fabulous prices. This time of year is especially exciting because Christmas is right around the corner, and who doesn’t love a killer sale when gift shopping!

Without further ado….Here’s the Scoop:

Who: The Garment Room

What: Unique vintage clothing and accessories for men and women at warehouse sale prices (50-75% off). Party while you shop: music will be playing and cocktails will be served! A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to Union Docs (uniondocs.org).

When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15th-16th– 12pm to 8pm

Where: 322 Union Ave @ the Union Docs Loft/ btw Maujer and Ten Eyck/Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Who: R.J. Graziano

What: Luxurious costume jewelry on sale at wholesale prices or below! Graziano designs are all over the top fashion magazines and you too after you visit the sale. Cash or Credit Cards.

When: Monday thru Wednesday, Nov. 17th-19th– 11am to 5:30pm

Where: 389 5th Ave/3rd floor/btw 36th and 37th St/ 212-685-3737

Who: Anya Hindmarch

What: Discounts from 60% off amazing suede and leather bags–shoes–and luggage, along with Anya’s new apparel line (tunics, jackets, etc). Credit Card and Cash only!

When: Wednesday, Nov. 19th– 9am to 5:30pm

Where: Anya Hindmarch Showroom/ 416 West 13th Street/Suite 317

Who: Delman

What: Some of the best footwear around for less then half the price! Leather boots, snakeskin flats and stand-out heels make this sale a must. I scored a pair of red flats last year for $50 (originally $300)!

When: Wednesday thru Friday, Nov. 19th-21st– 10am to 7pm

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion/123 West 18th Street/ 4th Floor/ 212-399-2323

Who: Tocca

What: Gorgeous dresses, coats and separates for up to 80% off retail. Cocktail dress ($330, NOW $85), Silk blouse ($250, NOW $50). Plus, home and body products! Large candle ($36, NOW $20), Bath&Body gift sets ($48, NOW $20). Cash and Credit Cards accepted.

When: Wednesday thru Friday, Nov. 19th-21st–11am to 7pm

Where: 542 West 22nd Street/ btw 10th and 11th aves

Who: Theory

What: Perfectly tailored suits, sublime blouses, cozy sweaters and fantastic dresses for 60% off and up!

When: Thursday, Nov 20th (10am-7pm), Friday, Nov. 21st (10am-6pm), Sat & Sun, Nov. 22nd-23rd (10am-5pm), Monday, Nov.24th (10am-6pm), Tuesday, Nov. 25th (10am-7pm).

Where: 261 west 36th Street/ 2nd floor/btw 7th and 8th aves

Happy Shopping!

As I mentioned in one of my last post:I live and die for accessories! A super high and strappy sandal causes my heart to skip several beats…a delicate charm necklace makes me swoon…and the perfect bag is enough for me to contemplate blowing my rent money and moving back in with my parents. Believe me, I’ve thought about it. Sad, I know.

With all that said, each week I’ll share with you one of my favorite accessory lines…some of which you have probably never heard of. Being a fashion editor has it’s perks and one of them is being introduced to up-and-coming designers and getting the scoop before the masses. Gotta love….and so will you!

To start, I’d like to introduce you to……. Ginette NY!

I first fell in love with the delicate gold necklaces from this line designed by Frederique Dessemond (originally from France, but now lives in Brooklyn NYC). These days I find myself piling on thin gold strands to make a cascading effect around my neck and the pieces from Ginette are the perfect addition. Frederique doesn’t stop at necklaces, her line extends to earrings, rings and bracelets. She is most renowned for her Victorian inspired monogrammed plate designs. They give an old-world feel with enough glitz to make you fresh and current! Many of the Ginette pieces can easily become items you pass down through the generations.

THE LOWDOWN

Price Range: $100-$600 (yellow, black or rose gold)—Pricey. But, the pieces are well made and beautiful

Where to Buy: Ginette NYC Boutique/172 West 4th Street/212-627-3763, Shopbop.com, and Piximarket.com

You should know…: that Shopbop.com always has great sales on Ginette! And, they just started carrying Ginette Etc, a line of bags from the company. Check here to see!

Happy November! Most of you might not know that November is actually National Diabetes Awareness Month.

“Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.” (American Diabetes Association)

I am invested in the research and efforts that go into fighting diabetes because my mother and grandmother both live with the disease…and biologically I’m prone to follow suit. Furthermore, diabetes is affecting our whole community– 3.7 million or 14.7% of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diabetes (stat from the ADA).

With all that said, there are many ways you can get involved in crusade against Diabetes….

One way that will make you feel good on the inside and look fabulous on the outside comes from one of my favorite beauty lines, 3 Custom Color Specialists!

During the month of November and December, they are donating 20% of the proceeds of the sales of TAI™ Lip Shine ($19.50) to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Funds will be used to support the ADA’s efforts in contributing to diabetes research, information, and advocacy.

The lip shine is divine bronze color and looks great on all skin tones! Order a 3-pack ($58.50) and you’ll get free shipping (just enter TAI at checkout). What a great Holiday gift!

So, please join in on this amazing cause and literally kiss diabetes goodbye!

The plummeting stock markets couldn’t hold down the opulent, imaginative and decidedly hopeful designs pouring down the runways overseas. Here, just a taste of what you can expect (dresses, dresses and more dresses!):

LONDON–(left to right)  ISSA gives the girl-on-the-go sophistication without stuffiness. I love the combination of subtle color and radiant shine. From the Nigerian born, London based designer Duro Olowu comes more of what he does best: Exotic patterns. His keen taste of over the top patterns and refined silhouettes, strike balance that is perfect for the lady who likes to stand out in a crowd. Finally, Ossie Clark is a fashion house in transition, trying to revitalize it’s hay-day in the 70’s. This solid collection is making for a promising start. Check out the matching dress and shoes…brilliant!

MILAN– (left to right) You can always rely on Marni to give you fun, quirky and absolutely fabulous prints every season. Consuelo Castiglioni delivered a collection of well constructed separates and dresses that anyone can mix and match throughout their wardrobe. Gotta love versatility! You can’t talk about Milan fashion week without mentioning Dolce and Gabbana. These guys know what ladies really want….the comfort of PJs with the glam of a movie star. Done! This collection is complete with Men’s Pajama inspired style and a whole lot of sexy. Speaking of sexy, just look at that Raf Simons for Jil Sander black fringe dress. Enough said.

PARIS– (left to right) Ahhh, Josephine Baker…one of my style idols! It’s only fitting that she was one of the inspirations behind the all-imporant Louis Vuitton collection. Exotic prints, embellishments galore and tailored separates pulled Marc Jacobs’ (creative director/designer for LV)  vision together. Don’t be surprised if you see every one of Giambattista Valli’s collection on all the Hollywood starlets. Young celebutantes are mad for Valli’s frocks (Rhianna is a huge fan) and his crop of spring designs are the perfect transition from red carpet to after party! Now if you’re the type of gal that has a full social schedule, you’ll want to make sure you have a Lanvin in your closet, because you can’t go wrong with one of Alber Elbaz’s designs. The spring collection for Lanvin uses volume and skilled draping to invoke light and airy pieces that could certainly elevate any occasion.

I absolutely live and die for accessories! Shoes, bags, belts, jewelry and beyond– make my heart sing! They are the perfect investment since you can wear them a lot more than, say, that fuschia dress you adore (”there she goes in that pink dress again”). A great bag or pair of shoes are meant to be worn all the time, so the price to mileage ratio is perfection!

Check out these haute accessories for Spring 09 (I would do very bad things for those Yves Saint Laurent Eiffel Tower inspired booties...I’m just saying)!

The handbag guru, the founding editor of BagTrends.com and one of the most fabulous women I know–Pamela Pekerman–is throwing a party called ARM CANDY that you won’t want to miss!

What:  BagTrends ARM CANDY PARTY Fall 2008 Season
When: Sept 22 6-9pm
Where: Union Square Ballroom (NY, NY)
Why: The chance to feel like the VIP you know you are!

Cost: $10 @ BagTrends.com…or $15 @ the door (believe me, these prices are a steal for what you’re getting)

RSVP to RSVP@bagtrends.com

Pamela’s sharp eye for trends and everything fabulous when it comes to accessories has gained her tons of success. She has appeared on VH1’s The Fabulous Life and has lended her expertise to the Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine (the list goes on…and on)! And, a BIG congratulations to Pamela on her recent wedding proposal….Yipee!

With all that said, if you’re a bag lover like me (right now I’m obessed with the Prada Nappa S Shoulder bag), then don’t waste anymore time and RSVP to this event!

Here’s what you can expect:

– Exclusive discounts from your favorite brands and the chance to preview new lines

– Meet acclaimed handbag designers such as Rebecca Minkoff, Ted Rossi, and Vegan Queen (eco)

– Yummy complimentary drinks

– BagTrend Gift Bags full of spa discounts, makeup, books, chocolate, and more! (for the first 300 ticketed guests)

– A spa/wellness center for guests to indulge in treats from Booty Parlor and relaxing massages

–And lots more!

Click HERE to get the lowdown on their last event…

I’ll see you there!

So, fashion week is a wrap and who better to close it out then Ms. Fabulousity herself, Kimora Lee Simmons, with her Baby Phat collection that just turned 10-years-old! Happy Birthday!

I’m not a die-hard Baby Phat fan, but boy does Kimora know how to put on a show. Everyone from music stars like Maxwell to athletic gods like Carmelo Anthony (and of course his wife Lala) were there…front row status, naturally!

My biggest star spotting of the night was the delicious Djimon Hounsou (you remember him from the movies Amistad and Blood Diamond. He’s dating Kimora, but whatever)!  I had to tap him on the shoulder and pose for a quick photo. Can’t let beauty like that escape a Kodak-moment (although I must note that I do have a drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend…love you boo)!

Back to the show: the clothes were typical Baby Phat (lots of bedazzled spandex and dresses that would make the average woman look like a stripper), BUT the music was blasting, the models were killin’ the catwalk and the stars were out…

Check out these exclusive videos of Baby Phat’s Decade Celebration video and the final walk (complete with Kimora and her gorgeous daughters–Ming Lee and Aoki Lee)!

Be political and fashionable all at the same time… A handful of top-notch fashion designers and celebrities have made that possible for Barack Obama fans across the country in a fashionable initiative called: “Runway To Change”

Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, Jay-Z and Beyonce are just a few of the superstars lending their stylish skills to raise money for Obama’s race to the White House.

The T-shirts, tote bags and scarves range in price from $45-$90 and 100% of the proceeds go towards Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign!

We have less then 2 months people….Click HERE to start shopping!

Here are some of my favorite designs in the photo displayed above:

Tracy Reese’s long-sleeve Obama 2008 shirt, $70
Diane von Furstenberg Tote bag, $75
Nanette Lepore Anchor t-shirt, $65