With the temps rising theres no doubt spring is almost here (finally) and spring 2019 trends are in full bloom. One beauty trend I am particularly interested in is  the “baby bang” hair style that has captivated the fashion world and even celebrities like Emma Watson and Emma Roberts have rocked the bold look. Now personally, I don’t think i could take the leap; it is a no doubt full on commitment, but when done right creates the pinnacle look of edgy and chic. However, in most cases I think it just makes your forehead look huge. My initial reaction to seeing this trend brought on an edge of nostalgia; bringing me back to my young childhood years when I too had the short bangs, thanks to my mom, a look I am not particularly proud of -definitely not edgy or chic. Nonetheless, the look is on an unapologetic come back; foreheads beware.  While I’m on the fence about this trend, Streeter hair stylist Braydon Nelson is a true enthusiast claiming that “people gravitate towards these bangs because they make for a one-of-a-kind, unique look” (totalbeauty.com). He also adds that the micro bangs look goes with almost any hair cut, and looks stylish with the hair worn both up and down. He warns that baby bangs look best with straight hair; wavy at most. Those with curly hair and/or cowlicks should probably pass on this hair phenomena. Here’s the deal, I’m highly skeptical, but then again, I can’t deny that Emma Watson sure makes it look good. Then again, can the girl ever actually look bad? Braydon Nelson provides some valuable insight, and the one thing I can definitely agree with him on is that it is no doubt a unique look. 

For more information about baby bangs from the expert himself,  Braydon Nelson, visit https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/baby-bangs-180213/page3

The Oscars have come and gone and I still can’t stop thinking about the Fashion. From sustainable gowns to statement looks, celebrities absolutely killed it this year! As exciting as the women’s fashion was, the men really stepped up their game at the Oscars as well. This year’s awards season truly has been the year of men with daring and expressive fashion choices beyond the typical black tuxedo. I hope the trend continues because we have focused mainly on women’s fashion on the red carpet for far too long; men can be bold, stylish, and beautiful too!

My top favorite from the Oscars this year was no doubt Laura Harrier. Her Louis Vuitton gown was simple yet very elegant. The blue color is gorgeous and the thigh high slit is the perfect sexy punch. She no doubt looked beautiful, but the best part about the gown is the fact that it was all sustainably sourced materials. I am a huge supporter of sustainable fashion and love when celebrities represent it too. This was not an overly bold statement outfit but I absolutely love, love, love it!

I have three honorable mentions I would like to give shoutouts too as well. My first Shoutout is for the always stunning Jennifer Lopez. Her Tom Ford gown blew me away and really created a knock out silhouette. I probably would have looked like a disco ball, but J-Lo pulls it off effortlessly. The matching clutch and diamond earrings really polish the look off perfectly. My second shoutout goes to Brie Larson in her gown from Celine by Hedi Slimane. The high neck line and thigh high slit really balance each other out complement the whole look well. Between her and J-Lo it was the night of silver metallic for me; lets not forget the sexy thigh high slit that both Larson and Harrier rocked too. My final honorable mention goes to Amandla Stenberg. Her Miu Miu gown was different from the other fashion seen on the red carpet. I really like the crystal chain and silk combination. Like my other ladies I mentioned, it is tasteful but still sexy.

I also wanna give shoutouts to a couple men who went bold on the red carpet this year. Like I said earlier, the men have turned up the heat when it comes to their award show attire; they are taking risks and turning heads and I absolutely love it. Not every man can rock a pink tuxedo let alone a scrunchie, Jason Momoa no only pulled it off but also looked like one hunk of a man. There is no doubt in my mind that scrunchies are flying off the shelves after seeing him absolutely kill it on the red carpet. Billy Porter went bold in a tuxedo gown and personally, I think he really rocked it. The years of plain black tuxedos are in the past and now male fashion on the red carpet is becoming as exciting as the women’s fashion. I can’t wait to see what is to come.

After watching the Grammy’s and reviewing all the fashion celebrities brought to the red carpet I wanted to share who I thought was Grammy Great and who I thought was Grammy Gruesome. Overall, I’d say the celebrities really brought their A game and blew me away this year. Not only was there a lot of great fashion, but also unique and more personal style touches like Brandi Carlile in her embellished suit and J-Lo in her dramatic hat.

My favorite best dressed moment was definitely Bebe Rexha in her Monsoori gown. This girl looked like a true princess; she was absolutely stunning. Rexha was very vocal about designers not wanting to dress her for the Grammy’s this year due to her size. After posting on Instagram, an outpour of designers wanted to dress her, and I am so happy they did because she is a gorgeous girl with a gorgeous body and any designer who refuses to dress someone because of their size is not a true designer in my book. I LOVE the bold red color of the gown and the over dramatic ruffle look. Ruffles are a growing trend and were even featured in multiple shows from New York Fashion Week. I would also like to give two honorable mention shoutouts. Cardi B looked incredible in her Archival Mugler creation. It was a truly memorable look for an ultimately memorable night winning rapper of the year (yay!). I also loved Miley Cyrus in her Mugler suit. It was super sexy, super sophisticated, and an overall sleek chic look.

Katy Perry, I have one question; what were you thinking!? She was wearing a Balmain design that I found to be absolutely hideous. The color was alright, nothing special, but ended up being the only decent thing about the gown because the shape of this dress was absolutely whack. I mean really, Katy Perry is beautiful and has a nice body, but this dress was SO unflattering. I feel like if the skirt of the dress was slim to the body it would have worked. However, the way the dress pops out around the hip region just does not work for me. I will admit that the texture of the dress looks very interesting, and had I been on the red carpet I would have most definitely been petting her as I asked her what she was thinking. I know Perry loves to push the limit when it comes to fashion, and I absolutely admire her for it, but she knows better.

Alright Gang with New York Fashion Week officially at a close I’m here to highlight five shows I watched and share my thoughts. I was truly inspired by some of this year’s fashion from the bold hits of color to the eye catching pattern play. Some of the designers were definitely in it to win it. Lets take a look:

Collection: Noon by Noor Fall Winter 2019

Designer: Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haha Al Khalifa

These lades are known for their modern silhouettes, traditional feminine detail and Bahrain flare and this show did not disappoint. It featured colors like mustard, black, white, a medium tan, and a bright pink. I have always loved the mustard color and was very excited to see it in their designs. Their show featured a striped jumpsuit that I absolutely LOVED and need in my closet, like, right now! I felt their overall collection was simple yet very impactful; a definite success.

Collection: Zimmermann Fall Winter 2019

Designer: Nick Zimmermann

This collection featured patterns like cheetah and floral as well as details like lace and ruffles. The main colors featured in this collection were brown neutrals, tan, off white, light pink, dark mustard, black, silver/gold metallic, and burgundy. I loved these designs so much! The femininity made the outfits really beautiful especially with the ruffles and lace detail (the lace was one my favorite parts). I also really liked the big poofy balloon sleeves; they are one of my current fashion obsessions). This show was easily my favorite out of all the ones that I watched.

Collection: Ralph Lauren Spring Summer 2019

Designer:  Ralph Lauren

This collection had a clear inspiration of “sailing the sea.” The nautical designs included colors like white, dark brown, gold, and black. The made pattern that Ralph Lauren used was a big and bold white floral pattern. I normally love Ralph Lauren, however, this collection was definitely not a favorite of mine. I didn’t like how so many of the models looked they worked on a cruise ship (definitely not my taste). On the other hand, I loved his use of gold as well as the gold stripe pattern used in certain outfits. I also loved the sparkle detail and the big white floral pattern. I’m usually picky when it comes to floral patterns, but Ralph Lauren really impressed me.

Collection:  Tory Burch Fall Winter 2019/2020

Designer:  Tory Robinson

Some of the main colors featured in her collection include grey, red, navy, green/olive, yellow/mustard, white, black, silver metallic, and varying shades of nude tones. Tory also played with some patterns like plaid, floral, and stripes as well as sparkle details. Overall, this collection was really just okay for me. It was not my favorite, but there were still some aspects that I really liked. While her outfits as a whole did not impress me I did find inspiration in the jackets included in her show. This collection was by no means a fail, just not really my personal style.

Collection: Khaite Fall Winter 2019/2020

Designer: Khaite Thu

The colors of this collection included black, white, cognac, evergreen, navy, red, nudes, and gold accents. He also utilized fringe in some of his designs which was something that stood out from the other shows I watched. One of my favorite aspects from his collection was the big dramatic poofy sleeves. As I said earlier I am obsessed with them right now and I was very happy to see it in multiple designs throughout this show. Khaite also featured several leather jackets that I absolutely loved; a fashion staple everyone needs in their closets! I was not very familiar with Khaite Thu before seeing this show, however, I am most definitely a fan now!

My top takeaways from this years shows? Big sleeves, bold stripes, nude color play, and metallic accents are definite must haves. My favorite show I watched was the Zimmerman collection and my least favorite was Tory Burch. These designers are so talented and I am super excited to take their fashion inspirations and add my own personal style. The only thing I like about winter time is the fashion, literally, and although I am 100% ready for summer weather, the winter fashions included in these shows also have me looking forward to next winter (and that NEVER happens). 2019 is going to be one fashionable year!

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As the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards came to an end, there was one name that played on repeat in my head as I fell asleep; Gaga, Gaga, Gaga! Lady Gaga’s Dior haute couture dress absolutely blew me away. The shredded tulle detail was absolutely to die for and the perfect accompaniment for the overall simplicity of the dress. The tulle briefs complete the whole dress with the super high slit that allowed them to peek through. The whole ensemble was elegant yet sexy and I just cannot get enough of it. Her choice of accessories was also perfect; they were tasteful but did not take away or distract from her dress. Even the tiniest details, like the matching burgundy color of her lipstick and her nails was absolute perfection; they contrasted with the dress beautifully and complimented the gold accessories. If you didn’t have Gaga fever before, you most certainly do after seeing her at the SAG awards. 

I do have a few honorable mentions I would like to give shout outs to as well. Melissa McCarthy looked stunning as always with her sparkly dress the truly shined like her amazing personality does; the dress was perfect for her. Gemma Chan, who was a close runner up to Gaga looked gorgeous in her pink ruffle dress. I must admit, I do not believe everyone could pull this dress off, but Gemma pulled it off effortlessly. The pink ruffles that seemingly feather off into a train in the back allowing her legs to poke through is, again, dignified yet sexy. Emma Stone, who I truly believe is so beautiful it’s almost impossible for her to look bad, absolutely ROCKED the pants look. I always wonder when tuning into awards shows which woman is going to stray away from the over predictable gown and wow us with something different; Emma stone did just that. Her top was totally eye catching with all the exquisite detailing and paired with the simplistic black pleated pants perfectly. Chrishell Stause’s dress was breathtaking as well; I loved the simplicity of the dress as well as the navy color paired with the black top of her gown. I gotta give two men shout outs as well. Eddie Griffin’s black and white houndstooth suit was so edgy and different; he totally pulled it off. I also loved Mahershala Ali’s burgundy colored suit. Both gentlemen successfully stood out against the crowd of endless black suits. 

 As much as I loved seeing all the inspirational fashion at this year’s SAG awards, there were a couple outfits I found totally whack. Susan Relechi Watson’s yellow ruffled dress was not working for me. She is a stunningly beautiful woman, but while looking at her in that dress all I could think about was Big Bird. Allison Brie’s dress was also a little whack to me. A lot of people liked her dress with the giant oversized bow in the back. However, when looking at her from the front they really just looked like wings to me, and I was waiting for her to fly away. It just didn’t work for me. All critiques aside, hats off to all who chose to be fashionably bold, regardless of what I think; all that really matters is that they liked it and felt beautiful.

“A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste—it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against.” —Diana Vreeland

The other day I had the lovely opportunity to sit down and chat with a close friend, and graduate of Jefferson University, the lovely Vicky Driggs. This girl is always killin’ it with her outfits and so I was eager take the time to really talk style with her and gain some insight on what she considers to be her personal style. Vicky describes her personal style as “edgy, basic but not basic.” When asked what her favorite item she had on was (pictured above), and how it defines her personal style she immediately exclaimed “my hat!” She had actually owned the hat for a few years before ever even wearing it; “a lot of people love hats, but I always thought I couldn’t pull it off. I just decided to start wearing it one day and got so many compliments on it.” She concluded with “its edgy, I love it! It’s kind of a conversation piece, I guess.” I would just like to add that, after concluding this interview, I went out for drinks with her and nine guys complimented her hat…NINE! This hat is not only a conversation piece, but a total dude magnet! If you’re single and ready to mingle you best get yourself one of these hats.

I wrapped up the interview by asking her if she believes that people’s personal style identifies with her they are. She confidently responded “Yes. You see a lot of people wearing band tees, sports, and even political attire as part of their outfits and style. It’s fashionable but also shows their interests. It’s how they help define themselves.” On a total side note, if you love her boots as much as I do , they are Sorel’s and we both highly recommend them. They’re waterproof too; fashionable and functional!

The main take away from this interview? Never underestimate the power a hat can add to an outfit.

“A hat is the difference in being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over.” -Martha Sliter

Thanks for joining me! To kick of my fashion blog I thought I would share with you all my own personal fashion style! As a true lover of fashion, I would describe my personal style, in one word, as diverse. I love all types of styles from preppy to boho-chic, and punk to vintage! I also have a love for overall chic, artsy, professional, sexy and casual looks as well! I truly wear it all; from day-to-day you will never know what to expect from me! I am no doubt a shoe-aholic (who else is with me ladies!?) as I have so many shoes I have ran out of space to put them all in my closet (although I could say the same with all my clothes too; I have to store away seasonal clothes to have enough room)! One of my favorite statement boots is in my outfit below. They are a nude colored velvet over-the-knee boot with red floral embroidery. These boots are definitely a statement piece that I matched with my grey dress with big red floral embroidery across the chest area. I like the combination of these two as they create a floral theme and play off each other. This is definitely one of my more artsy outfits with a mix of punk edge with my acid washed denim jacket.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” —Rachel Zoe