Who Dat?

I like football, but I love fashion. So I'm excited that Kim Kardashian is in Miami rocking hot fashion while supporting her fine boyfriend, Reggie Bush, for Super Bowl XLIV (44 for those of you who didn't learn roman numerals in 5th grade). If you don't know who Kim Kardashian is, as my friend Courtney would say, "you must be living under a fashion rock!"And I don't have time to fill you in.

I always love her look-hair, makeup, & clothes! But there is a DISCLAIMER-I'm not crazy about her shoe line, ShoeDazzle. But we can discuss that later.

Anyway, check out some of the fabulous frocks she's been rocking in MIA.

Family dinner

Perfume launch at Sephora South Beach

Leather and Lace party

Visiting Dash

Arriving in Miami

Black Fashion Facts

In 2004, I received a great book for Christmas from my aunt, Threads of Time, The Fabric of History: Profiles of African American Dressmakers and Designers, 1850 to Present.  Not only is it the longest title for a book (haha), but it's also a great history lesson for true fashionistas! African Americans have been designing clothes long before Tracey Reese & Sean John.

I was shocked and thrilled to learn about the achievements of Ann Cole Lowe (photo above). According to the books author, the social elite in NYC, the Biddles, Vanderbilts, and Rockefellers, all wore her designs. She also designed the most photographed dress of its time, the wedding dress for Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis!

Zelda Wynn was also profiled in the book. She opened one of the first Black-owned stores on Broadway in NYC. Her designs were worn by Dorthy Dandrige, Sarah Vaughan, Marian Anderson, and Ruby Dee. She also designed the first Playboy Bunny outfit.

 

 

Stay tune for more interesting black fashion facts!!!

Wellness Wednesday with Lauren: Guiltless Appetizers for Super Bowl Sunday

I do not celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, but many of my friends and relatives do celebrate this event as a national holiday.  I do however, go to many a party where afterwards I suffer from "should-have-worn-spanx" syndrome, and I feel I've gained at least 5 pounds.  So, I can only imagine how much tempting food is available at your Super Bowl party of choice, and how guilty you might feel afterwards.  If you have the option of bringing your own appetizer or hosting your own Super Bowl party, below are guiltless appetizers you can feel good about serving and eating.

Hummus with Carrots and Celery:

Ingredients:
-  2 cans of chickpea/garbonzo beans
-  Water leftover from 1 of the cans of beans
-  4 cloves garlic, whole
-  Optional: 1 tablespoon tahini (sesame seed paste) 
-  4 tablespoons of olive oil, more or less depending on how thick you like your hummus
-  Juice from 1 lemon
-  Onion Powder, to taste
-  Black Pepper, to taste
-  Salt, to taste

Directions:
1.  Blend all ingredients together (I recommend to blend, stir, blend, stir, etc.).
2.  To eat, dip carrots or celery stalk in hummus.

Buffalo Chicken Strips:
Ingredients:
-  1 lb chicken, cut into bit-size strips
-  Frank's hot sauce (or other hot sauce of choice)
-  Medium-to-lage carton of reduced-fat sour cream
-  Ranch dressing mix

Directions:
1.  Toss chicken strips in hot sauce.
2.  Bake chicken strips in oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
3.  In a separate bowl, mix carton of reduced-fat sour cream with 1 packet of ranch dress mix.   Continue adding sour cream and/or ranch dressing mix to taste.
4.  To eat, dip individual chicken strips in sour cream sauce.

Asparagus with Lemon Dill dip:
Ingredients:
-  Bundle or two of fresh asparagus
-  1 cup low-fast mayonnaise
-  1/4 cup buttermilk
-  2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill leaves
-  1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
-  1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
-  2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
-  1 garlic clove, minced

Directions:
1.  Blanch a bundle or two of fresh asparagus by quickly boiling and then placing the asparagus stalks in ice cold water. 
2.  Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and stir well.  Refrigerate until chilled. 
3.  To eat, dip stalks of asparagus into lemon dill dip.

I hope you attempt these healthy appetizers at your next party!

XOXO,

Gossip Girl.... I mean, Lauren

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: Statement Lips

I believe a women needs the 3 f's in her life: family, friends, and fashion! I'm so lucky to have them all. One of the 3 f's includes my fabulous friend Courtney who is an amazing makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics. I thought it would be great for Courtney to keep us chic with expert makeup tips & tricks. Enjoy!- Tiff

Ok, if you don't know what a "smokey eye" is at this point in your life, you must be living under a fashion rock. It's a classic look, but frankly I am sick of it (for now).

If you really wanna make a statement, it's all about the bold lip-bright, dark, or classic red. Confidence and playing down the rest of your makeup is the key to achieving this look. Everyone can do it! Although I won't be able to let go of the deep berry or black cherry lip that was hot for fall/winter, spring/summer brings bright pinks and luscious corals to our kissers. As soon as I get my tan back, I will be all over it.

I recommend using a lip liner in the same shade/tone and making sure the lips are conditioned and exfoliated. The most important tip for the statement lip is to schedule a teeth cleaning before you rock the look...please don't bring attention to some skanky grills! Sorry, but I have a bad memory of a frequent customer that insists on wearing bright lipstick, but hasn't visited the dentist since '85. Good luck ladies!! Muah! Courtney

Here are a few of my faves....

MAC Girl About Town

MAC Red

MAC Vegas Volt

MAC Cyber

Boo'd Up At The Grammy's

Some of my favorite couples were boo'd up at the Grammy's. Of course Jay and B are still acting like they aren't married. I still love them though....

I was stuck in the snow so my boo had to go alone;)

Just because...

Grammy Fashion

Our favorite celebs hit the red carpet last night for the Grammy's. I thought the show and fashion were a solid B+. Your thoughts???