So last week I was asked by Lincoln to join them as their special guest at Essence Magazine’s 5th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon . Though I had planned to be in Milan for Fashion Week, I’d heard the event was motivational and inspirational–basically something I wouldn’t want to miss! So at the end of London Fashion Week, I hopped on an 11 hour flight and popped into LA to see what was what:

After resting for a day at the W Los Angeles, our blogger group, which included Angel of Concrete Loop, Jamishia from The YBF, Christen from Divas and Dorks, Latoicha of Luxe Tips, and Gerald of Eurweb, went to the Beverly Hills Hotel to enjoy a day honoring the film industry’s finest African-American writers, directors, and actresses.

To say the event was star studded would be an understatement. From Kelly Rowland to Jill Scott to Tasha Smith, the room was bubbling over with black stars.

I made my way around the room to say hey to a few:

In the Lincoln Lounge, I caught up with Jurnee Smollett, who looked sophisticated in pearly purple chiffon.

I also said hey to Love That Girl star and classmate Tatyana Ali. She was covering her dress a bit, but it was bananas. The cutouts were amazing!

Then inside the venue..

I caught up with cutie Tika Sumpter, who epitomized chic in black lace.

I complimented Jill Scott on her fly new hair style. The asymmetrical cut looks gorge, no?

And then I snapped a picture with new redhead Tracee Ellis Ross, Yvette Nicole Brown of NBC’s the Community, and my blogging buddy Marie Denee aka The Curvy Fashionista. Tracee’s dress made me gasp with joy (it’s vintage, from Resurrection).

And of course I had to say congratulations to two of the day’s honorees, including Paula Patton, the recipient of the Shining Star Award:

And Kerry Washington who won the Vanguard Award:

During her acceptance speech, Kerry Washington said, “There really is room for all of us. There really is a need for all of us.” The sense of appreciation and sisterhood in the room was palpable. I left feeling encouraged to continue to strive for the best in my industry and in life!

With all the fashion week madness I didn’t have much time to shop for my outfit, so decided to snag a piece from the Mary Katrantzou x Topshop collection during a lull in London:

Keeping with my ‘British Designer’ theme, I accented with an on trend neon pair of Kurt Geiger Greek Leather sandals from Liberty London (my new favorite British department store):

And added a bit of pizazz with a Cashhimi clutch, a gold cuff, a spiked necklace, and Girl about Town MAC pink lipstick.

What do you think?

Stay tuned for more pictures from the event. And many thanks to Lincoln and The Chamber Group for extending this amazing invitation.

Smootches!

A few more pix from the red carpet: