“When black women are together, a sacred space can be conjured. Let the conjuring begin!” ~Oprah

Yesterday, I was blessed to attend yet another ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon! I’m a member of Colgate Optic White’s Designer Smile Squad, and as a sponsor of the event, they flew Pierre and I to LA to werk the carpet and talk celeb style with a few of our favorites.

Kelly Rowland stopped and smiled bright in mustard and cream separates.

Zendaya blew kisses in Thakoon.

Letoya Luckett pledged her allegiance to FBD in a slamming white jumpsuit.

Shaniece H is SO gorgeous! She divulged she was wearing a Mugler dress.

Lastly, Lala was red carpet host and looked bomb in a Victoria Beckham dress. She is killing it!

As for me, I wore a blazer dress I scored in Lagos by a brand called Things Nigerians Love or TNL Designs, topped off by pink Versace sandals.
Pierre wasn’t allowed inside the actual luncheon, but let me tell you: it was powerful! Actress, dancer, choreographer, television director, television producer and Award recipient Debbie Allen gave a rousing speech about encountering closed doors, brick ceilings, and white only establishments when she first expressed interest in art and dance.

Though she felt she was unwanted at certain dance studios, she went anyway. Her mother instilled in her pride, intelligence, and the ability to dream. Debbie credits her longstanding success to working for a purpose greater than herself.

Hopefully Essence has a transcript because she brought the house DOWN.

Though I was sitting maybe…1 foot away from Oprah, I wasn’t nimble enough to get a picture with her this year.
There’s always next year!
I love Essence Black Women in Hollywood because it always leaves me feeling encouraged, powerful, and unstoppable. I hope you feel that way as well.
See the full red carpet here.
What do you think?
Images: Karl Pierre/Getty
*Many thanks to Teresa and Rondel for this wonderful opportunity!

Jennifer Lopez gave ballerina’s a run for their money last night on American Idol in a bodysuit and $4,500 tulle skirt by Valentino. She accessorized with $845 Giuseppe Zanotti Triple Strap sandals.

Her top and skirt were modeled in Valentino’s Spring 2015 collection.

Her triple strap sandals are rendered in blush patent leather.

I love it! It’s whimsical, yet still gives J. Lo’s signature sass.
What do you think?

Hot! or Hmm…: Jennifer Lopez’s American Idol Valentino Spring 2015 Blush Pink Bodysuit and Tulle Maxi Skirt, and Giuseppe Zanotti Triple Strap Sandals

Hot! I love it!

Hmm..not her best look

 

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Designers are usually lauded or harshly criticized for the collections they produce.  And if they’re hired as creative directors for major fashion houses, the scrutiny can be even more palpable.  If anyone can attest to that, it’s Massimo Giorgetti.  His premiere collection for Pucci since Peter Dundas’s departure, though creative and inspired by the wonders of the ocean, wasn’t widely well-received.  Criticized for being too literal in his interpretation for his spring collection and not exuding enough of the Pucci essence, Giorgetti went back to the drawing board and took cues from recently inaugurated creative directors of other houses by consulting the archives.

For fall, Giorgetti was committed to deliver an assortment that delivered on his research, notwithstanding the engagement of his own inspiration in this season’s assemblage.  Think The Himalayas meets it-girl trends with an abundance of vintage, deliciously vibrant Pucci prints thrown into this kaleidoscope of high voltage, wintry gear.

Giorgetti spared no expense when artistically palavering with the color wheel.  Greens ran amuck on coats and skirts.  Blues and reds streamed through vivid color blocked sweater dresses and bodysuits.  The overcoats were, for lack of better words, to die for.  Emblazoned with snowcapped mountains, swirling patterns, and even elongated, padded bomber jackets, this season teemed with some very eye-catching garb.  Satin sweaters with exaggerated shoulders had the house’s namesake (PUCCI in all caps) cheekily ornamented across the chest, which are sure to get into the hands of every trendy fashionista.  I’m waiting with baited breath to see J. Lo and Beyonce give us a little fever in a few of these skirts.

This season seemed a lot more athletic than spring, given the stronger, more defined silhouettes, but that could just mean Giorgetti wanted this season’s woman to command lots of attention, but still exercise practicality given the forceful, frigid winter experienced by many today.  All-in-all, his efforts in utilizing his creativity and investigating the root of Emilio’s aesthetic did Giorgetti all sorts of justice.  It seems like he found his way at the top of the mountains he placed on a few of his pieces.  A clever middle finger to the naysayers of yesteryear, if you ask me.

 
What do you think?
Photos: Vogue.com

Floral print, lace, fanciful embroidery, princess-perfect tulle: these elements lie at the foundation of the Alberta Ferretti brand. Her looks consistently make the red carpet a prettier place and inject an unforgettable delicacy and charm into any affair where they’re worn. Her trademarks were all on display for Fall.

Lace, bedroom-ready pajamas, and fur were thrown in the mix right out of the gate: anchored with embellished takes on the slipper. Suiting was easy and functional, yet polished, while slip gowns were often paired with a cozy coat for a sample of real-time wear.

Florals—even for Fall—are no longer groundbreaking, but they were executed perfectly here on billowing shirt dresses with pink lace collars and roomy belted jumpsuits. Landscape patterns were also present on sheer watercolor-inspired button front shirts and trousers and pleated skirt gowns that unfortunately erred on the side of dowdiness.

Embroidery was on display in the form of petals scattered on charming sheaths and flare dresses, a romantic coat, and retro-inspired skirt suit—in larger form as well on glossy gowns.

For the modern fashionista with a cleaner take on style, there were some pared-down ensembles that purified the collection’s extravagant and poetic palette. Simple dresses, suiting, bias-cut numbers, and the aforementioned one-piece in neutrals were all uncomplicated and in a way seemed to represent wardrobe staples alongside the assemblage’s more whimsical designs.

A beautiful collection for sure that challenged Ferretti’s go-tos at times—a fur-detailed dress for instance—but ultimately went back to her old and fine faithfuls. After all, if it isn’t broken, then why fix it?

Thoughts on the latest from Alberta Ferretti?

Images: VOGUE.com

We’re on the scene at the 2016 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon, where it is is currently going DOWN in Beverly Hills. Plus, all the style stars are out!

Let’s take a look at a few looks that definitely caught our attention:

Anika Noni Rose had one of my favorite looks of the night, wearing a Tracy Reese watercolor-inspired dress with gold sandals. The dress seems a little too tight in places, but overall, I say it’s cute!

Media extraordinaire Shonda Rhimes came rocking a daisy-inspired dress, with matching  yellow shoes to match. I’m indifferent to the outfit, what do you guys think?

Our imaginary best friend Kelly Rowland kept it classy and casual rocking a white silk shirt with some bright yellow pleated trousers. This is the definition of cute and comfortable!

The ever-timeless Tika Sumpter kept it natural hollywood glam in a simple black dress, black pumps and statement red-lip. I know it’s probably so underwhelming, but I love this look on her!

Our recent TBT fashionsta Keke Palmer came playing NO games in a black/nude sheer turtle-neck bandage dress. She paired it with some strappy sandals and her hair in a half-bun. Weeeeeeeerk Keke.

Host Lala Anthony smoldered in a Victoria Beckham sleeveless fitted dress and matching nude sandals. She’s such a beauty!

The awesome Amber Riley wore an Eloquii yellow dress with some fuzzy red Altuzarra sandals and matching red lip.

Mara Brock Akil went biker-chic in a beautiful black silk top under a black leather jacket. She paired it with a beautiful sequin green pleated skirt and open-toed sandals. I love this look!

Mama Bear Claire Sulmers came and slayed in a TNLdesigns green and cream double-breasted dress, pink Versace sandals and a YSL gold clutch. Hot!

The sweet Aja Naomi King wore a black and white dress, mixed with inverted black and white heels.

Letoya Luckett came rocking her blonde ‘do, with a white romper and green accessories. I love her leather shoes!

Serayah showed out in a green Loza Maleombho dress, Sophia Webster shoes, an Alex Woo necklace and Emm Kuo clutch. Not really my taste, but I can say it’s definitely festive!

 

Actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell looked stunning in a cream strapless, wide-leg romper, pairing it with minimal accessories, black heels, but a poppin’ lip! I love her carefree take on fashion, because she still does the darn thing!

The always fashionable Zendaya stepped on the scene in a burgundy Thakoon silk dot robe and jumpsuit, pairing it with some white pumps. I’d wear this outfit in a heartbeat!

Tia Mowry mixed printed like a pro in BCBG separates.

And that does it for now!

 

 

Stay tuned for even more from Essence, including personal insight from our EIC, Claire.
Until then, who had your favorite look from the festivities?
Images: Getty

Taraji P. Henson looked fabulous on last night’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon wearing a $1,195 Alexander Wang fringed vest, $695 fringed skirt and $1,395 Brian Atwood black fringed sandals.

Her fitted vest features leather and fringe grommet detailing all around the hems, including the lapels and backside.

Her high-waisted mini skirt also features the leather and fringe grommet around the hem. 

While Alexander Wang does make Black Fringe sandals, we discovered these black fringed, open-toed sandals by Brian Atwood that look a lot closer to what Taraji wore.

 

Cute! While I think there might be a little too much fringe going on in one photo, I would love some of these as separates! If you’re up to purchasing any of these items, you can grab her vest here, her skirt here, and her heels here.

So how do you feel about Taraji’s look? Let us know in the comments!

Amber Rose showed off her curvaceous frame at the All Def Movie Awards last night rocking a $3,595 Balmain laced-front mini dress:

The dress features a plunging neckline that’s laced up, long sleeves with lace detailing, and a fitted silhouette.If you’re interested in splurging for the Balmain piece, you can purchase it here.

Cute! I personally like Amber in this ensemble, which still has some cover-up thought it let’s the girls show some. What do you think of the dress?

The ever stunning Jennifer Lopez shut the fashion scene down last on American Idol, rocking a custom Thai Nguyen atelier black sheer lace embellished dress and $2,995 Christian Louboutin ‘Top Vague’ heels:
Her Christian Louboutin heels were definitely a sight to behold, featuring lace leather detailing and embedded crystals.

If you’ve got around 3 grand burning in your pocket, you can own a pair of these beauties, and purchase them here.

 

I personally love the look, although I’m indifferent to the cornrows. I think a clean bun would have been nice. So what do you think?

Hot or Hmm…: Jennifer Lopez’s American Idol Thai Nguyen Dress and Christian Louboutin Shoes

Hot! She’s smokingggggggg

Hmm…Not feeling any of this.

 

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Instagram fave Karrueche Tran was on hand for the 2016 All Def Digital Movie Awards last night and she looked absolutely amazing! The fashionista donned a $142 House of CB Aitana Chocolate Draped Satin Dress and $1,190 Tom Ford Metallic Ankle-Lock Sandals.

This sultry ‘fit boasts a deep plunging neckline, a crossover back and sensuous satin. Perfect for the occasion!

In addition to her eye-catching dress, Karrueche also slipped into a pair of bomb Tom Ford sandals! These little gems showcase a 4-inch heel, leather lining/sole and the designer’s signature padlock and key detail.

Gorgeous, aren’t they?

To make the splurge, head on over to House of CB’s official site here and check out the TF stunners here.

Thoughts?

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

Today for Fashion Bombshell, we’ve got Christen rockin’ with us from Baltimore, MD:

She says, “I honestly don’t know how to describe my style.”

“But I do know that it changes with my mood.”

“One day I may be feeling sporty and the next day, I may feel a little girly.”

“I’m really starting to get into buying sneakers again. I love heels but I could never wear them for too long.”

 

“I usually only wear them if I’m going out to the club. “

“I enjoy playing with colors and patterns but I also love a minimalistic look.”

“I really try to buy pieces that could be paired with almost anything in my closet.”  

Cute! Well, I would definitely say eclectic for your style! You have some pretty cute outerwear…I needs. Ya’ll can stay up to date with Christen on IG:@_undertheC. So tell us, what do you think of Christen from Baltimore?

 

What do you think of Christen from Baltimore?

Hot! Bombshell.

Yaaass, work it honey!

Okaaaaaaay….

Well….it’s alright…ish…

Hmmmmmmmmm all the way.

 

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Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.