Video: Sky’s the Limit by Notorious B.I.G featuring 112

This song is one of those hidden gems, and the viddy is so cute!

Sky's the Limit Notorious BIG

It didn’t get a ton of radio time, but it is absolutely one of my favorites. Why? The message is touching–so much so that I included a lyric as one of my high school year book quotes (yes, I have a Biggie quote next to my Senior Picture for posterity–ha!).

A few excerpts:
“Sky is the limit and you know that you keep on/ Just keep on pressin on/ Sky is the limit and you know that you can have what you want, be what you want…Sky is the limit and you know that you keep on/ Just keep on pressin on/ Sky is the limit and you know that you can have/ what you want, be what you want, have what you want, be what you want…”

“Stay far from timid/Only make moves when ya heart’s in it/ And live the phrase Sky’s The Limit…”

Steal of the Day: We Who See Cut Out Heels

Add a dash of panache to your average work outfit with these $60 We Who See Cutout Heels:

We Who See Cutout Heels

This strappy peep toe’s lace ups are extremely chic, and a reasonable 3-inch heel makes them perfect for the office.

Get them in black or canvas here.

The End of Looks for Less: Clothes Copyright on the Horizon

New York Magazine reports that several designers, including California label Trovata, have made headway in a copyright infringement case against fast fashion bastion Forever 21:

Trovata vs. Forever 21

They say, “That Forever 21 and its peers copy or take “inspiration” from” designer clothing is no secret. But no laws exist to prevent this from happening…The CFDA has been pushing Congress to pass the Design Piracy and Prohibition Act to protect the basic design of clothes. Critics say the act would stifle competition and commerce in the apparel industry. Indeed, the act could cause an onslaught of lawsuits among labels accusing one another of illegally copying their clothes. Designers copy “or take “inspiration” from” each other all the time. If the suit brings about a change in regulations, the quality of goods in fast-fashion chains could suffer greatly, which would be a bad thing for broke people like us.

I do believe in protecting designers who spend their time and talent creating flawless products. But something about not being able to buy a pair of Balenciaga like boots for $44 (for example), seems a bit sad, no?

Read the rest here.

Men’s Fashion Discussion: Big A$$ Chains

When I saw this pic over at T-Pain’s Twitter page, I almost fell out of my swivel desk chair:

T-Pain's Chain

There are statement pieces, and there are statement pieces. Apparently this particular chain cost T-Pain $400,000!

T-Pain's Chain

Ok ok… guys don’t have as many jewelry options as women, so to distinguish themselves they have the choice between a chain, stud earrings, or (in some cases) gold teeth:

Rapper's Chains

Lil Jon Pharrell Chain

Rick Ross Sean Kingston

Soulja Boy Young Joc Chain

Guys have a right to look fly, but there are limits!! I can cosign Kanye and Pharrell’s choices, but everything from Sean Kingston’s crayola box to Rick Ross’ gold bust to T-Pain’s Big a$$ Chain gets a big a$$ thumbs down!!

Weigh in fashion bombshells…
*Check out T-Pain’s Twitter at www.twitter.com/DaRealerstTPain
Source

Hot! or Hmm…: Lady GaGa, Eve, Faith Evans, and more!

We have a few usual suspects who always make it into Monday’s roundup (Kim K., Ciara), but this weekend was all about celebs new to the “Hot! or Hmm…” scene!

alesha_renee_big_tigga_celebrity_classic

TV personality Alesha Renee rocked a *fab* electric blue jumpsuit to Big Tigga’s Celebrity Classic in Washington DC. The wide black cinch belt, pendant necklace, and chunky bangles make for amazing accessories, and I like how her snakeskin clutch picks up the brown in one of the bracelets. The pant legs are probably a bit longer than they should be but not so much that it looks like sloppy tailoring. Hot!

eve_butterfly_ball

In L.A. at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, Eve kept the electric blue trend going in a mini satin number. The demure boatneck collar and gathered half-sleeves lend the frock a touch of restraint, and the gold tone of her jewelry is the perfect hue–not too flashy since the dress’ color is very eye-catching. Yet the curse of satin (those wrinkles!) and disheveled hair completely bring down the look for me. Hmm…

chandra_wilson_tonys

“Grey’s Anatomy”‘s own Dr. Bailey, Chandra Wilson, was a vision in emerald at the Tony Awards in NYC. The sweeping, A-line gown with plunging neckline is the perfect canvas for her petite, full-figured frame, and the soft pin curls and silver accents bring to mind glamorous old Hollywood or the Harlem Renaissance. Elegant and hawt!

lady_gaga_japan_airport1

On the other side of the fashion spectrum, Lady GaGa arrived at the airport in Japan in a…I can’t even begin to describe this. There are so many Fashion Bomb don’ts up in here (Claire’s advice about proper travel attire, Vuitton’s edict against witchy pointy toes). I’m all about green consciousness so it’s nice that her leggings can double as air conditioning, but I can’t imagine flying to Japan with my behind out, being chafed up by an airline seat the whole time. I know that GaGa’s fashion sense is all about the theatrical (it’s performance art by itself), so normal “Hot! or Hmm…” standards are hard to apply. It’s like throwing up Bootsy Collins to be judged. But…real talk? Hmm…

monique_coleman_young_hollywood_awards

Back in Cali at the Young Hollywood Awards, Monique Coleman showed off her First Lady Obama-like guns in a strapless, wine-colored minidress. The pleating on the dress is a clever way to deal with the satin wrinkles that plagued Eve’s outfit, and the ankle-strap peep-toe pumps and gold jewelry are simple yet chic. And the natural ‘do is def channeling Pam Grier. Work it out then, Monique–kinda hot!

faith_evans_butterfly_ball

Finally, songstress Faith Evans also graced the red carpet at Chrysalis Butterfly Ball. Like Chandra Wilson, the A-line drape and embellished bust are a smart choice for Faith’s curvy figure and I love the white color against her tan. The dots on the fabric below the bust give this a matronly air, though (I wish the skirt had just been solid white), and I have to say that this is one of those cases where the tats do nothing to help the outfit. I still bump Faith’s first album faithfully, but not even that’s enough to muster enthusiasm. It’s not a total Hmm, but not a total Hot, either…
What say y’all?
~Adri

Swagger: Andrea from Dirrty Glam

Happy Monday!

Swagger Paris snapped up a hot shot this weekend of fashionista Andrea, who works for online magazine Dirrty Glam:

Andrea Dirty Glam

Andrea captures the current French essence, rocking a pair of shorts with tights.  This trend is hot like wildfire all over Paris, and I bet it will be coming to USA shores tres soon.

Andrea is the music editor for Dirrty Glam, which is described as “The Magazine Online for Urban Chic.” Check it out!

In the meantime, what do you think of her style?

A few screenshots of Dirrty Glam:

Dirrty Glam Magazine

Dirrty Glam Magazine

Dirrty Glam Magazine

Dirrty Glam Magazine

Looks cute! And lucky you, it looks like they have an English version. Feast your eyes here.

Real Style: Rue des Petites Ecuries

Hey!

So a few months back I hit up a very French party with very French elements: champagne on tap, lots of smoke, and a dress code that required all black with one touch of color:

French Party

I happened upon this young lady who looked fabulous in brown and black topped off with a pair of cream open toe sandals:

French Party Style

She broke the dress code rules ever so slightly, which allowed this outfit to work. I also loved her haircut–fierce and flawless.

What do you think of her Style?

Who Wore it Better? Rihanna vs. Lala in Alexander McQueen Pelle Zip Up Boots

Another celebrity fave? Alexander McQueen’s $1,159 Pelle Zip Up Boots:

Rihanna Lala Alexander McQueen Pelle Zip Up Boots

Rihanna kept the boots casual with harem style stretchy pants and a cropped denim jacket, while Lala sauced it up in a skin clinging black Alexander Wang dress and a matching Alexander McQueen Bow Clutch.
Which look do you prefer?

Steal of the Day: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Lipstick

Rih Rih’s been running around with a nude look topped off with a pop of bright pink lipstick:

Rihanna Pink Lipstick

Get her look with a $34 tube of Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupté Lipstick. A small price to pay to give your pucker a makeover!

If lipgloss is more your speed, try these as well: