Beauty Crush Wednesday: Janelle Monae

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Singer/songwriter, Covergirl, actress.  Is there anything Janelle Monae can’t do?  Not likely.  This Kansas City native has had us on cloud nine with her music ever since her debut, and has shown no signs of slowing down since.

Under the creative direction of Maeve Reilly, it’s no surprise her red carpet looks always stun onlookers.  That said, what’s a great outfit without equally beautiful hair and makeup?When it comes to how she styles her hair, it’s pompadours, bangs, and braids for this electric lady.  Janelle loves to push the envelope with different hairstyles, often devising eclectic ways to highlight the beauty of her natural hair.  I mean, can we talk about her braided moment during the 2015 Met Gala?  As far as makeup, Janelle Monae sticks to classic looks, never appearing too garish or overdone.  When she’s not fresh-faced, the Covergirl loves sporting a timeless red lip.  But from time to time, she’s been known to pump up the volume with bright pinks and glossy nudes.  A little foundation, eyeliner and subtle blush to slightly flush her cheeks make for the perfect recipe for a stunning beat. 

 

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What’s more is the songbird’s drive for conquering new challenges.  Showcasing her acting chops, she has leading roles in the critically acclaimed films Moonlight (in theaters now) and Hidden Figures, hitting theaters this Christmas.  Despite all her accomplishments and accolades, Janelle Monae seems to be one of the most humble and gracious entertainers to date.     

So here’s to this week’s beauty crush, Janelle Monae!  Proof positive that with talent, ambition, and never straying from your true self, anyone can soar to higher heights.

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What say you to this week’s pick?

 

Splurge: Alessandra Ambrosio’s Paris $2,195 Moschino Chain and Pearl Biker Jacket, $250 Wolford Black Colorado Turtleneck Bodysuit, and $1,147 Le Silla Black Stretch Suede Over The Knee Boots

Alessandra Ambrosio strutted through the streets of Paris in a $2,195 Moschino Chain and Pearl Biker Jacket, $250 Wolford Black Colorado Turtleneck Bodysuit, and $1,147 Le Silla Black Stretch Suede Over The Knee Boots:

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Her faux-leather moto jacket features chunky silvertone chains, pearl bead embellishment, an attached adjustable belt, cropped length, asymmetrical front-zip closure, notch collar, long sleeves with zip cuffs, front zip pockets, and shoulder epaulets.

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Her black bodysuit boasts a turtleneck, long sleeves, lined gusset with snap closure, and a thong back.

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Her suede boots feature a pointed-toe silhouette, 4.3″ twisted metal heels, and an over-the-knee length.

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Flawless!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get Alessandra’s jacket here, boots here, and turtleneck here.

Thoughts?

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On the Scene: The 26th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards with Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae in Christian Siriano, Ruth Negga in Givenchy Couture, and More!

The 26th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards went down with a splash last night. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

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Naomie Harris shimmered and sparkled in a gold strapless sequin tunic with a front slit by Monse, exposing skinny black trousers. Hot!

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Janelle Monae’s Christian Siriano black sequin jumpsuit was accented by a ruffle-detailed bustier. What’s not to like about this gorgeous look?

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Ruth Negga never disappoints on the red carpet. Her strapless Givenchy Couture gown was stellar.

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Sasha Lane is one of my favorite style newcomers! She threw a fur stole over her swallow print Valentino dress.

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This Is Us’s Susan Kelechi Watson dazzled in a romantic printed gown with fluttering sleeves and a low-cut neckline. This was fab.

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Omari Hardwick is one of the best dressed men in Hollywood right now! His dot print suit and suede shoes were on point.

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What’s a red carpet event without Marchesa? Kate Beckinsale donned a glossy, draped gown from the brand with a sultry keyhole and wispy embroidery.

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David Oyelowo showed that the black and brown combination is not a fashion faux pas. I live for his style!

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Classic stripes and plaid were mixed in Mike Colter’s look. Handsome, no?

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Loving producer Oge Egbuonu flaunted her toned gams in a sexy LBD. Hot!

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Confession: I’m a bit obsessed with Colman Domingo. His debonair take on the classic black suit was all I needed this week.

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A black and red floral embroidered confection was on the agenda for Katie Holmes.

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Margot Robbie was white hot in a simple Calvin Klein Collection gown with long sleeves and a v-neckline. I loved the addition of the red lip here.

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Omari’s co-star Lela Loren was chic in a tuxedo-inspired Rag & Bone jumpsuit.

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Krysten Ritter smoldered in a strapless Cushnie et Ochs slit gown and fabulous cape. This gets two thumbs up!

Who had your favorite look at the awards show?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Shavonne from New Jersey

Today’s Fashion Bombshell is Shavonne from New Jersey:

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She writes, “I like to describe my style as ‘street-chic’ because I like to wear ‘safe pieces,’ and add spice to them to make them edgy.”

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“I have a bubbly and animated personality, so if my clothes are boring something’s wrong.”

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“I like to switch it up, my style is versatile”

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‘Fashion should be fun, so why not mix it up a bit?”

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More here:

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Shavonne, I love your play with neutral colors, your style is clean and feminine. Well done, doll!

For more on Shavonne’s style, check out her Instagram, @theweekendsew.

What do you think?

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.

Fashion Bomb x DZRPT TV: Interviewing Nigerian Bombshell Toke Makinwa about Love, Loss, and Her Book Becoming

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Happy Tuesday, Bombers and Bombshells!
While I was in Nigeria, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing radio personality and social media superstar Toke Makinwa, in a special partnership with DZRPT TV:

With 978K followers on Instagram, Toke is one of the hottest Bombshells in Lagos (many people I spoke to likened her to the Nigerian Kim Kardashian). She recently published a book called ‘Becoming’ which talks about her journey, and her struggles in dealing with a very public break up with a husband who had a child outside of their marriage.

She was honest, thoughtful. and candid. Check out the video below:

Bomb Blogger: Wendy Nguyen of Wendy’s Lookbook

Wendy Nguyen has slayed the blogosphere since 2010! While her personal “style diary” is a compilation of flawless ‘fits and a myriad of styling tips galore, Wendy’s Lookbook is the perfect destination for all my bombshells who love a classic flair paired with small touches of glamour and unmatched elegance.

With over 1 million Instagram followers and a whopping 650,000 YouTube subscribers, Wendy truly understands the significance of creating and building a successful brand. So, join me as we learn more about this Los Angeles-based fashion connoisseur!

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In Wendy’s official ‘About Me’ statement, the petite powerhouse writes, “Hi everyone!  I’m Wendy. I find inspiration in art, nature, culture, architecture, food, people, and music. And for me, fashion is a compilation of all that. Fashion is a vehicle for me to play with shapes and colors in order to uncover my personal style. In addition to fashion, I’m also very passionate about juvenile justice.  I went through foster care, carried my belongings in a trash bag and worried about being homeless at the age of 18.  I worked three jobs in high school to save enough money to go to college and as a result feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to do so.  I finished high school with honors, emancipated from the foster care system, and went to the University of California, Berkeley, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.” 

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As a firm supporter of all things chic, it’s always refreshing to scroll through Wendy’s ensembles. Although she is the quintessential standard of sophistication, there’s never a dull moment when it comes garnering bits and pieces of sartorial inspiration. Versatile neutrals, exemplary layering techniques and an accessories collection like no other grants Wendy an effortless lux aesthetic that shines through in each and every photo.

In addition to a wardrobe chock full of cool girl essentials, Wendy is also an expert when it comes to styling key pieces multiple ways. She serves as a creative pillar of inspiration for fashionistas on a budget while also proving that investing in even the most basic necessities can make a world of difference. FYI: As the cooler weather comes flooding in, you absolutely must check out her video showcasing 25 ways to wear your favorite scarf! And, yeah, you can thank me later.

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Slay on, hun!

Want to know more about Wendy of Wendy’s Lookbook? Well, head on over to her blog here or follow her via Instagram @WendysLookbook! You can also check out her amazing YouTube channel here!

What do you think?

Signing Out — Esmesha 

Hot! or Hmm… Lady Gaga’s Paris Valentin Yudashkin’s Spring 2016 Tuxedo Dress and Casadei Pink Blade Pumps

Lady Gaga made her way to the Victoria’s Secret Holiday Show in Paris to prepare for her performance wearing a Valentin Yudashkin Spring 2016 Tuxedo Dress and Pink $515 Casadei Pumps:

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The black tuxedo-inspired dress features a white button down top with a black tie and ruffled bottom.

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Her pink patent leather Casadei pumps have a blade-like stiletto heel.

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Gaga added personality to her ensemble by rockin’ Pierre Mantoux white socks with her shoes.

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Gaga’s tamed look is winning!  I totally prefer her make-under.

What do you think?  Hot! or Hmm…

 

 

Hot! or Hmm… Lady Gaga’s Paris Valentin Yudashkin Spring 2016 Tuxedo Dress and Casadei Pink Blade Pumps

 
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Splurge: Salma Hayek’s London I Am Bolt Documentary Premiere $4,200 Gucci’s Fall 2016 Leather Jacket

Salma Hayek looked military-chic at the London premiere of the I Am Bolt documentary in a $4,200 Gucci Fall 2016 Leather Jacket:

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The classic cut leather jacket features contrast grosgrain trim and signature GG pearl buttons, each of which are decorated with a metal GG’s made of brass.

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Salma’s jacket was partnered with a black slacks, a black leather hat, a red blouse with a floral collar and a Gucci purse.

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If you’re down for the splurge, you can purchase her leather jacket for $4,200 here.

This piece is definitely an investment!  Such a classic jacket.

What do you think? Is this worth the splurge?

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Splurge: Beyonce’s Soho House Malibu $1,400 Zimmermann Adorn Illume Silk Georgette Blouse

Beyonce dined with her family at Soho House Malibu wearing a $1,400 Zimmermann Adorn Illume Silk Georgette Blouse:

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The silk georgette blouse features hand-appliqued mirrors, a round neck, dropped shoulders with bishop sleeves and an asymmetrical hem.

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Beyonce looked comfortable and chic in white shorts, sunglasses and big earrings.

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You can purchase here for $1,400.

What do you think?  Would you buy her Zimmerman blouse?

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Splurge: Michelle Keegan’s Toyroom Nightclub $1,737 Joshua Kane Bespoke The Devonshire Houndsooth Suit

Michelle Keegan was suited up at Toyroom Nightclub, spending her night out in a $1,737 Joshua Kane Bespoke The Devonshire Houndsooth duo:

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Her houndstooth suit features a single button, cropped jacket with peak lapels, and laser-engraved mother of pearl buttons, as well as slim-fit, high waist trousers.

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Flawless.

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Get Michelle’s duo for a splurge here.

Thoughts?

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