Look of the Week featuring Zoey Deutch in Balmain, Janelle Monae in Bally, First Lady Michelle Obama in Preen and More!

Whew! It’s been a quick week, hasn’t it?

Time literally flew by and we’re already brushing the hem of Christmas Eve! I hope everyone got a chance to finish their holiday shopping and I pray the festivities to come are filled with joy, love and fun.

But, before we indulge in tons of egg nog and endless parties, let’s get into some of our favorite celebrity looks of the week!

1) Zoey Deutch in Balmain

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Zoey Deutch took to the Los Angeles premiere of Why Him in a gilded sequin top and a draped skirt from Balmain‘s Spring 2017 collection. The actress’s eye-catching frock features a towering slit, a relaxed fit and a banded waist. She also accessorized with matching pointed pumps, a sleek ‘do and soft makeup. Hot!

2) First Lady Michelle Obama in Preen

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Earlier this week, the world tuned in to watch Oprah Winfrey sit down with First Lady Michelle Obama in her final interview before leaving The White House. In a bittersweet and soul-stirring primetime special simply entitled First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell to the White House, the iconic style maven discussed her future endeavors, raising her daughters in the public eye and the impact she has made on our society over the past eight years. The First Lady also donned Preen‘s ‘Aubrey’ dress which boasts contrasting stripes and floral prints, semi-sheer sleeves and an eclectic aesthetic. If you missed the interview, you’ve got to check it out! It’s beyond enlightening.

3) Jennifer Lopez in New York City

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Jennifer Lopez glammed it up for a quick shopping trip at Barney’s New York in an exquisite fur-trimmed coat, black jeans, an effortless top knot and bomb Christian Louboutin heeled booties. While the superstar attempted to fly under the radar (with mirrored aviator sunnies on deck), it was evident that, even on Jenny’s off days, she still slays!

4) Cardi B in Fashion Nova

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Reality starlet and Instagram phenom Cardi B flashed a little leg in a plunging, velvet gown from her favorite brand Fashion Nova. The Love and Hip Hop: New York fave paired her sultry dress with black ankle strap sandals, a diamond choker and dramatic curls. It’s been amazing watching Cardi’s style evolve! Ever since her small screen debut, she’s been on the come up and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2017. Werk it!

5) Olivia Culpo in C&C California and House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve

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When it comes to memorable and noteworthy looks, Olivia Culpo is no stranger to turning heads! The actress and model recently hit the streets of Los Angeles clad in a $198 House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Gold Jodie Jacket, a $115 C&C California Black ‘Viona’ Slip Dress and jaw-dropping strappy heeled sandals. The simplicity of this ensemble is every bit of inspiring and, with such dynamic seperates, the showcased pieces can be worn in a variety of ways. Olivia always gets it right!

6) Janelle Monae in Bally

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Our girl Janelle Monae kept it cute and playful for her recent appearance at AOL Build’s Live Chat for her groundbreaking film Hidden Figures. For the occasion, the bubbly style maven uplifted a black and white graphic print shift dress by Bally, black leggings and studded Christian Louboutin T-strap pumps. Janelle’s style remains so vibrant and unexpected, she’s just an overall sartorial delight. And, who can rock this classic color combo better than she can?

7) Viola Davis in Cinq a Sept

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And, closing out our nominees for Look of the Week, we have How To Get Away with Murder‘s leading lady Viola Davis! The iconic actress was on hand for a New York City screening of her new film Fences wearing a chic Cinq a Sept Black ‘Leonella’ Gown that includes a one-shoulder feature, satin magenta side detailing and a clean silhouette. The stunning beauty also wore soft curls and flawless makeup. Yes!

Thoughts on the contenders?

Look of the Week: Which fashionista takes the crown?

 
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Signing Out — Esmesha

Splurge: Kris Jenner’s Calabasas, California $750 Gucci Snake Print Leather Pouch

Kris Jenner strolled through the streets of Calabasas rocking an all black ‘fit, a lux ebony fur, red Timberland boots and a $750 Gucci Snake Print Leather Pouch.

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This slim leather stunner features a coiled kingsnake on the front which is “thought to represent wisdom and power“, according to the official Gucci site.

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The handbag also features a cotton linen lining and a zip top closure.

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Up for the splurge? No worries! See additional purchasing details here!

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Are you feeling Kris’s cozy look?

Signing Out — Esmesha

Who Wore It Better? Adriana Lima vs. Liya Kebede in Haider Ackermann’s Fall 2016 Velvet Emerald High Slit Dress

Adriana Lima looked absolutely fierce at Madonna’s Raising Malawi Foundation fundraiser in Haider Ackermann‘s Fall 2016 Velvet Emerald High Slit Dress. The top model accessorized with her frock with gold neckwear, $845 strappy Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Harmony’ heels and a slicked back ‘do. But, the iconic Liya Kebede also uplifted the same look at the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival‘s premiere of The Unknown Girl.

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On the runway, the gown was showcased in a burnt orange hue and paired with on-trend black pointed ankle boots.

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Who Wore It Better?: Adriana Lima vs. Liya Kebede in Haider Ackermann’s Fall 2016 Velvet Emerald High Slit Dress

 
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I’m Team Liya all the way. The winter-ready piece looks more polished and sleek on her frame. Simplicity is always key. And, can we get into that glowing melanin!

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Which fashionista nabs your vote?

Signing Out — Esmesha

Bomb Product of the Day: Nicole Benisti’s Quilted Puffer with Pom Poms

If you’re going to splurge on anything it should be your winter coat, especially if you live on the east coast! Temperatures are plummeting but we’ve got you covered, get into this Nicole Benisti Quilted Puffer with Pom Poms:

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Bomb!

This Parka features a Teflon shell with a down feather fill, sure to lock the heat in and keep out the cold. The quilted jacket is also sold in black.

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Priced at $780, the coat is a splurge but its resistant fabric and plush fur trimming makes up for its pricey price tag.

Get yours here.

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I think that I’ve just added another item to my wish list!

What do you think?

Hot! Or Hmm..?

Vogue Italia Editor Franca Sozzani Dies at Age 66

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It is with a heavy heart, I report that Vogue Italia Editor Franca Sozzani has died at age 66.

Franca will always be remembered for her taste, vision, and willingness to take risks. In 2008, she unleashed Vogue Italia’s Black Issue in response to the industry’s rampant diversity problem.

She later went on to create Vogue.it’s Black Vogue website, along with Vogue Curvy.

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Though she was scrutinized and judged for her decisions, she held to her convictions fiercely, always unafraid to march to the beat of her own drum.

In a world of followers, she was a fearless leader. She will be missed.

Splurge: Denise Vasi’s Fences New York City Screening $765 Victoria Beckham Black Long Sleeve Flare Midi Dress

Denise Vasi demonstrated the power of the LBD at the Fences New York City Screening $765 Victoria Beckham Black Long Sleeve Flare Midi Dress:

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Her long-sleeve LBD features a scoop neck, fishtail flared hem, curve-hugging silhouette, navy lurex trim at the cuffs, and a midi length.

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Glad to see her back on the red carpet!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get Denise’s LBD here.

Thoughts?

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Splurge: Hailey Baldwin’s JFK Airport $4,590 Saint Laurent Green Hooded Parka, $550 Vetements Black Turned On By Danger Pants, and $435 Alexander McQueen Exaggerated Sole Sneakers

Hailey Baldwin caught a flight at JFK in a $4,590 Saint Laurent Green Hooded Parka, $550 Vetements Black Turned On By Danger Pants, and $435 Alexander McQueen Exaggerated Sole Sneakers:

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Her green parka is crafted from cotton-linen gabardine, It features a coyote fur-trimmed hood, two chest handwarmer pockets, front flap pockets, a zipped patch pocket at the sleeve, zip cuffs, full lining, and a shearling lined collar.

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Her slim-fit French terry sweats boast a drawstring at the elasticized waistband, three-pocket styling, “Turned On By Danger” text printed in red and white at the leg, rib knit cuffs, and tonal stitching.

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Her white leather and black suede kicks feature Velcro®-fastening straps and exaggerated soles.

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A cute travel look!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get her parka here, pants here, and kicks here.

What do you think?

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Splurge: Alessandra Ambrosio’s Brazil Ale By Alessandra Bengal Shore Animal Print Ruffle Trim Swim Top and Bottom

Alessandra Ambrosio hit the beach in Brazil with her adorable children wearing a $212 Bengal Shore Animal Print Ruffle Trim Swim Top and Matching Bottom from her line, Ale by Alessandra:

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The Bengal Shore multi-color animal-print microfiber swim top features plunging scalloped V neckline, straps that crisscross and tie at open back and thick shoulder straps with ruffle trim.  The matching animal-print low rise bikini bottoms has a ruffle trim waistband and strappy sides with puka shell details.

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If I had Alessandra’s body I’d design swimsuits too!
You can purchase the top here for $124 and the bottoms here for $88.
What do you think?  Would purchase this suit for a day on the beach?
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Splurge: Madonna’s Airport Moschino Teddy Bear Intarsia Jumper

Madonna strolled through the airport with her son wearing a $595 Moschino Teddy Bear Intarsia Jumper:

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The black virgin wool teddy bear intarsia jumper features a crew neck, dropped shoulders, long sleeves and a ribbed hem and cuffs.

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Madonna rocked a large fur hood coat and Fenty X Puma Creepers on her feet.

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Someone’s ready for the New York City weather!

You can splurge on this look here for $595.

Cute sweater.  I’d purchase.  What do you think?  Will you be adding this piece to your winter line-up?

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Splurge: Mel B’s Chicago House of CB Sable Faux Mink Full Length Coat

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B., promoted her return to the Broadway cast of Chicago in a $225 House of CB Sable Faux Mink Full Length Coat:

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Made from an exquisite quality faux mink fur, the black, floor length coat features a  collarless neck, a self tie belt in vegan leather and deep ribbed cuffs.

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Mel kept is simple in an all black ensemble.

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Perfect coat for the brisk, New York City weather.  I’d buy this!

If you’re feelin’ her look, you can purchase her coat here for $225.

What do you think?  Are you lovin’ Melanie’s look?

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