Franchesca Ramsey took to The Golden Probe Awards 2016 in a $575 Milly Black Embroidered Lace Selena Mini Dress:
Her lace LBD features a mini length, off-the-shoulder silhouette, curve-hugging fit, and cascading sleeve detailing.
Pretty!
Get Franchesca’s dress for a splurge here.
Are you feeling it?
Balenciaga has excited and pleased high fashion-loving women for decades now, thus Demna Gvasalia inherited a very captivating and quite magical history when he stepped into the role as Creative Director at the iconic fashion house. But he has his own set of charm and power—witnessed quite blatantly with the absolute obsession with his own Vetements brand. Thus he combined the sartorial alchemy of the two for Balenciaga’s Spring offerings: brimming with the desire and impulse to splurge and purchase whenever and however possible.
Seasonal collections can go multiple ways: complete newness, a slight riff on a house’s signatures, utter steadfastness to trademarks, or a combination of never-before-seen and tried-and-true. Gvasalia was somewhere between all of the aforementioned with an assortment that overflowed with color, grounded design, and age-old spandex.
Gvasalia is well-versed in sporty chic designs, but he gave a sultrier spin to spandex than just all things athletic. Leg-hugging, thigh-high boots caressed the models’ gams ever so sexily, while va-va-voom leggings offset wearable, floral printed peplum tops. The looks didn’t always feel elevated, but they sure as heck felt approachable.
Party tops made a comeback with 80’s-inspired head turners that boasted embellished brooches, ruching, midriff-baring lengths, and vibrant prints.
And good luck making it through normal-sized doors with the shoulders on display. These coats were not for the faint of heart, but were indeed a riff on the strong shoulders of the beloved Eighties.
Balenciaga’s price points will never be affordable, but the functionality of some of the designs presented were appreciated. Simple, striped button-front shirts were great wardrobe additions for work or play and a khaki duffle coat felt like the perfect piece for transitional weather.
And let’s not forget the accessories. We have absolutely no idea if we’re ready to get back into the square shoe game, but Gvasalia certainly wants us to. As well as picking up an incredibly oversized bag, which should be no problem for those who already have a slew of them—they’re New York City essentials after all.
We won’t have to look further than the show’s front row to wonder who will be wearing this collection. Kim Kardashian and Salma Hayek seemed like the best style mavens to do so if any, though we know Rihanna will also opt for some of the more daring wares.
Thoughts on the latest from Balenciaga?
Images: Vogue.com
Kim Kardashian took in the Balenciaga Spring 2017 Fashion Show, clad in a $2,550 Balenciaga Double Breasted Trench Coat and Pre-Fall 2016 Black and White Check Thigh-High Boots:
Her khaki cotton plain-weave coat features a double-breasted silhouette, removable halter belt strap, spread collar, button throat latch, flat-detailed angled slip side pockets, and epaulettes at the shoulders.
Her boots were shown with checked designs and cozy outerwear in the iconic French fashion house’s Pre-Fall lookbook.
Hot!
Kim’s boots aren’t available for grabs, but you can get her coat here.
Thoughts?
Kourtney Kardashian dined at Le Costes Restaurant in a Georgine Fall 2016 Black Sheer High Neck Dress:
Kourtney copied the runway look to a T.
Hot!
What do you think? Hot! or Hmm…?
Eiza Gonzalez was a vision at Variety Latino’s 10 Latinos to Watch Party in LA, clad in the same $171 House of CB White Fabrizia Strapless Bandage Dress Cierra Ramirez originally sported back in August of last year:
Eiza anchored the frock with black, rosette-accented sandals. Cierra chose a simple, gold ankle-strap pair.
The bandage dress features a strapless silhouette, midi length, and a fluted hem.
Eiza won this round for me.
What do you think? Who wore it better?
Gigi Hadid exited the Four Seasons George V Hotel in a $91 Lavish Alice Camel Velvet Double Layer Longline Bomber Jacket:
Her camel velvet jacket is a new take on the bomber: with a double layer and longer length.
So cute!
Pre-order Gigi’s jacket here.
Would you wear it?
Happy Friday everyone!
It’s time to get into another edition of our lovely Look of the Week feature! With my evening coming to a screeching halt, I’m going to make this a quick post. Due to my lack of time management skills (and, the fact that I’m starving), I’m literally drafting this post on the remaining 3% of life that I left from my job – so, please, bear with me ya’ll!
Let’s get to it!
1) Lupita Nyong’o in Maki Oh
Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo attended the historic opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. while looking spewing all types of sartorial perfection. While the dapper actor chose to don an expertly-tailored forest green suit, Queen of Katwe‘s own leading lady slayed in a multicolored geometric print midi dress by Maki Oh. She accessorized with electric blue suede pumps and a matching head wrap. Yes, Queen!
2) Rihanna in Fenty x PUMA
Rihanna granted life to each one of her 44.4 million Instagram followers as she debuted her highly-anticipated Spring 2017 Fenty x PUMA collection at Paris Fashion Week! As her Marie Antoinette-inspired designs waltzed down the elegant runway, the songstress held her audience captive as she uplifted her own bubble gum pink eyelet-drenched set that boasts a dramatic silhouette, drawstring detailing and a relaxed fit. To see more of her flawless line, check out our show review here!
3) Jasmine Sanders in Berta
Model Jasmine Sanders was certain that all eyes were glued to her as she attended amfAR Milano 2016 in a Berta sequin-embellished wrap dress from the brand’s Fall 2016 presentation. The gorgeous starlet let her statement-making frock do all the talking as she slipped into a pair of nude patent leather sandals accentuated by icy diamond accents. I’m totally in love with look! Although we’ve seen plenty of the “plunging” necklines on and off the red carpet, I think she made it look effortlessly classy. Super cute!
4) Eniko Hart in Jessica Rich Collection
Newlywed Eniko Hart struck a quick pose for the ‘Gram as she showcased her bodacious bod in a curve-hugging, semi-sheer jumpsuit from Jessica Rich Collection. The sultry number also features a striped mesh top, bandage pants and long sleeves. Available for about $169, it is a splurge but, trust me, it’s worth it! Per usual, the bombshell kept her accessories to a minimum as she completed her look with black leather ankle strap sandals and an easy, breezy updo.
5) Kim and Kourtney Kardashian in Balmain
If you’ve been living under a rock for the past few days, you probably weren’t aware of the epic Balmain Spring 2017 runway show that took place during Paris Fashion Week. And, as Tinseltown’s finest flocked to the City of Love to partake in the stylish festivities, the Kardashian clan was also on the scene! But, it was Kim and Kourtney who almost broke the internet with their dual selfie that featured 70’s era, gilded pieces from the French label. The reality stars were bronzed to perfection as they proved why that Kardashian reign just won’t let up. It’s simple: they slay. That is all. Love it!
6) Halle Berry in David Koma
Halle Berry graced the cameras at Revlon’s Annual Philanthropic Luncheon while flaunting her sculpted frame in a fitted David Koma bodycon wonder. The 50-year-old actress served up edgy vibes as she played up her two-toned dress with strappy black heels and a playful bun. I don’t know about ya’ll, but Ms. Berry is #goals! I can only pray that I’ll be as poised and beautiful as she is when I grow up. Now, if only she can point me in the direction of the Fountain of Youth…
7) Fantasia in NuOfficial
Our girl Fantasia went back to black as she attended a celebratory event for the opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in a jaw-dropping NuOfficial black and white ombre cape gown. With a sleek short ‘do and a dark berry lip on deck, ‘Tasia killed! Honestly, I’ve been stalking her Instagram for the past few months and I don’t think she’s getting enough credit. She’s consistently slaying in the style department and the world should take note; hence, why I suggested her as a nominee for the Look of the Week. Werk!
Quite the list, no?
What do you think of the contenders? Who slayed? And, who fell flat?
Signing Out — Esmesha
Kaley Cuoco went bold at the Longines Masters Gala in a $2,410 Mary Katrantzou Mizar Printed Georgette Gown:
Her multicolor georgette dress hails from Fall ’16 collection. It features long sleeves and a floor-grazing pleated skirt.
Mary Katrantzou makes the best dresses, doesn’t she?
Get Kaley’s gown for a splurge here.
What do you think?
This post about the Color Full Lives podcast is sponsored by State Farm®.
State Farm has a fabulous new series called Color Full Lives, which was created to reach and empower African-American women via a series of podcasts discussing topics important to our lives(Relationships, Finances, Entrepreneurship, Education and Health & Wellness)! It gives a nod to the full and multi-faceted lives African-American women lead.
The latest podcast features Angela Yee, Hey Fran Hey, and Tatiana Jones. Called ‘I love My Self,’ the ladies talks about self care, self love, and self empowerment.
The ladies touch on the topic of self esteem, and feeling the need to change your body to fit in. All ladies are very open about their insecurities, yet stand by their refusal to succumb to societal pressure to look a certain way.
As someone who puts their image on social media all the time, it took me a long time to turn a deaf ear to criticism and embrace everything about me, even my big boobs. And the crazy thing: after a while of me putting my image out there, people started to like my style! It was crazy!
The conversation is really good! Listen to the full podcast here or here.
In this social media age, I’m sure we can all relate to feeling pressure to change our bodies or style to be deemed more acceptable by our peers. What do you think of this epidemic? What is your answer to those who might encourage you to change your body or style for likes?
What do you think?
Salma Hayek smoldered at the 2016 Women’s Media Center Awards in a $1,130 Christopher Kane Feather Trim Crepe Dress:
Her crepe LBD features a round neck, sleeveless silhouette, monochrome feather detailing at the shoulder, a curve-hugging fit, and an asymmetric monochrome feather panel at the front.
Hot!
If you’re up for the splurge, get Salma’s frock here.
Thoughts?
