Throwback Thursdays #TBT: The Style Influence of Salt n’ Pepa

As we watched the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors a few days ago, it was evident now as it was back then that Salt-N-Pepa are fierce, fabulous, and fashionable. salt n pepa VH1+Hip+Hop+Honors+Hail+Queens+Arrivals+QxcHmtKsscFxAt a time when the revolution of hip-hop was dominated by males, Salt ‘n’ Pepa rocked on the scene with a cool, sexy and direct approach to hip-hop. 02-salt-n-pepa1Not only were these women carefree black girls (way before it became a term or hashtag), but they sought to be unapologetically them from their lyrics, to their cultural expression.salt-n-pepa-image

In a 1995 interview with Interview Magazine, Salt said “we’re so daring and we don’t follow anybody’s agenda. We have our own agenda. That’s part of the reason we’ve been so successful.” The ostentatious, bold, and downright fresh style of these three ladies is just as prominent now with the resurgence of the 90s trend as it was back in the days of their music videos and media coverage.

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Back in April, the ladies kicked off the 29-city I Love the ’90s tour, which included fellow rappers from the era like Coolio, Vanilla Ice, Biz Markie, and Kid ’n Play. Their influential outerwear of the 80s and 90s became not only precursors to today’s fashion, but also influential trademarks of the culture and essence of hip-hop as it was just forming.00-salt-n-pepa

We saw the coveted 80s trend manifested through distressed, ripped denim jeans and patched jackets for the video “Shake Your Thang,” the leather looks with the metal Venus emblem adornments in “Expression,” and plenty of the group’s T-shirt designs paired with their dance moves in hits like “Push It”.  salt-n-pepa-image-7salt-n-pepa-image-6

As we continue to see movements such as female empowerment, #MyBlackisBeautiful notions and a return to the 90s aesthetic in fashion brands and houses, we are forever reminded that these ladies set the bar way ahead of their time!salt-n-pepa-image-5salt-n-pepa-image-4

What influence did Salt n’ Pepa’s style have on you and your fashion sense? What’s your favorite song of theirs?salt-n-pepa-image-2

My favorite song, which still gets blasted quite often, is “Push It”, so check out their funky dance moves (and their true fashion sense) below:

Hot! Or Hmm: Kim Kardashian’s Malibu Roberto Cavalli Spring 2016 Acid Wash Denim Jacket, Denim Skirt, and Nude Heels

Kim Kardashian was spotted out in Malibu grabbing lunch with Jonathen Cheban while decked out in a Roberto Cavalli Spring 2016 acid-wash denim jacket and skirt:Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Spring-2016-Acid-Wash-Denim-1

The jacket, which was originally seen down the runway,  features an acid-wash look, with double tie strings that go along both sides. Her skirt, which was not spotted on the runway, features the same lace-up detailing on the back.Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Double-DenimI have to admit, I’m always a fan when Kim steps out of bodycon mode. This look is pretty cool to me, plus who doesn’t love the denim on denim look? What do you think?Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Spring-2016-Acid-Wash-Denim-6Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Spring-2016-Acid-Wash-Denim-3Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Spring-2016-Acid-Wash-Denim-4Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Spring-2016-Acid-Wash-Denim-2Kim-Kardashian-Roberto-Cavalli-Spring-2016-Acid-Wash-Denim-5

Hot! Or Hmm: Kim Kardashian’s Malibu Roberto Cavalli Spring 2016 Acid Wash Denim Jacket, Denim Skirt, and Nude Heels

 
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Splurge: Nina Garcia’s Project Runway Season 15 Cake-Cutting Celebration Saloni Ruth Off the Shoulder Polka Dot Dress

Nina Garcia partied at the Project Runway Season 15 Cake-Cutting Celebration in a $412 Saloni Ruth Off the Shoulder Polka Dot Dress:

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Her black neoprene dress features an allover white polka dot print, off-the-shoulder silhouette, sweetheart neckline, internally boned forset, adjustable self-fastening arm straps, and twisted draped top front detailing.

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She has great style! Heidi’s Roland Mouret number was also pretty stunning.

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If you’re up for the splurge, there’s one more size of Nina’s frock here.

What do you think?

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Hot or Hmm…: Rita Ora’s NYC ADEAM Spring 2016 Denim Ruffle Top and Matching Wide Leg Pants

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Rita Ora hit the streets of New York City wearing an ADEAM Spring 2016 Denim Ruffle Top and Matching Wide Leg Pants:

The denim off the shoulder crop top features white ruffle detailing as the sleeves.  Matching mid-waist, wide leg pants are paired with the top.

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Rita traded in her signature red lips for a nude hue.

I’m on the fence with this look.  Looks great on the runway model, not so much on Rita.  I say Hmm…

What do you think?  Are you feelin’ Rita’s ensemble?

Hot or Hmm…: Rita Ora’s NYC ADEAM Spring 2016 Denim Ruffle Top and Matching Wide Leg Pants

 
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Splurge: Amber Rose’s Conan Dolce and Gabbana Stretch Cotton Fitted Tulle Dress

Amber Rose paid a visit to Conan to promote her new show, The Amber Rose Show wearing a $3,495 Dolce and Gabbana Stretch Cotton Fitted Tulle Dress:

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The mid-length, blue stretch silk-cotton blend fitted tulle dress features a square neck, three-quarter length sleeves, a fitted silhouette, a ruched design and an invisible back zip fastening.

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Very different look for Amber.  The color is soft and refreshing.  I love it!

You can purchase her dress here for $3,495.

What do you think? Would you splurge?

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Who wore it Better? Marjorie Harvey vs Rihanna in Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2016 Printed Silk Twill Gown

Marjorie Harvey celebrated a friends birthday in Capri, Italy wearing the same Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2016 Printed Silk Twill Gown as Rihanna did a few weeks back during a stroll in Soho, New York:

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Marjorie wore a bold yellow shoulder bag and lard cross earrings with her look.

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While Rihanna dressed her hair with flowers and wore Stella McCartney Brogues on her feet.

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Both ladies threw their hair in a high bun and donned a relaxed look.

Marjorie won this one for me.  I’m not a fan of Rih’s footwear.

What do you think? Who wore it better?

 

Who wore it Better? Marjorie Harvey vs Rihanna in Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2016 Printed Silk Twill Gown

 
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Show Review: John Elliott Spring 2017 Menswear

Water was John Elliott’s inspiration for his Spring 2017 collection: its impressions, waves and fluctuations, hues and shades. Looks were anchored with Nike kicks, low-top sneakers, and slides for the athleisure-centric take on luxury that we’ve been getting used to in fashion for a few seasons now.

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Elliott thinks of his designs as luxury, but they come in at price points that are actually affordable and in silhouettes that are wearable in real-life. Utility and purpose are at the foundation of his brand. Case in point: the slew of bombers, hoodies, knits, and trousers.

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Glossy button-front shirts and jackets were the most polished pieces in the offerings, though everything had an air of precision and restraint.

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Jellyfish, wave, and geometric prints in whites and blues felt very oceanic and spirited.

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Outerwear spoke to the season’s real needs: when the transition between Winter and warmer temperatures throws everyone’s wardrobes into chaos. Shorts then spoke to Spring’s latter half.

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And though Elliott’s palette definitely experimented with buoyant greens, blues and the occasional pink, he grounded most of the assortment in his signature grays and blacks.

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Overall, the collection had a very quiet and subtle strength and power. Men will definitely have fun in these designs, though there’s no denying that women will also be picking up a jacket or t-shirt for the season as well.

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Are you feeling John Elliott’s Spring collection?

Images: Vogue.com

Splurge: Heidi Klum’s New York City Beau Souci Dotty Eyelet White Top and Amo Keepsake Babe Jeans

Heidi Klum left her NYC hotel in a $126 Beau Souci Dotty Eyelet White Top and $328 Amo Keepsake Babe Jeans:

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Her white and gold-tone t-shirt boasts allover eyelet detailing.

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Her jeans feature front whiskering along the pockets, destroyed detailing, and raw cut frayed hems.

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Cute!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get Heidi’s tee here and denim here.

What do you think?

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Steal: Draya Michele’s Los Angeles House of CB Luca Khaki Seamless Knit Stretch Bodysuit and Martella Khaki Canvas Peplum Skirt

Draya Michele was spotted out and about in LA in a $73 House of CB Luca Khaki Seamless Knit Stretch Bodysuit and $99 Martella Khaki Canvas Peplum Skirt:

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Her smooth seamless knit bodysuit boasts a sleeveless leotard design, classic low back, and thong cut.

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Her stretch canvas skirt features a pencil cut, peplum waist, and tie string detailing.

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Hot!

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Get Draya’s bodysuit and skirt for a steal here and here.

Would you wear it?

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Hot or Hmm…: Blake Lively’s NYC Valentino Fall 2016 Printed Dress

Blake Lively makes pregnancy look like a walk in the park!  On day two of her press tour for her upcoming film Cafe Society, the actress was spotted leaving her hotel in a Valentino Fall 2016 RTW Printed Dress:

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The printed spaghetti strap dress features an empire waistline with sheer detailing on the bottom.

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She paired her dress with Christian Louboutin studded T-strap pumps and a shoulder strap purse also by the brand.

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Love her easy, breezy look!  Comfortable and chic.  Hot!

What do you think?  Are you loving her look?

 

 

Hot or Hmm…: Blake Lively’s NYC Valentino Fall 2016 Printed Dress

 
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