Happy Halloween

Although my style is a bit bold at times, I’ve never been courageous enough to try bold lipstick colors.  But something about this particular fall is causing me to reach outside of my normal comfort zone.  Check out the 3 lipstick shades and tell me what you think.

This lipstick is by Wet n Wild, color number 522A.  I really like this color because of its bright undertone but it still compliments my brown skin.

This lipstick is also by Wet n Wild, color number 552A.  Now this is a true red.  I’ve always loved seeing other women (my mum being one of them), wear red lipstick but never thought I could pull it off but to my surprise I’m really feelin’ this color on me – not to toot my own horn or anything.  Please ignore the awful feathering on my bottom lip, the cold weather’s getting to em.

Now this color is actually one of my mums.  The brand is called Poiners Moisterizing Lipstick in icy hot.

You can’t really tell in this picture, but this lipstick has a metallic gold shimmer to it that I loved, and it’s super soft.

And lastly, in honor of Halloween I tried this shimmery tangerine colored nail polish by Sinful Colors.

If you have any questions about the lip and nail colors, feel free to let me know by commenting below or through email.  Happy Hallows Eve.

What I’m currently Obsessing Over

I apologize for the delay in posts everyone.  But don’t worry I’m back with some good stuff – my fall lust list.  

Chunky Heels    Photo: blackfashion.tumblr.com

Animal print and lengthened skirts   Photos: style.com 

Sheer/flowing skirts/dresses and booties w/buckle detail    Photo: waynetippetts.com

Statement furs    Photo: bvonstyle.com

 Structured pants    Photos: blackfashion.tumblr.com 

 

Wide leg pants    Photos: bvonstyle.com

 Chunky jewelry    Photo: blackfashion.tumblr.com

These are some of the pieces that I am on the look out for this fall/winter.  Of course I’m on the hunt to find these looks for considerably reasonable prices in an effort to refresh my wardrobe.  What fall pieces are you currently lusting over?

Kanye West's "Runaway"

On a non-fashion note but very stylistic music tip I’d liked to bring attention to Mr. Kanye West’s new mini movie titled “Runaway”.  Throughout the movie plays various unreleased Kanye West songs; there is very little dialogue between the 2 main characters but instead the movie is extremely visual.  The movie irked me in a way that kept me captivated.  The symbolism throughout the movie is so literal that I kept rewinding over pieces to re-digest what I had just seen.  While I was watching I could only think that Kanye or Mr. West decided to share a very short piece of the world that he lives and breaths in everyday, with us.  Not the world we operate in everyday but something completely obscure and jaggedly beautiful but almost intangible to the everyday society.  What I took from it is that once you’re invited into this world and you dine with its elites, converse with its wives, and sleep with its mistress eventually you’ll want to runaway as well, or I don’t know, a select few will want to while others will enjoy themselves and want to stay…I’m just sharing what I took from it.  All I can say is thank you Mr. West for sharing, I enjoyed the tour.  Watch below and post a comment about what you thought. 

Diving Into Fall

 

It’s that time of year again: when the air becomes crisp, the leaves begin to fade, and the Washington Evergreen looks piercingly greener – it’s fall everybody and I ain’t mad at it. 

Fall is my favorite season for fashion because it utilizes timeless pieces such as over-sized knits, crochets, tailored coats and trenches, boots, and various hats.  The current fall/winter trend that I absolutely love is the long, structured skirt.  It is a classic look that’s making its appearance once again in the fashion circle of life.  These lengthened skirts called midi, lean any figure and give off the appearance of an effortless chic.  The midi that I’m pictured in is not exactly structured, (it’s actually quite the opposite and considerably unstructured) but the jersey knit material still molds to my curves just enough to show the frame of my lower half.  The jersey knit is a very light weight material so that it moves when you move –accentuating just enough to show off your figure for about a split second or until you make your next move.

      

                       

 Coat: Alloy, Knit Sweater: Redlight consignment store, Belt: random, Skirt: Express, Shoes: Alice & Olivia for Payless

This look is chic and was completely effortless and inexpensive.  Each piece – minus the shoes – was under $30.

A valuable shopping tip to know: just like every other retailer and designer the shops that you might peg as expensive have insanely reasonable sales.  The next time you’re in Seattle or a ritzier mall or even when shopping online, go into the store and check out their sales.  You never know what you may find for $19.99 or $9.99.  This goes for online shopping as well.

Me Likey

 I am currently going stir crazy over these wedged biker buckle booties from Aldo.  I've been in pursuit for this style of boot and am currently frothing at the mouth at how insanely perfect this pair is.  They're currently priced at $200, but I gotta search my hidden 'spots' for the look for less.  Operation bargain hunting for wedged black booties begins now.

If you have any suggestions as to where I can find this look for less feel free to let me know, just leave a comment in the box below or email me. 

Beats For Boobs

The first annual Beats for Boobs Breast Cancer Emergency Fundraiser (BCEF) premiered in Seattle on October 14^th at the Little Red Studio.  The event originated in San Francisco but thanks to event director Ashley Hamilton and her phenomenal team, the event has graced the Emerald City and we ain’t mad at it!  The night was more than eventful with assorted entertainment from Aerial Bandits a group of independent aerialists from the Seattle area, belly dancing performance by Troupe Hipnotica, a fully stocked bar, hors doeuvres, and of course a fashion show featuring local Seattle designers.  Emcee Anna Banana of Pretty Parlor kept the crowd energized with her charismatic personality, while the She-Jays DJ Eva, Kristina Childs, Darnell Sue, and Brianna Carmada, kept our feet moving and our fists pumping (well not exactly, but something was pumping) with techno beats remixed with touches of classic 60s and 70s songs.  The crowd wined, dined, and danced all in the name of breast cancer research, and raised a whapping $11,500 while doing so. 

The fashion show included local designers Jamie Von Stratton, Rene Ropas, Chrissy Wai Ching, Lina Zeineddine, and Christine Chaney

Below are designs from local designer Jamie Von Stratton.  Ms. J Von Stratton specializes in custom costume designs and bridal wear.  Her designs are very eclectic, as you can see below, and vary in assortment, designs, and fit.

Ms Jamie Von Stratton in an aqua marine mermaid inspired halter mini dress with matching aqua marine hair

 Work!

 

I think I found my Halloween costume, (pictured above) although I don’t know what I’m going to be, I do know I can rock the hell out of gold lame!

Below are designs from designer Rene Ropas.  All of her pieces are made out of 100% recycled material.  Her pieces are sleek, feminine, and fun. 

 

Sorry about the fuzzy pic

Ms. Rene Ropas in denim dress and striped tee with her models, love that verte colored head scarf

One of my favorite local designers of the night was Chrissy Wai Ching posted below.  Her specialty are gowns – very piercing statement pieces that read one thing, I have arrived!  Her pieces have a tribal undertone to them, most likely originating from the designers Puerto Rican and Asian background.

Designer Chrissy Wai Ching wearing one of her designs

Designs by Chrissy Wai Ching

  

Local designer Lina Zeineddine was also featured at the event.  Her looks had tasteful sex appeal, and utilized classic feminine looks such as the cocktail dress, sweetheart necklines, pencil skirts, and halter tops.  Her designs also included intricate detailing such as hand beading and stitching. 

Designs by Lina Zeineddine

Last but certainly not least is designer Christine Chaney.  Ms. Chaney reconstructed silk scarves and turned them into amazing blouses, she also had amazing crochet pieces.  This designer was particularly unique seeing as she used breast cancer survivors as her models, and titled her line warrior women in honor of the women which is a more than appropriate title for breast cancer survivors.

The models held bow n arrows to go with the warrior women theme

 Warrior women model in Christine Chaney crocheted original

I adored her shoes, had to get a close up

Warrior women in Christine Chaney designs

Designer Christine Chaney on the left wearing one of her scarf designs

After the fashion show the real get down began!

Me dancing with one of the featured belly dancers, get it                          

 Me dancing with one of the guests at the event

My older sister/date working it

The Beats for Boobs production team, congratulations ladies you put together a fabulous event – I’ll be back next year. 

Make sure you all support this amazing organization, Beats for Boobs.  Check them out on their website beats4boobs.org to receive more information about the organization and their impact on breast cancer fund raising.  I hope to see you all at the next event!

"Boys Love BJ"

Designer Betsey Johnson made a much anticipated visit to the Emerald City on October 14th to visit with fans and raise money for breast cancer awareness.  The Betsey Johnson store, located in downtown Seattle, was brimming with devoted fashionistas, pastel colored cupcakes supplied by Trophy cupcakes, giggles, glam and anything and everything leopard print. 

Yummy desserts provided by Trophy Cupcakes

Betsey J did a short Q&A for her eager fans where my hand was constantly up in the air.  It was as if it was remote control activated to shoot up every time she spoke.  Luckily she hid any sign of annoyance and patiently answered each of my questions which covered topics about her new spring line, when the fitted fuchsia striped dress she wore would be available, how she got into the industry, what her motivations are and so on – eventually I had to slap my hand across my fervent mouth to keep it from moving.

 

Betsey Johnson’s designs are just as eccentric as she is.  Her pieces are ultra feminine, with whimsical party dresses, crystal incrusted pumps, leopard print everything, and eye catching jewelry good enough to eat.  Her specialty are her dresses which have a very girly essence but with a sexy, glam edge. 

Loved this dress I tried on at the Betsey Johnson store; the floral print and lace accent on the chest add a perfect punch of feminism, while the boning along the sides of my torso molded with my curves. The dress fit like a glove but I purposelessly left my pocketbook in the trunk of my car – parked 4 blocks away.  Ignore the brown boots, they were from my original outfit.

Betsey Johnson is a true optimist, it radiates off of her skin and infects an entire room – I was basking in it.  She is a breast cancer survivor herself and opted to share her experience with her fans at the store; I wasn't expecting her to discuss that with everyone but I was glad she did because it was extremely empowering.  Make sure you check out the Betsey Johnson store located on 5th avenue.

The lovely Betsey Johnson  and I at her store in downtown Seattle.

What the hell is Bora Bora Style?

First and foremost, Bora Bora is one of the Tahitian islands along the South Pacific.   It is the ultimate paradise destination and my blog its evil step twin in that it is the ultimate destination for art junkies and style neurotics alike, documenting the fashion of art through life with a sustainable focus.  Also the initials for Bora Bora so happen to fit with my childhood nickname BB.

And there you have it folks.  Welcome