Muse Monday {IStyleLikeMe}

This Monday's Muse is so near and dear to my heart (violins please).

Kee from iStyleLikeMe and I have been friends for a while. I first met Kee back at a college fashion show where I was one of the event photographers.

But her and I are not the kind of friends that call or chat every day. But the kind of friends that respect each others hustle, and encourage one another along the way. I value her opinion and I would like think that she values mine. We have blogversations at least 2 times a month, and with each one our blogs grow and blossom.

It's awesome to have someone like Kee. She has great style (as her blog shows) and she's game to help you push to the front of the "standing only" line just so you both can get a good seat at the L.A.M.B show, LOL. I could go ON AND ON about Kee but I will let you make up your own mind as to how amazing she really is.

Learn more about iStyleLikeMe.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS / Friend Friday {VIDEO}

Wishing all of my readers (yes you!) a Happy and Safe Holidays!

This Friend Friday I decided to do a VLOG for you guys. The first of many to come.This was my first ever so leave me comments on how to improve BUT be nice please, I will delete meanies!

 

*The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group. (thanks GritandGlamour for the "exact" wording)

10 Of The Biggest Fashion Moments of 2010

What We Talked About!

It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday, LOL. In just a few days we will say “So Long” to 2010 and “Hey There” to 2011. This year, like years before, left us a few fashion memories to cry, chuckle, and be grossed out about.

 

 

The Airbrush Syndrome

Photoshop can often times be the death of fashion. Placing heads on another body, creating a new un-lifelike hip, or even transforming a 50 something year old fashionista into a 30 year old fashion goddess. 3 scandals that made the blogosphere haute this year:

• The Curious Case of Demi Moore’s Left Hip (or lack thereof)
• Madonna's Faux Louis Ad >>
• Did Kimora swap bodies >>

 

 

 

The Evolution of BryanBoy.com

Just how famous can a blogger get? Recently the uber fab blogger, Bryan Boy, admitted that he makes around $100k a year.

Anyone who is surprised at this figure has not been following his journey. From having a Marc Jacobs bag named after him, to his appearances and front row sightings, to tweeting about an item and it mysteriously ends up in his closet, those figures just might add up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OM-Obama: The “What Michelle Wears Obsession”

IDK what the obsession is but from the moment we knew she was our first lady we began following her every wardrobe change. It all started with her ensemble from Isabel Toledo and one year later we’ve crowned her the Jackie O of our time.

 

 

 

An Iced Out Production – Chanel Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Oh how does one reinvent the wheel? Karl Lagerfield decided to add a bit of ice to it. After your fourth fashion show of the day it can get a bit drab. All the models look alike, the makeup trends are boring, and hey … you’re worried about getting all your writing deadlines completed. But what fashionista or writer wasn't in awe at the Chanel Fall/Winter 2010 Collection to see those iceberg backdrops that Karl had imported all the way from Norway.

Fashion's Night Out (or IN)

During a time that our generation might have called the “Great Depression”, Anna Wintour decides to change the economic tone.

What better way to revive fashion then to have a night full of shopping. Trick us all into spending money we don’t have by promising us celebrity appearances, and one day only sales.

 

 

Alexander McQueen’s Death and Rebirth

I was at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week when I awoke to the news. Alexander McQueen dies at 40. Moments later, Alexander McQueen committed suicide. My heart dropped. I’ve been a McQueen fan for some time. It's truly hard to imagine how fashion will live without him. And in the door walks Sarah Burton to sooth our souls of this lost.

 

 

Naomi's Fashion For Relief

In February 2010 for the first time ever in fashion week history you, yes you, could buy a ticket to NYFW show. And as an added bonus the proceeds aided the individuals of Haiti. All thanks to Naomi.

I was there that day and this vibe could not be recreated. Although Anna Wintour tried once more in September 2010 with an outdoor show full of 100 or so models styled by Vogue's Tabitha Simmons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Newest Young Style Icon - Willow Smith

I am still confused as to how this 10 year old became so cute, so popular, so fast. Oh wait - she's the product of 2 gorge hollywood stars, Jada and Will. She's got her mom's style and her dad's ears and the stuff in between them too. From Milan Fashion Week, to having her own hit song, to touring with Justin - how can you NOT love little Will Smith, I mean Willow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lady Gaga & her Meat (dress)

We got a glimpse of her meat (dress) gracing the cover of Vogue but who thought she was going to actually wear that mess outside the studio.

No words to describe how grossed out I am!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lanvin for H&M {Arguably the best fashion collabo ever!}

Ahhh, when luxury meets affordability! Some genius decided to let us regular folks in on the lux-apparel by doing great collabos with retailers like H&M, Target, and GAP. But of all the lux-aff (new word) creations, Lanvin for H&M was by far the most talked about. Every blog there is and was tweeted it or blogged it. It was only right. First the buzz came, then the videos, then sneak peak pictures, and more pictures, followed by the actual look book, and then an exclusive fashion show and a huge store grand opening in New York. Which might I point out drew a line down the street and around the corner.

I welcome 2011 with open arms, and I am ready to create a few fashion memories of my own! What memories do you plan to create in the new year.

S.W.A.G.G Academy, Winterized!

Over the summer I was so honored to be a guest speaker for a group of young females at the S.W.A.G.G Academy, the brain child of my bloggeristas Sheri and Kee.

S.W.A.G.G represents what every girl needs and wants to know. For four days the ladies will come together, chat about their recent experiences, and maybe even meet some new S.W.A.G.G members.

So if you know any young ladies who might be interested be sure and share the below information with them.

Muse Monday {FashionWasHere}

Somehow with Christmas near I completely forgot that yesterday was Monday. But who I am to deprive you of my muses! So just one day late (or maybe two) here's my Muse Monday!

I met Taliah perhaps a month or so ago via twitter. I think I need to buy some stock, LOL. I am still wondering how we missed each other. We clearly share the same friends, party at the same places, and more importantly we both heart sushi!

Taliah's blog is so amazing to me. She's one of those bloggers that finds the time to explore the world outside and take those fun quirky pics. Taliah is definitely one of those style bloggers that you want to shoot because they look good in everything! #URGH. But beyond of all that, I talk to Taliah now almost every day. IDK what I would do without my blog besties.

Learn more about Fashion Was Here.

35x35 {Things To Do Before I am 35}

With my recent birthday I turned 34. I look back and think where did the time go? How come I haven't gotten anything done? My life goals are constantly changing. I've never really written anything down. I just make a mental note and cross them off as I go along. Of course nothing really gets finished because I am not holding myself responsible for them. I decided to keep an ongoing blog diary of 35 things I want to accomplish by 35 (in no order). Each time I accomplish one of these goals I will create a new blog post and how I did it. So here's my list.

1. Take a vacation outside of the US.
2. Lose 45 pounds.
3. Have a permanent resident in NYC. (right now I am there but not really there?!)
4. Save and keep $1,000 in my bank account.
5. Attend a basketball game.
6. Buy an iPad.
7. Meet a celebrity and have lunch/dinner with them.
8. Get a full time writing gig.
9. Run 3 miles.
10. Visit 35 historical places that I have never been before.
11. Learn another language (or at least start).
12. Watch a play on Broadway.
13. Build a family tree and learn more about my background.
14. Attend a fashion week outside of the US.
15. Sponsor a trip to NYFW for a high school student.
16. Completely rid my diet of red meat.
17. Attend a concert.
18. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
19. Read a book by a Nobel prize winner for literature.
20. Create a website featuring my writings and artwork.
21. Pay off 3 bills from my credit report.
22. Host a bloggers event.
23. Take photographs and hang on my walls.
24. Take a picture with President Obama.
25. Purge my closet.
26. Learn salsa and dance the night away with my friends.
27. Learn to swim (don't judge me!).
28. Ride my bike for 3 miles.
29. Watch a ballet.
30. Go on a cruise.
31. Learn how to bartend.
32. Invest my money.
33. Ride a horse.
34. Get a tattoo (to cover this one I have now = yuck!).
35. Treat my parents to a fancy dinner.

 

Well there you have it. Over the course of 2011 I will attempt to complete my 35x35. Wish me luck.

Give Back with The Baltimore Entertainment Association: SPECIAL DELIVERY

The Biggest Holiday Happy Hour & Dance Fest to benefit 500+ Baltimore Families.

(The Carpenter House and AFRO Charities, Inc.)

TOMORROW
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

5p-9p at Bourbon Street - 316 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202

FOOD featuring A Taste of Baltimore, Premium Cash Bar.

The BEST Dance Party in Town with Your Favorite DJs.

Show your love, party with us, our city needs you.

FREE ADMISSION with Donation of Toy, Clothing, Non-Perishable Food Item or $10 Monetary Donation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOSTED BY :
Adorable Me, AllforOne Ent,  Alllways Luv, Bad Boyz,  Baltimore Afro Charities,  Baltimore Arts & Culture Consortium,  Big Sam,  Big L, Bilal Ali, Black Butter Fly Ent, BlackList Live, Bossman, Brother Walt,  Caprisa Hooper-Bthesite Magazine, Carpenter's House,  Cashland Apparel, Charisma, City of Gods, Corey Presents, Daniel Parsons, D.Chase, DDL,  DennisB HotEvents, De Juan D Hov Events Team,  Distinguished Gentlemen, Divas Divas Everywhere,  DJ B Eazy, DJ Dynasty, DJ Infame, DJ Lil Mic,  DJ P Drama, DJ Quicksilva, DJ Reddz, DJ Tanz & Friends,  DMD Experience,  DMVJams, Echelon Group,  Eden’s Lounge, E-Media, EO Ent, Erica Kane, Events4GoodPeople E4GP.com, The Feedy Factor, First Man Ent, Franchise Jay Claxton,  Game Over Ent,  Gary Gray Ent, George Ray, Heid-n-Seek, Hey Bella, Hiram Grand, Hypnotik Ent, Iconography Magazine, Ikon Ent, Innovative Designs, James the Great,  Jazzzy Presents,  JDub Ent,  Keep it Coming, Kian & Floyd, KIS Agency, Kool Guys, Konan, KP&SKI, La! dy Day Productions, Mark Baltimore Media-MB4Life, Media Minds, Mike BarnesZ,  MX Nightlife Agency, Mr. Incredible,  Mr. Inkwell ,  Moody Creations,  Next Level Ent., Nichelle Bmore Princess, Nitelife Ent,  Oval Associates, Overachieverz, Paul W. Gardner Law Group,  Pay Like  We  Weigh,  Porkchop, Prince Charles,  Rod Braxton, Samos Clothing,  School Yard Ent, S Class Group of Wash, DC,  S.Dot,  Shawney Baby,  Silva Lining Foundation, So Sexy Ent, Stan Ski & The Love That Entertainment Group, Star Status, Stevie Love, Swagg Skool,  Swagger Cartel, Taskforce Marketing & Media,  TFM Outloud,  TFP Ent, The Flywire,  The Minion Group, Three Worlds Ent, Unruly Records/Ent, U-Turn Marketing, Velvet Rope, Verzes , Visionary Marketing Group, Inc., We O.N. Entertainment and White Lights Media.

(It's hosted by pretty much everyone so it's only right that you are there to!! Remember Caring is Sharing!!)

Five W's with EmoreJ Couture

 

 

 

 

I stumbled upon the most decorated fashionisto of DC, Emore'J Couture, years ago via Myspace. I produced a fashion show (Rock Paper Scissors) and we needed a designer with a lot of edge but had the talent to back it up. I am extremely thankful for what has grown into a great respect and what we call a "fashion friendship".

His YouTube channel keeps me in tears with each new video. So it's natural that I share my fashion friend with you!

 

(EmoreJ Couture pictured on the left with a model)

HEYBELLA: Who is Emore'J?

EC: Emore'J Couture is a rising "Fashion Specialist" that is creative, artistic, theatrical and vocal about his passion for the fashion industry. I specialize in fashion show production, modeling etiquette, AVANT GARDE Collections, public speaking and event hosting.

HEYBELLA: What would you want everyone to remember about you when you're gone or so happen to "throw in the towel"?

EC: Well I don't think I will ever leave my work and art pieces will dwell in the homes of many! Art is life and never dies. But if you have to be realistic I just want people to say, "But Still Emore'J Would Have Done It Better".

HEYBELLA: Where will Emore'J be in 5 years?

EC: Emore'J Couture will be traveling from east to west coast and frequent over seas, producing events, showcasing more couture artworks and even bringing out new designers like himself to the forefront for the public to view. Emore'J Couture will be the man to see if its fashion!

HEYBELLA: When is your next Fashion Show?

EC: My next very own show.. Hmmmm I can't say. I wont do another show until I have a full running non profit organization and I have grants and sponsors to pay for the visions I want to manifest to earth.

HEYBELLA: Why did you start your YouTube channel?

EC: Simple. My life is a drama series.. The best drama you can get. I'm more vocal than most designers. I have too much personality to just be a model. I wanted people to hear and see my journey. Look how im growing!

HEYBELLA: How would you describe your design style?

EC: I would describe my style as "MY OWN!"... Enough said.

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Get to know Emore'J a little better >> http://www.youtube.com/dcutowner

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Muse Monday {PaperPackagesTiedUpWithString}

The best part of my blog journey is meeting other bloggers. I love it. My blogger friends are amazing folks with pretty cool blogs.

A lot of my inspiration to write comes from other bloggers. Muse Monday will feature a blogger who I am either friends with or I know would could be besties if and when we meet.

First up is Therese from Paper Packages Tied Up With String.

 

Therese and I actually met via twitter, go figure huh! Her name is really pronounced Theresa - her mom and my mom are sisters .. they love vowels (insider). She began following me on twitter months ago. I always respond to folks that tweet me so I tweeted back and we've been blog besties ever since.

Therese was my "silent" campaign manager for the two blog competitions I entered. We chatted on twitter for a few before we sat down for our favorite meal - Sushi. I have to tell you, it was one of those conversations that you have with a friend that lives across the coast and you spend hours catching up. You would have never guessed it was our first sushi date.

Therese loves fashion and blogs about it just as much as I do. I am inspired by her blog because she always writes posts on classic garments and how to incorporate them in your own style. She's my "corporate bloggerista".

 

Click here and get to know Therese from Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings.

 

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WATCH: Gilt.com Unracked with DVF

One of my fav online pleasures is Gilt.com. If you are unfamiliar with the brand we can't be friends. Well maybe we can, you just have to click here first!

Gilt Groupe is launching a new web series,“Unracked with Gilt Groupe”, hosted by Stefani Greenfield. This innovative series of interviews will feature fashion and lifestyle icons and reveal a few industry secrets. I was sent the first video series on Thursday but I was unable to share it with you until today...

Check out the first vid with fashion icon, Diane von Furstenberg.

 

 

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I AM STILL FULL TIME FAB - just not a Finalist :(

I was totally bummed when I saw that one of my "ex-followers" from twitter @jinnaboo had great news to share with her tweethearts in 8 days. I thought to myself they didn't call her. She's lying! Then common sense took over me and I realized they did call her. She had to wait until after the Thanksgiving holiday to share her good news and my bad news.

Fast forward life to today. A week or two into the blog off, and I am totally over the fact that I didn't become a finalist. I am still FULL TIME FAB. You know the saying, "Everything happens for a reason".

I decided to check out who the judges were (although the blogosphere leaked Wendy Lam and Bryan Boy), and what bloggers actually took my spot.

 

I must say, it must have been hard for the judges. The 9 they selected (1 voted by the public) are pretty talented bloggers ...and really cute! My favs are Kristy and Mattie.

I love Kristy's writing style and she has a great eye. She would make an awesome professional photographer. You can really feel how excited she is to be a part of the competition.

Mattie is a super gorgeous woman. She totally embodies the term "black girls rock". Her audition video was pretty good and her announcement video was even cuter!

So as I move "on to the next", whatever that might be, I send a huge congrats to all of the contestants. Good luck bloggeristas!

Check them out and let me know who your fav is?

Friend Friday - How Connected Are You?

If you have stumbled upon my blog by accident - lucky you! LOL.

Each Friday I participate in a blog group where we answer questions on a topic related to blogging. Kudos again to Katy from ModlyChic for being an awesome moderator.

This week we are discussing how connected with are with YOU .. the reader, and what we can do to improve.

 

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success
of your blog? Just as the image above implies, if no one is reading your blog it doesn't matter. You might as well just stand in front of your bathroom mirror and ramble to yourself all day. Successful blogs are the blogs people go back to and read faithfully.

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader
bond? I am new to blogging so I am still finding my way and trying to gain more readership. But I plan to do more giveaways and surveys to connect with my readers.

3. What is one way you could improve this connection? I find that when I post something giving my honest opinion people comment more and really feel more connected to me and my blog. In 2011 I will try to blog more about the things that I like. I am my niche!

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-
reader bond? Why? Someone once told me that personal blogs are the hardest to brand because they have no "niche". But I find that many of my favorite bloggers (BryanBoy, LoveBrownSugar, CurvesAndChaos) are folks who blog about their random finds, and their journey in fashion. I believe when you are honest, and more importantly vulnerable to your reader, a bond is created. Now your reader can relate to you. They saw that same skirt or blouse in Bloomies and couldn't afford it either!

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to
your site in the first place? Again in all of my newness I haven't figured it out yet. For now I use twitter heavily. I started using hashtags, like #fashion or #fashionblogging, to draw new readers in.

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*The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group. (thanks GritandGlamour for the "exact" wording)

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Five W's with Victoria Stiles

In journalism, the five W's (who, what, where, when, why, and how) is a concept used in gathering research information. It's considered a way to get the full story about the subject. Hey Bella's Five W's will highlight some of my friends in fashion, fab bloggers, newbies to modeling, and my favorite creative folks.

 

Meet makeup artist, Victoria Stiles.

She's the Editor-in-Chief and Creator of Makeup Artist Backstage, and a professional makeup artist for print, television, celebrities and events.  Since 1999, Victoria has worked as a makeup artist in fashion and beauty and has collaborated with the industry’s leading creatives. I can't even remember where I met her. I think twitter (winks).

I am truly a fan of her work as a makeup artist and I admire her outlook on the business. She's worked with clients some can only dream of including Condé Nast, Niche Media, Modern Luxury, Surface, Twill, Kurv, People, Washingtonian, and Virginia Living. Celebrity clientele includes Verve Music Group’s Melody Gardot, Roberta Flack, Sherri Shepherd, Gary Sinise, Olivia Thirlby, Jordin Sparks, and Emmitt Smith.

(ON THE LEFT, VICTORIA PICTURED WITH MODEL - IMAGE COURTESY VICTORIA STILES)

HEYBELLA - Who was your favorite face "to beat"?

VS - This is hard to answer because I have so many favorites! My favorite celebrity to work with was Swedish pop singer, Robyn. My favorite model to work with was Tassara from Trump.

HEYBELLA - What's always in your kit?

VS - Skin care essentials including Embryolisse 24 hour miracle cream, Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, Natural Born Cosmetics Ultra Gentle Eye Cream, Episilk Lip Balm, and Youngblood Cosmetics Mineral Mist

HEYBELLA - Where will Victoria Stiles be in 5 years?

VS - Now I can't let all of my secrets out, now can I? Let's just say I have some major milestones in mind. You'll have to wait and see what I have up my sleeve! ;)

HEYBELLA - When will Victoria Stiles have her own makeup line?

VS - Having my own makeup line never interested me. If anything, I would like to partner with an established line to develop "missing link" products or enhance their current line and maybe add in some social media marketing into the mix, lol! ;) 

HEYBELLA - Why do you think it's important for makeup artists to blog ?

VS - It's important for any entrepreneur to blog. Blogging simply opens communication between you, your current, and future clients. It allows you to share with the world your thoughts and opinions in addition to future plans for your business. The possibilities are endless when it comes to blogging and promoting your business. Best of all, most blogging interfaces are completely free. 

HEYBELLA - How did you get your start in makeup? 

VS - Makeup is truly in my blood. From a very young age, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. It was in high school when a friend's mother took notice of my work and encouraged me to pursue a career. My first job in the industry was an artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. I worked with them for 4 years, until I decided to freelance. Here I am today, painting faces and traveling. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have had and continue to be blessed with!

Check out more of Victoria's work here.

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Crystal Renn goes "Under The Knife" for French Vogue

My heart skipped a beat when I saw these images.

Although we could debate all day everyday about Crystal's weight, and whether she is a plus model or not, you cannot say she's not talented and on the road to greatness.

Her recent shoot with Tom Ford for French Vogue secures her place in fashion as a future supermodel.

Take a look at a few pics from Tom Ford's 8 page spread of Crystal Renn as Jocelyn Wildenstein, the ultimate plastic surgery addict.

 

 

 

Tom Ford really got Crystal into character for this shoot. A cast was fit for her face so that prosthetic cheeks and lips could be added. Wow! The shoot was styled by Carine Roitfeld. Google her name and you will not be disappointed.

About her new fame and how she's enjoying it, Crystal says, “What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to express myself, often doing this by becoming a sort of character on the shoots that I do, and every time I work with Carine I feel the character approach is emphasized. When they were taking the cast of my face, fitting me for prosthetic cheeks and lips, I remember thinking this is why I do my job, for moments like this. After the shoot I took that very mask and asked Tom to sign it, it sits in my living room as we speak.” (quote from fashionista.com)

In case you are unfamiliar with Jocelyn Wildenstein she is/was an American socialite who has had a horrible experience with plastic surgery. Take a look at her journey in this video below. (beware its kinda creepy):

 

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