Chanel Iman Does Italian Vanity Fair

Supermodel Chanel Iman has a fashion spread in Italian Vanity Fair, much to her surprise. "This feature started of as an interview and a couple [of] pictures!!" she posted on her blog. "We all had so much fun in the studio we couldn’t stop shooting and [it] turn[ed] out to be a complete story!!!" The impromptu spread looks great, check it:

What do you think? See the entire spread here.

Vivid Discussion: How Grown is "Too Grown?"

Rising star, Willow Smith has been catching headlines for her side-shaven hair cut and creative fashion choices since she unveiled the look in December of last year. The "Whip My Hair" singer is talented without a doubt, but she or rather her parents-- superstars Will and Jada Smith have been criticized for allowing their nine-year-old daughter to dress the way she does. Some argue that her threads and haircut are wacky, while others say they are simply "too grown." Jada has said that she wants to give her daughter room to be creative and express herself, but is self-expression worth all of the negative attention? Little Willow went from this:

 

 

 

To this- in a matter of months.

Drastic eh? The new look may be the Smith's effort to make Willow more edgy and 'on trend' for her budding music career, but the majority doesn't seem to be buying it.  Though her current look (the first picture) is not as extreme as the others, the look below provides a happy medium between young rock star and growing adolescent. Do you think Willow's look is too grown? Sound off in the poll on the upper right!

Christian Siriano for Payless

Our favorite Project Runway alum is at it again. Christian Siriano debuted his spring 2011 line for Payless during New York Fashion Week. (I bought a pair last year that I have yet to wear because they are uncomfortable.) The shoes are  more wearable this time, but still a far cry from what you normally find at the affordable shoe chain. I'm especially loving the patent strappy sandals and the geometric heels this time around.

Will you be lining up for a pair?

Style File: June Ambrose

 Celebrity stylist and self-proclaimed "rock mom," June Ambrose has been a fashion icon for years. She's responsible for the signature looks of Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and Diddy, but June's style is not to be looked over. She's not afraid to push boundaries and knows what works for her body. Her knack for perfect tailoring and mixing high and low end are what set her apart. You gotta love a stylist who shops at Target.

She takes us on her daily journey via Twitter (@JuneAmbrose) as she stomps through the streets of New York and keeps us laughing the whole time. What's not to love?

What do you think of June's style?

Vivid Discussion: Black Girls and Butt Inhancements?

Big butts have become widely accepted in the mainstream media in recent years, so  it is no surprise that having bigger assets is popular. Stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian have been praised for their curves and items like the booty pop have been making millions on the market. Big butts have always been popular in my neighborhood, but the girls that didn't have them weren't devastated by the absence of a big booty. Lately it seems black women are dissing what their mama's gave them and seeking ways to enlarge their derierre. Most recently the rapper we love to hate, Nicki Minaj has been accused of having butt injections and the "Bootylicious" singer herself, Beyonce has been accused of wearing butt pads.

 To me, Nicki's butt looks faker than a three dollar bill. Everything about her shape screams unnatural. On the other hand, Beyonce has always had a nice size backside and curves to boot. It wasn't until this picture emerged a few weeks ago that my eyebrow raised:

Bey, what's up with that unsightly bulge in your shorts? Are black women going the extra mile to put a lil' junk in their trunks? Would you rock a butt pad or get injections? Sound off in the poll on the upper right.

Get the Look: Kim Kardashian's Lace-up Leggings

Reality TV starlet, Kim Kardashian was spotted wearing these fabulous Style Stalker "snakebite" leggings while shopping. The eye-catchers retail for $189 and are currently on back order. She paired them with a blazer and a simple tee. Platform pumps finish the look.

Pre-order them here.

LaLa Vasquez Does YRB

Our favorite basketball wife is the face of YRB's fall fashion spread. The bustling business woman wears many hats-mom, producer, and now reality TV star with her new VH1 show "LaLa's Full Court Wedding," but I'm not sure if model is a title she can add to the list. While I love LaLa in her everyday attire, these photos are giving me Modeling 101. Her hair and make up are flawless and the clothes are cute, but I'm not convinced. Check it:

 

Your thoughts?

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Vivid Trend: Aren't Acrylic Nails Over?

So, I was surfing the net, going through my daily blog roll call when I stumbled upon a picture of tennis superstar Serena Williams sitting front row at the Micheal Kors fashion show with editor-in-chief of Vogue, the Anna Wintour. I was thinking Serena looked hot, head to toe until I spied acrylic nails with (gasp!) designs on them!

I had to ask myself, is she really wearing acrylic nails? I thought they went out with crystal tattoos. I quickly realized the nails may have been left-over from her catwalk down LaQuan Smith's Spring/Summer 2011 runway, but thought it would still be fun to do a post. Personally, I haven't worn acrylic since my sophomore year of college and then tried a gel overlay a couple of years ago only to be reminded of why I stopped getting them in the first place. With so many non-damaging options, why put so much stress on your natural nails with all the filing buffing and drilling? May I recommend these looks instead?

                                                               Minx Nails

 

 

Matte Finish

 

                                                             Metallic Flakes

And if you must do an overlay, keep them short and neat. Don't be afraid to try a trend like the ombre effect.

Do you rock acrylic nails? Sound off in poll on the upper right.
Pictures found here.

Love on the Rocks? Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman

I love Rachel Zoe as much as the next girl, but am I the only one who thinks her and Rodger's marriage will end soon? The stylist, known for her 'Zoeisms' and over-the-top persona has dressed many of Hollywood's biggest stars, but seems to have a hard time balancing her burgeoning career and her personal life. On tonight's episode of the Rachel Zoe Project, Zoe's assistant, Brad even spoke up about his boss' neglect for her husband. Here are five reasons I think Rachel and Rodger's marriage will soon spiral out of control.

1. Rachel's shopping habits. Her obsession with Chanel, love for Hermes leather pyramid cuffs and vintage shopping are going to break the bank.

2.They work together. Who wants to spend an entire work day with their spouse, and then come home where they continue to discuss the happenings at work. Rachel needs to leave work at the office so they can enjoy their limited time alone.

3. Rachel isn't ready to have a baby. She's been pushing it off for the past year and Daddy Rodge is ready to have a kid. Not only that, but she seems to squirm at the mere thought of having sex...

4. Rachel's career is number one. Rachel seems to care more about her relationships with her clients and employees than her relationship with her husband. It would be different if she were a starving stylist trying to get her foot in the door, but she is an established style maven, spend some time at home!

5. They're on a reality show. When have we ever seen a couple survive reality TV? Jessica and Nick? Heidi and Spencer? Whitney and Bobby? (LOL!)Camera's following their every move isn't helping their situation, especially considering how Rachel seems to give Rodger a hard time even when he's trying to be the voice of reason.


I wish them the best, but only time will tell. Hopefully Rachel see's this post in time. Until then, the cameras are watching and we are too.

Vivid News Flash: Gabrielle Union to Launch Clothing Line

Actress Gabrielle Union is starting her own clothing line geared toward plus-size women. The clothing line, called Love and Blessings by Gabrielle was inspired by Gabby's sister, who is plus-sized. "As with many black women, we have a harder time finding clothes to complement our curves, so I want to make clothes for women at any and all sizes that look absolutely great on them," Gabby told Black Voices.
Call me a skeptic, but with Gabby's ho-hum red carpet choices and signature LBD's more often than not, I'm not sure she's the go-to person for a clothing line. Not to mention a name like Love and Blessings, what is she selling Bible covers?
Will you be lining up to purchase the brand? Sound off in the comments.
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Vivid Cover: Solange for FashIzBlack Magazine

Soul star and DJ Solange Knowles is on the cover of the September/October issue of FashIzBlack Magazine. She talks about her quirky fashion sense, her past relationships and her upcoming album.

Read the article here.

Vivid Poll: Ciara's Converse Platforms

 The singer was on the set of her new video, "Gimme Dat" sporting a stripper-esque ensemble with platform Converse to match her steez. Would you rock this look? Sound off in the poll on the upper right.

Spotted here.

Vivid Cover: Nicki Minaj Covers OUT Magazine

Rapper Nicki Minaj is gracing the cover of OUT Magazine, and looking pretty good might I add. In the article she discusses her gay, male alter ego, Roman Zolanski, her questionable costume choices, and her growing gay following.

Read more here.