Need-to-Know Origin Stories Behind Your Favorite Celeb Braids

After close to 28,000 years, braids have aged like fine wine.
Pretty plaits are in nearly every country in the world. Braiding has weaved its way through time and space, consistently finding itself in the spotlight. For many cultures, the story of braids carries great cultural significance. It is more than a hairstyle. Braids, in many ways, express identity.
With our universal love affair with braids, it doesn't look like the hairstyle is going anywhere any time soon. In fact, 2016 was the year of incredible celebrity braid styles. A-listers, such as Beyoncé, Kerry Washington, Vanessa Hudgens, Kim Kardashian and Yara Shahidi, sported head-turning plaits, bringing braids to the forefront once again.
Want to know where your favorite braided style comes from? Keep reading!

5 Days, 5 Ways: The Shoe Style You Need to Act Like an A-List

Square toes, round toes, peep toes begone!
In order to act like an A-list this winter, you better be swapping the above styles for something with a pointed toe.
When it comes to short boots, Chrissy Teigen's suggestion for you is to find a pair with a little give around the ankle. Especially if you're someone with muscular calves, the looser the fit, the longer and leaner the bottom of your legs will look. It's also the perfect choice/disguise for those thick wool socks (that aren't particularly pretty) you love sporting in the colder months.
Next up, Gigi's hot tip!

The Kimono

The romance of the kimono steadily sweeps its way into the ever-changing seasons. This season, the Japanese-inspired robe acts as a sophisticated layering piece that will help the beauty of your tired winter threads find their true blossom.
To bombshell this basic, combine with a bold-colored leather mini skirt. Pair the bright bursts with an alluring crush velvet bodysuit and the clean line of an over-the-knee black leather boot. Continue the swing of things with a tassel-trimmed leather handbag and the high-drama of dangling rhinestone earrings. For added warmth, cozy up in a classic peacoat.

Best Dressed Couple of the Year

As the end of the year draws nigh – and let’s be honest, we’re all excited to see what 2017 has in store for us since this year hasn’t been as pleasant – we’re saddened to have to witness the leave of America’s most powerful and loved couple from office in just a few days.

Tina Knowles Taking Social Media Break After Jennifer Hudson Gaffe, Says Beyoncé and Solange "Warned" Her

You may not be a hater, but step away from the screen, mom.
Tina Knowles said Wednesday she is taking a break from social media after she got involved in some drama regarding Jennifer Hudson, which she says was not done intentionally. The controversy followed her daughters Beyoncé and Solange's "warnings" that she "might accidentally touch something when looking at other sites."

Make A Lasting Impression: How To Actually Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

The New Year’s resolution is upon us. Every year we try, wholeheartedly, with an earnestness earmarked by denial, or some sort of a bizarre amnesia that refuses to consider the fact that we’ve never, ever, actually made it past the first few months of that resolution.  In fact, only a small percentage of us succeed at keeping a New Year’s resolution.  So why bother? Well, according to Statistic Brain, “People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”

Fernanda Ly by Andreas Ohlund & Maria Therese for InStyle

Joan Smalls and Mariana Zaragoza by Jason Kibbler for VOGUE Mexico January 2017

Fashion Deets: Bonang Matheba’s Instagram $3,800 Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Embroidered Bag

Fashion fave Bonang Matheba slayed for the ‘Gram rocking a $3,800 Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Embroidered Bag:

The pricey masterpiece boasts hand-embroidered mouth and lightening bolt appliques, a sliding chain strap and a textured tiger head spur closure.

Fashion Deets: Jennifer Lopez’s West Hollywood Etro Pinstripe Trousers

Jennifer Lopez beamed as she left Craig’s in West Hollywood with her twins in a pair of $250 Etro Pinstripe Trousers:
The black pinstripe wide-leg pants feature pleated detailing along the top, side slit pockets and hook and bar front closure.

Fashion Deets: Keke Palmer’s Rae Sremmurd Birthday Party $80 Made Gold Eats White Oversized Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt

Keke Palmer celebrated at Rae Sremmurd’s Birthday Party in an $80 $80 Made Gold Eats White Oversized Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt:

Her graphic t-shirt is made in LA. It features long sleeves, an oversized fit, and vintage crackle printing.

Celebrity Drugstore Beauty Buys

The myth that beauty has to cost you the big bucks is just that, a myth! There’s a trove of treasures awaiting to beautify your face and it’s conveniently located at your neighborhood drugstore. And yes, even aspirational beauties like Halle Berry and Chrissy Teigen have been known to dip into drugstore goodies to help illuminate their true beauty.
I gathered up an insider list of celebrity-approved drugstore beauty buys that will help boost your glam game without the luxurious price tag.

Fashion Deets: Amber Rose’s Peta Murgatroyd Baby Shower $495 Opening Ceremony Ruffle Trimmed Cady Dress

Amber Rose celebrated at Peta Murgatroyd’s Baby Shower in a $495 Opening Ceremony Ruffle Trimmed Cady Dress:

Her cady and organza LBD hails from the brand’s Resort 2017 collection. It features long sleeves, a midi length, a curve-hugging fit, and ruffle trim at the cuffs and hem.

Fashion Deets: Kat Graham’s New York City ICB Grey Wool Coat, Balenciaga Army Green Pleated Shorts, and $399 Stuart Weitzman Grey Suede Highland Boots

Kat Graham was spotted out and about in NYC, layering it on in a ICB Grey Wool Coat, Balenciaga Army Green Pleated Shorts, and $399 Stuart Weitzman Grey Suede Highland Boots:

We’ve seen her suede boots on too many celebs to count. They feature an over-the-knee length and tie backs.

NYE 2016: A Toast to the Outfits You Didn’t Even Know You Had

Chill the champagne and any possible outfit anxiety, because we’ve got your New Year’s Eve ensemble covered. It’s Saturday night this year, so if you’re cuddling at home, kicking up your heels (yes, the colorful ones), or toasting with friends and family, do it with style! As for resolutions, how about vowing to utilize the classic staples already in your closet to create one of these dazzling combos?
Here are five wardrobe staples that you can mix and match for midnight glamour. Classic clothes or old acquaintances shouldn’t be forgotten—just reconfigured.

How to Break into Fashion: Keke Palmer’s Stylist Michael ‘Maikeeb Kills’ Benyamin

I wouldn’t be surprised if you said that all you’re seeing on your timeline is Keke Palmer. Sporting burgundy braids, the 23 year old Chi town native has been heating up these December streets! It’s almost as if we don’t realize that it’s 20 degrees outside as she prances from one meeting to another in her scandalously fashionable outfits! Meet, Michael Benyamin, aka Makeeb Kills, the 22-year-old fly guy responsible for Keke’s latest looks.

Weiz Dhurm Franklyn Releases The GAMBU Collection

Weiz Dhurm Franklyn is one of those brands whose sartorial vision is absolutely unmatched. Aside from genuine talent and a knack for creating on-trend opulence, Nigerian designer Wisdom Anaba has cultivated a fashion force that is set for global domination. With the release of the ever elegant GAMBU Collection, this powerhouse continues to solidify its place as a serious contender as one of the year’s greatest style up-and-comers.

Irina Shayk by Giampaolo Sgura for VOGUE Brazil January 2017

Fashion Deets: Jasmin Walia’s Christmas Eve Party Nazz Collection Black Iliana Luxe Sequin Embellished Off the Shoulder Dress

Jasmin Walia took to a Christmas Eve Party in London, clad in a $102 Nazz Collection Black Iliana Luxe Sequin Embellished Off the Shoulder Dress:

Her LBD features an on-trend, off-the-shoulder silhouette, sequin embellishment, mini length, and long sleeves.

Coco Rocha for by Zhang Jingna Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam January 2017

Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Cardi B, and More Love Fashion Nova Jeans!

Fashion Nova jeans are the toast of tinseltown! Celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Blac Chyna, Amber Rose, Lala Anthony, Nicki Minaj, Remy Ma, Cardi B, and more have been sidling up to the brand’s supremely affordable, curve enhancing denim.

How To Spend Your Holiday Money

We’re about to enter one of the best shopping season’s of the year:  shopping for yourself season.  Now that all the gifting has transpired, sales have ensued, and perhaps your pockets have been refilled with some extra coin from your loved ones, it’s time for some personal splurging. I gathered up this post-holiday guide filled with goodies that are sure to bring you some additional merriment. ‘Tis the season of shopping!
TRY:

Fashion Deets: LaLa Anthony’s New York City $995 Pologeorgis The Autumn Fox Patchwork Jacket and $318 IRO Keira Boots

LaLa Anthony was spotted out and about in New York City, keeping cozy in a $995 Pologeorgis The Autumn Fox Patchwork Jacket and $318 IRO Keira Boots:

Her multicolor fur jacket features a collarless silhouette, slit pockets, and edge-to-edge hook & eye closures.

Fashion Deets: Khloe Kardashian’s Jennifer Le Oxblood II Caiman Over the Knee Boots + Tristan Thompson’s Vintage Fur, Balmain Jeans, and YSL Boots

Khloe Kardashian kicked it with beau Thistan Thompson on Christmas Day! She kept it cute in a fur coat, Good American jeans, and $400 Jennifer Le Oxblood Caiman boots:
The croc embossed stunners have a zip detail at the top.

You're Doing It Wrong: How to Make Lipstick Last All Day

Whether you're a red-carpet regular or guilty of taking 20 selfies before you post one photo, you want a lip color that lasts.

Imaan Hammam, Selena Forrest, Yasmin Wijnaldum, Ellen Rosa, and More by Luigi & Iango for Vogue Japan February 2017.

Pregnant With a Dream

I love the Christmas holiday season. It’s such a beautiful time of year! The lights, decorations, and togetherness, make moments so rich and wonderful. Those who know me well, know that holiday music is another aspect of the season that brings me great joy. My husband and I both are ardent music lovers and while I love so many of the soulful classics, one of my other favorites is the more recently popular tune, Mary Did You Know. I love the way in which it rhetorically asks Mary if she had any idea just how important, powerful, revolutionary, and radically relevant the baby she was carrying would be to all of mankind.

Best Looks Of The Week

Whew! It’s been a quick week, hasn’t it?
Time literally flew by and we’re already brushing the hem of Christmas Eve! I hope everyone got a chance to finish their holiday shopping and I pray the festivities to come are filled with joy, love and fun.
But, before we indulge in tons of egg nog and endless parties, let’s get into some of our favorite celebrity looks of the week!

How To Kiss The Holiday Blues Away

Ever been that person standing near the holiday punch bowl looking around the room wondering what everyone’s so merry about? It happens. In some of us, the holiday blues are alive and well.  As festive and joyous as this season can be, it can also illicit the exact opposite feelings. But before you go spiraling into another round of holiday tears, read along. I gathered up some heart-warming words of encouragement from Dr. Freda Jones, a licensed psychotherapist, who offered up some constructive ways to navigate those pesky holiday blues.

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae for Essence February 2017

2016 Shopping: 10 New Year’s Party Finds Under $150 You Need Right Now!

New Year’s Eve is rapidly approaching and us fashion gals are on the prowl for the perfect look. The post-Christmas celebrations are right around the corner and there’s no better time to pull out those shimmery sequins, the vibrant velvets and our lovely leather faves!
Yet, if you’re anything like me, adhering to a strict budget is the secret to surviving this hectic holiday season; with that, keep reading to see the hotness we discovered to satisfy your New Year’s sweet tooth.
Let’s get to it!

Nicki Minaj Replaces J.Lo at New Year’s Eve Party in Miami

Nicki Minaj is closing out the year with a bang. The rap superstar will host a New Year’s Eve party in Miami in place of Jennifer Lopez.
J.Lo was previously scheduled to perform at E11EVEN’s New Year’s Eve bash, but eventually backed out of what could have been a million-dollar payday. It’s unclear how much Nicki will receive for the gig, but TMZ reports that it is “significantly less.”

Fashion Deets: Kris Jenner’s Calabasas, California $750 Gucci Snake Print Leather Pouch

Kris Jenner strolled through the streets of Calabasas rocking an all black ‘fit, a lux ebony fur, red Timberland boots and a $750 Gucci Snake Print Leather Pouch.

This slim leather stunner features a coiled kingsnake on the front which is “thought to represent wisdom and power“, according to the official Gucci site.

The Jumpsuit

The jumpsuit is one of those beloved pieces that has trended its way into a mainstay position in all of our wardrobes (and hearts). This one-piece wonder becomes the perfect choice for a holiday-inspired look that can capture both glam and comfort.
To bombshell this basic, layer with a mesh velvet body suit for enriched texture. Show off the sharp peg leg with a gold python sandal.  Sprinkle in more gold accents with a lariat necklace, cradle earrings, a gold-plated clutch, and a chunky beaded bracelet. For added warmth, sweep a longline velvet blazer across your shoulders.
Shop The Image:

The Designer Dialogues: Dennis Basso

Famed furrier and fashion extraordinaire Dennis Basso is an American design legend known for his ultra-chic couture collections. In the spirit of European ateliers, Basso has managed to build an empire synonymous with quintessential luxury and exquisite glamour. Through his innovative use of fur as a more fluid textile, Basso’s designs render imaginative silhouettes and bold color variations. He is also equally known for his breathtakingly beautiful gowns worn by a long list of iconic notables, from Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gabrielle Union, Marjorie Harvey, as well as Michelle Obama to Olivia Palermo, Helen Mirren, and so many more.

Alessandra Ambrosio by Yu Tsai for Harper’s Bazaar Singapore January 2017

Who Wore It Better? Adriana Lima vs. Liya Kebede in Haider Ackermann’s Fall 2016 Velvet Emerald High Slit Dress

Adriana Lima looked absolutely fierce at Madonna’s Raising Malawi Foundation fundraiser in Haider Ackermann‘s Fall 2016 Velvet Emerald High Slit Dress. The top model accessorized with her frock with gold neckwear, $845 strappy Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Harmony’ heels and a slicked back ‘do. But, the iconic Liya Kebede also uplifted the same look at the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival‘s premiere of The Unknown Girl.

On the runway, the gown was showcased in a burnt orange hue and paired with on-trend black pointed ankle boots.

Vogue Italia Editor Franca Sozzani Dies at Age 66

It is with a heavy heart, I report that Vogue Italia Editor Franca Sozzani has died at age 66.
Franca will always be remembered for her taste, vision, and willingness to take risks. In 2008, she unleashed Vogue Italia’s Black Issue in response to the industry’s rampant diversity problem.

Fashion Deets: Denise Vasi’s Fences New York City Screening $765 Victoria Beckham Black Long Sleeve Flare Midi Dress

Denise Vasi demonstrated the power of the LBD at the Fences New York City Screening $765 Victoria Beckham Black Long Sleeve Flare Midi Dress:

Her long-sleeve LBD features a scoop neck, fishtail flared hem, curve-hugging silhouette, navy lurex trim at the cuffs, and a midi length.

The Lust List: Ear Cuffs

Our ears don’t always get the love and attention that they deserve. Too often, they’re weighed down with heavy earrings, our lobes sore and irritated by day’s end. But the ear cuff trend is changing the way we view our beloved organ of hearing (thanks, in part, to the fact that most ear cuffs don’t need a piercing to stay in place).
Make a serious statement with an ear cuff that literally crawls up the side of the ear, offering a delicate adornment or a bejeweled burst of bling. Whether you choose something sweet and simple or an oversized, decorative design, rock one of these lust-worthy ear cuffs anytime, anywhere.

Fashion Deets: Hailey Baldwin’s JFK Airport $4,590 Saint Laurent Green Hooded Parka, $550 Vetements Black Turned On By Danger Pants, and $435 Alexander McQueen Exaggerated Sole Sneakers

Hailey Baldwin caught a flight at JFK in a $4,590 Saint Laurent Green Hooded Parka, $550 Vetements Black Turned On By Danger Pants, and $435 Alexander McQueen Exaggerated Sole Sneakers:

Her green parka is crafted from cotton-linen gabardine, It features a coyote fur-trimmed hood, two chest handwarmer pockets, front flap pockets, a zipped patch pocket at the sleeve, zip cuffs, full lining, and a shearling lined collar.

Fashion Deets: Alessandra Ambrosio’s Brazil Ale By Alessandra Bengal Shore Animal Print Ruffle Trim Swim Top and Bottom

Alessandra Ambrosio hit the beach in Brazil with her adorable children wearing a $212 Bengal Shore Animal Print Ruffle Trim Swim Top and Matching Bottom from her line, Ale by Alessandra:

The Bengal Shore multi-color animal-print microfiber swim top features plunging scalloped V neckline, straps that crisscross and tie at open back and thick shoulder straps with ruffle trim.  The matching animal-print low rise bikini bottoms has a ruffle trim waistband and strappy sides with puka shell details.

Fashion Deets: Mel B’s Chicago House of CB Sable Faux Mink Full Length Coat

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B., promoted her return to the Broadway cast of Chicago in a $225 House of CB Sable Faux Mink Full Length Coat:
Made from an exquisite quality faux mink fur, the black, floor length coat features a  collarless neck, a self tie belt in vegan leather and deep ribbed cuffs.

Fashion Deets: Karrueche’s LA Gianvito Rossi Vires Ankle Booties

 
Karrueche strolled through the streets of Los Angeles in a pair of $1,165 Gianvito Rossi Vires Ankle booties:
The navy knit ankle booties feature a round toe, stiletto heel and a leather sole.

Fashion Deets: Zendaya’s New York City $68 Daya by Zendaya Military Green Velvet Oversized Jumpsuit

Zendaya was spotted out and about in NYC in her very own $68 Daya by Zendaya Military Green Velvet Oversized Jumpsuit:

Her one-piece features long sleeves, an oversized fit, five welt pockets, and a hidden placket closure.

Fashion Deets: Olivia Culpo’s Los Angeles $198 House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Gold Jodie Jacket and $115 C&C California Black Viona Slip Dress

Olivia Culpo was spotted out and about in L.A., stomping the pavement in a $198 House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Gold Jodie Jacket and $115 C&C California Black Viona Slip Dress:

Her gold metallic jacket features an open front, long sleeves, and calf-grazing length.

Pamela Lima by Lado Alexi for Harper’s Bazaar India December 2016

Toya Wright for Cosmopolitan Magazine

Toya Wright for Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Cute Flicks Of The Day: December 20th, 2016

Slay! Jennifer Lopez kept it cute and cozy in Los Angeles while clad in a camel fur accented coat.

Keke Palmer by Jake Rosenberg for Coveteur