Get Familiar With: Ksubi

Ok so from the looks of it you would think Ksubi only sold pants and jeans, well they don't they sell tee's and dresses too, but as you can see by these boot lace printed jeans the jeans are the hottest part of their collection. I've been seeing Ksubi for awhile now, Teen Vogue loves to feature them in their fashion spreads, so I wanted to see what all they had to offer. Well all I have to say is I NEED THOSE LEATHER SHORTS IN MY LIFE!





Ksubi is no where near cheap, and looks nothing like any other brand. I would say it's a little more downtown than uptown and it takes simple things like skinny jeans and tank tops and put a nice spin on them(i.e. the black and blue jeans below). Oh! They also have some great mens pieces, but I was so caught up in visualizing my new outfit with those shorts that I totally forgot to show you....oops my bad! So take a looksy for yourself on ksubi.com, and I must admit the site is pretty boring compared to most clothing line sites, but it gets the job done.





-Doni W.

Pure ♥Love♥

Jimmy Choo green snakeskin gladiators = ♥

Lol..

No but seriously, these shoes are H-O-T-T!! I thought by now that the gladiator phase would be over now but it's just getting started. Look who decided to get into the gladiator craze with these pair of Choo's...



Actress, Emma Stone showed up to TRL in a glamorous Mike & Chris shoulderless dress which went well with a sparkling, waist cinching belt and the Jimmy Choo gladiator heels. I LIVE!!!


-Christopher Nic.

Did You See???

A couple weeks ago was the Alicia Keys "Keep a Child Alive" Black Ball in London, which benefits AIDS/HIV charities. Tons of celebrities came out to show support as well as giving the cameras something to look at, lol. Actress, Mischa Barton was in attendance and look absolutely gorgeous in a adorable Mulberry dress. I love the ruffled top and how the red skirt just pops! The black heels were a great choice as well. This is great for Barton, who usually looks like she got dressed by a blind bohemian, lol. What do you think about Mischa's Mulberry?


-Christopher Nic.

Beauty in Black

Ciao fashionistaZ!!! Awe inspiring, tear worthy, collector's item. Those are only a few words to describe the July issue of Vogue Italia: A Black Issue. I know its late but we just got it in the States a couple weeks ago and imagine how long it took to come to FLINT...lol...needless to say this timeless collector's item left me breathless. There are four covers of the oh so coveted mag: Jourdan Dunn (My fav), Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, and Sessilee Lopez. I raced to the store everyday to see if my local shop had gotten it in yet and I was overjoyed to the point of tears almost when I went in and finally seen they had it on the shelves.

It reminds me of the 2001 Vanity Fair spread dedicated to Black models. Although I hated having to type entire articles in Google translator so I could read them because it was in Italian of course...LOL...it was still great. My fav make up goddess Pat McGrath for Max Factor did the makeup of course and we all know Steven Meisel exhibited his masterful craft with the photography among others for the issue.

OMG!! And I have to give my man his props because he shot Ms. Toccara Jones to the GAWDS!!! This ANTM Cycle 3 diva ROK'D the pages of Vogue honey. Page for page she gave me life and did her thing and Steven truly showed his prowess when he shot this plus sized diva. Let's not forget the timeless of all timeless gals Ms. Campbell. She went hard with two sickening spreads in the mag.

Although it was great ya'll know I have to talk about something. The issue did however lack a tad bit in the "Black" department. It wasn't as Black as I thought it would be but then again I had VERY..VERy..VEry..Very..very high expectations for the mag. It met most of my expectations but no offense to my BEAT sisters of the other persuasion, I didn't expect to see any of them gals in there. However, like all magazines Vogue does have to maintain its relationships with its advertisers. So that's that. Needless to say if you want something extraordinairy to add to the the coffee table RUSH and drop your $15.00 to get your copy before they are all gone. You might have to order yours because I'm sure by now they are fresh out everywhere. Doni couldn't even get one in Miami!!! I know right!?

Trust me honey there is Beauty or shall I say BEATness is Black because baby like the old folks say good black don't crack!!! LOL. 'Til next time

Arriverderci

~M. Legend

Legend sayZ...Be BEAT!

Ciao fashionistaZ!!! Sun killing you? Bumps coming up and you don't know where to go? Having hair and makeup malfunctions and can't figure out what to do? Well tell me!! I'm opening the doors for you all to ask your beauty and skincare questions and I'll answer them. I know you all want to be BEAT to the highest of highs and this is your one stop BEAT to the GAWDS Shop!! Head to toe come find out what to do about pesky black/white heads, color choice, make up tips, skin care, and hot hair styles. I promise if I don't know the answer personally I'll grind for you and get you an answer from a source that counts. Can't wait to here from you all. And i'm looking for my beauty feature BEAT Face of the Month. So send your questions and pictures to mlegend@livluxmag.com. 'Til next time...

Arriverderci

~M. Legend

Ask Liv Lux!

Marcus from Ohio asks:

Are there any designers we should be looking out for this fall?

Well actually Marcus, I just recently ran across the hottest men's fall collection EVER! The looks from Nicholas K's fall collection is the epitome of stylish but still masculine at the same time...



I just found out about Nicholas K about a week ago and fell in love with their spring 08 line collection as well. With me being a fan of double-breasted coats, I want every piece in the collection. Another plus is that most of the pieces are black(my favorite color!)



The designer for Nicholas K is none other than...Nicholas K! Before Nicholas K, Nicholas L. Kunz worked with fashion houses such as Calvin Klein, DKNY, Tommy Hillfiger and Polo. She also oversaw the design and coordination of five new labels. Ole girl has one hell of a resume!



If you haven't checked out any of Nicholas K's designs, visit the website at nicholask.com

Get into it. And if anyone else has any questions you would like to ask us here at LivLux, just drop us a message in a comment or email us. Thanks!


-Christopher Nic.

Tired Of Your Earrings?

Well here's something that you MIGHT like; eyerings. The newest thing since bangles, I think! Lol. Designed by dutch artist Eric Klarenbeek, eye jewelry is the new way to decorate your face. Not into facial piercings and think earrings are a thing of the past, why not try a pair of eye rings. The way it works is the string is connected to a contact lens that you put in..simple and painless, right? Even though it can look a little gross, I think it's cool! Below is the video of the eye jewelry from Klarenbeek's portfolio.



-Christopher Nic.

Would You Wear???

It's kinda hard not to notice those thigh high salmon colored boots huh? Etro paired these boots (not that color) with almost every look in their fall 2008 collection. And I must say I discovered another line to add to my favorites list, but these particular boots make me raise an eyebrow. First of all I know I wouldn't wear em because I probably couldn't even get em up pass my thigh...that model's leg is teeny tiny.... but I want to know would you wear these boots by Etro???

C'mon don't be shy...tell the truth

-Doni W.

Get Smart!

Looks like for this fall you can forget about being sexy, because designers are taking us back to school...it's all about looking smart this season. Collegiate blazers, tons of plaid, and loafers... even Steve Urkle would be in style. I bet all the nerds have been waiting for their time to shine, well wait no longer because LL officially declares you fashionable (for the time being).

To get this smart look you need at least one of the following:

Thick frame glasses

I'm kinda already over these(I get bored really easily) but they still have a while to be "cool". You can get the ray-ban version if you just must have the real deal, or you can get a pair at Urban Outfitters for $14.

Anything Plaid

Now this plaid is a little more edgy but I still get a "smart" vibe from it. For the fall I've seen designers do plaid pants, button down shirts, skirts, bags...just about anything you can wear on your body, so it shouldn't be hard to get your hands on some plaid.

A Cardigan

I think it is the cutest thing in the world to see guys wear cardigans, and girls look great in longer cardigans belted at the waist. Whatever you do get your hands on a cardigan...they will never go out of style and you can wear them with practically anything. I would add interest with a striped one to really give it that college feel, or you can get one with interesting buttons.

A Blazer

The smart look wouldn't be complete with out a blazer. Victoria Secret is branching out more into clothes and they have this adorable prep blazer that comes in navy and grey. The key to making it look more collegiate rather than businessy is to add buttons and pins and patches to personalize it...as if it really came from your school. You can put a jacket like this over anything for a instant smart look.

So my message of the day is to not be a dummy...or at least don't dress like one.

-Doni W.

Hot-Lanta Housewives

Uh oh yall, Hot-lanta bout to show em how it's done! The Real Housewives series on Bravo is now moving into Atlanta to follow the lives of the wealthy wives from the south. But you know Atlanta is predominately black so there's a few single mothers, and some ladies on the brink of a divorce...what??? I'm not saying that's how we all are, but we do always put a lil twist on things. Anyway the housewives will be showing all of America the lavish life of partying, shopping, and oh raising kids the Atlanta way.

Catch the 30 min preview on July 30th

-Doni W.

Mother Said Not To Slouch

Louis Vuitton

So what?!? says the designers, because they are giving me slouchy fit all over the place. With pants and jackets big enough to fit 2 people in them... they're slowly sneaking us back into the business side of the 80's. Naomi rocks some beautiful slouchy fit pants in the new YSL ad (and pictured here with ALT) that I loved, and Ashley Olsen wore some slouchy pants to the CFDA awards that I really couldn't see myself in. Regardless, a lot of the designers are forcing us girls to take a more manly approach to fashion...but I don't know if I'm ready for all that.

I totally understand the whole menswear inspired thing, but now even menswear has a slimmer cut and fit...so why do we have to be saggy and baggy? To me it all comes down to feeling like a woman, with a very fitted top and a great pair of stilettos yeah I could pull of slouchy. But a whole suit of just excess material is a little too, what's the word...butch. Maybe at the end of the season we'll see what celeb pulled off the look the best.

-Doni W.

Karla Is That You ???

So, Karl Lagerfeld is the designer of three lines...Chanel, Fendi, and his own line Karl Lagerfeld. Well I guess after being oh so creative for Chanel and Fendi he just said "Make all the clothes in my line look just like me". When I looked through the line all I kept thinking was...this looks like what Karl would wear if he were a woman...or he would dress his younger sister "Karla" in these clothes. They were the epitome of Karl's style. Amazingly tailored suits, bow ties, black (I don't think I've ever seen Karl in anything but black), and loafers. He did bring in some feminine details with the silhouettes...flared skirts, and fitted jackets...but that was about it. I really can't blame him though, If I had incredible style like that (well actually I do, lol) I'd design my clothing line to mimic me as well. I'm sure Karl wants nothing more than to see a woman look as good as he does...so he made that possible.






-Doni W.

Choo On This!

There's been a lot of hype around the shoes with the red bottoms lately, and everyone acts like they've forgotten about Mr. Choo. Now Louboutins have been fierce lately but Jimmy Choo is still hanging in there and going strong. When I skipped over to Jimmy's site I noticed he went a lil star crazy...and I loved it.

These pieces are for the rockstar in all of us. I must admit they are super trendy so they probably won't last multiple seasons, but have fun while you can. I'm not really a bright colors type of person but I would love to rock the red flat boots...they would go perfect with a pair of Alexander Wang ripped jeans and a super comfy tee from The Row (That outfit would probably run me close to 2,000 dollas...a girl can dream) I would feel like Mary-Kate herself. Well enough about me, to see more from Jimmy go to jimmychoo.com.

-Doni W.

Kolor Me Beautiful!

Ciao fashionistaZ!!! Keeping up with the summer buzz everyone needs to add a little spice to their look. I just colored my hair and it looks great! I picked a great tone of brown to compliment my skin color and yet be natural and professional. I didn't want to be running around looking like I got into a paintball fight. I think hair is just another accessory for me to change up mix match and do anything else with. As long as its tasteful I'm all for it. If you have a deep tone to your skin try a jet black it will lighten you up and make you glow. If you are lighter try something that will contrast your skin tone to give you a natural wow factor. The color I chose (Brown Cinnamon from SoftSheenCarson) lighten my tone and gave me that natural look. Consult a professional before coloring your hair just to be sure of its health and what would look good on you. I know some of you are weary because coloring is so risky but that's what beauty is all about taking risk. So take a risk and let's see what you come up with. Needless to say if you are still a scardy cat...lol...try a few streaks. I guarantee you'll turn heads with your new look. Just check the runways and red carpet you'll see what I mean. I know because I'm BEAT to the GAWDS right now!!! 'Til next time...

Arrivederci

~M. Legend

Weekly BEAT Report: I'm DISTURBED!!

Ciao fashionistaZ!!! BEAT HAIR? check....BEAT WARDROBE check....BEAT FACE check...It's amazing what one hair cut will do!! Rihanna is this season's IT girl and she is not stopping anytime soon. She gets the feature for the Weekly BEAT Report and two LL snaps for the sickening performance she gave in her new video Disturbia. She WERKD it without question and this girl isn't slowing down at all. The video is dark and sexy...so HAWT!! She's edge, she's sexy, she's pop...THE GIRL IS HOT. She's giving me sickening Queen of the Damned...YESS!!! Check out her new vid if you haven't seen it already. Congrats to David Lachappell for a great vid. 'Til next time...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUUA5xD8dJ8 (This is the link...couldn't embed sorry)

Arriverderci

~M. Legend

I LIVE!!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs two-toned sweater; Sick.

Dior Homme trousers; Sicker.

Givenchy strappy watch; OMG.

Miu Miu buckled motorcycle boots; SICKENING!

Marc Jacobs Collection Fall 2008 stone bag; Mine.

I wish I had an older sister that would let me dress her because she would be all up in this! Hmmm...come here Doni! Lol..


-Christopher Nic.

Did You See???

My favorite Gossip Girl was on the roll call for the CW/CBS/Showtime/CBS Television TCA party which was held this past weekend at Boulevard3 in Hollywood, California. As always, she was looking Oh-So-FABULOUS in a 1940s vintage-look short grey dress with a unique pair of shiny heels. All in all, Meester rocked this look and gave the paparazzi something to enjoy. Don't you just LOVE eye candy?


-Christopher Nic.

Hey Lindsay! Your Closet Door is Open!

Rumors have been circulating for awhile now, but OK Magazine finally spilled the beans and said that Lindsay and Sam Ronson are no longer hiding their romantic relationship. I was talking to my cousin yesterday about it and she said "I'm not surprised". And honestly...me neither. Lindsay will be one of the few people who can honestly say she's tried everything at least once. No need to get into detail of what exactly she's tried...because we all know. But quite frankly I'm tired of hearing about these out of control Hollywood chicks and what they're doing with their lives. If Lindsay wants to "explore" well by golly let the child explore. Who knows maybe Sam will keep her out of trouble. Only time will tell...until then be prepared to see Lindsay and Sam all over the gossip news.

-Doni W.

Location Location Location

Fashion has shown me that location is everything, meaning where you are dictates what you wear. And no matter how hard you try to fight it, your surroundings have some kind of influence on your wardrobe. I've been quite a few places this summer and it amazes me how all the places dress completely different. I spend a lot of time people watching and this is what I've observed




When I went to New York everyone was hipsterific with their Ray-bans on and slim pants and of funky accessories (I couldn't get enough). Soho was thee place to see New York in all it's glory. Limited amount of tourists, some of the best shops around, and and you can see the fashions put to work on the local fashionistas running around. Believe me its Must See T.V. only not on t.v. in person. lol.



Kansas City was a pretty laid back city nothing too exciting. From what I could see people were more into the baseball games than how they looked so they were adorned with sports caps, team shirts, and sneakers (cross trainers, not the cool kind). If they weren't on their way to a game, they were at the mall relaxed as ever with flip flops and t-shirts and....nothing worth talking about lol. But the thing about it is that basically the whole city followed suit, it's all about location and surroundings.



Chicago was a disappointment to say the least...you could find a few trendy folks who were fashionable...but they were lost in the sea of disasters. I was expecting really creative style from men and women sort of similar to New York, but instead I got imitation Soulja Boy's and weaves galore. The little bit of night life looks that I did get to see were very safe and conservative, much like clothes from Express...it was "ok" but not exciting. But I guess LivLux hasn't really reached the folks in Chi-town because I remember specifically stating that the cheese-grater Kanye glasses were dunzo....and I saw like at least 15 people with em on. So let me say it again CHEESE GRATER GLASSES WERE HOT FOR 10 SECONDS, GIVE IT A REST!



And now Miami...Miami was such a pleasant surprise, I've been to Miami a few times but I guess I was too young to realize how stylish the locals were. Now if your the type of person who can't understand and appreciate all styles of fashion you probably shouldn't travel as much. Because I totally understood Miami fashion even though I wouldn't wear half of it (or at least not outside of South Beach). Everything was bejeweled and bedazzled, sheer, short, tight, overly sexy, and colorful. Miami people are not afraid of a little attention. The motto that they probably live by is "The more skin the better, and the higher the heel even better" it was crazy. Chris Nic and I joked about all the endangered species they had running around....THE MODELS! Everywhere you turned there was a 6 ft gorgeous model towering over you in the most itsy bitsy clothes. Its not an everyday occurrence to see "real models" where we're from, but it was fun to feel like a midget for awhile. And just a fair warning...if you don't like the tattoo inspired shirts with studded skull heads and tons of graphics, stay far far away from Miami...it's Ed Hardy overload!


So the moral of the story is: Don't become a victim of your environment...unless you live in a stylish place of course ;-)

-Doni W.

Queen Nay Nay Isn't Going Anywhere!

You ever heard the saying, "You can't hold a good women down for long?" No? Me neither, lol. Well now you have! This now is the quote I think of every time I see Naomi in a magazine or on another runway. In this months issue of V Magazine Campbell had a spread entitled "The Empire Strikes Back" and looked DAMN good, If I may say so.

2 LL thumbs up are given to photographer, Mario Sorrenti who shot the entire spread and caught all the right angles of Naomi(like there are any wrong ones!). Props are also due to stylist, Jane How. Her wardrobe was all black and included crazy shapes of the new fall season and a lot of bold silhouettes. The pictures were taken in black and white which made the look that much more impressive. Naomi Campbell has one of the best bone structure that I've seen photographed. She demands attention with every picture and even when she's not looking at you, you can feel her. That's how you know she was born to do this and won't be taking a seat anytime soon.

Here are a few more pictures from the spread. ♥ it.








-Christopher Nic.