Zara With A Little R.L

Zara Spring collection is finally in, and its giving me exactly what I want. This season campaign features Toni Garrn,one of the few who can make a string and napkin look dope. Zara skipped the bright colors and bold patterns and went in for the cool mellow tones such beige, khaki, and soft pinks. Men's inspired blazers and high waist safari pants are the base of the Spring collection along with with McQueen inspired shoes. (I'll have to show you those later:-D )

Quick Run Down-

Blazer- $129

Leather High Waist Shorts- $99

Total= $228

Not bad right? R. Lauren would have charged you 10x's more for this look.

-Shaeveon La'Trey

Nicholas Kirkwood Spring '10

It's about that time to tuck those winter boots back in the box, and quickly shove them under the bed. The sun is out, and its time to step it up..... about 6 inches!

-Shaeveon La'Trey

Billy Reid Fall 2010 Collection

I've noticed my style maturing lately. I don't dabble around with graphic t-shirts anymore, & I'm not afraid to throw on a blazer & a tie every once and a while...for no reason at all. Even though I haven't always been the Billy Reid guy, I have always respected the line. I couldn't wait to check out the Fall '10 collection, and I'm glad I enjoyed it. I'm guessing that Reid couldn't decide on a the fitted look or the slouch, so he didn't bother picking sides...and did both. & I lived. The collection gave tweed suits with patch pockets, beat-up sweaters with stretched-out crew necks, a camel hair barn jacket with a leather-back collar, and all manner of broken-in boots. PR Firm, Maguire Steele handles a lot of their clothing. Hopefully you'll be hearing more about Steele & I, while I'm in the city. ;)



-Christopher Nic.

This Woman Gets To Me

Amber Rose and I have had this ongoing Love-Hate relationship ever since Ye picked her up from the pole and threw her in magazines and blogs. I just don't get it. She's soooo bad. Like, in a dope way. But for what? To the left, is a picture of her this past weekend at Nicole Miller's Fall 2010 #NYFW show in allblackeverything, WITHOUT Kanye.

She has gotten so big, that she doesn't need West on her arm to get noticed. But like they used to say back in the day, "Don't hate, Appreciate." I am not mad at you, home girl. Okay, maybe just a little envious, but whatever. (I should've been at Fashion Week -_-)


-Christopher Nic.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 Collection

I've been paying a lot to detail with collections this go 'round, so when Marc's collection came up, I was all over it. I ended up missing the live broadcast of the show, a friend of mine, iCON shot me a link to check it out. I enjoyed the show so much, I watched it a couple more times just to get into every look. I loved the soft neutrals and pale pastels that he used. The show was dark, but still had some warmth and intimacy to it. My favorite looks would have to be the sequin-front/knit-back sweater, sheer-layer skirts, the velvet dresses, and the 1970's look knit dresses. & he had bags for dayssssssss!

I lived.

Get into Marc and MJ President Robert Duffy pulling off the construction paper off of the set, beginning the show. I thought that was so adorable.



A couple of my favorite people were on front row too. Made me smile.

Bryan Boy, Tavi Gevinson and Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil.

Grace Coddington and Tonne Goodman of Vogue.



-Christopher Nic.

Victoria Beckham has IT.

& when I say IT, I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about.



This past weekend, Beckham showcased her very first collection at NYFW. A real intimate show, held at an Upper Eastside town house. What I found was extremely dope is that fact that she narrated the entire show, discussing fabrics, color, cut, and construction. Most designers just send their clothes down the runway & we have to figure that stuff out on our own.



From a personal aspect, I don't think there was a dress that I hated. Everything was nothing short of amazing. Am I the only one who kind of forgot she was a Spice Girl? What I can appreciate so much is that everything is actually WEARABLE, still giving the sophistication of a high-end designer.








I wish I would've been there to give her a personal "Congratulations". :)





-Christopher Nic.

Wang is the Next Jacobs

I can't lie, most of my posts are inspired from what I tweeted last night, but that's beside the point. The subject at hand is fashions obsession with Alexander Wang and how I feel he will be the next Marc Jacobs. Just a few brief comparisons....they both attended Parsons, they both won the CFDA Wowenswear Designer of the Year award, and they both chose to live stream their shows this season.

Wangs four year old label has commanded respect from all his peers and fashion icons...Diane von Furstenburg was sitting front row at his show last night and when most editors decide to pick and choose whose show they'll be going to see...every single Marie Claire editor RSVP'd without thinking twice. Wang has become the one to watch. And watch we did. Yesterday around 5pm SHOWstudio.com streamed his show live and wherever you were on earth you could feel the energy and excitement when the lights went off and the music began to play.

Aleander Wang F/W 2010

I have to admit, the clothes weren't moving me like other collections, but it was true to his aesthetic and like I told Christopher Nic via Twitter, the retail versions of these looks will be much more wearable. And this too can be said for Marc Jacobs past collections, not everything he sends down the runway is gold. There are shoes in the fashion closet right now that I wouldn't stick my pinky toe in.

Remember this...

Marc Jacobs F/W 2008

What makes me put these two in the same category is the excitement you see at the mention of their name, or how someone reacts picking up a Marc Jacobs or Alexander Wang bag. Alex is still a babe within his career but he has already accomplished some major things and you can't open a magazine without seeing something from Alexander Wang...and guess what? He's not an advertiser. In just a small amount of time I'm sure we'll see multiple divisions within the Wang brand (already he has accessories and T by Alexander Wang) and lots of stand alone stores. He is headed in the right direction.

Now c'mon sample sale!

-Doni W.

NYFW Channels Clueless Circa 1995

While keeping up with the shows, I couldn't help but to realize that a lot of the looks were reminding me of my favorite trio Cher, Dion and Ty. Bare bellies, mini skirts, knee highs and backpacks makes me feel like I'm back to "rolling with the homies".

Generra

Rag & Bone

Alexander Wang

Cynthia Steffe

Lacoste

Cynthia Steffe

"You're a virgin, who can't even drive"

-Ty  (RIP Brittany Murphy)

-Doni W.

Kardashians x Bebe Doesn't Disappoint

When news hit that the Kardashians would be showing their line for Bebe in the tents, the fashion elite wondered if this week would hold as much prestige as years before (after all, QVC was showing in the tents too). Well regardless of if the new money is coming to bust up all the snobs’ fun, their collection is actually pretty darn good.

The Kardashians for Bebe is young, wearable, sleek and fun. It's very reminiscent of the great clothes you see them wearing on the show. The line includes jumpsuits, a leather skirt, a hooded bustier dress, and a very cute one shoulder mini dress. I'm sure Bebe won't have any problems with selling out of all the styles...very quick!

To be seen at a party near you.

-Doni W.

The P2 Initiative

We here at LLM are more than just fashion - some of the time.



The P2 Initiative has Launched! This extension of The Promiscuity Project is an ongoing pilot program at the University of Michigan!

Alpha Phi Alpha has partnered with the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, University Health Services, and the Black Student Union in establishing “The p2 Initiative” at the University of Michigan’s campus. “The p2 Initiative' main goal is to increase HIV testing among minority students.

Every Tuesday, starting February 2, 2010 Free/Anonymous HIV Testing will be held in the MESA Office of the University's campus from 6-7pm.



Here's a little background on the photographer, Rod Gailes OBC and the Cause:

As a 'single frame movie-maker,' OBC uses fine art photography to create a 10-image lifestyle campaign that promotes HIV testing and safer sex practice among college adults. As a lifestyle and fine art photographer, OBC's unique approach to visual art solidifies his brand as a true visionary and storyteller.

"No matter what medium I work in, it's all storytelling. In the case of "A Private Moment", I just have a smaller canvas to work with: a single frame. In a motion picture, I have 24 frames per second; tens of thousands of frames depending on the length of the film. Telling a story in one frame, however, is the ultimate practice in honing my skills as a sculptor of narrative. " -Rod Gailes OBC



Partnership: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Epsilon Chapter/MESA/UHS/BSU
Sponsored by: Michigan Student Assembly

Photos by: Rod Gailes OBC
Styled by: SHEI Magazine


-Christopher Nic.

Give Me Givenchy

Pronounced (Gee-von-shee).




Recently, Kanye West was caught at the recording session for "We Are The World" wearing a Givenchy Embellished Plaid Shirt, straight off the runway of Paris Fashion Week.

Can someone do me what he did to Amber? I'll be forever in your debt. ♥





-Christopher Nic.

I've Been Gone For A Minute...

...Now I'm back with the jump-off.

Excuse the text, Lil' Kim was in my ear this morning. She wakes me up. I've missed you guys, but we have to get down to business. If you think winter is close to over - think again. I'm not one for coats, so I let my FAUX fur keep me warm. PETA will not be coming after me.

Here are a few looks that I choose a winter wonderland favorites. Get in.



Toggle coats have been around forever, but have suddenly become all the craze. I even felt the need to buy one. Just for decoration. This classic of the season keeps your warm and fashionable at the same time. We don't need to see your screw face as you fight the winds, so grab those Ray-Ban's, Grey Ant, or even your homemade frames. I keep mine glued to my face. Wintour-like.


Graphic sweaters are not just for Bill Cosby. You find the right ethnic patterns that give you that bold and masculine look. Pair it with your favorite jeans & Dr. Martens to make a statement. This fitted suit with the leather gloves is perfect for the chilly day.It may be a tough thing for most guys to pull off, but these shadowed plaids of the fall/winter give off a quiet confidence.


-Christopher Nic.