Monday, February 24, 2014

Aklia Chinn: Black Herstory Month continued...

Black Herstory Month: African American Jewelry Designer Aklia Chinn

You may have heard of the Spike Lee Joint Crooklyn (1994). Maybe even a couple of television shows by the name of A Different World and or Living Single. If you look deeper into the talent beyond the actors and actresses there is one person whose name we should all know. Meet Aklia Chinn the jewelry designer that helped shaped the look of these brilliant productions and is still designing celebrities and television series after nearly 3 decades.

Aklia Chinn began her career as an aspiring actress that used her handcrafting skills designing jewelry for extra money. Low and behold her hobby turned into a habit that is now her lifetime career working behind the greatest television productions in the history of African American television.When I was a child my eyes were always drawn to the eclectic fashion statements that these shows embodied.  As an upcoming black female jewelry designer and entrepreneur I say that she is right where she belong. 

Happy Black Herstory Month to Aklia Chinn... my inspiration.






Her story can be a platform for many designers that wish to turn their passion into profit. I am proud as an Afro-Caribbean AMERICAN woman to share a bit of her story for Black History Month 2014. 



For more Aklia Chinn's designs browse/shop: aklias.com


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

State of the Union AdDRESS 2014

First Lady Michelle Obama, my style icon, has now officially been appointed as my Auntie... in my head. Aunt Michelle was blazing wearing Alaia during State of the Union Address which aired live January 28, 2014 at 8:55 pm ET. FLOTUS tresses appeared to have an auburn tent and glazed honey highlights. She was certainly looking "gone with the wind fabulous".

The Red Carpet

It has been 2 days since the live premiere of the Grammy Awards 2014 (January 26th on CBS), and I am still trying to figure out what to write. The evening was full of A-list celebrities, however, no stars style shinned. It appeared that everyone including big names such as Lady Gaga and Tamar Braxton to Madonna played to safe. I did, however, seem to pick one look that I liked and surprisingly this particular person hasn't been "under the radar" for some time. The look that I have selected were worn by Paris Hilton.

 Paris Hilton went from rich and rebellious and has stepped up to the throne of her Hilton name as heiress the night of the Grammy's. I had to zoom in on the photograph to make sure that this was her. Although her appearance is among those that kept it safe, I like the reality star heiress now turned Disc Jockey softer side. Her jewerly for the evening was simple diamond studs and single diamond band ring. Although her gown showed off a few more assets than many of us are comfortable with exposing, I think she looked her best yet.











Sunday, January 26, 2014

The Red Carpet

The Critics' Choice Awards 2014 aired January 16, 2014 on The CW. Everyone looked amazing, however there was one person in particular that stood out the most on the red carpet and it was newcomer actress Lupito Nyong'o. Lupito glowed on the red carpet. I was mostly drawn to her evenly chocolate skin tone and edgy dark hair cut. Lupito's opal gemstone stud earrings really made a statement against her beautiful complexion, vibrant smile, and all white gown. I promise you, this Kenyan beauty is the one to watch.

Congratulations to the winners and nominees of the Critics' Choice Awards 2014.






The Red Carpet

Golden Globe Awards 2014 aired last Sunday, January 12th 5 PT/8 ET on NBC

I was stunned to find out that Paula Patton made the "worst dressed" list. Paula's physic looks wonderfully sculpted in Stephane Rolland Couture. Her resin teardrop earrings with a diamond accent surprisingly brought a calming appeal to the dramatically detailed gown. Let's not forget about that ring. Paula's aqua ring spruced up the simple white colored dress.




Sofia Vergara went for a daring look for the evening. The Colombian bombshell who is known for showing off her long legs went all out and wore a Cinderella ball gown in black at this years Golden Globe Awards. Of course she is not out of the loop as she is seen here wearing this aqua colored statement bib necklace. I had to do a double take to make sure that this was really her. I'm not sure if this look would be considered a make-under or makeover but she looks great.



Congratulations to the winners and the nominees of the Golden Globe Awards 2014.

The Red Carpet

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2014 also know as the SAG Awards aired on TNT filled by eyes with wonder.

My number 1 choice for best dressed would have to be Amy Adams, Man of Steel 2013 (Superman). Amy blazed the red carpet in her cobalt blue gown. Amy's 1050's hairstyle which curled up perfectly beside her ears to compliment her beautiful emerald green mini teardrop earrings. The stylist gave her look an ancient look adding a Northern African inspired gold belt which ironically gave this glamorous look a modern day twist. Our generation of stylist are meshing time and culture through their choice of red carpet looks such as the one seen here on Amy Adams.




Congratulations to the winner and Nominees of the SAG Awards 2014.



Fashion Forcast: The Red Carpet

Grammy Awards 2014 is airing this evening Sunday, January 26 at 8 PT/ET on CBS.Tune in for the pre-show to be wowed by tasteful designs and... well... disasters on the red carpet. There is a chance of glamorous reign tonight with the who's who of Hollywood. Expect bright cocktail dresses on the ladies, tailored blazers on the gentlemen, and of course diamonds from exclusive international jeweler's. I can not contain my excitement as I sit and wait to view the photographs and coverage before the live premiere of the Grammy Awards 2014 on CBS.  If you and I are alike then you may not a TV junkie so check your local listings.


Fashion Forecast: The Red Carpet

Award season is in full bloom this winter. Bringing in the New Year, The People's Choice Awards 2014 aired January 8, 2014  on CBS at 9 pm PT/ET and the red carpet was showered with prints, sleek hairstyles, and of course the celebrities were all amazingly adorned with exclusive accessories and  jewelry. Here's a brief peak at my top 4 favorite looks, 1 of which actually made the worst dressed list.


First up... Taylor Swift. Her aqua blue earrings stand out against her winter wonderland white dress adding a spring accent while complimenting her matching vibrant blue eyes.




Next, my 3rd favorite look, we have the vocally gifted J. Hud. Jennifer Hudson stood out against the crowd of white dresses with her dark sleek hair cut that was complimented by her black Samsung cuff watch. I loved J. Hud's thin silver rings because they added subtle drama to the white strap on her shoes shoes. All white is always a bold move but with the cuff and matching nail polish against the red carpet J. Hud shined at The People's Choice Awards 2014



Coming in at number 2... Rachel Bilson in Milly, Spring 2014. Her edgy 2-piece dress was a statement on its own. Her didn't require any jewelry. Her stylist really took a risk here and I have no complaints. 


Lastly... on the "worst dressed" list but as MY CHOICE for the number 1 look of the evening, Heidi Klum. This black gown shimmered against the starless night sky. Those simple icicle earrings dazzled against the black dress and her black and white layered rings really glistened along with the embroidered gown. The design and cut of the gown was sexy and far from classless.  




Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees of The People's Choice Awards 2014.