Beauty 101: Try A Dark Berry Lip

Before I go all out to educate and inform you that a dark berry lip is one of this season's hottest stains for the above skin tones, I will also let you know that I'm a rookie at wearing bold lips. If you're an avid reader of this blog you would remember my tips and ideas on wearing brights lacquers but as gorgeous as they looked on the face of Beyonce or Rihanna I was still reluctant to try a bold lip. A little inspiration from PurpleALaMode (for my favorite MAC lavender shade) and TheStyleAndBeautyDoctor (the hottest YSL vintage red ever) I now consider myself a pro and would rock any shade that works well with my complexion if you dare. With that being said, I've met people just like myself who has a hard time pumping up the boldness in their shades. My advice, take it one hue at a time eventually and eventually you'll get there. 

Okay, so I love this shade. Like I really do love this dark berry lip color. The perfect day and night lacquer! and to avoid looking to dark, go soft on the eyes. Well defined lashes, nude exterior gives this look a perfect finish and less gothic.

berry Lipstick

Will you be trying this dark berry hue? If you have share your thoughts...

Street Chic: Erika Style Activist

It is not very often that you would come across a young style savvy young lady that is the exact epitome of CHIC. During New York's Fashion Week IFB held their semi annual conference at the Hudson Hotel where I was granted the opportunity to meet so many fashion bloggers. Everyone was in the house, from Bryan Boy,  Suzie of Style Bubble as well as the curator of the famous Lookbook.nu. Among the shuffling of business cards, inspirational as well as not so inspiring presentations and a few glasses of wine, I met Erika of Style Activist  (great personality might I add) and from here on I've become an avid reader of her blog. She drives creativity, personality and fun to her ensembles so with the launch of the new and improved Street Chic (an extended forum for personal style), I've decided to have Erika The Style Activist share some information with you... 

How To Pair Colored Solid Pieces

Photo credit: Byju Devan  

A fashion faux pas goes a long way and if this were anything like the era a few seasons ago, both Rihanna and Blake Lively would be under arrest in the latter pages of US Weekly's Fashion Police. I remember the days when mix-match outfits were a no-go. Too much color in one ensemble were for clowns and its counter parts at the circus. Too bad this generation of style is throwing rules and regulations out the door and pushing envelopes to express themselves. The fashionably inclined hit series Gossip Girls, raising fashion icon and the tastemakers behind Gucci's Spring 2011 gives pairing bold colored solid it's stamp of approval. You know, the go ahead to pair a royal blue trouser with a shimmery gold blazer like Blake while filming an episode of GG in Paris or Rihanna's high wasted orange pants and a purple cropped sweater while doing her usual catwalk meets sidewalk in Europe. The key to wearing these pieces isn't magic, however there are factors to keep in mind while excecuting the look. When it comes to pairing bold colored solids less is more, that means little to no accessories will be just fine. We're in an era where most of the rules of dressing are out the window but this one is a keeper: WEAR PIECES THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR FIGURE. Rihanna made it okay to walk around with a beautifully toned stomach and it definitely works for her, but let me put it like this, it's not for everyone. Try tucking your blouse like Blake or throw on accessories (not necessarily jewelry). Multicolored pieces are out of the equation, keep the bold solid pattern throughout your ensemble, take this model lead spotted on the runway at Gucci's Spring 2011 runway show. Thoughts?

Accessories Report: Crystal Head Bands

Get a little flirtatious with your choice of accessories. A girly bedazzled, sequin or jewel piece will give you an extra "girly" and glam look. 

crystal hair bands

Chic Pick: Alexander Wang Sachel Bag

After the studded duffle bag Alexander Wang went down in our Notebook as "One of the best handbag designers"... Take notes, because if this Sachel vintage bag doesnt catch your eye then you probably need to retake Chic 101. The excess strapping and it's the perfect size for the girl on the go!

Is it splurge worthy? or do you think there are some great steals out there?

Pre order at Opening Ceremony  ...

Look Of The Day: Ciara

Ciara was one of many celebs who walked the red carpet at Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls" premier lastnight in NYC. Ciara's style has definitely evolved ever since "Goodies" and her first two albums but lately she's taken a fully fledged high fashion route with her style. I'm all for a effortless minimal look, so as Ciara decided to leave the thigh high biker boots and fur for a simple little black dress, hot leopard print booties and a gorgeous pink lip I couldn't help but give her The Chic Notebook's "Look Of The Day".

Fall/Winter Essentials: Neutral Cashmere Sweater

One of the best things I love about shopping for the frigid temperatures is knowing that some of your key    pieces will last  for a few more seasons. Lets face it, I'm sure we all have that one dress, shirt or shoe for the past six years that absolutely nothing would make us get rid of it. Nothing screams stylish, warm and comfy more than a clean cut cashmere sweater. Cropped, crew and turtle necks are some of my favorite types of sweaters that I try to add a new twist to revamp its look. While we're in the midst of reigning bold neutrals in particular beige, creme and off-white hues, stylista's Rihanna and Olivia Palermo shows you how to wear a neutral cashmere. Detailing and accessorizing adds a dash of excitement to any boring staple. The Chic Notebook's shopping tip for this Fall/Winter essential is durability. Remember bargain shopping can be fun and easy but it's also good to invest in that one item that wont wear or tear.

beige cashmere sweaters

Thoughts?

Entertainment: Kanye's "Runaway" Short Film

Here's Kanye's Runaway film starring Selita Ebanks.

Share your thoughts...

Street Style

Stockholm Street Style maybe one of our favorite Street Style blogs and since it's based in Paris this is more reason to visit everyday. Their fashion is just impeccable. Spotted on a recent feature, was this beautiful young lady. Her ensemble is so effortless and works perfectly! Tweed jacket, cargo shorts paired with black laced leggings and booties are too cute. Best night and day look, trade the boots in with some pumps or platform shoes and the pocket book for a bold clutch and there you have it. From running errands to a dinner party. The Chic Notebook approves ... Check out their site for daily style inspiration. HERE!!!

POSH AGENCY LLC WINE TASTING TRIP

This is what happens when a group of fun, style savvy New York City Girls get together. According to Rashida, Sandra and LaToya," POSH AGENCY LLC is a boutique firm geared towards servicing a sophisticated clientele"...That means you! Join these 3 POSH ladies for an exciting trip to the Wine Country on November 6th, it's promised to be an experience of a lifetime. See You There!!!

Keep up with POSH on FACEBOOK and TWITTER .

Rihanna and Lala Keeps Summer Alive With Bright Florals

I'm pretty sure Lala and Rihanna got the memo on earth tones, carmel, military, leopard and all these exciting patterns and trends for the fall. Come on, with a stylist like Mariel Hann and a growing icon (yes I said icon, it's still growing on me) Rihanna and style savvy Lala has this covered. This is why they threw all rules out the window and brought out the brights. Who said summer was only three months? Lala's strapless mini and Ri's skirt and cardigan set is the epitome of bold florals. Their figures, hair and makeup compliments their garden inspired attire which I love. 

Are you wearing bold florals this fall? or are they below your storage bin. I joined the dark on dark bandwagon this fall but this is inspiration to pull out the bold pieces atleast once during this cold season.

And speaking of Rihanna... have you seen her new video? 

If not here's Ri's "Only Girl In The World"...

Photo credit: Theybf and RihannaDaily...

Look Of The Day: Raven Symone

Think of Raven Symone as the queen of minimalist. Whether its red carpet, appearances, tv, her ensembles are always so minimal yet energetic just as her character. Celebrity DJ Beverly Johnson brought the celebrities out on the pink carpet for the annual Black Girls Rock event in NYC. It's an award show honoring primarily ladies in entertainment  who has made a lasting impression on the community. This time around Black Girls Rock has collaborated with BET to bring you this exciting event that will empower the youth. Raven Symone has definitely inspired many, she's made it cool to be the good successful girl in Hollywood so BGR salutes her.

Back to her ensemble... Raven wore a bright green, simple A line dress paired with a black straped heel. 

What throws the look together perfectly is her effortless hair and makeup. Her flowing curls with burnt edges adds character to her entire ensemble. Groomed eye brows, smokey eyes, and a fresh nude lip has this starlet glowing. So feminine, so flirtatious, yet edgy. Love the look...

What do you think?

Just Glam: October Beauty Vault

Cancer Awareness Month

The master mind behind the cosmetic brand Just Glam has teamed up with The Chic Notebook to bring you "October Beauty Vault".  Get familiar with the name Nicole Caldwell as her momentum has garnered spots in Heart & Soul, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Flawless Hair Designs Magazine, City Flightr Magazine, The Examiner and Front row, just to name a few. While raising awareness for Cancer, Nicole brings great beauty finds and encourages readers to Think Pink. 

More on Nicole and Just Glam Cosmetics? Visit her website. 

Actress Malinda Williams article on Just Glam in Essence 

Join The Mailing List

Join The Chic Notebook's Mailing List....

We're in the process of moving and changing hosting forums we've grown so much with our blogger fam that its hard to leave you guys behind. Sign up for TCN's mailing list for the weekly newsletter. So many exciting things to come your way!

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Chic Pick: The Blonds Spring 2011

Last on the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week roaster but certainly not least. I had the privilege of working with The Blonds team for their Spring 2011 show and let me just say mission well executed. A fun and exciting show is always my NYFW icing on the cake! So with the tornado at its peak and pouring rain in the NYC streets I made my way to Milk Studios in the Meat Packing District (directly across the DVF store) to work The Blonds. This post may be somewhat biased but I'm pretty sure that you would agree with me when I say that these corsets are too die for! Here is The Chic Report's long overdue "Chic Pick" post. Jewels, sequins, pearls are just a few gommettes used to create a dazzling embellished pieces as seen in the photos.

D.I.Y P.S- I made this... Denim Messenger Bag

I may not be able to ditch all of my unhealthy obsessions with you but what I will share is my love for the best D.I.Y site to hit the web  PS I Made This . The ladies of Fashionista sat with Erica Domesek to create a crafty messenger bag of denim shorts... What the video               

Video credit: Fashionista.com 

Earth Tone Hues For Fall

I'm a firm believer in translating summer to fall pieces. After going all out to get the best trendy staples this summer it would be heart wrenching to see them all go to the bottom of storage. As much as I believer in making your pieces work all year round, I also stand by revamping and freshening your look as the seasons change. This summer it was all about the floral, digital prints, bright geometric patterns, bold colors so as we slowly sip into the mood of fall I'm creating a new wardrobe.

January is when we make all our new years resolutions of what we should accomplish in the upcoming year, we sometimes tend to change our image whether is style or beauty but in Vogue's September Issue Documentary it was made official that September is the fashion's new year. So while you go back to school, back to work, back to wearing those lace up boots and cashmere pieces let's incorporate in little trendy pattern. Earth tone hues can help with this transition.

H and M trench.

This JCrew model is wearing a full earth tone ensemble. Khaki jacket mixed with the different ground shades of brown and grey makes it even more fun...

Nicholas K models.

photos via Style.com

Front Row At New York Fashion Week

Ever asked yourself what does it take to sit front row at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week? Although I may not know the complete answer to this I know one: star power. Kelly Cutrone made it very clear that if you're not seated in the first three rows at the tents then you're literally a "nobody" but is that really true? After reading" If You Have To Cry", watching "Kell On Earth" and of course "The City" religiously I've gained so much knowledge from this PR extraordinaire but I really don't see anybody beyond third row a "nobody". In my opinion it's a privilege to even get standing. For those of you who aren't familiar with fashion show seating's, "standing" is basically the people in the backdrop....standing. Of course, buyers and celebrities, get front row seats because they're basically the ones who can make or break a collection in this day and age. But is it overrated to score a front row seat? Immediate access to the collections on the web and backstage access to attendees have made it easier for the media to get an up close and personal view of the collection so is it really forth seeing front row? I would love to score a front row seat at a show, and of course predict Anna Wintour's "It" pieces for Vogue just  by her expressions. We're on to the 7th day of New York Fashion Week where celebs and the "whose-who" in the fashion industry have been spotted in front row.

Angela Simmons front row at Betsey Johnson

Kelly Rowland front row at BCBG

Kanye West graced front row at Rodarte

Kristin Cavallari also graced front row at Badgley Mishka.

Olivia Palermo front row at Monique Lhuillier

Gabriel union front row at Tracy Reese

The Chic Notebook will be front row one day!

Sigma Beauty NYFW Promotion

Sigma Beauty has a great New York Fashion Week promotion going on. One of the keys to effortless makeup is the right application tools and by that I mean an excellent set of brushes that will do the trick leaving your face less "cakey" and more flawless. In celebration of New York Fashion Week Sigma Beauty has a great special for your beauty mavens. Use the promo code: PREMIUM and recieve $20.00 off the Sigma Professional Premium Brush Kit.

Visit Sigma Beauty for more details...

MTV White Carpet Fashion

I was bored by the MTV awards this year and I'm sure I am not the only one who felt like last year's MTV Music Awards were way better. As much as the performers bored me I must say I kept an eye out for the best dressed fashionistas and Ashley Greene, Katy Perry, Ciara and of course Lady Gaga were a few of my favorite. Going back to the actual show, I was rooting for Chelsea Handler to knock this gig out the park, I expected a star studded performance roaster and I would appreciate Taylor a little more if she had shoes on and gave me a different rhythm. boring. Ok, no shots at Taylor. MTV gets A+ for production with the magical stage set up and icy white carpets.

 

Ciara's wardrobe may be all "Givenchied" out but she always delivers; and as for Lady Gaga in Alexander Mc Queen? No words. Love!