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