The Fashion Records Lookbook: Alicia

Jane — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:12:27 +0000

Name: Alissa

Age: 30

Location: Brooklyn baby!

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every woman should own, what would they be?

1-A motorcycle jacket

2-A body con dress w/t Spanx-they go hand in hand J

3-Killer 4inch heels

What’s in your pockets right now?

Nothing but lent. We are still in a recession.

What is the one biggest pet-peeve?

When people ask me how can I walk in high heels and if my feet hurt. I say to them, I’ve had more trips and falls in flats than in heels, so I can walk just fine in heels.

What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with The Fashion Records readers what would it be?

My biggest fashion tip is to dress the body you have now.

What’s the most important lesson that life has taught you?

There are so many important life lessons that I have learned but I think the one that stays with me the most is to always be myself and not focus on what other people are doing but stay true to my visions and my own path. It’s so easy to get hung up on other people’s successes and possessions and I think sometimes we have to realize what God has for you is for you so stop worrying about what everyone else has and is doing.

What’s the one place you should NEVER go on a date?

You should never go to a fast food restaurant on a date because there is no privacy.

What would you say is your signature style?

It’s hard to say because there is a lot of simplicity to my style. Nothing is over the top or edgy. I always try to just look pulled together. I think my signature style is sophisticated and on trend. I love classic styles, draping, pleating, and ruffles but I like to put my own twist by adding current trends. A typical outfit for me is a feminine dress with a biker jacket and heels. It makes me feel so comfortable as if I had on jeans and a tee.

Is there anyone who you admire or draw your style influences from?

Honestly, right now I’m drawing style influence from 3 people. Olivia Palermo, Solange Knowles, and Kourtney Kardashian. I just think they are giving a breath of fresh air from the typical skin tight club dresses and are really putting together outfits that everyday women would wear.

What is your most prized fashion item?

I don’t have one.

Favorite designers:

Monif C., Jibri, Rachel Roy, Tracy Reese, BCBG Max Azria, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors. They all truly speak to my personal style in some way.

Where do you like to shop?

I like to hit up Brooklyn boutiques for one of kind pieces. However, I love shopping at Century21, Bloomingdales, ASOS, Forever21, and Dorothy Perkins.

People don’t know that you….

I wanted to be a rapper. I had plans on being the female Jay-Z. LOL! I like to call myself a hip hop connoisseur.

Where can we find you online….

You can find me on my blog: Stylish Curves, Twitter(@stylishcurves), Facebook, and my new addiction Tumblr (Misschocolatesupreme.tumblr.com)

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motorcycle jacket with dress

The modern day world is all about the balancing act. You need to be mulch-faceted which also means you have to dress for these multiple roles concurrently. The most difficult and frustrating among these multiple role dressings seems to be the ones where a change has to be made in minutes! On such days, having your career and a good social life may seem like antitheses thus making you feel that you have no choice but to sacrifice looking good. Though this is a challenge, it is not something impossible. The following are some quick change beauty tips.

1. Carry your own little makeup kit: Keep it well stocked. Some of the essential components of the kit would be headliners to add a touch of glamor to your peeps, lipstick for a rich lip coat, some mascara to add life to the eyes, highlighting powder to give a radiant burst to the cheeks, the brightening eye shadow compact and some pressed powder.

2. Foundation is must: When it comes to making your face, a good ‘foundation’ is a must. You could apply a light foundation with a concealer. Do this before you leave for work and rest assured that it will not look overdone. You will then have a ready ‘canvas’ to paint on in the evening to create a masterpiece! Make use of the lipstick to get that party pout and finish with a touch of mascara before you head out into the party.

3. Accentuate your eyes: You could also choose to accentuate your eyes to make them the most prominent feature. For this, just use pale lipstick and add a smokey look to the eyes. Use the black liner for a upper lash line and the q-tip to add shadow to the lower lash line. Then, apply the highlighting powder using your finger tips.

4. Dressing strategies: A lot of innovative strategies could be used in the dressing too. If there is a committee event or an opening scheduled in the evening after work, try using something in black. Black has the look of official dignity as well as that of playful sexiness. A black dress along with a low décolleté with a black blazer will work fine at office. You can then simply replace the blazer with fur or cashmere wrap and change your looks from official clothes to sexy evening wear!

5. Jeans can be another option: Another cool option for dressing would be to make use of the jeans. Jeans go well along with, well, almost everything! A tight fitted camisole under the savvy tweed box jacket will be a good way to be ready for the office and the date! A change from flats to high heels and a little makeup gets you ready for the date in no time.

A lot of tips can be further elaborated but the general idea has been given here. Most important, however, would be the change you would need in your attitude and outlook. Never make the mistake of carrying your date to work or your work to the date. While you take care to change your clothes and makeup, make sure that you put on the correct attitude and mindset too!

About The Author: Kate is a blogger by profession. She is fond of writing, traveling and shopping. Recently she bought a pair of Sports Watches for herself on New Year. These days she is busy writing an article on Chestnut Hair Color for her blog Beautyramp.

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Did you know you can get a Fake Belly Alterations Service? Check out Moon Bump. Fake it all from the begging to the end. Call your surrogate and start now.
Beyonce’s baby is called Ivy Blue. Yes, the songstress and her husband Shawn Corey Carter (aka Jay-Z) gave birth to a baby girl. People always concentrate on the negative since drama makes for stories. For example, many folks are referring to the Ilumaniti as the main influence in the name, and process of birth, for the couple. I think that’s their own business and no one can force information from anyone unless both Jay-Z and Beyonce offer it up. But I will say this; I am shocked that they did not have the birth at home.

The media has seriously overplayed their story and I now understand why Jay-Z and Beyonce did not publicize their wedding. I will also then say that they were capable of handling the birth of Ivy Blue the same way they did their secret nuptials! Unfortunately they chose the public route and we all know that path is riddled with criticism, scrutiny and a big old hater-fest.

No this is not Ivy Blue:

And Neither is this:

Cute little Ivy Blue is going to be chased and pursued by paparazzi for her entire childhood unless her parents find a way to keep her hidden. To be honest, this is not the first big celebrity to have a child. How many of us even know the details of Tiger Wood’s kids being born? Enough said on that. They both have the power to protect their own privacy.

I’m not going to focus on their rumored Illuminati associations but I will say something about the birth of Ivy Blue:

It’s a girl for Beyonce Ingrid Jackson the selected surrogate momma.

Here are 10 Reasons why I Believe Beyonce Used a Surrogate:

1. Beyonce’s baby bump deflated on television. If you are one of them naive types, look into it. The bump was almost too round like a belly impression.

2. Beyonce and Jay-Z had way too much security at the hospital indicating a little something something that needed to stay within closed doors. Who puts tape over the security cameras and asks for cell phones to be turned in prior to shifts at the hospital?

After 11 p.m., even doctors and nurses were barred from entering the fourth floor, prompting one doc to complain that he had patients to see. (NY Daily News)

3. Beyonce lacked the pregnant glow that mother’s have. Her body remained neutral: no changes. She didn’t get big on the face or anywhere else.

Beyonce versus Christia Milian

4. Too much mystery surrounding the birth of Beyonce’s baby Ivy Blue. Where there is so much lack of clarity, something is always hidden.

5. If she launches a maternity line we will soon know it was all part of the plan!

6. No bare-belly maternity photo shoots for Beyonce anywhere! Come on you mean to tell me no photographer was interested to do a maternity shoot with her. We all know Miss Diva loves to show her assets so why not this time?

7. Beyonce’s baby was delivered a month a half early, yet she had a scheduled C section? Things just don’t add up.

8. Her stomach was always concealed in a way so no one really show the progress of the trimester.

9. Soon she will pop back onto the stage with revealing clothes and giving us tips on “How I bounced my body back from pregnancy”. She could possibly have had good reason that she would ruin her divalicious body. Beyonce did reveal awhile back

“I had begged my sister, please don’t make me, ‘cos its going to traumatize me. But she talked me into it – and I was right! I’m scared of that!”

10. Jay-Z and Beyonce went to great lengths to have a baby in a hospital (when they could have easily arranged for a home-birth). I think this was done in order to rule out suspicions of a surrogate. This way the headlines wouldn’t read “Beyonce has Baby via Surrogate Hidden in her Home”.

Maybe fresh from the surrogates oven?

Anyways, if Beyonce did indeed use a surrogate, there is nothing to be judged about that! No shame in it at all but I have a few questions for that:

Why lie about pretending to give birth?
Why go through all that fakeness? Why not just adopt a kid then?

But in the end, I will say this:

Stop Hating.

Let them eat cake!

Congrats to the baby either way:

Shaking my head…..

Some can be hateful! This is a small baby who just entered the world….

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Liya Kebede hails from Ethiopia and has gained a global appeal as the face of Estee Lauder, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and also in her acting debut in Dessert Flower. This international beauty is also a mother and wife (in additional to being a career woman). Raised and born in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, she moved to Paris to chase after her dream to be a model. She is not just a pretty face: Liya Kebede has used her success to help the people back in her homeland. Her talent also shows itself in other areas: she is fluent in English, Amharic, French and knows some Italian.
I’ve been seeing her in a lot of H&M and now she’s been chosen for Bottega Veneta Spring 2012. Nice to see her everywhere.

Liya Kebede in H&M

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African Americans have embraced plastic surgery more popularly now than ever. We have seen that with Nene (aka the drama queen of Real Housewives of Atlanta). From emulation of a celebrity to the dislike of a certain area of your body….insecurities are still there like the elephant in the room. With all the celebrities (Kelly Rowland, Vivica Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ciara, Janet Jason, Lil Kim e.t.c) getting plastic surgery, it may be tempting to rush right along to the nearest doctor in your area to emulate. But think again.

Black Skin and Cosmetic Surgery

African American skin is a more thicker layer and it is oiler than white skin. With that said, it is prone to scarring and keloids if you get a unfamiliar surgeon to operate on you. Look at what happened to Micheal Jackson! He was unfortunate to get someone who didn’t understand the skin structure of black skin and so the end result was a collapsed nose that needed to be destroyed and re-constructured!

You want to look for a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience operating on your type of skin. You want minimal scarring and procedures which use small incisions that wont leave gapping scars on your body.

Vivica Fox has had plastic surgery and there is no doubt about it. It is not that her skin, or physical features, are grotequely noticable but rather, you can see an alteration in her features. When it comes to plastic surgery, she got herself a damn good plastic surgeon. He/she was able to maintain Vivivica Fox’s natural look minus her Botox filled forehead….

Choosing a Surgeon

So, what does it take to be a cosmetic surgeon? Endurance! You must endure 4 years of uni/college then 4 years in med school, 5 years as general surgeons and finally 2 years in plastic surgery! Then after that, these doctors must specialize. Specialization is where they decide if they will either start doing reconstructive work or stuffing silicones into women e.t.c. Whew, they better do all that work before I can even let them touch my big toe! And if you think cheap is the way to go, remember the fake “doctor” who was stuffing people’s butt’s with cement? Enough said. Do your research.

In every way, plastic surgery is art. The artist being the doctor and the body being the canvas. Plastic surgeons must be artists in more than one way; they are the eyes that look for proportion; they have to envision the end product and a method that will get them there.

I blinked twice like a mad woman “Is that Lil’ Kim? Yes it is and soon she’ll be turning whiter than Kim Kardashian.

Halle Berry looks more subtle but still gorgeous.

Well…ummmm, the Jackson’s have always been addicted ever since they got their first incission!

Kelly Rowland got her bust bigger and a nose job to go with that.

Popular Procedures

So the popular procedure celebrities get include: breast augmentation, face lifts, breast reduction, eyelids, liposuction, and nose jobs.

More recently Brazilian butt lifts have become popular along with butt lipo!

Remember:

By any means is this post encouraging plastic surgery but rather, acknowledging that people do these proceedures. With acknowledgement we are informing anyone prior to them taking action. Please consult your medical research this is still surgery so all risks are involved.

But please please don’t try to compete with celebrities! Money makes all the difference and these folks have access to plastic surgery factories where they can be re-made!

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Would you give up high heels? Apparently researchers say high heels are not good for you! Say What!

That leaves us ladies riding low with either flats, riding boots, slippers and for some those elephant boots (aka Uggs)! It leaves us with a few men screaming in agony!

What shall we do?

I love high heels. I love how they make me walk, balance and hold my posture right. But, when it comes to having to choose between my health and heels, I’m sure I can be swayed a bit. I said “bit” not a lot. The thought of wearing a tiny black dress with flats makes me cringe. Where are my long legs? Anyhow, researchers are screaming at women to really consider not putting 6 inch nails on their feet. If you still go ahead and wear them? Well you may get a little gift in terms of tendon and muscle damage. This pain can be felt even when you are not wearing heels.

To be honest, if I ever get to that level of flaunting high heels with excruciating pain, I am willing to compromise my looks for comfort. Pain is not beauty to me! Pain is just pain!

Verdict: I’m keeping my heels but I may just compromise the height a little bit just to avoid being in prolonged pain as I get older. Still loving the heels though.

pumps

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When Juvenile (the rapper) makes a reference to flossing, we all know it is not even remotely innocent. There’s got to be a rapper mentality to it. But, anyways, Let’s take it with a dental reference as opposed to a metaphor that I will reveal at the end of all this. Many people hear “oral hygiene” and “teeth” and immediately think dentist! Your teeth can be just as well maintained at home with the occasional dental checkup/cleaning.

I take oral hygiene very seriously and I have kept various products (on the regular) to help me with this maintenance. It’s really an easy process. The two top things you want, when it comes to oral care, are:

1. Fresh breath

2. Healthy, often white, teeth.

Your Tongue:

Your tongue is a soft little mattress for all the bacteria to get cozy and go to sleep; sometimes these stubborn things even have a slumber party with pillow fights while popping a champagne called Halitosis! Try a tongue brush. What a tongue brush does is it scrub up, and loosens, the tiny residue particles (aka the white nasty stuff). Then follow up with a tongue scraper. Bad breath breeds from a tongue that has been infested by bacteria. So, allow me to share what has worked for my regime in keeping a fresh mouth.

1. Visit your dentist often for added benefits and a cavity checkup. What are the added benefits? Well they scrape your plaque build-up (tartar) that your regular tooth-brush can’t handle. The less plaque, the more smooth your teeth are. Plus, the dentist puts fluoride that hardens your teeth and whitens. Bonus! Oh and cavities are fixed before they become gaping root canals!

2. Invest in an mechanical tooth-brush. A mechanical toothbrush achieves way more strokes than your little ol’ manual tooth brush. I am not talking about the $3 dollar mechanical ones you get at the store. Those ones vibrate at crazy speed cycle and are not properly built to brush in a pattern that is effective to remove plaque. You also need a gently engineered brush that won’t make your gums recede overtime. I use a mechanical tooth brush and my teeth feel so smooth after wards plus, when I visit my dentist he says that my plaque build-up is barely existent. Mind you I floss a lot too in addition to the brushing. I personally prefer the Oral-B Professional. I tried the SonicCare and it was just too hard, and fast, of vibrations for me. It was literally bone-chilling! But some other people swear by it. Anyways, Oral-B is gentle, and has a timer for recommended brush time. Bonus!

3. On alternating days I use hydrogen peroxide (less than 3% concentration) to rinse my mouth. What you need to do is take a swig of it and gargle for 2 minutes. Then follow up with a rinse of water. This is important. If you just use hydrogen peroxide, your teeth and mouth get dry and a dry mouth equals bad breath! So the water brings the needed moisture back and the hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria.

4. Use this sequence when cleaning your mouth: Floss your teeth to loosen plaque then brush your teeth to sweep that plaque away. Then brush your tongue and follow up with a tongue scraper.

5. Keep your mouth moisture-full. How do you do that? Drink lots of water and forget the sugary drinks. Also remember that alcohol drys your mouth so a dry mouth makes you have bad breath. So if you have to drink, keep a glass of water nearby.

6. Don’t buy mouth-wash unless it contains no alcohol. Mouthwash containing alcohol (which is a majority) actually ends up drying your mouth and your teeth. All this dryness= bad breath!

NASAL AREA: I really REALLY recommend a Neti Pot. A Neti Pot is used to clean your nasal passage. A lot of people don’t know but sinuses can cause bad breath. I would say use it on days when your nasal passage is clear as opposed to being stuffed up. A simple ingredient: baking soda, salt and warm water should do the job.

*Disclaimer* A few seconds into hearing Juvenile rapping it all about “Flossin’ Season” it downed on me that he is not even remotely talking about dental work but rather all the expensive Sh$&t he needs to floss out and show you before he gets even more Sh&%T. But doesn’t matter you still need to FLOSS your teeth and take a hygiene routine

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There are many things that repulse men but we are going to focus on the ones that raise alarms when it comes to women. Also keep in mind that just putting forth an effort to have a healthy self-image is first before you try to please ANY man. Now, I never dressed (or groomed) primarily for the approval of a man and I will be damned if I ever dress for that main purpose! I just like to feel great in my own skin. Anyways….

It’s almost scientific that men are quite visual so when it comes to the ladies who are looking a hot mess….that’s a problem. Let’s just say that if you are waiting for him to see past your ”hot mess” into your soul, you will be waiting a long long time or, you will meet another “hot mess”.

1. Walking around with ugly nails:

I am not expecting you to hit the nail salon drop $40/month especially if you are on a budget! You really can make it all at home (even if you are lazy or broke!). Fake nails are not my #1 option so my nails are always clean and shaped plus, I do like to regularly polish….I’m just throwing that our there! Heck I’ve even worn Kiss Broadway Natural Deceptions and a lady asked me which salon I had just done my nails at!

2. Get the funky odour away from your hair

You may not smell it but men detect funk like it’s bug spray. Bacteria, that is to blame for the odour, loves to live in dark, warm, moist places. So your hair becomes a motel bed for the bacteria to chill out there and grow. Longer stay= more funk! So if you are wearing weaves, wigs and hair products, learn to wash your hair. Use dry shampoo if you have to!

3. You better shape up if you want a man If you want a man who takes care of himself too! And Health-wise…

Women, and men, who take care of themselves physically also reveal subtly that they take care of other business in their lives. You know it and here’s the good news: you don’t have to drop $50 on a monthly gym membership. Go outside for long walks and come home and do sit-ups. Or you can start working out at home if it’s winter time. I particularly enjoy working out to Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism cardio tapes.

4. Wear clothes that compliment your body shape

No one said you have to run out to an expensive retail store to get into some brand names. You can look cute for your shape by taking proper measurements and tailoring the ones that don’t quite fit.

5. Remove thy mask

Men are likely to approach a woman who looks real and easy to strike a conversation with. So? So if you are wearing clown-like makeup, you look like a Photoshoped clown who just missed the circus. What is so repulsive to men when it comes to too much makeup? What will they really be getting after all that fake stuff comes off! So learn to play up your best features without any false-advertising (aka clown makeup!).

6. Overall hygiene: Wash and wear clean garments!

Looking neat and clean is hand in hand. You can not look clean and then give armpit B.O when someone hugs you. Okay enough about all the funk! This is a 101 in hygiene routines. And ladies, not out to embarrass you, but special care is needed when Aunt Flo comes to visit. I remember one day standing in front of a certain girl who kept chatting with us and the special funk was all there and she seemed oblivious to it but everyone else was VERY aware! No one told her but the gentlemen I was with sure questioned it afterwards. Too bad she was not someone close that you can slap on some handcuffs and hand over to some hygiene police!

7. Show a kind heart and appreciation.

Do you swoop your man off his feet on a special day (hint example: his birthday) and foot the dinner bill and movie to manifest how much you appreciate him and how you think he’s special to you? or do you just go out to dinner and expect him to pay that day too? Men like to be spoiled too.

Remember, you can keep yourself looking great without having to sweat buckets about your next paycheck clearing your bank.

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Equally an address to black males as well as non-black males…..

Stereotypes are like endless sand on a beach (especially when you look at them in the dating realm). Very many people fall into being prey to false advertising and other impeccable lies that often end up bruising and hurting them when it comes to finding a mate. So are you ready to date, or have dated, or have been dating, black women? I just made that whole sentence seem like you need a marathon training in order to go ahead with it! I just wanted to point to the truth that: your thinking process should evolve to halt the processing of myths and misconceptions on the black ladies. Black women appear to be just like any other- except dipped in caramel or dark chocolate. Yes, the many shades make them beautiful and you’d be surprised if you approach like a king you will get a beautiful black queen.

What the Fuss is……….

When you are indulging and chomping on all the myths about being with black women, you are missing opportunities. The false theories, and views, cloud your thoughts and eventually lead you to grouping these ladies in one-type of way. The reality is that black women happen to just be women not some weird species! So an open-mind is very invited since you will meet with many personalities and heritages. When you are open to meeting a lover, a friend or a life-mate, you should not be walking in with pre-judgements. Pre-judgements prevent you from knowing each woman for who she really is. You should get to know her for her feelings, her past, her future and her dreams; you should not be knowing her in terms of the stereotypes that you think define her.

Popular Misconceptions

Misconceptions about dating black women are rampant and many of them are hurtful in their purpose. When you go around believing everything , you can miss that chance to meet a great black woman. So here are some things that you’ve probably heard about black women.

1. Black women have too much attitude!

I don’t know did you step on her big toe and she yelled & slapped you so now she has attitude? Take a few leaps back and you will come face to face to the realization that there are women of all colors that have enormous attitudes. Really, it’s not a black woman curse. Plus, not all of us black women have attitudes. So what often leads to this assumption?

The numero uno thing that often becomes the kryptonite of black women is their strength and independence. It all branches from culture and it should not be looked at as a bad thing. When women of other races react the same way they are excused “she was defending herself” but no way, not a black lady. Anyways, it is not to say that by being strong on your values = attitude! Independent types intimidate men. It is a problem that can be address in a double way: women please make sure you make a man feel needed and men please make sure you are not looking for a doormat! So to make a long story short, independent & strong black women need men who are just as stronger and independent.

2. Black women have way too many kids and a lot of drama with their baby daddy!

This one has to be set straight: Hollywood propaganda utilizes the few numbers of such cases and applies it to our black female population! It is not completely true. Movies and sitcoms eat it up since it makes for great entertainment. Get a mouthy, edgy, character called Laquisha whose got 5 baby daddies and you’ve got pure diluted entertainment. Come on now, get acquainted with a real black woman and you will see that such creations really fall flat on their faces.

Why don't we see even at least one portrayal like this!

Black women are gorgeous (well like any other race these are the ones that conduct themselves with respect and class). They embrace their loving and caring side by raising families and caring for others apart from themselves. So? We are all unique. We come in different hues and personalities. Stop stacking us like cattle into one pen. We are not perfect but yet we don’t appreciate when you make it easy to glue women of a particular race or culture and say that they behave in a diagnosed uniform way. When you choose to use the mythical glue of lies on a black woman all you are doing is limiting your life experiences with diversity.

If you are interested in pursuing black women, then you have to leave any pre-conceived notions that you may have seen, or heard, and walk into it with a renewed vision. See her as an individual who is not tainted by mistakes that some people of her race may have made (or are making). Let her color of skin be something radiant that you are proud to be holding and touching.

You can have any woman you want if you choose to be an Alpha male that rejects people’s limiting beliefs and pursues your own enriching ones. Nothing is as sexy as a man who pursues what he wants as opposed to what people say he should have.

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Lou Samuel is Heidi Klum and Seal’s baby. Okay that sounds very stalker-like. Regardless, she is adorable as she bonds with moma, Heid Klum, around California. It looks like they had a mother and daughter day shopping and bonding and it ended with a treat of some sort and a deep snooze.