Chic Status

February 6, 2008

In New York City, most BG fashionistas carry a designer “status” handbag. Whether it’s vintage or the newest one on the market, many women feel like they have to carry designer purses from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Prada and Chanel to maintain their fabulous fashion style. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of buying bags based on the designer. I don’t care if the bag was made in Italy or the United States, if I like it I’ll buy it. To me the quality and structure of the bag are paramount. As long as it looks good, I’ll wear it, however, I have never worn a knock-off and never will.

Although I have heard that classic A-list handbags will last you a lifetime. Maybe one day I’ll find out, but until I bring home enough money to frivolously purchase one of these super expensive purses, I’ll continue rocking my chic affordable leather Kenneth Cole bags!

What do you guys think?

Chanel Tote Available at www.efashionhouse.com for $1888


Louis Vuitton Manhattan Available at www.eluxury.com for $1560


Fendi Turtle Spy Bag Available at www.eluxury.com for $1910


Prada Calfskin Bowler Available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $1595

Category: Fashion | 17 Comments

Barack the Vote!

February 4, 2008


Super Tuesday is tomorrow and it’s super important for those of us who are living in one of the 24 states where primary elections are taking place to exercise our right to vote. This presidential race has been one of the most exciting and historical in recent memory. To have an African-American and a woman representing the Democratic Party is nothing less than spectacular!

In honor of my choice for the Democratic candidate – Barack Obama, I came across some cute tees and hoodies that support his campaign. A play on words from the successful Rock the Vote campaign made popular on MTV in the 1990s, these Barack the Vote shirts make a statement both fashion-wise and politically. Not only do they promote Obama, 25% of each purchase is donated to his campaign.

Even if you don’t plan to “Barack the Vote,” please go out and let your voice be heard through your ballot. We can make a difference!


$20


$20


$20


$20


$20


$40

All shirts (they have guys’ apparel too) are available at www.barackawear.com

Category: Fashion | 14 Comments

Frenzied Fashion Week Amost Here

January 31, 2008

Yes, that time of the year is upon us New Yorkers yet again – Fashion Week! The crazy hustle and bustle of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week officially starts tomorrow and I’m so excited. This is my first year being invited to cover several fashion shows. I’m looking forward to seeing all the fashionistas and fashionistos from around the world clamor to see what designers like Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller and tons of other talented fashion designers have in store for Fall 2008.

I will bring you guys with me as I attend the shows, parties and all the craziness that goes hand in hand with Fashion Week. Hopefully, after receiving bad press for not using enough BGs as models in the past, leading designers will take notice and include more of us on the runways. If not, you’ll read about it from me and my fellow bloggers.

Stay tuned for the Fashion Week round-up!

Category: Fashion | 9 Comments

Ears Never Looked So Pretty!

January 23, 2008

There’s no accessory that can transform a BG’s look like a great pair of earrings. That’s why I have dozens of them. When I interviewed Tyra Banks’ stylist Yaniece a few weeks ago, she told me that gold hoop earrings were a BG must-have. Her statement made me think about other earring styles that we should all have in our jewelry boxes.

From classic diamonds to ornate hoops, earrings can instantly take your look anywhere from corporate to glam in seconds.

Take a look at some of my favorites:


These classic diamond studs are the perfect accessory to a well-tailored suit. Available at Macy’s www.macys.com from $700-$900

These gold hoops can be worn with anything, but they really go well with flirty dresses. Available at Nordstrom’s www.nordstrom.com for $118


What’s more classic than these Pave Crystal studs? Available at Nordstrom’s www.nordstrom.com for $50


These delicate and girly Joey & Morgan hoops will certainly complement any outfit. Available at Net-a-Porter www.netaporter.com for $185


Pearls always provide that timeless Audrey Hepburn look. Available at Macy’s www.macys.com from $110 to $260


These beautiful Kenneth & Jay gold looped earrings are perfect for a night out on the town! Available at Net-a-Porter www.netaporter.com for $40


Diamond hoop earrings are a girl’s best friend! Available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $360

Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Brush Stroke

January 16, 2008

Any professional makeup artist will tell you that the most important tool to achieving a flawless look is a makeup brush. Neither the top of the line concealer, foundation, eye shadow or blush/bronzer will successfully produce your desired look without being applied and blended with a proper makeup brush.

Brushes help you apply your makeup smoothly with accuracy and precision, which enhances your overall look. Also, you need to be sure to use the right brush for specific areas of your face. To cover all bases, invest in a good set that includes a variety of brushes.

Remember, you don’t have to be a professional to use brushes! MAC brushes happen to be my favorite brand, but check out some of these:


Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $150


Smashbox brushes available at www.sephora.com $84


Too Faced brushes available at www.sephora.com for $72


Pop-up brush canister set available at www.sephora.com for $45


Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $44


Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $32


MAC brushes available at www.maccosmetics.com $132.50

Category: Beauty, Fashion | 4 Comments

In the Trenches

January 15, 2008

Recently, I caught a fabulous sale at one of my favorite stores – Macy’s. Even though the Macy’s located at 34th Street Herald Square here in New York can be packed with thousands of tourists, sale-seekers and slow-walking shoppers, I decided to brave the fashion jungle anyway.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to visit “the largest department store in the world,” it isn’t for the faint of heart; it takes a die-hard shopper like myself to tackle such a fashion frenzy feat. But boy am I glad I did!!! That day I found a super cute, yet classic black Calvin Klein trench coat for only $106! I was thrilled because the trench was originally priced at $265. Plus, a trench can instantly add sophistication to your look.

As I fought my way in front of a mirror amongst the scores of frantic shoppers to see my reflection, it was love at first sight! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for coats. I don’t know what it is, but a fabulous coat is my fashion weakness. Once I whipped out my Visa gift card (a Christmas gift) to pay the cashier, I anxiously pondered when I’d be able to wear it since it was freezing when I purchased it.

Thanks to the undeniable effects of global warming last week, I was able to rock my new fashion find months earlier than expected. With this unpredictable weird weather, you too might find yourself pulling out your favorite trench before spring officiallly starts. So be prepared!

In the meantime, check these out:


Rampage Alaya trench available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $68


Lauren Jeans Co. available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $169


Helene Berman trench available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com for $328


Bebe trench availale at www.bebe.com for $129


Tommy Hilfiger trench available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $179


BCBG trench available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom for $298


Robert Rodriguez trench available at Eluxury www.eluxury.com for $385


The classic Burberry trench available at Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com for $995 (this is for the true fashionista with mucho dinero)

Category: Fashion | 8 Comments

Meet Celebrity Fashion Stylist Yaniece Piper Thomas

January 14, 2008


A few weeks ago, I attended a photo shoot with America’s favorite former top model and talk show host, Tyra Banks (for my regular 9 to 5 job). She was extremely down-to earth and friendly just like you’d expect her to be. Not only was she approachable and genuine, her glam squad was too; especially her wardrobe stylist, Yaniece Piper Thomas.

Immediately, I thought that Yaniece would be a perfect person to interview for BGG! Dressed in a funky pink snood cap, cute jacket and denim jeans, the former model-turned celebrity fashion stylist politely and excitedly accepted my interview offer.

An L.A native, who studied merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and once toured the world as a model, Yaniece now works in New York City as Tyra’s personal fashion stylist on her popular TV talk show, America’s Next Top Model , as well as for special events and appearances.

Check out my Q&A with the style guru:

BGG: How long have you been a fashion stylist?
Yaniece: I have been styling for about 5 years. I modeled for about 10 years and then started a clothing line called Liya Cynamone with a business partner. The line was sold to about 100 boutiques across the country and a couple of specialty stores which included Saks and Henri Bendels.

BGG:I know that you were a model before you became a fashion stylist, do you think that your experience as a model helps you in your career as a stylist?
Yaniece: I believe my experience as a modeling and designer has helped me tremendously with styling. Modeling allowed me to see the world, meet all types of people and experience different cultures. Not knowing at the time, I was making future business contacts. Designing helped me learn the structure of garments, learn about textiles and also taught me business skills.

BGG: Describe your personal style.
Yaniece: My personal style is vintage chic…I’m a little funky… I love flowy tops and a cute dresses. I’m 5′ 10″ but you rarely catch me without high heels. I guess it’s the LA in me.

BGG: Briefly tell me about a typical day as a celebrity/wardrobe stylist.
Yaniece: There isn’t a typical day in celebrity styling. But a normal show day is pretty mellow. Morning phone calls to showrooms and designers. Setting up looks for the day and dressing my client for the show. I usually stay on set making sure my client looks perfect.

But some days are crazy…we can start as early as 3 or 4 am to go to publicity shoots then straight to the talk show, then to a special event. My day could end around 12 am. You have to keep in mind my one booking never starts on the day of the event. Typically one shoot takes two maybe even three days to prep then the day of the shoot and a wrap day. When I say wrap day I mean returning clothing and taking care of the budget.

BGG: I know the fashion industry is a tough business to break into, what was your big break?
Yaniece: My big break was working as an assistant with a stylist who happened to work for Tyra Banks and pretty much worked hard and ended up with her job. It’s all about hard work and relationships.

BGG: As Tyra Banks’ stylist, is there anything that she absolutely won’t wear?
Yaniece: Tyra likes her clothing to accentuate her curves..she never wears shiny clothing.

BGG: What other celebrities have you worked with?
Yaniece: I’ve worked with a few other celebrities – Iman, Carly Wilson, Blu Cantrell, Eric Bennett and a couple of others.

BGG: Working with celebrities can be grueling because of their demanding schedules, what do you do for fun and relaxation?
Yaniece: When I’m not working I love to spend time with my daughter and find out what’s going on in her world. She’s a teenager so I get on her nerves. But when she’s tired of me, I love to veg out, go to spas, hang out and have a few cocktails…you know!!!

BGG: I know that you’re from Los Angeles, how is the fashion here in New York City different from the City of Angels, if at all?
Yaniece: In my eyes, the only difference between LA and NY is – Cali is more laid back…we love flip flops 24/7…even when it rains!

BGG: Who are some of your favorite designers? Why?
Yaniece: I really don’t have a favorite designer. Unfortunately, I’m not a loyal customer. If I like It I buy or pull it.

BGG: If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every BG should own, what would they be?
Yaniece: Three fashion must-haves that every BG should own are a pair of big gold earrings, a cute black dress and sexy lingerie.

Gold hoops available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $360 (I bought this same pair 2 years ago for less than half of that price so check them out when they go on sale)
Cute black Nicole Miller dress available at Nordstrom for $385. Again, you can find a cute black dress almost anywhere and at various prices.

Sexy embroidered babydoll nightie from Victoria’s Secret www.victoriassecret.com for $26.99

BGG: What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with BGG readers?
Yaniece: My fashion tip is always dress to impress. Even If you’re going to the grocery store put on a cute sweat suit. You never know who you’ll see. First impressions are lasting impressions.

BGG: What advice would you give to other BGs who’d like to break into the business of celebrity/fashion styling?
Yaniece: The only advice I can give to someone who wants to be in this industry is to work hard and make contacts. And if you’re already doing that keep it up your time will come.

Click here to see Yaniece on The Tyra Banks Show!

Category: Fashion, Interviews | 20 Comments