Since I've Been Gone.....

I have definitely been MIA! I just started working at a PR firm where alllll I do is stay on the computer from 9-5, so needless to say that when I get home, hopping on the computer is the LAST thing I want to do! 

But oh how I've missed you so! I told myself that I would get to this by the end of the week, and here I am....sitting at the keyboard! Enough about that, let's recap whats been going on since I've been gone!

OBAMA IS THE PRESIDENT! 

I feel horrible about now documenting this on my blog but I was so caught up in the moment, I couldn't tear myself away when it was all going down! Let's talk about MICHELLE OBAMA and her selections for the big day. I know you've all been through this already, but I just have to!

The first look of the day came from ISABEL TOLEDO with a lemongrass colored number. I did not love it, but I did not hate it. I totally understand what Michelle was trying to convey with the look. I really loved the J. Crew gloves! She couldn't be too fierce and intimidate the world with her fashion game....but not to worry

She stepped out in JASON WU later that night at the Inaugural Ball. This was my fav! I loved the detail and the one strap! Sooo gorgeous! And this has to be amazing for both designers! People are probably knocking down their doors as we speak! I cannot wait to see her clothes in the upcoming years!

KIMORA IS PREGGERS!!!!

So rumors have been swirling that KiKi was with child, and it's recently been confirmed with her recent appearances!! I love her so much, and she's def fabulous!

Leave it to her to make an appearance with a leopard shirt. Loves it!

Okay...back to business as usual! Those are just a couple of things that rocked my world in recent weeks!

Golden Globes: My Picks

Everyone stepped out in their best last night as they graced the red carpet of the Golden Globe awards. So many people did features on it, I don;t want to go into too much detail about who wore what so I'll just give you my favs. I also love long and flowy soo, that'll explain my choices. 

BEYONCE wore Elie Saab and looked gorgeous. Thought it was a bit predictable, I still loved it.

SELMA HAYEK was busting out in a  Bottega Veneta, but rightfully so. She looks amazing and I love the fit!

KATE BECKINSALE left me in awe when she wore this gorgeous J. Mendel gown. I love the detail on the neckline, very soft and whispy!

JENNIFER LOPEZ was a blast from the past when she wore another plunging neckline, but cliche or not, I love it! It's sexy and fun! 

My winner for the night, overall was KATE WINSLET in this Yves Saint Laurent dress. Fabulously chic and classy! 

Foot Fetiish: Keyshia's Louis Vuitton Platform Wedges

I have been looking for a really cute platform wedge and I really like the Louis Vuitton Platform wedges. I was not a fan at first due to the two toned versions I saw at first; but when I opened the jacket of KEYSHIA COLE'S new album, I saw the all black pair, which I instantly got excited about! 

I love the entire outfit, and the whole pin-up girl vibe, not to mention the album has been my vocal practice for about....a month now! :)

ANGELA SIMMONS was also spotted in these very different but stylish shoes during LA Fashion week. I like both of the looks but I'm digging Keyshia's a little more. What do you think? Ladies, is this a wedge you'd wear?

Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton

I'm excited for the return of Stephen Sprouse to Louis Vuitton. We all know his work from the original graffiti collection released nine years ago. 

The glow in the dark 80's punk inspired line will surely be a hit and I want to at least get my hands on one piece! I may just get bold and rock the leggings, lol. Celebs came out to the event celebrating Sprouse and the collection in New York. 

The Soho store has been wrapped in graffiti to promote the collection which I think is so creative and NY!

Sprouse first collaborated with Louis Vuitton in 2000 at the invitation of Jacobs, who got the idea when he saw a monogrammed trunk coated with a layer of black paint at actress-singer Charlotte Gainsbourg's Paris apartment. The collection marked the beginning of a series of Vuitton designs featuring the work of such artists as Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince.

And judging by the success of those limited edition collections, you won't want to let the graffiti dry on this one.       Source

I thought Chanel Iman looked very cute and if I was a stick figure, this would definitely be my look. I love mixing hard (leather jacket) and soft (the light pink Louis Vuitton dress). Love it!

Sneak Peek: Kanye's Louis Vuitton Shoe

Mr. West, the fashionisto himself has been in the lab (not the studio) concocting some works of art for Louis Vuitton. He is designing 6 pairs of shoes for the line, and I for one am very excited to see what he comes up with. He gave us a sneak peek via his blog at a white loaferish pair.

 

He was also spotted in them while out and about swiping his black card (that's fashion for shopping, lol). I like these a lot, and they definitely heighten the anticipation level I have to see the rest. 

Dress for Less: The Bakers Way!

So if you know me, you know that I am a huge fan of bags and shoes. If nothing else, this is what I will spend a pretty penny on. I will definitely grab a pair of jeans and a shirt out of Forever so I can have my huge Givenchy Nightingale weighing my arm down (true story)! But really though, times are a little bit harder than they were in the past and pinching pennies is something I think everyone should do. Keeping up with the latest fashions does not mean you have to be flat broke! There are ways around the hefty price tags without sacrificing "the look." 

I was in the mall and I was passing Bakers and I had to stop and go in. I was amazed at how many of the designer copies they had on the shelves! I mean, I always knew they did this, just as Steve Madden does, but some of the shoes are nearly indistinguishable!

If you are on a budget (which you should be, no matter how much money you have), try heading to your friendly Bakers location and check out some of the following:

One of my favorite collections from Gucci thus far, the Babouska collection is featured amongst Bakers' shoes. Look at that price difference! The Danaka is definitely more like it!

A shoe that has been very popular amongst Hollywood's hottest is the YSL T-Strap Sandal. I think the Aileen looks most like the original. The shoe has recently been spotted on the girlfriend of Chris Paul and BEYONCE KNOWLES. 

A shoe that our good friend and MEAGAN GOOD couldn't get enough of this Fall is next on the list. The Jimmy Choo Glenys Elaphe Snakeskin sandals have, well...not exactly a twin, let's say a distant cousin, on the shelves at Bakers. I'm not a fan of this one, but it's obvious where the inspiration is drawn from. I'm going to have to go with Jimmy on this one, or I won't go at all. The Caylee just doesn't cut it this time.  

Lastly is a shoe that I'm totally over but nevertheless, Bakers still provides them and I was a big fan of them at one point. Yes, I have a pair (black) in my possession! But needless to say, with the mass production everywhere (I'm talking neighborhood swap-meet/discount mart), they are doing nothing but gathering dust in my closet. 

Popularized by SJP in Sex and the City, the Dior Gladiator Sandal has a fraternal twin at Bakers, Candice. The shoe has also been worn by NICOLE RICHIE and BEYONCE. 

Bakers is defintely one of the many places you can shop to avoid being fabulously broke! Since I'm well aware of how bad things in the economy are, I will be doing these types of posts on how to save money and still be fab, more often. Let me know what you think!

Jessica Simpson loves her doggy!

I think the Louis Vuitton dog carrier was popularized mostly by JESSICA SIMPSON during the taping of her reality show "Newlyweds" with former husband Nick Lachey. She just haaad to have the carrier and when the puppy grew, she went back and got the bigger case. 

But it looks as if Simpson has moved on from her LV obsession, and gravitated toward another high end designer. She was recently spotted in the airport with NFL baller boyfriend carrying her beloved Daisy (I think that's the name) in a Gucci dog carrier.

Now I have never even seen this before, and I must admit...it's pretty dope. She probably had it specially made for her, which is cool too. Daisy is damn lucky! I wish someone would carry me around in thousand dollar bags all day! :)

My Picks: Right off the Pages of GQ

I am loving the desire men have lately to step it up a notch. The tailored look really does it for me!

                 

Of course there's DIDDY, in his gray suit, with a vest. He is actually wearing a plaid dress shirt and checkered tie. If you would have just explained that to me, I'd definitely say it would look horrible but it works here. Very nice Mr. Combs!

                  

Rising star, NATE PARKER attended the People's Choice Awards in all black and I think it's nearly impossible to go wrong with this look. It always looks so clean and polished, even when one opts for no tie!

TYRESE attended his birthday party recently also looking suited and booted. And from the looks of things, the checkered tie and patterned shirt is the thing to do. I'll be on the lookout for that.

Me No Likey: Too Matchy Matchy!!

So let me tell you first hand: I was the matchy matchy queen back in the day! In Jr. High school you could not tell me I wasn't fly! I even convinced my Mother to buy me 5 different backpacks, all of which I would switch up to match my ensemble for the day. I guess that was the beginning of my current obsession with handbags. That said, I am talking about over 10 years ago....and I have since realized that this is NOT fashion. Matching colors is one thing, but monogram Louis Vuitton print is a whole other ball game. I mean seriously BRANDY! Who told you this was okay? You know I love you and that amazing voice but I truly cannot get with the LV Mini Monogram Lin bag and boots combination. I think it looks tacky. A simple brown boot would have been juuust fine.

P.S. Mr. Piano man and Camouflage are two songs I recommend off of the new album Human.

Sooo Excited for this: CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

Happy New Year!!

Hello to all my readers,

I am so grateful to be able to enter 2009 and be a healthy and happy individual! My life has taken so many turns and changed in a multitude of ways as of late and it's thrown a wrench in my posting but as promised, things will not be as sporadic as they have in the last month!

I am so excited to begin a new year and I think this will be a great one! Here's to success, enlightenment, and prosperity (both spiritually, and monetary!). Cheers!

I see big things for Genuine Imitation this year and I will really step it up to the best of my ability! Thanks again for reading!

Love,
Jess