#FBFF Blog Awards: And the Nominees Are...

I haven't participated in Friend Friday all this month because I've been so swamped with the event coverage for NYFW. I was super excited when I revisited the email listing the questions for this week.

We're doing our very own FBFF Blog Awards, thanks to our FBFF bloggerista Courtney. I've nominated one blogger for each of the categories below and explained why. The bosses over at FBFF will tally up all the responses and then list the top five bloggers named in each category. Those finalists will then be opened up to a public vote over the next couple of weeks.

And the nominees are...

 

 

 

 

 

1. Creative Juices - most creative

I love visiting Mattieologie.com. You can always count on Mattie to have some cool really clean graphics. And who doesn't like pictures.

2. The Real Deal - authenticity

I started following Gabi of Young Fat and Fabulous when she was nominated for MTV's Twitter Jockey. I've only met her once at the OneStopPlus.com fashion show but she's really my style bff in my mind. She's really comfortable in her skin and she gives you every piece of her in each blog post.

3. Spark Notes - most helpful

Ahh there are so many amazing things I can say about V of Grit&Glamour but I've already said them. Just know as a blogger if you ever have a question on how to do .. anything related to blogging - Ask V. (If you want to know how to join FBFF see V's latest "how to")

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old

I first really wanted to nominate myself but that seemed .. vain. So I opted for someone that I have shared my "newbie" crown with since the beginning. Kee of iStyleLikeMe has been by my side since I started. She's my go to person for a much needed honest opinion. Kee has grown with me and has some amazing changes in stores. I cannot wait to be able to say "I knew, I knew", and brag with her about her new blog venture.

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected

I can't even remember how I found Christina of Love Brown Sugar but she's been a great inspiration in my blog experience. She's worked for a few major publications and you can find her at any event where the "who's who" is attending.

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY

I don't really follow DIY blogs because I find an amazing joy in buying things than making them. But when I saw this category I instantly thought of PS I Made This. I applaud Erica for her creativity and her patience. I wonder how much she's saved from making stuff?

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together

Duh, Katy of Modly Chic is the reason why we do anything over at FBFF. So naturally she's the Tribe Leader. I came into FBFF not expecting anything and I totally have gained a new fam of fab bloggers. We chat all day (literally) about everything and anything.

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable

I will say I am quite green about her effortless style. And her blog has crazy swag too. Her new blog design fits her perfectly. Jinna of Grease&Glamour was one of the top 10 finalist in the FTF Sunglass Hut competition. I was green about that too.

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger

Always in a gorgeous red lip, Felicia of This That Beauty has quickly climbed to the top of the best beauty blogger ladder. Now freelancing for several publications she's definitely a beauty blogger to watch for.

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty, lifestyle.

Mattie of Mattieologie was also in the FTB Sunglass Hut Competition as one of the final 10. I followed her through the competition and rooted for her too. We became tweethearts and I can't wait to finally meet her in person.

Welp! There's my list. Good luck to you all.

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*The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group. (thanks GritandGlamour for the "exact" wording)

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WATCH: An Exclusive Interview with Androgynous Model Andrej Pejic

 

I tweeted earlier that I was totally fascinated by androgynous model Andrej Pejic. Shortly after, I found this Youtube vid on Styleite.com. You can hardly tell that this model is only 19 ... but boy is he riding this wave and turning this trend into his brand.

He says, "Sometimes I feel more like a male and sometimes more like a female. Certainly many now find me more feminine, but I’m both. And right now I feel very comfortable with it. I know what expectations are placed on me. As a woman, I am sensual and sexy. As a man, I’m more simple. I wear women’s and men’s clothing. But as a woman, the look is much better. Good men’s clothing is very expensive."

Repeat After Me .. "I am Not Your JiggaBoo"

**UPDATED**

I originally posted this in July 2010. Since then, Beyonce has been added to the now popular fashion trend of "black face" so I thought perhaps we should revisit this topic.

Fashion is always pushing the envelope for new and innovative imagery, but when is it too much? Just when you think that we've gotten over that racial hump we're sometimes reminded that perhaps some "ish" will never change?

I am somewhat torn by Beyonce's decision to pose in "black face" for the popular publication L’Officiel Paris. Mainly because ... well.. it's Beyonce. Apparently she saw the play and was inspired by the Nigerian dancer Fela.

There's a huge part of me that shrugs my shoulders to say it's merely fashion, what's the fuss about. And then there is the other huge half of me that would be quick to snap my neck and call you crazy if you would ever think to justify this foolery.

Do you think some things should be left in the past? Or can we recreate them, find the beauty of it, perhaps laugh a bit, and move on? Or is it like the "N" word and only we can do it?

I wanna know whatcha thinking? Check out a few more images of models in blackface who joined Beyonce in this trend. Study them hard and let me know if you really don't care or if it's offensive to you.

 

OneStopPlus.com - Fall 2011 OSP Collection - Sultrous Garden

I am sure this was a much cheaper way to introduce the new plus size collection from OneStopPlus.com but it's a serious downgrade and disappointment from last season's spectacular spring fashion show. I mean I think Robyn Lawley is an amazing plus model but who wants to watch her come out 30 different times? After a while all those looks began to look alike. #shrugs

Maybe I am just mad because there was no show? Whatcha thinking?

INGLOT USA Launch Event @ the Chelsea Market Store

Even though Inglot Cosmetics is a brand established over 25 years ago it is known more to international consumers and makeup artists. With the launch of stores in Vegas, California, Miami and New York City, Inglot is quickly making it's way into our makeup bags in the US. I was first introduced to this brand at The Makeup Show NYC. I'll admit I was strickly a MAC girl before then.

I was invited by my besties and mua, Bethany. I did get a little lost trying to find the store as it's inside of the Chelsea Market. Very swank and chic location I will add. Once I arrived I checked my coat and made my way over to play in some makeup.

The event offered complimentary makeup, hair, and nails services all while sipping on cocktails and shoving down hors d'oeuvres. Which proved to be an awesome way to relax just before my last show at NYFW.

Inside my swag bag was a ton of goodies like nail polish, lipsticks, and glosses. The coolest swag of all was the empty palette with a voucher to go to any Inglot store and fill with colors I love. See what I choose.

I picked 2 lipsticks (finally got my red lip) and 3 shadows. I think it's time for a photo shoot!

KUDOS to the Inglot Cosmetics team, and Melody from Melody Joy PR for a much needed break!

MBFW: Milly by Michelle Smith

I love when words like cognac, emerald, and graphite are used to describe things. Even though my mind still sees orange-brown, green, and gray those words scream luxury. Which is exactly what Milly by Michelle Smith delivered - young luxury.

This collection left me stunned with questions like "does that come in my size" and "I wonder if I can afford that". Michelle managed to infuse her rich jewel toned color palette in every look including accessories like envelope clutches and cross-body mini's.

Take a look at some of my favorite looks for this collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designer Michelle Smith and her uber cute daughter.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Whatcha thinking? Like, no like, leave a comment and let me know.

My MBFW Photo Diary - Fall 2011

This season of fashion week brought me a new sense of style, new blog buddies, and our very own self created lounge under the tents. Who knew?

We ate often, we laughed a whole lot, and even got into a few friendly arguments with a couple nasty photographers. (Don't ask)

Although the celeb sightings was on like 4 this year I met some pretty interesting people.

Before I left I decided I would do something a little different. The pic above is me trying on clothes. Umm well that only lasted for one look and soon after I just throw keys pieces in the bag and keep it moving. I am not much of a planner when it comes to wardrobe.

This is probably as stylish as I get. It did land me a feature in Essence Magazine but I was uber surprised when dude asked for my picture. I think it was my gray hair, LOL

The mannequin was giving it to us all week dressed in Herve Leger. (we figured out we were totally pronouncing this wrong)

Backstage at Lela Rose my partner got a facial treatment from Clarasonic. Pretty cool concept BUT expensive.

IDK why I was soooo scared to ask folks for a picture. It really does feel awkward and groupie-ish. But I worked up enough nerve to ask Kelly Cutrone and her friend Laura for a picture. Perhaps she did remember me and bumped me front row?

I only watched House of Glam maybe twice, but I kept looking at this girl like I swear I know her. Finally after days of staring at her I asked her was she a stylist. She said yes and her name was Crystal Streets from House of Glam. She had amazing style and was super nice. Check out her new accessories line. LYRALOVESTAR.

She debuted her line at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

This idiot had an apple on his head. I had been assigned second row for this show. I started to sit in that seat but I was too lazy. Luckily this collection totally sucked and I was bored out of my mind. (the show will remain nameless)

This was definitely my favorite look. I was comfortable and it felt like me. We has just came from seeing all the "mens" over at the Nautica show so I think I was still a bit dazed!?

Last year I met Asia from NYLA Report and of course she was back again. But this year she brought her staff with her and Jess and I clowned at every break we got. I can't remember what show gave us these huge lollipops but it made for a nice photo prop.

I was amazed to actually see AndreJ Pejic in person. He really does look like a woman. I say better but ...

At the Allegri presentation it seemed as if style was oozing out of everyone. I should have asked people their names but at times I was so focused on their style. His glasses were last seasons Lanvin. *loved it*

I cannot remember her name BUT I do know she was fly and from Chictopia, LOL.

Chilling in "Camp M" aka the space on the floor near the outlets.

Remind me to put more face on next season. Deborah Cox was BEAT!!!

I think I can see myself in this!!

I ran into style blogger, Susie Bubble. I would have taken another pic since she looks totally crazy here but ... I'll admit she wasn't very nice to me :(

Fab folks everywhere!

She was a student at Parsons and a featured jewelry designer at MBFW. Her teacher was a really good pr rep! I loved her tights.

Depending on what you have on, everyone is someone at Fashion Week.

This little rich kid is a stylist in the making. She picked out her clothes and everything! Too cute, huh!

I just liked her head gear.

This was an amazing concept. But I never saw anyone get in?

Here's where we all crammed in to update blogs, dump pics, and occasionally charge the celly. AOL must do a little better & get a bigger spot. SMH.

After fashion week was over I took some time to walk around Times Square with one of my besties, Bethany, and look at what I found. Trey Songz taking a picture of me with his new Kodak, LOL.

As you can see my week was full of fun. I am still attempting to write reviews. *sighs*