Rihanna, Google and the CFDA Awards 2014

Classy met trashy last night at the 2014 CFDA Awards when Rihanna graced the tri-colored carpet in a sheer dress,custom designed for her by Adam Selman. Though her rationale for arriving sans pasties, or better yet, a nude lining, is questionable, the dress-- embroidered with more than 200,000 Swarvoski crystals-- was undeniably gorgeous and Rihanna-- well, she looked nearly impeccable. 

Though there seems to be a polarized split among those who adore this look, and others who absolutely hate it, despite the lack of consensus, one thing that everyone seems to agree on is that its a conversation starter. A simple Google Search of Rihianna's name this morning confirmed this, as the top result is an article from the Washington Post entitled, "See the sparkly, naked dress Rihanna wore to the CFDA Awards -- well, what we can show you, anyway" -- hilarious. If nothing else, this fashion moment reaffirms Ri's status as a fashion icon and proves that she was the deserving recipient of her fashion icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America last night.

Founded in 1962 by acclaimed fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the CFDA is a non-profit trade organization that works to "strengthen the influence and success of American Designers in the global economy." Every year members of the CFDA gather to recognize designers, journalists, and more who have made significant contributions to the fashion industry. Among this year's nominees were Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and of course, Rihanna who won the coveted Fashion Icon Award. Past recipients of this award include Iman (2010) and Kate Moss (2005). 

Shut Up! Clinton Kelly at Southpoint Mall

Clinton Kelly at a Macy's Event in 2006 (Source)

What: Clinton Kelly Displays Looks of Season

When: Friday, June 6th 

Where: Macy's Southpoint 

Cost: Free 

RSVP Here

When my friend DeErricka texted me yesterday with news that style guru, Clinton Kelly will be at the Southpoint  Macy's location on this upcoming Friday, I channeled my inner Stacy London and let out an excited "Shut Up!" I began watching Clinton on TLC's What Not To Wear when I was in the fourth grade, and he and Stacy taught me more than a thing or two about fashion. I will be at Macy's Southpoint this Friday to meet one half of the dynamic fashion duo and if you are in the area you should drop by as well! RSVP while tickets are still available! The event starts at 6 p.m. and is free to the public. Hope to see you there! And, how awesome is Macy's for hosting this event!?

Peek-A-Boo

Vest: c/o Deb Shops / Dress: Thrifted (similar)/ Shoes:  Converse / Sunglasses: Borrowed

One of my favorite aspects of thirfting is the thrill of the hunt. About a month ago I took a study break in between preparing for finals and went to the thrift store with my friend Amanda. When I came across this black and white striped dress I was a bit hesitant to purchase it because it was a polyester blend, but when I put it on, I knew that I had to have it as summer staple in my wardrobe. On this particular day I went for a laid back look throwing on my faux-leather vest and Chuck Taylors. For a little bit of glam I applied my Bare Minerals Moxie Lipstick in Lead the Way, Gold Link Bracelet and shades. Oh, and isn't the little peek-a-boo of leg just the right amount of sexy without trying to be? 

Stolen Innocence

#bringbackourgirls

Today I begin a new series on the blog, muse. As much as I love fashion and style, being aware of the world, my community and the things that affect society as a whole are very important to me. This is the first of many musings from Kiki X. To learn more about "Kiki X"and why muse is important to me, check the about section of the blog. 

Tonight, Stolen Innocence: Your Daughters are Our Daughters, a special program addressing the issue of human trafficking in the United States as well as the abduction of more than 200 female students from their school in Northern Nigeria will premiere on BET. Structured in the format of a town hall, the pre recorded program is moderated by Lola Ogunnaike of Arise TV and Marc Lamont Hill of BET News. Its panel includes actresses Nicole Ari Parker and Tasha Smith, as well as other notable women within the black and international communities, such as Nigerian attorney, Ony Nwaohuocha, and journalist, Omoyele Sowore. 

Five weeks have passed since the young Nigerian women were taken by the terror group, Boko Haram. Almost immediately, news of the girls’ abduction garnered press attention with social media serving largely as an incubator of the international demand that they be returned home safely to their families and loved ones.

In the weeks since their disappearance, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have all been saturated with post boasting the hashtag, #bringbackourgirls, referring to the students. Though the issue of human trafficking has been positioned by many as something that only affects international communities, BET is drawing attention the problem as a domestic one. 

According to The Atlanta Human Trafficking Project, Atlanta, G.A. is a global hub of human slavery and is also the “number one hub of human trafficking and child sex exploitation in the in the United States.” The Urban Institute reports that Atlanta, a city known for its Real Housewives and as the center of black wealth, is also home to a $290 million human trafficking industry. 

Smith, who has starred in films such as Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls and Why Did I Get Married spoke candidly during the discussion of her past as a stripper and being sexually exploited as a child, saying in part, “As a young girl growing up in an urban community, it was nothing but drug dealers and pimps, and I remember pimps when I a at 14-years-old, these men were taking me out to dinner and having sex with me and in my own mind I’m thinking ‘I’m getting love, I’m getting attention’... I didn’t realize that  I was like prey.” 

Stolen Innocence airs tonight at 7 p.m.(EST) and I am interested to see the dialogue that transpires during and from the one-hour program. 

A Wall of Roses

Every now and then we are all have the humbling experience of eating our own words, and unfortunately I had to do so on my birthday. On Mother's Day I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and came across a post by Kim Kardashian of what at first glance looked like a giant rice krsispy treat sitting on grass. The caption revealed that it was instead a giant wall of roses given to her by her fiance, Kanye West. The first thing out of my mouth was, "What in the World is she going to do with a wall of roses?"  Well, when I arrived at Lucky 32 for my birthday dinner and found  on the exterior of the restaurant was a gorgeous wall of  knockout roses I immediately answered my own sarcasm filled question--

 Take pictures, duh!  Though the wall didn't quite compare to Kim's it was still beautiful none the less. 

This black and white gingham dress was so light and airy and the perfect ensemble for the evening. Gingham is one the trends that was featured a lot on the runway during Spring 2014 Fashion Week so I was excited to finally be able to incorporate it into my wardrobe. With my strappy black sandals and bright lips, I think I managed to look chic and sophisticated, a modern day Dorothy.

Kim and I used a wall of roses to take pictures, what would you use it for?