Well Said, Mr. Kelly: Macy's Style Event

Clinton Kelly, Macy's Style Expert 

I lived out one of my childhood fantasies yesterday when I attended a Macy's Style Event hosted by none other than, Clinton Kelly. I RSVP'd before the event and my younger sister was my plus one. Together we watched as CK did everything from offer solicited style advice to a member of the audience, tell about his time working as a singing waiter after college, and of course, style 6 beautiful models in clothing that the everyday woman could recreate. 

CK evaluating this brave audience member's outfit. 

My second favorite look of the night. Clinton emphasized mixing prints this season! 

Clinton removing the tag off of one of the model's backside. Lol

My favorite look of the night! Unfortunately, this was the only dress in the store, but it is online! 

Oh, how I need this dress! 

Clinton offered a plethora of style (and life) advice last night. One thing he said that definitely registered with me is "Fashion is like a buffet....style is what you put on your plate." His personal mantra is also one that I've decided to adopt, "Wear something cute and don't take any crap." Well said, Mr.Kelly! 

24K

Top: The Limited / Pants: TJ Maxx / Hat: Marshalls  / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Purse: c/o Deb / Shades: Rue21

I invested in my first baseball cap this past fall as a way to remedy bad hair days but never did I think I would develop a new obsession. I love throwing on a baseball cap with a polished look like this one to make it a tad more casual. This look in particular could be described as sporty luxe because even though the cap is casual, the black and gold color palette is fancy, schmancy. To really make this look more casual, I would ditch my fab Jessica Simpson pumps for my black chucks. 

P.S. If you're in the RDU area, head to Southpoint Mall tonight to see Clinton Kelly! 

Flawless

Shades: Rue21 / Shirt: Ebay / Skirt: c/o Deb Shops/ Sandals: ZooShoo / Jewelery: Old Navy 

In December, Beyonce released her self-titled album, Beyonce, and many people were shocked by the edgier sound of her music. Pundits like Bill O'Rielly did all but call the songstress out of her name and argued that "Yonce's" new music made her a bad role model to "girls of color." 

I couldn't disagree more. 

The first song I heard off of the album was Flawless, a musical tirade against misogynistic values and ideals that oppress women. In the four minute song, Beyonce, along with Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,speak out against social mores that confine women to submissive and subordinate roles to men.I remember hearing Flawless for the first time and being filled with a powerful surge of energy that bordered rage. At the time of the album's release I was going through a Britney Spears-esque "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman" phase and this song  helped me realize that the awkward stage I found myself in, was natural. Just as Beyonce had progressed as an artist and displayed a matured sound, so too have I matured and progressed in my life. A primary way in which I display this is my style. 

Though post graduation I still find myself having to get used to the fact that I'm "grown," the idea of being a full fledged adult is not as scary as it once was. To mirror the transformation I've undergone in the past four years I decided to redesign the blog. Some of you may have noticed that things look a little different, a little more sophisticated, and that is why. This new design reflects the evolution of my style, maturation as a person, and me attempting to embrace grown womanhood.

This outfit was inspired by Beyonce's Flawless as, "I woke up like this," is a popular line from the song.I dressed up the cotton tee with a black pencil skirt, my strappy sandals and black cat-eye shades.Here lately I've been wearing a lot of black and white and this ensemble fits the bill of my current style.   

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!?