HELLO/GOODBYE

Unfortunately this will be my last post on this blog.  But wipe away those tears, I now have a new blog that is bigger and better than ever!  The Little Black Suitcase features style, beauty, culture, travel and more.  Check it out here.  And thanks to my loyal followers!  I'll see you on the other side!

REGENT STREET TWEET

photo courtesy of Completely London Blog

Thanks to the good folks at Sister PR and Girl Geek Dinners, Regent Street Tweet will go down in history as one of the greatest shopping events in London.  With over 20 stores, restaurants and bars on  Regent Street and its surrounding areas participating, there was literally something for everyone.  Bloggers and shopping enthusiasts started the day at the Apple Store where there were presentations on the relationship between fashion, technology and social media.  Guests then trekked around the busy shopping haven getting pampered with pedicures at Ugg Australia, sipping libations at Dirty Martini, and participating in a jewelry treasure hunt at the Swarovski Crystallized boutique.  

LOOK WE LOVE: KATE MIDDLETON

photo courtesy of styleite.com

To commemorate her grandmother-in-law's 60 years on the throne, Kate Middleton (pictured with hubby Prince William) stepped out in this pleated Alexander McQueen creation with matching hat and nude pumps.  Even though the day turned out to be bleary and gray, the Duchess of Cambridge's scarlet wardrobe is anything but, proving that style and royalty can go hand-in-hand.

DANILO GABRIELLI FALL COLLECTION

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to the presentation last week for the fall collection of Italian designer Danilo Gabrielle at the posh No5 Cavendish Square in London.  But I was able to get my hands on some images from their lookbook.  Inspired by legendary screen sirens Greta Garbo and Lauren Bacall, the line features old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist.  See for yourself!

FOREVER HERMÈS

Hermès Birkin Bag

A recent visit to the Hermès Leather Forever exhibit at London's Burlington Gardens turned out to be a rewarding experience as I got an up close and personal look at the brand behind the iconic Kelly and Birkin bags that have graced the very stylish arms of celebs from Victoria Beckham (rumored to own 100 bags worth £1.5 million) to Kim Kardashian to Lady Gaga.  Fans of Hermès whose bank accounts don't include that many zeros were treated to a rare glimpse inside the coveted label with a series of rooms dedicated to the luxury brand.

CELEBS IN STYLE: STYLISH CELEB MOMS

image courtesy of HD Wallpapers Arena

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  And in honor of all the wonderful women who wear the proud title of Mom,  here are my picks of the five most stylish celebrity mothers.

NELLY.COM LAUNCH

To commemorate the launch of their website, the good folks at nelly.com threw a soiree at Aqua bar.  Based in Sweden, the e-commerce site has now come to Britain and guests celebrated with pole dancers, pictures (from a customized photo booth where you could select your own background) and a special rendition of Beyonce's "Single Ladies."  All of this took place from the rooftop lounge with an amazing view of Regent St. in Central London.  A preview of various designers including Little Mistress, Cuba Shoes, and Voi Jeans were on display for those who weren't too busy imbibing on Nelly cocktails to notice.  

OTHELLO IN HIP HOP

photo courtesy of chicagotribune.com

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a performance of Othello that was not in the typical format of a Shakespeare play.  Othello: The Remix was a hip hop version of the acclaimed story performed by The Q Brothers.  The cast, consisting of Jackson Doran, GQ, JQ, Postell Pringle and DJ Clayton Stamper, had the crowd laughing, crying, and dancing as they rapped the story of Othello over hip hop beats.  In this version Othello, played by Postell Pringle, is a popular rapper, his best friend Cassio is a member of his crew, Desdemona is his soul singing wife, and Rodrigo a technie nerd.  For those who aren't familiar with the tale, it is a story of love and betrayal as one of Othello's closest friends plots a vengeful scheme against him that ends in tragedy.

LULU GUINNESS DEBUTS NEW RANGE OF TEES FOR UNIQLO

Lulu Guinness fans flocked to Uniqlo last night to celebrate the launch of her new range for the high street store.  The iconic designer whose handbags have graced the shoulders of Katy Perry, Sienna Miller, and a host of other celebs, was on hand to greet customers who purchased pieces from her collection.  

CELEBS IN STYLE: RIHANNA LOVES STELLA MCCARTNEY

In recent months, style chameleon Rihanna has been spotted in various looks from mega popular designer, Stella McCartney.  During London Fashion Week the sultry crooner was spotted in a slinky emerald gown complete with thigh-high slit (shown above) for an event that was hosted by the designer. She has since been seen promoting her new movie Battleship in designs from the fall and pre-fall collections including a multi-colored print tuxedo blazer (worn with strappy sandals and nothing else).  Two more pajama inspired looks, one in grey and white, the other all black, from Ms. McCartney rounded out the singer's daring wardrobe choices.  With Stella's talent and Rihanna's ability to look fab in anything she wears, this could be a match made in fashion heaven.   

LOUIS VUITTON/MARC JACOBS AT LES ARTS DECORATIFS

Marc Jacobs doll

Last week I was able to pop over to Paris for the Louis Vuitton/Marc Jacobs exhibit at Les Arts Decoratifs.  Since I am a fan of both the man and the house I felt if was my duty to check this out.  It began with the history of Louis Vuitton, the man behind the LV.  Starting as a trunk maker in Paris in the late 1800s, the man who created the historic label later teamed with Charles Worth, the creator of Parisian haute couture, to sell his wares to his high-class clientele.  In 1888 the ubiquitous Damier canvas was born and it was also the first time that Vuitton incorporated his initials into the pattern.  Who knew that this print had been around for over one hundred years?

CELEBS IN STYLE: BEYONCE LOVES PRINTED PANTS

It seems that the new mother can't get enough of patterns as she has recently been spotted around New York wearing printed bottoms.  Above the singer wears a brightly colored maxiskirt by Etro and below she rocks a pair of floral print Stella McCartney pants with bright yellow pumps.  On an excursion with baby Blue Ivy the stylish mom paired black and white Clements Ribeiro joggers with simple loafers and she wore a pair of flag print trousers by Easton Pearson on another day out with Blue.  

PRESS DAY AT KATCH PR

Maisha clutches

Recently I had the chance to get an up close and personal look at the collections for the upcoming Fall season at the Katch PR press day.  Fueled by white wine spritzers and sweet treats and pampered with manicures, complimentary blowouts, and eyebrow threading, my fellow bloggers, editors, stylists and I browsed the racks to see what goodies we could expect next season.  Here's what I found:

MY OBSESSION: BILL CUNNINGHAM

Before there was The Sartorialist Scott Schuman and Jak & Jil photoblogger Tommy Ton, there was Bill Cunningham, pioneer to street style photography whose career has lasted longer than some of us have been on this earth.  Last night I finally saw the documentary Bill Cunningham New York about the renowned NY Times columnist and photographer.  I have seen his column that runs in the Times style section called On the Street but I never knew who the man was behind the lens.

LOOK WE LOVE: SOLANGE KNOWLES

My girl Solange is really having her moment.  She graced the cover of Time Out NY Magazine's Spring Fashion issue looking lovely in a bright Christopher Kane floral dress.  And she also appeared on the covers of London magazines Rolla Coaster and ES Magazine where in the latter she talks about growing up in the shadows of big sis Beyonce, working on her new album tentatively scheduled for release in June, and achieving It-girl status.

PARIS FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP

A look from Balmain

Paris fashion week delivered a series of delights this season.  Starting with the eveningwear at Christian Dior, it came in graceful floor sweeping tulle in a variety of candy colored confections from pale mauve to deep burgundy.  At Lanvin, creative director Alber Elbaz celebrated his 10-year anniversary with a stellar collection.  I loved the bejeweled dresses and and statement accessories.  Check out the tiger choker shown below.  Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel sent out a series of cosmic looks with stalactites, crystals, and feathered creations that looked like they came from another galaxy.  But the sheer skirts layered over leggings and cut-out heels were out of this world.  Meanwhile at Balmain more was more with beautifully embroidered and embellished creations reminiscent of carefully crafted ceramics. 

RUNWAY TO REAL LIFE: THE "OWLS" HAVE IT

A look from Burberry Prorsum
photo courtesy of style.com

Ever since Christopher Bailey, creative director of Burberry, sent a series of shirts adorned with the most adorable owl prints down the runway for Fall, it seems that the round-eyed creatures have been popping up everywhere.  Sure they've been around long before the runway show last month, but people seem to be stepping up and taking notice.  A recent trip to Portobello Road in the lovely Notting Hill section of West London brought these nocturnal animals to the forefront.  They were on everything from pillows to cards and dresses, even cookies!  If you are feeling these birds like I am, here's some owl prints and accessories that are a hoot. 

MILAN FASHION WEEK: MY FAVORITE LOOKS

A look from Versace

The sparkly jewel toned party frocks at Roberto Cavalli.  (Runway veteran Naomi Campbell closed the show in a dangerously low cut burgundy stunner and black gloves proving that Justin Timberlake isn't the only one bringing sexy back).  The mulit-colored wool and fur at Fendi.  The girly Renaissance look at Dolce & Gabbana vs. dark goth at Versace.  These were some of my favorite moments from Milan Fashion Week.  What are yours?     

NEW MARNI COLLECTION FOR H&M: MY FAVE PIECES

Sequin Collar, £19.99

The countdown is on for the new Marni collection for H&M to arrive in stores.  In exactly eleven days fashion fanatics will be lining up to grab the polka-dot cardigans, tribal print trousers and chunky jewelry.  The range has something for everyone in the form of womenswear, menswear, and accessories.  My favorite piece was this whimsical sequin collar (pictured above), sure to turn even the most basic tee into a sartorial splash.  Here are a few more looks I'm craving.  To see the entire collection click here .  Happy shopping!

LONDON FASHION WEEK PART II: STREET STYLE

There were quite a few characters out at Somerset House for Fashion Week.  Some were chic and trendy, others looked like they came from outer space, but they all had their own unique style.  Here's a look at the street style at LFW.

OZWALD'S STORY: NEW MOVIE HITS THEATERS IN MARCH

photo courtesy of Google images

Today I had the privilege of attending the screening of A Man's Story, a film about the life of top British menswear designer Ozwald Boateng.  The movie chronicles the life of the London born bespoke tailor over twelve years and shows the high and low points of Ozwald's extensive career.  The film begins at the end of his first marriage with the despondent designer nearly bankrupt.  After a fashion show goes horribly wrong, an entire collection is stolen from Ozwald's studio and it seems that he is at his lowest point.

HOUSE OF EVOLUTION SHOW & AFTERPARTY

It has been a crazy whirlwind of shows, interviews, and after parties but somehow I am keeping my head above water.  House of Evolution is a fashion showcase that chooses three emerging designers each season to show at London Fashion Week.  This time they chose art enthusiast and former gallery owner Lada Komarova for Delada, Zeynep Tosun, winner of the Best Upcoming Designer award at the Elle Style Awards, and red carpet dress designer Nadine Merabi.

LONDON FASHION WEEK PART I

The weather was dismal on day two (day one for me) of London Fashion Week but it didn't dampen the spirits of the showgoers.  Somerset House was still full of fashion fanatics including myself.  First up was Spijkers en Spijkers, a Dutch design duo (twins!) known for their colorful and graphic frocks.  I got a fifties vibe with a modern edge from this collection.  Models wore their hair in bobs accessorized with bright plastic headbands wearing a medley of geometric patterns.

WINDOWS: SELFRIDGES LONDON

I'm adding a new section to the blog that was suggested to me by my good friend Erik Rodriguez.  I'm taking the experience of window shopping and bringing it online.  Whenever I see an interesting decorative space in a store window anywhere in the world, I will snap a pic and post it.

NY FASHION WEEK AW 12 PART II

A look from Jason Wu

New York Fashion Week keeps truckin along and I've been following all of the goodies for Fall.  Max and Lubov Azria take Hervé Léger beyond bandage dresses by adding corsets and harnesses to the line this season.  The use of fur and fringe also worked in an unexpected way.  

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TWO YEARS LATER

It's hard to believe that it's been two years today since the death of Alexander McQueen.  Over the summer I got a chance to see the exhibit Savage Beauty at the Met Museum and I was literally blown away by his craft.  I was already a fan but seeing McQueen's work over the years up close and personal was breathtaking.  My favorite pieces were the Kate Moss hologram from the A/W '06 runway show and the armadillo shoes (how could anyone walk in those?) that he made famous.  To say that he was talented was an understatement.

NY FASHION WEEK AW 12 PART I

A look from Rachel Comey

It's that time of year again.  New York Fashion Week is off and running and I've handpicked some of my favorite looks so far.  At BCBG there were geometric patterns, airy, fluid fabrics, and furry vests, coats, and bags.  Speaking of furry accessories, Z Spoke by Zac Posen featured silver fox fur bags to complement their vampy luxe dresses.  And over at Rachel Comey lots of leather looks were shown as well as perforated tops and chic sweater separates perfect for the office.

LOOK WE LOVE: VIOLA DAVIS

I came across this photo of Viola Davis in an LA Times editorial and it literally took my breath away.  If I didn't know better I would think this page was ripped from a high fashion magazine.  The two-time Oscar nominated thespian is draped in a stunning Marchesa creation with lace sleeves and organza flowers at the shoulders.  In the article the red-hot actress discussed her extensive career, being a Black actress in Hollywood, and that she's ready to start producing movies instead of starring in them. 

MY OBSESSION (OF THE MOMENT): SPACE SAVER BAGS

photo courtesy of google images

I'm usually not impressed with cheesy infomercials or products that you buy on TV.  So when I saw the commercial for "Space Saver Bags", the oversized Ziploc-looking bags that lets you vacuum out the air turning a heaping mess of bulky items (let's say chunky cable knit sweaters) into a neatly compressed pile, I didn't give it a second thought.

ESTILO GOES TO LONDON PART II

That's right I'm back in London and will be blogging from across the pond for a few months.  I will still talk about what's happening in New York but as an added bonus I will be reporting on my findings right here in the UK.  It's like the best of both worlds so stay tuned! 

WHEN FASHION MEETS MUSIC

Fashion legend Oscar de la Renta has made an unlikely collaboration with hip hop legend and producer Dr. Dre with these limited edition Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.  The wildly popular Beats by Dr. Dre brand previously combined with other artists like Lady Gaga and Diddy but this is the first collab with a designer.  Oscar turned up the glam effect with purple fox fur covering the ears.  At $695 this is a pretty hefty splurge, but worth it if you want to listen to your tunes in style.