BET Awards: Fashion hits and misses

Let me start by saying no, Chris Brown is NOT on the best dressed list!!   The picture really is 'nuff said.



Chris Brown



There definitely were some hits of the evening which made me smile.   Usually when you hear any type of music awards it gives everyone a "get out of jail free card" to wear the most rediculous get-up they can come up with.  While I must admit, sometimes it is amusing to see what these people will wear out in public, it also makes me a little sad.  They have SO MUCH MONEY!   And all these amazing designers at their fingertips and they chose to wear the most rediculous costumes and call it "style" or "fashion" or whatever they want to call it.  



Kerry Washington



But, like I said, there were some hits on the red carpet and in the performances.   Kerry Washington was simply flawless.     She kepy it elegant and simple in this Michael Kors canary yellow number.    The color is great, the neckline is unique, and it is sexy without being slutty.  Her accessories were perfect; subtle not to take attention away from the dress and her hair and make-up complimented the total look.   Totally flawless.  Of course, she isn't a musician so maybe that helped!  

Another big winner of the evening was Kelly Rowland.    This dress is fun and flirty and I thought again, what an amazing color!
It just shows you can still look stylish and fashion forward and


Kelly Rowland

not wear something totally insane and over the top.

And Mary J. Blidge....I mean, what can you say?   When I am her age I hope I can look half as good as she does!  (it doesn't hurt that she is just cool!)   This is the look she came down the red carpet in:  

This is definitely fashion forward but not over the top and just works.   And she is working it which totally makes it.

So, those were my favorites of the night but here are some pics of other hits and misses.   What do you think???



Nicki Minaj--miss



 

Keri Hilson--hit!



Alicia Keys-hit!

Summer traveling essentials

The summer season has finally arrived and many of us will be traveling to get away on much needed and long overdue vacations.   Whether you are going on an island adventure or a business trip, traveling can be a challenge especially with all the rules and regulations and bagage fees (not to mention the headache packing itself can cause).   Here are some packing/traveling tips that I have found work for me and might work for you as well.



Does this look familiar??  We have all been here!

 I don't pack early.  I know this can lead to frantic last minute throwing items into your suitcase (which I have done!) packing too early leads to forgetting what you have already packed and a greater risk that you are going to arrive at your destination with a suitcase of wrinkled clothes.   So, as a rule of thumb, I pack the night before and then the morning of the last essentials go in on the top.

Here is the order to my madness:   Shirts go on the bottom:   All my t's get folded very carefully and placed on the bottom of my suitcase.  Dresses are next:   I lay my dresses flat lenthwise across the suitcase and leave the ends of the dresses hanging over the sides.   Pants and skirts are last to go: Carefully place them over the dresses and fold them in half (you won't need to fold mini's) and then fold the ends of the dresses over the pants.  Pretty simple, but it works and keeps clothes from getting wrinked.  Shoes, ahhh shoes.... I think long and hard beforehand what shoes I REALLY need.  I try to stick with a couple basics that I can wear with multiple outfits.   For example, nude wedges are great for summer dresses and skirts and even shorts.    

Toileries I always place in a large ziplock bag for obvious reasons.  You don't want your shampoo ending up all over your suitcase.   Keep it simple.  Don't pack a family size shampoo and conditioner, that will take up half your suitcase!   You can always get shampoo from the hotel if you run out.  And you don't need your hairdryer, all hotels provide them so save the room for an extra pair of shoes!



Place tioletries in a zip lock bag to avoid spillage! 



Underwear goes in a mesh laundry bag or you can place it in the pockets on the sides of your suitcase.  Same goes for bathing suits.  I fold mine in half to save room but again, that's just me!  And don't forget something to sleep in.   If I am going to forget anything 9 times out of 10 that's it!  I also like to pack something to wear to continental breakfast like a pair of sweatpants or mesh shorts.  Sometimes you just want to grab a bagel and a coffee but you don't want to go in your pj's and you aren't ready to get dressed for the day.   I find a good pair of sweats and a tee do the trick! 

Lastly, make sure to have essentials in your carry-on.   If you are going on a beach vacation I make sure to have an extra bikini in my bag, sunscreen, my makeup, any medications, and facial cleansers.  I even bring an extra pair of underwear.   That way, worst case scenario and they lose your suitcase at least you can throw on your bikini and head to the beach while they search for your luggage!  

It is confusing trying to figure out what you can and can't bring on an airplane, so a good rule of thumb is to go and check out the latest rules and regulations.  Go to www.tsa.gov/311 for the latest developments on the sizes of containers, what liquids you can bring, etc.   You would be surprised at what is/isn't allowed.  And this way you aren't crossing your fingers as your bag makes it way through the xray machine wondering if your $55 dollar face moisturizer is going to make it through!  :)

What essentials can you never leave home without?? 

What to wear in this HEAT

I am a summer girl, there is no doubt about that.  Winter. Snow. Cold.  Just isn't my thing.  Therefore, complaining about the heat does seem a bit hypocritical but considering this is the first day of June, and we are under yet another heat advisory, I must say.....what is going on with this HEAT??   While I am not usually a fan of wearing "barely there" clothes when it comes to what to wear in this case it is almost a necessity just to survive!!   So, I must ask, what are you wearing to try and stay cool?   Today I am wearing a sundress that I purchased while on vacation in St. Lucia (FYI--it is hotter here!) but that doesn't even seem to be helping.  Here are my thoughts on how to stay cool (er?):

1.  Be comfortable.   You are going to sweat, there isn't any way to avoid it  (and if you have found a way to avoid it I would love to hear it!).   Wearing anything tight is not going to help when you start sweating as the result almost always equals the garment sticking to you adding even more sweat making you even hotter!   (I am getting hot just thinking about it)

2. Stick with cool fabrics:  If you are ever in question about what is cool, wear something that is at least a cotton blend.  Other fabrics that breathe include:  linen and silk.  Denim does breathe but it is heavy so not a good idea in the heat!   Silk is great, but it will show sweat so be aware that if you are sweating everyone is going to see it.

3.  Accessorize properly:  Sunglasses, hats, flip-flops, and even an umbrella are must-haves.  I always make sure to have a water bottle in my handbag at all times to stay hydrated and sunscreen is a must--at least on your face and neck.

4. Wear the right colors:  It seems like a no brain'er but I see many people walking around in dark colors that only make you hotter.  Stick with light colors--white, pink, peach, coral, all these are good examples and all happen to be trending right now so you are still fashionable!

White Aryn K one shoulder dress

5. Dresses. Dresses. and more Dresses:  These seem to be the easiest and coolest thing to wear.   They are comfortable, stylish, cool, and great for outdoor events.   If you get tired of wearing a dress or it doesn't go with the occasion, try a nice romper or skirt as an alternative.

What do you suggest if the beach and a bikini aren't a possibility?    



Floral strapless MM Couture dress modeled by Melissa