FASHION FIX #5

WHAT TIIIIIIIIIME IS IT!?

I have to confess -  I have an obsession with timepieces aka "watches". There is something special in how a great timepiece can uplift a look to the next level. Classic colors of black and brown are great but the funnest way to incorporate this amazing accessory is to use color! In this edition, I'm giving you a lot of options. Because these are budget conscious times (ha-ha - no pun intended) , I present to you a mix of high time and low time...

The Adidas Candy Collection brings it!

Adidas 

Candy Collection

$60-$65

For the Girly-Girlys & Me! I have a secret love for Hello Kitty. Shhhh...

Sanrio

Hello Kitty

$65

*Every holiday Sanrio releases a limited edition promotional timepiece. This is the best. You can get it for $25 with a purchase of $40 or more - while they last.

If you don't know, now you know...Toy Watch was launched by Milan designers Marco Mavilla in 2006 and has been very hot since.

Toy Watch

Plasteramic Fluorescent Collection

$195

Toy Watch

Naked Collection

$495

Michael Kors...need I say more

Michael Kors

Ladies Chronograph Resin Band Watch

$225

Michael Kors

Bracelet Watch

$250

FASHION FIX #4

Ladies this one's for you!!!!

I know we all looooove our high-end designer handbags. Well, in this tight economy I feel it necessary to still be fly & fabulous with out being flat broke. Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton are all amazing designers and have FABULOUS handbags but here are a few budget friendly options to keep you FABULOUSLY FINANCIALLY FLY...

NEW WORD ALERT: FABULOUSLY

Yes this is not a word in Webster's dictionary, but the author of this blog (me! Niena) can create whatever words necessary to provide you with the best information. You have my permission to add this word to you fabulous vocabulary.

LeSportSac

Chocolate & Gold Platinum Patent

$28-$38

These LeSportSac bags are great to spice up your mini bag collection. Yes, you should have a stylish make-up bag. There is not excuse for having a frompy or cheap bag that doesn't have any style. There are also full size handbag options from the Platinum collection for about $100.

Anya Hindmarch for Target

Clutch Gold/Cream

$19.99

Anya Hindmarch for Target

Large Shoulder Bag Gold/Cream

$49.99

These handbags are from the Anya Hindmarch for Target collection. She is a featured fashion designer at Target. These and other styles are available in classic black as well as these neutral colors. The hardware is simple yet sleek and the 

body is made of stylish leather-like material. The great thing is you can read the reviews of others who've purchased the bags on target.com and most reviews have been great for this designer!

FASHION NEWS

On another fabulously fly note...Alexander McQueen is designing a line for Target aka Targe' with pieces prices under $150.00! This is a major move since McQueen's designs go for thousands of dollars a piece. McQueen designs womens, mens clothing and accessories. His looks are dramatic and bold. His accessories are off the chain! Target is one of my favorite retailers to get fabulously financially fly fashion. Target does "Design For All" which features designers for fashion, beauty and home for a limited time at Targe' prices. Adding McQueen to their line-up gives you an even greater reason to venture there. The McQueen collection is said to launch in March and will be available at select stores as well as target.com.

Alexander McQueen

Autum Winter 08 Collection

(Don't get over excited - these looks are not for Target)

FASHION FIX #3

WE DID IT!!!!

We now have made CHANGE and elected Barack Obama as the President of the United States! I look forward to continue being part of this amazing movement and historical time in American history. I'm sure everyone can remember where they were on the special election night of Nov. 4, 2008. I was at Grant Park in Chicago working for an international television network (I'm also a tv producer). To be in the midst of the energy and emotion of the thousands of people was overwhelming, amazing and unforgettable! With that said, I felt it appropriate to begin this FABULOUS FASHION FIX with a spotlight on our new FIRST FAMILY...

FIRST FAMILY FASHION

There have been a lot of opinions about the fashions of our new FIRST FAMILY, but I will say they were dressed classy-beautiful. The Obama daughters, 10-year old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha are being called "fashion trendsetters in the making". I definitely believe the style of the entire family as well as the young ladies will be watched closely. The good news is that First Lady Michelle Obama is becoming a fashion icon and is very grounded in her fashion sense and believes in fashion that does not break the bank. On the historical night President Barack Obama wore a navy blue worsted-wool, two button suit by Chicago-based Hart Schaffner Marx. Of course, the Presidents' suit was custom made, but ready-to-wear suits by the designer retail for about $1,500. First Lady Michelle Obama wore a red and black silk chiffon and satin cocktail dress by Narciso Rodriguez. The dress is from Rodriguez's Spring 2009 collection and was tailored/toned-down from the actual dress on the runway (shown below).

Malia Obama wore a red silk taffeta dress by Biscotti Inc. that retails for $110. Sasha Obama wore a black dress by Gerson & Gerson under the children's label Iris & Ivy that retails for $72. The dress will be available next spring in a variety of colors and fabrics at Nordstrom and Dillard's. For more great images of the Obama family log onto Black Voices.com

GQ MAGAZINE PRIVATE EVENT @ ARMANI

I attended an exclusive event at the Chicago Armani Boutique. Very F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S event! There are some beautiful pieces for men and women in the boutique. I have to give major props to GQ magazine for being a great style source for men. I love styling men! For all gentlemen who need a little help in the style department - email me your questions and comments. GQ is currently holding a contest where you could win a $10,000 wardrobe and GQ Photo Shoot! Click here for the GQ Rules contest info.

ELLE ACCESSORIES - DECEMBER 2008

On the topic of Magazines....ELLE Magazine has released their accessories issue and it is filled with a plethura of amazing accessories - shoes, handbags, hats, jewelry, scarves, pantyhose and more! You can view/download it online at Elle Accessories but if you can get it, it's worth every penny! Here are some of my favorite items...

HOT!!!

Marciano Lacey Heel - 4"

Available in 3 different colors

$300

HOT!!!

Christian Louboutin Forever Tina

Suede Shingle Boot - 5"

Available in Fuchsia or Black

$1,575

VERY FLY!!!

Emanuel Ungaro 

Eelskin Sandle

$1,070

BANGIN'!!!

Jil Sander

Wool Felt Coat

$3,545

FEMININE & FLY!!!

Versace

Mink Clutch

Price Upon Special Request

PRADA CHICAGO BOUTIQUE WINDOWS

I don't usually give acknoweledgement to boutique window design but PRADA has the game on lock right now! The PRADA Chicago boutique is positioned at the corner of prestigious Oak St. & Rush St. which is a prime location to "bring it." I have walked past these windows for many years and the current window design is by far the best ever! Stay tuned for pics.... The weather in Chicago has been rainy and want to bring you the best images possible.

FASHION FIX #2

It's time for another jam packed FABULOUS FASHION FIX!!! 

Last edition featured some hot fashions and bargains, but this edition titled "DIAMONDS, FASHION & FUR" is filled with luxury and lavishness. So, before you're overwhelmed by the beautiful fashion you are about to see, I have to share three things with you... 

(1) VOTE!!!!! Tomorrow's presidential election results will CHANGE the world!!! I'm not going to get too political but the truth is that our President, meaning the President of the United States makes decision that impact you, me and others all over the world! Everything in the economy is not coincidental. We've seen and experienced the impact our last and current president has made. Believe that the next president (I pray it's Obama) will have a lot of work to do but that there will be CHANGE for the better. 

(2) I told myself I would not make these posts long, but there is so much information I want to share with you that I just can't help myself!!! The posts haven't reached "long" status just yet, but I will do my best to keep them in a "safe" length. 

(3) WARNING: The items mentioned and viewed in this blog my cause you to loose your mind and max out your credit cards. Please us caution and financial restraint when viewing these items. The author of this blog is not responsible for YOU messing up YOUR credit by maxing out your credit cards while attempting to purchase any of these items....NOW LET THE FABULOUSNESS BEGIN!!!! 

DIAMONDS & FASHION & FUR OH MY!!!

Breath taking bling is all I have to say about these Chanel J12 Limited Edition JOAILLERIE time pieces. No I cannot and will not call these "watches"...they are "jewelry time pieces." Add that to your vocabulary and please use when mentioning items on this level.

J12 Haute Joaillerie

18 carats white gold and black ceramic, entirely set in baguette-cut diamonds. Baguette-cut black ceramic incubators. 

Edition Limited to 5

**Yes only 5 were made!!!

BECAUSE I LOOOOVE PINK.....

J12 Joaillerie

38mm automatic, white gold and white high-tech ceramic, baguette-cut pink sapphires. Diamond incubators.

Edition Limited to 12

ALL PHONES BRRRRING-BRRRRRING...BUT DOES YOUR PHONE BLING-BLING?

Dior has done it again with this almost $30,000 diamond phone. Sleek and beautiful in design, the "My Dior" luxury phone has a crocodile skin exterior, dawns 31 black sapphire crystals and 640 diamonds set in white gold. At the cost of $27,000 I wonder how much monthly insurance costs? Not the usual $5 per month, I'm sure. Funny, I thought a $300 phone bill was a lot. The phones' $30k price tag doesn't even include phone calls!

OHHHH, LA, LA

Dennis Basso designs some of the most luxurious, lavish and wearable fur. The excitement this time came from the Creme Russian Sable and Alligator jacket on the right. Oh my! It is beautiful! It comes at a steep price of $35,000. What I loooove about this is how it is a great piece to have in any wardrobe because of the vintage like design, neutral color and sophisticated style. Here it is paired with a creme silk satin Dennis Basso dress ($2,400). For a casual yet fly look, I would definitely rock this with a pair of premium sleek jeans, feminine blouse and of course bling!