We Spy With Our Little Eyes the Fab and FLY: University Edition ECU: Home of the Pirate Nation

 ECU: Home of the Pirate Nation

So, being all into sparkly and fashion forward things, lol we like to keep our eyes on the people that are trail blazing. By, that we mean people that are doing there own thing in a fantabulous way. Yes, I know that fantabulus is not a word. But when your a as terminally ill as I am you fly above conventions. Did you catch that terminally ill thing? Cause I'm so sick, its terminal. Ha ha ha, I crack myself up. Of course that wasn't meant to offend anyone. If you are indeed terminally ill or knows someone that is, I deeply apologize. Now, on to more pressing matters. These people were photographed by my secret team of collegues. So, if your on here then that means we think your kinda cool. We may even be considering you for the future "That's My Baby's Mama" and the coveted "Future Baby Daddy's" award. Don't hesitate to step right up and collect your prize. lol

Who Is gonna get the TOP SPOT at Dior?

ANOTHER FASHION HEAVYWEIGHT WEIGHS IN ON DIOR

by BRITT ABOUTALEB

Raf Simons gives a tearful farewell at Jil Sander. Photo: Getty Image

We’ve heard from Suzy Menkes and Bridget Foley, as well as Cathy Horyn, but what about Colin McDowell?  The British journalist took to the Business of Fashion this morning to play the Dior guessing game.   While most of the names bandied about in conversations regarding the future of the house of Dior—Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Sarah Burton—McDowell thinks we’re approaching it all wrong.  Why not, he suggests, nominate someone young and fresh, someone akin to Yves Saint Laurent when he took over Dior?  Furthermore, why not give designers time to develop their vision and make these big brands their own, like Riccardo Tisci’s so successfully done at Givenchy?

Aside from the Dior gig, there’s one other question everyone in fashion is asking: what will happen to Raf Simons?  McDowell writes that the designer, who was let go to make room for Jil Sander’s return, was up for the Yves Saint Laurent job before Stefano Pilati was even pushed out.  The critic writes, “Touted as the “right” man for just about every label that has appeared to be headed for hard times, the poor lad [Simons] must have been through more interviews than anybody else. But he was still not selected for the Yves Saint Laurent job, which everybody now knows has gone to Hedi Slimane.”  McDowell thinks that Slimane was chosen for his “cool” factor (and has some interesting thoughts on Celine and Galliano, too), but stops short of saying why Simons is still out of a job.

Every time a major fashion journalist addresses the gaping hole at Dior or the inexplicably unemployed Simons, there’s a new bobmshell making this game of musical chairs even more convoluted.  And yet, there’s never an actual answer.

VIA ELLE

Jessica Simpson for Elle Magazine's April COVER!

ELLE Magazine's cover girl, Jessica Simpson has been a tabloid staple since her meteoric rise to stardom in the late 90's. Alongside her fellow POP teen sensation phenoms Brittney and Christina, she can be seen on some covers of some the most popular publications in the country. However, this time it isn't some salacious story about heartbreak or divorce. No, these days its all about her billion dollar brand, a new beau, and a bundle of joy in her womb. She has come a long way since the famous question "is this chicken, or tuna?" She has honed her business acumen becoming one of the most successful entertainers to convert into a mogul. In fact is is almost hard to call to ones awareness the days when Jessica belted out catchy glittery tunes to a pop driven commercial beat.


Check out her cover, interview excerpts, and spread in Elle inside!

Drake Covers the April issue of GQ Magazine, and offers insight about his growth as a man...

Drake sat down with GQ recently to discuss all things hip hop, and offered up an interesting bit of information about his new approach to women. GQ's April, STYLE BIBLE, issue is also covered by Dave Franco, and James Lassiter. In addition to offering his opinions on the rap game and the women of his generation, Drake also drops some knowledge on how he likes to rock a power suit. Take a look at his candid interview inside!

Apparel Prices Caught in Complex Cycle: WWD

High gas prices hurt consumer spending.

Photo By Michael Williamson/The Washington Post/Getty Images

By ARTHUR FRIEDMAN

Price inflation appears to have a firm grip on the apparel sector, as last year’s volatility in cotton has been replaced by soaring gas prices and related polyester costs still at peak levels.

Retail apparel prices rose 0.9 percent in January compared with December, as merchants regained some pricing power after heavy discounting during the holidays, the U.S. Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index showed. Women’s apparel prices increased 1.2 percent in the month, while men’s apparel prices rose 1.7 percent.

Swim into Fashion!

Spring Break and Summer 2012 is coming around pretty quick and many college students will be heading to the beach with thier newly toned bodies, but the only thing missing will be a fashionable swimsuit! Here are a couple trends to look for when purchasing a new bathing suit!

Whitney Houston... We Will Always Love You

I am deeply deeply saddened by the news that was announced all over the world last night that the beautifully talented legend and icon Whitney Houston passed away. Its been hard to take in the passing of other great legends in the music business, but this truly hits home. I remember being about the age of two or three singing all around the house, along with my mother, pretending to be Whitney. Her voice was amazing, and her ability to give a memorable performance on stage or in a movie was simply effortless. This news has stunned everyone, not only in the music industry, but also her loving fans, her daughter Bobbi Christina, her mother, and all of her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. Really wish I had the opportunity to meet her, but although this is a great loss, its for certain she's in a better place.

I will always love you, we the world will always love you.

May you Rest In Peace, as your music, your legacy, will forever live on. 

-AB

Black History Month: 6 Black Designers in 2011's Fall NYFashionWeek

New York Fashion Week sets the stage for American (and a few international) designers, ranging from all the well-known designers to the upcoming ones, to be celebrated for their latest collections. The press always writes about and photographs the runway collections for newspapers, magazines, internet and television so the general public can see what is going on in fashion. However, recently, there has been a notable lack of color at the shows. These six  black designers whose talent and skill will make us proud during the upcoming New York Fashion Week:

Tracy Reese

Tracy has evolved as a designer while staying true to her romantic silhouettes and floral prints.

Stephen Burrows

Stephen Burrows is back and better then ever revamping his image after defining the look of the 70s.

Sammy B Designs

Samantha Black designs are creative, bold, and stylish. She makes clothing for women who “dibble and dabble in different areas of clothing mixing and matching.” 

Mychael Knight

Project Runway favorite Mycheal Knight has grown to define his look as a designer, making a comfortable but yet endearing ware for a confident customer. 

Dpipertwins

Danielle and Chantelle Dwomoh-Piper’s line Dpipertwins is for the woman who likes to look sassy and tasteful, capturing attention every time she enters a room.

Laquan Smith

"One of the most celebrated black designers of his generation (afterall, he did get the Vogue seal of approval), Laquan Smith continues to create inspired and imaginative pieces that make a bold statement. We can’t wait to see him reach another level of success and creativity with his latest offering."



New Popular Trends for 2012?

The braided hairstyles have been around for quite a while now, but has just recently gotten its popularity as a new trend that started late Fall of 2011 and can now be consisedered the "must do" hairstyle for 2012. Braided Hairstyles have been seen in runnways/fashion shows, magazines, and also by celebrities.

I can't get enough of this look! I always like trying different styles on my hair and this happens to be one of my favorite hair styles! Hopefully this trend will last throughout the year...But even if it doesn't, I would still rock it!





Thursday Nights... Are The Braxton's Night

Braxton Family Values airs every Thursday night at 10pm on We Tv. I recently just got into watching the show just to see what it was it about, and after only watching a few reruns of it I happened to love it! The Braxton sisters consists of Toni Braxton (middle), who is very well known and has accomplished such a huge success in her singing career, Tamar Braxton (far right), Tracy Braxton (blue dress), Trina Braxton (second on the left), and Tawanda Braxton (far left). These sisters hold nothing back on the show. They give you the good, the bad, and the ugly of their personal lives. If you're looking for entertainment on a Thursday night, Tune In!

"The Vow".. Perfect Movie To See Just In Time For Valentine's Day

The movie The Vow hits theaters February 10th, what can kind of be considered as Valentine's day weekend. The movie stars the handsome Channing Tatum and rising actress Rachel McAdams. 


The Vow is based on the true story of a newly married couple recovering from an accident that puts the wife in a coma. When she wakes up from the accident she has severe memory loss and can't remember any of her life with her new husband... so he has to fight to win her heart all over again.


I can't wait to see it!

Naomi Campbell for Harpers Bazzar She Still has It!

Our Favorite Looks From the Screen Actors Guild Awards

Ahna O'Reilly , and actress from "The Help" made herself well known by showing up on the red carpet in a gorgeous red, back out dress. If the public did not know her before, they definiely know who she is now!

Gabrielle Union for Ocean Drive Magazine

Recently Gabrielle Union sat down with Ocean Drive Magazine for their Feb 2012 issue, to talk mother hood, her relationshiop with NBA baller Dwayne Wade, and feeling at home in Miami. In addition to nabbing covers Gabrielle is a bicoastal honey with the hollywood resume of a veteran. Personally, I adore her and her bronze skin. I'm sure if you recognize her then you probably remember her as that "sassy sidekick" from the first installment of the Bring It On franchise. Well, she's all grown up now and has the image and man too. She may be working hard to change her image in Hollywood but in my eyes gabby, your a rock star!

Checkout her interview and spread inside!

Sn: girl, now that we are friends in my head, you want to tell me what you do to make your skin glow like that. Cause I know that all of that glow can't be photoshoped. I've seen you on the beach with your man! lol

Trend Guide H&M Spring 2012

What's Hot In Women's Wear : Spring 2012

Men: What's HOT for Spring 2012

Take a look at what is happening in menswear this spring. One of my favorite trends, sandals are going to be in this spring, even though I still haven't managed to nab a pair or get a pedicure. Tisk Tisk. Anyways, check out these cool mood boards from Swide Magazine and this video inside!

Paris: Tommy Guns Street style for GQ

Paris Roundup with Jim Hainey and Jim Moore

Via GQ

A Trend that I love: ALL Black Everything!

Jean Paul Gaultier

Maison Martin Margiela

Mugler 

Rick Owens

Don"t like the shoes. 

Viktor & Rolf

YSL

Dries Van Noten  

Men Pay Attention: The Hottest Shoes From the Runways of Paris

D&G

GQ magazine compiled a list of its favorite shoes from the runways of Paris, and I've narrowed that list down a bit. Here is my list of favorites from the runway. What I wouldn't give to have my choice of them. 

Models.com Dolce and Gabbana F/W 12 back stage.

Dolce F/W 12 Backstage - Model Overdose from models.com on Vimeo.

Check out this video of D&G's boys backstage for F/W 12. Looks like a good time to me.

Splitsville for Heidi and Seal

It has been reported that supermodel Heidi Klum and husband Seal are headed for divorce court. The news comes as a shock to many seeing that the two seemed to be a very happy and loving couple. At least that was the media's depiction of them. I am sad that the two are splitting because they were one of the only Hollywood couples that seemed to be holding it together. Oh well. I wish them both the best. I'm sure it must be difficult to endure a breakup in the public eye.  See their statement inside. 

The Secret World of Haute Couture

                 

                            

Check the Look: Viktor & Rolf Runway F/W 12

Viktor & Rolf Men / Fall/Winter 2012

The masculine physique and all its glory was on the minds of Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren during their masterful fall showing. Looking opulent, elegant and completely in control, the Viktor and Rolf monsieur, headlined by Spicebomb cover model Sean O’Pry, was especially dashing this season. Male models cut a fine figure with a little help from some seriously structured suiting and a few suggestive plays on proportion. Padded sweaters and thick furs pumped up the hard bodied cast, transforming mere male models to Herculean heroes. Defined shoulders and oversized biceps paired with immaculately cut leather pants and colorful gloves, defined the look. With power serving as a recurring theme throughout the menswear collections, we can’t help but think that Horsting and Snoeren are providing their own spin on fall’s defining motif.
Photography: Stephan Moskovic
Text: Janelle Okwodu
Casting: Andrew Weir for ACW


Write up VIA: Models.com
Photos: Models.com

Stylish Pals Out Shopping.

Keisha Knight Pulliam, aka Rudy, and LeToya Luckett were photoed out at the Grove in LA doing some shopping. Both looked incredibly cute donning different looks. Keisha pulled of a cute girly number, complete with a hot pink Hermes bag, and the popular riding boot trend happening now. Letoya rocked a look I tend to hearken to, and all black ensemble with a subtle pop of color in the scarf. Might I add that the pony tail is Tres Chic! I love a girl in a low/high pony, and feel that it should be done more often.

Good Samaritan!

Zoe Saldana was spotted in LA helping an elderly motorist after being involved in an automobile accident. After being visible shaken by the incident, Zoe helped the motorist to the sidewalk and called for assistance. It has been reported that the actress left those involved only after being assured of their safety. It is always refreshing to see celebrities in a more human capacity. After all, they have hearts too, despite what the paparazzi may think.

Feature: Erin Barfield, A Young Entrepreneur on the Rise!

AYYEEE! Where The party At? Over here? No, It was at the 40/40 Club Reopening!

Terrance J and Selita Ebanks 

(Did you all know they were together? Where have I been?)

Baby Blue Carter's father Jigga, Got back into the swing of running successful businesses recently reopening the doors of the swanky 40/40 Club. The stars were out to congratulate the mogul on the new baby and the new digs. The club closed down last summer to undergo construction and after a $10 million upgrade I'm sure it was a sight for sore eyes. I can't say that I was in attendance, because I of course am a mere mortal, but I did enjoy the red carpet photos. I even learned something along the way. Did you all know that Warren buffett and Jay were tight like that? If you didn't then you can join in on the surprise. Surely, if you are a mogul or even interested in acquiring millions, then Buffett is definitely someone you would want to be pals with. The billionaire is legendary in the financial sector.

Enough about the billions. The stars that came out to show their support did so in lavish style. Many of them showing up as if they were attending the State Dinner on Pennsylvania Ave. However, I assume that it is safe to say that while Jay and B (or Queen B) aren't FlOTUS or POTUS, they are the first couple. They are the first couple of Hip Hop that is, and arguably the entertainment industry. With baby Blue on the scene they can give Brangelina a run for their money. ( I mean they have a mini UN in their home! Really?) Take a look at all the glamorous people inside!

Music News!

Monica and Brandy have gone back in the studio to create a new single "It All Belongs To Me." The single is the duo first collaboration since their widely successful Grammy winning single "The Boy is Mine." I can't wait to hear the new music, especially since I identify as a bit of A BRANSTAN or BrandyStan. lol It is the teenager in me. Being a 90's baby I always hearken back to the 90's RNB movement and few are more instrumental to it than these two. I am doing everything I can to get my hand on that music, but I may have to wait for its Feb. 6th release.



Excerpt from the producer/writer Rico Love to rapuptv.com:

“It’s a very soulful R&B song with pop sensibilities. I wanted to make sure I made it a classic R&B record, but I definitely wanted to make sure that it had enough appeal to cross over and become a Top 40 record. I wanted to include Beatles-sounding guitars. I made sure the melody was big enough for all genres and just a strong powerful vocal performance and strong content. I really don’t wanna give away too much because they wanna keep it under wraps as far as the title and the subject, but I can just say that it’s a very strong vocal that I got out of these girls and it’s a very strong subject. To say the least, it will be a shocker.”