Style Verdict: Gwyneth's Jumpsuit...

Gwyneth Paltrow wore this navy blue jumpsuit to the premiere of her new movie "Iron Man" at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood on 4/30/08.  What do you think?  Do you like it?  Hate it?  Don't care?  Would YOU wear it?  I wanna know your style verdict.

Say What???

Hip Candy is not a gossip site.  That being said, I simply could not stay away from the subject of Mariah Carey's and Nick Cannon's alleged ENGAGEMENT.  Both Us Weekly and Access Hollywood are saying that it's true.  All of this is still real suspect to me though.  But if they are indeed getting married, I hope Mariah has enough restraint to not put on an overly tacky event, complete with her wearing a skin tight pink mini wedding dress and veil, with a matching feather boa, then finishing the ceremony off with gold and platinum glitter falling from the ceiling as exotic butterflies are ceremonially released to fly over guests immediately following the nuptials.  Oh, and don't forget the set of unicorns that will pull the couples glass, platinum, and gold air-conditioned Cinderella carriage to the reception where Mariah will be headlining for guests with a full on choir and symphony orchestra backing her up.  You know she would.
*Update*Latina Magazine is reporting that Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon actually got married yesterday on an "island" and said that it was very "impulsive" and attended by a "few close friends of the couple"...  Who is seriously believing any of this? 
*Update on the previous update*A family member of Nick Cannon is now confirming a wedding.
*Hopefully, this is the last update*All signs point to them getting hitched, and Nick says he's in love, so you know what, I truly hope they're happy.  For real.

A "Juicy" Lawsuit...

Here we go again. According to the Daily News, Juicy Couture is now suing Victoria's Secret for putting their PINK logo on the backside of their sweatpants because Juicy Couture says that they did it first, it was their idea and nobody else can do it. Ok, I added some of that. But Juicy says about the Victoria's Secret brand that, "the similarities are inadvertent, and are designed to capitalize on the success of Juicy Couture".. of which [Juicy] happened to make $420 million in sales last year. Juicy Couture wants a judge to order that all the offending clothes be destroyed and they also want to be awarded triple damages.

My question is this. Can you protect where you put a logo on clothing? Because it seems to me that that would be extremely limiting. If someone puts a logo on a shoulder of a top, then no one else can put their logo on a shoulder of a top because someone else did it first? Are you serious? Plus, I don't see where the "Juicy" logo and the "PINK" logos are all that similar. Sure, they're going after the same target market (20-something, collegiates) but excuse me if I'm wrong, but isn't that called competition? Isn't it capitalism at it's core? Look, I'm a fan of both brands, I've owned a pair of powder blue Juicy sweats (I've since sold them online for a nice profit on Ebay..) and I still own all of my PINK sweats (perfect for all your downtime lounging). I don't know how much money Victoria's Secret made last year, but I just have a bit of a problem with a company [Juicy] that made close to half a BILLION dollars last year crying foul over someone giving them a bit of competition. But that's just what I think, if anyone has a different insight or opinion on all of this, I'd love to hear another perspective.

Other related stories.

Why Jada Why???

Is it just me, or is anyone else, oh... how could I put this.. not excited about Jada's new haircut?  Because if you ask me?  Not. Feeling. It. At. All.  What do ya'll think?  Cute, or not cute?

Commercial for Louis Vuitton...

Luxury brand, Louis Vuitton has launched it's first commercial ever (in select markets worldwide) and it is entitled, "The Journey".  And I have to be honest here, I'm not really a "luxury brand" kinda girl, although I wouldn't mind owning a CHANEL bag for obvious reasons.  Now, don't get me wrong, if someone were to gift me an authentic Louis Vuitton anything, I'd gladly accept, but the LV brand is just not something that I actively seek out.  I'm more of a Target, H&M, Vintage store kinda girl.  Anyway, it feels like I'm rambling... I'm probably sleepy. But check out the very cryptic, first ever Louis Vuitton ad below.

A Cute Way to Wear Wellies...

I own a tan plaid pair of rainboots and when it rains, I always wear them with jeans.  But after seeing this pic, it can be a super cute look paired with the right dress too!  What I love about them, is they're cute and they keep your feet dry when it's wet and raining outside.  And it's just fun to walk into puddles like you're 5 years old.  Love 'em.
 "Wellies" on WikipediaBrowse and shop for more funky fresh rainboots at shoes.com.

Halle Berry 2.0.

A few pics of Halle Berry looking fabulous post-baby while attending the Silver Rose Gallery and Auction in Bev. Hills on 4/27/08.  I'm not mad at her for still being such a stunner a month after the birth of her child.  Well.. maybe just a little.

VOGUE Italia is Alright With Me.

Breaking News: This just in... in light of some recent acknowledgement of the extreme lack of diversity in the fashion industry, VOGUE Italia is taking a bold step. VOGUE Italia's July 2008 issue will feature black models almost exclusively. I'm definitely gonna try and get my hands on a copy.  The complete story from "The Independent" below:


It's an open secret in the fashion industry: black models rarely get jobs on catwalks, in magazines and on billboards. According to executives, they do not inspire women to spend money.

Apart from Naomi Campbell in one Louis Vuitton advertisement this season, it would be difficult to find a single black model in a prominent position in a magazine. Carole White of the Premier Model Agency says she has received casting briefs requesting "no ethnics" and adds: "According to magazines, black models don't sell."
The leading British photographer Nick Knight says: "The fashion industry and the advertising industry are steeped in racism. You just have to look around at the number of black girls you see in ads – virtually nil. Among the main fashion brands, they are completely under-represented. It's shocking and atrocious."

Mr. Knight blames business people at the top of the industry. A common attitude among them, he says, is that black models are "not aspirational" or "don't sell in Asia". He goes on: "I have tried to redress the balance. It is enormously important to use black models and models of different ethnic backgrounds."
Now a counterattack to the racism of the fashion industry is coming from an unlikely source: Vogue Italia. The July issue of the fearsomely cutting-edge quarterly will feature black models almost exclusively, shot by the photographer Steven Meisel.
Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, told The Independent on Sunday: "We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today – a lot of different girls." Asked why she had decided to do this, she said: "Because nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough."
Ms Sozzani admitted the issue could yet prove to be unpopular among some in Italy, where the xenophobic Northern League is part of the new coalition led by Silvio Berlusconi: "Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don't care. I think it is not my problem if they don't like it – it's their problem."
Sarah Doukas, managing director of model agency Storm, says: "There has been frustration over the years from a lot of ethnic models, stylists and editors who have felt that they were not working as much as some of their Caucasian counterparts."
But she added: "There has been a shift recently: supportive media coverage has had an impact on the fashion industry."
The part of the interview that gets me was how the attitude among some of the fashion elite was that Black models are "not aspirational".  Are you kidding me with that? Iman, Liya Kebede, Chanel Iman, Alek Wek, Jessica White, and Naomi Campbell + countless others?  Buttery smooth skin, mile long legs, flat tummy's, fabulous hair, make-up lines and cosmetic contracts?!  They're probably right.  Because surely no one would ever "aspire" to any of that.  
Your thoughts?

Hip Look of the Day...

Actress Maggie Quigley at the 7th Annual Tribeca Film Festival on 4/25/08 in New York.  Stunning.  And check out those shoes!  The boldness of the shoe just works because of the simple solid white dress.  A solid black dress would have been a winner with those shoes too.  Love it.

New Orleans Jazz Fest Kicks Off This Weekend!

The 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicks off this weekend at the New Orleans fairgrounds, April 25-27, then again next weekend, May 1-4.  Jazzfest is a wonderful experience in New Orleans and South Louisiana culture.  Good food, great music.  Click below to check the lineup of artist (Santana! Stevie Wonder! Al Green!) and to get more information.
Get more New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Info.

A J. Lo Reality Show: Will You Watch?

Jennifer Lopez is about to open her personal life for a new television series on TLC, the cable company announced Wednesday.  The singer and new mom to twins will co-executive produce, co-create and star in the "docu-series" [read into that, heavily edited, and very NOT-real] which focuses on how Lopez juggles her career-including launching a new fragrance-with motherhood.
"I'm looking forward to sharing this exciting  journey together," said Lopez.
Why is she doing this?  It's not like she needs the money.  And another thing, for someone who was so against having cameras in her face after the whole "Bennifer" blowup, this whole thing is looking mighty suspect.  I'm with a lot of other bloggers who've said that what she's attempting to do is very similar to what Kimora is already doing with her "Life in the Fab Lane" series.  She says she's doing it to increase sales of her new fragrance, but this reeks of "look at me!" type television which sorta puts Jennifer on the same level as Denise Richards *shutter*

Hip Look of the Day...

Eva Mendes looking casually chic in midtown Manhattan wearing white wide-legged pants and a ruffled color-block top. Love it.

It Just Doesn't Stop...

Elizabeth Hurley is the latest celebrity to launch a clothing line, "Elizabeth Hurley for MNG" swimsuit collection.


Elizabeth with two of her models, 4/22/08, Urban Hotel in Madrid, Spain.
More of the "same":Ashlee Simpson's Clothing Line with Wet Seal"The Hills" Heidi Montag's "Heidiwood for Anchor Blue" Clothing Line

"Green" is Looking Better and Better...

(1) Green cruelty free (lead-free PVC bag, $160) carryall from Matt & Nat.(2) Green Eileen Fisher eco-friendly hemp sweater, $158.
(3) Anna Cohen's orange locally produced silk dress, $300.
(4) (left) Niki Robinson for Te' Casan flats, $245, and (right) Corso Como flats, $140 (these flats use recycled fabric and vegetable dyed leather).

Happy Earth Day!

Source: MSN

Hip Look of the Day...

Actress Emmy Rossum at the Metropolitan Opera "La Fille Du Regiment" Opening Night at NYC Lincoln Center, 4/21/08.  I'm loving the ruffles and bow belt, and the coordinated black accessories with minimal jewelry complete her polished look.

Get Out and VOTE Today!

If you live in the state of Pennsylvania that is.  Make your voice heard today!

I Am Not A Paper Cup...

I have a regular cup that I use for my coffee that says, "no coffee, no workee". But when I'm out and I need some liquid fuel, Starbucks is usually my main stop. The Starbucks cup has become a bit of a "status symbol" of sorts. On a trip to New York a few years ago, we learned that some of the locals called Starbucks "Six Bucks", my dad has even referred to it as "that $8 coffee". All that being said, I cannot even imagine how many cups of non-fat, peppermint mocha (with whip) that I've purchased over the years and have had to just toss away the cup.
Enter the refillable, "I Am Not A Paper Cup" ($20, and last I looked, you had to get on a waiting list for one..). I Am Not A Paper Cup is a double-walled porcelain cup with a silicone lid that's dishwasher safe, which means coffee drinkers could cut down on all the throw away cups! And that, my friend, is good for the enviroment.

Even Chocolates Promote Green...

I recently had the chance to sample the wonderfully tasting organic chocolates from Vosges Haut-Chocolate who just happens to be a company with a "green" mission (click here to see for yourself..). Indulging in a decadent chocolate will ALWAYS be a treat for me. I consider myself a lifelong chocoholic, so people who don't quite care for it continue to be an enigma.
And at Vosges Haut-Chocolate, theres so much to choose from! From the mini exotic candy bars (the Red Fire bar with chipotle chillies was fabulous..) to their international truffles (some of the descriptions were equivalent to reading a label on a bottle of fine wine), it's a virtual sweet tooth heaven! Also make sure you check out the Groove Collection, and the Hip-Hop Truffles for some really neat and creative gift ideas!  There's so much more to see on the site (brownies, ice creams, wine & chocolate, yum..), I'd literally be here all day telling you about it, so check it out for yourself!
Visit Vosges Haut-Chocolate.  And click on the pic above to learn more about their Green Collection.

Chic Fashion Made From Bamboo...

Well, I certainly learned something new!  Clothes made from bamboo (and no, I didn't try to make that rhyme..).  To celebrate Earth Day 2008 (April, 2008), we can all do more to reduce our "carbon footprint".  Listen, I'm not someone you would call a "tree-hugger", but I do recognize the importance of "recycling, re-using and reducing waste" even if I don't do it all the time.  And clothes made from sustainable products, like bamboo (which just happens to be one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, making it an enduring natural resource), is definitely a step in the right direction.

Online Shopping For Under $100...

Check the video for some fabulous online shopping for not a lot of money.  But take note, not everything on these sites boast prices for under $100, but there are still great bargains to be found!  You just have to look.  All of the websites featured on the video are below.

www.shopintuition.com

www.thegreenloop.com (eco-friendly)

www.hautelook.com

www.bluefly.com

www.milkshop.com (for kids!)

Hip Look of the Day...

Joy Bryant wore this floral stunner to the New Yorkers for Children Celebrates "New Year's in April" in New York City on 4/16/08.  Joy is completely on trend in her floral print, and of course I'm already sold on the dress because of the pockets! Beautiful.

Uma's "Bag Lady" Outfit...

She wore this to a cinema screening in NYC on 4/15/08.  And don't look at me crazy.. but in all it's partly cloudy "blah-ness", I'm kinda feeling it.

Victoria's Secret is Suing Macy's For Making PINK Knockoffs + More..

Authentic Victoria's Secret PINK above.
I love the Victoria's Secret PINK line of goods. Love. It. And apparently, so do lots of other people, so naturally other retailers (namely Macy's) want to grab a piece of that sweet action ($$$). But wait! There's more! Victoria's Secret is also being sued by Phat Fashions (Russell & Kimora Lee's company) for infringing on their trademark "P" logo... a classic case of what goes around, comes around?

Apparently, Pink is worth fighting over. The Victoria's Secret division of Limited Brands Inc. filed suit against Macy's Inc. and Intertex Apparel Ltd. last week, alleging that the companies are infringing on its Pink trademark by making and marketing similar apparel under their "Pinkish" label.
Intertex Apparel and Macy's "are advertising and selling through Macy's department stores 'knockoffs' of plaintiff's VS Pink apparel, under the mark Pinkish, which are lower in price and of inferior quality," according to the suit filed on April 8.
Victoria's Secret also contended that the Pinkish business amounts to unfair competition from Macy's and Intertex, a New York-based apparel producer."Pinkish Apparel has been designed to be confusingly similar to...VS Pink," the suit said.
The Victoria's Secret Pink brand often includes a pink silhouette of a dog, a stylized P and crown designs, elements that Pinkish also uses, according to the suit. Sold exclusively through Victoria's Secret, Pink has been a hit for Limited Brands, catching on with the college set and expanding into product categories beyond innerwear.Victoria's Secret is seeking the destruction of alleged infringing apparel and materials, as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Neither Limited, Macy's nor Intertex returned calls for comment Monday.Last month, Phat Fashions sued Victoria's Secret, accusing the retailer of inappropriately using a logo, incorporating a P, laurel leaves and a shield, for the Pink brand. In that suit, Phat Fashions charged: "Victoria's Secret is selling infringing merchandise, which is the same as, or is closely related to, merchandise sold by Phat Fashions and is using a design that is deceptively and confusingly similar to Phat Fashion's authentic P laurel leaf and shield design."Victoria's Secret did not respond to a request for comment on the Phat Fashions suit.

Kimora Lee Simmons Returns to TV This Sunday...

Click here for more info.

Keyboard Handbag: Cute, or Not Cute?

I first spotted this bag here and here. A handbag made to look like a computer keyboard by designer João Sabino. You'd certainly get lots of attention with it. So what do ya'll think? Cute, or not cute?

Hip Look of the Day...

Keisha Whitaker at the GAP White Shirts Launch Event hosted by VOGUE, Rockefeller Center, New York City, 4/14/08.  A fabulous yellow against her skin tone.  Super cute, and casual but still sophisticated.

Now Fashion Industry Making Models "Beefier" in Pictures..

So now they're photoshopping extra "flesh" onto models that are still way too thin in fashion magazines in response to the widespread criticism of anorexic looking models?  Hmm... here's a thought, why not give the job to a model who already has a healthy build and is probably just as qualified as the skinny chick???  Problem solved.
Related Stories:Black Models Have Flawed Genes [Stereohyped]
Too Busty For Spring? [Pink Rock Candy]

Did They Fire You Nina?

Women's Wear Daily is reporting that Nina Garcia (of Project Runway fame) and Elle Magazine where she held the post as fashion director are parting ways.. nothing was said of whether or not she would be leaving "Project Runway":

Elle is said to have parted company with its fashion director and “Project Runway” star and author Nina Garcia sources said late Friday. Neither Garcia, Elle editor in chief Robbie Myers nor a spokeswoman for Elle could be reached for comment.

On Tuesday, Elle hosted a dinner with Moschino to celebrate Simon Doonan's new book, "Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fashionable You", but Garcia was notably absent. Speculation about Garcia's departure has swirled for months, especially after the arrival of Joe Zee at the beginning of 2007 as creative director.

Last spring, Garcia left the magazine on maternity leave, and began writing a monthly fashion column for Elle upon her return. Garcia was in the office on Friday morning, but by the afternoon, sources close to the building say Hachette’s Midtown offices were abuzz about the rumor.

The editor, who has already penned one book, “The Little Black Book of Style,” is a judge on the Bravo reality show “Project Runway”, which earlier this week switched to Lifetime Television under a more lucrative contract. NBC Universal, Bravo’s owner, has sued The Weinstein Co., producer of “Project Runway,” over the move.

"Fierce" Christian Will Play Himself On "Ugly Betty"...

Where'd She Go?

Yay! Sephora is Now Open In My Hometown!

That's right! Sephora held it's grand opening April 9, 2008 in Baton Rouge, at the Mall of Louisiana... a few pics from my phone below..

This is the line to get into the Sephora Grand Opening before it got real thick. The first 100 people were given free gift cards ranging from $5 to $100! Mine was $10...

Now we can buy Carol's Daughter! Right here at Sephora Baton Rouge! Yay! And it's a good thing too, I've literally been scraping the bottom of my healthy hair butter for the last week...

The line to check out was wrapped around the inside of the store. This is what I purchased. I got $10 off!

This is the pink and black (Hip Candy!) ensemble I wore to the Sephora Grand opening, not even realizing that I would be coordinated with the Sephora bag, lol! All in all, I'm glad the store's finally here...

Fabu-Links!

Yes, you read it right.  Available now, panties that "enhance"  your rear.

  

How to get the most out of your mobile phone. [Technology Starlet]

Gwen Stefani has a new (super cute) fragrance. [Sugar Shock]

Are these shoes fierce, or over the top? [Style On Sale]

Are you an "Obamaniac"?  Then you'll love this cool Obama Tee. [Stained Couture]

A cashmere dress for less than $25?  Wow! [Shopalicious]

Shopping Your Closet Before You Buy. (VIDEO) [Cheap Chica]

Your thoughts on this controversial t-shirt? [Crazy As A Road Lizard]

Too Much Going On...

With Kelly's outfit. I don't know when this was taken but on top of everything esle going on, that fur neck wrap she's wearing looks like it might move.

Silly Candy...

Thandie Newton To Play Condoleeza In "W" + My Picks..

My first thought was, what? They're actually making a whole movie about George W. Bush??? Wow. Seems it's true, according to the Drudge Report, Thandie is apparently in final negotiations to play current Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice in the flick directed by Oliver Stone. And nothing against Thandie, I like her and I've always thought that she was as cute as a button, but her being cast in this role seems a bit of a stretch to me. But hey, she may surprise us all, I guess that's why it's called "acting". Still, I won't let that stop me from casting the role myself from the sidelines. My personal picks of actresses to read for the role of Condoleeza would have been (1) Kimberly Elise, (2) Angela Bassett, or (3) Sanaa Lathan. What do ya'll think?

Congrats To The Happy Couple?

Well, it looks as though all the reports were true.  We now have confirmation of the Knowles/Carter nuptials.. well, let me clarify that, we have as much confirmation as you can have from an "unconfirmed source"  So I guess people can take that for what it's worth.  Anyone who reads this site knows that I'm not the biggest Beyonce/Jay-Z fan, even though I stan for a couple of their songs which will remain nameless.  That being said, if they did indeed get married on Friday, April 4, 2008, and this is not some kind of elaborate hoax, then congratulations to them.

A Few Bridal Dress Suggestions For Beyonce & Jay-Z's "Maybe" Wedding...

Don't expect to see ANYTHING from the House of Dereon here, lol!  These are all beautifully designed gowns from Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2008 bridal collection.  Even though I'm probably already too late if the Knowles/Carter nuptials are indeed going down today (could it be true?), still I won't let that stop me from offering up a suggestion on Beyonce's wedding gown. My personal pick for the soon to be Mrs. Carter comes down the runway stretch at about the :36 second mark.  Fabulous.  

Mariah is A Lady.

Peep her "autograph signing while doing a slight bend and flex for photographers" pose. Classy.

It's A Historic Day...

Martin Luther King
January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968

Click the pic above for a slide show of recent history through King's words. Click here to read an article on how far America has come in the 40 years since MLK's death.

The Cutest Things...

Anyone who's been reading this blog for any length of time knows that I'm a huge fan of all things "cute". So check out 3 of the latest gems I found below, all available at Fred Flare.

Old school! Cassette Tote, (below) it was marked down to $11, but now it's mysteriously back up to $16 after my story posted. Hmm... you guys must have really hit 'em up behind this bag.  For realz.. Hey, just leave one for me.  

Hostess Cupcake coin purse, $14 (below). I love it! How fun would it be to whip it out at the store checkout next time you're in line buying ice cream or your fave candy bar?

What a fun gift idea! Petit 4 Lip Balm set, (below) $18. Chocolate cream puff and strawberry cream tart? Yum! And if you think the the little lip gloss pots are cute, wait until you see the packaging it comes in! Adorable.

See even more cute things at fredflare.com.

Don't Chicks Like This Just Make You Mad?

Well.. mad enough to go and get on the treadmill for about an hour. Victoria's Secret model Marisa Miller (center) unveiled the Victoria's Secret Swim 2008 collection in New York City earlier today.

Click here to browse and shop the 2008 VS Swim collection.

Jellies Making A Comeback? I Vote NO.

I spotted this over at My Fashion Life. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? I remember having a pair back when they were big the last time (the pair I owned looked more like these..), and yes, they were extremely popular and novel items, but that doesn't excuse the fact that they reduced your feet to this horrible, sweaty, soggy mess. So much so to the point where if you had them on long enough, you'd literally be walking around in a pool of your own sweat juices. Glamourous. But hey, if I can't make you listen to reason, and you find yourself still craving a pair, check them out here and here.