Hip Fashion and Style Links...

PZI Jeans: Skinny Jeans for Curvy Women.

Be the next Bebe "It Girl! Deadline to enter is April 3rd.

Topshop finally lands in New York City.
Get 10% off great handbags at Accessory Bug. Use coupon code spring09.
Wear you faith! Check out designer Heaven Simone's "Faith" tees.
Check out Nippies Natural, the ultimate nipple cover for the "unafraid to go braless set" *New* from Bristol 6.
Follow Michelle Obama's style on the Obama's 8-day trip to Europe for the G-20 Summit.
Neat! Umbrellas for your feet.

Preview Pics of Matthew Williamson: Coming Soon to H&M

Matthew Williamson for H&M launches on April 23rd and is probably sure to sellout. Remember what happened to me when I showed up ONE DAY after the launch of Roberto Cavalli for H&M in Chicago? Yeah, there was pretty much NOTHING LEFT. That stuff sold out on the first day.
The British designer who has stars Rihanna, Eva Longoria Parker, Joy Bryant, Thandie Newton and more as fans– is jumping into the affordable retail chain with his bold patterns and bright prints including everything from swimwear to evening gowns. The Matthew Williamson collection will be a bit more expensive than your typical H&M merchandise. Prices start at $25 for a pendant necklace to $249 each for a leather jacket and sequin minidress to $349 for a beaded maxidress — they are still just a fraction of Williamson’s normal prices. For example, a similiar studded belt from his top line retails for $995 compared to its $50 H&M price tag.

40 is the New 20: MSNBC [VIDEO]

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Spotted Out: Persia White...

Actress Persia White ("Lynn" from "Girlfriends") attended the 23rd Genesis Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

Two Dresses With an Extra Side of Splenda...

Two yellow dresses, both with pockets!
I just finished the strapless dress on the right (on 3/28/09) for one of my most favorite cousins who shall remain nameless, whose birthday I missed recently and she was none too pleased with me. I did it as a surprise for her. And to make up for missing her birthday. I don't usually like sewing (custom) for people I much prefer just doing "ready-to-wear." If people like it, then I love it. I have a few pieces of my "ready-to-wear" things in my etsy store right now. Have you been to my etsy store? I'm still putting fun stuff in there, but you should really give it a look see if you haven't already!
Anyhoo, yesterday when I was done with my cousin's dress, I wanted to see how it looked with a tie belt and all I had on hand was a piece of red scrap satin fabric. It was long enough so I tied it on, and as soon as I had it on, the dress instantly looked like a cupcake to me. These two dresses together are like a Splenda explosion! All the brightness! But that being said, bright color was still one of the top 10 trends for Spring '09, so turns out, I wasn't that far off after all. I still have to put the ruffle hem on her dress, the same as on my yellow mini dress (and you've seen my yellow mini dress before. Remember my "Juicy Inspiration?") I think I'm going to make her a green tie belt (instead of the red) to cut back on some of the sugary sweetness. I think a green belt would make it more "Springtime." What do ya'll think?

Spring Styling Tips (under $100) from Ann Taylor Loft..

Shopping While Black: An Eye Opening Experiment...

(scroll down for the link to the video)
I went into watching this KNOWING the whole basis and background of this experiment. I knew all the people involved were actors... and it still really upset me. It upset me more than I even realized it would...

ABC News' "What Would You Do?" set up the largest hidden camera operation in the show's history in New York City's Soho neighborhood at the chic clothing boutique Unpomela. It was practically the only store the show could find willing to experiment with something so controversial.

The show hired actors to play a racist store clerk and security guard, both armed with words that would make even the most apathetic shopper flinch. An actor was hired to pose as the black shopper, the target of the abuse.

In a 2007 Gallup survey, 47 percent of black people surveyed said they are not treated equally by retailers. More than one-quarter of those surveyed felt they were targeted because of their race while shopping in the last 30 days.

Click here to watch VIDEO "Shopping While Black"

Stealing Michelle (Obama's) Style: My "Michelle" Dress..

I recently completed the black and red pleated sheath dress above in First Lady Michelle Obama's signature style. But wait! Is that a small bit of "definition" showing up in my arms? I have been doing a little something with the 10 lb. bells. Our First Lady is inspirational in more ways than one. Click over to Michelle O. Style for more pics and let me know what you think of my dress!

Idris Elba on "The Office"...

Funny.

So, Beyonce Has a 19 inch Waist? Okaaay...

I almost swallowed my gum when I read that headline over at US Weekly. Read what I read below:

Beyonce's rep is firing back at critics who have said the singer, 27, has packed on pounds.

After Beyonce was photographed in NYC March 8 for her I ... Am tour in a Thierry Mugler couture dress, online commenters blasted her curves ("Why does she look so deformed?" one commenter quipped).

But her rep tells Usmagazine.com the dress -- which was originally designed for Jerry Hall -- is to blame.

"This is not a weight-gain issue," her rep tells Us. "Beyonce is in the best shape of her life. The exaggerated hips are a design element of a truly couture dress. Beyonce has always loved this dress."

What's more, a rep for designer Mugler tells Us the waist on Hall's dress was 23 inches and was reduced to 19 for Beyonce. Says the Mugler rep, "The padded hips intentionally focus attention to the waist."

Now, I sew, which makes me deal with dress forms and mannequins regularly to drape fabric and to see how a finished garment is gonna fall. Neither my dress form (who has a 26 in. waist) nor my mannequin who is 5'9, super tiny and shaped almost like a 12 year old from the waist down (her measurements come out to 32-24-34) even has a 19 in. waist. So a 19 in. waist on the spectacularly curvy Beyonce is a little hard for me to co-sign believe, sorry. Now someone who I do think may actually have a 19 in. waist? My niece who is all of 6 years old.

Beyonce, own your curves Ma, nothing wrong with that.

Downsized Indulgences...

I have to say, I totally feel where the video below is coming from. Even before the economy got broken, if I was feeling a little down, or needed a quick pick me up, sometimes just being in the shopping center would cheer me right back up! Now I know some people won't feel me on that, some people, if they can't buy anything (due to lack of funds) it could send them into an even deeper depression, so they don't even bother. But a lot of times, for me, if I just bought myself a cute top off the clearance rack, or a pair of sunglasses that had been reduced to a ridiculously low price... super small indulgences like even a candy bar or escaping to a movie can help to keep you sane in tough times..

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

"The Cosby Show" Celebrates its 25th Year Anniversary..

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Check Out My Style Diary Over at Chictopia.com!

Remember when I used to keep a style diary right here on Hip Candy? Doesn't ring any bells? That's probably because I haven't done it in FOREVER. Well I just joined a new social networking site (Chictopia.com) geared towards just that. Keeping a style diary. I've only been a member for like 2 seconds, but I've been doing pretty good with keeping up with my entries. I guess it's because it's a whole community of people sharing what they're wearing (that rhymes!) and getting feedback. It's kinda like working out harder at the gym because you're around other people working out hard. 
I wore the all black ensemble pictured above recently to a fashion show. I made the top, and I was experimenting with the current "Hammer Pants" trend. And I wasn't as freaked out about wearing the Hammer pants as I thought I would be. Well, maybe I was.. just a little. So check me out over at Chictopia (my user name is nbr5, get it?), sign up yourself to be a member (it's free) and I'd love, love, love it if you used my referral code NBR5444 when you signed up. You don't have to sign up to browse the site, but you do have to be a member to upload your own stylish photos and to comment on others. Chictopia operates on a point based system, but that's because there's fabulous prizes involved! Chictopia is a social network that rewards it's members for using it. Nice. 
Visit Chanel (nbr5) on Chictopia
And there's still time enter to win the designer Rebecca Taylor dress (valued at $153!) if you haven't already! Enter today!

Enter to Win a Fabulous Spring Rebecca Taylor Dress!

Enter for your chance to win a brand new designer blue floral dress by Rebecca Taylor, (one of my fave designers) valued at $153 compliments of Hip Candy and chickdowntown.com! Chick Downtown is a great site for women's designer clothing from designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore and Elizabeth and James. The Rebecca Taylor dress is a great spring dress and it's in one of the top trends for Spring 2009, florals (seen here).

To enter, send your name, along with your city, state and dress size preference (see below) to hipnificent1@yahoo.com with "I want that Rebecca Taylor dress!" in the subject line. The winner will be selected via a random draw and announced on Friday, April 3, 2009. The deadline to enter will be Thursday, April 7, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Only one entry per person, so enter today to get your blue floral Rebecca Taylor dress! (available sizes for the giveaway range from size 0 to size 10)
Click to visit chickdowntown.com.

"Top Model" Auditions in Dallas Texas Tomorrow 3/21...

Click here to find out more information on auditions for "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 13 to be held in Dallas, Texas TOMORROW March 21, 2009. Tall chicks need not apply to this cycle! Top Model is looking for girls 5'7 and under.

Style Verdict: Boyfriend Jeans...

First let me disqualify myself from this style verdict, because I recently bought a pair of boyfriend jeans, and I ♥♥♥ them! That being said, I think it's easy to get this look very wrong (click to see Katie Holmes exhibit A..) but I think all the looks in the pic above are spot on. Celebs started popping up everywhere last year wearing these baggy jeans. I remember the shock when Victoria Beckham was first spotted wearing a pair, as she's better known for more serious and severe high fashion looks like this one. People have been seen wearing boyfriend jeans with heels, sneakers, ballet flats and sandals. They've been dressed up and they've been dressed down, and from the looks of things, they're not going anywhere in 2009. So I wanna know what you guys think about this trend. Do you like it? Hate it? Don't care? Would you wear it? I wanna know your style verdict.

Highlights from Paris Fashion Week, Fall 2009...

No "Downturn" for Aretha Franklin's Hat Maker...

via The Cut
Milliner Luke Song has been crazed with new orders since Aretha Franklin wore one of his hats at the inauguration. Those include more than 5,000 for the spring version of the Aretha hat, which comes in an assortment of pastel hues (he won't replicate the original). His hats are made by hand by six women in his workshop who can crank out 100 hats a day. He'd like to expand his workforce, but laments that millinery "is a dead art" and he can't find experienced seamstresses. Is that opportunity we hear knocking? Because we can think of no better time to bring millinery — and hats — back. For one thing, think of the job creation! Not only in Luke's workshop but in new workshops and millinery departments in existing fashion houses across the nation. Also, if designers can convince ladies that hats are a must-have, women will have to go out and spend money on them — you know, that thing we haven't been doing for months that has sent retail on a tumultuous downward spiral of doom. And just look at Luke Song. He did $1 million in sales in 2008 but expects to do seven times more than that in 2009. With the Aretha hat going for $179, he's making $895,000 on those 5,000 orders alone — almost as much as his sales for 2008 — and he could get more. True, his is a special case, but it's inspiring nonetheless.

Paris Street Style During 2009 Paris Fashion Week [VIDEO]

During Paris' Ready-to-Wear Fashion Week (March 4th-March 12, 2009), Tim Blanks and crew capture some of the off-runway action—from stylist Lisa Marie Fernandez's Calvin Klein wedges to a local student's Chuck Taylors. LOVE the first girls Calvin Klein collection dress made from sweatshirt material. I would wear her whole outfit...

Over the Top Fashion Showcased During Paris Fashion Week...

A $1 dress and a stack of dollar bills? Is this dress a reflection of the current economy?


Models strolled the runway at the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Ready-to-Wear Autumn/Winter 2009 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week at Le Carrousel du Louvre on March 10, 2009 in Paris, France in some truly over the top fashion. I don't know, I think I might want that Jackson Five Michael Jackson dress.. you'd be the business if you showed up to a party wearing that.

Andre 3000 Launches his Benjamin Bixby Spring '09 Line

Andre "3000" Benjamin visited Holt Renfrew Bloor Street to launch his "Benjamin Bixby" menswear Spring 2009 collection on March 10, 2009 in Toronto, Canada.

Jada Pinkett Smith Wants to Open a High School..

Jada Pinkett Smith is adding another title to her resume: schoolmaster. The actress-producer and her husband, Will Smith, opened the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, Calif., last fall. The school is for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

Now Pinkett Smith hopes to open a companion high school. Pinkett Smith says she decided to open the elementary school after developing a home-school program for her children. The school generated some controversy because it relies on instructional methods developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. But the school's director has said it isn't a Scientology facility.

Meanwhile, Pinkett Smith is set to produce and star in a new series on TNT.

More People Using Social Networking & Blogs To Communicate..

The use of social networking sites and blogs to communicate is growing fast.


Come follow me on Twitter!

Lil Kim on Dancing with the Stars [VIDEO]

She did a lot better than I thought she would have...

New Season of "Dancing with the Stars" Premieres Tonight..

These Shoes Don't Make a Drop of Sense...

via The Cut
These were the shoes that models were subjected to wearing at the Nina Ricci show during Paris Fashion Week. The shoes are said to add about 11 inches to your height. Notice how the little heel doesn't even hit the ground. Un. Real.



This red hot dress Nina Ricci designer Olivier Theyskens sent down the runway though was fiieeeerrrce! This joint looks straight out of an elaborate fashion sketch. Flawless.

Hip Look of the Day...

Joy Bryant delivered a speech during the Women's World Awards show on February 5, 2009 in Vienna, Austria. I cannot express in words how in love I am with this dress..

New Tatted Up Barbie Doll Causing Backlash...

Heidi Klum Introduces "The Perfect One" Bra...

Available at Victoria's Secret..

Alicia Keys Poses as Michelle Obama for Glamour...

Alicia Keys posed as First Lady Michelle Obama in Glamour Magazine's "American Icons" issue. Click over to Michelle O. Style to see what Alicia had to say about the First Lady.
And remember the lace dress by Tracy Reese that Michelle Obama wore on the cover of People Magazine? Well find out where you can get it by clicking here!

America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 Premieres Tonight...

Click here to see who is competing in Top Model's Cycle 12.
Catch "America's Next Top Model" [Cycle 12] the season premiere, Wednesday March 4, 8/7 Central.
Top Model Cycle 13 is looking for shorter girls. Click here to for more info.

Carrying a Huge Handbag? You Could Be Hurting Yourself...

Halle Berry Launches New Scent...

This week Halle Berry releases her own Halle by Halle Berry perfume, along with Coty, after two years of research and work. The scent is meant to be reminiscent of the beach and evoke "the spirit of a woman who is effortlessly sexy, stylish, and elegant." The promotional photos are out, and seen below

Last year Halle told the WWD:

'(Before Halle by Halle Berry) I was mixing other brands that shall remain nameless to make my own scent with fig and mimosa. 'With Halle, I added olibanum, which is an African root, which brings spice to the fragrance, and sandalwood, which smoothes everything out and makes it yummy. 'It's very sensual, very natural, very much reflective of the outdoors.'

New York Trend Report, Fall 2009...

Harriett and Amy from New York Magazine give their take on the shows from New York Fashion Week.