Just in time for Valentine's Day, Sade's new album: Soldier of Love

Nothing  ushers in a new decade quite like a Sade album.  Her last official album, Lover's Rock dropped in 2000.  Sade, just shy of her 51st birthday hasn't visibly aged in at least 20 years,  has men across all races with a  "get out of jail card" with her picture all over it.


Sade is stunning by any mirror but Fashiona thinks her real draw is the air of mystery that surrounds her.  Unlike new artist like Lady (let it all hang out) GaGa, Sade only emerges from her private world when she has something to say.


Brilliant concept...her album cover seems to be "saying" a lot doesn't it?


Her personal style, like her voice is all her own.  She is known for her very dark long hair that she almost always wears off her face.  She embraces her freckles and has some of the best groomed eyebrows on the planet. Her jewelry ranges from big hoop earrings to ethnic necklaces, bangles and bracelets.

Since Sade exploded on the music scene in 1984, she has been an sensation. Her beautiful voice, part jazz, part R&B is all soul and her hypnotic lyrics are certainly worth waiting for...even 10 long years!

Fashiona's favorite trends for 2009

In planning out her week, Fashiona had an OMG moment...Christmas is next week and New Years the week after...she is sending out e-cards this weekend...no time for snail mail this year.

It also dawned on her that she only has 2 weeks to round out 2009. 

So first up, Fashiona's favorite fashion trends of the year:

• Statement necklaces are everywhere AND as long as they make a great (and not tacky) statement, Fashiona loves them.

Photo Credit: Steve Grantiz/Wire Images

• Cuff bracelets, Fashiona typically wears bangles but she owns a few cuffs...her favorite is in her blog header. This year's cuffs are fabulous especially this one created by Gara Danielle featured in Halle Berry's perfume ad. 

Jumpsuits: Fashiona really does love them.  She is still searching for one that is flattering to her shape. Now rompers that is other little story,pun intended.

Photo Credit: George Butler

• 
  
  Thigh-high boots, great when worn correctly and absolutely frightening when not.  Monica wears them well.
  
  
  

• Sequins: Once regulated to costumes, prom and New Year's Eve celebration, this year sequins hit main street in a very tasteful way. Monica wears those well too.  

Photocredit: Arden.com

Of course Fashiona had to add one that she hated, strongly disliked.  Leggings...Fashiona isn't a fan mostly because women seem to think that leggings are pants...umm not so much!!

Photo Credit: People StyleWatch

Jean leggings or jeggings...worst industry term of all time...Fashiona prays that they won't make more appearances next year.

Mariella Sheree brings fashion to the Midwest with FiveatSeven.com

Few things bring as much joy to Fashiona as shopping for (and shoes and jewelry) as well wearing her new found treasures. She does realize that many women like wearing new clothes but don’t actually relish "the search and find" otherwise known as shopping.



For these mythical women, Mariella Sheree, fashion designer and creative director/CEO of Five at Seven, LLC offers an online showroom at www.fiveatseven.com. The Web site offers affordable high-end luxury styles and womenswear for contemporary, fashion-forward yet busy women.

Fashiona: Who is your customer? What is her age range and occupation?


Mariella from Five At Seven: Five At Seven caters to women's needs, age ranging from 21-45 years old. These fashionable professionals are socially aware, avoid mass merchandisers, prefer shopping boutiques rather than shopping at the mall, subscribes to fashion magazines, and adopts to new fashion early.


Fashiona: The Midwest has a reputation of being conservative fashion wise. Yet the clothing that you have featured seem rather trendy. Is the Midwest ready for your fashion sense?


Mariella: The Midwest has a wide range of style. Depending on your status and culture, usually has a big influence on your fashion choices. The Midwest always been contemporary and trendy but you mainly had to travel outside the Midwest or shop online to obtain the fashion in that genre. Over the past 5-7 years, more and more contemporary and trendy stores are opening up in the local market, local Universities and Colleges offer fashion degree programs, and fashion is expressed through fashion week each season.


Fashiona: How is your on-line showroom different from the much talked about Bluefly.com?


Mariella: Five At Seven showcases all designers but most importantly we have our clothing brand. Our secret weapon is the ability to provide custom-made designs for our customers. As the owner and designer, I will showcase our next Fall/ Winter collection in 2010.


Fashiona: You have your hand in all aspects of design from conception to execution. What is your favorite part of the design process?


Mariella: As a visionary, I would say all of it. Honestly, I enjoy planting the seed and watching it grow into a work of art. I love seeing my vision come to light, finding my muse and constructing the garments. I smile knowing I created that.

Purchases can be made through the Web site or by email at orders@fiveatseven.com. For updates, special offers and events please sign up at http://www.fiveatseven.com/

Fashiona's Black Friday experience

Fashiona has shopped Black Friday (named for the period of the time that retailers start showing a profit) for years...but this year marked her first year working the busiest shopping day of the year.  When she reached the  boutique, she was a bit nervous but within a few minutes she was caught up in the festive spirit of the season.  Of course it helped that she dressed in red and cream and accessorized her outfit with gold jewelry.

Photo Credit: http://www.anntaylorloft.com/

Fashiona is most happy to report that the shoppers seemed very excited to get their shopping started  and liked the merchandise...yay!! Happy customers mean more job security for Fashiona.

Best story of the day...a lady came in at her husband's urging.  Among other items, this lady  really wanted black  pants.  Fashiona was able to supply the perfect pair for her. Her husband commented on each and everything she tried on and actually went to get additional sizes and styles for her.  They were there for almost 2 hours and she left happy... with the husband toting the bags of clothes.  He was patient and supportive of her shopping efforts and didn't  whine once about being hungry or wanting to go home or watch the game and thus  he wins Fashiona's Model Husband award.


Let's see if Fashiona is as cheery tomorrow morning when she helps open  the store....ummm before 8 am!!

Photo Credit: http://www.howstuffworks.com/atlanta-city-guide

Fashiona on Ivanka Trump's Wedding

So Fashiona's Pocahontas outfit has to wait until next year...after two hectic days at the boutique  and a sketchy lunch Fashiona had to crash her Sis's and recover.

Earlier this week when Fashiona heard that Ivanka got  married...she was skeptical.  After all  half the martial news about celebrities is just rumor...like Nicole Richie's supposed nuptials!!  

But turns out Ivanka's wedding was for real and really very classy.

Photo Credit: Brian Marcus/Fred Marcus Photography

 Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump

Fashiona has always liked Ivanka for her work ethic and elegance.  True,  she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth but she has certainly gone platinum. Not content to bank on her famous name, good looks or  inheritance; she graduated from Wharton School of Business.  Yes she is a newly minted VP in  her dad's (the Donald) enterprise ,but she also has a self titled  super fab jewelry collection: 

Inspired by fashion icon Grace Kelly's  1956 wedding dress, Ivanka and Vera Wang,  created  THE perfect couture wedding. The hand made lace gown with sleeves is sure set to a good trend among the near future brides.

Anthropologie to set up shop in London

So Fashiona's Sis dropped a small fortune at Lenox Square over the weekend, apparently taking economists charge to stimulate the economy very seriously.    A  great deal of her updated wardrobe came from Anthropologie.  

Photo Credit: www.anthropologie.com

Although Fashiona does not typically shop Anthropologie; she did offer her opinions on her sister's choices...free of charge.  

And as of this Friday, the earth friendly, artsy, Americana meets Urban Chic store is  making its debut across the pond in London on Regent Street.  With this bit of news Fashiona is wondering if her bloggy friend Dori From a Yellow House will make her way there when she is London bound.

Photo Credit: Marcus Dawes/WWD.com

View of the new Anthropologie store in London.

Fashiona meets R&B Singer Monica: Still Standing

Fashiona had a good weekend.  Her best friend Topaz sent her a Halloween care package since it will be her first Halloween outside of New York...her costume  choice will be revealed on Halloween or the day after:)

So last night in her first outing since her breakup...Fashiona went out  (in full regalia...black dress, false lashes and fish nets)  to R and B Singer Monica's Upscale Cover party and launch for her upcoming BET show Still Standing.

Monica looked absolutely gorgeous.  Apparently she is loving life... and it shows, she positively glows.  Her hair was on point, skin flawless  and she dressed in Gryphon with  some smoking over the knee Chloe boots.

 Photo Credits: George Butler Photography

Do check out her article in November's Upscale and of course her show "Still Standing" on BET  starting on Tuesday October 27 @ at 10 pm Eastern.

Fashiona on Haute.lanta Fashion Week® founder Layla K.

 "Fashion Week" is really a six week marathon of fashion shows that start in New York and end in Paris with many shows in both American and International markets. At the tail end of the New York shows, Atlanta was showcasing its fashion talent.  Haute.lanta, the official Atlanta Fashion Week,  is the brain child of self self-proclaimed “Entrefashionista,” Layla K.  BTW...Fashiona really loves that term.

Layla K. studied journalism before pursuing design and merchandising at San Francisco State University.  She was known for her enveloping pushing  work as a couture designer starting in  1998.  Having since retired as a couture designer, Layla K. lends her extensive fashion industry knowledge to produce Haute.lanta Fashion Week®   now in its fourth year.

 In addition to producing the annual show,  Layla K. is also committed to helping others by serving on the Board of Directors of the Positive Edge, a nonprofit organization, that provides career wardrobe for economically disadvantaged women.  She  mentored many youth interested in fashion careers.

Layla K. is the one of the very talented few that has been blessed with a creative and an equally business oriented side.  Her efforts have been recognized by the Atlanta community that she gives so much to. She was nominated for the 2008 Atlanta Entrepreneur of the Year and   Haute.lanta Fashion Week®  runway shows  were recorded and aired internationally by The Travel Channel for Samantha Brown’s Passport to Great Weekends (www.travelchannel.com).

 This year Fashiona was only  able to attend  Haute.lanta Fashion Week® for one night but will be certainly be back to see what Layla K. produces next year. 

BET Hip Hop Awards Preview Style Suite

Last week as Fashiona was recovering from the flu, hip hop A-listers descended upon Hotlanta for the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards.   

The  exclusive special style suite to celebrate and pamper the  2009 BET Hip Hop Awards nominees, performers and presenters and  conveniently located less than a block away from the Atlanta Civic Center.  Celebrities included the newest "it"couple Eve Pigford and Lance Gross, crooner Raheem Devaughn and model Toccara.  

All  Photo Credit: George Butler Photography & CNDELOPHOTOGRAPHY

Eva Pigford and Lance Gross

 

 

 

Raheem Devaughn                                                                         Toccara

They and many more were seen enjoying a very carefully  selective range of high- end luxury goods and services collectively called "The Experience":

•    DJ Trauma Fashionable Loud Lounge - DJ Trauma incorporated a mix of music by this year's award nominees, never before heard mixes, and gifted some of the most sought after mix tapes available today.
•   Interscope/ Geffen Interscope Records- Beats By Dre Listening Stations
•  Adidas "My Adidas Campaign" Custom Footwear
•  The Glambar / Minx Nails - beauty pop up shop (featuring IIWII Fresh, MAC makeup)
•  Master Barber grooming 
  
•   Boost Mobile "Where You At" - onsite interactive
•    Custom ID.com
•  Godeva Loungewear
•  BET.com Media Drop Spot - guests had the opportunity to appear on BET.com's Award Show Section
•   GREATER THAN AIDS - (www.GreaterThan.org) - influences and high profile attendees recorded PSA's for this national campaign.
•   Hennessey Black/ Belvedere IX custom cocktail bars, Rhythm Liqueur,Tyku Sake,  & Nuvo
•    NBA 2k10 Gaming Lounge
•  MAC/Andi Y
•      Cami Cake - specialty dessert bars
•    Live U Stream feed provided by DimeWars.com

 

**Courtesy of the Garner Circle PR**

Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective

Breast Cancer does not discriminate...it attacks rich, poor, Black, White, Yellow, Brown, men or women.   Even with all the awareness campaigns  and medical updates,  breast cancer STILL  remains the most common and second leading cause of cancer fatalities among African American women.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, cable network TV One will premiere 'Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective' on early detection and treatment on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. ET.

 Photo Credit: Diahann Carroll 
Black Voices.com

Celebrity cancer surviors like Richard Roundtree,  Gabrielle Union, Diahann Carroll are featured in the documentary sharing their personal stories.

Fashiona wants to remind everyone to watch or set their DVRs.   She will be painting at the Loft tomorrow night but she set her DVR already.

Fashiona on Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010: Elie Saab

"Fashion Week" is really  a month of fashion shows starting in New York mid September  and travels around the fashion capitals of the world.  This week  the shows are  in Paris and in blogworld, Louis Vuitton's oversized Afros are getting a lot of chatter...and rightfully so.  Just check out  blogger Afrobella's say so on the matter.

Controversy aside, Fashiona loved Beirut based Elie Saab's Spring 2010 and just wonders which dress  is (or dresses) Beyoncé is going to rock on the red carpet??  They are all so worthy of  Hollywood and Hip Hop royalty.

Elie Saab RTW Spring 2010

All Photos by Dominique Maitre/WWD.com

Breast Cancer Awareness:Michael Kors, Heidi Klum & Saks Fifth Avenue

For the 2nd installment of designers that are supporting breast cancer awareness, Fashiona brings you Michael Kors. Long before he was a judge on the hit show Project Runway, he has been making waves in the fashion world with his trademark Americana sportswear.

Michael Kors is not just a name but a lifestyle brand that has everything from shoes to his signature knits to home goods. Not only he is a master of design, he is also very adept at powerful collaborations. His latest is with the lovely Heidi Klum and Saks Fifth Avenue:

Key To The Cure Tee exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photo Credit:  Saks Fifth Avenue/Michael Kors

Show your support in the fight against breast cancer. Over $30 from your purchase of this cotton tee which retails for $40, will benefit local women's cancer charities.

Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 2% of sales up to $250,000 over the shopping weekend

(10/15/09-10/18/09) to local and national women's cancer charity partners.

Fashiona on Alpha Shoppers

Well there are alpha men...Fashiona's current boyfriend "M Tyson" is one such male.  There are alpha women of which cradle robbing Madonna may be  one of the most extreme.  And according to Lucky Magazine there are....alpha shoppers.

These alpha shoppers were so coined after an on-line study by Latitude, a marketing research firm in Boston. Long story short, there are women between 18-39 who have household incomes of $50.000 or higher with the majority making $100,000+.  Although they are heavily influenced by everything from their peers to social media to traditional media to good old fashion window shopping...they still keep an close eye on their bottom line.  All while fully justifying their "spurge" designer purchases (Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton or some such $$$$ item)  as treasures to pass down to younger fashionistas.  

Photo Credit: Fendi Large Bag de Jour Handbag/www.bagborroworsteal.com/

So Fashiona has yet  another title  to achieve that of alpha shopper! For now at least she subscribes to Lucky Magazine.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Elizabeth and James cares

The social move from people diagnosed with breast cancer  feeling shunned to women being celebrated for surviving the disease has not come fast enough.  October is  Breast Cancer Awareness Month; fashionistas and frugalistas alike can combine their love of spending money and acquiring new baubles for a good cause.  

Every Thursday this month,  Fashiona will highlight companies that are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness through corporate donations.

Boho Chic twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen collaborated to create Elizabeth and James in 2007. This cute rose-gold-plated feather pendant on a sterling silver chain was designed by Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James, and sold exclusively at Shopbop. 

 Photo Credit: www.shopbop.com

Shopbop will donate $15,000 to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength®, an organization dedicated to ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone. Consider this necklace a symbol of our support.

Boots, boots and more boots

Fashiona has always loved warm weather and after living in New York for almost 11 years, she learned to deal whine through the cold weather.    Her fabulous boot  collection helped her plod through many a chilly day.

Now that she is here in Atlanta...her need for her heavy winter clothes is diminished but  the boot season is perfect from late September until early March .   Having that said, there are three styles of boots that are "missing"  from her closet. 

WRAP AROUNDS

Photo Credit: Jessica Simpson Collection/Victoriassecret.com 

OVER THE KNEE/THIGH HIGHS

Photo Credit: www.prettythoughtsofahotchick.com/

COWBOY

Photo Credit: www.bootbarn.com

...of course these cowboy boots would go very well with her leather jacket that has disappeared in Sis's apartment...hint hint!!

Fashiona on the FAME remake

The current affair with all things 80's continues with Friday's release with FAME. Usually remakes tend to be more "sexy" than the original but the 2009 is decidedly more "tame" than the gritty 1980 version about gifted teenagers matriculating through what is now Laguardia.

The 2009 update that debuted on Friday September 25, is set in the present but still  nods to 1980' iconic fashion with leg warmers, over sized sweatshirts...and  80's size egos... Kanye certainly isn't the first!!

Fashion gets in on the action  with the Italian activewear  company Freddy.  Freddy, which supplies dancewear to London's Royal Ballet and Milan's Teatro alla Scala is ALSO  selling FAME branded wear at Capezio.  So even if you can't dance, sing or act... you can at least dress the part.

 Photo By: Courtesy Photo 

Freddy looks for “Fame.”

Fashiona  (and many movie  critics) still favor the 1980 version and the catchy theme song as Irene Cara belted it out...Fashiona STILL  remembers the lyrics.

"I'm gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame
Fame

I'm gonna live forever
Baby remember my name

Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember "