apparel : the upperclassmen collection

in case you didn't know, the start of classes is just around the corner! (hard to believe right?) but don't fret! i thought that i would be smart to put together a mini-manual of classic looks that we ladies could rock to class on the daily. now that i am an upperclassmen, (shout-out to  the class of 2011, i see you!) i feel that it's important to look the part in addition to walking the walk and talking the talk. below are just a few selections that you can add to your personal collection from target, francesca's collections, modcloth.com and charlotte russe. i know that we college women are on a budget, but some of these pieces can not only last you all season, but even into the winter months. from cute tops to dressy skirts and cardigans, this mini-collection can give you a few ideas for your fall wardrobe. check it out and let me know what you think!

shoe love : my birthday, christmas & graduation presents

so i came across this picture today and i just thought that it was a great example of what i want for the number of celebrations and holidays that will be rapidly approaching. not these EXACT pairs of shoes, but an assortment of such would be absolutely perfect.

let's just say that now i am going into my senior year of college, it's time for my style to grow up just a tad bit. oh, and just WAIT til i share with you my wish list for my fall wardrobe. =)

☮ and ♥, 

-*csc.

'Go for Broke with The Fortunate™

Remember about six months ago when i featured the Chicago-based up and coming fashion sensation The Fortunate™?

well, they've just released their first t-shirt that is pictured above. it's pretty self-explanatory for those who are from the 'go (chicago, illinois that is) =]

started in february 2009, the fortunate was created by six teenagers that hail from the south side of chicago & hyde park.

for more information on where you can pick up your own 'Go for Broke shirt, check out the fortunate on their facebook page and follow them on twitter.


http://facebook.com/pages/The-FortunateTM/192775337019?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/TheFortunateChi

☮ and ♥, 

-*csc.

examining racism in the fashion- (documentary attached)

 "i need a black model, but she has to be a white girl dipped in chocolate..."

 



from music to movies, the industries that are driven by millions of consumers around the world seem to have one thing in common: there aren't that many african-americans that promote the products that these industries endorse. after watching this documentary about twenty-four year old model renee thompson, i just thought that this is something i should discuss.

everyday, i see thousands of advertisements about products that push being thinner or lighter or blemish free. as an african american female in america, this can very overwhelming. i'm not the thinnest person in the world, but these advertisements just make me want to try even hard to pursue this unrealistic representation of beauty. in my opinion, instead of promoting universal beauty, health and acceptance, the fashion industry and many industries like it are constantly drilling into young females heads that in order to be perfect, you must be a size 00.

renee thompson is a gorgeous girl and fierce model, but she's constantly rejected by major labels like gucci and prada because simply put "black models don't push products" - which i find extremely ironic since the hip-hop music that a percentage of blacks do listen to are usually talking about these labels (but that's another topic for another post).  there are so many different representations of beauty but until those are exposed and shown to the world, we really can't diverge from seeing a pale porcelain-skinned models on the cover of magazines and on billboards everywhere.

i want to start a dialogue about this topic - why do you think black models are scorned by the fashion industry for having full lips and curvy hips? will it ever change?

☮ and ♥, 

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : beyonce knowles-carter

i haven't hit up the blog with a "flyness alert" in a while--so here it goes!

check out this red, flirty look from beyonce at the press conference for her new fragrance "heat". i haven't smelled the perfume yet, but i'm sure it gives off a very spicy and sensual smell.

what i'm really loving about this ensemble is the SHOES! i really never thought about a red+gold combo, but WOW it really works! gotta find some knock-offs quick! *lol* the dress is absolutely adorable, and i'm sure would look amazing in a variety of other colors.

work it queen bey.

-*csc.

achieving your goals :: it's our time!

hey friends!

so check it, i went to this awesome networking event sponsored by L'Shanell Event Productions on wednesday evening at the salud lounge, located @ 1471 n. milwakee avenue in wicker park. let me just say that it was just an electrifying experience to be in one room with so many professionals in the world of fashion, photography and beyond. i got the chance to chit-chat with some folks, chow on some yummy appetizers and get my name out there.

even though i am a student, it is never too early to begin building a network. 2010 seems extremely promising for everyone and i am just extremely thankful that God gave me the strength to get up and go to this event. check out l'shanelle's website, facebook page and follow them on twitter -- chicago fashion is on the rise to take the world by storm!

website : http://www.lshanellevent.com/
twitter : www.twitter.com/chifashnconnect



don't stop believing + always keep dreaming!

<3*csc.

get ready to carrie on :: sex in the city 2

ok, so before seeing the first installment of the sex in the city movies, i have to admit - i really wasn't a fan of the show. but my friends reassured me that you really didn't have to watch the show to understand the movie. so i watched it...and LOVED it! i'm so excited for the new movie to come out this summer - [hopefully i will be able to see it over in espana] but anyway, below is the trailer. i'm SO not surprised that "empire state of mind" is the theme song, i just hope after this movie it will die down a little bit (#noshots)

enjoy!

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : alicia keys

photographed at her album release party in london town, alicia keys looks absolutely stunning in this white and blue dress. i love that she rocked blue tights AND blue shoes. if you didn't already recognize, this chick has a mean shoe game and she look totally fab.

her fourth studio album titled "the element of freedom" is in stores now

-*csc.

brand new flavor for ya ear : urbanears

"the plattan" headphones, $60

"the tanto" headphones, $40

these have to be some of the simplest, yet attractive set of headphones i've seen in a while. the ear buds that Apple provides for their iPods were cool at first, but they can be awfully annoying to put in your ears time and time again.

with urbanears you have a choice of 'the tanto' or 'the plattan' headphones, both which are very stylish and come in a variety of bright colors.

'the tanto' headphones run for about $40, and 'the plattan' headphones run $60. both can be found at http://www.karmaloop.com/.

this would be a great christmas gift for the music lover(s) in your life <3


-*csc.

There Can Only Be One: The Fortunate™

watch out chicago.



there's group of gifted teens that is looking to burst on to the fashion scene, emerging a fresh look of streetwear for trendsetters from coast to coast.



started in february 2009, the fortunate was created by six teenagers that hail from the south side of chicago & hyde park. specializing in tees, crewnecks, sweaters and hoodies, the fortunate has plans of emphazing the eclectic fashions of the chi, and will host their kick-off party this january in the legendary city.




if i were you, i would definitely keep an eye on the fortunate -- this group of teens is determined to accentuate the dope & fresh brand of fashion that is the city of wind, because we all know there is no city on the planet like chicago.





check out their facebook page and follow them on twitter:


http://facebook.com/pages/The-FortunateTM/192775337019?ref=ts

http://twitter.com/TheFortunateChi



-*csc.

**flyness alert! : gabrielle union

i love this chick's fashion sense. we're bffs *in my mind* & there have been a few times where people have told me i resemble her (maybe, just a lil' bit - lol). you can never go wrong with a little black dress, and she spiced it up with a skinny yellow belt and clutch. love the shoes too!


gabby is pictured here at a hennessy black event, holding her own & looking fab.

i'm tryna get like her one day soon ~ work it girl!


-*csc.

**flyness alert! : taraji p. henson

happy tuesday!

let me just say that i <3 taraji and i would TOTALLY rock this look *if y'all can't tell by now, gray is one of my all-time favorite colors* her hair is BEAT too -- work it honee!

i'm so going out shopping to find a similar look for this winter :)

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : anika noni rose

happy monday lovies!

this week is going to be one for the books, so i'm going to try my best to squeeze in posts when i can. but like always, my fashion radar is on 24/7 and i spotted this amazingly fly dress that actress anika noni rose wore to the premiere of disney's "the princess & the frog". it is something that i would TOTALLY were, and i guess that's why i fell in love with it so quickly.

can't wait to see the first black disney princess movie!

-*csc.

sneaker heels - where they do that at?!

no need for explanation, just know that i would rock these in a lovely pink & black combo.

-*csc.

"...and she got a mean shoe game"

happy friday!

i can't believe october is over! fall is certainly here, and you know what that means...time to step up the wardrobe with warm and fuzzy fall fashions. one of my main priorities for this season is maintaining my shoe game. currently, i'm going through transition, but soon enough, i'm gonna be shuttin' it down up here on the hill.

i had to post this early AM because not only did this chick rock some bad @$$ fuchsia boots to the Yankees game last night, but her shoe game is always in check.

check out these ah-mazing shoes that alicia keys twit-pic'd yesterday. *oh-em-gee*




thanks to www.theybf.com for posting this awesome image of shoe loveliness. turns out that these are a pair of DSquared2 velvet and pearl sandals that run for $1092. i just need to know though - where i can cop me a pair a.keys *for cheap!?* holla at me girl...

peace, love & shoes!

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : raven symone

happy monday everyone!

i hope that everyone had a productive weekend. while i was occupied with chills and body aches saturday & sunday, i had the chance to get some well needed r&r and now my motor is up and running once again for this exciting week that lies ahead.

so as i was doing my rounds on my fave celeb blogs, i could help but go ga-ga over this dress that raven-symone wore to the United Nations event in New York City this weekend. She looked absolutely amazing in her aphrodite roland mouret dress. the retail value of this piece is $1,550.

The media has given her so much flack on being curvy in recent years, but i think that she is absolutely gorgeous in this piece.

my fashionistas, you can find this and other roland mouret dresses at your local neiman marcus, or online at www.neimanmarcus.com.


classy & sophisticated - that's SO raven. ;-)

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : jpk handbags

so while i was waltzing down marshall street today i decided to walk into j.michael's and see what window shopping i could take care of. shoes - cute; uggs - always fresh; but to feed my handbag fetish, i strolled into the vera bradley section and didn't see anything appetizing. and then, just as i was walking out of the store, there it was. this beautiful burnt orange hand bag that was just softly saying, "chas, pick me up. put me over your shoulder." of course, i listened, and then took a peek at that young price tag.

JPK handbags are totally inspired by their creator, Jean-Pierre Klifa and his creative ability to put together material, color and form. i had never heard of JPK handbags before today, but taking a look at the spring/summer collection from this year, i am totally sold. his handbag fashions have been featured in InStyle, Self, & People magazines. what captures my attention so much about these lovely bags is that they are so vibrant and colorful, while at the same time, very fashionable and can be worn all year round. with the variety of colors, you can rock the brown & burnt orange in the fall, and break out the bright pink and green for the spring time.

while at the moment it is a bit steep and out of my reach, i am HIGHLY certain that bad ass handbag will be traveling back to the chi with me come december. it will be my gift to myself after kicking butt this semester. jpk hangbags run about $165 - $245, and my fave style, sasha nylon, would be the most expensive * go figure * but j.michael breaks you off a little bit on that price.


check out their website and holler back.



(*baggatt - terra, $220)



(*bucket nylon maxi - hot pink, $187)



(*sasha nylon - burnt orange, $245)

http://www.jpkhandbags.com/index.php

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : melody ehsani

now rarely do i post twice in a day, but as i was doing my daily rounds on my fave blog sites (shout out to necolebitchie.com) i couldn't help but share with all my lady-rays of sunshyne this awesome new shoe & accessory designer.

her name is melody ehsani and her shoe game is disgusting *and i mean this in the utmost positive way.* i am a shoe FANATIC and the designs that this chick has are amazing. she also designs accessories like jewelry, and you can customize your own rings, necklaces and earrings *how sick is that?!* her style is very futuristic, yet very sheek & sexy. i would totally rock this babies to a schine party, look absolutely fab & not feel bad about it either.

check out her site ladies, you won't be disappointed.


http://www.melodyehsani.com


adios,

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : iman

happy friday everyone! i'm going to get better at posting more now that midterms are over *wipes forehead* lol.

i hope everyone is having a fantastic day thus far. but i just had to stop in and give y'all this amazing look that supermodel Iman fantastically downed at Alicia Keys' "Keep A Child Alive" HIV/AIDS benefit dinner (sidenote: know your status, get tested!)

she looked absolutely beautiful in this one shoulder shimmery cocktail dress. *once i find out the designer, i will be glad to share it with you!* i'm actually in search for a little black dress myself, and while i know this one is probably out of my budget, i would love to rock something just as fly.

hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

ciao bella,

-*csc.

**flyness alert! : robin givens

happy friday to all! i hope that everyone's day has started productive and eventful. as i stated before, my blog is going to be focused on fashion, music, dance & art *and of course side bars every now and then from yours truly* and i just love when i see ensembles that i would SO have in my closet.

check out robin givens at an event sponsored by Marshall's for Domestic Violence Awareness month. she looks fantastic from head to toe! i know i'm california dreaming, but maybe i should look into going to grad school out west so i can wear fab outfits like this on the regular. i have got to find out who her dress is by and what shoes she is wearing ASAP. love the look!


-*csc.