So much to do. So little time!

As you can probably tell I’ve not had time to post. I am nearing the end of my Masters degree and I’m STRESSED the h*ll out! I don’t think I’ll be able to post for the next two weeks but I’ll be back. :) I’m also behind on my emails so people won’t be receiving responses until things settle down. In the meantime please support my favorite blogs:

AfroBella
My Fashion Life
Clutch Magazine
Invade My Closet
Batch Please!
Juicy News!

Take care, Sylvia

P.S. Congrats to all those who graduate this May!

Trunkshop.com

Make a beeline to Trunkshop.com before the end of the month (April 30th). This one-of-a-kind online jewelry store is closing down. Don’t ask me why! All I know is they have some really cute pieces, most of which are on sale. Their stuff has been featured in magazines such as In Style, Elle, Glamour and Essence so I can’t imagine why they’d be going out of business. The vintage section of the site has more affordable pendants and bracelets. Also take a look at their handbags they're très cute!
Left to right: India Clutch by Bambina di Cioccolato, $98; Angel Earrings by Anne Rachelle, $70; Walking Spanish Earrings by Brooke Medlin, 30; all available at www.trunkshop.com

Fuchsia Baby!

Bow Bandeau Taffeta Dress, $130, www.oasis-stores.com

Left to right: Margherita Missoni wearing Giambattista Valli, Dita von Teese and a model wearing Giambattista Valli, Spring 2007.

U.K. ladies I urge you to take of your stiletto heels and run to Oasis. When you get there buy this bright pink, taffeta number. Perfect for spring/summer, this color will make you the belle of any ball. Gianbattista Valli showed vibrant, silk organza dresses in his Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection. I also adore the strapless dress Dita von Teese wore over a simple black t-shirt during fashion week. I’m looking for a U.S. equivalent so if you see one shoot me an email!

A Black and White Affair…

Thandie Newton and Eva Mendes attending the launch party for new range of bags created by Mulberry for Giles, at Harvey Nichols, London in January 2007.

Angela Bassett attending the ceremony honoring Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week in Hollywood.

Cassie posing backstage after her appearance on MTV's Total Request Live last September in New York City.

Sanaa Lathan at the Cosmopolitan Magazine launch of Bebe Sport with Eva Longoria last March.

Kimora Lee Simons posing in the lobby during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland with designer Tracy Reese backstage at the Tracy Reese Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Promenade in Bryant Park this February in NYC.

Sorry the posts have been slow this week I’ve been busy with papers and then blogger was acting up. Anyway, monochrome prints are going to be hot this summer but if you don’t do pretty patterns opt for block colors. Black and white stripes like Cassie and Thandie’s give this look a harder edge.

My Picks!

Left to right: Border Dot Emma Dress, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Florencia Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Story of a Girl by Sass and Bide, $708.44, www.my-wardrobe.com; Voile Eyelet Hem Bow Dress, $26.50, www.wetseal.com

Left to right: Nieves Lavi Tiered Bottom Halter Dress, $286, www.shopbop.com; Dresses, $34.90 each, H&M ; Striped Halter Dress. $39, www.newport-news.com; Colorblock Dress, $81.20 (Sizes 22 -32), www.kiyonna.com

Left to right: One Shoulder Colorblock Tunic, $58, www.ardenb.com; Silk Flower Print Halter Top, $69, www.bebe.com; Mossimo Black Seamless Striped Tube Top, $12.99, www.target.com; Chiffon Cap Sleeve Top, $39, www.rampage.com

Don’t stress over accessories. Killer black pumps or sandals are all you need. Maybe add diamonds and create a smoky black eye to upgrade the look!

Black Cat costume completed

My mask & wig have not yet arrived but I have the bodysuit and my furry accessories completed.


This is what I'll be wearing on May 5th in Comic Fusion (Flemington, NJ) for Free Comic Book Day!

Summer 2007 Totes available

I just finished the 4 tote bags for Solstice (local florist & gift boutique). I didn't bother to put snaps or closures in any of them. I was having such a difficult time with other aspects that I just didn't want to deal with snaps right now.

If you are interesting in visiting Solstice, the shop is located just outside the quaint downtown area of High Bridge at 284 Rte 513 in Glen Gardner, NJ. Call (908) 638-6240 for their hours. They don't have a website but they carry an assortment of fairies like Jessica Galbreth, Cicely Barker and Amy Brown plus loads of country style gifts, soaps, candles, and of course flowers.

However, if you'd like to custom order a bag from me directly, just send me an email to bgrosinski at comcast dot net. The price will depend on the fabric and embellishments but to give you a general idea, the pink & black bag shown in the pictures would run around $18 + shipping while the tie dye silk bag would run around $25 + shipping.

Did You Guess Right?!...

Tamia attending the Second Annual GRAMMY Jam, 10 Dec 2005

This one threw a lot of people but I would have guessed Mariah had I not known! If you haven't already, pick up a copy of Tamia's new album "Between Friends." It's one of my favorite albums right now along with Robin Thicke's "Evolution" album!

Mya covers Ocean Style Magazine

I was getting my daily dose of Concrete Loop and saw this new magazine (well, new to me) called Ocean Style. As you can see Mya is on the cover looking sultry and fabulous. There was a time when I didn’t care much for Mya’s style but she's been growing on me. I wonder what projects she has up her sleeve. Head over to Ocean Style’s website to flick through a preview copy of their magazine.

Guess the Style Diva!

The Hit List…

Left: Ruffled Shoulder Bag, $50, www.oohboutique.com (Coming soon!)
Right: Tuxedo Leather Bag by BE & D, $970, www.net-a-porter.com or $1280, www.saksfifthavenue.com

I’m eyeing this ruffled bag with trepidation. I love the BE & D original on the right but alas, love can’t be exchanged for real currency. So, I will wait patiently for Ooh Boutique’s alternative to hit the virtual shelves. I know this bad boy is going to go quick but mama didn’t raise no fool… My credit card is on standby! Also check out the blue version Ooh Boutique has and the bronze BE & D version at Saks.

Silver Streak

Woman in Italy during Milan Fashion Week.

Giovanna Battaglia, fashion editor at L'Uomo Vogue.

Women in New York City during New York Fashion Week.

Giovanna Battaglia again. I think these are the same shoes as above!

Silver heels were made for black, opaque tights. Don’t believe me? Then take a long hard look at the very fashionable ladies above. Now, I know it’s technically spring, but here in D.C. the weather is still on the chilly side so I’m thinking about rocking this look for a few weeks until summer arrives. Pair with a ridiculously short mini skirt or shorts for maximum effect!

Credit: Pics from The Sartorialist.

My Picks!

Left to right: Mix Up, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; J Lo Jojo Pump, $124.95, www.endless.com; Finian Open Toe Pump, $89.95, www.ninashoes.com ; Selene Peep Toes, $138, www.anthropologie.com

Left to right: Steve Madden Myra Pump, $79.95, www.endless.com; Temse, $89.99, www.aldoshoes.com; Bronx Shoes, $113.95, www.zappos.com; American Eagle Carson Flat, 17.99, www.payless.com

Note: Also see this post for further inspiration.

Enter Fashion Playland…

The talented jewelry designer Dana Ayanna has founded an events company that’ll erupt your senses! Femme Fete is a modern day playground where fashion and fantasy collide. Join Dana (Artistic Aya) and other designers such as Ananas (see Size Matters! post), Gigi Faviela, Rachelle Celline and Marie Elanne for a night of shopping, beauty treats and music. Tickets cost $28 and you must be over 21 years old to attend. Click here to see photos of past events and to purshase tickets. Also visit www.artisticaya.com to learn more about Dana's jewelry made from paper!

When: Thursday May 3, 2007

Time: 7:30pm -10:30pm

Place: Numark Gallery

625 E Street NW (@ 7th St),

Washington D.C.

Sneak-a-Peak…

Pieces from Kate Moss' new line for Topshop.

Topshop has high hopes for its highly anticipated new line by Kate Moss premiering May 1st in the U.K. Topshop is so confident in their new ally that they plan to launch the collection in select Barneys stores across the States. The 91-piece line was ‘designed’ by Kate and will debut on May 9th. Prices will range from $24 (for a vest T-shirt) to well over $200 (for a leather jacket). The move across the Atlantic is well overdue if you ask me, Topshop has 303 UK stores and 9 overseas but none in the U.S! Head over to www.katemosstopshop.com to virtually flick through their Lookbook and to see behind-the-scenes footage.

Nia Long

Nia Long arrives at the 20th Annual Kid's Choice Awards held at the UCLA Pauley Pavilion on March 31, 2007 in Westwood, California.

I am lovin' this look on Nia. She looks so cute and she knows it! I’m not too sure about the shoes. You can’t see how bad they look in this pic but click here to see what I mean. That aside this look was fresh and unique, especially for the red carpet. Can’t wait to see more of her!

Steal Nia's Style...

Shirt: Puff Sleeve Utility Pocket Shirt, $59.99, www.armaniexchange.com
Shorts: Pinstriped Shorts, $50, www.topshop.com
Shoes: Patent Pump, $60, www.victoriassecret.com
Earrings: Textured Hoop Earrings, $3.80, www.forever21.com
Bangles: Interlocked Bracelet, $5.80, www.forever21.com

I searched high and low and even in between and couldn’t find the exact outfit that Nia Long wore, but you can recreate the look with wide shorts and a wrap shirt with puff sleeves. I know it’s not exact, but you can look around in your local stores for similar items that might make the look more authentic ;)

making progress

I actually have the bodysuit for Black Cat done but I'm going to rip out some seams and try something else. I currently have the collar piece attached but I'm going to see if my skilled mom can remove it and then change it into a separate choker which will make getting in and out of it much easier. It's not too bad considering how much this fabric stretches but why add the extra strain to the seams, right?

I also just ordered my mask from X-treme Design FX. I may go out this afternoon to shop for the white fur but it depends on how much my mom and I get accomplished this afternoon. Then gloves and possibly a belt will be the final touches. Black Cat doesn't usually wear a belt but in some art she has one and I really love belts to hide my flabby belly.

Let's see. What else is going on? Oh, I just got the proof of the artwork I had commissioned by Dan Gorman. It's gonna rock! Caico looks so good in the sketch. And the price of $95 for a custom sketch and color print is very reasonable.

Black Cat update

I'm only 4 hours into the creation of my Black Cat costume. I wrote to a company about getting a mask but haven't heard back. The bodysuit is almost done. I have to put in zippers and sleeves. Then I have to shop for fur, velcro, gloves, and hair extensions or wig.

Shifty Business...

Rosario Dawson arrives at the 22nd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards held at Santa Monica Beach in February in Santa Monica, California.

Kerry Washington looking cute ‘n’ flirty in her silk shift.

Nia Long attending the 17th Annual NAACP Theater Awards earlier this year.

Paula Patton arriving at the 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last month in Pasadena, California.

Tracee Ellis Ross at the Katy Rodriguez Celebration of her Eponymous Collection.

Take a cue from these ladies and shift into gear with the must-have dress du jour. A throw-back from the sixties, the shift dress is a classic style that shows no signs of disappearing. If you’re worried about looking too retro in a shift, pick a fabric with a futuristic twist like Paula Patton or try something a little more eclectic like Tracee Ellis Ross. Remember that the shift dress was made for the clutch purse, so give it what it deserves!

Note: See Christina Milian in the DVF dress that Forever 21 duplicated here.

My Picks!

Left to right: Eyelet Dress, $39.80, www.forever21.com; Square Jacquard Shift Dress, $130, www.oasis-stores.com; Mint Jodi Arnold Jacquard Mini Dress, $363, www.pinkmascara.com; Monochrome Shift Dress, $24, Primark U.K.

Left to right: Lace Style Shift Dress by Matthew Williamson, $490, www.netaporter.com; Cream Lurex Bid Sleeve Sash Dress, $70, www.missselfridge.co.uk; Lichtenstein Shift, $258, www.anthropologie.com; Spotted Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com

Left to right: Metallic Shift Dress, $120, www.oasis-stores.com; Broderie Shift Dress, $70, www.riverisland.com; Eyelet Shift Dress, $39.50, www.alloy.com; Jersey Shift Dress by Chloe, $1790, www.net-a-porter.com

As summer approaches, wear you shifts in the day with sandals then whip out the heels for nighttime fun!

Don’t Forget Your Pink Mascara!

Above: 3.1 Phillip Lim Rosette TShirt Dress, $451, www.pinkmascara.com

Left to right: 3.1 Phillp Lim Belted Floral Dress, $429; Sunner Florent Ruffle Dress, $277; Theory Polka Dot Dresses, $325, all available at www.pinkmascara.com

Pink Mascara store in Irvine, CA

I’ve been meaning to spotlight this store for a long time but better late than never! In some respects PinkMascara.com is like many other shopping sites that offer a delectable selection of the latest designer threads and accessories however, what I like most about this site are their continuous sales. Right now they are selling many of their Winter/Fall collections at a 75% mark down! Also browse through their Lookbook to get some inspiration on how to put your own closet pieces together. If you live in the Irvine area in California, check them out in person…

Address:
Pink Mascara

6258 Irvine Blvd,

Irvine,

CA 92620

Store Inquiries: 949 748-3980

I Like Her Style!: Katie Rost

Hi guys! I’ve been swamped with work lately but I’m trying to keep the blog up to date. I don’t have a post for today but I interviewed D.C socialite and model Katie Rost a couple of weekends ago and thought you’d be interested in reading snippets of it. She was so sweet, funny and drop dead gorgeous! The interview is posted over on HoneyMag.com because she was on their cover once with Andre 3000. Click here** to read it and be sure to tell me what you guys think and I’ll post soon!

Sylvia
xx

**The interview has been reposted below.**


The life of a socialite, entrepreneur, and Honey cover girl is a busy one, so I thanked my lucky stars when I got the chance to sit down with the delightful Katie Rost. As we chatted at the Four Season's Hotel in Georgetown, D.C., Ms. Rost filled me in on her upbringing, impending projects and let me in on what it's really like being a non-white socialite in the nation's capitol...

When did you start modeling?
Well I started a little bit when I was 14. I was in the Ford New Model program where they basically look at you, try and track you, and see where your head is at. My mom decided at about 16… I'd done little nothing things, like mall stuff, nothing big. But she was worried because I was kind of immature and I took everything really personally. So if someone did my make-up and I didn't like the way it was done I would start crying or yell at people or whatever... and my mom was like "ok, you're not ready for this!"

Do you still model full-time?
I've just decided to recommit myself to it for the next few months because I just got a phone call from my agent and she's like, "we miss you here and we want you to come back and get a little more intense with it." So I'm going to but I'd basically taken a year off.

How was the Honey cover with Andre 3000?
That was crazy! Andre was like crazy and styled us all. I had this Mohawk and stars down my face. So much fun!

So are you going to be based in New York for the next year or will you be between NY and D.C.?
I just bought an apartment in New York but I'll be in between. Either I'll be at my farm in Virginia or I'll be in Manhattan or I'll be with my mom in Potomac, Maryland.

Now I understand that you worked for BET briefly on their Teen Summit show? What was that like?
It was really fun. It was like the only show on BET that was really quality and geared towards teenagers. Everything else was like Hip-Hop videos. A bunch of nastiness all throughout and then the gospel on Sunday. I don't even quite understand why that's considered to be Black entertainment.

Tell me about it!
Teen Summit was a great show. It had an intelligent, topical spin to it. So whatever was going on, whether it was, "Oh we're listening to these lyrics that say 'bitch' and 'hoe' all the time and what's this really about?" or "How is this impacting us as teenagers and what do we think of this?" or even "Is that how black women should define themselves?"... Absolutely not! And then we'd really get into those topics. I was a presenter so I got to meet so many amazing people.

So you've modeled and presented, surely acting is the natural next step?
Yeah, I thought about doing that... [hesitates] ...I had a little nothing part on Six Degrees this past season. And that was really fun because I was just at this party and the casting director was like "oh, I like your personality" and I was like whatever but I ended up on the show! I played a model so it wasn't a stretch or anything!

What about movies?
If someone wants to put me in a movie I'm happy to do it! [laughs at the thought] But I don't think I'm going to take acting classes.

So how did the Washington Life cover come about?
I ran into the editor, Michael Clements, at Elton John's Oscar party. The best party ever By the way! Anyway we literally slammed into each other on the dance floor and he was like, "you're hot!" And I was like, "so are you!" And he was like, "tell me everything about yourself." And I was like, "I'm leaving New York! I just bought a farm in Virginia!" And he's like, "you're gonna be in D.C? Like, oh my God, we have to hang out..." And we just completely fell in love with each other on every level he's just a brilliant, wonderful man. He also mentioned that he was really excited about what's going on as far as socialites in general in the media.

Do you define yourself as a socialite?
I think people are just starting to pay attention to that for some reason. And I was like, "Oh. I didn't really know that I was one." But ok! So I guess if I go to an event every night, or three sometimes, then that means that... That that's what I am. And I'm like cool! Y'know? I have no problem with that. But you know I've always gone to these sort of things, It's just what me and my mom do. Y'know? (Katie's Mom, Rynthia Rost, is VP of Public Relations for Geico)And it just always seemed natural... I just thought everyone did. So I'm realizing that it was sort of special.

And what do you think of your fellow black socialites?
I don't really know if there are any black socialites. I guess they are supposedly...

There's Genevieve Jones...
I honestly don't even know who she is. That's so strange. I think I was at one party that she was at but I don't really know her. I googled myself once and I was reading all these weird, weird things about myself and then I was reading about her and I was like this poor girl! I would die if people were saying these things about me! It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Just the way y'know, those stereotypes of black women. I don't care who she had an affair with or what she did, there's no reason to put someone's business out there like that. That's just nasty.

Who is your favorite designer?
I would have to say Stella McCartney still. She's pretty bad ass! But favorite designer who helped me the most in my career and was the most supportive to me was Stephen Burrows. He is an amazing, amazing black designer who not a whole lot of people know about but he is brilliant.

And how would you define your like personal style?
I try to be funky, I try to be kinda like downtown New York. But I definitely love ball gowns and I love to glam it up at night. And live for it really.

So tell me about your new skin care line Body by Katie Rost.
I just love it! It's so much fun! I have this beautiful farm in Virginia and I'm gonna be growing lavender and all of that stuff.

Do you have a team that makes it for you?
My production area is just finally been finished so I will have a team. But it's just been team Katie. I come up with all the recipes. That's what I've been doing for the last year at my farm. Mixing products...

Katie gives me some beautiful samples of her Vanilla/Plumeria Body Scrub and Shea Butter Body Soufflé.

Are you literally like churning away at your farm?!
I do churn! [giggles] But I mean the shea butter comes to me in bulk and then I add to it. The scrub I completely make myself. Shea butter is like the best thing for your skin. I coat myself with it every morning. I put it on thick on my skin then I get in the steam room and relax.

Ah the good life... Must be nice!

To buy Body by Katie Rost products visit www.bodybykatierost.com and also visit www.katierost.com.

Fusion Boutique.com

Fed up with seeing the masses in the same shirt you bought at H&M? Worried that Forever 21 won’t be able to continue providing designer knock-offs on the cheap? May I suggest that you drop in on The Fusion Boutique? What started out as an eBay store has now expanded into an independent online shopping haven offering one of a kind pieces that’ll make you stand out from the crowd. My personal favorites are their light, delicate dresses and aztec floral round earrings which are perfect for summer. For a limited time only, I Like Her Style! readers can get a 10% discount off their total purchase with the code “stealstyle.” Visit www.thefusionboutique.com to start shopping!

Size Matters!

Above: Ananas Nicky Saddle Bag, $399, www.bagtrends.com

Top row: Braided Strap Bucket Bag, $58, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Large Softest Studded Handle, $149.99, www.shoplush.com; Gwen Bag, $20.80, www.forever21.com

Bottom row: Oversize Leather Holdall, $130, www.topshop.com; Nappa Leather Bag by Miu Miu, $1445, www.net-a-porter.com; Red Claudette Tote Purses, $34.95, www.purseboutique.com

Sorry guys but size really does matter to us ladies, especially when it comes to our handbags. Glide effortlessly from day-to-night with these holdalls that literally hold all. We’ve all seen those grown women on the train with teenage back packs on their… well, backs! Next time you see one, kindly pull her aside and explain that they are cuter alternatives out there to carry all her day’s must haves. Exhibit A: The seven bags above. All stylish, all practical and most importantly, all B.I.G!

Note: Visit www.shoplush.com (previously LushFashions.com) they now have a section for you to sell last season's bags.