My Look of the Day Goes to....

106 & Park host Rocsi! She always posts her outfits from the show daily on her instagram page & today she shared the deets on this cute season appropriate outfit. The retro look consisted of a floral high waist short & cropped top combo via H&M with the popular "Letitia" Jimmy Choo sandals. I like the mix of high & low end & I'm certain H&M still has this short set from their Hawaiian inspired water collection available in stores. I may head there today to get at least the top. She looks cute right?

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"

King Bey Takes Over the 2012 Met Gala!

I sat through most of the live stream of the '12 Met Gala courtesy of vogue.com that took place in NY tonight. It was so much fun watching the arrivals of the designers with their celebrity muses walk the Red Carpet. Anywho things were dying down & the live broadcast ended but there were still whispers on my twitter timeline that Beyonce was going to show up! It had been a minute & I didnt think she was coming until her stylist Ty twitpic'd a snippet of her dress on the twitter, that sneaky sneaky guy! Lol




Then in walks Bey flaunting that post baby Blue bawdy in a super sheer lace Givenchy gown. & i have to admit I was pretty excited to see her! I loved the dress & thought it was very appropriate for the occassion. Feathers, Lace, & a little peekaboo T&A! If not the Met Gala, then where?



What do you guys think? By the way I'm working on a 2013 invite to the Met. Hell i dont care if im put with the press across the street....Well i kinda do. Anyways I just want to be there!! lol

I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife />


Photos: @tytyrone twitter, huffpost style

Kim & Kanye attend RYU Grand Opening

Are you guys feeling Kimye? I may be in the minority for saying this BUT i actually am! The stylish couple were spotted in NYC last night at the opening of Scott Disick's new Japanese restaurant Ryu.












Both dressed in all black, Kim K donned a structured peplum Givenchy dress, with a Bottega Veneta knot clutch & the popular Unbout Illusion Christian Louboutin pump while Kanye matched her sexy in a black blazer & pant combo with a relaxed grey tee.



Some may call this attention sloring to the max but honestly I havent seen Kanye genuinely smile like this since his "College Dropout" days. & besides him being a HUGE step up from Sir bark alot Humphries, I do think that Kim may actually like him. At least the family seems to....what do you guys think?


I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife
Source: 1, 2, 3

Nicki Minaj Covers Complex Mag

I LOVE this shot of Rapstress Nicki Minaj! It's 1 of the photos featured in her spread for Complex mag's 10th anniversary addition. I'm not a big fan of Nicki Minaj's music. It's not that I don't like it. I'll sing along if it comes on the radio, i.e. SuperBass....BUT i like Nicki Minaj the very saavy business woman more than her songs if that makes any sense





The girl is smart & has been making HUGE strides to build her empire & add to her bank accounts. i.e. The multi million deal she just signed with pepsi. Based on the cover interview I read, she's very calculated about making her next move her best move & you can only respect & admire that.





I'm digging these shots of her. What do guys think of Ms. Minaj?

I D.efine E.very A.spect of my L.ife
Source:theybf.com

Sound OFF: Frank Ocean "Thinking About You"

So I was browsing necolebitchie & spotted a post saying that Frank Ocean just released "thinking about you" as a radio single. My thoughts: FINALLY!!!! If you follow me on twitter & Facebook you should know that I absolutely LOVE this song. Although it was covered by more artists than Drake's Marvin's Room, none compared to Franks original demo. I love the word play of the lyrics & the falsetto in his voice when he does the chorus is just perfect. It just puts me in a good. So much so that when I read that the final version had a few changes I was scared that Frank had went & messed up the whole song! Some things just shouldn't be touched. Thank goodness those changes are subtle enough that the extra adlibs aren't too annoying. Anywho, if you haven't done yourself the favor, make sure you listen to this song as well as the rest of Frank Ocean's music, he's DOPE.



"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"
Source: necolebitchie

Cassie looks street Chic in Paris

I dont know who Cassie's stylist is but whoever they are they deserve a round of applause because the singer has been killing her street style lately! Here she is in Paris for fashion week wearing an ivory blazer, Rag&Bone printed skinnies, sneaks & a McQueen clutch. Although there is alot going on here, she manages to make all these trends work. I think she looks cute.

What do you guys think? DOPE or NOPE?! (Still working on that tagline lol)

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"
Photo:theybf.com

My Review for PREEN's Fall '12 Collection

Its Fashion Week in New York & although I'm not there hanging out in the city hoping someone will just look at me & invite me to their show, I have been stalking all the fashion sites for the latest designers that have debuted their fall collections. & Today I spotted Preen's fall '12 line on style.com & every piece had ME written all over it!



Yall know I am an avid spokesperson for floral print & the first model that walks the runway is wearing a knee-length skirt full of it. I was sold on EVERYTHING that followed after that. The show consisted of a loud pop of color that usually isn't consistent with the theme of fall. However, I think that's what I loved most about it. I'm always trying to rock floral in the fall & I feel self-conscious because I'm getting all these crazy looks. Well whose the crazy one now haters! HA!



Honestly, while scrolling through the slide show my mind drifted kind of like it is now & I pictured myself leaving my luxury condo in Manhattan that has floor-to-ceiling windows by the way. Anyways, I'm headed to my office as an editor of so&so magazine wearing the runway looks. & as My driver opens the car door to take me to so&so headquarters, people are gawking with jealousy saying "B*tch*! lol

But back to my present reality,



I see stylemaven Solange, IDEAL ICON Zoe Saldana, as well as Keri Washington rocking a few of these looks. This is right up my alley! What do you guys think?

"I D.efine E.very Aspect of L.ife" 

photos: style.com

NetaPorter says I deserve this PS1 clutch for Valentines

I was scrolling through my favesite NetaPorter's weekly online magazine & stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this PS1 neon yellow snakeskin clutch with the caption "You deserve it". & while they may have left off "for Valentines" I took it upon myself to go ahead & include it.

This Proenza Schouler bag is too cute & it's a perfect replacement for those nasty chocolates people always try to give you!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, IDEAL LOVES YOU! :-) xoXO

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"

Singer Adele Covers VOGUE!

Remember when everyone's favorite UK soul singer Adele first came out with her hit "Rolling in the Deep" & I told you guys I couldn't get it out of my head for weeks? Well recently she swept the Grammy's winning an award for that very song along with 5 others for her album 21 & it was SO well deserved! I love me some her! & The songstress continues her winning streak being the cover girl for the March issue of Vogue!!! She looks beautiful. My ONLY gripe is I wish they would have done a full body shot for the cover instead of just her face, but it is Vogue so baby steps I guess....















I read her entire featured article on vogue.com & the girl is FUNNY! She said a big misconception about her is that she's always in a funk based on her music & that's not the case. When asked about if men would be scared to date her seeing as though her last two cds have been about her "rubbish" relationship with her boyfriend Adele says:

"I’m wifey material! I’m great. No one’s got to be brave. It’s not like, ‘You fuck me over and I’m going to write a record and make you the most hated man in the world.’ I am never writing a breakup record again, by the way. I’m done with being a bitter witch"

I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife'

source: vogue.com

Rihanna SHUTS DOWN the '12 Grammy's Red Carpet

The 2012 Grammy's took place last night & while watching E!'s Red Carpet pre show I had already decided that Katy Perry was going to be my best dressed. Well that is until Rihanna stepped on the scene.



& I'm not just saying this because I STAN for her! The Barbados singer rocked a custom black gown with a plunging neckline, open back, & split that she helped design with Armani. The dress was simple yet sexy & she looked FANTASTIC!

KATY PERRY

Rihanna's bestie, Katy Perry was my second choice for best dressed gal of the night. The Ellie Saab dress was glamorous & the fact that she matched it with her blue hair made the look very "Grammy's rock&roll". I thought she looked Awesome!

Now for my worst dressed....

NICKI MINAJ

That prize goes to Nicki Minaj! This red riding hood cape really didn't make sense to me until I saw her performance which was some sort of religious exorcism for Roman. Anyways, I understand she was going for a shock value but these kind of stunts have been pulled so much with her & Lady Gaga (remember the egg from last year?) I'm kind of over it. Honestly the only thing that surprised me about Nicki's get up was that it was designed by Versace. I didn't know they made clothes that covered up so much.

FERGIE

Runner up for worst dressed goes to my girl Fergie who wore a couture lace Jean Paul Gaultier gown. I have to say the only thing that bothered me about this look was her choice of undergarments. Those big draws were a BIG NO! & I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt thinking she took the ENTIRE look straight from the runway. However, when I did my research I saw the original model wore a thong underneath her gown.  Fergie didn't have to go push the envelope that far, but those granny panties were just unacceptable. As an international pop star, I think Fergie should've known better & that's why I put her on my worst dressed list. If it weren't for that, this look could've worked.

RANDOM GUEST WITH GUNS?!?!!

Oh & to this lady right here! Whoever she is, to her I say "ABSOLUTELY NOT"! I tell ya that Lady Gaga will have you looking a plum dumb FOOL! lol

Did you guys watch the Grammy's what did you think?

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of my L.ife"

photos: nydailynews.com

Life and Style with Dana

Hello IDEALists! My name is Dana, and I am obsessed with: beauty products, the show Chopped on Food Network, and any and all things HGTV. I'll be contributing from time to time on the latest in foodie news, home design, and beauty products.

 

Look For Less: Isabel Marant's High Top Wedge Sneaker

Celebs know they have been lovin themselves some Isabel Marant wedge sneakers lately, RIGHT? To me they look like the kind of shoes that you'd try on & question if they look cute on your feet. (Come on I know I'm not the only 1 that does this) & somehow I think my answer would be NO! Plus considering it always takes me a minute to jump on a bandwagon, they're not necessarily my taste as of now , but hell who am I? IDEAL ICON Tracee Ellis Ross is one of the many stars to rock them as well & she is the QUEEN of knowing what's HAUTE. 

& For those of you who like them too the popular sneaks are available at retailers like Barney's & Nemains & run between $680-$760.



 

However, if you don't have that kind of cash laying around or you'd rather spend it on a pair of  Giuseppe's rather than gym shoes  Ash also makes a similar style that's sold on my favesite shopbop.com. You'll save at least $4oo as they only cost $225, $250 at the most.

You're Welcome :-)

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of my L.ife"

photos: coolspotters.com, shopbop.com

UK rapper Tinie Tempah named GQ's Best Dressed Man!

I had no idea who Tinie Tempah was before GQ made the announcement that singer Chris Brown was at the top of their WORST dressed men's list for 2012. Now I don't recall CB's style being that horrible..... So I said okay if Chris Brown is your WORST, then who is your BEST? Lo & behold the British rapper Tinie took the crown. After scrolling through a slew of his pictures online, I happen to AGREE!

Whether on the stage, red carpet, or walking the streets he adapts to his setting all while wearing his signature thick framed ray bans.


I think he has the kind of style that men want to copy & women would want their boo to rock as well.


His range of outfit choices are trendy & edgy. It also doesn't hurt that he has a handsome face to match his wardrobe.

What do you guys think? Was his Best Dressed Man title well deserved?

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"

source

Mara Hoffman spring/summer 2012 lookbook

*Clears throat & does my best Phaedra Parks voice* Everybody knows that I am a HUGE fan of Mara Hoffman's line! She just always gets it right especially when she uses print. It always feels inspired rather than cliché' & her s/s '12 collection was no different. Check out the recently released ad campaign for her latest collection featuring model Nykhor Paul.

[gallery exclude="468" link="file" orderby="menu_order ASC"]

I tell you spring can't come soon enough for me & when it does I'm definitely hitting the beach in that striped two piece high waist bikini. What do yo guys think? CUTE RIGHT!?!

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"
source

Andre 3000 featured in new Gillette Ad Campaign

There is just something about Andre 3 stacks that just makes me SWOON! Everything from his country southern boy charm to his lyrics always make me blush. Case & point, his verse on Jeezy's "I Do". *Screams out Sexual Chocolate, drops mic & exits stage left*! But back to this post. The rap superstar rarely comes out of hiding but has recently joined forces with Gillette for their new ad campaign along with actors Gael García Bernal and Adrien Brody. By the way I have a little thing for Mr. Brody too. He may not be as obvious as the other two but believe me he has swagger. I mean did you see Cadillac Records? Anyways, these 3 guys will serve as brand ambassadors for Gillette's Fusion Prostyle Glider which hits shelves next month. There's ALOT of sexiness going on in this ad. So, I don't care if what they're selling isn't geared towards me, I'm still buying it!

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"
source

Burberry Men's Fall 2012 Collection!

 
Saturday, Men's Fashion Week kicked off in Milan and Burberry definitely set the tone of a man who is suited & booted to a T. Personally I've always found the idea of a Burberry man SEXY & this collection  dubbed "The Gentleman" (you know NeYo's gna be all over this) lived up to my expectations. Aside from the obvious of perfectly tailored suits & luxe outerwear thats usually a go to with Burberry, some of the standout pieces for me were the accessories (the studded & suede document cases were my faves) as well as the button down with the fox.  I can see ALOT of celebs rockin that 1.


I honestly got so wrapped up in the collection I was actually trying to figure out how I could rock some of it myself. All in all it was a very well put together show. My only gripe is I wish the models had as much swag as the actual clothes. Check out the entire collection here!

" I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.ife"

photo source: 1, 2

STYLIST SPOTLIGHT: Alejandra Hernandez

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Today necolebitchie posted the latest videos from an up & coming Australian rap artist named Iggy Azalea. First of all, Iggy looks like a SUPERMODEL but she spits these hardcore lyrics. She's dope but I was INSTANTLY drawn to her style which I thought made the videos a visual STUNNER! "The Last Song" was super glamorous while "My World" had more street swag. Once I saw the Giuseppe wedges I was SOLD! A little google search led me to the brain behind Iggy's look, Alejandra Hernandez. The LA based stylist has been pulling her weight in the industry for a minute working with major brands like LEVI's as well as celebrities. Karmaloop .com recently named her their "Chick of the Month" & interviewed her about her life in the industry.

On growing up in LA:
I was exposed to all sorts of LA subcultures......To this day I think my aesthetic is a product of everything I was influenced by back then.

On breaking into the business:
I always tell kids to look for internships with small local companies. LA has tons of them! Working with a small company is where you are going to really get the best learning experience.

On working with Iggy:
Dressing Iggy is so much fun because she is truly a visual artist so her and I draw inspiration from anything as random as old Elizabeth Taylor photos to photos from 90′s Versace dinners. Also, I always like to a display a presence through the clothing. I idolize women that are nothing less than boss bitches.

Check out the rest of her interview with karmaloop here. & peep Alejandra's work in Iggy's videos for "The Last Song" & "My World" below:





Make sure to follow both ladies on twitter: Alejandra @Aleherself & IGGY @IggyAzalea!

"I D.efine E.very A.spect of L.IFE"
source 1,2

Hey IDEALISTS Welcome to theIDEALMAG.COM!!!

I tried to wait until I finished the site's layout but I couldn't take it anymore. I really missed you guys! First Happy New Year! I hope you guys are off to a great start. I just wanted to check in & give you a heads up on what's been going on aroound these IDEAL parts. I am SO sorry for the hiatus. I really wanted to improve my site & make it a better experience when you visit. So, the first thing I did was move the site from blogger to WordPress & buy a domain. So none of that long ".blogspot.com" ordeal.  With the name change comes even better things. The core of IDEAL is not gone but I wanted to expand just a tad.

This includes adding more post on men's fashion style & entertainment!  Giveaways as well as more exclusive content!

 I have SO many ideas that I continue to add to the visionboard & I'm excited to see it actually come to light. It's definitely been a process but I thank you guys for hanging in there with me & being so loyal! I take your feedback very seriously so if there's anything you want to see or there's something you're not feeling PUHLEASE let me know by following IDEAL on Facebook & twitter!

Here's to making 2012 theBOMB.COM!!

XOxo