Essence Fest

I have been a bad blogger. Summer is here in NY and I have abandoned my blog. I just returned from a trip to New Orleans for the 19th annual Essence Festival. It was fantastic. I was there last year for the first time and found it so enjoyable I returned this year. New Orleans is a great city, the people are lovely, the food is good and there is musical talent everywhere.

Going clockwise, beignets from Cafe Du Monde, crabcakes from Pierre Maspero's, Jambalya Pasta, Oysters and Fried Alligator from Le Bayou

I met the handsome Boris Kodjoe and his equally beautiful wife Nicole Ari Parker. Both were very kind and gracious. I'm wearing a Banana Republic color block tank dress in my photo with Boris. I wore a Robert Rodriguez silk romper (sold out, but similar here and on eBay) to a party DJ'ed by Biz Markie and hosted by Doug E. Fresh. Wearing a forever 21 tank top and old navy skirt while walking around the French Quarter. And in one of my favorite tops, a Kikiclothing peplum bustier while watching King Bey slay the New Orleans crowd. It was a great vacation. 

African print takeover

I have always had a deep love for bright colors and prints. I can't help it, it is in my blood. My parents were born and raised in Ghana and though I was brought up in the US my mother wore her traditional attire when attending Ghanaian events, I grew up eating both Ghanaian and American food and grew up hearing my mother speak in her local language, Twi. How could I not be influenced by the culture? Traditional African cloth is cotton, has vivid patterns and often bright colors. As a child I saw my mom have the cloth sewn into kaba and slits as seen here.

I love that I am now seeing these fabrics made into shorts, dresses, jackets, blazers, etc. And now African prints have caught the eye of non-African designers outside of the continent. Just look at Burberry's Prorsum's 2012 resort collection as one example. I have had several dresses and skirts made by seamstresses and tailors during my visits to Ghana. I've also purchased African cloth garments off at the rack at places like Kiki Clothing. However, for those not traveling to the continent any time soon and not willing to pay Burberry dollars I've found accessible African cloth summer pieces at friendlier price points.

Interested? Find out where to purchase after the jump.

Mirror Pumps

I previously created a post called steel heels but since then the trend has kicked up full force so I thought I'd create another post called Mirror Pumps to list the various mirror pump options. These pumps can definitely take you into the summer as they would look fantastic with white, lighter denim, and floral dresses or skirts.

Style names and links after the jump

Fashion Inspiration: Zoe Saldana and Lola Ogunnaike

Entertainment Journalist Lola Ogunnaike recently acted as moderator for a Star Trek Into Darkness press conference featuring Zoe Saldana. Zoe looked casual chic in a button down blue shirt, faded wash skinny jeans and bright colored pumps. Lola looked her usual put together self in an asymmetrical neckline black sheath dress and white Christian Louboutin crosspiga pumps. I swear I think I may have to eat my words regarding white pumps. Anyway, I loved both ladies looks and have created similar looks featuring some affordable items.

Gladiator Sandals a.k.a Summer Boots

Rita Ora in Jimmy Choo mogul cage sandal, Ciara in Altazurra leather over the knee boots

Rihanna in Tom Ford strappy buckled sandal boot and Selena Gomez in Brian Atwood Electra

Julissa Bermudez in Gianvito Rossi leather gladiator knee sandals

This look isn't for everyone. In fact it is a whole lot of look. It requires showing lots of leg too, because the sandal/boots are so tall you have to balance the look by displaying lots of thigh. These are not shoes for conservative fashionistas. And while I do like the look I also realize these are not the most wearable shoes. Honestly, how often can you wear knee high stiletto caged sandals? For that reason I wouldn't invest a lot of money in this style. So, I have found some cheaper alternatives that will allow you to get a similar look for a lot less.

Spotted

Pierre Hardy Vertebrae Sandals

These sandals are amazing. It would toughen up any dress and can be easily work with denim, especially skinny jeans or cropped pants. Apparently Pierre Hardy used the human form as inspiration for this design. The shoes are reminiscent of the human spinal cord. But at $1,180 I think I will have to make do with the spinal cord in my body. 

Matchesfashion.com currently has a free ship code if you are interested in purchasing these beauties. Though if you are willing to drop $1180 on these you probably don't care about shipping costs. But in case you do want to save a few coins the code is MAYFREE. 

White Out

I was struck by these all white looks worn by Solange Knowles, Iman and Zoe Saldana recently. Solange is pictured at the Cannes film festival in a Stephane Rolland jumpsuit. Iman is a wearing a crop top and wide leg pants at Kerry Washington's Elle cover party and Zoe Saldana is in an Elie Saab jumpsuit at the Mexican premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness.

I've picked out some white separates and jumpsuits to create looks inspired by these ladies' outfits.