Chocolate Couture

In the Spirit of New Beginnings...

2011-07-10T19:35:00.012-04:00

As stated in my header, I am in love with Christ. I'll say [or type] again; I'm in love with Him! And I choose to glorify Him in all avenues of my life, which will now include this blog.

Christ and the City Girl by Mo512

In prepping for college, I've been putting together several looks for a new life on campus [you'll see it on my Polyvore], but I've also been gearing up to be active in campus ministry by reading the Fuel and the Flame, a book that speaks on how to be passionate for Christ on campus. For one thing, I would definitely recommend it as a fun yet inspiring read. I'm just a few chapters in and I'm reluctant to put it down!

To go with this, I encourage myself as well as readers [whoever you may be] to also read Passion Magazine. A Christian web mag for teen girls. Its blog is also filled with personal musings of other daughters of Christ.

I seriously hope and pray that you will check it out [as well as the aforementioned book] and be blessed!

xoxo Mo

Omoge

2011-06-25T22:13:00.006-04:00

The Urban Dictionary defines "Omoge" as "the Nigerian word for a beautiful young lady."

My favorite thing, or one of them at least, about being Nigerian in America means that, in this country of blended origins, I have a unique culture from which I can draw a sense of identity. When I moved here at age five, my thick accent made me the butt of many jokes, but as I've grown [and lost the accent] I've started to lose the hindrance I once felt to "rep" my culture among different crowds.

One way I happily do this is with custom-made dresses from ankara fabric. Like the Aschobi creation above, I have a [growing] wardrobe of cultural couture that allow me to accent my heritage with flair.

Creations like

and

and

are just a few styles of the many that other African fashionistas use to express their backgrounds.

So when I start school [USC--Fight on, Trojans!] in the fall, this Omoge will not be afraid to represent her background, while establishing her identity at the forefront.

-xoxo Mo

Oh, Hello There...

2011-02-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

To Myself, by W.S. Merwin

Even when I forget you
I go on looking for you
I believe I would know you
I keep remembering you
sometimes long ago but then
other times I am sure you
were here for a moment before
and the air is still alive
around where you were and I
think then I can recognize
you who are always the same
who pretend to be time but
you are not time and who speak
in the words but you are not
what they say you who are not
lost when I do not find you

___________________________________

Obviously, my presence on the blogosphere has been missing for some time. This absence was not deliberate, but in these months, I set out on a journey of intropsection to find myself, at least before I turn 18 in late spring.

I haven't found what I am looking for.

Instead, what I have found inside this pensive dreamer is faith, passion and an insatiable sense of wanderlust. As I delve deeper into the realms of ...whatever it is that we search for in our souls..., I hope to bring a fresh sense of worldiness to this blog. We all realize fashion is a superficial society, yet we allow ourselves to be consumed by the beauty, the glamour, the manifestation of our self expression and of course, the Chanel.

I'm not stopping my Fifth Avenue fantasies, but adding some sort of cause for us to be pensive about our world. It took this Merwin poem to bring this realization. I wonder what it will bring you...

...xoxo Mo

Photo credit: Karlie Kloss by Fabien Baron for Pringle of Scotland FW09

I Want You.

2010-09-17T15:04:00.000-04:00

from style.com

Dearest Dress,
I feel it's important to let you know that I am obsessed with you.
Ever since I spotted you in the Valentino Spring 2010 RTW show, I've been unable to dream without envisioning [wearing] you. You might like to know that I've thought of the many ways I could wear you. Belted; maybe a skinny belt to cinch the waist? Or, for winter, with a trench coat, tights and only shoes that might compliment your exquisite structure...

Or maybe that would be an injustice.

Because you are perfect. I also think it's fate that Frida Gustavsson, the Swedish sweetheart is a favorite model of mine, was chosen to showcase you to the world. Your nude coloring is one that can compliment any skin-tone, and I'm sure that your ruffled physique would look good on any physique (a girl with a tomboy shape would appear perfectly curvy, or a voluptuous belle could benefit from you accenting her outlines.) To the world, Dress, you are part of a legacy of beautiful robes, but to me, you are a creation unmatched by any other garment.

I hope this isn't too forward, but maybe you could mention to your owners at Valentino that you would like to come live with me forever?

Until then,
xoxo Mo

The day before my birthday, Karl Lagerfeld gave me a gift. It’s called Cruise 2010/2011.

2010-06-26T15:21:00.012-04:00

View the magic here.

How thoughtful of him! To open with an adorable band playing a sweet melody, who created a breeze that traveled from St. Tropez to Atlanta so I could taste the sunny delight of the French town. To capture the lazy smiling-sun atmosphere, KL shipped the models in on speedboats by the handful and had them saunter in their flowing florals in a runway set-up by the seaside. There’s no better way to ring in this stifling summer other than the dresses and ruffles that Lagerfeld offered up.

This collection’s vibrant color palette ranged from desert-sand gold to rosy pink, with dashes of chocolatey brown. The stark whites stood out brilliantly in contrast to the nudes and neutrals used in other looks. A group of black-on-white dresses stayed true to the classic Chanel minimalism. A few looks offset their lumberjack-esque check pattern with a feminine silhouette, and I can easily envision the caftan pieces breezing down a walkway in Marrakech. More so, the white blazer on Freja Beha Erichsen is another re-creation of the favorite statement piece.

For day, a couple of shirtdresses are the perfect look for a picnic date, or to stroll through exotic outdoor markets. For a night on the town, the collection offers a few sparkly black numbers, and even a man’s oversized robe for the morning after.

As for accessories, who doesn’t love the solid black Chanel cuff? Or chunky, layered necklaces? The simple sandals are also a welcome break from the daily power-heels-to-match-power-outfit cycle that the Chanel woman endures. How nice to trade in thick tweeds for swaying silks!

I also loved Karolina Kurkova in her Pat Cleveland-esque twirl down the runway. If it wasn’t for it’s strong sense of eighties glam [which off-puts the ‘easy, breezy, beautiful’ atmosphere of the collection] the song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” could have been a theme of the message Lagerfeld channeled: The Chanel woman on vacation doesn’t take a break from style. The finale of Georgia May Jagger hopping on a motorbike reminds us that Karl’s girl is not afraid to get down and have risky fun. (Also made clear by the sheer, peek-a-boo romper shown earlier.)

The show was perfect as a look into a complete, vacation wardrobe, with looks for every occasion. Why the only thing that was missing was me. But it’s forgiven, I’m sure my invite just got lost in the mail. Or maybe KL realized that I’d be taking AP exams that week and so thoughtfully channeled my loves into the collection. Either way, this resort show just added another reason to my long list of “Why I Love Chanel.” Merci, Lagerfeld, merci.

-xoxo Mo

I have been one acquainted with the night

2010-05-16T19:11:00.000-04:00

Acquainted with the Night
by: Robert Frost

I have been one acquainted with the night.

I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain.

I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.

I have passed by the watchman on his beat

And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet

When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;

And further still at an unearthly height,

One luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.

I have been one acquainted with the night.
____
As I have recently turned 17 (last Wednesday, May 12), I've been thinking more (even more than usual) about my future in the city. Or a city. I find solace sitting by wide windows overlooking a vast midnight view, and love the idea of people bathed in the moon's glow. This piece of literature, somewhat melancholy, strikes me nostalgic for a life I haven't lived yet.

xoxo Mo

For Lack of a Better Title...

2010-03-04T21:43:00.009-05:00

I know I have been a bad blogger, there are literally time zone gaps between my posts, but bare with me. It's junior year for this busy aspiring fashion icon...
__________
Enjoy my latest style article for VOX, and the hard work I put into updating the web site with our latest issue!

Spring Fashion Preview

By Modupe Alabi | VOX Staff

Art by Missa DePeaza| VOX Staff

Though the wide-spreading recession reached Fashion Week runways last February, that didn’t stop designers from sending down hundreds of models in fresh looks for the spring season. From flirty feathers to dazzling sparkles, trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris have walked straight off the runway into magazines, and onto this page of VOX. Here are a few tips to stay fashion forward while maintaining your own sense of style.

Neutrals

Following an elegant and clean aesthetic, many designers used neutral colors, like khaki and beige, in their collections as a complement to the variety of skin tones. Though the colors were simple, the cuts weren’t. Designers like Marc Jacobs had dramatically ruffled dresses, while others shaped flowing fabrics into sweet mini-dresses. Get this look by spicing up khaki pants or shorts with fun gladiator slippers and fitted plaid shirts.

Metallics

Ever the runway mainstay, dazzling metallic pieces remained a designer favorite this season. To shimmer and shine like the models at Michael Kors and Phillip Lim, wear a sequined top or skirt with a black jacket for a sparkling look without looking like aluminum foil.

Feathers

Who’s chicken when it comes to taking risks in fashion? Apparently not designers like Jason Wu and Diane Von Furstenberg. This season, the runways featured light, feathery details that bounced as the models strutted down the runway. You don’t have to wear a feathered boa to school (if you do, send us pictures!), but try a miniskirt with feather-like ruffles, like the models at ADAM.

The Boyfriend Layers

Menswear is a girl’s best friend. This season, boyfriend blazers, vests and slouchy pants took over the runways of Charlotte Ronson and Diane Von Furstenberg. This laid-back look consists of oversized blazers and vests over dresses or girly outfits. The design balances out the femininity of your style while adding a touch of tailored perfection. Plus, the added comfort of baggy jeans gives your hips breathing room and, when worn with heels, makes you look chic, a la Katie Holmes.

Little Schoolgirl Chic

The “Gossip Girl” influence was stronger than ever, as designers used back-to-school-ish themes in their collections. There were pigtails and short shorts, and everything from preppy stripes and khakis to knee socks. With these, designers like Anna Sui and Rag & Bone turned their models into stylish students. To get this look, wear a logo-ed blazer over any outfit, or try on a pair of knee-high socks the next time you wear a skirt.

Abstract Prints

Fashion Week always has its yin/yang moments. This spring, the opposite of neutrals are the wildly eclectic prints seen on dresses and tops at BCBG and DKNY. Neon pink, coral and turquoise garments flowed across runways and showcased spring florals. Get this look with flowy maxi-dresses that you can find cheap at mall chain stores.

Denim

Denim doesn’t always have to be pants! For spring, designers reworked denim into dresses and tailored suits, and even destroyed and distressed denim for the “fashion rebel” look. From Lacoste to Derek Lam, dainty denim dresses and suit jackets showed the versatility of this fabric. Show your style by wearing a denim dress with a belt and sandals, or cutting up old jeans. Use darker washes for more dressy looks, and go casual with lighter denim.

Military

With structured jackets and camouflage color palettes, designers like Rag & Bone and Marc Jacobs showed their army stripes. Style this look by wearing combat boots; I like them with rock band tees, shorts and even stockings.

Getting Physical - ’80s Style!

Looks like the ’80s fashion revival is here to stay. Designers like Alexander Wang went sporty with headbands and golf apparel, in perfect accordance with the ’80s fitness craze. Work it out by wearing sport sweaters and khaki shorts and even taking a walk and hitting the gym. Good health is always in style!

Orange

Orange you happy we have something for the guys, too? Though guys might think this bright color threatens their masculinity, designers like Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo sent male models down the runway and proved that real men can wear neon. If you’re not up for a head-to-toe suit, try an orange tie or sports jacket.
______________________
Additionally, I've been tagged by Taj, from HoundDog Man, also a new couture comrade at VOX.

1. Choose runway pictures from ANY season you like and choose 3 outfits for Day, Evening & Party.
2. Briefly explain why and state the name of the designer & which season the outfit is from.
3. Tag 4 other bloggers once you are done and let them know by posting a comment on their blog

Day

This look from ADAM is a favorite because I love the feathery detail on the skirt. I don't know if this is a day outfit, or a party outfit, but I'd probably wear this somewhere I could walk around a lot in. I want people to see the feathers flutter.

Evening

This is from Chanel Haute Couture 2009. I picked it because I've been dreaming about it the moment I saw it strut out of a colossal bottle of Chanel No. 5.

Party

This is from Chanel's Resort 2010 collection. Maybe, okay, definitely I'd decrease the sheer-ness of the top, for modesty's sake. But I do love this look, I guess this is more of a high-society style beach party look,

Of course these outfits are subject to change, because I will inevitably come across a look that I'd previously fallen for but have forgotten at the moment. So I'll update this list in a future post. But, anyway, I'm tagging...
Hmm, I guess you will find out as I tag you!

xoxo Mo

*All images belong to their respectful owners

It's Black and White and Chic All Over

2009-12-30T22:56:00.012-05:00

It's you (and me) in the new year.
_________________

i have (a knockoff of) this necklace
________________

While dreaming (as usual)
of all the things I want
in the new year, specifically
after I watched, for the 20th
time,
Confessions
Of A
Shopaholic,
I got a sudden burst of style
inspiration. People constantly
say, "Fashion is dying."
and "Journalism is dying"
but I decided, if that's so,
then I'll just have to resurrect it,
Won't I?

So this is me giving a huge,
accessorized
finger to all those who criticize
our industry:
{say it with me}

If I want to, I will.

I don't think it matters how hard
it is to get into the fashion world.
It matters how hard a fashionista is
willing to work.
___________________

Anyway, I've realized I'm more and more in love with
CHANEL.
It's chic, it's feminine, yet edgy. It's
excessively minimal.
Plus its main colors, the main colors in my wardrobe,
and my favorite colors at that,
are black and white.
While watching a show on it's site,
[how productive]
I decided I'd be wearing this dress to my graduation in 2011.
Or maybe,realistically, I'll get a seamstress to sew me a version of it,
couture is not in my budget ;)
__________
Some style collages for inspiration.

Lace Doll by Mo512 featuring Miss Selfridge

It's Chic o'clock- Naptime! by Mo512 featuring Chanel earrings

Parisian Chic by Mo512 featuring Balenciaga shoes

Joyeuses fetes!
xoxo Mo

ps- what do you want this new year?

Q&A With A Beauty Blogger

2009-11-23T20:27:00.009-05:00

Cher bloggers,
Je suis tres, tres desole for my lack of posting over the past month. Junior year is proving a challenge but I'm faithful that things will get better, like they are already ;) Anyhoo, I'm planning a new series of blogs that are more contemplative, that dig deeper into my mind and the fabulous creative industries. One of which is below, a petite interview with a sweet blogger known for her makeup expertise. The original posting is here at the VOX blog, but it's here also for your enjoyment. I decided to write this article after watching endless makeover shows when I was sick one weekend, and after questioning my classmates' knowledge (or lack thereof) of how (and why) to wear makeup...

For my latest article in the November/December issue of VOX, "Breaking Down Why Girls Cover Up" I explored how girls use makeup as a cover-up. Although makeup was originally intended for theatrical performances, today many of us too easily use makeup to mask our low self-esteem, fears, and even our personalities. I wanted to gain more insight from someone who lives, breathes and loves makeup, so I contacted beauty enthusiast Shannon Nelson of the popular beauty blog, AGirlsGottaSpa.com. She shares her thoughts on girls and makeup in this Q&A.

Q. How did you start using makeup?

A. I waited with bated breath for the day I turned 13 because then my mom gave me the green light to start wearing makeup. I was lucky to have yearly dance recitals every June to make up my face, but 13 would be the year I could do it every single day. I started out with the basics–pressed powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush and lip gloss; I was never really into lipstick, per se. If I remember correctly, the brand I started out with was “Clairol,” which makeup line isn’t around anymore.

Q. What led you to become a beauty enthusiast?

A. Just a fascination with how something as simple as mascara can transform your look. I’m sure all women will agree that they feel “different” when they wear makeup. I also watched my mom and grandmother take good care of their skin, which really kept them looking youthful. I figured that was my key to the fountain of youth. I’m also a big advocate of “truth in beauty” and think that being an educated beauty consumer is better than one that simply believes what the ads tell you.

Q. If you were to go without wearing makeup for a week, do you think you’d still feel beautiful and confident, naturally?

A. Sad to say, but no. I’ve been told my “natural” look is just as beautiful as when I wear makeup, but I think it is just something that is ingrained in me. I just feel more confident when I look “put together.”

Q. What are some ways that women use makeup? Why?

A. Some women use wearing makeup to give them a sense of self, to portray that confidence outwards to others or simply to help them feel better about themselves. For example, there is a program for women who are battling cancer called Look Good, Feel Better. Beauty and skin care brands donate products to Look Good, Feel Better every month. These are women who have lost their hair, their skin has been affected by the chemo, and from fighting cancer so hard they just look tired and worn out. The sense of community with other cancer patients and then the fun of being able to apply makeup really helps to boost their spirits. And a positive mind and outlook helps immensely in the fight against cancer.

After I had my 4th son, I got really sick and had to go back into the hospital for several days. However, because he was only days old and his immune system wasn’t up to par, he wasn’t allowed in due to virus’ and bacteria in the hospital. I was depressed. After two days of sitting there plain faced with my hair not done, I decided to ask my family to send in my beauty products. You have no idea the difference I felt when I did up my hair and put on makeup. It made those days isolated feel more bearable.

Q. When is makeup too much? Unnecessary? When does it go too far?

A. Well, it’s definitely unnecessary in young girls. My stomach turns when I see an 8-year-old girl wearing makeup. I am equally disgusted when I see a teenage girl with more makeup on her face than a clown at the circus. They overdo it and don’t understand that less is more. You can have fun with color and cosmetics without looking like you are ready to walk the street corner. But that’s just my opinion!

Q. Do people use makeup to mask things other than skin?

A. Sure. Low self esteem, trauma, lack of confidence, depression…makeup can hide a lot of things that we don’t want to reveal to others, especially strangers. Society judges a book by its cover, so if you look like you have your act together i.e. makeup, hair done, etc., then no one suspects there is anything amiss in your life.

Q. What would you say to young girls who are using makeup as a cover up?

A. That covering it up is only a band-aid. And eventually band-aids fall off and expose the wound. Deal with whatever the issue is no matter how difficult because ultimately it will transverse into other aspects of your life and have a deeper effect on you than the original hurt or pain. No amount of makeup will penetrate deep enough to cover what you are really feeling or trying to hide … eventually in some, way, shape or form, our true selves are always revealed.

Q. Any makeup tips you’d like to share?

A. Naturally, I’d say pay attention to your favorite beauty blogs! We work very hard to try to get you makeup tips from some of the top makeup artists. I surely wish I had beauty blogs to read back when I was first using makeup so that I could’ve learned to apply it the right way!

To get the right foundation and powder to match your skin tone, test it out on the top of your hand. If it blends, then you’ve hit the jackpot–if not, you’ll be able to tell right away if it’ll be too dark on your face or too light.

Know your skin tone–is it cool or warm? This too will help you figure out which color eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks will complement your skin tone. Three Custom Color Cosmetics has a quiz on their website to help you determine that.

And don’t overdo it! It’s better to use makeup to “highlight” your natural beauty than to simply take it over!

-Picture of Makeup Mask by My friend Tracy and I
-Picture of women flawlessly wearing makeup by Jason of the new street style site CitizenCouture.com for a guy making the transition from accounting to photography, he definitely has a good eye for perfect shots.

__xoxo Mo__

Inspiration...

2009-09-21T21:33:00.023-04:00

It's raining,
It's pouring
School is pretty boring
I go to bed
and in my head
are fantasies worth adoring...

It's storming pretty hard in my town, so hard there's much flooding, and people are dead/dying, luckily no one I know is hurt. Earlier today, as I watched twigs drift down the lane from my driveway my mind drifted to fashion week. If I could be THE editor, getting to sit front row at each exclusive presentation of collections, what would I wear? Who would I sit next to? How would I live? So in this dull state that only comes at this time of the school year, I needed something to remind me of what I'm working hard for...

Miroslava Duma (Ryder, this is for you :)

My favorite thing about this Russian fashion editor is her stylish mix of downtown hipster and uptown high fashion-ista, and she's not afraid to take risks and play with proportions. She also seems pretty sweet in this blog from Altamira. I've noticed she wears the latest trends without looking like an obsessed style slave, and she wears them really well for her petite frame. I wouldn't mind sitting next to her at a YSL show.

For more of her style, check out dresslikemira.blogspot.com

Olivia Palermo
I know, so typical, but you gotta admit, this girl knows how to put a look together. I've heard her character was seriously misrepresented on "The City", but I don't doubt she might be a bit catty, but I guess I'll discern that if/when I meet her.
Also, look at her apartment in New York's Gramercy neighborhood, pretty aspirational. La Couturier, still up for raiding her closet? ;)

Randomness (via The Sartorialist)

I have no idea who this young man is, but he looks like he'd make a good partner in couture-crime.

A real glamorous eccentric, Hamish Bowles, may be my future colleague when I one day work for Conde Nast. Don't you just love the "Hehehe, these are dad jeans" expression on his face? Go Hamish go!

Lauren Santo Domingo, another future co-Voguette

My other two partners-in-crime, who would just've come for having Starbucks/ Caribou Coffee (yum!) with me over what shows we've loved so far.
____

A caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, which always smells like happiness

A white chocolate mocha from Caribou Coffee, my favorite!

Rachel Zoe, the fairy godmother. Her style and personality, plus expertise, are pretty admirable.

But, take a look in the mirror, my fellow fabulous bloggers, because I'm pretty sure I'll see you at the tents, also.

The park (Madison Square, which looks quite circular to me-oh wait, now I see it) I'll strut through on my way home from a busy, beautiful day. A lot of fantasizing, but I think one needs a little whimsy while working as a nice escape, no? It's all aspirational...
-xoxo Mo

Falling For Fashion; A Runway Review

2009-09-03T19:23:00.006-04:00

In the somewhat fashionable city of Atlanta, lies a stellar newspaper made by teens, for teens. I happen to work at this paper, and am pretty much the staff fashion aficionado-- I ALWAYS write about fashion and something else, of course. So it only made sense that for my latest article in VOX's latest issue, I covered the Fall 2009 fashion season and what seems to be the hottest trends for my peers, and other fashion-philiacs (you guys ;). I've put the article here, but be sure to check out the full issue, my co-intern-slash-bff and I worked hard all summer helping to coach this issue. So, Voila!

There’s a memorable scene in a movie I love, “The Devil Wears Prada,” where Meryl Streep explains the trickle-down process of fashion.

“You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue. It’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean,” Streep says in the role of powerful fashionista Miranda Priestley to her unaware assistant. “You’re also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar De La Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn’t it, who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of 8 different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down... However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff.”

As Streep explains, it takes a lot of time, money and people to put together the hottest styles for each season. Though Fall Fashion Week was back in February, the runway trends are showing up in stores now. The most popular styles are right here!

Tuxedo
A staple for the classic gentleman, designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Erin Fetherston have taken the essence of the tuxedo and reworked it for a woman’s body. From tailored blazers to structured and sleek dresses, tuxedo-inspired styles are sure to give you a touch of class.

Detailed Shoulders
80s style has been back for a few seasons, and shoulder pads are the latest runway revival. With heavy studding and beadwork, designer Christophe Decarnin for Balmain has taken shoulder pads to an all-new edgy level, creating the “Balmainia” craze that drove many stars crazy. Get the look by wearing your dad’s blazers or looking through thrift stores for vintage apparel.

Asymmetric
Show a little shoulder! Fashion houses like Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro and Lanvin went to the other extreme, choosing to show some skin with sleek, one-shoulder dresses. If your school’s dress code bans such styles, try wearing a nice jacket over your asymmetrical piece for a finished look that keeps you out of trouble.

Old Hollywood Glamour
Glamour-icon Marilyn Monroe embodied many traits of a great woman. Designers for Armani, Nina Ricci, Gucci and Michael Kors paid homage to her and her era by incorporating old Hollywood flair into their fall collections. Luxe evening gowns and frilled peplum jackets filled fall ad campaigns. You can get this look by wearing over-the-knee pencil skirts, evening gloves — another popular trend — or riveting-ringlet curls instead of your usual hairstyle.

Renaissance Art
Don’t just stop at the 40s. Travel further back in time to the era of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces. Garments printed with Renaissance art dominated the runways of D&G Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry Prorsum. The historic “moody portraits” are soft and sensual, yet thought-provoking. Wearing them on a T-shirt is a cool way to show appreciation for art history.

Short Velvet Dresses
You might think velvet only belongs at medieval-times fairs and on southern-charmed sofas, but this season’s short velvet dresses are cozy, yet chic. Dresses like Diane von Furstenberg’s have a smooth, soft “touch-me” texture and give a taste of luxury.

The Edgy LBD
Find your inner Audrey Hepburn and conjure up the attitude of a James Bond vixen. Your result is this season’s little black dress. Jill Stuart and Alexander Wang added a futuristic twist on the classic staple with sleek cutouts and form-fitting style.

Monotone
You might’ve heard that wearing the same color from head to toe was wrong, but this season, think again! The monochromatic look can help you look taller and slimmer. Try wearing several pieces in one shade, like pale yellow (Narciso Rodriguez) or all black (Jill Stuart).

Origami Pleating
The Japanese art of paper folding made its way to the runway with intricately-folded silky fabrics in rich colors and jewel tones like purple and forest green. Origami pleating can do wonders to accentuate a bustline like in this season’s collections by Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan. “The tricky folds highlight the sexy décolletage area without revealing too much — making it a DO for both flat-chested and busty gals,” says Glamour.com, the Web site for Glamour magazine.

Fur
Luxe, warm and oh-so-cozy fur stoles were seen at many shows including Givenchy and Dolce and Gabbana. Statistics even agree with this trend; showing that more Americans are finding it acceptable to wear fur, up from 54 percent to 61 percent in the past year, according to a Gallup.com poll. Look for faux fur to avoid getting caught up in controversy or spending big bucks.

Sweetheart Style
Become an autumn darling this season, like the girls at Erin Fetherston’s show, by adorning your hair or neck with a bow. It dresses you up and helps you look tres adorable.

Stockings
Be schoolgirl-chic by wearing knee-high stockings with skirts or dresses that stop right above the knee, like the models at Jill Stuart and Louis Vuitton. Be careful with this look though. If you’re short or if the proportions don’t quite add up, it might not work for you.

Tattoo
From pierced red roses to pinup girls, tattoo graphics were printed on jackets, shoes, and bags at several design houses like Maison Martin Margiela. Look for less expensive pieces from Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier.

Vampire
Call it the “Twilight” effect. Darker colors, blood-red lipstick, and faux fangs bit their way into high-end magazines like Italian Vogue and Cosmopolitan. To revamp your look without getting into horror movie territory, try wearing a Victorian-style ruffled blouse with dark denim or adopting the rocker style of lots of black leather and tight pants — just not too tight. ;)

Modupe, 16, is a junior at Stephenson whose style icons include Miroslava Duma and Olivia Palermo, and she loves September magazine issues!

Sources: Glamour.com, coutorture.com, teenvogue.com, Elle.com and style.com

*Photos Courtesy of Style.com

Also, for VOX, I've been chosen as one of this school year's interns. I have the title of Interactive Publishing, which means I get to work on our awesome paper, developing our video department as well as working on the VOX blog! (So be sure to check it out.)
Aussi, I might be starting another blog in the future, which will include the fashion related, but more explorative of other topics. Not quite sure yet, but just letting you know...;)

-xoxo Mo

Let's Play Catch-Up...

2009-08-18T21:40:00.000-04:00

It feels like I've been wiped off the face of the blogosphere for the past couple of weeks; they've been hectic, yet wonderful and terrible simultaneously.
Alas, my summer vacation (which rarely included relaxation) has come to an end and I'm back in high school for my junior year, which is pretty much the most stressful year of school-with all the testing and scrambling to take the right classes, looking for scholarships, finding the perfect college for moi- but whatever, I'm not going to bore with you with those things, but attempt to excite you with some more a few things.
The first time I was on TV ->click<-, it was right after last school year ended, and you all were wonderful with your warming comments. I find it almost too coincidental that the 2nd and most recent time I made a television appearance aired the day before this school year started-but maybe that's just me over thinking.
Anyhoo, this time, VOX's founder and Executive Director and I visited another Atlanta morning show, JJ On Atlanta . Unfortunately, I can't find the video, but I have pictures!

Me in the makeup chair

One of my amazing editors (if you look close you see me taking the picture ;)

Random wall I stared at while waiting in the green room

Lights! camera! action, the set:

So, umm,Yeah. Anyhoo...
On the first day of school, I wanted to wear something similar to the Olivia Palermo look in my "Chocolate Craving" section but I didn't, I went for something a little more...well, frilly. That was inspired by this past creation

Tiered From Day To Night by Mo512 featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses

As you can see, I haven't mastered the "blogger pose" quite yet...but tell me what you think. Any advice? Also...let's play catch up; what've you been up to?

;)
xoxo Mo

Why Not Do a Little Dazzle?

2009-07-25T19:19:00.014-04:00

After a lot of inspirational posts from many a lovely blogger, my senses have now turned to the thought of not being afraid to sparkle. Or at least letting your clothes sparkle. In my Spring fashion review for VOX, I noted sequins and many other glitzy accessories were runway staples. So I thought, why not practice what I preach?
Take a look at these glammed-up editorials. Whether it's a subtle accessory, or the outfit itself, each look inspires dazzle.

from Vogue China

from Flair Magazine

From Dazed&Confused

from Zink Magazine

from Volt Magazine

Let's not forget about the addiction-worthy Balmain!

This last dress makes me wish I was a ballerina

These photos from style.com

While we're on the topic of lovely, shiny things, I stumbled across this contest. A director from the LuShae Jewelry site told me that "The competition is drawn every month and there are no limitations on the number of entries or how long you can remain entered..." The odds seem pretty fair. Why not frost yourself for free? (technically by winning)...

Inspired to Ice yourself yet? ;)
xoxo Mo

Long Time, No Ring

2009-07-13T22:11:00.012-04:00

I love this editorial that I found through Mutima. It's by photographer Alice Rosati. The second is definitely my favorite shot. It's not of a depressed girl, but still has a melancholic flair to it that I simply adore.
There's something about that fresh and effortless just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-I'm-still-gorgeous look that certain people can embody, it's an enviable trait that I'm trying to master. Especially the wild-hair-open-mouth expression

Masters of this look:
Coco Rocha

Lara Stone, the one and only, also my latest model-crush

(by Hedi Slimane)

Heidi Mount

Sasha Pivovarova (I love her. She's getting her own post soon ;)

Many, many more that I'm not secure enough too post...
Just playing, but I honestly can't imagine searching for this type of image much too longer.

Take Me Away...

2009-06-30T20:29:00.010-04:00

Though this editorial is a bit old, every time I look at it, I'm inspired to become more of a globetrotter than a jet setter. I'm talking about "Spirited Away", an editorial in Marie Claire's November 2007 featuring Kate Walsh. Though I've always thought of the magazine as a "softer" type of high-fashion magazine, I was really blown away by the inspiring styles, yet thoughtful-almost intellectual locations. I guess you could call it "smart fashion."

"Today’s young traveler takes the high road," it reads. "Forgoing waves in Malibu for enlightenment in Bhutan. Her style? A global mix of luxe fabrics and timeless patterns."

I think this one is my favorite.

How about you? Loving it or hating it? Bored or inspired?

xoxo Mo

For details and image sourcing, go to MarieClaire.com

Currently Craving...Iceberg S/S08

2009-06-10T15:13:00.004-04:00

I know this is a few seasons old, but I just realized how much I adore Iceberg's S/S08 collection. The brand's show in Milan a while back opened with the lovely Tanya Dziahileva, and included beauties Coco Rocha, Olga Sherer, Megan McNierney and Behati Prinsloo.

The collection had an interesting color palette of friendly pink, white, gold, black and a gorgeous charcoal gray. My favorite thing about it was probably the short cut dresses and rompers. The type that make your legs look mile-long! My favorites are below,
This one is my favorite, but I think I'd have preferred it in the other gold fabric used in the collection.

This gold fabric. Can you see the dress I'm envisioning?

This looks to be an adorable sweater dress, I love the belt with it

This one with the lovable harem pant trend

This one, the perfect summer romper

(The funny thing about this particular look is that it inspired me to put together an outfit, consisting of this Alexander McQueen black leather blazer and my other current craving- black gladiator heels. The main problem is that its sent me on wild goose chase to find the perfect pair of white bubble shorts, one race that has-so far-been unsuccessful.)
(all pictures from Style.com)

Anyhoo, thank you for all your comments on the last post. They're very encouraging.

One Lovely Blog

2009-06-10T13:27:00.012-04:00

Thanks to Sonia from Etrapar , I've been given the "One Lovely Blog" award. Now I must...
* Accept the award, post it on you're blog with the name of the person who gave it *Pass the award to 15 (I'm doing 16) other blogs discovered recently (contact them)
1. Ct of Bonbon's Vintage
2. Style Brownie
3. This Chick's Got Style
4. Pop Champagne
5. Donna and Navaz
6. Mutima
7. Mavi
8. Ms. Butterfly
9. Coco's Tea Party
10. The Glamorous Eccentric
11. Life of Brian
12. Loft in Soho
13. Pencilfashion
14. XS
15. Dream Sequins
16. Geri Wu

Now pass on the love!

Since I Last Blogged...

2009-05-30T12:11:00.014-04:00

Hi people! I don't mean to blog practically once a month, but it was like "Aargh! there's never anytime!" I really loved and enjoyed all your comments on my last post, as I always do. Don't you just love the love of the blogosphere?!
But, anyhoo, since I last blogged, quite a few events have gone on in my life.

-I turned 16! (May 12th) I should start driving now, but I haven't even learned, yet. I'm not all too eager anymore because...
- I lost a friend/classmate to a drunk driving incident. It definitely opened my eyes and I realized, I have no reason to rush t get on the road. Besides, hopefully, I'll live in NYC when I get older so I'll just take a cab/subway.
-I finished my sophomore year of high school. Which is basically the 10th year, now it's only two more years before I can go to university. (May I toot my own horn and add that I'm an honor student! LOL :)
-I was 2009 Journalist of the Year at VOX (for getting published the most) and I'm gonna be a summer intern! Yay fun summer jobs!
- In one of my last articles for this school years, I stated that I had "big hopes for an awesome summer". It looks that way so far because I went on a morning talk show called "Good Day Atlanta." If you live in the U.S., it's basically one of Atlanta's versions of Good Morning America. Anyhoo, my friends and family were amazingly supportive in the whole thing, they're all like "You're famous Mo!" but not quite yet, I still have many more plans for my future.
This is what it was like

___________________________
Getting make up done

Chatting with the producer

What's behind this door? (VOX Board Chair)

Getting "mic-ed"

-->Click<-- for the video!

Warning! I will now attempt a style post!
This is a better view of what I wore

While taking these outside pictures, my friend Tracy and I almost got in trouble with a security guard. Thankfully, he was really nice and let us take them.

ps-I'm thinking pretty soon, I'll do a picture post of how beautiful Atlanta is. Add this to your list of vacation spots! Also, I've been thinking of making a few changes to the blog. Anyone up for a link exchange?

Love,
Mo

Our Class In Fashion Photography

2009-05-14T20:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday in class, we all got a little emotional with the inevitable departure of our seniors. It got me to thinking; it was really sweet how well we all got along, compared to last semester’s class (ick)! I’m glad that those people dropped the class in the beginning of the semester. Like Kristin said, “We’re like a family!” A journalism family that never really got our website finished, but that’s okay because what we learned were life lessons that you can’t put a price on. With all our class discussions, we all enlightened each other at one point or another, and expressed our views in ways much more intellectual than our other schoolmates.
I know you guys saw that at first, I didn’t really interact. Over there on my computer in the corner, off into the fashion blogosphere, lol. But you guys took the time to include me in your conversations and become friends with you guys, and understood my obsession with fashion, photography, etc. and didn’t misunderstand me for not being into hip hop. This class has really been a friendly, open forum where teens got to get into journalism, my passion. And though it’s sad that we must move on, it’s the only way we can grow. Anyhoo… because of my fashion obsession, I’m paying homage to all of you guys by matching you up with some amazing photographs.

Ms. Moore-
I chose this picture for you because it’s bold. Very much like you, the model in the picture commands a presence, similar to the way you do when you want something done. Thanks for teaching one of my favorite classes and making it an assignment to blog, which—as you can see—I’ve fallen in love with.
Dontia-
Okay, so maybe this isn’t a fashion photograph. But this picture reminds me of you because we have the same enchanted imagination. My fellow Tokio Hotel fan, the fairy in this picture is also as fierce as I know you truly are. Thanks for being so awesome and know that I’ll help you through the rest of your high school years, if you want me to.
Justin-
I chose this for you, not because you wear glasses, but because you seem very reserved. But at the same time, a strong, sensible young man who knows where he’s going in life. You have the type of personality needed to wear something from Jaguar—cool, calm and collected.
Kristin-
I chose this picture for you because the dress’ color is very bright and bold, much like you personality. And your first blogs were the type that one could lose themselves in, if they listened (much like the model seems to be losing herself in the moment). I think you’re cool, funny and just an awesome person to know.
Carlton-
This is for you because you’re pretty bad-a**. Your voice makes you seem like a James Bond-type dude, because it’s commanding, and if you use it wisely, it’ll take you places that require you to look as svelte as this dude. You are smart and laid-back, and have a gifted voice. Own it.
Cherelle-
I’ve chosen this for you because the florals in this editorial remind me of your poetic gift. It’s beautiful, unrequited and makes so much sense, it’s vibrant and bold like the flower petals. You’ve always been really cool and I wish we had time for you to teach me some of your awesome videography skills. I think it’s kick-butt awesome that you’re going to SCAD and will be surrounded by people as talented as you are.
Tareek-
I chose this picture for you because the football gear screamed TAREEK! Lol, but seriously it’s an athlete thing. Disregard the thing on the dude’s face. You have a “guiding” aura around you that reminds me of my older brother (Tobi—he went here last year, he was on the football team too.) You seemed like an older brother type, so I’m not surprised that you’re into teaching, which makes you admirable. You’ve been a really cool, level-headed and friendly guy and I’m glad to have met you.
Miata-
I chose this picture for you because you’re sporty and athletic, but still feminine. Like the model, she’s a pretty girl in a car lot which looks masculine but she still fits in perfectly. I like this picture for you because you have both tomboy qualities and girly qualities which is an excellent balance.
Elie-
This picture is for you because you’re a male model. Seriously. Go to COACD (on my side listing) and check out some of the modeling agencies listed. Immediately. Cash in on your good looks! But overall, you seem like a pretty cool dude, too. I had another picture in mind for you, because you seem like a bit of a “player” but this one fit. Now go search for your agency.
Keenan-
As you can see, this is a motion shot because you are always in motion and all over the place. Though I scold you often for doing too much, know that it’s because I’m trying to help you become a better journalist. I’ll never understand where you get all your energy, but I’m glad you have it because it means that you aren’t letting school and a busy schedule suck the life out of you, unlike moi. So Keenan, keep on keeping on!

As you can see, I’ve tried to capture the qualities of you guys, but it’s almost impossible to do because you have such strong vibes of your own. Also, thanks for all your well wishes for my 16th birthday on Tuesday. I think we were an awesome group of students. Don’t you?

-XOXO Mo

ps- I know you guys sometimes wonder just what I listen to everyday. Click- This is my playlist.

When Accesories Take Over the City

2009-04-26T20:43:00.009-04:00

Shoes from Givenchy S/S09. - legs of Natasha Poly
Bag from Devi Kroell New York
Picture of Times Square from Future of the Book

I'm no Miss Dior Couture, but I've been working on my Photoshop collage skills. This took a few minutes, and I'm kind of proud of it. What if accessories take over the city?

Ten of My Favorite Fashion Videos

2009-04-20T18:10:00.008-04:00

I was going to publish this in VOX, but some issues with our policy came up, so I'm going to show it here!

If the last day of school (or summer vacation) can’t come fast enough for you, let these fashion videos be your escape into a whimsical world. These prove that fashion is much more than what you wear, but a fantastical and breathtaking, stylish way of life.

10. Diesel Fuel for Life #1- You might have to watch them over and over again to understand, but these three clips subtly make you wonder if you are living and having some fun in your life.

9. Hello Kitty Meets M.A.C. - When this adorable fashion muse dances with the dark side, you’ll wonder: is she really naughty or nice?

8. Levi’s Onion Peel – If you never get to be a model, this commercial is a one-and-a-half minute peek at what life might be like if you were.

7. Prada Trembled Blossoms – An animated adventure, this colorful video is like taking a fresh twist on Alice in Wonderland.

6. Louis Vuitton Core Values- Where will life take you? This award-winning ad by the famed director Bruno Aveillan gets you wondering about what’s next in your life; you can travel the world and still not know who you are.

5. Levi’s Odyssey- How far will you go for your jeans? Watch the pair in this Levi’s commercial literally run to the ends of the earth because you just can’t have enough denim.

4. Chanel No. 5 the Film– Sometimes a starlet needs to escape Hollywood, so she does it leaving behind the timeless scent of Chanel.

3. Levi’s Moonbathing- This video shows what it’s like to be mystified by the moon’s allure. Insomniac or nocturnal, some of us find peace only at night.

2. Miss Dior Cherie- The playful song “Moi Je Joue” by Brigitte Bardot and the girl-next-door sweetness of model Maryna Linchuk expressed in this video give you an idea of what life would be like if you were the princess of Paris.

1. Lanvin Oxygene- You’ll need oxygen after watching this breathtaking video, another Bruno Aveillan masterpiece starring Gisele Bundchen. From bustling city streets to the peaceful quiet of the arctic, this video gives a new spin on a breath of fresh air.

photo credit: via-parfumeria.hu

After watching these, I gained an overnight obsession for these kind of commercials and I'm entranced by the work of Bruno Aveillan.

I've Been Tagged!

2009-04-09T18:03:00.005-04:00

(yes random...but these are a few of my favorite things...it's my new desktop :)

I’ve been tagged by awesome Esther from Rhapsody in Boots

What is your current obsession?
Black and white photography, Short Filmmaking (like fashion commercials- Bruno Aveillan is incredible!), Pop Art , Collages, Europe travel and Art History

What is your weirdest obsession?
I’m in love with the moon, and I’m falling for dark fantasy. Maybe I shouldn’t have shared that…

What are you wearing today?
Just getting over the stomach flu, so I’m pretty lazy in jeans and a white t-shirt that says “when I said I liked you, I was “Lion” (with a picture of a lion, cheesy but it works )

What’s for dinner today?
Hmm… food right now makes my stomach bubble so I’ve been getting through the day with two granny smith apples and a handful of grapes, maybe I’ll attempt pizza.

Why is today special?
Because I’m alive and sore from yoga and kickboxing with my editors yesterday…somehow that’s significant. It’s also Thursday of my Spring Break and tomorrow, I get to job-shadow the associate editor of a magazine in Atlanta…super excited!

What would you like to learn to do?
Play piano and guitar because I write songs but have no singing skills. And learn to rock Photoshop.

What’s the last thing you bought?
A ticket for the train -in Atlanta, it’s called ‘MARTA’ but everywhere else it’s the Metro, I go downtown a lot because I write for a teen newspaper called VOX and my parents refuse to drive to the city 3 times a week in Atlanta traffic

What are you listening to right now?
My baby sister cry, she thinks someone ate her cookies but she already ate them. But otherwise “Faith” by Bittersweet, it’s so sultry

What is your favorite weather?
Thunderstorms! They help me think, lazy rainy weather…the occasional sunny day. Funny enough, I was born in Nigeria in the middle of May but I’m not that fond of the sun. Go figure.

What is your most challenging goal right now?
Similar to Esther’s, deciding exactly what I want to do. I love writing but I’m afraid if I become an editor for a magazine (my most likely choice), I can’t do photography for other ones, plus I also want to produce films, possibly work in PR. My definite industries are fashion, media &communications, but can barely narrow it down from there. Also, finding an agency before I turn 16 on May 12, time is flying and I haven't actually started searching

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
She’s very funny; Esther’s got amazing style, taste and an equally incredible personality,. (and also my little cousin’s and my grandmother’s name :) Bloggers are the best!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
London or SoHo, New York

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
A letter from Anna Wintour saying that she thinks I’d be an awesome addition to the Vogue family and should move to NYC instantly….a girl can dream, no?

What would you like to get rid of?
The SATs and other standardized tests, I ‘m a sophomore so I don’t have to take too many yet, but I could live without them. 3 inches off my waist wouldn’t hurt either, I’m so close to a size two and there’s a dress I’d like to wear for an upcoming wedding…

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Hmm…The Met or the New York Public Library… I love libraries and art museums!

Which language do you want to learn?
Yoruba (my native tongue that I’ve never learned to speak), French, Italian, [Brazilian] Portuguese and German so I can better understand Tokio Hotel

What did you dream of last night?
It was a virtually sleepless night, but I think I drifted away and my whole school came down with the stomach flu, we all suffered and recovered together. How’s that for school spirit?

Who do you want to meet in person?
The list is endless... Jesus Christ, probably Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld- generally all the editors of Vogue, Cory Kennedy- she has this effortless ‘cool’ I admire

What’s your favorite type of music?
That changes, it’s more like favorite artists…I like Tokio Hotel, Simple Plan, Lil Wayne, MIA, Bittersweet, Frank Sinatra, The Veronicas and from my childish days- Chris Brown and Rihanna. I’m always on the lookout for new music/artists since I can rarely make up my mind to what I really like

What’s the favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
Grey skinny jeans and my black leather jacket, it was love at first wear…

What is your dream job?
Fashion editor, photographer, director, writer, possibly a model, PR

Any favorite photographers?
Definitely Newton and Penn, Demarchelier, Meisel and Testino are incredible. But as of recent I seriously adore Cameron Krone and James Mountford. Black and white is my obsession, and I’ve followed their work since reading about them on Pony Ryder

If you had £100 now what would you spend it on?
A day at Starbucks, my mum won’t let me have coffee anymore and subscriptions to British and French Vogue, Dazed and Confused

Fashion pet peeve?
Not dressing for your size…if it’s that small for you and you can’t figure out how to make it work (lol Tim Gunn moment), let it go

Do you admire anyone’s style?
Practically everyone on lookbook.nu  the style there is endless, Carine Roitfeld, Coco Rocha (the model-off-duty look is my fave.), Rihanna, Kate Moss, Zoe Kravitz, the Olsen Twins (sometimes), Rumi Neely from Fashion Toast, Pharell Williams (love skater boys!) there’s many more I just can’t think of at the moment

Describe your personal style
As you can see in the previous post, it changes with my mood. Some days I’m all emo-cool and wearing black, others when I’m lazy: a pair of frayed shorts, an oversized shirt or tank a la Alexander Wang, chunky heels or slouchy boots and thigh high socks, occasionally I get all ‘Devil Wears Prada’ and pretend like I just came straight out of the Sartorialist during fashion week… yeah. I can’t really choose one

Okay, here's the rules:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

2. Tag eight other people.
I'm doing nine :)
My lovely victims: (cough) oops I mean the bloggers I'll tag:

La Couturier
Daphne
Kandace
Ida
Ryder
Hanna of Little Miss Dress Up
Rosanna of Little Miss Dress Up
Pretty Neons
Dawn

Been Polyvore'n

2009-04-06T16:50:00.004-04:00

Two days ago, I finally got my computer back from being fixed after it crashed, unfortunately, I lost all my files, which means I've lost most of my life being that I spend so much time writing and creating pictures and graphics. In an attempt to reconcile myself, I went to Polyvore, figuring that Styling would make me happy. It did! Here's what I came up with:

1. Styling Down The Street

Styling Down the street by Mo512 featuring Balmain jackets
This outfit is because I love blazers, and simple items- putting them together makes everything fabulous. I love shorts to show off my legs. I also think a blazer just adds this type of unexplainable chic touch to a look. If I decide to go into fashion PR, I'd wear this on the job.

2. Tiered From Day To Night

Tiered From Day To Night by Mo512 featuring Elizabeth and James jackets
This one, i love. It wasn't the exact top I was looking for but it's close enough and its Marc. You can't resist that. I think this can be worn with or without the blazer(which should be open), or with the option of the heels or flats, I actually wanted this with gladiator heels, but it's so typical of me so I sprung for the showy peep toe. If I get to work at Vogue, I'd definitely wear this.

3. Tokio Hotel Tribute

Tokio Hotel by Mo512 featuring Alexander Wang tank tops
Now, this one I love because the background is of SoHo, my future home. I love it and want to live there because it's artsy and so full of life, like most of NYC. I also like this one because it's my little tribute to Tokio Hotel, my favorite band since I got tired of hip hop. It's very punk rock, and the Alexander Wang tank is just so casual yet awesome, it fits in so well, plus Converse are my new obsession. If I ever get to work at Nylon, this would be one of my daily looks.

But now that I think about it, no matter where I work, I'd wear these 3 looks, because they're so much an expression of my different style which, as you can see, is very basic colored- black, grey and white are my usual colors with something bright every now and then. Haven't posted in a while so, ahhh, this makes me feel so much better...:)
How've you all been?

Here's to the Hottest 50 year old around!

2009-03-16T19:41:00.004-04:00

I never thought I'd be jealous of something plastic, even more, jealous of something 50 years old. Well i thought again when i gazed through Nylon's
post of (Kaiser)Karl Lagerfeld designed gorgeous looks for Barbie for her 50th anniversary.

1st I'm kind of jealous at how fabulous those pieces are. 2nd I'm jealous of how she (i should be saying "it" because Barbie's plastic) of how it gets to stand with hottie male model Baptiste Giabiconi (hope I spelled that right).

(That look is very Chanel, no?)

I got my first Barbies early in elementary school for Christmas, right after I moved from Nigeria to the States. It was a Christie doll and a regular Barbie and I remember thinking, wow. They're very much like the supermodels from the GAP ads. Barbie had everything to be envied, including a Malibu Dreamhouse (which i had no clue about, but since she had one, i wanted it. Marketing is cruel, no? lol). Before long , I ended up with one of those life-sized Barbie's, which I used to hide in my closet because it scared me (those blue eyes used to follow me, I'm so serious). One of my hobbies is designing, so I'd try out my outfits on the doll, sewing to the best of my ability, like any designer fits his clothes to a model, I did the same.
I later concluded that Barbie is actually pretty useful: temporarily detach one of her limbs and you have a makeshift baseball bat , perfect for defending you against mean older brothers- my gosh that sounds morbid when I think about it, "detach"-
She serves as great inspiration, an imaginary friend and at the end of the day, an awesome, style-inspiring toy. So here's to the most fabulous 50 year old around-- Barbie Doll!

Click here for the awesome Barbie 50th Anniversary Fashion Show at Fall NYFW

photo credit: colette.fr

Snowfall in the South

2009-03-05T21:30:00.007-05:00

I haven't posted in so long ( my computer crashed, I know...*sniff*) but nonetheless, it finally snowed in Atlanta!

My family and I were in church when I looked outside and wondered why someone was throwing paper scraps from the roof...
But it wasn't paper scraps, it was snow!
I live (basically) in Atlanta, where it's typically 70-80 degrees(Fahrenheit) and it only ever snows in March. And as promised March 1st, the thick, fluffy precipitation drifted from the sky and allowed us a day with no school.

It carpeted the earth and blanketed everything else in sight. I had to bring my teddy bear, named Snow...lol, in for the action.

(Before you wonder why a 15 year old has (and still claims) a teddy bear, it's because I won it in a fifth grade winter wonderland trivia game. I also accesorized it, with a tie and a bow [thinking very Gossip Bear] because of pure boredom...)

On March 1st, most fashion-lovers were watching the Milan runways for the best Italian trends, and I was watching snow fall, thinking of what Frida Giannini was going to present for Gucci. Anyhoo... that day was a lot of fun (and gave me a lot of time to revise my paper on Edgar Allan Poe, yay!) and I'm still waiting for the [beloved] snow to melt. You?

The Life of a Male Model

2009-02-17T22:20:00.003-05:00

(from elq-magazine.blogspot.com)
"Sometimes I'll see another model on the street and we will nod 'hey' to each other. It's like a club." I want to join! Lol
- male model Petey Wright from Ford

In New York Magazine's article,
"Petey and the Boys:
The wandering days and bunk-bed nights of Fashion Week’s handsome rookies"

I read about the life of a male model. I never realized how expensive modeling is, (for both sexes)

Excerpts:

"Financially speaking, male modeling is not unlike being a straight-male porn star: The men have always made less than the women, and very few become big names. For most magazine work, models are paid less than $250. Twenty percent of that goes to the agency, which also bills models for their board and expenses. “Sometimes you get charged for things you never thought of,” says Petey, “like $30 a month to be on the website.”

Almost all of the male models I meet seem straight. “Gay models will go down in history as the biggest misconception about the male modeling world,” says Ferguson.

But being straight doesn’t seem to make any difference backstage, where the female models are avoiding the male models like at recess in elementary school. The women are preened over by stylists, surrounded by fashion reporters, while the guys just hang around and smoke. Maybe it’s the discrepancy in income and age—the girls all seem to be highly paid 15-year-olds. “They seem, I don’t know, really serious,” says AJ.

Ford maintains two male-model apartments—one in Greenpoint and one in a high-rise in Chinatown—but agencies have them all over the city. In the Greenpoint apartment, there are five bedrooms, each with at least two sets of bunk beds, plus a central room with a large kitchen and living room that contains a Chuck Norris–style exercise machine. A model named Will Anderson found the place and persuaded Ford to let him be the super and manager. At 36 years old, he is like the stern Mrs. Garrett in the house. He has lived in model apartments for ten years now, and in 2006 he self-published a coffee-table photo book called Apt. 301, a collection of his snapshots of sexy boy models sleeping, eating, and horsing around in messy rooms and rumpled sheets."

He sounds a little weary, and lonely. “You get up and get on a plane, go through customs alone, your cell phone doesn’t work, you don’t talk to your friends. I’m in a weird state right now. I’m not sure what I really want.”

He’d mostly prefer to stay in Nashville, especially now that he’s trying to rekindle things with Sally.

But his agents are urging him to get back to New York, fast. “They told me it’s a vital time in my career,” he says. Vman and Ford just announced the winners of the second-annual Model Search, and the model apartments will soon be filled with a new crop of pretty faces. Last year’s boys will have to hustle. "
Ouch

___________
But Petey's cute, and he looks like he'll last. I really do hope he's successful.

(photos found on Google)

XOXO
-Mo

New York Fashion Week Starts Tomorrow!

2009-02-11T16:41:00.009-05:00

AWO9 kicks off in New York tomorrow and I'm extremely excited! Even though I'm not going, I like to read about it on style.com, New York magazine's fashion section and on live-blogs. I'm extremely anxious to see new trends for fall.
Sadly, this is the last NYFW at Bryant Park, since next season it moves to the Lincoln Center. On top of that, many designers are moving their shows to their showrooms and just changing to presentations period.
But anyway,
According to COACD, this is the schedule

So many good shows going on at the same time! How do editors pick and decide which to attend which to not?
All I know, is I hope soon I can attend. Think of how awesome it'd be to have backstage photos

(photo from New Yok Times)

On the runway photos

(photo credit: James Mountford)

And to go to all the cool parties, meet the best editors (imagine just "bumping" into Meredith Melling Burke or Anna Wintour)

(photo credit: mediabistro.com)

Or maybe even finding yourself sharing a cab with a model late for a show
(imagine Chanel Iman or Coco Rocha asking you to split a cab?!)
Yeah, I know..my imagination is wild, lol

How cool would it be to write a behind-the-scenes article, or report live from the fashion capitals?

I'm anticipating Jason Wu (you know because of Michelle O., speaking of which, check her out here on VOGUE)
Marc Jacobs (of course), Zac Posen (love), Betsey Johnson...

But nonetheless, I'm very excited for the shows! You?

OMG. D I O R

2009-02-06T21:24:00.004-05:00

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2009
The Show looked A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Click Here For it

Bruna Tenorio awes in one of my favorite looks...

Style.com's Sarah Mower said that John Galliano's (in all his awesome-ness) inspiration for the show was "Flemish painters and Monsieur Dior." About the show, considering this current recession, he says "There's a credit crunch, not a creative crunch. Of course, everyone is being more careful with their discretionary purchases. I am. But it's our job to make people dream, and to provide the value in quality, cut, and imagination."

And boy did he make me dream. Each detail of each garment was perfectly carried-out, and added to the Dutch Golden-Age Fantasy that was created in my mind as soon as the first girl walked out.

The shoes, OMG the shoes...

The hair and makeup

The accents on each look...

I would love to have been there, experiencing all the beautifully-structured pieces firsthand.

Do we need any more proof that Monsieur Galliano is some type of magical genius? I don't think so, he outdoes himself every season. Incredible.

For more on the show and Photo credits: Style.com

Look of The Day: A Little Blair Waldorf Goes A Long Way

2009-02-01T15:54:00.008-05:00

As seen here on Lookbook

I can't think of what I don't like about this outfit, I saw it on a post on Lookbook a while ago and I haven't been able to get over it!
The Marc Jacobs shoes are lovely,the over-the-knee stockings are wonderful, the coat and the gloves are just wonderful and the bow on the headband? Adorable. Love it!

(Edit: this isn't me I just love the look)

Reflections of a Wonderul Night

2009-01-25T21:02:00.001-05:00

Lovefool - Cardigans Lovefool at school

In VOX's latest issue, I wrote 3 articles. One is like me trying to be the Sartorialist found here
The second was an artist spotlight of Tokio Hotel found here
_________________________
And the third was about my first photo shoot in November. It's my favorite. Found here excerpts...

"I have always dreamed of being on a professional photo shoot because of my love for magazine editorials and curiosity to see how they’re put together. So, when Atlanta Magazine partnered with VOX for a high school-themed spread in its current issue, I took advantage of the opportunity. It was a dream come true. Along with me, 26 other VOX writers gave the magazine an insider’s look at what it’s like to be in high school today. In addition to writing, we also got a little taste of the model’s life. We got our makeup professionally done, hair styled and wardrobe readied for the glossy pages."
________________________________
A little tap of foundation, a brush of blush and a smooth dab of lipstick later, I was ready for my shoot.

"You know, Alex, she's a fashion girl," one of the assistants told the photographer. He looked at me with an Oh really? expression.
"Who's your favorite designer?" he asked, snapping a test shot of me.
"John Galliano!" I replied, hoping the picture would come out nice. I loved the small talk because it showed me the crew wanted to have fun like I did.
"I realized that everything was near perfect for me when “Lovefool” by The Cardigans came on. It was the song I always pictured playing at my first photo shoot. It was all too surreal. Nervous excitement sent chills down my spine when it hit me that this shoot was indeed real.
Before I knew it, the photographer was clicking away. Tyra always says smile with your eyes. Chanel Iman says turn this way to catch the light. Coco Rocha says to make sure your eyes don’t have shadows. I thought of some of my favorite models’ advice. I combined their words with the photographer’s directions, tried my CoverGirl smile and used my best angles to strike perfect poses.
“Yes, right there, hold it,” Alex said.

At first, I was nervous as he moved closer with the camera, but soon it was as easy as strolling through a park. More and more, I held gaze with the lens and pretended it was my best friend. Closer and closer the camera came, the lights flashed, and I twisted, turned, smiled and did what I’d watched great models like Jessica Stam and Sasha Pivovarova do.

I observed that the photographer was nothing like photographers are portrayed in the movies (like I hoped). There was none of that, "Yes, yes, you're fierce! You're a tiger! You're a lion — roar, darling, roar!" like we see in "America's Next Top Model," which paints a limited picture of the modeling world. Alex was straightforward but fun. Though I could see his serious passion for photography when I noticed his focus with the camera, I also walked away feeling like he wanted us to enjoy the shoot. Every couple of seconds on the set, we'd all burst out into laughter because the photographer made a joke or did a funny movement to make us VOXers feel comfortable. He wanted the perfect shot, and hopefully, we gave it to him.

Taking part in this photo shoot gave me a peek into modeling and the fast-paced fashion editorial world. The wonderful thrill I felt from the crew’s vibrant energy and flashing lights and from being in front of the lens made the experience an unforgettable one that I’d happily go through again."
____________________

I can't even find the final photo online, lol
The actual article I wrote for Atlanta Magazine is here

This was my outfit, from my closet

A black suit blazer, a blue ruffled blouse with sliver stripes, a silver belt and a pair of black boots

Some random behind the scenes pics...

the empty set

Doing that shoot was probably one of the best moments of my life...
A very satisfied girl...

Who Will Michelle Obama Wear? Isabel Toledo!

2009-01-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

Going back to a recent post, Who Will Michelle Obama Wear? the question's been answered:

"First lady Michelle Obama wowed the crowds in a sparkly yellow-gold sheath dress with a matching coat by Isabel Toledo. Always the practical shopper, she topped her outfit with olive-green gloves from J.Crew and green shoes. First daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, strutted their fashion feet in colorful pink and blue coats, also from J. Crew."
-Lili Lidaga of Yahoo News in article "Obama inauguration: Hits and misses"

I'm not going to lie, I honestly couldn't figure out who she was wearing. At first glance from my classroom's crappy TV, I thought it was something from Prada's Fall 2008 collection Because the patterns on the dress reminded me of the guipure lace used by Miuccia Prada. After a closer look, I realized that it couldn't be, the guipure lace had larger accents on it. I'm still practicing my designer recognition (I obviously need to-lol)

From Collages

I'm ready for this "change". I haven't quite caught Obama-Fever like most people I know, but needless to say, I was happy for the family. Barack's dream came true (and the dreams of many others. We were there to witness it. I just pray that with all that he has on his plate (two wars, a free-falling economy, this environmental disaster), President Obama is able to do what he's promised, so we don't all look like fools. I pray that he's wise in making decision's. I pray he's not killed in the process. But most of all, I pray that everything turns out for the better.
In his speech, he said something that worried me.
"...the next generation must lower its sights." He said something before that but that's what got to me. Honestly, at the rate of this economy, who's going to be worried about fashion, my beloved fashion? A lot of designers are canceling their shows and after-parties...

But then he said something that made me happy. "All deserve the chance to pursue their {measure?} of happiness..." Which we do. Fashion can't die or take a break, it runs society ( the second one)...
I pray that the hopeless feelings I experienced earlier don't turn out to be correct. Like I said before, I'm ready for a change.

Anyhoo, sorry for the rant, but what do you think of Michelle's choice? Is it just me, or will she look gorgeous in almost anything Oscar de la Renta? (I get that feeling; that she's an Oscar type of woman)

Look of the Day: Channeling Alexander

2009-01-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

(click on the images for larger view)

As seen here on Lookbook

I like this look because she's wearing all simple, basic pieces and I think that's a quintessential definition of style. It's something I'd do.

Her inspiration: Alexander Wang Fall 2008, the collection itself inspired by Wang's muse, the off-duty model.

Some clips:

(the second to the right is the outfit she was remaking) I liked the show because of the bold statement of the exposed zipper (1st and second outfits), the color palette throughout the collection and the use of menswear as womenswear. It also had a very torn, worn out "deconstructed chic" feel to it, no? Very fitting for America's current economy.... (i.e. the Recessionista)

The designer and Erin Wasson of RVCA (she's a designer and I think a model too) she styled this show.

some more Model Off Duty looks:
This I found on ShopBop

This-I don't remember where it's from but I like it

Addicted.

2009-01-17T10:33:00.001-05:00

Miss Dior Couture

I love this site because of how it compiles some really cool features of the fashion industry into one fabulous collage. You should check it out

Look(s) of The Day

2009-01-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

Outfit(s) I'd wear in a heartbeat, because I truly love them, very my style. Gosh, my legs would look twice as long as they are (and I'm pretty tall for my age). Also I love the pop of color (red which I'm obsessed with right now)and the dark leg wear. Perfection.

As seen here on Lookbook

As seen here on Lookbook

: ) I Did This For Class : What (or Who) Will Michelle Obama Wear?

2009-01-13T22:39:00.000-05:00

(Christian Lacroix...That coat is gorgeous)

As America prepares to inaugurate a new president that stands for change later this month, international fashion designers ranging from Marc Jacobs to Christian Lacroix prepare sketches of what they hope his fashion-conscious wife will wear to the inauguration. WWD, Women’s Wear Daily which is fashion’s biggest newspaper, reports that they contacted various big names like Diane Von Furstenberg about this subject who readily sent back illustrations of their ideas. Not only did they sketch looks for her, but for her daughters Malia and Sasha.

They can be found here

Fashion designers were excited about this election because the last chic First Lady was Jacqueline Kennedy in 1969. Almost 40 years later, fashion-philes were overjoyed to see couture return to the campaign through Michelle Obama.

Considering that the First Lady-Elect usually opted for lesser-known and cheaper brands like J. Crew and young designers like Thakoon during her husband’s race; the question really is “who will she wear” on his most important night? She saved her biggest name, Narciso Rodriguez, for election night and with legendary designers like Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel ready to make a dress for her, will she go for a grand label to fit her new, grand position or go for a younger,newer brand like Zac Posen to celebrate her new position?

In Memorial of Ruslana Korshunova

2009-01-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

I wish I'd have known about her while she was alive because she most likely would've been one of my favorite models. Honestly, she deserved the title of Russian
Rapunzel because of her enchantingly-gorgeous face.
_______________________________________________________________________________
I wrote about her in VOX:
(These are Excerpts from my October 2008 article : When the Blues Won't Go Away, the whole thing can be found here)

Does Beautiful Girl = Beautiful Life?
This past June, 20-year-old Russian supermodel Ruslana Korshunova jumped to her death from her ninth-floor Manhattan apartment. She’d been known as “the Russian Rapunzel” for her long and flowing hair. Hearing about Ruslana’s suicide confused me because she was a barely-out-of-her-teens, beautiful model with a successful career. She had appeared on two Vogue covers, an Elle cover, and in highly coveted print ads for Marc Jacobs, DKNY and Marithe & Francois Girbaud. She had a life that many young girls dream of, I wondered why she would end it.

Korshunova’s death just didn’t make sense to me. As an aspiring model who looked up to Korshunova and other models like her, her sudden death inspired me to learn more about her life and explore the topics of suicide and depression, especially among young people.

A friend of hers told the New York Daily News that before her death, Korshunova had just returned from modeling in Paris, and she’d appeared to be on top of the world. Other news reports say no one saw Korshunova’s death coming — maybe because the signs of suicide are not always obvious.

Excerpts from Korshunova’s blog revealed that she was lonely, heartbroken and depressed. Her most desperate message, which she posted on March 20, read: “I’m so lost. Will I ever find myself?” Apparently Korshunova had confessed to her life coach, Vladislav Novgorodstev, how she really felt about life.

“I saw her and heard her stories, stories that no one else has heard,” Novgorodstev told the New York Daily News. “The most important thing about her and her internal world was that she was lonely. There was no one who was really dear to her, except for her mother.”

The CDC reports that among young people ages 15 to 24 years old, there is one suicide for every 100-200 attempts. One of Korshunova’s friends, who remained anonymous, told the Daily News, “She tried suicide five times in different ways. She’s tried it since she was 15, 16 years old. It was a loneliness that no one understood.” Though police and the medical examiner ruled Korshunova’s death a suicide, her mother and friends insist she would never have taken her own life (there is an ongoing investigation).

The New York Times reports that Korshunova’s death has led to “some reflection in an industry long seen as superficial,” especially in caring for newer models that might face loneliness in big cities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Because I was so touched by her story (and because I'm fascinated with death itself and love this song)I put together a little video

You can find it here on youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hawulNkUgMI&feature=channel_page

From Movies

READ THIS FIRST!
This video isn't meant to offend anyone, nor do I own any of the pictures used, nor the song. I found them on the internet and i edited the photos with Picasa.

This video is what happened when i was bored and wondering about the late supermodel Ruslana Korshunova's suicide. Please pay attention to the pictures and try to figure out the story, : )

Enjoy, and try to get a message out of it...

-XOXO Mo

Vogue into the New Year, a little Reflection

2009-01-01T23:45:00.000-05:00

During my daily read of Fashionista I came across a certain post which led to this:
After reading Cathy Horyn's, The New Yprk Times Fashion Critic, blog-article, "What's Wrong with Vogue?" I felt relieved that I wasn't the only who felt that way. I love VOGUE, and I look up to Anna Wintour as much as (maybe even more) any fashion-obsessed teen. But the truth is, though we love our celebrities (or love to hate) I think it's time we got back to putting models on the cover.
Recently I've been doing something about Vogue also.
This is the very first issue:
September 1916

And September 2016 is coming up faster than you think. (BTW: HAPPY 2009!)

What will they do for that issue?

A) a massive collage of all their issues
B) a group photo of all their current (at that time, of course) editors
C)* put a legendary model on the cover with (gasp) no headlines? just the timeless, effortlessly "en vogue" five letter heading V-O-G-U-E
D)** put a total at-that-time it-girl on the cover, and carry on as usual with a little celebration

Right now, je ne sais pas (French for 'I don't know', very random but I'm trying to remember as much French from school as I can) what they will do but I hope it lives up to the standard that Vogue created for itself as THE number 1 fashion magazine in the world.

Until then, I'll just keep flipping through those socialite-filled articles...

xoxo Mo

* probably won't happen
** goodness I hope it doesn't happen, unless it's like me or something : )

Journal 12/3/08- Ich Liebe Tokio Hotel...and I don't care what you think

2008-12-03T19:26:00.000-05:00

This might sound like a rant but I'm getting tired of people continuously questioning my love for the band, Tokio Hotel. So let me get some facts straight...

the band- in order from left to right- Georg Listing the bass guitarist, Tom Kaulitz the lead guitarist, Bill Kaulitz ♥ the lead singer and Gustav Schaffer the drummer

1. Bill is in fact a boy
2. Bill is not gay
3. Bill and Tom are identical twin brothers, so therefore CANNOT be a couple (this twincest crap has to stop!)
4. Tom is ten minutes older
5. Like I said, Bill is NOT gay, he's a boy just playful and sorta girly
6. Tom is NOT a poser, he just loves hip-hop and chooses to dress that way because that's what he's into, and yes he's quite promiscuous
7. The Band is Awesome and very funny and they desrve all 39 of their awards
8. Bill is actually pretty hot and Tom is a cutie too, actually the whole band is...

No matter what category their put into (Emo rock, German pop, German rock, alternative rock) their music is very real and expresses what a lot of people hold inside. The lyrics to their songs are beautifully put together in both English and German, most of them written by Bill. They make sense of things and enable one to see things in a new light. Listening to them all the time doesn't make me goth nor emo I'm what I'll call "thoughtful"...
Anyhoo, Tokio Hotel is a very good group and not at all a bad influence, I've even picked up a little German listening to them. There are so many haters out there just because people don't understand what they're about or why the band appeals to a lot of people internationally. They make good music and I've often felt like the music was made just for me.

If people would just take the time out to listen to them...

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then maybe they wouldn't have so many haters...Tokio Hotel is a really good band ...

p.s. for more on them, check out my review of them in the January 2009 issue of VOX, coming soon to Atlanta teens!

Journal 11/6/08-What You Gonna Do Now, Dubya?

2008-11-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

Honestly. What's he going to do with himself now? Now that he's made an international fool of himself. I seriousy doubt he can return to being governor of Texas or whatever he was doing before he was President. In fact, I don't think he can hold any type of government seat because we see that he's failed to work under pressure. The funny thing is that I don't even think he's a bad guy, he was just put in the wrong position and shouldn't have been President. The thing about being President is that he's not really making any of his own decisions, it's his administration that fed him his speeches, all he had to do was deliver them. Too bad he wasn't a former actor like Reagan to actually deliver them well. So while he was president, what did he actually do himself? Aside from horribly flubbing the english language and other languages, making up his own words, and making false promises, he was made a Political Whipping Boy. So what can he do? Let's see, horrible communication skills, bad fashion sense...and to think... he used to be kind of handsome, questionable work habits... Could he flip fries at a fast food chain?

No, I think you have to have common sense for that...
Looks like it's back to the farm for the ol' boy.

-XOXO Mo

Couture and the Campaign

2008-11-05T21:31:00.001-05:00

Arguably, Michelle Obama has taste and great style. Though this Narciso Rodriguez dress didn't fit her very well beacuse it wasn't made for her, it was tasteful featuring red, a big color this spring, and I think the dress was very well executed with a great texture. I like the fact that she doesn't limit herself to wearing the well-known designers Calvin Kein but also wears indie designers like Thakoon Panichgul and was daring enough to wear a controversial tunic-and-leggings ensemble and even an off-the-rack dress. Even her Barack's been making waves in fashion. It's great to have a First Family with style, no?

It hasn't sunk in yet that less than 24 hours ago, I watched this man make history. I guess I haven't yet realized what thiis means, but I know I'm proud because I had tears in my eyes when that "Breaking News" screen flashed on CNN. What makes me even happier is that from Australia to Japan to the UK, other people celebrated with America as change arrived on our horizon. I'm still shocked that I got teary eyed because I didn't think I cared that much, but I was happy for him. Because I realize how his dreams had come true and how his name will never be forgotten. This man, son of an immigrant (yes that's him and his dad), defeated the odds, and I was there to see it all. No, it hasn't hit me just how big this is...

The Uses of a Wiki

2008-11-02T17:32:00.001-05:00

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by Mo512

If All the World was Chic

2008-10-30T23:38:00.001-04:00

Then it might look a little something like this...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

All the styles you see are from LOOKBOOK and other fabulous Bloggers

The Streets Love Who?

2008-10-23T18:33:00.000-04:00

It was rockstar day at my school during homecoming week. I used it as an excuse to wear this outfit. Let me just announce that i have a new obsession with big t-shirts, they are perfect for opaques(which i've always loved)...

As i took these pictures, I was trying to channel my inner Rumi Neely

Do these look anything like my Voki?

Live from Chocolate Couture!

2008-10-23T18:23:00.000-04:00

An awesome web 2.o tool my classmate showed me how to use

Get a Voki now!

So let's pretend I'm at fashion week, preparing for my first show
as a A)model B) designer C)reporter D)other E) all of the above...however that would work.

Journal 10/21/08 -15 is the new 21

2008-10-21T20:10:00.000-04:00

I guess I'm supposed to write about something worth mentioning but there's honestly nothing I can think of right now. I think the problem is I've got too many things going on and I'm trying to do too much that I can't stop, take a break and figure out where I am. I've often heard that I'm too young to be stressing myself out over things that i don't have to worry about until adulthood. But that's the thing, I'd prefer to worry about them 9the basic things)and get them over with now so in my adult years, i can focus on my career and things i love to do. Of course i'll see inevitable problems like having a family and things like that, but i mean the work that i do. My plan is to be in a full-on career where i hold a powerful position by the time I'm 25, (maximum 30,. I don't want to forget about a teenage life, of course i can do that, but id don't want to be an average teen. I need to be more and do more so i can get further in a short amount of time. I've heard that i'm quite mature for my age yet life's too short to shorten it by speeding things up. My patience could use some work, but it's always like time and i are racing, and even if i take one step forward, time takes two steps.

I'm at a frustrating point where i've fallen and can't grab hold of anything

From Collages

Am i losing a race against time?
Have you ever felt like this

Journal- 9/30/08

2008-09-30T22:35:00.000-04:00

Feel Good Music Pt. 1
Remember those days when you’d turn on the radio and your favorite song was on? Well actually most songs back then could easily become your favorite song because it was all “feel-good” music. As I type this, I’m listening to Donell Jones’s song “Where I Wanna Be” and I can’t help but cheese because I remember being around 6 when this song came out. Whenever I hear it, my mind flashes back to those days when music like this made your heart and head spin, giving you a feeling that “things were gonna get beter”. Not to down current music, but nowadays, I don't get that feeling inside, that feeling that only music made for the soul could really envoke. For the sake of time, I'll stop here, but listen to SOME of the songs I've compiled that go to back then, of course I haven't finished them yet...

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Coo-coo for Coco!

2008-09-27T21:02:00.001-04:00

OMG, i thought im loved Coco rocha before, but now i love her even more. She has personality!

Fashion Month!

2008-09-23T16:03:00.000-04:00

It's September and this is one of my fave months not only because my mom and brother's birthday are in this month, but because: it's Spring Fashion Month aka September. Right now it's Fashion week in Milan, and since I'm not quite out there on the catwalks yet, i use the net as my source. New York Magazine's fashion section always gives great coverage along with style.com and the others.
Anyway! My faves are below

Zac Posen= Pure Genius, I can see why Diddy is his backer. The collection offers lots of diversity (ruffles to sequins to animal prints), all while showing the creative cohesiveness that we've come to expect from the Central Saint Martins (John Galliano and other greats, alumni)Parson's (Marc Jacobs, alumni) student.

My particular favorites are the dresses worn by Anna Gushina at 00:48,Jourdan Dunn whose at 00:32, Lakshmi Menon at 00:57, and Han Jin at 1:06 and Jessica Stam at 00:53(I love Stammy!),the face of the video. And even though I'm not crazy aabout the dress she wore, i have to note that Coco Rocha was (is and always will be) awesome.
Zac Posen is definitely on my list of dream designers.

Another update,

2008-09-22T22:12:00.000-04:00

check the last few songs

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it's basically these(this playlist is so not finished yet)

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ps i don't know what tokio hotel is doing in this one

No one on the corner has swagger like her...

2008-09-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

M.I.A. is the different type of music the world needs, new spin on music, when i first heard her song boyz in Jean Paul Gaultier's fall 08 show (or maybe it was spring) i decided she was high on my list of faves...

Paper Planes - M.I.A.

my favorite songs by her are Bamboo Banga and Boyz.

i can't wait for her to come out with new songs, that might be a while because she might have her baby soon...

Either way, i look forward to what she's coming up with next

Playlist Update!

2008-09-22T21:09:00.000-04:00

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BREATHE...

2008-09-21T14:42:00.000-04:00

Have you ever felt like you were suffocating

Want to breathe but no air could satisfy the desire inside you...
Sometimes I want to breathe but I have no air

But the wind, the wind blows me away

Lost..spirited away....breathless once again
Lost in the wind
Inhale-exhale air rushes through lungs
Breathtaken by what I see

Can't breathe but I'm lifted in ecstasy
No I can't breathe here...
Where's the air?
In search of oxygen...none in the distance
Surrounded by darkness

Now i see, I'm not supposed to breathe...but I'm alive

No one on the corner has swagger like us...

2008-09-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

I heart M.I.A.!

I heart Italy

2008-09-17T20:10:00.001-04:00

In honestly don't know what brough this up, but I wanted to put this here. even though I'm Nigerian, i love italian culture...

I love italian food...
Italian fashion... (yes that's gucci--milan fashion week starts next week!)
Italian men...(sorry, any picture I put up here would have caused some trouble)
Italian architecture...
So I'm learning the language, click here to one fo the ways

Playlist update!

2008-09-17T20:10:00.000-04:00

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Podcasting my way to fashion week

2008-09-16T21:36:00.001-04:00

This is how I'm doing it!

Podcasting my way to fashion week

2008-09-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

This is how i'm doing it

Journal 9/16/08~

2008-09-16T19:34:00.000-04:00

(Those are the lucky girls)
Okay, so I just finished watching the latest episode of Model.Live on vogue.tv. And I don't know what to say...it was really good, but something's wrong with me right now...

Yesterday when I was walking down to my house from the bus stop (I was returning from VOX), it was maybe 8:30, dark outside. It was a two mile walk...or maybe something like that, I could be exaggerating. I was walking, and I realized that
X-thousand miles away a model was walking a runway in London (it's fashion week!). The footsteps I took, she took too. The breaths I took, she took too...but I was merely trying to get home to finish my homework, and she was getting paid, possibly more famous in the industry...
(this is some girl at an Allegra Hicks show, I don't know what season nor who she is but i love the dress)

Instantly I fixed my posture, and re-positioned my bag as if it were an Hermes Birkin, and lengthened my already-graceful stride. As I walked up and down the hilly sidewalk, I knew she (the unknown model in london right now, my competition) wasn't putting as much effort into her catwalk as I was in mine. Thank God I'm in shape because most people would've been huffing and puffing..but I was just strutting and strutting.
I created my own wind...something she couldn't...the designer she was walking for was probably trained in couture so she would have been wearing a chignon, no wind in her hair. I kept my saunter, I wonder what the people driving by me thought, no they weren't cars, they were flashbulbs, capturing my first show. I stole a page from Chanel Iman's (I heart her too!) book and winked at Anna Wintour. She slid her shades to the bridge of her nose and winked at me too. Something, she never does...that means she likes me...she winked...oh wait darn! It was just a mailbox, and incredibly shiny at that. I could see my house now, that means its almost the end of the runway. I got closer and closer to my front porch...closer and closer to the end of the platform. I stopped in front of the door, I stopped at the end and posed for 3 seconds. I turned the doorknob, I turned around with absolutely no difficulty and strutted back. I walked up to my room-my mom told me I had to do the dishes, I was backstage again-everyone told me how good I was out there. In both, realities I looked at my mirror and smiled...this time next year...I'll do just that...and it won't be just a fantasy...

(I hope!)

I just wanna play my music!!!!!!!!

2008-09-16T16:40:00.000-04:00

This is my playlist, it's not nearly finished but we'll call this a first draft. It's mostly r&b, one of my fave. genres but there are some other ones that I love...expect more

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VOGUE September 2008 Ad Analyses

2008-09-16T16:27:00.000-04:00

Bebe

I am currently in a love affair with dark eyes and red lips, so I adore the makeup used in this Bebe Fall 2008 Ad campaign.

Though some of the clothes are clearly a reflection of Miuccia Prada’s black lace, there is a touch of unique girliness in the two dresses in this picture.

I love that they used those whip-things (which I can’t remember the name of at the moment) because it adds a lot of femme fatale to the shots and is putting that equestrian-fetish concept to great use. Their Bebe Sport line is really nice too, and I ♥ their shoes!
(it sucks that the size of this blog won't let you see the whole thing)

Vogue September 2008

2008-09-16T16:21:00.000-04:00

(I actually am not a big fan of this cover though, the outfit doesn't work for me, I prefer this one) .

In my 15 years of life, the best 5 dollars I’ve ever spent went to American Vogue’s fall fashion September 2008 issue. “798 pages of brilliant fall fashion” is a wonderful and precise description of the mag, seeing as how it was bigger than some of my textbooks. I loved the editorials; my favorite being Sasha Pivovarova’s Alexander McQueen spread (I heart Sasha!!!!!) and Caroline Trentini’s graceful poses with the Billy Elliot boys. But of course, I can’t forget what made up at least half of the issue and what I truly study, the ADS!!!!!!!!

(Super) Natural?

2008-09-03T18:15:00.000-04:00

It's so great that I can turn this blog into something good because I get a grade for it in one of my classes, so when I'm on the net and my parents complain I can say"hello, it's a grade!" And in that same class I get to write about fashion and style in addition to writing for it at another newspaper. I have so many plans for my section! (or maybe I should say our because I have a partner...) But I'd like to call it the "Jaguar Trend Report" (in honor of our mascot) or the Fashion Fix or something creative
Speaking of fashion in school, Gossip Girl premiered this Monday and (gasp) I missed it because I was out shopping. But whatever, it's whatever. ...But I can't wait to actually see what happens this season because I heard Michael Kors is guest-starring and it would be great to see him on tv besides on Project Runway.I'm obsessed with the dresses and fur coats from his fall/winter 08/09 collection.

During Labor Day weekend, I slept over my cousin's other cousin's house. Even though half the people there were strangers to me seeing as how we're distantly related and the next youngest person there was my brother,almost 19, I felt so comfortable and I had so much fun with them. But one of them told me about this called Blink. He explained that it's great for marketing so I should read it but also, it gives you another way of thinking. Thinking about things like natural phenomena which might seem unexplained, but nowadays it slowly makes sense to me.

This isn't meant to offend anyone because the following events are tragedies and I hope for the best for all victims but

Hurricane Katrina- New Orleans (I heard) was like sin city, you know with all the voodoo and the Mardi-Gras x-rated activities, so for something to come and completely wipe out the city, couldn't have been all coincidental.
The China earthquake, I don't mean to be a Sharon Stone but what if it was because of the whole "free Tibet" thing...?

Am I right? Am I being a cynic or am I completely off?

Whatever...can't wait for next Monday... : )

Chrianna At Large

2008-08-26T17:35:00.000-04:00

Rihanna's dress is so cute(for lack of a word other than chic), I've being daydreaming about it since the 5 minutes ago when I saw it. I wouldn't have thought to wear Converse though because I really don't wear sneakers. But I love this look, casual chic and it looks put together so effortlessly. I love Rihanna. I love CB, and I love them together...if only they'd admit it.

(I kind of think it looks better from the side)
But let's analyze this dress...sorry, my mind is still in school mode...the stripes, the shape, the cute little part in front, (from the side its like a little bow) I love this dress...now i'm on the chase to find it...or at least a copy...if you find one please tell me where you got it from. I'll be a mess till i get the dress.

J/K : )

Oops I did it again

2008-08-25T19:57:00.000-04:00

Once again, less than ten seconds. I daydreamed again instead of paying attention...can you see that I have a problem? Whatever...I guess....so this is my actual submission (the one I like)

Teen Vogue Contest

2008-08-25T19:43:00.001-04:00

Today, I entered the the Teen Vogue Snapshot Contest. Again. It's only my second, but it happened completely on accident. You see, I hated my first because of the background, so I took another picture with this gorgeous background (its my profile pic, it sucks that it couldn't be bigger). I wanted to get another entry, so I was going to do the tell-a-friend thing and receive one. Well, me being a daydreamer, my mind was on something completely different and I went on auto-pilot as I entered. When the thank-you for entering page came up...I realized, darn* . I did it again. This is it...
Vote for me! Or comment or something, whatever, I just want that photo shoot, maybe it'll help me get into this addictive, bad-for-you, wonderful industry that I can't stop fantasizing about.

*words have been changed to protect my integrity(and to help me stop cursing)

Heaven on Heels: Giambattista Valli's Black Strapped Platforms

2008-08-25T18:18:00.000-04:00

Ode to shoe

Giambattista Valli shoe,you are ridiculously...(for lack of a better word) gorgeous. I saw you during my weekly google search for a desktop image. Last week it was the May 2007 U.S. Vogue cover. This week, it's you, you beautiful G.V. creation. Where have you been all of my [fashion] life? With your fantasy couture style, and soft obviously-expensive exterior. . .you complete me (for the next few minutes at least)

Welcome

2008-08-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

My name is Mo, this is my first post as a blogger. Due to my fifteen-year-old budget I do not have a good camera other than the one on my phone, which kind of sucks. So forgive me for not posting evidence of my own fashion sense all the time.

Chocolate Couture

In the Spirit of New Beginnings...

Omoge

Oh, Hello There...

I Want You.

The day before my birthday, Karl Lagerfeld gave me a gift. It’s called Cruise 2010/2011.

I have been one acquainted with the night

For Lack of a Better Title...

It's Black and White and Chic All Over

Q&A With A Beauty Blogger

Inspiration...

Falling For Fashion; A Runway Review

Let's Play Catch-Up...

Why Not Do a Little Dazzle?

Long Time, No Ring

Take Me Away...

Currently Craving...Iceberg S/S08

One Lovely Blog

Since I Last Blogged...

Our Class In Fashion Photography

When Accesories Take Over the City

Ten of My Favorite Fashion Videos

I've Been Tagged!

Been Polyvore'n

Here's to the Hottest 50 year old around!

Snowfall in the South

The Life of a Male Model

New York Fashion Week Starts Tomorrow!

OMG. D I O R

Look of The Day: A Little Blair Waldorf Goes A Long Way

Reflections of a Wonderul Night

Who Will Michelle Obama Wear? Isabel Toledo!

Look of the Day: Channeling Alexander

Addicted.

Look(s) of The Day

: ) I Did This For Class : What (or Who) Will Michelle Obama Wear?

In Memorial of Ruslana Korshunova

Vogue into the New Year, a little Reflection

Journal 12/3/08- Ich Liebe Tokio Hotel...and I don't care what you think

Journal 11/6/08-What You Gonna Do Now, Dubya?

Couture and the Campaign

The Uses of a Wiki

If All the World was Chic

The Streets Love Who?

Live from Chocolate Couture!

Journal 10/21/08 -15 is the new 21

Journal- 9/30/08

Coo-coo for Coco!

Fashion Month!

Another update,

No one on the corner has swagger like her...

Playlist Update!

BREATHE...

No one on the corner has swagger like us...

I heart Italy

Playlist update!

Podcasting my way to fashion week

Podcasting my way to fashion week

~~~~~~~~Journal 9/16/08~~~~~~~~~

I just wanna play my music!!!!!!!!

VOGUE September 2008 Ad Analyses

Vogue September 2008

(Super) Natural?

Chrianna At Large

Oops I did it again

Teen Vogue Contest

Heaven on Heels: Giambattista Valli's Black Strapped Platforms

Welcome

Journal 9/16/08~