Life In The Fab Lane: Kimora's Evolution

The hit Style network reality show "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" returns with an ALL NEW SEASON!! Set your DVR's for Sunday January 9th @ 9/8c

I'm looking forward to this season of the show as I have every season BUT this one is extra special as I will be in one of the episodes. You will all have to tune in to see why!


See the trailer for the season HERE:






I have to honestly say that Kimora in person is STUNNING. Seriously have you ever been in the presence of someone and you felt your proverbial "jaw drop"? that's how I felt when Kimora entered the room. She is truly beautiful and exotic.





I also have to also take this opportunity to call bullshit on those folks at Kellwood Corp. (you know the people who purchased Baby Phat from Kimora and Russell Simmons back in 2004). They complained that "It costs thousands of dollars to airbrush her because she's a size 10". Besides the fact that Kellwood is representing sizeism by implying that there is something wrong with being a size 10, I feel compelled to call them out on their unprofessional statement about Kimora's recent departure from Baby Phat. That's right kids: SHE IS NO LONGER WITH BABY PHAT! Kimora herself has never denied the use of airbrushing and I can say from personal experience she is not a size 10. However she would be just as beautiful as a size 16 or at any size. I personally feel that her departure from the Baby Phat brand she created is a creative blessing in disguise for Kimora who is now on the path of evolution. Personal, professional and creative evolution that seems to have no limits for her.





Expect to see a re-launch of her web site http://www.kls.com/ , a new fragrance and much much more to come in 2011. I am interested to see where this Style Maven, Modelling pioneer, Mommy and mogul will go next. Tune in to see my first ride (of many I hope) in the Fab lane and I must say, I really enjoyed it.

You have come a long way baby from the CHANEL runways in the late 1980's (where by the way she made history as the youngest model to grace the catwalk at that time and be the finale bride!).





She and I are contemporaries, she on the catwalk at 14 and me a student of fashion since the tender age of 10 (we are close in age). I remember taping on my VHS machine Kimora on the Chanel runways Spring/Summer 1991. She has a deep history in fashion, can you even imagine being Karl Lagerfeld's MUSE at the age of 14?? or at any age? With her creativity, dedication, kindness, compassion, resources, honesty and take-no-shit attitude the sky is really the limit for Kimora! Love her or hate her there is no denying her true place in the FAB LANE!

When we met in person finally it was as if I have known her for a lifetime. She is very personable, warm, funny, intelligent and no BS ~ Which I LOVE!!

Thanks Kimora for my day in the fab lane, may it be the first of many!


Kimora & I (wearing a Vintage Asian jacket - http://www.evolution-vintage.com/ )

FOLLOW KIMORA ON TWITTER: www.twitter.com/OfficialKimora

Feline Fashion For Fall

There are several trends from the runways for the Fall/Winter season but one stands out to me as the ‘must wear’: The animal print. Just like everything in fashion this trend is cyclical. Every so often designers resurrect the animal print from the archives and make it new again to strut down the catwalks of Paris, New York, Milan, London and the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 is no exception. However I must offer some guidance for incorporating an animal print into your looks.

There is a fine line between looking feline fabulous and looking like a variation of fashion road kill.

There are many pieces and accessories available for this season at all price points. Check your local thrift, vintage or consignment shop. EVOLUTION VINTAGE http://www.evolution-vintage.com has some unique animal print items:



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$75



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$48



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$65



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$35



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
*NEW* $70

*

SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
Martinez Valero Black platform peep toe pump with animal print heel/platform
$40



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
Nine West DeeLite Sandal ~ NW
$55


AND labels like Forever 21:


www.forever21.com
Leopard Ruffle Dress
$36.00




Baby Phat:


Belted Leopard Tube Dress
$69.00
www.babyphat.com


Victoria’s Secret:


Beach/Swim Tote
www.victoriassecret.com

All the above retailers carry reasonable priced items and a various array of sizes (PLUS SIZES).

If your budget allows you to visit higher end designers which include but are not limited to the following:

LAMB


Fall 2010 ready To Wear
Shop: www.nordstrom.com & www.shopstyle.com



Stella McCartney


Stretch Tulle Lisel Embroidery Trouser & Top
Trouser = $4,285.00
http://www.stellamccartney.com/



Lanvin





Dolce & Gabbana


SHOP: http://www.dolcegabbana.com/

There are many designers showing animal print pieces and accessories for the F/W season. When you have no budget you can ALWAYS look to your own closet and storage. You can re-style something that you already have into a fresh look for fall.

Some would argue that the animal print has been done so many times that is has lost its chic appeal. To me it is as fresh and exciting as the first time it pranced down the catwalks (pun intended). It is about how YOU style the printed pieces that make it fresh and new. If you have never incorporated an animal print piece into your central coast closet now is the time! To avoid a furry faux pas consider the following:

• ALWAYS wear FAUX furs. Wearing real fur or animal skins is “weak” not chic. There should be no victims of fashion and that includes defenseless animals. Same goes for animal skins or what the fashion industry terms "exotics" (snake, alligator, ect). EXOTIC?? how about MORONIC? Pass me the FAUX fabric!

• Stick to 1 print. Try to avoid mixing and matching animal prints (ex: leopards do not belong with zebras!)


• Pair animal print pieces with a solid color pallet. Pair solid colored garments with animal printed accents, choose one. For example Wearing jeans and a solid color tee (black/white) add an animal print trench coat OR a purse.

• If you are not ready to take the leap into leopard with a statement jacket, knee high boots or printed tops; only use animal printed items to accessorize. Try carrying an animal print clutch with your favorite LBD (little black dress) or add a scarf to your black power suit for work. Take tiny steps in your zebra print shoes toward making this trend your own.

Try something fresh and faux fur this season and step away from central coast conservative dressing to take a walk on the wild side (in Faux snake skin shoes of course!). No animal print is off limit, just use sparingly and avoid a fashion disaster.

*MEOW

I DARE YOU...

To try a new fragrance this Spring/Summer. Tis the season to stop and smell the proverbial roses, take in the scents and sights now that we have left winter behind. Spring metaphorically represents renewal, change, and romanticism to me. So does trying a new fragrance.

I have recently discovered a new scent to add to my aroma arsenal: Baby Phat's DARE ME by Kimora Lee Simmons. This is the 5th fragrance to join my collection and the 5th created by KLS. It is an interesting concept more of us should adopt, in spring and all seasons.

Her description on the box:

"Dare me is the essence of independence.
Life is your runway.. Own the catwalk.
Take center stage.
You are bold and fearless.
You are sexy and smart.
Dare to be glamorous.
Dare to be edgy.
If you can dream it, you can be it.
I DARE you."



KIMORA SAYS: “It was extremely important to me that my new fragrance help inspire young women. My goal was to send a strong and very real message about independence and empowerment. In doing so, I wrote an inspirational quote (inscribed on the DARE ME carton) for young women.”


Is this a mantra in a bottle? a spray of confidence perhaps? You be the judge. I think that it is uplifting, inspiring and FABULOUS - XO Women young and old need more messages like this!!

It's packaging is bright and pretty and the price is right. The collection includes:

Eau de Toilette 1.0 oz / 30ml $28.00

Eau de Toilette 0.5 oz / 15ml $17.00

Eau de Toilette Travel Size $12.99



I love the jeweled cap: VERY KIMORA!

The Scent it's self in my opinion is Floral Flirty Fun! I am partial to citrus scents but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. There are fruity undertones and the floral scents are not overwhelming but subtle and clean.

The Scent Specifics:

Top Notes: Magnolia & Coconut Milk & Neroli

Mid Notes: Honeysuckle Nectar, Blackberry Crème & Red Vinella Orchid

Bottom notes: Crème de Musk and Sandalwood

Give it a try if you DARE. I really like it. However I have to honestly say that it is my 2nd favourite KLS fragrance right behind "Fabulosity" which is always in heavy aromatic rotation in my daily routine.

Where to get/sample DARE ME?

It is widely available in the US & CANADA at the following locations (which include but are not limited to)USA: Walgreens, Target, Kohl's, Walmart, Sears, Rite*Aide, K-Mart & CAN: Shoppers Drug Mart, Zellers (Sears/Walmart)

for more about the Baby Phat fragrance line visit: http://www.babyphatfragrances.com/

FOLLOW Baby Phat for daily chances to win your very own bottle of DARE ME, but be prepared to be bold and participate in their daily dare:

www.twitter.com/babyphat

AND

FOLLOW Kimora on Twitter for your daily does of virtual Fabulosity:

www.twitter.com/OfficialKimora