Janet Jackson and Billionaire Beau Wissam Al Mana

BY VANGARDE NELLE, OCTOBER 3, 2010

Singer Janet Jackson was seen with her billionaire boyfriend Wissam Al Mana front row at the Lanvin Ready-To-Wear Spring/Summer 2011 Show during Paris Fashion week.  The two met in December of 09' during a Janet concert in the Middle East.  I must say he is one handsome guy, Va Va Va Voom. Okay that was a little cheesy, so what.  Wissam Al Mana is a shareholder in Saks Fifth Avenue specialty retail stores in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait.  He is also the director of Al Mana Retail.  If you think fashion is all about looking pretty all day and fashion shows think again it's big business.  Janet is about 10 years older than Wissam however with her baby face you wouldn't be able to tell at first glance.  Im loving the slick back look very chic, your eyes are immediately drawn to her eyes and high cheek bones.  Both were dressed in black from head to toe.

Top Shoes at London Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, OCTOBER 1, 2010

1. Charles Anatase; Camel mega high ostritch leather and wood platform wedge sandals. 2.  David Koma; Gold Python architectural cut out wedges. 3. Mary Katzrantzou; Yellow pink and white lace up espadrille's. 4. PPQ; Black and gold embroidered platform sandals.  So most of my pics were wedges, if you follow my posts then you know Im a wedge fanatic.

Top Shoes at Milan Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, OCTOBER 1, 2010

I'm officially declaring this week, shoe week.  These are my top picks from Milan Spring/Summer 2011 fashion week. My favorite bad boys* are the PRADA wedges, now that's a statement shoe.  Runners up are the super sexy Pucci lace up suede knee boot and Roberto Cavalli's flesh tone leather side laced stacked heel.  A mod aesthetic at Versace and Iceberg with color blocking, clean lines, chunky heel and cut out shapes.  Etro delivers a tribal look with signature Etro print and bead details.  The neon pink, orange, green and blue piping on Versus cork heel cut out boot is retro.

* Men name their cars after women and I call a hot pair of shoes bad boys.

Spring 2011 Fashion Week: Dsquared

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

Pictured above are my favorite looks from the Dsquared Spring/Summer 2011 collection.  All the looks I chose had one thing in common, masculinity. Not sure if it's my imagination running wild or personal experience but these girls all look like they slept over their boyfriends house with no change of clothes for the next day.  If you happen to have a well dressed BF, you could take your walk of shame with your head held up high.  If your Bf is a sweat pants and sneakers kind of guy I suggest lay low and run for cover.  On an average day you will find me in a pair of painted on skinny jeans but once in a while I pull out my wide legs.  Event hough this is a spring collection I might give this look a try during the fall.  If you would like to get a head start on this look also here is what you'll need:  Tailored Jacket, Peacoat and or Shirt, Brown Leather Belt, Wide Leg Trousers, Black or Brown Lace Up Shoes,  Large Square Shaped Handbag, Pocket Square, Fedora Hat and Tortoise Shell Clear Lens Glasses. To view the full

collection visit style.com.

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Selita Ebanks Photos and Video

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

Not sure what Nick Cannon was thinking when he let Selita slip away, she is gorgeous in person and has a great personality.  Selita was super friendly and sweet backstage at the Blonds fashion show during NYC fashion week on September 16, 2010.  She thought this picture came out cute so I used it as the introduction shot.  Selita is best known for her work as a Victoria's Secret model.  In addition to modeling Ms. Ebanks is also a philanthropist, she is associated with Shine on Sierra Leone and New Yorkers for Children.  Recently Selita has been rumored to be dating Kanye West.  They attended the US Open together, was spotted together at XXL Magazine and Selita was featured in Kanye West's new trailer. More pics after the video....

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Backstage Access at Betsey Johnson

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Betsey sure knows how to put on a show, backstage is just as exciting as her runway.  It was by far the most exciting and relaxed backstage area I've ever been in during fashion week.  Balloons were attached to clothing racks an fixtures, plates of candy were set up in various areas, Betsey hand made signs, there was a live DJ and a bar serving Moet.  Backstage at the Betsey Johnson show was definitely LIVE!!!!! I was so caught up with backstage action I almost forgot all about getting seated for the actual show.  Betsey's free spirited personalty is contagious.  I can't imagine a person being sad in her presence, she seems like so much fun.

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Show

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Monique explains, the collection came to her in a dream...A beautiful Girl running through a lush garden.  Her very own Garden of Eden.  Beautiful flowering trees in water color hues.  Red Apple dresses and the temptation of the snake, Seen in a subtle reptile pattern in flowing chiffons.  Lots of shimmer from the glistening sun on dewy surfaces.  Ombres in blues and greens, pale links dominate.  She also states "I don't want to wake up, I am in a state of Euphoria!!"  My favorite look a cream soutache gazar cap sleeve blouse paired with a red apple high waisted raw silk trouser. The ocean blue ombre strapless draped bodice gown with organza petal skirt, rose printed strapless with with exaggerated hand bustled skirt and floral brocade one shoulder asymmetrically draped trumpet gowns were to drop dead gorgeous. (some of the pics came out a little blurry but it all fits into the dreamworld theme Enjoy!)

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Backstage Styling...

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Dsquared's Skeleton Key Shoe

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Bryan Boy, Ciara, Omarion

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Fashion Blogger Bryan Boy and I at Monique Lhuillier S/S 2011 fashion show, for got to get a picture of his shoes but if you follow bryanboy.com then you know they were most likely hot.

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Backstage Styling...

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

So I've been blogging about clogs like crazy and have a few on my to get list.  I spotted this really great lace-up suede ankle strap mule clog boot on a style-ista at Lorick's Spring/Summer 2010 fashion presentation held at Tela in the meat packing district, New York City.  Interested in purchasing these boots? I searched online and found the same exact boot on sale for $149.00 original price $198.00.

Boots by Sam Edelman

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Backstage Styling...

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

While backstage at The Green Shows covering the Ashton Micheal Black Label S/S 2011 fashion show I saw this standout young lady.  Im new to this so of course I forgot to ask her for her name and info...smh...well anyways.  I loved the entire look; motorcycle denim jacket, dark shades, graphic tee, bright high waist skirt, Chanel quilted bag, stripped stockings, suede platform lace-up shoes and antique finish silver rings.  The varying colors, prints and textures makes the outfit pop.

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Am I not turtle enough for the turtle club?

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Everyone knows I love turtles, one year for my b-day I received so many cute turtle items from my co-workers I was almost in tears.   When I saw this guy sitting across from me at the Vassilios Kostetsos S/S 2011 fashion show it had me thinking...Am I not turtle enough for the turtle club?  I do own a few turtle pendants but his humungous turtle shell chain definitely topped any of the ones I own.  Darae is in the works of launching a clothing line, so remember the name and face.  If you have a short span memory at least you'll remember the chain, I know I will.

Simply Me...

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

My friend Yaya captured this photograph of me during some down time at NYC fashion week.  I love this photo so I figured I'd share...If your wondering the ring I'm wearing is the Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume Ring.  Je'Taime Marc Jacobs :)

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Backstage at Alexander Berardi

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Celebrity Couple Style

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Kourtney and Scott during NYC Fashion Week.

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Gift Bag Items I Can Actually Use

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Above is the gift I received at the Alexander Berardi Spring Summer 2011 fashion show.  The box contained a $50.00 gift card for Jessica Jensen and a Jessica Jensen Leather Journal.  The journal is perfect for me  as I am always jotting down ideas.

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: In Action...

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Me and designer Nary; Picture is blurry but I still fond of it for some odd reason...

I was sent photos from NYC Fashion Week from myownjudge.net and there were a few shots of me in action at the Lorick presentation taking photos and interviewing designer, Nary.

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Chitter Chatter: Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

First year attending NYC Fashion Week as press.  Normally I am an intern, volunteer or guest.  The day was extremely hectic, arrived at Lincoln center at 8:00 AM and didn't reach home until 1:00 AM...Not sure how I survived yesterday wearing 5 inch Givenchy heels without an ounce of sleep from the night prior and updating this blog at 2:00 AM without crashing.  Must be dedication...Somehow I mustered up the guts to get out of my turtle shell to network and promote myself.  Met so many interesting people, stylists, designers and fellow bloggers.

Surprisingly enjoyed the shows held in studios outside of Lincoln Center.  Seeing the models walk up and down the runway is nice but being able to get up close and personal with the garments is even better.

I will admit being unfamiliar with the designers whose shows I attended.  Normally one would be disappointed but to me it was refreshing experiencing new point of views, techniques and directions. I know enough about the major labels, matter of fact I know so much about the major labels one would think I birthed for the brands.

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Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Rachel Comey

BY VANGARDEGIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

Rachel Comey Spring 2011 collection featured an array of prints, maxi lengths, loose silhouettes, spaghetti straps and poplin. Black and white looks; mix and match prints, long halter dresses and skirts dominated the runway.  The collection offers a number of flirty pieces: cropped camis, slit shoulder dresses and blouses, sheer and ruffled tops.  The abundance of airy all white outfits presented are perfect for warm weather. You can view the full collection on Style.com.

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week: Richard Chai Love

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

Above are my favorite looks from Richard Chai's Spring 2011 collection.  The subtle colored collection was downtown chic with a clean and minimalistic approach.  Soft layering of neutrals and dark colors such as navy, black and dark brown navy allows viewers to quickly identify key pieces, shapes and details.  I adored the bandeau's, flowing pants, light weight fabrics, boyfriend blazers, cropped tops and low wedge lace-up shoe.  Richard Chai was able to hold the audiences attention and create interest through clever styling. To view the full collection visit Style.com

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