A Diva State of Mind

May/13

My Favorite Looks From The Met Gala 2013

by A Diva State of Mind under Designer Collections, Entertainment, Events/Venues, Fashion & Beauty, Fashionista

The Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Benefit Gala aka The Met Gala (or Met Ball) was May 6, 2013 in New York. The annual event raises money for the Costume Institute and launches the spring exhibit. To date, the event has raised over $100 million. Each year, an exhibit is given a theme. This year’s theme is PUNK: Chaos to Couture.

One of the highlights of the gala is the red carpet. It’s always exciting to see what the attendees are going to wear. This is the one time where the outfit choices can be a little unexpected; after all the gala does support a Costume Institute. While the red carpet choices were fabulous (Amber Heard, Taylor Swift, Jessica Alba and more looked stunning), there were a few people that stood out and embraced the punk theme or really embodied what I expect to see on The Met Gala red carpet.

Here are my favorites!

Anne Hathaway

Who is this woman and what has she done with Anne Hathaway?! Anne turned in her classic look for blonde hair and a vintage Valentino gown from 1992. HOT!!!

Nicole Richie

This is what I’m talking about. The theme is punk so why not go all out!? Nichole Richie arrived at the Met Gala in a white long sleeve Topshop gown and bleached white hair.

Miley Cyrus

Normally I’d hate this look but it works for the theme. Miley Cyrus showed off her punk style in a fishnet dress by Marc Jacobs and spiked blond hair.

Madonna

On any other red carpet this would not work, but for the Met Gala, this Givenchy Haute Couture outfit is perfect! Should we be surprised that Madonna owned this theme? I mean, it is MADONNA!! All we need to do is take a trip down memory lane and look at some of her looks from the 80s/90s to know that achieving this look was not hard.

Sarah Jessica Parker

If you’re going to show up at the Met Gala, you might as well show out! Can we talk about the Phillip Treacy Mohawk headpiece?! This masterpiece combined with the Giles Deacon gown and thigh high Christian Louboutin boots is perfect for the Met Gala! SJB will always be Carrie Bradshaw. I’m just sayin…

Rooney Mara

The white laced dress and strong shoulders paired with the dark lip is a great mix of femininity and edginess. Rooney wore a Givenchy gown and served as the co-chair of the event alongside Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci and Anna Wintour.

Minka Kelly

Minka Kelly looked great in Carolina Herrera. Perez Hilton described this look perfectly; a combination between punk and Greek goddess.

Nina Dobrev

Leather and a corset; two must haves if you want to encompass punk into a look. This Monique Lhuillier look is not over the top edgy, but like Minka and Rooney’s outfit, it’s a nice mix of edginess and softness with the lace. And I love that there are lace pants underneath the skirt. Something very different than what we’re used to seeing on the red carpet. I’d wear this outfit for sure.

Jennifer Lopez

I was going to stop the list at Nina Dobrev but then I went through some pictures of the red carpet again. I don’t know if animal print is punk, but this Michael Kors dress is HOT! J.Lo added her own interpretation of punk with what looks like a Mohawk inspired hair style and smokey eyes. This woman can wear anything!

What looks did you enjoy from last night’s Met Gala?

Source: PopSugar, Us Magazine and Radar Online

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May/13

Diva Health: Start Your Day With Lemon Water

by A Diva State of Mind under Fashion & Beauty, Fashionista

Source: www.fashionlovers01.blogspot.com

If you’re looking for a small change you can make to live a more healthy life, then this post is for you!

As we prepare for the spring/summer season, everyone is in workout mode! After all, we want to be pool and beach ready! Earlier this year I researched lemon water and found site after site discussing the benefits of starting your day with lemon water and recipes.

I’m not talking about the lemon water you make while sitting at a restaurant; a glass of water and 2 lemon slices. The lemon water recipes I found require 1/2 or 1 lemon and 12 – 16 oz of water.

Here’s how it works:

*Squeeze 1/2 or 1 lemon in a glass. You can get a squeezer from Target or Walmart (I use 1/2 lemon)

*Fill the glass with water

*Heat the glass of water and lemon juice until warm or hot (like you would for hot tea)

*Drink first thing in the morning

I started drinking lemon water in the morning while getting ready for work a few months ago and I love it. Depending on how much juice you have it is a little tart, but the benefits are worth it. Here are a few featured on healthyplanetblog.wordpress.com:

Aids digestion – The warm water helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, and the lemon helps loosen any toxins in the digestive tract.
Detoxifies the skin and body – As a natural diuretic, lemons help flush the body of any toxins by increasing the rate of urination. Their high vitamin C content also removes impurities from the blood, leading to clearer, more radiant skin. Yooo your rate of urination definitely increases. TMI I know!
Boosts immunity – Lemons are high in both vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds, and potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and controls blood pressure.
Helps curb the coffee habit – Healthier replacement.
Helps with weight loss – Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps keep the body fuller, longer. They’re also a mild diuretic and very alkaline; alkaline bodies have been shown to lost weight faster

If you’re looking for ways to be more healthy, I encourage you drink lemon water! Due to the acid from lemons, you may want to drink with a straw to protect your teeth’s enamel. To seek the benefits of lemon water, it’s best that you use fresh lemons instead of the bottle lemon juice.

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May/13

Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

by A Diva State of Mind under Fashion & Beauty, Styled By Keri, Styling

Over the past couple months, my friend Renee has been revamping her wardrobe; she recently lost weight so it was time to get rid of clothes that were too big and replace them with pieces that fit. However, like many women, she got stuck wearing pieces the same way. So last Saturday, I went over to her house and we spent 3 hours going through her closet creating new outfits; 2 casual looks and 22 outfits that she could wear to work.

Renee has a lot of color in her closet so I really wanted to focus on showing her how different color combinations worked together. Every time she tried on an outfit and stepped in front of the mirror she would say “I love this” or “I would’ve never put this together!” When I got home, she texted me and said “You changed my life!” That statement definitely moved me. Being a personal stylist is about more than putting outfits together. It’s really about helping women feel good about the way the look. Loving the way you look definitely plays a roll in how you feel about yourself. It takes some time, but once a woman learns how to dress her body and put looks together, she becomes more confident and proud of her body.

Here are a few of the outfits created from her wardrobe. She purchased items from Target, H&M, Old Navy and EXPRESS. If you’ve been in a style rut, hopefully these looks will provide some inspiration. Please excuse the quality of the photos.

IMG 4575 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

Great look for a casual afternoon or evening out.

IMG 4577 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

Add some interest to a black sheath dress with a colorful blazer and color block pumps.

IMG 4579 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

This cap sleeve peplum is great for slimming the waist and creating balance between your top and bottom half.

IMG 4587 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

One of our favorite looks. Love the color combination!

IMG 4589 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

The color of the top doesn’t have to match the purple in the skirt exactly! As long as they are in the same family, it works!

IMG 4593 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

Use statement jewerly and heels to make a jersey dress appropriate for work.

IMG 4600 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

Dress up a jersey dress with a blazer and bad heels!

IMG 4604 Styled by Keri: Creating New Looks With Your Current Wardrobe

This skirt is navy and black. Yes you can wear those color together!

If you’re like Renee and feel like you need help putting outfits together, please contact me! I’m here to help you get full use out of your wardrobe. Believe me, you have more outfits in your closet than you think! Contact me at keri@adivastateofmind.com or 301-836-1451 to schedule a free consultation.

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May/13

Styled By Keri: Client Featured in Bethesda Magazine

by A Diva State of Mind under Fashion & Beauty, Styled By Keri, Styling

Last month my client Yanique contacted me because she was going to be featured in Bethesda Magazine for “The Up and Comers” feature. This article features movers and shakers in the Bethesda area who are making their mark before they’re 40.

The photo for the feature took place at her job so she needed help selecting an outfit from her wardrobe that said she was a CEO but also stylish.

After going through her closet and trying on a few looks, we opted for a purple sheath dress. A pop of color is more fun than black! I really wish the photo was full length so you could see her shoes! We paired the dress with a black skinny belt to help define her wait and a pair of black cap toe animal print pumps. We completed the look with a black blazer.

Ladies, if you are the CEO of a company or a senior executive, you can wear color and print! The key is to find balance. If you wear a dress in a bright color like purple or blue, pair it with a neutral blazer. Uplift a neutral dress with a patterned belt or pump. A good tailor is a must if you want to look sharp in the office!!

Yanique is the Presidet & CEO of the Consumer Health Foundation. Please check out her feature in Bethesda Magazine HERE.

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Apr/13

Ray J’s A Fool For This One: “I Hit It First” Video

by A Diva State of Mind under Celebrity News, Entertainment, New Music

By now you’ve probably heard Ray J’s new single “I Hit It First.” When the song and cover art hit the internet everyone knew it was about Kim Kardashian. Of course, instead of owning up to it, Ray J denied it:

“It’s not about that, it’s about a concept. People going way too deep. They just gotta keep it on the surface. I’m not trying to create no war. It’s all love. Like its a song, we just having fun-that’s it.”

If Ray J really wanted people to believe it wasn’t about Kim K. (which I doubt), he didn’t do a very good job in his new video. There’s a Kris Humphries look-a-like in the beginning of the video and his leading lady resembles Kim K. They make a PG rated sex tape, fly around in his jet and at the end, “Kim” is being followed by paparazzi on the F! network (her show ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ is on E!). Ray J is a fool for this one! Someone is really in need of attention right now! Is he mad Kim K. is more popular than him? Is he secretly still in love with her?

Ray J, it’s been over 5 years. Let it go already! You really don’t need to remind us why she’s famous. Everyone is aware. And I’m pretty sure you did not “hit it first.” Who in the right mind finds the time to write a song about an ex girlfriend who has clearly moved on and is now pregnant? The song is lame.

If Ray J released this song to get everyone’s attention it definitely worked. The internet has been buzzing since the video dropped yesterday. I just wonder how supportive he thinks people will be of his future endeavors following this mess. I mean he was given the side eye when he was looking for love on VH1 ”For The Love of Ray J” but this right here takes wack to a whole new level.

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Apr/13

You’re Invited: Swap In The City – Designer Swap, Cocktail Hour & Fashion Show

by A Diva State of Mind under Entertainment, Events/Venues, Fashion & Beauty, Make A Difference

SNOBSWAP & Dewdrop are delighted to announce Swap In The City charity swap party and fashion show on Thursday, May 9th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The dynamic duo invites fashion enthusiasts to swap designer clothing and accessories and enjoy a fashion-focused event to help end domestic violence.

Swap In the City will rally DC’s emerging fashion giants for a fun-filled evening of social shopping and style sneak peaks. Attendees dropping off their luxury swaps will be greeted with complimentary cocktails and treats, a wealth of style tips from local experts, and a fashion presentation by Kolton J and D’Milikah.

Closing the night with a high-end clothing swap, event-goers will walk away with coveted, designer goods for a noble cause. All unswapped items will be donated to the Goodwill of Greater Washington and a portion of the event ticket proceeds will benefit Becky’s Fund, a non-profit that aims to foster awareness, encourage advocacy, promote activism and create support for victims of domestic violence.

To purchase discounted tickets for Swap In the City visit www.swapinthecityDC.eventbrite.com.

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Apr/13

Ask Keri: Where Can I Find Wide Leg Printed Pants?

by A Diva State of Mind under Ask Keri, Fashion & Beauty, Styling

When Tramaine asked on Instagram where she could find wide leg printed pants, I should’ve known right away! I love wide leg pants and I’m addicted to printed pants right now.

After a little research, I found a variety of retailers that sell them. H&M and Macy’s offer wide leg pants that will look great worn with flat sandals this summer. Depending on where you work, a wide leg printed pant may be hard to pull of in a business casual environment, but these pants will look great for night, weekend and vacation outings!

Check out the widget below:

wide leg printed pants

Update: After posting this, Tramaine contacted me on Twitter and told me she also found a bunch of printed pants on Etsy. That’s great site to find unique items that may be hard to find in major retailers.

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Apr/13

[NEW MUSIC] Alicia Keys “Fire We Make” Video Feat. Maxwell

by A Diva State of Mind under Entertainment, New Music

This song is sexy as hell! Whew!! It’s my favorite on the Girl on Fire album. There are a few Alicia Keys songs that really stand out (“Diary” and “Unthinkable”) and her new single “Fire We Make” can be added to that list!!

The video is set in New Orleans. Alicia Keys and Maxwell meet at a hotel. They engage in singing and flirting with one another throughout the video at the hotel and a local party. Real R&B music right here!!

Check it out!

Does this song make anyone else want to cuddle up with something nice or is that just me?

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Apr/13

Looks We Love: Rosario Dawson For GQ May 2013

by A Diva State of Mind under Entertainment, Fashion & Beauty, Looks We Love

Eye candy for the guys and workout motivation for the ladies. Rosario Dawson for GQ May 2013 issue.

Rosario and her legs!! WERK! Her new movie Trance is in theatres now.

Photography by Carlos Serrao

Source: GQ

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Apr/13

Seeking Prom Dress Donations at Katwalk Boutique “Shop & Tell” Event

by A Diva State of Mind under Entertainment, Events/Venues, Fashion & Beauty, Make A Difference

The plan was to host a Prom Queen Boutique with the Launched Ladies Creative Agency for DC area high school students in need of a prom dress and accessories. The Prom Queen Boutique is a intimate boutique set up to cater to young deserving women to try on selected donated dresses, gowns, shoes and accessories along with hair & makeup consultations.

Although we weren’t able to connect with a DC high school or organization to make the Prom Queen Boutique a reality in DC, the boutique is taking place in Baltimore. The boutique will cater to young women of Reginald F. Lewis High School. Through the end of April, Katwalk Boutique is collecting gently worn prom gowns, cocktail dresses and accessories.

I know for some, Baltimore may be a hike, especially during the week. If you want to make a donation, stop by Katwalk Boutique this Saturday, April 27th. Between 2-8pm, shoppers will enjoy cocktails, preview the new spring collection, and receive a free makeup consultation by Motives for LaLa. There will also be a silent auction to benefit the Prom Queen Boutique. If you make a dress/accessories donation that day, you’ll receive $25.00 toward a Katwalk Boutique purchase.

If you are able to make it to Baltimore to make a dress and accessories donation, I encourage you to do so! Hopefully I’ll be able to partner with organizations in the DC area next year to host a prom dress donation drive.