The Met Ball 2011: Colorful Standouts:

These are just a few of my picks from fashion's "Superbowl", The Met Ball, that took place yesterday. Love these bright pops of color on Jennifer, Zoe, and Eva. So pretty.

What were your fav looks from last night?

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images Just Jared)

Big Side Braid

I love this look.

Even with my whole "transitioning" (from relaxed to natural) state of being, I'm still going to try it out. Not quite sure how yet, but I'm inspired. Especially when I see beauties like Ms. Zoe perfecting the look...

...and one of my fav hair looks of all time {I've been saving this photo on my inspiration board forever} - Jessica Alba. LOVE!!...

Any way this style (when done right, of course) is so fresh & appealing.

The two models below are adorable.

So cute...

Love. Love. Love.

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via here, here, and here)

Beat The Heat

With the weather being down right steamy in most parts of the country, it can get kind of tricky to keep summer hair cute and polished. My go-to look for beating summer heat is some version of the all-traditional bun.

...Zoe's classic look is always a tried and true winner...

...The newest version though, the top knot, is probably my fav...

(So cute!)

...Of course, "messy" always works well too

(especially when smothered in humidity)...

Recently though, I came across this pic of Christina Milian looking so bright, colorful and cheery. This low bun at the nape of her neck with the side-swept bang has been my personal go-to look forever.

I couldn't help but notice the similarity to the hairstyle in one of my head shots (seen above).

Then I couldn't help but notice the beautiful cover of Essence magazine's September issue. Naomi, Liya and The Legendary Iman are always stunners, but Iman just happens to be donning my go-to look as well. I must say it feels good to be in such great company! Tell me, what's your favorite go-to summer style?

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Essence, unknown, and Me!)

*Shining Stars*

Essence magazine held it's 3rd annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon yesterday at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. Five outstanding African-American actresses were honored for their contributions to the magical world of film and entertainment. Among the honored were the Newcomer, Gaborey Sidibe; the Enduring, Mary J. Blige; the Multi-Threat, Queen Latifah; the Modern Muse, Zoe Saldana; and the Legend, Cicely Tyson. Although there were too many beauties to capture, I feel honored and compelled to showcase a few...

...Some blossomed with breathtaking beauty...

( Honoree Cicely Tyson - So Pretty!!)

...then there were the dynamic duos...

(Nia Long & Malinda Williams)

(Tamera & Tia Mowry)

...and others cast their own shining light on the scene...

(Keri Hilson)

(Honoree Zoe Saldana)

(Model Tomiko Fraser)

All were fresh-faced and sparkly, either with jewels, attire, or just plain old personality. Congratulations to each beautiful honoree and to Essence for, once again, spotlighting phenomenal women of color!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Essence)

Hollywood's constellation full of shooting stars

Rather than continue to ponder why Vanity Fair decided to paint Hollywood with a very monochromatic brush, I decided to celebrate the following rising starlets that are making their mark on big and little screens. Interestingly enough my list was pretty long -I narrowed it down to my top five. These actresses have lots of projects in the works - some are more seasoned and some we wait for anxiously on the edge of our theater seats. Now it's your turn. Who would you include on your up & comers list of Hollywood's best and brightest?

Zoe Saldana

Freida Pinto

Zoe Kravitz

America Ferrera

Keke Palmer

Contributed by TonyaSE

Photos from Flickr

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I realize that's a line from a Christmas song but if you love fashion as much as I do then it's hard to believe that they aren't referring to Hollywood's award season. A time for all lovers of fashion to do a bit of star gazing. A time when some of world's most beautiful people, talented stylists and visionary designers collide on the red carpet. And what a spectacular celestial show it was. Some stars went with a classic LBD (long black dress), but purple reigned, others blushed and ruffles were plentiful.

From top: Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive; Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace; Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton; and Leona Lewis.

Contributed by TonyaSE

Photos by Getty Images; Flickr.

The bottom of the deep blue sea

Over the holidays, I decided to take another look at Pantone's Fashion Color Report for 2010. This year's pallet reminds me most of the tones found on sandy beaches. The turquoise seemed to pull me under and I noticed one of my favorite muses diving in too. So while we might be knee deep in snow and braving Arctic winds, remember that spring arrivals are just a few weeks away.

Main Muse Zoe Saldana

Christian Siriano Spring 2010

Contributed by TonyaSE

photos from Style.com and http://www.christianvsiriano.com/index.html

A real life fairy princess

My son was sitting on my lap while I flipped through an old issue of InStyle Magazine when suddenly he exclaimed, “A fairy princess!” He was referring to the beautiful Zoe Saldana.

Here Zoe attends the World Premiere of 'Avatar at Odeon Leicester Square in London on December 10, 2009.

Zoe is pure perfection in this stunning Roland Mouret gown...a fairy princess indeed.

photos from gossipcop