Wunderbloc

“Coclico” in NoLita, NY
Left to right: “Fille De Joie” in Brooklyn; “Mark Montano” in East Village; “TG170” in Lower East Side

New York is one of the world’s most exciting places to shop, but even an eagle-eyed fashionista can miss a trendy boutique tucked away, down some alley. Enter Wunderbloc. The ingenious new site that puts some of New York’s underground (and notorious) boutiques at your fingertips. And if you’re not a New Yorker but plan on visiting soon, this takes the stress out of finding the stores that you must visit. Not only does the site break down all the fashion haunts in each borough, it also displays photos of the most stylish people in each neighborhood (see post below). Visit www.wunderbloc.com to see the highest rated boutiques, interact with fellow style connoisseurs and start a scrap book of all your favorite boutiques/fashionistas.

Street Style: Khakes, New York

Occupation: Designer
Favorite Stores in NYC: Gold Hanger
Top: Zero
Jeans: Jordache
Jewelry: Bijules NYC
Shades: Vintage
Shoes and Bag: Vintage, Hayden-Harnett
Taken On: Houston and Orchard St., May 6, 2007

So in honor of the new Wunderbloc site that just launched, I grabbed a pic of my girl Khakes (taken in the Lower East Side) who is working the “flyness” out of those skin tight jeans. Find out the details on her outfit above. I just love it when a style diva is generous with her fashion knowledge and isn’t all, “oh, I got this in the sale. Can’t remember when or where.” Yeah, right!

Read My Lips: Scarlet Siren

Beyonce, Rochelle Aytes and Malinda Williams turn heads in foxy red lips.

1. No 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Cherry available at www.boots.com; 2. Crushed Velvet Lip Creme in Crimson Corset by Revlon; 3. Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Petal, $17, www.bobbibrown.com; 4. Lip Pencil in Redd, $12.50, www.maccosmetics.com; 5. Just Bitten Lip Stain in Blood Orange by Revlon; 6. Benetint Lip Balm, $20, www.benefit.com; 7. Lovely Rouge Lipstick by Bourjois, $14 available at www.sephora.com; 8. No 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium available at www.boots.com

Wearing red lipstick is a statement. Whether you’re full of confidence or “preserving your sexy,” red is the color of choice. Whilst wearing red lips can seem intimidating at first, the key is to pick the right color for your skin complexion. Those with red/pink undertones will look better in plum shades, while those with yellow undertones should try warmer and bronzer reds. Now if you already possess a red lip color that you don’t like, mix it with other shades until you find a color that suits you. Use the back of your hand as a palette. Novices should start with gloss then work their way up to lipstick. When all else fails, try Benefit’s Benetint Lip Balm (pictured, No. 6) or a lip stain for “just bitten lips” (See No. 5 above) for softer red lips.

Fall Skin Care: Products I’m Lovin’

Fall doesn’t just mean clearing out your closet to make way for chunky sweaters and knee-high boots, your skin goes through a seasonal transition as well. During the colder months I tend to find that my skin and hair becomes dryer and more fragile. Prepare skin for harsh temperatures by bathing with an oil based wash like Bath & Body Works’ Sugar Scrubs. They’re so good you don’t even need to moisturize afterwards. For midday moisture, slather on sweet smelling body butters like Vaseline’s Cocoa Butter Body Butter, Carol’s Daughter’s Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle or the Mediterranean Almond, Pistachio & Milk Body Butter by Boots. Not only do they smell yummy, but they prevent “ash attacks.” For night time protection (especially if I’m going out and showing some skin) I LOVE Johnson & Johnson’s Oil Gel in Chamomile. This stuff keeps you silky smooth for days! Lastly, your face and hair will need extra love and care since they are the most exposed parts of your body. Try spending a bit more money here on products that contain herbal and plant extracts known as “Phytos.” Phytokarite Hair Treatment Mask with Shea Butter (for Ultra Dry Hair) is a great deep conditioner for natural or relaxed hair. Also try Artdeco’s Phyto Science Advanced Phyto Cream for your face. If you’re rolling in disposable income may I suggest Crème De La Mer’s products. Notoriously expansive, this product claims to be “the miracle” of all creams. I say send me a sample and let me be the judge!

I Like Her Style! Tip: Use face creams on your hands. Since your hands are always exposed they need as much love as your face. Anti-aging face creams are also great for your hands.

Left to right: Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle, $30, www.carolsdaughter.com; Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter, $7.99, www.drugstore.com; Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub Eucalyptus Spearmint, $20, www.bathandbodyworks.com; La Mer Creme De La Mer 1oz, $125, www.neimanmarcus.com

Left to right: Mediterranean Almond, Pistachio & Milk Body Butter, $10.99, www.cvs.com; Phyto's Phytokarite Hair Treatment Mask with Shea Butter for Ultra Dry Hair, $38, www.sephora.com; Artdeco’s Phyto Science Advanced Phyto Cream, $40, www.walgreens.com; Johnson's Baby Oil Gel with Chamomile, $3.99, www.walgreens.com

Alicia Covers Uptown Magazine…

Alicia Keys looks flawless on the latest cover of Uptown Magazine and the additional editorial photos inside. If you've never heard of this magazine before it is very much for those who are “living well,” but I like it. I think this is only their fourth issue. The magazine is available in electronic format, so click here to start reading her interview and to see the other pics.

Credit: Juicy News for photos.

Chrisette Michele

I just remembered that I used to give you guys a heads up of any artists currently on tour. I guess I kinda forgot to keep up with my favorite artists but luckily one of my facebook friend’s (who is currently background singing for Chrisette), reminded me of my duties. So here are some upcoming dates for the wonderfully talented Chrisette Michele whose debut album “I Am” is in stores now. I’ll see my fellow Washingtonian’s at Howard’s homecoming! ;)

Upcoming Shows:

1. October 3-5 - Bermuda
2. October 16, 8pm @ Grape Street - Philadelphia, PA
3. October 19, 8pm @ Howard University Homecoming - Washington, DC
4. October 20 @ Hampton University - Hampton, VA
5. October 27, 8pm @ Club Code - Tampa, FL
6. October 28, 8pm @ HOB - New Orleans, LA
7. November 1 - New York, NY
8. November 2, 8pm @ Kaleidoscope - Chicago, IL
9. November 3, 8pm @ Grand Central Lounge - Detroit, MI
10. November 5 - New York, NY
11. November 18, 8pm @ Black Cat - Washington, DC
12. November 20 @ Temple Bar - Santa Monica, CA
13. November 26-29 - Japan, Tokyo
14. December 6 - Jackson, CA
15. December 9 @ Nokia Theater - New York, NY
16. December 11 @ House of Blues - Dallas, TX

Peek-A-Boo, I See You!

“All that Glitters” & "Drama Quenn"strapz, $21.95 each available at www.peekaboostrapz.com

The hot peep toe heels that don’t hurt your feet. Check. The lip gloss that matches your finger nails perfectly. Check. The designer dress that you got half price in the sale. Double Check. So now why people, after going to such great lengths to look so fabulous would you let your ugly bra straps show? Even if your straps aren’t that ugly, they aren’t supposed to make cameo appearances throughout the night. Go braless you say? For some of us that simply isn’t an option! Well, finally there’s a solution. Peek-A-Boo Strapz, founded by Piper Miller and Fantasy Buckman, is a newly launched company that offers cute and chic bra straps for convertible or strapless bras. Simply attach them to your bra to spice up any outfit. Below Piper gives us her five bra strap sins…

Piper’s Top 5 Bra faux-pas:

1. Not wearing a bra when you need to – Not all of us were born with gravity defying breasts. It’s ok. Wear a bra.
2. Clear straps – You're not fooling anyone! In fact, you are actually drawing attention to your bra strap dilemma.
3. Letting ugly, tacky bra straps show – What did we ever do to you? Cover those bad boys up STAT!
4. Headlights, visible nipples – Nuff said.
5. Pushing your bra straps over only to have them fall down your arm – Highly annoying and very damaging to your style quotient.

If you suffer from any of the above conditions visit www.peekaboostrapz.com to see the designs available and get shopping. If we band together we can make unsightly bra straps a thing of the past. Next challenge? Visible g-strings!

"Drama Queen" strapz, $21.95; "All that Glitters" strapz $21.95 both available at www.peekaboostrapz.com