Versace! Versace! Versace!

M.I.A. is just so cool. She's so smart! Her music videos are always well thought out and always something to look forward to. 

So, when I heard that M.I.A. was thinking about doing a collection, I knew immediately it was going to be dope. Two weeks ago I was so excited to hear that her collection had finally hit stores! 

I love the thought process behind this collection. The way M.I.A. came up with this collection is so clever. She turned "bootleg street wear" to a full blown collection. When interviewed by WWD, M.I.A said, "When I was contacted by Versace, it seemed a great idea to invert the circle. Versace's designs have always been copied, now it's Versace that copies the copies, so those that copy must copy the copies. So this will continue."

That's a dope concept!

Jode-Leigh,

Purple Lipstick

Style Post: Beyoncé

Social media is something else. Now, you can see about everything a celebrity does thanks to Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. We don't really need the Paparazi to give us the latest news. Honestly, if you go through social media, it's extremely easy to get access to celebrity news. When Beyoncé showed her pixie cut for the first time, it was through Instagram that she broke the news. North West, Kim and Kanyé's first born was photographed and shown to the world through Instagram.

I've noticed that a lot of celebrities that usually are guarded about their lives are now opening up through social media. Beyoncé again is a prime example. In the past she has been extremely private. Now she has her own Tumblr which she posts regularly and she actually uses her Instagram. She's even opening up through her wardrobe. It's a lot edgier than previous years and I actually do copy some of Beyoncé's outfits which I wouldn't have done years back. 

I love that she switched her hair up. The bob isn't original, but she rocks it well! I'm loving this side of Beyoncé.

Beyoncé is making motherhood look fashionable!

Jode-Leigh,

Purple Lipstick

Detailing 101

We are at that time again. I have been asking Aaron Manswell to do a post for Purple Lipstick for a very long time now. After constantly annoying him about it, he finally has done it. I personally adore his style and one thing I admire about his style is that he is very detailed about every item he puts on or puts together. I’m not being biased because he is my “man” friend but I truly think He is on to something with his style! So, check out his post below and don’t forget to enter the giveaway by clicking on this link >>>> Purple Lipstick Giveaway.
Jode-Leigh

In life, I am a firm believer that details are everything, so it's not a long haul that I have the very same sentiments towards clothes; men’s formalwear, that is. As I've grown, I've realized that when it comes to, as they say, "dressing up," many males forget to polish they're attire with important detailing. What do I mean when I say, "detailing?"

1) Wristwatch There is a specific reason why this is #1. Every well-dressed man never leaves his home without accompanying his wrist with a watch. Dear I say it; to be wearing a well-tailored suit without a wristwatch is to be committing the unpardonable sin.
   

2) Tie Clip This is probably the most forgotten item on this list. After getting dressed for church, I cannot count the amount of times that I've bent over to pick something up and my tie falls out from within my suit blazer. This is where the tie clip is necessary. It is meant to hold the tie in place, during any and every sudden movement by the male, while helping the tie in achieving visual royalty. There are specific clips for both slim and regular width ties, so please make sure the tie clip isn’t noticeably longer than the width of the tie.
 

3) Pocket Square
Depending on how you've dressed your suit, this is not always necessary, but at the same time it is always welcomed. I've seen a countless number of suit/tie/pocket square combinations. Just make it work!  

4) Cologne I've made the mistake of spending way too much time dressing my other details that by the time I'm ready to leave my house, I know I've forgotten one thing. I'll begin to drive off only to realize that I don't smell any particular way. Problem. Every man, especially when dressed in a suit, must wear a very distinctive smell. I believe the cologne should not be sprayed on the skin, but on the clothes. This trick will keep your clothes smelling great for the next wear. My personal secret is to disperse a maximum of 4 sprays per occasion: 1) left shoulder 2) right shoulder 3) far left chest 4) far right chest. Any more than 4 and you will be assassinating people!
 

5) Wrist Bracelet (Wrist Candy) A wrist bracelet definitely reads "feminine" at first glance, but bear with me. There are various reasons why these have become popular not only in men’s formalwear but also in men’s casual wear. These can be worn on the opposite or same wrist as your wristwatch. However, the color and texture of the wristwatch must agree with the occasion of the outfit. Personally, I wear wrist bracelets all the time due to the fact that I have very long arms. The arm length on regular fitting shirts are never long enough to cover my wrists, therefore I use the wrist bracelets to cover what the shirtsleeves cannot.  

6) Sunglasses/Eyeglasses Not always necessary, but never excessive. For those of us who weren't blessed with 20/20 vision, this is a great chance to turn what the Lord has given us into a fashion commodity. Even those who aren't visional-challenged have already hopped on this trend. When selecting eyewear, both for shade and reading, be sure to choose a pair that fits the shape and structure of your face. 
 

7) Socks The sock ministry is one that is very diverse. Therefore, the only thing I say on this is to make sure that we, the audience, have an unspoken, yet visual reason as to why those socks were used in your particular ensemble for the occasion.
 

8) Gum There is a very good reason why I saved this detail for last. I believe this is the most important detail of any men’s formalwear outfit because without gum, the audience has the potential to be completely turned off from your ensemble! The smell of a man’s breath can make or break him in any setting. He could be the most well put-together gentleman in the building; however, if his breath is not properly groomed he will quickly slip down to the least. Ironically, the most important item also happens to be the cheapest!

 

In men’s fashion, doing the most is never key. However, with detailing, there is an exception.
Aaron Manswell, 
Purple Lipstick  
p.s. Follow Aaron's blog: www.pastrybakery.tumblr.com

Meagan Good: Too hot???

I personally have a low tolerance for any type of awards shows. To me they are just too long, drawn out and  i'll only usually watch if there's someone I really want to see. So being that last night the BET Awards were on I skipped it, but mostly because my mom was controlling the remote.

Throughout the day Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter updated me on what I missed...the fashions, the petty dramas, the winners, the performances and etc. One topic that stood out to me the most was on Meagan Good's wardrobe choice for the awards. It seemed the Christian community was a buzz with varying opinions on her style choice for the night.

Now when I first saw the dress, it honestly didn't come as a shock. From my recollection, Ms. Good usually wears dresses of similar styles. However, as I fully took in the dress and peoples comments, my outlook began to change. Growing up an Adventist, I am no stranger to the "Image of Modesty" the church promotes and have also fallen "victim" (and I use the word "victim" with heavy sarcasm) to the criticism or comments from the elder church folk about things as simple as wearing a sleeveless dress. To me, modesty is more than about "just covering up." It encompasses being comfortable and secure as a christian in what we wear, but of course within reason. One of the no-so-easy concepts I am still learning to swallow as a Christian is the fact that I  am not here to serve and please myself but rather I'm here for God's glory and to be an example.

So, to my fellow fashionistas in the church or where ever you are, what are your thoughts on the topic of modesty in today's society?

Father’s Day Style Edition

Happy belated Father’s day to all the daddy's who don’t make excuses, but take special care of their families, especially in a stylish way! Here’s to the top 5 stylish fathers from the entertainment world!

5. Jay-Z- I can’t believe I am at the point of my existence where I am acknowledging Jay-Z as a father. I just never thought I would see the day. He has definitely broken the norm of most rappers. He has been tied down to “baddie” Bey for a while and now they have a beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy. I must say Jay-Z has definitely cleaned up over the years and has matured a lot, especially in his clothing choices.

4. Brad Pitt- Isn’t he just gorgeous? With the amount of children that Angelina and Brad have, they should be pulling out each other’s hair by now. But, they still continue to look very stylish on every red carpet of every event they attend to. Fathers, Brad has shown us that with every addition to the family, style must continue to elevate.

3. Will Smith- Hollywood has always been known for its regular “72-day marriages.” But, WIll Smith has proved that statistic wrong. He and Jada has been going strong for many years now and definitely in style. I love that the “style” gene has been passed down to the children. I respect this family a lot. Kudos Will!

2. David Beckham- David Beckham has finally gotten his daddy’s girl and he hasn’t let go of her since. I love seeing Beckham “swagged” out in pictures with his lovely daughter. When it seems like absent fathers has become a norm, Beckham continues to remind us that there are men out there that aren’t ashamed of being a father, especially in the public eye!

1. Kaye West- Kim gave birth just a day before Father’s Day. What a coincidence? luck? conspiracy? Whatever it is, Kanye deserves the number one spot. Kanye never ceases to amaze me with his outfit choices. He is always killing the game. Congrats Kim and Kanye. I can only imagine the outfit choices he has already planned for his bundle of joy!

Jode-Leigh,
Purple Lipstick

Oui! Oui!

As I scrolled through my Tumblr dashboard yesterday, the reoccurring pictures of Rihanna had me wanting more. From her Farrah Fawcett inspired hair to her white Chanel suit, I was loving it! Then, I saw her outfit of the night and I was amazed! I love the way this jumper is hugging her body, showcasing her “Bajan” shape. Every time I think she outdid her self, she keeps surprising me with more and more!

Jode-Leigh,

Purple Lipstick