Temple of Glam

Fashion's Night Out Needn't Be 'Sex and the City' on Meth

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:45:47 EDT

Image courtesy of: http://fashionsnightout.com/

At its best, Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is a night of fashion, beauty, music, complimentary services, and drinks. At its worst? An over-crowded hotbed of godawful trendsters. I'm slightly bitter.

Look, last year I was so overwhelmed by the platform-and-animal-skin-clad chicks in the West Village, I had to duck into an Italian restaurant to compose myself (eat pasta and drink red wine).

I missed out on celebrity DJs, one-night-only deals, and more. If I hit up FNO tomorrow, the following events look dope.

NYC Fashion's Night Out Schedule: Thursday, September 8

Win Free Tickets to the Rebecca Taylor S/S 2012 Fashion Show

6-11PM

Get your photo snapped on the "step & repeat" at the Rebecca Taylor Flagship Boutique. The person with the fiercest look will win two tickets to the Rebecca Taylor fashion show. P.S. Svedka cocktails & sweets will be there as well. If you're into that kinda' thing. Rebecca Taylor Flagship Boutique: 34 Gansevoort St.

9:30 Solange Knowles Spins at Sephora

Head to the by Carol's Daughter styliing bar at Sephora to get your coiffure "did" in one of four styles: mohawk, fishtail braids, modern updo, and hair accessories. And while you're waiting, you get to watch Solange get down on the ones and twos. Sephora: 597 Fifth Avenue, 48th & 49th St.

"Rhinestonate" Your Hanky Pankys

Ends at 11:00pm

End your night with some Hanky Panky at Blomingdale's Soho. Adorn your Hanky Panky thong or boy short purchase with rhinestones. Word. Bloomingdale's Soho: 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring.

Not planning to be in the NYC area? Get your virtual Fashion's Night Out happening at Piperlime.com. At 6PM on the dot, they'll reveal their new celebrity guest editors. You can be one of the first to shop the editors' top picks!

Fashion's Night Out Needn't Be 'Sex and the City' on Meth

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:45:47 EDT

Image courtesy of: http://fashionsnightout.com/

At its best, Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is a night of fashion, beauty, music, complimentary services, and drinks. At its worst? An over-crowded hotbed of godawful trendsters. I'm slightly bitter.

Look, last year I was so overwhelmed by the platform-and-animal-skin-clad chicks in the West Village, I had to duck into an Italian restaurant to compose myself (eat pasta and drink red wine).

I missed out on celebrity DJs, one-night-only deals, and more. If I hit up FNO tomorrow, the following events look dope.

NYC Fashion's Night Out Schedule: Thursday, September 8

Win Free Tickets to the Rebecca Taylor S/S 2012 Fashion Show

6-11PM

9:30 Solange Knowles Spins at Sephora

"Rhinestonate" Your Hanky Pankys

Ends at 11:00pm

End your night with some Hanky Panky at Blomingdale's Soho. Adorn your Hanky Panky thong or boy short purchase with rhinestones. Word. Bloomingdale's Soho: 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring.

Suite Lady

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:28:05 EST

Another fun New York Fashion Week moment was hanging in the suites at the Empire Hotel. First stop was the Nintendo DS-Benefit Cosmetics-Essie nail polish suite. The girls and I stopped by, noshed, played a new Nintendo game, and got mini makeovers and new products in the Benefit Cosmetics room.

We also sat down for a manicure in the Essie room. Here's a picture of one of the best beauty reps I've ever met. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about the brand. I had to take a picture.

After that, we went down to the Lia Sophia suite. We spotted Reshma Shetty from USA Network's "Royal Pains" and drooled over the gorgeous Industrielle jewelry. I had my eye on the Concentric Square Ring in matte gold with black diamond crystals. It is phenomenal, no?

Suite Lady

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:28:05 EST

We also sat down for a manicure in the Essie room. Here's a picture of one of the best beauty reps I've ever met. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about the brand. I had to take a picture.

Boy Fashion: Nautica Men's Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:24:39 EST

Rather than go to the Nautica Men's Fall 2011 presentation and report which boys were the cutest, I figured I'd enlist a dude to actually *gasp* look at the clothes.

Enter Brian. Brian is my infamously-awkward-yet-unquestionably-stylish marketing-genius friend. In fact, his nickname was once,"Google Man". I challenged him to describe the collection in 155 clever words or less. He succeeded.

These Are the Pops

"They really did a great job of highlighting the Nautica lifestyle. It's about the basics: white, black, navy, gray, and camel with added "pops." The pops of color were the orange (I loved) and the Nautica-branded pops."

The Prince & the Pea (Coat)

"Nothing says classic outerwear like the pea coat. And theirs was well made, tailored, and on point. Easily the highlight.

I also liked their trench. Comes in the obvious navy as well as a brown-knit pattern featuring a collar with a plaid undercarriage (guess it's made to be popped)."

Who's Afraid of Eavesdropping? Not Bri!

"I briefly got the ear of Nautica Creative Director Chris Cox. And by "got the ear of", I mean I patiently waited and eavesdropped on his conversation with real fashionistas. He talked about the luxurious sophistication of the Nautica brand.

My take? Nautica should "own" outerwear for fall '11. Be basic and deliver high quality styles. If this winter was any indication of weather to come, America needs more pea coats."

Boy Fashion: Nautica Men's Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:24:39 EST

Rather than go to the Nautica Men's Fall 2011 presentation and report which boys were the cutest, I figured I'd enlist a dude to actually *gasp* look at the clothes.

These Are the Pops

The Prince & the Pea (Coat)

"Nothing says classic outerwear like the pea coat. And theirs was well made, tailored, and on point. Easily the highlight.

I also liked their trench. Comes in the obvious navy as well as a brown-knit pattern featuring a collar with a plaid undercarriage (guess it's made to be popped)."

Who's Afraid of Eavesdropping? Not Bri!

My take? Nautica should "own" outerwear for fall '11. Be basic and deliver high quality styles. If this winter was any indication of weather to come, America needs more pea coats."

Yoana Baraschi Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:41:20 EST

COLOR-COLOR-COLOR, FEMININE FROCKS & FUR-OCIOUS FUR!

SEE WHAT'S HUE!

Yoana Baraschi Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:41:20 EST

COLOR-COLOR-COLOR, FEMININE FROCKS & FUR-OCIOUS FUR!

SEE WHAT'S HUE!

Binetti Fall/Winter 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:38:36 EST

Mohair. Fringe. Sparkles. Sheers. Ostrich Feathers.

Wanna see more from Binetti Fall/Winter 2011? Click here to see my album!

Binetti Fall/Winter 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:38:36 EST

Mohair. Fringe. Sparkles. Sheers. Ostrich Feathers.

Wanna see more from Binetti Fall/Winter 2011? Click here to see my album!

Cocktails & Couture: February '11

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:33:54 EST

(l to r: San Tara, Chantal, and Misha)

Only one Fashion Week event could make me whip out a body-hugging animal print dress...Cocktails & Couture! I was stoked to be in the Aveda Lifestyle Salon with some of my favorite Twitter peeps, social media mavens, and beauty and fashion influencers.

Cocktails & Couture is an event that happens every season during Fashion Week founded by the gorgeous beauty expert, Lianne Farbes. We networked, laughed, sampled products, and ate candy from the Hypnotiq candy bar (yup, THAT Hypnotiq). There were shellac manicures by CND and makeup application by Victoria Stiles as well.

Cocktails & Couture: February '11

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:33:54 EST

(l to r: San Tara, Chantal, and Misha)

Vivienne Tam Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:38:34 EST

Let me say this...I am super excited at runway shows and my hand gets shaky. That plus not having the best angle leads to random audience shots and interesting versions of the looks. I'll call them "action shots".

I figured I'd give you my image and one shot by a NY Mag photographer. Why? Because I love you...and I have no shame.

um, here's mine.

Er, perhaps I should've raised the camera (just a bit). Hey, you can't say my pics don't have personality!

For more looks from the show, check out New York Mag.com!

Vivienne Tam Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:38:34 EST

I figured I'd give you my image and one shot by a NY Mag photographer. Why? Because I love you...and I have no shame.

um, here's mine.

Er, perhaps I should've raised the camera (just a bit). Hey, you can't say my pics don't have personality!

For more looks from the show, check out New York Mag.com!

Josie Natori Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:07:00 EST

Josie Natori created a serene, Japanese tea ceremony to present her fall 2011 collection.

Here are some of my favorite looks.

Wide leg pants are still going strong.

Chunky accessories played a HUGE role (get it...HUGE?).

And speaking of accessories, this scarf is leather..lea-ther.

Madame Natori. Tell me how someone so tiny can be such a powerhouse!

Josie Natori Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:07:00 EST

Josie Natori created a serene, Japanese tea ceremony to present her fall 2011 collection.

Here are some of my favorite looks.

Wide leg pants are still going strong.

Chunky accessories played a HUGE role (get it...HUGE?).

And speaking of accessories, this scarf is leather..lea-ther.

Madame Natori. Tell me how someone so tiny can be such a powerhouse!

Mara Hoffman Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:20:33 EST

Behold, the SPIRITUAL WARRIOR: where the heavenly veil meets the earthly turban.

OK imagine a BRAIDED flapper-era dress made with a sweetheart neckline. Seriously, the pic doesn't do it justice. This dress is like Supreme Court justice and my pic is more like TV court justice (from a fashion perspective).

I was awe-struck when I saw the model's fingers; they almost looked like they were dipped in black paraffin wax. My backstage beauty friend will give me the story and I'll report back. Oh-oh-oh you can also see a close up of MY dress!

Wanna see more Mara Hoffman 2011? Check out my photo album!

Mara Hoffman Fall 2011

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:20:33 EST

Behold, the SPIRITUAL WARRIOR: where the heavenly veil meets the earthly turban.

Wanna see more Mara Hoffman 2011? Check out my photo album!

Missed Chrisitan Siriano (Whah). Met Pat Cleveland (Yay!).

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:04:05 EST

Ty from Hey Bella Blog was kind enough to give me a ticket to Christian Siriano. The fashion gods though, had something else in mind for me. I was late for the show because I was at the Kim Crawford wine bar meeting one of my favorite supermodels...Pat Cleveland. I know, I know. Huge!

Nichelle from 55 Secret Street said, "Oh Shaunequa, let me introduce you to Pat Cleveland." Luckily there was no time for me to spazz out (well, I did tell her I illegally used her image as my Facebook profile picture).

She turned around and said I was "so glamorous"...PAT CLEVELAND!!

My heart stopped. My blood stopped circulating. My brain synapses stopped synapsing. All I could do was reach into my bag and take out my hot pink camera holder. I snuggled up, rested my head on hers, and posed. After that, it's all a blur.

Missed Chrisitan Siriano (Whah). Met Pat Cleveland (Yay!).

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:04:05 EST

She turned around and said I was "so glamorous"...PAT CLEVELAND!!

Temple of Glam at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Another Season!

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:22:12 EST

Press credentials? Check. Comfortable footwear? Check. Caffeinated beverage? Check-a-roo! I'm so excited to give you all the scoop from New York Fashion Week for another season. Follow me on Twitter for instant updates!

Along with a challenge to attend more shows each season, I jotted down a few more goals for myself. If you have any other ideas, holler at your blogger:

1. Meet great people.

2. Document crazy-fashionable street style.

3. Spot ALT and tell him that I love him.

Image courtesy of www.counterfeitchic.com

4. When randomly photographed behind celebs like *ahem* DVF, DON'T get caught making a butt-terrible facial expression (this stupid expression is almost comparable to a facial tick. Yes, I'm considering psychotherapy.)

5. Have fun! Whether standing on line waiting for a show or getting chummy with a new Twitter friend, I will remember I'm very lucky to be there and share EVERYTHING I see with you.

Remember last season when I literally brushed shoulders with Rachel Zoe? If you weren't following me on Twitter, you missed that fashion action. Who knows what'll happen this season!

So be sure to follow me Twitter.com/TempleofGlam as I report live from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011!

Temple of Glam at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Another Season!

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:22:12 EST

Along with a challenge to attend more shows each season, I jotted down a few more goals for myself. If you have any other ideas, holler at your blogger:

1. Meet great people.

2. Document crazy-fashionable street style.

3. Spot ALT and tell him that I love him.

Image courtesy of www.counterfeitchic.com

5. Have fun! Whether standing on line waiting for a show or getting chummy with a new Twitter friend, I will remember I'm very lucky to be there and share EVERYTHING I see with you.

Remember last season when I literally brushed shoulders with Rachel Zoe? If you weren't following me on Twitter, you missed that fashion action. Who knows what'll happen this season!

So be sure to follow me Twitter.com/TempleofGlam as I report live from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011!

Win a Trip to NYFW for DVF Fall '11 Show

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:58:01 EST

Click here to enter the Shop Bop-DVF Contest!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S '11: (The Finale, FINALLY!)

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:10:36 EDT

Nathan Jenden S/S '11 Image courtesy of The Shophound

Well well well. We made it to the final chapter of my fashion week recap. Though I went back to my weekday routine, in the last few days, I sat right behind Diane Von Furstenberg at one of the shows and took a pic of the back of Miss Jay's head. Yes, both occurrences took place at the same show, but nevertheless check it out.

Sunday 9/12:

Diane Von Furstenberg S/S '11 Live Stream

I was invited with some of my favorite bloggers, and some of the same girls from Cocktails and Couture the other night, to witness artistry in motion. The Diane Von Furstenberg live stream at her store. It was incredible. See for yourself.

Monday 9/13:

Haute Social

I grabbed a cocktail (yup, only one; it packed a punch!) and chatted it up with a bunch of fun people. I saw pictures from last year's Haute Social so I was super excited about it this season. I wasn't disappointed--at all.

Wednesday 9/15:

Nathan Jenden

So this is it. The moment I had been waiting for...Diane Von Furstenberg and Miss Jay (that's the back of his head. I'm officially a stalker) were both sitting in front of me. Check out the pic below. I'm the one with the hot pink stars around her head! Oh and seriously, the Nathan Jenden show had more models of color than any of the S/S '11 shows I saw COMBINED. And the clothes as well as "The Wizard of Oz" /"The Wiz" yellow-brick-road-themed runway were sick.

DVF Image Courtesy of The Shophound

Thursday 9/16:

Rebecca Moses

I rounded out Fashion Week with a brilliant array of mix and match patterns, boxy tops, feminine skirts, and bat-winged eyes. Of course, right...it's spring! I give major (read: mad) props to the model on the right. A gross, "videographer" was taking pics of her legs and slowly creeping up them and as she continuously gave him "you're such a loser" looks, he finally stopped.

Well, that's it! See you next season. If you want to read my entire fashion week recap, click here!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S '11: This...Is...the Remix (Part Two)

Shaunequa Brathwaite — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:33:10 EDT

Yoana Baraschi S/S '11

Saturday 9/11:

Binetti:

I was psyched this was a presentation and not a show because I really, really, really wanted to catch the DVF brunch, which was scheduled to start um, right at the moment I walked into Lincoln Center! I not only fell hard for the looks here, but I also saw one of my former Marie Claire colleagues.

CFDA Fall Accessories Panel at the DVF Lounge:

I flew out of Lincoln Center like a famous Meatloaf album! After taking the wrong train downtown and getting caught in loathsome traffic, I could only envision Alexis Bittar and the other panelists including Harper's Bazaar Accessories Editor. And I got to see them...as the audience applauded at the very end of the panel. All wasn't lost though; I finally got to hang with Ehmonie from What's Haute and we hit the DVF photo booth.

After chatting it up, I headed back uptown to kill some time before the next show. I went for a mani-pedi. Now, as I was there, I envisioned Rachel Zoe. I told myself that somehow I'd see her on that day. Who'd guess I really would...about 30 minutes later.

Yoana Baraschi:

Fresh-to-death nails...I was ready. As I walked toward The Box, I saw a very familiar blonde woman walk in front of me.Yup, Rachel Zoe in a black silk jumper and chunky gold jewelry. Check out the pic I got with the ol' iPhone. After my awe wore off I found myself in line at Yoana Baraschi with Tineey and Christen from Divas & Dorks. Here's the pic of Rachel and more of YB's eclectic looks:

Cocktails and Couture Party:

I was so happy to be at such a fete of fabulousness! I met a bunch of people from Twitter and had so much fun. Check out this pic of me with What's Haute, This That Beauty, and Real Curb Appeal.