And the Nominees Are...

          
    Yesterday like most of you I eagerly tuned into CBS to watch the Grammy Awards. Of course I wanted to see if my favorite artist would win and I had to see Rihanna perform but my main focus of course were the outfits. Im proud to say despite the discouragement of showing up in risky ensembles via the new dress code, the nominees still slayed for the most part. Here are my favorites of the night:

I think Kelly defied the code in this Georges Chakra cut out but she looks
flawless. She even seemed to be glowing

Nas fine self in this blazer looks delicious and polished
and i love the chain on the pocket that nods to his NY roots

JLO Slayss with this asymmetrical one shoulder by Anthony Varccerello especially with this
classic Angelina Jolie slit. Perfection.

JT made a come back like no other with this
snazzy Tom Ford suit the misses must've loved it

I literally clutched my chest when Adele walked out in this floral Valentino A-line.
We know she's a fan on this cut but this print with the matching shoes
was amazing and she finally wore color.

LL Cool J was certainly the hostest with the mostest
and i do love a man in a cream suit by Armani <3

Definitely had some tough competition but hands down Katy Perry
took the cake in thus mint Gucci cutout. My eyes couldnt help but go
in the same direction as Ellens. Thats how you make a post breakup appearance!

I personally think Taylor Swift is dramatic and angsty but she looked
like a Grecian goddess in this J Medel gown. At least she got that right

Kaley Cuoco took the nontraditional route in the this Amen jacket paired
with leather pants and a white tee but it workerd. She stood out in a good way

Proud parents to be Wiz and Amber Rose look adorable in matching
b&w even tho she took Wiz from me Amber looked too cute
in the Donna Karen Dress.

RiRi looked so sophisticated in the red sheer custom Alia number,
i love her edge but she does classy well too.


 

Aesthetic Value Turns 2!!

                   Yep I've finally hit the big 2 year mark. But unlike the dreadful terrible twos that new parents have to look forward to I'm hoping to experience a "terrific" 2nd year. (I know that is so corny) LOL. Anyway in my 2nd year Im going to bring my devoted readers more fashion, more commentary, and more inside into the ins and outs of Chicago's Fashion world and my take on it.
              In honor of the 2 year celebration I've decided to pull a traditional fashion blogger trick and post my outfit for today. I was also inspired by the instagram february photo challenge. Today I went for a cute and classic polished look. So here you go enjoy and thanks for all the support in the last 2 years. XOXO Your newly recommited blogger. - Brittany Nichole ;)

 

 

 

I Resolve

            
             Every January 1st Americans around the country marvel at the past year and look forward to whats to come in this new set of 365 days. We do many things to celebrate this new beginning: attend an over pass service, spend quality family time, shack up with our lovers, watch the ball drop or get stupid drunk and have your phone stolen (my NYE shenanigans). But among all the most common tradition is making a list of things that we hope to change from last year.
              I too sat down with my favorite purple pen and my Marilyn Monroe spiral and tried to think of things that I would resolve to do in 2013. Although I definitely came up with some essentials: don't give my number to every cute random guy, be nicer to my brother, try to land an internship; it occurred to me that one of the most frequently overlooked categories of resolution is our wardrobes. Such a vain sounding resolution yet potentially a stepping stone to achieve other goals. Sure changing up your personal style may not win you a Nobel peace prize or grant you a new Audi but it just might increase your chances of getting that promotion and new shoes might finally catch the eye of the office cutie you've been eyeing.
            So in this new year I resolved to make some necessary changes to my personal style and outlook on my appearance. But we shall call them vows (after all the divorce rate is still lower than the number of new years resolutions kept). As I put up my new calendar and try to consciously remember to write 13' in all my dates instead of 12', these 13 things are my vows for the new year and a very stylish new me (OK I'll admit I've had the movie on replay) ;)
           

1. I vow to rededicate myself to Aesthetic Value
2. I vow to rekindle my love affair with accessories
3. I vow to take risk in my garments, not just my accessories
4. I vow not to be intimidated by prints
5. I vow to engage in vintage shopping on a regular basis
6. I vow to not let my uniform stunt my personal style
7. I vow not to follow trends but to embrace them organically into my wardrobe
8. I vow to wear heels on non - special occasions
9. I vow to stop matching my makeup with my outfit
10. I vow to remember that a bad hair day or bad attitude are the biggest enemies to a chic outfit
11. I vow to accept that beauty is pain
12. I vow to break gender specific dressing rules
13. I vow to purchase at least one pair of jeans (for those friends of mine who beg me to put on pants in winter months) lol

           

AV Crush: September

                 Its that time of year again; when the deceptively bright sun pays no homage to the surprisingly chilly winds once you step through your respective thresholds. Yes indeed fall is here. The season for layers and outrageous mixing and creativity. The space right in between covering everything up with a knee length coat and not being allowed to wear your toesies out. I am dying to stock my closet with this seasons essentials but being that my pockets have taken a bruisin' due to the double edged sword called rent, I guess its just window and online shopping for me. Anyways here are my September Crushes, that will hopefully magically appear in my closet right when I post this...a girl can always dream right??

Printed Peplum Skirt *Perfection*. Xenia.com.au

Obvi Ima #90's Baby. Hat. Nastygal.com

Mixed Media Saddle bag. *BANANAS*. Chictopia

Zodiac Bracelet. *#TeamLEO*. NastyGal

Havent Tracked Down the site yet.
*Self Explanatory*. 

Nike Dunk Leopard Sneakers. *The obssession is real lol*

Abby Dawn jacket (modeled by Kendall Jenner)

XXI

                For most young people there are usually 3 birthdays you look forward to; your 16th, your 18th, and your 21st. At 16 you get your license and can drive free of domineering, over cautious parents; at 18 your can legally get tatted, pierced, and stoned and don't have to worry about doing any of these things in secret anymore. But 21? That's the most celebrated, and hyped up birthday of them all! 21 is the perfect case in point for YOLO. Cause after 21 you can gamble, rent a hotel room, get access to the chicer cousin of the likes of Mr Rickys and Secrets (lounges like MAXBAR, and Shrine) and why of course kiss worries of gettin caught under aged drinking goodbye. Since I joined team XXI a month ago, I have pretty much exclusively concentrated on the last two. 
              However, much to my surprise the lounge scene that I thirsted for for so long is not exactly how I pictured it. Ive been to about 6 different lounges since bday and aside from the overpriced drinks, the hit or miss DJ's and the ehhh choice of men 'older men', the most eyebrow raising factor has been how people dress at these shindigs. In the fantasy of Brittanyland, everyone would be dressed like they are about to attend a fashion show. But what I've experienced thus far is quite the contrary. Now maybe its the lounges I been to or maybe its because I need to switch to places where there is actually a cover charge (not that I'm complaining about that #teambrokephibroke). Eitherway, the observation has struck a burning question in me; how do people in their 20's dress?
             If taking the leap into the Dubb Club and forever leaving your teens is such a big deal, shouldn't it come with a grown and sexy dress code? Shouldn't there be a distinct marker from someone who's 17 and someone who is 23? Of all the many forms of self - expression should your wardrobe not seek a fitting change to bring in decade number two? And if so, where do we find such models? Are the manuals handed out when we renew our licenses? Is it a soul searching process? or does it just naturally happen? Who is to say what's 'age appropriate' when the world is your oyster?
            Personally, my style has taken on a edgier yet more sophisticated look in this brave new world. I look at my style idols like Rihanna, Blake Lively and Adrienne Bailon and I feel so enlightened and empowered by their personal style. Its so fresh and individual yet you can tell they are just, free. And its the best kind of freedom. Creative expression through hair, makeup, and dress. That's the goal. I haven't figured out everything about who I am, who I want to be or how I want to be perceived. I haven't even figured out what companies to apply to when I graduate; but what I do know is on this journey to self discovery of my new 21 year old self. I want my appearance to journal the liberation of my soul, from the inside out. After all, that's what your 20's are for right?

Watch This

                Out of all the many accessories; watches have been one that I never cared for. I've had an aversion since I was younger and my dad (who mistakenly thought I was a boy) insisted that I wear them all the time and at the end of the day they would leave that yucky, discolored, sweaty, patch on my arm. *Shivers. However since the days when I tuned in to The Rachel Zoe Project and saw one of my icons wearing a chic men's watch, I've been on a hunt for my own. It sounds silly to say watches are making a come back because they are usually considered a classic piece, but lately I have noticed more ads and more celebs proudly sporting their time keepers. Here are a couple of my favorites: 

GUESS $85

G-Shock. 

Michael Kors. $250

Kate Spade. $250

Nixon. $75

AV Crush: July

                This month, my Aesthetic Value crushes are varied. From shoes to handbags, jewelry to one hot dress; I found that everything is very in the moment. And because I found all these things online shopping, I think its the truest testament to how you can get great style at your finger tips. Gone are the days when you must stand in long lines and get bruises from overstuffed shopping bags. Every last item is amazeballs (as Guiliana would say) and drool inducing. You've been warned...

Valentino.
Perfect Color. I adore Bows. Perfect Structure...
Need I say more??

$19.50. Urbanog.com
Color Blocking and a Mix of textures.
Simply Amazing.

$18.70 GoJane.com
These are so sugar and spice I love them!

$78. Nastygal.com
The high - low trend at its finest
and i like the vague bondage feel
very Fifty Shades of Grey ;)

$35 Lulus.com
Fringe and Pink. How can you go wrong?

$30. Asos.com.
The envelope clutch, so chic

Animal Infatuation

            Most trends I'll try out once.If I like them I'll incorporate them in my  wardrobe moderately. But no other trend like animal print has fit my style truer; specifically leopard/cheetah print. Maybe its a Leo thing (shrug). But despite my little brothers warning,"women who wear animal print have a higher rape rate", I just cant seem to cease my jungle fever. So in honor of it being officially Leo Season #TeamLeo I figured I would show off some of my favorites. =) 

Left to Right: hat, belt, white leopard earrings,
scarf, cheetah ring,
cheetah earrings, white leopard tank, cheetah canvas shoes,
leopard sun hat, leopard ballet flats. 

My Style Is Effortless

           Recently, I was upgraded from intern to employee at the boutique where I work at (guess all my retail experience is finally paying off ;). Effortless Style Studio is a gem that sales chic and sophisticated attire for the 'grown and sexy' crowd if you will. It has everything from accessories, to shoes, day wear or evening wear for men and women who like to be noticed. This boutique is not for the meek, every piece I get from here is an attention grabbing statement investment guaranteed. Owner Devona Dellahoussaye opened the boutique in 2009 on 87Th street and since then, the boutique has had another opening last weekend celebrating the second location on 39Th and Cottage Groove. Open Tues - Sat. 12 - 7pm http://www.facebook.com/EffortlessStyleStudio

Devona Dellahoussaye