Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman

             I've been a regular subscriber to Cosmopolitan Magazine for quite some time now, and it is usually the magazine I look forward to most because even though it is not necessarily a fashion magazine, its fashion spreads are amazing. Lately however, Ive been confused and somewhat disappointed in some of the cover girl choices. When I received my June issue and saw Demi Lovato on the front of it I didn't know what to think. My initial reaction was "isn't this baby girl from Disney Channel??". And as I read on I also discovered she was barely 18.
            This isn't the first time this has happened either. At least 3 other times I can remember in the last year and a half Cosmo has featured barely legal cover girls who either still were or up until that time had been the poster girls for under 18 audiences. Granted, I started reading Cosmo when I was 17 and a senior in high school but as a result, I feel like I was definitely more primed to sexual experience, lets just say the magazine contributed to peaking my sexual appetite.

           Because I started babysitting again I am more aware of the presence and viewpoint of children. I think of the ten year old girl Sammari that I babysit who is still untainted and innocent but who also is so curious about everything; "what is Rihanna's S &M song talking about Brittany?" "What does S&M mean?". Especially because she eagerly looks through my magazine collection; still a lover of Demi Lovato I had to swiftly hide this issue from her. 
           Of course I'm completely aware that everyone must grow up at some point and the media obsessed world we live in, at times can be overtly sexual. However, I think there should be some type of tact and consideration when a star transforms from the PG sector to PG - 13 or for some R. Demi's cover of her proudly smiling surrounded by attention grabbing colors, with the words "SEX HE CRAVES" written across her stomach, prompts Britney Spears' "not that innocent" declaration. At the end of the day these stars yes are human but are also still role models and should be more aware of that fact. As well as the magazine industry because I'm sure I'm not the only one who looked to magazines as my guide through life as a teen.#ImJustSaying

Aesthetic Value Presents: 2012 Fashion Awards

Mary - Kate & Ashley Olsen

Reed Krakoff

             As I watched the CFDA Fashion Awards; I was amazed at the work of the people who were honored that night. Some notables  being Tommy Hilfiger with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Billy Reid for Menswear designer of the year, Reed Krakoff Accessory Designer of the year, Fashion Icon Award to Johnny Depp, and the Womenswear Award presented to Mary - Kate and Ashley Olsen for The Row. The last two winners struck me especially. Hollywood is another industry that frequently emerges with the fashion industry. In a previous post, I noted how easy it is for celebrities with a little bit of clout and money backing to start a fashion line but there are actually some reputable celebrity fashion designers. 

Tommy Hilfiger

Billy Reed

  With that being said may I present to you the Aesthetic Value Celebrity Fashion Awards:

Women's Wear Winner: Victoria Beckham

                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                   

Best Accessory Line: Nicole Richie House of Harlow 1960

  

  

Newbie Designer: Kanye West 

    

 

Menswear Winner: Sean "Diddy" Combs

Best Urban Brand: Beyonce House of Dereon

                                                   Happy 50th birthday CFDA! 

Street Chic

                OK truth moment: I love hip hop music. That ratchet, thugged out heavy bass, make you wanna juke or twerk type music. Its a whole other category from any other genre. It has a whole life and beat and soul of its own. And just as well so do it's artist. But what people seem to occasionally over look is that hip  hop and high fashion are increasingly collaborative fields. A plethora of industry heavy weights have not only worn haute couture but are also producing it (more on that later). So allow me to bring to your attention a couple of chic individuals who deserve a little due credit: 


Soulja Boy: 

                                                    

 I figured I'd start the list off with a surprise =). Soulja is probably the sole reason guys in this generation walk around with what they try to portray as "swag". He has come a long way from his baggy tees and jeans splattered with his name on them. But he still kept a little bit of himself while also demanding his grown and sexy title with the chains. You can take the soulja out of a baggy fit but you cant take 'em out of his chains. Soulja Boy Tell Emmmm!!! 

Ashanti:

                                                         

 I think a lot of people over look Ashanti's amazing style one, because she chooses to be low key and two, because she's like me: sometimes we're lazy and simple but when we do dress up, best believe we show out. She definitely has that sexy vixen thing going on and likes to show off her curves, but why not? If you got it flaunt it! 

T.I:

                                                  

Mr T.I.P Harris! Another gorgeous man with duper threads. He is the epitome of 'street chic' He can be both hood and professional. And he looks delicious in both. His style is a little Scarface and a little Michael Kors. But its all TI. 

Rihanna: 

                                                       

 My second confession is I'm secretly in love with Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Not only is she gorgeous and talented but she has amazing personal style. I probably have every magazine with her on the cover. She has such a dope, modern take on dressing. She is a trendsetter by every sense of the word. I mean who else can make Ronald McDonald red hair and tattoos chic?! The girls just amazing. When I grown up I wanna be a bad bitch like Rihanna. 

Bow Wow: 

Growing up Bow Wow was my dream, he was so gorgeous and talented I would run to the TV every time one of his videos came on. Unfortunately when I grew past him (physically speaking) I lost some of my lust. However, I still occasionally catch a pic or two of him and I must say his twenties fit him nicely. He is a master of less is more and really pays attention to fit and colors. Those combinations make him the prince of dress at least if not the prince of hip hop. 

                                                       
Fergie: 

                                                     

I love Fergie because her sense of style is so varied and wild.She is not afraid of taking risk or standing out. How else would she get noticed in a group of men? She definitely shows off her lady lumps but does it in a non vulgar or suggestive way. She takes any trend but makes it her own and does it in a way most people wouldn't think of. And she has a very "fuck the haters" type of attitude which allows her ultimate creativity with her style.