55 Secret Street

100 Unforgettable Dresses by InStyle's Hal Rubenstein

 

As I work on my own coffee table book, I can really appreciate a job well done in this area.  Hal Rubenstein's 100 Unforgettable Dresses focuses on the lasting impact certain memorable dresses have had on our culture. From Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress from "The Seven Year Itch" to Princess Diana's striking "Revenge Dress" to Jennifer Lopez's undeniable plunging green Versace in 2001, Hal gives you fascinating anecdotes, gossip and behind-the-scenes stories on some of the legendary looks that have transcended the fashion world.  

 100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein, $35.00.

My Little Brown Eye... 'Silver Sparrow', 'When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things' & Wines from "Italy's Heel"

You remember my friend Tayari Jones, the Cozbi-loving, turkey-carving Slanket enthusiast? Well, her third novel, Silver Sparrow, the story of two sisters - the public and the secret daughter of a bigamist - who have more in common than they think, debuts on May 25th.  You can read an excerpt here.  Tayari's book tour (40+ stops at libraries and independent bookstores across the country) officially kicks off this week with a launch party and signing at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn.  She is also featured in the June issues of Vogue and O, The Oprah Magazine and NPR's All Things Considered with Michele Norris.

Lemon Ginger Martinis for everyone!

 

Another pal, director Monica Mingo (also featured previously on 55 Secret Street) just returned from the Cannes Film Festival with her film When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things.  Monica and her team at Team Sizzle Worldwide (Baltimore Ravens star Terrell Suggs co-wrote and produced the film) were featured in the Short Film Corner on May 11th.  I was lucky enough to see extended clips from the film and believe me when I tell you, I can not wait for it to be available at a theater near you very soon.

I was sorry to miss the next installment of a Greek wine tasting I so enjoyed last year (the picture on the left is from that day) because I could not miss my sister Charrell's graduation (she is now a DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy!) So, I thought I would make up for it by attending a tasting for Puglia: a taste from Italy's Heel.  "Heel" meaning, as you may have guessed, the heel of the famous "boot" on Italy's map.  I misheard one of the winemakers (his accent was heavy and my Italian is non-existent) and asked him why the region was referred to as "Italy's Hell." Haha! He got a kick out of that one...

The tasting featured wine from some of Puglia's top wine producers, including: Cantine Botromagno, Casaltrinita, Masseria Celentano - Alberto Longo and  Cantine Teanum. Every vendor presented wines culled from grapes from the Apulia region (Aglianico, Primitivo and Nero di Troia).  I enjoyed the Primitivo from Cantine Teanum, a smooth, slightly sweet white reminiscent of Pinot Grigio and the Pier delle Vigne, a blend of Aglianico and Montepulciano.  The latter literally translates to "Peter of the vines" and is named after Pier delle Vigne, the right-hand man of Frederick II of Swabia. He was the one who introduced the first red-wine grapes to the area. 

Meanwhile, my newest online venture Vintage Black Glamour was recently featured on TheRoot.com as one of  The Root's Faves: The Top 12 Tumblrs and has a healthy following on Facebook and Twitter.  All very encouraging as I continuing working on the book...

55 Red Carpet: The Met Ball 2011

An Alexander McQueen clutch

The theme of the 2011 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was "Savage Beauty" in honor of the late genius designer Lee Alexander McQueen.  You can see the exhibit from May 4 through July 31, 2011 at the museum. 

Beyonce in Emilio Pucci.  I am not sure who Solange is wearing yet... but maybe Pucci also?

Jennifer Lopez

Iman, representing Legendary Goddesses for the evening...

Shala Monroque is a candidate for later day 21st century Vintage Black Glamour.

Ciara was born on my 16th birthday so, I like her a lot...

Kanye West (in Tory Burch) with Rihanna.

Jennifer Hudson with Vera Wang.

 

 New York Knick Amar'e Stoudemire is definitely serious about getting into fashion.

King Andre Leon Talley. I am calling him "king" in all seriousness and with respect. I am guessing his blue cape is by either Karl Lagerfeld or Ralph Rucci.

Anna Wintour

Mr. and Mrs. Carmelo Anthony

Design legends Donna Karan and Calvin Klein

Janelle Monae holding a full-court press in a (fancier version) of her standard uniform.

Estee Lauder spokesmodel Hilary Rhoda looking stunning.

 

 Kerry Washington

Joy Bryant and Margherita Missoni in... Missoni.  Personally, I would love to see Joy in a HUGE Missoni campaign yesterday...

John Legend and his girlfriend Chrissy Teigen, who is far more interesting on Twitter than he is. #justsayin

Madonna in Stella McCartney

 

 I thought model Liu Wen was beyond stunning...

Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen

Rihanna with Paul McCartney.

Zoe Saldana with Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa.

Keri Hilson and Jennifer Lopez.

 

All photos via Vogue.com and WWD.com

Lloyd Boston's "The Style Checklist"

I had the pleasure of meeting with Lloyd Boston at the Jones New York showroom and viewed many of JNY's upcoming looks and trends.  Lloyd suggested owning signature pieces that are classic and timeless like a black suit, white shirt and nude or black pumps (I have all of these - yeah me!) 

Lloyd's latest book is called The Style Checklist: The Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials for You and he is currently on a brief tour. His book is definitely a keeper with great details and pictures that make you want perfect your style.  Below are a few pictures from my visit to the Jones New York show room.

The Black Suit

Black Jersey Knit Dress

Neutrals- Camel Safari Jacket

Dark Blues - loves it!

There were so many great looks for all seasons. Fall here I come!