As Seen on TV: Empire's Cookie in Altuzara for Target.

Last week Wednesday while watching the new Fox Series - Empire with some friends, I got excited when I saw the Lead Actress and the reason for watching the show Cookie Lyons (Taraji P. Henson) in this Altuzarra Pinstripe Python dress that I had in my closet!

 

                                              

I love how it was paired with the fur coat and Pearls!

 

(From Snapchat follow me - AriTresChic)

The Paris born luxury women's clothing designer collaborated with Target to release a more affordable ready to wear collection. With celebrities like Rihana, Sienna Miller and Beyoncé seen in his creations, Target pulled another big collaboration like it did with Jason Wu, Missoni and Isaac Mizrahi. 

       

            

                                           Rihanna in Altuzarra

                             

                        Fashion and Editorial Writer Claire Sulmers in Altuzarra for Target

                       

                                                Sienna Miller in Altuzarra




I purchased mine at my local Target store, but you can probably find it online at Target.com and Netporter.com

                    

I paired it with a River Island purse, a belt from another dress, and Daisy Fuentes suede brown pointed toe pumps. Other stores like H&M also have recent collaborations with major fashion designers and labels like Alexander Wang.  So, you don't have to spend your whole paycheck on a designer label dress anymore. Be smart and invest that money, and buy a label designer for  a fraction of the cost! 

And if you're ready to shop for a fashionable bargain, Target has a new collaboration for spring; Lily Pulitzer. This collection will be released in April 19th, 2015. The bright colors, floral design and Palm Beach socialite feel of the brand can be seen in the sneak peek of the collection. 

I wonder if Cookie will stop at Target and channel her inner Jackie O. in a bright shift dress and big sunglasses. 

 

And my new favorite new nude lip combo - NYX medium brown liner + NYX Tea Rose Lipstick. 

 

Stay Chic & Pretty! You can be well dressed without breaking bank! 

Holiday Party Trends: Pearl Embellished, Sleek Jumpsuit and Traditional Red

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukah, Happy New Year .... Happy Holidays should cover every holiday.  The season for holiday parties and functions is now upon us, and figuring out what to wear that stands out but doesn't make you jingle around like a Christmas tree ornament is quite exhausting. 

Well, you're just in luck! Get your gift cards and exchange receipts and head to the store...and tell the attendant you know what you want and it's not a sequined gown!!!! (Like really! EVERY NEW YEAR SEQUINS!!!) 

1. Pearl Embellished: I love pearls! Chanel has pearl embellished purses, Balmain and McQueen has so many pearl embellished items. Katy perry, Lady Gaga and GwenStefani are just a few of the gorgeous women in pearl embellished dresses, jackets and accessories. 

 

For the Christmas holiday, I got to wear this beautiful pearl embellished dress that I purchased from my favorite thrift store. The details are more beautiful in person. 

Dress: purchased at The Walk In Closet (Resale and Consignment store)

Shoes: Fergie (Macys.com) 

Jewelry: Fresh Water PearlEarrings (my Christmas gift from my brother)$ 

Chanel will embellish purses with beautiful pearls at request. But in case you don't have the $3,000 for a Chanel bag and the extra fee for embellishing it, this is a simple and affordable DIY project for you and friends, sisters, nieces or cousins etc. all you need is a glue gun, a trip to your local Hobby Lobby (craft store) for pearls (fake pearls of course) and an old purse from the back of your closet, the attic or basement. 

Plan on making one? You can send me a picture via email or just tag me on Instagram or Facebook! I'll be more than happy to share your creation.

2. Sleek Jumpsuit: The jumpsuit is very on trend. It's easy to wear and can be found in every store at every price point. There are simple sleek looks like black one Jessie J had on the red carpet. If you want a similar look, Rachel Roy (www.rachelroy.com) has the clean lines and effortless feel. Pair with a jacket and minimal accessories and viola! 

For a more festive event, a little sparkle never hurt anyone. Jennifer Lopez knows this. Or is touch of Lace can give an otherwise casual look a touch of fancy. Check out you local Marshall's or TJ Maxx

Can't afford a beautiful Rachel Roy jumpsuit? How's the Berry Misletoe jumpsuit from Lilly's Kloset (www.lillyskloset.net) for $59.00 

3. Traditional Red: well I love Red, it goes with every body type and skin tone. Finding a red dress is beyond easy. Just look in your closet. It's a classic and timeless holiday look if you want to play it safe without being too safe. 

Lady Gaga in all trends, because for her everyday is a Holiday.

But wait! Demi Lovato in this Ashi Feather dress and sparkled accessories is everything. There's no way to get anything similar to this dress! They start at about $20,000! 

 

Hope you enjoy the holiday season and spend time with those you love. Remember to count all the blessings you've acquired this year, the fact that you've made it through 2014 is a blessing in itself.

Happy holidays from my family to yours. 

Update:

Looking for more pearl outfits? Try these.

1. Cardigan- Missselfridge.com

2. Dress -Top shop.com

3. Sweater - Forever21.com

4. Lanebryant.com

Honora pearls - honora.com

GIAMA Award Show Prep.

This past weekend was the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards. This is an award show that honors African Movies and Film stars. The African movie industry is not only getting better in content and quality but also has Amazingly talented stars. When I first moved to the states I would wait at the end of the movies to see if there was an African name, even if it was just an extra or a stage hand I would get excited. Now it's common to see African (I get reaaaalllly excited to see Nigerian names) as leads, prominent characters or writer and producers. Dayo Okeniyi, Chiwetelu Ejiofor, Ashley Maduekwe, Djimon Hounsou and Peter Mensah are just a few of the recognizable African talent out in Hollywood. 

GIAMA honors those in African entertainment and I get really excited to see that we are carving a name for ourselves worldwide.

Anytime I get a chance to dress up in  Vintage or Pin up clothing i take it. It feels like I'm being transported back in time. I originally had a simple modern red carpet black dress in mind but at the last minute, I decided to go Retro.  Luckily I didn't wear it because there was another gorgeous lady in the exact same dress on the red carpet!!!! I'll save that dress for another day, and hopefully I wouldn't have a twin.

My top dress selections are below; 

1. 80's Bridesmaid Special 

I was 100% in love with this dress! The pink pepto bismol, ruffled taffeta made me feel like Drew Barrymore in the wedding singer or if I put my hair up in a crinkled side pony tail wore some fishnet gloves I would be Cyndi Lauper. 

But it needed so much alterations and it would work better a Halloween event than a movie award show.

2. Simply Teal 

Now this simple stunning dress fit like a dream and is currently hanging in my closet waiting for its time to shine. Just a simple gown in a beautiful teal color. The picture does this dress no justice! 

Although it was gorgeous I decided to save it for another occasion that wasn't as glamorous.

3. Deep V Plunge 

I love wearing sweater dresses! Unfortunately, Houston doesn't get cold until late November. It's late October and we still have 80 -90 degree weather constantly. This dress needed a few alterations to adjust the fit but look at the back! Now I'm excited for winter! I can't wait to wear this!

4. And the GIAMA goes to.....

Finally, I found a glamorous vintage J. Ellis dress that didn't even need a stitch of alteration! It was as is if it was waiting for me. 

The simple embroidered white halter and fitted bodice with a high slit and the detailed back was simply stunning. When the sales lady told me it came with gloves I almost fainted out of excitement. 

                

Once I had the gloves on, it was a no brainier as to what outfit I had to wear for the GIAMA award show. The best part was the price! Being a diva on a budget, you know I got a great deal. The outfit cost $30.00 gloves and all!!! Who can beat that! The jewelry (Swarovski) and shoes (Forever 21) already belong to Ari's Boutique de Closet (aka my closet). 

It was a really great show, even though it dragged on for a little bit. Overall, I enjoyed hobnobbing with the  Actors, Actresses and Entertainers at the show. I definitely loved Seyi Brown and the C.E.O dancers performances. Since I got a million questions in my dms and random people trying to pad me down, I'll just go ahead and answer for the ladies asking, I did not have a corset under the dress. It would have been completely visible especially since the back wasn't fully covered. 

And moving on to the rest of the night...here are a few pictures.

Oh just harassing the handsome Nollywood and GhollyWood film actor Majid Michael

One of Nigeria's Funniest and extremely talented Djs - DjWoske

Houston's Nigerian handsome actor and R&B vocalist Eno Williams who was also nominated.

And Actor Alexx Ekubo who plays the Johnny from Yemi Alades hit song - Johnny

Director Robert Peters, who won 4 awards that night. Oh and he promised me a role in the next big movie..... Well he didn't exactly say yes, but he'll come around! 

And the best part was hanging out with my beautiful sisters and gorgeous friends.

Tariere (@tari_bob) looked gorgeous in this custom made lace gown. She's very stylish and If you want to custom order in the Houston area, MaxxArt designs is taking orders, email her @ tarierebn@gmail.com

With Houston Model Mma face of Houston's yummiest soul food restaurant, Soul2Soul Cafe in Houston (@thisissoultosoul). It's off Highway 6 and Bellaire.

And she is always laughing.

And sisters that glam together stay together 

 

With the beautiful Bethany (@beth_oh) who is an actress, writer and a great chef! She caters too! Hit her up for your occasions 

Anita (@alabasterlove) Bethany and Tariere.These beauties can work the camera, I think I should start a model management company.

With the Gorgeous Bethany (Instagram - @beth_oh)

Well, Ispent most of my night stalking the handsome Ghanaian Actor Majid Michael, I mean what else was a girl supposed to do? I think this was right after I asked him to marry me and he called security.