Monday, February 28, 2011

Great American History: Black Style Fashionistas

Ok I know, I know. Shame on me for disappearing so long on you guys! How dare I leave you without haute fashion to look at? Well don’t fret any longer! I have a treat for you. In honor of Black History Month, although it’s almost over, we’re going to showcase some of the best moments in style, fashion, and history. There were some awesome accomplishments made by our fellow Americans of color, and we would like to honor them with this blog post. So today you will see the classic styles of Ms.Lena Horne, the bold moves of Oscar de la Renta with integrating black models into fashion and the classic edge of Ms.Grace Jones. 
 
1. Lena Horne, when she was alive was one of the most beautiful women on the planet. Her style was impeccable. She was the first black woman to sign a meaningful long-term contract with a major studio, a contract that said she would never have to play a maid. She died at the age of 92, May of 2010.






 2. Oscar de La Renta made his mark on American history by being the first to showcase black models in a runway show.  The fashion show now known as the "Battle of Versailles" was waged on a chilly night in France in 1973. 




 3. Grace Jones known for singing, acting, and modeling is the most infamous style icon, her edgy style has made her one of the most recognized style fashionistas to date.



Everyday is a history lesson at J Culture. Knowing the history of fashion is always a style trend, and makes for the most fabulous and trendy conversation. J Culture wants to keep you in the know everyday...afterall trendy knowledge is J Culture!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Post for All The Lover's Out There...Valentines Day Edition

 
  I know everyone is gathering there Valentines Day plans. Whether you hate the holiday or love it to pieces, there is almost a 99.9% chance you feel a certain way about it. If you are with someone, or have chosen a Valentine you are expecting a romantic gesture from that lucky person. If you are single for the holiday, this probably amplifies the number of talking balloons, giant stuffed animals and roses you may see floating about. So J Culture is here to bring comfort to the single fashionista and the fashionista that may be "seeing someone". We will explore haute fashions for the "single and celebrating" and "the dating and loving it individuals".
 
  You know what looks completely lonely, and sends out the total opposite signal of not desperate on Valentines Day? WEARING
ALL BLACK!!! Single people, the bitter thing on Valentines Day is PLAYED! It has been done to death! And in an age where people are getting married at an older age, you should enjoy your singleness. If you are an older fashionista who follows this ritual, you should have this down already. You probably have your comfy pants and slippers ready, some chic flicks, sweets, and a bottle of sparkling something that will leave you more depressed and probably a couple pounds heavier. What would we suggest? Although this is a fashion blog, there is something that we can tell you. Your wardrobe and overall look from head to toe sends out a strong signal. And yes, that signal broadcasts as much inward as it does outward. People like being around happy and positive people. So ditch the depressing colors (i.e. black), lets find more vibrant bold colors appropriate for the season (i.e.) purple, green, blue and yes RED! Bold Hues have been very popular on the red carpet and everyone should take good use of them during the holiday season. Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors were two of the many designers who made bold references for the season.

  If you are dating you will most likely be hitting a fancy restaurant or for the less creative gentlemen (please be more creative and ditch this idea) the movies. This is your time to step out with your A game in tact. It’s Valentines Day, which is a great excuse for you to wear a well planned outfit.  It’s a romantic holiday and because romance is the staple of this day, fabrics that are flowing are totally appropriate. Romantic waves and curls for your hair (think Taylor Swift) would pull in the look perfectly. 

  Are you single? Well more than likely you will be hitting a club with another if not a few other single girlfriends. What are our suggestions? What’s more vibrant than sequence? It is definitely still in, and it is definitely appropriate for the club, lounging, or partying.  Super sexy stilettos will accent sequence well. It gives off the vibe of fun, you appear to be enjoying yourself before you even open your mouth. Try a haute red lipstick to tip off your party look. Sassy, Sexy, and Single is definitely the look. You should attract people with just the look alone. How to keep them? Well, fashion can only take you so far. But it will definitely get you in the door!















Nina Ricci


















Nina Ricci















Going out for Valentines Day? Well you should try our friends at LVL X, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Express. These are smart buys, for a great price. And also Nina Ricci and Bottega Veneta. Plus Sized? Try our friends over at Torrid and Ashley Stewart. J Culture wants to make you haute everyday! There is nothing better than boosting your insides by looking Haute on the outside. What would you EVER do without us? Afterall J Trends are J Culture!