Nicky Minaj & The "Barbie" Phenomenon

     I have a blue key chain with pink writing that reads: "I want to be like Barbie, the Bitch has everything".  I think to some degree every woman wants to channel her inner "Barbie". Just like the iconic doll, she's super sexy, ultra-feminine, and she has her own house, car, man, etc. (each sold separately). Although such stars as Pamela Anderson, Lil Kim, and Paris Hilton are known for their "Barbie"-like qualities, I think that Rapper Nicky Minaj has revamped this phenomena among urban women. I am not directing this observation towards any particular race or ethnic group, I am referring to women who live in the city, who stay on top of the latest trends, live a faster paced life, and are usually single (unmarried). Whereas most women who live in the suburbs are family-oriented.

(photo of Minaj, sitting: www.billboard.com)

     In, 2007 NYC's own Nicky Minaj posed as a Barbie doll on the cover of her mix tape, titled Playtime is Over (photo, shown above, www.images.google.com). In 2010 she has titled her latest work, Barbie World. What gives her Barbie-like qualities is her beauty, dangerous curves, her femininity, and sex appeal. She has been photo'd with pink hair, and pink clothing. For those who don't know, colors give off certain moods. Pink represents sensuality, femininity, and even innocence. So there is that element of Barbie, as we know her to be, both alluring and sexual, but also innocent and "girly". 
     Although a lot of us women are in the workforce, and we want to be taken seriously, I also think there is a part of us that wants to get in touch with our inner "Barbie" every now and then. I also think that Nicky Minaj portrays this fantasy that we may want to be a part of. Part sinner, part saint, innocent yet naughty, sensual, yet emotionless (I know I wish I can be robotic when it comes to certain situations)...like Barbie. She's an icon because of her timeless beauty, her possessions, but also her "plastic" nature to her surroundings..meaning..She doesn't let the outside world influence her, she influences the outside world.

 

(photo:www.heromachine.com)

Swagger Like...Victoria Beckham

       First of all I have to say that some of the most stylish and most fabulous fashionistas in the "game" are British, and Victoria Beckham is at the forefront. She has gallivanted her way from being known as 1/5 of the UK Pop group "The Spice Girls" to being a celeb fashion designer, entrepreneur, and trend setter. She has also added author to her list of accomplishments, with a book titled That Extra Half an Inch. It is a must read! In her book, she covers various topics from denim, heels, and lingerie, to hair and makeup, and how to look fabulous during and after pregnancy. She also gives practical tips on where to shop on a budget.
     Some critics may think that she does not have what it takes to write a book, and own her own clothing and perfume line, but I beg to differ. She is very fashion forward and sets her own trends, barely enlisting the help of a personal stylist to help her put together her outfits! What better fashion advice can one get than from a globe-trotting trendsetter? She's worldly, has access to many designers and celebrities, and is married to one of the sexiest and most successful soccer players in the world. So her swagger and devil-may-care attitude makes her confident enough to know that she can contribute to the fashion industry in many ways as possible, and this is someone whom I'd take advice from; Someone who is already where I want to be can give the most valuable advice.
     Mrs. Beckham is nobody's "trophy wife"-she has her own luxury denim (dVb), clothing (Victoria Beckham), and perfume lines (Beckham Signature), and as I've stated before, a book title under her belt. Also, she is a doting mother. Said British designer Matthew Williamson, "Victoria clearly loves fashion, and her style is watched and copied by many. It's interesting to me to look at how her personal style has evolved over the years". And some may wonder, "why should I read a book by a former Spice Girl?" She is more than that. She can relate to the average woman more so than a supermodel or an actress could,  because "I am not a six-foot-tall model, nor am I a pin-up model for men, and, for this book, that's my strength, because I am a girls' girl".

Photos: http://www.theinsider.com/; http://www.babble.com/; http://www.denimblog.com/

Suggested Reading: That Extra Half an Inch, By Victoria Beckham

Dita Dishes: on Kate Moss

(photo, http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/)

Kate Moss, model, bad-birl, but more importantly, style icon. She sets trends rather than following them and defies any fashion rules. One rule she does abide by: "Rules are made to be broken."


While the rest of us were wearing booties, Kate opted for over-the-knee boots; while we coordinate our textures, Kate mixes hers. She love body hugging pieces from head-to-toe, while we alternate looser tops and bottoms with fitted ones.


Kate Moss is known for mixing cheaper items with more expensive ones. For example, she may wear a Top Shop tee with Members Only liquid leggings, Christian Louboutin pumps and Balmain leather jacket. As kate Moss states "the advice I now give-never wear a designer look from head-to-toe."  So you will never see Kate rocking an entire Louis Vuitton ensemble.

Tips on how to achieve a Kate Moss-esque look:

1. Don't be afraid of prints.
2. Add plenty of flats to your wardrobe.
3. Wear body-hugging leathers and other textures.
4. Mix investment staples with cheaper items (Jimmy Choo shoes with Zara outfit and Burberry jacket).
5. Follow your own trends. Don't be afraid to stand out.

Liquid Leggings, Members Only $88

Cap-Sleeve Silk T-Shirt, Gap $50

Divided Exclusive Leather Jacket, H&M $160