VIDEO GLAM: Rihanna’s "Rude Boy" and Beyonce and Alicia Keys’ "Put it in a Love Song"

Hey Glamazons!

It seems Rihanna and Beyonce left the Grammy’s and headed straight back to work (do these girls ever really break?!). Both pop stars are gearing up for the release of videos for their latest singles: Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” and Alicia Keys’ ”Put it in a Love Song” featuring Beyonce.

We can always expect some spectacular fashion in pop music videos to keep our eyes glued to the screen. While Rihanna takes a less high-end, more Jamaican street vibe in her “Rude Boy” video (she’s giving me Eastern Parkway and I’m not mad about it), Alicia Keys plays dress up in Brazil in a gorgeous Boxing Kitten outfit and bold yellow sandals.

I LOVE the new look on Alicia; the vibrant colors are the perfect accent to the favelas in Brazil (Somebody take me there…tomorrow). Boxing Kitten tweeted that Alicia is wearing the Billie top and Althea skirt.

I am a huge fan of the Boxing Kitten line, designed by Maya Lake, which mixes spirited African prints with demure Civil Rights era silhouettes. Celebs like Fergie and Solange just can’t get enough of the gorgeous pieces, which are perfect for young, funky stars who love to stand out. Check out my profile of Boxing Kitten for POSHGLAM for more information on the brand.

P.S. Speaking of Solange, can’t wait to see what Beyonce turns up in!

UPDATE: Beyonce kills the game in a Boxing Kitten jumpsuit! (Heading to the gym.)

Oh and Miss Rihanna in a white/black graphic jumpsuit on top of a zebra? Yeah, that’s pretty amazing.

Not to mention her supersexy gold Nippies nipple covers from Bristols 6 (www.bristols6.com) that she rocks under a gold jumpsuit from new “It” designer, LaQuan Smith. I met LaQuan at a party in NYC and had to stop him because of some amazing studded leggings he was rocking. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on his fierce, edgy one-of-a-kind style. Check out his website for more great pieces: http://laquansmith.com.


Check out pics from her “Rude Boy” shoot below and let me know what you think of the looks. Glam or a Sham?!

Since two days is way too long to wait for the debut of Rih’s video on VEVO (insert sarcasm here), I included a short snippet that leaked on the internet today. Hauteness!

Kisses,

Coutura

Pictures: Rihanna Daily. Beyonce World. Alicia Keys Daily.

GLAM OR SHAM?: Rihanna at the Grammys

Now THIS is how you wear a white dress.

Rihanna rescued the white dress trend with an ethereal crepe gown by Elie Saab.

The songstress glows in a high-neck dress that boasts chiffon, stone and feather detailing in the front. The high-neck elongates her statuesque figure and the draping adds a sexy, feminine touch. Finally, the back is open ensuring a lingering second look.

The stunning dress looks elegant and magical on Rihanna, who wears light silver shadow and a pair of Neil Lane earrings and a bracelet to complement the look.

I won’t say she looks angelic (if you’ve heard my favorite song of the moment, Rude Boy, you know she’s a bad girl on the inside) but she is a radiant, stunning beauty. And might I add, what a way to come back on top from the ordeal she faced at last year’s Grammy’s. What do you think, Glamazons? Does she pull this off? Is it the right look for the Grammy’s?

Give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

UPDATE: Glams, we have the secrets to Rihanna’s posh, polished hair courtesy of her amazing hairstylist, Ursula Stephens. Here are the steps (and inexpensive products) Ursula used to create Rihanna’s winning look:

• Start by relaxing the hair with Motions Silkening Shine Relaxer. 
• Mold and wrap the hair with Motions Foam Wrap lotion and sit under a hooded dryer. 
• Trim and shape the hair, buzzing the sides and back with a clipper. 
• To get amazing shine and lock each strand in place, add some Motions oil moisturizer along with Suddzz hair spray. 
• Flat iron small sections of the hair in an upward and inward motion.
• Finally, rub Lanza serum and Motions pomade through the hair and finger comb it for a finished look.

What do you think about the hair? Do you like Rihanna’s curly look better? What’s your verdict? Glam or a Sham?

GLAM OR SHAM?: Pre-Grammy Looks from Rihanna, Jay-Z, Katy Perry and more

The Grammy Awards are upon us which means for the last few weeks, stylists, make-up artists, eyelash artists, PR girls and designers have been scrambling to outfit stars in the latest and greatest fashions.

Judging from the latest pics from Pre-Grammy events, some celebs will push the envelope in avant garde looks (a la Rihanna) stay safe and trend-friendly in sequins or silk (like Mary J. Blige and Katy Perry) or show up in a tacky cringe-worthy ensemble that anyone can pick up at your neighborhood Rainbow store (sigh…Ashanti).

Check out the looks from Clive Davis’ and Neyo’s parties below and give your verdict: Who was Grammy Glam and who was a Sham?

Rihanna’s multicolor pastel look was delightfully avant garde but the shape and hue was a lot to take in at once. I will say her light green make-up and polished hair was uberfabulous.

Ciara, is this a joke? The cheap-looking shaggy fur top paired with shorts and knee boots (darling, pick a season) was proportionally and aesthetically all wrong. The loud fashion faux paux is sure to turn heads—just not for the right reasons.

Fergie…the part lingerie/part electrical tape dress would make sense on a Vegas party girl, not a pop star. It is cheap and tacky and looks like it smells like plastic. Sham.

Though Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift’s dresses were sequined and safe (aka you could see a thousand of them at any New Year’s shindig or gala), atleast they looked glamorous and presentable. I live for the multicolor sequins on Katy’s dress.

It seems leather was a staple on the red carpet (see Ashanti’s disaster below) but Jennifer Hudson’s trendy purple color, shoulder detail and blunt bangs make the look undeniably chic.

The fellas stole the night. In all black everything, Jay-Z redefined cool in a New York City rockstar vibe with a motorcycle leather jacket, a chain necklace and black separates. Jamie Foxx brought his signature suave style in a one-button blazer with a shirt and tie.

Neyo’s signature fedora, shirt and vest captured his “perfect gentleman” motif to a tee, but I hate the sneakers. English gentleman meets street culture? I’m not buying it. And raise your hand if you’re tired of seeing a fedora on this man at every event…I understand hats are your thing but they make different styles.

Precious star, Gabourey Sidibe wore a black banded sheath dress and…flats? I LOVE Gabourey and what she represents as a full-figured woman in Hollywood who readily embraces her out-of-the-norm body size. But this dress is just not flattering. It makes her look ill-proportioned and does nothing for her shape. 

Ashanti is on my list. The gray leather zippered mini is cute, yes. But why did you borrow your sister’s dangly earrings from prom and clip on a blonde, curly weave from the beauty supply store? (Did anybody tell her that her hair doesn’t match in the front?!) No matter how chic she starts off, she always gets it wrong. Sham.

What do you think, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Magazine Glam: Rihanna for W Magazine, Precious star Gabourey Sidibe for V Magazine’s Size Issue

Hey Glamazons!

I’m addicted to huge fashion glossies, among other things. So I’m thrilled to share with you the latest covers of two of my favorite mags, W Magazine and V Magazine.

As much as I love Rihanna, I have to start with V Magazine’s Size Issue. With all the buzz surrounding January’s V Magazine—and those incredible spreads, the cover has to be just as special, right? Right. With double covers featuring “Precious” star, Gabourey Sidibe (that movie was so touching) and Dakota Fanning (looking very Twiggy-like), the V Magazine editors have successfully relayed the message that every size is beautiful.

I especially love Gabourey’s cover. I’ve never seen her look more gorgeous and glamorous. It really goes to show that beauty has no size limit.

Collect both covers of the magazine – on newsstands NOW! Click here for more info about the covers.

And now for Rihanna, her February 2010 W Magazine cover and spread, shot by Craig McDean and styled by Lori Goldstein, is to-die-for!!! Seriously, the leopard-print Lola hat almost knocked me out cold when I saw the photo on my blackberry.

Wearing Gucci, Prada and Michael Kors in clean black and white shots, Rihanna solidifies her place as a high-fashion favorite. In python coats, leopard print hats and studded fingerless half-gloves, Rihanna continues to venture into bad-girl territory with her fusion of glamor, grit and goth.

I wonder if Anna Wintour feels she missed the boat by allegedly denying Rihanna the American Vogue cover after her nude photos hit the web. Oh well, looking hot is the best revenge, indeed!

Gucci dress. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry earrings. Dior Fine Jewelry ring. Chanel Fine Jewelry cuff.

Michael Kors dress. Lola hat. Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. Gucci ring and bracelet.

Dior coat. Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry tassel necklace. Bulgari bracelet.

Les Copains gloves.

Prada dress. Loree Rodkin earrings. Dior Fine Jewelry ring. LaCrasia gloves.

Click here for more pictures from Rihanna’s shoot.

Kisses,

Coutura

Get the Look!!: Rihanna’s New Video "Hard"

Hey Glamazons!

From her sexy red lip to her dark, daring eye make-up, we just love the beauty looks in Rihanna’s new Video, Hard featuring Young Jeezy. Check out the superhot video below and get the look with the following Glamazon-approved finds.

Rihanna – New Music – More Music Videos

Here are our favorite looks with products to match:

MAC Style Black Cream Colour Base in Black, $16.50, maccosmetics.com

MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, $14, maccosmetics.com.

MAC Style Black Mattene Lipstick in Midnight Media, $14.50, maccosmetics.com.

CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen in Very Black, $6, covergirl.com.

Kisses,

Coutura and Ferocia

Glam or a Sham: Rihanna’s GQ Cover

Hey Glamazons!

Rihanna’s racy reign continues with her latest magazine cover and spread in January’s GQ to promote her amazing new album Rated R. In a pair of leather hot pants, a bodysuit with a deep V and a suggestively cropped white sweater, Rihanna serves up lots of edge and sex-soaked attitude for the cameras.

Though I’ve blogged about how Rihanna’s skimpy outfits can be seen as over-the-top, the GQ cover may be a different story. Hear me out. It’s a Men’s magazine, widely recognized for it’s sexy covers—one of which featured Jennifer Aniston in a tie…and nothing else.

Still, I’m sure an onslaught of criticism awaits Rihanna for her new, provocative spread.

What do you think, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Trend Alert: Mad for Plaid

Glamazons,

If I told you lumberjack and private school plaid is sexy, would you believe me? Well, you should. This season, the coolest trendsetters are making the ubiquitous pattern look hotter than ever.

The timeless print is getting a chic makeover this season with laidback oversize tunics paired with leggings and feminine, flirty skirts worn with fitted black tees.

The pattern has permeated menswear too with crisp, plaid button-down shirts and down jackets with plaid details hitting the stores.

Get the look with these celeb-inspired styles and scroll all the way to the bottom for affordable finds!

GLAMAZON FAVORITE: LOVE these plaid shirts from Cavi Designs, a menswear line worn by Jay-Z, Fabolous and more. They have a great selection of colors and an even better fit! $97.54, cavidesigns.com.

Kisses,

Coutura

Leotards, Leggings, Catsuits – Sexy or Slutty?

Hey Glamazons!

When I first came up with the idea to write on this topic, the celebrity in question was Kanye West’s blond bombshell girlfriend, Amber Rose, who wears spandex jumpsuits and leggings like it’s her uniform. Since then, Beyonce’s risque new video “Video Phone Remix,” and Rihanna’s topless shots for her new album have made Amber’s catsuit look more like a business suit.

Though artists like Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson have always pushed the envelope with provocative fashions, it seems now more than ever, today’s pop stars are embracing the raunchier side of sexy.

Rihanna seems to have an aversion to tops in the promotional pictures for her latest record, fittingly titled “Rated R.”

And from her breast jiggling to her bent-over booty roll, Beyonce’s moves make the Video Phone vid a racy display of unabashed, in-your-face sexiness.

Critics and fans alike worry about what message this sends to impressionable, younger viewers (including the Duchess of Cornwall who recently criticized the “Video Phone,” video.) Though Rihanna and Beyonce are mature, adult women who can dress however they please, a large percentage of their fanbase is not. And both stars have publicly acknowledged that these young fans consider them role models. If there is a new onslaught of topless Rihanna-inspired Myspace pics or bent-over Beyonce-esque moves at teenage birthday parties, can we really be surprised?

The same can be said about today’s fashions. As trend-setting stars flaunt sexier images, catsuits, spandex leggings and leotards with thigh-high boots are becoming staples in popular stores. Have celebrities like Amber Rose, Beyonce and Rihanna made us immune to sex or are we just all so free and comfortable in our skin that we want to celebrate it in our clothing choices?

Personally, I’m on the fence about this issue. I love being a woman. I think curves are absolutely beautiful, and accentuating them is every woman’s privilege and right. I love working hard at the gym and showing off my toned abs at the beach or in my Halloween costume—and want to be able to do so without feeling judged. That’s why I’ve always commended women that don’t allow societal pressures to control their sexuality.

At the same time, how sexy is too sexy? As much as I embrace sexiness, I have found the sight of some women in catsuits at the club, or in a leotard and thigh-high heels, off-putting to say the least. There has to be a line somewhere but where do you draw it?

What’s your opinion? Do you think Rihanna and Beyonce’s recent works are too sexy? Do you think it impacts fans or do they view it as entertainment without being influenced?

Do you agree there is a line between revealing and racy? How would you define your own style of dress in those terms?

Do you wear any of the styles above (catsuits, leggings, leotards, etc.)? Do you think they are “too sexy”? If so, how do you tone it down?

Do you think women should have to tone it down or should have the freedom to dress however they want without judgment?

Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

From the Closet: Workboots & Man-Uggs

Hey Glamazons!

Fashion, meet function. More than ever, this season’s casual footwear works no matter what the weather brings. The new styles are tough, fashion-forward, durable and even sexy depending on how you wear it. My favorite styles for women AND men? Workboots for either gender, Man Uggs strictly for the guys.

MAN UGGS

Let’s be clear: this is NOT the look at all.

The new UGG style, Butte, is cool, sleek, rainproof and Glamazon-approved. My favorite boot of the season for Men, hands down.

$220, uggaustralia.com.

WORKBOOTS

This style of boot is perfect for men and women; and should look rugged and relaxed (don’t tie your shoelaces all the way up). While ladies shouldn’t pair them with a frilly, ruffled skirt, don’t be afraid to mix them with a sweater dress or leggings. The juxtaposition of girly and gritty is so alluring.

Kisses,

Coutura

Glam or a Sham: AMA’s

Hey Glamazons!

By now, we’ve all seen and heard about the spectacles at Sunday’s American Music Awards that everyone is talking about: Jennifer Lopez falling on her ass-et (what’s more appalling to me is performing a “Louboutin” song not wearing Louboutins), Adam Lambert making out with a man, Jay-Z taking an alleged jab at 50 Cent while Chris Brown tweets “Cornball” and Q-Tip tweets about “cocky rappers.”

But to me, the fashion was just as troubling.

While some celebrities looked beautiful, others took fashion risks that didn’t quite pay off (Rihanna) or made amateur style faux pauxs (Whitney, where was your shapewear?).

Take a look at the celebrities that made us turn heads or scratch our heads and give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

We loved Whitney Houston’s ruched white gown but a Spanx would’ve smoothed out her (tiny) tummy.

Not at all crazy about Rihanna’s Marchesa ballgown with floral cut-outs, and Easter Sunday ready white Mary Jane pumps. However, the red cat eyes (and Neil Lane jewelry) were everything.

We think Rihanna’s body is AMAZING but the Fifth Element meets Amber Rose bandaged suit was way too much for us.

Lady Gaga’s antics always amuse but the unsightly strap over her panties looks like a diaper or holster. Odd…not in a good way.

Alicia Key’s Armani Prive dress was adorable, fresh and sexy. We love how she highlighted her amazing legs and kept her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry simple and stunning.

Her fall may be the talk of the town, but Jennifer Lopez’s Marchesa feathery dress with beaded bodice totally makes up for it.

I live for Fergie’s studded Armani Prive gown. Equal parts daring and dazzling.

Does it get any chicer than Shakira’s yellow Versace minidress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels? Note to Rihanna: this is how cut-outs should be done.

I think the Biker Chic trend is completely overdone here. And Leona Lewis’ soft hairstyle with cascading ringlets seems out of place when paired with her leather Vivienne Westwood dress, chains AND a three-finger ring. Not a fan.

We thought Mary J. Blige looked elegant but a tad too dressy for the event. Nonetheless, her expertly-styled blonde cut was the perfect complement to her glowing skin.

We loved Keri Hilson’s sparkly Louise Golden minidress and Alaia booties. She always gets it right.

Though some critics feel Toni Braxton’s dress is a bit too revealing for a 40-something star, I think her gown—and body—look stunning. The messy updo, on the other hand, is not red-carpet friendly. And she could’ve put that boy in a suit.

I think velvet is always a controversial choice, but when done right, it looks expensive and dapper. Jay-Z slightly misses the mark, in my opinion, with the brown color.

What do you think about these looks, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura