Monday, June 27, 2016

Little White Lace Dress


Converting from the little black dress to the little white lace dress in today's post. As much as I love wearing black, I always like to swap my dark's for soft, youthful and soothing hues to brighten things up in the summer. (I hope my little black dresses understand the transition in my life right now. It's not them, it's me.)

This classic piece is perfect for a night out with the girls or even just going to a nice dinner. This dress is also a go to for a bride-to-be who is looking for a more current white dress for her bridal shower or bachelorette party this summer. 

I love everything about this look, from fit, to length, to the neckline with the cut out detail and how the lace hangs near the hem showing a little skin underneath, making the garment attractive in a delicate way. 








Dress - LF

Shoes similar here - Steve Madden

Photos by - Khris Garay

Monday, June 13, 2016

Secret Smoothie Recipe That is Too Good to be a Secret


This dragon fruit smoothie is the picture of pure bliss! It's so freaking delicious and a wonderful beverage for a "girls' afternoon. My friends and I used this exact recipe I've shown below for breakfast yesterday. I posted it on my Snapchat: graceberaki, and a lot of my friends asked me what I used to make this gorgeous smoothie, so here it is!

RECIPE:
1 Packet of Ptaya (Dragon Fruit) from Pitaya Plus
1 Peach
1.5 Frozen Banana
1/2 Frozen Mango
2 Strawberries
Unsweetened Almond Milk (start with 1 cup and add in as much needed to get it to a smooth creamy blend.)

And if it's still not sweet enough add a spoon of raw organic honey. Obviously, don't add the honey if you're a vegan. This recipe is for 1.5-2 servings.

Health Benefits:
Detoxifies
Lots of vitamins
Helps prevent memory loss
Helps control glucose levels
Helps neutralize cell damaging free radicals
Helps lower cholesterol
Helps lower blood pressure
Good for your eyes, teeth, cardiovascular, bones, and skin

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Best Dressed at the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards



One of fashion's biggest moments is the CFDA Fashion Awards. For those of you that don't know, CFDA stands for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. It's a not-for-profit trade association, which was created to raise funds for charity and industry activities. Their membership consists of more than 400 of America's top-leading and most influential womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers.  CFDA membership is by invitation only.

 Marc Jacobs, Mansur Gavriel and Beyoncé were the big winners at the CFDA Fashion Awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on Monday, June 6. Beyoncé took home the Fashion Icon Award at the CFDA Fashion Awards, in a pantsuit and wide-brimmed hat by Givenchy Couture with $9 million of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, and Christian Louboutin heels. I thought Beyoncé looked beautiful, per usual, but I do have to admit that this was personally not my absolute favorite outfit at this fashion event. However, it was still one of the top looks of the night. She nailed it with that Givenchy hat that went perfectly with her whole ensemble.

Keep scrolling to see my recap of the best looks of the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards night!

Ciara's glow up has been so real. She channeled the blushing bride-to-be in a pretty Roberto Cavalli ruffled dress and belt.

Emily Ratajkowsi in a black silk dress by Jason Wu and jewelry by Atelier Swarovski. 

Karlie Kloss in a white midi Rosie Assoulin dress with an ab cutout, paired with Atelier Swarovski earrings and a ring and Stuart Weitzman sandals. 

Designer Georgina Chapman in her own Marchesa dress. 
I actually got to talk with Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig (Co-founders of Marchesa) just a couple of days after I posted my "Best of the 2016 Met Gala" post. They were both so sweet and so down to earth.

Mary-Kate, Elizabeth and Ashley Olsen in coordinating black dresses.
The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley (my favorite gals) were nominated for the Woman Designer of the Year award for The Row. 

Naomi Campbell, the fashion diva herself, in custom Brandon Maxwell. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who's also a Michael Kors girl, was in a custom mint beaded georgette godet gown. She looks stunning in absolutely everything she wears.

Jourdan Dunn in Jonathan Simkhai Pre-Spring 2017 and Eva Fehren jewelry.

Jodie Snyder Morel, Sofia Sanchez de Betak, and Danielle Morel looking fabulous. 
Both Jodie and Danielle are jewelry designers that have been featured in Inc Magazine’s 30 Under 30: America’s Coolest Entrepreneurs List, The New York Times, WSJ, and are also members of the CFDA.

Jennifer Hudson looks amazing in this Bardot-style Kaufmanfranco jumpsuit consisting of nearly 2 million Swarovski crystals, paired with Kurt Geiger London heels. She wore this while she paid a birthday tribute to Prince at the CFDA Awards. Prince would have turned 58 today!

Jennifer Hudson's dress for the evening was a strapless red and black Prabal Gurung gown.

Jessica Hart looking chic in this 3 piece silk ensemble and Alexandre Birman heels. I absolutely love this look from head to toe.

Joan Smalls in Eddie Borgo jewels and Givenchy Haute Couture dress. I love that she experimented  with this black bobbed wig that went perfect with a bold red lip.

Anna Cleveland looking sophisticated in a low neck jumpsuit and a chic white tie wrapped around her neck.

Irinia Shayk and Misha Nonoo in Misha Nonoo.

I love that Vera Wang didn't need an actress or super model to wear her designs, she slayed her own dress. That's goals.

Sophie Kennedy Clark and Christopher Peters nailed the modern look.
Sophie in Creatures of the Wind F/W 16 suit and blouse. I had a lot of respect for both of their looks. They really look like they resemble their lifestyle, which is what fashion is truly about. Not everyone is into the gowns and sparkly dresses, some of us like a nice jacket and pant!

Josephine Skriver in custom Sachin & Babi and Stuart Weitzman heels. So many of the CFDA guest were rocking Stuart Weitzman and we obviously understand why!

Designer Rachel Zoe in her own dress of course.


2016 CFDA Awards Winners:

Fashion Icon Award: Beyoncé

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc Jacobs

Swarovski Award for Womenswear: Brandon Maxwell

Swarovski Award for Menswear: Orley—Alex Orley, Matthew Orley, Samantha Orley

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design: Paul Andrew

Menswear Designer of the Year: Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year: Mansur Gavriel—Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Norma Kamali

The Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert: Donna Karan

International Award: Gucci—Alessandro Michele

The Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award: David Bowie

The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard: Imran Amed, editor in chief of The Business of Fashion


There is so much controversy on Twitter and Instagram about this years winners and nominees. What are your thoughts about the CFDA Fashion Awards and who wore your favorite look? Let us know by leaving a comment below!