Let's Play Dress Up [RockStar 101]

Vamp up this all black ensemble with a deep red or plum lip to complete the look. Enjoy.

All Black Everything by CazAntonio featuring Rick Owens

Fine-knit cashmere wrap cardigan, $735
Kain Pocket Tank, $77
Leather Jacket Tail, 15 500 SEK
Low-rise distressed cropped jeans, $644
Lace-up textured leather boots, $1
tinhan hobo bag, 407 GBP
Burberry Prorsum Wide Perspex Bangle with Studs, 140 GBP
SMOKY CRYSTAL SKULL KNUCKLE-DUSTER, $550
Solden Beanie, 20 GBP
Status, $230
Rabbit snood, $548

I'm WARMED Up Now! [Beyoncé's Crazy in Love]

Once again the temperature has soared passed the 90 degree mark in New York. I am trying my best not to complain about the heat (especially after such a ridiculous winter), but let's just say that Summer may not be my favorite season for much longer. At any rate, for this week's edition of "Songs of Summer" we have an instant classic. It was the summer of 2003 and this long-haired, thick redbone had us going crazy, literally. We have Jake Nava in the director's chair, 16 bars from Hov, and the blond bombshell. What more could you ask for? Enjoy!

SIZE MATTERS! [Bags]

There are few things I hate more than seeing a woman out to dinner or in a club with a big ass bag! That shit irks me to the core. When out for a night on the town it is best to leave the speedy and the neverfull at home and try something a little more discreet. I am a big supporter of the clutch, but I understand that some clutches barely hold more than lip gloss and a cell phone. While I can't imagine why you would need much else, if you insist on taking a larger bag, try one of these. They are roomier than a clutch, but still quite compact. Enjoy!

Marc Jacobs

Three's Company [Christian Louboutin]

Purple and gold embellishments dominated Christian Louboutin's Fall 2010 shoe collection. Here is a snippet of some of the seasons most coveted shoes. Louboutin is truly a master of diverse cohesion; he gives you one idea expressed as a sandal, a pump and a bootie. Enjoy!

source

Shakespeare in LOVE [Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 Menswear]

The house that Lee built, has barely missed a step since his sudden death in February of this year. The women's Fall 2010 collection was met with undying love from critics and the fan fare continues as Sarah Burton, the late McQueen's right hand man takes the helm. For the Spring 2011, Burton titled the show "Pomp & Circumstance," but, in fact, the collection was rather subdued. Perhaps the label is still in mourning. At any rate, the collection seemed quite in accordance with Alexander McQueen's aesthetic. There were trench-coats and cargo pants galore; all with the same calculated relaxed sophistication that has long characterized the house's menswear collections. House signatures were also employed in the form of printed trousers, and crocodile jackets. In short, Sarah Burton simultaneously continues a grand legacy while starting one of her own.

LBD [Preen]

The little black dress gets updated this season by the good folks at Preen. This asymmetrical draped number is right on trend. Complete the look with a statement necklace, smokey eye, and black embellished shoes. Enjoy!

"Remember Me, Mami?" [Jennifer Lopez and Nas]

If you've been in NYC in the last few weeks then you are likely dehydrated and addicted to a/c. The Summer is off to a strong start this year and we have barely seen any relief from the almost constant heat wave. In honor of the season I am starting a new feature here at Shameless Swagger titled "Songs of Summer." First up, we have some vintage JLo and Nas with "I'm Gonna B Alright." Funny man Dave Meyers directed the colorful clip and it's full of fun fashion looks. Enjoy and stay cool!

Funny thing is my street dead ass looks exactly like this right now. LMAO. I love this city!

Find Your Love [Givenchy Couture Fall 2010]

I hardly know where to begin. Riccardo Tisci is a master at creating a cohesive and edited collection and his Fall 2010 Couture collection for Givenchy is no exception. While some labels sent a small armada of couture looks down elaborate runways (Chanel), Tisci opted for a mere ten exits and three salons instead of a runway, for an intimate viewing of the collection. While the presentation was pared down, the garments were absolutely grand. Tisci delivered a collection drenched in excessive embellishments; think pearls, crystals and feathers. There was hardly a bare piece of fabric that had not been embroidered or embellished; and when there weren't crystals, there was skin courtesy of sheer panels on the arms and sides of dresses. Overall, the collection was a truly breathtaking lesson in couture: incredibly ornate, incredibly luxe, and incredibly inaccessible!

Lucky Charms [Keyrings]

Couture shows and ready to wear shoes are entertaining and help identify the image of the label and their respective customer, but any retailer will tell you that (with a few exceptions) accessories are what bring home the bacon, bread, vegetables, and milk. Small(er) ticket designer items, like sunglasses and wallets are what draw the highest revenues. You don't see many people walking around in a Chanel tweed suit, but everyone has a pair of Chanel sunglasses. The new designer accessory must-have is the bag charm/keyring. Houses like Vuitton and Margiela have designed bag charms and key rings at varying price points so that now almost anyone can own a piece of the brand.

Jimmy Choo Star Key Chain $195

Throw It in the BAG [Balenciaga]

Surprisingly, this mint green shopper is from Balenciaga's Fall 2010 collection, but it's perfect for Summer weekend shopping days, or even better, a warm vacation destination. At any rate, the shape, size and color all work to make a bold, yet timeless addition to any bag collection. Enjoy! 

Xena, Warrior Princess [Versace Fall 2010]

Geometric cut-outs, armored bustiers, and metallic fringe were the look for Versace's Fall 2010 collection. The house has long been revered for it's commitment to the body-conscious mini dress and it shows no sign of slowing. Donatella certainly did not disappoint, putting thigh high slits in long flowing gowns and just cutting out shards of fabric in other already barely there dresses. Luckily, the formula still works. Enjoy!

I'm Still TIPPING on It! [Janelle Monae's Tightrope (Wondamix)

The bouffant and bow tie are back in effect. Fresh off her phenomenal BET Awards 2010 performance, Janelle Monae brings us the remix for her new track Tightrope. She adds rappers B.o.B. and Lupe Fiasco to the "Wondamix" for a less humble version of the original. A strong rock influence rounds out the groove, so don't let the bow tie and bouffant fool you! Enjoy!