Perhaps it was the fact that designers couldn’t resist using the wonderful details found on lace. Mesh, florals, pastels, lace and sheer fabrics are all associated with lingerie. They are all just right for spring. Lace tops have been big hit. Whether classy black or color, they make a statement. They are usually not revealing, because the lace does the job.

Marc Jacobs had silky lingerie in his collections. Models wore lingerie over button down shirts. Christian Dior remained classy. Bedtime lingerie was used as a dress and covered up with a chic-sequined top. Other lingerie pieces seen on the runway were satin shorts with lace. Of course the creators of sexy, Dolce & Gabbana had the whole lingerie package – lace, corsets and satin.

With this fabulous trend, one wonders how they can make it work with their regular wardrobe. “The best way to wear lingerie is to take it out of context,” explains Fabiola Beracasa. Meaning try to use lingerie pieces in your every day wardrobe. For example, pair a sexy black corset over a white tee.

Also work with texture, the clothing you buy now doesn’t necessarily have to be lingerie. Try to buy satin pieces in pastel colors. Those can be sexy layered or with jeans. Sheer and florals are a big part of lingerie. Florals are in this season, so why not go with a sheer floral top? Another way to expose sexy lingerie is by wearing it. Wear a sexy lacy bra and reveal the straps. But remember, as Domenico Dolce said: “Don’t be too audacious. Save something for the imagination.”

Jiordan Castle

Jenny is 16 and a virgin. David is twice her age and stylish. And so begins An Education, a film brilliantly adapted for the screen by author Nick Hornby, who finds a timeless account of the clash between strict, practical education and chaotic, intrinsic life in 1960s London.

Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is a devoted student with a proclivity for modern novels and French pop records, doing her best to get to Oxford and please her domineering father (Alfred Molina) in the process. She even plays the cello, mainly because it looks good as a hobby for her application.

It’s when she’s standing on the curb, sopping wet from the rain with her cello, that Jenny meets David (Peter Sarsgaard). He offers to rescue her cello from the downpour, while she walks alongside the car. The scene is delightfully sweet and funny, and serves as a great opening. Eventually, Jenny gets into his car, and quickly starts involving herself in a world that she’s only beginning to discover on her own. The two begin to spend more and more time together, with David taking Jenny to concerts, fancy restaurants, and plying her with drinks, cigarettes, and talk of the finer things in life.

Scene from An Education

David is captivated by Jenny’s passion – the way she respects intelligence, her youthful cleverness – and in return, Jenny is fascinated with David and his glamorous lifestyle; this is the very David who attended “the University of Life” and makes a good bit of his money by stealing and selling gems (i.e. maps and paintings) with his friend Danny (Dominic Cooper). Along for the ride is Danny’s girlfriend Helen (Rosamund Pike), who is as beautiful as she is empty and dim-witted. She dresses Jenny up like a doll, even going so far as to lend her lingerie for the group’s weekend away in Oxford. Helen doesn’t like or understand Jenny, but a sense of camaraderie develops between them as the pairs converge.

David is chillingly skilled at manipulating Jenny’s parents, and getting them to give their permission to go places, and eventually he even manages to take Jenny to Paris. He truly loves Jenny – at least in a way that he can understand, and in truth, there isn’t actually anything about their relationship that rings false. David never seems to be fixed in the cheap, tawdry world he participates in. Though you could easily choose to be disgusted by their affair, there is too much of a spirit about Jenny herself to make anything she decides truly contemptible. Whatever we may find out eventually (or assume based on their age difference), David is no predator. Though he is the reason for her academic and societal fall from grace, it’s simply a side effect of the situation. The world he gives to Jenny no longer dazzles him – it’s more that he has taught himself to like what he likes.

What Jenny craves is not sex itself – though she does schedule the loss of her virginity for her 17th birthday – but a connection to the idea of sexuality. She is bored with England, and scared that her academic plans will quite literally bore her to death, too. Even as David takes her innocence, she uses him to make her way into a world that interests her in the way that France does.

Scene from An Education

Even as she begins to see through their enchanting world, and David in particular, Jenny goes along with all of it. This proves to be predictable, but also convoluted, as doomed romances go. Jenny never hides her infatuation with David, which then becomes the talk of her school, and in turn, seriously disappoints her tender, perceptive young teacher (Olivia Williams). And even more disapproving is her off-putting headmistress (Emma Thompson). At one point, Jenny returns to the headmistress and says, “I suppose you think I’m a ruined woman.” Her headmistress responds matter-of-factly, “You’re not a woman.” With that, Jenny is newly humbled.

But when everything comes crashing down – as it inevitably does – it is Jenny who picks up the pieces on her own. Her parents, quietly ashamed at their ability to be completely influenced by David, try to empathize with Jenny’s plight.

Jenny finally tells off her father, saying, “Oh, you’re my father again, are you? What were you when you encouraged me to throw my life away? I’m a silly schoolgirl. Was, anyway. Silly schoolgirls are always being seduced by glamorous older men. But what about you two?” There is no denying her words.

But let us remember: Jenny is unapologetically 16. She loves and lives as only a schoolgirl can. She is brilliant and clumsy at the same time. That’s just adolescence. Sure, the movie paints a perfectly melancholy love affair between two atypical people, but like everything else, there is good and bad throughout. There are times when you want to take Jenny by the hand, but you can’t. Only she can find her way back. Her adventures – the soaring highs and the devastating lows – are important. The assumption is correct: you can’t have everything, and you certainly can’t have it at 16. That’s the beauty of An Education – David is never meant to triumph over school, but he represents a more immediate future, and so he is infinitely more dangerous and precious to Jenny. We, like Jenny, learn that an “education” can cover a multitude of sins.

Andy Warhol

“An artist is someone who produces things that people don’t need to have but that he – for some reason – thinks it would be a good idea to give them.”

-          Andy Warhol

From the design of the Campbell’s Soup can to the colorful portrait of Marilyn Monroe we love so much; it was Andy Warhol who introduced us to pop art.

“During the 1960s, I think, people forgot what emotions were supposed to be. And I don’t think they’ve ever remembered,” said Warhol. From a dollar bill to a soda bottle, it was those everyday images, people, and objects that Warhol had an eye for. The Ferus Gallery of Los Angeles was where he first displayed his work as a fine artist. The images itself were captivating, but it was the details that made his work spark an interest.

From writers to musicians, and his crew of workers, it was Warhol’s New York studio The Factory that brought all types of artsy people together. In fact, it became a network of its own. Warhol even shot films in his studio and was known to put together some of the most memorable parties.

Warhol believed, “Everyone will be famous in the future for fifteen minutes.” It was that idea that had lead to the discovery of The Warhol Superstars. These everyday people were not only featured in his artwork but accompanied him in his everyday life.

Popular yet controversial, the work of Warhol still lives on. Not only do the pieces lie on the walls of colloctors, but in the arms of women as they carry their handbags which sport his images. Well known producer and rapper, Swizz Beatz is one of many to collect Warhol’s work. In fact it was those very images that motivated him to start producing work of his own.  

The Andy Warhol museum that lies in Pennsylvania is known to be one of the largest in the U.S dedicated to a single artist. It even offers programs for the youth, making sure the dream of Warhol remains alive.  Andy Warhol died on February 22, 1987 but will forever be remembered for the little things he made a bit more interesting.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian has ventured into the shoe business. Our favorite fashionista has created a service called Shoe Dazzle. Have you ever sat and wondered what $40 can get you? A pair of destroyed denim jeans, a Chili’s meal for two, endless rides on the subway, your favorite albums on iTunes, and a chance to treat your significant other to the movies. 

Believe it or not, $40 can buy you a soul mate; only this time we’re referring to a personal shoe stylist! A shoe is the way to a woman’s heart. Thanks to our favorite fashionista Kim Kardashian, she has managed to find someone to hand pick a shoe that says you from every stitch to every buckle. In what situation can’t a shoe turn a frown upside down?

The monthly service, which is offered to everyone, has only 3 simple steps to apply. The fashion experts want to get a feel of your foot and your soul; this is why members are asked to take a fashion survey.

Whether your shoe style matches Angelina’s or Gwen’s, based on the results of your survey, the stylist will have 5 shoes lined up for you every month. Keep in mind, when funds are low, you are more than welcome to skip a month.

What’s the best part about dazzling your shoes? Free shipping! Of the many things that don’t walk into our lives, a pair of shoes is the least of our worries. We live in a shoe society, why not dazzle them?

Jiordan Castle

Director Kevin Smith was kicked off a flight on Southwest Airlines from Oakland to Burbank over the weekend because of his size. In response, Smith has posted dozens of livid tweets over the past couple of days condemning Southwest for their lack of tact and poor judgment in his case.

Apparently the plane’s captain had Smith removed from the plane after he was deemed a “safety risk.” As reported, he was already seated, had the armrests down, and was buckled up without an extender for the seatbelt. And as Smith later tweeted, this occurred in front of a packed plane full of people who had already identified him as “Silent Bob.” Ouch.

The airline offered him a $100 voucher as an apology – which he refused – and set him on another flight, but the damage was done. Soon after, he posted a picture of himself, cheeks puffed out, captioned: “Look how fat I am on your plane! Quick! Throw me off!”

Still, the director kept a sense of humor about the situation, tweeting, “The @SouthwestAir Diet. How it works: you’re publicly shamed into a slimmer figure. Crying the weight right off has never been easier!” Smith even joked with fans encouraging him to start his own airline. He wrote, “More room for everyone! If they build it, I’d certainly fly it. ‘Fly the Flabby Skies!’” It’s an honorable sentiment, to say the least.

Upon landing in Burbank, Smith wrote, “I’ve landed in Burbank. Don’t worry: wall of the plane was opened & I was airlifted out while Richard Simmons supervised.”

Southwest Airlines later apologized via Twitter and blogged a lengthy statement on Sunday. However, the apologetic tone was spoiled when they pointed out that Smith regularly purchases two seats when he flies. Smith then denied their claim, saying that he’d only starting doing so in the past couple of weeks or so.

Most recently, Kevin Smith has made an effort to put the matter to rest… on his blog. He wrote that Linda, a Southwest rep, called his house roughly 48 hours after the incident to apologize. He went on to explain that she acknowledged that the problem was not about his being Too Fat To Fly (his term), but about a series of errors that led to a poor decision to remove him unjustly.

At the end of the day, the very basic lack of common decency for a paying customer – famous or not – plays a major role in the airline’s shortcomings. It’s exactly as Kevin Smith himself says – “I know I’m fat. The point of all this? I’m not too fat for Southwest Air, yet someone deemed me so.”

Russell Simons

After busting down doors that were once closed to Blacks, today’s biggest and brightest stars are making their own rules. From Times Square to Tinseltown, we’ll show you which media players really have juice.

Anytime people speak about the music industry and its influential players, it’s hard not to mention Hip Hop’s contributions.

Russell Simmons is a music and fashion mogul pioneer currently on his quest for world domination.  The New York born and bred entrepreneur co-founded Def Jam records, along with Rick Rubin, at a time when mainstream media said Hip Hop was just a fad. Def Jam was Russell’s brainchild, and with it he fostered artists like Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and others. Even after his departure, Def Jam’s still a thriving force and legendary label in the music industry.

His Rush Communications empire boasts billion-dollar businesses such as: Phat Fashions, which encompasses Phat Farm and the Baby Phat empire, the newly created Global Grind website, Rush Philanthropic and a host of other ventures. Even though he and Kimora spilt in 2009, he still plays an integral part in his children’s lives.  In an MVRemix interview Russell says, “I like to do things that I think are inspiring in some way,” From magazine covers, to billboards, Russell’s still making moves.

Known throughout the industry as the “King of the remix”, Puffy lives the Bad Boy lifestyle. After shepherding one of the most influential rappers in the world, the Notorious BIG, the producer turned fashion mogul-MC set his sights on conquering music.

Since launching Bad Boy records in the early ‘90s, after being fired by his longtime mentor Andre Harrell, Puffy has dominated the charts for more than a decade. Even after dating Jenny from the block in 2002, Puffy rebounded better than ever with a breakout performance in Monster’s Ball, and with his hit reality show Making the Band.

P Diddy

Since launching his fashion empire in 1998, Sean John, the brand, won the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2004. When he’s not walking red carpets, or being honored by his counterparts, he’s serving up southern hospitality in his Atlanta restaurant.

This billionaire boy’s club member knows how to throw an event. His annual “white party” is legendary, and his birthday bash brings out Hollywood’s elite. The sometimes cocky businessman knows the recipe for success; like he says, “don’t chase the paper; chase the dream.”

These days media moguls transcend genres. Their musicians, business tycoons and fashion royalty. Even though they started from humble beginnings, they had a dream, and believed they would succeed.

Being black in America is hard enough. Try adding being a woman into the mix, and it’s nearly impossible to get ahead, unless of course your name is Oprah.

Growing up in the back woods of Mississippi, no one imagined this small-time country girl would grow up to be one of the most influential women in the world. Oprah positioned herself for global domination when she was just a child. Born to a mother on welfare in a poverty stricken neighborhood, Oprah didn’t let her circumstances stop her. After landing her first radio job while she was still in high school, she started co-anchoring the local evening news at the age of 19. It was her emotional ad-lib delivery that eventually got her transferred to the daytime talk show arena, and after boosting a third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place, she launched her own production company and became internationally syndicated.

Oprah’s influence spans decades. Her dynasty includes television, publishing, radio, philanthropy and film. People are instantly catapulted into superstardom after appearing on her show. Don’t believe us, just look at the spinoffs. Dr. Phil made such an impression on Winfrey that she invited him to appear on her show. McGraw appeared on her show for several years before launching his own show, Dr. Phil, in 2002. Remember Rachel Ray. Before becoming the gourmet cook with the big voice, she was a relatively unknown chef. But, after a guest spot on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she also left the nest. Lastly, there’s Dr. Oz. As the resident doctor on her show, there wasn’t any question too big or too small for him to answer; this transcended into dollar signs for CBS and they quickly scooped him up and handed him a show as well.

Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry

It’s no secret that Oprah decided not to have biological children. However, she says she has “maternal feelings” towards the girls of her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

She’s wealthy and powerful, so it’s no wonder she has friends in high places. It’s hard to believe that it was a simple piece of advice from Oprah Winfrey that set Tyler’s career in motion.

According to Tyler, Oprah “encouraged him to keep a diary of his daily thoughts and experiences,” and he began writing a “series of soul-searching letters to himself-letters full of pain, forgiveness, and, in time, a healing catharsis.”  His letters inspired the musical, I Know I’ve Been Changed, in 1992. Tyler’s tales of failure and redemption resonates with black people, and they flock to movie theatres to support his work. From television to movies, Tyler’s projects have grossed millions of dollars worldwide, but it’s his message of forgiveness that resound’s with his audiences.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tyler’s childhood was far from ideal. He once said that his violently abusive father’s, “only answer to everything was to beat it out of you.” It’s no surprise that Tyler tried to commit suicide in an effort to rid his life of violence. As a child, Tyler often sought refuge in weekly church meetings.

A devout Christian, Tyler refuses to bend to Hollywood’s standards. Since creating the gun-wielding grandma Madea in 1998, Tyler has gone on to be named the sixth highest paid man in Hollywood, according to Forbes magazine’s 2009 rankings. Tyler is one of the few celebrities that practices what he preaches, and what he preaches is a unique blend of spiritual hope, mixed with down-home humor.

African American media moguls transcend genres. They’re publishers, musicians, business tycoons and fashion royalty. Even though they started from humble beginnings, they had a dream, and believed they would succeed.

Alexander McQueen

Just like most famous designers, Alexander McQueen has made his name a regular in the fashion world. Alexander McQueen died on February 11, 2010.  His tragic death has been a shock to the fashion world, especially on the first day of fashion week 2010. It was days before London Fashion Week, and a month before the designer was to showcase his new collection in Paris.

Alexander McQueen was found dead shortly after 10am, at his home. So far, the only event linked to his death is the passing of his mother, which occurred earlier this month, February 2^nd to be exact. “We are devastated and in shock,” said Samantha Garrett, the communications director for the Alexander McQueen fashion house.

McQueen started designing at the age of 16, when he was offered apprenticeship at Savile Row tailors Anderson and Shephard. At the age of 21, he moved to Milan to assist designer Romeo Gigli. He returned to London in 1994, where he gained his fashion degree at Central St Martins College, by fashion figure Isabella Blow.

In less than 10 years, the designer has made quite a name for himself. In 1996, he was appointed chief designer at French label, Givenchy, where he worked until March 2001. Finally, in 2000 Alexander McQueen became a brand owned by Gucci. Flagship stores were opened in New York, London and Milan.

McQueen was respected as designer. His designs were very unique, as were his fashion shows. He went to the highest levels of fashion, known as  ”enfant terrible” or “anarchist designer” of the industry. “This world I live in, this fashion world, is so unrelated to what’s going on around the world,” he said, “So what I try to do is to take parts of the world people in my world don’t want to see and bring it to them.”

McQueen's Alien Shoes

So where have we seen McQueen’s designs? His designs have been featured in fashion magazines for sure, fashion websites and worn by the rich and famous. Do you remember those crystal studded high “alien boots”, that showed up everywhere? Those were McQueen’s design. The “alien boots” also appeared in Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video. One may not associate anything with the name, but when you look at what the person has accomplished, it is clearly a lot.

The fashion world mourns Alexander McQueen, as well as many celebrities. He will be missed, but he has made his impact on the world and that is why he will not be forgotten. “His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs,” says Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue.

Fatima Scott

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Forrest Gump couldn’t have said it any better. Valentine’s Day! It’s the one occasion we plan ahead, mark our calendars in red, and think of what to wear in advance; just to celebrate those 24 hours. For men, that day may be super bowl.  For a mother, it may be her sons 1^st birthday. But for most, it’s the one time of year we’re showered with love. Red rose petals, heart shaped candies, greeting cards and stuffed animals.

Whether you spend the day with your significant other, or celebrate it with your favorite single gals, the feeling of love is always near. However, have you ever thought for just one second, “What could Jay-Z possibly buy Beyonce for Valentine’s Day?” or “How do Brad and Angelina celebrate?” Some of our celebrities went public with their ideas.

Our favorite gal Snookie from MTV’s reality TV show Jersey Shore hosted a party on February 12^th with the help of party promoters Justin Ballard and George Fox. Only this time around she won’t be at Jersey Shore with the rest of her cast, she’ll be spreading the love at Virginia Beach; but she won’t be doing it for free. The star is known to charge a $2,000 fee to make party appearances.  But, on the bright side the party that was open to the public had an admission charge of only $10! The entire night Snookie was mingling with the crowd and taking pictures with fans. What a great way to bring in the holiday!

Off to LA we go! Former playboy model, Kendra Wilkinson, and her husband Hank Baskett hosted a romantic Valentine’s Day party on February 13^th at Eva Longoria Parker’s Las Vegas Nightclub, Nightspot Eve. Though, there’s no sign of who made the guest list, tune into her reality TV show Kendra on E! for details on which celebrity couples attended the extravaganza!

Can’t get enough of your celebrities? There’s more.  Jessica Alba, Jamie Fox, Ashton Kutcher, Julie Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift and many more are inviting you to go see the premiere of Valentines Day directed by Gary Marshall. The romantic comedy that hit theatres Friday, February 12^th, tells the tale of seven love stories all occurring on that day we love most, Valentine’s Day.

Fatima Scott

“When I grow up, I want to be a . . .?” For one child that may be a doctor and for another that may be a teacher. The answer varies, but whose idea was it that we had to grow up in order to pursue something?

For Kira Plastinina, it didn’t take much growing up. With the help of her multi-millionaire father, Sergei Plastinina, and a Russian advertising agency, she managed to accomplish her childhood dream at the age of fifteen!

Kira Plastininia is a brand. She is the brand that once inspired the generation of Russian teens, and eventually made her way in the closets of American girls all over. Born on June 1, 1992, today many know her as the youngest fashion designer around.

What does a teenager do after she has conquered Russia? Bring her brilliant ideas to the U.S. of course! May, 2008 was when Plastinina opened her first store in New York City. From metallic to prints and bows, the store had it all. Unfortunately, what Plastinina needed more, were young teenage girls looking for something new to wear.

Plastinina ultimately did not have much success in the United States. KP Fashion Co. which runs the brand recently filed for bankruptcy. About 12 stores were closed nationwide. However, clothing can still be purchased from Plastinina’s US website with major markdowns.

Let’s keep in mind, this doesn’t make Palestinia’s success a failure. It will eventually become a thing of the past. The teen still has 70 successful locations in Russia. It’s safe to say that Kira Plastinina is one of many to show teens that a simple dream can become a reality!