The Dynamic Duo

On Monday, August 10th, Drake & Trey Songz shot the highly anticipated video for their single "Successful." The track will only be available on Trey Songz' third studio album entitled READY, due out September 1st. The video was shot in Toronto, Canada and directed by Jake Davis.









Photo credit: Barry Roden

Signed,
The Fashion Connoisseur

The Battle For The Title Of "Best, Best Friends"

I was browsing one of my favorite websites, Essence.com when I came across this amazing spread titled "Famous Friends!" The spread showcases some Hollywood's closes friendships and even goes as far as providing insight on how the friendships evolved and how they've kept them current in what is many times considered a fake industry. I'd like to think someday me and my friends will be at this level. So in order to make it happen, I'm speaking it into existence. Let me set the picture for you -- 10 years from now you'll see a picture of The Intellect and I in Essence magazine. The picture will show her and I talking life and luxury over a bottle of Moet. No worries, no cares, just us living life for all it's worth. I know that seems like The Dream World right? Well, Hov said it best.. "It Ain't For Everybody!"

With that said, Below I've included some of my favorites from the spread. Peep all the choices and cast your vote for "The Best Famous Friends" below!

Gabrielle Union and Sanaa Lathan navigate Hollywood’s tough roads together.

There’s no sibling rivalry and plenty of love when it comes to Rev. Run’s daughters Vanessa and Angela. The two are always side by side, as they conquer the fashion world with their special bond.

Gayle King has been Oprah Winfrey’s best friend for more than 30 years. The two met early in their broadcasting careers and remained close. Their friendship has even sparked rumors that they’re gay, which they shot down.

“I have to admit, if Oprah were a man, I would marry her,” Gayle said in O, the Oprah Magazine, where she serves as editor-at-large.

It was easy for Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell-Martin to play best friends on “Martin.” The two have been friends for more than 20 years, having costarred together in 1986’s “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Some call them rough around the edges, and perhaps that’s why we love Monica and Keyshia as BFF’s. The Atlanta residents have plenty in common: soulful pipes and take-no-mess attitudes. Cole is also the godmother of Monica’s youngest son.

Black America has been made richer by intellectuals and good friends Tavis Smiley and Cornel West. The duo met more than 25 years ago at the Southern Christian Leadership Council, when Tavis was just a teen and have remained close ever since.

Best friends Tiny (the Bonnie to T.I.‘s Clyde) and Toya (ex-wife of Lil’ Wayne and mother of one of his daughters) are letting the world in on their friendship via their new BET reality show.

Icons Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan both know what it feels like to charter new ground in their respective sports, and quickly bonded on the golf course.

“I’m able to pick up the knowledge he’s accumulated over the years,” Woods has said about Jordan..

T H E | F A S H I O N | C O N N O I S S E U R

E-L-I-T-E

The Council of Fashion Designers of America just named 31 new members. They include the expected, like Alexander Wang and Chris Benz, and MObama favorites Jason Wu and Maria Pinto. They also include the unexpected: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, who front the Row and Elizabeth & James. It's a significant step for an industry that has for so long seemed to shun celebrity designers. Landing a spot in the CFDA is a mark of the industry's respect and support. It says, "Welcome to the elite special High Order of Fashion. You are one of us now!"

On behalf of everyone here at YGT we would like to congratulate The Olsen's on their induction. It goes to show that when you work hard it pays off. Keep tippin MK & A!

Source

The Fashion Connoisseur

Tippin Tuesday

Photo: Mary-Kate Olsen out in the city!

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I must start with 1.) You can never go wrong with the perfect frame. Mary-Kate opted for a simple yet chic frame that accentuated her messy up-do and ovah prune. 2.) I love! love! love! the over-sized, shirt, dress. It's cute and comfortable which are two qualities most women seek in their clothing. 3.) Last, I must go in for this wonderful shoe. It's so stacked, sexy and sensual! When you do a dress that's over sized and comfortable you must go in with your footwork. Mary-Kate knew she was giving everyone what they wanted when she chose this outfit. Werk out MK!

Signed,
The Fashion Connoisseur

Time On My Hand

I guess you could say this is why the French are always early and never late. Look at the amount of watches this lady has on her wrist -- this is a crime! And to think, you guys call me a show off!

Signed,
The F.C.

Turning Nothing Into Something

How many people can just walk around calling Marc Jacobs their best friend? I'll answer that question myself, NOT MANY! I recently found this interesting article where it talks about Jones and Jacobs' relationship and how he helped her make it through her prison sentence. Kim stated that Jacobs' letters of encouragement were what kept her going. He'd write her once a week sending encouraging words of wisdom and to show gratitude for Jacobs' love, Kim then began drawing Marc Jacobs' designs onto Bratz dolls in a neighboring coloring book she had. Now, what do you think Marc did with those infamous bratz pages? He blew them up and framed them; they are now a focal point for design in Jacobs' home. Now, that's what you call a FRIEND!!

Source

The Fashion Connoisseur

Cribs: YGT Edition

Candy Spelling put the mansion she shared with her late husband, famed TV producer Aaron Spelling, on the market for $150 million makes her the latest celebrity trying to find a buyer for their extravagant digs. The cozy childhood spread of "90210"'s Tori Spelling boasts, among countless other amenities, a bowling alley, beauty salon, China room, rooftop rose garden, and our personal favorite, a room devoted entirely to gift-wrapping.
To escape their adoring fans, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas spent $7 million on what amounts to a Hollywood tree house. Itís so secluded it's been called the "most private property in Los Angeles." Surrounded by woods, the house has glass walls overlooking gardens, a state-of-the-art projection room, a gym, a den with a bar (that's non-alcoholic beverages, boys), four bedrooms, and one master suite. Wait a second. ONE master suite? So who gets that, the oldest? The youngest, who writes the songs? Do they all share it? Or maybe they don't need privacy when they have promise rings.
This past January, Britney left the Hollywood lifestyle behind and moved to the L.A. 'burbs with her sons. Her new Calabasas home, Chateau Suenos, features a glass mosaic pool, a state-of-the-art soundproof cinema, a climate-controlled Venetian plastered wine cellar, a custom bathroom suite with a dry sauna and steam shower, and a craft room (we all know how crafty Brit can be!). The best part? The elevator that takes her cars to underground storage. But Brit didn't shell out the $8.9 million asking price. Instead sheís renting until her yet-to-be-built home in the same neighborhood is ready.
It took more than seven years and $20 million to complete Will and Jada's California home with its private lake, full basketball court, and a pair of par threes out back. Will once joked that it took so long to build that his children would be old enough to buy their own homes by the time they moved in. But not so ó Willís kids are settled in and even attend school nearby at the New Village Leadership Academy, which the couple launched last year.
Until the Spelling listing, Mariah Carey's dream home was America's most expensive on the market at $125 million. Recently, she made an offer on the mansion located in the exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood Holmby Hills, and we wait with bated breath to see if owner Suzanne Saperstein, ex-wife of billionaire David Saperstein, accepts. The French Chateau-style mini-palace is 45,000 square feet and features Italian marble walls, French limestone floors, gold-embossed leather wall coverings, a ballroom, and separate staff quarters for ten. With any luck Mariah and hubby Nick Cannon will close on the property soon so they have a place to put the reported $200,000 worth of furniture they bought for the pink nursery they're planning for their yet-to-be-conceived baby girl. No word yet on which room will house Carey's 1,000-plus pairs of shoes.

Source
The Fashion Connoisseur

Back On The Scene

There hasn't been much press about Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez lately. I guess the media decided to leave her alone so that she could focus on her family and making her new marriage work. Well, recently Marc and Jennifer were caught out on the town giving me what I want. It was something about these pictures that gave me "Old Italy," maybe it's J.Lo OVAH MOM carta and Marc's ascot/scarf, plaid blazer combo. Either way I say WERK OUT Jennifer and Marc; let America know you can TIP like Tom and Katie, Victoria and David.




The Fashion Connoisseur

Morning Motivation

Anna Wintour, Kate Moss & Marc Jacobs chop it up over tea and crumpets; Now that's what you call a Power Lunch! I can dig it--

The Fashion Connoisseur

The Boyfriend Pant Is On The Rise

Katie has really rubbed off on Vicky B. Known for her usual elaborate heels and mini-skirts, Vicky B switched it up when she was caught on the streets in the Katie Holmes inspired "boyfriend pant." At first I wasn't sure how the boyfriend pant made me feel but, for some odd reason I'm getting life now off the cut and style. I don't know if it's because Vicky B tipped in them or because the androgynous look they give these usually very, feminine women. Either way I'm intrigued and await seeing how they evolve in the world of fashion. I pose a question for the female, fashion connoisseur(s):

The Fashion Connoisseur

Seeing Sounds In Miami

[N.E.R.D & Santogold For MTV's Spring Break 2009]
This is true artistry.
The Cool Kid Chad!

The Pharrell/Fall Out Boy Dance!
Mommy got cakes!


The Fashion Connoisseur

GQ Meet Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop Meet GQ

Justin Timberlake wasn't the only one to make GQ's Most Stylish List; Hip-Hop Hard Hitters, T.I. and Kanye West also crept on the list showing the people the meaning of "swagga like us." Fashion isn't new to Kanye west as much as this is an advancement for T.I. who's style use to consist of white tees, scully caps and air force ones. I love when artist can transcend the boundaries of the contemporary urban trends and make it work. It's no longer scullies and white on whites, it's now Prada suit, gucci loafers and the FAB lifestyle. Now, that's what you really call a trendsetter.
Jacket, $3,425, by Dior Homme. Shirt, $445 and pants, $445, by Jil Sander. Sneakers, $335, by Common Projects. Sunglasses and leggings (as scarf) by Louis Vuitton.
Sports jacket, $1,860, and cardigan, $1,195, by Gucci. T-shirt, $16, by Calvin Klein Underwear. Jeans, $86, by Akoo. Sneakers, $390, by Marc Jacobs. Hat by Prada. Watch by Breitling.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Morning Bird Chest

What is Mario giving with this pics from a recent performance? He knows those jeans are too tight to be trying to sag. Mario you got to do better, you actually have talent. You don't have to walk around showing your bird chest to get fans. You have a fan base, let's get back to the music.



It's really no shade, I have every album he's released.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Damn Stunt Queen Pharrell

Pharrell has this pictures on his blog of the new Croc/Spongebob Shoes by Bape. Whereas I'm suppose to be infatuated by the shoes, I'm in love with the article placed below the shoe. It's purple, lovely and created by Hermes. I won't elaborate anymore, Google Berkin Bag & Pharrell and see what you get. After you've received the answer, report back for a prize. Promise!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Bend It Like The Beckhams

[David & Victoria Beckham at the Milan Fashion Week "My Sky HD Wears Fendi," Party.]

I don't know if it's her slicked back mane, petite frame or OVAH personality that attracts me to her. But, I live for Vicky B. she just has this regal swag in her blood that many US women lack. She can walk down Rodeo drive, pay everyone in sight and still be featured in the latest celebrity gossip magazine. She just has this umph about her that makes us all say "I see you." And it can't hurt when you have David Beckham, one of the world's most sought out men on your arm either. You ask me what the B in Beckham stands for and I'll say BAD!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Some Morning Marc

Marc Jacobs is slowly becoming my idol. He conforms for nobody, works at his own pace and keeps three fashion houses a float all the while. That's what you call an OVAH dude. I've included some pictures of him in the man kilt that sparked my interest initially to Marc. Feast on him; get into his artistry.

“It’s kind of like a kilt and a short.” Jacobs says he discovered his love of the skort during his design process: “I did a lot more skirts in this collection for women than I usually do—we usually do a lot of pants. So I bought this one, and I discovered how nice it felt to wear. They’re comfortable, and wearing it made me happy, so I bought more. And now I just can’t stop wearing them.”

The F.C.