JOY LOVES FASHION

Hey friends! I’ve always been into the fab + flair of weddings (I was obsessed with all the wedding themed shows on WE especially ‘Platinum Weddings’). Ever since I got engaged this year, it’s taken on a whole new life! I am a bridesmaid in my BFF Deja’s wedding in Jamaica next month (!) and can’t wait! Being in a bridesmaid and wedding state of mind it was only right that I team up with Alfred Angelo, the nations oldest family-run bridal boutique, for a awesome post about how to wear your bridesmaid’s dress in real life. All you have to do is change up your accessories!! Super easy, let’s get started!

Look #1: At The Wedding

A note for soon-to-be brides: If you’d like for your bridesmaid’s to get continued use out their dress (who wouldn’t), go for a sleek, classic style that can easily be worn again. I love this bridesmaid’s dress from Alfred Angelo (style 7282L). It fits beautifully and works well for a wedding paired with classic jewelry: like my Robert Lee Morris earrings, Capwell + Co necklace and bracelet.

Vintage clutch / H&M ring

…let’s switch things up a bit!

Look #2: For Real Life (a formal event)

The wedding’s over. Now it’s time to wear your bridesmaid dress again, this time with jewelry that shows your personality! I love bold, statement pieces like this Kenneth Cole necklace, Steve Madden earrings and Capwell + Co and Kenneth Cole bangles.

Watch my fun video for more style tips!

This past week, team JoyLovesFashion had the privilege of touring one of our fave international designer showrooms, Starworks Group in Soho. They represent some of the biggest names in fashion and with the help of our guide, Fashion PR Assistant Kereem Morgan, we got an exclusive look at the Holiday/Resort Press Preview 2014 from Zimmerman, Sass & Bide, SB47, Cushnie et Ochs and more. And we get to show you some of the best pieces!

Starting off with Zimmermann. Created by two sisters hailing from Sydney, Australia- the line is designed with a love of sand, water and sun. And that love is evident in these resort pieces that we just adore. They are perfect for lounging by the pool, walking on the shore or braving a super hot day on the streets of NYC (or Sydney)!

Another Aussie design duo we love is Sass and Bide. And this jacket is one of those pieces you hold on to and give to your grandkids. 

Only in it’s second season, SB47, the contemporary line from Sachin + Babi, also had a few items that caught our eye. With many gilded and embellished pieces, like this glamorous gold skirt, this collection is for the girls who aren’t afraid to be showstoppers.

Another hot piece is this lace-up bodycon dress from Cushnie et Ochs. Mainly known for their daring cutouts, the designers are showing their range with this intricate piece perfect for a night out with the girls.

Obsessed is not the word to describe our love for this pineapple print from Seafolly and these cute super cute sandals from the aptly named Ancient Greek line.

Special thanks to Starworks Group and Kereem for being so knowledgeable and friendly!

-xo, JoyLovesFashion staff

This past Saturday night, Obi and I went to Beyoncé and Jay Z’s On The Run tour in New Jersey and it was absolutely incredible. I mean, I knew it would be good, but I was not prepared for the colossal epic-ness: intense action scenes with captivating cinematography, countless outfit changes from both Bey + Jay, choreography, lighting….ohhh, the lighting was just amazing. We were on our feet as soon as the lights went off a little after 9pm- and we stayed on our feet throughout. The energy in the stadium was so electric.

Jay + Bey took to the stage and this is what happened:

Now that’s how you start a show.

This was my 4th time seeing Bey in concert (“I Am…Sasha Fierce”, “Revel”, “Mrs. Carter”) but my first time seeing Jay perform live. He totally blew me away. I loved his energy! So, so much swag. Bey was on fire as usual. Her body looked the best I’ve ever seen it- super toned and statuesque. The dynamic duo performed over 40 hits- including: Bey’s “Girls”, “Naughty Girl”, “Diva”, “Single Ladies”, “Resentment” along with her newer songs: “Flawless”, “Drunk In Love”, “Ghost/Haunted”, “Yoncé” and more. Jay drove the crowd nuts with “Tom Ford”, “Public Service Announcement”, “No Church In The Wild”, “Hard Knock Life” amongst many others. The pair transitioned into each other’s songs so flawlessly, my fave part: Jay’s “Clique” leading right into Bey’s “Diva”. Insane.

There were so many highlights of the night like: Bey’s middle eastern inspired “Naughty Girl”-a bootylicious performance in an awesomely cut out leotard, Jay’s sick “Song Cry”, Bey + Jay as Bonnie + Clyde in the mini movies that played throughout the show, home movies, there were just so many moments! I’ve never been to a show where all of my senses were heightened. Bravo to all who worked hard to make it happen! I would go again in a heartbeat! Check out some exclusive images below. Here are some from my iPhone. Obi and I also took tons of video footage. Here’s a sick vid we put together:

It’s rare to experience 2 super star performers sharing a stage for over 2 hours with such amazing chemistry. If you haven’t seen OTR, make it happen by checking out these future dates! SO worth it! I left speechless and almost lost my voice at one point, lol.

For more video, check out my Instagram

Special thanks to Yvette Noel-Schure

Pictures courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment

Some pics of Obi and I before the show:

Wearing: Forever 21 “Easy-E” tee + backpack, H&M faux leather skirt(similarly awesome), ASOS sneakers, Urban Outfitters cat eye shades, Fossil watch

.xo.

Joy