Obvious Magazine - Relationship Issue | March-April 2009

Sunday

08Feb

OBVIOUS MUST HAVES-FEBRUARY

by Cedric Johnson

TOP 5 OBVIOUS NECESSITIES

#5 A LONG BLACK DRESS

The little black dress is undoubtedly THE staple for any woman's closet, but what about a big black dress? No...but how about a long black dress? Yes! Try a high split or a plunging neckline to be versatile for the changing weather.

Alexis Mabille Couture - Price Upon Request

#4 WHITE HEELS

Get funky feet with exciting footwear, what's quirkier than white leather? Touched with a metallic or a bright color, they can be dressy, messy, or sexy.

Christian Louboutin at Saks Fifth Avenue - $875

#3 COPPER JEWELRY

The forgotten color copper takes the shine this Spring in jewelry, cosmetics, and other accessories. Polish up, striking inquisitions with obscurity.

Lara Bohinc at Harrods - About $887

#2 A FRINGE SKIRT

Get your groove on with a fringe skirt, pair the movement up with something stiff or fitted.

Aqua only at Bloomingdales - $78

#1 PLAIN PANTYHOSE

Any color will do, plain and simple. Pantyhose are back right along with the grown up woman. Basic black is still my favorite, what's yours?

Donna Karan at Nordstrom - $20

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OBVIOUS MUST HAVES

Saturday

10Jan

SHELF LIFE

by Cedric Johnson

You may be thinking, "What do I wear?", "What's next?", "What can I finally stop wearing??!" In case you're wondering what's next, I've got you all taken care of...

It's pretty simple. Anything that you've had forced in your face over the past year is pretty much dead. With a few exceptions of course, you can start the Spring cleaning and redecorate your body.

EXPIRED

First off and probably the most important (in my opinion) to give a rest is liquid eyeliner. Spring 2009 calls for lighter eyes with softer details.

Leggings should be left to Catholic school girls in the "Hit Me Baby One More Time" video. Please don't end up saying, "Oops! I did it again!" (regardless of color). You're a grown woman, put some pant's on!

It was nice while it lasted...the small bags trend. Unless it's for evening, the big bag is back! An edgy over-sized wallet is still hot, but that inbetween look just feels out of place.

KEEP

Cute little booties are still in, and mixing colors and texutures are what it's all about. There's something interesting about a woman in a skirt and blouse, with the surprise of a sculted boot under the ankle.

Nude lipstick is sticking around. If you don't have any, but it (and lots of it). Get it in every shade imaginable for Spring. Your natural beauty will shine in the year of 2009.

Look your best in your vest. Wearing a vest is probably the easiest and most efficient way of finishing an outfit. Dress it up, dress it down, button it up, leave it open...it just looks good!

STOCK

The khaki sack! Beautiful, classy, and versatile. There's a certain resort feeling to a large taupe duffelesque bag. Maybe it's because it's cute and holds all your junk!

Best basic for the Summer...a wide legged jumpsuit. It's quick, it's easy. No pairing pieces together necessary because it's quick and sophisticated all in one.

Take that bag and that one-piece and add some dazzle with some chunky jewelry. Jewel encrusted necklaces, wide clanky wooden and metal bangles are a classic.

In closing, when you think about fashion must-haves...think about whats been thrust upon you and what hasn't recieved much attention. Chances are that the cycle of moderation will work itself in and flush the over played out.

Fling into Spring, make yourself OBVIOUS!

Cedric Johnson Blog |

THE REAL DEAL

by Cedric Johnson

Fashion can be exciting, invigorating, and also addicting. While it's an addiction that won't hurt you, it can put a strain on your pocket especially in today's economy. It seems like the cost of living is continuing to rise while the incomes seem to be steadily falling. This can often leave us feeling tapped out for our special small treat to ourselves or even that $600 designer bag that we walk past in the window. While sales are nice, they usually don't target those items that''s we're looking for to say the least.

Well I've got some help for those Label Diva's living on a budget...

Did you know there are websites dedicated to finding a deal for you on items that you actually want? Yes! It's true and believe it or not they are free! All it takes is a few clicks and you get the emails to shop through tons of designer items.

GILT GROUPE

Gilt Groupe is an exclusive group that offers designer fashions, accessories, and jewelry for men, women, and children at excellent prices. Gilt.com carries designer goods such as Vera Wang, Rachel Roy, Elie Tahari, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Marchesa. Some of the prices are up to 60% off of regular retail prices, and we're not talking about 7 seasons ago. We're talking current stuff! The only catch (if it's really a catch) is that you must be invited by a member to join. Once you're a member and you invite others who make purchases, you get $25 in rewards towards Gilt merchandise.

RAFFAELLO NETWORK

The Raffaello Network is a company dedicated to providing only the top, most renowned designers at mind blowing prices. They carry shoes, handbags, and accessories from Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Versace, and almost every other Legendary designer. Raffaello-Network.com has been around since 1998, providing over a decade of quality goods and quality service. Self proclaimed as "The Largest Fashion Store on the Net", the Raffaello Network has stayed true to it's motto as a depot for luxury.

SHOP IT TO ME

Shop It To Me is probably best known as having brands galore. In essence it is your own online personal shopper. Simply sign up and recieve the service of free "Sale Mail" on a daily, weekly, or semi-weekly basis. It's that simple, they do all the work for you. You pick the brands, your sizes, and ShopItToMe.com brings you the clothes. They provide brands such as Theory, Prada, Armani, Ella Moss, Juicy Couture, Seven Jeans, DKNY, and BCBG.