gwen, stylist to the american idol stars



this week, american idol was the talk of the town.  more like the talk of the entire country, really.  one reason was the talented gwen stefani.  she was chosen to dress the remaining female contestants for their performances.  overall, i thought she did a pretty good job   hailey's outfit was my favorite.  it was on trend and fit her eclectic personality and sound. 

the other huge drama on american idol concerned ms. pia toscano.  it seems not even gwen's jumpsuit could save her from elimination.  apparently, the consensus says she was the best vocalist in the contest.  its not that i necessarily disagree with that.  i just found my queens, ny brethren quite boring. singing all of those slow ballads didn't help matters much either.  anyhoooo, i'm sure pia will survive, if not flourish. 

but, i digress.  back to fashion....it was quite unfortunate that gwen didn't get a chance to style the quirky and vibrant naima adedapo.  they both seem to have a similar aesthetic and appreciation for the ethnic influence.  honestly, i believe naima's styling choices played an integral role in what sent her home.  she had fantastic ideas that she unfortunately, took too far.  overaccessorized, too many competing colors, unpolished ragged touch.  it was clear that naima was trying to stay true to her reggae ragga muffin signature look.  i suspect since she was making her dresses in the beginning of the show, naima was hoping to capitalize on the homemade apparel (just in case the singing didn't work out).  anyway, if you know anything about gwen, you understand her fetish for the black, brown and yellow culture.  her children are named kingston and zuma, for goodness sake.  safe to say, naima's ode to the caribbean culture would have been just fine with stefani. 


so, i tried to recreate the what if scenario.  what if gwen was able to style naima with her L.A.M.B line? i thought of four options for the up and coming songbird.  the first option is the tribal print jacket from gwen's latest collection with a pair of boyfriend jeans and heels.  for a more conservative naima, she could include a tank in white or black.  the second look is the african print halter dress.  a white suit seems perfect for naima with a few bold but flattering accessories.  perhaps a colorful scarf or turban?  the last choice is the maxi dress with the beautiful print.  as long as she isn't doing her african dance, this would be appropriate for her performance. 

naima made all the wrong choices for her hair.  what she didn't understand was that her lovely locs were a statement by themselves; there was no need for the intricate updos and flowers +.  the style gwen wore in the "sweet escape" video would do ms. adedapo justice.  for a sultrier look, i would suggest some romantic waves (like the lovely photo of gwen up top).  and that, my lovelies, is the advice i would offer the adorable naima.  what would you suggest?

besos jenna pearle*

the music-elle

i can't wait for this edition of elle to reach my mailbox!!!  its the first music issue and it features quite a few of my favorites like qwen, nicki and adele.  others include the likes of jennifer hudson and that ever present little willow smith.  above is a sneak preview of the issue.  enjoy!

besos jenna pearle*

gwen galore-video voyeur

someone who always comes through with killer visually stimulating videos is the talented gwen stefani (as well as the whole no doubt crew).  so, i thought i'd come back to the queen of style for video voyeur this week.  of course, i couldn't narrow it down to one so i chose a trifecta of stefani. all three are colorful and entertaining and have that gwen pananche she's now known for.


besos jenna pearle*

gwen and her gorgeous LAMB

if you've been following me for awhile, then you already know my adoration for gwen stefani.  i feel like, style wise, she's my long lost blonde california girl big sister.  after getting a glimpse of her latest L.A.M.B line at NYFW, i am even more convinced.  this time around, i appreciated her love of ties, blazers, v-neck sweaters among other menswear influences.  we almost always have kindred spirits when it comes to patterns (plaids, houndstooth, stripes and polka dots).  gwen is such a fashion maverick and i'm so proud that we share such a similar aesthetic; gives me hope. 

besos jenna pearle*

gwen minus glamour (gwen stefani)

what a lovely picture of the fabulous gwen stefani!  it is no secret gwen is one of my favorite celebs as well as fashion inspiration.  it appears we have a similar style sensibility and color/print palette.  this photo is refreshing because it shows her in a completely different way than we normally see her.  she is wearing a softer, pinker face without her signature red lips and heavy black liner.  the earthy color and knit of the sweater offers a vulnerable, even girlish gwennie.  and do i detect a gap in the tooth area?  makes me love you even more...       besos jenna pearle* (who ain't no hollaback girl)

9-11 All-Star Tribute - What's Going On?

today is the 9th anniversary of the 9-11 wtc attacks, as you know. as of right now, it seems we've made little progress in the rebuilding of the twin towers or a nation of tolerance. i'm not sure why this is so shocking to me. i guess i had high expectations. enjoy this track redone by allstars at the time (actually most of these artists are still pretty relevant, how about that?) of marvin gaye's 'what's going on?' i keep asking myself the same question...

somberly, xo jenna pearle*

icons of style

twiggy, bianca jagger, gabrielle "coco" chanel, sofia coppola, rachel zoe, carrie bradshaw, grace jones, brigitte bardot ect...this book is filled with the faces who shaped fashion. its a must for anyone interested in style icons or at the very least strong women.

xoxo jenna pearle*

ps. the author is simone werle

tough lil mama

this is a a great (although the usual) look for ms. stefani. in addition, this is also my go to look lately, especially when i'm going out. i'm all about the loose fitting tops (in black, grey and/or white), black leggings and hot heels. the red lip with black eyeliner is also at the top of my list. therefore, you can call this my inspiration look. rock n roll tough chick chic. stop drooling!

xoxo jenna pearle*

red, red whine

red lipstick...the most elusive make-up trick for a girl...especially one of a darker persuasion. lately, i've found myself really digging this look for two reasons. #1. its a timeless yet sexy look. #2. i'm a rebel and i don't like being told what i can and cannot wear. so, of course, i sauntered into MAC in search of the perfect shade for me. when i approached an available make-up diva and informed her of my quest, she gave me a look and sigh that said "for you (as in a mocha vixen such as myself)? not gonna happen." then she sent me to look at some extremely watered down shade (almost magenta). instead, after trying on a zillion shades of red on my wrist, i decided to be bold and choose the MAC Red. if it needed toning down, i had a few shades at home that could do the trick. so this summer, i am all about the jet black sharp eye and red lip. i may even attempt it during the day. how ya like me now?!!!

by the way, i was not able to find many pics of very dark women with the bold red lip at the time of this post. however, as soon as i do, i shall post evidence.

xoxo jenna pearle*

Scent of a Woman

this blog is usually about how to look good. however, whats the point of looking good, if you don't smell good? you know jenna p. has got the hook up. if you like freesia, hyacinth and jasmine, then this may be the perfect scent for you. this is, of course, from Gwen Stefani's line. she has some sweeter scents in her harajuku girls line you may also enjoy. i am not a fan of the alcohol-y scent when you first spray perfume on. if you have that problem, try the solid perfumes.

another find that is simply irresistable is Victoria's Secret Soft Embrace in Shea Butter. delicious!!! i use this ALL the time. if i take ten steps, i re-up. it just makes me so happy (and makes me smell so tasty).

smell ya later, xoxo jenna pearle

Gwen Stefani's Cool

i absolutely adore gwen stefani. creative, stylish, goal-oriented, beautiful and yet...somehow vulnerable. she has a quality that makes her accessible to all. her videos (with and without no doubt) personify everything i've described. one of my favorites is the gorgeous "cool" video off of her L.A.M.B album. and here are sixteen reasons why i love it...

1. setting for video is Italy- a place full of beautiful scenery, scrumptious cuisine and great taste.

2. mix match patterns done perfectly

3. the flirty leopard print cardigan

4. pencil and tulip skirts w/ fierce heels

5. gwen rocks the ultra red retro lipstick

6. who doesn't love the pompadoo ponytail- esp on bleach blonde hair

7. delicate jewelry offsets the other bold choices for accessories

8. big belts to cinch in waist and illuminate curves

9. lady like gloves add an extra sip of glamour

10. polka dots! always loved them...always will

11. short shorts/tall heels (with a demure, conservative shirt, of course)

12. thick cat-like black eyeliner is a favorite look of mine

13. sippin' coffee w/ old friends (doesn't get any better than that

14. classy retro bathing suits (saw plenty this summer @ modcloth)

15. breezy summer dresses

16. gwen, herself. she's cool 

xoxo jenna pearle

bad girls club- the rock edition

so i didn't buy rihanna's sudden 'good girl gone bad' image. and i'm still not convinced. however, even i must admit that i am enjoying her adventure in chic fashion. sometimes, she goes too far or too futuristic or too Prince. but what you will eventually learn about me (if you don't know already) is that i like people who take chances, especially when it comes to fashion. her rock n 'roll chic has been pretty on point lately. the tough but girly rock look has always been one of my faves. i encourage you to take a few steps into badgirldom by incorporating the following:

heavy black liner and nude or red lips

a studded belt (thin one preferably)

wife beaters (mens Hanes undershirts)

plenty of bangles (esp. silver ones)

skinny jeans (i like dark denim)

comfy but hot heels (some chucks, too)

and a classic f u attitude!!!
(rock godesses: gwen s., debbie h., kate moss, joan jett)

rock on xoxo jenna pearle

btw, the third pic above is fefe dobson, the original rihanna...