Christina's Diary: 3rd Annual Blackout Awards

Fashion invaded South Orange, New Jersey as I attended the 3rd Annual Blackout Awards on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the stylish South Orange Performing Arts Center. This award ceremony created by the talented/ inspiring hairstylist Yancey Edwards, showed appreciation to some of the top sought after celebrity fashion stylists, hair stylists, makeup artists, manicurists, and photographers. Many times these important folks are left in the shadows and this fabulous event is a great way to pay homage to these talented fashion heroes.

This year’s Blackout Awards honored distinguished Hair Guru Ted Gibson with the Vanguard Award; Entrepreneur, Manager and Executive Producer Mona Scott-Young with the Naomi Sims of Excellence Award and recognized fellow artisans: Chuck Amos, Derek J, Johnny Wright, Kym Lee, Celebrity Photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, Accessories Designer Stevie Boi, and Tippi Shorter for their astonishing work in their respectable fields.

I was honored to present an award to Celebrity Photographer Matthew Jordan Smith. Mr. Smith has worked with some of the top names in entertainment today including: Halle Berry, Jennifer Connelly, Jamie Foxx, Tyra Banks, and Oprah Winfrey. A visionary with a talent for capturing stunning moments in time, his countless Essence Magazine covers alone illustrates his ability to create rich, iconic imagery that stands the test of time.

Prepping for an event of this magnitude is always hard but when you are in a room full of stylist, makeup and hair guru you have to bring your “A” game (everyone knows I am a Fashion Recessionista but was in dire assistance for this event ). I met the fabulous ladies of Curvy Girls Bridal during Plus Night Out in New York City and was able to see some of their gorgeous gowns… so when it came to getting a dress for the Blackout Awards they were on the top of my list.

I was ecstatic when the fashionable women of Curvy Girls Bridal agreed to dress me for the night’s event– I received two fabulous gowns from their store in Fairfax, VA to chose for the event and has a slight case of separation anxiety trying to choose which outfit to wear.

To help with my choice and bring my look together, I enlisted the help of award-winning celebrity fashion stylist, Spry Lee Scott who graciously enough accepted. Spry arrived from Nigeria on Friday afternoon (Sept 21st) but thanks to technology we Facetimed/Skyped and chatted while he was in Africa. He decided on the couture gown from Curvy Girls Bridal, which he paired with 2 statement pieces–jewels and heels!.

The day of the event….

7:00 am -Woke up to a sick baby….change of seasons will do this . But with plenty of liquids, rest, and mommy time she was feeling better

9:00 am -Sneaked in time to do my nails and toes on the living room floor while jamming to The Fresh Beat Band playing on Nick Jr.—Must Admit…I am a fan!!!

10:30am -My publicist Irene Myers from Navigation PR arrives.

10:45am -Breakfast time for all

1:45pm- Start styling my hair.

3:20pm -My fabulous makeup artist JP arrives to do her magic

5:00pm- My stylist arrives with my shoes and accessories.

5:45pm- We all rush out to the event.

6:45pm- Arrive to event to honor the fashion elite!