The Grammys!

On February 10, 2013, recording artists convened at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for "Music's Biggest Night", the 55th annual Grammy awards. It was an interesting night for a couple of reasons. One, it had been a year since the death of Whitney Houston cast a pall over the proceedings and two, everyone was abuzz about The Memo, sent to all the attendees dictating their dress:

"Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Thong type costumes are problematic. Please avoid exposing bare flesh under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack. Bare sides or under curvature of the breasts is also problematic. Please avoid sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples. Please be sure the genital region is adequately covered so that there is no visible puffy bare skin exposure."

Rockstars aren't known for their restraint. I was interested to see if they would comply with the new wardrobe restrictions. Some did, some didn't.

Kelly Rowland in Georges Chakra. For easy open, pull here...





Jennifer Lopez in Anthony Vaccarello , who said she abided by the letter of the memo. Uh-huh.





Katy Perry in Gucci Resort 2013: no outer or under boob, just inner boob.


I can't say I was wowed by the fashions at this year's ceremony, but I do have one award to give away:

My "What was she thinking?" award goes to Rihanna...



I thought she looked beautiful in her scarlet Azzedine Alaia gown. But her arm accessory was problematic and I'm not talking about her Neil Lane bracelet.

The singer has reunited with her former love, Chris Brown, who was convicted of domestic assault against her a few years ago. Rihanna feels it's her life and, if it doesn't work out, her mistake. She's owning the decision, but she's still a role model to millions of people. She may not want to be, but she is and she's reaping a lot from that privilege. If she and Chris Brown want to be together again, that's her decision, but they BOTH need to be responsible and answer to the people paying for their albums and coming to their tours. 

There. Ready to step down off my soap box.

Did you watch the 2013 Grammys? Any hits or misses in the fashions? What about the performances? What do you think about Rihanna and Chris Brown?


Make sure you join me next month for my Oscar recap, the ceremony and the fashions!!


Tracey Livesay just signed a contract with Entangled Publishing for her interracial, contemporary romance, The Billionaire's Socialite Bride and the other two in the series. She blogs here on the third Monday of every month. If you like the flavor she's bringing, you can check out her blog, Mimosas at Midnight or Like her Facebook page.