Monday, September 7, 2009

Steal LeToya's Style

Dress: Haute Hippie Illusion Fringe Sequin Dress, $595, www.shopbop.com
Pumps: Restricted Ashlee, $65, http://www.piperlime.com/
Clutch: Asta Clutch, $60, http://www.monsoon.co.uk/
Nail Color: OPI Nail Lacquer Sonata in Bronze 4D2, $8.99, www.amazon.com/

A long-sleeved dress will take you seamlessly from summer into fall. If you want to shorten it a little, like LeToya's, grap any skinny belt you have and hike the dress up. Tighten the belt then let the fold of the top half of the dress cover the belt. Finish the look with a metallic nail lacquer, but avoid something predictable like silver. Bronze or a dark gold will work wonders!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

We're Ready For Our Close-Up...

The September cover of i-D magazine will feature the fashion world's best and brightest stars... four up-and-coming black models. In fact, let's give them their credit, they are no longer "up-and-coming." These ladies have ARRIVED! Chanel Iman, Sesilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Arlenis Sosa look nothing short of fabulous in this photo shoot. And if you don't believe me, take a sneak peak at the video below which features behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot. Naomi Campbell may still be forging ahead but these girls are bringing in the rear. On my cue everybody sing... "I want to love you, P.Y.T. Pretty Young Thing. You need some lovin'. T.L.C...."

P.S. Jourdan is supposedly pregnant, hence the strategic placement of Seslie's arm. Also peep the 1:03 minute mark in the video. Congrats Jourdan. You're repping for the U.K.!

Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke out and about last week for her birthday, August 2009.
British X-Factor winner (the equivalent of American Idol,) stepped out last week in a gorgeous floral print dress that only cost $50. Most famous divas dress head-to-toe in labels but this star on the rise looks just as stunning in ASOS than she does in Stella McCartney. You can steal the exact look below, but for more info on this songstress and her upcoming album, click here.

Steal Alexandra's Style

Dress: ASOS Border Print Dress, $51.49, www.asos.com
Wedges: AK Anne Klein, $49.99, www.piperlime.com
Clutch: Embossed Checkbook Wallet, $10.80, www.forever21.com
Scarf: Leopard Print Scarf, $32, www.shoprumor.com

Since summer is nearly over why not treat yourself to one last dress? This featured frock is sooo flatering for all shapes (comes in U.S. sizes 2 to 14). If you need "petite" sizing, the dress will only set you back $26!! And you must check out the sexy back of this dress. Tres chic! ASOS.com is a British online store but they ship to anywhere in the world for $6. There really is no excuse to let this dress go.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Hair Stories: To Shave Or Not To Shave

Cassie Ventura, Lala Vasquez and Keyshia Cole all took the plunge and shaved one side of their head!
1. ConAirPro Moda Groom Single Speed Clippers, $79.99, www.groomers.com 2. Creme Of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo, Kiwi & Citrus, $3.99, www.walgreens.com 3. Kidada For Disney Couture Pocahontas Gold, $78.16, www.asos.com 4. John Hardy Baby Monkey Silver & Black Palm Wood Hair Brush, $52.50, www.jewelrygalboutique.com 5. Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, $22.59, www.target.com 6. Orangewood Large Porcupine Boar Brush, $6.99, www.sallybeauty.com 7. scunci Classic Pins. $1.29, www.walgreens.com 8. Tui Leave in Conditioner, www.carolsdaughter.com

It used to be that the ultimate hairstyle statement for a woman was to shave your head bald (or close), but these days celebs have put their own twist on the avant-garde style. If your not sure that you, or your head shape, can pull off a completely shaved look, ease yourself into the style by going partially bald first. Cue Cassie Ventura, Lala Vasquez, Keyshia Cole, Raven Symone and the pioneer Kelis. They've all put their unique interpretation of the style by adding hair dye, patterns, track lines and even ultra girly curls on the side of the head still with hair.

If you're going to try this style be prepared. Stock up on bobby pins to stop your long sided hair from falling across the border. Also, invest in a good pomade to keep your shaved side neat and frizz free. As always, keep your hair healthy with a good conditioner like Carol's Daughter's Tui Leave-in and Creme of Nature's moisturizing shampoo. So come on ladies, do Grace Jones proud and get the clippers out!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana attends the 'Star Trek' Germany premiere on April 16, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.
Zoe Saldana arrives at Star Trek Los Angeles Premiere at the Graumans Chinese Theater in Hollywood CA on 4/30/2009.
Zoe Saldana sits front row at the Lela Rose Spring 09 Fashion Show
Zoe Saldana arrives for the UK Film Premiere of Star Trek at the Empire Leicester Square on April 20 2009 in London, England.
Zoe Saldana appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 6, 2009.

Zoe Saldana and her stylist have had a busy summer. With the release of her summer smash "Star Trek" the Dominican diva had to come hard (and correct) on the red carpet. Naturally, Zoe delivered. Her style is simple. Pick a dress that will shine in its own right. Whether its large bows or bouncy frills, Zoe's dresses have people running to the internet to find out what she wore. To wear a dress with this much punch, you need confidence. See below for ideas on where to get YOUR shine.

My Picks!

Left to right: ASOS Parachute Dress, $82.76, www.asos.com; Tiered Halter Dress, $34, www.forever21.com; Animal Puff Dress, $100, www.topshop.com; Gardenia strapless wool dress by Azzaro, $2445, www.net-a-porter.com
Left to right: Karen Millen Rose Corsage Pencil Dress, $331.20, www.asos.com; Eliza J Ruffle Wrap Dress, $158, www.shop.nordstrom.com; Illusion Fringe Sequin Dress by Haute Hippie, $595, www.shopbop.com; From the Marchesa Spring 09 Collection

Whether it's a hot date, exclusive party or gala fundraiser, a head-turning dress is a fail-safe investment. All you need is one stand out detail to take an otherwise classic dress to a whole new level. Think oversized bows/flowers, excessive frills, sequins galore and voluminous shapes. Anything goes. Just be sure to pick a dress that flatters your shape. A-line dresses that cinch at the waist suit everyone.