Beyonce Covers Ebony Magazine

I know I'm late with this but I just had to post these pics of Beyonce looking "Sasha Fierce" on the upcoming issue of Ebony magazine. I always loved Beyonce with the big, curly and bouncy hair - makes for a refreshing change, although she looks great however she wears her hair. I love how Ebony covers are always on point. I haven't seen them make anyone look bad yet... Exhibit A & Exhibit B.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji Henson arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Eagle Eye' at the Mann's Grauman Chinese Theatre on September 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

First of all I have to congratulate Ms. Henson on a phenomenal year, especially the last couple of months. She will always be known as an "Academy-nominated" actress. The rising star has shone on both the big screen and the red carpet and it's about time she got the attention she deserves. I picked this red carpet style to spotlight because I recently bought a slightly shorter version of this dress online and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Taraji wore it late last year. The ruffles and v-shaped slit at the front make this dress another fail-safe staple for any party girl's wardrobe. See below for tips on how to steal this look.

Steal Taraji's Style

Above: Ruffle-Sleeve Sheath Dress, $49.50, www.alloy.com

Heels: Nine West Rocha, $59.99, www.piperlime.com

Clutch: Faceted Square Clutch, $16.80, www.forever21.com

Bangles: Gold Metal Bangle Set, $40, www.topshop.com

This is Alloy.com's cheaper (and very good quality) alternative to Taraji's Black Halo ruffle dress which is currently selling for $345 at Saks Fifth Avenue. I have this dress and whenver I wear it people compliment me. It is VERY flattering on women with curves and the material is stretchy. It fits like a Herve Leger dress - which is saying something! Pair this dress with statement jewelry and killer heels for a show-stopping look!

What Say We?... Yay or Nay

Estelle arrives for the Brit Awards 2009 at Earls Court on February 18, 2009 in London, England.

What do we think? I'm on the proverbial fence. While on the one hand I adore the shape of this dress, puffy sleeves and all, on the other I think there may be a little too much "detail" on there. She looks like a christmas tree that was decorated by a bunch of hyperactive toddlers coming off a sugar high. I will let it slide this time. Afterall she is wearing fab heels. YAY!!

Artistic AYA Happy Hour

On Friday, February 13th, while NYC designers vie for the attention of masses, Artistic AYA will celebrate DC’s burgeoning fashion forward set during a private happy hour. If you're ahead of the curve, you'll already be aware of the emerging designer talent in the District. If not, be sure to be part of the pack this Friday. Visit www.artisticaya.com for more information

What: Shop and view Artistic AYA’s new pieces, rare sale selection, and bespoke options. Enjoy brownies and bubbles while sampling high-art craftsmanship and multi-culti edge.
Why: Because Artistic AYA is DC’s best kept fashion secret.
When: Friday, February 13 from 6-8PM
Where: Personal Residence 1322B 10th Street NW

Please RSVP to ayanna@artisticaya.com

First Lady Michelle Obama Covers VOGUE

It's finally here! Michelle Obama's VOGUE photos (some of them anyway) have been released for early review. The First Lady apparently wore all J. Crew items from their upcoming Fall line - but don't bother rushing to their site, these clothes are not even in stores yet. J. Crew's head stylist assisted on the shoot and Mrs. Obama was very involved in the final style choices. You can read the full article here, but the issue won't hit stands until Tuesday, February 17th. Some are saying the cover isn't all that fabulous but I think it is down-to-earth and appropiate for the times. We all know if she was decked out in couture, folks would have something to say about how "insensitive" it is of her to flaunt her wealth. What are your thoughts?

Chanel Iman Covers Page Six

In this week’s Page Six Magazine – Named after legendary designer Coco Chanel, this hot young model is now blazing her own trail in the fashion world. Meet Chanel Iman, protégée of Tyra Banks and favorite of Galliano and McQueen, who is determined to shake things up with her vibrant personality, cheeky tattoos and modern attitude toward race. Here's some excerpts from her interview and below is some behind-the-scenes footage of her cover photo shoot...

On rumors she has been involved with Kanye West, rapper Tyga, and singer-producer Ryan Leslie: “I’m young and I’m dating. But I’m not gonna say any names. There are special people in my life but nothing serious. Just having a man in general is a job! I have one job; I can’t have a second. I’m the type of girl that if I have a man, I want to be a good girl-friend and be there for them and take care of them.”

On her close relationship with Tyra Banks: “She keeps it real. She tells it like it is. She’s really been a great mentor for me.”

On the rigors of working New York Fashion Week: “Honestly, I try to forget Fashion Week once it’s over. I just want to go home and rest and just forget I even did it. It could drive you crazy! It’s just show after show after show, and you’re missing your family and they feel really far away. You don’t go to sleep. You work for a month. You spend all this time trying on clothes… what drives me the most crazy is people touching me all the time. That does get weird.”

On how she ended up naming her Maltese “Louis Dior”: “I really loved working with [Dior designer] John Galliano—he’s so amazing. He actually let me name my dog Dior. I asked him! Right after I bought my puppy, I flew to Paris and John was the first designer that I saw. So I was like, ‘Hey, I don’t have a name for my puppy, so is it OK, John, if I name him Dior?’ He said, ‘It would be my honor.’ So I took a picture of me and my dog and sent it to him. He loved it.”

On her frustrations at the difficulties that models of color face in the industry: “It’s not just black girls. It’s ethnic girls in general: Brazilian girls, Hispanic. You really don’t see a lot of Asians either. A lot of designers think that if every girl on the runway looks exactly alike, then people will come to the shows and buy the clothes because they won’t be focusing on the models….It’s not even just runway either... us ethnic girls should be getting a lot of the covers too! I would love to be on half of the campaigns these [white] girls are booking, all looking exactly alike. It’s not right. It’s not fair.”