Have a Little Faith

Items from Faith 21's new line

Apparently 60% of women 18 or over are wearing size 12-plus, yet most fashion stores only stock items up to a size 12/14 max. With "plus size" fashion being an under served yet highly in-demand market, Forever 21 is stepping up to the plate and launching their new line called Faith 21 for women size 12 and over. As a side note I can't understand why being a size 12 is considered "plus size". I'm 5"9 and a size 8/10 and I'm a 'large' in Forever 21!! And let's hope the quality of this new line is a little better. I'd like to be able to put their clothes in the washing machine without fear of them disintegrating.

Anyway, this new line will feature items similar to other Forever 21 clothing lines, including flirty dresses, trendy tops, skirts, jeans and basics such as T-shirts, camisoles, tanks and leggings (see above pics for a sample). The target customer is age 15 to 29. Prices will range from $3.80 to $29.80. Look out for the launch later this month. The line will be available in some of the chain’s new or mall locations, but it will not be stocked at the Michigan Avenue flagship store, at least not immediately.

The Sleeves Have It

Beyonce arrives at the premiere of Cadillac Records held at The Egyptian Theater on November 24, 2008 in Hollywood, California.

Veronica Webb attends the opening night celebration of the New York City Ballet at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln CenterNew York, November 25, 2008

Paula Patton arrives at 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles on February 8, 2009

Puffed up sleeves seem to be all the rage these days. If you thought you'd left pink, frilly, puff-sleeved birthday dresses behind you think again. Now you can wear them in black for the after party. Take your cue from Beyonce, Veronica and Paula. They prove that any trend can be modernized. The sleeves definitely have it. See below for some inspiration.

My Picks!

Left to right: Chetta B Lace & Taffeta Dress, $525, www.saksfifthavenue.com; Juicy Couture Short Puff Sleeve Waisted Shell, $298, www.revolveclothing.com; ELLA MOSS Agnes Puff Sleeve Dress in Heather Grey, www.revolveclothing.com

Left to right: Lamé shift dress by Rue Du Mail, $2000, www.brownsfashion.com; Noreen dress coat by Beyond the Valley, $168, www.farfetch.com; Silk Puff Sleeve Dress, $42, www.forever21.com/twelve

Big isn't always better. So if you're apprehensive about donning voluminous sleeves, opt for dresses with subtler "puffs". This look is great for those who want to take a little risk with their style choices but not look too fashion conscious. My favorite has to be green dress from Forever 21's "Twelve by Twelve" line. For $42, you simply can't go wrong!

Video from Beyonce on the Vogue Shoot...

Beyonce Covers Vogue Magazine

Isn't this wonderful? Vogue has put Beyonce on the April 2009 issue of Vogue magazine making it two black women to be featured consecutively on the cover (last month was Michelle Obama). Look out for Bey on the cover of the iconic magazine's annual 'shape' issue looking nothing short of fabulous. The headline you'll notice reads, "Real Women Have Curves" - does this mean that Vogue is making a conscious effort to include more realistic images of women amongst its pages? I doubt it. But this is a nice gesture. Be sure to pick up your copy when it comes out next month.

The Perfect Smokey Eye...

I don't know about you guys but I find it so hard to recreate the smokey-eyed look that so many models and celebrities wear in magazines and the red carpet. I always thought that because I have darker skin I had to use more eye shadow but I have been using the wrong technique! The video above shows make-up artist Johnny Lavoy applying the perfect smokey eye to Ethopian-born model Gelila Bekele. I find it particularly useful since Gelila has a similar skin tone to myself. I think dark charcoal and burgundy are much more flattering colors for this look - say "no" to standard black.

DVB: The Victoria Beckham Collection

Everyone's favorite Spice Girl has officially made her mark on the fashion world. While she was always one to watch on the red carpet and had previously collaborated on collections with other established fashion labels, now the icon has stepped out on her own. The Victoria Beckham Collection debuted with just a modest 10 dresses at New York Fashion week in January of this year. Available in sizes 2 - 10, the collection featured only form-fitting looks that paid an obvious tribute to one of Victoria's favorite designers, Roland Mouret. The collection received positive reviews and the fashion diva is back with twenty-three brand new looks for Fall. Check them out here or see below for six of my favorite looks. To learn more about Victoria's line visit www.victoriabeckhamcollection.com. U.S residents can find her clothes at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, naturally. U.K folks should visit Selfridges & Co and Harrods. As you've probably guessed, these items are not cheap. Expect to pay between $900 - $5000. However, you will not be disappointed. These dresses are finely crafted and will excentuate your most flattering attributes. Men may not be able to take their eyes off you... you have been warned.
Above and below are six looks from The Victoria Beckham Collection's latest line.