Toccara in Vogue Italia

2008-07-15T08:22:00.001-04:00

In a word...FIERCE!!! I'm so loving Toccara's editorial spread in the most recent issue of Vogue Italia that I can't get over it. I'm really surprised that these pictures haven't generated more buzz than they have. They're groundbreaking on two fronts. Not only is Toccara a Black model, but she is plus size as well. I wonder when's the last time Vogue Italia featured a girl who wasn't stick thin? Me thinks it's been a while.

Sidenote: She lost the perfect amount of weight. The girl's got it down to a science, because she's still thick and fabulous yet picture perfect.

Doesn't this shoot remind you of Kanye's "Flashing Lights" video except 10x less pretentious and self-referential.

Pics via Brown Sista

Jam Donaldson Design T-Shirts

2008-07-14T16:46:00.004-04:00

Y'all know I'm a sucker for a clever t-shirt. That's why I was instantly smitten by these tees made by the creater of hotghettomess.com and the much maligned tv spinoff "We Got To Do Better." I first spotted these tees from Jam Donaldson Designs over at Honey Brown Sugar.

Yeah, they're pretentious. It takes a certain kind of person to walk around wearing a t-shirt that's supposed to correct someone's grammar. But I love it! Plus, you've got to support those black owned businesses.

Honey Brown Sugar is now giving away 3 of the funky, fun tshirts. Who doesn't love free stuff.

Spotted: Pharrell's Lanvin Sunglasses

2008-07-14T00:43:00.000-04:00

So, I've got to shout out lipstick lace brass knuckles for putting me onto Pharrell's Lanvin sunglasses which look eerily similar to Ray Ban wayfarers that were all the rage about a year ago.

Leave it to Pharrell to rock something no one else would dare wear.

Fly Or Not, You Decide!

2008-07-11T00:31:00.001-04:00

I appreciate Vivica because she's trying, but I just don't know about her sense of style (but maybe I'm too distracted by her face). What do y'all think? Is this a fab outfit?

The News in Black Style

2008-07-09T02:38:00.000-04:00

Janet Jackson who has long been known for her super sexy look is appropriately set to design a line of lingerie."It's classic, but modern with a bit of vintage inspiration," [WWD]

The Louis Vuitton don, Kanye West, is set to design a line of shoes for Louis Vuitton. The line is set to hit stores early next year...What ever happened to his Pastelle line? [WWD]

Look of the Day: Naomi in YSL

2008-07-08T11:59:00.003-04:00

If we could just take a moment to morn the loss of Naomi Campbell's hair line. And that wig is a mess. But from the eyebrows down this woman is utter fabulousness. YSL featured some wacky looks this season, but this was one of the strongest. The dress plus the too tall shoes makes for near perfection.

Check out Naomi's Latest Ad for YSL in a word...gorgeous.

Yasmin Warsame Walks The Walk

2008-07-07T11:16:00.000-04:00

I first discovered Somalian beauty Yasmin Warsame because of my addiction to international versions of the "Next Top Model" franchise. She was one of the judges of Canada's Next Top Model host by ANTM's Jay Manuel. This woman is astoundingly beautiful.

She walked for Elie Saab's Couture Show, and killed it. You've got to love those black models.

Pharrell in GQ

2008-07-04T13:29:00.002-04:00

So I recently got an email from a male reader asking why I don't feature more fly men on my site. I guess it's because as a woman, I naturally gravitate towards women's fashion, but the last thing I want to do is alienate any part of my readership so J this one is for you.

Pharrell Williams is looking mighty stylish in the pages of GQ recently. Skateboard P is looking mighty dapper.

Spotted: Beyonce's Chanel Bag

2008-07-03T13:22:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this post by saying that I in now way endorse whatever it is that Beyonce has on in this picture. I think she look a hot ass mess, and I cannot believe that Chanel is to blame for this foolishness. Then again, I've never really liked their clothes anyway.

But, if you interested. Here, Beyonce is carrying the Chanel Calfskin Bowling Bag. I still can't get over this tomfoolery.

Really, Beyonce? Really?

Style Showdown: Nicole Scherzinger Vs Kyla Pratt

2008-07-03T09:04:00.000-04:00

So either my eye is getting better or celebs are getting real lazy. Either way, we have yet another style showdown. This one features PCD front woman Nicole S. and Kyla Pratt.

Is it just me or does this dress look like someone's bedsheets? The sleeves look like some straight up pillow cases.

Anyway, You know what to do. Who wins this showdown?

Look of the Day: Rihanna

2008-07-02T08:51:00.000-04:00

Wow. Raise your hand if you're ready for Rihanna to take a break from the public life. For real, though. Chris and Rihanna need to a pull a Jayonce and head to the South of France for a minute.

Anyway, Rihanna was spotted out last week wearing black leggings in the midst of the Summer heat. Yeah, it's a ridiculous outfit, but the chick looked hella fab. I'm especially feeling her brand new LV camo bag.

But, ladies I beg you. Please don't try to replicate this look. We don't need any young black women passed out in the middle of the street from heat stroke becaues they were trying to "get their rih-rih on."

Spotted: Beyonce's Dolce and Gabbana Bag

2008-07-02T07:24:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Carter was spotted out in New York having lunch with her new hubby looking fabulous as usual sporting a Dolce and Gabbana bag. I don't always love Beyonce's style choices, but this one was undeniably a hit!

The contrast between Bey's all white ensemble and her brightly colored bag works! Love it!

Cop the Miss Pocket Patchwork Snakeskin Bag for $2, 995.

Look of the Day: Kanye West

2008-07-01T10:10:00.000-04:00

Now y'all know a man is a rare sight around these parts, but I just couldn't ignore they flyness that Kanye West sported to the Lanvin fashion show. I love that he's really doing his own thing. The glasses might need to go, but I love the canvas sneakers paired with the pastel shorts. When's the last time you saw a man wearing shorts like this?

The man really knows what he's doing. I believe it was he who said "I can't see why I need a stylist when I shop so much I can speak Italian." Indeed, Kanye. Indeed.

Style Showdown: Tyra Vs Donatella

2008-07-01T07:42:00.000-04:00

I just don't know what to say about Tyra. Sometimes, she's absolutely killing the game, but other times, she looks like this. It's a damn shame when a woman damn near 75 out dresses you.

No, it's not the same dress but it's awfully close. And with the blonde hair overly bronzed skin, I can barely tell the two apart. Who wore it better?

My vote goes to Donatella...

For the Goddess in You

2008-06-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

Y'all know I'm a sistah who works for tha sistahs. I love to see young black women with an entrepreneurial spirit. That's why when I was contacted by Candace, the owner of Goddess Zuri, I couldn't wait to post about her funky, fun designs.

Her website Showcases her playful, sometimes naughty, t-shirts as well as her handcrafted jewelry. Along with her products, on her website Candace writes about her natural hair journey which I found to be totally inspirational.

So you know how we do. Help a sistah out. Visit the site.

Style Showdown: Dawn VS Amerie

2008-06-30T07:17:00.001-04:00

Amerie made quite the splash when she walked the red carpet wearing these Chloe Shoe Boots, but as it turns out, she wasn't the first black celeb to wear them (just the first anyone cares about..I kid, I kid). Dawn Richards wore them to Chris Brown's 19th Birthday celebration. You know the drill. Who wore 'em better?Why?

P.S. I vote Amerie.

Head on over to The Fashion Bomb to get Amerie's entire look.

All Black Vogue Italia

2008-06-27T07:01:00.000-04:00

So I know I'm super late with the post about the All-black issue of Vogue Italia, but I'm in the midst of of the planning stages of a new business venture and I've been super swamped. So let's get into them shall we.

First all, I just have to note how wonderfully relieved I was when I saw these pictures. I wasn't as immediately impressed with the news of Vogue's all black issue as a lot of bloggers were. There's a fine line between glorification and exploitation and Vogue toed it beautifully. Each of these shots, especially the "ethnic" ones, are absolutely gorgeous.

Naomi Gets A New Gig

2008-06-27T00:22:00.000-04:00

I have to give it up to Na-Na. She may be balding, but that woman is still at the top of her game. Snagging endorsement deals left and right and stunting on those teenage heffas like Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn. Ms. Campbell is the new face of Yves Saint Laurent. A deal reportedly worth $400,000.

Well go head then, Naomi.

Fly or Not? You Decide.

2008-06-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

I know Beyonce's House of Dereon clothing line get's a lot of hate from the bloggers, so I decided I'd take some time to give my views a second thought. Here are a few pieces from the House of Dereon line. (I promise I didn't purposely pick tacky pieces) What do you think?

Incidentally, I really loved these shoes.

Looks of the Day: Angela and Vanessa Simmons

2008-06-25T02:09:00.001-04:00

I am all over the summer fabulousness that has swept Hollywood. Vanessa and Angela Simmons were spotted out in LA looking hella gorg over the weekend. Y'all know I love some orange, and that maxi dress is hot (post forthcoming). Plus Vanessaa is looking classy and fabulous.

One critique: lose the headband, Angela. That's Aubrey's thing, and even she doesn't look good doing it.

Fly or Not, You Decide?

2008-06-24T02:01:00.000-04:00

I salute Teairra Mari aka the former Princess of the ROC (Rihanna who?) for trying to make a comeback, but this is not the way to do it. Is that underwear that I see peeking out under that sheer material? Am I wrong? Fly or Not?

Spotted: Regina's Summer Dress

2008-06-23T13:55:00.003-04:00

I guess Rihanna has inspired a host of celebs to undergo "the big chop," because Ms. Regina King was spotted recently at an event sporting a short, gorgeous hair do and a lovely summer sun dress. I can't be 100% positive, but I'm fairly certain the dress she's wearing is from preppy paradise J. Crew.

The Strapless Deco-Dot Beach Dress is now on sale ($78), and comes in 4 colors. I'm definitely feeling the celeb summer style.

Wear Your Vote On Your Sleeve

2008-06-23T08:49:00.000-04:00

I completely respect that all black folk aren't democracts, and many were hoping for Hilary to pull out the victory, but I have to support the man I think will do the best job come November. And I truly believe that man is Barack Obama.

So I've been searching the web for cute pro-Barack apparel. Y'all know I love to shop, and it's great that I can combine my love for clothes and my passion for politics with these fun t-shirts from Busted Tees.
. Be sure to get yours today because for one day only all their shirts are only $13.

McCain 1908 Shirt

Hurry! The Sale Ends Tomorrow!

Celebrity Style Guide: Rihanna's Skirt

2008-06-20T09:55:00.000-04:00

Yes, I clown on Rihanna, but even I have to admit that when she's on, she's on. I instantly fell in love with the bold print skirt she wore to dinner at Da Silvano in New York this week.

It's a perfectly chic Summer look that's sexy but not too exposed. Now, I was dead set on copping a patterned skirt just like Rih-Rih's, until I discovered it was $360. So I immediately set out to find cute, affordable alternatives.

The key to the look is pairing a brightly colored skirt with a brightly colored tank. So save you plain white wife-beater for another day, and head on over to American Apparel and go for the bold.

Tropic Floral Skirt, $22.80, Forever 21; Lupe Skirt, $188, Trina Turk; Callie Skirt, $34.50, Delia's;

Spotted: Michelle's Dress

2008-06-19T06:08:00.000-04:00

Michelle Williams is about to take the music world by storm, but I think she needs to focus a bit more energy on her wardrobe. She's almost there, but some of her choices are just too unremarkable for budding pop superstar. Ms. Williams' new motto needs to be "What Would Rihanna Do," Though even Rih-Rih get's it wrong every now and again.

For example, I like this dress from BeBe, but I don't love it. It's too middle of the road. But it would be cute for a day of running errands. Get it for $179.