I Like Her Style!

Michelle Obama is Honored by Glamour

2009-11-05T20:23:00.003-05:00

December's issue of Glamour will honor 12 women as "Woman of the Year." Popular icons that have overcome serious challenges or given back to society are recognized by the fashion magazine. Among the winners are Maya Angelou, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Susan Rice and, of course, Michelle Obama.

The First Lady is interviewed by guest writer Katie Couric, and she gives this great advice to women still looking for love...

"Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long. Then it's 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good."

You can see her full answer in the video snippet below, taken from the full interview.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Janelle Monae featured in Vogue

2009-10-27T22:08:00.003-04:00

Janelle Monae will be featured in Vogue's November issue. The eccentric songstress will be showing off George Esquivel's unique shoes. Here is the blurb from the article:

"It's hard not to get ideas when I'm meeting with Gwen [as in Stefani] and the Killers," says George Esquivel. "My work evolves by designing for people." Since 1994, the Southern Californian has been crafting custom shoes, and even with an ever-expanding client list, the majority of his footwear is made to order by hand in his Buena Park studio.

Though they're fashioned out of the same Italian leather used by Louis Vuitton, his boots and oxfords are unique in their colors and burnishes, which Esquivel still does himself. "It's a punk attitude," says the designer, whose wares were first noticed by his fellow music scenesters in the nineties. "I'm not a guy who grew up on the East Coast wearing suits." So not proper, but for Esquivel wearers, just perfect.

Shine. Shimmer. Sparkle.

2009-10-24T12:13:00.013-04:00

Serena Williams attends the "Whip It" Los Angeles Premiere held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Hollywood, California on 29.09.09

Left to right: Sequin glitterglass tank, $495, www.jcrew.com; Sequins Emma Top by Nili Lotan, by $495, www.bloomingdales.com; Sequin Embellished Vest, $95.93, www.asos.com; Sequin & Beaded Tank by Alice + Olivia (Sizes 0 - 14), $396, www.neimanmarcus.com

Left to right: Racerback Tank by Gryphon, $345, www.shoplesnouvelles.com; Rose Sequin Tank, $19.90, www.charlotterusse.com; Embellished Racerback Tank, $24, www.ardenb.com; Allover Sequin Tunic, $26.50, www.wetseal.com

Serena Williams kept things classic and clean on the red carpet of the "Whip It" premiere. Wearing a simple black blazer and matching cropped pants, Serena looked effortlessly chic. To keep the outfit from looking too "day" she added a little sparkle in the form of a racerback tank by Gryphon. If you want to achieve this look you don't have to hand over $345. Wetseal, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Arden B all have affordable sequin tops. Finish the outfit with vertigo heels, a metallic clutch and chandelier earrings.

Amelle Berrabah

2009-10-18T10:36:00.002-04:00

Sugababe Amelle Berrabah performs at BBC2's Music Show ‘Sound’ at Spittlefield Market in London, England wearing a Denim Jumpsuit.

If you thought Destiny's Child had it's ups and downs that was nothing compared to the British group Sugababes. Since it's inception in 1998, the all girl group has been through three line-up changes. The most recent has left not one original band member in the group! That hasn't stopped their flow though. The girls are in the midst of a relaunch that includes a whole new sound and provocative new image to boot. Pictured above is North African (Moroccan) member Amelle Berrabah. She joined the group in 2005 replacing Mutya Buena. She recently shaved the side of her head to give herself an edgier look. I'm loving this Liquorish jumpsuit on her (see below.) Roll the legs up like Amelle to give the outfit a fresh spin.

Steal Amelle's Style

2009-10-18T10:35:00.003-04:00

Above: Liquorish Stone Wash Denim Jumpsuit, $61.05, www.asos.com
Heels: HALO Twist Front High Platform Sandal, $34.88, www.asos.com
Bag: Twisted Hardware Doctor Bag, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in California Coral, $8, www.apothica.com

I'm all about summer nail colors in winter. What else will brighten up those dull, rainy days? Coral nail polish is my color of choice these days, but any stand-out color will compliment these pale pink platforms by HALO. Pair with skin colored tights if the weather is already bone chilling in your area. For night-time chic add a metallic belt and a bright clutch for punch.

Brush Your Shoulders Off!

2009-10-15T19:33:00.011-04:00

Beyonce leaving Movida Nightclub in London, UK on May 26th, 2009

Rihanna arrives at the Balmain Pret-a-Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 1, 2009 at Intercontinental Paris Grand Hotel in Paris

Halle Berry arriving at the Shangahi Film Festival, June, 2009

Ciara arrives at the BBC Radio 1 studios on April 23, 2009 in London, England

Beyonce leaving dinner at the Waverly Inn, New York in June, 2009

Winter is about to hit us so now is the time to buy summer trends at bargain prices. The Balmain Jacket craze shows no signs of dying down so grab yourself an original (or a budget-friendly inspired version). Net-a-Porter currently sells the originals but you can also find "knock-offs" at your favorite stores such as Topshop in the UK or Shopbop.com here in the US. Beyonce and Ciarahave championed this look by pairing their 80's / Michael Jackson inspired jackets with skinny jeans. Or make like Rihanna and add a little volume down below. Either way, these power jackets will take you well into 2010.

My Picks!

2009-10-15T19:24:00.017-04:00

Left to right: Short Extended Shoulder Jacket, $135, www.topshop.com; Cotton-blend tuxedo jacket by Balmain, $3805, www.net-a-porter.com; White army-style jacket by Balmain, $3564, www.net-a-porter.com; Crystal-embellished canvas jacket by Balmain, $6389.60, www.net-a-porter.com

Left to right: ASOS Power Shoulder Tux Blazer, $113.37, www.topshop.com; Ruffle Peak Jacket by Robert Rodriguez, $495, www.shopbop.com; Blade Runner Jacket by Elizabeth and James, $425, www.shopbop.com; Button Detail Denim Jacket by Queen's Look, $85.50, www.yesstyle.com

Ranging from $85 to $6000+, now is the time to buy one of these amazing jackets. Winter may be closing in, but buy one on sale and wear it for the next five years. Every fashionista needs a powerful blazer in their wardrobe and now is the cheapest time to buy one. If you want the real thing be prepared to pay at least $3000 - and that's a bargain! My favorite is the tuxedo blazer from Topshop. At only $135, it's a fail safe investment.

Mattel Gets Ethnic...

2009-09-29T21:14:00.011-04:00

...And it's about time! Mattel announced today their introduction of an all new, permanent Black Barbie doll line. The new dolls have features that more closely resemble those of Black people. That means fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinct cheekbones and "curlier" hair. The So In Style line, or S.I.S, features Kara, Trichelle and Grace who are three best friends in tune with fashion, fun and music. You can click here to learn more about each doll.

Each doll features its own unique personality and style and reflects one of three various skin tones - dark chocolate, milk chocolate and caramel. The line also features a mentoring theme and each doll comes with her own little sister. The little dolls are called Kianna, Courtney and Janessa. The big and little dolls hope to inspire mentoring in the black community (and all communities for that matter). Tell me if you like the dolls or not. My only gripe is the hair. I wish one of them could have had a more "natural" look but hey, this is progress! I wish these dolls were around when I was growing up. I LOVED to dress them up!

The dolls from left to right: Kara, Trichelle and Grace.

Goapele Covers Diablo Magazine...

2009-09-26T17:11:00.002-04:00

Goapele is on the cover of the San Francsico East Bay magazine "Diablo." The songtress discusses her new album Milk and Honey and new business ventures including a nightclub and clothing boutique. Here's a snippet:

Born in Oakland in 1977, Goapele (pronounced gwah-puh-LAY, which means “to go forward” in her grandmother’s Setswana dialect) is the daughter of an exiled South African political activist father and a New York–born Jewish mother. Her parents married in Kenya, then moved to the East Bay.

“Music and politics were integrated into my upbringing from a very young age. A lot of my family is from South Africa, and during my childhood, there was a rich South African community in the Bay Area,” she says. “There were lots of parties where people would break into singing a cappella or playing conga drums.”

Click here to see more pics and read the full article.

Rachel by Rachel Roy

2009-09-08T20:20:00.011-04:00

You may of first been "introduced" to Rachel Roy through her husband, Roc-a-Fella co-founder Damon Dash, but these days her name has become synonymous with emerging fashion. The young, high profile New York designer has come a long way. Over the last couple of years her label has expanded and now offers a more affordable line appropriately titled, "Rachel, Rachel Roy." The likes of Joy Bryant, Padmi Lakshmi and even Michelle Obama wear her designs (probably from her original line Rachel Roy New York). But despite her star being on the rise, she's still a dedicated mother of two who hasn't lost sight of what's important. Posted below is "Behind the Lens" - the three part video series filmed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Douglas Keeve. In it Rachel Roy reflects on her past, present and future and there are plenty of cute scenes with her adorable daughters, Ava (9) and Tallulah Ruth (1). After you've checked out the videos visit www.rachelroy.com to view photos of her new and more economically friendly fashion line.

Designer Rachel Roy launches her new more affordable line, "Rachel".

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

LeToya Luckett

2009-09-07T11:54:00.002-04:00

LeToya attends LeToya's "Lady Love" album release party at Cain on August 27, 2009 in New York City.

LeToya Luckett proved to the world that there's life after Destiny's Child. At the release of her sophomore album, "Lady Love," LeToya wore a shimmering 'Illusion' fringe sequin dress by Haute Hippie. Follow in her footsteps by scrolling to the post below. If you want more sequined inspiration, check out these two old posts. Click here and here.

Steal LeToya's Style

2009-09-07T11:53:00.002-04:00

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!

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

2009-09-01T22:00:00.009-04:00

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

2009-09-01T21:43:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-01T21:15:00.002-04:00

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.

Hair Stories: To Shave Or Not To Shave

2009-08-17T06:45:00.002-04:00

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!

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Zoe Saldana

2009-08-14T07:48:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-08-14T07:47:00.000-04:00

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.

Good Hair... The issue becomes public.

2009-08-13T18:06:00.019-04:00

Trailer for Chris Rock's new docu-movie "Good Hair."
Yaya De Costa, Terri Seymour and Beyonce display some of the varying hair textures and styles in the black community.

Behind the scenes of the "Good Hair" movie poster photo shoot.

I cannot express how excited I am to see Chris Rock's new docu-movie "Good Hair" (out this October). This is long overdue... like 200 years! When I first saw the trailer I was unsure about how this was going to pan out. Will the movie really explore the hair issues in our community or will it be nothing more than a superficial mockery that just scratches the surface? I watched the trailer several times and concluded that Chris Rock is just trying to add some humor to a somewhat sensitive subject. I am confident the movie will be equally entertaining and informative.

That said, are we as black women ready to face the questions that will undoubtedly come from those outside our race. Movie critics at the Sundance Film Festival, where the movie won an award, lamented on how they had "no idea" that black women went through so much to "look good." I personally do not want nosy commuters asking me if my hair is a weave on the rush hour train to work! Either way, this will undoubtedly be a milestone in our history. The movie has a lot of money behind it and will me watched by millions. I just hope it lives up to the hype. I equally hope Chris Rock interviews some natural sistas in an effort to dispel the myth that natural hair is hard to maintain. Visit http://www.goodhairmovie.net/ for more information.

Kerry Washington Covers H Magazine

2009-08-13T17:37:00.002-04:00

Be sure to catch Ms. Washington in the latest issue of "H" magazine. She's rocking a new look and hairstyle at this shoot and I must say she looks fab! You can read the full interview here, but below is a excerpt addressing her support for President Obama.

“I think it’s good that people are feeling so excited about our country right now and about our President because we are actually living in really tough times. And so I think this enthusiasm is really healthy because it’s going to allow us to all be a part of the solution — which has always been a part of his vision. I think he is an incredible leader. I think what he’s done just in the short time that he has been in office has been so inspiring. It’s pretty incredible. It makes me proud to be an American again.”

What Say We... Yay or Nay?!

2009-08-11T07:10:00.001-04:00

Singer Solange Knowles Promote Samantha Thavasa & Disney Collection at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel on August 10, 2009 in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan.

The internet has been buzzing with the news/photos of Solange's new hair cut. Why did she chop all her hair off? Has she gone crazy? Did she do it because she's going bald underneath all that weave?! Sometimes there's no conspiracy. Nor no explanation needed. Here's a novel idea: maybe she just wanted a change. Either way, Solange has stepped out of her sister's shadow and displays the character and poise of a woman coming into her own. I say Yay to the hairstyle and, of course, the outfit. The jury is still out on the shoes...

Be Inspired...

2009-08-01T16:48:00.003-04:00

The Sartorialist's first book: regular edition is left and bespoke edition, right.

The Sartorialist, aka Scott Schuman, is finally releasing a book collection of his work. This coffee table style book will contain all of Schuman's hand-picked favorites. Expect to see famous fashion icons as well as innately fashionable passers-by off the streets. From Stockholm to Milan, London to New York, this book will showcase the most inspiring everyday fashionistas ever caught on film. The release date is scheduled for August 12th but you can pre-order the "Bespoke" edition at Amazon.com now.

First Black Miss England Crowned

2009-07-22T18:02:00.002-04:00

The First Black Miss England was crowned in London on Monday night. Twenty year old Rachel Christie took the crown at London’s Metropole Hilton Hotel beating out 14 other finalists. During the pageant Christie won the Helen E Cosmetic Award which guaranteed her a spot in the top 15.

Her crowning does not come without controversy however. Viewers were given a chance to call in their votes for the winner. One of the finalists, Zoey Samale received 2,013 votes. Rachel Christie only received 9. The viewer vote was not the deciding factor however and the judges ultimately picked her as the winner leaving some voters outraged.

The new Miss England is an athlete that competes in heptatathlons and specializes in the 400 meters. She is also the niece of the “most decorated” Olympic British athlete, Linford Christie and models in her part-time. Christie will compete in the Miss World Competition in South Africa later this year.

It’s nice to see that the Black beauty is being recognized worldwide. [Source]

Shoppers Delight!

2009-06-14T13:08:00.011-04:00

Solange Knowles on a recent trip to Barcelona

Left to right: ASOS Rose Print Full Skirt, $46.34, www.asos.com; Bold Floral Pleated Skirt, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Diesel Hibiscus Print Wrap Mini Skirt, $107.84, www.asos.com; Kimchi Blue Lady Bug Skirt, $58, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Left to right: Blurred Pansy Print Egg Skirt, $70, www.topshop.com; Short Floral Skirt by See by Chloe, $332.50, www.shopbop.com; Pleated Flip Skirt, $16.90, www.wetseal.com; Floral Print Bubble Skirt, $40 approx., www.missselfridge.co.uk

Summer is here and it's the only time of year when women over the age of 18 can get away with wearing a mini-skirt. Don't be conventional and wear just denim. Floral prints are in and oh-so-pretty. Take a cue from Solange Knowles (pictured above). She's paired a simple, white wife-beater with a playful, bright skirt to create summer's ultimate laid back 'n' chic look. Gladiator sandals and the perfect pedicure will complete the look.

See my related post on Twitter! - www.twitter.com/ILIKEHERSTYLE

Style Flashback: Phylicia Rashād

2009-06-13T16:25:00.009-04:00

Every one's favorite TV mom has probably one of the most accomp- lished yet under- appreciated careers in Hollywood. She more than deserves a "Style Flashback" spotlight. Phylicia Rashād, aka Claire Huxtable, was born in Houston, Texas in 1948. She graduated from Howard University, where she later went back to teach drama. Rashād first became notable on the stage with a string of Broadway credits, including Deena Jones in Dreamgirls (she was Sheryl Lee Ralph's understudy until she left the show in 1982 after Rashad was passed over as Ralph's full-time replacement). Of course, Rashād is best known for her role as attorney Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. She played the no-nonsense mother of five for eight years then later returned to TV comedy in 1996 with CBS's Cosby. Her role in The Cosby Show earned her two Emmy Award nominations. In 2003, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Harvard Black Men's Forum. In 2005, Rashād received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.) degree from Brown University. Most recently, Rashād became the first African-American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, for her role in the revival of A Raisin in the Sun. I saw this play on opening night and the scene where she discovers that Walter Lee has lost all the father's money brought me to tears. Nowadays you can catch Rashād plugging Jenny Craig diets during commercial breaks, but I personally love watching re-runs of her keeping the Huxtables in check. No one could keep 'em in line like Mrs. Huxtable!