Black Style Central

Would You Wear Kelis' Wedding Dress?

2012-08-31T11:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Nas' premiered his new video for his latest single "Bye Baby." The song is personal look at his relationship with singer/trendsetter Kelis. In the video, Nas gave us a glimpse of footage of the couple's wedding. He's also seen holding the bride's green wedding designed by Matthew Williamson. The dress was gorgeous and atypical, and I started to think about what I want for my own bridal gown. As much as I love the vibrant hues Kelis and Gwen Stefani incorporated into their looks, I'm not sure if I could bring myself to go all the way left. Would you consider wearing a wedding gown that isn't cream or white?

You Need A Printed Pencil Skirt This Fall

2012-08-30T01:55:00.001-04:00

Pencil skirts are one of my favorite year round items. They're easy to dress up or down. All you have to do is choose the right mix of top and accessories. I usually opt for a pencil skirt when I want to give the "lady in the streets" look. They're just a little bit sexy but always classic.

Lately, I've seen my favorite style bloggers wearing fun, printed pencil skirts. The new textures are another way to update the look, and insure you don't end up favoring your school lilbrarian.

The Inspiration:

Erika of Love of Style by Erika and Ashleigh of The Daileigh

These ladies pair the look with solid cotton tops, statement necklaces and platform pumps. Here are a few I love.

More Barneys New York...

What do you think of the trend? Would you wear it.

Angela Simmons Wears Leather, Studs And Sequins in NYC

2012-07-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

I've been following Angela Simmons' fashion evolution over the years, and I'm beyond impressed. She manages to mix and remix "trendy" pieces to create a style that's still chic.

She wasn't recently spotted in NYC wearing an outfit of pieces I wouldn't expect to see together. I definitely don't hate the look. I just need...more time.

Btw Angela's wearing Stud Leopard Skull Tee from Topshop. I kind of love it.

Stud Leopard Skull Tee

What do you think of the look? Love it or Leave it?

Outfit Of The Moment: Brittany of Pockets and Bows

2012-05-28T15:39:00.001-04:00

Brittany of Pockets and Bows wowed in this form-firing black and white dress. I love that she used turquoise as the accent color. It's an unexpected pop.

Check out more pictures of the outfit here.

Love It or Leave It: Janet Jackson Wears Emilio Pucci In Cannes

2012-05-28T10:37:00.001-04:00

Janet Damita Jo Jackson wore a white Emilio Pucci gown to the Amfar Gala in Cannes. I adore Janet, but this look underwhelms. The fit of the dress around the chest isn't quite right, but the heel-less Giuseppe Zanotti platforms are gorgeous.

Do you love it?

Beyonce Wears David Koma During Revel Shows

2012-05-28T01:23:00.000-04:00

Beyonce Giselle Knowles Carter returned to the stage this weekend, and according to reports she was in top form. Bey changed costumes no less than five times, and this David Koma Spring 2012 bodysuit is by far my favorite.

We've seen plenty of one-pieces from Beyonce in the past, but this black patterned mesh with leather belt is a new take.

More Pictures Below

What do you think of Beyonce's body suit?

Love It or Leave It: Ciara's Super Sexy Denim

2011-06-14T17:02:00.000-04:00

Ciara is giving you body, honey. Every time I see her, I find myself in awe of her toned abs and legs. That's probably because she doesn't mind putting them on full display.

The bottom half of this outfit is perfection. The dark wash pencil leg jeans and Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps are a perfect pair. The top half is classic Ci. Definitely not workable for everyone.

Here's a much more wearable version of the look.

More Aldo...

What do you think of Ciara's style?

35 Black Style Bloggers You'll Love

2011-06-14T01:07:00.005-04:00

When I get bored, I like to pick out outfits. Way before ShopStyle and Polyvore, I used to spend my days saving my dream looks in powerpoint. And blogs have only made my obsession worse. There are just so many style savvy women to draw inspiration from. Women of color continue to amaze me with their courage and creativity. These bloggers will have you stepping up your wardrobe in no time.

PocketsandBows

StylePantry

Style Chic...360

Even more fab style bloggers below the cut!

J Noir

I LOVE ALL THINGS FASHION

A Big Dose Of My Reality

LoveBrownSugar

Just Jarette! Petite and Curvy

Just Daisy

meek~n~mild

Young, Fat, & Fabulous

iHEARTfatshion

Style & Poise

Naturally Fashionable

Buttons, Bows & Brogues.

instant vintage

The Emancipation of Mimi

ZeldanFestus

She Ain't No Diva

AdoreDAILY

MATTIEOLOGIE

BeautyFash

What Kim Wants: Steve Madden Shazamm Sandal

2011-06-11T13:34:00.001-04:00

click the image or pricing
My mother is a child of the 70s, so I grew up listening to her disco records and admiring the glitz of the era. My favorite divas were never afraid to turn up the glamour in sequins, hot pants, and platforms.

That's exactly what drew me to these shoes. They flashy enough to make a statement but easy to dress down for an everyday errand run. And yes, I would absolutely wear these with a maxi dress to go grocery shopping. Fashion is a lifestyle.

Would you wear them?

Love It or Leave It: Tika Sumpter Loves The 90s

2011-06-10T12:41:00.000-04:00

Tika Sumpter's outfit makes me uncomfortable. Probably because it reminds me of the bad old days when my mother stuck me in ill-fitting high waisted jeans that rode up uncomfortably. But somehow Tika manages to pull it off.

Definitely a 90s throwback. She's Winter on top and Summer down below. Not quite sure how I feel about it, but I'm leaning toward loving it.

What do you think of Tika's outfit?

More Rag and Bone...

Tyra Goes Grey

2011-06-10T10:28:00.000-04:00

There's something about Tyra. Maybe it's her indisputable fashion resume that gives her the ability to wear the most questionable ensembles or maybe it's her nonchalant attitude toward fashion. No matter what she wears she's always having fun.

That being said, I have some questions about this monochrome outfit. I do love how she used the vest/belt contraption to cinch her waist and give her an hourglass shape. But the grey on grey on grey isn't my favorite. I'm looking to invest in a pair of grey skinnies though.

More AG Jeans...

What do you think of the look? Does the grey on grey on grey work?

Rewind: What was Nicki Minaj wearing at the MTV Movie Awards?

2011-06-07T21:00:00.002-04:00

I adore Nicki, but I’m not ready to call this fashion. An exposed Hanes Her Way bra with a pair of skinny khakis paired with a vest that could have come straight from MJ's closet circa the Bad era.

Nothing seems to be working quite right for Onika here. Even the shoes we’re supposed to covet from Gianmarco Lorenzi look a little off. On a positive note, her gold jewelry is gorgeous. I wonder who designed it.

Update: The vest is Versace. Oh.

What do you think of Nicki's look?

Paula Patton in Moschino at Jumping The Broom Premiere

2011-05-05T14:04:00.002-04:00

There's not much more to say about Paula Patton's Moschino mini dress beyond she looks absolutely gorgeous. If I had one note I'd say that I would have preferred a sandal with the dress. But this look is nearly a perfect 10.

Do you love Paula's dress? What about the shoes?

Look of the Day: Eva Marcille At Jumping The Broom Premiere

2011-05-05T11:28:00.001-04:00

This could be my favorite look ever from Eva Marcille. Her printed maxi dress looked gorgeous paired with a mix of bold accessories. I'm sensitive to over accessorizing lately so normally I'd shade Eva for wearing statement earrings, bracelets, a belt and a clutch, but she made the look work.

What do you think of Eva's look? Is it too much?

Get The Look: Colorful Summer Wedges

2011-05-04T06:12:00.000-04:00

Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani got defensive when questioned about about the "black" section of the magazine's website recently. Personally, I salute her efforts to at least pretend to care about showcasing diverse images of beauty. Sure, it would be great if we didn't have to be pushed into a separate section of the magazine...but hey. Progress.

The latest issue's tribute to black beauties features some to die for wedges of lots of different colors and patterns. I'd say they're a great way to try pattern mixing (because that's all the rage) as we know.

Sandals by Two Lips

What do you think of the eye catching wedges? Would you wear them?

How Much Do You Spend on Shoes?

2011-03-24T13:02:00.001-04:00

You better not try to come between a woman and her shoes. Isn't that how the saying goes?

Women may love shoes, but we also love a bargain. According to a recent survey, most women pay less than $49 for shoes. I'm not surprised.

I have a ton of gorgeous pairs of shoes that I've snagged for half that. Yep. No shame in my game.

In honor of this enlightening bit of research, I've picked out 30 pairs of cute shoes under $49. Have fun.

Platforms at Tilly's

Love it or Leave It: Tyra's Beige Romper

2011-03-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

In case you thought rompers were so last season, Tyra is here to tell you the reign of the romper is not yet over. Ms. Banks wore a nude romper with what I affectionately refer to as Beyonce tights and slate blue boots.

This isn't the best I've ever seen Tyra look, but what do you think of the outfit? Love it or leave it?

The Look For Less: Rihanna's Open Toe Boots From Vogue

2011-03-23T18:49:00.000-04:00

Rihanna serves it once again in the latest issues of American Vogue. Ms. Fenty stunned in Chanel on the cover. And inside she's featured showing us her best back bend in a Herve Leger swimsuit paired with Alexander Wang booties. (see more at Red Carpet Fashion Awards)

If you love the booties like I do, here's s lookalike pair for less than $30.

No Ma'am: Eva Marcille's Rainbow Chic

2011-02-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

*deep sigh* Where to start? My least favorite type of style is that which looks like a random selection of items from your local D.E.B. I'm all about high/low dressing but this looks low/low.

Eva Marcille partook in All-Star weekend festivities with a brand new hairstyle and look better fitting a Disney star.

This look is not it. Eva is a beautiful girl, but no....

Ciara's Career May Be Losing But Her Closet Is Winning

2011-02-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Ciara showed off her incredible legs once again in a casual but stylish outfit during All-Star weekend.

This is how you do low key. Ciara took basic pieces (t-shirt and denim shorts), added some statement accessories (extra long necklace, knee high booties) and created a fabulous look.

Look, her career is pretty much over, but the girl dresses her behind off. That's undeniable. So I'm ok with Ciara going Kim Kardashian status and becoming a red carpet only socialite. *shrugs*

Gabrielle Union Needs To Come Harder

2011-02-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

No doubt Gabrielle Union is a gorgeous woman, but I've noticed something about her personal style that has me shaking my head. It seems that if she's not on the red carpet for a high profile event, then she really doesn't put in work.

This outfit consists of a simple, shapeless dress with green pumps and a glittery gold bag. Gabrielle is probably a low key chick, but I can't help but want more.

The weave looks nice though.

Thandie Newton Might As Well Be A Model

2011-02-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

I love the thick girls, but Thandie Newton's lean frame is perfect to show of straight from the runway fashion like this Louis Vuitton dress.

I'm tempted to say Marc Jacobs brought the 70s back in a major way. His Spring 2011 collection for LV was a showstopper. And Thandie epitomized disco glam in this printed halter.

Thandie accessorized with a simple gold clutch with no jewelry. Gorgeous.

Come Get Your Cousin Alert: Nicki Minaj at the Grammys

2011-02-14T09:14:00.001-05:00

*sigh* I hate when this happens. It sucks when someone you love makes a damn fool of themselves on the red carpet.

I've been a fan of Nicki and her style for a minute. Yes, it's always been a bit over the top, but it never felt inorganic. Until now. Last night Nicki wandered into GaGa levels of attention seeking with an outfit that was just ugly.

Her head to toe leopard look was Givenchy, and I just hated it. HATED. IT.

Best Dressed: Kelly Rowland in One Shoulder Jumpsuit

2011-02-02T21:35:00.000-05:00

So before we talk fashion OMFG Do you see this woman's skin? I'm gagging.

Kelly Rowland was spotted wearing a modestly cut jumpsuit, chandelier earrings and leopard pumps to a recent event. Kelly. Looked. Fab. From head to toe the outfit was perfectly styled.

Now that her career is on the rocks (no shade just truth), I wouldn't mind Kelly concentrating her efforts on being the grown up Rihanna. I loved this daring outfit she wore awhile back, and we can never have enough daring Black fashionistas.

Style Showdown: Beyonce vs Angela Simmons

2011-02-02T20:13:00.000-05:00

Isn't odd when two celebrities wear outfits that are different but strangely similar? Thousands of miles separated Beyonce and Angela Simmons when they both headed out wearing black hats, statement jackets, and black patent platforms.

Beyonce accesorized her embossed leather jacket with a black stitched Bottega Veneta bag and YSL Tribtoo pumps. While Angela wore a destroyed tee, capri pants and studded jacket.

Who rocked the look better?