Ultra Ugg fan

I finally saw the light and fell in love with UGGs last year.

At first I couldn't see how these funny looking moon boots were sprouting up on all teeny boppers feet everywhere, until I finally moved up North and longed for anything warm to wear during the frigid winter months.

I bought a pair of UGG Classic Short boots in Chestnut and was hooked.

I have promised myself to buy a new pair every winter.

Not only do your feet feel pampered and snug in the layered sheepskin-lined boots, but they really keep them warm.

Now, no weekend goes by that I am not slipping my feet in them, or adjusting my wardrobe specifically to match my beloved booties!

The neutral colors match all winter wear and even looked good with sexy sweater dresses. Maybe I will spice things up next year and try the rubber hard-soled UGGs with the fur on the outside or the multi-colored, patchwork ones, or go out and splurge on the crochet UGGs, just because Oprah says so.

Whatever the case may be, I hope UGGs are hear to stay!

Fashion Week flaws

I have yet to experience a Fashion Week event in any of the host cities in New York, L.A., Paris or Milan, but I have noticed one thing that they all have in common: a lack of Black models in runway shows.

In the 90's, the likelihood of seeing Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks and before that Iman and Beverly Johnson sashaying down the catwalk was commonplace. Now, that the veterans are businesswomen and have retired from the runway, with the exception of Naomi and Alek Wek, the faces you see on the runaway are mainly White.

In a recent New York Times article on the sad occurence,former Covergirl BethAnn Hardison has brought the issue to the forefront by challenging today's designers about incorporating more Black models into their shows.

The excuses from the designers ranged from "Oh, we already have our Black girl," to the designers calling agencies during a go-see and telling agents that they had no intention of using a Black model. Call it blatant racism, but it seems to not have been labeled yet, but more understood.

When did the whitewashing of the runways happen? Recently, I watched the BET reality show, Baldwin Hills, where Gerren, one of the teens who was dubbed the next Naomi Campbell from Oprah Winfrey once, had a striking look, I haven't seen in a while.

I have yet to see her in recent fashion shows, and the publicity from the show should have been enough.

It is discouraging to know that as an African-American female, that if I were to visit any Fashion Week show, say a Tracy Reese show, whose designs I adore, it would be a slap in the face not to see any Black models in her show. Not saying that because she is a Black designer, she is obligated to have a mixture of models, but if I see a design, I would like to see a body type like mine modeling the design.

It makes sense to me. But, what is going on in the current state the fashion industry does not.

Mod Maternity Wear

Uber superstar Jennifer Lopez has been denying or not commenting on recent rumors that she is pregnant, and whether or not she is, I thought that she looking fabulous in fashions that I consider mod maternity wear.

She wore a funky Roberto Cavalli flared baby doll top and flared bottoms while performing on stage at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. While the ensemble was quite colorful, Lopez also revealed a questionable bump.

A recent appearance at MTV's TRL, where she wore a black and gray striped baby doll dress and thigh high boots, takes away the illusion of pregnancy by the busy patterns.

Another mod piece was a mint green mini dress from Lopez's own JustSweet label.

If Lopez is pregnant, then she is making a statement with sexing up maternity wear. Long gone are the pillow-like drapes that were the only options for expectant mothers to wear. If Lopez is not pregnant, then she is also setting another trend with trapeze dresses and camouflaging prints.

Emmy Elegance

I must admit I did not check out the 2007 Primetime Emmy's in its entirety last night, but I did check out the fashions.

The standouts were Ugly Betty's America Ferrara. She can definitely wear color. Last year she donned a forest green evening gown and this year, she wore a cobalt blue Monique Lhuillier strapless gown. She looked lovely.

I also adored Eva Longoria's sparkly silver Kaufman Franco dress. I love all bling and she was definitely shining on the red carpet.

I also loved Debra Messing's black and white fitted Ralph Lauren gown that contrasted with her fiery red hair. It was lovely.

Red was also a choice color for some ladies on the red carpet. I love Kate Walsh's dress. A simple crimson, cowl-neck dress set off by gorgeous Neil Lane jewelry. Classic!

MTV VMA's

This year's MTV Video Music Awards was a melting pot of different fashions that ranged from the typical tight, faded skinny jeans of male punk rockers to the ultra sexy evening wear worn by little fashionistas.

Some of the best dressed stars included R&B siren Rihanna who donned a fabulous fuschia Armani Prive gown.

Paris Hilton roared in a sultry leopard Dolce and Gabbana corset dress and Beyonce and sister Solange sizzled in metallic Reem Acra. Beyonce wore a gold Grecian draped dress, while Solange opted for a silver metallic embroidered mini.

Young Hollywood star Hayden Panettiere electrified in a blue satin Roberto Cavalli dress, while actress Jennifer Garner was classic in a white beaded Temperly minidress.

Alicia Keys showed off her hourglass figure in a curve-hugging, strapless, black leather Herve Leger dress.

Mary J. Blige showed that brown can be flattering on some when she wore a brown Roberto Cavalli column dress.

The fashion disaster of the evening,(there is always one), was rap star Lil'Mama, whose ruffled Little Bo' Peep look was excruiating to look at.

All in all, it was a great evening of good music, a few mishaps (Britney Spears) and lovely fashions. What a night.

New York Fashion Week

This year's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York showed a lot of promise for Spring 2008 lines.

I did not attend, but I kept abreast of some of the treasures that were walked down tons of runways. Some of the designers that I liked I will do a quick mention of. I hope one day to sit in one of the white chairs parked in front of the neverending runways where I can take in the excitement firsthand.

But until then, here goes:

One of the first designer collections I took notice of was Betsey Johnson's spring line. She showcased party dresses that were multiplied by 10. I loved the lovely, soft pastels and black and white solids and prints with the frilly layers of chiffon and tulle complimented with sweetheart necklines and a satin sash with flower details. The look was as eccentric as Betsey Johnson is! I love it!

Diane Von Furstenberg, queen of the wrap dresses, showed her Spring line that is something spectacular. Her designs looked like something you would wear while on holiday in Bali or Southern Italy. Her exotic prints and lightweight silk, airy fabrics were something to behold.

The color of fall is definitely grey, but designer Reem Acra's spring designs showcased a grey cocktail dress that carried the neutral beyond the cool seasons. I love the detailing with the ruching in the bodice and intricately beaded cap sleeves. Very classic, very feminine and soft.

One designer that never seems to disappoint is Tracy Reese. Her spring line ranged from a modern take on a black pinstripe suit with large opague white buttons and diagonal prints to a fuschia sequined vest with white collared trim and black pinstriped bottoms. While I loved the yellow safari printed dress with a matching printed parasole, one frock that I truly marveled at was Reese's black and white striped dress with sheer paneling, sleeves and trim. Very classic!

Fashion Rocked

This year's Fashion Rocks highlighted the ongoing theme of how fashion and music compliment each other. Music is highly energetic and fashion paired with rock music is priceless.
Some of the show's highlights included rocker Steven Tyler's animal print head to toe ensemble.
Fergie, who dueted with Aerosmith was sassy in black sequined pom pom shorts. She also dazzled in a silver metallic sheath dress, with black beading that made the ensemble look like a flapper dress.

Punkster Avril Lavigne had a school girl meets goth look. She donned classic white short sleeved shirt and a black vest that was trimmed in beads. She topped her rockstar look with black tuxedo shorts. One touch that I liked with her hot pink highlight in her platinum blond hair.

Supermodel Tyra Banks kept it classic with a short black dress that had black fur cap sleeves. I love how she paired some stilleto ankle boots with her runway look.

Mary J. Blige also followed Bank's lead by rocking black patent leather ankle boots with her sequined mini dress that she finished with some black leggings.

Overall, Fashion Rocks succeeded with an improptu runway show during Maroon 5's rendition of "Be My Little Baby."

History of Fashion

The September issue of Ebony magazine is highlighting 50 years of fashion, with features on the Ebony Fashion Fair and the history of Blacks in fashion that spans over five decades. It was an excellent read and I learned a lot.

One of the reasons I picked up the magazine is because of the front cover. Supermodels Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek graced the cover, which is pretty much a rarity these days. Rock stars and actors have pretty much replaced the supermodel so it is treat to see that the veterans are still in the game.

Kimora Lee Simmons spoke about how supermodels of yesterday have to keep up by becoming more of a brand. She is the mind behind Baby Phat, KLS Collection, her own perfume line and a wealth of other ventures. Tyra Banks has become a media giant, with her successful "America's Next Top Model," now in its eighth year, and is becoming more of a TV icon with her own talk show. Iman's beauty line has put her at the top of her game as she set the bar for supermodels becoming businesswomen and Alek Wek has become more of a political icon with her new book that details her harrowing journey of escaping the genocide in her native Sudan and being discovered.

One of the examples that the supermodel has been bumped off of fashion publications is Beyonce's Sports Illustrated cover. Not only did Tyra make history of being the first Black supermodel to grace the sports magazine years back, but Beyonce made history as being a major entertainer to grace the cover, showing that the tide has changed.

I have much more respect for Ebony's Fashion Fair Eunice Johnson who commanded the world's designers pay attention to her and Blacks in fashion. In fact, I am planning to attend the Fashion Fair this year, to see the same fashions that hit the runways of Milan, New York and Paris.

It will be interesting to see what the face of fashion will look like in 50 more years.

Long live fashion.

Swimsuits

Ok, after many failed attempts to try different swimsuits to conceal, camouflage and still flatter my not-so-toned body, I found some nice steals and not so cheap, but still beautiful swimsuits.

It is still not to late to sport swimsuits...even past Labor Day weekend. I think I am a glutton for the summertime. Anyway, BCBG had the most divine suit I have seen in a while. I really dig prints in swimsuits, especially ones that look like ethnic prints.



I had sticker shock unfortunately when looking at their suits.

I was elated to see Beyonce on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She held it down for the curvy ladies and reminded everyday women that the fraile, pubescent look when sporting swimsuits is out. I love her suit on the magazine's cover. Yellow and metallics are colors that compliment women with darker complexions, and you can't go wrong with coral, which is a summer staple color.

It is also never too early to stock up for next summer!

In Love with L.A.M.B.

There have been some fashion lines by rockstars and entertaineres that leave a bad taste in my mouth. Let's just say they lack imagination, with cheap materials and excessive branding on the clothes.

But, an exception to this tragedy is Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line. I was introduced to her line when I was a personal assistant to a top retail seller at Nordstrom's in Atlanta and fell in love with the vivid colors and prints that have become her staples.

Take this outfit for instance. The L.A.M.B. turtleneck in typical jewel-toned fall colors, but a twist with the upper half plaid print and a sexy keyhole in the back. Pair it up with a flirty black skirt and some funky grey opague tights, along with some L.A.M.B. oxford style stilleto ankle boots and you have a hot look for the fall.

Like Gwen Stefani's song says, her S*&% is bananas!

Go Green

My latest rave is over the green bracelet from the Simmons Jewelry Co., which is fashion moguls Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons jewelry line.

The bracelet is made of green malachite beads and conflict-free diamonds that are sourced from Africa. How refreshing is that! Even more uplifting is that this proceeds go to educating and uplifting the people and communities of Africa.

The bracelet is unisex and already been worn by style maven Beyonce, actress Penelope Cruz and actors Eddie Murphy and Jon Voight.

Stylish Spice

Okay, so I have admired Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham for a while. Now that she has a television show and has become one of Hollywood's elite, I had to pay homage to her divine sense of style.

Watching the premiere episode of "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America," I was thrilled to see what piece of fashion she would rock in each scene. With her dollish figure and lithe body, I was delighted to see some of her wardrobe choices. From sky-high stilettos to her signature shades that swallow her face, I think she is "major."

I look forward to seeing more from her jeans and sunglasses line. She is my fashion diva for the moment! Posh she is!

Short, soft, sensual silk

This dress first caught my eye as I browsed at pics on one of my favorite entertainer's fan site...Beyonce...a style icon herself. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the designer dress that caught my eye was not on Miss Beyonce, but rather her little sister Solange.
This beautiful violet French Connection Rosie Silk dress is a stunner. What a classic look. I haven't seen vintage like this in a while. French Connection has done it again.
This soft, sensuous fabric can be dressed up with beautiful pumps like Solange is wearing or with metallic, strappy sandals.
The Louis Vuitton handbag is a great personal touch!
This look will last for years to come.

Pretty Patent

Patent leather is back for Spring and Summer and I thought I would indulge in this classic trend.

I love the Nine West patent leather platforms with a cork sole. It screams classy and can also be a dress shoe, yet can spice up a casual outfit.

Rock these beauties with black linen, an eyelet black shirtdress, walking shorts in all colors or for a brilliant contrast pair it with white.

Glam it up!

I am in love with this chic and sexy White Tank dress that is bedazzled with silver sequins!The name of it is the Serpent Sequin Tank Dress and it sure does slither down you as you try it on!

French Connection is famous for their prints, soft and sheer cotton frocks and the couture price tags.

I tried on this beautiful knockout after seeing it in the pages of InStyle magazine previously. After months of walking by the treasure at the French Connection store, I thought, what the hell...try it on.

The size 8 was a little snug around my hips and posterior, and the size 10 just hung on me. Curse European sizes! So, until I either slim down or just splurge on one of them...I will just have to admire the exquisite dress from afar.

Classic Kors

Last weekend, a girlfriend of mine and I perused DSW, because I needed to exchange some shoes that I bought without realizing the I could not pair them with anything in my wardrobe. So, I went back to DSW, not sure if I would find anything....but alas, I located a true treasure.

I exchanged some black espadrilles for some Michael Kors sky-high four-inch "honey" colored leather sandals. Mind you, I gravitated to the black stacked sandals first, because I was keeping an eye out for a new black strappy sandal.

This sandal is so different from anything I would select. I became comfortable with my height of 5'8", but never dared to wear 4-inch sandals before. I guess I was insecure about towering over everyone. Needless to say, I rarely see a high-heeled Michael Kors that is under four inches, and since he is such a master at his art, I thought to conform.

I haven't broke out the sandals yet, and so far, I only envision one of my outfits that the sandals would look great in. But, now I am thinking about all of the possibilities.

I have not been this inspired about wearing something new in a long time.

Now that I have thought about it...should I exchange the "honey" color for the black?

Ballet flats: a classic

Whoever thought that ballet flats, the comfortable accessory used by three-year-olds in their dance classes would last more than one season. They have become the year round flat to sport.

Sequined, polka dot, basic black and pastels...whatever your flavor, the ballet flat is the perfect accessory. Not only do they defy comfort and do what Dr. Scholl's insoles do, they are very versatile.

You can pair the flats with skinny jeans, capris, long, airy linen skirts, or a sleek white pantsuit.

I adore this multi-colored sequined ballet flats above. Just think of all of the possibilities to wear with this treasure. Truly a work of art.

Mix and Match

During the warmer months, more daring fashion emerges.

One thing that I like to seen is how far people will go with prints.

Being that polka dots, eyelet and pinstriped patterns are finding their way back on store racks in pastels, whites, creams, neutrals, etc., why not pair the frocks with another patterned print to funk it up!

For example, pair a cropped jacket with an eyelet skirt to switch up the monotony that can come with just wearing prints alone.

While I am not knocking the classic patterns, I thought that it would be fresh if someone were to fish around in their closet and see what works.

Remember: Think outside of the box.

More to come...