Atlanta shoppers still crave Taste

In a time where many swanky and trendy boutiques in Atlanta have succumbed to the dismal recession, one chic boutique in midtown Atlanta’s shopping complex Atlantic Station has managed to stay afloat.

Taste Boutique, which is located on one of the shopping strips of Atlantic Station, is owned by rap superstar Bow Wow’s mother, Teresa Caldwell.

Caldwell opened the Atlantic Station boutique in October 2005 with her business partner, Curtis Martin formerly of the New York Jets. Caldwell previously opened Taste boutique in Duluth, Georgia on Sugarloaf Parkway in November 2004, and after seeing the success with the first boutique, she scoured the Atlanta area for a second location.

Last summer, Caldwell planned to expand Taste and open a third location in Dallas, but due to the recession, she decided to not pursue that business venture.

“I felt like the timing was not right,” Caldwell told The Examiner. “I’m standing still right now.”

Now, three years after opening “Taste II” at Atlantic Station, Caldwell credits her continued success to her celebrity clientele, mainly professional athletes and music entertainers.

However, Caldwell said her typical customer tends to be tourists.






The boutique carries denim brands, True Religion, Robin’s Jeans, Tavernity So, Dylan George, and Antik Denim. Some of the store’s best-selling items for women are Sass&Bide, Ingwa Melero and Monrow.

For men, the store sells a lot of Hard 8 T-shirts, Rowdy, which is Atlanta producer Dallas Austin’s clothing line and Urban Legend apparel, which rapper T.I. and Atlanta producer Polow da Don wear.



Prices at Taste range from $30 to $800. The store also sells accessories, bath and body products, candles and children’s clothing and shoes.







The boutique is located at 265 18th Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30363 or check out www.TasteBoutiques.com.

AMA Awards

Although I was not inspired to watch the American Music Awards in its entirety this year, I was in awe of some of the fashions on the red carpet.

Some of my favorites of the night were Bajan beauty Rihanna and her blush handkerchief mini. It was soft and just beautiful. I loved how the softness of the dress contrasted with her hard-core punk haircut. She looked exquisite!

Another jaw dropper on the red carpet was teen darling Miley Cyrus in her beaded black and gold Grecian mini dress. I love how she is always age appropriate in her red carpet choices. How chic was she on her Sweet 16!

I think Pink looked amazing in her sparkly animal-printed Viviene Westwood dress. I loved her side swept hair also.

I also liked the Pussycat Dolls who were draped in Project Runway winner Christian Siriano's creations. The ruffles, the ruching, the colors...they were so Christian! He is truly an artist and knows his craft!

I thought Alicia Keys looked elegant in her navy one-shoulder evening gown. The bindi on her forehead sort of confused me, but she still looked fabulous.

Lady in Red...and Black

I am still on cloud nine after the historic election of President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday night, but one thing that got tongues wagging is soon-to-be First Lady Michelle Obama and her dress choice for Election Night.

As the first family ascended on the platform at Grant Park in Chicago, all eyes were on Barack and his dapper navy suit and bold red striped tie, little Sasha in her black dress accented with a huge bow, Malia with her red dress and mom Michelle completing the coordination with a red and black scoop neck dress by Narciso Rodriquez.

The red and black embroidered silk chiffon and satin dress that Obama wore was a less sexy version of the Spring 2009 runway frock that featured sheer black straps and sheer black beading at the hem of the dress.

While many in America's fashion world decimated Obama's fashion choice, saying it was a "misstep," and although it was not my favorite look on her (maybe it was the add of the cardigan sweater), I thought that it made her stand out.

Not so much as a fashion mishap, but at the fact that Obama takes risks with her fashion choices. So, she may not hit it on the nail every time, but it is all about trial and error right? She still in my book goes down in record books as being a politician's better half and one that comes close to fashion icon and former First Lady, the late Jackie Kennedy, with the classic cuts and the sheath dresses.

However, she did get people's attention and that has happened all along the campaign trail, (remember the infamous White House Black Market black printed scoop neck dress she wore on ABC's "The View," and the fashion scramble afterward?)

I just can't wait to see what ballgown she will wear on Inauguration night...

My beautiful booties!

Since it is boot season, I thought I would rave about the new boot craze: the peep-toe boots. What a wonderful creation!

Although I do not know if this phenomenon will work for some areas of the world, say in the Midwest states that get extremely cold winters. I think it is more ideal in milder weather winter states like California, Georgia or Florida. That is just my two cents. Plus the fact, it is another way to keep up pedicures during the fall and winter.

Whatever the reason for this new fashion, I dig it. I think it give sweater dresses and skirts an edge. It spices up the skinny jean and is the perfect compliment to the cardigan sweater and legging look.

Viva peep-toe boot!

Rachel Zoe Rocks

I was channel surfing tonight, when I came across the "Rachel Zoe Project" on Bravo, which features celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. The episode that I watched showed Rachel at a New York Fashion week, where she was picking gowns for the Academy Awards for her clients.

In the meantime, she was dressing other clients, like model Joy Bryant to attend a Zac Posen show, while trying to get in some shopping for herself.

I absolutely love her and her job. I have heard about Rachel Zoe, but never experienced her fabulousness!

It re-energized me to continue blogging and findng my passion in fashion.

Here is a picture of Joy Bryant in the darling Zac Posen dress Rachel dressed her in. I loved it! Although the coat did not do the dress justice, it was a lovely pick to wear to a glamorous fashion show where you are there to be seen.

Two thumbs up!

Frugal or Fashion: That is the question

During these tough economic times and with the holiday season approaching, I wonder if retail will have profitable sales at all by the end of the year.

If I do any shopping these days, I head to discount clothing stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, Kohl's or Target. I used to love strolling the aisles of Macy's and Nordstrom's, but with a recession, that is not really smart.

I feel like I should be saving any money that I get, but my shopaholic syndrome kicks in...when I'm bored, when I'm sad, when I convince myself that I need a new pair of shoes.

It is something to ponder. I wonder if the second stimulus check will ever happen and if so, will that help retail. We shall see.

Summer Interview Wardrobe

I recently had a dilemma of what to wear on a job interview in the dead of summer. I often ponder every day as I am getting ready for current job what to wear, what is appropriate to wear to the office and what I can stand on my body in the dog-days of summer.

In my line of work, I have to leave the office often, and the humidity sometimes is unbearable and it feels that the sun is just sitting on my shoulder at times, so I couldn't bear the thought of wearing pantyhose to an interview.

I did some online research about what is the current trend of wardrobe wear to an interview.

Although I had my mom and my aunt's words ringing in my ears, "Keep it simple, less is more, always wear your classic string of pearls," I did not want to don a pantsuit, pantyhose or heels for that matter.

I was ready to march into my interview with a black linen suit, soft colored shell sleeveless shell underneath and peep toe pumps. But, my conscience got the best of me, and so did my good friend who works in corporate America and dresses the part.

During my contemplation, I found many style articles and blogs that even suggested that wearing the "little White dress" with a black skinny belt is ready-to-wear for summer interviews. I was blown by that. Of course, you have to consider what type of setting are you going to for the interview.



Another style blog suggested a fitted, high-waisted linen pencil skirt paired with a soft, feminine white cotton-blouse and classic, patent-leather pumps will do the trick. Throw in string of pearls, a hobo bag and minimal jewelry, maybe a subdued ring will do the trick. I found this look a little casual, but I love the idea of wearing it to work. That look screams Ann Taylor or Banana Republic.











Another style blog suggested wearing the traditional colors in suiting, including black, navy, brown or gray, but in lighter shades. Light-wool fabrics were also recommended, as they do not wrinkle like rayon or linen suits tend to.




There was also a suggestion to purchase many different tops to change the versatility of suits. For instance, chambray or chartreuse colored blouses can dress down a suit in most casual settings, while white and pin-striped blouses can dress a suit back up.


Some style experts say that wearing a twin-set as opposed to a jacket might be acceptable in some interview settings.

In the end, I ended up wearing my classic black pinstriped skirt suit, my black pumps with a patent leather toe, (closed toe) and I did break out the pantyhose. Call me classic! I did not get the job, but I think that my wardrobe did not have anything to do with that.

Happy Shopping!

The Mrs.

I have been engrossed in Presidential Election coverage since last year and just can't seem to get enough of it, even when I am furious about the latest political misstep.

I adore Barack Obama after having the most memorable interview of my career thus far, and although I have not had the pleasure to meet the "Missus" Michelle Obama, I love her style, grace and personality.

Down to earth divas always win in my book. That deserves a fist bump from me!

Anyway, before the millions of fashion trade magazines,bloggers,journalists and columnists ranted about her black and white White House/ Black Market printed leaf tank dress that she wore on ABC's "The View" as a guest hostess, I loved her gorgeous, purplish V-neck dress by designer Maria Pinto that she accented with a pearl choker and a lovely black leather belt and classic black heels. That dress accentuated her curves nicely, and you know how much I love flattering fashions on women with real shapes.

That was the moment that I spazzed over Michelle Obama's fashion choices. She seems to love this particular designer, as the July 7th issue of People Magazine showed some of her campaign looks in Pinto's red two piece dress suit and sizzling orange 3/4 sleeved dress.

Vision in White

Although I have my opinions about her father, Jenna Bush's pick for her recent nuptials on May 10 was absolutely breathtaking.

Picking a wedding dress is such a pivotal part of a woman's life, and I had to give the thumbs up for Jenna's Oscar de la Renta bridal gown.

Jenna was a vision, in the embroidered, organza gown, with a wonderful fishtail finish. Simple. Classic. Delicate are some of the words for the beautiful gown.

Met Costume Institute Gala

Recently, celebrities converged upon New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art for its Costume Institute Gala and the fashions were pieces of art themselves.

One of my absolute favorite looks of the evening was Beyonce in an elegant pale pink silk organza Giorgio Armani Prive gown. Simple, yet elegant. Her look was complimented with gorgeous emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.




I also loved new mommy Jennifer Lopez's look. Lopez wore an teal Alberta Feretti gown and the way that the gown fit her, you could not even tell that she recently gave birth to twins nearly three months ago.

I also liked newly engaged star Scarlett Johansson's look. She was ballerina chic in a Dolce and Gabbana cream and ivory tulle tea-length gown.



Supermodel Gisele Bundchen took my breath away in a daring and sexy pale pink cutout Versace gown. That dress seemed like it was made specifically for her.




I also thought that actress/singer Hilary Duff looked splendid. She wore an exquisite Elie Saab gown accented by lovely Loraine Schwartz jewels.



Other honorable mentions go to actress Eva Longoria Parker, who wore a purple Marchesa gown. She seems to really like that designer.

I also loved Eva Mendes, who wore a dreamy aquamarine Calvin Klein dress.

Unfortunately, there always has to be one fashion disaster. Now, the theme of the Costume Institute Gala was "Superheroes," and it was obvious that Holmes was going for a Wonder Woman kind of look.




The iridescent red Armani gown she wore was tragic enough, but then the patent blue shoes she wore with it just sealed her fate in fashion disaster history for me. Better luck next time!

Can't get enough of Christian

I was thrilled to watch the final episodes of the fourth season of Project Runway. I did not watch the entire season, but I wish I did so I could marvel at the main attraction, which was the winner Christian Siriano.

In one word, Christian was "fierce." From his hair, to designer eye wear to his over the top, flashy designs.

I simply loved all of them, because he created his signature.

I enjoyed his final collection tremendously. I agreed that his first looks down the runway which were mainly black ensembles were a bit monochromatic, but I also thought they were cutting edge and boldly dramatic.

I appreciated the ruffles in a lot of his looks and the chic silhouettes that were created in the total look.

I did not think that the look was a little too much, in fact, I agreed with guest host Victoria Beckham on finale night that it left me wanting more.

His last look that was a animal, safari print gown that was donned in feathers, and created an ombre look as well, was simply breathtaking.

That kid is on his way, and I want to be on the same "fierce" level as him.

Rip the Runway `08

I enjoyed this year's BET's "Rip the Runway" thoroughly.

A nice surprise was Zac Posen's collection in what is usually a urban wear fashion show complimented by the hottest hip hop and R&B music stars in concert.

It was refreshing to see how BET stepped it up, by adding one of the king's of New York, Milan and Paris' fashion weeks on the small screen.

Posen showed off some of his couture lines, and I loved the copper halter gown that had a fishtail bottom.

Beyonce wore a Zac Posen emerald green fishtail gown at this year's Movies Rock red carpet event and not too many critics liked the look, but it highlighted her hourglass figure that is very common among women of color.




There were several fashion debuts on the show, including the Respect ME, Missy Elliott for Adidas Collection, Co Co Ri, which is rapper Snoop Dogg's wife, Shante's line and Snoop's Rich n Infamous Collection.

I really liked Missy's line, because it was sporty and it is about time that Missy got an fashion deal, because she has worn Adidas consistently and it has become her signature look.

I found Co Co Ri to be very trendy right now, with the colorful and girly printed hoodies and the metallic and neon leggings or skinny pants. It is always thrilling to see spouses of uber stars take on their own business ventures and this is a nice start for the "Boss Lady." I thought the hooded sweatshirt dress from her line was adorable.




Sean John, which is music icon Diddy's masterpiece, was always thrilling to see modeled on stage. I liked the spring looks and pastel colors he used in his T-shirts, track jackets and plaid shorts, but I think what makes his line exceptional are the suits and tuxedos. They just seem to fit the typical broad shape of Black men and they just scream classic. Sean John's three-piece suits, which is Diddy's signature look always look dapper and fly.






I also loved the Sean John women's line for this season, topping it off with the silver sequined mini dress worn by Bad Boy Recording artist Cassie and also the black tuxedo jacket that was lined with black sequins and paired with black sequined pants. Ultra glam and I loved it!

Welcome to Hollywood

Last night, the stars dazzled and shined on the red carpet for the 80th Academy Awards. The trend for many of the actresses were to wear color and there were plenty of "ladies in red."




One of the ladies who was ravishing in red was actress Anne Hathaway, whose scarlet Marchesa gown screamed goddess. The beautiful rosette detail enhanced the lovely gown.

"It girl" of the moment, Katherine Heigl certainly turned heads in her columned Escada gown that made a statement that if you are going to wear red to a formal affair, go all out and wear that number!

I loved teen sensation Miley Cyrus red Valentino gown. It was very demure and the key words were: age appropriate.

Some of the stars decided to go classic in basic black.

I must say that from first glimpse actress Jennifer Garner left me speechless. I absolutely salivated over here black Oscar de la Renta fishtail gown. Garner gave all the credit to celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Kudos to Zoe for the blingfest on Garner's neck. That was simply magnificent.

I adored Penelope Cruz's Chanel Haute Couture dress, although I did not hear too many mentions about it.

Amy Adams was simply enchanting in that deep forest green Proenza Schouler fitted dress. There are not too many people that can wear that unique color.



I really was charmed by Marion Cotillard's fish scale dress. It looked like something from France and it was an acquired taste.

I also loved the baby bump look. Jessica Alba was simply stunning in her eggplant Marchesa dress. I really dug the feathers at the bust line. And, her hair was a nice touch too. I never have been a fan of the braided, goddess look, but it worked for her.

Fashion disasters included best supporting actress recipient Tilda Swinton, whose bare, pale face did not make a statement at all and the shapeless black drape she wore made me gasp. I just can not believe you would dare to wear that, especially as a Academy Award nominee. Ugh!

I also have an honorable mention for a fashion disaster.



Daniel Day Lewis' wife...what was she thinking?

Red Carpet Recap

I am WAY overdue for my red carpet coverage of the SAG Awards and Grammy Awards, but hey, better late than never. So, much tulle, sequins and satin, so little time.

Anyway, on to the SAG Awards.

For best monochromatic look, my pick is Ugly Betty star America Ferrera.

The gray and lacy Monique Lhullier gown she wore was oh so feminine and her 40's style hairdo just made the look complete. I really love it when women tastefully display their curves. What a difference a red carpet makes, considering her fashion disaster character she plays on ABC.

For the most daring look, my choice is Ugly Better co-star Vanessa Williams.

She usually disgusts me on the red carpet, and not many fashionistas liked this look, but I thought, what a beautiful pop of color and it also said, 'Welcome Spring.'

I loved the marigold Escada dress on her. I thought it complimented her caramel skin-tone well, and hands down, she still turns heads.

For my most dreamy look, I choose Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross.

She looked like a hot, saucy, Mommy mermaid with her turquoise Monique Lhullier gown. I am liking Monique Lhullier a lot on the red carpet this season. I sense a pattern here.
Anyway, I love when redheads with pale skin really know what colors work for them. Marcia Cross picks a lot of rich colors in her red carpet choices and I have not been disappointed thus far.

My choice for best white dress look, because once in a while, there is always one beautiful white gown on the red carpet is Desperate Housewives' pint size star Eva Longoria Parker.

I loved her white and metallic embroidered Naeem Khan gown, especially the cowl-necked, draped back. Once again, she wears dresses that compliment her size and shape brilliantly.

Unfortunately, there always has to be a look that I cringe at on the red carpet. This year's SAG Awards fashion loser is Angelina Jolie.

I did not quite dig the tie dyed, parachute looking Hermes gown that she donned. But, Jolie's constant companion, Brad Pitt, who looked quite debonair from his shaggy hair to his all black ensemble was a nice consolation.

On to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.



Bajan darling Rihanna looked like a doll again on the red carpet with her tiered, funky ballerina Zac Posen dress.

Rihanna always looks refreshing for her age and I like that her fashion choices are age appropriate. Given that she just hacked off her signature asymmetrical cut to a punked out rock star cropped do, the look worked well. Ah, too be young.

I do not have much else to gush about concerning the Grammy's.

I usually look for Beyonce's look, but her Elie Saab choice was not appealing to me this time. It looked like she was in orbit. Better luck next time.

Loving Louboutin

I am in love....with Christian Louboutin.

I have salivated over these works of art for some time now. I would dream of wearing a basic black dress and taking my pick of picking over the confections.

Imagine a fuchsia satin pump with beaded black sequins at the toe! Or a crush velvet stiletto in a forest green color to jazz up a otherwise mundane heather grey or black pantsuit during the dead of winter. You can find those with Christian Louboutin. Not to mention the slick and sexy pop of red that you will find on the soles of the shoes that sets them aside from the rest.

What I love best about this Parisian artist (the title of artist fits him more than shoe designer) is that he looks at the most minute things in life, like a beautiful flower he admires while out for a stroll one day, and makes them come to life.




And, he gets that there is nothing that a woman loves better than a gorgeous shoe that she can slide her foot into, that creates a beautiful arch and makes her feel like the goddess she is.

Sexy, unique, decadent, magnificent....truly extraordinary. Those are words to describe these shoes.




Costly is another one.

The price is something that I can not fathom paying right now, but one day when I can, I will purchase a pair, bring them home and display it in my gigantic closet I hope to have as the piece of art that it is.

Long live Louboutin!