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.