Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones attending the premiere of "Elizabethtown" at the Loews Lincoln Square theatre in New York City last year.
Rashida Jones never fails to look put together, just look at this other pic of her. A blazer paired with jeans is a classic combination, but she mixed-it-up by picking a cropped sleeve jacket and wearing it over a crisp baby blue shirt. Scroll down to steal Rashida’s complete look.

Steal Rashida’s Style…

Jacket: Wilona Wool Jacket, $32.80, Forever 21
Earrings: Marwan Earrings, $2.99, www.gojane.com
Jeans: Slate Flap Pocket Jean, $44.00, www.hotkiss.com

Left to Right: Black Beauty Leather by Spy Style Tote $44.00, www.akostyle.com; Gunnila, $109.99, Aldo; Brown Leather Whip Stitch Stud Belt by Linea Pelle, $48.00, www.bluefly.com; Long-sleeved Striped Shirt, $34.99, Gap

I opted for these earrings instead of sliver hoops. I think hoops look great with everything, but this pair funk up the outfit a little bit. This look would be great for a casual business meeting or may be dinner with an old acquaintance. Tucking your jeans into the boots is optional...

Style on the Go...

Thandie Newton arriving at the launch and tea party for new online shopping site called www.doorone.co.uk hosted by Bay Garnett, in London.
Gabrielle Union attended the "Self Spotlight" the first-ever benefit to support breast cancer awareness at Crobar on Wednesday night in New York City.
Cheri Dennis spotted at the Heineken’s Red Star Soul event in Cleveland earlier this week.
Natalie Cole attending Janet Jackson's "20 Y.O." album release party at Room Service in New York City last Tuesday.

Everyone looks suburb although the leggings Cheri Dennis is wearing are confusing, the outfit would have worked better if she’d opted for loose fitting capris. Gabrielle Union never fails to look good even if that dress isn’t the cutest I’ve seen. Thandie Newton looks cute in her own way, don’t know anyone else who could pull off that outfit. And finally, for 56 Natalie Cole looks damn good… She couldn’t have picked a more flattering dress and shoes to match. Just one question – Is that her real eye color?!

The Renaissance Woman…

Pat prepping the models backstage at Christian Dior’s Spring 2006 Ready-to-wear show and on the right is a sample of her color palette.
Some of Pat’s runway looks.

Pat McGrath is one of my heroes. Not only is she the most sought after makeup artist in the fashion industry (she’s worked with John Galliano, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, Christian Dior, Stella McCartney and Giorgio Armani), she has also been appointed the U.S. Color Cosmetics Creative Design Director for Procter & Gamble. As is life wasn’t good enough, she still manages to find time to create the color palettes for Max Factor cosmetics. The Jamaican icon was born and raised in the U.K., but now finds herself jet-setting all over the world with her 75-pound duffel bags full of makeup in tow. I'd love her mix the perfect foundation color for my skin, I can't seem to find one. Failing that, I’d settle for a one-on-one workshop with Pat so she can tell be all her beauty secrets… a girl can dream!

Note: Visit Pat’s VIP Tips on Max Factor’s web site.

Tight Fix...

Etro's runway show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007.

Stella McCartney, Joy Bryant and Golden Brooks all jump on the tights bandwagon.

Trend Alert: Opaque black tights under dresses. I think we may be on to something. Milan Fashion Week has seen many-a-designer send their models down the runway wearing thick black tights; it was a staple at Etro’s show, however I personally haven’t donned a pair since high school! A great advantage about this look is that you can continue to wear your favorite short skirts and dresses through the winter months and the tights add a more modest and sophisticated edge to your look. One piece of advice… carry an extra pair with you, a run in your stockings is NEVER a good look. ;)

Zara

If you haven’t heard of Zara don’t feel bad, this company doesn’t believe in advertising; but that hasn’t stopped them from over taking H&M to become the fastest growing retailer in the world. The Spanish empire designs affordable clothing for the fashionista inspired by European clothing. This season they’re playing around with colors and patterns, revisiting the 60s, all while reinventing the basics they’re known for…. Check out the voluminous black trousers and sexy tweed pencil skirt. Visit www.zara.com to find your nearest store.

Style Spotlight: Genevieve Jones

I’d never heard of Genevieve Jones until I read about her on the blog Fashion Nette-Work. For those of you familiar with her please humor me one moment… Apparently, Miss Jones is a New York socialite and that’s pretty much all I can tell you! The details of her life are closely guarded. She has been heard on occasion to cite ‘Interior Designer’ as her occupation, but it’s unclear if she works for herself or for a company. Other details I found out about her were that she has no degree, isn’t an heir to millions of dollars and doesn’t date any one famous. In any case Genevieve is a muse to many top designers and it’s easy to see why, her poise and class are undeniable. I found photos of her on www.style.com and you can learn more about her at Socialite Rank here and here – The story of how she climbed up the social ladder is remarkable!

Top Chef?

Beyonce and Tina are the latest victims of the “Got Milk” campaign.
The redesigned HOD site, recipes and all!

Have you visited House of Dereon’s site recently? Mama Knowles has recipes up on there! Those of us challenged in the culinary department need not look to Rachel Ray, Jamie Oliver or even Morgan Freeman (?), we can now log on to the HOD “fashion” site and follow the instructions for Creole Gumbo, Spicy Cajun Turkey, Ten Minute Cajun Green Bean Stir-Fry, Stir Fried Cabbage, Candied Yams and Angie’s Peach Cobler. While you’re there peep the kitchen, lounge and closet 3D animations… Am I the only one who doesn’t get it?!

More Coats For Ya!

Left to Right: Twill Trench Coat, $59.50, www.wetseal.com; Double Breasted Trench Coat, $44.50, www.wetseal.com; Extra Long Zip Fleece Hoodie by Mike & Chris, $200.00, www.shopintuition.com; Flame Coat, $328.00, French Connection
Left to Right: Overcoat Med Lujo, $235.00, Mango; Swing Coat, $239.00, Bebe; Trench Coat by Yumi Kim, $311.00, www.girlshop.com; Cape Jacket with Silk Lining by Mara Hoffman, $341.00, www.girlshop.com

More coats are flooding into the stores, so hang in there before you make a decision! I love the plaid trench from www.girlshop.com; the plaid gives a whole new dimension to the traditional style. I’m also feeling the black high collar coat from Mango – high collared coats or jackets never fail to make you look sharp. You’ll probably see a lot of coats with volume and asymmetrical shapes, like the one from Bebe and the ‘Cape Jacket’ from www.girlshop.com.

Note: Check out the first installment of this season's Fall Coats here.

Back In The Day...

I discovered a cute blog today called “Fly” and one of the articles on there referenced the great book “Back in the Days” by Ernie Paniccioli (author) and Jamel Shabazz (photographer). The publication chronicles the evolution of both men and women’s style between 1980 and 1989, during the early hip-hop years. Judging by these photos, the book looks like one of those old photo albums your parents has which highlights with no discretion their “good ol' days." When you look through it you always laugh, smile and thank God that someone with a camera was around to document the whole thing. Viva la 80s!

Viva Glam!...

Eve is one of the spokespeople for the new Viva Glam campaign.
The full Viva Glam Lipstick line available in stores and on their web site.

Be sure to pick up your own Viva Glam Lipstick or Tinted Lipglass from MAC cosmetics. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support people living with HIV/AIDS. Both the lipstick and lipglass cost just $14 so make this your good deed for the day and look great doing it! Visit www.maccosmetics.com for more details.

Live Lavishly!

The eagerly awaited premiere issue of Lavish Magazine is now available online! Visit their site today to learn about the latest trends in beauty, fashion and urban culture. The current edition offers great hair and make-up advice as well as spotlighting talented up-and-coming designers. I’m already in love with their culture section, which discusses the ongoing immigration debate and “The Nu Africa” – what does 2006 hold for the world’s first continent? As well as their fabulous site, the magazine also owns a blog which is updated daily. Check it out if you haven’t already and show your support!

Extra Baggage...

Alek Wek looking her usual fabulous self!
Bags and belts from Alek's Fall 2006 collection.

Alek Wek, the infamous model from Sudan, has her own bag collection named WEK1933. In fact, she’s owned it since October 2001. The first collection consisted of 23 pieces, mainly bags and accessories, made from a variety of textures and colors. I had heard that she designed bags but I had no idea how extensive her collection was. Her items can be found on every continent; here in the U.S. you can buy her bags in boutiques based in New York, Washington D.C., Florida and Minnesota to name a few. Visit www.alekwek1933.com to see the full listing of stores and to see her designs for yourselves.

Get High!

Rochelle Aytes arriving at the Los Angeles premiere of “Shadowboxer” held at Arclight Cinemas in July.
Belt: Plastic Buckle Leather Belt, $38.00, Urban Outfitters; Top: Pleated Sweater Top, $19.80, Forever 21; Bermudas: Melange Cuffed Bermuda, $18.50, www.wetseal.com; Wedges: Kadia, $89.99, Aldo; Bag: Rugged Drawstring Tote, $34.00, Rampage; Earrings: Burnished Gold Etched Floral Earrings, $14.99, Target; Green Bangle: Pine Horn Bangle, $468.00, Anthropoligie; Wooden Bangle: Wooden Bangle, $7.50, Claires
Belt: Large Stretch Belt with Large Buckle, $12.00, Rampage; Blazer: Cropped Cap Sleeve Blazer, $29.99, Charlotte Russe; Jeans: RW-R22316215, $58.50 (On Sale!), Rocawear; Hat: Newsboy Cap, $25.95, www.goomoo.com; Bag: Kandinski by Diesel; Shoes: Valentina Ballerina Flats by Isaac Mizrahi, $29.99, Target; Earrings: Sliver Hoops, $5.99, www.girlprops.com
Belt: Leather Wrapped Buckle Belt, $38.00, Urban Outfitters; Tunic Shirt: Belted Tunic Shirt, $21.50, www.wetseal.com; Bag: Doctors Orders, $138.00, www.francosarto.com; Heels: Jalessa, $79.00, Nine West; Earrings: Liquid Bronze Earrings, $138.00, Anthropologie; Bangles: Thin Wire Bangle, $6.80, Forever 21; Necklace: Asymmetrical Charm Necklace, $34.00, Urban Outfitters

I’m sure you’ve noticed these belts around. Instead of wearing them around their waists, a lot of women are wearing them right under their busts, which looks great! The first two looks would work better if you place the belt higher; however the last look is for the brave amongst us... if you’re going to wear just a long shirt, it’s probably better to wear the belt around your waist! (See Rochelle above ;)

Note: Love belts? Look at some of these for inspiration.

Style on the Go...

Corinne Bailey Rae arriving at the UK’s 2006 MOBO Awards at The Royal Albert Hall last Wednesday night in London.
LeToya also attended the MOBO Awards in London – She’s looking so sophisticated!!
Vanessa Williams at the premiere of the Fox Searchlight film "The Last King of Scotland" on Thursday, at the Motion Picture Academy in Beverly Hills.
Joy Bryant at Premiere Magazine’s annual Women In Hollywood issue with a gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday night.

I’m so happy for Corinne Bailey Rae, she’s had a great year and looks fabulous here. The aqua color of her dress really suits her complexion. LeToya Luckett made and appearance at the London based awards which is great because American stars don’t really flock to this particular award show, but support has been growing. Joy Bryant was present to honor the “Women In Hollywood” sponsored by Premiere magazine. This year they honored Cate Blanchett, Annette Bening, Sofia Coppola, Sally Field, and Evan Rachel Wood. And last but not least Vanessa Williams of Soul Food (the TV series) is looking the best I’ve seen her in a long time. LOVE THE HAIR!

ShopSCAD

The Georgia based shop's store front.
Inside ShopSCAD's gallery space.
Left to Right: Uncle Bike's Skirt by Maureen Walsh, $98.00; Vintage Helena by Claire Sanchez, $68.00; Silk Pillows by Paige Hathaway Thorn all available at www.shopscadonline.com

It’s been a minute since my last shop review, but I just had to tell you about this cool store called ShopSCAD based in Atlanta. The shop/gallery plays host to over 90 designers and artists who between them provide the store with a unique array of clothing, accessories, home furniture, stationary and fine art. You can browse their online catalogue @ www.shopscadonline.com. Be sure to check out their beauty section which has some great scented candles and body butters! If you live in or near Savannah, GA check them out in person…

Address:
ShopSCAD
340 Bull Street
Savannah
GA 31402

Store Inquires: 912 525 5180

What Say We?... Yay or Nay?!

Kerry Washington also attended the premiere of the Fox Searchlight film "The Last King of Scotland" on Thursday, at the Motion Picture Academy in Beverly Hills.

No, no, no. Kerry you’re usually so dependable when it comes to fashion, but this lapse in judgement is unforgivable. Note-to-self: Big a$$ bows don’t look good on ANYONE – Nay!

Janet Jackson covers Vanity Fair

Janet Jackson is looking fantastic on the cover of Italy's Vanity Fair. This is the best cover i've seen of hers so far, especially considering that 'Grace Jones-esque' shoot she did for W magazine - that was hella scary! And is it true that MTV is refusing to play her videos?... Damn shame, though to be honest i'm not a fan of her latest musical endeavours.

Dress For Less!

Igigi.com and 'The Budget Fashionista', aka Kathryn Finney, have teamed together to create a great contest for you. Eight lucky winners will receive Igigi gift certificates worth a total of $825 and copies of Kathryn’s new book called “How To Be A Budget Fashionista,” your ultimate guide to creating a stylish and budget savvy wardrobe. Click here to enter! Be sure to check out Kathryn's blog if you haven't already, it's the 'financially challenged' girls bible for fashion. ;)

Fight the Frizz!

I just bought this new product called ‘Shealoe’ via the site From Nature With Love. It’s only been two days but I love the stuff so far. The butter is a mix of natural shea butter and aloe vera gel, hence the name shea-loe, and it can be used on your hair and skin. I bought it primarily to moisturize my hair (I’m a natural), but I may try a little on my skin to see what’s up! I’ve also noticed that shealoe is great for making my hair behave; usually my hair poofs out after only a few hours of leaving the house, but this stuff helps maintain my twists and fro a little longer. Click here to learn more about shealoe and check out the sites other products while you’re there.

Shake Your Booty!

Candid of Kate Moss in London last year.
Jessica Simpson arrives for her performance on The Early Show at CBS Plaza earlier this month in New York City.
Golden Brooks arriving at the CW Launch Party at the Warner Bros. Studio last night in Burbank, California.

If ankle boots are not quite your thing then try these tan colored, knee-high boots that are surfacing all over the shops. They look great with jeans or a dress and just imagine a great winter coat draped on top of your outfit. Boots teamed with a trench coat is a look that’ll never go out of style. And while you’re here take a moment to admire Kate Moss’ pair… if anyone knows who designed them please let me know - I want them!

My Picks!

Left to Right: Shari, $139.95, Steve Madden; Andy, $48.00, Rampage; SKU #7220807 by Zigi NY, $133.95, www.zappos.com
Left to Right: Leather Fold Over Boot by Miss Sixty, $278.00, Urban Outfitters; Leather Platform Boot, $125.00, Urban Outfitters; BKE Sole Jessie Boot, $49.50, www.buckle.com

The Steve Madden boots are my absolute favorites and for $50 the Rampage pair come in at a close second! But all of them are versatile enough to fit into most people’s existing closet. Notice that I picked boots with varying heels since some of you may want to wear your boots during the day, therefore you don’t want to worry about comfort. When you buy boots be sure to try them on without pants so you can determine whether they fit well enough to wear with a skirt or dress. ;)

Style on the Go...

Tia Mowry also attended the CW Launch Party last night – I actually like this hair style on her.
Wendy R. Robinson arriving at the CW Launch Party at the Warner Bros. Studio last night in California.
Persia White arriving at the CW Launch Party – Her outfit looks great but she herself looks washed out.
Deborah Cox at an event for Tinsley Mortimer and Roberto Cavalli… where has she been?

It’s great to see Deborah Cox after such a long time, “Who Do U Love” was my jam! I’m not too sure about the top, it looks like it’s straining to contain her, but I’m too happy to see her to care! Tia Mowry, Persia White and Wendy R. Robinson were all at yet another CW network event, they all look great. Be sure to check out Tia and Wendy’s new show “The Game” which premieres Sunday October 1st.