Guess the Style Diva!

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Region USA...

It’s not often that you see military camouflage and afro-centrism collide, but designer Zahiyya Abdul-Karim makes it work. Her current collection, and the three before it, effortlessly marry the two styles together creating a practical yet fashion-forward line. The most enduring feature about Zahiyya’s label, Region USA, is that the clothing flatters more “shapely body types” as well as conventional model sizes. I’m also feelin’ her tee shirts, she has over 9 collections! Visit www.regionusa.com to shop and to learn more about Zahiyya.

Just Pencil Me In...

Tracee Ellis Ross arriving at Diane Von Furstenberg’s Spring 2007 during Olympus Fashion Week in New York this September - See her skirt in 'My Picks' post belowGarcelle Beauvais attending the celebration of Grey Goose Entertainment and Conde Nast Media Group Celebrate's Original Series "Iconoclasts" earlier this month in Oakland, California
Kelly Rowland arrives at the Sony Pictures premiere of "Stranger than Fiction" at the Mann Village Theatre October 30, 2006 in Westwood, California.
Rachel Roy arriving at the Cinema Society & Hugo Boss premiere of "Winter Passing" earlier this year at The Tribeca Grand, NY

Tracee Ellis Ross and Rachel Roy love their pencil skirts and why not?... They look great wearing them! They’re also a staple in my wardrobe because I can rock them day or night. Another great thing about pencil skirts is that they compliment almost every shape, however if you don’t have hips they may make you look a little too straight. Scroll down for more tips on how to rock the skirt du jour…

NOTE: Hey guys, posts will be sporadic this coming week and a half because I have papers due and finals. :(

Also I’m going by my first name Sylvia from now on (Angel is my middle name), so don’t get confused when you see 'Sylvia' posting! You can still call me Angel though if you prefer :)

My Picks!

Left to Right: Satin Pencil Skirt, $24.80, Forever 21; Brocade Jacquard Pencil Skirt, $39, www.newport-news.com; High Waisted Tweed Skirt, $274, www.rebeccataylor.com; Aludra Skirt, $28.99, www.gojane.com
Left to Right: Marple Skirt by Diane Von Furstenberg, $198, www.standardstyle.com; Lux Menswear Herringbone Pencil Skirt, $58, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Tweed pencil skirt, $34, www.newport-news.com; Large Plaid Pencil Skirt, $10, www.wetseal.com

Personally I love pencil skirts that cut-off just below the knee, but many of the skirts this season finish at or above the knee. If you do buy a pencil skirt be adventurous and experiment with different patterns and colors (a la Garcelle in red plaid). However, make sure you eventually get a black and/or tweed one for your wardrobe… it’ll last forever.

All that Glitters is not Gold…

British singer Jamelia breaking it down during her performance at G-A-Y club in London this September
Sneakers: 'Silver Streak De Luxe' Athletic Shoe by Adidas, $149.95, Nordstorm; Sequin Dress: Silk and nylon tank dress Blugirl by Blumarine, $135.00, Fred Segal Couture Santa Monica; Hoop Earrings: Logo Hoop Earring, $25.00, www.xoxo.com; Grey Tee: Bird Motif Open Back Top, $36, www.topshop.co.uk; Bangle: Chunky Glitter Bangle, $6, www.wetseal.com; Woven Belt: 2 Tone Braid Belt, $9.50, www.wetseal.com; Skirt: Serpent Skirt, $168, www.frenchconnection.com; Pumps: Adem, $44.50, Nine West; Chain Bracelet: ID Bracelet, $11.99, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Earrings: Wire Starburst with Rhinestones Earrings in Crystal with Silver, $7.99, www.girlprops.com; Flats: Tara 30 Glit Slipper, $18.99, www.gojane.com; Belt: Pewter Weave High Waisted Belt, $29.99, www.lushfashions.com; Belted Dress: Moon Dress, $228, French Connection; Necklace: Heart Locket, $16, www.delias.com; Black Tee: Led Zepplin Motif Vest, $44, www.topshop.co.uk; Top: Champagne Satin Top, $24.80, Forever 21; Jeans: J Brand 12 Pencil Leg Silver Fox Wash Jean Stretch, $158, www.shopintuition.com; Sandals: Anais, $715.94, www.ginashoes.com; For all Bags: Visit www.accessorize.co.uk

Purple is my favorite color, but when I'm talking accessories it’s silver all the way. Sparkle this New Year’s Eve in a silver dress or rock jeans and a glittery top. If you’re uncomfortable with donning silver head-to-toe, break into the trend slowly by picking silver jewelry for your outfit.

I actually turned one of my close friends onto silver jewelry. She was a gold chica all the way but once she saw all the funky jewelry you can only buy in silver, or even platinum, she quickly converted. Also peep this jacket, $98 by Bebe… too fly!

Note: See how these ladies sparkle then click here for more ideas!

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu arriving at a special screening of "Freedom's Fury" at the Uptown Theater last week in Washington, DC.
I love Lucy Liu’s style. I definitely need to feature her more on the site. Anyway, these pics were taken at the premiere of her new movie which she executive produced. This outfit was the perfect choice; the pencil skirt says “I’m a serious producer” but the shirt is flirty enough to say “I’m still sexy!” See below for ideas on how to steal her style.

Credit: PlatformLaunchAction for the photos of Lucy Liu :)

Steal Lucy’s Style…

Shirt: Edun Casey Blouse, $155, Nordstorm
Skirt: Pencil Skirt, $19.80, Forever 21

Left to Right: Diamonds & Pearl Bracelet, $8.80, Forever 21; Carolee Double Pearl Earrings, $32.00, Nordstorm; Reptile Hard Hinge Clutch, $12.50, www.wetseal.com; Guillemette, $69.99, Aldo

This is the perfect office-to-evening look. Just throw on the accessories and retouch your makeup and you’re good to go!

Best of the Rest...

Left to Right: Solid Pin Tuck Top, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Becca Blouse, $19.80, Forever 21; Short Sleeve Pie Crust Top, $209.00, www.standardstyle.com; Kailey Ruffle Blouse by Diane Von Furstenberg, $198, Nordstorm

Here are some cheap and not-so-cheap alternatives to Lucy’s blouse. All are super cute and all would be perfect with a plain black skirt or even jeans.

Baller Status!

Left to Right: Halter Neck Dress with Corsage by Roksanda Ilincic, $610, www.brownsfashion.com; Silk wrapdress by Diane von Furstenberg, $1500 from a collection at Barneys New York; Textured Dress by La Petite Salope, $833.28, www.my-wardrobe.com; Gigi Floral Dreess Milly, $390.00, www.net-a-porter.com
Left to Right: Screen Pump DAVIS by Ruthie Davis, $4495, www.shopbop.com; Strappy Sandal, $325, www.neimanmarcus.com; Santa, $836.81, www.ginashoes.com; Lady Shoe by Christian Louboutin, $355, www.brownsfashion.com

This is the 2nd part of the Holiday Party Dress Series. The title is self-explanatory but let me break-it-down. These dresses are for those of you who are at that point in your life (and careers) where you can buy those hot dresses you see in the magazine without worrying about breaking the bank... I’m trying to join you up there! For the rest of us, get inspired and enjoy the eye candy!

Baller Status! Part II…

Left to Right: Winter Garden Chiffon Halter Dress by Rebecca Taylor, $372, www.shopbop.com; Grecian Dress by AKA New York, $398, www.shopbop.com; Paillette Shift Dress, $715, www.neimanmarcus.com; Black Satin Bow Back Dress by A.B.S, $149, www.bluefly.com
Left to Right: Vera Platform Pump by Pedro Garcia, $327, www.shopbop.com; Hardy Printed Silk Satin, $595, www.jimmychoo.com; Bonnie in Pink by C Label, $116, www.revolveclothing.com; Fresco Jewelled Satin, $895, www.jimmychoo.com

The first dress is gorgeous. I really like the shoes the model has on so I paired the dress with some mustard colored Pedro Garcia pumps. I’m also lovin’ the pink and cream heels by C-Label… how cute are they?

Calling all Early Birds!

This Friday head to Lettie Gooch in D.C. to catch their holiday sales special. Enjoy complimentary Mimosa's and draw from their Turkey Bowl to receive 5-25% off your total purchase. The special ends at 12pm so be sure to get there early! It’s also “D.C. Sales Tax Holiday” this coming weekend beginning Friday 24th November through Sunday 3rd, December, all items $100 or less will be tax free!

When: Friday 24th November
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Lettie Gooch Boutique, 1911 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
More info: Call 202 332 4242 or email shop@lettiegooch.com

It Suits You!

Amerie arriving at Out Magazine's Out 100 Awards last week in New York City.Mary J Blige at the GUCCI Ginza Flagship Store Opening Reception Party Tokyo, Japan earlier this month.
Star Jones attending the launch of the dramatized audio recording of "The Bible Experience" held at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ last week in LA.
British actress, Naomie Harris at the after show party following the UK premiere of "Miami Vice," in July of this year in London.
Iman and Zoe Saldana at the cocktail reception to benefit the "Keep A Child Alive" charity co-hosted with fashion designer Valentino at the Valentino Boutique last week in New York City.

If dresses aren’t your thing, you can always opt for a smart contemporary suit. I think they make the perfect alternative to a cocktail dress. You could go with a tailored fit like Mary J Blige and Star Jones or you could pick something a little unconventional like British actress Naomie Harris and Iman. Now if you’re really brave, take a style cue from Amerie and ‘bust’ out in a three-piece vest and tuxedo pants. It'll make the ultimate show-stopping entrance… you just know the men couldn’t stop looking at her chest and bare back!

Note: Also peep Halle in this gorgeous Ralph Lauren suit. Photo taken by The Sartorialist.

My Picks!

Left to Right: Satin Jacket, $545 & Satin Pants $300 by Carmen Marc Valvo available at www.neimanmarcus.com; Herringbone Blazer, $54 & Herringbone Pants, $39 available at www.newport-news.com; Herringbone Suit by Dolce & Gabana, $1060 available at www.brownsfashion.com
Left to Right: Embroidered Scallop Jacket, $389 & Plain-Front Dress Pants, $274 by www.urbanchiconline.com; Tuxedo Halter Vest, $98 & Tuxedo Trousers, $148 by J. Crew; Glamour Satin Jacket, $198 & Glamour Satin Ava Trouser, $129 by www.bebe.com; Merona Sateen Jacket, $19.59 & Merona Sateen Pants in Sand Beige, $22.99 available at www.target.com

Finding suits is hard! Well perhaps it’s hard to do it online, but even then only department stores seem to carry good suits. I looked on a couple of designer’s sites, but since I was trying to keep the price range down this is what I came up with. The great thing about wearing a simple plain suit is that you can go wild with the accessories. See Star Jones’ shirt and Amerie’s clutch and shoes.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Winter Ruffle Shopper, $34, www.akostyle.com
Check: Melie Bianco Shirred Doctor Satchel, $54.99, www.fashionflairs.com
Charge: Napa Gauffre bag by Prada, $1900 available at Neiman Marcus.

You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a celebrity carrying the Prada Napa bag. Case in point? See Jessica Simpson, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Beyonce flaunt theirs in public. The bag comes in many colors and styles e.g. the Napa Gauffre Frame and the Napa Chevron Antic Drawstring in black or brown. I’m not a big fan of the bag myself but here are some cheap copies for those who are interested. :)

MaxStudio.com

I really enjoy looking through Max Studio’s “Lookbook.” They basically put their various seperates together to come up with several looks. It’s not a new concept but I love their style aesthetic. While their clothes aren’t always price-friendly, the Lookbook gives me lots of ideas on how I can put my existing wardrobe together. They have nearly 50 pages of outfits, so click here to get inspired!

Style Flashback: The Supremes

What is left to say about The Supremes? With five consecutive number-one hit singles, they secured their place as the most successful black group in the 1960s, challenging even The Beatles when it came to mass commercial appeal. As well as being extraordinary performers, The Supremes were also fashion trendsetters. Check out the ultra cool shift dresses and high pants they’re rocking in this pic and don’t forget about their on-stage gowns which were always showstoppers! As well as their fashion sense, their hair and makeup were always on point too. They were among the first to prove that black women and glamour can be synonymous. I can’t wait to watch “Dreamgirls” and see how The Supremes inspired the costumes and hair in the movie.

Pictured: Florence Ballard, Diana Ross and Mary Wilson

Zoe Saldana, Part II

Zoe Saldana arriving at the Coca-Cola Campaign Launch Of "Coke Side Of Life" at Capitale in March of this year in New York.
I love this look. Casual yet still glamorous enough to get you some attention. I couldn’t find a comparable print top in the U.S., but you might be able to find a plain colored one like the one below from Topshop. The coca cola bottle is optional!

Steal Zoe's Style...

Jeans: Wide Waist Denim Trousers, $118.00, Arden BShirt: Sheer Printed Blouse, $90.00, www.topshop.co.uk
Belt: Circle Braid Waist Belt, $7.50, www.wetseal.com
Bag: AKO Fall Hoop Shopper, $32.00, www.akostyle.com

I don’t like Zoe’s bag so I changed it and it’s as simple as that! The rest of the outfit is so cute though, I’d definitely rock this with flats for a comfortable weekend date. Don’t forget to accessorize with lots of gold jewelry like Zoe.

The Hit List...

Left: Emma Lace Top, $21.50, www.wetseal.com
Right: Albrecht Top, $23.99, www.gojane.com
Left: Behnaz Sarafpour Gold Clutch, $16.99, www.target.com
Right: Tucked Rosettes Kiss Lock Clutch, $14.99, www.target.com
Left: Silk Chiffon Blouse with Cami by Rebecca Taylor, $86.99, www.saksfifthavenue.com
Right: Shawl Collar Sweater, $88.00, www.ardenb.com

Target’s online store has so many cute purses for less than $20. Above are just two of them, but visit the site to peep more! I just hope they look as good in real-life as they do in photos; sometimes online buys don’t always meet your expectations. :(

GoJane.com and Wetseal.com always come with the great tops for affordable prices. I can see myself rocking both the lace top and blue cardigan with a pair of dark jeans and heels. Also head over to SaksFifthAvenue.com, they have some cute items on sale… lovin’ this floral top by Rebecca Taylor, she has some beautiful pieces on her site.

BebeNoir...

Above: Halter top Cocoa with Jewelry, $35.00, www.bebenoir.com Left to Right: Born in Africa Nude Brown, $20.00; Orange Tank Top, $30.00; Women Corduroy Jacket, $80.00 all available at www.bebenoir.com

Check out this cool store I found while surfing the internet, it’s called BebeNoir. Ibrahima Doukoure founded this clothing company three years ago and uses his West African heritage to inspire his urban-casual line. The “Born in Africa” tees are my favorite, but the online boutique also offers jackets, tops, hoodies and denim at very affordable prices. Head over to www.bebenoir.com to see his stuff for yourself.

Round Three of “The Leap”

Mary J. Blige should be commended for not having any problem with stepping out in public without makeup.
Rihanna looks fresher without the makeup, but with it her best features are highlighted.
If Golden Brooks chooses to wear makeup, she must find a better artist or take lessons herself.

I don’t write these posts just to put my sistas on blast; I do it because I think it’s essential to put the truth out there. You must have a heart of steel if you’ve never experienced the feelings of inadequacy the media images of women can sometimes stir. Above is another batch of photos demonstrating what we have come to know as “The Leap.”

I don’t actually believe Mary J. Blige really looks like this, it's a really bad pic, but in any case she looks like a different person with the aid of makeup. I’m glad she’s not afraid to step out in public as herself. There is no doubt that Rihanna is a beautiful girl, but clearly makeup helps accentuate her best features especially her eyes. And while both photos of Golden Brooks show her wearing makeup, there’s a big discrepancy between Mya Wilkes’ (L) and Golden Brooks' (R) – she should take her “Girlfriends” makeup artist everywhere or just go 'au natural.'

Now most of you may be aware of Doves’ “Campaign For Real Beauty.” In an effort to counter the media portrayals of women, Dove uses women like you and me in their ads and commercials. Watch the amazing video below that perfectly demonstrates “The Leap” in action and emphasizes how the media distorts the truth. Visit www.campaignforrealbeauty.com to find out more about Doves’ campaign and to read personal stories from various women.

Note: See the first and second part of “The Leap.”

Dress for Less…

Left to Right: Sweetheart Lurex Sweater Dress, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Rosa Satin Dress, $34.80, Forever 21; Rainey Dress, $37.99, www.gojane.com; Trapunto Dress, $49.99, Target
Left to Right: Adem, $44.50, Nine West; Sally 47 Satin Heel, $25.99, www.gojane.com; Nicoline, $89.99, Aldo; Faux fur leopard pumps, $34.00, www.newport-news.com

I mentioned in a previous post that I would do a little ‘Party Dress Series’ like I did with the coats so here it is. I pulled together some dresses for less than $100, some of them are less than $50! I paired them with the shoes I would wear with each, but of course they are just suggestions. (See the shoe directly under each dress).