Brush Your Shoulders Off!

Beyonce leaving Movida Nightclub in London, UK on May 26th, 2009

Rihanna arrives at the Balmain Pret-a-Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 1, 2009 at Intercontinental Paris Grand Hotel in Paris

Halle Berry arriving at the Shangahi Film Festival, June, 2009

Ciara arrives at the BBC Radio 1 studios on April 23, 2009 in London, England

Beyonce leaving dinner at the Waverly Inn, New York in June, 2009

Winter is about to hit us so now is the time to buy summer trends at bargain prices. The Balmain Jacket craze shows no signs of dying down so grab yourself an original (or a budget-friendly inspired version). Net-a-Porter currently sells the originals but you can also find "knock-offs" at your favorite stores such as Topshop in the UK or Shopbop.com here in the US. Beyonce and Ciarahave championed this look by pairing their 80's / Michael Jackson inspired jackets with skinny jeans. Or make like Rihanna and add a little volume down below. Either way, these power jackets will take you well into 2010.

Style Inspiration: Out at Sea

Ciara attends a taping of BET's 106 & Park on July 18, 2007 in New York City.

Amerie and Kelly mix denim with this season's nautical trend.

¾ sleeve top: Aimee Keyhole Top, $13.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Wood Anchor Necklace, $8.90, www.forever21.com; Skirt: Rope Belt Pencil Skirt, $64, www.topshop.com; Heels: Letsey, $150, www.dune.co.uk; Hat: Nautical Stripe Newsboy Cap, $22, www.fredflare.com; Sneakers: Chuck Taylor All Satr Patent, $49.69, www.converse.com; Red pants: Multi Button Sailor Pant, $19.99, www.wetseal.com; Dress: Navy Stripe Bow Dress, $56, www.missselfridge.co.uk; Short sleeve top: Stripe V Neck , $9.99, www.charlotterusse.com; Sunglasses: Dita Xanadu Sunglasses, $350, www.shopintuition.com; Bag: Nautical Rope Bag, $26, www.alloy.com; Anklet: Anchor on 9inch Anklet, $5.99, www.girlprops.com; Shorts: High Waisted Sailor Shorts, $22.99, www.charlotterusse.com; White pants: Sound of Summer Trouser, $148, www.fcusbuymail.com; Espadrilles: Candyce Espadrille by Steve Maadden, $149.95, www.endless.com

Anchors away! The nautical trend that’s hit our favorite stores is here to stay (throughout the summer at least). Make like a sailor about to set sea with nautical stripes in navy blue or red; high-waisted, multi button sailor pants and shorts; espadrilles and rope detail accessories. Amerie and Kelly Rowland wore denim with their striped tops and added bright red shoes and accessories to finish the look off. Ciara on the other hand jumped straight into the trend with a sporty-nautical dress and gravity defying wedges. Get some inspiration from my picks above then plan your own trip out to sea!

Credit: Photo of Amerie from theybf.com

Jeans 101: The High-Waist

Jennifer Lopez arriving at the MTV Studios in New York City on March 27, 2007.

Ciara hosts MTV's "TRL" at the MTV Studios in New York City on March 5, 2007.

Jessica Alba backstage at Power 106's breakfast with Big Boy and the cast of "Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer" on June 4, 2007. – Get the exact pair Jessica is wearing from www.shopintuition.com (see below).

Eve spotted in New York City last month.

This trend has me somewhat perplexed. At first I was a complete non-believer, but then I saw Jlo work her style magic outside the TRL studios, I quickly changed my opinion to “neutral.” Oh but soon thereafter Eve surfaced with these ultra high-waisted pair sending me right back into denim-induced anxiety. Now, having watched the jeans evolve and merge with other trends such as the wide-legged pant (see Jessica Alba and Ciara), I’m safely back in style bliss and even considering buying a pair of these controversial jeans. Watch this space.

Ciara Covers Trace Magazine…

There’s no rest for the wicked, especially when you’re in the midst of promoting a chart-topping album. Be sure to pick up a copy of my favorite magazine “Trace” which features Ciara. The photo shoot is cute but nothing we haven’t seen before. Also check out this cover of Fantaisa for Vibe Vixen… not her best. :(

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

Ciara appearing at Nike's Air Force 1 All-Star 25th Anniversary at Gotham Hall on Sunday in New York City.

Remember when Ciara first landed on the scene? Her fashion sense was questionable and her hair weave busted… Look at her now! I think this outfit is so cute, but I wanted to get your opinion on it. Does it pass the 'Yay or Nay' test or does it scream ‘Fashion Victim’? I’m giving her a YAY; consider it a compliment Ciara, they’re hard to come by!

2006 Video Music Awards...

Beyonce and Rihanna looking 'virginal' in white!
Kelis and Cassie.
Jlo and Ciara.
Christina Aguilera and Monica.

The 2006 MTV Video Movie Awards occured yesterday evening, and here is the breakdown... Jlo killed that outfit with the headscarf, pure and simply! Christina's dress is show-stopping, but I've never been a fan of her bright blonde hair and red lipstick. Ciara could, and should, have tried a little harder, while Monica needs to revert back to a darker and more natural hair color. The top four ladies looked great, though Cassie should have left the necklace at home! See more pics below...

'The Leap' Part Deux!

JLo looking so-so... Leap On!
Halle's leap barley exists!
Ciara definitely has a big leap, but she doesn't seem to care!

the leap (thę lēp) v. intr. 1 to spring or jump exuberantly from one state to another. 2 to make a transition so great, it brings about serious suspicion!

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about a little thing I call 'The Leap.' We females all have it, it just varies in size from one woman to the next. Celebrities have us all thinking they illuded it, but i'm here to remind us that they ain't that lucky! Now don't misunderstand me, I think beauty evolves, takes different forms, develops and grows as we each grow, but let's be real.... We all need a little help from time to time and if you have money, you get lots of it! See the first part of 'The Leap'

You, Me & Capris!

Halle in her favorite choice of pants - she's always wearing capris on her days off!
Cameron Diaz candid in L.A. - I never see her with Justin anymore... trouble in paradise perhaps? :(
Ciara poses backstage at MTV's TRL at the MTV Times Square Studios on August 10, 2006 in New York City

These pants have been around since forever and a day, but now more so than before, I see women wearing them with sky-scraper heels and lots of jewelery (I refuse to say 'bling bling!') Take a look at Ciara compared to Cameron and Halle, she really makes this look work! But be careful, you have to choose the right type of cargo capris for the right event, the pair you wear in the day may not work for the evening.

As a general rule darker pants work better for the evening and are more flattering for fuller figures (Ciara gets away with wearing a lighter shade because her stomach is ridiculously flat!) Cargo capris with numerous pockets are better for daywear, likewise capris above the knee are also better for the day. Lastly, the wider the pants, the more 'elegant' they look, so maybe save them for nighttime. Okay, so according to my theory Halle's pants work for both day and night, Cameron's are strictly day and Ciara's are perfect for evening! As I said before these are just general rules, but you get what i'm saying?! See above for 'My Picks!'

Forget Function!

Sanaa Lathan attends the LG and Jermaine Dupri's Music Party for BET in June of this year in L.A.
Kerry Washington arrives at the 9th Annual Hollywood Film Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2005 in Beverly Hills, California
Ciara arrives for Touchstone Pictures' premiere of "Step Up" at the ArcLight Cinemas on Monday in Hollywood, California
Candids of Kate Moss wearing a D Squared dress after shooting a campaign for UK makeup company, Rimmel

Remember when belts used to be functional?... No?! Well I don't blame you for forgetting because it seems they've become more of a style accessory... nothing wrong with that, but why can't they do both?! If you're anything like me you have a stack of belts in your closet for any occasion and since they've become the must-have accessory of the year, take the time to find one that really suits your style. Check out the ladies above for ideas!

Oh what a Fabulous Weekend!

VH1's Save The Music auction...Goapele and Lyfe Jennings - I love Goapele, she's stunning!
Ciara and Erika (?) - Ciara looks great these days!

Art for Life Benefit...
The Simmons Family are hosts for the night and little Aoki Lee Simmons gives Star Jones a 'suspect' glance
Julissa of BET and Aubrey from MTV's 'Making the Band' and her boyfriend
Julissa, Debra Lee and guest
Aaron Reid and his wife Erika leave the party

New York was the place to be over the weekend as two star studded events took place! The first was the 'Flaunt Your Flirt' auction which benefits VH1's Save the Music fund, held in the Hamptons. Celebrities spotted there included Ciara, Russell Simmons, Lyfe Jennings, Gayle King, Nicolette Sheriden and Goapele... The second event was the Art for Life dinner, hosted by soon to be divorced (?) couple Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons at their estate. The Art for Life - Seventh Heaven benefit supports the 'creative expression of NYC youth.' Star Jones, Tichina Arnold, Debra Lee, Julissa (from BET) and Gayle King were all in attendance... I miss New York!

Chill Zone...

Jessica Alba looking a little too relaxed on her day off!
Gabrielle Union dresses for comfort on her way to meet a friend for lunch Ciara still knows how to glam-it-up on the weekend, shown here leaving her hotel in New York

It's okay to dress down on the weekends, but that doesn't mean you have to walk around looking like death warmed up 'n' mobile! I got caught out once whan a 'friend' made an unannounced appearance at my door one lazy Sunday afternoon and you guessed it, I was looking less than my fabulous self ! :( Save yourself the embarrassing moments and pick a style that's comfortable yet stylish... Scroll up for ideas!