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.

Register to Vote - NOW!!

Beyonce and Jay Z out-and-about in New York City on August 4th, 2008.

Alicia Keys wears her Barack Obama T-Shirt while at The Black Ball, July 10, 2008.

Halle Berry left a shopping center in Century City today proclaiming her love for Barack Obama via t-shirt with one that read Barack The Vote July 29, 2008.

Eva Pigford models the "Sunshine" Barack Tee priced $25 available at www.barackthevote.com

LisaRaye McCoy proudly shows her support for Barack Obama while out-and-about in Beverly Hills, California.

There is no excuse ladies. The countdown is on and whatever your political affiliations you must register to vote. Fear not. Registering doesn't take more than a few minutes of your time. Visit http://www.rockthevote.com/ to fill out the simple form. You'll need a printer to print out the form once you've filled it out electronically. Note that your "ID Number" is either your driving license or social security number. If you don't have either, put a zero in the field and you can proceed by clicking "Prepare Form". You must, however, indicate that you have neither a driving license or social security number on the paper form you print out. Then all you have to do is send it to the appropiate address and you're done!

For those of us who are not citizens (I'm British), we'll be showing our support via the ultimate statement - Fashion! Make like the ladies above and wear your point-of-view proudly across your chest. See below for where to buy the coolest Obama tees.

Get it Shorty!

Halle Berry pictured outside of her beach front home in Malibu, California on July 15, 2008.

Beyonce arrives at Nice Airport on May 19 2006 Cannes, France.

Brandy attends the LG and Jermaine Dupris Fusic Party for BET June 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.

Julissa attends AllHipHop.Com's Relaunch Celebrity Bash at the Newspace August 03, 2006 in New York City.

Don't let mini skirts have all the fun. Another way to let your legs breath is to don a bare of thigh skimming shorts. Wear them for a shopping trip, to travel or even on the red carpet (ok, maybe a party since most of us aren't famous). The best thing is, if you get the right pair of shorts they can take you seamlessy from day to night. Look to the ladies above for proof postive that shorts are the way forward!

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Halle Berry

Halle Berry is the undisputed queen of summer time chic. Her easy breezy style is simple yet elegant and her accessories understated yet necessary. If you're anything like me you avoid wearing heels (I love them but as I get older I appreciate comfort more), so Halle is one of my ultimate style icons. In keeping with the crisp white theme in the Toni Braxton post below, I decided to highlight Halle's cutest flowy white dresses. Remember, this look was made for lazy summer days so grab a pair of stylish flip flops, designer sunglassess, a slouchy hobo bag and you're good to go!

My Picks!

Left to right: Disc Trim Pleat Dress, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Rosegarden Lace Dress, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Karen Kane Eyelet Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Sackrace Dress, $44.50, www.alloy.com

Left to right: Linen-like Pinafore Dresses by Zuccaro, $106, www.edressme.com; Babydoll Sundress in Solids, $55, www.victoriassecret.com; Puella Gathered Smock Dress, $167, www.pinkmascara.com; Karen Kane Eyelet Dress, $118, www.shop.nordstrom.com

Though jewelry like pendants and earrings would really complete this look, don't ruin the shape of these dresses with belts or scarves. Also think about going makeup less if you can. This look is meant to be fresh from head-to-toe. ;)

Maximum Impact, Minimum Effort

Gabrielle Union attends the 'Style Villa' at the Sagamore Hotel on August 28, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Beyonce Knowles and her boyfriend Jay-Z lunch in a restaurant with friend in Upper East Side, New York, NY on July 29, 2006.

Sanaa Lathan attends Jordan Brand Parlor 2007 held at the The Shave on July 11, 2007 in Beverly Hills.

Halle Berry strolls along the beach in Malibu, California on September 12, 2007.

The “maxi” dress is the easiest and most comfortable way to look elegant in an instant. Whether you’re off to lunch or just taking a casual stroll along the beach, a maxi dress will never fail at making you feel feminine. Since maxi dresses flatter all shapes, the key is not so much finding the right fit as it is finding the right colors and pattern. See below for some tips...

Shop Cute!

Rihanna goes shopping with girlfriend and new dog DJ at Fred Segal and Barneys New York, January 5, 2008.

Halle Berry shopping with her Mom in Beverly Hills, May 25, 2007.

Meagan Good at a recent shopping trip in Los Angeles, California.

Elise Neal attending the Diesel opening of the Melrose Place Flagship Store, May 31, 2007 in Los Angeles.

Kelly Rowland was out shopping at the National Jean Company in Washington DC, March 12, 2008.

Ah there’s nothing like a day of retail therapy. Now that the weather is warming up we have the perfect excuse to update our closet. Some say it’s best to wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off, but I’m a firm believer of looking good at all times. Celebrities have to constantly be on their toes just in case the papparazi catch them on an off day. See the ladies above. All of them are about to drop serious dollars but they look good doing it and so should you!

Yummy Mummy Part II

Garcelle Beauvais arriving at the premiere the film “Gone, baby, gone,” in Los Angeles, California, 08 October 2007.

Halle Berry arrives home after shopping for baby clothes on September 17th, 2007.

Jennifer Lopez shows off her baby bump at a Studio in Hollywood October 21st, 2007.

Keisha Epps and Mekhi Phifer’s wife Oni at Oni and Mekhi’s baby shower on October 7th, 2007.

After weeks of slowly collecting online finds, I finally put together a Maternity Wear post! I actually wrote a post a while back but it wasn’t as extensive as this one. Take inspiration from the ladies above who are effortlessly proving that pregnancy need not strip you of your fashion sensibilities. See below for more inspiration.

Coats for Fall: The Trench

Halle Berry walks along the set of her new film, 'Perfect Stranger' with bodyguards January 30, 2006 in New York City.

Left to right: Trench Coat, $170, www.topshop.com; Houndstooth Wool Coat, $59.80, www.forever21.com; Belted Wool Trench Coat (also comes in black), $36.50, www.wetseal.com; Metallic Python Trench Coat, $39.50, www.wetseal.com

Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana Ruffled Trenchcoat, $1995, www.saks.com; Olivia Wool Trench Coat, $70.50, www.delias.com; City Style Trench Coat, $79.95, www.nyandcompany.com; Belted Trench Coat, $129, www.bebe.com

The classic trench is a wardrobe must however, why not try something new and opt for a modern take on this coat. Metallics are still making the rounds this season so if you’re brave enough buy a deep bronze or shiny gold trench. Also consider hot pink, bright white and electric blue. The contrast of a shocking, crisp color and classic shape works well. Lastly, if you want something simple and long-lasting pick tweeds in brown or grey…. way more interesting than boring black.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry shopping with her Mom in Beverly Hills, May 25th 2007.

Is Halle pregnant? I don’t know. Does she look fantastic? Damn straight. As rumors regarding Halle’s “delicate state” swirl all over the internet, Ms. Berry fuels fire to the flame by dressing in baggy clothes and covering her stomach with shopping bags during a recent outing in Beverly Hills. Technically it’s none of our business, but since she’s pushing 41, can you blame us for being all up in hers? Either way she looks like a woman half her age. I’m sure having no offspring helps! Steal her easy LA-living look below.

Steal Halle’s Style…

Top: Heathered Top, $11.80, www.forever21.com
Jeans: Levi's Eco Organic Skinny Jean, $88, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Sunglasses: Large Wide Tinted Shades, $24, www.akostyle.com
Sandals: Shellys London Fiji Thong, $40, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Earrings: Wired Hoop Earrings, $3.80, www.forever21.com
Cardigan: Circle Crochet Cardigan, $88, www.bananarepublic.com

I wonder how good these Christian Dior knockoff sunglasses will be? If anyone buys them let me know ;)

Statement Blazer + Favorite Pair of Jeans = Perfection Everytime!

Of-the-Season Blazer: Beyonce at a Dreamgirls’ Photocall in January this year in Berlin.

Men's Blazer: Halle Berry arriving at the opening night of the new production of "Wicked" held at The Pantages Theatre last month in Hollywood.

Cropped Blazer: Jennifer Hudson appearance and interview on XM Satellite Radio on January 10, 2007.

Stand-Out Blazer: Kerry Washington attending the newly opened Oscar de la Renta Boutique in November of 2004 in New York City.

Fitted Blazer: Sanaa Lathan arriving at the premiere of New Line's "King's Ransom" last April 21, 2005 in LA.

We’ve all been in this situation. You have just half an hour to get ready and you haven’t even decided what shoes you’re going to wear out that night. Desperate times call for fail-safe measures. Whenever I want to look polished and chic but don’t have the time to spare, I grab my favorite pair of jeans and a tailored blazer. This spring invest in a jacket or blazer and team with either a simple tee (Kerry and Sanaa) or a fitted shirt (Halle and Beyonce). Alternatively you could go with a cropped jacket a la Jennifer Hudson. Also consider statement accessories like a chunky necklace and statement belt like Sanaa. Oh and don’t forget the killer boots! ;)

Note: Also check out Rashida Jones.

Style on the Go...

Halle Berry attending the 15th Annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel last Thursday Los Angeles.
Kelly Rowland arriving at the Sony Pictures premiere of "Stranger Than Fiction" at the Mann Village Theatre last month in Westwood, California.
Mary J Blige arriving at the GUCCI Ginza Flagship Store Opening Reception.
Amerie arriving at the Moet & Chandon's BE FABULOUS and The New Season of VH1's "The Fabulous Life" party at Skylight Studios last week in New York.

Hot pink remains the number one color for the red carpet, Halle is working that dress. Both Mary J Blige and Kelly have taken the office day-look to evening. I’m going to have to do a post on pencil skirts soon because I’m seeing them everywhere. Amerie’s boots are little off, but she looks good overall... I always love her hair!