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.

My Picks!

Left to right: Milena Jacket, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Printed Babydoll Jacket, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Cropped Balzer, $29.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Cropped blazer, $29.99, www.charlotte-russe.com

Left to right: Check Collarless Trench, $110, www.topshop.com; Piped Detail Waffle Jacket, $110, www.topshop.com; Women's Cropped Blazer, $23.99, www.oldnavy.com; Alex Cord Blazer, $29.99, www.delias.com

Left to right: Brandon Plaid Blazer, $29.99, www.delias.com; Geranium Jumble Jacket, $98, www.anthropologie.com; Ingenue Jacket, $69.50, www.gap.com; Coffee Shop Cropped Trench, $34.99, www.target.com

Left to right: Lux Bright Knife Pleat Jacket, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Lindsay Linen Jacket, $148, www.jcrew.com; Washed Sateen Officer's Jacket, $125, www.jcrew.com; Iisli Tiffany Sequin Blazer, $150.50, www.bloomingdales.com

So many cute blazers, so little time! Instead of picking my favorites I just threw them all in. I tried to find some plus size blazers but they weren’t any stand-out ones. Check Old Navy or Lane Bryant for some cute finds. Also search this site for my Jeans 101 posts to find the perfect pair to go with your new blazer (see the search feature on the left sidebar).

Introducing Courtney Crawford…

Courtney Crawford and a pair of his jaw-dropping heels.

Is there anything more coveted than a gorgeous man who loves shoes? Look no further. Courtney Crawford is the answer to all our dreams. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Crawford caught the design bug at an early age. Growing up in a household filled with five women, Crawford was destined to appreciate the importance of a luxurious shoe. He applied and was accepted into the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology and during his time in New York he interned for milliner and shoe designer Eugenia Kim, the 2004 CFDA Accessory Design Award Winner. In a matter of months, the internship turned into a Head Footwear Designer and Production Manager position.

Crawford launched his debut collection in Spring 2006 to rave reviews. He has also developed collections for other fashion houses including Missoni’s Spring 2007 shoe collection. Crawford says of his design aesthetic, “[I design for] a woman who is unapologetically sexy and undeniably intelligent. The Courtney Crawford woman always takes an intelligent-risk.” The young designer, now 28, has several celebrity admirers including Mariah Carey who wears Crawford’s shoes on tour, Kate Moss, Mischa Barton and burlesque performer Dita Von Teese.

The Courtney Crawford collection is carried in select stores in 10 countries, including Harvey Nichols, U.K. and Hong Kong, Bosco, Russia and La Vetrina di Beryl, Italy. Visit www.courtneycrawford.com to find U.S. concessions. Read more on Crawford here.

Get Dotty!

Eva Longoria onstage during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios last month in New York City. She opted for a polka dot jacket for hear appearance on the show.

Left to right: Talia, $90, www.guess.com; Jane, $110, www.guess.com; Richh, $89.95, www.stevemadden.com; Zara, $16.99, www.gojane.com

Left to right: Dottie, $69.95, www.bakersshoes.com; Perla, $59.95, www.bakersshoes.com; Skechers Soho Lab Women's Dakoda Slingback Espadrille, $58.95, www.endless.com; Snakeskin Flats, $17.80, www.forever21.com
Left to right: Dottie Bag, $39.95, www.bakersshoes.com; Polka Dot Hoops, $3.80, www.forever21.com; Satin Oval Polka Dot Headband by Karen Marie, $8, http://mp.hairboutique.com; Precious Reversible Beach Tote, $14.99, www.payless.com

Minnie Mouse knew what she was doing. She rocked polka dot dresses before the likes of Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kerry Washington. And now the unlikely style diva has inspired designers, shoe retailers and even jewelry makers. As always, if a trend appeals to you but you’re not sure how to wear it, begin with accessories. Polka dot pumps are a great way to add an unexpected twist to an LBD. Or maybe invest in a clutch? Either way make Minnie proud, her props are long overdue ;)

The Way We Wore…

For all the students gearing up for Spring Break, pick up a copy of “The Way We Wore” for your long journey home. Published by Glitteratii and penned by ‘Black Style Now’ curator Michael McCollom, the book takes a retrospective look back at individual black style from the 1940s onwards. The book features photos from the authors own family and famous friends such as Oprah, Naomi Campbell, Tracy Reese, Tyra Banks, Iman and Kimora lee, among others. The majority of pictures however, are of unknowns, all with a flawless sense of style. I flipped threw a copy in Barnes & Noble and it’s quite amusing, kinda like looking through an old photo album that belongs to your parents. Fun times!

Play Dress-Up... with your Hair!

Alicia Keys dresses up her braids with hair jewelry and sequins.

Tracie from MTV's 8th & Ocean (remember that?!), wearing a gorgeous metallic coin headband.

Sienna Miller at the Moet & Chandon Fashion Tribute award at the biennial awards ceremony recognising excellence in the fashion industry, during London Fashion Week, 2005 in London.

Naomi Campbell in the Spring/Summer 2004 campaign wearing a vintage-inspired butterfly clip.

I’ve recently come to the realization that I’m not a jewelry person. I have the odd ring, staple earrings and bunch of necklaces but other than that my money goes directly to shoes each season. I will however make an exception for hair jewelry this spring. I LOVE the idea of wearing a headband on your forehead (Sienna) or individual jewels in your hair (Alicia). Whether you’re hair is relaxed, natural, braided or in a weave, there’s something out there to celebrate your luscious locs. When you’ve found the perfect adornment head to AfroBella for some expert hair tips!

My Picks!

Left to right: Crystal Flower Headband by Balu, $50; Silk Wrapped Headband with Faceted Beads by Jane Tran, $53, Fabric Quilt Inspired Headband by Karen Marie, $13; Nautical Stripe Headband Bow by Karen Marie, $8 all available at http://mp.hairboutique.com

Left to right: Kaleidoscope Sash Scarf Headband by Karen Marie, $17, http://mp.hairboutique.com; Gold Crystal Alice Band, $16, www.monsoon.co.uk; Wide Feather Headband, $28, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Painted Clamps, $18 for 3, www.freepeople.com

Left to right: Indian Flower Vintage Brooch by Rachel Abroms, $134, http://hairboutique.com; Sweet Confection Hair Clips by Magpiesnest, $5.50; Orange Stripe Lucite Bobbi Pin Set by ButterCupDays, $12; Amethyst and Silver Rim Edition Swarovski Hair Snaps by ArtisticEdition, $10 for 10 Pieces all available at www.etsy.com

Note: Also check out these ladies for more inspiration.