Vacation in Style... Is there any other way?!

Beyonce vacationing in style!
Left to right: Geometric Print Kaftan Dress by Supertrash $205.13, www.asos.com; Flirt Kaftan, $71.20, www.chicos.com; Cheesecloth Embroidered, $85.50, French Connection; Bold Flower Paradise Poncho, $63.20, www.chicos.com

Left to right: V Neck Kaftan Cover Up, $40, www.topshop.com; Aurora silk kaftan by Emamo, $650, www.net-a-porter.com; Marlin Print Kaftan, $110, www.monsoon.co.uk; Davina Kaftan, $100, www.monsoon.co.uk

Planning a trip away soon and have no idea what to wear? No problem. Take a leaf out of Beyonce's holiday wardrobe and pack your suitcase full of vibrant kaftans and tunics for lazy days on the beach. Truth be told you don't even need to be vacationing on an island to copy this look. Wear these tops with shorts, skinny jeans or flowing linen pants for instant "sunshine chic."

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.

The Sleeves Have It

Beyonce arrives at the premiere of Cadillac Records held at The Egyptian Theater on November 24, 2008 in Hollywood, California.

Veronica Webb attends the opening night celebration of the New York City Ballet at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln CenterNew York, November 25, 2008

Paula Patton arrives at 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles on February 8, 2009

Puffed up sleeves seem to be all the rage these days. If you thought you'd left pink, frilly, puff-sleeved birthday dresses behind you think again. Now you can wear them in black for the after party. Take your cue from Beyonce, Veronica and Paula. They prove that any trend can be modernized. The sleeves definitely have it. See below for some inspiration.

Video from Beyonce on the Vogue Shoot...

Beyonce Covers Vogue Magazine

Isn't this wonderful? Vogue has put Beyonce on the April 2009 issue of Vogue magazine making it two black women to be featured consecutively on the cover (last month was Michelle Obama). Look out for Bey on the cover of the iconic magazine's annual 'shape' issue looking nothing short of fabulous. The headline you'll notice reads, "Real Women Have Curves" - does this mean that Vogue is making a conscious effort to include more realistic images of women amongst its pages? I doubt it. But this is a nice gesture. Be sure to pick up your copy when it comes out next month.

Beyonce Covers Ebony Magazine

I know I'm late with this but I just had to post these pics of Beyonce looking "Sasha Fierce" on the upcoming issue of Ebony magazine. I always loved Beyonce with the big, curly and bouncy hair - makes for a refreshing change, although she looks great however she wears her hair. I love how Ebony covers are always on point. I haven't seen them make anyone look bad yet... Exhibit A & Exhibit B.

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.

Dereon Fall 2008

Beyonce's second line Dereon has released a video with a preview to the Fall 2008 Collection. Though I'm not a big fan of either of her lines (House of Dereon and Dereon), I thought the video was worth sharing. Let me know your thoughts and if any of you have bought items from her collections what are they like? I must admit that they are some cute dresses on the House of Dereon site but none of them are less than $300 :(

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!

Hair Stories: The Braidy Bunch

Nia Long, Beyonce and Nicole Richie bring hobo-chic to the red carpet.

1. Burnt Sugar - Hair Pomade, $10.00, www.oyinhandmade.com; 2. Karen Marie - Colossal Gem Butterfly French Twist Comb - Onyx & Smoke, $17, http://mp.hairboutique.com; 3. Frederic Fekkai Wave Creating Spray, $19.50, www.sephora.com; 4. Supreme Bobby Pins, $4.99 for 60, www.sallybeauty.com; 5. Star Snap Clips, $3 for 2, http://mp.hairboutique.com 6. All Day Hold Spritz by Elucence, $7, www.culmart.com; 7. Sailboat Hair Pins, $4.90, www.forever21.com; 8. Organic Sapote & Coconut Pomade - For sheen, hold & silkiness, $9.95, www.anitagrant.com

Lazy days in the sun require an equally laid back hairstyle. This summer make your staple style loose braids held back by antique-inspired hair clips. Hobo-chic is here to stay and since you’ll probably wearing a long floaty dress this season (see these celebs), braids will finish off the look. Styling essentials include a no mess pomade to slick down your edges if you’re going for a more polished look like Beyonce. For those of you who like your hair looking a little disheveled like you spontaneously decide to braid it and put it up, Frederic Fekkai has a Wave Creating Spray that’ll give your hair that flyaway look. Naturals should braid their hair then take it out to create a braid-out/waves. You can then loosely re-braid certain parts of your hair to set off the style. Take some inspiration from Nicole Richie and Nia Long. Their hair looks elegant yet unpretentious – the perfect theme for summer.

Beyonce

Beyonce on her way to the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics game during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the TD Banknorth Garden May 14, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that Beyonce looks extremely well put together here but in general, her style choices are hit and miss. She’s one of those celebrities that always look presentable but doesn’t have a discernible style of her own. In any case, she knocked this look out of the park and the goods news is it won’t cost an arm and three leg to recreate. See below for some tips.

Steal Beyonce’s Steal…

Jacket: Marc Jacobs Cropped Tweed Jacket, $685, www.catwalktocloset.com
Pants: Wide-Leg Cuffed Trousers, $32.50, www.oldnavy.com

Top: Puff Sleeve Drape Top, $9.99, www.wetseal.com
Hat: Space Dyed Beret, $24, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Necklace: Rose Bead Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com
Bag: Bow Dacious Large Tote, $99, www.endless.com

I’m guessing most of us can’t afford the $685 Marc Jacob classic cropped jacket (the original cost was $2800!). So in true I Like Her Style! Fashion, I found this Plaid Tailored Blazer for $98, at www.freepeople.com. It’s not tweed but it’ll get the job done. Oh, and don't forget a brooch for your jacket ;)

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...

Green with Envy

Rihanna arriving at the World Music Awards 2007, November 4, 2007 at Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Nia Long was one step ahead of the herd at the 2005 Black Movie Awards at the Wiltern Theater on October 9th in Los Angeles, California.

Mary J. Blige arrives at Conde Nast Media Groups 2007 Movies Rock at the Kodak Theater on December 2, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

Beyonce arrives at the Conde Nast Media Group presents 2007 Movies Rock at the Kodak Theatre on December 2, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

Chrisette Michele performing at her album listening party this summer just gone.

Green has never been my color. It just never enticed me in any way, shape or form. Lately however, I’ve spotted some of our favorite red carpet starlets light up the venue in unapologetically green frocks. Take one stunning dress in an emerald green hue and viola!, instance chic is born. Together the ladies have convinced me that my next cocktail dress will be satin, green and oh so sexy. If you need more convincing also check out Rihanna’s green dress at this years Grammy’s.

Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles attending a press conference ahead of the first Shanghai concert of her 'Beyonce Experience 2007 World Tour' on November 5, 2007 in Shanghai, China.

Someone asked me a while ago where they could find this dress that Beyonce wore to a recent press conference in China. I don’t have the time these days to do a quick search for items, but I always keep my eyes out for specific reader requests while cruising through online shopping sites. I spotted this Milly dress (designed by Michelle Smith) on PinkMascara.com. See below for more details.

Steal Beyonce’s Style…

Dress: Milly Kaleidescope Mini Dress, $274.40, www.pinkmascara.com

Heels: Seducce, $69.95, www.stevemadden.com
Earrings: Wooden Hoop Earrings, $4.80, www.forever21.com
Clutch: The Ellie Clutch in Chocolate Patent Snake, www.zinaeva.com

Obviously you need to wear black, opaque tights with this dress during the colder months. Winter is no joke! Don’t be afraid to wear peep toes though. If you know you’ll be getting a ride to and from a venue, your toes will only have to brave the cold to and from the car. If you want to push this whole look a little further, try these silver, Jazz Club T-straps from Kenneth Cole New York priced at $168.95 from Zappos.com.

Best of the Rest

Left to right: Miss Me Collection Art Phase Mini Dress, $78, www.lulusfashionlounge.com; Sophia Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Missoni Dress, $24.99, www.charlotte-russe.com

You just know I wasn’t going to leave you with out some cheaper dresses. I love the Beyonce's dress but we aren’t all on Bey’s budget! I adore the dress in the middle available at Delias.com. So chic for the price.

Catwalk Copy

Lucy Liu on the set of her new show “Cashmere Mafia” & Beyonce at the opening of the Samantha Thavasa store in Japan earlier this year.

Left: Two-Toned Platform Slingback Pumps, $42.90, www.flyjane.net
Right: Christian Louboutin’s Fox Trot Platform Slingbacks, $283.90 (reduced from $710), www.saksfifthavenue.com

Christian Louboutin’s Fox Trot Platform Slingbacks are sold out at both Saks and Net-A-Porter.com. Never fear, FlyJane.net has exact copies for a fraction of the price. Make like Lucy Liu and Beyonce and rock them this winter with tights. The great thing about these shoes is that you can rock them with gold, silver and/or black accessories. There’s nothing like versatility.

On another note, what do you all think about the new ABC show by "Sex in the City" producer Darren Star? The show's wardrobe will be selected by stylist Patricia Field, another Sex in the City alum. The show was scheduled to air this Fall but due to the Writers Guild of America strike, ABC has delayed the premiere of the series. Check out the trailor below...

Smell Like a Star

Sarah Jessica Parker and her new fragrance "Covet."

Left to right: Diamonds by Emporio Armani, $64 for 3.4oz, www.macys.com; Unforgivable for Women by Sean John, $55 for 2.5oz, www.sephora.com; Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, $52 for 1.5oz, www.nordstrom.com; Usher for Her, $52 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com

Left to right: L by L.A.M.B. Fragrance By Gwen Stefani, $55 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com; M by Mariah, $62.50 for 3.3oz, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Baby Phat Golden Goddess by Kimora Lee Simmons, $52 for 3.4oz, www.babyphat.com; Glow by J Lo Gift Set, $60, www.macys.com

It isn’t enough to have mutli-platinum selling albums or number one movies. Now celebrities are almost expected to leverage their name to seemingly unrelated business ventures. Fashion lines, liquor and even car rims are all fair game, but the fragrance is the ultimate celebrity venture. What could be better than being immortalized into a sweet scent?

If stars aren’t making their own fragrances they're lending their status to promote others, a la Beyonce for Armani’s “Diamonds.” I have and love J Lo’s “Glow” and I’ve smelt Diddy’s “Unforgivable” – very spicy and not in a good way. As for the others I’m no expert, but I’ve heard great things about both Sarah Jessica Parker’s fragrances. Leave comments for your fellow readers about any of the brands above or others you love.

P.S. My all time favorite scent is “Blue” by Dolce & Gabbana. ;)

Get Your Game Face On!

Tyra Banks and Beyonce attend the New York Knicks vs New Jersey Nets Game on April 16, 2007.

Nia Long attending the Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Game on April 4, 2007 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Alicia Keys attends the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden on New York City, April 6, 2007.

Tichina Arnold during the LA stars celebrity all star charity weekend celebrity and NBA all star game at USC Galen Center on August 5, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Watching the game on television is all good and well, but nothing beats courtside seats and another opportunity to flaunt your stellar wardrobe. Better yet, if you’re on a date why not show your potential lover that you can do cute and still be “down” with the game knowledge. What man doesn’t want a lady who knows the names, history and stats of all her favorite players while still rocking three inch stilettos? Those of us who are single can bring the girls along and ogle the players. Either way it’s a win-win situation! See below for courtside looks.