Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais at a recent event earlier this year.

Garcelle Beauvais arrives at the Spring 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at Smashbox studios on Sunday October 12th in Culver City, California.

Garcelle Beauvais arrives to the premiere of Lionsgate's My Best Friend's Girl on September 15, 2008 at The Arclight in Hollywood, California.

Garcelle Beauvais at the Vogue and Step Up Women's Network fashion event at Bally on October 28, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

Cool temperatures require that we cover up from head-to-toe or at least toe-to-high waist. Take a leaf out of Garcelle Beauvais' style book and invest in some classic wide leg, high-waisted pants. They are still very much "in" this season and give a polished look a laid back elegance. Note how Garcelle keeps things simple with simple accessories and classic make-up. For further inspiration also look to the pioneer of the wide leg pants, Katherine Hepburn.

My Picks!

Left to right: MIH Jeans Valencia Wide Leg Jeans, $265, www.net-a-porter.com; Saint Grey Wide Trouser by Thomas Burberry, $201.32, www.my-wardrobe.com; Saint Grey Wide Trouser, $158, www.fcusbuymail.com; Zip High Waisted Trousers, $80, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Cuffed Wide Leg Pinstripe Trouser, $28, www.forever21.com; Wide Leg Wool Blend Trouser, $27.80, www.topshop.com; Wide Leg Trouser, $80, www.topshop.com; High Waist Knit Pant, $29.50, www.store.alloy.com

Whether you prefer high-waisted or low-rise, wide leg pants give any look instant sophistication. Whether it's to work or on a hot date, keep your pants w ide. To complete the look wear high round toed heels, a waist belt and statement blouse. French Connection has some great wide leg pants online. Also check these Ryo Stretch Trousers ($138) - tres chic!

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.

Style on the Go...

Tia and Tamera Mowry attending Eduardo Lucero's Fall 2007 collection at the Los Angeles Theater on March 17, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Sanaa Lathan at the Fred Segal Beauty & Smashbox Artists Dinner last week.

Vanessa Williams posing as she receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame March 19, 2007 in Los Angeles.

Garcelle Beauvais at the Kevan Hall Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week held at Smashbox Studios on last week in Culver City, California.

Too much fabulousness last week! First up are everyone’s favorite twins, Tia and Tamera. They were spotted during LA fashion week at Eduardo Lucero’s Fall 2007 show. Love the green on Tia and her shoes are hot!

Also attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was Garcelle Beauvais looking typically radiant. I heard the Kevan Hall collection was fresh and elegant. Love his dresses!

Congratulations to Vanessa Williams who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Can you believe she was once amidst a Miss USA scandal? She’s come a long way. Vanessa’s dress was perfect for the occasion but what was up with her hair?

Sanaa Lathan is too cute! This outfit is so, “I’m fabulous but not ‘cause I’m trying to be!” I just caught “Something New” on cable and fell in love with Sanaa even more… classic beauty!

Credit: Juicy News and YBF for pics.

The Eyes Have It…

Inner & Outer Corners: Both Nia Long and Alicia Keys chose to concentrate their eye shadow color in the inner and outer corners of their eyes respectively.

Under the Eye: Ashanti and Rihanna prefer to leave their top eyelids bare and let their bottom lids do the talking.

Top Eyelid: Christina Milian and Jada Pinkett-Smith prefer the conventional approach and opt for color above the eye.

Smoky Eyes: Garcelle Beauvais and Kerry Washington perfect their red carpet pose with smoky eyes and nude lips.

Nude Eyes: Sanaa Lathan and Danielle Evans keep things simple with a nude eye and a dash of eyeliner.

First of all my apologies, I’ve been so busy since the beginning of the year and I've not been posting as often as I should but as soon as things settle down the site will be back to normal.

If you’re anything like me then you’re probably on a life long quest to find the ultimate mascara or the perfect, ever illusive smoky eye - Garcelle what’s your secret? Her secret is probably her makeup artist but don’t despair, we mere mortals can huddle together and come up with some tricks of our own! I picked five of the most popular red carpet looks and they’re all achievable. Note: Any makeup artists out there should feel free to drop a little knowledge ;)

Mellow Yellow

A dress from the Versace Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection.

Trend Prediction: Yellow dresses. I know it’s a little early to be yearning for Spring but when it arrives be a bright young thing and invest in a stunning yellow dress. I usually don’t like Paris Hilton’s style but I adore the dress she wore to Fox’s TCA party last year – it makes me feel like shift dresses were made for the color yellow. Reese’s gorgeous, strapless dress is by Nina Ricci. Pairing it with red heels was genius. Most fashion sites are naming Reese as their best dressed woman at Monday night's Golden Globes. I think half the fun of wearing canary yellow is finding the right accessories, they are so many possibilities! And as if you needed any more encouragement notice how great yellow looks on darker skin tones (see Garcelle).

Note: See the last Trend Alert: Tight Fix.

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

Garcelle Beauvais arriving at the premiere of "The Pursuit of Happyness" at the Mann Village Theater last night in Los Angeles, California.

Garcelle usually gets it right, but she missed the mark this time. I’ve always disliked dresses with hems like this one, why does it rise in the middle? And what is going on in at the back of this dress anyway? Secondly, her breasts need a lot more support. And lastly the hair isn’t flattering at all. It looks like she really didn’t care, which is a shame because her makeup is flawless… Nay upon NAY!

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 :)

Style on the Go...

Christina Milian attending the the "H&M celebrates Viktor & Rolf Collection with a Wedding and fashion show" last Friday in Beverly Hills.
Jody Watley was also at the "H&M/Viktor & Rolf Collection” event on Friday.
Jennifer Hudson arriving at the 17th Annual Mercedes-Benz Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday in Beverly Hills.
Garcelle Beauvais at the 17th Annual Mercedes-Benz Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday in Beverly Hills.

Y’know I almost made Christina Milian this week’s ‘Yay or Nay,’ but lucky for her Eve looks waaaaay worse and even though I don’t like the heart-shaped shirt she still looks amazing. Speaking of amazing, Jody Watley looks great for 47! I know 47 isn’t old still, she’s working the h*ll outta that dress. Check out Jody’s new site here. I know y’all are probably fed-up of Garcelle but she just gets it… Not seen a bad pic of her yet. And who else can not wait to see Dreamgirls? I hope it doesn’t disappoint, it would be great for all those involved to receive great reviews for their roles. Jennifer Hudson certainly looks like she’s ready for the spotlight. That dress is perfection on her.

Style Inspiration: The 1950’s

Kerry Washington does 50’s style to perfection, even her hair is reminiscent of the era.
Tracee and Garcellle show off their figures in these typical 50’s high-waisted outfits.
Polka Dot Dress: Polka Dot Mesh Dress, $54.00, www.hotkiss.com; Yellow Cardigan: Crew Neck Cardigan, $56.00, www.topshop.co.uk; Pants: Style# 6306K05, $78.00, www.maxstudio.com; Black Bag: La Regale Evening Bag, $44.00, Macys; White Bag: Colorful Creations DP19 Shimmer, $25.45, www.shoebuy.com; Peep Toe: Giddie, $99.95, Steve Madden; Polka Dot Clutch: Black Frame Bag, $12.99, Target; White Dress: Organza Party Dress, $449.00, www.rebeccataylor.com; Brooch: Vintage Style Ribbon Pin (J64984) by Nolan Miller, $54.75, QVC; Coat: Valentina Coat by Tocca, $870.48, www.my-wardrobe.com; Wide Pants: Trove by House of Spy, $120.00, www.paper-doll.com; Headband: Croc Head band, $28.00, Guess; Shirt Dress: Shirt Dress with Belt, $32.80, Forever 21; Flats: Soda Toyu Sandals 6 Gold, $15.99, www.cutesyshoes.com; White clutch: Beaded Cluster Framed Evening Bag, $11.99, Target; Necklace: Bright Beaded Choker, $20.00, Urban Outfitters; Sleeveless Cardigan: Crochet Sweater Top, $22.80, Forever 21; Belt: Shiny Croc Disco Sash Belt, $24.00, www.asos.com; Skirt: Tweed pencil skirt, $34.00, www.newport-news.com

As far as I’m concerned this was the best decade for fashion. If you were fuller figured you could flatter your curves with a tight pencil skirt or hide them under a poofy A-line dress, cinched with a belt. If on the other hand you were slender, you could rock the pencil legged pants and tight cardigans. I think 50s fashion has been creeping into contemporary clothing since the late 80s, but it shows no signs of disappearing this season (notice the waist-high belts, peep toe heels and capris). Beauty tip: When repping this retro style, make sure your nails are neat and short, 50s divas were prim ‘n’ proper from head to toe!

Note: Also try these throw back Mary Janes from Antropologie & check out these ladies and dresses for further inspiration.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais arrives at the Gen Art's "Fresh Faces in Fashion" at the Barker Hanger last week in Los Angeles, California.
I’ve noticed that purple is the color of the moment… good news for me since purple is my favorite color! Here Garcelle opts for this gorgeous, above-the-knee, chiffon dress - it looks perfect against her skin. See how to copy this look below…

Steal Garcelle’s Style...

Dress: Smocked Waist Mesh Dress, $54.00, www.hotkiss.com
Left to Right: Sequin Peep Toe, $29.50, www.alloy.com; Bead Swirl Clutch, $14.99, Target; Silvertone Crystal Hoop Earrings, $15.99, Target

I probably would have gone with different shoes if I were Garcelle, but in the interest of being ’authentic,’ I chose these white peep toes from www.alloy.com. I can’t believe this dress is just $54! It looks like it should cost so much more. I think if you wear such strong colors you shouldn't try and match it with your makeup. On occasion I might try the same color eye shadow, but I always make it an exact match.

You Can Leave Your Hat On…

Alicia Keys making an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios earlier this year.
Eve on MTV's Total Request Live last year in New York City.
Beyonce leaving Nobu Restaurant in London last year.
Garcelle Beauvais arriving at the 15th Annual Environmental Media Awards held at Ebell Club of Los Angeles last year.

You’re either a hat person or you’re not, but if you fall into the latter group the pics above may change your mind. I used to file hats under ‘purely for daywear,’ but looking at Beyonce and Garcelle work theirs in the evening has given me a whole new perspective. I picked out some of my favorites below…

Style Inspiration: Classic

Garcelle Beauvais always looks stunning and this little black dress is to die for!
Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross are the reigning queens of classic style!
Gold Clutch: Gold Python from a selection by Lorelei Lucia; Sandals: Calen, $89.99, Aldo; Turtleneck: SS Sweater Top, $15.80, Forever 21; Black Clutch: Blima, $49.99, Steve Madden; Dress: Style no.6201G55, $68.00 (On Sale!), www.maxstudio.com; Trousers: Notch Back Wide Leg Pant, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Top: Vanessa Tie Top, $88.00, French Connection; Belt: Jocasi Ibiza Waisted Wide Belt, $100.00, www.asos.com; Bag: Convertible Two Pocket Messenger, $58.00, Urban Outfitters; Red Clutch: Ruby Red Clutch, $56.00, www.amiciaccessories.com; Hoops: Goldtone Hoops, $7.00, Claire’s; Skirt: Highlight by Greenbaum Clothing, $96.00, www.paper-doll.com; Pumps: Black Snake Jewel by Cesare Paciotti, $716.00, www.shoeluv.com; Gold Earrings: Gold Earrings, $12.99, www.girlprops.com; Boots: Gilda, $60.00, Rampage; Coat: Super Coat, $298.00, French Connection

Every closet needs it's staple items; the little black dress, the perfect gold pair of shoes, the classic coat, and since the stores are starting to release their Fall collections it's the perfect time to update your closet. I have my eye on those boots from Urban Outfitters and that coat would fit seamlessly into my current wardrobe. It's sometimes worth spending a little more on classic items of clothing, a great fitting pair of black trousers will see you through many seasons... But of course that doesn't mean you have to own just one pair! ;)

2006 Emmy Awards...

Tyra Banks and Eva Longoria
Garcelle Beauvais and Vanessa Minnillo
Shaun Robinson and Alfre Woodard
Seal & Heidi Klum and Omar Epps & Kiesha Spivey

The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards aired last night on NBC and here are some of the red carpet arrivals... I didn't even watch the show but from these pictures the event looked very blah, blah, blah. I love Tyra and Eva's dresses and the two couples at the bottom look great, but other then that they weren't many highlights. On another note, is Heidi expecting another baby?... She stays pregnant!

Note: You can click on any of the pics on this site to make them bigger! ;)

Ladies in Red...

Sanaa Lathan looks simply stunning in red at the HollyRod Escada Event
Thandie Newton in a gorgeous strapless dress at the UK Premiere Of Almodovar Film 'Volver' in London
Garcelle Beauvais arriving at the HollyRod Escada Event with lovely gold shoes and accessories

Red looks great against any skin complexion, and though it's a color I stray from, the ladies above are slowly bringing me around. I especially think Sanaa looks S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G in that gorgeous dress! You can't hide in a red dress so release your exhibitionist side and wear red to your next major event... scroll up for the best looks!