Baby Phat Fall 2008

Kimora and the rest of the Baby Phat team did what they do best. Put on a high profile, star studded runway show filled with clothes most of us will never see again. While I don’t knock her hustle, I increasingly find myself frustrated with the fact that none of these items will ever be mass produced. This is not Chanel or Alexander McQueen. Baby Phat should consider reaching a wider market by distributing some of these pieces. Some really cute outfits were on display. Ok, so let me get off my high horse and talk about the collection for a minute. Things didn’t really get interesting until look 34 – a gorgeous, flirty, purple dress that would flatter most figures. Baby Phat didn’t really seem to push a cohesive theme, there were just a few cute outfits scattered here and there. The mustard yellows and deep playful violets were a welcome reprise from the otherwise bland color palette. Though the clothes were definitely more wearable than seasons past, I wasn’t really inspired. I doubt Baby Phay really care to inspire, they’ll get the headlines regardless.

Workwear 101: Business Casual

Zoe Saldana arriving at the premiere of 'El Cantante' at the Director's Guild of America Theatre on July 31, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Jada Pinkett Smith makes an appearance at the Preschool of America to read to children and unveil a new book with child safety tools for parents sponsored by Duracell on May 2, 2007 in NYC and Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at the JLO Sweetface Fashion Show in West Village, Manhattan, February 10, 2006 in NYC.

Please take note. Business casual does not have to mean preppy v-necks and crisp white shirts. It’s time to start thinking outside-the-box. Explore fluffy cardigans, bright colored shoes, charming jewelry and A-line, knee-length dresses. Below I picked four pant-shirt combos since we’re still in winter, kinda (global warming has me confused!) For the summer months invest in body skimming, as opposed to body hugging, dresses that linger around your knees.

Tops: Swiss Dot Blouse, $22.80, www.forever21.com; V Neck Ruffle Blouse, $29, www.hotkiss.com; Printed Top with Rickrack Detail by Andrew GN, $750, www.brownsfashion.com; Idaho Cardi, $99.99, www.fcusbuymail.com

Bottoms: Rise Metallic Tweed Trousers, $19.99, www.oldnavy.com; High Waist Trouser, $76, www.topshop.com; Penelope Trouser, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Matelot Trouser, $70, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Marthena, $70, www.aldoshoes.com; Diba Jypsi, $65, www.piperlime.com; Mae, Boutique 9, $130, www.ninewest.com; Lucioa, $80, www.aldoshoes.com

1. Boucle Cardigan with Velvet Belt by Was, $520, www.brownsfashion.com; 2. Hearts Charm Bracelet, $19.99, www.girlprops.com; 3. Equestrian, $229.99, www.shoplush.com; 4. Crazy Dress, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 5. Stone Necklace, $29.99, www.shoplush.com; 6. Bumpy Rider Jacket, $189.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 7. Bleeker Leather Large Duffle, $448, www.coach.com; 8. Oh Deer! Praline, $90, www.piperlime.com

Satin Delights…

Jennifer Freeman arriving at the premiere of 'Somebody Help Me' at the Chinese Theatre on October 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Kimora Lee Simmons attending the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards after party in association with Blender/Vitamin Water.

Deborah Cox at the Just Cavalli New York Flagship store opening during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 on September 7, 2007 in NYC.

Shaun Robinson attending the Grammy Foundation's 'Starry Night' gala under the stars honoring Quincy Jones on the UCLA Campus on July 28, 2007 in Westwood, California.

The party season cometh and with it, the demand for several cocktail dresses on standby. First comes the annual office party, then it’s the friendly pre-Christmas dinner and of course, don’t forget New Year’s Eve. You’d better start preparing now if you don’t want to settle for the last dress in the store or worse yet, you find the perfect dress but there’s none left in your size (story of my life!) Take a cue from the four ladies above and make one of your season dresses a tight, knee length, satin number… the fail safe cocktail dress.

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. ;)

Bright Lights, Sequin City

Joy Bryant at Glamour Magazine's "Fashion Gives Back" event to benefit Malaria No More at a Private Residence in NYC, September 4, 2007.

Paula Patton at Samsung Gleam Private Dinner and After Party hosted by Pharrell at TAO Las Vegas September 8, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Keri Hilson onstage at the 2007 Video Music Awards at the Palms Casino Resort on August 9, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at 4th Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 6, 2007 in New York City.

Sequins are nothing new but they’ve made a resurgence on the Spring 2008 runway shows, including Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese and Badgley Mischika and now celebrities are wearing them too. Whether it’s tiny sequins like on Kimora Lee Simmons or Paula Patton’s dress or huge ones like singer Keri Hilson, sequins add zing to any outfit. Keep the look from looking Vegas-like by sticking to black, if you must add color take a leaf out of Joy Bryant’s book. The silk flowers are divine.

Baby Phat Spring 2008

What a breath of fresh air! Kimora and the team at Baby Phat stepped up their game on this one. The colors in the Spring 2008 runway show were playful and fresh. The pastel yellows and pinks teamed with sharp turquoises were fun to watch on the shorts, minis and swimsuits that sashayed down the catwalk. Usually Kimora over does the whole “bling bling” thing giving the impression that she doesn’t know how to refine some of her pieces, but this collection showed growth and a lot of restraint. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind incorporating street chic with high-fashion, but it needs to be done right. I was also a big fan of the menswear collection. Although only ten out of the fifty-six looks were dedicated to men’s clothing, they were on point. Loved the bright preppy sweaters and bermuda shorts. Wasn’t too sure about the evening dresses towards the end but all in all Baby Phat gets an A… minus.

Black is Back…

Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek are going to grace the cover of Ebony magazine’s September issue, out August 13th. The issue celebrates the influence of Blacks in fashion. The 50 page spread will pay homage to everyone from fashion designers, stylists, models and fashion icons. "A lot of the times the fashion world doesn't give a lot of attention to American Black girls from urban areas," notes Banks on Page 64. "I don't mean to pat my own back, but America's Next Top Model pulled down the curtain to this world that people thought they couldn't be a part of. Now every girl is like, 'I want to be a model.' I feel like the world is more accessible, but by no means is it less prestigious." Tell it sista! Be sure to pick up a copy next Monday.

Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane...

I just finished watching Kimora’s new reality series called "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane." It premieres this Sunday on the Style Network at 8pm EST. The show seems really interesting and her life is indeed fabulous. Though I think Baby Phat clothes are hideous, her team are doing something right since they’ve built an empire worth millions. Watch the full episode here and tell me what you think. Will you be tuning in weekly? Thanks to Juicy News for the heads up ;)

We Like Short Shorts!

Kimora Lee Simmons hosts the Baby Phat Spring 2007 Dinner during Olympus Fashion Week September 8, 2006 in New York City.

Grecian Goddess: Linien Jumpsuit, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Modus Rio Wide Leather Belt, $84, www.ravinstyle.com; Matt Bernson Distressed Leather Love Sandal, $99 www.ravinstyle.com; Ananas Nicky Bag, $399, www.bagtrends.com; Feather Drop Earrings, $18, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Grecian Cuff, $6.80, www.forever21.com

Bright Delight: Women's Crochet Button Camis, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com; Solid Ribbed Cuffed Short, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Hatay Sandal, $100, www.aldoshoes.com; Button Down Gold Bag, $36, www.amiciaccessories.com; Seashore Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Vintage Ring, $3.80, www.forever21.com

Springtime Girlie: Belted Scoop Neck Top, $19.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Crochet Bermuda Short, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Leslie Wedge, $16.99, www.payless.com; Striped Denim Drawstring Bag, $68, www.rampage.com; Wide Bangle in Silver, $12.99, www.girlprops.com; 5” Stripe Ribbon Headband, $4, www.wetseal.com

At the first sign of sunshine ladies across the globe run to their favorite pedicurist and get their toes perfectly polished. Rightly so since they’ve been in hibernation for the last five or so months. Now that our pretty feet are enjoying the sun’s rays what do we do with the rest of our legs? I say get a good all-over body massage and show them off in shorts. Whether you opt for this season’s brights or classic neutrals, brandish your legs with pride. If you have cellulite that you don’t want to impose on the world make Bermuda shorts your new friend this summer. And remember, the higher the shoe the better. ;)

A Black and White Affair…

Thandie Newton and Eva Mendes attending the launch party for new range of bags created by Mulberry for Giles, at Harvey Nichols, London in January 2007.

Angela Bassett attending the ceremony honoring Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week in Hollywood.

Cassie posing backstage after her appearance on MTV's Total Request Live last September in New York City.

Sanaa Lathan at the Cosmopolitan Magazine launch of Bebe Sport with Eva Longoria last March.

Kimora Lee Simons posing in the lobby during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland with designer Tracy Reese backstage at the Tracy Reese Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Promenade in Bryant Park this February in NYC.

Sorry the posts have been slow this week I’ve been busy with papers and then blogger was acting up. Anyway, monochrome prints are going to be hot this summer but if you don’t do pretty patterns opt for block colors. Black and white stripes like Cassie and Thandie’s give this look a harder edge.

Baby Phat Fall 2007

Fashionistas around the globe have descended onto New York City’s already crowded streets which can only mean one thing… Fashion Week has arrived. Among the first to lead the festivities is everyone’s favorite wife of a mogul, Kimora Simmons. Ms. Kiki and the Baby Phat crew delivered their usual dose of friendly fashion fused with over-the-top glamour but unfortunately nothing really stood out. Their velvet capes and dresses made for an interesting twist but I couldn’t help but feel like I’d seen it all before. How many times are we going to see Dr. Zhivago hats and fur-trimmed boots on the runway? And what is with the cheap looking, gold lurex? The tailored suits were perhaps their most successful pieces. This long corseted coat with the corsage seemed out of place in the collection, probably because it was too sophisticated and unique… I doubt I’ll be able to find it!

Are You Faking It?

Mary J. Blige and her husband Kendu Isaacs, seated front row at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards last week.
Kimora Lee Simmons arriving at Paramount Pictures' and Walden Media's screening of ‘Charlotte's Web’ at Clearview Chelsea West last week in New York City.
Candid of Kelly Rowland shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York City last week.
Queen Latifah attending the "Dreamgirls" premiere presented by DreamWorks Pictures & Paramount Pictures at the Ziegfeld Theatre on earlier this week in New York City.
Meagan Good walks on Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival back in 2004 in Park City, Utah. – Are these boots ridiculous? Yes. Does Meagan get away with them? Absolutely!

I in no way, shape or form advocate the skinning alive of animals for fur. It’s not even necessary in this day and age… Just fake it! I know Mary J. Blige, Kimora and possibly Kelly are certainly not faking. Some poor fox suffered for that wrap on Mary’s shoulders. And look at the pic of the Queen… :(

I think fake fur can look just as elegant and glamorous as the real thing, plus you don’t have to sleep with one eye open worrying if that was PETA you heard outside your window (them folks are serious with the cause!) So this winter faking it is good… See below for the goods.

Jeans 101: Long ‘n’ Lean

Kimora Lee Simmons at the premiere photography exhibit of portraits by Brett Ratner, held at Altair Lofts, NY in May of this year.
Rihanna Promoting Clinique Laboratories New Perfume "Clinique Happy"last month in Tokyo, Japan.
Joy Bryant arriving at the Christian Dior "D'Trick" Launch Party at Fenix in Los Angeles.
Zoe Saldana at Coach's Legacy Collection Launch Party in NYC.

This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Standing tall at 5’9”, I often find it difficult to locate pants/trousers of any kind, long enough to meet my ankles. As a general rule, no matter how tall you are, pants should reach at least half-way down the heels of the shoes you are wearing. This of course doesn’t apply to pants intended to be short i.e. capris, skinny jeans etc. My friends and I used to refer to short pants as swingers, meaning they swing at your ankles and never quite get to your feet! Avoid joining the swingers club and scroll down for some great jeans…

Baby Phat Spring 2007

Olympus Fashion Week began with a bang this Friday; no less than 20 fashion houses paraded their latest offerings and among them was Kimora Lee Simmon's third child aka Baby Phat. Not being one to shy away from the spotlight, Kimora had all her models don different colored 'grillz' as they sashayed down the runway – class at its best! The collection itself was typical Baby Phat; street-wear with a splash of high fashion thrown in for good measure. Kimora and her team put their spin on the conventional business suit and played around with modern tailoring. Silk, satin and anything else shiny were the materials of choice; used to make up most of this collection, they added the typical showmanship and sparkle that is synonymous with the label. And now for the bad news… I hated the grillz. They were so unnecessary and made the whole show look tacky. I also wasn’t too keen on the cut-away swimsuits and tops – been there, done that, can we move on please?! And the crazy ‘leaf’ hats the models wore were a little confusing; they didn’t really match the outfits they were paired with. Overall, it was an average collection, but then again I’ve never been a huge fan of Kimora’s line – either way it doesn’t really matter what I think, she’ll probably make millions-upon-millions of dollars from sales this year! See the full collection for yourselves in the slideshow below, remember you can click on any photo to see it bigger.

Live Pretty!

I don't know if any you have heard of or read Jolie magazine, but their public relations department were kind enough to send me an excerpt from their next issue featuring the infamous Kimora Lee Simmons (out August 29th). And unbeknownst to me, Vivica Fox owns this publication with three other African-American women. I ain't mad at that!...

Simmons shares some private time with her girl, editor-at-large Vivica A. Fox and dishes about her “self-indulgent, over-the-top-diva” persona, Russell and that infamous rumor:

JOLIE: How do you feel about the media’s depiction of you as some "self-indulgent, over-the-top diva"?

KIMORA LEE SIMMONS: I try not to let others’ perceptions of me affect the things I know about myself. But at the same time I preach to all women everywhere that a little self-indulgence is sometimes necessary....

J: Allegedly, you were quoted in a major media outlet as saying "I am happy and wished that Russell and I departed years ago….Russell and I had outgrown one another years ago and the little blue pill did not help our s*x life….Russell was awful in bed! We will continue our business relationship and we will both be active in our kids lives, but the romance is what...over!!!”

KLS: ABSOLUTELY FALSE! I would never nor have I ever been known to be the type of woman that would carry herself in such a way - by saying such silly and senseless things about another person, let alone my baby daddy!

Jolie can be found at Barnes & Noble as well as supermarkets and newsstands nationwide. Learn more about the magazine @ www.jolie-magazine.com where you can look through some of the pages from their current issue (featuring Lisa Raye!)

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!