Light as a Feather

Kerry Washington attends the 2nd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 19, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

Jennifer Lopez arrives at American Music Awards after-party on November 22, 2009.

Iman attends the The 2009 Women of the Year hosted by Glamour Magazine at Carnegie Hall on November 9, 2009 in New York City.

Rihanna makes a guest appearance on Norwegian TV show 'Skavlan' on January 21, 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

If you want to stand out form the crowd this Spring, feathers are the way forward. Nothing says, "I'm a fashion risk-taker" like a whispy, feather-tiered skirt or dress. The ladies above are already in the know. Whether it's conservative chic like Kerry Washington or abstract rebellion a la Rihanna, there are a myriad of ways to wear feathers. My favorite inspiration is from Jennifer Lopez. Turn up the glamour by pairing a feather skirt with a sequin corset for extra va va voom!

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.

What Say We?... Yay or Nay

Rihanna attends "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2009 in New York City.

By now I'm sure you've all seen the Dolce & Gabbana suit Rihanna wore to the Met's Costume Institute Gala. Much like Estelle's attempt to be eclectic and cutting-edge on the red carpet this look just didn't translate once captured on film. I'm sure she looked "fierce" in person but I'm going to have to give the usually stylish Rihanna a "nay". I know puff-sleeves are all-the-rage right now, but this is overkill.

Hair Stories: Rock It Out

Rihanna, Tamyra Gray and Sylvia Rhone punk out their short crops to give them each a new look.

1. Kizzi Stay-Put Hair Pomade, $9.50, www.carolsdaughter.com; 2. Moisturizing Silkening Liquid-Gel by Miznai, $13.96, www.just4beauty.com; 3. Bumble and bumble Sumo Wax, $21.95, www.folica.com; 4. Color Brilliance SilKomb 50, $4.99, www.sallybeauty.com; 5. Tool Science Nano Silver Paddle Brush, $6.99, www.sallybeauty.com; 6. Dirt Texturizing Paste by Jonathan, $14, www.sephora.com; 7. Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment, $15.99, www.culmart.com; 8. L'Oreal Color Rays in Red, $10.99, www.drugstore.com

Long hair is so overrated. Yes, it's versatile but there's nothing more endearing than a woman who can wear her hair short with confidence. For those of you already sporting a cropped hairstyle you might consider trying the spiked looks above. Rihanna's hairstlye is especially fabulous - it has a hard edge but is soft enough to wear on an everyday basis. The products above can help you achieve these looks. The most important is hair wax and the stay-put pomade. If you want your style to last all day, carry the pomade/wax with you so you can retouch when needed.

Check Yourself!

Kelly Rowland and Rihanna make appearances in a winning combo of plaid/checked shirts and dark jeans.

Left to right: Midwest Plaid Shirt , $22.90, www.forever21.com; Tartan Silk Blouse, $34.80, www.forever21.com; Victoria Check Shirt, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; Plaid Vest, $18.99, www.charlotte-russe.com

Left to right: Checker Plaid Shirt, $19.80, www.forever21.com; 3/4 Sleeve Check Shirt, $30, www.topshop.com; Plaid 3/4-sleeved ruffle-front top, $44, www.gap.com; Ruffle Front Shirt by Ivy, www.intermixonline.com

Lumberjacks are the last people you'd expect a fashionista to turn to for style inspiration but surprisingly a plaid/check shirt paired with jeans is a winning combination. Whilst some shirts in stores right now look like they came straight off a lumbrjack's back, others include feminine details like a nipped in waist, bows and frills. Whether you stay true to the shirt's origin or go with the updated interpretation, always, always wear with a pair of dark, indigo jeans. See the ladies above for instant inspiration.

Jeans 101: Viva La Color!

Rihanna shopping with dog Oliver in New York City on May 13th, 2008.

Jada courtside at the LA Lakers Vs. Celtics game 4 finals on July 13, 2008.

Fergie spotted in Los Angeles on August 20th, 2008.

Kelly Rowland officially launches St Aubyn's Holistic Centre London, England - 03.05.08.

Hands up those of you who last wore colored denim when you were five years old? You are not alone! I've been in two-minds about the colored jeans trend since it hit the streets last year, but Jada Pinkett and Rihanna (a stonch believer in colored denim) have convinced me to a least try on a pair. My main concern is that those of us with curves are going to end up looking like a giant crayola crayon... not very attractive. If you decide to venture into this trend, tread carefully. Start off with flared jeans or a denim jacket and see how you fare. Baby steps ladies. Baby steps...

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!

Style Inspiration: Good Girl Gone Bad

Rihanna Eats Outside of Da Silvano in New York City on June 19, 2007.

Mya and Cassie channel their bad side with leather and patant respectively.

Turtkeneck: Thalia Top, $19.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Mingled Half Moon Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Hobo Bag: Crescent Ring Brass Studded Hobo, $129.99, www.shoplush.com; Studded Bangle: Studded Bangle, $4, www.charloterusse.com; Belt: Wide Spot Elastic Belt, $50, www.topshop.com; Leather Jacket: Nappa Leather Jacket $3270, www.net-a-porter.com; Red Bangle: Leather And Rivet Wristband, $24, www.topshop.com; Platform Shoes: Trippin, $119.95, www.stevemadden.com; Shorts: Linen High Waist Short, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Skinny Pants: Piper Embroidered Pocket Pant, $32.50, www.alloy.com; Gloves: Wrist Length Stretch Fishnet Gloves with Dot Pattern, $9.99, www.greatglovesonline.com; Black Vest: Filippa Sequin Top by K Karl Lagerfeld, $290, www.net-a-porter.com; Thigh-High Boots: Black Thigh High Boots, $59.99, www.buycostumes.com; Ruffle Shirt: Chiffon Ruffle Top, $25.50, www.wetseal.com; Ankle Boots: Wrap Bootie, $29.63, www.alloy.com; Clutch: Oversized Distressed Bordeaux Clutch, $46, www.amiciaccessories.com; Chain Bracelet: Brass Knuckle Bracelet, $9.99, www.girlprops.com; Black Bangle: Ruby Panther Bangle by Mawi, $466, www.my-wardrobe.com; White Vest: StarLogoTank, $62, www.blackgirlsrockinc.com

Every girl has a bad side. Yes, even you. Dig deep. It’s in there somewhere! Every now and again we need to mix it up a little wardrobe-wise and nothing does that more than bad ass style. If you need a little help bringing out your wild side, just try throwing on some leather, strap on gravity defying boots, draw on some Amy Winehouse-esque eyeliner and strut like it’s your birthday! Take style tips from the three ladies above. Mya dared to take on leather pants – we all know how unforgiving they can be. She softened the look a little by teaming leather with black, chiffon frills. Cassie walked the red carpet in daring thigh-high, patant boots. And Ms. Rihanna, the undisputed princess of darkness, kept it simple with a black vest and skinny jeans, however her brass knuckle boots by Dsquared² took this look to the next level (the real brass knuckles on her hands didn’t hurt the look either). If this is all a bit too vampish for you, try an alternative take on the “good girl gone bad” theme. This Party dress by the theUrbanCollection.com screams “I’m a non-conformist but I don’t take myself too seriously.” After all, being bad should be fun.

Tip it Low

Essence Atkins attending Keith Robinson's Birthday Bash at ONE Sunset on January 23, 2008 in West Hollywood, California.

Nicole Ari Kodjoe arrives to perform all new music from 'As I Am', at exclusive LA performance at Bellavardo Studio on November 17, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Tomiko Fraser arrives at a kick-off party for Maybelline's Beauty Studio October 26, 2005 in NYC.

Zoe Kravitz attends Entertainment Weekly's Sundance Party held at the Legacy Lodge during the 2008 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2008 in Park City, Utah.

Rihanna meets fans and hosts a Power 105.1 live broadcast from Planet Hollywood Times Square. Rihanna is promoting her new album Good Girl Gone Bad.

Fedoras have that undeniably old school vibe about them. No matter what outfit you’re wearing, a fedora conjures up memories of Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack. The new school crowd (i.e. our generation) have taken the classic hat to new heights. Women now don fedoras along with their Gucci clutches, Tiffany earrings and Manolos. The women above have this look down to a science and if you need more inspiration check out Erykah and this other Rihanna pic.

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.

Rock On!

Rihanna arriving at a performance for “Viva Live” in Germany Friday, 1st June, 2007.

Kyla Pratt attends the Ed Hardy store opening at the Beverly Center on December 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Keke Palmer arrives at the 'This Christmas' world premiere at the Cinerama Dome on November 12, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

Fefe Dobson at a 2006 photo shoot.

The Teyanna Taylor post, and subsequent comments, got me thinking about what styles younger girls are wearing these days. Along with skinny jeans, cutting edge sneakers and “blinging” accessories, our youth have fully embraced graphic tees and hoodies. In particular, young ladies like Rihanna, Lil’ Mama and Fefe Dobson are rocking (pun intended) music inspired tees with a harder edge. Since it’s cold as hell here in D.C. (hey, we can’t all be in LA) also consider a rock inspired hoodie.

Coats for Fall: The Parka

Rihanna leaving the Hyatt Hotel on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany on November 26th, 2007.

Left to right: Embroidered Cotton Coat, $39.90, www.forever21.com; Metal Trim Parka, $110, www.topshop.com; Sheared Parka, $140, www.topshop.com; Madeline, $228, www.abercrombie.com

Left to right: Frost Free Belted Anoraks, $46.80, www.oldnavy.com; Miriam Parka, $69.50, www.delias.com; UO Long Fur Parka, $125, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Anorak Pluming, $169, www.mangoshop.com

Parkas have never been so fashionable. I always used to think these coats were for intense blizzards and hiking trips only, but the parka has become quite stylish. To keep them looking feminine invest in a parka with a belt to define your waist and keep lengths above your knee. Any lower and you might look like your about to embark on an expedition! Team with a chunky knit for the ultimate winter chic look.

Rihanna

Rihanna leaving the MTV studios in New York City looking fashionably preppy on October 10th, 2007.

Rihanna is undisputedly the pop princess de jour. With pop royalty comes great responsibility. First and foremost she must become a burgeoning style icon. Personally, I find Rihanna’s style hit or miss. Sometimes she gets it so right by channeling the bad girl/rock chic thing. Other times she takes it a little too far like this ensemble – hate the boots and leather tights. In the pic above Rihanna works the preppy look to perfection. Wear something like this to work (without so many shirt buttons open) and a classic fall coat. See below for ideas.

Steal Rihanna’s Style

Sweater: Silk & Cashmere Long & Lean V-neck Sweater, $39, www.vicotoriassecret.com Pants: Clean Straight Cotton Pants, $34.99, www.gap.comShirt: French Cuffed Striped Shirt, $44.50, www.gap.com
Heels: Gratify, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com
Necklace: Sweetheart Charm Necklace, $5.80, www.forever21.com
Bracelet: Chain Bracelet, $3.80, www.forever21.com

The sunglasses make this outfit extra cute but I don’t know how many of are still rocking them this time of year. Add a charcoal grey bag to the look and you’re good to go. See below for V-neck alternatives.

Best of the Rest

Left to right: Longsleeve Waffle Top, $19.80, www.forever21.com; Longsleeve Waffle Top, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Long Sleeved V-neck Sweater, $39.50, www.gap.com; Isaac Mizrahi for Target’s, 3/4 Sleeve V Neck in Bing Cherry, $29.99, www.target.com