The Color Purple…

Thandie Newton arriving at the UK Premiere of "The Last King Of Scotland" during the opening gala of The Times BFI London Film Festival, at the Odeon Leicester Square last week in London. The movie kicked off the annual film festival, which runs from October 19 to November 2.
Top: Clyde, $110.00, www.faith.co.uk; Araminta, $109.99, Aldo; SKU #7243142, $99.95, www.zappos.com
Middle: Tassel, $89.95, Steve Madden; Prencella, $99.99 (On Sale!), Nine West; Pango, $79.95, Steve Madden
Bottom: Dot Studded Ankle Boot with Crossed Buckle from a selection by Marc Jacobs; NV, $169.95, Steve Madden; Petre, $275.00, Georgina Goodman

Move over Dorothy, your red shoes are so passé! Purple is the new shoe color of choice amongst urban fashionistas. Perfect with either jeans or a dress, they bring an unexpected twist to any outfit - who else is going wear purple pumps? See Thandie for proof, that outfit would typically be paired with black, red or gold heels, but the purple takes the look to a whole new level. Also try these $25 pumps from www.paylessshoes.com.

A Cut Above The Rest…

Simonair, the face behind Cecilia Jane.
Left to Right: Sahara, $55.00; Sophisticate, $55.00; Tempting, $40.00 all available at www.ceciliajane.com

I always get excited when I discover a new and talented emerging designer, especially when their pieces are as beautiful and unique as Cecilia Jane’s. Simonair, is the creative visionary and founder behind the online boutique which is filled with creative, hand-made handbags and accessories. Originally hailing from St. Thomas Virgin Islands, this Fashion Design & Marketing major has been sewing since the tender age of thirteen. Visit www.ceciliajane.com to browse through her current collection and if you don’t see anything you like don’t worry, you can order a custom-made bag designed to your specifications. Be sure to keep an eye out for Simonair’s first clothing line launching soon.

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

Keesha Sharp arriving at the Mercedes Benz and Vibe Magazine Honoring of the Cast and Producers of "Girlfriends" last week in LA.

Lord knows Keesha’s character is a total Biotch in "Girlfriends," (wonder if William will actually marry her?) In any case I’m not really feeling this get-up she has on, the proportions aren’t right and the dress doesn’t quite fit her and the hair… something is a little off. Anyway can you believe this girl has a web site? I guess she’s doing big thangs!

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.

How Much?

Left to Right: Leopard Haircalf Bangle by Ted Rossi NYC, $125.00; Sculpted Cuff by Kenneth Jay Lane, $125.00; Python Bangle by Ted Rossi NYC, $125.00 all available at www.intermixonline.com
Left to Right: Polka Dot Bangle by Solange, $85.00; Jeweled Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane, $175.00; Jet Cuff by Kenneth Jay Lane, $175.00 all available at www.intermixonline.com

While on the Intermix site I decided to ‘peek’ in on their jewelry section and couldn’t believe my eyes! Their current selection of bangles are to-die-for, no seriously I’m literally dying. Why? I’m mad about the price tag. Ranging from $85 - $125, I don’t know if I could justify the expenditure. While they are stunning, I think I might have to pass or wait patiently on the sale where they’ll only be $75!!!

Note: Want more ‘arm candy’? Click here.

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.