Color Complex

Taraji P. Henson arrives at the Black Enterprise All-Star gathering celebrating Oscar week on February 20, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Mel B spotted in Los Angeles, California earlier this year.

Meagan Good with Tulle Coats at Boost Mobile at Marquee Lounge on January 21, 2008 in Park City, Utah.

Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton pose during the official launch of the Sydney Theatre Company's '2009 Main Stage Season' at the Wharf Restaurant on September 1, 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Alas, fall is coming. I'm not sure I'm ready yet. Try brightening up the impending cooler days with a bold, colored coat/jacket. Rainbow inspired outerwear is so easy to find. Every online boutique and high street store are offering an array of show-stopping hues. Just be sure to pick the color that best matches your complexion - not everyone can get away with sunshine yellow.

My Picks!

Left to right: Bethany Wool Blend Coat, $34.80, www.forever21.com; Double-breasted princess coat by Miu Miu, $1320, www.net-a-porter.com; Hooded Button Detail Coat, $130, www.topshop.com; Kinicki Coat, $328, www.fcusbuymail.com

Left to right: French Connection Square Button Jacket, $252.42, www.asos.com; Ruffle Cuff Pea Coat by Juicy Couture, $398, www.shopbop.com; Petal Bow Neck Jacket, $117.20, www.asos.com; Pique Wool-Blend Coats, $89.50, www.oldnavy.com

I've had my mind set on a red coat ever since I saw my sister's red coat from Mango, UK last year. Other colors I'm drawn to are blue and fuschia. Don't overdo this look by adding other bright colors to the mix - let the coat speak for itself. Pair it with neutral colors like black, dark denim or even white.

Last Saturday, there was another great event in Long Beach other than my Salvage Life Sale: The We Love Long Beach BBQ. Scott asked me if I would be willing to donate a prize for the drawing, so I put together this gift bag.

1. Oversized red leather bag
2. Retro sunglasses
3. Metallic gold coin purse
4. Chunky bead and chain necklace
5. Pair of stud earrings (white with red stripes)
6. Red, white and blue geometric print Vera scarf

I missed the BBQ because I was setting up for the sale, but I hope this goodie bag went to a good home!

Jazmine Sullivan

You'd have to have been living under some kinda two tonne rock not to of at least heard the track "Need U Bad" by new J Records artist Jazmine Sullivan. Her debut album "Fearless" reached number 6 on the billboard charts selling 65, 539 units in its first week.

"It’s been a long time since a debut artist has brought as much drama” cites USA Today’s 3-star review, while People’s 3.5-star Critic’s Choice review declares that FEARLESS is the "African-American answer to Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black.” Elle adds to the critical praise by stating the 21 year old Philly native “swings deep and wide like Sarah Vaughn, tears it up like Mary J., and emanates the lady-preacher seriousness of Lauryn Hill.”

Join the revolution and check out Jazmine when she hits a town near you. Visit her official site and MySpace page for more details.

Upcoming Shows:

1. October 8, 8pm @ Opera House - Boston, MA
2. October 9, 8pm @ Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY
3. October 10, 8pm @ Chevrolet Theatre - Wallingford, CT
4. October 12, 8pm @ Massey Theatre - Toronto, Ontario
5. October 14, 8pm @ The Taft Theatre - Cincinnati, OH
6. October 15, 8pm @ Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO
7. October 17, 8pm @ Murat Theater - Indianapolis, IN
8. October 18, 8pm @ Chicago Theater - Chicago, IL
9. October 19, 8pm @ Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI
10. October 25, 8pm @ Paramount Theatre - Denver, CO
11. October 28-29, 8pm @ Paramount Theatre of the Arts -Oakland, CA
12. October 31, 8pm @ Pearl -Lax Vegas, NV
13. November 1, 8pm @ Shrine Auditorium - Los Angeles, CA
14. November 6-7, 8pm @ Verizon Wireless Theatre -Houston, TX
15. November 8, 8pm @ Majestic Theatre - Dallas, TX
16. November 10, 8pm @ BJCC Hall - Birmingham, AL
17. November 11, 8pm @ Orpheum Theater - Memphis, TN
18. November 12, 8pm @ Civic Center - Atlanta, GA
19. November 14, 8pm @ Coliseum Theatre - Greensboro, NC
20. November 15, 8pm @ Landmark Theatre - Richmond, VA
21. November 17-18, 8pm @ Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
22. November 21, 8pm @ Susquehanna Center - Philadephia, PA
23. November 23, 8pm @ United Palace Theatre - New York, NY

Couture with Heart

Serena Williams' design for Stuart Weitzman.

Joy Bryant, Jada Pinkett and Janet Jackson also designed a pair for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Who knew Hollywood had such untapped fashion talent? Stuart Weitzman annually asks some of the hottest celebrities to design shoes for the Stuart Weitzman Annual Celebrity Shoe Auction. It’s an online auction, so anyone can bid! September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Stuart Weitzman is doing its part to attract publicity in order to raise money to support ovarian cancer research. The celebrity designers include Serena Williams, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Joy Bryant, Eva Longoria Parker, Janet Jackson, and Jessica Alba. The shoes also come with an autographed glossy photo of the star. Head to Stuart Weitzman's special site to start bidding - prices start at a mere $200!

SALVAGE LIFE CLEARANCE SALE!!!

I am so horrible...I have committed a major crime in the blogging world: Not posting anything for almost 2 weeks. Shame on me! Well, maybe these pictures will explain what I have been up to. Last Saturday I had a huge clearance sale at my house. As you can see, i transformed my living room into a boutique. That took a lot of preparation and when you are caring around an extra 15+ pounds, it is a little slow going. The sale was a huge success. The girls sipped homemade Sangria and Sparkling Lemonade while filing through the racks. Everyone found some great treasures...seriously, I don't think there was anyone who came, that didn't buy anything. We had a blast! It was going to be a one time thing, but customers have been so responsive and are already asking for another sale before Christmas! We'll keep you posted.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Perlina Croc Wallet, $7.50, www.forever21.com

Check: Reptile-Print Clutches, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com

Charge: Isa Lizard Emboss, $295, www.loreleinyc.com

Croc clutches are all the rave right now but don't be predictible and buy a bright red clutch. Other colors to consider would be sunlight yellow, plum purple or sea aqua (like Selita Ebanks in a recent post). If your on a budget, the "cash" or "check" options are right up your alley but for those of you with a little more money to burn opt for this gorgeous Isa Lizard Emboss clutch. It's perfect with a cocktail dress or jeans!