FASHION POLICE

Violator #1:

Sir, we got an anonymous tip (thanks cjm) involving you and a sweater that apparently belonged to a Mr. Bill Cosby in the late 80's to early 90's. **T.I. gives me the innocent look**....Well, I see that you have no prior fashion violations so we'll let it go with a warning. (I am not a hypocrite dammit! I'm still your #4 fan) Something tells me that he had to reach waaaaaayy into the back of the chifforobe for this one.

Violator #2:

Ma'am we're going have to take you down to the station for further questioning. WTF??? Why does Blu always have to be the fashion "don't"?

STYLE STAR: JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jenny from the block is featured on the cover of Bazaar's December "Best Dressed" Issue. Lopez takes the top honor as best dressed. In regards to her love of fashion she comments:

“I love the fantasy that fashion brings; it can make you aspire to a better life, like it did to me. Though people might make fun of some of my outfits, I hope- and I think- they respect the fact that I love fashion, and I go out and do it.”

....Let the church say, "Amen".

Nine times out of ten Jen steps out looking like "That chick"....you know the one whose fashion/make-up/shoe game is always tight. I adored her Sweetface fashion collection, which some criticized as being for people who don't understand "real fashion". Though I don't like how the media made her out to be the first women with an ample behind, I have always admired her unapologetically opulent approach to fashion. These are some of my favorite Jennifer Lopez fashion moments. Enjoy!

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Hats shouldn't be relegated to "bad hair day" duty.

Top:Goorin wool plaid fedora, $48; Kitson; Obey plaid cap, $31; 80spurple.com; Four button pinstripe hat, $28;Intuition

Middle: Knit beret; $25;www.shopintuition.com; Kangol "Modelaine" beret, $27.99; hats.com

Bottom: Navy knit newsboy, $19.99; tashascloset.com; Paul Frank snap button hoodie, $28;karmaloop.com

**dedicated to MCJ**

OBJECT OF DESIRE

I am not a label whore (well, maybe a little),I usually don't like things that are so obviously designer, and I hate small purses. For some reason when I spotted a similar version of this bag I couldn't help but to be slightly fascinated by it. The version that I was lusting over was more like a clutch with a clasp closure. It's sort of gaudy and I have no idea where I would wear it, but when has that ever mattered?

PZI jeans

Perazzi (aka PZI) jeans promotes their merchandise as "grown and sexy" specific and promises the ultimate fit for curvy women. The Atlanta based company specializes in mid-rise jeans sizes 4-16 that are designed to fit the woman with a slim waist and ample hips. As a woman with this particular attribute, I appreciate their efforts in acknowledging this under served market. The pants appear to be flattering and most importantly affordable. Here's a peek at their product offering:

See pzijeans.com for more.

FASHION TV: UGLY BETTY

I don't even have a television and I love this show. Thank you ABC for making the episodes available online! Ugly Betty chronicles the adventures of Betty Suarez (played by America Fererra) who is the smart but unfashionable assistant to the editor-in-chief of the high fashion publication, Mode. Although Betty is in desperate need of a make over, you can't help but to admire her spirit.

The supporting cast is equally hilarious and endearing. Vanessa L. Williams is a delight to watch as Wilhelmina Slater,the manipulative creative director of Mode. Her facial expressions are priceless and lines like, "He's making me look like Miss Jane Pittman" (in reference to her younger date) and "Were you looking at me when you suggested Qwansa" (in reference to a holiday magazine layout) pretty much sealed the deal for me. Salma Hayek acts as executive producer and guest star.

Ugly Betty airs Thursdays @ 8pm on ABC.

STYLE HUNT: HOOD STAR...YOU FOUND IT!

It has come to my attention that the hoody I was searching for in an earlier post is part of the Dereon collection. There's usually about a 30% chance that anything cute Beyonce is wearing is actually associated with her own clothing line. So, imagine my surprise when my friend Chanda told me it was available on back order on the Dereon website.

I'm not sure if I'm feeling the fur lining which allows the jacket to be reversible, but I'm still thinking about coping it.

SITE SEEING: LIKE.COM

Wanna stunt like your favorite celebrity? Look no further than Like.com. This revolutionary site ,that allows you to shop utilizing photo search technology, was launched on Wednesday.

Here's the idea: Click on a photo of Halle Berry wearing a bag that you've just gotta have. The site will perform a product likeness search using a database of about 2 million items from various retailers. Voila! star style at the click of a button. The site currently offers accessories and footwear with apparel slated to be added in 2 weeks.

Happy Shopping!

PUFFED UP

Sydney vest, $58.50;Cooper vest,$49; www.Delias.com

Ruched Jacket, Steve Madden, $88; www.nordstrom.com, Lexi down bomber, $178; www.Abercrombie.com, Hooded faux fur trim jacket, $44.50; www.oldnavy.com

puffer hooded jacket, $24.50,www.wetseal.com; puffer jacket, $58; www.victoriassecret.com

sweet&chic hoody tunic, $79; www.dereon.com

Don't these puffer jackets just make you want to go outside and play in the snow? I have visions of being a snow bunny and watching a football game in freezing temperatures dancing in my head. Too bad I don't live in a colder climate.....

Puffers not your thing? Check out the luxe,lined, and puff-less alternative from the Dereon collection. By the way, this new collection from the Knowles's camp is a more junior driven (read less expensive) version of the House of Dereon collection. See more styles at www.dereon.com

SHADES OF GRAY

We all know that black is hot for fall, but gray makes an equally fashionable statement. Add punches of color for impact or pair with neutral colors for a toned down look.

Old Navy tiered dress and special edition skinny jeans, both $24.50 ; Forever 21 turtleneck sweater, $32.80; Nine West "Honeymist" booties, $79.99, Urban Outfitters seamed wash leather tote, $98

REQUIRED READING: VIBE VIXEN

I think Vibe Vixen is really starting to grow on me. I was a bit skeptical at first, but after being left with no other alternatives (r.i.p. Suede and Honey) I decided to give it a chance. The verdict: It really isn't half bad. I think the turning point (for me at least) occurred when Tracee Ellis Ross was featured on the cover. The magazine's latest cover girl is one of my favorite fashion mavericks, Kelis. I will most definitely be picking that up.

Peace.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Okay, am I the only one that remembers Austin Scarlett modeling on Project Runway's season 1 postal service uniform challenge? I couldn't resist, but I digress.....

To the four people that have checked out this site, I would like to say thank you for your feedback and I need your help one more time.
I gladly welcome any suggestions or comments as to what kinds of fashion related subjects (if any) that you're interested in. Each of you has asked me a fashion related question in the past. Would you be interested in seeing those questions answered here? I think you get the drift. Again, all comments are welcomed and thanks for your participation.

Anyone else who happens to stumble upon this is invited to comment as well.

Smooches....tell a friend.

IN THE MIX

** plaids and stripes are so chic here**

** the jury is still out, but I heart her anyway**

**Milla Jovovich mixes it up**

**Umm,not so much on Blu Cantrell...the floral headband and animal- on- animal is a no**

These days I'm really into mixing up patterns and prints. I was discussing this very thing with a fearless fashion friend of mine. She was describing an ensemble that involved a hodge podge of prints and wanted to get my opinion. I thought it was a fabulous idea and something that could be done subtly or taken to the extreme depending on your taste level.

As plaids, animal prints, and stripes take center stage this fall now is the perfect time to mix things up a bit. Layering is also a big trend for fall that easily lends itself to working with prints.

For those with pattern-phobia or if you're not really sure where to start I would suggest the the following:

1) Start out small with accessories that have pattern. Even if it's just a hand bag with a patterned lining.

2) Stay in the same color palette. This mix and match look is easier to pull off if you're working with colors that compliment one another. The beauty of prints is that you have a few colors to choose from when trying to coordinate. Little touches of necessary color can be added with tights or a vibrant belt. It should also be noted that mixing plaids with plaids and stripes with stripes can be considered overkill.

3) Proportion control. Depending on what you're wearing, work with small prints or pieces that have smaller repeated pattern throughout the garment. You don't want any one piece to overpower the outfit. It should all coordinate and flow together.

4) Proportion control: part 2. Keep the silhouettes somewhat simple and proportional. If you're going for volume up top, it looks more balanced if your pants are more fitted and vice versa). This is especially important for this look as things can get crazy very quickly.

Disclaimer:Of course I don't really believe in fashion rules, but we all know that there is a fine line between fashion forward and fashion victim. Fashionistas walk it proudly:)

CLOSET CASES: KIMORA AND BRANDY

Kimora Lee Simmons and Brandy Norwood opened their closets for a recent issue of US Weekly.

Kimora's over-the-top persona extends to her closet where the accoutrements include damask covered walls and a mini bar stocked with Cristal. She revealed that she has a weakness for designer frocks by Roberto Cavalli and Versace. Though I sometimes question her fashion sense and the extremely flammable nature of the materials she uses for her Baby Phat collection, I can't deny that Kimora's closet game is on point.

Brandy claims to be a Juicy Couture and jeans kind of girl who also favors Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and YSL. She decorates her closet with candles, explaining that they add ambiance, and has a special place for her collection of Louis Vuitton pieces (and cowboy hats apparently **see inset**).

STYLE HUNT: HOOD STAR

Please excuse the blurry and somewhat Stan-ish nature of these frames from Beyonce's Irreplaceable video that made its debut in the U.K. a few weeks ago. Besides, there are much more important issues to discuss.....like the hoody B is sporting for instance.

Hoodies are my cover up of choice this season as I just don't think that trench coats or leather jackets are necessary for L.A.'s cold weather months. This one in particular manages to look casual, cozy, and super cute all at the same time. Unfortunately, I don't know who makes it and don't quite feel like researching it at this very moment. I thought it best to make an official note-to-self, before I lose interest. It probably costs way more than I'm willing to spend, so I will have to keep my eye out for acceptable alternatives as well.

Story developing...

L.A. FASHION WEEK presents SPRING 2007: STAR POWER

What's a fashion show without a little black star power in the front row? hee hee:) Check out pics of random celebs at random shows that took place last week.

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon checkin' things out

Miss Issi and Shar Jackson in the mix

Ms. Diana Ross

Chudney Ross @ Samora

looks like all of the Ross clan was there....

Angela Bassett, Lisa Edelstein, and Vanessa Williams @ Dina Bar-El

Niecy Nash

Eve @ William Rast....speaking of clothing lines, did she ever re-launch Fetish?)

L.A. FASHION WEEK presents SPRING 2007

LA fashion week took place this week and I had the pleasure of attending my first "real" fashion show last night. A friend invited me as her plus one so I jumped at the opportunity. I should have known something was up when A) we weren't pulling into the parking lot of Smashbox studios(where some of the runway shows took place) B) The models were still practicing when we showed up and C) I found out that Andy Dick was the emcee. The theme of the show was a Fashion Walk-off in which the models were to go head-to-head while dazzling us in the latest fashions. The highlights of the evening included waiting around for 3 hours while listening to 80's tunes (this part wasn't actually so bad and I got to meet some cool people), White boys doing the dance routine from Michael Jackson's "Beat it" on the runway, and having a few unrecognizable "celebrity" sightings.

Notice that I make no actual mention of the lace and nylon remnants that some of the designers were trying to pass off as fashion. Let's just say that my friend and I learned some valuable lessons about what we don't want to happen in our future business ventures.

I would have much rather attended the shows featured below that took place earlier in the week. **Sigh** Maybe next year :)

DRAMA QUEEN

Designs by Evisu, Sheri Bodell, Alan del Rosario, and Bebe

RUFFLES & ROMANCE

Designs by Elsie Katz, Balano, and Yana K

TAKE A BOW

Designs by Kevin Hall, Kelly Nishimoto, Dina Bar-El

ONE PIECE

Designs by Morphine Generation and Louis Verdad

STYLE NOTES

WHAT: Part of H&M's ad campaign featuring Madonna and her crew of dancers, stylists, and vocalists as inspiration for Fall 2006. This is her dance captain, Addie.

WHY: I can't always explain what draws me to certain elements of someone else's style. This look is all about casual sophistication with a bit of fun mixed in: quirky chic. I didn't care much about this outfit until I saw the striped socks with the funky fresh heels. Verdict: Loves it!

Man of style: T.I.

"I got style pimp. it's more than just a suit and a shoe..."
-excerpt from 'You Know Who' by Clifford "Tip" Harris

Call me a T.I. stan and I may very well be biased (as he's my fave rapper du jour), but I do recognize a great sense of style when I see it. Even when he's getting his Adebisi on, T.I. still has a certain "jen e sais quoi". I know that he's been clowned on the blogs for his lack of muscle mass, but the man does clean up well. Now, what he sees in this woman (ugh! or should I say fug) I'll never know, but to each his own. Anyway, T.I. is featured in the most recent issue of GQ magazine. In an earlier issue (May 2006) of Vibe he was reported to be developing an upscale clothing line.

Site Seeing

At times I find the wealth of information available on the internet to be quite exhausting. Surfing the web tends to aggravate my ADHD (I'm self diagnosed) and no one site tends to hold my attention for very long. Every now and then I come across a site that's like a breath of fresh air and I'm glued to the computer for hours, even if it's only to look at the photos! Take a peek at a few that I discovered recently.

EYE CANDY
JMary.net features the couture collections of Los Angeles based designer Jennifer Mary. The site's presentation is simple, but the clothing speaks for itself. I'm especially digging the Holiday '05 collection. Not only because the models featured are African-American, but the styling for the shoot (as with most on this site) is magnificent.

B.O.B (Black owned business) Part:1
Pieces Boutique is the brainchild of husband and wife team Latisha and Colin Darling. These 2 met while honing their skills at retailer Old Navy. The boutiques physical locations are in Harlem and Brooklyn, but if you're not in NY you can experience the delightfully funky and down-to-earth vibe their site piecesofbklyn.com. Described by Suede and Essence magazine as "an underground favorite " I have a feeling that it won't be that way for long (if they haven't blown up already) . The boutique offers designer labels as well as their own private label designs for men and women.

B.O.B: part 2




At the end of the day it's all love:) Check out the variety of Oh-so-cute t-shirts and tanks available at iluvblackpeople.com





JEWELRY BARGAINS
I love girlprops.com and alltherageonline.com for cheap and chic jewelry finds. The wares from these sites have been featured in publications such as Essence, Life & Style, Glamour, and the list goes on. I had my eye on these:


LABEL LOVERS

For the label conscious among us, shopbop.com and revolveclothing.com are one-stop shop destinations that stock all of the "must have" labels of the moment: Juicy Couture, L.A.M.B., Catherine Malandrino, Joie, and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent just to name a few.