Can Non Celebrities Dress like Celebs?

Image Courtesy of Google Images.

Today, while watching 106th and Park, I couldn't help but notice Rocsi's eclectic mix of patterns in her ensemble. She wore a loose fitting nautical striped shirt, a graffiti-floralesque ballet skirt, and a gold chain necklace. As I was watching the show, Rihanna's most recent video, "What's My Name" featuring Drake came on. And I had an epiphany, oh she's imitating Rihanna's look from the What's My Name Video where she sports a bright red wig, black corset top, black and white stripped blazer, black and white color block gym shorts, nude pantyhose, orange ankle socks and camel colored "granny oxfords". This is Rihanna's signature look, and it works on her because she is a celebrity with a certain branded image associated with her, but does it work for others?

Clothing in the City

Image Courtesy of oliviapalermo.blogspot.com

Today, Fashionista.com reported that Olivia Palermo, star of MTV's The City will be releasing a fashion line sometime in the near future. The fashion release will be documented through the filming of a reality show. There is no word yet on specific release dates, but I am curious as to what the young socialite will be marketing in her brand. If I had to predict, I would definitely say that Palermo's line would focus on accessories. After all, Joe Zee did hire her as an Accessories Editor at Elle. Rightfully so, too. Palermo has been known to grace the red carpets and white tents with some amazing cocktail rings, necklaces, handbags, shoes and a multitude of other outfit making pieces. I can't wait to see her collection premiere!

Luxe to Ring in the New Year

What better way to bring in the new year than lavishly?

"A Fresh Pair of J's"

If you've been paying attention to any of the trending topics (TT) on twitter.com today, you probably noticed that Michael Jordan's newest shoes dominated the TT. #coolgreys, #michaeljordan and #butyougotthemjsthough were just a few of the most popular TT that spurred the conversation surrounding the footwear release. Michael Jordan fans have been clamoring for Jordan's for years lining up at stores in the wee hours and in the coldest temperatures in hopes of getting a pair of the coveted shoes. Michael Jordan shoe releases are more highly anticipated than Christian Louboutins and Manolo Blahniks combined.


I'm no sneaker head, but after observing the mania surrounding the release of the "Cool Greys", I started wondering if there is a way that fashionistas dress up their J's and successfully incorporate them into the chicest of wardrobes?





A picture of the "Cool Greys", a reissue of the Retro 11's that Michael Jordan wore in his final game in the NBA.




Ciara is a celebrity dancer and music artist that is often seen around town in her Jordan's. Here she is at her album launch party wearing Air Jordan V's "Raging Bull".





Picture courtesy of sneakernews.com


Let's break down how we can take tips from Ciara on how to successfully incorporate Jordan's into an outfit that doesn't include basketball shorts.

• A loose fit boyfriend jean perfectly compliments the sneaker. Since they are a bit "dressier", they are a step up from the normal sweat pant that is worn with tennis shoes.

• A fitted v-neck top. Adding a top that is fitted adds a feminine touch complimenting the loose and more masculine fit of the boyfriend jeans.
• Include a a statement accessory such as a chunky necklace, chandelier earrings or a large cocktail ring.

The New Jackie O

Eric Daman, the stylist for the CW hit series released a statement that Blake Lively, star of Gossip Girl, is like the Jackie O of her time". Needless to say, I beg to differ. If we're discussing the relevance of this statement within the confines of the show, I would say that Leighton Meester's character, Blair, has a much more classic style that closely resembles Jacqueline Onassis. However, Eric's statement got me to thinking who I feel is the Jackie O, style wise, of our generation. If I were to make a list, here's who would be on it:

Kerry Washington

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Selita Ebanks

Image Courtesy of zimbio.com

Zoe Saldana

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Olivia Palermo

Halle Berry

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Reese Witherspoon

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Thandie Newton

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Anne Hathaway

Image courtesy of Instyle.com

Samuel Clemens would be proud. Tom Sawyer inspired clothing.

Yesterday afternoon I was watching BET's 106th and Park where the cast of Takers was featured.

Chris Brown wore a navy and red plaid blazer with cuffed denim shorts and toffee colored hi-top sneakers. This look channeled the wardrobe choices of some of the familiar characters in Mark Twain's popular coming of age novels, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Perhaps Chris's wardrobe choice indicates that there will be a peak in frontiersmen like dressing?

Image Courtesy of theybf.com

In order to replicate Chris's look,

Try this Ezekiel brand "Reynolds" plaid lightweight jacket from Nordstroms.

Pair it with distressed jeans and a pair of shoes like these Sand color Bally Suede boots from Saks Fifth Avenue and you will have a Mark Twain inspired look in no time!

Rebound Clothes

The rebound. Yes, this term is related to basketball, but a rebound is also a person that someone flocks to after they've broken up with their significant other. I definitely don't condone rebounding with people, but I can support a clothing rebound. I mean, what better way to "get back" at someone without hurting yourself and another person in the aftermath? And you know what? You will look good doing it! Here are some of the pieces that I deem absolutely necessary for a succesful clothing rebound.

• Sequined Clothing: Nothing says "I'm having a good time without you" quite like a sequined pair of shorts or a cropped sequined jacket.

This LaROK sequined bomber jacket from Nordstroms will easily transition from the fall to the summer.

This Coach Poppy Sequin backpack is also perfect for the student heading back to campus or as a replacement for the leather briefcase.

• Statement Bag: A clutch or a small bag speaks volumes. Carrying a bag that can't fit everything but the kitchen sink says "I have let go of all unnecessary baggage".

This Marc by Marc Jacobs "Dreamy Logo-Linda" leather embossed clutch embraces the Metallic fall trend.

• Over the Knee Boots: Shoes like these that make an instant statement not only help you appear more confident by improving your posture, but their heel height and wow factor says "I've kicked you to the curb, next."

These Kelsi Dagger "Briallen" Thigh High Boots from Nordstroms can be easily paired with jeggings for a chic weekend look.

"Chillin', Maxin', Relaxin' all Cool": Comfort Fashion

When someone says "sweat pant material" I'm sure that it brings to mind visions of college students studying in libraries for their midterms. But, this material is no longer the bain of the fashion world's existence. Designers are now smartly incorporating soft knit cotton into a myriad of chic pieces for the fall. This is great for students like me that want to be comfortable, but prefer not to look as though I should be in the gym or brushing my teeth for bed. (I know! I'm abnormal for preferring to dress up while lounging around campus, but hey it's a lot more fun!)

This hooded french terry jacket from Forever21 combines comfort with style. The terrycloth material is comfortable enough for an all nighter in the library, while the constructed look of the jacket makes it formal enough for you to wear to your meeting with your professor.

These army jeggings sold by American Eagle have the strechiness of a pair of sweatpants without actually being a pair of sweatpants.

Fashionably Fabulous: Rihanna

In this photo of Rihanna leaving dinner at a restaurant, she wears a nude colored cowl neck mini-dress. She adds emerald colored satin round toe wedges with a jade corked heel, and completes the look with a chain link strapped purse. Rihanna is definitely fashionably fabulous and ready for fall in this picture!

Image Courtesy of Essence.com

Fashion World Updates: The Future of Baby Phat

Yesterday the news broke on twitter that as of September 1st, Kimora Lee Simmons will be leaving Baby Phat fashions. What does this mean for the future of Baby Phat? Surely with a change in management the clothing lines under the Kellwood Company's management will have some updates. Perhaps this means that the fashion line will take a turn. Since the urban wear audience that Baby Phat targets is starting to adopt more sartorial styles, perhaps the powers at be will make sure that the Baby Phat clothing line does the same. But, then again, maybe not. Since many high end designers such as Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga and Gucci are incorporating the stylistic qualities that are characteristic of urban wear into their most recent collections. So, perhaps Russell and Kimora were actually ahead of their time when they started their street wear dynasties? Only time will tell.

Fashionably Fabulous: Keri Hilson

Keri Hilson has stepped up her fashion game since she first came on the scene three years ago. In recent appearances for the action flick, Takers, Ms. Hilson is really showing off her matured style.

In a performance with T.I., Keri wore a double breasted tan python coat dress. The satin cuffs and cinched waist of the dress add a feminine flair to the menswear inspired piece. Her choice to pair the dress with black leggings and large cocktail jewelry help to complete this look.

Keri Hilson wears another menswear inspired piece at the Hollywood Takers premier. She wears a black tuxedo jacket with a suede corset belt. She adds a casual feminine touch to this ensemble with tan colored swiss dotted shorts and this season's nude platform pump.

Images Courtesy of Essence.com

A Good inVESTment: Fall's "It" Piece

Vests are this falls answer to the summer blazer. They can be paired with just about anything from dresses to jeans to leggings and sweaters. They are perfect transition pieces and they add spice to any outfit, making them a good investment for the upcoming season. Here are a few of the coolest vests that I've seen for this season:

Sequined Halston vest from Saks Fifth Avenue

This Rogue Studded Vest from Forever 21 is perfect for a lunch date.

This Tuxedo inspired vest also from Forever 21 straddles the line between dressy and casual.

This grey tweed tieback vest from Gap is very chic and perfect for the office.

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: Contrasting Shoes

I was looking through the latest "Star Gazing" pictures on Essence's website, and I came across this picture of Kanye going to Rihanna's concert. The first thing that I noticed were how his shoes contrasted with suit. Women have been successfully adopting this trend for many seasons, but this is one of the first times that I've noticed a man correctly incorporating the not so matchy shoe trend. But, why am I surprised? Kanye is one of the most stylish men. If I were a man, I'd take a note from Kanye and make sure that my shoes didn't match my attire :)

Image Courtesy of Essence.com

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: Jeans

Jeans are an essential in any wardrobe. Not many other items have the ability to be dressed up or down as well as good old denim. Many people may think that only women's jeans can have style and flair, but I'm here to tell you otherwise. Here are a few of my favorite menswear jeans from this season.

These straight leg jeans by Seven for all Mankind are a great wardrobe addition. The iron grey color and fit make them acceptable for casual Fridays and after parties this fall.

Images Courtesy of Saks.com

I'm not a fan of the skinny jean on men, but for those guys that want to venture out and try this trend, look at these light wash destroyed Diesel Thanaz jeans. The leg on these jeans isn't too narrow, and that's what I like about them.

Images Courtesy of saks.com

With a blazer, dress shirt and belt, these Dolce and Gabbana dark wash jeans are perfect for a concert date night!

Images Courtesy of saks.com

Classics: Never Underestimate the Power in the Black Pump

Black Pumps are an essential in a woman's wardrobe. They can be worn in the height of summer with a flirty dress, in the dead of winter with a tweed skirt suit or out on the town with a pair of jeans.

Here are a compilation of my favorite classic black pumps from this season:

The suede and studded York Platform Pump by Sam Edelman. This pump is perfect for going out and can be paired with skinny jeans or black tights, a flirty skirt and blazer.

This Jessica Simpson patent pump is a great investment. It easily transitions from the office.

This VANELi "Philys" Peep-Toe Oxford incorporates this season's jazz inspired trend with the classic black pump.

Jessica White: Bringing Back the Fur Coat

On Sunday I was scanning the channels for something interesting to watch, and I ended up on the T.O. show. In this episode Terrell Owens was going to be featured in Ritchie Rich fashion show. Since he and his PR person, Kita were in NYC, Kita decided to meet with one of his ex-girlfriends, Victoria's Secret model Jessica White. When Jessica walked into the coffee shop, I couldn't help but notice her amazing fur coat. I didn't even pay attention to the conversation between she and Kita, because I was trying to figure out whether or not her coat was a bomber or full length. I've always thought that fur coats are luxe and the ultimate mark of sophistication. I decided to look into what designers incorporated fur into their shows and ultimately help fur to make a comeback on the fashion scene.

Chanel Iman models a gorgeous waist length camel colored belted fur in the DSquared2 Fall 2010 Fashion Show.

Courtesy of IMAXtree.com and Matteo Volta

via Elle.com

Here a model struts in a cropped black fur swing coat, also in the DSquared2 Fall 2010 Fashion Show.

Here a model in the Fall 2010 Michael Kors show wears a calf length coat:

Courtesy of Imaxtree via Elle.com

These are all great examples of how a little fur can go a long way. Notice how each designer has paired the fur with a more casual outfit. Casually dressed fur is a great way to incorporate or reintroduce fur into your wardrobe

Hey, Clothes Have to Go Somewhere: Not So Humble Closets

I'm a firm believer that behind every fashionable person is an equally as chic home and closet. So, I was not surprised when I finally witnessed Olivia Palermo's palatial (well maybe not considering she lives in a NYC apartment) and impeccably organized closet. The closet has its own grey and black zebra print carpeting. The closet is complete with a few floral arrangements here and there and everything has it's place.

Go down the road a few blocks, well maybe more than a few, and we can find a similar closet decor in Kimora Lee Simmons's New Jersey Mansion. Her closet also has floral arrangements and animal leopard print carpeting but unlike Olivia's closet, it also houses a few chandeliers, frames and accent furniture.

Image Courtesy of decorpad.com

As a college student, my dorm room closet is a far cry from the closets of these ultra fashionistas, but maybe I can take a cue from them when designing my closet for next year? After all, fashionistas in the making have to store their clothes in fabulous ways too!

In order to create my own celebrity inspired dressing space, I would:

• Incorporate a floor length mirror like this Dolce Cheval mirror from Target right outside of my closet:

• Animal Print Carpeting: Leopard Print Rugs like this one from retailers such as Wal-Mart come in various sizes:

• Cool Shoe Storage: So a shoe rack stretching the span of a wall will probably not fit in a dorm room closet, but a simple shoe rack will. Try something like this bronze mesh storage rack from spacesavers.com

• Hangers: Good hangers can prevent you from having to iron your clothes before you rush off to class. Try these Padded Damask Hangers from The Container Store.

• A Cute Ottoman near the floor length mirror for when you need a place to sit when putting on those fabulous heels or as you spritz your perfume.

• Artwork: Small framed pictures sitting atop a nearby table or on the wall near your closet.