"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.