Showstopper

Michelle Obama wasn't the only one causing a fashionable fuss on inauguration. No, Aretha Franklin proved to be a showstopper... her hat, that is. The hat she wore to sing "America" at the swearing-in is getting more buzz than the song itself. It is flying off the shelves in her native, Detroit. While the hat was a one-of-a-kind version, made especially for the singer, admirers can get a version of it for a small fee. It's retailing for $179. The designer has warned that only replicas are for sale and that Franklin's is an original. Seems that's not a problem for fans of the hat with the Swarovski rhinestone-rimmed bow. The designer, Luke Song of Detroit’s Mr. Song Millinery, says he’s sold thousands since its debut on national TV. If you want in on this craze click here for info. Seems Ms. Franklin created a stimulus package of her own.

Photo: people.com

Fashionably Speaking...

"We must never confuse elegance with snobbery."

~ Yves Saint Laurent French Fashion Designer

Photo:fashion-forum.org

Welcome to the Jungle?

I have professed my love for Lipstick Jungle before and I'll do it again. Love, love, love this show. I was so disappointed when the rumors of its cancellation started to swirl. Then, the final episode aired in what appeared to be its swan song. Then again, maybe not! NBC may be working out a plan to keep Lipstick Jungle going. They must have read my plea. Apparently, the show is not- yet cancelled. Instead the suits over at NBC are thinking of giving the show new life on one of it's sister networks (think: Bravo). Thank you NBC - you do have a heart.

Photo:weblogs.newsday.com

Hair Raiser

From E.T. to Charlie's Angels, I've been a fan of Drew Barrymore. She's a girl known for taking chances and being carefree. Her carefree nature has made its way to her hair. She's done a little bleaching and a little teasing. What do you think? Do you love it?

Photo:mystyle.com

Boston Rules!

Looking for some style tips this season... Lloyd Boston says shop in your own closet. Checking out what you already have and just mixing it up to create new looks is not only fun but it's good on the budget. Considering everybody is watching their pennies these days, that's a tip I can use. Lloyd's got a new show called "Closet Cases" hitting the Fine Living Network and he stopped by Essence.com to give some tips that women can use. Another tip he says is pick your favorite body part and accent it. His top three fashion no-no's? over-accessorizing, wearing trends that don't work for your body and not dressing your age. I think we've all seen some offenders of these fashion rules. Maybe we were even the offenders. Well, now we have no excuse. Work it out ladies, fabulously.

Photo:simonsays.com

Hampton's Hoopla

You have a dream home in the Hamptons. What do you do next? Well, if you're Calvin Klein you knock it down to build a new dream home! Sounds like great idea, right? Well, his neighbor doesn't think so and he's giving Mr. Klein all kinds of drama. Seems the designs he has for his new home don't mesh well with the neighborhood in his neighbors opinion. So said neighbor has been having at talk with the board to make Klein build his how to meet certain standards. Sounds like a drag for a house that mainly gets used in the summer months. Hey, to each his own…kinda. For more info on the drama click here and here.

Photo: mediabistro.com/unbeige

Eclectic Style Stars

With all the pressure in Hollywood to look a certain way, it's nice to see some stars blaze their own trail and rock what works for them. These ladies are style stars in my book because they don't follow the trends. Instead they inspire trends along the way.



Zoe Kravitz takes after her parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet when it comes to style. She rocks designer duds in her own way but, she's been known to hit the thrift shops as well.

Tracee Ellis Ross has a creative flair on the screen and it carries over into her wardrobe.

Solange Knowles sings her own tune musically and fashionably. She definitely stands out from the crowd.

Lisa Bonet has been a fashion rebel for years! From her Cosby days to today her risky fashion choices keep people talking.

Diddy's protege, Janelle Monae hit the music scene with a different sound and look. With the natural pompadour and old school fashions she's making a name for herself.

India Arie came into the business making a statement and continues to do so. Whether it's about self-esteem, hair or changing the view of women in society she translates her message in fashion as well.

She's a newcomer from the U.K. but, Estelle is getting her name out there and letting her clothes do the talking.

From the beginning of her career Erykah Badu has been a trailblazer. Her signature style continues to give her fans something to talk about.

Photos:essence.com

Ad It Up

It seems like everybody and their reality show sister is getting an endorsement deal these days. Add to that list Audrina Patridge from the Hills. She's the face of the Spring/Summer 09 line for Divine Rights of Denim. Apparently, she also helped "style" the ads. You'll be seeing the ads in magazines starting in March. People.com had this exclusive look at the ad for now. I just want to know when my endorsement deal is coming. I can wear jeans with the best of em. I'm just saying, spread the love – share the wealth!

Photo: people.com

Kanye, the Designer?

Kanye West is taking this fashion thing very seriously. Not too long ago he was giving a sneak peek at his shoe designs for Louis Vuitton. Now they have premiered on the runways of Paris. Above is just one style. The whole line will debut in Louis Vuitton stores in June. It's good to see someone living their dreams. What do you think of his new shoe?

Photo:justjared.com

ScarJo for D&G

Actress and singer Scarlett Johansson has landed a new gig. She's been tapped to be the face of Dolce & Gabbana's new makeup line. Now, People.com has a sneak peek of Scarlett's ad for D&G. No surprise they've decided to have the blond beauty evoke Marilyn Monroe in her photos. I think she pulled it off fabulously!

Photos: people.com and perezhilton.com

Classic is Queen

I’m all for trends, I really am. But some things are classic. Some designers are known for churning our pieces that are instant classics. The house of Chanel is definitely on that list. From the iconic blazers to this string of pearls… they scream classic. I’d wear it with jeans and a crisp, white top, a LBD or anything I wanted to add some flair to.

Photo:stylebyme.net

Fashionable Joe

While it’s not your typical take on fashion, I think keeping your coffee cup stylish counts for something. Maybe? The company is called Bentwood. First off, great name! They make many things from belt buckles to dog tags. This creation is what caught my eye. It’s a coffee cuff. It’s the same concept as the sleeves you get at Starbucks. The difference of course, it’s not disposable – but, it’s chic! Use these nifty creations to keep your hands cools as you sip that hot cuppa joe, or tea, in my case. When you’re done with your drink, slip on the cuff as an accessory to your fab outfit.

Photos: contexture.ca

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Happy King Day!!!!!

Graphic:noblenet.org

La Lohan

Lindsay Lohan has been making headlines lately but, not for her work. This is a nice change. The starlet is getting back to work! While she's not on the screen, big or small, this is a start. She’s the face of Fornarina, an Italian clothing label. Here are the first shots for the spring/summer 09 campaign.

Photos:people.com

Fashionably Speaking...

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."

~Coco Chanel, French Fashion Designer

Photo:daisypinkcupcake.blogspot.com

Katie's Dramatic Turn

More with the celeb endorsements. I told you a while back about Katie Holmes being the new face of Miu Miu. Well, now the proof is in the pictures. These are the first shot released from the campaign. When the endorsement was announced the direction was describe as being something edgy. They sold it as being a real departure for Katie. I like the pictures but, I was expecting something more. What do you think?

Photos: people.com

Posh Pose

Talk about keeping it all in the family. First it was Becks, now it’s Posh’s turn to step in front of the camera in her skivvies! The ever-fashionable one is the new face of Emporio Armani underwear. Here are a couple of shots from her shoot. Are we sure this woman has three kids?

Photo: people.com

Who Rocked It?

Let's just call this a Sex and the City post. SATC alum Kristin Davis was spotted out and about in this frock by Michael Kors. No surprise here, Kors is a favorite designer of the actress. Out on the pink carpet in the same dress is Candace Bushnell, the writer of Sex and the City -the book. Both ladies looked good but, who rocked it?

Photo:people.com

Making Green Go Green

I love Leo… Not only is he a fine specimen of a man but, he puts his money where his mouth is. Take his new deal with TAG Heuer watches. He’s the new face of company since the contract of Brad Pitt has expired. Leo was happy to take the multi-million, three-year contract but, he had a few conditions. The money he makes from the deal with be given to environmental initiatives. The royalties TAG Heuer makes from the deal with be donated to environmental causes by TAG. He takes his dedication to going green to a whole other level and I LOVE it!

Photo:cinemasource.com

Fashionably Speaking....

"The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural."

~Calvin Klein, American Fashion Designer

graphic:teamsugar.com

Who Rocked It?

Is it me or has Hayden P. really grown up? Between the bob haircut and the dress, make no mistake, she's all grown up! She wrapped herself up in this Herve Leger dress for a night out. Disney darling, Demi Lovato rocked the same dress to a red carpet event. From the handbags to the pumps, they added their own flavor. Who rocked it?

Photo: people.com

hayden demi/herve leger

Charitable Ball

Want to get in on the inauguration? I was so on my way there but, we weren’t able to find a place to stay. Argh! I found a few local options for taking it all in though. If you’re looking for a way to be a part of the action, check this out. White House Black Market, the boutique that Michelle Obama breathed new life into by wearing one of their creations on The View, are auctioning four inaugural gowns they made for the soon-to-be First Lady. If you’re stuck at home instead of D.C., throw your own inaugural ball and rock one of these gowns. They are all one-of-a-kind and for sale to the highest bidder through Clothes Off Our Backs. The very cool thing is the proceeds go to charity! The gowns are on display in at the WHBM store in Union Station and will only be available until the 16th when the auction ends. One other caveat… all of them are in a size 8.

Photos: glamazondiaries.com & clothesoffourback.org

808s, Heartbreak and Louis Vuitton

Kanye West has made no secret of his love for fashion. I mean, his nickname is the Louis Vuitton Don for goodness sakes. So it came as no surprise to me that he is taking some time to be an intern of sorts for Louis Vuitton. His first project is this shoe. He's creating a line of sneakers and loafers. The line won’t hit the stores until the spring but, this is a sample of what’s to come. Love it or Loathe it?

Photo: justjared.com

Fashionably Speaking...

"As long as you know men are like children, you know everything!"

~Coco Chanel, French Fashion Designer

Photo:counterfeitchic.com

Who Rocked It?

The Herve Leger bandage dress is beyond a Hollywood staple. In every color and every style some starlet is rocking it on the red carpet. Don't believe it's so popular? See above. Sophia Bush wore hers to an event. She kept it classy with a below the knee version and peep toe black pumps. Leona Lewis took the same route but she paired hers with strappy sandals. Heidi Montag kept hers young and fun with a mini skirt version and ankle strap pumps. All the ladies wore it well but, who rocked it?

Photo: People.com

Happy New Year!!!!

Photo:blog.webshots.com