Check Yourself!

Kelly Rowland and Rihanna make appearances in a winning combo of plaid/checked shirts and dark jeans.

Left to right: Midwest Plaid Shirt , $22.90, www.forever21.com; Tartan Silk Blouse, $34.80, www.forever21.com; Victoria Check Shirt, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; Plaid Vest, $18.99, www.charlotte-russe.com

Left to right: Checker Plaid Shirt, $19.80, www.forever21.com; 3/4 Sleeve Check Shirt, $30, www.topshop.com; Plaid 3/4-sleeved ruffle-front top, $44, www.gap.com; Ruffle Front Shirt by Ivy, www.intermixonline.com

Lumberjacks are the last people you'd expect a fashionista to turn to for style inspiration but surprisingly a plaid/check shirt paired with jeans is a winning combination. Whilst some shirts in stores right now look like they came straight off a lumbrjack's back, others include feminine details like a nipped in waist, bows and frills. Whether you stay true to the shirt's origin or go with the updated interpretation, always, always wear with a pair of dark, indigo jeans. See the ladies above for instant inspiration.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland attends the World Premiere of 'Sex And The City' held at the Odeon Leicester Square on May 12, 2008 in London, England.

Kelly Rowland looked stunning in this purple dress by Donna Karen at the London premiere of Sex and the City. Everything about the dress is perfect from the length to the color. Though her hair is looking a little "Cleopatra-ish", I think she looked better than the stars of the movie! Scroll down to the next post to see how you can copy this chic look.

Steal Kelly's Style

Above: Stretch Satin Gathered Bow Dress, $180, www.oasis-stores.com

Earrings: Sterling Silver Genuine Marcasite Drop Circle Earrings, $19.99, www.target.com

Clutch: Julie Baby CRIC Emboss, $250, www.loreleinyc.com

Heels: Vince Camuto Nora T Strap Sandal, $129.95, www.endless.com

I've always preferred sliver accessories to gold - they instantly modernise an outfit! These accessories are not cheap, but you buy them once and wear them for a lifetime. For more affordable items check out www.oohboutique.com or www.target.com. As for the Oasis dress, it actually comes in two other colors... jewel green and classic black. The original dress that Kelly is wearing is approximately $2000 by Donna Karen.

Jeans 101: Viva La Color!

Rihanna shopping with dog Oliver in New York City on May 13th, 2008.

Jada courtside at the LA Lakers Vs. Celtics game 4 finals on July 13, 2008.

Fergie spotted in Los Angeles on August 20th, 2008.

Kelly Rowland officially launches St Aubyn's Holistic Centre London, England - 03.05.08.

Hands up those of you who last wore colored denim when you were five years old? You are not alone! I've been in two-minds about the colored jeans trend since it hit the streets last year, but Jada Pinkett and Rihanna (a stonch believer in colored denim) have convinced me to a least try on a pair. My main concern is that those of us with curves are going to end up looking like a giant crayola crayon... not very attractive. If you decide to venture into this trend, tread carefully. Start off with flared jeans or a denim jacket and see how you fare. Baby steps ladies. Baby steps...

Style Inspiration: Out at Sea

Ciara attends a taping of BET's 106 & Park on July 18, 2007 in New York City.

Amerie and Kelly mix denim with this season's nautical trend.

¾ sleeve top: Aimee Keyhole Top, $13.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Wood Anchor Necklace, $8.90, www.forever21.com; Skirt: Rope Belt Pencil Skirt, $64, www.topshop.com; Heels: Letsey, $150, www.dune.co.uk; Hat: Nautical Stripe Newsboy Cap, $22, www.fredflare.com; Sneakers: Chuck Taylor All Satr Patent, $49.69, www.converse.com; Red pants: Multi Button Sailor Pant, $19.99, www.wetseal.com; Dress: Navy Stripe Bow Dress, $56, www.missselfridge.co.uk; Short sleeve top: Stripe V Neck , $9.99, www.charlotterusse.com; Sunglasses: Dita Xanadu Sunglasses, $350, www.shopintuition.com; Bag: Nautical Rope Bag, $26, www.alloy.com; Anklet: Anchor on 9inch Anklet, $5.99, www.girlprops.com; Shorts: High Waisted Sailor Shorts, $22.99, www.charlotterusse.com; White pants: Sound of Summer Trouser, $148, www.fcusbuymail.com; Espadrilles: Candyce Espadrille by Steve Maadden, $149.95, www.endless.com

Anchors away! The nautical trend that’s hit our favorite stores is here to stay (throughout the summer at least). Make like a sailor about to set sea with nautical stripes in navy blue or red; high-waisted, multi button sailor pants and shorts; espadrilles and rope detail accessories. Amerie and Kelly Rowland wore denim with their striped tops and added bright red shoes and accessories to finish the look off. Ciara on the other hand jumped straight into the trend with a sporty-nautical dress and gravity defying wedges. Get some inspiration from my picks above then plan your own trip out to sea!

Credit: Photo of Amerie from theybf.com

Jeans 101: Dare to Bare

Kelly Rowland visits MTV's "TRL" in New York City, March 26, 2007.

Lauren Conrad of “The Hills” at the Mark photo shoot for Avon, October 26, 2007 in Malibu, California.

Ashanti attends the Giuseppe Zanotti NY store re-opening party at the Giuseppe Zanotti Design Boutique in New York City on September 7, 2007.

If you’re anything like me you’ve already been working out in anticipation for spring. I’m particularly motivated by the prospect of wearing a denim skirt for the first time in almost five years! This season denim skirts are smaller than ever (see Kelly above) but don’t be a slave to fashion, wear what makes you comfortable. If you like to bare a little leg but don’t want to worry about flashing every time you make a move, opt for a length like Lauren’s. Pick a dark denim, knee length skirt for night time glamour. Just add a floaty top for understated elegance like Ashanti.

Shop Cute!

Rihanna goes shopping with girlfriend and new dog DJ at Fred Segal and Barneys New York, January 5, 2008.

Halle Berry shopping with her Mom in Beverly Hills, May 25, 2007.

Meagan Good at a recent shopping trip in Los Angeles, California.

Elise Neal attending the Diesel opening of the Melrose Place Flagship Store, May 31, 2007 in Los Angeles.

Kelly Rowland was out shopping at the National Jean Company in Washington DC, March 12, 2008.

Ah there’s nothing like a day of retail therapy. Now that the weather is warming up we have the perfect excuse to update our closet. Some say it’s best to wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off, but I’m a firm believer of looking good at all times. Celebrities have to constantly be on their toes just in case the papparazi catch them on an off day. See the ladies above. All of them are about to drop serious dollars but they look good doing it and so should you!

I Love My Beanie!

Cassie appearing at MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on November 16, 2006 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland out and about in NYC on July 11, 2007.

Malinda Williams attending the Lionsgate screening of "Pride" on March 19, 2007.

British singer Leona Lewis outside The Ivy Restaurant in Beverly Hills, Calfornia on August 3rd, 2007.

If your grandma still knits you “clothes” this would be a good time to ask her to make you something you’ll actually wear. These crochet beanies or berets have been around since the beginning of time. The first time I saw one was on my friend who told me she bought hers in Jamaica. Not strictly for winter, these cozy hats finish the ultimate “I just threw this together” look to any outfit.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.

Kelly is one of those fashionistas that you know dresses herself. No stylists or wardrobe consultants here, just a good eye and understanding of what works best. Kelly’s secret is probably that she’s 100% comfortable in whatever she wears and thus looks effortlessly fab. If you want steal some of her glow, see below for ideas. Or find a dress that makes you equally as fine!

Steal Kelly’s Style…

Dress: Pleated Cotton Dress, $22.80, www.forever21.com

Sunglasses: Dita Addict Sunglasses, $175, www.shopintuition.com
Bangles: Gold Bangle Set, $19.50, www.alloy.com
Earrings: 4” Hoops in Gold, $5.99, www.girlprops.com
Pumps: Charles by Charles David Women’s Freesia Sandal, $50.89, www.endless.com

This look is perfect for barbecues, first dates and/or bar-hopping. Wear with gold flat sandals for a day of shopping.

Style on the Go…

Laila Ali attending ESPN The Magazine's Summer Fun Party on The Lady Windridge Yacht at Chelsea Piers earlier this month in New York City.

Eve posing backstage after an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live June 11, 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland seen arriving at BBC Radio studios in London on June 07, 2007.

Mariah Carey at the Fresh Air Fund's Salute to American Heroes gala at Tavern on the Green on June 7, 2007 in New York City.

Since her successful run on “Dancing with the Stars,” Laila Ali has looked nothing but flawless during recent public appearances. Whoever is styling her is doing a great job of accentuating her curves and long legs. Who knew she could look so feminine. Definite Upgrade!

I applaud Eve for trying something different with this look but I’m not sold on the pink leggings. The hair is also going to take a little more convincing, but Eve definitely has a unique sense of style. I wonder how her new album will fare in the era of Rihanna, Cassie and Beyonce. Good luck with that.

Could Kelly Rowland be anymore fabulous? The world just doesn’t appreciate her like they should. I need to lay my hands on a pair of those skinny capris pronto. They’re too cute. I also want to know who does her hair. Weaving techniques have come a looooooong way baby.

Mariah Carey is the most shocking of all. The usually overzealous diva opted for a more demure and understated look. I can’t believe she chose a dress length within walking distance of her knee. I almost didn’t recognize her when I first saw this pic. Let us enjoy this Mimi until the next emancipation begins.

A Black and White Affair…

Thandie Newton and Eva Mendes attending the launch party for new range of bags created by Mulberry for Giles, at Harvey Nichols, London in January 2007.

Angela Bassett attending the ceremony honoring Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week in Hollywood.

Cassie posing backstage after her appearance on MTV's Total Request Live last September in New York City.

Sanaa Lathan at the Cosmopolitan Magazine launch of Bebe Sport with Eva Longoria last March.

Kimora Lee Simons posing in the lobby during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland with designer Tracy Reese backstage at the Tracy Reese Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Promenade in Bryant Park this February in NYC.

Sorry the posts have been slow this week I’ve been busy with papers and then blogger was acting up. Anyway, monochrome prints are going to be hot this summer but if you don’t do pretty patterns opt for block colors. Black and white stripes like Cassie and Thandie’s give this look a harder edge.

The Midas Touch

A dress from MaxMara’s Spring 2007 Ready-to-Wear.

Thandie Newton, Sienna Miller (in Burberry Prorsum) and Kelly Rowland shine on the red carpet.

Trend Alert: Gold-plated dresses. MaxMara’s Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection was all about the metallic, sack dress and while I felt the designers over stated their point, celebrities have taken a style cue from the fashion house and sprinkled a little gold dust into their lives. Admittedly a luxurious gold dress similar to Thandie, Sienna or Kelly’s will set you back a couple of hundred (or even thousand dollars) but you can look equally glam with a great bag or pair of shoes.

Note: See previous ‘Trend Alert.’

Booty-licious

Kelly Rowland candid taken in 2005.

Ashlee and Jessica Simpson leaving their hotel last Summer.

Zoe Saldana at the New Era Fits Booth at the VMA Style Villa at the Bryant Park Hotel last August in New York City.

Kate Moss candid in Notting Hill before meeting an unidentified friend for lunch at Zucca in 2004, London.

Ugh, I’m mad at how cold it is. Today walking around in D.C. was treacherous. Every step a negotiation. I know other states have it much worse but the slushy snow put me in a bad mood. To make matters worse I was so unprepared. I have boots, but they aren’t completely flat and the sole’s grip is worn down. I’m currently on a quest to find some cute, flat and functional knee-high boots that’ll see me through the rest of winter but take me effortlessly into the next season. Think suede boots and denim skirts in spring.

Jeans 101: Le Petite Pois!

Kelly Rowland at the NBA All-Star Weekend Basketball Game in Houston on February 18th, 2006. Mya posing at Heatherette's official launch of its young contemporary line at Macy's Herald Square in August of last year in NYC. Sherri Saum attending the Glam Slam 06' party presented by Tennis Channel, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP at Crobar last August in New York City. Eva Pigford arriving at the VMA Style Villa at the Bryant Park Hotel last August in New York City.

I’ve been chastised quite a lot (via email and other means of communication) for not including petite fashion enough on this site. I try my people, I try. However, note that it is much more time consuming to find great fashion and photographs of celebrities for petite and plus size posts – I’m working on it though. Here I’m continuing our ‘Jeans 101’ series and focusing on ladies who have a hard time finding jeans that are the right length or size, i.e. sizes 0, 2 or 4. See below for ideas and as usual leave comments and tips for fellow readers.