Hippie Chic….

Oprah Winfrey arriving at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Mortons on last Sunday in West Hollywood, California.

Ali Landry at Coach’s Legacy Collection Launch.

Nicole Richie attending the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood party held last September in California.

Cate Blanchett arriving at the Babel premiere during the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.

Suffice to say, fashion was not at the forefront of the Hippie movement’s consciousness. More concerned with rebelling against social order and exploring their sexuality, hippies threw on clothes that challenged their middle class upbringing. Flash 30 to 40 years later and the likes of Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller and even Oprah are embracing their bohemian alter ego’s. Thank designers like Anna Sui, Etro, Gucci and Matthew Williamson for putting bright, 70’s inspired prints back on the runway and into our lives. As usual see below for ideas.

My Picks!

Office Hippie: Roses and Mums Tunic Top, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Embroidered Line Skirt, $39.80, www.forever21.com; Washed 3 Zipped Grab Bag, $44, www.topshop.com; Layered Hearts Necklace, $95, www.juicycouture.com; Seluue Shoe, $79.99, www.aldoshoes.com; 2 Floral Headband, $5, www.wetseal.com

Weekend Hippie: Contrast Trim Top, $21.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Paris Blues Dirty Wash Flares Jeans from $36.50, www.alloy.com; Charmed Linen Flats, $228, www.anthropologie.com; Sticks and Stones Bangle, $14, www.alltherageonline.com; Flowers and Beads Bag, $40, www.amiciaccessories.com; Two of Hearts Necklace, $14, www.alltherageonline.com

Date Hippie: Fan Floral Bib Front Dress, $70, www.warehouse.co.uk; Circle Eyelet Coat, $44.80, www.forever21.com; Leather Clutch (MH118435) $38, www.stevemadden.com; Senorita Shoe; $150, www.dune.co.uk; Rose Stud Earrings, $4, www.topshop.com; Eclipse Pendant, $48, www.anthropologie.com

The hippie trend isn’t just for summer days spent lounging in the park. Wear bohemian-inspired pieces at the office, while running errands over the weekend and even on a hot date. Take inspiration from the looks above.

Zoe Kravitz in Elle Magazine…

Zoe Kravitz is in the current issue (March) of Elle Magazine. Gilles Bensimon took the photos and she’s wearing that gorgeous Gucci dress that Oprah wore on Oscar night (see above). I know the pics are late but they go well with the “Hippie Chic” post. Hands up all those who think Ms. Kravitz is going to be the next style icon?... Me too!

A good costume resource

If you see my earliest posts, you'll see that I scour the internet for places to get the best costume parts and out of the goodness of my heart, I choose to share these treasures with you, my adoring public. I've come across another site that has so much to offer (including the Cyclops visor I would have crawled over broken glass to get last year when I needed it).

I present you with MPM Costumes. You'll find Star Wars, Spider-Man, X-Men, BSG and other great themed suits, accessories, etc. Expect to pay top dollar though - these people are serious costumers and might only appeal to die hard collectors.

Patricia Field for Payless Shoes…

Patricia Field, stylist for Sex in the City, rocked Payless Shoes on the red carpet last night at the Oscars. Patricia was nominated in the Costume Design category for her work in The Devil Wears Prada and wore shoes she designed personally for Payless. The platform heels with an ankle strap were made from metallic and colored snakeskin. Though she lost last night Patricia’s “Red Carpet Collection” is bound to be a winner. It’ll be in Payless stores this summer. Visit www.paylessontheredcarpet.com for more info.

We`ll have Manhattan…

Only a city as vibrant and majestic as New York could have a scent dedicated to each of its neighborhoods. Bond no.9 is the first perfumery in fragrance history to launch a collection that pays homage to NYC. Each fragrance represents a specific downtown, midtown, or uptown locale in the city. Their latest scent is called “Bryant Park” and represents the fashion hot spot of New York Fashion Week. I’m lovin’ the swirls of pink, lavender and black on the 50’s Mod inspired bottle. I'm a little embarrassed to admit it but sometimes I buy perfumes for their bottles! Bryant Park will be available at all four Bond No. 9 stores in New York, countrywide at selected branches of Saks Fifth Avenue and internationally at Harvey Nichols, UK on March 1st.

Oscar Fashion… Be Kind!

Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose

Beyonce and Jada Pinkett-Smith

Keisha Whitaker and Queen Latifah

Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lopez

Oprah and Mary J. Blige at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Tracey Edmonds and Shaun Robinson

Rashida & Quincy Jones and Will & Jaden Smith

Tanika Ray and Forest & Keisha Whitaker

Djimon Hounsou and Eddie Murphy

623 seamstresses beaten and whipped, 537 stylists cursed, 469 shoes re-dyed, 313 nails chiseled and 165 curling irons burnt-out and it was, for the most part, worth it. Many will debate the necessity of Ms. Hudson’s gold jacket but if nothing else, she’s been reading this blog (see below!) No one dress blew me away but I loved the way Oprah, Anika Noni Rose, Beyonce and Penelope Cruz looked.

Jada’s dress was disappointing. I’m not too sure what the bodice was all about. Keisha Whitaker's dress was ugly to me in the back with the roses but she still worked it and can someone explain to me who Shaun Robinson and Tanika Ray are?! Seriously, I see them all the time and I have no idea what they do.

Lasty, the men were sharp in their tuxes, bar Quincy. Wasn't Jaden so cute presenting an Oscar? I’m mad that Djimon didn’t win but at least he looked yummy. Don’t worry Djimon, you can always come cry on my shoulder!

NY Comic Con

I had an amazing time at the NY Comic Con this weekend. I got to meet many heroes, ran into a few ghoulish creatures and cramped my feet in those high heeled boots. My feet still hurt. Heels are not good for full days of crimefighting or conventions.

On a serious note, the adorable little Nitro G seems to be without a costume! He donated his costume to the Museum for Cartoon and Comic Book Art and he asked me about making a new suit for him. I gave my email address and this blog url so we'll just have to wait and see if he contacts me.

Regarding my own suit that I slaved on... apparently I don't look like myself. I mean, I do. That's me in the picture there. But people kept thinking I was "someone" meaning a known character from Battlestar Galactica. Well, folks, this does not sit well with me since my outfit is 100% original in concept. I created it with City of Heroes character creation, sought out a pattern, a jacket and boots, and voila. That's my suit of myself just as I designed it. Now I'm thinking I need to change the whole thing up and go with my second costume which is black and leathery. I would add bright gold as accents and somehow bring earthy hues into it. I already have the pattern that would be perfect for costume two as it is in City of Heroes but I am also anxious to try making a multi-color bodysuit with the same pattern I used for this amber one.

This morning I also mailed out ARC's patch for his suit. Don't know ARC? For shame. Go to the boards and learn all about him. We're lucky enough to have started his fan club right along side of Feedback's over at kamikaze komics. ARC also has a myspace page. He's another great guy that truly loves being a hero. He'll be auditioning for Who Wants to be a Superhero? Season 2.

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.’

Shine On…

Naomi Campbell at San Lorenzo for the Pinko party hosted by Vogue Italia.

Left to right: Keeya Slashed Metallic Leather Bag, $750, www.jimmychoo.com; Empire Line Metallic Woven Jacket, $140, www.warehouse.co.uk; Lucia Metallic Python, $518, www.lorelei.com; Ivar, $99, www.guess.com

Left to right: Linen Short, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Chloe Clutch, $228, www.lorelei.com; Pola, $18.99, www.gojane.com; Metallic Hobo Bag, $78, www.victoriassecret.com

I may be throwing a cell phone of my own in order to obtain that coat from off of Naomi’s back. What goes around comes around! In the meantime I’ll be satisfying my craving for all things shiny with one or two items above. I love the idea of breathing life into a pair of ordinary linen shorts with a silver sash. Wear with metallic flats like the pair from Guess.com and you’re ready for Spring.

Catwalk Copy…

Brights are one of the many trends for Spring (along with metallics and sportswear). Whether it’s a loud orange coat or fluorescent pink heels, you’ve got to invest in a ‘shout-out’ staple for your wardrobe next season. I’m opting for a cute cropped, yellow jacket that I can wear with blue jeans or neutrals as seen at Chloe’s Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection (see pic on the left). If you really want to spice things up pair yellow with shiny gold shorts and heels for a night on the town… You’ll take the term ‘bright young thing’ to a new level! See below for cheaper alternatives...





Left to right: Yoke Detail Jacket, $60, www.riverisland.co.uk; Linen Crop Jacket by Rebecca Taylor, $284, www.pinkmascara.com; Yellow Textured Swing Jacket, $90, www.principles.co.uk

Note: See the last ‘Catwalk Copy’s’ here and here and also check out who else is wearing yellow.

Join the Mod Squad

Diana Ross on the set of a Doris Day movie in the sixties

Left to right: Deco Dress, $22.50, www.forever21.com; Mod 3 Color Dress, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Story Of A Girl Dress from a collection by Sass and Bide; Zig Zag Top, $19.20, www.forever21.com

Left to right: Cadee, $377.50, www.georginagoodman.com; Sing Sing Striped Wedges by Christian Louboutin, $695, www.net-a-porter.com; Mimpette, $170, www.dune.co.uk; Zelima, $49.99, www.aldoshoes.com

Left to right: Printed Scarf, $22, www.amiciaccessories.com; Metal Donut Earrings, $5, www.wetseal.com; Lemon Drop Purse, $29.50, www.alloy.com; Polka Dots, $70, www.guess.com

It's official. I’m channeling the sixties this summer. It’s a look I’ve always wanted to try but felt too self-conscious to pull off. Above are some mod-inspired looks for mid-summer night get-togethers or spring cocktails. If you worried about looking like an extra from “Factory Girl,” ease into the look by wearing just the dress without the accessories or vice versa. Also think about pairing a dress with jeans to bring the look up-to-date.

Note: Match the dresses with the shoes and accessories directly underneath ;)

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Satin Heel, $19.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Pelle Moda Nemo, $99.95, www.zappos.com

Charge: Black Silk Satin 'Fresco' Sandals by Jimmy Choo, $716, www.bluefly.com

Hands up all those who thought Jimmy Choo was founded and owned by a trendy, Chinese designer?! Any takers? I know I’m not the only one! Well, suffice to say I was wrong…BIG TIME. London born Tamara Mellon is the genius behind the luxury shoe line. You can read her brief bio here. Several celebs adore her shoes and the line has had so much success that they recently launched their online boutique. Those of us who can’t quite afford a pair of Jimmy Choo’s can be equally, well almost equally, satisfied with the above alternatives to their “Fresco” pump.

Note: If you want a black ‘cash’ version, see these shoes by WindsorStore.com.

Jada Pinkett on the cover of Tango…

Check out the gorgeous Jada Pinkett Smith on the cover of Tango magazine (?). She looks sensational – love the hair! Look out for Ms. Pinkett in the upcoming movie “Reign Over Me” which she co-stars in with Don Cheadle, Adam Sandler and Liv Tyler.

Credit: Crunk ‘n’ Disorderly for the pics.

Anything N.Y. Can Do D.C. Can Do Better!

I guess it was meant to be. I always knew fashionistas existed in the nation’s capitol and the success of the first ever District Sample Sale brought them out 'en masse'. No less than 400 of D.C.’s trendy young things lined up in Georgetown to get their hands on the last few tickets of this Soho/Tribeca inspired sale. The question is are we Washingtonians ready for round two? I say ‘hell yes!’ I attended the first sample sale and it didn’t disappoint. I really recommend going if you want extraordinary discounts. The last event had designer pumps knocked down by 80%! Get your game face on though, sistas were not playing. If you can, buy tickets in advance ($35). They will have limited tickets at the door but the line will form as early as 3:00pm!

When: Wednesday, Feb 28th
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where:
Disrict Sample Sale
3307 M Street, N.W.
Georgetown, D.C.

Tickets available at www.districtsamplesale.com and also view photos from their last event.

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.

My Picks!

Left to right: Anja, $79.99, www.bakersshoes.com; Buckland, $69.99, www.bakersshoes.com; Top, $99, www.chineselaundry.com; Sunny Plain Mid Shaft Boot by Frye, $225, www.shopbop.com

Left to right: Flat High Leg Bow Boot, $170, www.topshop.com; Sabina Boot by Steve Madden, $160.90, www.endless.com; Lama, $49.97, www.aldoshoes.com; Pom Pom Boot, $79, www.spiegel.com

Here are a few of the best finds online. I’m torn between the brown leather pair from Topshop (notice the bow) and the scrunched up boots from Bakers (the button detail is so unique). I also threw in the Ugg-esque furry boots with the pom poms. See Kat Moss’ above, their so cute I can’t take it!

The Consolation Prize… Sort of?

Well Beyonce may never be on the cover of Vogue but she managed to snag the highly-coveted cover of the Sports Illustrated: swimsuit issue. Beyonce donned her very own House of Dereon bikini for the shoot and looks absolutely fabulous. She joins Tyra Banks to become the second Black woman (model or celebrity) to ever obtain a cover. Actually Tyra appeared on the cover twice. Once in 1996 (with Valeria Mazza) and in 1997 (alone). Congrats to Beyonce!

Sophia, Sophia

I was on my daily blog rounds and spotted this gorgeous bag on My Fashion Life. The Sophia bag from Alexandra Bee was actually designed with trendy mothers in mind. If you’re anything like me, you may already be, or are in the process of wondering how you’re going to maintain your sense of style while raising a child. Finances permitting, I fully intend to hold on to my personal style. It will of course have to evolve but hopefully I’ll still be keeping one eye on the fashion scene. That said, this bag provides the perfect beginning to a fashionista’s life avec children. The bag comes in two sizes, six shades, nine fabric choices and includes:

• Fully lined, water-resistant interior
• 2 large pockets for diapers or baby wipes
• 2 large interior pockets for water bottle, baby bottle and/or juice cup
• Large interior changing pad pocket with button closure (large Sophia only)
• Large zippered pocket to keep personal items safe
• 2 more interior pockets for miscellaneous items
• 3 leather easy-access pen/baby silverware pockets
• Elastic keychain holder
• 2 large exterior side pockets

As you can see from this photo the bag is now used by non-mothers. All those pockets come in handy when trying to organize your hectic, daily life. Visit AlexandraBee.com to see the different versions this bag comes in.

Mix or Match...

Above: Oval Ring, $15, www.alltherageonline.com; Flower Ring, $27.50, www.tiffany.com; Oval Ring, $2.80, www.forever21.com; Ring with Diamond, $89.99, www.target.com

Above: Ink Blot Painted Bangle, $14, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Stripy Wood Bangle, $18, www.frenchconnection.com; Polkadot Bangle, $8, www.monsoon.co.uk

Above: Bruges Ring, $98, www.anthropologie.com; Battered Wrap Ring, $24, www.monsoon.co.uk; Oval Catseye Ring, $20, www.monsoon.co.uk; 10K Yellow Gold Diamond and Amethyst Ring, $29.99, www.kay.com

Nail Colors (from top to bottom): Temptress; Very Petal; Pink A Dink; Highland Mist. Salsa; Sunset; Golden Pearl. Nougat; So Bright; Crystal Lilac and Oyster all $4.49 by No. 7 cosmetics by Boots.com. See “Lucky No 7” post.

If your lousy partner didn’t get you anything for Valentines Day, treat yourself. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend so go for a little bling. Alternatively you can embrace your funkier side and opt for something unique. Urban Outfitters and Monsoon (U.K.) have some great jewelry pieces. Above I picked my favorites and nail polish to match.

Note: Also see this “Perfect Match” post for more nail colors and see “Arm Candy” for some cute bracelets.

Alright Now!...

I guess pigs are flying somewhere over Manhattan! I’m so happy for Miss Hudson, this is going to be her year for sure. Annie Leibovitz took the pics and Andre Leon Talley was indeed involved and even wrote the article. Head over to YBF to see more pics from the shoot and get more info. What do we think of the cover and other photos? I think it could have been better actually but Annie still captured her beauty, inside and out. Apparently Jennifer is the first black singer on the cover and the third black female celebrity ever... Can anyone confirm?

Lucky No. 7

Left to right: Stay Perfect Foundation, $15.99; Stay Perfect Lipstick, $9.99; Stay Perfect Nail Color, $4.49; High Shine Lip Gloss, $7.99; Amazing Eye Pencils, $6.99; Stay Perfect Shadow Palette, $7.99; Maximum Volume Mascara, $8.99; Cream Blush Tint, $9.99; Stay Perfect Lip Lacquer, $7.99 all by No. 7 cosmetics

I’m so excited! Boots, the U.K.’s equivalent to CVS, is launching five of its best selling health and beauty brands here in the U.S. Starting next month, Boots will be available nationwide in more than 1,500 Target stores, and in April, over 500 CVS stores. Look out for the following:

1. “No. 7” – a high quality, but affordable, cosmetics and skincare brand. I used to use their Stay Perfect Foundation in Mocha until I moved to the U.S. and couldn’t get it anymore.

2. “Botanics” – a cosmetic, skin, bath and body care line, created using natural plant extracts.

3. “Time Dimensions” – an easy-to-understand anti-aging skin care system.

4. “Mediterranean” – a gorgeous smelling bath and body care range that uses organic ingredients including almond and olive oils, citrus fruits and fragrant herbs. Try their Mediterranean Almond Pistachio & Milk Body Butter… pure heaven!

5. “Feel the Difference” – a range of supplements and vitamins that cleanse, purify and revive your body and skin from the inside out.

Visit Boots.com to find your nearest Target and CVS stockists.

Style on the Go...

Thandie Newton arriving at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, at the Royal Opera House Sunday night in London.

Rihanna attending the Universal Music Grammy party held at The Palm Restaurant Sunday night in Hollywood.

Beyonce Knowles arriving at the Sony/BMG Grammy party held at the Beverly Hills hotel on Sunday in Beverly Hills.

India.Arie arriving at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 11, 2007 in Los Angeles.

So many events so little time! Gotta start off with Thandie Newton and her gorgeous champagne colored dress. I don’t know who the designer is but she worked the hell out of it. I guess there’s life after “Norbit.” Also notice the jewelry she has on… She gets an A+ from head-to-toe.

Rihanna opted for jewel green for this year’s Grammys – it emphasizes the natural color of her eyes. I love the cut of this dress, especially at the back (see beginning of slide show). I also love how Rihanna steered clear of the played out, long weave and went with an edgier cut instead. Tres chic!

I’m not to keen on the hair but the dress and make up is on point. Beyonce is definitely a pro when it comes to red carpet poses! She’s come a long way, remember those Destiny’s Child days? *shudders*

Lastly, I’m not a fan of the dress, or shoes for that matter, but India.Arie looks AMAZING! I’m bias to natural hair so I adore this look on her. I wonder if it’s hers or if she twisted in some natural hair? If it’s hair it sure grows quick!