Delaney Clan Shirt

It took a few weeks, an extra trip to the store and after a lot of mistakes, I finally finished it - the Delaney Clan Renaissance Shirt.

Rag Shop Clearance Sale

I went to my local (and virtually only) fabric store, the Rag Shop, to find it plastered in posters that it's going out business. I was horrified but tried to make the best of the sales. KACHING! Hello, Master Card! I'm now rather stocked up on spandex in baby blue, orange, pink, medium blue, some lime green and little bit of dark blue.

If anyone would like to place a costume order that requires any of those colors, write to me asap before I turn them into things for myself.

If I Had My Way: Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles arrives at the 2007 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 26, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Other red carpet looks by Beyonce – very, very shiny!

Ok. So I thought this would be a good game to play. It’s not supposed to be full of hate, just some light-hearted fun. How it works is we take a well known celebrity and say the things we would change about their style if we were their stylist for a day. You don’t have to follow the format below, just give general comments. Beyonce is first up. She looks great whatever she wears but she desperately needs to switch things up. And after seeing yet another glitzy, over-the-top dress on the BET Awards ’07 red carpet I think it’s high time for a style intervention…

If I Had My Way… I’d give Bey a fresher and edgier hair cut (just above the shoulder). Let the long, drab weave go sista.
If I Had My Way… I’d burn every shiny, metallic and reflective outfit she’s ever bought.
If I Had My Way… I’d put Bey in a sharp tailored suit, scrape her hair back into a high bun and let her face do all the talking.
If I Had My Way… I’d try a sexy smoky eye on her with a fresh neutral face.
If I Had My Way… I’d put her current stylist on style probation STAT. You know what they say, like mother like daughter!

What would you do or say to Ms. Knowles?

Living in Luxirie…

Pieces from Luxirie’s latest line.

I stumbled across this cute label called “Luxirie” while surfing the net. They design edgy casual wear with a healthy dose of glamour. Looks like I’m the last to know about them since they sell in boutiques all over the world including the U.S., Japan, Canada and France. Eve wore their latest line in her new video. Other fans include Christina Milian, Lily Allen, Nina Sky and Rosci of BET. Visit Luxirie.com to find your nearest boutique.

Thank You Tee!

I have to give a major shout-out to Tee of Invade My Closet for hooking me up with this fabulous banner. I think you’ll agree that it looks great and it’s no surprise since Tee's newly, redesigned site looks AMAZING too.

Thanks again Tee. xx

Jill Scott

Jill Scott's "Real Thing" Cocktail Reception at the Roof Top Garden on June 14, 2007, New York City.

I’ve had so many emails from people asking me to do a “Steal Style” for this Jill Scott outfit. Whilst I couldn’t find the exact dress I found some in a similar style and/or color. I think she looks absolutely flawless and since she’s newly single (her divorce to Lyzel is still pending), she needs to let people know she’s back in the game. See below for how to achieve this look.

Steal Jill’s Style

Dress: Floral Dress 24.99 www.charlotte-russe.com

Ring: SS Ring Large Oval Mop, $18.39, www.target.com
Earrings: Hammered Hoops in Silver, $4.99, www.girlprops.com
Heels: Air S Crkcork Heel, $20.99, www.gojane.com

I know, I know this dress doesn't come in plus sizes but I've included some below. If you have a complex about showing off your arms then try the long-sleeved dresses below from Bandlu.com or Igigi.com. You’ve got to rock this look with big hair, Jill makes it look so good. Whether you have natural or relaxed hair try and achieve some volume, it’ll take this outfit to the next level.

Best of the Rest…

Left to right: Alva Dress, $72, www.bandlu.com; Lucinda Printed Silk Jersey V Neck, $318, www.monifc.com; Madeline Silk Rainbow Peacock, $238, www.monifc.com; Floral Wrap Dress in Green, $85, www.igigi.com

These dresses all come in pluss sizes (roughly starting from sizes 14 and up).

I Like Her Style!: Tia Williams

I had the pleasure of interviewing beauty expert-turned-author and fellow Glam.com winner, Tia Williams this week. The former Beauty Director of Teen People has also worked at prestigious fashion magazines such as Glamour, Elle, YM and Lucky. She currently writes the must-read beauty blog "Shake Your Beauty". With all that experience under her belt it was only right and proper that she share her superior beauty wisdom with us mere mortals. We are not worthy…

What is the number one beauty mistake black women make?
Ashy foundation! It’s so important to choose a foundation or concealer that’s yellow-based—it’s the most natural shade on brown skin.

What is the best beauty advice you can give black women?
If you’re stumped when picking out a lipstick or gloss, stick to sheer bronzes, coppers, and gold-flecked neutrals. You can’t go wrong with a soft wash of metallic shimmer on your lips.

What are your top five beauty products right now?
Narciso for Her perfume, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Raisin Glaze, Nars Blush in Taos, Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Passionfruit Poppy. (See stockists below).

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m a mix of classic and bohemian. Basically, my uniform is a flowy top, gold flats, and skinny jeans (or a mini in the summer). Not groundbreaking, but it works when you spice things up with a great bag or fabulous earrings!

Where do you see "Shake Your Beauty" in 5 years?
It’s so sad, but I’m incredibly computer illiterate. I think I’ll still be happy with my weekly beauty posts! Hopefully, I’ll be totally global by then...and maybe I will have figured out the whole podcast thing.

Tell us a little about your new book "It Chicks."
My new book, IT CHICKS (Hyperion/Disney, April 07), is the first in a series for teens! It’s centered around a group of sophomores that go to a prestigious Manhattan performing arts academy. There’s a dancer, a singer, a rapper, a grafitti artist—and each one’s more spotlight-hungry than the last. IT CHICKS a super-juicy summer read, filled with competitive drama, a hot love story, sexy boys, and bitchy girls. And even though it’s geared toward high school students, it’s fast becoming a guilty pleasure for women in their 20s and 30s, too! IT CHICKS Book #2 will debut in Spring 2008.

Click here for more beauty tips at Tia Williams' award-winning blog “Shake Your Beauty.”

Tia’s Top Picks: Narciso Rodriguez “For Her” Eau de Parfum, $72 - $94, www.nordstrom.com; Nars Blush in Taos, $25, www.narscosmetics.com; Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Raisan Glaze, $7.99, www.walgreens.com; Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $18, www.sephora.com; Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Passionfruit Poppy, www.creativenaildesign.com

Style Inspiration: Yellow Fever

Rosario Dawson attending a photocall promoting the film "Death Proof" at the Palais des Festivals during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2007 in Cannes.Beyonce and Rihanna are stunning in Yellow.

Beyonce and Rihanna are stunning in Yellow.

Floral Top: Minime Blouse by Paul and Joe, $428, www.my-wardrobe.com; Shorts: Dobby Short, $78, www.fcusbuymail.com; Flip Flops: Flirty, $25.95, www.bakersshoes.com; Tote Bag: HandStitched Handbag by Orla Kiely, $730, www.my-wardrobe.com; Earrings: Lacquered Double Hoops, $3.80, www.forever21.com; Flats: Groove Tender, $32.50, www.alloy.com; Tunic Dress: Beaded Tunic, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Ruffle Dress: Flyaway Dress in Gold, $39.50, www.alloy.com; Necklace: Layered Enamel Necklace, $12, www.monsoon.co.uk; Floral Dress: Floral Print Strapless Dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim, $430.50, www.net-a-porter.com; Short-Sleeve Top: Short Sleeved Tunic, $20, www.topshop.com; Clutch: Antoinette Lee Yellow Vita Clutch, $231, www.antoinetteleedesigns.com; Wallet: Leather Large Lock Wallet, $30, www.monsoon.co.uk; Peep-toe: Greystones, $99.99, www.aldoshoes.com; Camisole: 2 Pocket Embroidered Cami, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Bag w/ bow: Gathered Bow Bag, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Bracelet: Hearts and Ribbons Bracelets, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Sleeveless Top: Indian Top, $78, www.fcusbuymail.com; Skirt: Broderie Anglaise Cotton Skirt, $171.60, www.net-a-porter.com; Platform Heels: Hagopa, $90, www.aldoshoes.com

I was strolling through Forever 21 the other day and every other item on the racks were bright, bright yellow. I think the color looks especially good on our skin. See the ladies above for inspiration and this model in Catherine Malandrino’s Banded Mini Dress (which is sold out at Saks). Like most trends, you don’t have to wear it from head-to-toe. I think a yellow outfit and shoes and a bag is overkill. Make like Rihanna and don a bold, structured yellow top or an A-line skirt or even just accessories.

Note: Also check out these celebrities in Mellow Yellow.

new contacts to share

I met some wonderful artists and writers at this weekend's Wizard World in Philly. My entire recap is over at Live Journal. However one thing I saved specifically for this costume blog is the link to Lavinia Wings, a fairy wing designer. DragonCon is approaching and Sam Walker at LW will take custom orders. Her wings are beautiful and I know you will love them.

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.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Java 13 pu Wedge, $18.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Talli, $77.95, www.stevemadden.com

Charge: Haircalf Reva Ballet Flat, $225, www.toryburch.com

The Reva Ballet Flat is the shoe de jour. Perfect for summer walks in the park and essential for the anticipated transition into fall, this Tory Burch classic has been the best selling flat for over two seasons now. The pair pictured above are a variation of the Nappa Leather original. These brand new pre-fall, chocolate brown, haircalf Revas are going to sell-out quickly so place your order now. For those of you not so fussed with designer labels but equally in love with the style, try the cheaper alternatives above.

colorful tights and body suits

I just came across a stylish site that features 45 different colors of tights! No matter what theme you're dressing, chances are you could use something like this.

We Love Colors

Style Spotlight: Bonnie Morrison

I’m sure I’m not the first to have noticed Bonnie Morrison on the pages of “The Daily Front Row” or on the New York Social Diary web site rubbing shoulders with fashion’s elite. Fashion Week Daily calls her “one of the most socially connected fashion publicists in New York” and with good reason. Bonnie is currently the publicity director at the renowned fashion PR firm KCD, so that means she has a hotline to all the city's up-and-coming designers. With that in mind it’s no wonder she always manages to look chic and polished. Click here to see Bonnie’s warm-weather style tips for the summer, then read the brief Q&A below that she did for PaperMag.com’s "Beautiful People" issue.



Occupation: Fashion publicist
Why do you like to go out in NYC? "You're always seeing old friends as well as meeting new people -- it's a place where your world is as big as you want it to be."
How would you describe your fashion look? "There is a pretty eclectic group of women I think of as major style icons: sixties and seventies Tina Turner, Bianca Jagger, Kim Gordon and, if you can believe it, Donatella Versace. But my fashion fairy godmother might actually be Bea Arthur."
What's the best thing about being one of the most popular girls in NYC? "When I first moved here ten years ago, I would wonder if I would ever make a single friend. Now, everywhere I go, I see people I know and love. Live here long enough and eventually, you feel like a star."

Halle Berry

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

Is Halle pregnant? I don’t know. Does she look fantastic? Damn straight. As rumors regarding Halle’s “delicate state” swirl all over the internet, Ms. Berry fuels fire to the flame by dressing in baggy clothes and covering her stomach with shopping bags during a recent outing in Beverly Hills. Technically it’s none of our business, but since she’s pushing 41, can you blame us for being all up in hers? Either way she looks like a woman half her age. I’m sure having no offspring helps! Steal her easy LA-living look below.

Steal Halle’s Style…

Top: Heathered Top, $11.80, www.forever21.com
Jeans: Levi's Eco Organic Skinny Jean, $88, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Sunglasses: Large Wide Tinted Shades, $24, www.akostyle.com
Sandals: Shellys London Fiji Thong, $40, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Earrings: Wired Hoop Earrings, $3.80, www.forever21.com
Cardigan: Circle Crochet Cardigan, $88, www.bananarepublic.com

I wonder how good these Christian Dior knockoff sunglasses will be? If anyone buys them let me know ;)

got skulls?

Typically I get annoyed at random myspace friends invitations for things like bands and artists that are globally spamming. That's right, I said it. It's not marketing - It's SPAM. However, there have been about 3 times in the past year that I've actually encountered a invitation worth accepting from these random global drops. One of which was today's acceptance of Skull Planet.

If you have a hankering for skulls, this is the place. I love them. I'm obsessed with skull patterns and bone images. It must be the plethora of pirate goodness out there today. Whatever the reason, it's a pattern motif I love for the moment.

Wonder Woman/Girl theme top

I finally created a top that "mostly" fits. It's a little baggy and not what I would call "supportive" in the bustline but it's roomy enough that I actually got it on and could conceivably wear it to Wizard World.

Please ignore the yoga pants in the picture and my currently terrible complexion; I'm fighting hives this months.

Cute Girls Come In Different Sizes…

Above: Nefe Dress, $130, www.mignonettedesigns.com

Left to right: Anne Dress, $220; Yasamen, $225; Black Pink Polka Dress; Red Hook Dress, $225 all available at www.mignonettedesigns.com

Mr. Pilati take note. The fabulous come in all shapes, sizes and skin colors and if you doubt it let the Brooklyn-based design house “Mignonette” prove it to you. Their pieces are “handmade with love” and are available in sizes 0 to 16. Mignonette literally means “cute girl” in French and it’s not hard to see why they picked their name. With dresses that seamlessly fit into anyone’s wardrobe, Mignonette’s aim is to provide clothing that makes everyone look and feel amazing and they succeed. I don’t know how they do it, but each creation flatters any and every body shape. Visit www.mignonettedesigns.com to receive a 20% discount off any item using the code “StealStyle.”

Sample Sale Delights!

New York based designer, Rebecca Minkoff is off-loading some of last season’s handbags as well as never before seen designs. Head to her New York studio to buy her iconic bags reduced by 25%-50% off.

When: Thursday June 14th, 2007
Time: 12pm-8pm
Where: Rebecca Minkoff, 340 East 18th Street, Suite B, New York, NY 10003
Contact: 212 677 7829

Sold to the Tipsiest Bidder…

Cocktails served at an auction house may sound like a lethal combination but if you add “fabulous fashionistas” and “vintage clothes” to the equation, things quickly sound like a night of pure bliss. Chicago divas with some extra change in their pockets should head to Leslie Hindman Auctioners next week; first on Monday (10am-5pm) for the preview of their vintage clothing and jewelry, then on Wednesday (6pm) for the actual auction. Get to the venue at 5pm for a social hour of “Couture and Cocktails” as department specialist Abigail Rutherford offers a brief disscusioin about incorporating vintage fashion into your current wardrobe. Click here to view some of the items that’ll be on sale. Paddles at the ready!

When: Wednesday June 13, 2007
Time: 5pm (Cocktail recpetion). 6pm (Auction)
Place: Leslie Hindman Auctioners, 122 North Aberdeen Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: Abigail Rutherford at 312 334 4229 (abigail@lesliehindman.com)

Left to right: Zandra Rhodes Black & Gold Cocktail Dress estimated price, $300-500; Mollie Parnis Aqua Cocktail Dress $100-200; Malcolm Starr Black & White Day Dress $100-200; Nettie Rosenstein Black Velvet Cocktail Dress $200-400

What Say We?... Yay or Nay?!

Rihanna heading to a performance at “Viva Live” in Germany earlier this week.

Rihanna is working hard to promote her third album in two years titled “Good Girl Gone Bad.” In her quest to convince us that she’s really a gothic-rock chic trapped in an easy ‘n’ breezy Barbadian girl’s body, she’s adopted a grungier wardrobe to bring out her darker side. While I’m a big fan of her asymmetrical haircut, her attire is doing nothing for me. Sorry Rhi Rhi got to give you a big fat “Nay.”

YSL Doesn’t Care About Black People!

Past Models of Yves Saint Laurent: Mimi Roche (Spring 2007 rtw), Sasha Gaye-Hunt (Fall 2007 rtw) and Marie Fuema (Spring 2006 rtw).

Tianna of ConcreteLoop.com sent me an article by The Washington Post titled “Back in Fashion.” It’s a profile on YSL’s creative director Stefano Pilati. So I’m reading it with marginal interest until I came across the following few passages:

Pilati reflected the spirit of the house in his choice of models for the fall show. Saint Laurent was known for celebrating black models and in a season when they were especially absent on the runways, Pilati, at least, had one.

"In the '70s, to have black models in Paris and Europe was sort of a message of having an open mind," Pilati says. "We were definitely less used to races crossing lines. It was definitely something coming from America."

Saint Laurent "was very sensitive to that. It was helping to add exoticism to the collection and to embrace the multicultural aspect of the work."

Why aren't there more black models working today? "To me, it is a matter of proportions and the bodies I choose. My fit model was a black model," he says. "When I wanted to translate what I put on her, it was a disaster. It would need 13 times more work in the atelier to modify it to put on a more Caucasian anatomy.

"Sometimes, it's not your choice. You can't find [black models] that are beautiful and with the right proportions. I prefer them with lean proportions with no big hips."

Big hips? A dearth of beautiful black models? This from the designer who characterizes himself as the best salesman for his clothes.

Okay let’s hold-up, wait-a-minute, and rewind. “You can't find [black models] that are beautiful and with the right proportions.” If by beautiful you mean wafer thin, with their ribs sticking out and their knees knobbling from lack of food consumption, then I’m not surprised you couldn’t find “beautiful black models.” Who does he think he is? And in any case, the many black models I see walking the runways are smaller than the average sista I know. How much altering did the fit model's clothes really need? And I’m guessing Mr. Pilati isn’t in the least bit interested in appealing to the ever-increasing market of highly paid, powerful and professional black women around the world. He really needs to open his eyes and take note of the fact that women come in all shapes and sizes. I can’t imagine why he would think no hips are better than hips… THAT IS WHAT MAKES US FEMALE!!!! What are your thoughts?