Studio Fix

Here’s another event for my fellow Washingtonians. Join designer Ayanna as she previews her new Washington, DC studio. Catch a sneak peek at the unseen paintings of artist and fEMME fETE founder Ayanna. View her eclectic-chic fall collection of paper jewelry (as seen in Travel + Leisure, Venus Zine, The Washington Post, Daily Candy, DC Style, and worn on The Today Show). As if the great art wasn’t enough, enjoy complimentary wine, good conversation, and moody paintings in her downtown loft.

When: Tuesday October 30th, 2007
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Where: 926 n Street NW, 2nd Floor (Mt Vernon Metro stop)
Cost: $5 donation or gift certificate purchase
A few pieces from Ayanna's jewelry collection.

The Perfect Pair…

Left to right: Some of Rebecca Minkoff's bags from her Fall Collection.

Accessory designers Rebecca Minkoff and Due Farina, are holding a sample sale next month. Their luxury Fall Collections, featuring handbag and shoes, will be on sale November 13th – 16th. If you want to get in on the action early you can pre-order Rebecca Minkoff items via the phone (212 677 7829) between November 5th – 9th.

When: November 13th – 16th, 2007
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Where: 158 Grand Street, Suite 207, (between Lafayette Street and Centre Street), New York
Contact: To pre-order Rebecca Minkoff items call 212 677 7829.

Keisha Epps

Keisha Epps poses at the Second Annual 'babyLOVE' benefit for the March of Dimes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel September 29, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Carrying on from our maternity theme I spotted Keisha Epps, wife of actor Omar Epps, in this cute geometric dress at a recent event. Since the dress is quite loose, you may want to wear it when you’re in the earlier stages of your pregnancy to avoid looking like a potato sack from the seventies! Now, is it true that Keisha was previously a member of the girl group Total? My how time flies by!

Steal Keisha’s Style

Dress: Silk Mini Trapeze Dress, $219.99, www.apeainthepod.com

Clutch: Black Denim with Patent Flap and Hard Plastic Buckle, $42, www.amiciaccessories.com Earrings: Feather Earrings, $2.80, www.forever21.com
Boots: Honesty by Hush Puppies, $75, www.shoe-shop.com

I found the exact dress at A Pea in the Pod. Keep an eye on the dress as it might soon be on sale. I also found these boots which are very similar to Keisha’s and have a comfortable low heel. They also have a strong grip on the soles – Perfect for winter.

Yummy Mummy Part II

Garcelle Beauvais arriving at the premiere the film “Gone, baby, gone,” in Los Angeles, California, 08 October 2007.

Halle Berry arrives home after shopping for baby clothes on September 17th, 2007.

Jennifer Lopez shows off her baby bump at a Studio in Hollywood October 21st, 2007.

Keisha Epps and Mekhi Phifer’s wife Oni at Oni and Mekhi’s baby shower on October 7th, 2007.

After weeks of slowly collecting online finds, I finally put together a Maternity Wear post! I actually wrote a post a while back but it wasn’t as extensive as this one. Take inspiration from the ladies above who are effortlessly proving that pregnancy need not strip you of your fashion sensibilities. See below for more inspiration.

My Picks!

Dresses: Cobalt Trapeze Dress, $69.99, www.mimimaternity.com; Belly Basics Maternity Wrap Dress with Tie, $128, www.nordstrom.com; Sleeveless Stripped Dress, $59.99, www.apeainthepod.com; Maternity Scoop-Neck Knit Dresses, $39.50, www.oldnavy.com

Tops: Belly Basics Maternity Short Sleeve Sweater, $66, www.nordstrom.com; Velvet Cashmere and Woven Sleeveless Shirt, $79.99, www.apeainthepod.com; Striped 3/4 Sleeve Sweater, $39.99, www.mimimaternity.com; Smocked Print Shirt, $49.50, www.gap.com

Bottoms: Denim Pencil Skirt, $44.99, www.mimimaternity.com; Roll Panel City Fit Jean, $68, www.gap.com; Demi Panel Medium Wash Long and Lean Jeans, $68, www.gap.com; Maternity Low-Rise Cords, $32.50, www.oldnavy.com

Outerwear: Tweed Coat, $325, www.apeainthepod.com; Wool Dressmaker Coat, $69.98, www.motherhood.com; Pleated Lady Coat, $125, www.gap.com; Long Sleeve Cardigan, $29.98, www.motherhood.com (also in black)

My favorite maternity sites were as follows: A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, Baby Style and for cheaper items try Kiki’s Fashions. If any of you plan on going on holiday soon while pregnant, now is the time to buy summer dress dirt cheap! For coats that fit and are stylish try Motherhood. Also visit some of you favorite stores like The Gap, Old Navy and Nordstrom. These days many brands carry maternity wear as well as their regular sizes.

Wonder Woman ready for battle

Ok, so I was pretty darn miserable for a while thinking this costume looked awful but after I got it completed and fixed up a bit, I didn't want to take it off. It's not professional (my stitching really sucks) but it's done and from a few feet away looks pretty good.

I still can't get over these boots! I'm going to have to order more colors because they're just so awesome.

I just registered over at League of Heroes.

Congratulations Dasha from Virginia…

She won the The Sak / I Like Her Style! giveaway. Thanks to all 444 of you who entered and to Andrea of The Sak for reaching out and organizing this great prize. I wish I could have entered myself, the bag is worth $199! Visit The Sak to browse through their other gorgeous accessories.

P.S. That is not Dasha in the pic, though I'm sure she's equally fabulous ;)

Tamia Covers Heart & Soul Magazine…

Singer Tamia is on the October/November issue of Heart & Soul. She talks about her family, career and living with multiple sclerosis (MS). I didn’t even know she had MS. Not her best shoot but I hope she's doing well. Tamia re-released her “Between Friends” album today which also features three of her favorite Christmas songs. Visit TamiaWorld.com for more info.

Credit: Straight Outta NYC for pic!

Street Style: Beatrice, Zambia

In this edition of “Street Style” I thought we should go international. This photo was actually taken by my mother on a recent trip to Lusaka, Zambia. She was at a friend’s bachelorette party and spotted this lady walking by and stopped her for a photo. Like my mom, I love the mix of traditional, African fabrics and the modern cut of the dress. See the back of this outfit here. Also notice the great accessories she's wearing. Apparently, Beatrice’s mother made the dress for her. Gotta love a mom who can sew! Keep sending in your photos to ILikeHerStyle@Gmail.com. I haven’t forgotten about anyone who has already sent in their pic, just posting something different every time. I’ll let you know in advance if I use your photo. :)

Coats for Fall: The Trench

Halle Berry walks along the set of her new film, 'Perfect Stranger' with bodyguards January 30, 2006 in New York City.

Left to right: Trench Coat, $170, www.topshop.com; Houndstooth Wool Coat, $59.80, www.forever21.com; Belted Wool Trench Coat (also comes in black), $36.50, www.wetseal.com; Metallic Python Trench Coat, $39.50, www.wetseal.com

Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana Ruffled Trenchcoat, $1995, www.saks.com; Olivia Wool Trench Coat, $70.50, www.delias.com; City Style Trench Coat, $79.95, www.nyandcompany.com; Belted Trench Coat, $129, www.bebe.com

The classic trench is a wardrobe must however, why not try something new and opt for a modern take on this coat. Metallics are still making the rounds this season so if you’re brave enough buy a deep bronze or shiny gold trench. Also consider hot pink, bright white and electric blue. The contrast of a shocking, crisp color and classic shape works well. Lastly, if you want something simple and long-lasting pick tweeds in brown or grey…. way more interesting than boring black.

Wonder Woman almost done

The rental I looked at was over 20 years old at Ann's Costume Shop in Boonton, NJ. I don't recommend that store. The customer service was also dreadful but I would have overlooked that if the costume was great. It was battered and in horrible condition. The bottoms were no longer blue but faded to a pale purple which the owner kept arguing with me about as "artist interpretation" and not that I needed them but the boot covers were gold not red & white or even just red; and the accessories were peeling apart and looked like they were held together with scotch tape. Nuff said.

I got to back to working on my original...

The first thing I did was stitch the bottoms around the legs with the machine because my handstitching sucks; then I stitched the blue bottoms to the red in a messy fashion (it got skewed and slants to one side) but it's better than the snaps I had which just wouldn't hold. Then the hard part. I tackled making a belt big enough to cover the mistakes. I really don't like that "Adam Hughes" style as I said and my first attempt, as seen below, was not very good. The regular presser foot kept my stitches straight but pulled the fabric so it got dragged into angles; the zipper foot wasn't any better. I decided I didn't like the belt and tried two more times before getting one that is passable. I had to use the embroidery foot which means I had less control and my stitches are not remotely in straight lines but because the embroidery foot picks up after each stitch, it doesn't cause that messy drag with the fabric.

Tomorrow, after pilates, I'll get to the tiara. My plan for that is to use my ritual tiara (seen in the pics) and basically make a covering. I have to make a lasso "frog" to attach to the belt and also the bracers! So that's basically three more major pieces (because there is a bracer for each wrist) and the little thing to attach to the belt.

Rihanna

Rihanna leaving the MTV studios in New York City looking fashionably preppy on October 10th, 2007.

Rihanna is undisputedly the pop princess de jour. With pop royalty comes great responsibility. First and foremost she must become a burgeoning style icon. Personally, I find Rihanna’s style hit or miss. Sometimes she gets it so right by channeling the bad girl/rock chic thing. Other times she takes it a little too far like this ensemble – hate the boots and leather tights. In the pic above Rihanna works the preppy look to perfection. Wear something like this to work (without so many shirt buttons open) and a classic fall coat. See below for ideas.

Steal Rihanna’s Style

Sweater: Silk & Cashmere Long & Lean V-neck Sweater, $39, www.vicotoriassecret.com Pants: Clean Straight Cotton Pants, $34.99, www.gap.comShirt: French Cuffed Striped Shirt, $44.50, www.gap.com
Heels: Gratify, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com
Necklace: Sweetheart Charm Necklace, $5.80, www.forever21.com
Bracelet: Chain Bracelet, $3.80, www.forever21.com

The sunglasses make this outfit extra cute but I don’t know how many of are still rocking them this time of year. Add a charcoal grey bag to the look and you’re good to go. See below for V-neck alternatives.

Best of the Rest

Left to right: Longsleeve Waffle Top, $19.80, www.forever21.com; Longsleeve Waffle Top, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Long Sleeved V-neck Sweater, $39.50, www.gap.com; Isaac Mizrahi for Target’s, 3/4 Sleeve V Neck in Bing Cherry, $29.99, www.target.com

The Sak / I Like Her Style Giveaway!

It’s that time again folks! The Sak, one of the premiere online handbag sites, and I Like Her Style have teamed up to give one lucky reader the chance of winning a must-have bag featured in Lucky Magazine’s October issue. This luxe leather satchel features braided straps; a peace symbol and dove hardware; matching satin lining features with 2 open pockets and backwall zippered pocket; and white crinkle glazed shiny nickel hardware with contrasting khaki stitching.

This competition is now closed. Winner announced on Wednesday, October 24th!

Get Your Game Face On!

Tyra Banks and Beyonce attend the New York Knicks vs New Jersey Nets Game on April 16, 2007.

Nia Long attending the Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Game on April 4, 2007 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Alicia Keys attends the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden on New York City, April 6, 2007.

Tichina Arnold during the LA stars celebrity all star charity weekend celebrity and NBA all star game at USC Galen Center on August 5, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Watching the game on television is all good and well, but nothing beats courtside seats and another opportunity to flaunt your stellar wardrobe. Better yet, if you’re on a date why not show your potential lover that you can do cute and still be “down” with the game knowledge. What man doesn’t want a lady who knows the names, history and stats of all her favorite players while still rocking three inch stilettos? Those of us who are single can bring the girls along and ogle the players. Either way it’s a win-win situation! See below for courtside looks.

Courtside Cutie

Top: Silk Tie Waist Blouse, $64, www.topshop.com; Skirt: Corset-laced denim pencil skirt, $39, www.newsport-news.com; Bag: Dakota Satchel, $169, www.thesak.com; Boots: Christian Louboutin's In Built Platform High Boot, $1190, www.brownsfashion.com; Rings: Zoe Chicco Leather & Diamond Rings, $436, www.ravinstyle.com; Necklace: Bent Leaf Necklace by Rachel Leigh, $60, www.tobi.com

Top: Stich Detail Blouse, $80, www.topshop.com; Jeans: The Sweetheart Trouser Jeans, $34.50, www.oldnavy.com; Bag: Large Fall Chloe Style Shopper, $42, www.akostyle.com; Belt: Janet Belt, $78, www.fcusbuymail.com; Boots: Sizzle, $37.99, www.gojane.com Bangles: Polished Bangle Set, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Top: Stella McCartney's Oversized T-shirt Dress, $565, www.net-a-porter.com; Jeans: Glitter Denim, $128, www.frenchconnection.com; Boots: Latch, $139.95, www.stevemadden.com; Clutch: Exotic Croc Clutch, $58 www.rimistyle.com; Hat: Star Lined Beret, $24, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Earrings: Crescent Teardrop Earrings, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Rhinestone Pendant Necklace, $6.80, www.alltherageonline.com

Admittedly this is an expensive post. So, if you can’t afford certain pieces, use the overall look as inspiration when you go shopping. The point is to look effortlessly fabulous without trying. Start by finding a perfect denim piece that fits well (skirt, jeans, jumper) and work from there. Boots are a must for courtside cuteness this fall/winter. They’re the perfect smart/casual heel and work well with all kinds of denim! Keep tops simple and classic but do experiment with color. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to mourn in black. If however you prefer neutrals, opt for charcoal grey. It’s the ultimate color for low-key chic.

Wonder Woman wip

I'm really not happy with the progress of my Wonder Woman costume so I'm going to go look at a rental.

Coats for Fall: High Collars

Rihanna leaving her hotel in New York City, October 10, 2007.

Left to right: Gathered Cuff Coat, $170, www.topshop.com; Cowl Neck Coat, $160, www.topshop.com; Plastic Island High Neck Coat, $338, www.shopintuition.com; Textured Volume Coat, $200, www.warehousefashion.co.uk

Left to right: Donegal Tweed Walking Coat by Guess, $168, www.nordstrom.com (comes in Plus Sizes); Wool A-line Coat, $149, www.victoriassecret.com; Funnel Neck Wool Coat, $59.60, www.alloy.com; Felt Bow Tie Jacket, $268, www.frenchconnection.com

The only good thing about Fall/Winter is the search for the perfect coat. Even if you have on sweats and a wifebeater underneath, a well-fitted coat can make you feel instantly chic. There are quite a few trends to choose from this season. So, in this series I’ll show you the best picks online. First up is the “high collar” coat demonstrated nicely by Rihanna! Ideal for winter months, you don’t even need a scarf to brave the harsh winds the collar does all the work. Go with a shorter jacket for fall or states where temperatures don’t drop too low. Those of us in harsher climates should just go with a longer coat. Stayed tuned for the classic trench coat…

Credit: YBF for photo of Rihanna.

Style Inspiration: Sex and the City, The Movie

Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of 'Sex In The City: The Movie' in New York City on September 21, 2007.

The rest of the cast working it on the set.

Red Coat: Amelia Coat, $49.80, www.forever21.com; Red Bag: Ruched Front Water Repellent Bag by Zagliani, $1210, www.brownsfashion.com; Red Sandals: Fanci, $129.95, www.stevemadden.com; Bangle: Zebra Stripes, $14.40, www.alltherageonline.com; Vest: Solemio Perfectly Pinstriped Vest, $26, www.lulusfashionlounge.com; Pants: Women's Skinny Sateen Capris, $29.50, www.oldnavy.com; Tie: Tie Neck Scarf, $40, www.topshop.com; Brooch: Spinning Petals, $24.30, www.alltherageonline.com; Black Sandals: Charles David Women's Chelle Sandal, $204.95, www.endless.com; Black Dress: Square Sequin Dress by See by Chloe, $925, www.net-a-porter.com; Zebra Sandals: Gallaa, $99.95, www.stevemadden.com; Black Earrings: Wendy Nichol Black Python Hoops, $165, www.ravinstyle.com; Gold Dress: Adrianna Papell Liquid Knit Dress, $196, www.nordstrom.com; Pearl Earrings: Beaded Clip On Studs, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Coat: Moncler’s Fitter Padded Jacket with High Neck, $920, www.brownsfashion.com; Fedora: Faux Suede Fedora Hat, $9.50, www.wetseal.com; Belt: Mini Patent Pyramid Stud Belt, $16.50, www.alloy.com; Floral Dress: Lobelia Dress, $278, www.anthropologie.com; Necklace: Antique Amulet Necklace, $5.80, www.forever21.com; Grey Heels: Crisscross Ankle Strap Sandals by Alejandro Ingelmo, $695, www.intermixonline.com; Silver Bag: Plaited Strap Pumpkin Bag, $60, www.warehousrfashion.co.uk

Sex and the City is back! Although I’m sure you knew this already. I must admit I was disappointed with how the series ended. Yes, I wanted Carrie to end up with “Big” but she made it too easy for him. Let him sweat a little! Now the four ladies have returned and are as stylish as ever. I know I shouldn’t look at the photos of them on the set as it gives everything away, but I can’t help but get my fashion fix. Above I picked some items inspired by the movie so far. You can see more photos from the movie set in the slideshow below. The movie is scheduled to be released next May. I can already hear the opening theme music in my head…

Chiller Theatre - NJ

Although I am making very slow progress on my Wonder Woman costume, I could not pass up the opportunity to dust off my first superhero costume (custom made by BlackCerenity) which was X-Men's classic green & yellow Rogue. I got the chance to hang out with one of my favorite real life superheroes, Feedback and catch up with a couple other costume pals. I ran into Batman and the Joker!

The boys from The Loud Idiots radio program thought I looked good enough to enter their own costume contest and snapped off a pic of me. I guess I didn't look too bad for having had surgery only a couple weeks ago.

Catwalk Copy

Kerry Washington arriving at the CHANEL and P.S. Arts Event at the Chanel Beverly Hills Boutique on September 20, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California.

Left: Arabella by Guess, $109.99, www.shoes.com

Right: Patent calfskin leather pump, $650, www.chanel.com

Ever since Kerry Washington walked the “white carpet” at Chanel’s latest event, I’ve been on a mission to track down affordable alternatives to the white cap-toe pumps which she wore (by Chanel, naturally). Chanel does offer a black cap-toe pump (I think it was out last season,) and I was able to find Guess’ Arabella for a fraction of the price. It’s not exactly the same as Kerry’s, but the sentiment is there! Wear with a black and white shift dress or long, flared, black pants that just show the tips. Divine.