One of the Boys

Hear ye! Hear ye! Make way for the slouchy, denim Boyfriend Jean! Don't ditch the skinny jean just yet, but DO add a hint of versatility to your closet with this Spring 09 trend. You might grow to love it.... The celebs have! Take notes, fashionistas!

From left to right: Jessica Alba and Megan Fox spotted wearing Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jean, courtesy of Denimology.co.uk; Katie Holmes in PRPS Baggy Jeans, courtesy of DenimBlog.com

The Boyfriend Jean is designed to make it look as though you're wearing your boyfriend's (or husband's) jeans, but of course you already knew that.... That would explain why they have a more baggy, relaxed fit.

The Relaxed Boyfriend Jean in deconstructed sandblast, Victoria's Secret, $69.50.

Check out the rest of Victoria's Secret Boyfriend Jean Collection here: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSCLOFITBFD&cgnbr=OSCLOFITBFD&rfnbr=6056

My favorite Boyfriend Jean is in a light wash denim with lived-in look of destruction...and let's not forget about the cuffs! Cuffing the Boyfriend Jean gives it a more tapered look. But lucky for you, most Boyfriend Jeans are designed that way!

Rachel Bilson spotted in a rolled and cuffed Boyfriend Jean by Current/Elliott
Photo Courtesy of DenimBlog.com

Give your Boyfriend Jean a more feminine look with ballet flats, sandals, or heels. Throw on a cami or a tank and a cardigan, and you're all set! Think Bohemian (floral prints, feathers). Wanna be "Red Carpet Ready?" How about pumps and a blazer? Or go full throttle and really be "one of the boys" with your favorite gym shoes and a tee.

Don't take the origin of the Boyfriend Jean too literally. You don't have to have a boyfriend or even a husband to borrow his jeans, SILLY! Denim manufacturers that have brands for women customize the Boyfriend Jean to specifically fit and flatter a woman's body. Don't see anything you like? --shop in menswear or go the vintage route!

Learn more about this trend:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-stylist3-2008aug03,0,1962864.story

Shop the Boyfriend Jean:
http://www.nextag.com/boyfriend-jeans/products-html

Center Stage

Tutu skirts aren't just for the Prima Ballerinas anymore! (or little girls, for that matter) From the studio to the streets, the tutu is making a huge debut. And it's a good thing too! Besides, A-line skirts can be so boring--why not go full circle?

A-LINE SILHOUETTE VS. TUTU SILHOUETTE

Crinoline Makes a Comeback
...and we have Queen Victoria to thank! In most recent years, the tutu skirt has been an observable fashion trend on the goth scene (and let's not forget lolita street wear fashion in Japan). But it's finally becoming mainstream. Lightweight and flirty, the tutu skirt can be worn in a number of different ways. Rihanna shows us a few....

Your tutu skirt can be worn with a vest or a button-up blouse like Rihanna. You can even go the simple route and pair your tutu skirt with a basic tank or tee. Corsets are great too!

Layered Tulle Petticoat Skirt, Gothic Plus, gothicplus.com

If you want to add a bit of flounce to any free-flowing skirt or dress, just add a length-appropriate petticoat or crinoline underneath to get the tutu effect. Some petticoats can even be worn alone as skirts. Just make sure that your petticoat has enough layers of tulle so that it isn't see-through. In the case that it doesn't, you can always wear bloomers, tights (want to be daring? go for fishnets) or leggings--be creative!

SHOP:

Balenciaga Tutu Skirt

• http://www.stylefinder.com/items/?id=121532

Betsey Johnson Crinoline Skirt

• http://www.betseyjohnson.com/store/productdetails2.aspx?productid=6508&np=2500
  
  
  

One Love

Jumpsuits, rompers, playsuits, jumpers...what do these things have in common? They're all synonymous for "onesies!"

PROS:

• Easy to pull your look together
  No more endless searching for something to wear...the onesie is a one stop shop!

Courtesy of Free People, February 2009 Catalog
From left: Convertible Harem Pant, $78; In Stitches Romper, $98

• VERSATILE
The onesie can be worn in place of the 'little black dress,' a sundress, a swimsuit cover-up, or even a suit.


LBD Approved

Sequin Bow Front Jumpsuit, $29.80 and Tuxedo Satin Jumpsuit, $24.80
Courtesy of Forever21, www.forever21.com

TIP: Glam up your onesie with tights, killer heels, and bling to achieve the look of 'cha-ching.' You will be 'to-die-for' in this million dollar look!

Suggested Items:

Fun in the Sun

TIP: Give your onesie the look of a sundress with a pair of gladiator or chunky, platform sandals. For a more classic look, go for espadrilles. How about a floppy hat? Add a little bit more pizazz to your onesie by layering it with a printed tank. On those chilly Spring days, just throw on a cardigan.

Suggested Items:

Splish Splash Sophistication

TIP: Layer a onesie over your favorite swimsuit to take you straight from the catwalk--I mean BOARDWALK--to the beach. You can even wear your cover-up during a night on the town, and no one would know the difference.... Accessorize your onesie with a metallic clutch and bold bangles.

Corporate Chic

Strapless Trouser Jumpsuit and Herringbone Jumpsuit w/Belt, http://www.forever21.com/

TIP: Don't feel like wearing a business suit today? Layer these onesies with a white, collared button-down shirt and/or a blazer. Don't forget the stockings! Finish your look off with a sleek briefcase.

Suggested Items:

• Inexpensive
  Most of our favorite bargain-brand clothing stores that we all know and love carry the beloved onesie. You name it, it's probably got it!

CONS:

• You don't have one yet!!

Got A Sweet Tooth...

Run down to your corner store!!

Courtesy of the Food Trust and Good magazine

BODEGA is an independent outfitter based out of Boston, MA that specializes in unique and exclusive streetwear for men, including sneakers, caps, clothing, accessories, and outerwear. But there's a catch!! Of course I could just tell you what it is, but that's no fun....

Check out BODEGA
http://www.bdgastore.com/bodega/newsite/home.html
6 Clearway Street
Boston, MA
(617) 421-1550

Don't get what the big deal is? To learn more about BODEGA (and spoil the surprise), click here:

http://www.freshnessmag.com/v4/2006/06/13/freshness-feature-bodega-boston-ma/

Courtesy of Clinton Hill Blog

TREND ALERT: Stars & Stripes

This just in! It is now acceptable to wear different prints and patterns...TOGETHER! This new trend was unveiled during Spring Fashion Week 2009, thanks to a number of designers who put various patterns together in unexpected ways. One model was seen wearing a striped top with a dotted skirt. Let's see how long it takes the laggards to catch on. But for the BOLD and beautiful, you can do it! --just take your time and do it right! Make sure when mixing your prints and patterns of choice, they complement (in every sense of the word) and coordinate. Otherwise, the fashion police will be on your tail, and they're not always forgiving!

Michael Kors

Check out Spring 2009 Fashion Week's Other 15 Most Wearable Trends right here...it gets better!

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2008/09/spring-2009-fashion-weeks-most-wearable-trends?slide=1

Welcome to the Suite Life...Presidential, That Is

So, as many would agree, the Obamas are a colossal big deal...and we love to love them (I know I do) !! Needless to say, America's 1st Family is a representation of all things favorable: poise, humility, moral integrity, brilliance, and let's not forget--first-rate fabulosity!!

January 20, 2009...a day that will go down in history...

"A New Birth of Freedom"
...commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln

Washington, DC
National Mall--Lincoln Memorial
estimated 1.8 million attendees (I was one of them)
West Front, U.S. Capitol

12:06 p.m.

BARACK OBAMA BECOMES THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! --not to mention, the first African-American...

And the Obamas were surely dressed for the occasion!

The Obamas descending the stairs of the U.S. Capitol.

It is no surprise that Michelle Obama has become the modern-day Jackie O...

who is remembered for her great sense of style and elegance. For her daytime outfit, our First Lady Michelle Obama is photographed here wearing a jewel-collared, pale yellow-gold sweater and sheath dress ensemble with a matching lace coat by Isabel Toledo.


Onlookers watched in awe, wondering how the First Lady managed to stay warm during the inauguration ceremony, which took place on one of the coldest days of the year, I'm sure. But what many of us did not know is that there was actually a hidden layer of pashmina (fleece) lining her ensemble. How's that for cleverness! Isabel Toledo gets major points for that one! The veteran Cuban-born designer says that she chose the "lemon-grass" color of the outfit, because it represents optimism. This was no accident. Barack Obama also based the message of his campaign on the fundamentals of hope and optimism. The First Lady put the finishing touches on her ensemble with a green pair of leather gloves from J.Crew. Michelle Obama is also wearing dark green Jimmy Choo kitten-heel pumps.

Sasha (7) and Malia (10)

Their outfits were provided by crewcuts, the children's division of J.Crew, and both of their coats were tied with velvet ribbon--just like Mommy!

...and later that evening...

Our First Lady wore a white, one-shouldered style, floor-sweeping gown designed by 26-year old designer Jason Wu to the inaugural balls.

Say what you will about her choices of fashion, but in my eyes, the Obamas can do no wrong!

Congratulations again to our Mr. President, Barack Obama! And best of luck to his administration! We're behind you 100%

A CHANGE HAS FINALLY COME!!!!

A Diva is a Female Version of a Hustler, Part Deux

In the past, the term 'Diva' has had a negative connotation. Don't get me wrong, there are a few bad apples (and they shall remain nameless) who have tried to ruin it for the whole bunch. Still, singer/songwriter/entertainer, and let's not forget oh-s0-fab, Miss Bey has revamped the cliché expression, and all for the better.

Beyoncé tells us that a 'diva is a female version of a hustler.' But what she doesn't tell us is what it takes to be a TRUE diva. So now STOP THE TRACK--let me state facts! Check out the TOP FIVE to make a diva come alive!

To all the ladies in the place with...

1. STYLE and grace

This is the most obvious trait of a diva.

"Style is a magic wand, and it turns everything to gold that it touches."
~Logan Pearsall Smith

Beyoncé at "Notorious" movie premiere in New York City

Just like hubby Jay-Z said, 'You can pay for school, but you can't buy...'

2. CLASS

"Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life." ~Ann Landers

IMAN photo'd here with David Bowie

3. AMBITION

Plain and simple, divas have drive....

Take for instance a few of our spotlight divas: BEYONCÉ (hello!), MARIAH (hello!), not to mention diva-licious TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Let's not forget her protégé, Tyra Banks, who has also accomplished a number of 'firsts.' These women are divas on so many different levels, and nothing short of admirable. Keep it coming, divas!

...and when these two divas aren't working hard...

THEY'RE OUT TOGETHER PARTYING IN ST. BART'S!!!! :o)

Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks

4. PHILANTHROPY

To all of my little divas-in-training--it's not always about YOU. As defined, philanthropy is the act of donating money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause.

By way of illustration, Alicia Keys, a true diva herself and an honorary member of the esteemed sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., is notably the ambassador for Keep a Child Alive. She has travelled to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, speaking to teens and young adults who have been directly impacted by the AIDS epidemic. She is the poster child of what it means to give back to one's community. Diva or no diva, we should all applaud Alicia Keys for her efforts and contributions to [hu]mankind.

Alicia Keys hosts the Keep a Child Alive Charity Ball in London.

Money means nothing if you don't have anyone to share it with, right? Well, Beyoncé donated a whopping $4 million dollar salary from her role in Cadillac Records to help Phoenix House, an American drug treatment organization that runs 98 residential and outpatient rehab programs throughout the United States, and treats over 5000 addicts a day.

Last but not least (and I bet you didn't see this one coming)...

5. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

"I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, MAN!"~Jay-Z

This is a recent trend that has hit the entertainment world by storm! But move over big boys! The divas are taking over! From trendy clothing lines like "Baby Phat," "The House of Dereon," "Fetish," and "Just Sweet" by Kimora Lee, Beyoncé, Eve, and Jennifer Lopez respectively to perfume lines ("M" by Mariah Carey, "Glow" and "Still" by Jennifer Lopez, and "True Star" by Beyoncé), divas are getting their feet wet.

You can't really make money working for someone else, so ladies, take notes! And when that day comes when someone has the nerve to ask you "Where yo' boss at??," you can tell 'em--I AM THE BOSS!! Recognize game....

In short, anyone can be a diva. As I hope you've learned, being a diva is about more than just being beautiful and 'fly' and having swagger. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...besides, make up can do us wonders anyway. Style is eternal. Confidence is key. Strut your stuff with pride. Class is a must-have. Tisk, tisk...it isn't classy to throw a cellphone at someone when you don't get your way. Understand that we were put here on this earth to help others, and if you're not helping others, then...you're just a waste of space. And remember, a diva is a female version of a hustler, but you can't match a hustler without a hustle!

Check out Beyoncé's latest video, "Diva," right here...

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/beyonce-diva/1894555551

Tell me what you think!