Seeing Red

Kerry Washington visits MTV's 'TRL' at MTV Studios Times Square October 23, 2007 in New York City

Jurnee Smollett attends Allure’s Face Cocktail Party last night in Beverly Hills, November 14, 2009

Dania Ramirez arrives at the Reopening of the Burberry Beverly Hills Store on October 20, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California

Laura Izibor attends Elle's Women In Music Issue Celebration, New York, June 9, 2010

The little black dress is so passé. Trust me. Color can be chic too. Red cocktail dresses were the weapon of choice for the four celebrities above. Pair with a classic black belt and neutral heels so your dress can do all the talking. See below for hints on how to incorporate the simple yet eye-catching look into your wardrobe.

My Picks!

Left to right: Warehouse Cutwork One Shoulder Dress, $100, www.asos.com; Signature Essentials Off Shoulder Cocktail Dress by Herve Leger, $1050, www.shopbop.com; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress Adara Ruched Jersey Dress, $124, www.bloomingdales.com; Merona Women's Twisted Neckline Dress in Deep Love, $39.99, www.target.com

Left to right: Kimchi Blue Bow Belt, $24, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Skinny Faux Leather Belt, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Logo-Buckle Belt, $160, www.bloomingdales.com; Stud Belt, $23.99, www.frenchconnections.com

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Style Flashback: Lena Horne

What is there left to say about Lena Horne that hasn't already been said. Singer. Actress. Activist. Dancer. She's done it all. On May 9th, 2010 the world was saddened by the news that a legend had fallen. We can take comfort in the fact that she lead a full life, dying at the age of 92. I'll try here to summarize all her achievements in less than 500 words. In the Fall of 1933, Horne joined the mike chorus of the Cotton Club at the age of sixteen and became a nightclub performer. This was her introduction to the world of entertainment. Soon after, Hollywood called. Horne had small parts in numerous movies, and more substantial parts in the films Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather. However, due to her left-leaning political views, Horne found herself blacklisted and unable to get work in Hollywood. During World War II, when entertaining the troops for the USO, she refused to perform "for segregated audiences or for groups in which German POWs were seated in front of African American servicemen." Returning to her roots as a nightclub performer, Horne took part in the March on Washington in August 1963, and continued to work as a performer, both in nightclubs and on television, while releasing well-received record albums. She announced her retirement in March 1980, but the next year starred in a one-woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, which ran for more than three hundred performances on Broadway and earned her numerous awards and accolades. She continued recording and performing sporadically into the 1990s, disappearing from the public eye in 2000. I'll miss Lena Horne for her integrity - something many artists today lack. Fame and fortune shouldn't be the end goal for modern entertainers. Courage and faith hold equal merit, and as Horne has demonstrated, it's what real legends are made of.

Color Me Bad

Sara Liz Pickett and H. Ginger Johnson at a recent showcase event.

The full nail color collection at Ginger + Liz - www.gingerandliz.com

My favorites: 1. Caution!; 2. Heart Breaker; 3. New Money; 4. Show Off all $12.00 by Ginger + Liz at www.gingerandiz.com

Summer sun means summer nails and with all the bright colors available these days it's hard to know which brand to pick. If you're going to spend $9 or more on nail lacquer you'll want to make sure it's got the power and intensity to last. Enter "Ginger + Liz." The new nail collection, founded by friends Sara Liz Pickett and H. Ginger Johnson, is the buzzworthy brand of organic and vegan friendly nail lacquer with a growing legion of fashionista and celebrity fans alike. Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Julissa Bermudez and Beyonce are just some of their followers. If you like daring colors that won't chip at the drop of a hat, check this brand out. My favorite color is
"Show Off" - I'm wearing it right now. There's nothing like neon pink toes to get your summer started right!

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana attends the 2010 Women In Film Crystal+Lucy Awards in Century City, CA June 2010.

Zoe Saldana never fails to impress on the red carpet. With the year she's been having, her stylist must be on speed dial. Starring in chart-topping movies such as Avatar, Star Trek and Death at a Funeral, Zoe has carved her name firmly onto the A-list. If you're looking to turn heads yourself, scroll down to find tips on stealing Zoe's look for less.

Steal Zoe's Style

Dress: Eliza J Ruffle Wrap Dress, $158, www.shop.nordstrom.com

Earrings: Crystal blossom drop earrings, $48, www.jcrew.com Clutch: Menbur Ruffled Clutch, $58, www.endless.com Shoes: Michael Antonio Studio Women's Teeter Platform Sandal, $68, www.endless.com

If like Zoe your career is heading in the right direction, your style needs to reflect that too. You know what they say... dress for the job you want not the job you have. This outfit will have you feeling like a high flyer in no time. Since the dress is so demure platform leather shoes give the look a harder edge. Finish with diamond jewelry and a killer smile!

Vacation in Style... Is there any other way?!

Beyonce vacationing in style!
Left to right: Geometric Print Kaftan Dress by Supertrash $205.13, www.asos.com; Flirt Kaftan, $71.20, www.chicos.com; Cheesecloth Embroidered, $85.50, French Connection; Bold Flower Paradise Poncho, $63.20, www.chicos.com

Left to right: V Neck Kaftan Cover Up, $40, www.topshop.com; Aurora silk kaftan by Emamo, $650, www.net-a-porter.com; Marlin Print Kaftan, $110, www.monsoon.co.uk; Davina Kaftan, $100, www.monsoon.co.uk

Planning a trip away soon and have no idea what to wear? No problem. Take a leaf out of Beyonce's holiday wardrobe and pack your suitcase full of vibrant kaftans and tunics for lazy days on the beach. Truth be told you don't even need to be vacationing on an island to copy this look. Wear these tops with shorts, skinny jeans or flowing linen pants for instant "sunshine chic."

Introducing Boxing Kitten

Designer Maya Lake in one of her dresses.

In keeping with the African and vintage-inspired theme, I thought I should highlight designer, Maya Lake who is the brain-child behind Boxing Kitten. You may recognize her designs from Beyonce and Alicia Key's upcoming video "Put It In A Love Song" and Rihanna's video for "Rude Boy." Other celebrity fans include Fatima Robinson, Solange Knowles, Fergie and Erykah Badu. I love the uniqueness their pieces but be prepared to pay between $50 - $270. You can view the entire line at www.boxingkitten.com.

ASOS Launches Africa Line

ASOS AFRICA Printed Tie Waist Shorts, $68.38

ASOS AFRICA Printed Jumpsuit, $128.21

My favorite U.K. online store for about 9 yrs now recently launched an African inspired line. I've been shopping at ASOS since it was pretty basic but I love how they've evolved over the years and become a force to be reckoned with. This latest line mixes ethnic prints and vivid colors with contemporary shapes. Now I must admit, you could probably get and African relative to buy the fabric pretty cheap and have these styles made for half the price, but if you don't have that "African connection" then ASOS is ideal for you. Click here to see the full collection.

Zac Posen for Target

On April 25th, Target's Go International will start selling it's latest one-of-a-kind offerings from acclaimed young designer Zac Posen. If you recognise the model in the above pictures it's Ms. Golden Globe '10 herself, Mavis Spencer (Alfre Woodard's daughter). It's being reported that she's Zac Posen's latest muse and I can see why judging from these gorgeous floral prints that look like they were made just for her. To view a sneak peak of his upcoming collection, click here.

Fashion in the City!

DC divas be sure to check out the next discount sample sale in Georgetown next month. Many-a-deal will be had so don't miss out!

When: Tuesday, March 16
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Where: 3336 M Street, NW, Georgetown, Washington DC
Cost: $40

Learn more at www.districtsamplesale.com.

Light as a Feather

Kerry Washington attends the 2nd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 19, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

Jennifer Lopez arrives at American Music Awards after-party on November 22, 2009.

Iman attends the The 2009 Women of the Year hosted by Glamour Magazine at Carnegie Hall on November 9, 2009 in New York City.

Rihanna makes a guest appearance on Norwegian TV show 'Skavlan' on January 21, 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

If you want to stand out form the crowd this Spring, feathers are the way forward. Nothing says, "I'm a fashion risk-taker" like a whispy, feather-tiered skirt or dress. The ladies above are already in the know. Whether it's conservative chic like Kerry Washington or abstract rebellion a la Rihanna, there are a myriad of ways to wear feathers. My favorite inspiration is from Jennifer Lopez. Turn up the glamour by pairing a feather skirt with a sequin corset for extra va va voom!

My Picks!

Left to right: Haute Hippie Elongated Feather Vest, $347.50, www.shopbop.com; Sue Wong Strapless Dress with Ostrich Feathers, $518, www.nordstrom.com; Plunging Feather Dress, $530, www.neimanmarcus.com; Haute Hippie Genuine Ostrich Feather Minidress, $394.90, www.nordstrom.com

Left to right: Feather Mini Skirt by Lia Kes, $199, www.calypso-celle.com; Laser Cut Feather Skirt by Rare, $118, www.topshop.com; Vero Moda Feather Skirt, $67.99, www.asos.com; ASOS Black Feather Skirt, $110.48, www.asos.com

Left to right: ASOS Nude Feather Clutch, $42.49, www.asos.com; ASOS Black Feather Clutch, $42.49, www.asos.com

Feathers are best done in neutral colors like nude, black and white. This look won't come cheap so be prepared to spend some money, but it'll be worth it. There's nothing worse than cheap looking feathers. Try online stores like ASOS, ShopBop and Topshop for more economically friendly items. I have the black feather clutch from ASOS and wherever I wear it I always get a barrage of compliments. Finish a "feathered" look with gold accessories and sky-high pumps.

Stacy Dash

Stacy Dash at InStyle's Gloden Globes' After-Party on January 17th, 2010

Stacy Dash and Halle Berry are making women half their edge run to the gym in utter shame. They say once you hit your mid-thirties you should stop wearing mini dresses, but why should we? These 40-year old women should get together and bottle the secrets of eternal youth. I'd buy it and then some. Scroll down to see how you can steal Stacy's flawless style from this year's Gloden Globes party scene.

Steal Stacy's Style

Dress: Posy Sequin Open Back Dress in black, $40, www.missguided.co.uk

Shoes: Luxury Rebel Suede Peep Toe Shoe Boot, $178.47, www.asos.com

Clutch: Santi Gold Sequins Clutch, $158, www.azhandbags.com

Earrings: Kenneth Jay LaneAntique Drop Earrings, $107.80, www.shopbop.com

Apart from the dress, this look will cost you at least $500! I tried to look for more economically-friendly alternatives but the cheaper stuff looked, well, cheap! I'm still in love with sequins and have been for the last 2 years. Just do a search for the word "sequins" on this blog if you don't believe me. The peep-toe boots give this look the hard edge it needs, but bring the look back to sexy with blinding earrings.

Corinne Bailey Rae covers Billboard

Corinne Bailey Rae has been MIA, understandably, since the death of her husband in 2008. But now the soulful songstress is making a comeback with the release of her sophomore album, "The Sea." The album will be in stores on January 26th, but you can get a sneak peak at Corinne's official website here. Also check out her new video "I'd Do It Again." I'm loving Corinne's longer hair by the way. The new hairstyle suits her to no end and her music sounds inspiring, though somewhat dark. Below is an Observer Music Monthly Podcast where she explains her musical inspiration behind this album. I hope she has as much success with this album as her first!

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