Retail Math # 5: Badass Beauty like Balenciaga

 Houndstooth is huge for fall, but my love for the bold pattern was rekindled by Balenciga's spring 2011 collection. Nicolas Ghesquiere turned out several beautiful and badass houndstooth pieces as well as the oh so covetable cutout boot that inspired the Jeffrey Campbell's seen below.

While the traditional black and white pattern normally skews more uptown (think ladies who lunch) the exploded scale and sequins on the ASOS top and skirt paired with edgy accessories make for a look that is 100% downtown rocker chic.

From Left to Right: ASOS Dog Tooth Crop Top, Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe Boot, Vestal Monte Carlo Watch,  ASOS Sequin Houndstooth Skirt

Spread created on Shopstyle

Runway Photos via Style.com

Retail Math #4: Decked out like Dior

Christian Dior's s/s 2011 collection was rife with looks suitable for characters stepping out of a modern day interpretation of South Pacific. While most of the looks were a little too kitschy for my taste one in particular stood out from the rest. Something about the pairing of a casual blue print dress, neutral shoes and bag, and retro cat eye sunglasses done in a thoroughly modern pop color was quite pleasing to my eye.

What drew me to this look and inspired me to try to recreate it is the fact that I could totally visualize an urban fashionista throwing this on whether she was on holiday exploring the market of a tropical locale or on a weekend excursion searching for treasures at the neighborhood flea. All of the pieces I put together to recreate this look can work seamlessly into your warm weather wardrobe, but together they conjure up the casually sophisticated feel of the runway original.

Clockwise L-R: Lilly Pulitzer Dress, Spitfire Daxx Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs Purse, Jeffrey Campbell Munroe Heels

Christian Dion S/S 2011

Spread created on Shopstyle.com

Runway Photo via Style.com

Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: Neon Lasercut Clutch

Top Left and Bottom Right: Christopher Kane Leather Laser Cut Clutch
Top Right and Bottom Left: Deena and Ozzy Laser Cut Clutch

I love fashion and inevitably each season I develop a mad crush on many of the lovely pieces that float down the runways although I know I will never be able to afford them. It is almost as if the insane price tag makes me covet them even more. One of my favorite designers, Christoper Kane, sent some of the most lust-worthy items down the runway for S/S 11. I was especially smitten with the neon lasercut leather and lace pieces.

 Naturally, my heart skipped a beat last week when I came across a clutch version of the neon lasercut leather sold exclusively on Net-a-Porter. While the $530 price tag is only a fraction of the apparel items in the collection it is still, sadly, WAY out of my budget. Lucky for the bargain hunter in us all Deena and Ozzy has turned out a worthy look-alike that is a mere $39.

When I find a bargain item that helps me recreate the runway looks I love I feel like I have won the lottery. For that reason I have decided to start a new regular feature called Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy to share my discoveries.

Hope you enjoy!

Photos via Net-a-Porter and Urban Outfitters

5 Ways Dance Influences My Life and Style

Performing my own choreography at Duke University in 2008

Maybe it was the google homage to dance icon Martha Graham on what would have been her 117th birthday or the article about ABT soloist Misty Copeland in the New York Times  or maybe it was my friend Phaedra getting back into dance and musical theater after years away.

I'm not exactly sure, but after a self imposed year hiatus I find myself feeling like I did when I was a kid, dying to be in in the dance studio. Ready to stretch my body and more importantly my mind.



L: Me taking a break at the barre during a college dance class,
R: My first performance in San Fran

I started dancing when I was four and never looked back. I spent the bulk of my elementary and high school years in a dance studio or on a stage perfecting my craft. Although I took a slight detour for college I always maintained my goal of someday becoming a professional dancer.

I was lucky enough to get my first professional gig right out of college and for a couple years dancing was my primary line of work.

Some may wonder what exactly this has to do with fashion and style and I agree the link is not necessarily the most obvious, but for me the influence of dance on my personal style has been quite important.

Top 5 ways dance has influenced my life and style

#5-Ballet Flats are a girls best friend
I am obsessed with ballet flats. I own numerous pairs in almost ever possible incarnation and color. One would be hard pressed to find me out during the day in something else. They are the perfect shoe for running errands and side walk dance offs, should the need arise.

#4-Long live leggings
I know the trend has kind of died, but these comfy leg coverings will always be in regular rotation for me. While black ones are always a surefire win colorful ones are a great way to incorporate the ubiquitous spring 2011 trend of bold color.

#3-You only have one body, treat it well
Self loathing has become way too popular these days and I am really kind of over it. Suffering or hurting your body in the name of fashion is played out. Every one of us was given a body that is unique and special. It is about time we start treating our bodies that way. Who cares if years of  developing amazingly strong thigh muscles doing grand plies (a more graceful version of a deep squat for non- dancers) means skinny jeans are not my thing- Flares are back in style anyways!

#2-Individual style- never duplicated, but always admired
Josephine Baker is one of my dance and style icons. What I admire most about her is that she turned what was seen in her day as a negative ( the color of her skin and lack of formal dance training) into a positive. In the 1920's she took Europe by storm with her individual looks, voice, and dancing and along the way helped to break the color barrier and became a fashion icon. There hasn't really been anyone like her since. Her style and story was incredibly influential this season. Check out Prada's spring 2011collection for proof.

#1 Express yourself
Blogging, dancing, even getting dressed in the morning are all amazing creative outlets for me. Some days I thank my lucky stars that a regular gal like me is fortunate enough to be able to share what makes me special with the rest of the world!


L: Pointe Shoes,
 R: My first pair of designer shoes were "pointe" inspired Gucci Heels



Retail Math # 3: Much like Michael (Kors that is)

Lately I am all about slouchy, relaxed looks and Michael Kors Spring 2011 runway was all about easy, breezy American style. I'd love to rock this Kors inspired look for a weekend escapade in the city or while strolling along at an outdoor mall or flea market on a sunny day.

My favorite part of this look is that the lax-ness of the easy, knit top and full skirt are balanced by the rich, earthy-luxe texture and color of the accessories.  



Items from L-R: JCrew Whisper Linen Boatneck, Dooney and Bourke Crossbody Satchel, Zara Long Skirt, Ralph Lauren Brown Embossed Belt, Ecote Platform Crisscross Sandal





Ain't No Slouch

I am obsessed with these beautifully slouchy looks seen on the Celine and (gasp) Tommy Hilfiger runways, especially the pants. Apparently Kanye West is a fan as well.

I can't wait to road test this look- I can totally see rocking some slouchy silk print pants with a fierce heel and leather tee for a night on the town.....hmmm I smell a personal style post coming on.

Photos via Style.com

Pierre Hardy X Gap Spring 2011

Pierre Hardy x Gap Spring 11 shoes now available online. Get yours quick before they are all gone!

I really love that Pierry Hardy continues to collaborate with Gap and always turn out shoes that look like they could be part of the main collection sold at Barneys. 

Non-Traditional Bride: Disco Diva

Lately I have had a lot of fun styling looks on Shopstyle.com. This week I was inspired by the fast approaching wedding season and the challenge of creating a unique look for a non-traditional bride.

This look, inspired by the glamorous Bianca Jagger, also takes cues from the spring 2011 runways where '70 style and white were two key trends.

In true 70's style this bride is rocking a Paul and Joe Silk Crepe Jumpsuit, Prada Platforms, and an amazing "Birdcage Feather Flower" headband with veil by Tasha.

The '70's vibe keeps going with with a cuff by Alexis Bittar and silver Giuseppe Zanotti clutch with super fun chain tassel. Red lips and nails courtesy of Nars complete the look.

Last, but not least the ring- Paloma Picasso's Love and Kisses ring is the perfect non-traditional pick for a non-traditional bride.

She is ready for her spotlight!

Retail Math Lesson # 1: Recreating Rodarte

Attempting to recreate runway looks at a fraction of the price is a formidable challenge, but one of the most exciting things to do.
I, like many fashion lovers, find myself spending countless hours scouring the inventory of numerous stores to find just the right pieces.

For me, discovering the perfect parts to complete a style puzzle elicits a certain sense of euphoria. For that reason I am starting a new series of post called Retail Math- all about the elements that add up to recreate that runway inspired look or feel.

Lesson #1: Rodarte Spring 2011

H&M WaterAid Collection Dress

Jeffrey Campbell Skate

The elements needed to recreate this look are surprisingly simple- the H&M WaterAid Collection Dress mirrors the lovely blue and white print of the Rodarte original and Jeffrey Campbell's Skate bootie (also available in tan and black) hints at the sculptural beauty of the footwear seen on the runway.

Photos via nitrolicous, singer22, and style.com

Flat Out Fabulous

Jeffrey Campbell  Suebee Wedge



Flatforms, the new hybrid between a flat and platform, are the "It" shoe of the season and several fashion heavyweights including Chanel, Fendi, Michael Kors, and Prada offered up drool-worthy options. Luckily for those budget challenged fashion lovers like me more affordable versions are coming out just in time for the warm weather.

I am currently obsessed with Jeffrey Campbell's Suebee Wedge available now at Solestruck in nude and yellow patent (shown above) for $135 and Lori's Shoes in black patent and nude leather for $128.

Get yours now because these bad boys are sure to sell out!

Visions of Beauty

Black is Beautiful and this season some major players in the fashion industry are sitting up and taking notice.  As a woman of color I hope this is not just a fad for Spring/Summer '11, but the beginning of a more inclusive vision of what represents true beauty and style.


Ooh Shala:

Style Star Shala Monroque kills it on so many levels. Even though her closet is full of covetable designer duds from the likes of Prada and Rodarte it is her natural beauty that makes her such a knockout!

Photos courtesy of jakandjil.com, Ben Gabbe/Getty Images, Patrick McMullen for HarpersBazaar.com

En Vogue: The Life Rhapsodic

The March issue of Vogue features a bevy of beautiful black models alongside prominent black male celebrities including Savion Glover, Anthony Mackie, and John Legend. Click here for a behind the scenes look at the shoot.

Models Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls, Ajak Deng, Arlenis Sosa, Jourdan Dunn, and Aanis Mali are breathtaking in the finest fashions for Spring/Summer '11.

All Photos by Norman Jean Roy

Lanvin's Last Look:

Alber Elbaz presented a stunning collection for Spring/Summer '11 designed for modern, powerful women on the go. To close the show he sent five gorgeous black models down the runway making a strong ( and much needed) statement about what modern, powerful women look like today!

From left: Ajak Deng, Jeneil Williams, Ataui Deng, Jourdan Dunn, and Melodie Monrose

Photo courtesy of Style.com

Business in the Front, Party in the Back

I scour various websites daily for fashion that sparks my interest. Solestruck is one website I can always count on to satisfy my urge for something new and exciting in footwear. In this case Sam Edelman's Lorissa pump is not necessarily new, but for spring 2011 it has been updated  in great new fabrics and finishes.

In am loving the rose gold, denim, and animal print. They take this part fancy, part funky shoe to the next level!

THIS IS BANANAS, B-A-N-A-N-A-S

I am so in love with this Prada video for the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The collection was inspired by Josephine Baker, one of my life and style icons, and this video embodies her spirit. You can see several of the direct references to Ms. Baker in the collection and featured in the video- peep the banana print and the white dress with Josephine Baker's silhouette. I am totally inspired by Prada's use of  color and print and plan to use this collection as a roadmap to help update my wardrobe for spring!

Sunshine State

The optimistic golden yellow hue and the amazingly affordable price of these pieces from Cheap Monday will put you in a blissful state even if sunny skies are still a few months away.

Available now at NastyGal.com

Photos courtesy of Cheap Monday

Everything Was Beautiful at the Ballet

The above look from Chloe's Spring 2011 collection is perfection. In a dream world I would be able to afford the hefty $3,000+ price tag of the real thing (currently available at saks), but in the real world my budget is much more modest. Fortunately for the ballerina in us all you can create a similar look with the 3 easy pieces below at a fraction of the price!

1) American Apparel Cotton Spandex Short Sleeve Leotard in Nude
 $28.00

2. American Apparel Chiffon Double-Layered Full Length Skirt in Tan

$58.00

3. Bloch Prima Ballerina Flat in Fossil

 $150.00



Style Taylor Made

My latest style crush is Marie Claire Accessories Editor Taylor Tomasi Hill. Hill's deeply personal; part urban eclectic, part luxe style is mind blowing. She possesses the kind of style I strive for daily, but never seem to achieve. Every Fashion Week she knocks it out of the park and this year has been no exception. For Spring I plan to experiment with some of the key elements of her looks below:

1) Sneakers and Skirts- Hill combines comfort and chic in these standout looks.  The studded Loubs are killing, the utility skirt with tulle is feminine and edgy at once, and the Grey outfit with hints of Turq is divine. This is hands down the look I am most excited to try. 

2) Longer Hemlines- Hill proves that longer hemlines don't have to be dowdy. In fact with the right styling they are downright sexy. Add a killer heel or a little leather, leopard, or lace to do the trick.

3) Splashes of Color- Color is huge for spring and Hill demonstrates how to work it into your look with ease. Go bold with an oversized blazer or add a hint of interest and fun with a colorful clutch. In both cases Hill keeps her look balanced by pairing color with neutrals and keeping the overall look sharp by picking tailored silhouettes.

4) No Nonsense Neutrals- In my book you can never go wrong with neutrals. Hill's pairing of interesting silhouettes in neutral whites, blacks, greys, and olives (my favorite “new” neutral) creates a look that appears effortless as well as chic.

Photos courtesy of Mr. Newton, Jak and Jil, because i'm addicted, citizen couture