Bill Cunningham New York

I was totally touched and inspired by Bill Cunningham New York, a wonderful documentary about the life and work of the amazing fashion/street style photographer Bill Cunningham. It is a must see for any true fashion lover. Check out the movie trailer here.

To hear and see more of Cunningham's work check out On the Street with Bill Cunningham in the online version of the New York Times.

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

Karl Lagerfeld does Coke... again

I love to collect limited edition bottles and last year I purchased some cool Coca-Cola Light bottles designed by uber-designer Karl Lagerfeld from Parisian boutique Colette (one of my faves).

This year Karl and Coke are at it again with 3 new bottles also available at Colette.

While on the site I spotted some other fun Coca-Cola bottles designed in collaboration with Daft Punk and Mika.

These bottles are a must have for any collector.
Don't sleep on these or they will be gone!

Join the Crew Part 2

My obsession with the J Crew lookbook continues for fall. I am particularly fond of the monochrome sweater and skirts looks, the cute outerwear, and the way they use strategic pops of color and print to bring each look to life. I've posted my faves below.

Can't wait until the collection is in stores!

Monday Blues

Mondays are tough, but bright blue nails make them bearable.

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