Just Another Friday

Black Friday. The one day of the year that I promise myself I will not join the hordes of frenzied shoppers in the quest for sales and deals. I figure that I spend enough time shopping around the year, so why not let everybody else get trampled, fight over parking spaces, navigate through the crowds, and wait in long lines? For me the perfect day after Thanksgiving consists of sleeping in late,

Supermelon's Real Style

One of my favorite websites, The Supermelon, is having a 2008 Real Style Contest. The winner will receive gifts from Diesel's 55DSL line and the runner-up will win a copy of Autobiography of a Wardrobe by Elizabeth Kendall. Both winners will receive $50 gift certificates to Ruche. Click here to see the stylish contestants and cast your vote. Voting ends on December 19th, so go vote now!

In Which She Loves Her Rodarte Inspired Tights

While scouring the internet to find an affordable version of the Mulleavy sisters' amazing but elusive spider web tights, I came upon this post on A Girl Brushed Red. A talented young woman named Samantha has mastered the enviable task of creating a DIY version and is selling them in her Etsy shop. I was immediately smitten. As someone who has no knitting or crocheting skills and been searching

Style, Cubed

In an effort to get a head start on the holiday shopping season, I paid a visit to Marshalls and their in-store boutique called The Cube. With its selection of trendy, contemporary apparel and accessories aimed at the Junior demographic, The Cube aims to provide of the moment styles and labels to trend-conscious women at wallet-friendly prices.The Marshalls location that I visited was

Fur Real

After watching several episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project, I've developed an affinity for fur and faux fur outerwear. Maybe it's the effortless manner in which Rachel Zoe wears her oversized fur vests and coats on her small frame and the classic glamour that they impart. While she no doubt wears the real thing, I'm content to opt for either cheap chic acrylic versions or inexpensive vintage flea

Countdown To Christmas For Thakoon

Thakoon Panichgul's resort-like collection for Target, which (oddly enough) debuts on December 25th, is yet another reason for me to look forward to the holiday season. While I personally try to avoid the malls and big box retailers towards the end of December, this collection is more than enough motivation to get me to brave the holiday crowds. (But then again the weak economy might help to keep

Dressed For Dinner

Even though it still feels like summer in southern California, it's time for me to start thinking about my holiday dinner and party outfits. I admit that sometimes I look forward to dressing up more so than attending such events. What I wear has a significant impact on my mood, so it's worthwhile to make the effort to wear something special that makes me feel great. Perhaps some fancy new

A Day In Edinburgh

With its imposing architecture and haunted historic tales, Scotland's capital has the ability to simultaneously intrigue and charm you.2:00 pm - Check into your sleek room at the Glasshouse, a modern boutique hotel named as the "sexiest hotel in Scotland 2007." Note the contrast between the old and new exteriors of the building and its close proximity to theaters, dining, and shopping. Chuckle as

Splurging On Studs

It's no secret that I'm a fan of boots. They're my preferred form of footwear year round. (Unlike many southern Californians, I even wear boots in the summer instead of flip flops.) I'd be embarrassed to count how many pairs I own and reveal that number. So whatever that number may be, it just increased by one more pair with this lovely addition to my collection. Having seen these Gucci-esque

Introducing Born as a Raggamuffin...

Above and below are designs from the "Born as a Raggamuffin" line

Welcome to the world of "Born as a Raggamuffin" - an avant-garde eco friendly label for those individuals who do not readily conform to the rules of society and prefer to follow their own path and individual style. Designers Zebi Williams and Wendy Del Orbe, from Jamaica and el barrio de Santo respectively, create all of their pieces out of recycled T-shirts and consider themselves to be an artistic brand for the creative and the creators. Their pieces have attitude, sex appeal and cultural substance. Founded on the principles of social and environmental responsibility, "Born as a Raggamuffin" is leading the way for the more conscious designer. Visit www.bornasaraggamuffin.com to check out videos from their fashion show, read their blog, learn about upcoming events and of course buy their clothes.

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais at a recent event earlier this year.

Garcelle Beauvais arrives at the Spring 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at Smashbox studios on Sunday October 12th in Culver City, California.

Garcelle Beauvais arrives to the premiere of Lionsgate's My Best Friend's Girl on September 15, 2008 at The Arclight in Hollywood, California.

Garcelle Beauvais at the Vogue and Step Up Women's Network fashion event at Bally on October 28, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

Cool temperatures require that we cover up from head-to-toe or at least toe-to-high waist. Take a leaf out of Garcelle Beauvais' style book and invest in some classic wide leg, high-waisted pants. They are still very much "in" this season and give a polished look a laid back elegance. Note how Garcelle keeps things simple with simple accessories and classic make-up. For further inspiration also look to the pioneer of the wide leg pants, Katherine Hepburn.

My Picks!

Left to right: MIH Jeans Valencia Wide Leg Jeans, $265, www.net-a-porter.com; Saint Grey Wide Trouser by Thomas Burberry, $201.32, www.my-wardrobe.com; Saint Grey Wide Trouser, $158, www.fcusbuymail.com; Zip High Waisted Trousers, $80, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Cuffed Wide Leg Pinstripe Trouser, $28, www.forever21.com; Wide Leg Wool Blend Trouser, $27.80, www.topshop.com; Wide Leg Trouser, $80, www.topshop.com; High Waist Knit Pant, $29.50, www.store.alloy.com

Whether you prefer high-waisted or low-rise, wide leg pants give any look instant sophistication. Whether it's to work or on a hot date, keep your pants w ide. To complete the look wear high round toed heels, a waist belt and statement blouse. French Connection has some great wide leg pants online. Also check these Ryo Stretch Trousers ($138) - tres chic!

A Day (Or Two) In Copenhagen

Continuing along with my Nylon magazine inspired travel features, the next city I'm featuring is Denmark's vibrant and stylish capital - Copenhagen.4:30 pm - After a brief yet expensive $40 cab ride from Kastrup Airport, enjoy the magnificent water and city views as you check into the Marriott Copenhagen.5:00 pm - Venture out to explore the Town Hall Square, the Stroget (the 1+ mile-long

A Day In Stockholm

In the spirit of the entertaining travel features of Nylon magazine, I've dedicated a post to Stockholm, one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities I've been to. 8:05 am - Arrive at Stockholm's modern Arlanda Airport and immediately notice how pristine and organized it is. After a visit to the restroom, observe that each stall is spacious and even has its own sink and hand dryer.8:35 am -

Pregnant Pause

Above: One Shoulder Chifon Corsage Dress, $88, www.asos.com

Left to right: Taffeta Prom Dress, $64; Paisley Print Dress, $48; Pleated Swing Coat, $140; Embellished Strap Babydoll, $72 all available at www.asos.com

Expectant mums shouldn't have to sacrifice style for maternity but it can be a real struggle to find fashion-forward maternity wear. Luckily the UK's leading online fashion store, asos.com, is launching an on-trend capsule maternity collection. Launched this November, the asos.com maternity collection features a selection of frocks taken from the main asos range which cover all the key trends including lace, the prom, the maxi and the one shoulder dress, plus a carefully edited collection of tops, denim, gorgeous winter coats and loungewear. I'm in love with this One Shoulder Chifon Corsage Dress. Almost worth getting pregnant for! Click here to see the rest of their stylish collection.

Vogue Tradition: First Lady to be on the Cover?

I know many of you are still on cloud nine following Tuesday night's election results. It still seems so surreal. Now that we have a new and greatly improved president and first family waiting in the wings, the talks must be underway for Michelle Obama to cover Vogue magazine. Traditionally, the December issue features the new first lady (and in some cases the first kids). According to a spokesperson from the fashion magazine:

"Starting with Eleanor Roosevelt, it's been a long-standing tradition to photograph the new first lady. So needless to say, we are very interested in working with Mrs. Obama. Precisely how is still being discussed."

If Michelle accepts the offer she'll become only the fourth black non-model woman to become a Vogue covergirl. Former first lady and Democratic senator Hillary Rodham Clinton also appeared on the front page of the December 1998 edition. Can't wait to see Michelle strike a pose!

Window Shopping In Dublin

As promised, I'm dedicating a post to the store windows I photographed last month in Dublin. Most of these photos come from high street stores along Grafton Street, one of the main shopping streets in Ireland's compact capital. When I travel, I enjoy observing and comparing the window displays to the ones back home, although sometimes I get the faint feeling that nobody appreciates them when

McQueen At Target This Spring

Great news for fans of Target! It's no longer a rumor, Alexander McQueen will be designing a line for the masstige retailer. The collection, called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, is part of Target's new Designer Collaborations program, in which established designers create collections for the cheap chic retailer. I'm ecstatic, and will be joyfully counting down the days until the rock 'n

In Wonderland

For me, part of the appeal of fashion lies in its ability to offer endless creative options for physical adornment. I can indulge in my latest inexpensive thrift store finds, my less budget-friendly European high street treasures, or I can play dress up every day according to my mood. Take for example, my statement-making oversized bow headband from Topshop. At about $50, it certainly was not

Stairway To Studs

This past weekend I bought three studded belts at Zara, and today I took the opportunity to wear one of them. It's rich with details, consisting of faux coins and hammered studs, in addition to a flowery stamped design on the front. The other two belts are an oversized studded belt (which I also spied at F21 and Charlotte Russe) and a stretchy belt with randomly placed studs of various sizes. I

Window Shopping in Sweden's Capital

Come along with me as I take you window shopping along streets called Drottninggatan, Slojdgatan, and Hamngatan in central Stockholm. You'll notice: liberal use of layering, faux fur accessories, chunky knits, pops of bright color, bold patterns, and a mixture of sumptuous winter-y textures. My favorite windows were those at Indiska, where I ended up buying the luxuriously soft faux fur boot

Black Girls Rock!... Yes We Do!

Regina King, DJ Beverly Bond and Estelle

Kenya Moore and Veronica Webb

Malinda Williams and Vanessa Williams

Iman and Sylvia Rhone

Teyanna Taylor and Erykah Badu

June Ambrose and Sylvia Taylor

Last night, New York played host to VH1 Soul's 3rd annual Black Girls Rock extravaganza! In attendance were honorees singer Estelle, as well as actress Pam Grier, and 70s models Bethanne Hardison and Iman. Other guest included singers Faith Evans, Teyanna Taylor and Erykah Badu; actresses Malinda Williams, Vanessa Williams, Kenya Moore and Regina King; and Veronica Webb, June Ambrose, Susan Taylor and of course DJ Beverly Bond. See the pics above for red carpet shots of all our favorite divas. My personal favorites are Ms. Moore's and Veronica Webb - work it ladies!! If you want to feel like the fabulous sista that you are, click here to buy a "Black Girls Rock" t-shirt.

Say It Loud, Wear It Proud

Top: Star Logo Tunic, $62; Right On, $62; Star Logo Tank, $62; Guitar Muscle Tee, $29 all available at www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/BGR_STORE.html
Bottom: Grace Jones, $62; BGR Logo Tee, $29; Afro Tee, $62; Guitar Tee, $29 all available at www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/BGR_STORE.html

An American In Europe

Fall weather in northern Europe certainly makes me appreciate the mild weather we have in southern California. On the other hand, I relish the opportunity to make use of cozy accessories such as beanies, berets, and fringed scarves. Here are a few of my favorite photos - one from each city I visited.In Stockholm, I did like the locals and I wore my Cheap Mondays with a colorful scarf. Skinny

In An Alley

A cool fall breeze and a little bit of rain this weekend meant that I could finally put my new cold weather purchases to good use. Out came my new leopard skinnies, graphic print tunic, and diagonal striped scarf from H&M, along with my super soft boyfriend cardigan from Richard Chai's collection for Target. While this photo was taken, this curious and friendly canine wanted to be in the picture,