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!

Off The Runway: Iman & Ubah

Just a quick post today. I wanted to share this video of Iman talking with emerging model Ubah Hassan about their home country and the role race plays in fashion. Share your thoughts after watching.

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.

Style Inspiration: Floral Delights

Iman attends the 7th Annual Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair Party at the State Supreme Courthouse on April 22, 2008 in New York City.

Ashanti and Zoe Kravitz flourish in their floral print garments at recent red carpet appearances.

Black Floral Dress: Rosalie Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Sandals: Børn Begonia Sandal, $84.95, www.nordstrom.com; Earrings: Green Anamel Disc Earring, $8.10, www.alltherageonline.com; Corsage: Cabbage Rose Corsage, $20, www.topshop.com; Pink Shirt: Crossover Chiffon Top, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Halter Dress: Fray and Flowers Chiffon Dress, $42.99, www.shoprcuhe.com; Yellow Shirt: Rosette Raceback Shell, $128, www.maxstudio.com; Scarf: Floral Print Pashmina by Roberto Cavalli, $990, www.net-a-porter.com; Necklace: Flower Medallion Necklace, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Ring: Enamel Lily Flower Rings, $9.50, www.oldnavy.com; Skirt: Floral Satin Pleated Skirt, $20, www.oldnavy.com; Pink Dress: Jasley Strapless Floral Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Clutch: Whiting and Davis Leather Flowers Clutch, $185, www.endless.com; Hairband: Silk Flower Headband, $3.80, www.forever21.com; Heels: Adele I Flower Sandal by Ralph Lauren Collection, $574.95, www.endless.com

The last days of summer are upon us so it's only fitting that we say goodbye to the season donning floral pieces that conjure up memories of days gone by. If you really want to make a statement, choose bigger more defined floral prints in bright colors such as neon pink, bright yellow and metallic blues (like Ashanti and Zoe Kravitz). If you just don't have the heart, pick pieces with smaller floral prints in demure colors like red, white, beige and pink. These classics that will last long after the season has gone. Prepare to blossom.

Another Day, Another Empire to Build…

…that’s the mantra Iman lives by. As if running a worldwide cosmetics line and penning books that sell millions wasn’t enough, the 52-year-old wife and mother recently launched her own fashion line called “IMAN Global Chic.” Inspired by her glamorous adventures around the world and her personal collection of unique pieces, the line aims to provide everyday women with eye-catching accessories. According to Iman a woman is “never fully dressed without an accessory.” And with nothing in her line costing more than $130, no woman has an excuse for not rocking a little bling! The line is available exclusively on HSN.com so click here to start shopping. See Iman talk about her new creations in the video below.
Left to right: Amber-Inspired Bold Bangle Duo, $59.95; Ribbed Vintage-Inspired Cuff, $59.95; Florentine Proposal Ring, $54.95; Venetian-Style 7-1/4” Faceted Bracelet, $49.95 all available on www.hsn.com
Left to right: City Tote Signature Handbag in Black Patent, $124.95; Vintage-inspired Evening Bag in Zebra, $69.95; Hollywood Envelope Clutch in Black, $59.95; City Tote Signature Handbag in Caramel all available on www.hsn.com

Black is Back…

Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek are going to grace the cover of Ebony magazine’s September issue, out August 13th. The issue celebrates the influence of Blacks in fashion. The 50 page spread will pay homage to everyone from fashion designers, stylists, models and fashion icons. "A lot of the times the fashion world doesn't give a lot of attention to American Black girls from urban areas," notes Banks on Page 64. "I don't mean to pat my own back, but America's Next Top Model pulled down the curtain to this world that people thought they couldn't be a part of. Now every girl is like, 'I want to be a model.' I feel like the world is more accessible, but by no means is it less prestigious." Tell it sista! Be sure to pick up a copy next Monday.

It Suits You!

Amerie arriving at Out Magazine's Out 100 Awards last week in New York City.Mary J Blige at the GUCCI Ginza Flagship Store Opening Reception Party Tokyo, Japan earlier this month.
Star Jones attending the launch of the dramatized audio recording of "The Bible Experience" held at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ last week in LA.
British actress, Naomie Harris at the after show party following the UK premiere of "Miami Vice," in July of this year in London.
Iman and Zoe Saldana at the cocktail reception to benefit the "Keep A Child Alive" charity co-hosted with fashion designer Valentino at the Valentino Boutique last week in New York City.

If dresses aren’t your thing, you can always opt for a smart contemporary suit. I think they make the perfect alternative to a cocktail dress. You could go with a tailored fit like Mary J Blige and Star Jones or you could pick something a little unconventional like British actress Naomie Harris and Iman. Now if you’re really brave, take a style cue from Amerie and ‘bust’ out in a three-piece vest and tuxedo pants. It'll make the ultimate show-stopping entrance… you just know the men couldn’t stop looking at her chest and bare back!

Note: Also peep Halle in this gorgeous Ralph Lauren suit. Photo taken by The Sartorialist.