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.

Style on the Go…

Joy Bryant,Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles attend the 40/40 Club Hosts Jay-Zs Exclusive After Party at The 40/40 Club in New York on May 6, 2008.

Paula Patton at the 2nd annual Allure magazine "Most Alluring Bodies" exhibit on May 7, 2008 at Skylight Studios in New York.

Rashida Jones at Stella McCartney’s screening of Peter Sellers’ “The Party” on May 6, 2008.

Ashanti onstage during the MTV Networks Upfront at the Nokia Theater on May 8, 2008 in New York City.

Joy Bryant looked nothing short of stunning at Jay Z’s recent bash at his 40/40 club. Though the dress is a little Fredericks of Hollywood, she somewhere makes it work! After 13 years of wearing makeup, I still can’t get my eyes to look that neat and defined. Liquid eyeliner just burns my eyes! I'm also still looking for a natural lipstick color - suggestions welcome :)

Paula Patton is wearing my favorite color and she’s doing it justice. I think the shoes are a little boring but I guess you can’t go wrong with a classic black Christian Louboutin pump. Both Paula and Joy are sporting heavy bangs which is such a cute look with layered hair. No, I don't know where to get this dress but I know Target has a cute, affordable purple dress for $23.

Rashida Jones is ready for summer! She flaunted her shoulders and legs in a sexy, one strap chiffon dress a recent Stella McCartney evemt. Rashida’s style is never offensive, but I wish she would take more of a risk with her hair and/or makeup. How about a chin length bob? She’d also better keep an eye on that clutch…

Ashanti is slowly making her “come back”. Though I doubt the music scene has missed her, her style evolution has been great to watch. This black and white dress is a classic. Twenty years from now, body shape permitting, you could still pull out this dress and wear it like it was a recent purchase. Now if only we could get Ashanti to try another lip gloss color. That frosty pink is so 1982!

Credit: TheYbf.com for photos of Ashanti.

Jeans 101: Dare to Bare

Kelly Rowland visits MTV's "TRL" in New York City, March 26, 2007.

Lauren Conrad of “The Hills” at the Mark photo shoot for Avon, October 26, 2007 in Malibu, California.

Ashanti attends the Giuseppe Zanotti NY store re-opening party at the Giuseppe Zanotti Design Boutique in New York City on September 7, 2007.

If you’re anything like me you’ve already been working out in anticipation for spring. I’m particularly motivated by the prospect of wearing a denim skirt for the first time in almost five years! This season denim skirts are smaller than ever (see Kelly above) but don’t be a slave to fashion, wear what makes you comfortable. If you like to bare a little leg but don’t want to worry about flashing every time you make a move, opt for a length like Lauren’s. Pick a dark denim, knee length skirt for night time glamour. Just add a floaty top for understated elegance like Ashanti.

Gingham Anyone?

Ashanti at a recent appearance at 106 & Park.

Veronica Webb, Genevieve Jones and Amerie pose in their gingham frocks.

This summer go things a little different. While most will seek out floral and print summer dresses, opt for bold gingham instead. At first glance it can seem like an awkward fabric choice but if you get the right dress, the pattern really lends itself to the perfect summer frock. If you're worried you'll end up looking like a picnic table cloth, go for a smaller gingham print like Ashanti. Either way you're sure to stand out from the crowd. Don't believe me? Well, check out this picture of Veronica Webb during Fashion Week in New York. Tres chic!

The Eyes Have It…

Inner & Outer Corners: Both Nia Long and Alicia Keys chose to concentrate their eye shadow color in the inner and outer corners of their eyes respectively.

Under the Eye: Ashanti and Rihanna prefer to leave their top eyelids bare and let their bottom lids do the talking.

Top Eyelid: Christina Milian and Jada Pinkett-Smith prefer the conventional approach and opt for color above the eye.

Smoky Eyes: Garcelle Beauvais and Kerry Washington perfect their red carpet pose with smoky eyes and nude lips.

Nude Eyes: Sanaa Lathan and Danielle Evans keep things simple with a nude eye and a dash of eyeliner.

First of all my apologies, I’ve been so busy since the beginning of the year and I've not been posting as often as I should but as soon as things settle down the site will be back to normal.

If you’re anything like me then you’re probably on a life long quest to find the ultimate mascara or the perfect, ever illusive smoky eye - Garcelle what’s your secret? Her secret is probably her makeup artist but don’t despair, we mere mortals can huddle together and come up with some tricks of our own! I picked five of the most popular red carpet looks and they’re all achievable. Note: Any makeup artists out there should feel free to drop a little knowledge ;)

Style on the Go...

UNICEF Ambassador India.Arie attending the Third Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball at Cipriani's 42nd Street on Tuesday in New York City.
Ashanti appearing onstage during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on Tuesday in New York City.
Cassie arriving at the Fendi party celebrating their new line of bags "B.MIX" which will be released in the spring/summer of 2007 at the National Stadium last night in Tokyo, Japan.
Paula Patton attending the Touchstone Pictures world premiere of "Deja Vu" at the Ziegfeld Theatre last week in New York City.

I had no idea India Arie had been appointed the position of UNICEF Ambassador… Congratulations to her. She looks fantastic in this dress. She wears long evening gowns well. Read more about her UNICEF role here.

Ashanti is making the media rounds to alert people that she’s still alive! She made stops at MTV’s TRL and Sucker Free Sunday as well as 106 & Park all on the same day. She looked great and I loved her hair, although that quiff is a little passé.

Paula Patton is fast becoming the next black A-lister actress. I’m glad too, because I sometimes get a little fed up of watching films starring Gabrielle and Sanaa, as much as I love them. Here she is at the “Déjà vu” premiere which I must watch it soon. I wonder why she never walks the red carpet with her husband Robin Thicke?

Finally, Cassie is sticking to what she does best and that’s looking good on the red carpet. Whilst I wish her skirt was a bit longer she’s working the whole look to perfection. See more pics of Fendi’s B.Mix bag here. I love the silver one!

Style on the Go...

U.K. singer, Samantha Mumba was at the "Nailed" premiere this week looking fantastic… Is it true she had Sisqo’s baby?!
Ashanti posing outside the Tao Nightclub at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino during her surprise birthday party early in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ashanti turned 26 on October 13.
Jill Marie Jones attends the launch party for Our Stories Films at Social on last week in Hollywood, California.
Mya attendind the premiere for “Why I Wore Lipstick To My Masectomy” in NY at the end of last week.

Just below the knee is the perfect length for dresses and skirts. Whether you’re short, tall, big small, you can’t go wrong with this length – it flatters ALL. Samantha Mumba and Jill Marie Jones look effortlessly chic in their knee length black outfits. For those who don’t know, Samantha is half Zambian, half Irish and had a brief career high in 2000 when her album received international recognition, she even starred in a Steven Spielberg movie called “The Time Machine.” She hasn’t really done much since but has an album coming out at the end of this month. Good luck to her. Mya and Ashanti look very 1930’s – I can’t believe Ashanti just turned 26, she's older than me! Happy belated Bday!

Did You Guess Right?!...

Ashanti arrives at the premiere of 20th Century Fox's "John Tucker Must Die" at Mann's Grauman Chinese Theater on July 25, 2006 in Hollywood, California.

Okay so most, if not all of you, correctly guessed that it was Ashanti! But next time it won't be so easy d*mn it! LOL!

Guess the Style Diva!

Think you know your celebrities and their style? Try and guess who this starlet is pictured here arriving at her movie premiere last month...

7. Nelly & Ashanti

I have to admit it, I added this couple to the list begrudgingly… They basically made it because I honestly couldn’t think of a tenth couple! But since the voting began, I’ve seen some really cute pics of them together looking ultra stylish! It seems like this relationship is for real, and although I wouldn’t trust a rapper or an athlete as far as I could throw him, many of the couples on the list seem to be making it work... I ain’t mad at that!

Style on the Go...

Brandy made an appearance at the Bronner Brothers Annual Hair Show in Atlanta yesterday
Vivica Fox out and about in Toronto, Canada earlier this month - where's your toyboy?
TRL's Vanessa Minnillo spotted in Time's Square, NY - she always looks great! Ashanti at the Market America's 2006 International convention to promote her vitamin range (?) called 'OPC-3 Beauty Blend.'

They all look fabulous and it's great to see Vivica and Brandy fixing themselves up! Brandy has been making appearances in a lot of hair shows recently to help promote the hair line Ultima by Pro 10 and Ashanti has a beauty vitamin range out.... why I hear you ask?! I'll be damned if I know, but I can't knock their hustle! Speaking of Ashanti, she could have thrown on a light knitted shawl over that dress like my post suggests below, after all she's wearing the same dress! She needs to read this site! ;)

Note: You can buy Ashanti's dress at www.shopintuition.com for $220 (see previous post, The Jacket Redefined)

Style on the Go...

Ashanti backstage and on TRL - She looks adorable, can't you just picture her saying 'BANANAS' in that pic on the right?!
Cassie, also backstage and on TRL - Love the red shoes and top... too cute!

Yesterday afternoon both Ashanti and Cassie graced TRL with their presence. Ashanti was there to promote her latest movie 'John Tucker Must Die' and Cassie peformed her hit single 'Me & You.' Both can't sing worth a damn in my opnion, but at least they always look cute!

Note: Look at Cassie's shoes, didn't I say red shoes were in! ;)