Color Complex

Taraji P. Henson arrives at the Black Enterprise All-Star gathering celebrating Oscar week on February 20, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Mel B spotted in Los Angeles, California earlier this year.

Meagan Good with Tulle Coats at Boost Mobile at Marquee Lounge on January 21, 2008 in Park City, Utah.

Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton pose during the official launch of the Sydney Theatre Company's '2009 Main Stage Season' at the Wharf Restaurant on September 1, 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Alas, fall is coming. I'm not sure I'm ready yet. Try brightening up the impending cooler days with a bold, colored coat/jacket. Rainbow inspired outerwear is so easy to find. Every online boutique and high street store are offering an array of show-stopping hues. Just be sure to pick the color that best matches your complexion - not everyone can get away with sunshine yellow.

My Picks!

Left to right: Bethany Wool Blend Coat, $34.80, www.forever21.com; Double-breasted princess coat by Miu Miu, $1320, www.net-a-porter.com; Hooded Button Detail Coat, $130, www.topshop.com; Kinicki Coat, $328, www.fcusbuymail.com

Left to right: French Connection Square Button Jacket, $252.42, www.asos.com; Ruffle Cuff Pea Coat by Juicy Couture, $398, www.shopbop.com; Petal Bow Neck Jacket, $117.20, www.asos.com; Pique Wool-Blend Coats, $89.50, www.oldnavy.com

I've had my mind set on a red coat ever since I saw my sister's red coat from Mango, UK last year. Other colors I'm drawn to are blue and fuschia. Don't overdo this look by adding other bright colors to the mix - let the coat speak for itself. Pair it with neutral colors like black, dark denim or even white.

Coats for Fall: The Parka

Rihanna leaving the Hyatt Hotel on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany on November 26th, 2007.

Left to right: Embroidered Cotton Coat, $39.90, www.forever21.com; Metal Trim Parka, $110, www.topshop.com; Sheared Parka, $140, www.topshop.com; Madeline, $228, www.abercrombie.com

Left to right: Frost Free Belted Anoraks, $46.80, www.oldnavy.com; Miriam Parka, $69.50, www.delias.com; UO Long Fur Parka, $125, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Anorak Pluming, $169, www.mangoshop.com

Parkas have never been so fashionable. I always used to think these coats were for intense blizzards and hiking trips only, but the parka has become quite stylish. To keep them looking feminine invest in a parka with a belt to define your waist and keep lengths above your knee. Any lower and you might look like your about to embark on an expedition! Team with a chunky knit for the ultimate winter chic look.

Coats for Fall: Volume

Rachel Roy backstage at the J. Mendel Spring 2007 Ready-to-Wear show.

Left to right: Lantern Sleeve Jacket, $475, www.net-a-porter.com; Ashley Capelet, $58.50, www.delias.com; Supreme Jacket, $188, www.fcusbuymail.com; Karli Covert Twill Jacket, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Left to right: Amelia Coat, $49.80, www.forever21.com; Hooded Wool Coat, $78, www.styleviolet.com; Diane von Furstenberg 'Saffra' Coat, $625, www.nordstrom.com; J.O. 3/4 Contour Coat, $278, www.cache.com

Bell and wide sleeves are all over the stores these days but how the hell do you wear them? Some of the sleeves look a little too short for winter however, the key is to wear them with a long sleeved sweater or even better, elbow-long leather gloves. If you'd rather keep your coat’s sleeves long but still want to dabble with this trend go with a coat that doesn’t cinch at the waist like the coat above from Cache. Also consider a bubble hem coat. Now, some might say you need to balance a voluminous jacket with tight, skinny jeans but I say pair them with wide leg pants for the ultimate in chic.

Coats for Fall: The Pea Coat

Brandy arrives at the La Dolce Vita Benefit for the Sarah Ferguson Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on November 1, 2007 in New York City.

Left to right: Double-Breasted Peacoat in Herringbone, $129, www.victoriassecret.com; Tea in the Navy Black Double-Breasted Pea Coat, $67, www.lulusfashionlounge.com; Plaid Pea Coat, $36.50, www.wetseal.com; Tasha Peacoat, $128, www.guess.com

Left to right: Seamed Peacoat, $118, www.victoriassecret.com; Lux Miss Porter's Peacoat, $125, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Tweed 3/4 Sleeve Coat, $44.80, www.forever21.com; Military Pea Coat, $48.80, www.forever21.com

Wikipedia describes the Pea Coat as having “broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, often large wooden buttons, navy-colored heavy wool and vertical or slash pockets,” but my how the Pea Coat has changed. Now you can find this classic teamed with bell-shaped sleeves, infused with military characterisics and made with tweed, plaid or basic black. Some have even forgone the traditional collar for the hot high collar. Find the perfect one for you then hang on to it for years to come. The Pea Coat never goes out of style.

Coats for Fall: The Trench

Halle Berry walks along the set of her new film, 'Perfect Stranger' with bodyguards January 30, 2006 in New York City.

Left to right: Trench Coat, $170, www.topshop.com; Houndstooth Wool Coat, $59.80, www.forever21.com; Belted Wool Trench Coat (also comes in black), $36.50, www.wetseal.com; Metallic Python Trench Coat, $39.50, www.wetseal.com

Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana Ruffled Trenchcoat, $1995, www.saks.com; Olivia Wool Trench Coat, $70.50, www.delias.com; City Style Trench Coat, $79.95, www.nyandcompany.com; Belted Trench Coat, $129, www.bebe.com

The classic trench is a wardrobe must however, why not try something new and opt for a modern take on this coat. Metallics are still making the rounds this season so if you’re brave enough buy a deep bronze or shiny gold trench. Also consider hot pink, bright white and electric blue. The contrast of a shocking, crisp color and classic shape works well. Lastly, if you want something simple and long-lasting pick tweeds in brown or grey…. way more interesting than boring black.

Coats for Fall: High Collars

Rihanna leaving her hotel in New York City, October 10, 2007.

Left to right: Gathered Cuff Coat, $170, www.topshop.com; Cowl Neck Coat, $160, www.topshop.com; Plastic Island High Neck Coat, $338, www.shopintuition.com; Textured Volume Coat, $200, www.warehousefashion.co.uk

Left to right: Donegal Tweed Walking Coat by Guess, $168, www.nordstrom.com (comes in Plus Sizes); Wool A-line Coat, $149, www.victoriassecret.com; Funnel Neck Wool Coat, $59.60, www.alloy.com; Felt Bow Tie Jacket, $268, www.frenchconnection.com

The only good thing about Fall/Winter is the search for the perfect coat. Even if you have on sweats and a wifebeater underneath, a well-fitted coat can make you feel instantly chic. There are quite a few trends to choose from this season. So, in this series I’ll show you the best picks online. First up is the “high collar” coat demonstrated nicely by Rihanna! Ideal for winter months, you don’t even need a scarf to brave the harsh winds the collar does all the work. Go with a shorter jacket for fall or states where temperatures don’t drop too low. Those of us in harsher climates should just go with a longer coat. Stayed tuned for the classic trench coat…

Credit: YBF for photo of Rihanna.

The Search Continues…

Letoya Luckett attending Ciara's Birthday Party at Marquee on last month in New York City.
Janet Jackson arriving at the Genetic Denim's one-year anniversary at AREA Nightclub on last week in Los Angeles.
Thandie Newton attending the gala opening of the Exceptional Youth Exhibition hosted by Teen Vogue's editor in chief Amy Astley, at the National Portrait Gallery earlier this month in London.
Jessica Alba candid taken last year in New York City.

Formal coats are all good and well. They look great and instantly glam up an outfit, but a sista needs to keep warm. I’m not comfortable wearing layers upon layers like Jessica Alba (pictured above), so this winter I’m going to make like Letoya and invest in a huge fur-collared jacket that I can rock with my jeans and ugg boots (are we still wearing those?!) See below for more ideas…

My Picks!

Left to Right: Hand Embroided Silk Organza by Moncler Gamme Rouge available at Barneys New York; Fox Trim Leather Jacket by Burberry Prosum, price upon request, visit www.burberry.com; Embossed Floral Coat, $54.80, Forever 21; Trench Style Coat, $59.00, www.newport-news.com
Left to Right: Coat by H&M; Diagonal Mohair Coat by Mackage, $495.00, www.girlshop.com; Belted Fur Coat, $298.00, Bebe; Vintage Inspired Belted Coat, $198.00, Bebe

All the stores have their Fall coats out and in full display now so there’s no excuse for not finding one you like. H&M and Urban Outfitters have great selections for less than $100, but if you’re doing well for yourself consider the "Hand Embroided Silk Organza Coat" by Moncler Gamme Rouge… Too good to be true. I need a sugar daddy, now accepting applications!

Button Up...

Jada Pinkett Smith attending the for Redbook's 2006 Strength & Spirit Awards at Avery Fisher Hall last month in NYC.
Rosario Dawson arriving at the 17th Annual Glamour Women of the Year awards at Carnegie Hall in New York last month.
Jill Scott arriving at the premiere of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" at Loews Theaters earlier this year in New York City.

Forgive me guys, I forgot about the Fall Coat series I was supposed to be doing. Well I remembered earlier today then someone emailed me asking about coats, so I had to get it together. In my wardrobe I have three style of coats; Formal – for special nights out, Informal – for everyday use and Winter-Proof – for those seriously low temperatures in winter. See the selection below for ideas…

My Picks!

Left to Right: Tocca Zora Coat, $583.00, Nordstorm; Danielle Coat, $178.00, Guess; Ashley Coat by Yumi Kim, $206.00, www.girlshop.com; Belted Plaid Trench Coat, $98.00, Urban Outfitters
Left to Right: Rosette trim Coat dress, $89.00, www.newport-news.com; Wool Buckle Trench Coat, $39.50, www.wetseal.com; Cameron Trench, $64,50, www.delias.com; Military Coat by Steve Madden, $119.50, www.alloy.com

Delias have great coats for less (I think someone tipped me about them?) Anyway, check www.delias.com to see what they have on offer. Lovin’ that black coat from Newport News, could it be more perfect? I highly doubt!

Note: See these ladies for more inspiration and check out the first & second Fall Coats installments.

More Coats For Ya!

Left to Right: Twill Trench Coat, $59.50, www.wetseal.com; Double Breasted Trench Coat, $44.50, www.wetseal.com; Extra Long Zip Fleece Hoodie by Mike & Chris, $200.00, www.shopintuition.com; Flame Coat, $328.00, French Connection
Left to Right: Overcoat Med Lujo, $235.00, Mango; Swing Coat, $239.00, Bebe; Trench Coat by Yumi Kim, $311.00, www.girlshop.com; Cape Jacket with Silk Lining by Mara Hoffman, $341.00, www.girlshop.com

More coats are flooding into the stores, so hang in there before you make a decision! I love the plaid trench from www.girlshop.com; the plaid gives a whole new dimension to the traditional style. I’m also feeling the black high collar coat from Mango – high collared coats or jackets never fail to make you look sharp. You’ll probably see a lot of coats with volume and asymmetrical shapes, like the one from Bebe and the ‘Cape Jacket’ from www.girlshop.com.

Note: Check out the first installment of this season's Fall Coats here.

The Search Begins…

Eva Longoria arriving at The Late Show with David Letterman
Halle Berry at an MTV Networks event last year.
Lucy Liu attends the '3 Needles' movie premiere after party in New York.
Sarah Jessica Parker attends a photocall to promote the new movie "The Family Stone" in London.

As fall approaches the search for the perfect new coat begins. The ideal contender would marry function with style effortlessly; we all want to keep warm, but look great too! This season’s coats see the continuation of fur, print and metallic fabrics, combined with waist cinching belts and military inspirations. If you’re unsure what style to go for a trench coat is always a winner, it's a classic style that suits all shapes. See below for the best selection of fall coats that have just hit the shops...

My Picks!

Left to Right: Sycamore Sweater Coat, $268.00, Anthropologie; Blue Roses Tulip Coat, $150.00, Topshop UK; Jennie Wool Coat, $178.00, Guess; Lux Asymmetrical High Neck Jacket, $150.00, Urban Outfitters
Left to Right: Green Basket-weave Belted Trench by Via Spiga, $159.99, available at www.bluefly.com; Corduroy Coat, $44.80, Forever 21; Metal Herringbone Zip Trench, $168.00, www.freepeople.com; Shawl Collar Coat by Norma Kamali for Everlast, $475.00, available at www.shopbop.com

This will be the first of a few posts on Fall/Winter coats since most places are only just releasing their Fall lines. I love the blue floral coat from Topshop, but unfortunately it's only available in the UK. For those of us Stateside, the light grey coat by Free People is gorgeous and can be worn for both formal and informal occasions.