Shop Cute!

Rihanna goes shopping with girlfriend and new dog DJ at Fred Segal and Barneys New York, January 5, 2008.

Halle Berry shopping with her Mom in Beverly Hills, May 25, 2007.

Meagan Good at a recent shopping trip in Los Angeles, California.

Elise Neal attending the Diesel opening of the Melrose Place Flagship Store, May 31, 2007 in Los Angeles.

Kelly Rowland was out shopping at the National Jean Company in Washington DC, March 12, 2008.

Ah there’s nothing like a day of retail therapy. Now that the weather is warming up we have the perfect excuse to update our closet. Some say it’s best to wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off, but I’m a firm believer of looking good at all times. Celebrities have to constantly be on their toes just in case the papparazi catch them on an off day. See the ladies above. All of them are about to drop serious dollars but they look good doing it and so should you!

Elise Neal

Elise Neal attending the 7th Annual BMI Urban Awards held at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on September 7, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Elise Neal definitely wants to get noticed. Over the last six months we've seen her transform into a red carpet Goddess. First her hair underwent a radical cut. Then her outfits became edgier. The leopard print shoes really make this outfit pop and the length of the dress is so classy. Undoubtedly my favorite look of Elise’s so far and judging by how many people emailed me about this dress, it’s a favorite of yours too. See below for some steal style tips.

Steal Elise’s Style

Dress: Nicole Miller Satin Ruched Dress, $355, www.saks.com

Bag: Chloe Silk Satin Clutch, $250, www.loreleinyc.com
Bangles: Floral Bangle, $5.80, www.forever21.com; Mesh Cut Out Bangles, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Punched Metal Bracelets, $5.80, www.forever21.com
Shoes: Casadei 6112 Printed Pump, $394.95, www.endless.com

So many people emailed me about this dress and I feel like a failure for not finding the exact one! If anyone knows who designed Elise’s dress let us know. I’m sure it probably costs near to $400 so don’t get upset with me for picking this Nicole Miller dress for $355! I picked more dresses below.

Best of the Rest

Left to right: Eliza J Ruffle Wrap Dress, $158, www.nordstrom.com; Slim Sexy Strapless Dress, $139, www.bebe.com; Maggy Boutique Ruched Satin Cocktail Dress, $84.99, www.overstock.com; Jessica McClintock Bow Dress, $158, www.spiegel.com

Since not all of us can afford $300+ dresses, I’ve included some cheaper alternatives above. “Cheaper” being the main word since it was difficult to find dresses that looked great for under $100. Satin is such a luxurious fabric and once you start substituting it things get messy! If you do see some other alternatives let your fellow readers know in the comment box.

LBD Season...

Model Jessica White arriving at Diddy's Vibe Magazine Cover Celebration and "Press Play" Album Release Party at Crobar in New York City last month.
Amerie attending Max Azria's Spring 2007 Dinner And Cocktail party at Ten June Restaurant and Bar in September of this year in New York City.
Jamelia arriving at the Emporio Armani One Night Only Fashion show at Earls Court as part of London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007 in September of this year.
Jill Marie Jones on the red carpet of the First Annual ELLE GIRL Hollywood Prom party held at the Hollywood Athletic Club last year.
Elise Neal and Nia Long at the 2006 AAWIC Film Festival Closing Awards Ceremony last month in NY.

Every girl needs at least one, maybe two! The Little Black Dress (LBD) is a closet necessity, much like the gold sandal or perfect-fit jeans, it's a fail safe oufit as well as being classic. With Christmas and Thanks Giving fast-approaching, it’s time to get our party wardrobe into first gear. The women above make looking stunning seem easy… and it is! All we mere mortals need is the perfect black dress. See below for ideas...

2006 Black Movie Awards continued...

Chante Moore & Elise Neal
Shaun Robinson & Keke Palmer
The Soul Food Crew: Darren Henson & Vanessa Williams and Rockmond Dunbar & Malinda Williams
Tyler Perry & Oprah and Jill Scott – Three of my favorite people!

The 2006 Black Movie Awards took place on Sunday night, the event is only on its second year but it already knows how to bring in the A-listers. Oprah, Angela Bassett, Tyler Perry, Spike Lee, Lynn Whitfield, and Jill Scott were all in attendance. I have to say the older ladies won out over their younger counterparts in the style stakes. Angela, Oprah and Lynn Whitfield looked STUNNING! If I look half as good as they do at 50 I’ll be happy. As for the ‘young ones,’ Tracee and Lauren London held it down, both their dresses were divine. But where were the usual suspects, Gabby, Sanaa and Vivica were all M.I.A. And as for the men, Shemar Moore and Tyler Perry looked delicious… It’s time for another AMEN!

Credit: Concrete Loop for ALL the pics :)