High Drama!

A look from Bill Blass’ Fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection

Chanel Iman (in 3.1 Philip Lim), Eve (in Emanuel Ungaro) and Eva Longoria (in Marchesa) stop traffic in their dramatic outfits.

It’s not enough to just walk into a room looking fabulous. Nowadays your outfit has to shout it from the rooftops! The classic black dress is all good and well but when you really want to make a show, opt for something theatrical. Many of the Fall/Winter 2008 collections during New York Fashion Week were filled with high-neck collars, fanciful frills and dreamy chiffon ruffles. Bill Blass’ collection, for example, is the epitome of dramatic flair though if you’re not too sure you can get away with such an exuberant entrance look to Victoria Beckham and Charlize Theron who took this look to the streets. Try this Sheer Ruffle top by Wetseal.com. For those of you who love the attention, take a leaf out of Chanel Iman, Eva Longoria and Eve’s style books. They definitely know how to put on a show.

Workwear 101: Ladies Who Lunch

Rachel Roy at David Yurman’s 25th Anniversary in a dress of her own design, and a Fendi bag.

Eve arriving at the CBS, Paramount, UPN, Showtime, King World TCA Party at The Wind Tunnel and Mya at the Life Ball 2007 Party at the Shambala.

I’ve been meaning to do this series for a while and I get quite a few emails from people asking me what they should wear to work. Well, it really all depends on where you work and what type of office environment is encouraged. As a general rule of thumb don’t let hemlines go any further than just above your knee; let dresses and suits fit well but not so tight that your uncomfortable and fidget all day; and finally heels are great but if you can’t walk in them give in to kitten heels or flats – they look just as good.

This installment is for those of you who work in more relaxed environments, but you’re still required to make an effort. You have numerous lunch meetings with clients and colleagues and for practical reasons you like to wear outfits that take you easily from the work day to evening. Dresses are perfect for you and though at first glance the above dresses may look too flashy, you can easily throw on a shawl and/or belt to bring the outfit down to earth. See the above ladies for inspiration then get the look below...

Left to right: Woven Floral Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Floral Trapeze Dress, $76, www.topshop.com; Rose Print Dress by Aquascutum, $560, www.brownsfashion.com; Border Print Halter Dress, $29.99, www.target.com

Left to right: MIA Venice Pump, $28.79, www.endless.com; Loren Wedge Slide, $19.99, www.payless.com; Cuamba, $250, www.aldoshoes.com; Stonze, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com

1. Casper Cardi, $59.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 2. Chain Bangle, $12.50, www.delias.com; 3. Charm Necklace, $12.50, www.delias.com; 4. Star Embroidered Purse, $16.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; 5. Charm Earrings, $12.50, www.delias.com; 6. Victoria's Fall Spy Brown Bag, $39, www.anyknockoff.com; 7. Prong Bracelet, $19.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 8. F9681 Sunglasses, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Jeans 101: The High-Waist

Jennifer Lopez arriving at the MTV Studios in New York City on March 27, 2007.

Ciara hosts MTV's "TRL" at the MTV Studios in New York City on March 5, 2007.

Jessica Alba backstage at Power 106's breakfast with Big Boy and the cast of "Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer" on June 4, 2007. – Get the exact pair Jessica is wearing from www.shopintuition.com (see below).

Eve spotted in New York City last month.

This trend has me somewhat perplexed. At first I was a complete non-believer, but then I saw Jlo work her style magic outside the TRL studios, I quickly changed my opinion to “neutral.” Oh but soon thereafter Eve surfaced with these ultra high-waisted pair sending me right back into denim-induced anxiety. Now, having watched the jeans evolve and merge with other trends such as the wide-legged pant (see Jessica Alba and Ciara), I’m safely back in style bliss and even considering buying a pair of these controversial jeans. Watch this space.

Style on the Go…

Laila Ali attending ESPN The Magazine's Summer Fun Party on The Lady Windridge Yacht at Chelsea Piers earlier this month in New York City.

Eve posing backstage after an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live June 11, 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland seen arriving at BBC Radio studios in London on June 07, 2007.

Mariah Carey at the Fresh Air Fund's Salute to American Heroes gala at Tavern on the Green on June 7, 2007 in New York City.

Since her successful run on “Dancing with the Stars,” Laila Ali has looked nothing but flawless during recent public appearances. Whoever is styling her is doing a great job of accentuating her curves and long legs. Who knew she could look so feminine. Definite Upgrade!

I applaud Eve for trying something different with this look but I’m not sold on the pink leggings. The hair is also going to take a little more convincing, but Eve definitely has a unique sense of style. I wonder how her new album will fare in the era of Rihanna, Cassie and Beyonce. Good luck with that.

Could Kelly Rowland be anymore fabulous? The world just doesn’t appreciate her like they should. I need to lay my hands on a pair of those skinny capris pronto. They’re too cute. I also want to know who does her hair. Weaving techniques have come a looooooong way baby.

Mariah Carey is the most shocking of all. The usually overzealous diva opted for a more demure and understated look. I can’t believe she chose a dress length within walking distance of her knee. I almost didn’t recognize her when I first saw this pic. Let us enjoy this Mimi until the next emancipation begins.

Jeans 101: The Skinny

Keshia Knight Pulliam attending Nick Cannon's Birthday celebration and opening of the PNB Nation store earlier this month in Los Angeles.
Rosario Dawson poses backstage after an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV Studios in July of this year.
Eve walking back to her hotel in NYC in June of this year.
Halle Berry shopping in Los Angeles last week.

I don’t wear skinny jeans, but for those brave enough here’s a good selection of pics to inspire you. I like skinny jeans which scrunch up at the ankles like Keisha’s – too cute! There is some debate as to whether skinny jeans are going out of fashion. Many of the shops have pulled them from their Fall lines, but I don’t believe in strictly following style ‘rules’ so scroll down for ‘My Picks.’

What Say We?... Yay or Nay?!

Eve at the MAC Chinese Dress event in Los Angeles last Friday.

NAY! Are those cat ears upon her head? Oh dear, maybe it’s a bow? I thought with it being Halloween and all, Eve had got into the spirit of dressing up and was ‘channeling’ catwoman on her way to the prom! In any case the hair and ‘bow’ ruined the whole look, which is a shame because I love the dress. Note to Eve: The blonde hair ISN’T working. :(

You Can Leave Your Hat On…

Alicia Keys making an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios earlier this year.
Eve on MTV's Total Request Live last year in New York City.
Beyonce leaving Nobu Restaurant in London last year.
Garcelle Beauvais arriving at the 15th Annual Environmental Media Awards held at Ebell Club of Los Angeles last year.

You’re either a hat person or you’re not, but if you fall into the latter group the pics above may change your mind. I used to file hats under ‘purely for daywear,’ but looking at Beyonce and Garcelle work theirs in the evening has given me a whole new perspective. I picked out some of my favorites below…

Style on the Go...

Foxy Brown attending the Chris Aire Spring 2007 fashion show during Olympus Fashion Week last weekend in New York City.
Candids of Eve looking supa cute.
Nicole of ANTM at the b. Michael Signature collection fashion show at the Style Lounge yesterday.
Kelly Rowland sitting in the front row at the Luca Luca Spring 2007 fashion show during Olympus Fashion Week at the Promenade in Bryant Park on Monday in NYC.

All the celebs are crawling out from under their rocks to sit front row at all the fashion shows this week. Kelly Rowland has been to like six already and it's only Tuesday! She looks great though and I love that hairstyle on her... I also love this dress on Foxy, she looks really sophisticated but still young. Thank goodness Eve fixed her hair a little and she's working those drain-pipe jeans. And last but not least, Nicole of America's Next Top Model may only be able to score tickets to the up-and-coming designer shows, but that hasn't stopped her turning up the style stakes... she looks mad cute in that sweater dress.

Style on the Go...

Eve backstage during her Total Request Live appearance at the MTV Times Square Studios yesterday in New York.
Cassie posing at the press conference for the NFL Opening Kickoff 2006 at the Loews Hotel last night in Miami Beach - Diddy, Danity Kane and Young Joc were also present.
Jurnee Smollett arriving at the premiere of "Gridiron Gang" at the Chinese Theater the Wednesday just gone in LA.
Lil' Kim arriving at the M.A.C. Viva Glam VI dinner to benefit Aids research at Cedar Lake yesterday evening in New York City.

Who is Jurnee Smollett you say... Remember that little girl from 'Eve's Bayou'? The main characeter who played Meagan Good's sister? That is her! She certainly grew into a beautiful young woman. Eve and Lil' Kim are scaring me with their respective looks.... Eve's hair is just plain frightening and I see she's feeling the current plaid trend and even though purple is my favorite color, Lil' Kim has managed to repulse me in that outfit. Cassie on the other hand is rocking that belt-over-a-man's-shirt look, I think it's cute but I don't know if i'd actually have the nerve to work it on the streets of D.C. I saw a girl in a club once wearing just a shirt, some 3-inch heels and a big afro... babygirl looked F.I.E.R.C.E!

The Glitterati Crew!

Heidi, from the MTV show 'The Hills', at the premiere screening of the show
Victoria's Secrets Model, Selita Ebanks, arriving at the 7th annual Free Arts NYC Art & Photography benefit auction at Phillips de Pury in May of this yearSarah Jessica Parker attends the 20th Century Fox premiere of 'The Devil Wears Prada' at the Loews Lincoln Center Theatre on June, 2006 in New York City
Eve arriving at the Vanity Fair Oscar party earlier this year

I used to run from sequins like a vampire runs from garlic, but lately i've been coming around to sparkly items, namely dresses and bags, both of which can attract admiring stares at any venue. Just look at the ladies above, all of whom seem happy to soak up the attention their sparkly outfit's are garnering.... see the next post for some show-stopping pieces of your own!