Style on the Go…

Dania Ramirez attends the new Pink BlackBerry Pearl Smartphone launch party on January 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Kerry Washington attends the CNN, LA Times, POLITICO Democratic Debate after party at the Roosevelt Hotel on January 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Rosario Dawson arrives to The New Pink BlackBerryr Pearl Smartphone launch party at A+D Studio on January 31, 2008 in LA.

Golden Brooks attends the launch party for Verizon's BlackBerry Pearl 8130 at the A+D Studio on January 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Rising star Dania Ramierez has been catching my eye lately. Never failing to look perfectly polished, she wowed me with her choice of heels at the Pink BlackBerry Pearl Smartphone launch party. I would never have thought to pair a black mini dress with leather, tan colored toeless boots. Bravo Dania, bravo!

Kerry Washington kept it conservative at the CNN, LA Times, POLITICO Democratic Debate after party. This bell-shaped, pin stripped suit is nothing short of classy but she lightened things up with a bright red clutch and big, cute gold earrings. Loves it!

Rosario Dawson can be a hit or miss with her fashion choices. This time was a major hit. This is one of those dresses every girl should have in their wardrobe for when they feel like dressing up but want to be comfortable. Sometimes a girl just doesn’t want to deal with fidgeting all night. Oh and the long pendant is a nice touch.

Finally, Golden Brooks was oh so close with this outfit. The dress is tres cute but the heels?! Golden please explain yourself. Well, from the ankles up I think she looks nice. I’m sure many of you will disagree but I just love the frilly sleeves on her dress. I could totally rock it!

Round Three of “The Leap”

Mary J. Blige should be commended for not having any problem with stepping out in public without makeup.
Rihanna looks fresher without the makeup, but with it her best features are highlighted.
If Golden Brooks chooses to wear makeup, she must find a better artist or take lessons herself.

I don’t write these posts just to put my sistas on blast; I do it because I think it’s essential to put the truth out there. You must have a heart of steel if you’ve never experienced the feelings of inadequacy the media images of women can sometimes stir. Above is another batch of photos demonstrating what we have come to know as “The Leap.”

I don’t actually believe Mary J. Blige really looks like this, it's a really bad pic, but in any case she looks like a different person with the aid of makeup. I’m glad she’s not afraid to step out in public as herself. There is no doubt that Rihanna is a beautiful girl, but clearly makeup helps accentuate her best features especially her eyes. And while both photos of Golden Brooks show her wearing makeup, there’s a big discrepancy between Mya Wilkes’ (L) and Golden Brooks' (R) – she should take her “Girlfriends” makeup artist everywhere or just go 'au natural.'

Now most of you may be aware of Doves’ “Campaign For Real Beauty.” In an effort to counter the media portrayals of women, Dove uses women like you and me in their ads and commercials. Watch the amazing video below that perfectly demonstrates “The Leap” in action and emphasizes how the media distorts the truth. Visit www.campaignforrealbeauty.com to find out more about Doves’ campaign and to read personal stories from various women.

Note: See the first and second part of “The Leap.”

Tight Fix...

Etro's runway show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007.
Stella McCartney, Joy Bryant and Golden Brooks all jump on the tights bandwagon.

Trend Alert: Opaque black tights under dresses. I think we may be on to something. Milan Fashion Week has seen many-a-designer send their models down the runway wearing thick black tights; it was a staple at Etro’s show, however I personally haven’t donned a pair since high school! A great advantage about this look is that you can continue to wear your favorite short skirts and dresses through the winter months and the tights add a more modest and sophisticated edge to your look. One piece of advice… carry an extra pair with you, a run in your stockings is NEVER a good look. ;)

Shake Your Booty!

Candid of Kate Moss in London last year.
Jessica Simpson arrives for her performance on The Early Show at CBS Plaza earlier this month in New York City.
Golden Brooks arriving at the CW Launch Party at the Warner Bros. Studio last night in Burbank, California.

If ankle boots are not quite your thing then try these tan colored, knee-high boots that are surfacing all over the shops. They look great with jeans or a dress and just imagine a great winter coat draped on top of your outfit. Boots teamed with a trench coat is a look that’ll never go out of style. And while you’re here take a moment to admire Kate Moss’ pair… if anyone knows who designed them please let me know - I want them!

The Pink Ladies...

Lorianne Gibson attends a book launch party for stylist June Ambrose's "Effortless Style" at Tenjune August 28, 2006 in New York City.
Sanaa Lathan, arriving at the season four premiere screening of "Nip/Tuck" held at the Paramount Theatre last month in L.A.
Golden Brooks arriving at the 4th annual TV Guide after party celebrating the 2006 Emmys held at Social Hollywood last month.
Solange Knowles attending Beyonce’s Birthday and Album Release Party at the 40/40 Club in New York – This hair color really suits her.

Fuchsia pink seems to be the latest color of choice for celebrities. A figure-hugging dress in hot pink is bound to attract attention although I’d personally opt for a more subtle shape, like the one Lorianne Gibson (Making the Band) is wearing. See below for some tips.

Style on the Go...

Rihanna was out-and-about in Lower Manhattan, NY on Thursday night
Mya on the set of her new video 'Ayo,' Thursday evening
Golden Brooks arriving at the 'BPM Magazine 10th Anniversary Party' last weekend

First off, Rihanna looks beautiful! That new hair cut really suits her and although spandex is not my fabric of choice, she manages to make it look classy this time! (Rihanna please talk to Mariah!) Mya is back in action and she couldn't have picked a more competitive time to make her musical comeback. With albums dropping by Beyonce, Janet, Christina Aguilera and co., she's really going to have to 'bring it.' Her new single 'Ayo' is due to be released August 21st. Good luck! Finally, Golden Brooks is slowly starting to resemble her prettier 'twin' Mya from the show 'Girlfriends.' While we ALL have those pictures we'd rather burn and bury 6 feet underground, Golden has almost made a career out of looking unsightly... glad to see her back on track!

Credit: Juicy News for the photos of Golden Brooks!

CW Network Summer TCA Party

Tracee Ellis Ross and Golden Brooks - Praise the Lord, Golden has finally succumb to our online fashion intervention...
Wendy Raquel Robinson and Tia Mowry - Both looking fantastical! What is Tamara doing with herself these days?
Tichina Arnold & Tyler James Williams and Khamani Griffin & Duane Martin - Even these young kids have style nowadays...

Sitcom celebs were out in force a couple of nights ago for the CW Network Summer TCA Party! For those who don't know the CW Network is a new channel which combines the WB and UPN networks, beginning in September. Tia Mowry has apparently secured a place on the new network's Fall line-up with her spin-off show of Girlfriends called The Game.... Now can someone explain to me how this show is a 'spin-off?' I know when the pilot aired the whole cast of Girlfriends made cameo appearances, but what's the connection?... In anycase i'll be watching, Wendy Raquel Robinson is also in it and I loved her as Principal Grier in The Steve Harvey Show and Bobby's girlfriend in Two Can Play That Game!

Print me a Copy!

Tracee Ellis Ross and Golden Brooks at the 'Coach Legacy Collection Launch Party' in N.Y.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Danielle, winner of the last season of America's Next Top Model

In the post below I suggested wearing a chunky belt over a print dress, in this post I wanted to show you all what it could look like. Tracee looks stunning in this dress and that belt gives the look edge. You've probably noticed a lot of print and patterned clothes in stores, so I picked a couple of my favorite pieces. Scroll up to have a look-see!!
P.S. I hope Golden Brooks keeps this up, she ain't looked this good in a looooooong time - damn shame!