Tracee Ellis Ross in Essence…

Make sure you catch Tracee Ellis Ross in the latest Essence magazine. She’s featured in their beauty section and lets us mere mortals in on the secrets that make her a fashion and hair icon. She says of her sense of style:

“I have a great closet of clothes, including some of my mom’s old pieces,” says Ross, who often styles herself and does her own hair and makeup, both on and off the set. “I’ve had pretty consistent taste since I was young, and my body hasn’t changed much, so a lot of things that worked on me back then still work on me now.”

Read more snippets here over at Essence.com and pick up a copy to read the full article.

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

Tracee Ellis Ross attending the Los Angeles screening of Trembled Blossoms presented by Prada on March 19, 2008 in Beverly Hills California.

Tracee what happened? You usually get it so right. While each individual piece looks great i.e. the top, skirt and heels, together they scream "I dressed in the dark." And the necklace's proportions are all off. This look could have worked had she gone with more delicate shoes but when all is said and done, I'm inclined to give Ms. Ross a nay. Don't worry Tracee, you're still my style icon!

The Evolution of the Shirt Dress...

Amerie spotted in London on July 23rd, 2007 while checking into her hotel to promote her new single 'Gotta Work' in London, UK.

Cassie poses at the press conference for the NFL Opening Kickoff 2006 at the Loews Hotel on September 6, 2006 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgett, member of R&B girl group Danity Kane, attends XXL magazine's Hip-Hop Soul Issue Release Party at Tenjune on December 11, 2006 in New York City.

Tracee Ellis Ross, in a Thakoon for the Gap shirt, at Vogue's Gap/CFDA Party in April, 2007.

This is not your conventional shirt dress. This breed is inspired by what you’d find in your man’s closet. Remember that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie and Big fall into the lake? Carrie heads back to Big’s apartment to change and ends up walking home in one of his shirts. That’s what this look is all about. Looking like you’ve casually thrown on your man’s shirt and you look better in it than he does. Now these shirt dresses do have a feminine edge with cinched in waists and frills despite their masculine undertones. See below for My Picks!

Another One Bites The Dust…

Another day, another Black magazine folds. Vibe Vixen is the latest publication to fall under the witches spell. After two years and some change, Vibe Vixen will no longer produce their hard copy magazine but will continue their presence online. Read the official press release below. I wasn’t really a fan of the magazine but it’s sad that people will lose their jobs.

"Less than two weeks after being named CEO of Vibe Media Group, Steve Aaron announced Vibe would fold Vibe Vixen, the female counterpart to urban music and lifestyle magazine Vibe.

Vixen will cease as a regularly published title with the August/September issue and starting in the fourth quarter, the company will begin publishing Vixen as special issues focusing on urban culture themes. The company hasn’t determined the frequency for the specials, a company rep said. Vixen also will continue to maintain a Web site.

In a press release, Aaron said there would be “some” layoffs. The rep would not make executives available for further comment.

Vixen launched in February 2005 as a twice-a-year title with a circ of 425,000 (unaudited) and upped the frequency to six times this year. Pages for the first half of 2007 totaled 147, per Publishers Information Bureau. [Source]"

Shifty Business...

Rosario Dawson arrives at the 22nd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards held at Santa Monica Beach in February in Santa Monica, California.

Kerry Washington looking cute ‘n’ flirty in her silk shift.

Nia Long attending the 17th Annual NAACP Theater Awards earlier this year.

Paula Patton arriving at the 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last month in Pasadena, California.

Tracee Ellis Ross at the Katy Rodriguez Celebration of her Eponymous Collection.

Take a cue from these ladies and shift into gear with the must-have dress du jour. A throw-back from the sixties, the shift dress is a classic style that shows no signs of disappearing. If you’re worried about looking too retro in a shift, pick a fabric with a futuristic twist like Paula Patton or try something a little more eclectic like Tracee Ellis Ross. Remember that the shift dress was made for the clutch purse, so give it what it deserves!

Note: See Christina Milian in the DVF dress that Forever 21 duplicated here.

Color Me Bad!

Tracee Ellis Ross and her vintage clutch at the WWD Oscars Party.

Amerie, and her Fendi Spy Bag, attending the Giorgio Armani Go Red for World AIDS Day at the Giorgio Armani Store on Madison Avenue in December ‘06 in NYC.

Sarah Jessica Parker, wearing a Giambattista Valli dress and VBH clutch, attending the 2006 National Board Of Review Awards Gala last month in NYC.

Nicole Richie, holding a Pucci clutch, at the Cavern Wallpaper and Kidada Jones for Disney Coutour Celebration of their new collections January last week in West Hollywood, California.

I saw a feature in last week’s “Life & Style” magazine that talked about Sarah Jessica Parkers' multi-colored clutch by VBH (V. Bruce Hoeksema). They found like four pics of her with it in different outfits and talked about how it must be worth the $990 she paid because it goes with everything – They really don’t miss a beat! Anyway, it got me thinking about investing in a crazy colored bag that will go with almost everything in my closet. And the things it doesn’t go with?... Why not clash?! See below for some colorful ideas.

Catwalk Copy…

Cassie, Tracee and Malinda Williams all rock the Diane von Furstenberg 'Kipper' Blouse in their own style

I’ve received 5 emails from readers asking me where to find the shirt Tracee is wearing with her pencil skirt in the 'Just Pencil Me In' post below. I couldn’t find the exact cut as the ladies above, but I did find the a shirt with the same print (Diamond Confetti) at Nordstorm. It costs $198, but see below for some cheaper alternatives in red, much like the other 'Kipper’ shirt Diane von Furstenberg showed during her Fall 2006 runway show.
Left to Right: Pattern Tie Waist Blouse, $10.00, www.wetseal.com; Anson Top, $29.99, www.gojane.com; Charmeuse Poet Sleeve Top, $24.50, www.wetseal.com

Flower Power!

Beyonce Knowles attends the Giorgio Armani Go Red for World AIDS Day at the Giorgio Armani Store on Madison Avenue last night in New York City.
Kerry Washington (in a Valentino dress) arrives at the National Dream Gala to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Groundbreaking earlier this month in Washington, DC.
Tracee Ellis Ross at the Coach's Legacy Collection Launch Party.
Eva Mendes and Rosario Dawson pose backstage during the 2006 MTV Movie Awards at Sony Pictures Studio earlier this year in Culver City, California.

I failed to find photos of celebrities wearing floral prints that weren’t dresses, but you get the idea. Floral prints can be retro (Kerry), peasant (Tracee) or even brocade (Rosario and Beyonce) but whatever you choose they all add a twist to your look. Take it to the next level and mix ‘n’ match prints to create an ultra eclectic look. Find the print that works for you and go for it!

Note: Check out Tracee Ellis Ross' personal site!

Just Pencil Me In...

Tracee Ellis Ross arriving at Diane Von Furstenberg’s Spring 2007 during Olympus Fashion Week in New York this September - See her skirt in 'My Picks' post belowGarcelle Beauvais attending the celebration of Grey Goose Entertainment and Conde Nast Media Group Celebrate's Original Series "Iconoclasts" earlier this month in Oakland, California
Kelly Rowland arrives at the Sony Pictures premiere of "Stranger than Fiction" at the Mann Village Theatre October 30, 2006 in Westwood, California.
Rachel Roy arriving at the Cinema Society & Hugo Boss premiere of "Winter Passing" earlier this year at The Tribeca Grand, NY

Tracee Ellis Ross and Rachel Roy love their pencil skirts and why not?... They look great wearing them! They’re also a staple in my wardrobe because I can rock them day or night. Another great thing about pencil skirts is that they compliment almost every shape, however if you don’t have hips they may make you look a little too straight. Scroll down for more tips on how to rock the skirt du jour…

NOTE: Hey guys, posts will be sporadic this coming week and a half because I have papers due and finals. :(

Also I’m going by my first name Sylvia from now on (Angel is my middle name), so don’t get confused when you see 'Sylvia' posting! You can still call me Angel though if you prefer :)

Style Inspiration: The 1950’s

Kerry Washington does 50’s style to perfection, even her hair is reminiscent of the era.
Tracee and Garcellle show off their figures in these typical 50’s high-waisted outfits.
Polka Dot Dress: Polka Dot Mesh Dress, $54.00, www.hotkiss.com; Yellow Cardigan: Crew Neck Cardigan, $56.00, www.topshop.co.uk; Pants: Style# 6306K05, $78.00, www.maxstudio.com; Black Bag: La Regale Evening Bag, $44.00, Macys; White Bag: Colorful Creations DP19 Shimmer, $25.45, www.shoebuy.com; Peep Toe: Giddie, $99.95, Steve Madden; Polka Dot Clutch: Black Frame Bag, $12.99, Target; White Dress: Organza Party Dress, $449.00, www.rebeccataylor.com; Brooch: Vintage Style Ribbon Pin (J64984) by Nolan Miller, $54.75, QVC; Coat: Valentina Coat by Tocca, $870.48, www.my-wardrobe.com; Wide Pants: Trove by House of Spy, $120.00, www.paper-doll.com; Headband: Croc Head band, $28.00, Guess; Shirt Dress: Shirt Dress with Belt, $32.80, Forever 21; Flats: Soda Toyu Sandals 6 Gold, $15.99, www.cutesyshoes.com; White clutch: Beaded Cluster Framed Evening Bag, $11.99, Target; Necklace: Bright Beaded Choker, $20.00, Urban Outfitters; Sleeveless Cardigan: Crochet Sweater Top, $22.80, Forever 21; Belt: Shiny Croc Disco Sash Belt, $24.00, www.asos.com; Skirt: Tweed pencil skirt, $34.00, www.newport-news.com

As far as I’m concerned this was the best decade for fashion. If you were fuller figured you could flatter your curves with a tight pencil skirt or hide them under a poofy A-line dress, cinched with a belt. If on the other hand you were slender, you could rock the pencil legged pants and tight cardigans. I think 50s fashion has been creeping into contemporary clothing since the late 80s, but it shows no signs of disappearing this season (notice the waist-high belts, peep toe heels and capris). Beauty tip: When repping this retro style, make sure your nails are neat and short, 50s divas were prim ‘n’ proper from head to toe!

Note: Also try these throw back Mary Janes from Antropologie & check out these ladies and dresses for further inspiration.

2006 Black Movie Awards

Angela Bassett & Tracee Ellis Ross… GORGEOUS!!
Kimberly Elise & Meagan Good
Lisa Raye & Mo’Nique
Laura London & Taraji Henson

More pics below...

Backstage at Sass & Bide

Tracee Ellis Ross getting a closer look at the clothes backstage yesterday afternoon.
Jojo, Brandy and Tracee mingle backstage.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Brandy take their seats front row at the Sass & Bide runway show.

Tracee looks cute as usual, but Brandy? Is she slipping back to her old ways - I hope not! And check out Jojo getting her fashion week on... isn't she like 12?! See the complete Sass & Bide collection above.

Style Inspiration: Color

Tracee Ellis Ross in vibrant orange.... She can do no wrong fashion-wise!
Gabrielle Union and Amel Larrieux brighten up their days with some color.
Coat: Soft Belted Checked Coat, $230.00, www.topshop.co.uk; Platforms: Kawaii Pumps by Michael Antonio, $26.99 (On Sale!), www.cutesyshoes.com; Pumps: Barona Pumps by Michael Barona, $23.99 (On Sale!), www.cutesyshoes.com; Skirt: Floral Woven Mini, $15.80, Forever 21; Sequin Clutch: B Feather, $29.99 (On Sale!), Steve Madden; Jacket: Enzo Jacket, $138.00, French Connection; Blue Cuff: Blue Shell Cuff, $7.50, Claire’s; Bracelet: Red and White Plastic Stretch Bracelet, $1.99, www.girlprops.com; Blue Clutch: Ruffle-trim Clutch, $10.00 (On Sale!), www.newport-news.com; Red Bangle: Skinny Red Bangle; $4.50, Claire’s; Shirt Dress: Cadwell Tuni, $31.99, www.gojane.com; Tote Bag: Modern Fall Prada Style Shopper, $29.00, www.akostyle.com; Top: Donna Camisole by Day Birger et Mikkelsen, $162.00, www.my-wardrobe.com; Blue Top: Ruched Round Neck Top, $15.80, Forever 21; Wedges: Strappy Suede Wedge, $39.50, Gap; Flats: Dolce Vita Twist Toe Ballets, $78.00, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Dress: Sheer Matte Jersey Tonal Roller Glitter Dress, $88.00, Rampage

Join the rainbow coalition and splash your closet with some much needed color. Apparently, those who wear bright colors maintain a happier disposition (don't ask me for the source!) I think the brightest item in my wardrobe is a yellow belt I bought in London's Camden Market... I rock it with everything! Are you into color or are you strictly a black 'n' white kinda gal?

Note: Try these colorful bags!

Style Inspiration: Classic

Garcelle Beauvais always looks stunning and this little black dress is to die for!
Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross are the reigning queens of classic style!
Gold Clutch: Gold Python from a selection by Lorelei Lucia; Sandals: Calen, $89.99, Aldo; Turtleneck: SS Sweater Top, $15.80, Forever 21; Black Clutch: Blima, $49.99, Steve Madden; Dress: Style no.6201G55, $68.00 (On Sale!), www.maxstudio.com; Trousers: Notch Back Wide Leg Pant, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Top: Vanessa Tie Top, $88.00, French Connection; Belt: Jocasi Ibiza Waisted Wide Belt, $100.00, www.asos.com; Bag: Convertible Two Pocket Messenger, $58.00, Urban Outfitters; Red Clutch: Ruby Red Clutch, $56.00, www.amiciaccessories.com; Hoops: Goldtone Hoops, $7.00, Claire’s; Skirt: Highlight by Greenbaum Clothing, $96.00, www.paper-doll.com; Pumps: Black Snake Jewel by Cesare Paciotti, $716.00, www.shoeluv.com; Gold Earrings: Gold Earrings, $12.99, www.girlprops.com; Boots: Gilda, $60.00, Rampage; Coat: Super Coat, $298.00, French Connection

Every closet needs it's staple items; the little black dress, the perfect gold pair of shoes, the classic coat, and since the stores are starting to release their Fall collections it's the perfect time to update your closet. I have my eye on those boots from Urban Outfitters and that coat would fit seamlessly into my current wardrobe. It's sometimes worth spending a little more on classic items of clothing, a great fitting pair of black trousers will see you through many seasons... But of course that doesn't mean you have to own just one pair! ;)

Are You a Vibe Vixen?...

Tracee Ellis Ross (current issue) and Kelly Rowland on the cover of VIBE's sister publication

My answer would be 'no' since i've never heard of this magazine before, but judging by the website, it looks promising! The magazine offers the usual sections... fashion, beauty, music, blah blah; I just wish they would mix-it-up a bit and feature other celebrities inside the magazine. Much like other publications out there, they tend to recycle the 'usual suspects.' I guess i'll read a full copy before I condemn it to hell! Visit www.vibevixen.com to judge for yourselves.

Slighty off topic but in regards to Tracee Ellis Ross, did you all hear about Jill Marie Jones (who plays Toni) leaving Girlfriends? Apparently, the four actresses made a pact to stick together and ask for a pay rise while the UPN network merged with the WB forming the new CW network. As the story goes, the other three fell short on their promise and renegotiated their contracts without informing Jill! She subsequently left the show, and all the other ladies could say was they 'needed their jobs.' You know she's P*SSED!! Check out the new web site (minus Jill) at Girlfriends. The new season airs October, 1st.

Credit: Juicy News for the Tracee pics!

White Hot!

Kelly Rowalnd backstage at the Badgley Mischka Fall 2006 fashion show in New York
Tracee Ellis Ross at Jaguar's Tribute to Style on Rodeo Drive
Jessica Alba backstage at the MTV Networks 2006 Upfront for 'Feed The Need'
Janet Jackson arriving at her birthday party at Shereen Arazms Shag last month - I think she's taking it too far with these pants, she has enough space in there to smuggle Mexican children across the border!

It's seems like everyone and their mama is wearing white trousers or maybe it's just the summer heat?! I myself own three pairs, two of which are exactly the same (I loved them so much I had to buy two!) I think i'll be rocking my white linen pair for a wedding at the end of the month, my only task is finding what to wear on top. Maybe i'll make like Kelly (above) and try a deep chocolate brown color as opposed to wearing white from head to toe... Either way, you can't fail to look sophisticated in a pair of long white pants!

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!