“This is the day I lay in a pre-op room of a hospital, staring at the brightly lit ceiling, being prepped for gastric bypass surgery. I hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before. I was so angry: How had I allowed myself to get to 307 pounds? I could clearly remember the days when I’d considered myself fly and curvaceous. Funny—or sad—how we “thick” girls can justify being excessively overweight.”–Excerpt from Star Jones Reynolds’ Essay in Glamour Magazine

Hey Guys,
So for this week’s Style File, I chose a pretty unusual suspect…

…Star Jones!
Whether you blame the gastric bypass or her new show on Court TV, Star has been representing lately in smart, tailored outfits that could work for any career girl with flair. Let’s take a look:
For press junkets and more casual affairs Star keeps it cute and corporate in embellished cardigans…


…svelte v-neck sweaters andA-line skirts…

…and chic belted shirt dresses…

Sharp!
When she really has to dress it up, she rocks handkerchief dresses with exotic prints (I’ll pass on the shoes)…

…floral numbers…

or long, flattering black cocktails frocks with..

..or without…


Her signature burgundy specs.
C’mon! Cute!
Want to channel your inner star? Try the following:

Top Row: Da Nang Carafe Silk Shirt Dress, $194, www.fashionchateau.com; Embroidered Floral Cardigan, $50, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
Bottom Row: Merino wool ribbon-front v-neck sweater vest, $38, www.victoriassecret.com; Carla Long Dress in Black, $175, www.labelspree.com.
Of course can’t forget the hot frames!
These $269 Bulgari frames from Lenscrafters have a ‘Star’ effect…

…but if they’re too pricey, this $109 pair of Tamara Frames by BCBG could work…

Still too much? Slide on these Calabria Readers…

…for only $32!
You’re office ready!
Smootches!
PS Still not convinced?
Remember the old days….





She’s come a long way baby! Don’t you think?

News, sales, what nots:
*There’s an article today in the New York Times on Star. An excerpt, “Ms. Jones led the premiere of her own show on Court TV and was almost unrecognizable after gastric bypass surgery left her about 150 pounds lighter. Her streamlined new look includes a pageboy haircut, plain sleeveless dresses and modish eyeglass frames.” Read more here.

*WWD reports that Venus Williams will have her own line, called EleVen, in Steve & Barry stores starting in November. Why EleVen? “It was part of my address growing up in Compton. It also represents the top, because people always say, one out of 10, but it’s an 11. You can be more than your best in EleVen.” Suuuuure. Can’t wait till November? To celebrate the launch of the collection, 100 pairs of her Court sneakers will be available at the Steve & Barry Manhattan Mall store on Friday. First come first serve!

*And, just for fun, see how Venus would spend $1.4 million dollars.

*Also check out Boutique Finesse’ sidewalk sale this weekend:

Click to enlarge
You’ll be glad you did!

Hey hey!
So there’s a lot going on right now in politics with the war, issues with the current administration, and the upcoming presidential election…and none of this is lost on political fashionistas who want to voice their views through their clothing. I’ve found two websites that offer a plethora of politically cute t’s for diva’s with an opinion.
Urban Outfitters (www.urbn.com) has dozens of shirts that sport political messages such as, “War What is it Good For” “Vote for Change” and “I love Peace.”
Take a look:

Top Row: Thread for Thought Bombing Tee, $38; What is it Good For Tee, $28; Draft Beer Not People Tee, $24.
Middle Row: Vote For Change Tee, $28; I Love Peace Tee, $24; Lux Peace Now Tee, $28.
Bottom Row: Don’t Let Friends Vote Republican Tee; $24;War is Over Tee, $28;Friends Don’t Let Friends Vote Democrat Tee, $24. All at www.urbn.com.

Another site, Sir Alistair Rai (www.siralistairrai.com/), has great t’s that are a bit more stylish (and expensive!), yet still purvey a message that takes a stand:

Save Darfur Beater, $38

Vintage Rock & Roll Peace Tee, $48

Camo Long Sleeve Thermal, $62
Sir Alistair Rai even sells the Obama for Change T that Halle B. was spotted wearing here…

and Kim K here…

Get it for $46.
I’m sure offerings will increase and diversify as the race gets closer…
Smootches!
Fashion News:
*Naomi Campbell says that Fashion has sidelined black beauty. Quel Surprise!
*Alek Wek contends that a Fashion Calendar was racist. Have black models just had enough? Seems like they’re speaking out a lot lately…
* Page Six predicts stars will be scarce at NY’s upcoming fashion week. Oh Well! More room for me!
*Yawwwwn!
PS Really want to show your support? Attend Strut for Sudan this Sunday…

Click to enlarge
…featuring clothes from hot boutique Harriet’s Alter Ego. Proceeds go to My Sister’s Keeper. Read more here .

Hey hey!
Happy Monday!!
So as you know, I went to a fantabulous fashion show last week…and a few of Harlem’s finest were in the building. I got there a little late, but still had a bit of time to patrol the crowd for a few fashion bomb worthy peeps:

These three looked retro yet chic in exotic prints, bold accessories, and rose colored sunglasses…

These twins were super duper dapper, sporting tailored jackets, spiffy shoes, and one hot Fendi briefcase…

And lastly this Fashion Bomb reader looked amazing in her Sass & Bide dress. I loved the dress’ chic stripes and pockets! And she accessorized simply and subtly with a long necklace.
Smashing!
Shortly after snapping her pic, the show started…so didn’t have time to take any more crowd pictures. But the show was well worth my trek up there. Stay tuned for a blow by blow this week.
Until then…
Smootches!
PS Did Harlem peeps bring the Real Style?
PSS The B Life Blog talks up B-Girl Style.
PSSS In NYC? The Billion Dollar Babes Sale starts tomorrow!

Visit www.billiondollarbabes.com for more info.

Hey Y’all!
It’s Friday….

..you know what time it is!
Let get to it!
First up, GlamourouzGal says, “I really love the way Kim Kardashian dresses…”




“…I’m looking for dresses to fit my curves like hers in the right places!!! But of course at affordable prices…Can you help?”
Hey Mizz Glamourouz! There are tons of high and low priced options you can use to get Kim K’s scandalous yet sexy look. Try the following:

Top Row: Herve Leger Halter Neck Gunmetal Dress, $955, www.intermix.com; Daria Dress, $89, www.guess.com.
Bottom Row: Sweetheart Tube Pencil Dress, $148, www.ardenb.com; Curvy jersey rhinestone dress, $119, www.victoriassecret.com.
Freakum Dresses must be really popular, because reader Shayvonne asked, “Where can I get Beyonce’s hot black dress…”

“…for a reasonable price?”
Hey Shayvonne. I found that this Leather Trim Dress with Brooch…

…from www.ardenb.com fit the bill, and it’s only $58!!
Next up reader Chantilly says, “I really love the look of thigh-high boots, except I cannot find any. Do you know where I can purchase them and how can I wear them??? Thanks!!”
Hey Girl. Blame it on the summer temps, but I looked and only found this pair of thigh high patent leather boots by Pleaser USA…

…at zappos.com
They look a tad stripperish, but for $70, you can’t go wrong!
Regarding how to wear them, you can pop ’em over a pair of jeans a la Jessica Simpson…

or black pants like J. Lo…

…or you can try wearing them with a short skirt if you’re feeling racy.
Next up, TFB readers Valerie and Kindra both needed to have the high waisted pants…

…Beyonce wore while filming her American Express ad.
At this time of the season, most stores are offering high waisted trousers in demure black. I searched high and low, and stumbled upon this $215 pair of tantalizing trousers by Nanette Lepore ….

…not an exact match, but you’ll have the same look. Just slap on a belt and a white tank and you’ll be ready to go!
Lastly, reader Penne says, “Recently, I ordered these shoes…”

“… with nothing to wear with them. PLEASE suggest something …”
Great shoes! They’re absolutely perfect for a night out! You definitely want them to shine on their own, so I’d suggest wearing a gold or white dress like the following:

A.B.S. gold pleated knit bubble trapeze dress, $189, www.bluefly.com.

Organic Double Layer Dress, $88, www.calypso.com.

Chain Halter Dress, $74, www.ardenb.com.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, try for a dress that picks up on the turquoise in the shoe, like this Diane von Furstenberg Satin Dress…

…on sale for $270 at shopbop.com
Smootches!
PS The Harlem Fashion Show was fierce and so much fun! Shout out to fabulous readers April and Kamilah! You’re the bomb! Everyone stay tuned for a blow by blow next week.
PSS A few readers have written in asking where Penne got her hot shoes. She divulged that she purchased them at www.intermixonline.com. Unfortunately, they’re sold out.

Happy Thursday!
The weekend’s almost here…can’t you taste it!?!
Anyway spectator pumps and booties (menswear inspired oxford shoes with a heel), have come from the 1920’s and landed smack on the runways of the Fall 2007 Ready to Wear Shows:

Reyes


Betsey Johnson

Zac Posen
Tons of stores are offering high and low priced options for the fall:

Top Row: Bally ‘Glania’ Pump, $595, www.nordstrom.com; Lumiana Epic, $150, zappos.com
Patent-leather-and-suede pump, Charles David, $345, www.charlesdavid.com for stores.
Middle Row: Eva High Heel Lace Up Platform Booties, $635, www.gucci.com; Spectator Platform Oxford, $59, www.spiegel.com; Ruffled pump, Miu Miu, $525, 888-977-1900.
Bottom Row: Lace-up perforated pump, Bebe, $159, www.bebe.com for stores; Spectator bootie, $79, www.victoriassecret.com; Flannel-and-patent-leather bootie, Stuart Weitzman, $299, www.neimanmarcus.com.

They seem sorta cute, but I’m not too sure how I feel about them. Looking at the pickings (and prices!), I’m wondering if they’ll look as good on as they do on the runway…or be worth the bling.
Thoughts?
Smootches!
PS Need more Fall Style Ideas? Check out Style Chile. Also hit her up for info on sample sales.
PSS In NYC? There’s a Harlem Fashion Show tonight featuring one of my favorite boutiques, Pieces:

I’ll be there! If you can’t make it, I’ll get you the blow by blow soon enough.
PSSS Thanks to elle.com for providing a few shoe images.

“What’s scary to me is Henny makes girls look like Halle Berry to me/So excuse me miss, I forgot your name/Thank you, God bless you, good night I came…” Kanye West, “Workout Plan.”

Hey Guys!!
So for today’s post, I decided to profile Versace model, Oscar award winning actress, and birthday girl…

…Halle Berry!
She’s been in the game for a long time and her style is unique and effortlessly chic. Let’s take a look:
For the red carpet she prefers frocks in skin flattering purples, fuchsias, and pinks…


…sophisticated dresses in classic greys and blacks accented by ribbons and lace…



…and seductive metallics whether floor or thigh skimming…



When she’s chillin, she keeps it casual in menswear inspired vests…

…cowl neck tops…

…and tailored blazers with jeans.

Hot.
Want her look? Try the following:

Top Row: Dylan Vest, $69, www.guess.com; Laundry by Design Foil Jersey Sheath Dress, $225, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Purple Slip Dress, $117, www.fashionchateau.com; Chiffon Necklace Halter Dress, $148, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
Smootches!
PS Can you believe Halle’s 41!?!?! As ‘they’ say, “Black don’t crack!”
PSS This is kinda funny.

Happy Monday!
Doesn’t always seem super difficult to go to work on Mondays?? The weekend never seems long enough…
Anyway, I went to an event last week and spotted these two fashionable fly girls…

…their hairstyles were fly and their clothes were casual yet chic. I loved the young lady on the left’s vintage-esque “Ooh La La” mini, gold flats, and old school purse. And homegirl on the right is working her platinum locks, gold bamboo earrings, and summery shorts.
What do you think?
Smootches!