“Me and Paris and the girls are trying to stay single for one year. In March, that’ll be up. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but I think that everyone needs a year in their life to be single.” Kim Kardashian in Complex Magazine

Happy Monday Guys!
She’s been in the news lately, so I decided…why not do a Style File on famous Hollywood harlot…

Kim Kardashian?!?
She might be known as a loosey goosey, but she’s got a sexy swagger than no rapper can deny.

You might be wondering: Who is Kim Kardashian?? Well, she’s the daughter of Robert Kardashian, one of the lawyers for the infamous O.J. Simpson trial.

Another interesting bit of trivia (care of Wikipedia.com)…her stepfather is Bruce Jenner, father of Brody Jenner…who has been on several reality shows including the Hills and Princes of Malibu.

So she was born into Hollywood society, but secured her spot through ties to heiresses like Paris Hilton and reported trysts with hotties like Reggie Bush and oh yeah, Ray J aka ‘Isn’t that Brandy’s brother?”
With her social set, it would make sense that she’d spend a pretty penny on hot ‘fits.
Kim makes her mark in body hugging dresses and short sets characterized by sweet heart and plunging necklines….




…She likes lycra, doesn’t she?
While she dabbles in a bit of color…



…For the most part she keeps it pretty sedate in demure whites, grays, and blacks….




Saucy.
If you want her look, you’ll only need an unlimited supply of ‘Freakum Dresses’:

Top Row: Strapless Sweetheart Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Satin Skort Tube Romper, $118, www.ardenb.com.
Bottom Row: Just Cavalli Fox Print Dress, $625, www.eluxury.com; LaROK Glitterati Dress, $139, shopbop.com
Smootches!
PS Read more about Kim Kardashian in her interview today with hot goss site www.bossip.com.
PSS In other news, Nicole Richie might have to turn in her sista card…

Read the story here.
Thanks Pretty Girl!
PSSS Ina, the hot consignment store I wrote about here is having an end of season sale!

70% off Manolo’s, Choos, and Hermes. Check it out this week!

Hey Guys!
So I have another Summer Friday, which means Mail Bombs today…

….will be short and sweet:)
Let’s get to it!
First up, Lindsay asks, “Who makes those dresses that many celebrities such as Rihanna, Solange, Ciara, and Kim Kardashian have been wearing? Ciara has one on in her new video…

“… and I saw a picture of Solange wearing a fuschia one….

“…Rihanna wore a pink one…”

…and Kim has one in like every color of the rainbow…”

Very observative! Intern Elita found that every single one of those dresses is a vintage Herve Leger. Since all these hip hip honies are donning his threads, I’d figure I’d give y’all a bit of history care of a great article by Laird Borrelli on style.com.
Herve Leger rose to prominance in the 80’s and 90’s…

…after working at Fendi working with Karl Lagerfeld, designing for Lanvin Haute Couture, and designing pret-a-porter for Diane von Furstenberg. He started his line in 1985, and launched his signature ‘bandage’ dresses years later.

About his dresses, he said, “One day in a factory I found some bands that were headed for the garbage. They gave me the idea of taking those bands and putting them next to one another as one does making a hat.”

Hollywood hotties have discovered his vintage threads and are now rocking them on every red carpet!
Newer designers have been inspired by his designs, and some, such as Proenza Schouler, borrowed the bandaged look for their Spring 2007 shows…

Rihanna’s a fan!

If you need a Leger in your closet, Elita found that Intermix is the only place online where you can find his pieces (for ridiculous prices)!
This iconic Diamond Halter Dress worn by Lindsay Lohan…

…is a cool $1,485.
Good luck!
Reader HoneySuckle Brown says, “ I love the dress that Hayden Paniettiere is wearing in the attached photograph…”

“Any idea as to who designed this one and where I can get this (or a similar) frock?”
So a few readers wrote in telling me this dress is from Club Monaco…I’m an idiot for not realizing that because I actually own this dress! It’s $99 and comes in red and black. Not sure if it’s still in stores.
If it’s not, you can go with this Ecoganik Bamboo Tube dress in red…

…for $118 at CoutureCandy
Or you can get this Lux Smocked Tube Dress for $48…

…from www.urbn.com
Lastly reader Melody asks, “I love this off-the-one-shoulder top Posh is rocking, but I’m sure she paid a pretty penny for it…”

“… I was wondering if you could please post up some look-a-likes that don’t break the bank. I really love the off-the-one-shoulder look!”
Elita found that this T-Bags top fit the bill…

…and it’s only $77 at shopbop.com
Smootches!

So I was walking in Ft. Greene this weekend after a wonderful brunch with my girl, and stumbled upon a super cute boutique called Addy & Ferro:

They carry colorful, unique pieces from designers like Ella Moss, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Nicacelly, as well as a smattering of local designers.
They had a great selection of jeans….

Affordable afrocentric t’s..

…and bold accessories…



I took a look around and quickly found items to put on my long wish list:

This perfect patterned dress was a splurge at $188…

…as was this long flowy silk creation for $198…

…These cute yellow shorts were a more affordable $68…
And these pretty summer ready tops…


…were a cool $88.
For those pinching pennies (like myself), they also had a phat sales section in the back!

You must check it out!
Addy & Ferro is located at 672 Fulton Street between South Eliot and South Portland. Visit their website at www.addyandferro.com or give ’em a ring at 718.246.2900. Tell ’em I sent ya!
Smootches!
PS Love Vintage Wear? Check out Seasoned to Perfection’s Sale this Weekend!

Click to enlarge

“When people ask if I have any advice to give about fashion, it’s always the same: Follow your own pace, your own instincts, no matter what. You’ll get it right.”—Andre Leon Talley, “A.L.T. A Memoir”

Happy Rainy Wednesday!
Today’s Style File is almost long overdo! This week’s style spotlight shines on fashion veteran and Editor at Large of Vogue.

…Andre Leon Talley!
As one of the few people of color holding any sort of position at the Bible of Fashion Magazines, Vogue, he needs to be addressed! First a little background…
Andre Leon Talley was raised in Durham, North Carolina by his impeccably stylish, polished, and pressed grandmother Bennie Frances Davis.

After attending North Carolina Central University, he received a Masters in French literature from Brown University.
He was in works to get a PhD in French, but cut his studies short to come to New York and work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he met Diana Vreeland, Vogue’s former Editor in Chief. Vreeland took him under her wing, and the rest is fashion history!

He started as a writer for Women’s Wear Daily, and joined Vogue in 1983 as a fashion news director. He served as Vogue’s creative director from 1988 to 1995, then moved to Paris from 1995-1998 to serve first as W Magazine’s Parisian fashion editor, then Paris Bureau Chief. He returned to Vogue in 1998 as Editor at Large–he’s been at Vogue for about as long as I’ve been alive!

You can now find him styling, traveling to shows (that you can read about in his monthly “Life with Andre” column in Vogue), and sitting front row next to the Queen of Fashion, Anna Wintour.
About his look, he says in his memoir, “As a young man my style became gradually more outrageous, until it has settled into what it is today: an eclectic mix of the bespoke and the extraordinary.”

“I owe much of my ideal of fashion to the late Duke of Windsor’s outlandish plaid suits“

“Manolo Blahnik custom makes shoes for me, and Karl Lagerfeld designs special clothes for me at Chanel and Fendi.”
He continues, “My propensity of showing up wearing fancy robes has to do with two things: my physical size (if you are six feet seven inches tall, you might as well wear a beaded caftan) and my intense love of glamorous things.“

ALT makes his mark in capes of varying lengths, colors, and hues.
And make a statement bags and scarves in patent leather and designer prints.

Monsieur Talley is a highly influential, outspoken fashion maven, and has had a hand in styling artists of color like Jennifer Hudson and supporting designers of color like Rachel Roy and Tracy Reese. Maybe one day soon he’ll have a hand in mentoring a few fashion journalists of color? Like me, perhaps?
Smootches!
PS Need to know more? Pick up his Memoir…

Here at www.amazon.com…or pick up A.L.T 365…

here.
PSS If you’re a real fashion sleuth, there’s a great article by Hilton Als from the New Yorker about Mr. Leon Talley. The article is a great narrative about ALT, and shows a more critical view of him. It’s a must read!!! I tried to find it online, but no such luck:(

“Break to ya crib change your clothes once more/Cause you’re invited to a barbeque starting at 4/Sitting with your friends cause y’all remincise/About the days growing up and the first person you kissed/And as I think back makes me wonder how the smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia…”DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince, “Summertime.”

Happy Monday Guys!
I had a wonderful weekend:)
So reader Nina wrote me last week with an urgent query: “What should you wear to a cook-out/BBQ? My sister reads your blog and I am so sick of her going to a cookout looking like Mariah Carey (i.e. too much cleavage, short shorts and high heels!!!).”
I thought this was an excellent idea…and since I planned to go to a huge BBQ in Prospect Park this weekend (the Annual MIH BBQ to be exact), I thought…what better place to look for inspiration?!? So on Sunday I went, and patrolled the beautiful, colorful crowd….

… for some great examples.

This duo was the epitome of casual fab in long flowing skirts and skin baring tops…

Homegirl wanted to lay out, so wore her hot bikini, but kept it chic in a knit cover up and a status bag…

This young lady captured the essence of summer in a skin baring kelly green tube dress and matching bold accessories…

…These hotties showed you can have options, whether you don a wife beater, spaghetti strapped top, or body flattering long dress…

These two looked summery and cool in a yellow top and ethnic inspired bikini top and skirt…

…This diva went for a more chic, sophisticated look with a white tunic and crisp khaki shorts…

…and these young ladies showed a range of choices, from a long flowy white dress to cut offs, tank top, and head scarf.
Of course I couldn’t forget the guys!

These men came prepared in Louis loafers, graphic print tops, and designer shades…

…nothing says ‘cookout’ better than t-shirts and plaid shorts…

…show a bit of your quirky side in a striped polo, fatigue shorts, and kangol…

…or pop on a polo with or without…

…a wide brimmed straw hat.
Need more ideas?
Try these items for ladies…

Top Row: Cotton Spandex Jersey Strapless Ruched Dress, $36, www.americanapparel.net; Embroidered Knit Top, $14.80, www.forever21.com.
Bottom Row: Double Face Suit Shorts, $38, www.maxstudio.com; Sparkle & Fade Sunburst Cami, $24, www.urbn.com.
…and men, here are a few ideas…

Top Row:Classic Vintage Big Pony Polo, $90, www.polo.com; Le Tigre Purple Cotton Pique Polo, $29, www.bluefly.com.
Bottom Row: Louis Vuitton Monte Carlo Initials Loafer, $590, www.eluxury.com; Standard Brighton Plaid Shorts, $15, www.urbn.com.
Get your grill on.
Smootches!
PS The hot blog Fly was also in the house! Check out her pix here.
And if you want to reminisce…

Enjoy!

Hey, hey!
It’s Friday, and time for a few mail bombs.

I’m on a summer Friday today, so I’m gonna make it short and sweet….then go enjoy the day (it’s sooo gorgeous out!)
Let’s get to it!
Reader Nicole says, “Halle Berry looks great in this dress…”

“….Can you tell me who made it?”
It seems that on top of being a Versace model, Halle rocks their frocks on the red carpet. She ripped this fishscaled stunner off the runway…

…off its Spring 2007 show.
Next up reader TLCRules asks, “Do you know what dress Beyonce is wearing here?”

“…I LOVE IT!”
Well alright Ms. TLC! It seems Beyonce is a Versace fan as well, as the print for her dress was also seen on the runway…

…of their Spring ’07 show.
Next up Remilekin says, “I love the dress Kerry is wearing…and I can’t find it anywhere!”

“..Since I’m ballin’ on a budget…can you give me a couple of look- a -likes in different price ranges?”
Sure! Kerry has great style as intern Suzie detailed in an earlier a post. If you want a similar grey dress, you can try this $352 Alexa Dress in Grey from CoutureCandy

But since you’re on a budget, this $242 Rachel Pally Short Caftan Dress might be more reasonable…

Still too much? Try this $88 Jersey Cotton Dress in Heather Grey…

…also from CoutureCandy
Next, Chella says, “I need your help! I keep seeing all these celebs rocking these cute sequin berets…”

“…Can you help me find some??”
I can’t say I support this trend, but I found sequined berets for $24 at www.urbn.com…

This version comes in black, red, and multi.
Our last celeb request for the week comes on the tail of yesterday’s Nicole Richie Style File. A lot of readers thought she looked fierce in this jumper…

…and wanted her look. I actually did a post not too long ago on jumpers, and a lot of these options should still be available…

Top Row: 7 for All Mankind “Ginger” Jumpsuit, $198, www.adasa.com; Polka Dot Jumpsuit, $20, www.forever21.com; Poplin Belted Romper, $25.50, www.wetseal.com.
Middle Row: Seven Jeans Sweetheart Romper, $185, shopbop.com
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Finch Jumpsuit, $285, shopbop.com
Doty Jumper in Jet, $154, CoutureCandy
Bottom Row: XOXO Twill Button Front Jumper, $25.50, www.macys.com; Kaitlyn Shortall, $34.50, www.delias.com; Serfontaine Jean Jumpsuit, $255, (323) 782-9188.
Lastly, reader Lisa says, “I saw these gorgeous earrings in an ad…”

“…and I would like to know who they are made by, their cost, and possibly where I can purchase them.”
Well Lisa, I couldn’t find an exact match, but found a few low priced options.
You can try this $15 pair of Beaded Hoop Earrings…

…from www.victoriassecret.com.
These $24 Diamond Dust Three Hoop Earrings…

…from www.ardenb.com.
Or these $5 Tripple Hoop Earrings…

…from www.forever21.com.
That does it for today! Have fabulous weekends. Off to enjoy the sun:)
Smootches!

“I’m a d-boy they decoy/They money is lighter/Than Nicole Richie/Roll with me/They on a diet, baby…” Jay-Z, “Anything”

So now that this Hollywoord Starlet is allegedly with child and delaying her trial for a DUI charge…I thought it timely (and only right) to take a look at the style of notoriously skinny super socialite…

…Nicole Richie.
She might sport a blonde mane and hang with Paris Hilton, but she’s still a sista! Homegirl has come a long way over the past few years.
Anyone who watched The Simple Life can see a marked improvement in her look.
Ms. Richie went from multicolored ratty tendrils…


…and ill fitting clothes…


….to a certified grade “A” fashionista replete with a chic haircut and hot clothes to boot (I’m sure her former stylist Rachel Zoe had something to do with it, but I digress).
For nights out, Nicole brings it in bold colored, body flattering dresses..


…straight shooting strapless numbers…


…and mod frocks in cute psychadelic prints…


In her downtime, she keeps it super casual in plain t’s, tanks, and skinny jeans, but distinguishes her look with hot accessories like hippie-esque large glasses…


…head and neck scarves…


…large, statement bags…

…with a jumper thrown in for good measure.

Cute!
Want her look? Start with these items:

Top Row: Chloe Sunglasses, $275, www.aloharag.com; Cotton Crinkled Oblong Scarf, $24, www.urbn.com.
Bottom Row: Swirl Print Tie Back Dress, $102, CoutureCandy
Rebecca Minkoff Elisha Bag, $591, shopbop.com
Smootches!
PS Still don’t think she’s cute? Remember the good old days….

…awwwwww!
PSS Thanks to www.dlisted.com for the throwback pic!

“Take me, take me to the water/Summertime, summertime/Maybe, we can fall in love…”–Corina, “Summertime, Summertime.”

Hey hey,
So it’s the height the summer, and you’re probably thinking of hitting the beach, pool, or swimming hole (if you haven’t already). If you’re like me, you’d love to hit the water in a hot ‘kini. And if you’re also like me, you might find that department store size bikini tops don’t necessarily fit your ample bosoms….and that a ‘large’ leaves you looking a tad indecent (I’m talking to you Diane von Furstenberg!!!).
Anyway, in my exhaustive shopping travels, I’ve found a few brands where tops come in bra sizes, leaving the ambiguous S,M,L sizes to those with less to fill their cups:
First up, Freya and Fantasie bikinis come in a host of fun colors with tops that range from a B up to a voluptuous F. Yes they do!
This $43 Singapore Swing Black Halter with Red Detailing comes in D and DD cups…

And the matching $27 Classic Bikini Brief comes in Small, Medium, and Large…

This $70 Fantasie Rumba underwire balcony bikini top comes in 32D-38 F…

And it’s matching $45 Rumba short comes in Small, Medium, Large, and X large…

Cute! Check out more Freya and Fantasie swimsuits at www.figleaves.com.
You can also find ‘bra size’ bikinis at this fab website, www.maliamills.com. The bikini tops are all inclusive–they run from a 30AA to 38DD! The bottoms also correspond to real sizes and run from size 2 to 16.
This cute $125 Lola Bikini comes in 4 colors and is perfect for a C…

And this $125 Dmure suit comes in 3 colors and is made for those with a size D.

Check it out!
Finally, if you need a little bit more style, check out Shoshanna swimwear.
This $84 Shoshanna Pink Gingham Halter comes in cup sizes from B-DD (matching bottoms are $70)….

…This cute $42 Paisley Halter comes in B-DD as well (matching bottoms are $35)…

…And this $150 Zig Zag Halter Swimsuit goes from an A up to a DD…

Hot!
Now get your swim on! I’ve got ya covered:)
Smootches!
*Find more swimsuits at www.swimsuitsforall.com!

Rihanna was looking smoking this past Saturday at a press call for the Tokyo Leg of the Live Earth Series…

…and reader Tameka needed to know who made her fly outfit.
Well why wait till Friday?
You can get her hot DSquared Halter Jumpsuit for about $165 (on sale at www.saks.com!)…

…Slip on a pair of two toned pumps, like this $198 pair by Michel Perry…

…then skimp on these big hoop earrings…

…that are only $5.80 at www.forever21.com.
Too pricey? Get a similar look with this $99 Twinkle by Wenlan Jumper…

…and these $102 Steve Madden pumps from zappos.com

You’re good to go!
Smootches!
PS My interns are still around (I think…). Stay tuned for some ‘tern posts, Stylefiles, and more mail bombs!