Work it Out

Mary J. Blige working out on Miami Beach, Florida on March 24th, 2008.

Venus Williams stretching before a workout last year.

Serena Williams of USA during the shooting of a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour global TV advertising campaign on May 12, 2008 in Rome, Italy.

Mel B post workout in Los Angeles California, September 3, 2007.

There's still time people! Though the sun has started to rear it's head, we can still get a few good weeks of body toning exercise in before our summer vacay. With obesity among African American women at an all time high, there's no excuse for not squeezing in 3 half an hour workouts into your week. To brighten up a mundane workout session you can do at least one of two things: 1.) find something active that you love doing and doesn't feel like exercise (salsa, hip hop aerobics, yoga); 2.) look fabulous doing it! That's where I come in. Scroll down to get some ideas on how to look cute whilst in a sweaty funk!!

My Workout Picks!

Vest: Ribbed Tank Top, $6.50, www.wetseal.com; Hoodie: Stripe Tunic Hoodie, $39.50, www.delais.com; Sneakers: Puma Women's Complete Magnetist, $129.99, www.footlocker.com; Shorts: California Athletic Short, $10.80, www.forever21.com; Gym Bag: adidas Ultimate Rendezvous Duffel II, $60, www.ebags.com

Top: Nike Paris Tennis Tank, $55, www.nike.com; Skirt: Nike Control Pleated Women's Tennis Skirt, $41.99, www.nike.com; Bag: Nike Premium Shoulder Bag, $21.99, www.nike.com; Sneakers: Nike Free, $76.50, www.activa.com; Cap: Nike Feather Light Reflective Women's Golf Hat, $25, www.nike.com

Pants: Gray Yoga Pants, $30, www.laduchess.com; Hoodie: Halter Hoodies, $24.50, www.oldnavy.com; Top: Champion Powerlite Seamless Empire Tech Tank, $36, www.championcatalo.com; Headband: Vinyl Headband, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Sneakers: Asics Metallic Ultimate 81, $29.99, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Gym bag: Puma Women's Phantom Grip Bag, $64.99, www.footlocker.com

It goes without saying but pick the most appropiate outfit for your exercise of choice. Skirts and yoga don't go well together - we don't need to see all of that! Similarly, wearing pants to a tennis match may cause you to heat up prematurely. I'm a big advocate for looking good on and off "the field" so throw on a cute hoodie, grab your stylish gym bag and strut home with the new found energy your workout has given you!

I Like His Style!: Gavin Douglas

Gavin Douglas and a model at his Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection during London Fashion Week.

How many young designers can debut a collection in 2006 and by 2007 say that they’ve won a prestigious fashion award, secured a deal to sell their collection in U.K.’s most exclusive department store Harrods and have Tom Ford (savior of Gucci) take them out for a drink? Meet Gavin Davis, the U.K. designer who can claim all of the above. He’s clearly on the come up! With professional qualifications and training in the fashion and textile industry, Douglas is a dynamic, young designer who carefully researches, designs and crafts each individual piece of clothing, ensuring its uniqueness and quality.

In September 2006 Gavin Douglas won first place in the prestigious Fashion Fringe 2006 designer awards in London, England. As part of the award, Gavin won business, legal and technical support and development grants from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise and ultimately showcased his 2007 Spring/Summer collection at London’s Fashion Week.

Among his many achievements to date, his most notable are winning the Young Avant-Garde Designer of the Year award in 2004, showing in Caribbean Fashion Week 2005, Barbados Fashion Week 2006, Paris Fashion Week in October 2006, Brooklyn Fashion Week New York, taking part in the Black British Style Exhibition event and of course, getting Tom Ford to buy him a drink after Mr. Ford helped seal his fate as a judge for the Fashion Fringe award in 2006. I’m particularly proud of this designer because a.) he’s from Birmingham, U.K. where I spent most of my childhood and b.) his clothes are the epitome of eclectic chic.

Douglas doesn’t have a site up at the moment but you can view his latest collection here and see below for an interview with the designer. His line is currently available at Harrods and www.yoox.com.

Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige & Alicia Keys cover Essence...

Essence magazine's annual music issue is on stands and you can choose between three phenomenal covers featuring Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige & Alicia Keys - 3 of my favorite singers! The songstresses talk about their artistry, pressure from record label execs and keeping their sound relevant. Oh, and also be sure to check out my tiny feature on page 92 in the 'Work & Wealth' section. (Shout out to Jennifer for letting me know and Piper for hooking me up with the Essence writer :) I haven't even seen a copy yet but I'm super excited!

Are your feet ready for summer?

Stop hiding your feet in those pumps – get pedicured up!

Top: Casting, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Lansing, $30, www.aldoshoes.com; Sirprise, $89.95, www.stevemadden.com
Middle: Trinangle Sandal, $34, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Croww, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Le Petit Sperone, $60, www.piperlime.com
Bottom: Hendrix, $90, www.dune.co.uk; Volatile Cassie Thong Sandal, $38.95, www.endless.com; Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $225, www.piperlime.com

Shoe shopping is one of life’s little pleasures, but I delightful day in the shoe department of Saks can quickly turn into a nightmare if your feet aren’t perfectly polished when the sales clerk tries to help you slip on those Louboutins. Avoid the potential embarrassment and get your toes Manolo ready today. You don’t have to spend a fortune at spa, in fact I prefer creating my own pedicure at home - I’m too ticklish for someone else to handle my toes! Try Tweezerman’s deluxe pedicure set available at Sephora or their more modest version for just $14.99 at Target. After you’ve spoiled yourself, pick the perfect color* to match your sandals and away you go!

*All nail colors by Nars Cosmetics. Click here for their regular selection and here for their vintage line.

They like me, they really like me!

Ladies I'm so excited. I just found out that I won the fashion category of the first ever Fabbies (an award ceremony for fashion, beauty and lifestyle bloggers)! I beat out some stiff competition, so I want to thank all who voted for me. I know you had to register and log in before voting so I appreciate the effort it took :). The award ceremony is going to be held during Fashion Week in New York this September. I must also give a shout out to Afrobella who won in the beauty category, Young, Black & Fabulous for lifestyle and The Satorialist who won for his streetstyle blog!

Aaliyah covers Fader…

Fader magazine is honoring Aaliyah on its June cover. The annual Icon issue highlights the life and legacy of the revolutionary songstress. My personal favorite song/video of hers is “We need a Resolution” and “Rock the Boat”. I was truly devasted when she died. No entertainer has filled the void that she left. Pick up a copy of the magazine to read what many of Aaliyah’s family, friends and industry peers have to say about the fallen star. Read some of their tributes below:

Missy Elliott
“We was gonna save the world. We was gonna change music every chance we got. We was gonna always be family. Forever.”

Mark Ronson
“If it wasn’t for Aaliyah being the face and voice of [Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s] sound they might have never got to where they did. They were presenting their sort of brilliant but challenging breakthrough music through this beautiful young girl who could sing it perfectly.”

Kidada Jones
“I think about her all the time…Anytime she’s brought up or her music comes on the radio, it’s sweet, but it definitely sounds like she found a niche before it was here. If you listen to her music it’s so relevant today, but we had it so long ago.”

Damon Dash
“She was already a fashion icon, she was getting into movies, she had already planted that seed. If she was alive today she would be so relevant. I see little bits of her everywhere I look, in a lot of artists.”

Jomo Hankerson
“I think a lot of that mysteriousness they talk about was just what she was. She seemed like she came here already grown up, from the beginning.”

Style on the Go…

Joy Bryant,Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles attend the 40/40 Club Hosts Jay-Zs Exclusive After Party at The 40/40 Club in New York on May 6, 2008.

Paula Patton at the 2nd annual Allure magazine "Most Alluring Bodies" exhibit on May 7, 2008 at Skylight Studios in New York.

Rashida Jones at Stella McCartney’s screening of Peter Sellers’ “The Party” on May 6, 2008.

Ashanti onstage during the MTV Networks Upfront at the Nokia Theater on May 8, 2008 in New York City.

Joy Bryant looked nothing short of stunning at Jay Z’s recent bash at his 40/40 club. Though the dress is a little Fredericks of Hollywood, she somewhere makes it work! After 13 years of wearing makeup, I still can’t get my eyes to look that neat and defined. Liquid eyeliner just burns my eyes! I'm also still looking for a natural lipstick color - suggestions welcome :)

Paula Patton is wearing my favorite color and she’s doing it justice. I think the shoes are a little boring but I guess you can’t go wrong with a classic black Christian Louboutin pump. Both Paula and Joy are sporting heavy bangs which is such a cute look with layered hair. No, I don't know where to get this dress but I know Target has a cute, affordable purple dress for $23.

Rashida Jones is ready for summer! She flaunted her shoulders and legs in a sexy, one strap chiffon dress a recent Stella McCartney evemt. Rashida’s style is never offensive, but I wish she would take more of a risk with her hair and/or makeup. How about a chin length bob? She’d also better keep an eye on that clutch…

Ashanti is slowly making her “come back”. Though I doubt the music scene has missed her, her style evolution has been great to watch. This black and white dress is a classic. Twenty years from now, body shape permitting, you could still pull out this dress and wear it like it was a recent purchase. Now if only we could get Ashanti to try another lip gloss color. That frosty pink is so 1982!

Credit: TheYbf.com for photos of Ashanti.

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Halle Berry

Halle Berry is the undisputed queen of summer time chic. Her easy breezy style is simple yet elegant and her accessories understated yet necessary. If you're anything like me you avoid wearing heels (I love them but as I get older I appreciate comfort more), so Halle is one of my ultimate style icons. In keeping with the crisp white theme in the Toni Braxton post below, I decided to highlight Halle's cutest flowy white dresses. Remember, this look was made for lazy summer days so grab a pair of stylish flip flops, designer sunglassess, a slouchy hobo bag and you're good to go!

My Picks!

Left to right: Disc Trim Pleat Dress, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Rosegarden Lace Dress, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Karen Kane Eyelet Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Sackrace Dress, $44.50, www.alloy.com

Left to right: Linen-like Pinafore Dresses by Zuccaro, $106, www.edressme.com; Babydoll Sundress in Solids, $55, www.victoriassecret.com; Puella Gathered Smock Dress, $167, www.pinkmascara.com; Karen Kane Eyelet Dress, $118, www.shop.nordstrom.com

Though jewelry like pendants and earrings would really complete this look, don't ruin the shape of these dresses with belts or scarves. Also think about going makeup less if you can. This look is meant to be fresh from head-to-toe. ;)

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton gets picked up by an SUV in Beverly Hilss Los Angeles, California on April 3rd, 2008.

When more than five people email me about a celebrity look, I try and follow through as soon as I can. My apologies for taking so long to post this Toni Braxton “Steal Style”… better late than never! White is such a clean and crisp look for summer and basic tops and shirts in white last for many hot seasons to come. Take a leaf out of Toni’s book and invest in a white shirt that’ll work perfectly with jeans in spring and shorts in summer. See below for my picks.

Steal Toni’s Style

Top: Crochet-trim blouse, $38, www.victoriassecret.com
Jeans: David Kahn Jeans 'Nikki K Pocket' Stretch Jeans, $158, www.shop.nordstrom.com
Pumps: Barbe, $69, www.piperlime.com
Sunglasses: Dior Cannage, $216, www.bestnuyeyeglasses.com
Bag: Modern Prada Style Utility Tote, $37, www.anyknockoff.com

Victoria’s Secret has some really cute summer dresses and tops online and many of which are on sale. Head over there now before they all disappear. My favorites are the day dresses.

SizeAppeal.com

Above: April, $48, www.sizeappel.com

Left to right: Malin, $28; Aziza, $28; Alice in Mint, $29, all available at www.sizeappeal.com

So the other day my co-worker and I were having yet another frustrated conversation about how stores don’t carry pants wide enough for our hips or jeans big enough for our booty. Then my other co-worker yelled “shut the hell up” from down the hallway since none of us knew what it was like to be over a size 14 trying to shop at the local mall. Granted she had a point but what’s up with all the hostility? I’m just playin’! This sista is always dressed to impress. You would never know the trouble she goes through trying to find clothes that flatter her figure. It was her who suggested I do a write up on www.sizeappeal.com. She’s bought many of her summer items from this online store and I can tell you first hand that the stuff is cute! Now I have another place to complain about. Can a sista get that green dress in a size 8?!

Reach New Heights

Liya Kebede at a recent event in New York City.

Top: Dessire, $149.95, www.stevemadden.com; Whipped, $59.99, www.ninewest.com; Zanna, $49.99, www.bakersshoes.com
Middle: Charles by Charles David Luau Wedge, $114.95, www.endless.com; Matosinhos, $295, www.aldoshoes.com; Slingback cut-out wedge, $22.99, www.gojane.com
Bottom: Champyun, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Chain Sculptured Wedges by Alberta Ferretti, 4895, www.net-a-porter.com; Levett, $159, www.maxstudio.com

A sping/summer wardrobe must-have is a sturdy and versatile pair of wedges. I usually play it safe and get classic wedges or espadrilles that I can wear season-after-season but this year I may indulge in an edgier pair. Cut-out heels and curvy soles are what’s hot in the streets but if you don’t want to go too new age, pick a wedge with a crazy heel and more traditional straps. This staple shoe is taking a few risks this season. Why not join them?!

Hair Stories: Make It Shine

Amerie, Porschla Coleman and Jessica White brighten the red carpet with ultra shiny tresses.

1. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Conditioning Wrap & Set Lotion, $4.99, www.walgreens.com; 2. Phytospecific Beauty Styling Creme, $24, www.sephora.com; 3. Platinum Silkening Gloss by Kenra, $12.35, www.brightonbeautysupply.com; 4. Tui Hair Oil, by Carol's Daughter, $18, www.sephora.com; 5. Tui Jojoba & Shea Butter Sheen, $17, www.carolsdaughter.com; 6. Silken Seal Liquid Sheen by KeraCare, $18.70, www.thebeautyauthority.com; 7. Silk Finishing Gel by Mizani, 411.49, www.mountainbeautysupply.com; 8. Serious Shining Spray by Elucence, 48, www.curlmart.com

Black hair can be dull and lack natural shine compared with other ethnic groups, but that doesn’t have to become the story of our lives. Encourage a natural state of glow by regularly conditioning your hair. Just slather on a crème conditioner after washing your hair in the shower and leave it on for ten minutes. Remember to rinse your hair afterwards with cool water to close the hair cuticles. For a little extra gloss after styling, avoid products with mineral oils. If you see it listed as one of the top three ingredients run for the hills! Products with a high mineral oil content are purely cosmetic and just sit on top of the hair shaft instead of nourishing it – which should be the objective. If you like using a particular product with minerals oils be sure to wash (and condition) your hair once a week. Silky smooth hair is only a healthy regimen away!

Street Style: The Satorialist

The original documenter of street style The Satorialist has been busy photographing the most stylish cities in the world. Never straying far from home, he always returns to New York where there is never a shortage of stylish women sashaying in this season’s (and next) hottest trends. Though all his fashion picks/photos are inspiring, nothing delights me more than seeing the spring and summer outfits that are starting to pop up all over place. Just today I noticed a woman in D.C. dressed in a crisp, sleeveless, white shirt; a high-waisted navy A-line skirt; a brown leather belt wrapped high around her waist and 3 inch tan sandals – she looked fly and knew it! Above and in the slide below are some of the Satorialists' traffic-stopping sistas.