MAHOGANY GLAM

FREIDA PINTO LANDS VOGUE INDIA COVER

OMG the hottness that is Freida Pinto is on the March cover of Vogue India! Which means I'll have to go to the international magazine stand to score a copy. She looks hurt my eyes freakin' gorgeous! The "Slumdog Millionaire" star is completely on her way to becoming a megastar. She's rockin' a mini-dress from Louis Vuitton's Spring 2009 collection, loves it! I cant imagine what it must be like for her to be thrown into the spotlight of fame. Overwhelming for sure, but Freida seems to be handling it quite stylishly. The scorcher is already set to star in Woody Allen's next film starring Anthony Hopkins and Naomi Watts. The Indian starlet will no doubt steal the show with her talent and natural beauty. I can't wait to see her strut her stuff.

Photo courtesy: thefashionspot.com

2009 Oscar Fashion The Best and The Worst

The 81st Annual Academy Awards is still going, but all in all it was a bad show. It just wouldn't end. The red carpet is the "real" show. I was absolutely floored by Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson strapless ivory Roberto Cavalli gown with his lush tiers of silk and satin. I also loved her exquisite 19th century Fred Leighton necklace. Though Taraji didn't win the Oscar, she was breathtaking on the red carpet. I need to know who does her hair, cause it was whipped! Every time Taraji turned her head, it was like her hair was in slow motion and then it would snap back into place.

Ah mi amore, Freida Pinto was radiantly gorgeous in a cobalt blue John Galliano gown. Yes, Galliano. He usually does really avant garde frocks, but this dress was classically beautiful and a nod to Freida's Indian heritage. Freida's simple hair and make-up allowed her natural beauty to shine.

Oscar winner Penelope Cruz looked liked a princess in a white ball gown. I'm always a fan of femininity and Penelope's dress is every girl's dream dress.

Who, What, Why was Beyonce' wearing this monstrosity of a dress!! I've never seen anything so horrid, I expect this from Bjork but not Beyonce'. Who designed this? It looked like she borrowed fabric from my granny's 1977 floral couch, stitched it together and dashed to the red carpet. Plus, it was just too tight ala a Jimmy Dean sausage. Better luck next time B.

Alicia Keys is easily one of the most beautiful women in the world and she usually looks stunning. I found myself going back and forth with her dress. I loved the color against her skin, but the ruching around her waist just wasn't flattering. I think it flattened her bustline, but I was totally fine with the up to there split she certainly has the legs for it. However, what was up with her hair that turned out to be a freakin' wig! It was soo unnecessary. I've launched an investigation on why she felt the need to wear a dang gone wig to the Oscars when her hair is enviable!


photos courtesy: extratv

Phillip Lim Wows With Fall 2009 Designs

Wilhemina Slater was probably front and center at Phillip Lim's Fall 2009 show at Fashion Week. Lim unveiled his 3.1 Phillip Lim collection with a nod to the mod chic of the sixties. His sleek designs showcased fitted pants, streamlined jackets, and feminine frocks absolutely perfect clothes for the city girl on the move. I really liked Lim's groovy approach to everyday pieces. The clothes seemed to have personalities of their own with lace, ruffles, and metallic details. The cutting edge designer achieved his goal with his latest ready to wear line, "It's about fun," said Lim. I couldn't agree more. I would totally wear more than a few 3.1 Phillip Lim ensembles myself. I also think the artist formerly known or now known as Prince might even purchase this entire collection---minus the dresses, it's that cool!

photos courtesy: style.com

TRACY REESE FALL 2009 COLLECTION

The glamorous citizens of high fashion have all gathered in New York for Fashion Week Fall 2009. Designer Tracy Reese unveiled her pretty collection of floral flirty skirts and dresses et al. I usually drool over anything Tracy whips up every season, but this time my glee is a bit reserved. She's not exactly breaking new ground with her hemlines and silhouettes. However, there's a huge ready to wear factor that I subscribe to. This sorta of mixing and matching of fabrics and cuts that are usually taboo to pair up is really simple to pull off. I think it's born out of the economic crisis and our crazy weather that stylistas just don't know what to put on anymore. For sure, my style has evolved and is without limitations. I throw on slouchy khakis with a fitted satin blazer. Why not, it's cold in the morning and warm during the day and I don't want to be too hot or too cold. Not to mention, I'm not spending money on new clothes so I wear what I have and as Tim Gunn says "make it work." You'd be surprised what you can create when you open your mind to the possibilites. Much like Tracy Reese's Fall 2009 line it's wear what you want, whenever!

photos courtesy: style.com

First Lady Michelle Obama On Vogue Cover

First Lady Michelle Obama is absolutely lovely on the March cover of Vogue Magazine. Mrs. Obama looked radiant in a magenta Jason Wu dress for the cover shot. Wu is the same designer who designed her inaugural gown. Photographed by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, the eight page spread captured the first lady as "Mom in chief." It's the second time that a First Lady as been featured on its fashionable cover. (Hillary Clinton was first) Vogue's editor at large Andre Leon Talley called his interviews with Mrs. Obama ahead of President Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony "one of the best experiences of my life. "She's so accessible, natural and normal. There's nothing affected about her." The First Lady chose all her outfits by labels she's worn before. Talley added, "She doesn't need any help. She loves fashion and knows what works for her," Talley said. "She's never had a conversation with me about, `What do you think?' or `How did this look? And I'm glad for that." I think the First Lady is the epitome of mahogany glamour and though she adores all things stylish and chic, it doesn't define who she is and her position as First Lady. "I'm not going to pretend that I don't care about it," she said. "But I also have to be very practical. In the end, someone will always not like what you wear — people just have different tastes," said the First Lady. I love her and I can't wait for my copy of Vogue to arrive!


Photo courtesy: msnbc

HALLE BERRY ESSENCE MAGAZINE'S MARCH COVER GIRL

Oscar winner Halle Berry graces the March cover of Essence magazine. The beautiful actress dishes about her love affair with hottie Gabriel Aubry and the joys of motherhood. Halle also talks about her next film "Frankie and Alice," in which she produced and stars as a woman with a split personality. The 42-year old beauty is also doing something she's never done before. For her next film "Nappily Ever After," she's going bad. Yep, Halle will lose her lovely locks for the role. "I am shaving it off,'' Halle says. "I know. Here comes the controversy, but I have to do it for the role and it will grow back - I hope." You know she'll be the best looking bald woman we've ever seen. I say Thank God cause now she'll probably go back to her signature short cropped hair do'. I thought that was her "look." Don't get me wrong Halle is always gorgeous even with long hair, but her short hair accentuated her to die for features. I can't wait to see her transformation. Essence magazine with Halle Berry on the cover hits newsstands on February 12.

photos courtesy: essence.com

STYLE UNDER $30 BUCKS

I was talking to my fellow stylista hoping to revel in all her new fashionable finds, but she confessed she hadn't bought a dag gone thing for herself since November. Jeez, it's hard times for real when fashionistas aren't shopping. Heck, I've only been window shopping especially online. I figure if we're all on a budget then let's vow to only purchase fabulous finds for under $30 bucks. Either a single item or multiple items that add up to $30 bucks. That's totally doable considering most stores are practically giving everything away. Here's what I found. This suede and leather burgundy boots from Urban Outfitters is only $29.99 and it also comes in black. Sweet! I really need/want these boots they're so vintage chic. My fellow fashionistas don't let this economy cramp your style, shop smart, shop on and let me know what ya find!

photos courtesy: urbanoutfitters.com

JENNIFER HUDSON BRINGS HER "A" GAME TO THE SUPERBOWL

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson gave me chills as she belted out the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIII. This was Jennifer's first public appearance since her family was murdered in October 2008. I thought she looked quite composed and maybe a tad nervous. What struck me is she never smiled, but I suppose that's to be expected given the weight that she's had to bear. Her powerful voice filled the stadium as she delivered one of the most inspiring performances of the national anthem that I've ever heard. Jennifer also looked fashionably cute. She was not too casual and not too over the top in a military inspired cropped jacket with ruffle trim, white top, skinny black pants, and brushed gold jewelry. Oh and those wedges have my name all over it. She's a fashionista for sure and an uber talented one too. Welcome back Jen! What do you guys think of Jen's performance and chic ensemble?

Photo courtesy: invogue.onsugar.com