Steve Madden Does Dresses

Steve Madden, the famed shoe designer, has ventured into new territory with a hint of a clothing line. Recently the good folks over at Steve Madden introduced this a small line of dresses. Now, I don't know if I really love Steve Madden's dress collection, but I found a few that piqued my interest. Most of them have a retro-modern flair where the others are very feminine. These are my faves. Check out the site yourself to see what you think of them.
stevemadden.com



Wine Colored Bubble Dress w/ Empire Waist, $158.00



Strapless Silk Floral Patterned Bubble Dress w/ Bow accent, $158.00



Navy Rose Printed Spaghetti Strapped Dress, $169.00




Short Sleeved Pinstripe Wrap Dress, $149.00

Let's Play Dress Up!

I was surfing a lot of different sites, and came up with so many cute outfits...that I had to share at least one with you beautiful bombshells. I figured, what girl doesn't like playing dress up? Even if it is from the comfort of her comfy computer chair.
Let's see, I picked out a gorgeous dress from Arden B, with a beautiful stone neckline that gives your ordinary "little black dress" a quick and colorful pick me up. Then I found those delicious pumps! Plus, they're a perfect match for the dress' bright pink stones. I decided to play down the accessories and not match too much, as I could have easily gone for pink everything. It's always important to change it up. So I went with the simple black clutch by Michael Kors, with an eye-catching gold buckle. Buckles are all the rage this season. They're on everything from bags to bracelets! Since the bag has that simple touch of gold, I picked out complimentary gold accessories. All the jewelry is gold toned and it gives this simply chic outfit a touch of sparkle. Put it all together with some bronzer, nude lips and a perfectly executed smokey eye and you are done for the night honey. Go paint the town red!


1. Stone Halter Dress; ardenb.com, $128.00
2. Platform Pump; neimanmarcus.com, $595.00
3. Simon Sebbag Bangle Bracelet; nordstrom.com, $198.00
4. Sutton Patent Clutch; michaelkors.com, $395.00
5. Hammered Vermeil Ring; nordstrom.com, $110.00
6. Double Navette Earrings; nordstrom.com, $38.00

Stay beautiful ladies!

The In Crowd...

So it seems that the in crowd is going crazy over these little beauties. Whether you call them Oxford Pumps or Lace Up Booties, you have to go and grab yourself a pair this season. They're very sophisticated, with a feminine twist. Men aren't the only ones who can walk into the office wearing Oxford's anymore. I would suggest wearing these booties with slacks donning a nice crisp pleat. If you're a little more bold, wear them with a skirt and pair them with a pair of dark tights. Either way, you're board room chic with these!



Claudia Ciuti 'Luella' Pump, $332.00



Circa Joan & David 'Sage' Oxford Pump, $128.00



Linea Paolo 'Landen' Oxford, $129.95



BALLY 'Glania' Pump, $575.00



Lace-Up Oxford Bootie, $285.00


Wanna see more? Steve Madden has some you can look at too. Until next time, stay beautiful!

Color Me Pretty: Purple Reign

Purple has always been a color associated with royalty, so honor your inner queen with this rich and decadent color. It doesn't always have to be a solid color choice in your outfit either. Pick out purple patterned pieces (tongue twister anyone?) and pair them with solids (try gray, black or white) to achieve an undeniably royal ensemble.


1. Surplice Babydoll Tee; kiyonna.com, $48.00
2. Sweater Coat; Mossimo for Target, $24.99
3. Ruched Charmeuse Blouse; lanebryant.com, $36.50
4. Deco Dot Print Bandeau Top; lanebryant.com, $39.50
5. "Naomi" Silk Chiffon Fantasy Gown; monifc.com, $450.00



1. Silk Swirling Print Halter Top; bebe.com, $59.00
2. Halter Batwing Jersey Dress; intemixonline.com, $885.00
3. Silk Jersey Dress; Intuition, $288.00
4. Trumpet Sleeve Sweater; ardenb.com, $68.00
5. Jewel Buckle Tube Top; wetseal.com, $18.50



1. Cotton Jacket; forever21.com, $22.80
2. Velvet Trim Blouson Tank; bluefly.com, $119.00
3. Turtleneck Dress; Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $44.99 (Try belting this dress, and wearing bold accessories to make it pop)
4. Bandeau Dress; net-a-porter.com, $140.00
5. Keyhole Knit Halter; forever21.com, $17.80

My personal advice: Try pairing purple pieces with gold jewelry. Maybe a set of gold bangles, a gold link watch, a nice gold necklace, or gold hoops. Play around with it and see what suits you best.

Hot Mama

Who says pregnancy has to be filled with baggy t-shirts, sweat pants, tennis shoes and jeans that don't fit right? Maternity wear is taking a turn for the fabulous, and now expectant mothers can reap the fashionable benefits! Don't be afraid to look great during the most exciting period of your life. Being pregnant does not mean you have to forfeit your sense of style. Take a look at these fabulous finds...

1. Striped Silk Shirt; destinationmaternity.com, $59.99

2. Silk Twill Seamed Pants; apeainthepod.com, $49.99

3. Cape Cardigan; destinationmaternity.com, $44.98

4. Stretch Sateen Skirt; destinationmaternity.com, $19.99

5. Silk Blouse w/ Lace Detail; destinationmaternity.com, $24.99

1. Cap Sleeve Babydoll Shirt; mimimaternity.com, $68.00

2. Denim Pencil Skirt; mimimaternity.com, $44.98

3. Sleeveless Tunic; apeainthepod.com, $39.99

4. Ruffle Wrap Dress; isabellaoliver.com, $165.00

5. A Pocket Jean; 7 For All Mankind from apeainthepod.com, $210.00

Check out these stylish ladies, proudly sporting maternity wear, and looking lovely while doing it:

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon (pregnant with twins)

Foxy Brown

Vanessa Bryant

Try This: Wood Accessories

Step into fall with warm wood tones. Add a few wooden pieces into your outfit to give it that bohemian chic look. Wear shoes with a wooden heel or platform, wear a wooden bangle or pair of earrings to create a fashionable autumn look. Check out these pieces I picked.

1. Resin Bangle Watch; dillards.com, $85.00

2. Long Chunky Necklace; bluefly.com, $42.00

3. Wooden Tubes Stretch Bracelet; target.com, $11.08

4. Decollette Zeppa Pumps; Christian Louboutin from net-a-porter.com, $690.00

5. Brown Circle Wood Beaded 'Greta' Handbag; bluefly.com, $153.00

6. Wood Teardrop Earrings; forever21.com, $3.80

Tips: Be sure to pick out pieces you normally would pass up sometimes. Step outside of your comfort zone a little when picking out wooden accessories. Don't be afraid to be different!

Bombshell News

Kelis and Nas featured in Fashion Rocks



Catch the fabulous and always fashion forward, Kelis in Fashion Rocks magazine with her fine hubby Nas. Check out Ultimate Kelis for more info.

ANTM Cycle 9 is coming...


Tyra is back with another cycle of America's Next Top Model. The new season premieres September 19th at 8/7 central. I'll be watching...for whatever reason. I have a definite love/hate relationship with that show. Anywho, meet the brown bombshells that are amongst the models:



Name: Ambreal
Age: 19
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Dallas, Texas



Name: Bianca
Age: 18
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Queens, New York



Name: Lisa
Age: 20
Occupation: Dancer
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey



Name: Ebony
Age: 20
Occupation: Nursing Student
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois



Name: Saleisha
Age: 21
Occupation: Receptionist
Hometown: Los Angeles, California

You can meet the entire cast here. I don't know who I can see winning yet, it's too early. But I will have a prediction around the second week of the show.


Mary is NOT pregnant...



The queen of hip hop and her reps have confirmed that she is not with child. Stop the rumors people. Recently, tales of Mary J. being pregnant began to circulate. I guess they can now be put to rest.

Style Evolution: Jennifer Hudson

(click for full size photo)

L to R: Jennifer poses on the American Idol red carpet in '04; Walking the carpet again later on in the year at the AFAA gala; All smiles in Cannes for the Dreamgirls party in '06; Glowing fabulously at the Butterfly Ball in '07

The beautiful and talented Jennifer Hudson began to win us over in 2004 on American Idol, and has continued to do so over the years. She took everyone by storm with her amazing vocal range, charming personality and her average girl image that touched us all. Well that image began to blossom, as did her career when she hit the silver screen in 2006 with the phenomenal movie Dreamgirls. Jennifer has made the transition from reality show star to Hollywood A-Lister in no time and her style has taken an equally exciting journey. There was no person more deserving of the first Style Evolution post than Jennifer Hudson. She's stepped her faboulosity (to quote Kimora) up to 10, and she's still going! Congrats to you Miss Hudson for being an effortless bombshell beauty.

Fashion With a Cause

The Simmons clan (Kimora & Russell) have launched the Diamond Empowerment Fund. Their mission is to raise money for the empowerment of places in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource.

"The Mission of the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) is to raise money for the development and empowerment of the people and communities in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource. The Diamond Empowerment Fund is non-profit international organization established by individuals and businesses in the diamond industry and others who are committed to empowerment of Africa."

I'm sure you've seen Kimora's green bracelet ad in the magazines, or seen celebs rocking these simple beaded green bracelets.

Everyone has one from T.I. to Kenny G. so they're all the rage in Hollywood right now. These trendy green bracelets go for $125.00 a piece. The up side to that price is that it's all for a great cause. For more info on these green bracelets...or if you would like to go green and buy one, hit up simmonsjewelryco.com

Celebrities rocking the "green" bracelet:

Back To School

I know its that time that all kids dread, but before you go back, why not stop by and get some ideas for your first day outfit? Of course I've laid it all out according to your bombshell body type, so check it out.

This is a cute look for back to school, and it can convert to the winter season easily by simply switching the ballerina flats for a pair of ankle boots, and adding a jacket. Now I know most school age girls tend to over match, so a cautionary word here...you don't always have to match everything. Take a color that compliments the main colors of your outfit and blend it in. Don't be afraid to be different!

1. Geo Tunic; forever21.com, $19.80

2. Chloe S Straight Leg Pant; Level 99 from intuition, $105.00

3. Interlocking Bracelet; Nordstrom, $48.00

4. Crest Ballet Flat; payless.com, $19.99

5. Black Riveting Bag; baghaus.com, $39.99

6. Antique Goldtone FIligree Link Necklace; target.com, $16.99

Use the retro craze to your advantage with this outfit. If you're wearing an outfit with multiple colors, pick one that's subtle, and choose accessories to bring it out. I chose the yellow from the off the shoulder shirt. Using this tip can really pull an outfit together nicely.

1. Heather Grey Multicolor Stripe Shirt; torrid.com, $34.00

2. Jesse Denim Skinny Leg Jean; torrid.com, $42.00

3. Inspiration Set Bracelets; alloy.com, $14.50

4. Ruched Tote Bag; target.com, $19.99

5. Rock Candy Skimmer; endless.com, $58.95

The one thing I love about school kids, is that you can use colors and not be afraid! So be bold and stand out sometimes.

1. Hook and Eye Woven Shirt; target.com, $12.49

2. High Waist Jean; Jainesse Charlotte, $210.00

3. Jacey Patent Flat; payless.com, $19.99

4. Wristlet Clutch; target.com, $11.69

5. 4 Row Stretch Bracelet; target.com, $7.99

6. 80;s Heart and Star Charm Necklace; target.com, $6.79

Celebrity Fresh

I'm sure you've all seen those candid shots of your favorite celebs out and about, shopping, having lunch etc. They always seem to look so effortlessly chic and fabulous right? Well, here's your guide to grab that bombshell look. The celebrity fresh look, that we all want to master.

(l to r: Beyonce, leaving TRL studios; Cassie, arriving at Beyonce's concert; Kelly Rowland, out and about)

Lets start off with the basic tee. All three of the beautiful ladies above are rocking the perfect tee, a major staple in the effortless look. Whether you choose to wear a vintage 80's tee, a plain white tee, or a shirt with your favorite team displayed on the front, make sure its fitted to your body so that you don't look as if you're swimming in it. You also want to avoid getting the shirt too small, some unwanted things may spill out, and that would be very uncomfortable I'm sure.

1. Cap Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt; bella.com, $26.00

2. Ladies Hungry Hippos T-Shirt; Famous Forever from truffleshuffle.com, $24.99

3. Retro Sport Detroit Piston's Tee; 80spurple.com, $48.00

Something that all of the celebrity fresh stars seem to wear often, is the perfect skinny jean. Match up a dark wash with a light t-shirt, or a lighter wash with a darker tee. Rock the skinny jeans with a medium to skinny belt if you plan on wearing a cropped tee, like Miss Cassie... or if you plan on tucking your shirt in, like Miss Kelly.

1. Avedon Skinny Leg in Berlin; Citizens of Humanity, $193.00

2. Hulsey Strutters (Attica Blues Wash); Sass & Bide, $149.99

3. Hulsey Strutters (Cracked Galaxy Wash); Sass & Bide, $149.99

Perfect shoes are an absolute MUST for any outfit, but these fresh celebrities tend to lean towards heels when they're in jeans and a t-shirt, to dress their look up a bit. Try wearing a pair of metallic peep toes when you try to achieve this look. Check out the ones Cassie and Bee are wearing. If you're not sure what color to go with yet, why not try a black, patent leather heel?

1. Poppy Metallic Peep Toe; dillards.com, $69.00

2. Drew Point Toe Pumps in Gold; Mossimo from target.com, $22.49

3. Dysis Patent Pump w/ Stacked Heel; Mossimo from target.com, $29.99

As we all know, a celebrity fresh look would never be complete without a flash over sized bag! You can throw everything inside and just go. On top of that, they're very eye-catching and fabulous. I never leave home without mine.

1. Bridle Large Patent Bowling Bag; Maxx New York from kitson, $148.00

2. Beverly Cracked Leather Bag; net-a-porter.com, $980.00

3. Cannage Drawstring Medium Shoulder Bag; Dior, $1,290.00

Last but certainly not least, is the cherry on top...the unique jewelry. It's the little detail that makes these outfits pop. You may want to layer pieces like bracelets (try bangles) or necklaces (go for long and medium lengths). Always go for the unique pieces versus the ordinary ones you would find on anyone. Don't be afraid to be different! You don't want to wear jewelry that's too big though, maybe a larger pendant on a long necklace like Kelly. But don't let your accessories take over your outfit.

1. Gold Diamond 7 piece Bangle Set; kitson, $75.00

2. Leather Woven Chain; CC Skye from 80spurple.com, $200.00

3. Jasper Medallion Necklace; target.com, $12.74

4. Burnished Gold Tone Faux Jade Ring; target.com, $10.99

Extras:

*If you also want that flawless face that seems to glow, try an extra light foundation like Maybelline Pure Makeup, and top it off with Cover Girl TruBlend bronzer.

*For the perfect knit/crochet hat (see Kelly Rowland), my mother makes one of a kind creations from $20.00 that will compliment any outfit. Pic1 Pic2. Contact me for further details.

*To get that perfect, not too styled hair; try simply flat ironing your hair, or curling it loosely all over.

photo credits: beyonceworld.net, cassievault.com, kellyrowlandweb.com

Get Elise Neal's Bombshell Look

Miss Elise Neal (All of Us) was out and about rocking this fabulous outfit. I don't know if I would normally approve of this look, but it looks absolutely wonderful on Miss Neal. She's working those corset jeans too. Also, instead of the wide belt trend, Elise opts for a skinny red belt for just a pop of color, and it worked out perfectly too. Here's how to get this bombshell look...



1. *Brooke High Waist Jeans; Marc by Marc Jacobs, $198.00
2. Priscilla Peep Toe Pump; endless.com, $87.89
3. Skinny Leather Belt; Miu Miu from net-a-porter.com, $195.00
4. Key Hole Ruffle Blouse, bluefly.com, $159.00

And your receipt for rocking Elise Neal's bombshell look will be: $639.89

*= Elise Neal is wearing high waist corset jeans

Budget Time

Do you have money to spare? Like, say, a certain hotel heiress? Or does your budget stretch just enough to allow you to look fly, but not cheap? Well, this is the very first edition of Paris Hilton's Budget vs. Bobby Brown's Budget. Let's see what you're working with!

This is a beautiful summer time look for Miss Full Figure. This long, flowing, maxi-dress, with its bright colors and bold patterns are sure to get you noticed. Throw in a few gold accents, and you'll look like a goddess!

1. Bre Silk Scarf Pattern Maxi Dress; monifc.com, $378.00

2. Gold Calfskin Rhinestone "Santo Domi" Sandals; Ferragamo from bluefly.com, $552.00
3. Heart Locket Bracelet; Tiffany & Co., $1,725.00

4. Amethyst Nugget Ring; intermixonline.com, $195.00

Your receipt for this goddess worthy look will be: $2,850.00 + tax

1. Gold Ring Maxi Halter Dress; torrid.com, $68.00

2. Purple CZ Cocktail Ring; emitations.com, $65.00

3. Ringding Sandals; J. Vincent from jvincentfootwear.com, $113.00

4. Pave Heart Padlock Bracelet; Juicy Couture, $88.00

The receipt for this less expensive version of your goddess look will be: $344.00 + tax

This outfit is gorgeous, and its fall ready. Very flattering, straight leg, charcoal gray, wool pants hug you in all the right places while keeping you warm. The fluffy, ultra-soft cashmere cardigan is stylish and functional (especially on those cold autumn nights!). Then we have those killer Louboutin pumps and that Miu Miu bag...can you really go wrong with this look? I think not!

1. Cashmere-blend Knit Stick Cardigan; Autumn Cashmere, $320.00

2. Flannel Pants; Oscar De Larenta from bergdoorfgoodman.com, $890.00

3. Coffer Suede Bag; Miu Miu, $1,295.00
4. Decolette Tiger Pumps; Christian Louboutin, $570.00

5. Gold Vermeil Giving Tree Necklace; intermixonline.com, $325.00

6. Chocolate Metallic V-Neck Tunic; Cris from bluefly.com, $215.00

The receipt for this runway worthy look will be: $3,615.00 + tax

1. Deep V Perfect Fit Tee in Brown Earth; oldnavy.com, $10.00

2. Charcoal Wool Blend Twill Pinstripe Pants; A.B.S., $130.00

3. Almond Toe Pumps Brown Snake; Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $29.99

4. Pretty Woman Satchel; payless.com, $22.99

5. Polished Medallion Necklace; forever21.com, $4.08

6. Slouchy Wrap; topshop.com, $30.00

Your receipt for this less expensive runway worthy look will be: $257.05 + tax

This wonderful outfit for Miss Petite mixes in the hottest neutral of the season (gray) with the warm, rich color of chocolate brown. Another outfit that you can't go wrong in this fall. Who could pass this outfit up? Did you see the bag and the shoes? Just asking...

1. Brown Wool Turtleneck Sweater Dress; Adam Plus Eve by Adam Lippes, $177.00

2. Lady Gres Platforms; Christian Louboutin, $865.00

3. Leather Metallic Bag; Paurick Sweeny from net-a-porter.com, $1,345.00

4. Crystal Ring; Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier from intermixonline.com, $198.00

Your receipt for this fabulously chic look will be: $2,585.00 + tax

1. Matte Jersey Dress in Deep Chocolate; Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $20.99

2. Pilsner Pump; Guess? from nordstrom.com, $89.95

3. Silver Tassel Tote; baghaus.com, $49.99

4. Venecia's CZ & Black Enamel Scroll Ring; emitations.com, 59.99

Your receipt for this less expensive fabulously chic look will be: $219.93 + tax

Well ladies, work it on out with these fabulous outfits! Til next time...