Gingham Anyone?

Ashanti at a recent appearance at 106 & Park.

Veronica Webb, Genevieve Jones and Amerie pose in their gingham frocks.

This summer do things a little different. While most will seek out floral and print summer dresses, opt for bold gingham instead. At first glance it can seem like an awkward fabric choice but if you get the right dress, the pattern really lends itself to the perfect summer frock. If you're worried you'll end up looking like a picnic table cloth, go for a smaller gingham print like Ashanti. Either way, you're sure to stand out from the crowd. Don't believe me? Check out this picture of Veronica Webb during Fashion Week in New York. Tres chic!

Workwear 101: Casual Chic

Kidada Jones hosts the “Kidada for Disney” couture party on 31 May 2007.

Genevieve Jones in the front row at the Alexandre Herchcovitch Spring 2008 Show at The Tent at Bryant Park on September 5, 2007 in NYC and Heather Headley stars in “New March of Dimes Campaign, I Want My Nine Months Fights Growing Crisis of Premature Birth” at Harlem Hospital on November 2, 2006.

This edition of Workwear 101 is for those women who work in relaxed environments but still want to look stylish. You need to feel comfortable to carry out your day-to-day tasks but don’t want to dress like an old matron. School teachers, writers, etc. are the type of professions that fit this category. Knee-length dresses that allow you to move easily, knit seperates and long pendants should be staples in your closet. Also think about adding high-waisted pants (below) to next season’s wardrobe. They’re still big for Fall and very practical.

Left to right: Pintuck Detail Tunic Dress, $53.39, www.asos.com; Steve Madden Printed Charmeuse Dress, $188, www.shop.nordstrom.com; Knit Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Minnie Rose Hooded Cashmere Dusters, $182, www.shopintuition.com, Long Sleeve Ribbed Top, $15.50, www.wetseal.com, Dori Skirt, $128, www.frenchconnection.com

Left to right: Aventura, $99, www.ninewest.com; Vera Shoes by Pedro Garcia, $284, www.my-wardrobe.com; Feud Boot by Steve Madden, $139.95, www.endless.com; Sterling Ballt Flat by Volatile, $54.95, www.endless.com

1. Opaque tights, $15, www.victoriassecret.com; 2. Knit Sweater, $19.99, www.charlotterusse.com 3. Antoinette Lee Besa Stitch Hobo, $425, www.ravinstyle.com 4. Xhilaration Metallic Silvertone and Goldtone Hammered Discs Pendant Necklace, $9.99, www.target.com 5. Leather Twist Lock Holdal, $90, www.topshop.com 6. Tigereye Teardrop Ring, $40, www.guess.com 7. Infinity Print Tunic Dress by Catherine Malandrino, $425, www.net-a-porter.com 8. Glimmering ankle bootie, $129.95, www.ninashoes.com

Style Inspiration: Girlie

Jennifer Hudson looking positvely radiant in crisp, fresh colors white and beige.

Genevieve Jones and Eva Pigford show their softer sides in true ‘girlie’ style.

Pink Dress: Charmeuse Dress, $39.50, www.alloy.com; Clutch: Lace Clutch by Chinese Laundry, $40, www.oohboutique.com; Shorts: Eyelet Short, $36.50, www.alloy.com; Ring: Flower Ring, $3.80, www.forever21.com; Heels: Valdivia, $65, www.bandolino.com; Lace Dress: Lace Pearl Beaded Dress by Matthew Williamson, $890, www.net-a-porter.com; White Dress: Brocade Halter Dress, $39.80, www.forever21.com; Bracelet: Charm Bracelet, $35, www.victoriassecret.com; Red Top: Ruffled Collared Tunic, $820, www.brownsfashion.com; Sandal: Frosina, $19.99, www.aldoshoes.com; Tube Dress: Strapless Dress, www.charlotte-russe.com; Yellow Top: Jan Top, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Skirt: Mix Media Skirt, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Floral Bag: Pacifica Print Bag, $80, www.monsoon.co.uk; Necklace: Heart Pendant from Etoile Collection, $1050, www.tiffany.com; Beaded Braclet: Beaded Braclet Set, 2 for $8, www.charlotte-russe.com; Flats: Jessika, $59, www.chineselaundry.com; Earrings: Angel Wing Earrings, $9.99, www.girlprops.com; Wedges: Ring Wedge Sandal by Exchange by Charles David, $31.79, www.endless.com; Coat: Jacquard Swing Coat, $240, www.warehouse.co.uk; Floral Dress: Secret Garden Tube Dress, $22.80, www.forever21.com

Spring is the perfect season to show off your girlie-girl side. Think light chiffon, delicate prints and plenty of frills. But don’t just concede to stereotypical feminine lace or colors like baby pink. Be bold and opt for greens, bright reds and even add edge to an outfit with some denim (a la Genevieve Jones). Also play with hemlines. Not everything has to be short to be feminine. Long, flowy dresses and skirts are perfect for spring. On another note, I wish Jennifer Hudson had looked this put together on the Oscar’s red carpet. I wonder if Mr. Talley and Ms. Hudson are still friends...