Baby Phat Fall 2008

Kimora and the rest of the Baby Phat team did what they do best. Put on a high profile, star studded runway show filled with clothes most of us will never see again. While I don’t knock her hustle, I increasingly find myself frustrated with the fact that none of these items will ever be mass produced. This is not Chanel or Alexander McQueen. Baby Phat should consider reaching a wider market by distributing some of these pieces. Some really cute outfits were on display. Ok, so let me get off my high horse and talk about the collection for a minute. Things didn’t really get interesting until look 34 – a gorgeous, flirty, purple dress that would flatter most figures. Baby Phat didn’t really seem to push a cohesive theme, there were just a few cute outfits scattered here and there. The mustard yellows and deep playful violets were a welcome reprise from the otherwise bland color palette. Though the clothes were definitely more wearable than seasons past, I wasn’t really inspired. I doubt Baby Phay really care to inspire, they’ll get the headlines regardless.

Workwear 101: Business Casual

Zoe Saldana arriving at the premiere of 'El Cantante' at the Director's Guild of America Theatre on July 31, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Jada Pinkett Smith makes an appearance at the Preschool of America to read to children and unveil a new book with child safety tools for parents sponsored by Duracell on May 2, 2007 in NYC and Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at the JLO Sweetface Fashion Show in West Village, Manhattan, February 10, 2006 in NYC.

Please take note. Business casual does not have to mean preppy v-necks and crisp white shirts. It’s time to start thinking outside-the-box. Explore fluffy cardigans, bright colored shoes, charming jewelry and A-line, knee-length dresses. Below I picked four pant-shirt combos since we’re still in winter, kinda (global warming has me confused!) For the summer months invest in body skimming, as opposed to body hugging, dresses that linger around your knees.

Tops: Swiss Dot Blouse, $22.80, www.forever21.com; V Neck Ruffle Blouse, $29, www.hotkiss.com; Printed Top with Rickrack Detail by Andrew GN, $750, www.brownsfashion.com; Idaho Cardi, $99.99, www.fcusbuymail.com

Bottoms: Rise Metallic Tweed Trousers, $19.99, www.oldnavy.com; High Waist Trouser, $76, www.topshop.com; Penelope Trouser, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Matelot Trouser, $70, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Marthena, $70, www.aldoshoes.com; Diba Jypsi, $65, www.piperlime.com; Mae, Boutique 9, $130, www.ninewest.com; Lucioa, $80, www.aldoshoes.com

1. Boucle Cardigan with Velvet Belt by Was, $520, www.brownsfashion.com; 2. Hearts Charm Bracelet, $19.99, www.girlprops.com; 3. Equestrian, $229.99, www.shoplush.com; 4. Crazy Dress, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 5. Stone Necklace, $29.99, www.shoplush.com; 6. Bumpy Rider Jacket, $189.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 7. Bleeker Leather Large Duffle, $448, www.coach.com; 8. Oh Deer! Praline, $90, www.piperlime.com

Satin Delights…

Jennifer Freeman arriving at the premiere of 'Somebody Help Me' at the Chinese Theatre on October 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Kimora Lee Simmons attending the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards after party in association with Blender/Vitamin Water.

Deborah Cox at the Just Cavalli New York Flagship store opening during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 on September 7, 2007 in NYC.

Shaun Robinson attending the Grammy Foundation's 'Starry Night' gala under the stars honoring Quincy Jones on the UCLA Campus on July 28, 2007 in Westwood, California.

The party season cometh and with it, the demand for several cocktail dresses on standby. First comes the annual office party, then it’s the friendly pre-Christmas dinner and of course, don’t forget New Year’s Eve. You’d better start preparing now if you don’t want to settle for the last dress in the store or worse yet, you find the perfect dress but there’s none left in your size (story of my life!) Take a cue from the four ladies above and make one of your season dresses a tight, knee length, satin number… the fail safe cocktail dress.

Smell Like a Star

Sarah Jessica Parker and her new fragrance "Covet."

Left to right: Diamonds by Emporio Armani, $64 for 3.4oz, www.macys.com; Unforgivable for Women by Sean John, $55 for 2.5oz, www.sephora.com; Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, $52 for 1.5oz, www.nordstrom.com; Usher for Her, $52 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com

Left to right: L by L.A.M.B. Fragrance By Gwen Stefani, $55 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com; M by Mariah, $62.50 for 3.3oz, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Baby Phat Golden Goddess by Kimora Lee Simmons, $52 for 3.4oz, www.babyphat.com; Glow by J Lo Gift Set, $60, www.macys.com

It isn’t enough to have mutli-platinum selling albums or number one movies. Now celebrities are almost expected to leverage their name to seemingly unrelated business ventures. Fashion lines, liquor and even car rims are all fair game, but the fragrance is the ultimate celebrity venture. What could be better than being immortalized into a sweet scent?

If stars aren’t making their own fragrances they're lending their status to promote others, a la Beyonce for Armani’s “Diamonds.” I have and love J Lo’s “Glow” and I’ve smelt Diddy’s “Unforgivable” – very spicy and not in a good way. As for the others I’m no expert, but I’ve heard great things about both Sarah Jessica Parker’s fragrances. Leave comments for your fellow readers about any of the brands above or others you love.

P.S. My all time favorite scent is “Blue” by Dolce & Gabbana. ;)

Bright Lights, Sequin City

Joy Bryant at Glamour Magazine's "Fashion Gives Back" event to benefit Malaria No More at a Private Residence in NYC, September 4, 2007.

Paula Patton at Samsung Gleam Private Dinner and After Party hosted by Pharrell at TAO Las Vegas September 8, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Keri Hilson onstage at the 2007 Video Music Awards at the Palms Casino Resort on August 9, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at 4th Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 6, 2007 in New York City.

Sequins are nothing new but they’ve made a resurgence on the Spring 2008 runway shows, including Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese and Badgley Mischika and now celebrities are wearing them too. Whether it’s tiny sequins like on Kimora Lee Simmons or Paula Patton’s dress or huge ones like singer Keri Hilson, sequins add zing to any outfit. Keep the look from looking Vegas-like by sticking to black, if you must add color take a leaf out of Joy Bryant’s book. The silk flowers are divine.

Baby Phat Spring 2008

What a breath of fresh air! Kimora and the team at Baby Phat stepped up their game on this one. The colors in the Spring 2008 runway show were playful and fresh. The pastel yellows and pinks teamed with sharp turquoises were fun to watch on the shorts, minis and swimsuits that sashayed down the catwalk. Usually Kimora over does the whole “bling bling” thing giving the impression that she doesn’t know how to refine some of her pieces, but this collection showed growth and a lot of restraint. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind incorporating street chic with high-fashion, but it needs to be done right. I was also a big fan of the menswear collection. Although only ten out of the fifty-six looks were dedicated to men’s clothing, they were on point. Loved the bright preppy sweaters and bermuda shorts. Wasn’t too sure about the evening dresses towards the end but all in all Baby Phat gets an A… minus.

Black is Back…

Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek are going to grace the cover of Ebony magazine’s September issue, out August 13th. The issue celebrates the influence of Blacks in fashion. The 50 page spread will pay homage to everyone from fashion designers, stylists, models and fashion icons. "A lot of the times the fashion world doesn't give a lot of attention to American Black girls from urban areas," notes Banks on Page 64. "I don't mean to pat my own back, but America's Next Top Model pulled down the curtain to this world that people thought they couldn't be a part of. Now every girl is like, 'I want to be a model.' I feel like the world is more accessible, but by no means is it less prestigious." Tell it sista! Be sure to pick up a copy next Monday.

Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane...

I just finished watching Kimora’s new reality series called "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane." It premieres this Sunday on the Style Network at 8pm EST. The show seems really interesting and her life is indeed fabulous. Though I think Baby Phat clothes are hideous, her team are doing something right since they’ve built an empire worth millions. Watch the full episode here and tell me what you think. Will you be tuning in weekly? Thanks to Juicy News for the heads up ;)

We Like Short Shorts!

Kimora Lee Simmons hosts the Baby Phat Spring 2007 Dinner during Olympus Fashion Week September 8, 2006 in New York City.

Grecian Goddess: Linien Jumpsuit, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Modus Rio Wide Leather Belt, $84, www.ravinstyle.com; Matt Bernson Distressed Leather Love Sandal, $99 www.ravinstyle.com; Ananas Nicky Bag, $399, www.bagtrends.com; Feather Drop Earrings, $18, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Grecian Cuff, $6.80, www.forever21.com

Bright Delight: Women's Crochet Button Camis, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com; Solid Ribbed Cuffed Short, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Hatay Sandal, $100, www.aldoshoes.com; Button Down Gold Bag, $36, www.amiciaccessories.com; Seashore Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Vintage Ring, $3.80, www.forever21.com

Springtime Girlie: Belted Scoop Neck Top, $19.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Crochet Bermuda Short, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Leslie Wedge, $16.99, www.payless.com; Striped Denim Drawstring Bag, $68, www.rampage.com; Wide Bangle in Silver, $12.99, www.girlprops.com; 5” Stripe Ribbon Headband, $4, www.wetseal.com

At the first sign of sunshine ladies across the globe run to their favorite pedicurist and get their toes perfectly polished. Rightly so since they’ve been in hibernation for the last five or so months. Now that our pretty feet are enjoying the sun’s rays what do we do with the rest of our legs? I say get a good all-over body massage and show them off in shorts. Whether you opt for this season’s brights or classic neutrals, brandish your legs with pride. If you have cellulite that you don’t want to impose on the world make Bermuda shorts your new friend this summer. And remember, the higher the shoe the better. ;)

A Black and White Affair…

Thandie Newton and Eva Mendes attending the launch party for new range of bags created by Mulberry for Giles, at Harvey Nichols, London in January 2007.

Angela Bassett attending the ceremony honoring Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week in Hollywood.

Cassie posing backstage after her appearance on MTV's Total Request Live last September in New York City.

Sanaa Lathan at the Cosmopolitan Magazine launch of Bebe Sport with Eva Longoria last March.

Kimora Lee Simons posing in the lobby during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland with designer Tracy Reese backstage at the Tracy Reese Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Promenade in Bryant Park this February in NYC.

Sorry the posts have been slow this week I’ve been busy with papers and then blogger was acting up. Anyway, monochrome prints are going to be hot this summer but if you don’t do pretty patterns opt for block colors. Black and white stripes like Cassie and Thandie’s give this look a harder edge.

Baby Phat Fall 2007

Fashionistas around the globe have descended onto New York City’s already crowded streets which can only mean one thing… Fashion Week has arrived. Among the first to lead the festivities is everyone’s favorite wife of a mogul, Kimora Simmons. Ms. Kiki and the Baby Phat crew delivered their usual dose of friendly fashion fused with over-the-top glamour but unfortunately nothing really stood out. Their velvet capes and dresses made for an interesting twist but I couldn’t help but feel like I’d seen it all before. How many times are we going to see Dr. Zhivago hats and fur-trimmed boots on the runway? And what is with the cheap looking, gold lurex? The tailored suits were perhaps their most successful pieces. This long corseted coat with the corsage seemed out of place in the collection, probably because it was too sophisticated and unique… I doubt I’ll be able to find it!