One Blazer to Go!

Thandie Newton attends the gallery opening party of Established and Sons, at Established and Sons on October 11, 2007 in London, England.

Naomi Campbell leaves after appearing in a Manhattan Criminal Court for assault charges on November 15, 2006 in New York City.

Vanessa Williams poses for a photo at the HomeAgain event launching 'Bring Pets Home' campaign at the Animal Haven in Soho on October 25, 2007 in New York City.

Sharon Leal attends Women's Health Magazine's Premiere 'Blue Issue' event at the Mondrian Hotel's Sky Bar Co-Hosted by Molly Sims and Rebecca Gayheart on October 18, 2007 in West Hollywood, California.

Yes I know we are still in the dead heat of summer but owning a tailored black blazer is a must whatever the season. Blazers can instantly turn a casual outfit into a sophisticated winner. Take style tips from the four ladies above who all invested in a fitted, black blazer and reaped the benefits on the red carpet. Whether your heading for a business meeting or just want to transform a favorite dress, blazers have you covered... literally!

Italian Vogue: The Black Issue

Naomi Campbell shot for Italian Vogue by Steven Meisel.

It's finally here! Italian Vogue has stepped up and produced the first ever all black model issue! Expect to see some household names (Naomi, Tyra, Liya) and some up-and-comers (Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Toccara Jones - yes, from ANTM!) in this ground-breaking issue. Of course they don't neglect those that paved the way. Iman, Pat Cleveland and Veronica Webb are also featured.

One source of inspiration for this issue was actually the phenomenon of the Obama campaign. In the spirit of "change" I'm guessing editor, Franca Sozzani and photographer Steven Meisel, were ready to go out on a limb. Meisel says of the shoot, “I thought, it’s ridiculous, this discrimination... It’s so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place. Age, weight, sexuality, race — every kind of prejudice.” Italian Vogue editor says of her publication, “Mine is not a magazine that can be accused of not using black girls”. Some of the models in this issue have graced the cover of Italian Vogue before (Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Liya Kebede).

The famed photographer was given 100 pages of the magazine for this spread. Other faces you can expect to see are Alex Wek, Karen Alexander and Sessilee Lopez. The issue hits European newsstands next Thursday and will be in the United States soon after. Until then, feast your eyes on the images below, including the four collector's covers featuring Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell.

Left to right: Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Patent Lace Up Riding Boots, $44.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Patent Leather Lace Front Knee Boots, $89.90, www.flyjane.net

Charge: Avedere patent lace-front boots by Christian Louboutin, $1250. www.net-a-porter.com

Remember Naomi’s stylish stint at the New York Sanitation Depo? En route to her new job she once rocked the bondage-inspired Avedere boots by Christian Louboutin. I believe hers were suede but you can also nab a sexy pair in patent leather. Janet Jackson also rocked them at a recent shoot. If your budget, husband and/or credit card won’t allow such a purchase ($1250 from Net-A-Porter.com) visit www.flyjane.net and www.gojane.com for more affordable options.

Note: The suede Christian Louboutin Avederes are available at Neiman Marcus for $1120 but you can also get a cheaper pair at Flyjane.net.

Naomi on the Cover of Spanish Marie Claire…

Just thought I’d post these great pics of Naomi on the latest cover of Marie Claire Espana. She looks superb. I love the purple dress she has on the cover. I think you can see more over at www.marie-claire.es.

Naomi Does British Vogue…

Naomi in the December issue of British Vogue

Electronic device throwing aside, Naomi is still one of the most beautiful models in the industry and at 37 she gives new kids on the block a run for their money. Need proof? Check out these recent pics from her recent shoot for British UK. In the words of Tyra Banks she looks F.I.E.R.C.E!

What Say We?... Yay or Nay?!

Naomi Campbell leaving her community service gig yesterday. Campbell pleaded guilty in January to hitting her housekeeper in the head with a cell phone after she couldn't find a pair of her jeans!

Community service for most is a time for self-reflection and perhaps unearthing the demons that put you in that situation in the first place. For Naomi Campbell, this is another opportunity to show off her 3-inch stilettos, given to her gratis courtesy of her designer friends. Now I’m not suggesting that Naomi should show up at the New York City Sanitation Department Depot looking all raggedy, but if all you’ll be doing is mopping and sweeping floors, are the trilby hat, excessive jewelry and fur coat necessary? Yay for the fabulous outfits. Nay for personal growth!

Credit: YBF for the photos.

Play Dress-Up... with your Hair!

Alicia Keys dresses up her braids with hair jewelry and sequins.

Tracie from MTV's 8th & Ocean (remember that?!), wearing a gorgeous metallic coin headband.

Sienna Miller at the Moet & Chandon Fashion Tribute award at the biennial awards ceremony recognising excellence in the fashion industry, during London Fashion Week, 2005 in London.

Naomi Campbell in the Spring/Summer 2004 campaign wearing a vintage-inspired butterfly clip.

I’ve recently come to the realization that I’m not a jewelry person. I have the odd ring, staple earrings and bunch of necklaces but other than that my money goes directly to shoes each season. I will however make an exception for hair jewelry this spring. I LOVE the idea of wearing a headband on your forehead (Sienna) or individual jewels in your hair (Alicia). Whether you’re hair is relaxed, natural, braided or in a weave, there’s something out there to celebrate your luscious locs. When you’ve found the perfect adornment head to AfroBella for some expert hair tips!

Shine On…

Naomi Campbell at San Lorenzo for the Pinko party hosted by Vogue Italia.

Left to right: Keeya Slashed Metallic Leather Bag, $750, www.jimmychoo.com; Empire Line Metallic Woven Jacket, $140, www.warehouse.co.uk; Lucia Metallic Python, $518, www.lorelei.com; Ivar, $99, www.guess.com

Left to right: Linen Short, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Chloe Clutch, $228, www.lorelei.com; Pola, $18.99, www.gojane.com; Metallic Hobo Bag, $78, www.victoriassecret.com

I may be throwing a cell phone of my own in order to obtain that coat from off of Naomi’s back. What goes around comes around! In the meantime I’ll be satisfying my craving for all things shiny with one or two items above. I love the idea of breathing life into a pair of ordinary linen shorts with a silver sash. Wear with metallic flats like the pair from Guess.com and you’re ready for Spring.