Mix 'n' Match

Keri Hilson attends the GQ Magazine Gentlemen's Ball at The Edison Ballroom on October 15, 2008 in New York City.

Clutch: Carmen Clutch, $42, www.amiciaccessories.com; Peep Toes: Triumphh, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com; Bracelets: Seaside Bangles, $28, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Skirt: ASOS Bow Front Mini Pencil, $50.48, www.asos.com; Tank Top: Long Length Ribbed Tank, $3.50, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Asymmetrical Free Bird Necklace, $18, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Tee: H81 Crew Neck Tee, $10.90, www.forever21.com; Sandals: Franco Sarto Amenity, $99, www.piperlime.com; Earrings: Oval Hoops in Gold, $7.99, www.girlprops.com; Bag: Belted Clasp Front Pocket, $159.99, www.shoplush.com; Skirt: Mid Zip Tiered Skirt, $75, www.topshop.com; Bangles: Set of 3 Enamel Bangles, $4.99, www.oldnavy.com

Top: Colorblock Jumper, $21.99, www.charlotterusse.com; Purse: Feather Sequin Embroidered Frame Clutch, $52, www.monsoon.co.uk; Skirt: Lurex Jacquard Mini Skirt by DKNY, $295, www.net-a-porter.com; Heels: Berella, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com; Earrings: Amirah Metal Ring, $3.90, www.forever21.com; Belt: Diesel Gold Insert Skinny Belt, $72.12, www.asos.com

Looking good from head-to-toe is a necessity for a night out on the town but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on your outfit. Take a leaf out of Keri Hilson's book and splurge on a few key items such as a statement skirt and or killer heels. Save money on your top, jewelry and purse. There's nothing more elegant than a plain and simple tank top/wife beater paired with a luxurious skirt. See the 3 looks above for some inspiration.

Work it Out

Mary J. Blige working out on Miami Beach, Florida on March 24th, 2008.

Venus Williams stretching before a workout last year.

Serena Williams of USA during the shooting of a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour global TV advertising campaign on May 12, 2008 in Rome, Italy.

Mel B post workout in Los Angeles California, September 3, 2007. There's still time people! Though the sun has started to rear it's head, we can still get a few good weeks of body toning exercise in before our summer vacay. With obesity among African American women at an all time high, there's no excuse for not squeezing in 3 half an hour workouts into your week. To brighten up a mundane workout session you can do at least one of two things: 1.) find something active that you love doing and doesn't feel like exercise (salsa, hip hop aerobics, yoga); 2.) look fabulous doing it! That's where I come in. Scroll down to get some ideas on how to look cute whilst in a sweaty funk!!

My Workout Picks!

Vest: Ribbed Tank Top, $6.50, www.wetseal.com; Hoodie: Stripe Tunic Hoodie, $39.50, www.delais.com; Sneakers: Puma Women's Complete Magnetist, $129.99, www.footlocker.com; Shorts: California Athletic Short, $10.80, www.forever21.com; Gym Bag: adidas Ultimate Rendezvous Duffel II, $60, www.ebags.com

Top: Nike Paris Tennis Tank, $55, www.nike.com; Skirt: Nike Control Pleated Women's Tennis Skirt, $41.99, www.nike.com; Bag: Nike Premium Shoulder Bag, $21.99, www.nike.com; Sneakers: Nike Free, $76.50, www.activa.com; Cap: Nike Feather Light Reflective Women's Golf Hat, $25, www.nike.com

Pants: Gray Yoga Pants, $30, www.laduchess.com; Hoodie: Halter Hoodies, $24.50, www.oldnavy.com; Top: Champion Powerlite Seamless Empire Tech Tank, $36, www.championcatalo.com; Headband: Vinyl Headband, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Sneakers: Asics Metallic Ultimate 81, $29.99, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Gym bag: Puma Women's Phantom Grip Bag, $64.99, www.footlocker.com

It goes without saying but pick the most appropiate outfit for your exercise of choice. Skirts and yoga don't go well together - we don't need to see all of that! Similarly, wearing pants to a tennis match may cause you to heat up prematurely. I'm a big advocate for looking good on and off "the field" so throw on a cute hoodie, grab your stylish gym bag and strut home with the new found energy your workout has given you!

Shop Cute!

Rihanna goes shopping with girlfriend and new dog DJ at Fred Segal and Barneys New York, January 5, 2008.

Halle Berry shopping with her Mom in Beverly Hills, May 25, 2007.

Meagan Good at a recent shopping trip in Los Angeles, California.

Elise Neal attending the Diesel opening of the Melrose Place Flagship Store, May 31, 2007 in Los Angeles.

Kelly Rowland was out shopping at the National Jean Company in Washington DC, March 12, 2008.

Ah there’s nothing like a day of retail therapy. Now that the weather is warming up we have the perfect excuse to update our closet. Some say it’s best to wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off, but I’m a firm believer of looking good at all times. Celebrities have to constantly be on their toes just in case the papparazi catch them on an off day. See the ladies above. All of them are about to drop serious dollars but they look good doing it and so should you!

My Picks!

Cardigan: Cardigan with Tie Front by Hannii Y, $640, www.brownsfashion.com; Bag: Ashlee Simpson Inspired Top Shelf Croc Clutch, $599, www.anyknockoff.com; Dress: Border Stripe Floral Dress, $120, www.warehouse.co.uk; Earrings: flower hoop earrings, $75, www.isharya.com; Bangle: Grooved Wood Bracelet, $4.80. www.forever21.com; Flats: Opener Patent Flats, $19.99, www.flyjane.net

Waistcoat: Stripe Waistcoat, $60, www.topshop.com; Tee: Banded V-Neck Tees, $14.50, www.oldnavy.com; Jeans: 5 Pocket Skinny Jean, $39.50, www.wetseal.com; Bag: Knox Manyana Shoulder Tote, $535, www.ravinstyle.com; Braclet: H81 Mosaic Bangles, $8.90, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Wooden Block Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Sandal: Plait & Saddle Strap Thong, $44, www.warehouse.co.uk

Earrings: Sea Pirate Charm Earrings, $18, www.rimistyle.com; Top: Malay Tunic Blouse by Leaves of Grass, $225, www.net-a-porter.com; Short: Perry Solid Short, $29.50, www.delias.com; Platforms: Three-strap platforms, $98, www.gap.com; Sunglasses: Classic Aviator Sunglasses, $9.50, www.oldnavy.com; Bag: Hayden Harnett Beatrice Satchel, $485, www.ravinstyle.com

Take One Dress…

…Wear It Two Ways!
Dress: Jingle Dress, $169.99, www.fcusbuymail.com

Earrings: Lily Hoop, $17, www.isharya.com; Bangle: Zad Gold Metal Dot Bangle, $9, www.lulusfashionlounge.com; Clutch: Nadia Minkoff Silk Floral Clutch Purse, $60, www.accessoriesstudio.com; Heels: Bonda Pumps, $34.90, www.flyjane.net; Coat: Gold Borcade Coat by Matthew Williamson, $1100, www.brownsfashion.com

Jeans: Kasandra in Obscure Wash, $154, www.shoptwigs.com; Jacket: Tokyo Calling Jacket, $118, www.anthropologie.com; Flats: Lovable in Aqua Blue by Nine West, $79, www.piperlime.com; Bangle: Retro Wood Bangle, $6.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Owl Eye Medallion Necklace, $6.80, www.forever21.com; Bag: Plaited Handle Bag, $50, www.monsoon.co.uk

If you’re going to spend $150 plus on a dress, you’d better make the most of it. Many people find the perfect shoes, bag and coat to go with their newly purchased dress then move on to the next outfit. Stop that at once! One stylish dress can become almost unrecognizable with a whole new set of accessories. If you need further convincing look at the examples above, your wardrobe is about to double.

Get Your Game Face On!

Tyra Banks and Beyonce attend the New York Knicks vs New Jersey Nets Game on April 16, 2007.

Nia Long attending the Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Game on April 4, 2007 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Alicia Keys attends the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden on New York City, April 6, 2007.

Tichina Arnold during the LA stars celebrity all star charity weekend celebrity and NBA all star game at USC Galen Center on August 5, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Watching the game on television is all good and well, but nothing beats courtside seats and another opportunity to flaunt your stellar wardrobe. Better yet, if you’re on a date why not show your potential lover that you can do cute and still be “down” with the game knowledge. What man doesn’t want a lady who knows the names, history and stats of all her favorite players while still rocking three inch stilettos? Those of us who are single can bring the girls along and ogle the players. Either way it’s a win-win situation! See below for courtside looks.

Courtside Cutie

Top: Silk Tie Waist Blouse, $64, www.topshop.com; Skirt: Corset-laced denim pencil skirt, $39, www.newsport-news.com; Bag: Dakota Satchel, $169, www.thesak.com; Boots: Christian Louboutin's In Built Platform High Boot, $1190, www.brownsfashion.com; Rings: Zoe Chicco Leather & Diamond Rings, $436, www.ravinstyle.com; Necklace: Bent Leaf Necklace by Rachel Leigh, $60, www.tobi.com

Top: Stich Detail Blouse, $80, www.topshop.com; Jeans: The Sweetheart Trouser Jeans, $34.50, www.oldnavy.com; Bag: Large Fall Chloe Style Shopper, $42, www.akostyle.com; Belt: Janet Belt, $78, www.fcusbuymail.com; Boots: Sizzle, $37.99, www.gojane.com Bangles: Polished Bangle Set, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Top: Stella McCartney's Oversized T-shirt Dress, $565, www.net-a-porter.com; Jeans: Glitter Denim, $128, www.frenchconnection.com; Boots: Latch, $139.95, www.stevemadden.com; Clutch: Exotic Croc Clutch, $58 www.rimistyle.com; Hat: Star Lined Beret, $24, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Earrings: Crescent Teardrop Earrings, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Rhinestone Pendant Necklace, $6.80, www.alltherageonline.com

Admittedly this is an expensive post. So, if you can’t afford certain pieces, use the overall look as inspiration when you go shopping. The point is to look effortlessly fabulous without trying. Start by finding a perfect denim piece that fits well (skirt, jeans, jumper) and work from there. Boots are a must for courtside cuteness this fall/winter. They’re the perfect smart/casual heel and work well with all kinds of denim! Keep tops simple and classic but do experiment with color. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to mourn in black. If however you prefer neutrals, opt for charcoal grey. It’s the ultimate color for low-key chic.

Pack Smart!

1. Printed Cotton Silk Empire Dress, $198, www.maxstudio.com 2. Sexy Sunglasses, $34.99, www.hotkiss.com 3. Gianna Sliding, $71, www.delias.com 4. Aqua Ode Tunic, $58, www.anthropologie.com 5. Linen Short, $19.80,www.forever21.com 6. Lucky Stripe Triangle Bikini, $30, www.wetseal.com 7. Embroidered Knit Top, $14.80, www.forever21.com 8. Steve Madden Lilly Black Satin Espadrille Wedge, $75, www.lulusfashionlounge.com 9. Paris Blues Denim Bloomers, $26.50, www.alloy.com 10. Women's Oversized Straw Totes, $9.99, www.oldnavy.com 11. Top Metalic Flip Flops, $18, www.havaianasus.com 12. Wide Hammered Cuff, $9.99, www.girlprops.com 13. Merona Silver Filigree Pearl Drop Chandelier Earrings, $7.99, www.target.com

Tired of being the only one at the airport who can’t lift their own suitcase? Wonder why you still can’t find anything to wear while on holiday even though you packed half your wardrobe? Make things easier on yourself and only take essential items that you can mix and match to create infinite looks. For my long weekend trip to Miami I plan on taking items similar to the ones posted above for easy, breezy summer days. See below for four ways to put them together.

Look summertime chic while shopping. Just don’t buy too much or you won’t be able to carry it home.Do lunch in this cute ensemble, then head back to the beach for more fun.Wear to a barbecue on the beach. The look is stylish without trying too hard.Whether its volleyball on the beach or a stroll along the shore, this look has you covered.

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. ;)

My Picks!

Office Hippie: Roses and Mums Tunic Top, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Embroidered Line Skirt, $39.80, www.forever21.com; Washed 3 Zipped Grab Bag, $44, www.topshop.com; Layered Hearts Necklace, $95, www.juicycouture.com; Seluue Shoe, $79.99, www.aldoshoes.com; 2 Floral Headband, $5, www.wetseal.com

Weekend Hippie: Contrast Trim Top, $21.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Paris Blues Dirty Wash Flares Jeans from $36.50, www.alloy.com; Charmed Linen Flats, $228, www.anthropologie.com; Sticks and Stones Bangle, $14, www.alltherageonline.com; Flowers and Beads Bag, $40, www.amiciaccessories.com; Two of Hearts Necklace, $14, www.alltherageonline.com

Date Hippie: Fan Floral Bib Front Dress, $70, www.warehouse.co.uk; Circle Eyelet Coat, $44.80, www.forever21.com; Leather Clutch (MH118435) $38, www.stevemadden.com; Senorita Shoe; $150, www.dune.co.uk; Rose Stud Earrings, $4, www.topshop.com; Eclipse Pendant, $48, www.anthropologie.com

The hippie trend isn’t just for summer days spent lounging in the park. Wear bohemian-inspired pieces at the office, while running errands over the weekend and even on a hot date. Take inspiration from the looks above.