Mattel Gets Ethnic...

...And it's about time! Mattel announced today their introduction of an all new, permanent Black Barbie doll line. The new dolls have features that more closely resemble those of Black people. That means fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinct cheekbones and "curlier" hair. The So In Style line, or S.I.S, features Kara, Trichelle and Grace who are three best friends in tune with fashion, fun and music. You can click here to learn more about each doll.

Each doll features its own unique personality and style and reflects one of three various skin tones - dark chocolate, milk chocolate and caramel. The line also features a mentoring theme and each doll comes with her own little sister. The little dolls are called Kianna, Courtney and Janessa. The big and little dolls hope to inspire mentoring in the black community (and all communities for that matter). Tell me if you like the dolls or not. My only gripe is the hair. I wish one of them could have had a more "natural" look but hey, this is progress! I wish these dolls were around when I was growing up. I LOVED to dress them up!

The dolls from left to right: Kara, Trichelle and Grace.

Mattel Gets Ethnic...

...And it's about time! Mattel announced today their introduction of an all new, permanent Black Barbie doll line. The new dolls have features that more closely resemble those of Black people. That means fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinct cheekbones and "curlier" hair. The So In Style line, or S.I.S, features Kara, Trichelle and Grace who are three best friends in tune with fashion, fun and music. You can click here to learn more about each doll.

Each doll features its own unique personality and style and reflects one of three various skin tones - dark chocolate, milk chocolate and caramel. The line also features a mentoring theme and each doll comes with her own little sister. The little dolls are called Kianna, Courtney and Janessa. The big and little dolls hope to inspire mentoring in the black community (and all communities for that matter). Tell me if you like the dolls or not. My only gripe is the hair. I wish one of them could have had a more "natural" look but hey, this is progress! I wish these dolls were around when I was growing up. I LOVED to dress them up!

The dolls from left to right: Kara, Trichelle and Grace.

Goapele Covers Diablo Magazine...

Goapele is on the cover of the San Francsico East Bay magazine "Diablo." The songtress discusses her new album Milk and Honey and new business ventures including a nightclub and clothing boutique. Here's a snippet:

Born in Oakland in 1977, Goapele (pronounced gwah-puh-LAY, which means “to go forward” in her grandmother’s Setswana dialect) is the daughter of an exiled South African political activist father and a New York–born Jewish mother. Her parents married in Kenya, then moved to the East Bay.

“Music and politics were integrated into my upbringing from a very young age. A lot of my family is from South Africa, and during my childhood, there was a rich South African community in the Bay Area,” she says. “There were lots of parties where people would break into singing a cappella or playing conga drums.”

Click here to see more pics and read the full article.

Goapele Covers Diablo Magazine...

Goapele is on the cover of the San Francsico East Bay magazine "Diablo." The songtress discusses her new album Milk and Honey and new business ventures including a nightclub and clothing boutique. Here's a snippet:

Born in Oakland in 1977, Goapele (pronounced gwah-puh-LAY, which means “to go forward” in her grandmother’s Setswana dialect) is the daughter of an exiled South African political activist father and a New York–born Jewish mother. Her parents married in Kenya, then moved to the East Bay.

“Music and politics were integrated into my upbringing from a very young age. A lot of my family is from South Africa, and during my childhood, there was a rich South African community in the Bay Area,” she says. “There were lots of parties where people would break into singing a cappella or playing conga drums.”

Click here to see more pics and read the full article.

Shakira and Pink Wear Same Dress at 2009 MTV VMA's

Someone's stylist will be fired after last night's mishap!

Both Shakira and Pink walked the red carpet at the 2009 MTV VMA's wearing the same Balmain dress.

How does that happen? Don't the designers know who they send the dresses to and who will be wearing it? Regardless, both ladies were good sports about it because they even took pictures together on the red carpet.

Thankfully it wasn't a diva star like Mariah Carey or Jennifer Lopez or else bad things would have happened.

Who do you guys think looked better in the dress? Shakira or Pink?

Runway Fashion - Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

INSPIRATION: Sir Jacobs always derives inspiration from a variety of sources for his collections. This season was no exception. Today he riffed off of deconstructed ballerinas from Russia with a tinge of Martha Graham thrown in for good measure. (Given the powder white faces of the models and their flat wooden sandal footwear, we also think said dancers might have been on their way to Asia.)

Fitted army jacket with ruffled mini skirt; blush-colored minidress with floral applique; pale handkerchief hem dresses with red print and dangling pearls; translucent tulle gown with black piping

ACCESSORIES: Messenger bags in brown leather; oversized handbags in a metallic bronze hue; kitten heel flip-flops; aforementioned flat wooden sandals

WHO WAS THERE: Madonna, Lady Gaga, every fashion editor known to mankind, internet sensations (aka bloggers)

WHAT WE THOUGHT: One never knows what's going to come around the corner at Jacobs' show - starting with the entrance. There was no ornate backdrop this season but instead everyone was ushered into an extremely bright white plaster cube with bench seating (read: everyone is in the front row except for those with standing tickets).

Once the techotronic boom of the speakers sounded off the collective was treated to models wearing sheer spangled stockings and body suits under their ruffled minis and ornately decorated dresses. And that's not wear the ruffles ended. High harlequin-esque collars adorned a multitude of ensembles as did chunky summer scarves.

Aside from the impressive dresses, the utilitarian-style jackets were standouts. Sharply cut and totally flattering they came in shades of blue (as seen here), tan, and army green. Those were the more wearable items, others, like the black lattice suit, not so much. But then again with two equally fashion-forward icons of pop in the audience one never knows.

Rachel by Rachel Roy

You may of first been "introduced" to Rachel Roy through her husband, Roc-a-Fella co-founder Damon Dash, but these days her name has become synonymous with emerging fashion. The young, high profile New York designer has come a long way. Over the last couple of years her label has expanded and now offers a more affordable line appropriately titled, "Rachel, Rachel Roy." The likes of Joy Bryant, Padmi Lakshmi and even Michelle Obama wear her designs (probably from her original line Rachel Roy New York). But despite her star being on the rise, she's still a dedicated mother of two who hasn't lost sight of what's important. Posted below is "Behind the Lens" - the three part video series filmed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Douglas Keeve. In it Rachel Roy reflects on her past, present and future and there are plenty of cute scenes with her adorable daughters, Ava (9) and Tallulah Ruth (1). After you've checked out the videos visit www.rachelroy.com to view photos of her new and more economically friendly fashion line.

Designer Rachel Roy launches her new more affordable line, "Rachel".

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Rachel by Rachel Roy

You may of first been "introduced" to Rachel Roy through her husband, Roc-a-Fella co-founder Damon Dash, but these days her name has become synonymous with emerging fashion. The young, high profile New York designer has come a long way. Over the last couple of years her label has expanded and now offers a more affordable line appropriately titled, "Rachel, Rachel Roy." The likes of Joy Bryant, Padmi Lakshmi and even Michelle Obama wear her designs (probably from her original line Rachel Roy New York). But despite her star being on the rise, she's still a dedicated mother of two who hasn't lost sight of what's important. Posted below is "Behind the Lens" - the three part video series filmed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Douglas Keeve. In it Rachel Roy reflects on her past, present and future and there are plenty of cute scenes with her adorable daughters, Ava (9) and Tallulah Ruth (1). After you've checked out the videos visit www.rachelroy.com to view photos of her new and more economically friendly fashion line.

Designer Rachel Roy launches her new more affordable line, "Rachel".

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

LeToya Luckett

LeToya attends LeToya's "Lady Love" album release party at Cain on August 27, 2009 in New York City.

LeToya Luckett proved to the world that there's life after Destiny's Child. At the release of her sophomore album, "Lady Love," LeToya wore a shimmering 'Illusion' fringe sequin dress by Haute Hippie. Follow in her footsteps by scrolling to the post below. If you want more sequined inspiration, check out these two old posts. Click here and here.

LeToya Luckett

LeToya attends LeToya's "Lady Love" album release party at Cain on August 27, 2009 in New York City.

LeToya Luckett proved to the world that there's life after Destiny's Child. At the release of her sophomore album, "Lady Love," LeToya wore a shimmering 'Illusion' fringe sequin dress by Haute Hippie. Follow in her footsteps by scrolling to the post below. If you want more sequined inspiration, check out these two old posts. Click here and here.

Steal LeToya's Style

Dress: Haute Hippie Illusion Fringe Sequin Dress, $595, www.shopbop.com

Pumps: Restricted Ashlee, $65, http://www.piperlime.com/

Clutch: Asta Clutch, $60, http://www.monsoon.co.uk/

Nail Color: OPI Nail Lacquer Sonata in Bronze 4D2, $8.99, www.amazon.com/

A long-sleeved dress will take you seamlessly from summer into fall. If you want to shorten it a little, like LeToya's, grap any skinny belt you have and hike the dress up. Tighten the belt then let the fold of the top half of the dress cover the belt. Finish the look with a metallic nail lacquer, but avoid something predictable like silver. Bronze or a dark gold will work wonders!

Steal LeToya's Style

Dress: Haute Hippie Illusion Fringe Sequin Dress, $595, www.shopbop.com

Pumps: Restricted Ashlee, $65, http://www.piperlime.com/

Clutch: Asta Clutch, $60, http://www.monsoon.co.uk/

Nail Color: OPI Nail Lacquer Sonata in Bronze 4D2, $8.99, www.amazon.com/

A long-sleeved dress will take you seamlessly from summer into fall. If you want to shorten it a little, like LeToya's, grap any skinny belt you have and hike the dress up. Tighten the belt then let the fold of the top half of the dress cover the belt. Finish the look with a metallic nail lacquer, but avoid something predictable like silver. Bronze or a dark gold will work wonders!

Rodeo Drive Fashion Show on 9th September 1pm

Annemarie Perenti is proud to present you a unique experience to celebrate all new designers on Rodeo Sim...

Dont miss the first Show of September, on 9th at 1PM on Rodeo Sim, with 18 Designers, and the best of SL models..
The show is organized by Agtaope Carter, Bestyle Models CEO, and Dalhia Joubert Bestyle Models Fashion Director in collaboration with Annemarie Perenti, owner of Rodeo Drive & The Best of Italian's Sim.

Stage and script will be created by Tayra Dagostino.

Designers : ¨*OC* ORAGE CREATIONS,PETAL MEG, BLISS COUTURE, FANNY'S DREAM,FELLINI COUTURE, LADULCE VIDA , INSOLENCE, NIVEN,ORA TREI DESIGNS, MY PRECIOUS,ALBA FASHION, AYIKI, HOUSE OF BENINGBOORUGH, THE GRACEFULLLILLY, VELVET RYTHMS,VFASHION,DMD POSES,JOY MOVEMENT.

Top Models :MIMMI BOA,AGTAOPE CARTER,WENADRENIA SODERSTROM,SHARRON SCHUMAN,DAHLIA JOUBERT,LABELLA FORCELLA,TOAPZ SAUNDERS,PAYTON HERON,TAYRA DAGOSTINO,NEMI MACCOY,SALVO WAYDELICH,ALLENCLIVE BEAUMONT,JENS MARKSMAN,TESAN LANE,PHILIPP DOLLINGER

Lilly :)

We're Ready For Our Close-Up...

The September cover of i-D magazine will feature the fashion world's best and brightest stars... four up-and-coming black models. In fact, let's give them their credit, they are no longer "up-and-coming." These ladies have ARRIVED! Chanel Iman, Sesilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Arlenis Sosa look nothing short of fabulous in this photo shoot. And if you don't believe me, take a sneak peak at the video below which features behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot. Naomi Campbell may still be forging ahead but these girls are bringing in the rear. On my cue everybody sing... "I want to love you, P.Y.T. Pretty Young Thing. You need some lovin'. T.L.C...."

P.S. Jourdan is supposedly pregnant, hence the strategic placement of Seslie's arm. Also peep the 1:03 minute mark in the video. Congrats Jourdan. You're repping for the U.K.!

We're Ready For Our Close-Up...

The September cover of i-D magazine will feature the fashion world's best and brightest stars... four up-and-coming black models. In fact, let's give them their credit, they are no longer "up-and-coming." These ladies have ARRIVED! Chanel Iman, Sesilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Arlenis Sosa look nothing short of fabulous in this photo shoot. And if you don't believe me, take a sneak peak at the video below which features behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot. Naomi Campbell may still be forging ahead but these girls are bringing in the rear. On my cue everybody sing... "I want to love you, P.Y.T. Pretty Young Thing. You need some lovin'. T.L.C...."

P.S. Jourdan is supposedly pregnant, hence the strategic placement of Seslie's arm. Also peep the 1:03 minute mark in the video. Congrats Jourdan. You're repping for the U.K.!

Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke out and about last week for her birthday, August 2009.

British X-Factor winner (the equivalent of American Idol,) stepped out last week in a gorgeous floral print dress that only cost $50. Most famous divas dress head-to-toe in labels but this star on the rise looks just as stunning in ASOS than she does in Stella McCartney. You can steal the exact look below, but for more info on this songstress and her upcoming album, click here.

Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke out and about last week for her birthday, August 2009.

British X-Factor winner (the equivalent of American Idol,) stepped out last week in a gorgeous floral print dress that only cost $50. Most famous divas dress head-to-toe in labels but this star on the rise looks just as stunning in ASOS than she does in Stella McCartney. You can steal the exact look below, but for more info on this songstress and her upcoming album, click here.

Steal Alexandra's Style

Dress: ASOS Border Print Dress, $51.49, www.asos.com

Wedges: AK Anne Klein, $49.99, www.piperlime.com

Clutch: Embossed Checkbook Wallet, $10.80, www.forever21.com

Scarf: Leopard Print Scarf, $32, www.shoprumor.com

Since summer is nearly over why not treat yourself to one last dress? This featured frock is sooo flatering for all shapes (comes in U.S. sizes 2 to 14). If you need "petite" sizing, the dress will only set you back $26!! And you must check out the sexy back of this dress. Tres chic! ASOS.com is a British online store but they ship to anywhere in the world for $6. There really is no excuse to let this dress go.

Steal Alexandra's Style

Dress: ASOS Border Print Dress, $51.49, www.asos.com

Wedges: AK Anne Klein, $49.99, www.piperlime.com

Clutch: Embossed Checkbook Wallet, $10.80, www.forever21.com

Scarf: Leopard Print Scarf, $32, www.shoprumor.com

Since summer is nearly over why not treat yourself to one last dress? This featured frock is sooo flatering for all shapes (comes in U.S. sizes 2 to 14). If you need "petite" sizing, the dress will only set you back $26!! And you must check out the sexy back of this dress. Tres chic! ASOS.com is a British online store but they ship to anywhere in the world for $6. There really is no excuse to let this dress go.