SizeAppeal.com

Above: April, $48, www.sizeappel.com

Left to right: Malin, $28; Aziza, $28; Alice in Mint, $29, all available at www.sizeappeal.com

So the other day my co-worker and I were having yet another frustrated conversation about how stores don’t carry pants wide enough for our hips or jeans big enough for our booty. Then my other co-worker yelled “shut the hell up” from down the hallway since none of us knew what it was like to be over a size 14 trying to shop at the local mall. Granted she had a point but what’s up with all the hostility? I’m just playin’! This sista is always dressed to impress. You would never know the trouble she goes through trying to find clothes that flatter her figure. It was her who suggested I do a write up on www.sizeappeal.com. She’s bought many of her summer items from this online store and I can tell you first hand that the stuff is cute! Now I have another place to complain about. Can a sista get that green dress in a size 8?!

Reach New Heights

Liya Kebede at a recent event in New York City.

Top: Dessire, $149.95, www.stevemadden.com; Whipped, $59.99, www.ninewest.com; Zanna, $49.99, www.bakersshoes.com
Middle: Charles by Charles David Luau Wedge, $114.95, www.endless.com; Matosinhos, $295, www.aldoshoes.com; Slingback cut-out wedge, $22.99, www.gojane.com
Bottom: Champyun, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Chain Sculptured Wedges by Alberta Ferretti, 4895, www.net-a-porter.com; Levett, $159, www.maxstudio.com

A sping/summer wardrobe must-have is a sturdy and versatile pair of wedges. I usually play it safe and get classic wedges or espadrilles that I can wear season-after-season but this year I may indulge in an edgier pair. Cut-out heels and curvy soles are what’s hot in the streets but if you don’t want to go too new age, pick a wedge with a crazy heel and more traditional straps. This staple shoe is taking a few risks this season. Why not join them?!

Hair Stories: Make It Shine

Amerie, Porschla Coleman and Jessica White brighten the red carpet with ultra shiny tresses.

1. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Conditioning Wrap & Set Lotion, $4.99, www.walgreens.com; 2. Phytospecific Beauty Styling Creme, $24, www.sephora.com; 3. Platinum Silkening Gloss by Kenra, $12.35, www.brightonbeautysupply.com; 4. Tui Hair Oil, by Carol's Daughter, $18, www.sephora.com; 5. Tui Jojoba & Shea Butter Sheen, $17, www.carolsdaughter.com; 6. Silken Seal Liquid Sheen by KeraCare, $18.70, www.thebeautyauthority.com; 7. Silk Finishing Gel by Mizani, 411.49, www.mountainbeautysupply.com; 8. Serious Shining Spray by Elucence, 48, www.curlmart.com

Black hair can be dull and lack natural shine compared with other ethnic groups, but that doesn’t have to become the story of our lives. Encourage a natural state of glow by regularly conditioning your hair. Just slather on a crème conditioner after washing your hair in the shower and leave it on for ten minutes. Remember to rinse your hair afterwards with cool water to close the hair cuticles. For a little extra gloss after styling, avoid products with mineral oils. If you see it listed as one of the top three ingredients run for the hills! Products with a high mineral oil content are purely cosmetic and just sit on top of the hair shaft instead of nourishing it – which should be the objective. If you like using a particular product with minerals oils be sure to wash (and condition) your hair once a week. Silky smooth hair is only a healthy regimen away!

Street Style: The Satorialist

The original documenter of street style The Satorialist has been busy photographing the most stylish cities in the world. Never straying far from home, he always returns to New York where there is never a shortage of stylish women sashaying in this season’s (and next's) hottest trends. Though all his fashion picks/photos are inspiring, nothing delights me more than seeing the spring and summer outfits that are starting to pop up all over place. Just today I noticed a woman in D.C. dressed in a crisp, sleeveless, white shirt; a high-waisted navy A-line skirt; a brown leather belt wrapped high around her waist and 3 inch tan sandals – she looked fly and knew it! Above and in the slide below are some of the Satorialists' traffic-stopping sistas.

Estelle Covers Bleu Magazine…

U.K. singer and rapper Estelle grace the latest cover of Bleu magazine. I knew of Estelle almost 4 years ago when her music was still playing on underground radio stations in London. I’m really happy for her recent explosion into the U.S. market although I’m fascinated to see if her image will help or hinder her. She is after all the antithesis of the light-skinned, long haired beauties that are saturating the market these days. I with her much success!

Bleu magazine is a great publication for “urban” men. Think GQ for the sophisticated black man. I say visit the site, snoop around, then if you like what you see, recommend it to your male friends. This issue hits stands April 29th.

Credit: ConcreteLoop.com for photos.

Style Inspiration: Out at Sea

Ciara attends a taping of BET's 106 & Park on July 18, 2007 in New York City.

Amerie and Kelly mix denim with this season's nautical trend.

¾ sleeve top: Aimee Keyhole Top, $13.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Wood Anchor Necklace, $8.90, www.forever21.com; Skirt: Rope Belt Pencil Skirt, $64, www.topshop.com; Heels: Letsey, $150, www.dune.co.uk; Hat: Nautical Stripe Newsboy Cap, $22, www.fredflare.com; Sneakers: Chuck Taylor All Satr Patent, $49.69, www.converse.com; Red pants: Multi Button Sailor Pant, $19.99, www.wetseal.com; Dress: Navy Stripe Bow Dress, $56, www.missselfridge.co.uk; Short sleeve top: Stripe V Neck , $9.99, www.charlotterusse.com; Sunglasses: Dita Xanadu Sunglasses, $350, www.shopintuition.com; Bag: Nautical Rope Bag, $26, www.alloy.com; Anklet: Anchor on 9inch Anklet, $5.99, www.girlprops.com; Shorts: High Waisted Sailor Shorts, $22.99, www.charlotterusse.com; White pants: Sound of Summer Trouser, $148, www.fcusbuymail.com; Espadrilles: Candyce Espadrille by Steve Maadden, $149.95, www.endless.com

Anchors away! The nautical trend that’s hit our favorite stores is here to stay (throughout the summer at least). Make like a sailor about to set sea with nautical stripes in navy blue or red; high-waisted, multi button sailor pants and shorts; espadrilles and rope detail accessories. Amerie and Kelly Rowland wore denim with their striped tops and added bright red shoes and accessories to finish the look off. Ciara on the other hand jumped straight into the trend with a sporty-nautical dress and gravity defying wedges. Get some inspiration from my picks above then plan your own trip out to sea!

Credit: Photo of Amerie from theybf.com

Shops and the City…

I’m in the middle of planning my annual trip to the U.K. and one of my must-have travel items is a book by author Caryn Franklin called “Fashion UK.” Though it was published nearly six years ago, I still find it a valuable resource when looking for unique boutiques and local designers wherever I am in the U.K. The book details all noteworthy boutiques in regions including the south/London, the northeast and northwest of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It even features interviews from local and international designers on how they became successful. For my trip to Italy later this year I’m still on the hunt for a handy little shopping guide but I did discover two chic books about Paris and one on New York. I’ll be storing them for future shopping expeditions – one has to be prepared. I guess some were born to sightsee, others to shop!

Left to right: Chic Shopping Paris by Rebecca Perry Magniant; Paris Chic & Trendy: Designers' Studios, Hip Boutiques, Vintage Shops by Adrienne Ribes-Tiphaine; Shop New York: Downtownstyle by Meg Castaldo

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Tiered Chiffon Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com

Check: Black Tiered Silk Slip Dress by A.B.S., $225, www.bluefly.com

Charge: Strapless Silk Dress by Marchesa, $2550, www.net-a-porter.com

Whether it’s prom night, hen night or just a good ol’ girl’s night out, make an entrance with a flirty, sexy, mini dress with this season’s must-have tiered frills. Sharon Leal is already hip to the trend and now you can be too on any budget. The fuchsia dress is from Marchesa’s Resort 2008 collection – it’s simply to die for! If you don’t have two and a half thousand extra dollars floating around you can look just as stylish in the cheaper alternatives and if you love frills as much as I do, also check out this Tiered Ruffle Dress by Robert Rodriguez ($473) available at Nordstrom.

Make Mine A Mini!

Selita Ebanks attends a gala celebrating the @Murakami exhibition hosted by Louis Vuitton at The Brooklyn Museum, Thursday, April 3, 2008 in New York.

Top: Crystal embellished clutch, $973, www.net-a-porter.com; Hex Gold Bag, $44, www.monsoon.co.uk; Rafe New York Hayden, $295, www.piperlime.com
Middle: Tod's Boomerang Pochette, $1250, www.eluxury.com; John Lewis Black Patent Clutch, $50, www.johnlewis.com; Bunny Metallic Rosette Mini Bag by Loeffler Randall, $242, www.shopbop.com
Bottom: Cecile satin clutch by Jimmy Choo, $1795, www.net-a-porter.com; Zsa Zsa Beaded Bag, $56, www.accessorize.co.uk; Sparkle Box Clutch Ba, $40, www.oli.co.uk

Downsizing doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. This season travel light with vintage-inspired mini clutches that are bound to be the talk of any party. Let’s face it, all a girl really needs is her lips gloss, keys, cell phone and credit card and she’s set for the night. All the mini delights above can hold your essentials comfortably and won’t hinder your moves on the dance floor – nothing worse than trying to do the electric slide with a big ol' handbag! Selita’s jeweled box clutch inspired this post. I couldn’t find the exact one but my picks are equally as elegant.

Beauty Night Out

Style & Image Network’s “Beauty Night Out” returns for the third year in a row to spoil you like the princess you are. For one evening, pamper the body and indulge the senses with the best of beauty treatments, the most stylish of fashion, the most spirited cocktails, delectable hors d’ oeuvres, and the most decadent in deserts.

For those of us who can't make it to weekly treatment facial, mini-massages, manicures, this is pretty perfect substitute. Not only will you be able to scope out the coolest beauty newcomers but will enjoy five hours of complimentary cocktails and take home a Swag Bag (worth over $100) filled with our best beauty picks!

Not from D.C.? Don’t worry. Beauty Night Out is heading to Denver, Baltimore and Atlanta soon. Click here for more info.

Where: Carnegie Library Building at 801 K Street, NW, Washington D.C.

When: April 23, 2008

Time: 5pm - 10pm

Cost: $25 in advance; $35 at the door (includes Swag Bag)

Ladies enjoying themselves at the last Beauty Night Out event.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton arrives at the First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon on February 21, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Paula Patton was the epitome of girlish-chic at the recent First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon. If you're going to wear a dress this flirty and bold, ease up on the jewelry and just sport classic stud earrings. If you're too big in the chest to comfortably (and safely) wear a strapless dress, this look will work just as well with spaghetti straps. See below for the low down.

Steal Paula's Style...

Dress: Tiered Polka Dot Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com

Heels: Two Lips Calista, $75, www.piperlie.com

Belt: Patent Waist Belt, $10.80, www.forever21.com

Earrings: Antic Floral Studs, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Clutch: Blake Crinkle Patent, $265, www.loreleinyc.com

Polka dots and patent are the perfect combination - don't let the opportunity to pair them pass you by! This polka dot dress is only $28 so hurry up and get your hands on it. Simply take off the ribbon sash and add your own white, buckle belt to get Paula's 1950's-inspired look. Let your shoulders and neckline do the talking by opting for simple studs and no other jewelry.

Best of the Rest...

Left to right: Lauren Ralph Lauren Sandra Dress, $220, www.bloomingdales.com; Lucky 13 Blonde Polka Dot Dress, $104, www.zappos.com; Anissa Dress by Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller, $528, www.revolveclothing.com

...because everyone loves options! Try these dresses with straps if you need the extra support ;)

Maximum Impact, Minimum Effort

Gabrielle Union attends the 'Style Villa' at the Sagamore Hotel on August 28, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Beyonce Knowles and her boyfriend Jay-Z lunch in a restaurant with friend in Upper East Side, New York, NY on July 29, 2006.

Sanaa Lathan attends Jordan Brand Parlor 2007 held at the The Shave on July 11, 2007 in Beverly Hills.

Halle Berry strolls along the beach in Malibu, California on September 12, 2007.

The “maxi” dress is the easiest and most comfortable way to look elegant in an instant. Whether you’re off to lunch or just taking a casual stroll along the beach, a maxi dress will never fail at making you feel feminine. Since maxi dresses flatter all shapes, the key is not so much finding the right fit as it is finding the right colors and pattern. See below for some tips...

My Picks!

Left to right: Maxi Tube Dresses, $29.50, www.oldnavy.com; Maxi Braided Halter Dress, $39.50, www.alloy.com; Maxi Bra Top dress, $98, www.victoriassecret.com; Janie Maxi Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com

Left to right: Leaf Print Maxi Dress by Matthew Williamson, $1675, www.net-a-porter.com; Gina, $129, www.mangoshop.com; Diane von Furstenberg Long Chiffon Print Dress, $425, www.pinkmascara.com; Diane von Furstenberg Oroiti Long Dress, $425, www.pinkmascara.com

A maxi dress lends itself to so many possibilities – heals or flip flops, belt or scarf, earrings or necklace. The possibilities are endless! I say go for flip flops this season. Also invest in a vintage-inspired leather belt. Next find the perfect accessories including a slouchy bag, big earrings, long pendants and lots of chunky bangles. And don’t forget a cardigan - you’ll need it when the weather gets a little chilly.

Introducing Cynirje: Culture by Design

What’s better than a talented designer, who aside from promoting herself, helps uplift other designers from 3rd world countries around the globe? Meet Nakia Fisher. As well as creating handmade jewelry inspired by African Adinkra Symbols, she also showcases handmade home decor products by fair trade artisans from Lima, Peru; Divine chocolate from Ghana; and luxurious textiles from Zambia. Nakia says of her mission:

“Through fair trade organizations and direct contact with artisans around the world, it has been a blessing to have the ability to promote social and economic justice for people in developing regions by marketing their handicrafts in a just and direct manner.”

As well as being socially conscious, Nakia designs striking earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from amethyst, prehite and onyx. She also paints the artwork on soy candles available on her site. Cynirje will soon have cruelty free leather Adinkra journals and stationary from India. For now head to www.cynirje.com to browse through the variety of high quality jewelry, pottery, wine charms, candles, textiles and chocolates, all of which are waiting for you to buy them and make your home a cultural melting pot of style!
1. Jade Bassari, $40; 2. Kasani I, $80; 3. Kotu, $30; 4. Adinkra Charm Bracelet, $75; 5. Krobo, $30; 6. Kassena II, $70; 7. Karo, $65; 8. Masai, $30; 9. Tiger Eye Bassari, $40, www.cynirje.com

Left to right: Floral I, $95; Blossom III, $70; Siphon I, $100; Aurole I, $90, www.cynirje.com

Tracee Ellis Ross in Essence…

Make sure you catch Tracee Ellis Ross in the latest Essence magazine. She’s featured in their beauty section and lets us mere mortals in on the secrets that make her a fashion and hair icon. She says of her sense of style:

“I have a great closet of clothes, including some of my mom’s old pieces,” says Ross, who often styles herself and does her own hair and makeup, both on and off the set. “I’ve had pretty consistent taste since I was young, and my body hasn’t changed much, so a lot of things that worked on me back then still work on me now.”

Read more snippets here over at Essence.com and pick up a copy to read the full article.

Girls Bite Out: New York

New York sistas get ready to bedazzle your friends and charm the object of your affection. Girls Bite Out is heading to NYC and promises to be the networking event of the year. Experience the lifestyle of a Get 'Em Girl through food, fashion, entertainment, health and fitness, beauty, and fun. Shop the latest from premier up-and-coming designers, indulge in delicious complimentary fare and cocktails, sample and view fabtastic (that's fabulous and fantastic) products from featured sponsors and vendors. Last but definitely not least, finish the night with an over-stuffed goodie bag filled with swag galore! The rest of you needn't worry Girls Bite Out will be stopping in Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, St. Louis and Washington D.C. Click here for more info.

When: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Time: 6pm – 11pm
Where: Westside Loft, 336 West 37 Street, 11th Floor, New York City
Price: $20 (includes swag bag full of goodies)