Style Spotlight: Michelle Obama

There is no denying that this post is long overdue. Vanity Fair has already named Michelle one of their favorites on their "International Best-dressed List" and Vogue featured her as one of their "It Girls" in April. She's an obvious choice not just for her sense of style but the ease with which she wears her clothes. You never get the feeling she's trying to please anyone but herself. Some have questioned whether or not Michelle has a stylist but her people deny it...

“To the best of my knowledge, she does not use a stylist,” said Mrs. Obama’s spokeswoman, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, although she is known to have relationship's with a few designers and Chicago boutiques [Source].

Obvious comparisons have been made to Jackie Kennedy and even Barbara Bush (must be the pearls) but I'm just excited to see another type of black woman on my television screen and on magazine stands. My only frustration when composing this post was trying to find full-length photos of Michelle's outfits (as a personal plea to campaign photographers, we want to see the shoes!). I guess I'll have to wait until they make it into the White House. Then we'll be spoiled for choice with images of a classy, fashionable woman. After a few weeks of online digging I found some great examples of Michelle's style choices. You can view them below in the slideshow. I can't wait to see what she wears when their victory is announced!

Register to Vote - NOW!!

Beyonce and Jay Z out-and-about in New York City on August 4th, 2008.

Alicia Keys wears her Barack Obama T-Shirt while at The Black Ball, July 10, 2008.

Halle Berry left a shopping center in Century City today proclaiming her love for Barack Obama via t-shirt with one that read Barack The Vote July 29, 2008.

Eva Pigford models the "Sunshine" Barack Tee priced $25 available at www.barackthevote.com

LisaRaye McCoy proudly shows her support for Barack Obama while out-and-about in Beverly Hills, California.

There is no excuse ladies. The countdown is on and whatever your political affiliations you must register to vote. Fear not. Registering doesn't take more than a few minutes of your time. Visit http://www.rockthevote.com/ to fill out the simple form. You'll need a printer to print out the form once you've filled it out electronically. Note that your "ID Number" is either your driving license or social security number. If you don't have either, put a zero in the field and you can proceed by clicking "Prepare Form". You must, however, indicate that you have neither a driving license or social security number on the paper form you print out. Then all you have to do is send it to the appropiate address and you're done!

For those of us who are not citizens (I'm British), we'll be showing our support via the ultimate statement - Fashion! Make like the ladies above and wear your point-of-view proudly across your chest. See below for where to buy the coolest Obama tees.

My Picks!

Top: Obama, $20, www.ragamuffinclothing.com; Barack Obama Picture, $16.50, www.democraticstuff.com; Barack Obama Signature Ladies Natural T-shirt, m, $20.08, www.shopbarackobama.com; Obama 08 Ladies Black T-shirt, $20.08, www.shopbarackobama.com

Bottom: NV Me Boy Beater, $20, www.barackthevote.com; Obey Obama Progress Tee, $28, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Team Barack T Shirt, $38, www.siralistairrai.com; Obama Hope Tee, $32, www.shopintuition.com or www.hopeshirt.com

I acknowledge that Obama mania is at fever pitch but it's not just hype, my love for him is REAL! To prove it I'm ordering my graphic tee ahead of time and I'll wear it proudly during his inauguration. Paired with denim capris, silver hoops and designer shades, there's no mistaking where my support lies. If you want to put your hard earned money to good use, order tees from official sites like http://store.barackobama.com. Any purchase is considered a federal contribution to the Obama Victory Fund.

Check Yourself!

Kelly Rowland and Rihanna make appearances in a winning combo of plaid/checked shirts and dark jeans.

Left to right: Midwest Plaid Shirt , $22.90, www.forever21.com; Tartan Silk Blouse, $34.80, www.forever21.com; Victoria Check Shirt, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; Plaid Vest, $18.99, www.charlotte-russe.com

Left to right: Checker Plaid Shirt, $19.80, www.forever21.com; 3/4 Sleeve Check Shirt, $30, www.topshop.com; Plaid 3/4-sleeved ruffle-front top, $44, www.gap.com; Ruffle Front Shirt by Ivy, www.intermixonline.com

Lumberjacks are the last people you'd expect a fashionista to turn to for style inspiration but surprisingly a plaid/check shirt paired with jeans is a winning combination. Whilst some shirts in stores right now look like they came straight off a lumbrjack's back, others include feminine details like a nipped in waist, bows and frills. Whether you stay true to the shirt's origin or go with the updated interpretation, always, always wear with a pair of dark, indigo jeans. See the ladies above for instant inspiration.

Nadia Nour

Designers from Nadia Nour's Fall 2008: Modern Rustic Americana
What do you get when you cross a philosphy major with a innovator with a penchant for fashion? The answer is a Nadia Nour. A designer who creates flattering apparel that fits flawlessly and is constructed using all natural and select organic textiles. Nour's clothes are born of more than just a love of fashion. The Fall 2008 collection is called "Modern Rustic Americana" and is filled with bold colors, unique shapes and luxe fabrics. Created for women who defy trends, Nadia Nour apparel is designed to inspire a sense of self-assurance and vitality in the women who wear them. If anything stands out to you (and something should) you can find out where to buy her clothes here. Be sure to check out her other collections while you're on the site, they'll inspire you to step-up style quotient!

Old Navy: Fall Collection

Above: Silk Ruffle Top $29.50 Denim Pencil Skirt $32.50, www.www.oldnavy.com/plus

Left to right: Flutter Sleeve Top $29.5o; Ruched Neck Dress $36.50; Color Block Top $26.50 all available at www.oldnavy.com/plus

So I've noticed that some of the comments left on previous "plus size" clothing posts have pointed out that the quality of the outfits online are not all that great. Well, Old Navy has stepped up and provided an appealing alternative for Fall. Old Navy Women’s Plus is offered exclusively online at www.oldnavy.com/plus and features the latest fashions designed specifically for sizes 16-30. The online store provides an expanded selection of fashion apparel that help customers go from work to weekend and day to night – all at affordable prices. See above for a few items from their latest collection. The site also provides $7 flat rate shipping on all orders and free returns by mail for any Women’s Plus clothes - great for when you change you mind about something like I do constantly! To get a sneak peak of the rest of their Fall collection click here. My favorites are their dresses and casual tops from the Jewel Box Colors line.

Shea Moisture, Sheer Genius!

Left to right: Shea Moisture Coco Hibiscus Soap & Lotion Set, $12.99; Shea Moisture African Black Soap and Lotion, $12.99; Shea Moisture Raw Shea Wash & Lotion, $15.99 all available at www.target.com

Always on the look out for new and exciting beauty products, imagine my joy when Target were kind enough to send me their new Shea Moisture line. Shea Moisture is a distinctive array of bath and body products designed to address the unique skincare needs of African-American and Hispanic consumers. The Black Soap line will even your skin tone, the Raw Shea Butter will keep you moisturized and the Coconut Hibiscus will heal any skin irritants you have. The products vary from $12.99 - $15.99 but those prices you get two items! Visit www.target.com to test them out.

Dereon Fall 2008

Beyonce's second line Dereon has released a video with a preview to the Fall 2008 Collection. Though I'm not a big fan of either of her lines (House of Dereon and Dereon), I thought the video was worth sharing. Let me know your thoughts and if any of you have bought items from her collections what are they like? I must admit that they are some cute dresses on the House of Dereon site but none of them are less than $300 :(

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Dania Ramirez

Dania arrives for the Entertainment Weekly and Vavoom annual upfront party at the Bowery Hotel on May 13, 2008 in New York City.

Dania Ramirez attends Intermix's 3rd Annual 'VH1 Rock Honors' VIP Party at Intermix on July 11, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Dania Ramirez arrives at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 held at Smashbox Studios on March 9, 2008 in Hollywood, California.

Dania arrives at the "InStyle Celebrates Grammy Salute to Fashion 2008" earlier this year.

Your high school days may be over but it's never too late to look like a prom princess. Let Dania Ramirez guide you. It's not hard to imagine her as Homecoming Queen - her style choices for the red carpet are always demure yet attention-grabbing. Whether you prefer prom dresses that stay true to their 1950s predecessors or shorter dresses with a full skirt and plenty of tulle, always look for a dress with pockets - they instantly bring the look into the 21st century.

My Picks!

Left to right: Jasley Strapless Floral Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Bustier prom dress by Miu Miu, $2300, www.net-a-porter.com; Check Prom Dress, $56, www.newlook.co.uk; Vintage Prom Dress, $100, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Plain Prom Dress, $80, www.topshop.com; Sandra Tube Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Leaf it Out Dress, $89.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; Isaac Mizrahi for Party Dress Fandango, $44.99, www.target.com

If you prefer the modern interpretation of this dress the top row is for you. The shorter length, fuller skirt and details such as bows and pleats make this look fun and adventures. The downside is these dresses will date a lot quicker. Those of you who prefer the classic 1950s original, will cherish the bottom row looks for a lifetime. Whichever group you fall into this style flatters all shapes and sizes, so get out there and find the one for you!

Michelle Obama Covers Ebony...

My excitement for this issue is immeasurable. Michelle Obama WILL be the next and First Lady and a very stylish and classy one at that! Get an early preview of her fabulous life in the upcoming issue of Ebony:

"Going beyond the surface view of poise, elegance, style and the utmost class, Ebony magazine unveils the real Michelle Obama: mother, wife, potential first lady and style icon. Take a rare look behind-the-scenes of Michelle’s life on the road to the White House and how she finds the necessary balance between managing the household with Sen. Barack Obama and joining her husband in pursuit of the most ambitious American dream. Plus, in an EXCLUSIVE interview, Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson, reflects on her daughter’s childhood and transition to being one step away from changing her address from Chicago to Washington, D.C."

Be sure to pick up your copies ASAP!

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!

My Picks!

Left to right: Linen SS Jacket, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Executive Career Blazer, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Satin Tuxedo Jacket, $32.99, www.charlotterusse.com; Stripe Blazer, $110, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Ellie Cord Blazer, $54.50, www.delias.com; Cropped One-Button Blazers, $39.50, www.oldnavy.com; Cotton blazer, $125, www.bananarepublic.com; Super 120s pinstripe three-button jacket, $240, www.jcrew.com

Congratulations on your decision to buy this wardrobe staple - now the fun can begin! Even though there are plenty of cheap blazers on the market, I suggest investing in the most expensive you can afford. It'll be worth it in the long run as it will last for years to come. Stores like J.Crew, Banana Republic, French Connection and even Ann Taylor Loft are fail safes. If you're on a budget try the Gap or department stores like Bloomingdale's which always have sales. If that still sounds too pricey you can always head to Forever 21 and co., they won't last as long but they're an instant substitute at a price no one can beat.