Obama Girls at Inauguration Ceremony

First Lady Michelle Obama looked absolutely stunning in a beautiful, golden yellow dress and matching coat during the Inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. Designed by Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-born designer, the dress was made of Swiss wool lace, backed with netting for warmth and lined in French silk. The line of the dress and coat were very flattering for the First Lady, who paired the outfit with green gloves from J. Crew and green heels by Jimmy Choo. Explains Toledo, "I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine," she said. "I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody.” Not to mention, it was a nice departure from the traditional red, white, blue, and black outfits usually worn by First Ladies. Though some people (including Bonnie Fuller, former editor-in-chief of US Magazine, Glamour and Cosmopolitan, will criticize the First Lady for wearing â??upholstery,â? it was nice to see Michelle dressed in a non-traditional outfit. If anything, this is more than just a fashion statement â?? itâ??s a personal statement. The First Lady is demonstrating that sheâ??s not about to be stifled by critics who would prefer to see her in a boring suit. Instead, like Jacqueline Kennedy, she prefers to show her confident, optimistic, beautiful self through her clothing. And isnâ??t oneâ??s clothing a statement about his or her character? Sasha and Malia both looked adorable in their J. Crew wool coats to the their fatherâ??s swearing-in ceremony. Pairing them with scarves and satin belts, the girls looked bright and cheery, just like their mother.

Milan Fashion Designers Up in Arms (Or Should We Say Pants?)

Shocking news in Milan today when Giorgio Armani accused Dolce & Gabbana of copying his design for a pair of pants. Armani retorted that this was not possible, as they could learn nothing new from Armani. Dolce & Gabbana were the first to show off this ever-so-popular pants design with their new silk trousers, debuted on the Saturday of Milan Fashion Week. Unfortunately for Armani, a remarkably similar pair of pants were not shown until Sunday. However, Armani refuses to let this go, telling reporters, “Now they copy, later they will learn.” Once more, Dolce & Gabbana were quick to announce to restate that Armani offers nothing to teach them, claiming that Armani “has never been a source of inspiration for us, and we stopped seeing his shows years ago.” Just goes to show that even men’s fashion designers can get into the most catty of fights – especially when they take place on the cat-walk. To the right are the disputed pair of pants.

I Want To Be Shenae Grimes

Yes, that is true for many of us, who would love to be this young, gorgeous, successful 19 year-old 90210 star. But here’s the next best thing: you can look just like her!

Shenae was photographed at the 2008 Gemini Awards in November 2008, radiating sophistication, charisma, and style. Her dress is a Yoana Baraschi “70’s Abstract Kimono,” and can be found at yoanabaraschi.com for $395. She pairs this stellar look with some over-the-knee boots and black David Lerner leggings to create a sleek, exotic look.

Carrie Underwood at People’s Choice Awards

Wednesday’s People’s Choice Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah, were memorable to say the least. As expected, The Dark Knight rightfully won every category for which it was nominated,  including, Favorite Movie, Favorite Action Movie, Favorite Cast, Favorite Cast, Favorite On-Screen Match-up (Heath Ledger and Christian Bale), and Favorite Superhero (Bruce Wayne as Batman). But perhaps the most captivating celebrity at the People’s Choice Awards was Carrie Underwood. Not only did this fiery country singer win three awards (Favorite Female Singer, Favorite Country Song, and Favorite Star Under 35 ), she lit up the red carpet as well as the stage. Dressed in an intricately designed metallic lace Naeem Khan gown, Rene Caovilla heels, Cinta by John Hardy Jewels, and a Mary Norton clutch, Carrie sparkled, inside and out.

Justin Timberlake to Present Own Line

Bryant Park hosts an array of new designers, but perhaps one of the most prominent celebrities will be introducing his own fashion line. Justin Timberlake will be introducing his very own William Rast, a brand he fully (sexy) backs on Februrary 16th at 7pm. And who wouldn’t want Justin to promote their line? The man exudes fashion, among other desirable traits, and this show has high expectations. While many will hope for a musical performances from one of the most eminent male pop stars, Timberlake’s representatives assure us that this event will be focused around fashion. Regardless, this isn’t the first pop star to enter the fashion industry in full force, and it certainly won’t be the last. But it remains to be seen if any musical performances will accompany the clothing in the future…

Heidi Klum’s Jewelry at the Emmys

Though the Emmy Awards were held way back in September, the singularity of Heidi Klum’s jewelry deserves an article. Heidi Klum, one of the co-hosts and  looked amazing at the Emmy Awards – all nine times. That’s right, the co-host wore nine different outfits during the single night. And all nine outfits were accompanied by different pieces of jewelry. Pictured on the left, Heidi dons these stunning butterfly earrings, blackened platinum, lavender jade and diamonds with a matching opal ring. She paired these unique pieces with a layered metallic Armani Privé dress and an opal ring. Other outfits were worn with a variety of jewelry, made of diamonds emeralds, turquoises, rubies, and jade. Heidi's butterfly earrings will be seen as one of the best pieces of jewelry of 2008.

Brad Pitt Attempts to Bring Back the 'Stache

Say it isn’t so. Someone, say it isn’t so. But the depressing news is true. Brad Pitt is attempting to bring moustaches back in style. He’s been growing this moustache for the 2009 movie, "Inglourious Basterds," an action-drama that takes place in France during World War II. “I don’t think ‘staches are respected enough,” the 44-year old actor laments to Extra on a Monday screening of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” . . . . . . It’s not an issue of respect, it’s an matter of looking good. And very few people look better with a moustache than without. And I’m sorry, Mr. Pitt, I believe you looked significantly better sans moustache. Just compare the before and after pics. And this is one with a little scruff. I’m not asking for the clean-shaven look. Just ditch the “’stache.”

Michelle Obama, First Lady and Fashion Guru

Michelle Obama is not only our nation’s First Lady, she is our First Fashionista. Michelle’s sense of style and good taste have been the inspiration for publications and products. In 2009, the former Mademoiselle editor, Mandi Norwood, will be coming out with a new book, titled “Michelle Obama Style Guide.” According to the Avon Vice President, “Not since Jackie O. have we had a First Lady become a fashion icon. Michelle Obama will be one of history’s most vibrant first ladies; she has a distinctive style that every American woman can aspire to, whether the consumer is a target shopper or someone more likely to be found on Miracle Mile.” The book will come out in Spring 2009. In addition to this laudatory guide to style, The Obama Boot, by Coclico, was designed by French designer, Sandra, after her favorite candidate. has been designed by an indie designer out of France. It is a high-heeled boot that comes in a gorgeous rich mottled grey leather with a decorative tonal stitching that curves along the height of the shaft.” It can be purchased on www.shopcoclico.com for $535.00. . . Finally, the brand Khuraira is coming out with a lipstick inspired by our very own First Lady’s casual glamour. It comes in a shimmery bronze that is supposed to work with a variety of skin tones. Sold for $20, this is a socially conscious lipstick, as a percentage of its profits will be donated to combating breast cancer.

Mothers in Style

During these times, being a mother is almost a fashion statement. From Angelina Jolie to Ashlee Simpson, motherhood is in, and Hollywood’s pregnant moms have never been hotter. Pictured to the left is Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, donning a summery, flowing, coral Gerard Darel dress. The wife of bassist Pete Wentz looks happy, comfortable, and in my opinion, her best ever. . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Richie also has never looked better since giving birth to her daughter, Harlow. She looks healthy, happy, and very stylish. And she has even come out with a jewelry line, called House of Harlow, named after her beautiful daughter. . . . . . . . . . Katie Holmes also makes motherhood appear even more beautiful (if that’s possible) in her classy outfits. Perhaps even cuter is the fact that Katie’s silver shoes match those of her darling daughter, Suri. . . . . . . . . . . . Gwen Stefani gives motherhood a much-needed punk rock look with her two sons, Kingston and Zuma Nesta. Her gray coat paired with skinny jeans and high boots creates the ultimate high-style look. . . . . . . . . . . . Angelina Jolie, possibly the most popular mom to ever hit Hollywood, looks amazing as a mother. She is positively glowing in every picture, and certainly knows how to rock the red carpet in her outfit. . . . . . . Perhaps the most beautiful mom Hollywood and fashion have ever seen is Heidi Klum. Looking stunning on Project Runway, even in the last few months of her pregnancy, this former supermodel . . . . . These women, and many more continue to demonstrate the beauty of motherhood.

Renting Designer Accessories

I’m no handbag queen, as I own only one “purse,” as I prefer to call them (call me old school), in basic black to go with everything. However, a while back I started spotting different fabulous handbags being sported by Nancy, a former coworker. After seeing her sashay past my desk with a different gorgeous bag every week, I started asking her about them. She was only too glad to school me in the ways of designer handbags, and pretty soon I started to develop an appreciation for them too. After a while I could instantly spot a Fendi (such as this gorgeous red number) and could tell a Coach bag from a Louis Vuitton. I appreciated how well-made they were, with quality materials throughout and lots of nice touches. I realized they must be pricy, but I was shocked to learn just how much they cost – starting off in the hundreds of dollars and often reaching into the thousands. How was Nancy affording it, I wondered – was she selling drugs on the side, or what? I decided to ask her how she did it. Turns out she rents them. Yup. She keeps each one for a week or so and then gets a new one. That way she has a constantly changing palette of purses – er, bags – to show off her exquisite taste. And she doesn’t have to go into debt or sell her children to do it. Nancy rents her fabulous handbags from a fabulous site called Bag, Borrow or Steal. And shortly after she told me about this clever new way for women to enjoy designer fashion at a low cost, I watched the Sex and the City movie, and there it was again! Jennifer Hudson’s character, who was Carrie’s assistant in the movie, rented bags from Bag, Borrow or Steal – rather blatant product placement, right? Often referred to as “Netflix for Handbags,” the site recently changed its name to Avelle, since they’ve added other luxury accessories, including designer sunglasses, jewelry, and watches. Members can borrow by the week or by the month, and they have access to more than 3,000 styles of authentic luxury handbags and jewelry, including accessories from renowned designers such as Gucci, Chanel, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Vera Wang, Stephen Dweck, and lots more. Avelle members simply select the piece that strikes their fancy, enjoy it as long as they like, and then exchange it for another. If they want to keep what they're borrowing, they have the option to “steal,” or purchase it. The site features clear navigation, making it easy to find the designer, color, style, or price range you’re looking for, and as a member you can save 20 percent. There’s a free return shipping package, too, which is nice. Prices start around $15 a week. Now, instead of renting The Devil Wears Prada, you can rent Prada!

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