I recently attended a conference for African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American journalists. The conference itself was great, I did however get a laugh out of the fact that the different “sects” of journalists (magazine, newspaper, and television) each defined their respective cultures with their style of dress. As somewhat expected the magazine writers and editors were the fashionistas, the newsroom crew were way more conservative and traditional, and the t.v. personalities knew how rock a skirt suit like it was nobody’s business. 

One look that I was totally feeling was worn by one of the t.v. girls. It was a modern take on the traditional skirt suit. Her fitted pencil skirt was accented with a cute and crisp short sleeved button down shirt, and instead of a bulky blazer in 85 degree weather she opted for a vest that matched the skirt. It is the perfect summer alternative to a skirt suit that screamed both classy and fresh. This version with a little revision I think can be the new standard for professional women. In the cooler months switch out the short sleeved button down for a full length or 3/4 length shirt. No matter what your profession, it’s a look that says professional but not corporate.  

What are you thoughts on the new skirt suit?     

We’ve just officially hit summer but it’s already clear what this season’s fashion winner is–the gladiator sandal. Last year I couldn’t walk two steps without seeing a Tory Burch flat, but those have since fallen to the wayside. Which leads me to wonder if this new trend (which I call the Roman Redux) is worth buying into? I must say, my first thought was that these were pretty hideous, I couldn’t shake the mental images of the twelve disciples. Then I began seeing different versions of the shoe that were more my style, and there I found myself, sucked in. The key to keeping this style around for more one summer, is versatility. Read the full story

I just turned to The View, which is live from Las Vegas and I was immediately struck by Whoopi Goldberg’s outfit. How can I describe it? Long loose top over baggy shorts with a her locks cascading out of a sun visor and sneakers. It makes me think that she was in a hurry this morning because her proportions were way off making her look like a blob of fabric with legs sticking out. But on second thought, I believe she is making her own kind of fashion statement. Or should I say anti-fashion statement? Read the full story

They made their debut in the 60’s, then bell bottoms stole the spotlight in the 70’s; a comeback in the 80’s, and went on a hiatus in the 90’s. Finally they’re back, skinny jeans, the epitome of casual femininity. The reappearance of these booty-hugging pants, are worth hanging onto. Denim, twill, or bold colors, skinnies add a young flirtiness to any outfit. What makes these fitted pants so popular, is that they both accentuate the female shape and they take the guesswork out of choosing a shoe to wear with them. Read the full story

Rihanna is Elle’s cover girl for June and it is the second time the magazine has featured her in a year. Back in the day, when I worked at the magazine, they always believed that putting a black woman on the cover would mean death at the newsstand. That thinking hasn’t really gone away but maybe being an “It” girl helps—even for a black girl. And Rihanna’s definitely an “It” girl. Read the full story

This weekend, I was running around doing some errands when I saw a disturbing scene: a sister walking down the street in a short, down jacket, some blue pajama bottoms with sheep and clouds on them stuffed in some boots, and her hair wrapped up in a scarf. She had a plastic bag in her hand as she leisurely walked down the street. Nothing seemed to be the matter with her but as I reflected on that sight for a few days I realize that something was indeed out of whack in that sister’s life. She had stopped caring about the image she projected to the world. Read the full story