a touch of color in vogue.

When I flipped through the latest January 09 issue of Vogue, with Ms. Pretty 'n Pale herself Anne Hathaway on the cover, I couldn't help but notice that this edition included more Black (and of course fabulous) faces than usual. Smack dab in the middle of the magazine starting at page 85 are famous African American figures that will change the future. Of course and obviously President-elect Barack Obama along with his future first lady are a couple of those people, featured in the Vogue Point of View spread. Beautiful portraits of the Obamas, photographed by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz were apart of the layout. I must say, Michelle looks absolutely radiant and regal in her teal subtly couture gown designed by Narciso Rodriguez (yes, surprisingly this is the same designer who created that catastrophes of a dress she wore during Obama's election victory.) 

Here are some of the pages of Vogue with the Obamas (I had to snap them because I couldn't find the pics online.)

Immediately following that, my two new favorite models, Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn are in a 16-page fashion story entitled "Magical Realism," modeling designer clothes from Marc Jacobs to Louis Vuitton. Iman and Dunn capture the idea of modeling with movement, making these clothes flow and flare with their tribal-like ponytails slinging in the air. These Black and ground breaking ladies are shaping a new mold and leading the new crop of colored models that will hopefully be more present in prominent fashion magazines, shows, and ads. 

Jourdan Dunn

Chanel Iman (appropriately dressed in Chanel)

Vogue Italia managed to dedicate a whole issue to black models, but who's to say that will stay consistent? I also couldn't help but notice that in this issue all the people of color are grouped in the center pages of the magazine where you can't miss them. Was that purposefully done to excuse the notion that not enough black people appear in Vogue? And once they are placed, will the next issue feature just as much, or more... or not as much... or none at all? Not to say that I'm not happy to see these faces of color (I wouldn't have thought it to be important to blog blurb about if I wasn't) but the issue remains a cloud hovering over the fashion world.

fashion designs for the first lady.

Coveted fashion designers from Michael Kors to Diane Von Furstenberg sketched designs for Michelle Obama to wear to Inauguration Week. The designs include beautiful ball gowns, suits, coats, and even dresses for daughters Malia and Sasha to wear.

Here are some of my favs (I have quite a few):

Isaac Mizrahi

This is my favorite out of all of the designs. Mizrahi's choices of fabulous fruity colors would look great on all three. 

Michael Kors

Beautifully silhouetted and royally blue. 

Diane Von Furstenberg

DVF has a knack for drapery and drama and knows how to capture the elegance of a woman, which Mrs. O has plenty of.

Elie Tahari

Another stunning silhouette.  I'm not familiar with the designer, but everything right down to the slick and chic chignon is right on!

Badgley Mischka

Another great color choice. The deep purple and jeweled detailing are definitely show stopping. 

One of the few day looks from the collection of sketches. It's casually chick and subtly patriotic.

Some sketches that I was not so fond of:

Christian Lacroix

The gown and gloves are nice, but the overly dramatic cape and patriotic purse is distracting. Not to mention he drew her scowling in his sketch.

Betsey Johnson:

Oh say can we not see! I know Bets is known for her whimsicality, but this is way too literal. And why did she draw Mrs. O looking dragish?

Take a look at all of the designs here!

rihanna graces gucci.

Songstress and style icon Rihanna collaborated with designer brand Gucci for its newest Tattoo Heart Collection campaign to benefit UNICEF. 25% of sales made from the collection will be donated to support the UNICEF programs that aid orphans and children affected with HIV and AIDS. Rihanna partnered with Creative director Frida Giannini, who designed the collection, for the ads shot this September in Milan. I intuitively believe Rihanna inspired the idea for the tattoo emulated adornments on the accessories since she has a solid collection of her own tats. The double page spread featuring RiRi, fabulously stretched out on what looks like a ring swing (pictured above), appears in the newest issues of Elle and InStyle Magazine.  

Here she is draped in a mauve Gucci gown at the Tattoo Heart Collection Launch event this past November. 

The collection will be sold from November 19 until January 31, 2009. Take a look at the TATTOO HEART COLLECTION which includes bags, shoes, a necklace and a scarf.

What do you think about the designs, yay or nay? (Take the poll!)

cover girl: mrs. o in essence.

Future First Lady Michelle Obama will grace the cover of the upcoming January issue of Essence Magazine, on news stands December 12. President-elect Barack Obama will also be on the cover as a separate issue. These editions are definitely collectors items, featuring a 56 page spread of pictures and perspectives from prominent photographers and writers. 

I must say that this cover gives the September Ebony Magazine issue a run for its money. Michelle looks amazing, and her ensemble is to die! (Finally an outfit we can rave about since the Ebony cover. Clearly the magazines offer stylists that know what they're doing.) 

Michelle Obama on the September cover of Ebony. 

Which cover has Mrs. Obama looking her best? Take the poll on the right...!

style snag: rihanna & selita ebanks.

when femininity met masculinity. 

  

Songstress Rihanna is a style icon for being fashionably fearless. Supermodel Selita Ebanks, one of the (darker) faces of Victoria Secret, obviously oozes sex appeal (its her job.) Both have mastered being subtly sleek with adding a masculine touch to their identical outfits. A slouch sleeved blazer provides a professional and powerful pizazz to the sexy simplicity of a slinky blouse with a fitted skirt and fierce heels. Though the looks are similar, Rihanna's graphic tee provides a playful edge, while Selita remains effortlessly elegant. 

Steal this look for cheap(er)!

Express Cropped Satin Jacket (opened), $118

Rihanna:

Urban Outfitters Heartbreakers Peace and Love V-Neck Tee, $19.99

American Apparel Micro Fiber Tulip Skirt, $28.00

Urban Outfitters Heirloom Locket Necklace, $28.00

Aldo Tarabulus Sandal, $70.00

Selita: 

Express Racerback Tank Necklace Embellishment, $19.50

American Apparel Shiny Late Night Mini Skirt, $32.00

Express Pleated Patent Clutch (Deep Aquarius), $20.75)

Steve Madden Sellena, $89.90

I am exploring my own masculine femininity with this crisp bow tie button up I bought from MNG by MANGO (think Zara.)

... very Sarah J if I must say so myself.

puzzle piece: hippie chic

It's a given that fashion repeats itself. The flannel shirt was revived from the 90's era, and now the head wrap piece, rocked in the 70's, is being resurrected by 21st century stylistas.

How to wear: The headband is a tricky accessory, but appropriate for fashion experimentation straying away from conservatism. It's the perfect piece to add some chic excitement to a casual outfit. Wear it straight across the forehead (as pictured above) for the ultimate hipster look, but push it back towards the top of the head for ambiguity.

Where to wear: This accessory is best to wear out and about, a night with the girls, to a lounge or a bar. It also could be worn during the day as well, but I would probably refrain from wearing it in the classroom.

Where to buy: Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, H & M

Celeb Style (take the poll on the top right to vote which celeb rocks the accessory the best!):

Chanel Iman

Angela Simmons

Lauren Conrad

How I Do it:

I'm wearing a feathered headwrap from Urban Outfitters.

puzzle solved.

the winning look.

The votes are in and the people have voiced their opinion. With 40% of the votes, the winning look is the Black and White belted and ruffled David Szeto frock with the White Louboutin Slingbacks. I accessorized with Vera Wang pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet along with a red Chanel quilted clutch. 

The runner up was the Black collared and bow wrapped Diane Von Furstenberg, with nine votes trailing very close behind with 36%. The Teal patterned and wrapped Diane had 24 % of your votes. Though the David Szeto won, I'm sure all looks would have looked beautiful on the woman of the white house, Mrs. O.