The Ugly Side of Consumerism: Wal-Mart employee trampled to death on Black Friday

Seriously, has it come to this? Doors taken off hinges? Pregnant customers injured and the sad, senseless murder of a 34-year old employee?


http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/28/2008-11-28_worker_dies_at_long_island_walmart_after.html?page=0


Sorry to depress you but I am appalled by such little regard for human life. A sale on clothing, TV's and exercise equipment is never worth someone's life or your own safety. Our prayers go out to his family.


Glamazons, be careful and exercise caution (meaning walk away from a stampede) when shopping, especially during the holidays.



Shocked and saddened,


Coutura

Would you wear...?

...Brandy's distressed jeans?





It IS a fabulous, funky trend, resurfacing from the '60's and the posh-grunge era of the '90's. And it gives you an excuse to wear those comfortable, worn-in jeans that you can't bring yourself to throw away, even though they look like you were jumped, thrown in a mud puddle, ran over by a jeep then wrestled by a pack of dogs. Everyone has a pair.

My favorite jeans in the world from Express have tears right under the butt part (as they clearly were made for an ahem...flatter derriere) and yet I LOVE them. Several mornings, I've put them on in a bold, fearless, "I wear what I want" attempt to defy fashion convention. But I get embarassed at the thought of sitting bare-bottomed on the A train or worse, unraveling in front of throngs of NYC commuters...and run right back into my room and put on something decent.


Obviously, this hasn't stopped Brandy, Agyness Deyn, Giselle Bundschen or Heidi Klum from umm...overexposure. But tell me, is the Edward Scissorhands look taking it too far?!?!?!











Whoa.


I love a ruggedly posh look (read: ripped jeans and a blazer) but it HAS to be done right. If I was you, or Brandy, I'd follow these tips:


1- Professional ripped jeans completely defeat the purpose. If you're not lucky enough to have some tore up, janky looking jeans in your closet, buy some that look authentic like Ashley's or Beyonce's. Or get a tad bit creative with the scissors and muck them up so they don't look manufactured. DO NOT go overboard, I beg you.








2- Please keep the rest of your outfit simple or atleast complimentary, to the distressed denim. Dress it up with a blazer and white tank or keep it casual in a plaid button down shirt with rolled-up sleeves. Tops that are too dressy or complicated (like Emma Robert's assymetrical, ruffled blouse) will ruin the look.





3- Less is more.


Rule No.3 is by far the most important. Too much loose thread and people start to get confused. Are they shorts or jeans? And btw, what weather does this even work for? If it's summer, your knees get sweaty and damp; if it's winter, the NYC wind will beat at your knees until they crack and bleed. And no matter the weather, one nonchalant pull of a loose thread and you're pantless in the middle of the street...NOT glam.


As for me, I'll keep my rips relegated to the knees (with a couple dispersed throughout the leg) and leave my worn out Express jeans for clandestine appearances in my apartment. What about you? Are you rocking the bold and rugged look like Brandy? Sound off.


Kisses,


Coutura

Beyond the Bedroom

I never understood lingerie (why spend so much money on something nobody sees?) until I started handling the market for our magazine. Now that tons of gifted bras, panties and chemises are coming my way (yes, the perks are amazing!), I've fallen in love with the soft lacy necklines, luxurious satin pajamas and 40's pin-up style corsets, dripping with sensuality.

Every woman loves to feel sexy---that's no surprise---but this season brings an edgy, fashion-forward feel to lingerie...and oh, one other major difference. You wear it outside the bedroom.

Are you still with me? Good.

Bows. Lace. Silk. Sheer. All boudoir staples that can be found in the collections of your favorite designers---in the most unconventional of ways.


Sheer Bliss





From top left: Alexander Wang. Dior. Derercuny. Alberta Ferretti. Malandrino. Just Cavalli.


The translucent fabrics that were airy and wispy last year have given way to revealing patterns and curve-hugging silhouettes, that leave little to the imagination. Work them into your day wardrobe with a feminine blouse (like Derercuny's printed top) and then slide into a slinky, sheer dress (worn over a slip) come nightfall.


Silk Road

Both by Dolce & Gabbana.

Dolce & Gabbana says life is a pajama party with silk menswear-inspired pj's, elegant and sophisticated enough to be worn out on the town. If the thought of strolling around in your nightclothes is unnerving, you can opt for a more subdued version of the trend. Silk blouses paired with structured pieces, like pencil skirts, will strike the perfect balance between night and day.

Kate Beckinsdale nails the pajama look in a sexy, satin YSL wrap dress at the Heroes/CNN tribute.

Amazing Lace

From top left: Jean Paul Gaultier. John Galliano. Just Cavalli. Marchesa. Rachel Roy. Tracy Reese.

There's no fabric as romantic and charmingly feminine as lace. John Galliano's stunning blue gown aside, lace noir is Fashion's edgy answer to the dainty white, muted lace of seasons past. It lends itself to dark romance---dramatic, erotic, vampy and bold.

Here are three ways to tone down the va-va-voom appeal for day: (1) Layer the lace so it becomes less transparent and gives more coverage. (2) Pair with structured suiting or denim. (3) Choose full, ladylike silhouettes, like Tracy Reese's halter dress. For night, throw caution to the wind and go dangerously sexy like Gwyneth (blazer is optional).









Take A Bow




From top left: Marchesa. Christian Dior. Elie Saab. Lanvin. Marc Jacobs. Temperley London.


Oversized bust bows are my new obsession in life. They're playful and coquettish in the most modern, fashionable way. The perfect accent to a beautiful dress like Marchesa's frill-seeking number, worn by glamazon, Eva Longoria, to the Emmy's.





Bustier Beauties

From top left: Alexis Mabille. Carolina Herrera. Christian Dior. Dolce & Gabbana. House of Holland. Berardi.

Bustiers provide a classic, vixen silhouette, lifting and cinching in all the right places. This season gives you two looks to choose from: the seductive top coupled with a voluminous skirt for a look that's high in contrast or a minimalist study in sleek, like Berardi's fitted dress. I love the look of a bustier under a blazer with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, it screams sexy sophisticate.

What do you think about the new lingerie-for-day? For one thing, it certainly takes care of the problem of no one seeing my expensive innerwear. With these refined, revealing looks, you're sure to be the center of attention.

Kisses,


Coutura

Photos: Style.com.

Sneak Peek: Real Housewives of Atlanta

Okay, so if you have the discipline to wait until the full reunion show airs tomorrow, DON'T press play!


But if you can't get enough of the foolish, you're-embarassing-the-family-on-national-TV ignorance that is Real Housewives of Atlanta, then enjoy!


I'll be having a reunion get-together tomorrow night with my girlfriends to watch the war between Nene "Are you my daddy?" Leakes (who has a fan in...Anderson Cooper?) and "29-year old," Kim, the chain-smoking country singer. From the previews, Nene looks like she's going to read her, write her, erase her and then put her back in the library for someone else to read her. I can't wait! The next morning, I will be wasting precious office time to discuss a play-by-play recap of the events with my co-workers. And I'll do this all, shamelessly.


P.S. Bravo, thanks for the sneak peek. Now, can you give hairstylist extraordinaire Dwight Eubanks his own show for giving us the soundbites of the season: 'A fashion show with no fashion? How dreadful.' and 'Don't I look good for 50? My secret? Sex three times a day.' Ahh, and the list goes on...

Tell us what team you're on: Team Nene/Lisa or Team Kim/Sheree. Or if you're busy watching more important TV like the news on CNN and don't understand what the fuss is, you can sound off here too.

Kisses,

Coutura

Video: Bravotv.com.

Fab or Flop: American Music Awards

Last night, the American Music Awards brought out a bevy of starlets, moguls and celebutantes who served up the glamour and glitz.







Luminaries, like Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, sparkled in assymetric, metallic minis.









I think Miley stole the show with her black and gold strapless Marchesa dress, which merged the hottest trends of the season, metallic (the shimmery color) and goddess (draping and braided waistline). She was on fire!


Pink cleaned up nicely in a dazzling Vivienne Westwood gown with plenty of beaded embroidery. I loved the hair - the "Rihanna" goes across color lines.







Speaking of which, Princess Rihanna looked darling in a soft yellow ruffled dress by one of her fave designers, Zac Posen, with gloves and jeweled Devi Kroell peeptoe pumps.

One of the big winners of the night, she was just stunning. Never gets it wrong on the red carpet!

P.S. Though...was she channeling Slick Rick in her performance? She always pushes the fashion bar a little bit, which you gotta love.

She's really starting to look like Prince to me...which is a good thing---he's gorgeous, but I'm just saying...

Anyway, you be the judge. Who was fab, and who flopped?


I liked Christina Aguillera's Elie Saab gown (though haven't I seen her in something just like it before?) but her hair looked like a cheap Marilyn Monroe wig. I love her, but feel like something's always off...? And what'd you think of that medley? I was secretly waiting for Come On Over...but I'll get over it. FAB.

The Pussycats got all dolled up in designs from the fiercest bitch of all, Christian Siriano. Though I adored Nicole's dress and the yellow one was sooo chic, the rest was uninspired to me, and looked like I could pick it up at Bebe. Still FAB.

These two are a hot mess. And wasn't that the same Dolce & Gabbana gown Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta wore to Deshawn's event? For some reason, I think Mariah and Kim would be friends (maybe once her country singing career takes off). Either way, it's a good look for Mariah. FAB.

P.S. Why did she feel the need to bring Nick Cannon onstage? Who does that? You're married, we get it. Do we really need to keep seeing him everywhere? And didn't he make jokes or something on his own? Can we let him get back to that?

Alicia Keys is sweet enough, but the look just wasn't cohesive. With a Grecian, one-shoulder Armani Prive gown, the Indian-inspired silver bindi came out of nowhere. And I don't get the earrings. But she's a natural beauty and shines regardless. Plus I thought her eye make-up, which accented her already exotic eyes, was phenomenal. FAB BY DEFAULT.

I was probably the most surprised by Queen Latifah. She looks tiny (go Jenny)!!! The assymetrical, metallic dress looked beautiful against her skin (as always, she just glows). And though the fit was a bit off, we can forgive that given all the weight she lost. Very glam! And I have to get those hoops once they copy them at Express. FAB.






And what was meaning of this? Why is Toccarra coming out looking like Lil Bo Peep Show?






Definite FLOP.


And let's not forget about the boysss!









Chris Brown looked amazing! I loved the contrast of the preppy bowtie and cardigan with the biker leather jacket. The pairing was edgy, cool and grown up for him. Looks like Rih's fashion sense is rubbing off...FAB.

I can't help but laugh at this picture. All the more reason to praise Chris Brown for making bow ties look cool. FLOP.

Ugh...I don't know what to say, Kanye. I know you wanted to promote your Pastelle line, but didn't you know you were going to an Award show tonight? It's not like you to not try (and that random fur thing you threw on does not count as trying). And to spaz out when you don't get awards and give the one you win away? I'm worried. FLOP.




Yeah and where was Beyonce on the red carpet?! Bey may have been MIA, but Sasha came onstage and killed it! Easily the best performance of the night. And I need a good superlong weave ponytail that flips around and bounces right back. Loove it! SUPERFAB.





I'd love to meet the Queen who came up with the idea for her to hold her weave up, then twirl it and saunter off the stage like Naomi Cambell. I bet he's ferosh.




So what'd you guys think of the fashions? Loved Christian Siriano's doll clothes? Think I'm wrong about Alicia's Indian-inspired bindi? Sound off.



Kisses,


Coutura

Dreaming of A Tight (Budgeted) Christmas?

Don't let the stress of holiday shopping bring you to tears.


One of the things I pride myself on is that I put a lot of thought and effort into giving gifts. Any family member, boyfriend or great friend of mine will attest to this. And what I've found is that people lovelovelove any gift that requires thought, that's commemorative and that's from the heart. Luckily, those kinds of gifts cost little money---great news in a steadily declining economy (and after moving into a superexpensive NYC apartment). So for your pockets and mine, I've come up with a slew of heartfelt, budget-friendly gifts that can help save a bundle during the winter holiday season.



~*~*~*~CARDS~*~*~*~


1- What people love more that the beautiful, glitterized card with a 3-d Christmas tree, glow-in-the-dark ornaments and pop-up Santa? Cards that seem like they were made specifically for them. Make your own card with a holiday picture of your family or kids...and your own words on the inside. People appreciate it so much more, and it costs so much less.


2- Send letters, instead of Christmas cards. Lots of people did this last year, and I see why. You can give a brief update of what's going on in your life, personal pictures and best wishes for the holiday season. And it only costs you printing paper and ink.


3- Buy packs of blank cards and write your own personalized message inside each one.


4- Cut off the cover of old Christmas cards and send them as postcards (the postage costs less for mailing them, too).


~*~*~*~GIFTS~*~*~*~

1- In 2005, I made a calendar with pictures of my grandmother and her twin sister on display for each month. It was a huge hit for them, especially since they're miles away and don't get to see each other often. I only paid $30 for both calendars, and they still have it hanging up to this day.


2- My uncle wrote the most sincere, heartfelt letter to my grandmother last Christmas and framed it- now, it's one of her most treasured possessions. This is a great gift for someone who you haven't seen in awhile, and they'll cherish it through the years.


3- Shhh! This year, my family will get a cookbook from me, compiled of our best, homemade recipes, from my grandma's fried chicken to my cousin's strawberry cake. I'll bind and copy it at Kinko's and include pictures of our entire family. Def a keepsake!



4- If I had a child, I would give her a crayon and construction paper and make her draw masterpieces for grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles all afternoon. Draw arrows with people's names (or coach your child through it), pay for a picture frame for those creations and call it a day. And the recipients will just adore it!


5- When my birthday came, all I wanted from my Aunt was her famous peach cobbler, which gave me the bright idea of sharing the gift of food for the holidays. Last year, my dad got his favorite desserts from me: cookies from Ms. Fields, homemade brownies, apple crumb pie, the works. This gift is amazing for people who are far away and don't get to eat your cooking often (i.e. college students)---or people who just love a specialty dish of yours.


If you're not a whiz in the kitchen, buy an assortment of your recipient's favorite snacks (or baked goods), and present it to him/her in a basket with plastic wrapping and an ornament on top. A delicious apple pie (loove littlepiecompany.com), assortment of fruit (ediblearrangements.com) or great bottle of wine are also excellent options.


6- Homemade gifts are always more appreciated. So if you're great at sewing, knitting or painting, give something creative and original to your recipients that they'll just love. Maybe a knitted hat, a crocheted scarf or a watercolor painting of the beach. The time and thoughtfulness behind such gifts makes all the difference.


7- If you have a little money to spend, I'm all about unconventional gifts: activities, services and gifts that keep on giving. $20 for a mani, pedi gift certificate. A day baby-sitting your nephew so his mother can get some much-deserved "me time." A ticket to the movies for a couple. A yoga class or spa gift certificate that's apropos for anyone in need of R&R. A dining gift card to someone's favorite restaurant (go to brguestrestaurants.com). Magazine subscriptions catered to their tastes (cars, sports, cooking, fashion, health, there's something for everybody!). Itunes cards for the music aficionado. Tickets to their favorite artist's concert or favorite team's game.


~*~*~*~TIPS~*~*~*~


1- Shopping online is your best bet to avoid Christmas chaos. Especially when it comes to toys! I can't begin to explain (and don't want to relive) the horror I endured at Toys R Us shopping for my two little nieces last year. It is all-out war, parents are vicious and unruly and the store display looks like the aftermath of a small hurricane. So besides the safety and convenience of shopping from home that e-commerce provides, you can be certain you won't be wrestling a housewife for the last Tickle-Me-Elmo.


Plus most websites offer cards, gift-wrapping and free shipping (in some cases, you can send it to the person's house). Shopping online also makes it easier to compare prices. *And don't sleep on Ebay for those unique, impossible-to-find gifts, within reason. (Say No to $200 Obama toast!).


2- My four best girlfriends and I do Secret Santa every year, and I cannot stress how beneficial and cost-efficient it is. Instead of three mediocre gifts, we can each save up and splurge on a fab, thoughtful gift for one of our friends. And everybody ends up with something they love. Absolutely the way to go when buying gifts for groups of friends, co-workers or extended families.


3- When mall-shopping, I find it best to bring cash and leave the credit cards at home, so you are forced to stick to your budget and avoid over-spending. This absolutely sucks when you see that amazing but ridiculously priced Juicy Couture top you just have to buy your little sister, but your bank account thanks you later.


4- Give several inexpensive and/or "from the heart," gifts rather than one costly gift. For my guy friend's birthday, I bought a book he loved, tickets to a baseball game, a photo album with our pictures (and a poem I'd written on the front cover), a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant and a mix CD with some of his most beloved tunes.


The whole gift was certainly greater than the sum of its parts---he was thrilled! And people love unwrapping surprise after surprise until they reach the bottom of the bag. (And you'll love the extra spending money in your pocket!)


5- Don't rule out splitting the cost of a great gift with friends or siblings. If you know your Mom would love a new sewing machine, or a close mutual friend really needs a new briefcase, pool your resources to make the gift a possibility. Two (and three or four) bank accounts are better than one.


6- Focus! Focus! Focus! It's been proven that retailers trick consumers with everything from captivating displays to enticing smells (one word: Cinnabon). Stick to your buying plan. Make a list detailing each recipient, gift idea and corresponding budget. Never leave home without it. Also, buy two extra, "generic" gifts than can work for a man or a woman in case you get an unexpected gift and want to reciprocate or forget someone altogether (worst feeling ever!).


7- Start planning and shopping YESTERDAY. Last-minute stress, and panic buying, is the easiest way to overspend. The Dec. 24th holiday shopping frenzy can turn even the most cheerful person into the Grinch. So pace yourself and when everyone else is knee-deep in pine cones and wrapping paper, you'll be sipping eggnog in front of the fire with "Let it Snow" by Boys II Men playing softly in the background.

Happy holidays...and happy shopping!

Kisses,

Coutura

Would You Wear...?

...Beyonce's gold-tassled shades?

As soon as I saw them, Ye's comments about Rihanna being the best thing to happen to Beyonce this year came to mind. Remember that?

If not, here are his words of wisdom, according to The Hip Hop Chronicle:

‘This is a wakeup call … people in music get comfortable … Rappers get comfortable’.
Kanye said this was the case with Beyonce.
‘Rihanna was the best thing to happen to Beyonce’, referring to Rihanna’s rise to stardom suggesting Beyonce had to set the musical bar higher."

Well, maybe his fashion sense, specifically his Alain Mikli, 80's inspired shutter shades, was a source of inspiration to Beyonce as well.

Queen B was photographed over the weekend in the sexiest, metallic tasseled sunglasses, allegedly filming a video for her soon-to-be hit "Diva," (sidenote: how much do you LOVE that song?!).

I'm all for the shades, and glam rock attitude, but umm...can you see?

I won't wear anything that has me crashing into doors and street signs, while sashaying feroshly down the street. But I have to admit...they're Glamazon fierce.

Would you wear them?

Kisses,

Coutura

See and Be Scene: Ursula Stephen's Bday Party

As the assistant, you get the opportunity to meet some of the best hairstylists and make-up artists in the business. And Ursula Stephens, the stylist responsible for the cult cut of the century ("The Rihanna,"), is right there at the top of the list. What's great is that for all her success, Urs is extremely down-to-Earth, a rarity in the fashion/beauty industry. And once she gets those clippers in her hand, it's game over.

So of course, the Fashion & Beauty team came out to the L'Oreal Projects Institute to show love and support. While Urs looked lovely and was adorable as usual, between the bourgeouis black women and gay black men, I felt like I was trapped in a hair salon in Atlanta.

Besides Michelle Williams, the host and one of Ursula's clients, who belted out a soulful rendition of "Happy Birthday," and Urs draped in Herve Leger's ubiquitous bandage dress, the celeb quotient was below zero. 

Free emerged from relative obscurity looking lonely and lost. I can't fathom how as a "celeb," or atleast someone we've seen on TV, you can get out of bed, throw on a coat, barely run a weave brush through your hair and come to a party full of make-up and hair artists.

And whenever you see a former ANTM model, "Dani," it's a bad sign.

The good news? Michelle's cut looked beautiful (she's actually stunning in person) and the myriad of Ursula-inspired Rihanna clones was entertaining to say the least.

Glam.

Very cute.

What do you guys think of the rattail weave? I remember my fourth-grade boyfriend had a braided version that looked random and foolish. I didn't like it then but now, it's sorta cool and edgy. The new mohawk. Would you ever rock it?

Umm, why you threw a kool-aid red hair piece on a drab cut and thought you looked like Rihanna, I'll never understand. I get funky, but this is eight types of wrong no matter how you look at it. 

Oh, and Sam Fine, was there in a head-to-toe Andre Leon Talley-esque get-up. Try as you might, you can't be mad at that red-leather-michael-jackson-in-bad-jacket-plus-fur-hat fierceness! Sasha would be proud.

Until next time, what Rihanna-inspired hair cuts are you loving---or praying will disappear?

Oh and here's the trendsetter in her newest video, "Rehab," with Justin. The fashion is FEROSH, enjoy!

Rihanna - New Music - More Music Videos

Kisses,

Coutura

American Woman: Mrs. Michelle Obama

On November 4th, no matter if you voted for the Crypt Keeper or the Beacon of Hope (we're def not biased here on the Glamazons), you were a part of history in the making. At the mag, Ferocia and I spent all night recording each step of the election for our website and by 11pm, we were equally elated and exhausted. The screaming, crying, shouting, praise-song singing, toasting (Obama for your Mama punch!) and shooting (yes, if you live in Brooklyn, you heard gunshots all night) continued well into the morning hours; and the overwhelming sentiment of pride, unity, hope, inspiration and joy, stayed with us throughout the week. But perhaps one of my favorite upshots of the election is that Americans have to refer to a black woman as a "lady." (Sidenote: And I can't believe the first lady gets touch-ups the same way I do!) Lovelovelove it! What's more? Michelle singlehandedly brought dressing like a lady back in style.








Not since JFK's wife, the exquisite, ever elegant glamazon Jackie Onassis, has a first lady ushered such a distinct brand of trendy sophistication into the White House. Like Jackie, Michelle radiates an effortless and elegant glamour that will be imitated and adored by women the world over.








As articulated by Elie Tahari, one of several designers vying for the chance to dress Michelle for inauguration, "She will ignite the fashion industry. She is young, pretty, smart and well put together. These are a lot of great qualities." Well put-together is an understatement. But part of Michelle's appeal is that her style resonates with the everyday woman, unlike Laura Bush the Stepford wife and Cindy McCain (who scares me a little...I swear, if you looked into her eyes, you'd turn to stone.)


That's why, unlike any First Lady before her, you'll find Michelle in H&M dresses, White House/Black Market sheaths and J.Crew ensembles. A woman of the people, indeed.





















Just adorable.



Apparently, not everyone feels the same way. Take the picture below. After campaigning incessantly for her husband, and looking after those babies, Michelle takes a second to vote with...God forbid...her hair in a stiff ponytail---and apparently, her stomach was poking out in a few photographs taken from a less-than-flattering angle. My boss, editor and I got into an intense discussion about this.













I found the ponytail and even the tummy endearing. Finally, a human! While my co-workers were repulsed by her inability to stay camera-ready ("She's the First Lady now," their rationale went), I saw her "flaws" as proof of her everyday appeal. My stomach has been known to make an appearance after too many tacos, chips and guac and the stiff ponytail has been a long, if not welcome, acquaintance on those last couple of days before I can make it to the salon (Does anyone understand the physics behind that?! Why can't it just lay down?). Seeing it on Michelle just further solidified her first-lady-next-door charm.


In our hurry to mold Michelle into the First Ladies we've become accustomed to seeing, we mustn't forget that she's not them. She's not dressed impeccably in Oscar de La Renta suits, waving robotically and flashing a Botox-induced smile. She's comfortable in her own look and her own skin. And isn't that what we loved in the first place?
















Love it!


But at the same time, I do see their point. Moving into the White House will change Michelle (in the same way the pressure of the highest position in the land will change Barack), whether I want to admit it or not. Being photographed incessantly, scrutinized ruthlessly and pursued by every designer in the land has to upgrade even the most down-to-earth woman. Even though, in my opinion, Michelle is the embodiment of glam, what tips would you give her to transition her wardrobe from the campaign to the White House?


As a refresher, here are the key elements to Mrs. Obama's enviable style, on and off the campaign trail.


THE PEARLS












Nothing says ladylike glamour like a string of pearls. I once was addicted to them and threw them over everything: dresses, white tanks and blazers, sheer blouses, crisp white shirts, everything. In a nod to old world, high society style, Michelle chooses a length that sits gracefully on her collarbone, highlighting her long neck and toned shoulders. The new school edge? Her pearls are always oversized. Fun, trendy and shows she doesn't take herself too seriously.









Aldo has the perfect necklace for $25 at Aldo stores. Very chic.




THE BROOCH














When it comes to accessories, Michelle believes less is more. Besides a brooch, string of pearls, studs and flats, she lets the dress make the statement. She'll even look for floral embroidered necklines to adorn her dresses and skip jewelry altogether. But no matter which accessory she chooses, it always adds the perfect, subtle touch.















I need this striking brooch from J.Crew to get through the work day. It livens up any look and for $65, it looks super expensive. Love it!


THE BELT

Michelle masters the hourglass silhoutte by accentuating her curves and defining her waist. Though sheaths have built-in contouring (more on that later), Mrs. O has been known to throw a belt on---and with good reason. It camouflages your tummy, cinches your waist, emphasizes your curves, shall I go on?

And her belt choices always compliment the look (read: they're fashionable, not just functional). Steer clear of large, heavy waist-cinchers; they make you look like you're wearing a chastity belt, or worse, a wrestling champion belt. Def NOT glam.

THE DRESS

The waist-defined shift is a 1960's classic, a la Sophia Loren; and the perfect compliment to Michelle's svelte, curvy figure. My advice to women everywhere? Get the look! The silhouette works for every shape and size, trust me on this one.


This dress is designed to make you look your best; the contouring hides the tummy and minimizes the waist. Mark my words: the shift is every smart working woman's staple...and Michelle's signature.

I am in love with J.Crew's take on the perfect shift, the Flannel Kate Dress ($198, jcrew.com). And the color looked stunning against Mrs. O's beautiful skin. Werk!

THE FLATS


At 5'11, Michelle lets her endless legs and smart hemlines (always below the knee) do the elongating for her. For Mrs.O, comfort is key. Let's not forget she spends her time either on the campaign trail or chasing after 11-year old Malia and 9-year old Sasha. Her running shoes of choice? Fun, fashionable flats.

Though she cites Cole Haan's Air Camille ballet flat (with Nike Air technology!) as her fave, I'll buy the Steve Madden flats for $70...on sale.

Cole Haan flats, $194, colehaan.com.

Steve Madden flats, $70, stevemadden.com.

THE GOOD MAN









Yeah, umm so if you're anything like my girls and I, you're looking for the next Barack. Their courtship proves that pure, unabashed love is a possible, and worthwhile, attainment for black couples. A good man with great family values, professional aspirations and white teeth? Yes we can! And another thing, as Barack transitions into the most demanding job in the country, he still finds time to take her out on a date! (You have my permission to point this out when your man's giving you "I'm busy," excuses as a way out of dinner and a movie.)









But before we start the "...but Barack does it," comparisons, it pays to look at---and learn a thing or two---from the position Michelle plays in their relationship as well. My girl, Belle, captured the essence of Michelle's role as wife perfectly on her blog, a belleinbrooklyn.blogspot.com, which is clearly my new addiction. Here's a snippet:






There are tons of men practically salivating over Shelly Obama because it's proof that Claire Huxtable exisits. But it's not because she was once the breadwinner of the family, has a couple Ivy-league degrees, or even because she has a fatty. It's because she's a partner to Barry in every since of the word. She's supportive, but she'll get in his ass. She pushes him to be his best and she ain't leaving him if he fails. She'll beat someone's ass over him. She's got good sense and is raising the children right and holding down the fort while he hunts and gathers. She sacrifices for the betterment of THEM. She sees the vision. She's smart as hell, yes, and that counts for a lot. But the reason Shelly's the Barry-proclaimed "rock" of the Obama family (and the neo-goddess for Black men) is less about what she puts in the joint account, and much more about her personality and character. Got it?




Got it. Self-sufficent but supportive. Confident but endearingly humble. Tender but tough for him---and to him---when she needs to be. And the way he adores, respects and publicly praises her certainly has my attention.












































I know, Oprah, don't you just love them!


And speaking of attention, what's with the "controversy" over her Narciso Rodriguez dress? I didn't think the dress was horrible but can't say that I enjoyed the cardigan pairing with such a brash, bold print. It wasn't her classic, elegant style as we've come to know it, but I do congratulate her for taking risks---we like a little adventure on this blog. Sound off: did you love it or hate it?

She does no wrong in my eyes.


Cheers to our new First Lady (and President-elect of course)!!


Kisses,


Coutura


Photos: Zimbio. NYMag.