Charlize Theron's Dress, J'adore Dior Commercial, Replica

Hi Divas,

A few of you were interested in knowing whether or not a dress similar to the fierce Dior creation that Charlize wore in the J'adore commercial existed. This Night Moves evening gown which retails for $798 has very similar design elements including the beaded black lace, the dramatic split at the thigh, a slight train so that the dress moves when you walk (like Charlizes does), and a strapless sweetheart neckline.  It come in black and nude as well as black and fuchsia  It's not an exact replica but I love this dress, and if you liked the one in the commercial you'll probably like this one too.

-flyness and funk,

SPOTLIGHT: Bailey's Cream With Spirit Commercial

Every once in  while there comes along  a commercial that does more than entice us with a product, rather it makes an artistic statement that remains with us long after the spot has aired. The J'adore Dior commercial starring Charlize Theron was a classic, and the Bailey's Cream With Spirit commercial is a classic in the making. Meant to be a celebration of modern womanhood, it features beautiful woman dancing in billowing beige gowns to the fabulous music of Blondie's Rapture. Take a look. Enjoy!

Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List

Secretly, now not so secretly, there are two things that will signify I've made it. They are being included in Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List, and making the cover of Essence Magazine! Needless to stay, I'm still working on it. Vanity Fair just released their coveted 2010 list. Click here to see who made the cut.

Congrats to First Lady Michelle Obama for being featured on the list for the 4th consecutive year and for representing for stylish mocha ladies everywhere!

Flyness and international fashion,

Ike

Fly Alert: Gianni Bini "Acoya"

Living in the south has certainly made me step my sandal game up. Now that the sun is out, full blast, it's toes out-- all the time! I adore this "Acoya" sandal by Gianni Bini. You can get it for just under $100 at Dillards.

-Flyness and Funk,
Ike

10 Ways To Wear a Cardigan (as Shown by Michelle Obama)

Good afternoon Divas,

She's giving us style. She's giving us grace. And Michelle O has also given us a new-fangled fascination with the 'statement' cardigan. Not just your run of the mill, blah, twin set but fabulous cardigans--- with ruffles, embellishment, bold colors, and ornate buttons. Michelle can work a cardigan so ingeniously that when worn on different occasions you might not even recognize the wardrobe repeat. Well, perhaps the constant scrutiny forces her to be that much more creative, but for us divas on a budget-- we can learn a thing or two. A few quality cardigans can add an infinite possibilities to a divas wardrobe.

Let's have a look see.

1. Classic- Partially buttoned and worn over a shell. That was the only way to debut this gorgeous J.Crew Cardigan in London.

2. Open- Unbuttoned, over a blouse or a dress, you can be open and ready for anything. Michelle has her jeans on and sleeves rolled up as she spends time with some school kids.

3. 'Brooched'-- Michelle has an affinity with brooches and who can blame her? A new way to wear a broach, clasped at the top of a cardigan. It's quite dainty and it works best with a fabulous pencil skirt, full a-line, or a dress.
4. Belted- When she first started belting her cardigans it was-- avant garde. But now, everyone's doing it! It's a chic, and polished look and I think it's wonderful for women who share Mrs. O's pear shape, small waiste and fuller bottom half. It accentuates a fantastic upper body.


5. 'Bowed'- Michelle uses the cardigan to accentuate a bow detail. She's done this look with a few shirts too.

6. Preppy- This look is not just for Carlton Banks. Whether at an outdoor fette or walking to class on campus, this is another marvelous way to 'wear' a cardigan.


7. Sashed- Michelle appears at church wearing a dress and cardigan with a sash around her waist. This more formal look can also be done with a skirt.

8. Ruffled- Michelle shows that ruffled shirts and cardigans are a match made in heaven!
9. Collared- Such a smart look, a great cardigan over a crisp collared shirt, with a belt around the waiste. I love this look for work. I especially love how Michelle exposes the sleeves cuffs.


10. Monochramatic Mix-Up- Mom definitely said that stripes don't go with florals, but with the right monochromatic twin set, Michelle shows that-- maybe they do.
11. (BONUS) Faux Three Piece Suit- A cardigan worn over a collared blouse and under a blazer, with a belt-- love it.


With flyness and funk,

Ike

Fly Alert: Diane von Furstenburg "Natasha" Skirt

I think this is sooo Mary Tyler Moore! This a-line skirt is universally flattering and the rows of double buttons are a cute nod to the sixties. Pair with a pair of updated spectator pump like this one from Gucci and a simple black top for a knock out outfit. Purchase here for $325. Actually, these Gucci pumps deserve a pic. They're fabolah as well.

Monique Lhullier, Spring Collection, New York Fashion Week, 2008

Monique Lhullier is synonomous with the modern bridal gown, but her latest showing in Bryant Park demonstrated that she is also well positioned to be a tremendous force in evening and day wear. Her Spring Collection, which she described as a "tropical island get-away" was safe, but nothing short of fantastic. Sandy haired (I would have liked to see Jourdan or Chanel) models walked the runway in vibrant Mediterranean pastel hues, sultry chiffon and tulle, and scintillating details such as gold embellishment that are trademark Monique. Monique, under 30, is definitely one to watch, and not just if your planning a wedding. Enjoy the selected pics.

Condi gets Fly in the Final Hour

Perhaps it is because she is on a European tour extending an olive branch that dried up several years ago and the camera's are rolling. Perhaps it is because as secretary of defense she was part responsible for what many regard as one of the biggest international military blunders in modern history and she'd like to redeem herself on some level. Or that her term is almost up. Or maybe, just maybe, it is because beneath that hardened exterior is...'a woman'.

Whatever the reason, Condi has been looking, dare I say it, fly over the past few weeks. Has anyone else noticed? I was watching the news coverage of her Warsaw visit where she traveled to sign a deal on the deployment of elements of a U.S. missile shield in Poland. I mean, I gagged. Her trademark darth vader meets Mary Tyler Moore flip was replaced with a soft bob. At last, she replaced that harsh, cherry lipstick that Lancome or whoever makes it did not create with her in mind with a more Black people friendly raspberry. Absent were the chocolate chip cookie moles (kudos to her derm) and the cream suit with chic upturned collar and exposed darting was remarkable.

No stranger to St. John's Knits, Condi has always been well suited, but stuffy, in an "I live in Connecticut" sort of way. Not fly. However lately, she's giving me Clair Huxtable rather than neurotic Black Stepford 'Wife' (umm, she did call Mr. President her husband). And this softer look is smart considering that she isn't getting any younger.... And that she lied in front of the international community... But who's counting past transgressions.

I think that real reason that she has decided to "floss" and "shine" a bit before her White House Departure is because she's solidyfing her legacy. Say what you want about her, she is one of the most powerful women in the world and not just according to Forbes. And from the African-American perspective she has reached a level in D.C. unsurpassed by any other. Three biographies about her were released in 2007 alone; “The Confidante: Condoleezza Rice and the Creation of the Bush Legacy,” by The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler, “Condoleezza Rice: An American Life,” by The New York Times’s Elisabeth Bumiller and “Twice as Good: Condoleezza Rice and Her Path to Power,” by Marcus Mabry, now an editor at The Times. Her foot print has been made in history but at a high price. Unfortunately there are many Americans and human beings that await her departure from office like a toddler awaiting an ice cream cone. Many regard her with vitriol, and well, many do not. But nevertheless, I think she's well aware of her precarious position of deep power and shallow esteem. And I think she is trying to project a confident, polished image in her final hour. And you know what? I ain't mad at her. Do it girl. (oooh, awkward)

-Ike

A Few Pageant Gown Trends

In homage of the return of "pageant season" I've been meaning to compile a few of my favorite gown trends for my fellow pageant gals... The following designs are by Sherri Hill, Tony Bowls, Jovani, Bagdley Mischka, a few others that I may need to add later (as I'm not looking at my list). Anyhow, sequin has made a huge comeback, particular matte sequin ( it looks more expensive). Rachel Smith won Miss USA in a red sequin Sherri Hill creation. Also, it seems that since Zuleyka won Miss Universe 2007 in that fabulous low cut chain mail gown, the popular asset of choice amongst beauty queens has become the cleavage. Both of Crystle Stewarts gowns for the Miss Texas USA and the Miss USA pageant (up on the website now) demonstrate this. Nevertheless, a fabulous split is always scintillating. You just have work with what you've got. I also selected a few chiffon creations, such as the turquoise Bagdley Mischka. These unpageant-like gowns are really emerging as a trend in the Miss Universe system. Their stage appeal is in their great movement and they look best on taller women.

Looking for a gown? Keep these tips in mind:

- Show off your single best asset. If you have legs for days, then a long side split will be stellar. If it's your silhouette then a fabulous sequin sheath would be incredible. It could be your cleavage (but not if you are too top heavy), you shoulders, or even your back.

-Choose a fabric that catches the light. The real reason's why pageant gowns are so expensive is because bead work is so pricey, but the crystals, bugle beads, and sequin that catch the light on the stage are so important because they will make you stand out! Today there are many embellishments and textiles out therethat will reflect the stage light, but this detail is very important.

-Choose a flattering color. This aspect can make or break an evening gown segment. Your complexion should litterally pop when you put on the gown. If you are a woman of color stick with jewel tones, bright pastels, and white.

-Choose a gown that moves well because obviously, you have to walk in it. Splits, free flowing materials, and trains are great features on gowns because they accentuate the woman's walk. Avoid gowns that are so restricting on the legs that you find it difficult to do your best pageant walk. Also, remember that the cut and style of your dress should influence the type of pageant walk you do. While a sultry saunter is fabulous in a shimmering sheath, a ball gown requires a far more straight-forward walk with minimal hip movement.

That's all for now. Tune in to the Miss USA Pageant on Aprill 11th on NBC. Delegate photos and interviews are up on the website now.

Flyness and Funk(y tiaras),
Ike

The Look of L'Wren

I'm crazy about fashion/costume designer L'wren Scott these days because with her it's all about the woman. She understands that at the end of the day it's less about the artistic statement and more about honoring the women who wears the clothes. She's making an impact on the red carpet having dressed stars such as Mariah Carey and Nicole Kidman. Her designs hug the female silhouette, not with a cloying hug (the kind that is too tight and last just a few seconds too long) but with a warm embrace that accentuates the woman's Goddesss like assets. She limits her collections to a few key designs; knee length dresses, slender pants (right, not for everyone), trench coats and some show-stopping sheaths. She sticks to a simple no-nonsense color pallete and infuses her graphic designs with incredible detail and luxurious materials. While we all can't look like her(she's a tall, skinny thing and former model) we'd feel incredible in her clothes. Fabolah! No wonder she's becoming popular on the red carpet.

Okay, admittedly if you're not a Hollywood A-lister her line is hard to find, but you can purchase some of her line at Shop Style and soon at Net-A-Porter.

Flyness and Funk,
Ike

Below: Selections from Fall 2008, Spring 2008, and Fall 2007 Collections.