Rihanna is one of the best dressed members of the young Hollywood set.  She has fun with fashion and it shows.  The pop star is also aware of the paparazzi following her every move, so she’s always dressed to impress (or shock depending on the hour and her mood).
Here are photos of several attention-grabbing outfits Rihanna wore out and about in New York City during the month of September. Based on these fashion statements, I can’t wait to peep her October wardrobe!
Rihanna shows her flair for avant fashion in this draped black mini with a matching hood and jeweled boots. …read more

This is the perfect time to score major shopping bargains.  Most stores are marking down their summer  merchandise to make way for fall fashion stock. That’s great news for us.  This weekend I scooped up this pair of Dollhouse sandals that regularly retail for $40 for only $20 at Starwberry’s, a trendy discount mini-chain in New York City.
 
 
Although I’m still on the prowl for a pair of quality black studded gladiator sandals on sale, these funky, beaded brown sandals will do the trick for now.  Alas, if you want the same “Abiba” sandals, you’ll have to pay regular price.  I …read more

I recently discovered  Suno clothing made from recycled African textiles from Kenya.  I’m drawn to the bright, bold colors and the design’s cultural statement. Suno’s first collection was inspired by both the women of East Africa and New York City’s downtown fashionistas.  The Spring/Summer 2009 collection includes only 1,000, one-of-a-kind pieces made from vintage Kenyan kangas. 
Kangas are large rectangles of printed cotton that women from the coast of East Africa have worn since the mid 1800s.  They are sold in identical pairs and usually have Swahili phrases about social or sexual politics written on them.  Like works of art, these …read more

It’s been a while since I went on the hunt for a fashion trend.  But for weeks I’ve watched hipster women whiz around New York City wearing red and black plaid print jackets and tops, so I had to get in on the trend.  After browsing the web unsuccessfully — surprisingly not even Forever 21’s website had the style — I popped into Rainbow, a go to shop for the latest trends at thrifty fashionista prices.
Take a look at what I purchased, along with two other cute styles available at Rainbow.
 
Image credit: Rainbow Shops, John Carluccio

Hot Mamas,
Tomorrow marks the beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Feb. 13-20) at Bryant Park, and I’m off to the tents, baby. I’ll do my best to bring you up-to-date coverage of the shows, events, and parties I go to. Today I got a sneak peak at the Fall-Winter 2009 trends that will rip the runway at Loris Diran’s pre-Fashion Week afternoon showing. Loris recently opened a boutique in lower Manhattan and his Fall collection was elegant and wearable. Wool wide-legged trousers and organza blouses and dresses were a hit, and from what I saw it appears …read more

Whether she’s dressed like a tomboy or glamour girl, actress Penelope Cruz is simply stunning.  Need proof?  Just look at these Top Model-worthy photos from an ad campaign for the Spanish-based clothing boutique Mango. Penelope is modeling fashions from the line she and her sister Monica designed for Mango, which opened its first New York City outpost last year.  The clothes are super stylish and the prices are reasonable.

Although she dabbles in fashion, Penelope is of course best known for acting.  I recently saw Woody Allen’s funny, passionate, and neurotic “Vicky Christina Barcelona,” and Penelope more than deserves her Best …read more