The First Lady has been flying under the Hot Mama Daily fashion radar.  But lately I’ve noticed that Mrs. Obama has been flaunting a lot of fashionable belts during recent public appearances. Not only does she like to buckle up; the trendsetter fancies wearing wide leather belts high above her waist line.
I give Michelle props for daring to be different.  But I’m not a fan of wearing a belt just for show over an overcoat.  It’s impractical.  And the belt’s positioning under her breast bone looks downright uncomfortable.  However, I give her kudos on the coat’s teal color and the …read more

I’m a fan of SUNO’s ethnic designs.  The textiles used for this collection come from Kenya, Tanzania, Japan, Korea, and Italy, and the garments are made in small workshops in Nairobi, Kenya.
Here are a few examples of the collection’s funky style for Spring/Summer 2010:
The collection was inspired by Armand Lanoux’s book about Paris in the 1920s and a Kandinsky painting from 1927.
In 2008, Max Osterweis formed SUNO after more than a decade of collecting textiles during visits to Kenya. His company employs local Kenyan talent, showcases some of Kenya’s artistry, and has the potential to affect positive social and economic …read more

Rakia Reynolds has eclectic personal style.  This trendsetter isn’t afraid to mix bold colors, vivid patterns, and designer pieces with vintage finds; she even showed up for a shoot with Lucky Magazine in a pink tutu. As Philadelphia’s 360 Fashion Ambassador, Rakia works with Philly’s tourism corporation (GPTMC) to promote the blossoming local shopping scene.
 
 
I love Philly and met the bubbly Temple graduate during a recent visit for the city’s first Fashion Week.  This busy hot mama — the 30 year-old is a mother of two girls with one on the way — is also fashion editor for the revamped …read more

Take note of the structured shoulders on singer Leona Lewis’ little black dress.   The singer is on trend, as big shoulder pads and exaggerated shoulder shapes are hot for fall.  Think Alexis and Krystal Carrington from the “Dynasty” era, darling.
Leona was wearing the high-fashion look during a book signing for her memoir, “Dreams,” at a London bookstore.  That sounds innocent enough, right?  Well apparently there was a deranged man amongst “The X Factor” winner’s fans, many of whom waited overnight to meet the Brit beauty.
Reportedly when that fan stepped up to have her sign his book, he lunged over …read more

For the first time in a long time, I’m looking forward to fall. Goodbye hot and humid summer and hello crisp weather and pretty autumn foliage.  Most of all, I’m eager to unpack and add some new pieces to my fall wardrobe.  
Here are 4 items that will spruce up every Hot Mama’s fall wardrobe:
 
1) Short riding boots: I recently picked up these calf-high boots from K-Mart and I love the length.  They fit perfectly with the season’s urban cowgirl trend.
 
2) Boyfriend jeans: This jean trend reminds me of junior high school when I used to cut holes in and write on …read more

What would  Mercedes Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week be without swimsuits. Of course, not any ole’ swim wear will do.  We’re talking designer bathing suits so pretty you’ll want to sashay on the beach or sit pretty pool side so everyone gets a good gander.
 
 
With a bevy of high-waist bikinis and neon one-piece suits with woven details, Rosa Cha’s spring collection blended the old with the new — imagine if you will a cross between Hollywood pinup girl and Valley girl.  The brand’s new creative director, extraordinary Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch, was also inspired by lingerie.
 
 
“These items were designed to …read more

The This Day/Arise Promise of Africa Collective Spring/Summer 2010 show and I got off to a rocky start. A sea of  fashionable but testy ladies and gents crowded the tents at Bryant Park — many with red and white invitations in hand. I was invited to the show, but never received a formal paper invitation. Praying I had an actual seat assignment, I approached a publicist with a clip board. She found my name.  Alas, I was in standing room (again).

It had been a long, rainy day.  I’d already stood for the Twinkle by Wenlan show (a fresh, feminine collection …read more

It’s that time again.  Mercedes Benz-Fashion Week.  I’ll give Hot Mama Daily readers an insider’s peek into the shows I attend at Bryant Park and around the city.  Tonight, it’s Fashion’s Night Out. Cocktails and credit cards are a risky combination, but rain or shine I will check out several in store events (more on that tomorrow).
Last night, I got back into the head-craning and snap shot-taking swing of things at the (Pre) Fashion Show showcasing up-and-coming designers Caycee Black, loyale, and Cloak and Dagger.
 
 
Caycee Black’s lovely line was influenced as much by her own childhood (ballet classes and rummaging …read more

We’re all Hot Mamas here, right?  Yet, there’s a thin line between dressing sexy and looking like you belong on a street corner.  
Here are 5 tips on how to look hot without looking sleazy:

1) She’s Got Leggings: This trend continues to have….legs.  I must admit that black leggings look good paired with long tunics and worn under billowy skirts. But I can’t quite get used to many of you ladies wearing leggings (and only leggings) with short tops.  Even worse, some have mistaken opaque tights or regular pantyhose for leggings.  Not a good look.

 
2) Put Ya Freakum Dress On: …read more

Don’t miss a beat.  Add a rocker tee to your transitional wardrobe.  Whether you fancy ’60s pop and rock idols or ’80s new wave icons, rocker tees are perfect for the last days of summer and ideal for autumn layering.
During a recent trip to H&M I found a fab Madonna t-shirt for $19.95 (click here to see images) featuring the cover of the Material Girl’s “True Blue” album.  I didn’t grab the shirt when I had the chance, and later I read the black-and-white tee is a limited edition.  Don’t you hate non-buyer’s remorse?
Like Madonna 1.0 (the latest Madge model with the fake English accent …read more