An out of this world-class production. Images shot by world-renowned fashion lensman Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue’s July issue.  Exquisite couture frocks: Missoni, Cavalli, de la Renta are draped on the frames of if-looks-could-kill models. (On set, I imagine stylists, creative directors, makeup artists, their minions, assistants, and interns swirled and raced to and fro to be sure everything was just so and not too, too.)

 

What may sound like any “fabulous” high-fashion shoot and its resulting spread or a slightly more-down-to-earth clip from America’s Next Top Model is truly  an even more extraordinary authentic, in-print first.  

 

Mr. Meisel’s posing mannequins don’t fit what has been the fashion industry’s hushed-or-worst-still- unspoken-rule-but-not-at-all-a-secret that it (the industry) has long preferred its models fair and toothpick thin; a subscription that leaves women—like me—feeling like an airplane passenger neighbor never greeted, seen but not worth the time.

 

But all Mr. Meisel’s subjects, though they fit designer sample sized duds (usually 2 or 4), the beyond-gorg gals are raven, caramel, and honey-toned in complexion.

 

Since the issue hit US stands last week, media and fashion insiders are talking even more about the typical absence of diversity, color and shape in fashion. 

 

While “Conspicuous by Their Presence” author Cathy Horyn’s interviews with fashion-mavens including Iman and Bethann Hardison suggests diversity (though sometimes contrived) has “improved” over the years, they also maintain that the “industry” is still NI (in need of improvement). Well, but of course!

 

Thank goodness for platforms like O, the Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, Essence, Lucky, and ivillage.com that celebrate women for their diversity. And, though only annually in it’s Shape Issue, American Vogue has in recent years featured a few women close to an American woman’s average size 12. In support of its sister publication, I’m sure, the July 2008 issue American Vogue recognizes three black supermodels-in-the-making, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, and Arelis.

 

Kudos to Steven for setting the precedent. Hopefully with fotogs like him and ”Love the Skin You’re In” campaigns launched by Dove leading the way the trend of including women of every shape, size, skin-tone, ethnicity, hair length and texture will become the new standard in fashion and beauty. I mean, it’s ideal.

 

Until we’ll fully there…you be you! Be beauty-full!

 

Tai

Hi Ladies,

 

Like any other day, I chatted (or at least corresponded) with a few girlfriends yesterday. At some point during our communication I posed these simple questions, “Have you purchased Father’s Day gifts yet? What did you buy?”

 

I wasn’t surprised to learn that while they all look forward to indulging the men in their lives, few, with less than 72 hours ‘til the “big” day, have put their dollars or credit cards where their hearts are.

 

The answers were entertaining…to say the least.

 

Friend #1:

“Mrs. M” (35 years, Married 4 years, 1 child and very pregnant) said, “I find this to be a very interesting question that intrigues me…”

 

Clearly she hasn’t made a purchase!

 

Friend #2:

“Mrs. J” (31 years, Married 4 years, 2 children) said, “Yes. Of course! I actually gave it to him last night. He loved his giftsssss: a French-cuffed shirt, Paul Smith cufflinks, and  tie. He’ll wear them to an event where he’s being honored this Saturday."

 

Good for you Mrs. J!!! She’s the sweetest, superwoman-mother-wife I know. (Really!)

 

Friend #3:

“Miss B” (31, In a Relationship, no children) said, “Oh my gosh! Shucks! I need to buy something!! Any ideas?”

 

Of course, Miss B! In fact, I have ideas for you and Mrs. M.…and all the Mrs.-es, Misses, and Ms-es, A-Z.

 

Three tips to last-minute, stress-free shopping for him:

• Keep him at the forefront of your mind…of course. (You don’t want to get sidetracked when shopping.)
• Consider his likes, dislikes, wardrobe and valet needs, his lifestyle…of course.

 

And the not so obvious:

• Think about you, too!

 

After all (in the case of a stylish but practical gift), what’s good for the gander can be great for the goose. The perfect gift for him is one that you can borrow.

 

The Every-Man-Will-Like list:

 

Acqua Di Parma Capri Orange EDT, 2 oz. Spray, $64, Saksfifthavenue.com. I don’t usually suggest a woman wear a man’s cologne or vice versa. But Acqua Di Parma scents are gender neutral. This scent will transport anyone to a citrus grove in Capri. Call it a vacation in a bottle.

 

 

 

 

Cole Haan Duffle Perri Collection, $250, colehaan.com. Whether he’s stopping off at the gym or spending a few days golfing with the fellas, this nautical-hued carry-all is equal part handsome and chic. He’ll throw it over his shoulder for his trip, but when you jet set, you’ll carry it in the crease of your arm.

Enter code: MENSALE at checkout for 20% off.

 

 

Banana Republic Slim Fit Geo Floral Dress Shirt, $59, bananarepublic.com. Striped shirts are a safe choice. There’s something so sexy, sensitive, and confident about a man in a delicately patterned shirt. When it’s your turn to wear it, pair it with a wide belt worn high on your waist.

 

 

 

 

Locman Tremila Watch in Orange, $795, barneys.com. Paired with a polo or oxford shirt, this time keeper is sooooo GQ. On you? It’s oversized face and band looks sporty but feminine when matched delicate bangles.

 

 

 

Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses, $129, macys.com. Up the cool factor of any guy in your life while keeping his style clean and traditional.

 

Man-ly and Pedi-cure, $95 at Bliss Spa, blissworld.com. I know, I know…most guys are slow to admit it…but who doesn’t enjoy being pampered (just a little bit) every now and again? Bliss’ signature Man-ly Cure was created with him in mind. If Bliss hasn’t come to your town (just yet), you’re favorite local nail salon will serve him the royal treatment, too.

 

Good luck, happy shopping and happy Father’s Day!

 

Tai

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am not your expectations (no)

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am the soul that lives within

 

Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person

Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend

Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity

Expressing my creativity

 

--India.Arie, “I am not My Hair,” Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationship (2006), Universal Motown

  

I am fortunate to say that I get compliments on my hair frequently. And God knows I appreciate them. Rarely am I asked whether the hair on my head is mine. But occasionally, it happens. But when I am asked the rather forward question, I often ponder whether or not Beyoncé, Kim Catrall, or Gwenyth Paltrow are ever asked the same.

 

So, today, I am coming out!

 

Yes, I’m wearing hair extensions. I have been for a little over a year. My “real,” au natural hair is chemically straightened, sandy in color and now rests healthily below my shoulders. But when I made a long-term commitment to wear my “temporary” longer tresses, it was a drastic change. What was one day a short, cropped, Mia Farrow-pixie that shaped my face like a customized picture frame became what my ultra-conservative, demure mother calls an “unbeweavable” hair-to-there hair-peration.

 

I beg to differ. My chest-length extensions are trés believable. The store-bought locks match my hair texture and color perfectly.  And their believability-factor was, at least for me, a prerequisite to wear them in the first place. My stylist, Carla Gentry Osorio, is the genius weaver. However, as evidenced by this entry, my intention is not to fool anyone about where my own hair begins and/or ends. After all, I am not my hair. Or am I?

 

I mean, I believe women like you and I (and India.Arie) don’t see our hair as a defining characteristic of who we are. Instead, I believe, our tresses are a mere extension (no pun intended) of our style, personality, our mood, a matter of self-expressio. Or perhaps, in my case, an equally important convenience that affords the comfort of working out four times a week without worrying about “my” hair becoming excessively dry or damaged.

 

So with the season’s celebrity “It” hairstyles all of which I love, running the gamut – from the...

 

 

Sassy Chic Katie Holmes-Cruise (I so want her to hyphenate her name):
I adore this cut! The bangs add a whimsical flair to an otherwise structured look. In fact, I’m contemplating doing this one…if only I could tug and pull it into a pigtail during my work out?

 

 

 

To the...Classic Jennifer Lopez: 
She’s been wearing her coif in a simple, yet timeless chignon often since the twins. This look and any close cut takes confidence and self-assuredness. (It seems motherhood does that!)
   

 

 

 

And the… Femme Fatale Sarah Jessica Parker:

Talk about a healthy head of hair? I’m still not sure whether SJP’s stylist adds hair to create her super-full and flow-y look. But I love how playful yet feminine her loose curls look.

 

 

  
 

 

And even the…Rock Star Rihanna:

What some might view as indecisive, I call cutting-edge. The asymmetrical cut has returned after a twenty-plus-year hiatus. But what remains hasn’t changed about this style? It’s still daring, funky, edgy, and rocker-chic!

 

I have to agree with India. I am not my hair! But my hair is ME, I mean “we”. And today (and for the last year or so) I’ve settled into feeling a little more femme fatal-ish like SJP. But with summer coming soon (I hope), who knows, I might just decide to take my rock-star quotient up a notch. Stay tuned!

 

In the meantime, what hair-statement are you making now or thinking about making?

 

 

The birds in the Northeast are finally chirping (loudly). Flowers are budding, tree branches are sprouting leaves, and I’m feeling good. It’s been a terribly long winter. During this unpredictable season of chill, snow, ice, and rain, I continued to frequent a few of my favorites boutiques and stores: Intermix, Tracey Reese, J. Crew,  Barneys,  Anthropologie, and New Jersey’s Ruby almost weekly, absorbing the season’s best looks and hoping and praying that the Sun gods would smile down on us soon.

 

Despite my pleas and regular boutique-drop-ins, until now — when the temperature has seemed to settle itself above 59-degrees Fahrenheit — I wasn’t able to wrap my mind around purchasing a sleeveless blouse, sandal, or sundress.  Just last week, I finally felt 1) inclined to change over my closet, emptying it of cashmere sweater dresses, platform knee boots, and the dismal hues, 2) motivated to make a spring fashion purchases and 3) it justifiable to ask my Starbucks barista to add ice to my Grande-Triple-shot-skim-latte.  Say goodbye, winter.

 

Spring fashion trends are many. There’s the safari trend, the animal print (zebra or snake) trend, there’s the floral trend, the bold print and color block trend, there’s the white shirt trend, the gladiator sandal trend, the peep-toe shoe boot trend…the list goes on. One of my favorite style trends this season is classic, bold, bright, and, of course, statement-making — literally, paying homage to the Mother Earth.  I decided, my wardrobe should catch up with my recycling, shopping, and homemaking behaviors…“I’m going green!”

 

Whether a vibrant emerald or a more subdued khaki designers and style experts alike agree that green looks good on all skin tones. Here are a few of the green purchases I’ve made or hope to make. The trick to pulling this and any trend flawlessly? Don’t go overboard. Take it one green at a time.

 

What fashion trend puts an extra little spring in your step? Do tell!

  

 

Diane Von Furstenberg Tuvallu Zig Zag dress , $325, dvf.com

I love how casual, yet feminine, this tunic looks. And it’s versatile! If you’re feeling especially flirty, forgo the jeans on the bottom and wear it as a dress. Add the safari trend by pairing it with platform gladiator sandals.

 

 

 

Zagliani Metallic Python Handbag, $3600, intermixonline.com

I’ll be the first to admit, this bag (and its price) is my guiltiest green pleasure. I haven’t purchased it yet; but it’s certainly on my wish list. (I’ll need to save some green to go this green.)

 

 

 

 

Martine two-color satin heel, $245, jcrew.com

A sling back shoe adds vavavoom to any simple look. Pair these with a simple shift dress, khaki shorts, or skinny jeans –— all probably in your closet. A little unexpected? Maybe. But definitely stylish. They come in ballet flats as well.

 

 

 

Amulet Glass Necklace, $24, urbanoutfitters.com

Even when I revert to my winter-dressing ways by wearing all black, this necklace and the J.Crew shoes will brighten up my look.