4 Universally Flattering Clothing Colors

By Yolanda Wikiel via RealSimple.com:

Some hues bring out the best in everyone, regardless of skin tone or hair color.

Flattering Color: Eggplant

"Some colors work for all skin tones and hair colors, because they fall into the middle of the color spectrum, meaning they're not too warm or too cool," says Leatrice Eiseman, author of The Color Answer Book (Capital Books, $20, amazon.com) and director of the Pantone Color Institute, the international authority on color. Case in point: eggplant (Pantone 19-2311 TC). Eiseman calls the tone "the perfect purple" because it is extremely versatile, almost like a black, a dark brown, or a navy.

My options:


Victoria's Secret cashmere scoopneck sweater $99 (on sale!)


Kate Spade New York "Kane" suede ankle booties $450; Joe's Jeans "Tess" handbag $325

American Apparel melange jersey gym tee $18

Jessica Simpson Acadia pump $79; Robert Rodriguez ruffled racerback top $198

Love Tanjane strapless dress/skirt $154

Flattering Color: True Red

Designer Bill Blass once said, "When in doubt, wear red." And he was right. Not only does red stop traffic but it may also make you a winner. In a study conducted at the University of Durham, in England, researchers found that athletes in combative sporting competitions who wore red were more apt to win than contestants wearing other colors. Pantone 19-1664 TC flatters everyone because it "resides in the center of the color spectrum, in between a cool cherry red and a warm, orangey tomato red," says New York City makeup artist Sonia Kashuk.

My choices:

Tibi patch pocket dress $156 (on sale!)

Cynthia Vincent Seema bootie $252.67 (on sale!)

Anthropologie Cherry Vanilla trench $448

Forzieri Robe de Firenze tote $498

Christian Louboutin velvet sandals $1,136.16

HAWKS by Geren Ford ruffle neck dress $108

Flattering Color: Indian Teal

Colors on opposite sides of the color wheel enhance each other, which is why strawberries look so good packaged in green containers, Eiseman says. It's not surprising that this teal-Pantone 19-4227 TC, the color-wheel opposite of pink-plays up a healthy flush in the skin. Plus, it's more versatile than a bright, summery turquoise, so you can wear it well into the fall with black, brown, and other neutrals.

My take:

Giuseppe Zanotti teal studded suede pumps $635.99 (on sale!); Rachel Roy asymmetrical dress $1,195



Zambos and Siega Bo clutch $165; Tibi deep ruffle top $181.50 (on sale!)


Spiegel leather wrap jacket $129; Spiegel A-line skirt $39.99 (on sale!)



Forever 21 sleeveles knit tunic $5.80; Avon faceted teal statement ring $19.99

Flattering Color: Mellow Rose

Sorry, Pretty in Pink fans, but Molly Ringwald did not look all that great in her bubble-gum pink prom dress. She should have opted for a more sophisticated shade, somewhere between a light pink and a peach, which looks more like a neutral than a pastel. The subtle color (Pantone 15-1515 TC) highlights the natural flush of one's face, says Kashuk, giving anyone who wears it a glow. No wonder Kashuk recommends a similar shade of lipstick to all her clients.

My picks:

Lela Rose flower detail blouse $261 (on sale!); Tribecca Collection delux twist hobo bag $98

Robert Rodriguez blush mini dress $226 (on sale!); Alexandra Vidal pale pnk skirt $134.50 (on sale!)

Kudos Solange!

I for one am loving Solange Knowles' new cropped cut, I think that it goes well with the edgy look that she embraces. This definitely showcases her individuality and accentuates her face (especially those eyes!) It honestly makes me want to take the plunge. When I first went fully natural my hair was short but not the close cut boy look that I've liked on so many others.





My short look back in 2006:

Tie One On

Tie neck blouses bring sweet and ladylike to the forefront and can be layered underneath blazers or simply paired with a pencil skirt to add that touch of elegance without being matronly.


Thakoon Falling Confetti blouse $990

Talbots tie neck blouse $79

Dolce & Gabbana leopard print stretch satin tie neck blouse $1,195















Fred Flare Sunset tie blouse $52

Dillard's Walter puckered satin blouse $56.40 (on sale!)

Banana Republic silk striped blouse $70


Anthropologie Laurasia Leaf blouse $98

Naomi Sims, "First Black Supermodel," Dead at 61

The New York Times reports that model Naomi Sims died on Saturday at age 61. The cause of death was cancer.

Sims was considered the "first black supermodel" for appearing on the cover of Ladies Home Journal in November 1968, a time when African-American models were few and far between. She subsequently modeled for designers like Halston, Fernando Sánchez, Teal Traina, and Giorgio di Sant'Angelo. She also appeared on many other magazine covers, and two images-- a 1969 cover of LIFE and a 1967 New York Times fashion magazine over--are on display in the Metropolitan Museum's "The Model As Muse" exhibit.

After five years, Sims retired from modeling and started a multimillion-dollar wig-making business that specialized in designs for black women. Sims also penned at least five books on beauty and modeling.

Story and photos from The Huffington Post

What Works For Me?

Advice via Lucky.com for a pear shaped figure.

You asked, I answered!

Q: Who makes this bag that Halle Berry is carrying and can I afford it?

A: Well, Halle certainly does love her Thomas Wylde "Santa Cruz" bag and for a mere $2,294.72, you can try and cop this bag but it seems to be sold out. Want a more affordable option? Well that is why I am here, my friend. Here you go:

"Louisiana" handbag $42 at Lulu's


Sabina pleated top bag $258 @ Urban Outfitters

Bloomingdales Linea Pelle "Janis" fringe tote $425


"Tongue Tied" handbag in Expresso @ Lulu's


Tan large woven hobo $40 @ AKO


Sabina leather Coquille bag $149.99 (on sale!) at Urban Outfitters


Anthropologie Furrowed Fields bag $178

"Basket Weave" handbag in chocolate $39 @ Lulu's


Celest tote $48 @ Shop Suey