Vogue does it again. In the January 2009 issue features a 16-page fashion spread of beautiful Black women. Our favorite models (and top models for right now) Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn grace the pages, showing off the haute-est gear from Marc Jacobs to Lanvin. Personally, I love the models (tres chic) but I can’t wait to see the clothes! Good job for a little diversity Vogue!

When the economy dips, designers dig deep within their pockets, using creativity to make their fashions work… and make it affordable for us. It’s no different for fashionistas, who make it work everyday even on a shoestring budget.

History has shown that in tough economic times, designers play it safe. Maybe it’s time for us fashionistas to play it safe as well. Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz was quoted in October saying women are “going to buy emotional pieces that they cannot resist. They may skip dinner or lunch, but they will get the dress.”  

But how do you know when you’ve gone too far? It’s exciting to think our lives are dripping in luxury like pages of the magazines. In reality, there are lights that get cut off and cars that get repo’d! So how can you meet the fashion code without going into severe debt? Here are five rules to live by when it comes to shopping:

1. Inventory your wardrobe before shopping so that you have an idea of what you need. I have always been guilty of buying items that I know I have nothing to along with it. This cardinal rule has saved many skirts, sweaters and shoes from the “drop-off to Goodwill” pile.
2. Strategize! Buy classic pieces. A classic trench, a lightweight grey pant… who couldn’t use these pieces? The best part is they last all year round!
3. When it comes to trends, find your favorite on and stick to it. You don’t need to wear every style of everything that comes out, besides your closet might begin to look a little schizo.
4. Speaking of trends, keep in mind that fashion is cyclical. I’ve been saying this for years! The trends you see in the magazines may be the ones tucked deep in the back of your closet…or in the middle of a consignment shop.
5. Accessorize! Enough said.

What did we learn today? A dismal economy doesn’t always equal dismal fashion!Happy shopping!

An anthropologist from University of Utah hypothesized that the best body shape for women may not be the hourglass shape, according to an article on Yahoo News. Elizabeth Cashdan said that the hormones that typically help to deal with stress and increase strength “also tend to redistribute fat from the hips to the waist.”

In the article, Cashdan said, “in societies and situations where women are under pressure to procure resources and otherwise bring home the bacon, they may be less likely to have the classic hourglass figure.”

Now I’m a fan of diversity in all shapes and sizes! When I worked at Barbizon Modeling School, we helped our potential models find their best shape and how to work with it using clothing. Check out this handy website to determine your shape. It is generally unhealthy to carry around a lot of weight in your midsection. Whether you’re a man or woman, extra pounds on your belly put you at risk for heart disease, not to mention tons of other issues. Don’t put yourself at risk just because it’s attractive to the other sex. You don’t have to be a stick, but keep it fit.

The holidays are here and what better reason do you have than to play dress up? We put a lot of focus on fashion, but don’t forget that the base starts with beauty. Here’s a few helpful tips to get the Haute holiday look you want.

1. Add golden touches to your look. I love a bronzer (not blush), especially with a soft metal look to the eye makeup.

2. Try on a smoky eye. There’s nothing more sensual that this bad girl look.

3. Don’t forget your nails! With all that fabulousity going on with your holiday-wear, don’t distract with crazy colors on your tips. Go for a short, nude nail if your wearing anything sparkly or colorful. It’s sheer and sexy. But if you’re rocking an all-black ensemble, be bold. Try out fire engine red!

Need help with the look? Mary Kay vendors will demonstrate holiday looks from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the 2nd Annual Holiday and Train Show at the Whitaker Center. Try the look, buy the look! Avon representatives will be on site as well.

What craziness! Amid economic concerns, retailers have opened their doors to bargain hunters again this Black Friday, hoping to make a financial come-back. There are sales galore, but don’t forget about the small Mom and Pop shops in downtown Harrisburg. Here are a few sales in our city:

Plum Bottom: 31% off (to celebrate 31 years of business) through Sunday.

Pampered Peacock: 50% off today!

When you’re finished, relax at Lola’s Day Spa on 3rd, then head to Zephyr Express on Front for a BBQ Flatbread Pizza! After all that turkey, who couldn’t use a break!

Happy Shoppings!

Fall has arrived and it’s time to layer up: boots, sweaters, comfy hats, stirrup jean leggings. Wait a minute! Stirrup jean leggings? How does one justify wearing those things!?

I completely understand wanting the perfect fit of skinny and the desire to keep jeans tucked into boots, but this is a train wreck. The mere sight of the ‘pants’ stirred up memories of the ‘80’s, complete with teased bangs and multicolored, layered and scrunched socks. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, a teen walked past me in the mall wearing the ‘pants,’ complete with high heels and a waist-length tee-shirt. Say it ain’t so!

Here’s my major problem with these pants: when the average person sees them in the store with no pictures as guidelines, they assume that wearing the pants in the tee-shirt/shoe combo is okay. Let me be the first to tell you, it is not. We have an issue of camel-toe, a problem with the stirrup of course, and the fact that these pants look like extended biker shorts painted jean color.

Now I love the idea of the perfect tuck, but if you’re going to wear these pants, wear them in an educated manner. Long shirts or sweaters please, and boots for God’s sake.

Courtesy of Richard Young/startraksphoto.com

Coke? Who needs it. Kate Moss has dug up an old school- and somewhat healthier- addiction to clothing. The waifish model was chosen to deliver a new line of clothing for big box store Top Shop. The store will be opening it’s first stateside shop in NYC this Fall. But back to the clothing.

Expect tiny offerings from Moss, as none of the pieces inch over a size 6. The average American woman, as we know, teeters between a size 10 and 16. For those of you that must have the pieces, enjoy! They are available at Barneys and online at TopShop.

Yea, the food, performances and games are great. But what about the fashion in Korean culture? Harrisburg Area Community College and Ta-ri linked up Oct. 11 to present the Korean-American festival. Held on the campus of HACC, the community-wide Chusok celebration will take place form 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Come and eat song pyon (special rice cakes seasoned with pine needles) before it’s gone, check out the chopstick competition and best of all, see the hanbok fashion show! It’s a celebration of culture and community, but for us fashionistas, it’s a chance to experience fashion from another part of the world. Details are provided at HACC’s website.

Yep, it is a Harley boot!

Like what you see? Great, because there’s more where that comes from. The annual Women’s Show in York will hold two, count em, two fashion shows this weekend. The first features the latest styles from Harley Davidson, including the pretty sexy boot from above. Now I usually don’t equate Harleys will fashion, but this show should be pretty interesting. Leathers and accessories will be on display. Even if you don’t ride, you could drive away into the sunset with a rock star look.

A little rugged for you taste? Not to worry! Later in the day, models will show off the goods from T.J. Maxx, including the hottest trends and classic looks for fall. For more information, check out the Women’s Show website.

Pampered Peacock Vintage

I stumbled upon this jewel of a shop while walking through midtown Harrisburg. The store’s facade is welcoming and the clothes outside are to vie for.. seriously, vintage is a one of a kind deal. You’ve got to get it while the gettin’s good!

Pampered Peacock offers the best presentation and selection of vintage dresses in the area. I spotted a 60’s style floor length dress in the window and have been hooked ever since. The best part? If you don’t want to deal with downtown traffic, simply shop the store online. And you can even befriend the store on Myspace to get the scoop on the latest deals.

Happy Shopping!