Thursday, March 29, 2007

Style File: Nia Long + Vogue

“But when she came to kick it, things became different./Any girl I cheated on, sheets I skeeted on./I couldn't keep it home, I thought I needed a Nia Long./I'm trying to write my wrongs/But it's funny these same wrongs helped me write this song.”—Kanye West ‘Touch the Sky.’

So today my fashion focus is on the prolific, cute actress Nia Long!

Nia’s style is supremely simple, yet superbly flattering.
For red carpet events, she keeps it safe in shifts...

...and strapless numbers...

...in demure yet sophisticated grays, blacks and whites.
For nights on the town, she keeps it saucy with cute shorts...

...slinky tops...

...and leather jackets in earth tones like army green, chocolate brown, and khaki. Cute.
Want her look? Try these items:

Top Row, Left to right: Tibor Lamb Blazer, $150, www.nordstrom.com; Gap Military Anorak, $70, www.gap.com ; Rebecca Taylor Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $306, shopbop.com
Bottom Row, Left to right: Charlotte Russe Corset Top, $26, www.charlotte-russe.com; Nine West Accolia Shoes, $73, zappos.com
Diesel Modane Short Pant in Grey Mini Stripe, $143,www.revolveclothing.com.
Smootches!
PS I finally received my April issue of Vogue in the mail. It’s the ‘shape’ issue, so articles touch on topics like anorexia in the modeling industry, trans fats in foods, and exercising. Their support of body acceptance is obvious, as they placed the beautifully voluptuous Scarlett Johansson on the cover.

First Jennifer Hudson, now Scarlett. Vogue is really trying to send the message that they, as a fashion institute, don't contribute in any way to the whole skinny model fiasco. Anna Wintour addresses the issue in her editor’s letter saying, “That fashion alone should be blamed for this health issue surprises me—many other fields such as movies, ballet, and rock music could equally be said to promote a thin ideal.” Sounds like we’re passing the blame, Anna. And all this recent ‘plus sized’ love reeks of tokenism. When the debate dulls down, will we continue to have shapely women on covers? That remains to be seen.
Anyway check out the issue for the exuberant Andre Leon Talley…

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…who says that he plays tennis to maintain his girlish figure. But don't get it twisted. In his contributor's note, he says that he's never “without a complete set of LV gym bags, racket covers, and mufflers.” Of course!
Also turn to the very back of the book, (pg. 366) for a feature on Alvin Ailey dancer Dwana Smallwood…

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…photographed by Annie Leibovitz. The article discusses her athleticism, perfectionism, and creativity in her vocation and in fashion.
Check it out!

12 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:20 PM

    I think Vogue is probably changing its view from ANTM pressure. This season they actually had two plus-size model contestants. And on the show one of the girls has the nerve to ask on of the plus-size girls, " do you think they'll ever put a plus size model on the cover of vogue?" and now we've got two. hmmm...

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  2. Thanks Claire for posting about Nia...I love her and I love her style, not to mention she is a gorgeous woman! But I am petite like her as well so seeing some ideas for outfits is great. YAY for fashion bomb

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  3. Anonymous3:06 PM

    thanks for the NIa post! She's always been Gorgeous!

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  4. Anonymous3:54 PM

    Andre Leon Talley is a fool. He needs to be quarantined.

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  5. One thing I keep waffling on though is whether SJ can really be considered plus size. Yes, she's likely a size 4, which compared to the double 0 trends of late may look voluptuous.. but I'm not sure she's on Jennifer Hudson's level as far as plus size goes. I definitely appreciate her not being anorexic-looking (and gorgeous), but I really don't consider her big in any sense.

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  6. I love Dwanna - she's definitely Vogue material!

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  7. Anonymous7:06 PM

    I don't know if ALT needs to be quarantined, but he's certainly a flamboyant one.
    Scarlett has a well-defined defined figure, but she's not plus by any sense of the imagination. Plus is Ashley Graham (white model profiled in the Talking Fashion section).

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  8. Anonymous2:20 AM

    Ha ha…you call Nia Long cute, but then say Scarlett Johansson is beautifully voluptuous; where is Johansson voluptuous? Where! Nia Long is beyond cute she is absolutely beautiful.

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  9. Somehow I can't see Vogue caring two flips what happens on ANTM. The show is a joke.

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  10. Anonymous5:39 PM

    Tbe honest I fail to be particularly impressed with Nia Long's style, it's cute but there is nothing innovative or new about it.
    Let's see some style profiles on black men and women who dare to reach beyond the norm and stun the world with their new fashion ideas...speaking of ALT.

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  11. Sorry Claire but there is nothing voluptuos about Scarlett, J-hud-yes. Would you consider yourself voluptous? Because if you don't then how could Scarlett?

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  12. Anonymous3:01 PM

    where can i download some nice pics of the sexy ashley graham?

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