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!