Style File: Vanessa and Angela Simmons

Hey!
It's been a while since we've had a Style File, so today I decided to highlight budding bombshells Angela and Vanessa Simmons:
Ever since their reality TV debut on Run's House, they've silently yet steadily increased their style quotient:
When the dynamic duo first hit the celebrity circuit in 2006, they favored a 'girls next door' approach comprised of ho hum jeans, lackluster t-shirts and skirts from the juniors department...

In short shrift they either hired a stylist or had Auntie Kimora work her magic, as they started bringing the Fabulosity on a regular basis.
For casual events, they rock tailored jeans, offset by bright colored hoodies with boots...

...or age appropriate dresses, with the younger Angela going for fun patterns, and the older Vanessa favoring more sophisticated neutrals like black and tan topped off with statement bags:

Red carpet events invite a slicker aesthetic, but Angela captures the fun in glittered sequined cocktails while Vanessa keeps it chic in black satin and peep toes:

They both have distinct looks, yet it seems neither is afraid to play with textures...

...color...

...or hot designer shoes...

Cute!
Favor Angela's style? Get it poppin with these cool picks:

1. A.B.S. Black White Zebra Print Dress, $210. 2. Aviator Nation Iroc Hoodie in Grey with contrast sleeves, $99. 3. Tracy Reese Sequined slip dress, $307. 4. Boutique 9 Women's Giganta Mary Jane, $110. 5. Pastry Fab Cookie Sneaker, $70. 6. Report Signature Fillmore Platform Sandal, $107.
Love Vanessa's grown up steeze? Try these:

1. Plastic Island Satin Dress in Black, $145. 2. French Connection Jack Check Dress, $168. 3. Rodnik Ludovico jacquard dress, $429. 4. Jinny Kim Halloween Zipper Bow Pump in Black, $127. 5. Report Signature Women's Clinton Bootie, $225. 6. Moschino Cheap & Chic Pump with Bow, $295.
Bisous!
Psst, the girls have joined the blogosphere! Read their thoughts on gossip, style, and more at www.pastrykicks.com.

Style File: Ciara

Today's Style File shines on fellow ATL fashionista...
...Ciara!
Since she burst on the scene in 2004 with her anthem 'No Goodies,' she has been quietly yet consistently stepped up her style game in form fitting slinky fits that suit her slim frame:
For red carpet moments, you'll find Ciara in neutral colors, favoring grayish tones offset with sequins, embellishments, and wide leather belts...
...thigh grazing black dresses in slick satin or jersey fabrics with eye catching cutout details...
...or simple black and white, whether she's wearing a floor length gown...
Or a chic jacket dress combo with hot gray and black stilettos:
Never too predictable, she takes a step away on occasion in cute club dresses in colorful hues like pink and purple....
...all the while maintaining edge with unexpected details like exposed zippers.
For casual commitments, you'll find Cici in anything from liquid black skinnies with matching black or white tops:
...to leather jackets paired with button downs or dark washed jeans...
....always with a black pump to accentuate her height.
For a Ciara red carpet look, go with these certified club bangers:
1. Forever 21 Cheetah Burnout Dress, $42. 2. Arden B Belted Pocket Dress, $98. 3.Democracy Stretch Satin Dress with Contrast Straps and Waist, $120. 4. Sequin Shift Dress, $33. 5. A.B.S Silver Satin Peep Toe Pumps, $72. 6. Kors Michael Kors Wicked Patent Slingback Sandals, $175. 7. Georgina Goodman Women's Libby Platform Pump, $770. 8. Pour La Victoire Women's Babette Pump, $105.
For Casual Ciara, choose these:

1. Max Studio Asymmetrical Shell, $128. 2. Silence & Noise Night Owl Open Jacket, $108. 3. J Brand Pencil Leg Jean in Dark Vintage, $168. 4. Christian Louboutin Decollette Leather Pumps, $575.
Bisous!

Plus Sized Style Spotlight: Toccara

So I've been getting lots of e-mails lately imploring me to represent more plus sized fashionistas.
While I've profiled plus sized sirens Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah in past Style Files, there's a new voluptuous vixen in town, representing for the girls with a bit more curve:
Toccara Jones.
This former ANTMer parlayed her bubbly personality and undeniable charm into stints at BET and the pages of Italian Vogue and Essence. Her style has evolved accordingly, by focusing on fits that show off her best assets.
For Toccara, the rule is black, black, and more black...

...as the dark color is slimming and its monochromatic look creates a vertical line, making the body seem sleak. Toccara also favors plunging necklines...

...that bring the eye downward, and the focus more towards the center of the body. When she diverts from black, she stunts in dresses in eggplant or turquoise...
...or pops on a belt on other occasions to highlight her smallest part:
Chic!
For more casual events, she opts for a v neck vest or t-shirt....
..worn with jeans in straight or boot cut styles to balance out her hips.
Want a chic plus size look? Try these options:

1. Monif C Marilyn Convertible Dress 26, $75. 2. Torrid White Purple Zebra Head V-Neck Tee, $28. 3. London Times Woman Crepe Belted Dress, $90. 4. Sutton Studio Exclusive Bi-Stretch Cap Sleeve Dress - Plus Sizes, $150. 5. Womens Rise Boot Cut Sweetheart Gray Jeans, $20. 6.Camilla Wraparound Dress in Red, $135. 7. Rachel Pally White Label Short Caftan Dress, $248. 8. Black Lola Ruched Dresses by Kiyonna, $126. 9. Robbie Bee Crisscross Silk Chiffon Dress, $88.
Smootches!
See more Fashion Bomb Plus Sized Posts here.

Style File Throwback: Pam Grier

Hey!
So today, Adriana hits us with a Style File throwback on super sultry actress Pam Grier:

We might've covered a lot of the silver screen's current sirens, but we still may have a bit to learn from the old school.
Enjoy!
**********************************************************************
With the return of Halston and flare legs, among other things, '70s fashion has come back and it's a trend that's going to march right on through Fall 2008. Who else embodies that decade's tough, sexy style more than Ms. Foxy Brown herself, Pam Grier?

Known for her roles in Coffy and the now-legendary Foxy Brown, Ms. Grier's film fashions (and swagger) have inspired legions of designers, models, and fashionistas. Halter-top jumpsuits, tall boots, leather, filmy silk, and what another writer terms "fierce-fitting polyester" are all touchstones of Ms. Grier's trendsetting wardrobe.
Confident and sensual, with a touch of Afro-centric--loves it. And what has Ms. Grier said of her status as a fashion icon? "Me, sexy? I'm just plain ol' beans and rice." We would strongly beg to differ.

Channel Pam Grier's style with these pieces:

Top Row Left to Right: Michael Kors Penelope Boots, $159; Leather Trench Coat, $80; Solid Petal Necklace, $120; Halter Ruched Fitted Jumpsuit, $69.
Bottom Row: Kimono Sleeve Minidress, $209.
~A

Intern Style File: Brandy

Hey!

So I'm not gone quite yet, but there's a lot of preparation (and packing) to do before an overseas trip! Thankfully Adriana stepped in today with a Style File on a bit of an unusual subject...
...Brandy.
Let's see how she did!
*************************************************************************
As she prepares to release her fifth studio album, it’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 15 years since Brandy’s first single, “I Wanna Be Down,” dropped and became an instant hit. Brandy’s fashion sense has a fresh, youthful energy about it, and it’s been fun to watch her look evolve as she’s grown from teen pop star to multi-talented R&B icon.
Brandy’s initial style mirrored that of most any teenager in the 90s: shoe boots, baby tees, back-pack purses (was I the only one who forgot she took Kobe to her prom??)…
…and, of course, she rocked the signature Brandy braids!
As Brandy moved into her late teens/ early twenties, her style took on a new mature, flirtatious edge and we began to see her in more bright colors, fitted pieces, and short hem lines:
...And with the birth of her daughter, Sy’rai, Brandy entered full-fledged womanhood--all too evident in her fashion choices. Remember the flapper dress/gladiator sandal outfit she wore to the 2002 MTV Music Awards (two months after becoming a new mom?). She definitely made headlines...
These days, Brandy prefers a look that incorporates playfulness, function, and sophistication. She chooses red carpet outfits that accent her waist and slender frame, and feature earth tones and “statement” accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets...
Her casual look still leans toward the youthful, and like any girl who’s young at heart she seems to prefer graphic tees and long loose hair, along with other laid-back pieces to complement the look…
…yet she definitely knows how to dress for a party or chic affair:
It’s been a treat to watch Miss Norwood grow up!
Get some of Brandy’s looks with these pieces:

1. Alice & Olivia Wool Jersey with Belt, $395. 2. J.Crew Beaded Waterfall Necklace, $150. 3. RSVP Taupe Petra Boots,$136. 4. Bebe Diagonal Draped Tunic, $69. 5. Tiger Graphic T, $11.
**************************************************************************
Great job Adriana!
Do you like Brandy's Style?
Smootches!
PS A bit of throwback Brandy flavor, in case you forgot:
I did the dance to this for days...

You need to give it up...

And I'm still drooling over the guy in this viddy...