Where's your Black? An Informal Survey

So,
I received many e-mails yesterday urging everyone familiar with the Jena Six case to wear all black today in protest. Not familiar with Jena Six? Basically 6 black teenagers from Louisiana have been jailed and could face life in prison due to a series of racially charged events that culminated in a fight with a white student. While the boys did participate in some pummeling, many protesters contend that their charge, attempted murder, is too harsh for the crime.
The urge to wear all black is a political as well as a fashion statement, and I decided to show my support (I have plenty of little black dresses in my repertoire, so didn't find it hard...) but wondered if others supported as well. I went out during a brief lunch break...
...to see what I could see.
Surprise: the all black was in full effect!
Kelly, an executive assistant...
...looked smart in glasses, a black dress, and silver flats.
Shakema and Elizabeth...
accented their all black with bright orange shawls.
Attorney Gigi...

...looked amazing in a black turtleneck sweater, pencil skirt, and hot suede mustard peep toes.
And Elsa and Lisa...
...accent their black with cool retro specs and necklaces.
Cute!
A few people didn't get the memo.
Accountant Andre...
...said he didn't know that people were wearing black. Besides, he said, he's from Jamaica, and was unaware of the national news.
And lastly, Cherise, right, was in all black...
But her friend, Natalie, said she just didn't know!
A bit of a mixed bag, but it seems that people (in midtown at least) dusted off their old black pieces to show their disdain for a sad case in racial politics.
How's it look where you are?
Smootches!
PS Not familiar with the case? Read about it here and here.
PSS Send me pictures!

Boutique Spotlight: Lee Lee's Valise

Hey!
Almost the weekend…
So I received an e-mail yesterday advertising a ‘Plus Size Fashion’ Week taking place at a store in Brooklyn called Lee Lee’s Valise…
Since I’ve been accused in the past of not showing love to big girls, I decided my attendance at the event was mandatory.
I made my way down on the F train, and entered the boutique, only to find that Fashion Week was more of a mix and mingle event with champagne, designers, and lots of clothes. No worries! Lee Lee’s itself provided enough fashion entertainment, and seemed like the perfect place for a plus size diva with a keen sense of style.
The store carries sizes 12 to 28 and features clothes by designers such as Roni Rabl, Anna Scholz, Trentecosta, Tadashi, Elana Miro, and Kiyonna.
I took a look around and found a lot of cool finds with prices that spanned the gamut.
This gold coat by Anna Scholz was a whopping $1,102…
While this cool cropped jacket by Maestro was a more reasonable $39.
This gold and pink dress by Kiyonna is a mid-tier $116...
And this coat, again by Anna Scholz, was $994..
Bring your credit cards!
Of course the ladies who came out were trying things on.
This Lace Boudoir Dress by Kiyonna was very flattering and a reasonable $168…
This ready for work dress by Trentecosta was also $168…
And this showstopper by Roni Rabl was a conservative $200…
Fierce! The young lady wearing it said, “I usually have lots of fit problems. Plus sized clothing usually goes straight down. I never find anything that fits me.”
Thankfully that dress fit the bill…I think she walked out with it on!
Lee Lee's Valise has lots of other must sees.
A wide assortment of Spanx…
Lingerie by companies like Volage with bra sizes that go up to a 46H…

Jeans and t’s…
Accessories…
And bags….
You must stop by!
Plus Size Fashion Week continues tonight and features designers Anna Scholz and Jessica Svoboda. Drop in tonight from 6-9…you won’t be disappointed!
Lee Lee's Valise is at 368 Court Street (at President). Call 718-246-5337 or visit www.leeleesvalise.com for more information and directions.
Smootches!
PS I'm wearing black today to support the Jena 6. Are you?
PSS Can't make NY Plus Size Fashion Week? Check out Pieces Fall Preview...

Click to Enlarge
It's going down tonight at 7:30 at 671 Vanderbilt Avenue at Park Place. See you there!

Style File: Tyra Banks

Since ANTM's new season premiere's tonight, I thought it only fitting to profile former model, Victoria's Secret showstopper, talk show host, and creator of my weekly addiction...
Ms Tyra Banks!
As a former model and fashion aficionado, she looks smashing on most occasions. Let's take a look:
For casual outings, Tyra wears anything from a cool cap with skinny jeans and boots...
...to thigh skimming dresses in neutral colors like khaki...

or black.

When she goes glam, she amps it all the way up in frocks of varying lengths that accentuate her bustline...
And wears dark, slimming colors to conceal her post model pounds...
Fierce.
Channel your inner 'top model' with the following Tyra like items:
Top Row: Diane Von Furstenberg Eyelet Wrap Dress, $233, www.bergdorfgoodman.com, Curvy Jersey Wrap Dress, $69, www.victoriassecret.com.
Bottom Row: Guess Darali Peep Toes, $114, Zappos.com
Taryn Alpaca Knit Hat in Ivory, $60, CoutureCandy
And, just for fun, a few things I'm looking forward to this season:
1. Tyra's Tantrums...


2. Ms Jay...



3. And characters like Jade...


Can't Wait!
Smootches!
PS Thought this was funny...