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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

The red carpet was more of a runway this week for celebs who served style for the masses. From Los Angeles to London to France, severals stunners including Janet Jackson, Eva Longoria, Kelly Rowland, Eve and Joy Bryant showed up in (dare we say it?) 'copy me' or 'don't copy' me looks. Attention-grabbing in their bold-bright hues, animal prints and limited-edition numbers, it was certainly the sistas that were the highlight of the week. There was quite a stir in Los Angeles Tuesday night when British fashion designer Alexander McQueen opened his first store there. The opening, which was highly anticipated by Hollywood starlets who covet his super high-end-never imitated-designs, was attended by West Coast residents Janet Jackson, Eve, Joy Bryant and Sex and The City hunk Jason Lewis, to name a few. It was acknowledged that the crowd gasped when Janet arrived in her custom McQueen kimono.

Did it leave you breathless? Would you love or leave this look?

At the McQueen event Eve impressed with her limited-edition British flag clutch. Only 17 were made for a hefty price tag of $2,000. The dress? Not so impressive.

Recently engaged actress Joy Bryant was not her usual demure self in a strapless animal-print dress.

Kelly Rowland was lucky enough to score tix to the Sex And The City premier in London on Monday. I adore her purple frock on her bronzeskin.

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria stood out in her Atelier Versace (that's couture to you fashion newbies) she wore in France for the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.

Tell us which looks do you love or which would you leave?

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Every now and again, OK maybe a little too much, this Style Spotter enjoys after work drinks and light dinner with friends.However, for those of you new to the city it can be a hassle to find a chic place to unwind after such a hectic metropolitan day. You need a restaurant/bar where reservations are unnecessary, where cocktails are dangerously pretty and where the appetizers are what they should be... appetizing!

Well, my fabulous sister-in-law and I walked down trendy 5th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn to spot after work hot spots for those in need of a proper dose of spring time fun!

Nana located on 155 5th Avenue is a modern mix of Asian Fusion. There's a delectable sushi bar and drinks range from sake to raspberry, white chocolate martini's. So, very good.(hiccup!)

For those of you who desire a Mediterranean influenced evening, join the hip set of patrons who relax, (did we mention the hookahs?) and dine here at Babouche. Located at 163 5th Avenue, Babouche is truly an oasis in the heart of Park Slope with a menu featuring modern Moroccan dishes and palpable wines.

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Some days you simply want a decent steak, a slop of mashed potatoes and a cold beer. 200 Fifth offers just that and more with live music nights, ball games on the numerous flat screens, a pool table, along with an eclectic juke box, all make for a very fun, ole American night. Cleverly named after it's location on 200 5th Avenue, 200 Fifth also satisfies you tipsy, sweet tooth with a mix of alcoholic, filled dessert shakes.

Press 195, named by the Food Network as the "Sandwich Kings of Brooklyn," certainly live up to their names. Located at 195 5th Avenue, Press 195 specializes in mouth watering hot pressed sandwiches, which are pressed using handcrafted Ciabatta bread, and rare New England beer. Some days you just want to be easy.

Send pics of your neighborhood hot spots for a feature on Style Spotter. stylespotter1@gmail.com

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

KANYE WEST'S OWN SUNGLASSES BRAND

(Kanye in a pair of Ksubi sunnies)

Hip-hop lovin' fashionistos have eagerly been anticipating the arrival of rapper Kanye West's Pastelle clothing line.

The trendsetter, who inspired a legion of fans including Jay-Z to rock an Arabic scarf a' la Jesse James style, will begin with the release of Pastelle sunglasses as part of his collabo with Australian brand Ksubi. West has been a fan of the company himself having rocked their shades to shows for quite some time. "I love the sunnies Ksubi has produced over the years. It is an honor to collaborate with them."

"Sunnies"?

Co-created by head designer George Gorrow, the pair will drop limited-edition gold frames for $2,000 in October. What a price tag! Clearly he's not thinking about his core audience. Somebody's spending a little too much time in Japan lately...

BLACK GIRLS WILL RULE VOGUE

Major fashion mag VOGUE ITALIA is currently shooting an issue featuring all Black girls. That's right, all Black. Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzano told VOGUE UK, "Nobody is using Black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough". Entirely photographed by Steven Meisel, the July 2008 issue will also feature Iman, Liya Kebede and Chanel Iman, to name a few. They'll continue to feature other under represented ethnic groups in upcoming issues. Hopefully other print pubs will follow suit stateside.

The cover star? Not the blackberry weapon-wielding Naomi Campbell but newcomer Jourdan Dunn. The 17 year-old fellow London native who was discovered there in 2006 has been the talk of the industry ever since she walked an impressive 75 shows this past spring even for Prada who hasn't used a Black model, (Naomi) since 1997! Will Jourdan Dunn be heir to Naomi's throne?

VIVICA SEARCHES FOR NEXT TOP STYLIST

Actress/producer Vivica A. Fox is set to host a new reality show for VH1 which will debut on the network this summer. "Glam God with Vivica A. Fox" is a style search with contestants competing to win in three major categories-hair, makeup and wardrobe. Slated to begin taping next month, the eight-episode series ends with the ultimate stylist winning $10,000 and a chance to style an A-list celebrity. Fashion cues from Vivica? I'm not too sure.

Vivica Fox Pictures

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Tracy Reese Spring 2008

The Churchgoer

She's always in the front pew wearing Sunday's best (dressed that is.) Who says you cant praise the Lord and be superstylish at the same time?

Perfect Gift: Large and oversized fabulous hat

Where To Buy: villagehatshop.com, divine-fashion.com, tracyreese.com

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"Avril" vegan leather bag, $160 by Matt & Nat

The Environmentally Aware

She recycles and resuses. She's so globally conscious she makes any and every effort to help save the environment. Why not show her she can she superstylish and earth-friendly at the same time?

Carol's Daughter Jamaican Rum products

For The Uptight

She needs to unwind sooner than later.

Perfect Gift Options: an island vacation, spa gift certificate or bath & body gift set

Consider the Mother/Daughter Escape vacation package at one of the many great islands in Antigua, it's a great way to spend some quality time together. The Spafinder gift certificate is redeemable at more than plenty of spas around the country and The Jamaican Punch products from Carol's Daughter will help her get her groove back ASAP.

Where To Buy: Antigua-resorts.com, spafinder.com and Carol's Daughter at sephora.com

For The Bree Vandercamp Type

She may be the stay-at-home mama, always the perfectionist and works a stove like Patti Labelle.

But secretly measures food for portion control not just for herself but everyone else of course.

Perfect Gift: Foldaway Kitchen Scale at The Competitive Edge, $60

Where To Buy: thecompetitiveedge.com

For The Sentimental

Because she loves to keep those she adore near in more ways than one.

Perfect Gift: Digital Photo to DVD Converter, $199.95 or Photograph to Digital Picture Converter, $149.95.

Where To Buy: Hammacherschlemmer.com

For The Tech Saavy

She's got an Apple i-phone or a blackberry or both! She has the latest gadgets to stay on top of her game and needs to back up even her backed up data.

The Perfect Gift: The SIM Recovery Pro

This keeps track of phone numbers and text messages she may have deleted accidentally (or intentionally) and can help keep tabs on her kids and/or significant other's cellphones. She can backup, edit and restore all SIM data.

Where To Buy: Usually priced for $150 we found it here for $90

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

By TaraSimone, Special to BlackVoices.com

My infatuation with fragrance began as a young girl playing dress up at my mother's vanity. It was the mid 1980s and I danced in the mirror with a belted over sequin top and my mother's high heels sliding on and off my tiny feet. Sitting before her collection of crystal and bejeweled bottles containing elusive liquids ranging in shades from soft amethyst to deep amber, I would pretend to be grown and beautiful...just like her.

Delicate floral fragrances embody the many facets of motherhood...feminine, passionate, joyful, engaging and intriguing.

For those last minute shoppers, you can just grab the following scents -- and for all moms -- from the one who holds it down at work to the "fly" mom to the new mom to the grand dame of them all, the grandmom.

TaraSimone is a floral and event design expert and owner of Barbara's Flowers, an innovative flower retail boutique located in Harlem, New York. Barbara's Flowers offers clients extraordinary blossoms with a plethora of design choices. For TaraSimone, the concept is simple - "We should create our environments as the stage on which flowers, food, music and art entertain and enrich our lives. www.harlemflowers.com

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Once again, New York City was bright and vibrant today with terrific mid 70's weather, baby blue skies and a bright sun, which all assisted in creating a happy pace for me and my fellow city dwellers. As I skipped around Bryant Park, I wanted to know what folks were wearing on such a sun filled day. So today's You've Been Spotted blog, which is the first of many, shall begin in the beginning... with the shoes of course. After all, the shoe is the period at the bottom of an exclamation mark! There would be no point to a chic outfit without a fashionable pair. Check out a few folks in the park who were sporting trendy spring footwear.

Black, discontinued Christian Dior classics

Style Spotter Find (SPF) : Black, hi-top Prada sneakers - $380.00

Preppy, Jack Purcell Converse sneakers, which totally completes the prep look.

SPA: Lacoste sneaker $75.00

Shoe on the left "unknown," however on the right we have a black and white zebra print, with patent leather quilted toe, by Steve Madden.

SPF: Nine West Gladiator shoe $79.00

SPF: Brown and white zebra print flats by Tommy Hilfiger - $75.00

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Why, yes there is! Matter of fact there were plenty at last night's Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual gala. Fashion's Juice Crew, fantastic movie stars, superb journalists and socialites of all kinds came out for the "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy," exhibit.

In a social situation as this, and especially because of the super, fantastic theme, many celebs did not disappoint and were forced to be creative, empowering and amazing, adjectives, which also describe the superhero.

Mary J. Blige - The Storm

Mary J. Blige in Michael Kors

Jennifer Lopez in Alberta Ferretti

Andre Leon Talley - The Superman

Venus Williams, in Carolina Herrera; Andre Leon Talley in Giorgio Armani with Chanel cape

Thandie Newton - The Catwoman

Thandie Newton in Chanel

Michelle Trachtenberg - The Wonderwoman

Michelle Trachtenberg in vintage

Zac Posen - The Johnny Storm ; Kate Mara - The Aqua Girl

Zac Posen in his own design with Kate Mara in Zac Posen

Fergie - The Venom

Fergie in Calvin Klein

Iman - The Scarlet Witch

Iman and David Bowie in Dolce & Gabbana

Kimora Lee Simmons - The It

Kimora Lee Simmons with Djimon Hounsou in Tom Ford

Christina Ricci - The Supergirl

Christina Ricci in Givenchy Haute Couture

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

By Kiante 'The Sneaker Mann' Young, Special to BlackVoices.com

As young boys, men envision what adulthood will be like but once maturity is achieved many of us find it hard to allow our wardrobe to mature as well.

Sporting Adidas Superstars or Nike Air Force 1's may have been the key to dressing to impress but as you start your own family and your son's eye for fashion develops, changing of your style may be just what the doctor ordered.

A friend of mine has been dealing with this very situation stating, "I don't want to wear the same gear as my eighteen year old son but at the same time, I don't want to dress like an old man. How can I dress grown and sexy?"

The first step is owning pants that aren't super baggy. This is important because it adds neatness to your look. Second, you want to lean away from bulky t-shirts and sweaters. Again, this increases the neat and paints a picture for everyone to see that you are a grown man. Why not blend a printed woven dress shirt or a French-cuffed dress shirt with a blazer? A polo shirt will also do.

Now backing up a little bit -- everyone knows that an outfit begins and ends with your footwear thus you want to make sure that your sneakers compliment your new sophisticated garb. For starters, you'll need a shoe that isn't hulking and/or overly brilliant with flamboyant colors but kicks that have a clean, neutral-colored look.

In efforts to remain consistent, you want to avoid bulky high tops while focusing in on slimmer cut low top sneakers. This is why it is important to lose your super baggy pants because wearing trimmer cut sneakers with overly loose jeans could destroy the fresh neatness of your outfit as your jeans will drag behind your feet becoming worn and dirty.

Following these tips will not only update your look but may even attract someone special to you. Wink wink. Check out some of the sneakers below and let me know which one you think helps you get your grown and sexy on.

Prada Striped Sneakers
www.prada.com
$340

Adidas Stan Smith 1 De Lux
79.99
www.footlocker.com

Hugo Boss Green Otago Golf Sneakers
www.macys.com
$125.00

Steve Madden Rhythmm
$79.99
www.stevemadden

Lacoste Swerve Mesh
www.lacoste.com
$115

For More on Kiante, check www.kiante.com

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Kerry Rhodes of the New York Giants
Unforgivable Woman Black: "Summer breeze. I'd like for a woman to wear it in the summertime to the lounge. When's she's coolin out, chillin'."
Unforgivable Black: "It's cool. I'd wear it to a dressed up, classy event."
Dream ad campaign: "Anything for Calvin Klein. Clothes, underwear..."
Favorite recent purchase: "Louis Vuitton knapsack."

Fred Robbins of the New York Giants
Unforgivable Woman Black: "Light and clean. It's ok."
Unforgivable Black: "I would buy it. I'd wear it to a casual event like this (NFL Draft Pick) weekend.
Dream ad campaign: "Ceasar Clothing, a hot new line out of New Jersey."
Favorite recent purchase: "SL 63 Mercedes Benz"

Calvin Pace of the New York Jets
Unforgivable Woman Black: "Too mainstream, doesn't feel exclusive."
Unforgivable Black: "Like it. Feels similar to the woman's. I would wear it to practice. It's a nice, clean fragrance. I wouldn't wear it to the club."
Dream ad campaign: "2xist underwear, I love their stuff. Or PRPS Jeans."

Pierre Thomas of the New Orleans Saints
Unforgivable Woman Black: "Smells like hair shampoo!"
Unforgivable Black "Smells nice."
Dream ad campaign: "Sean John."

James Ihedigbo of the New York Jets
Unforgivable Woman Black: "A lil' too sweet but has a nice coconut scent so I like it."
Unforgivable Black: "Too strong. It would be better if the scent lasted longer."
Dream ad campaign: "Sean John definitely. Tell Diddy to call me for real!"

Former ANTM contestant Whitney Cunningham
Unforgivable Woman Black: "It has a nasty smell to it. With a floral tint. "
Unforgivable Black: "It's too soft for a man to me. I thought it was a woman's scent! I would wear the men's before I would wear the woman's version."
Dream ad campaign: "Marc Jacobs."

THE VERDICT: The majority ruled in favor of Diddy's new splash. It totally lacks bitchassness if you get what we mean.

You can take a whiff and purchase it yourself at www.seanjohnfragrances.com or at Macy's, Dillards, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. The 2.5 oz size retails for $65. The Mother's Day Gift Set just dropped, $75 for a set that includes a larger size spray and body lotion.

Blonde wig (a' la Janice Combs) not included.

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Pierre Hardy is best known, at present moment for teaming up with Gap to design super stylish, extremely simple 2008 spring/summer shoes for the mass market clothing chain. But most folks do not know Pierre Hardy as the Parisian designer of whimsical accessories that are adored by his high end clientele, the shoes especially.

Hardy began his career with Christian Dior's shoe collection in 1988. He was soon recognized for his achievements and began collaborating with Vogue Homme International Magazine, where he was in charge of the show page, editing and illustration. In the summer of 1999, Pierre Hardy launched his successful, self-titled collection. The men's collection debuted in 2001. Pierre Hardy is now the creative director for Hermes Jewelry and also designs the shoe collection for Balenciaga as well as The Pierre Hardy Shoe Collection.

Hardy brilliantly mixes comfort and artistic design in creating what is best described as the perfect high heel for any tomboy. And even though we first saw this look with the Manolo Blahnik Timberland shoe, it was Pierre who took it to another level. Fashionable tomboys applauded, while fashion's girlie-girls shrieked in delight of the hot new trend.

Last year the "tomboy shoe" was revisited, when Hardy created a vibrant shoe that was more sneaker than shoe.

And now in 2008, Hardy has done it once again with his take on what I'd like to call, "the shoe-ker!"

Men, please stop pouting! A similar shoe was designed for you as well - minus the heel of course!

*sick*

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

British Harpers Bazaar May 2008 cover featuring Liya Kebde

It was announced this week that supermodel Liya Kebede was tapped to play Somalian model Waris Dirie in Desert Flower, a film based on Dirie's successful autobiography about her tragic experience with female circumcision. Kebede is slated to begin filming in Europe in June.

Kebede has also added a fifth job to her growing list of many roles: childrenswear designer. The model/activist/ambassador/actress launched a beautiful line of children's clothing that is handmade in her native Ethiopia this season called Lemlem. The Estee Lauder model (the only woman of color in its 59 year history to be one) employed local weavers to do the embroidery and handweaving to improve economic conditions there. Kebede held a launch party recently for the fall line (its second season) which was attended by the likes of model/tv host Veronica Webb and Showtime's Weeds star Mary Louise Parker among others.

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Kebede with her daughter Raee wearing Lemlem

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

From capes to leggings, and masks to cuffs, the style of the superhero has influenced fashion with its exaggerated wham!, bam!, kazaam! costumes.

On May 7th through September 1st, 2008, fashion's heroines will unite at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in Gotham City (New York City) for an exhibition, which will display the abstract similarities between fashion and the superhero. With the assistance of movie costumes, haute couture and high performance sportswear the exhibit will express fashion's power to empower and transform.

Indeed, there is a Catwoman impression when I slip into black, leather Rag & Bone leggings. And in a flash I can withhold my true identity in super enlarged Chanel sunglasses. This look is all about finding the power within, while strutting flying down your own metropolitan streets.

Here are a few superhero staples:

Tiffany & Company gold cuff bracelet. Wear one on each arm and instantly transform into Wonderwoman!

Rag & Bone leather leggings, add black leather gloves for a dramatic superhero look.

Andre Leon Talley stands chic in his dramatic cape.

Oversized Gucci sunglassess will do a fabulous job "masking" your true identity.

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

With every former model and high-end stylist rapidly conversing into their handy miniature tape recorders, books regarding fashion have become just as plentiful as H&M stores in Amsterdam.

After handy assistant types style sage book, book gets published and the fashion wunderkind goes on a press spree and that is exactly where we find Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys, dishing about his new book Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You.

Doonan has written a book on one of my favorite subjects: developing a signature chic by wearing your personality, adding an unconventional fabulousity (if I may so borrow that word) to your look and making it your very own.

"Being eccentric is essential for any woman with a sense of style," Doonan states. "With fake tans, fake hair, fake nails, fake boobs and fake lips, it makes it seem as if American women are all identical."

Here are a few of Doonan's favorite eccentric glamour gals.

IMAN

LUCY

TILDA

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Now that spring has finally sprung, an array of colors fills the landscape and we fashionistas must stay in-tuned with spring's fresh shades. With assistance from colors of red roses to purple hibiscus, this season's wardrobe should mimic a lovely, vibrant garden. But don't grab your AMEX so quickly! First, you must decide which hue is right for you!

Jennifer Hudson on the cover of Vogue, adorns a deep- look at me damn-it red, which is gorgeous on her rich brown skin tone.