Goodbye to an Icon

Credit: Everett

When I heard that Elizabeth Taylor died this morning, it literally took my breath away. And I wasn't exactly sure why I was that bothered by it. So, I wrote a note to my friend and asked her why she thought I was so upset, and she said, "because you are ALWAYS affected by these types of things Keosha!" And she was totally right. I am quite a sensitive person, but I also can respect the breath of influence someone like Elizabeth Taylor has on our culture and society. She was much more than just an actress.

I am a fan of older movies, so I can appreciate her acting accomplishments, but she was also an original diva. She was old Hollywood. The glitz and the glamour and...the husbands. Eight men called her their wife. She was obviously an amazing woman. She was the first actor (male or female) to be paid $1 million for their work. She changed the way business was being done in Hollywood.

As I went through the dozens of pictures of Liz Taylor online this morning, I was able to see the history of her life, so were photos from her films or red carpets, but many were of her with the men in her life. She definitely faced some tragedy, like the death of her husband Mike Todd, but she also seems to live a pretty carefree life.

The influence she had on style is beyond anyone else. She was fabulous for 60+ years!! Flipping through the pictures of her fashion style through the years says it all because she did it all! You don't even have to be someone who knows much about jewelry to know that this woman's collection was unmatched. Mostly given to her by her twice married husband, Richard Burton. That man knew how to pick out (and sometimes, even design) some jewelry. Men everywhere should take notice!

The was truly an icon, a legend. She will live on forever!

Rest in Peace Elizabeth Taylor.

Mrs. O

I am obviously obsessed with Michelle Obama, she is everything I think a woman should be and everything I want aim to be. So, as one of my many many blogs in my Google Reader, the Mrs. O blog is my favorite. For several months now, I have had this day marked on my calendar, the arrival of the Mrs. O book, Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy. Here is a peek inside:

It contains interviews with several top-tier designers, which Michelle has beautifully worn their pieces. The photography is impeccable.I am picking up my copy immediately. It will be right next to my Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts on my coffee table.

Fall is Here--Coat Season

Last year, I purchased the perfect winter coat. It is a bold, deep green and I get complimented on it every time I wear it. It is the perfect coat and has been worn with everything I own. And just to make a perfect situation better, I bought it on sale at Banana Republic half-way through the winter season.

As much as I love my green coat, I need another one. Here are a few I love.

J.Crew

I love this look. I want an every day coat with a taste of chic uniqueness. I love the ruffle. As Rachel Zoe would say, "I Die."
And I am not the only one that is in love with this coat.

Steve Madden

I do like the A-line shape of this jacket and I have been dying for a toggle coat with a hood. And bright colors in winter is another must for me. It may be that I grew up in a seasonless place (Texas), but winter does not mean drab to me.

DKNY

This is a great classic knee-length coat. I love gray, even though I just said no dull colors, but I love this classic, chic look.

Mackage
I spotted this neckline last year, I just knew it would be a hit. You can wear it up, fold it down, I love a versatile coat.

Guess
The color is BA-NANAS (another Rachel Zoe soundbite). And my new favorite signature neckline. I also LOVE the A-line body.

Boots Season

The weather is changing and it will soon be fall, boots season. Last year I became completely obsessed with boots, mostly riding boots. I love that they have a flat heel, in DC a necessity for walking to and from the metro, but can still have a fancier appeal. You can wear boots with absolutely anything.

Last year, my boyfriend surprised me with a pair of light brown riding boots for our anniversary that I may or may not have pointed out to him 300 times in Macy's. "Forget the jewelry, can I have a new pair of boots please?"

Here are a few great styles I found online. (Designers: Marc Fisher, Ralph Lauren, Geox)

Classy and Fabulous: DVF

There are few women who have successfully mastered being Classy and Fabulous, Diane von Furstenberg is one of those women. You have truly made your mark, when my boyfriend (a typical American male who is usually oblivious to most things these days not pertaining to Madden 2010) makes the comment, "whoever invented the wrapdress gave us all a great gift." We were watching some random HGTV show, a normal Friday night occurance, and a curvy woman was donning the iconic wrapdress. After I closed my mouth from shock of his comment, I quickly responded, "YES, Ms. von Furstenberg is a genius, this is the one fashion piece that looks amazing on ALL body types."

Being a woman with curves, I am extremely appreciative of the wrapdress. DVF's latest collection includes dozens of hourglass-shaped, bright colored dresses. A few of my favorites below.

Wearing Shorts is Controversy?!?

Are you kidding me? Michelle Obama looks great, I am confused what the problem is. On the Today Show this morning, they debated on if Michelle Obama should have been wearing shorts on their vacation to the Grand Canyon. There could have been nothing more appropriate to wear in the 100+ degree weather. I think the only issue people have with her fashion choices, is they cannot cope with the fact that she is not a silent, 60 year old grandma. Everyone is used to having a first lady who is a much older woman, sometimes a bit pudgy and doesn't necessarily have the courage to take the spotlight. Mrs. Obama is the same age as my mother, who I believe dresses her age yet fashionable. There is no rule in DC or any other city in the country that says you have to dress like a 75 year old grandmother just because you hold an important position. If anything, Michelle Obama's style has helped women feel empowered that they can be whoever they want to be and present themselves as they see fit and still be successful.

Again, I applaud you Michelle Obama for teaching your girls and women of all ages what being a successful woman of 21st century is all about. She is healthy, beautiful, intelligent and is making huge changes in this world.