Fierce: Serena Williams

XYZ... Examine-Your-Zipper Dress

Here's a picture of America's Next Top Model winner Danielle Evans, flaunting a Zipper-back dress. This is a cute trend that we noticed in department stores. You will find big zippers on the back of a lot of spring and summer dresses. A few designers pushing the look include MM Couture by Miss Me and Kensie.
www.kensie.com/
www.missme.com/

Music Review: Keri Hilson & Israel Houghton

Turnin’ Me On

Keri Hilson is in uncharted territory. The R&B artist’s album In A Perfect World takes you on a ride through a poised, yet Decatur-breed girl’s mindset. The simple fact that the artist’s music went left in an industry where all the R&B female artists sound the same, lets us know that she is going to sell a ton of records. The album, in our view, doesn’t have a musical theme. It’s as if she said "I’m going to put a bunch of my best work on an album.” On some references, her vocals mimic songstress Tweet. But on other tracks, we just can’t put our finger on her sound. Honestly, we love being lost! Originality takes time to catch fire, so we are willing to wait patiently before we hear half her album on every college girls’ ringtone. To hear the full album visit http://www.myspace.com/kerihilson




Slowly Walking To The Altar

Honestly, we love gospel singer Israel Houghton, however, his new album Power Of One fell short of our fanantic expectations. We just can’t get out of the groove of his last album that had a Christian cult following. It is very clear this time around God is doing a new thing with I.Houghton musically. The album is a lighter approach to praising the word of God and winning souls as drum patterns are softer and the album focuses more on vocal melodies. There’s also this acoustic, rock blend on his album that hasn't won over our hearts. For now, our favorite track is “Surely Goodness.”

C808 Randoms: Mya & Jim Jones

If you’re refreshing your spring jacket game, here are two great examples. Mya, who attended DJ Kiss’ birthday party in New York, is sporting a pink trench coat. Colored trench coats are a hot item for women this season. Meanwhile, Jim Jones was spotted wearing the ever-loving varsity jacket at a press conference for the return of “Hip Hop Monologues.” We can’t say that we heart Jim’s swag the majority of the time, but we do LOVE this jacket!

First Class: Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington recently attended the New York Times’ Evening With Neil LaBute And Friends.

Blue Jean Jackets?

Kanye West performed at the 2009 SXSW, or South By South West, event. For a minute now, K.West has been rocking the mix and match blue jean look. Several stars are trying to bring this look back, but we say they can keep it! It’s just not hot to us. But if you have that K.West outerspace swag, go for it! (Send us pictures as well.)

Ready For Spring!

Take a look at Monica looking ready for Spring. Can’t say that the diva is rocking any trend in particular, but she looks nice. The singer attended the Frank Ski Kids Foundation Local Legend Luncheon at the Dunwoody Estate.

Shoe Check

We can't tell you how many times we've heard grown women say they won't holler at a man with beat up shoes. Fellas step your game up because even in this bad economy, where some people are resoling their shoes, women are holding on to this rule. Making a return this season is the casual look in men's fashion with moccasins and boat shoes helping to complete the entire look. While on the professional side, loafers remain relivant among men's apprael. Below are links to popular Web sites for men shoes.

http://www.zegna.com/

http://www.geoxusa.info/

http://www.piperlime.com/

Music video: Keri Hilson

Check out the new Keri Hilson video. The video features a lot of unexpected trends that we've recently eyed, which will probably be looks for fall 2009. The first would be black jewelry... Keri sports a pair of fierce, all black earnings. In addition to that, she is also wearing a black wired contraption over her tank. (We admit we don't know what they heck it's called, but several female celebs have been eyed wearing the holster in metal and leather.) Keri is know for her obeat fashion, we'de suggest that you try one significant item from her look rather than clumping it all together.

Check out Mary J. Blige in her electric blue duds. While the outfit is a little too color coordinated, we'd advise you to let a more settle look transcend in to spring. We know that this is not the typical color for the soft-palette pegged season, but we believe it's workable!

Comedy: Plain 'ol Funny

WARdrobe

It’s Spring! Yup, and that means it’s time to clean out your closet. There is no need for you to be at war with your closet. Most people dread this task, but C808 celebrates it! We suggest that you grab your iPod and create an upbeat playlist for the task at hand. Below are a few old school tracks that we heart and a few tips on how to clean out your closet. Enjoy!

How To Organize Your Closet

1. Everything must go! Pull everything out of the closet and get to sweeping. (You know it’s some hair balls in the corner… get ‘em)
2. Sort the items in three piles: keep, donate and trash it.
SIDE NOTE: You may have to try on some of the clothes in your keep pile.
3. Store Winter clothes in storage boxes that can slide under your bed.

4. If you're anal, color code the clothes that you plan on keeping and hang them in the closet.

Clean-up soundtrack

1. Michael Jackson Rock With You or PYT (Pretty Young Thing)
2. Earth, Wind & Fire "September"
3. Stevie Wonder "That Girl"
4. Zappa & Roger “Computer Love”
5. New Edition If It Isn’t Love
6. Switch "I Call Your Name"
7. Soul for Real "Candy Rain"
8. Bel Biv Devoe "Poison"
9. Nas "If I Ruled The World"
10. Jay-Z "Big Pimpin"

Shoe Crack: Karen Millen

Sometimes, C808 gets so excited about fashion that we could pee our pants... This is one of those moments! Feast your eyes on Karen Millen's lace-print platform pump, which is priced around $200. This isn't shoe crack... In the words of Whitney Houston 'crack is whack.' This shoe is ether!!!! For more information visit www.karenmillen.com

International Style

Broaden Your Global Style Sense

India’s Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is in full swing. Many of the fashion designers who cater to the New Dehli market are stressing the impact of the global recession by pitching frugality to fashionistas. For Autumn and Winter 2009, many are nudging women to add more leggings, T-shirts and jackets to their wardrobes. They also forecast grey, deep purple and black as the IT colors for the colder seasons. Check out a few pictures from some of the shows. SIDE NOTE: The stocking and color combo is wonderful!

Simply Fierce

As you have already heard, Beyonce is on the latest cover of Vogue. She is also on the overseas version of the magazine as well. Here’s one of the fiercest magazine photos of the “Put A Ring On It” diva. The silhouette of the dress is awesome and very classic. While short skirts are a staple of the spring and summer weather, pick up a long dress to show that conservative swag is still sexy!

Kid Cudi Retiring

RU Kidding? Boy Bye....

Apparently, Cleveland rapper Kid Cudi can't handle the pressure. Kid Cudi who is signed to Kanye West's label is ready to call it quits. According to reports, K.Cudi in a recent blog entry said he is retiring before he even drops his first LP.

"After the release of my first LP this summer, I am not making any more solo albums. I am falling back on being an artist," he wrote. "The drama that comes with it is more overwhelming than the sh-- I was dealing with when I was piss poor broke." Check out his mantrum (man +tantrum = mantrum) at http://www.kidcudi.com/news/

C808 Randoms: P!nk & Tyson

Recently, Grammy winner Pink paired up with PETA and said she would never befriend a designer who used fur. The singer launched the organization's new animal rights campaign with Stella McCartney in Paris.



In other news, Tyson Beckford recently made statements that he wants actors and musicians to stay off magazine covers. The host of Bravo's "Make Me a Supermodel," said celeb-clad magazines are hurting struggling models who are groomed to take more alluring pictures.

Honoring First Class

Style Worthy of An Applause

The Council of Fashion Designers of America's board will honor Michelle Obama with a special tribute at its annual awards in June. Narciso Rodriguez, Jason Wu and Thakoon Panichgul — who have all dressed Mrs. Obama — also received CFDA nominations for their work.

Are You Blue?

If you’re not blue this season, several fashion stylists want you to catch the wave of wearing blue in corporate or casual settings. Stylist are touting that navy will be the new black for the Spring and Summer. We know that the phrase sounds a little cliche, but step into any department store and you’ll notice a sea of men and women's professional apparel in shades of blue. Check out the picture above of Diane von Furstenberg wearing her label designed suit in blue.

Jackets... It's All In The Details

Button Up!

This season keep an eye out for jackets with great button detail. Beyonce, Halle Berry and Jennifer Hudson have all been seen sporting jackets with mushroom cap buttons.

Forecast: Platform Heels

High-end designers Gucci, YSL, Salvatore Ferragamo have all pegged the platform shoe as the IT shoe for the next several seasons. C808 can’t say we are surprised as wedge and platform heels make a comeback every time the ice on the street melts away. You can also find cheaper styles at Steve Madden, BeBe and Bakers.

Are You Stacked?

According to the Wall Street Journal's fashion magazine, one of the newest jewelry trends for women is to pile on eternity bands in white or multi-colored diamonds. The trend appears to be more of a collector’s fad rather than a mainstay in the fashion community.

Wall Street divas, or for that matter wives of bull or bear traders, are collecting the jewels in the same manner that one collects charms for a bracelet. Some of the top brands include Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman.

Music: Day 26

It's Black & White

Yeah yeah yeah.....

While Micheal Jackson isn't making a big comeback anytime soon, black & white is coming at fashion lovers hard. A classic combination such as black and white is always a strong pairing with a pop of color or just by itself alone. As spring rolls in, some magazine editors are emphasizing the basics. In the current issue of Essence magazine, there's a spread on wearing the classic combo in various looks. For instance, there's a model wearing a snake-skin belt that makes you want to pull it off the page. And to prove the black-and-white look is heading your way, Amber Rose recently sported her interpretation of the look at the Metropolitan Opera House. Happy Monday!

Shoulder Pads?

Giving 'Em The Cold Shoulder...



Singer and trend setter Rihanna has never been one to follow trends, but it appears the starlet is on the same page with Britney Spears and several other fashion mavens who think it’s all of a sudden chic to sport fur, padded shoulders. RiRi was spotted leaving Da Silvano restaurant in New York, wearing the look that is reminiscent of the 1920s. (While Rihanna is always fierce, we can’t help but to think of the monkeys in the Wizard of Oz.) Until we see someone wearing this look in an ultra chic way, C808 will pass on promoting it…

C808 Alert: It's official!

Couture808’s official address is now www.couture808.com

The Essentials: Stockings

How's Your Stocking Game?



If you every want to add a little zest to your already stylish wardrobe, flip the look with patterned stockings.This definitely is a fashion tip for the current season. When Spring weather jumps off, honey, it's all about the bare, shaved and moisturized leg. Below are a few prints and brands worth of trying!

www.barenecessities.com
www.ezhosiery.com
www.orabellascarano.com

Forecast: Eyewear

The Eyes Have It....

According to stylist June Ambrose's recent Twitter posts, Isaac Mizrahi secretly designed a eyewear collection for Liz Claiborne. Earlier Friday, the fashion diva who was shopping on 34th Street in New York and passing out citations to fashion offenders said Isacc's new line is "yummy" as she recently viewed the new designs, which are styled in modern day 60's fashion. She didn't specify when she saw the eyewear collection or its release date. She also tweeted that Alexander McQueen's upcoming eyewear collection will give fashion lovers "modern day Cool Moe Dee and 80's hotness!"

Also keep an eye out for, no pun intended, Carrera eyewear. June said she is handing it her stamp of approval for a summer must have! Thanks June, we live for you!

The Facts of Life: Money

We strongly believe C808ers can’t be fly, if their MONEY isn’t right. That said, check out C808’s favorite financial program Cake Batter. The show airs on YouTube. We also recommend that you pick up The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. Priced around $9.

Music Video: Chrisette Michele

Here's Chrisette Michele latest video "Epiphany," which features a cameo from our boy Drake. Chrisette is set to drop her album in May. One of the key fashion trends to note in Chrisette's video is her haircut. To put it simple, her haircut is fierce with short sides, a tail and somewhat of a Peter pan twist bang. The look is whimsical and exciting, showing the trained singer is a lot more confident and comfortable with her look. Second, check out her chunky gold chain during the roof-top scene. Gold chains are going to be a big look this spring and summer. Lord & Taylor in New York recently draped its mannequins in dresses and chunky gold chains. Meanwhile, Ciara sported a thinner gold chain in her latest video.

The Essentials: Nail Polish

Nothing polishes a woman's look more than manicured nails. At no surprise to anyone, nail colors for the Spring are all over the place as companies are trying to serve both ends of of the color spectrum. C808 is seeing O.P.I. push softer shades to the masses, but exclusively giving brighter shades to Sephora's customers. Meanwhile, Nars is staying in line with jewel tones as Navy blue nails were the hot trend at this year's Paris and New York fashion shows. With all the confusion, it's safe to say clear polish will be the biggest winner... FYI, Red nails will be the hottest look for Fall and that's a sure bet. Enjoy the pics!

Ladies & Gents: Handkerchiefs

A Lil' Hanky Panky...






We kid... As men start to freshen up their closets for warmer weather, it's important NOT to avoid the pocket square. The little accent of a patterned or soft-colored handkerchief, may catch the eye of a lady friend. While a lot of guys like staying in their comfort zone, we encourage you to go out on a limb and try something new, have confidence.... and get a lil' hanky panky :)

http://www.paulstuart.com/
http://www.hermes.com/
www.brooksbrothers.com/

Count Dracula: P. Diddy

Let it be known that C808 hearts Diddy. However, word around the blogosphere is that his weight is climbing the scale. Do you hear Count Dracula counting....1, 2, 3 pounds? Ha Ha. Ha. Check out the clip of Diddy explaining why he has gained weight on P.TwittyTV. :o)

Interesting: The Ebony Experiment

Check out the New Year's resolution of this one couple. This is the true meaning of supporting black-owned businesses. To learn more about the project, visit http://www.ebonyexperiment.com/

Benjamin Bixby

Andre 3000 launched his Benjamin Bixby Menswear Spring ‘09 collection at Holt Renfrew, a high-end department store in Canada. Word has it the clothing label was inspired by a documentary on college football circa 1935.

Spotlight: Paul Smith

Who is Paul Smith?

To be honest, we didn't have the slightest idea who British fashion designer Paul Smith was three days ago, until we eyed one of his man bags on a NYC train that made us drool. His men's and women's clothing lines are classic and eye catching, helping to give any corporate attire character. Not sure if we're just late to the party, but we wanted to invite you to update your closet with a few of P.Smith's hot items. Check out his work at www.paulsmith.co.uk/ .

Moving on... Sweater Hats

Time To Call It Quits

The time has come for the ladies of C808 to put the sweater hats to rest. You all have been rocking this look for two winters -by our count - and there hasn't been a revision to the trend. Please, take your saggy, knit hats to the Salvation Army to warm the heads of the less fortunate. It's important to aim to be ahead of the curve, instead of in the midst of it.

Love, the C808 staff.

Fashion Gods: Thou Shall Weareth Cardigans

According to the Gods of fashion, one of this year's Spring looks is wearing cardigans. As you can see, Kanye West - a.k.a Mr. C808 - is already light years ahead of the curve. While visiting Paris fashion shows, the rapper wore a Jeremy Scott cardigan. Click on the links below to find your own fun looks.

http://www.uniqlo.com/
http://www.clubmonaco.com/
http://www.jcrew.com/

Music Reivew: The Dream

Turnin’ Me On

The Dream's Love vs Money album mostly deals with the classic tale of a man using money to anchor the love of his girlfriend or wife. As Dream illustrates on the album, money and swagger items can’t hold anyone. The album doesn’t let listeners down on giving them the sexy tracks that he is known for singing. In C808's view, the concept of the album is a continuation of his freshman track entitled “Nikki.” Our favorite tracks off the new album are "Fancy" and "Right Side of Your Brain," which have a hip-hop Bono vibe. While not our favorite, another interesting track is Put It Down, where the Dream somewhat mimics the singing style of R.Kelly - who he later tributes on the track "R.Kelly's 12 Play." Visit http://www.imeem.com/thedream to listen to the full album.

Music Video: Keri Hilson

Girl Bye....Too Many Leaks In A Week

Check out the new snippet of Keri Hilson's video "Make Love," which features Kanye West as her love interest. In typical Keri fashion, the video is steamy and fun to watch. (And it also appears she is sporting the Brooke Crittendon hairdo, minus the colorful tail.) That said, we have to wonder if the teaser is an A&R plot to avert attention from Keri's much talked about Turnin' Me On remix. In a recent radio interview, the Energy singer rebuffed comments that her verse talked about Beyonce and Ciara. If you have been living under a rock, the remix is posted below as well.

First Class

Jackie O. Would Be Proud...



Checkout Michelle Obama's first 100 days in the White House via Style.com.
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20253745,00.html

Shoe Crack: Name That Shoe Junky

Feast your eyes on the latest high heels available on Net-A-Porter.com. If you love skyscraper heels as much as C808 does, try not to overdose as we name the celebrity high-heel fiends who are most likely to rock the shoes posted below. (The answers are below)

(1. Jill Scott; 2. Taraji P. Henson; 3. Fantasia; 4. Lauren London.)

C808 Randoms: Teyana Taylor

Good night, church!

Teyana Taylor isn't just one of your average artist who gives God a shout out during acceptance speeches. According to the YouTube video posted below, the Star Trak singer and rapper wakes up with the Lord on her mind and ready and willing to give Him ALL the praise. Checkout the "Google Me" artist singing the praise-and-worship classic His Eye Is On The Sparrow.

Comedy: Jamie Foxx

Here's an old school clip of Jamie Foxx's comedy show, which turned out to be a talent show, in Oakland. It's so funny....Enjoy!

R.I.P. Frank White

Today, marks the anniversary of Notorious BIG's death. Listen to Jermaine Dupri talk about what it was like to work with the legendary rapper in the studio. To save some time, skip to mark 6:27.

Style Watch: Amber Rose

A while back, Amber Rose was spotted shopping with her rapper beau Kanye West in Los Angeles. Many blog readers took jabs at the model's style, making claims that she dresses like a hoochie and K.Weezy is her stylist. Whatever the case, many failed to realize there are two great things about her shopping swag: she is sporting the latest Spring trends basketwoven materials and flesh-tone shoes. In the pic above, A.Rose is rocking Bottega Veneta's Storm Cuir, designed in cinnamon leather and with a basketwoven heel. Priced at $950. Below is a closer look of the fierce sandals, which also come in a lower heel.