Fall '09 Preview: Black Will Be Back

As if it ever left, right? Well, black did temporarily lose favor over the last few years as earth tones had the rule of the day during the fall and winter months (who doesn't appreciate a zesty burnt orange every now and then?) But now, starting next week, be prepared to rock your black outfits again. Black is back.

Come summertime, will Scarf Swag still be in effect?

Winter 2008-09 is officially "Swarf Swag" in full effect. Dudes haven't been coy about accenting an outfit with a long scarf wrapped about the torso.
Come summertime what will they do? Brothers are known to be trendsetters, so it'll be interesting when the weather warms up a bit if brothers will continue to rock scarves. Knowing some of us, we may even rock them without shirts. That's just how some of us roll. But the funny thing ... it'll probably catch on.

Kanye West Debuts Louis Vuitton Kicks

Louie Vuitton has unveiled the Kanye West inspired sneaker series of 5 kicks. The first, shown in the pic, will be available in June. West was the LV show in Paris recently where he was accessible to hundreds of fans and fashionistas alike. West has become like a walking billboard for LV lately, but I guess it's just a natural progression (Run DMC had Adidas).

Remembering the Black Male Perm

Perhaps it was a preoccupation with European hairstyles, or a rejection of afrocentric features - whatever it was, what is undeniable is ... it happened. Yes, the Black Male Perm is well documented in American society, on record covers, concert programs and pictures throughout the homes of black families. It was big, it was bad, it was bodacious. The Black Male Perm got its start most noticably in the 1920s, when the likes of Cab Calloway and various nightclub dancers played to largely white audiences in juke joints up north. The "city slicker" look was complete with delicately coifed hair that swung with the tempo on dance numbers. It hit the American streets shortly after, transforming the culture along the way. Eighty years later their are only a few holdouts of this style, namely the impenetrable Al Sharpton (who got the look from godfather of soul James Brown). While we are thankful your time has passed, we shall never forget you, oh fondly recalled Black Male Perm.

That Hot Ghetto Mess Dress

Killer dresses are certainly a necessary evil.

They draw all kinds of attention, much of it unwanted. They also show off your style, personality and figure like nobody’s business. Tastefulness is a lost art these days, but so is good material. Now, if you don’t have a style maven to depend on then all is not lost: Dresses often take on a life of their own, and that’s a good thing. Try on one of your best dresses and assessorize to make it better. And when posing for pictures? Try not to do the customary “booty shot”! LOL.