DESIGNER STEPHEN BURROWS DISHES ON MICHELLE OBAMA PANT SUIT, by Lisa Marsh

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It’s got to be her color. First Lady Michelle Obama loves that green-ish, acid yellow color, and seems to wear it in every iteration she can find. Her most recent foray was in a matte jersey pant suit made by Stephen Burrows paired with an Erickson Beamon techno deco belt. Obama wore this ensemble to speak with students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Joy of Motion Dance Center, as they rehearsed a segment from the Broadway show ‘Hairspray’ at the White House on July 19.

“The color is called ‘Sunrise Yellow,’” Burrows tells StyleList. “It’s almost the color of Isabel’s (Toledo) dress for the Inauguration. We sent it in red, green and a blue-ish teal color,” but this is what she kept. “Ikram (Goldman, a Chicago retailer and Obama’s de facto stylist) called and requested that we send pants suits in color,” Burrows continues. “The suit is inspired by one I made in the 1970s,” and Burrows added, “My family freaked out when they saw it.”

For more on Michelle Obama’s fashion sense, click the arrow.

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

NOW IS THE TIME FOR MEN TO STRUT THEIR STUFF, by Stacey Mebane

KANSAS CITY, Mo – Hey classy dudes. I have already given the ladies their list of spring fashion trends. Now it’s time for you to dig into your wardrobe. Or you may want to shop in order to stay in style for another phenomenal spring!

•    Are you a little bit rock n’ roll? Throw on a vintage rock t-shirt of your favorite band or artist (Lenny Kravitz, Bob Marley, The Who) and rock it with some distressed jeans and you are in style for an evening at the bar or club or movies!  I think this look is cool and hot and it says a lot about your personality.

The Plaid Fad is back!

•    Are you at the Club? Uhhh…not “Da Club” the Country Club!  This look is in for guys because you can throw on some plaid (yes…plaid) walking shorts, a polo style shirt or t-shirt with spring colors and loafers or casual tennis shoes and you are in semi-casual style for spring!  I am picking my favorite looks because I think this look is so hot!  This look is my idea of a well tailored man dressing “down” for the weekend.

•    Tie One On – For the professionals that are on the move for spring, a button down shirt and tie with spring colors and bold prints is a great look for the office.  A guy can never have too many ties just like a girl can never have too many black dresses and shoes.  Ties make a definite statement for your own style.  A well tailored suit is always in style for any season, but a tie and shirt will always make any suit stay in style with the trends.

•    The accessories for spring that can be worn with any of the above looks are  Fedora hats, aviator sunglasses and sailing shoes.

I just love a stylish guy!  Ladies, if a guy dresses nice then you can pretty much bet he will treat you like a lady. Now, if he dresses nice and he is not a gentleman, we will have to talk about that in another article.  Guys have a blessed week and enjoy Spring 2010!

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

To view a feature of supermodel Tyson Beckford, click the arrow.

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

KANSAS CITY, Mo – After a long, cold and snowy winter, it is finally time to kick off the snow boots and step into high gear for spring! Let’s take some of our “so last year” clothes and add the new trends:

•    Ruffles are so 2010 for Spring. Take a ruffle skirt and throw on a t-shirt with some gladiator sandals and you are set.  A ruffle top with skinny jeans and flats are cute for a casual night out.

•    Start off with a neutral color and you will never go wrong with spicing up some old clothes.  White, off white, shimmery gold and tan are good colors to spice up with a funky scarf and any type of bold accessory.  The new trend for scarves are any bold print with bold colors.

•    Are you a little bit country or rock n’ roll? Well, you are in luck for spring!  Yes sir…little cute cowboy boots are in style for spring and summer.  I love the cute shorty shorts and a plaid shirt with some kickin’ it boots.  Let’s rock and roll with a print rock star t-shirt and some ripped jeans with cute sandals or high heels…wow…that will make any guy turn his head!

•    Leggings have been in style for four seasons and I am so excited!  I think leggings are a great alternative if you are in between sizes and jeans are not a comfortable fit….if you wore them back in the day…hey…go ahead and rock it with an updated trend.  I love to wear long jersey dresses with shorter leggings that stop and the bottom of my calf with gladiator sandals.  If I wear longer leggings I usually wear a top that stops mid calf.

Spring fashion trends are set for the ladies

•    Are you flirty? Find a cute piece in your closet that you have not worn in years and make it flirty with one of the above spring trends or throw on a jean jacket and make it work.

Happy spring and don’t forget to have fun with your “oh so last year” clothes and “spring” them in to style with the new trends!

Next week look for “Hot” Spring Trends for guys. Have a blessed week!!!

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

To view a clip on Women’s Fashion, click the play arrow.

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

NOW IS THE TIME TO LEND OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT TO HAITI, by Stacey Mebane

KANSAS CITY, MO – Hello and many blessings to all of you fashion dudes and divas!  It would be so hard for me to submit new fashion tips without reaching out due to the tragic events that occurred in Haiti.  I am a mother of two wonderful young people (actually they are now officially young adults…I still can’t believe that) and I could not imagine being separated from them due to an unforeseen act of nature.  That being said, there are children without homes, hope and loved ones and my heart hurts every day for these precious children and their parents.

There is an organization that has been around for a long time called UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).  This organization protects children’s rights, survival, development and protection around the world.  They know about every unfair act against youth and they uphold the conventions on the rights of the child. The main focus of UNICEF is equality based off of discrimination… especially girls and women if that is prominent in a particular country. I was talking to my daughter about ways to give back and communicate our support through fashion and we found an awesome website… www.CafePress.com/Haiti-Relief has partnered with UNICEF and there are awesome t-shirts and other goodies and 100% of the proceeds are donated for Haiti relief. Below are a few tips to add a little style to your t-shirt: •    Wear a t-shirt scarf and tie it on for style – These are not your regular scarves…they are very long and the fabric is made out of actual t-shirt cotton…I love scarves and when I recently purchased a t-shirt scarf I was blown away with all of my options!  I just loop it and loop it and sometimes I drape it so much you can barely find my face. My favorite is when I tie a knot on each end…twist it…drape it around my neck and just loop both ends in the front…it is bulky and fabulous!

•    Wear a boyfriend blazer and shorts and for the guys a blazer or a button down shirt.   The boyfriend blazer is still in style from last season and I am glad because blazers are flattering on every figure.  The “boyfriend” look is just a term for a bigger fit but the fit is tailored in just the right areas.

•    Wear skinny jeans and pumps and a puffy vest for a great chilly night or spring look.  Puffy vests are back for another season and I love them because they are unisex and you can be all cute and dress alike in your t-shirts and vests with your significant other or hubby or wife.  Awwww…that would look so cute!

*** Many blessings and please continue to stay strong and pray for those impacted in Haiti and the individuals that have been called upon to help ***

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

KANSAS CITY, MO – Hello fashion divas and stylish dudes!  A scarf is one of the most versatile accessories because it can make an old t-shirt or a nice crew neck look classy or sassy.  Accessorizing and wearing a scarf is very versatile for ladies and men and that makes it easy to share. So grab a scarf from your guy or gal and let’s start tying!

The Pashmina scarf is very soft and made from animals in the country of Pashmir…the colors are very vibrant and the soft texture feels wonderful.  If someone asks for a Pashmina scarf they pretty much know their fabrics.  Any type of scarf will work to accessorize your wardrobe and the price range can accommodate any budget.

The Loop – Fold a long scarf in half, put it around your neck and grab the loose ends and put them through the loop…let the loose ends fall loosely down the front or pull them through again for a bunched up look.

The Folded Triangle – Grab a square scarf and fold it in half into the shape of a triangle.  Take the small ends and tie them at the back of your neck and let the rest of the scarf drape.  This look is similar to wearing a cowl neck sweater.

The Loose Wraparound – Start with a long scarf in front and wrap it around your neck in the back and let the two loose ends hang loose in the front.  The longer the scarf the the better…be creative with this look and start your own fashion trend!

Have a great time tying one on for style and remember the thicker and longer scarves are fun to tie on for warmth and style.  Have a blessed week!

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

To see tips on how to look good in a scarf, click the play arrow.

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

TOP 5 FASHION TIPS FOR GUYS

KANSAS CITY, MO – The last article featured fall fashion trends for the divas. Now it’s time for the guys to ’style and profile’ so the ladies can have some “arm candy.” Guys, please remain cognizant of this simple little fact: when you dress and smell nice, it tells us ladies so much about you. So, with that in mind; here are my ‘Top 5′ fall fashion tips for men:

1) Neutral colors and layering are in style this season. Therefore, my first pick is a cardigan.  The new cuts for cardigans are modern with a slimmer fit.  Cardigans can be worn with a dress shirt, t-shirt or jeans.  This look can be dressed for the office and a night out on the town.

2) Classic pinstripe pants paired with an argyle sweater is definitely old school. But, new school for fall.  Remember when Grandpa used to dress this way? He was stylin’ wasn’t he? So this style presents a good retro look.

3) Striped shirts are hot this fall because they can be paired with jeans, cardigans and blazers.  I saw a guy dressed in striped pants and a subtle striped shirt and began thinking he would make a nice little dinner date.

4) Blazer/Sports Jackets are “must have” items; especially if you’re interested in reviving the retro look of the late 70’s and early 80’s.  Try a fun blazer with patches on the pockets or elbows.

5) Jeans are always going to be in style and should be coordinated with the apparel listed above. Just remember: the shades of jeans typically change with each season. The washed out worn look is hot right now.

A striped shirt + a nice cardigan in a neutral fall color + a nice pair of faded jeans paired with a nice boot = HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

To see model Tyson Beckford discuss the fashion industry, click the play arrow.

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

TOP 5 FASHION TIPS FOR GALS

KANSAS CITY, MO – Hello…fashion divas and GQ guys…I’m baaaaack!!!  I took a short break to concentrate on my new full time position at a swanky fashion boutique so stay tuned for some awesome insight on fashion trends and timeless pieces.  Coming up are my ‘Top 5’ fun fall fashions for divas:

1) Hellooo 80’s haters…leggings and jeans with holes are still in style and they are so 1980s…I LOVE IT!!!  I am an 80’s girl so I am partial to the free spirited fashion of this era.  I wear them with tunics and dresses with slouchy boots.  Inside tip:  They don’t have to match perfect with your top that is the 80’s style…mix the fabric and patterns.

2) The biker look with leather is hot for the fall with high heels or tall riding boots.  I personally like to mix brown with black or gray with brown…biker clothes don’t have to be black…they just need to have buckles and metal and a rustic flavor.  I wore a biker jacket the other day with a long ruffle flannel tank top and leggings…HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

3) Tunics with ruffles or jewels are in for fall because you can glam them up or down.  I dress them up with fancy shoes or dress them down by putting on a boyfriend blazer with flats.  The slouchy boyfriend look is in for fall and it is easy to accessorize the blazer and jeans.

4) Long tunics with drapes are so much fun to wear because it is flattering for EVERY BODY TYPE.  Drapes cover stomachs, the bust and the every flattering booty.  Don’t be afraid to layer your tunics with a vest or an open cardigan or a long throw.  I layer my look to achieve a day to night transition because I am always on the go.

5) Accessorize the new fall looks with huge handbags and scarves.  I love chunky necklaces and bracelets because if you wear a simple tunic you are not over accessorized.

Have a great fall and stay tuned for fall looks for guys and winter coats for the ladies that will flatter every body type.

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

To see Rihanna, Ashanti, and Mary J. Blige strut their fashion, click the arrow.

GROW BABY, GROW: HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S LOSS OR BREAKAGE? by Pamela Edwards Christiani

ATLANTA, GA – Most of us are very attuned to how much hair we have on our heads. So no matter what it may look like to others, we know if suddenly there’s more hair than usual in our combs or on our pillowcases.  We certainly notice if we’re seeing more scalp than usual. So how do you know if it’s breakage or hair loss from the scalp? Victoria Holloway Barbosa, a dermatologist at the Rush University Department of Dermatology in Chicago, says, “If the excess hair on your pillow or in your comb looks like the ends of your hair or some portion of the full length of a your hair, this is breakage.

If the excess hairs are full-length strands, these hairs are coming from the scalp, which means hair loss. Note that it’s normal to lose about 100 hairs a day. And if you wear braids or styles that keep the hair tied up for weeks, you’ll see the accumulative loss when you release the hair, i.e. when you take those braids out, you may see hundreds of hairs fall to the grown, simply because they couldn’t shed naturally while the hair was braided.

As I’ve mentioned in previous “Grow, Baby, Grow” entries, many things can cause hair loss, from diabetes to anemia, to stress, to medication side effects, to genetics. Dr. Barbosa stresses that women who suffer from hair loss have a much better chance of keeping more hair if they get treated early. And what’s equally important is seeing an expert who is well versed in treating hair loss with African-American women. If you’re immediately told you’ve got scarring that’s irreversible, get another opinion. If your doctor doesn’t run tests to rule out internal causes for hair loss, get another opinion.

For many of us, the causes could be a combination of internal and external stresses. Perhaps you’re anemic and you over-process your hair, or maybe you’re under a lot of stress and you’ve pulled your hairline too tight for too long. In addition to being properly diagnosed early and getting on the right medications, “we can cut out a great deal of breakage, and even hair loss, if we balance the care of our hair with our styling preferences,” says Barbosa.

Most of our breakage occurs at the hairline. Give your edges a break every now and then by wearing a style that doesn’t stress the hairline. Wear it curly, without any tension or pulling. We have to watch the over-processing as well. If you relax or color with permanent color too often, expect to see damage. Most African-American women do not need a super relaxer. Mild relaxers can be safe and effective in the right hands. And when you get your relaxers, your edges should be the last part of the hair to receive the chemical.

It takes a good, conscientious stylist to know which parts of your hair need more or less of the relaxer. The hairline has to be taken into consideration with weaves, braids and lace fronts as well. For most of us, it takes very little to lose hair here. The tension on the hairline from braids, weaves or lace-fronts is real. Switch up your style game so you can keep your hair.

And don’t forget to eat right. Trichologist Linda Amerson of Arlington, Texas, and  hairandscalpessentials.com, believes a vitamin/mineral deficient diet is an enemy to healthy hair. Your hair is 97 percent protein. Getting adequate protein is necessary for healthy hair. Your hair is the last to benefit from the nutrients in your diet. Your vital organs get what they need first, the hair gets what’s leftover. Amerson has had many patients who have suffered from hair issues due to crash dieting and even gastric-bypass surgery.

If you don’t get enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients, this can result in lifeless hair that breaks easily. “Usually I recommend a multivitamin to my clients. And B-12 or B complex is also a good idea, the B’s increase the blood supply to the hair and scalp. I recommend liquid form,” says Amerson. Ask your physician about which supplements are best for you. You may want him or her run blood tests in order to ensure you’re getting enough essential vitamins and minerals.

Pamela Edwards Christiani is the beauty editor of Essence magazine. You can view her articles at essence.com.

To view the fashion video, please click the play arrow.

THE GILT GROUPE ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ‘GILT MAN’ FASHION (ApparelSearch.com)

NEW YORK – Online luxury retailer Gilt Groupe Inc. announces the expansion of their men’s platform with the launch of Gilt MAN, an extension which reveals new and expanded men’s categories in a one-stop-shop “guys only” e-tail destination. Gilt MAN’s initial sales include Strida, Bogner, Helly Hansen, Harry’s of London, Alexander McQueen, Porsche Design Adidas, Outdoor Research, Ducati Watches and Gianfranco Ferré.

While Gilt MAN remains vested in Gilt Groupe’s heritage of bringing coveted luxury brands to its member base, the expanded site is designed to target a guys’ life, work and play styles in an easy-to-navigate shopping experience with a distinctly male voice. Gilt MAN serves as the go-to destination for men who appreciate the best of the best, from tech gadgets and sporting gear to apparel and lifestyle items.

“We recognized an opportunity in the men’s online retail space after hearing from our male members that they wanted a site that was distinctly theirs – and we answered them with Gilt MAN,” says Nate Richardson, vice president and general manager, Gilt MAN. “At GiltMan.com, guys now have a destination that caters to their interests and lifestyles in a way that is relevant, informative and easy-to-use. Gilt MAN gives the discerning man everything he needs to live the life he aspires to lead.”

Gilt Man Clothes have become popularThe launch of Gilt MAN builds previous brand and product offerings in the men’s category by 64%, providing access to a greater breadth of products with much deeper inventory across apparel, accessories, sports equipment and ‘experience’ categories. As with Gilt Groupe, Gilt MAN offers invitation-only access to sales each day at noon EST, with top brands available at up to 70% off retail lasting just 36 hours. Gilt MAN will also feature unique editorial content, including style and trend tips that correspond to upcoming sales – a first in the flash-sale e-commerce industry.

The Gilt MAN executive team consists of General Manager Nate Richardson, formerly General Manager of Yahoo! Finance and Dow Jones Digital, Director of Merchandising John Auerbach and Director of Category Management Richard Mumby and Seth Howard as the style editor.

About Gilt Groupe

Launched in November 2007, Gilt Groupe has rapidly established itself as one of the leading online fashion and travel retailers in the US. Gilt curates a broad range of daily sales to serve to its exclusive, invitation-only membership. Each sale lasts just 36 hours and features many of the world’s most sought-after designers. Gilt Groupe is headquartered in New York City and currently serves over 1.5 million members. To find out more please visit them at www.gilt.com.

To see Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” video, click the play arrow.

Stacey Mebane, Fashion Editor

HOT LOOKS FOR THE FALL SEASON by Stacey Mebane

KANSAS CITY, MO – Now that summer has passed, it is time to bring in the fall season with even more style. Ladies, the look for autumn is interchangeable and is very accommodating for different body types.

•    Bold print and colorful tunic tops and empire waist dresses – This look is now a late summer favorite.  The look is interchangeable with shorts, capris and jeans.

•    Maxi dresses – The long ankle length halter dresses have been an all time favorite for several years.  I love this look with flip flops and cute sandals.  The fabric flows just right and is flattering on all body types.  This look can be casual or dressed up with a bolero sweater or cardigan.

•    White is right for autumn!!!  White is so 2009.  White is everywhere!  There are white tunics, sweaters, sassy jeans (these are really hot this year) and sandals.  I love the look with a colorful tunic.

•    Accessorize your outfit with big shades (thanks to the divas on music videos and reality TV shows), big totes and gladiator sandals.  I love the gladiator look!

*** Guys, you have to look hot to complement the sizzlin’ diva in your life ***

•    The white dress shirt is in style from fall to summer because the look is interchangeable after work when the cuffs are rolled up with a nice pair of Bermuda shorts.  The shorts pattern can be bold because the shirt will not clash.

•    A nice polo will always be in style for almost any season because the look is so professional and it can also be so fun.  Step out of the box and wear a color where no man has gone before and you may get a few winks and nods.

•    Big shades are hot hot hot!! I personally give winks and nods to hotties in big cool shades.

•    A nice pair of sandals will always be in styles for guys because it complements the entire look for autumn…let’s not get the sandals confused with socks – NOT! Try the basic leather flip flop in a black and brown.  Leave the hiking sandals for the rocks and mountains but if you insist, that look is cool with a nice t-shirt and shorts.

Stacey Mebane is the fashion editor of Mass Appeal News. She also serves as the entertainment & gossip columnist. The talented Diva welcomes your comments at smebane@massappealnews.com

To see Tyra Banks strut her stuff, please click the play arrow located on the video box.