What a great morning I had today! I had the opportunity to chat via Skype with winner of Fashion Star, Kara Laricks! She was a delight to talk to and I jumped right in to discuss how she felt about winning. Did you guys know she use to be a school teacher? I first asked her how did her students feel about her winning and she said great! They’ve been sending her lots of well wishes and support!

I then asked her about her new line that is available at Macy’s now. She’s known to create androgynous looks for men and women.She has a love for menswear and avant-garde Japanese design. She showed me three different looks that were so fab! I saw an office look which was a cream blouse with black pants, a colorful dress and last a black romper with a racer back! Everything was very nicely tailored on each model. I then asked her what style she would recommend for a curvier gal like myself and she suggested the dress. I liked the style of the dress too and the colors popped! She also told me to try belting it, to accentuate the waist. Kara was too fun and I told her I loved her mohawk! She looked great for it to be 8am in the morning! I was skyping in my pj’s ha! Congrats to Kara again and thanks to Macy’s & Fashion Star for the interview! Here in Atlanta, you can find Kara’s collection at Macy’s Perimeter Mall,Lenox and Northpoint. xoxo

www.macys.com/FashionStar

Part of me winning the Kmart Fashion Blogger Style-Off was that I would get a chance to chat with actress Sofia Vergara who has the Sofia by Sofia Vergara line at Kmart. Well today that came true when I was sitting here and the phone rang. Sure enough it was Sofia on the line heading to work in the car. She was a lot of fun and said I looked great in the clothes that I styled from her collection. I knew that she was busy so I kept it quick but asked her why she wanted to create a clothing line.

She explained to me that she has always loved clothes,shoes and accessories.She jokingly said that she would take from her son’s college fund to buy clothes and handbags lol. Lots of her friends loved what she was wearing but some could not afford it. Thats when she decided to work with Kmart so that she could create a clothing line for people to afford, yet look very stylish. Kmart gave her free reign to create and do what she wanted.

I also asked her what was some of her favorite things in her collections and she stated that from her Fall 2011 line she loved the leggings because they don’t stretch out of shape after a few wearings like most do. They are very comfy and I can definitely vouch for that because I bought a pair! In Sofia’s spring 2012 collection she loves the mixed patterns & prints. With the spring line you can mix & match your daytime outfits, then wear from day to evening with an updated pair of heels.

She complimented me on my win and said she would send me a special treat from her new collection! I can’t wait! I have several of her dresses and shoes and I love them all. It’s not always about where items come from, it’s about having the right eye to pick out great items, style it well and most importantly feeling confident and comfortable! Thanks so much Sofia for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me today! Can’t wait to see what you send! xoxo

Today I had a great time chatting with my girl Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas from the girl group TLC. We discussed how she handles life as an entertainer, being a mom and how she got involved with General Mills Box Tops For Education. The Skype chat went VERY well and by me and Chilli knowing each other already it was lots of fun! Check out the interview below!

Life As An Entertainer: I asked Chilli how she was maintaining life as an entertainer. With a movie in the works, new steamy video with Tyrese and she wrapped two seasons of The Chilli Project, she’s a busy lady. She stated that it was going “really well”. She said, her and Tionne(TBoz) had a moment and had to sit back and reflect on all their blessings. “This business is tough and we have been so fortunate!”

Being A Mom/Juggling A Career: Chilli is a stickler for her son Tron’s education! When she is away her mom steps in and takes care of him. She calls and makes sure he follows his schedule and gets his homework done in a timely manner. He is currently attending a Christian private academy. She said Dallas Austin(Tron’s dad) is also on board. She wanted me to know that she never stops being a mom, even if she is on the road.

Box Tops For Education: I asked Chilli how she got involved with General Mills box tops for education program. She said she has been clipping box tops since her son was in pre-k. She finds it such a value and it was a no brainer when they reached out to her. “Lots of parents complain that the schools don’t have enough supplies for the students but with the box tops, it’s good for the kids and community. It’s a great way for the schools to generate money for necessities”.

Chilli will be at Morehouse College(Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel) in Atlanta on March 15th at 7pm. It’s for a Box Tops For Education townhall meeting,which wil be hosted and moderated by Steve Harvey and former Essences editor in chief Susan L Taylor.Prominent educators, celebrity moms, and other key community influencers will serve as panelists and lend their voices to rally behind Box Tops for Education in an effort to spark dialogue and encourage community participation.Check back for the recap and to see photos.  www.btfe.com/townhall

Pic by Robert Ector

*I was compensated for writing this post.

On Sunday afternoon, I spent an amazing time with one of my favorite beauty & fashion idols! It was Editor-At-Large Mikki Taylor! I first met Mrs.Taylor last year in Orlando, Florida at the Steve Harvey’s Dreamers Academy. I was a bit shy to stop and chat with her.I was thinking the whole time, wow, why didn’t I say anything to her. She really inspires me and I love what Essence magazine represents!

Well this past weekend, I saw her again in Atlanta and I was not going to let her get away! I had the opportunity to interview her about her latest book plus discuss some things she likes to take with her when she travels. I was looking a hot mess that day but the pr person that invited me, informed media to dress down because it was a very casual affair. I still felt uneasy because some people do judge you on your appearance and Mrs.Taylor is a beauty and fashion expert, geesh!

She was such a delight to talk to and gave a very empowering speech to the young girls from the mentoring workshop. When it was my turn to interview her, I told Mrs.Taylor my dream has always been to be a contributing editor with Essence. We talked about her new book and why she wrote it. She said to me that she wanted to bring a style diary to women everywhere, from an inner and outer prospective. Mrs.Taylor went on to say she wanted all women to be “commander in chief” in their lives. She stated that she used Mrs.Obama as a muse because she had noticed a style philosophy in how she carried herself, her conduct,frame of mind plus she is very comfortable in her skin.Michelle Obama’s wardrobe is dictated by her, not the trends.

As far as traveling is concerned, the fashionista loves to check out the climate she is going to, then packs accordingly. She likes to take the “word” with her, music and great skin care products. She loves to be comfortable. Her new book, Commander In Chic: Every Woman’s Guide To Managing Her Style Like A First Lady hits news stands November 29th and I have a copy on the way! I can’t wait to read it! xoxo

We all know and Love Miss Piggy and for her fashion forward style. We had the chance to catch up with the busy diva and chat about her new movie, The Muppets,fashion tips, her relationship with Kermit and more. The Muppets hits theaters November 23,2011.Enjoy the conversation!

What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about?  

It’s moi’s story, of course. It’s about how I am working in Paris and Kermit and the other Muppets come over and beg me to come home. I run the complete gamut of acting—from smiling to frowning. It’s got Oscar® written all over it—and I’m not just talking de La Renta. I have heard rumors that there’s another storyline in the movie that doesn’t involve moi, but who really cares about that?

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets?” 

Moi plays moi.  It’s a casting no-brainer. Naturally, all of Hollywood’s top actresses tested for the part—Roberts, Streep, Winslet, Jolie, Bullock—but in the end they decided that there is only one moi and I’m it.

In the movie, I portray the plus-size fashion editor of Vogue Paris—I’m in charge of a whole office full of editors who all want to look just like moi. But of course, Kermit wants me back with the Muppets to save the day and put on some big show.  Can I resist? Well, see the movie and find out.

How does your life differ from the characters you portray on the big screen?

In real life, my wardrobe is much, much bigger and more expensive, but I’m a lot like what you see on the big screen. The camera does add a few pounds—when people meet me in person they’re always amazed at how svelte I am. Take my word for it.

What made you agree to star in Disney’s “The Muppets”?

It was written especially for moi. And they said I could keep all the shoes.

What is the funniest scene in the film?

The scene where Kermie begs me to come back to Hollywood with him is the funniest scene. I’m hilarious; and the frog isn’t half bad either. There are so many very funny scenes in the film… and guess what, moi is in all of them!  Coincidence? I don’t think so.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?

Jason is a sweet, sweet man… and a very funny comedic actor. Of course, when I heard he wrote the movie and could write my part even bigger, we became best friends forever.

…Amy Adams?

Amy and moi are so much alike, except for the fact that she’s been nominated for an Academy Award® THREE TIMES and I’ve gotten bupkis!   (Entres nous, I think they just don’t want to nominate anyone outside their species.)

There was a little tension at first, but once Amy learned about not touching the frog, we became fast friends.  We hang together whenever we’re in the same city, which up to now has been… let’s see… never.

…Kermit?

What can I say about Kermie and moi? Separately we’re fabulous and together we are absolute legends—like Astaire & Rogers, Tracy & Hepburn, Oprah & Stedman.

…Walter?

Walter is delightful! He worships the Muppets and especially moi. And as everyone knows, I absolutely adore being worshipped.

You are a fashion icon. What is your secret?

I have a few fashion secrets:

Never wear anything that requires a hoist to get into.

There is no such thing as too much accessorizing.

If it’s expensive, it fits.

Style comes in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the bigger you are, the more style you have.

What do you do in your free time?

Shop. Eat Chocolate. Pose for photographers. Rinse. Repeat. I’m a diva. I have people to schedule my free time. You have no idea how time consuming that is.

Are you and Kermit together?  

Of course we’re together.  In the movie, we seem to be apart, but that’s just for dramatic tension. In real life, we’re fabulously happy and the longest-running interspecies couple in all of Hollywood.

Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”?

Because moi is in it!  What a silly question!

It is the best movie I have ever made…and therefore the best movie ever made. Other than that, it’s got a lot of laughs and you’ll have a good time. Are those enough reasons for you?