How to: Dress When You're Plus-Size Woman

Dressing a plus-size figure doesn't have to be a challenge. For every woman who is a size 2, there are 5 who aren't. The key to successful plus-size dressing is to know what works for you, buy clothes that fit, accentuating the positive.

Here's a few tips:

Buy your correct size. Not the size you want to be, wish you could be, or need to be. As a plus-size women buying clothes that fit will prevent fashion don't. Trying to fit your body into something that isn't made for you is a no-no. If you're uncertain about your size, try the garments on to be sure.

Toccara: Not bad and better.

Choose a signature color and a color that slims. If you have a favorite color you like to wear, weave it into your wardrobe. Like red? buy a red blouse or sweater to pair with your slim-color bottoms. What are slimming colors? Black, gray, navy, and brown. Perhaps it sounds like a cliché to say black is slimming but it really is. Pair black with your signature color to complement your look. What about white? White can be right as long as the fit and texture of the garment isn't one that has a frumpy, lumpy, or dumpy. The fabric should fall flat against your body and have a nice, neat finish.

Accessories are your best friend in fashion. No outfit is complete without the proper accessories. Great jewelry, great shoes and handbags are excellent options for completing an outfit. You can coordinate or mix and match to get the most from your look. Accessories are an expression of your personality so always choose the right ones!

Know your assets and use them to your advantage. Large women are usually quite curvy. If you're working with a full bosom but don't want to draw attention to it, avoid low-cut garments or use embellishments like ruffle detail or a brooch. Have a great rear end? Wear pants that hug but don't smother. Want to take attention away from your midsection? Cover but don't hide. Try a nice cashmere shrug sweater or a tunic. And yes, you can do prints and stripes. Just remember horizontal stripes make you appear wider, and vertical stripes make you appear taller.

Selecting clothes for your wardrobe is the fun part. If you aren't good at picking out clothes for yourself, find a stylist or a good friend with good taste to help. Check out the list of stores below where you can do your shopping:

Ellen Tracy
Eileen Fisher
Kenneth Cole
AK Anne Klein
Kristen Blake
Ashley Stuart 
Lane Bryant
Baby Phat 
House of Dereon 
Michael Michael Kors 

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Christopher & Banks 
Nordstrom
Macy's

See some Hollywood's hottest plus-size ladies!

How to: Dress for a Cocktail Party

Dressing for a cocktail party is simple, be fabulous...But seriously, there are rules. And one of my biggest pet peeves is when people don't pay attention to the dress code on an invite. It's not only rude, it makes you look inélégant.

Prior to choosing your attire, consider the invite. A phone call or email invitation allows you to get away with less formal attire, for example a suit and a simple blouse might suffice. If you received a invite via mail on formal stationary, you might want to dress to impress.

Always wear appropriate shoes, this is not a time for flip-flops or your platform sandals. Opt for a simple, well-made pump, peep-toe, or stiletto sandal. An elegantly embellished flat is also feasible for a cocktail party as well.

A simple clutch or evening case will do. Jewelry should complement your outfit, but not over power it. If you're wearing a bold necklace with a simple sheath, avoid distracting earrings or an obnoxious bracelet.

To get the most from your look, keep it simple and polished.

Here's a few Suggestions on Cocktail Attire:

Knee-length skirts or dresses
cardigans with brooches (think Michelle Obama)
a tailored suit with a bold tank or blouse underneath
Crepe wool slacks for fall/winter, rayon, silk, or linen for summer
A sleeveless ruffled top paired with a pencil skirt and killer pumps
Delicate or bold jewelry, nothing in between
Just the right amount of bling is appropriate
Silk dresses can work just about any season

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Item Details: 

Encontrada dangle earrings, $75, Kate Spade

Animal puff dress, $100, Topshop

Boulcé dress, SOLD OUT!, Bill Blass

Izzy courier satchel, $390, The Out Net

Anaconda Violet ring, SOLD OUT!, Barney's New York

Sequin pattern tunic, $78, Arden B. 

Dunovant cocktail ring, $20, Aldo

Roma Dress, $285, Isabella Oliver

Platform open-toe pump,$285, Stuart Weitzman

Slingback, $39.95, Miss Me 

Clutch, $1,895, Marissa Collections

Bristol stacked heeled pump, $69.50, Guess 

Cubic zicronia studs, $50, Lola Dee

Alta Iowa pumps, $855, Christian Louboutin

Bracelet, $35 , Max & Chloe

9 Items to Keep in Your Handbag

A true Chocolate Fashionista is never with out a great bag or the tools to get her through life (in a fashionable way of course). Storing these items in your handbag can make life a lot easier:

1. Wallet with identification, medical cards, a $20 bill, a credit card or debit card.

2. A spare tampon. They always come in handy and you'll need one when you least expect it.

3. A cell phone with camera and emailing capabilities. Why because this isn't the stone age. You never know when you may need to snap a picture or give an update on that report.

4. Your business card or calling card. Let's face it, most people hate the cliche business card exchange but they are a requirement for every professional or those who aspire to be.

5. Lip balm or gloss. Cracked and dry lips are not sexy--ever.

6. Mints because fresh breath is essential and gum is tacky.

7. A pen and pad (counts as one item) for jotting down notes, thoughts, and oh yeah, lists like this one.

8. A pair of designer shades. Why? The sun and because they are tres chic and oh so mysterious.

9. Hand cream or lotion. Dry skin is annoying and if you're on the go and interacting with people throughout the stay, a soft hand as better than a rough one any day.

Give em' the Cold Shoulder...

Give em' the Cold Shoulder by chocfashblog featuring Miss Selfridge

Asymmetrical dresses are always sexy. Turn heads in dresses that expose a little skin in a classy way. Complement your dress with a pair of ankle-strap shoes (they make your legs look slim), and a skinny belt and you're more than ready to takeover the room. It's all about class with this look. Item Details (L to R): Adam, one-shoulder dress, $425, 25park.com, Jimmy Choo strappy sandals, $353, net-a-porter.com, Snake skinny belt, $25, topshop.com, RM by Roland Mouret fill length silk gown, $2,954, brownfashion.com, Christian Louboutin platform pumps, $1,025, net-a-porter.com, Larare Miranda patent sandal, $351, farfetch.com, Alexander Wang, one-shoulder goddess dress, $595, lagarconne.com, One-shoulder dress, $49, misselfridge.com.

10 Items You Need for Fall

10 Items You Need for Fall by chocfashblog featuring Just Cavalli
Item Details:

Studded ankle-bootie, Fendi, $1,042
Studded silk dress, Just Cavalli,
Bag, Valentino, $2,633, luisviaroma.com
Belt, Burberry, $218, farfetch.com
Skirt, Marc Jacobs, $550, net-a-porter.com
Cuff, Erickson Beamon, $465, elle.com
Blouse, Moschino Cheap & Chic, net-a-porter.com
Necklace, Alexis Bittar, bagborroworsteal.com
Wool coat, Alberta Ferretti, $1,824, net-a-porter.com
Shoes, Betsey Johnson, $150, piperlime.gap.com

How to Build a Killer Wardrobe

Too much is never enough. I have rows and rows of clothes, yet still, I have nothing to wear. Don't blame me, blame the glossy magazines I scour every month, the online magazines, the designer discount sales with prices so low you would be a fool not to buy. I can't help it, fashion obsession runs in my blood just as much as writing does. I help people get ready. I am the one my family members call when it's time to plan outfits. Getting dressed is just that, but getting dressed is an art form. It requires extreme care, diligence, intellect, and patience. I think about my outfits as much as I think about banging out my novels. I perpetuate in my mind just how many heads I will turn when I hit the avenue. Every woman wants to be remembered. Those that don't may be experiencing some anti-cornucopia breakdown. They don't get it. They insist on scouring the marts of the world in search of shoulder pads, spandex, and polyester remnants. No. Looks should be put together. Building a killer wardrobe is simple.

Here's how:

• Do a T&K (toss and keep). Get rid of everything you know darn well you will never wear again. And no your sister doesn't want it.
• Buy for your size not your fantasy. Buy clothes that fit. If and when you lose (or gain) that weight, you'll have a reason to go shopping again.
• Use color. I love color. And with color, you can make a statement or say nothing at all. My signature color is chocolate brown (hence the "Chocolate" in Chocolate Fashion Blog), so I pair it with red, gray (yes gray), navy, white, or camel. Find a color that you love and use it in your wardrobe to create your signature look. For a long time I used brown because I wouldn't be caught without one of my Louis Vuitton handbags. It's all about having fun with color.
  
• Mix and match. I enjoy matching, but it's not an absolute must. Mixing is all about taking things and giving them a new twist. Mix and match with flavor; choose pieces carefully but have fun with your look. And vow never to mix a Cheetah print with Leopard.
• Accessorize properly. Have a love affair with shoes, belts, jewelry, and handbags. Make them work for you, not the other way around. You never want to look as though you are trying too hard.
• Always buy the best shoes you can afford. Shoes are an accessory but they can also make or break an outfit. If you're in a killer dress with runover shoes, no one cares about the dress. All they are going to remember is how bad your shoes were. If you can't do designer, go for brands like 9 West, Enzo Angiolini, or Aldo.
  
• Try trends, but do not become a slave to them. Trends are fun but like the latest cell phone, they come and go (unless it's Ugg boots). It's great to take a trend or two and add them to your look, but if you're head to toe trendy, pretend you're an employee of an airline on third-shift and lose them like baggage.
  
• Always have the basics: a dark (preferably black) lean suit; a pencil skirt, a white shirt, a great pair of jeans, a little black dress, a shift dress, cashmere cardigans, white tees, trousers, white jeasn, a Boulé jacket, a trench coat, a camel overcoat and a sexy tuxedo for evenings when the LBD won't do.
• Find a fashion role model. This is someone whose style you admire. Halle Berry is my fashion role model. She's always classy and dresses down appropriately.
  

When in doubt, just say no. Fashion is one thing, style is quite another. You can become fashionably stylish by following these few simple tricks.

The Basics

Wardrobe Essentials by chocfashblog featuring Converse shoes

CFB Fashion Reads: 5 Books You Should Have in Your Library

That Extra Half Inch by Victoria Beckham

The One Hundred: A Guide to The Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nancy Garcia

Style 101: What Every Stylish Woman Should Know from the Editors of In Style

Harper's Bazaar Great Style: Best Ways to Update Your Look by Jenny Levin

Style from A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour by Rachel Zoe with Rose Apodaca

Date Night: Dancing With Idris

Dancin' With Idris by chocfashblog featuring Yves Saint Laurent shoes

Anight of moving and grooving wrapped in the arms of chocolate hottie Idris Elba. Hey I'm not one for dancing but I with him as my partner I just might have to take up a few lessons. Whether you enjoy Salsa, the Tango, or ballroom dancing, this ensemble is classy enough to turn heads, and flexible enough to turn legs!

Item Details:
Twisting 18-karat yellow gold hoop earrings, $290, forzieri.com
Idris Elba
Strapless corset dress, $777, my-wardrobe.com
OPI Nail Polish Mod About Brights Collection-The It Color, $12.50, nailpolishdiva.com
Cuff, A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Pave Twist Cuff, $40, bagborroworsteal.com
Heart-shaped rose, Wedding Designs, altacathers.com
Shoes, Yves Saint Laurent, $750, matchesfashion.com
"Candy" leather clutch, Chloe, $523, net-a-porter.com
Salsa Dance Steps, justsalsa.com
"Yes" Necklace, $11.99, modcloth.com

Queen Latifah Covers Essence Magazine (Again) for the July 2009 Issue

It has been some time since I subscribed to Essence magazine. Mainly because like so many other black women, we are tired of seeing the same celebrities on the cover as well as the same content and articles on how manless, indebted, and dramacydal we are. The one article I found somewhat useful in this recession is the "Get Your Hustle On". While it is something I have seen before, perhaps Essence's 112 subscribers will read it and increase their income--since they'll never have a man (at least not until the venture down to the local strip club), or get out of debt. One of these days I'm going to see someone other than Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Will & Jada, Tyler Perry, or Jennifer Hudson on the cover, and actually read an article that has news I can use. Perhaps Amy BuBois-Barnett should be offered a job as editor-in-chief. Now, there's a woman who knows how to get hers and rework a magazine.

All Set for Summer Cocktails

Summer Cocktails by chocfashblog featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Have a toast to the good life and keep your cool, all while looking simply fabulous.

Item Details:
"Yves Klein" blue dress, Maison, Martin & Margiela, $965.0, farfetch.com
Chunky necklace, Yves Saint Laurent, $770, net-a-porter.com
Summer cocktail recipes, marrieclaire.com
Sandals, Christian Louboutin Differa, $1,495, net-a-porter.com
Clutch, Talullah Tu, talullahtu.co.uk

Gabby Chic: Gabrielle Union Does Beverly Hills

Gabby Chic by chocfashblog featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Item Details:
Splendid cotton tank top, $40, net-a-porter.com
Connie bootcut jeans, $75 GBP, Koodos.com
Triple strand belt, $187.50, lpcollection.com
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition "Alma" GM bag, $475, Bagborroworsteal.com
Christian Louboutin Miss Fortune 120 shoes, $747, net-a-porter.com
Sophia & Chloe "Courage" bangle and "Kiss" bangle, shopflick.com

A Nice Summer Breeze & Champagne

Black & Gold are oh so classy and oh so sexy for summer!

Summer Breeze & Champagne by chocfashblog featuring Gucci shoes

Item Details:
"Harem" Jumper, Arden B., $58, ArdenB.com
Earrings, H&M, Shop.hm.com
Champagne flutes, Poreda.com
Bvlgari pink gold diamond ring, $6,550, Bvlgari.com
"Iman" platform t-strap, Gucci, Bluefly.com
Oversized metallic clutch, Miu Miu, $850, net-a-porter.com
"Only Drink Champagne" OPI Nail Polish, bebeautiful.com
Pendant necklace, Phillip, Crangi Mara, $1,647.50, net-a-porter.com

Purple Reign!!

Purple Reign by chocfashblog featuring Monsoon

Cool in the summer, hotter in the winter. Purple reigns supreme. Whether your prefer a soft lavender or a bold amethyst, purple complements every chocolate diva!!

Item Details:
Top, Wet Seal, $22.50, WetSeal.com and Wet Seal stores nationwide.
Ring, Forever 21, $3.80, Forever21.com and stores
Skirt, Miu Miu, $375, net-a-porter.com
Jacquard dress, Marc Jacobs, $597, net-a-porter.com
Stiletto, GIANT, $110 GBP, kurtgeiger.com
Ruched side dress, Wet Seal, WetSeal.com and Wet Seal stores nationwide.
Dress, $500, tmfas.net
Purple polka-dot skin cover, $6.99, Amazon.com
Sequin bandage dress, Herve Leger, $1,960, net-a-porter.com
Square molded-frame sunglasses dVb, $165 GBP, my-wardrobe.com
Logo cuff, Fendi, $140, net-a-porter.com
Zebra cloque strapless dress, Rebecca Taylor, $206.50, net-a-porter.com
Python peep-toe heels, Cesare Paciotti, $429 GBP, farfetch.com
"Purple Rain" floral arrangement, Jayson Home & Garden, jaysonhomeandgarden.com
"Dana" silk dress, Temperly London, $1,295, net-a-porter.com
Slingback heel, Proenza Schuler, $430 EUROS, colette.fr
Satin clutch, Jimmy Choo, $575, net-a-porter.com
Ruched cup strappy ombre dress, $70 GBP, debenhams.com
Amethyst earrings, Elisabeth, $1,835 GBP, brownfashion.com

Go Mellow for Summer With Yellow!

Yellow is color that work for just about every skin tone. Whether you're cafe au lait or rich chocolate, sunny yellow makes you look chic for summer. Pair designer items with lower-priced ones for a unique look. Pair the Oscar de la Renta silk skirt with a $5 tee says tres chic! Love to match? Go for a phone cover like the Apple I-Phone silicone skin cover from PDAExtreme.com

Chocolate Sun by chocfashblog featuring Fendi bags

Item Details:
Swimsuit, Diane Von Furstenberg, $190, net-a-porter.com
Fold corner bag, Dorothy Perkins, $18,dorothyperkins.com
Patent-buckle platform heel sandals, $25.99, amiclubwear.com
Zac Posen silk-fitted dress, $2,325, net-a-porter.com
Smoked topaz bumblebee statement necklace, 1928.com,
Rafe New York "Rihanna" frame handbag, $375, piperlime.com
Flower ring, $14.99, modcloth.com
Rib vest top, $12 EUR, debenhams.com,
Oscar de la Renta silk-pleated skirt, $1,150, net-a-porter.com
Old Navy flip-flops, $3.50, oldnavy.com
Apple iPhone 3G silicone case, pdaextreme.com
Arden B, tiered-silk party dress, ArdenB.com Flower pin, $3.99, girlprops.com
Oscar de la Renta Origami open-toe slingbacks, $665, net-a-porter.com
Fendi sequined "Forever Boston" bag, $820, net-a-porter.com
Bright bead bracelet, $6 EUR, newlook.co.uk
Pacifica Brazilian Mango candles, $16, sephora.com.

Finding Your Signature Style

Style is not something most people are born with, it's something you acquire. If you're like me you were fortunate enough to have females in your family who had impeccable style, someone who turned heads. If you weren't so lucky, all is not lost. You too can develop your own personal sense of style make yourself fashion-magazine worthy...Or at least presentable for social events!

1. Avoid being too trendy. Wearing too many "in" items screams I-don't-know-what-I'm doing. When shopping, find one or two items you like and pair them with something classic or casual. Never buy every item that's on the mannequin. Use a few ideas to implement a few key looks into your wardrobe, but don't group all the trends together.

2. Find a signature color. Whether you like bright colors, pastels, jewel tones, or neutrals, find a color that complements you. Having a signature color makes it easy to shop for things you like and while you don't have to buy every item in that color, purchasing a few key pieces allows you to mix and match while maintaining your signature look.

3. Keep your head together.Your hair and face are just as important as the rest of you. A signature hairstyle/cut will complete any ensemble. If you're a huge makeup fan, consider a professional consultation to give you the perfect look. Every woman should at least wear lip color and mascara.

4. Put your best foot forward. Simple rules for shoes: Shoes can make or break an outfit. Cheap shoes will cheapen an outfit. Spend a little more money for a better fit. If you're on a modest budget check out stores like Nine West and Aldo. If you can splurge, go for comfort not appearance. Wearing the wrong shoe can be annoying not to mention painful.

5. Accessorize properly. Handbags and jewelry are essential to any outfit. If your clothing is dramatic, opt for subtle jewelry and vice versa. I love necklaces and cocktail rings so it is rare that you will see me without one of the two. But I also love bold earrings, and if I wear them, I leave the rest of the jewelry at home. You should have a handbag for every day use, as well as an arsenal for weekends and evening looks. Mixing and matching accessories can make the same outfit look brand new!

How to Bargain Hunt on the Web...And a Few Other Places

I would like to thank all my grandma Rosie, fashion magazines, my stylist friend ETS (who shall remain anonymous at the moment), and my Leo rising. I seem to have developed a list and keen sense for hardly every paying full price for anything. Thanks to the inside track with a variety of designer discount member only websites such as RueLaLa, Ideeli, Gilt, HauteLook, and TopSecret, I can find designer items at a fraction of the cost. For example, the La Perla "Song" bra which retails for $289, is selling for $79 on RueLaLa. HauteLook.com has the Chaiken "Audrey" dress selling for $90 compared to $198 retail. With a little more than half off, you can't lose. Stores like Target (nee Tarjaay) sell merchandise that is often quite similar to the designer duds. I found a dress at there for $22.99 and ran into a woman in Bellacures nail salon who paid five times that much from some designer boutique. Other than the belt loops, you could hardly tell them apart! Now don't get me wrong, I love designer clothes, but I am not a slave to them. If I can find something similar at a cheaper price, best believe I will snatch it up. My stylist friend ETS has the inside track on a top secret warehouse that sells designer merchandise for 15% of the retail price. Hello?? Can somebody say HUGE DISCOUNT!? So basically if the retail price of a Donna Karan dress is $500, you would only pay $75! Can you imagine? But yes, there is a $200 spending minimum, but at those prices, you can make yourself find stuff.

Sometimes, spending a little more money is worth it. Places like Off Fifth and Last Call, Saks and Neiman Marcus discount little sister stores respectively, offer a pretty good selection of clothes and accessories. The key is finding the jewels and ignoring the junk. Don't be fooled by people who say if it's not designer they won't wear it. Some designers make stuff I wouldn't burn in my fireplace, let alone wear. Pairing one designer item with a lesser known item is tres chic. Taking cues from those "Housewives of Fantasy Land" who think just because something is expensive it should be worn, I choose my clothing carefully. Loehmann's in Los Angeles is one of my favorite bargain places to shop. They also have discounts for their "card" holders. (See a sales clerk for details.) I get all my jeans there, and usually some that are very unique and durable for under $50. Their handbag, jewelry, and lingerie sections are great. I have yet to find a pair of shoes there that I like, but the mediocre selection doesn't keep me from going back and hoping.

Online I also frequent shops like Bluefly, Eluxury, and smart Bargains. The latter is not as exciting as the first two but every once in a while you find items that are nice and too good to pass up. I recommend trying to obtain a membership to the exclusive members only site though (send me a direct message for an invite from me), as they tend to have the BEST merchandise anywhere. (Be sure to check return/refund policies prior to buying just in case something doesn't fit.) As with any discounted item, be sure to check for flaws. Online most of the deals are overstock merchandise and perfectly fine. In stores you may find more irregular items, but if you have a tailor on speed dial, alterations should be a snap!

Recession or not, some of us are still breaking the bank to look good. Invest in key pieces and buy multiple items in bulk if you fall in love with the item. You can find some great designer discounts online and at retail stores if you don't mind a little research!


©2009
(Photo by Ariel Skelley)

How to Know When Your Fashion Has Gone Overboard

Glamour magazine does a special "Do and Don't" issue. Over the years I have read the article and couldn't believe the things that people wear. From VPL's (visible panty lines) to legging capri pants with baby doll dresses and cropped jackets, some people just don't know when their fashion goes bad. If you're to engrossed in other things to pay attention to your wardrobe, believe someone is. Might I suggest you watch and episode or two of "What Not to Wear" and maybe then you'll realize what you're doing wrong. Otherwise, you can just look here:

Hint #1:
You get stares--and not the good kind. People look at you and make faces, purse there lips, or stare in disbelief. This is a telltale sign that your outfit is all wrong. Did you bother to look in the mirror before you left the house?

Hint #2:
Your friends say things like, "Is that what you're wearing?", "What else do you have?"

Hint #3:
At the store when you're trying on clothes, the sales clerk makes faces because she knows you have no business trying on whatever it is you're trying on.

Hint #4:
You're a size 8 but you insist on squeezing into a size 4. No ma'am.

Hint #5
Your significant other would rather stay in than be seen out in public with you so he claims you need to spend more time together--indoors.

Hint #6
You think cocktail attire consists of a tight, short, and fitted. It does not.

Hint #7
High-schoolers give you compliments on your outfits. Adults just gasp.

Hint #8
Nothing you own matches or goes with anything else in your closet.

Hint #9
You think seeing a tailor involves that guy from the television show "I Love Money".

Hint #10
You have never received a compliment on your wardrobe--ever.

What Does Your Look Say About You?

Imagine you're at an event where you're the star. You walk into the room and all eyes are on you. What are people thinking? Are they in awe? Excited to see you? In shock? Or simply unmoved by your presence? I learned at a very young age that people treat you how you look. It may sound like a cliche but it is totally true. Every tried to get upgraded to first class on a flight wearing sweatpants and Uggs? Try it wearing a crisp white shirt, a fitted pair of slacks and pumps. You'll probably get upgraded and an invitation to the company party.

People are impressed but what they see more than what they hear. No one wants to listen to how fabulous you are if you don't look fabulous. It's like trying to sell ice cream to the snowman. Why should they buy it? But every true fashionista knows, the better you look, the better you feel. If you saw the move The Devil Wears Prada, you know that the wrong look can be devastating for your career. Who would've paid Andie (Anne Hathaway) any attention if she entered a room wearing that godforsaken blue sweater, plaid skirt, tights, and boxed heeled shoes? Clearly a fashion makeover was in order.

I watched an episode of What Not to Wear the other night where the director of a music school needed a makeover stat. Clearly she wasn't seriously expecting to get fundraising wearing a pair of rhinestone jeans, tank tops, and tennis shoes to work with her hair in a frilly ponytail did she? Clinton and Stacy showed her a thing or two, upgrading her wardrobe to include classic looks in the spirit of Ann Taylor and Chanel. If you want to raise money, you better look like you have it. As unfair as it might seem, no one wants to give money to someone who looks like they need it.

In honor of the new First Lady, I challenge those of you who are "fashion-challenged" to upgrade yourself and turn over a new leaf. When you look good you feel good and you never know who is watching. These times are trying but just because we're in a depression there's no reason for you to look like one.

Photo: Desiree Rogers, the new Social Secretary for President Obama
(by Jonathan Becker for Vogue)