Take 17: Holiday Parties

It's the holiday season! And you know what that means—par-ties!! At this time of year, I think it's perfectly fine, even necessary, to go all out. And I recommend that even if you're just looking for a sexy top to pair with jeans or a nice pair of black pants, or you're looking for a flirty dress, you go for ruffles, satin, lace, sequins, or feathers this year. Just not all at once!

Banana Republic, $130

New York & Co., $34.95

Express, $44.50

These dresses are simple, but both would look fab with a sequin clutch, or satin shoes. New York & Co.—above, $68; below, $20

Lov-ING the ruffles! Gap, $78.

New York & Co., $36

Express, $248

I see this dress with black or (gasp!) magenta tights and black heels or silver sequin heels. French Connection, $198

Take 16: My Style Icon

Loves me some Queen Latifah.

As a plus-size chick myself, there's no doubt that my obsession with her is because she's a plus-size actress/singer who rocks a classy, fun, notice-me style and she isn't afraid of who she is. She is a BAMF (and no, I won't explain what that means).

Even if you're not plus-size yourself, you can learn a lot from studying her style. Here are some of the Queen's best looks:

This dress is so flattering. The cinching in at the waist, the wide shoulder straps, the eye-catching lace detail and shorter length. It's just perfect! I also love the gold-tone shoes—they totally elongate her legs.

One thing every girl needs—a pair of perfectly fitting, tailored bermuda shorts. I like the all black here, and the blouse is still sexy, even if the girls aren't on display. Usually I shy away from sandals that have a strap around the top part of my foot because they tend to cut the legs off, making them appear shorter. I think this works here because of the substantial heel, and, hello! The shiny bling! 

I almost bought this Lane Bryant shirt on four different occasions this summer—seeing it on her, I regret that I didn't! The cut is very becoming, and the dark jean is a nice compliment. She's looks relaxed and chic for her appearance on BET's 106 & Park.

I just admire Queen Latifah so much for wearing a body-hugging dress like this. Again, the deep neckline and cumberbund-like band is crazy flattering. She just looks va-va-va-voom!

This is my #2 favorite outfit—I love the pop of color of the shirt and the way it fits across the bust. And a bigger girl can never go wrong with a tailored pair of pants and close-fitting blazer. Plus, her flashes of bling, her hip-hop style all grown up, adds the right amount of flash.

By far, this is my favorite look from the Queen. This leopard print is so. Freaking. Hot! And I love the little peak of lingerie at the neckline—sexy, provocative, but not trashy. The simple shoes and clutch tone the vampiness of this outfit down, and the shiny bangles and earrings add just enough glow.

Take 15: Grey shoes

Oh my gosh, you guys, you seriously need to buy a pair of grey shoes. I know I wrote a lot about grey bags and boots a few posts ago, but seriously, you need to get a pair. 

I'll admit this right now—my very fashionable co-worker Stephanie asked me to find her a pair of grey shoes. Hence the reason for this post. I pulled a bunch, in a variety of prices, but mostly pumps or wedges, many with peep toes because, well, that's what she likes. It's also what I like. And now I really like grey shoes. I don't have a pair (yet) but I see them on girls everywhere this season and they're awesome! Metallic silver is stellar too...but my fav are the grey suede. Enjoy my examples!

This Nuncio style from Nine West ($60) is very classic, and would be easy to walk in because of the small heel. And as Stacey and Clinton always say, a pointy heel lengthens the leg!

I love these metallic, futuristic-looking peep toe pumps from Nine West ($78).

I know it's hard to believe, but these are Easy Spirits! I think they look clean, sleek and so now because of the suede. And the wedge is a perfect height ($84).

These are very sweet, very manageable shoes because the heel is low, but the button is a fun touch. Me Too, $88.

These wedges are very similar to the Easy Spirits above...but they're not suede. DKNYC, $129.

OK. I'm not completely sold on these, but I think I'd have to see them on someone. They're by Carlos, a great brand, but it's possible the trim could look at bit kitschy. It couldn't hurt to try them on though! ($109)

I adore these metallic wedges but, as with most shoes at Aldo, the height is a little much for me. Nevertheless, the shine on these is hot! ($70)

And, finally, these Nine West pumps ($89) are my second fav to the Easy Spirit wedges. They're classic, look comfortable, and would look fabulous with black opaque or colored tights. Rock 'em!