Sequins and sunlight

(Priorities vest, Alice + Olivia sequin dress, J.Crew belt, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 glasses)

From that sharp bob cut she rocked in her "Umbrella" music video to the crimson corkscrew curls she sports today, Rihanna remains one of my all-time favorite celebrities who's constantly pushing the envelope, reinventing herself, taking risks. In the April 2011 issue of Vogue, she said,

"When I am putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. I always look for the most interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion."

Rihanna has cobbled together looks that are inspiring and wildly creative, ones that make me think she's a kind of fashion genius. And then there are outfits that have left me confused or disappointed. But while another starlet strutting down the red carpet in a pretty LBD may look perfectly polished, Rihanna's never bored me with predictable style. So when I threw on this crazy ensemble - sequin mini dress, combat boots, a skinny fluorescent orange belt - I made sure to keep RiRi's words of wisdom in mind, daring myself to try and make it work!

Out & About: RiRi in ruffles

Who: Rihanna

What: Heading to the Louis Vuitton store around CHamps Elysees with bf Chris Brown

Where: Paris, France

Wearing: Sunglasses, a black cardigan with major ruffles, skintight pants, and black boots

When: December 18, 2008


No matter what, Rihanna manages to look fierce 24/7. She tends to choose really strong, outstanding pieces--like this top completely smothered in ruffles--and wears them with total confidence and a devil-may-care attitude, which is one of the things I love about her fashion sense! This head-to-toe black ensemble is just another of her ballsy signature looks.

(Photo Credit: JustJared.Com)

Out & About: Pretty in plaid

Who: Rihanna

What: Rehearsing onstage for the American Music Awards

Where: Los Angeles, California

Wearing: A fitted plaid shirt, skinny dark jeans, thin brown leather belt, hoop earrings, and dark sunglasses

When: November 20, 2008


Even while simply rehearsing for the big show, Rihanna makes a fashion statement. In my opinion, she completely owns this outfit. It's a simple combo of dark jeans and a casual button-down shirt, but she makes it work with fitted pieces and strong accessories.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Urban Outfitter's Lattice Boots: Yes or No?

These suede lattice boots, exclusive to Urban Outfitters, aren't for everybody, but if you've got the long legs, confidence, and that indescribable je ne sais quoi to pull it off, I'd say go for it! The shoes remind me of Rihanna's totally fierce Balenciaga gladiator boots from a little while back, which she rocked. The boots are a tad elaborate--there's a pattern of geometric cut outs along the sides, metal eyes down the front through which the black laces criss cross, a peep toe, and a low 2-inch heel. Obviously, with shoes this busy you won't want to wear a complicated oufit. I'd suggest your sheerest black tights, denim cut offs, and a simple top in a solid color, perhaps accompanied by a blazer or vest in case of cold weather. No matter what, go for simplicity and keep the focus on your boots. I'm still debating whether or not I should get them...Any thoughts?

Taking a cue from Rihanna: Vanessa Bruno's Cassis Top

While performing "Take A Bow" at the 19th Annual MuchMusic Video Awards, Rihanna--noted style icon--donned yet another showstopping ensemble. In skintight rubber pants, fierce lace-up boots, and an elaborately ruffled black top (and don't forget that policeman's hat!), she rocked the stage. While her outfit is too showy for everyday, this Vanessa Bruno top reminds me of Rihanna's and is far more wearable for those of us who aren't famous celebs! You can copy Rihanna's tough "good girl gone bad" look by pairing the top with your sexiest sky-high boots, or play it sweet with girly heels and accessories.

Style Inspiration: Rihanna

What can't Rihanna do? First she got all of us singing about umbrellas. And now, in just the past few days, she has cemented her status as a style icon. At her "Good Girl Gone Bad" screening party, she was spotted wearing a body-conscious dress with a sheer back and subtle checkered pattern. Then while visiting BET 106 & Park, she topped off her funky outfit (love the sharp blazer and the innovative cut of her dress) with absolutely stunning knee-high Balenciaga gladiator boots. Rihanna is definitely young and spunky enough to pull off those busy graphics and complicated straps! The sexy shoes were striking and incorporated the tribal pattern trend into her chic black outfit.

Leaving a performance at Madison Square Garden, Rihanna was seen in a long black blazer over a spangled red dress. Every detail in this outfit just seems on point to me, from the flat sandals to the length of the blazer to the pretty, layered hemline of her dress. This is definitely a cocktail party look I'd want to imitate!

(Photo credits to FabSugar)