Hip Hop and Hardware: LL Cool J for Sears

He's something like a Phenomenon in the rap game, been Doin' It well for quite some time actually. So what's next on the plate of hip hopper LL Cool J? An apparel line at Sears?! Sounds odd, but Mama Said Knock You Out, it's the truth!

In an attempt to reenergize their apparel sales, Sears has signed 40 year-old rapper LL Cool J to do a clothing line. Not exactly the obvious choice to reinvent and refresh an apparel business, but who knows? LL claims he's got plenty of experience when it comes to women's apparel. "I was raised by a matriarch," the rapper told WWD. "[And] I have a wife and three daughters, so I know what women are looking for when they shop for clothes." Let's hope so, Cool J, let's hope so.

The collection is called (what else) LL Cool J for Sears, and features casual wear for juniors, young men's, girls, and boys. Look for the label this September, just in time for back to school. Expect prices to range from $22 for a graphic tee to $50 for a pair of jeans. LL Cool J for Sears will be available in 450 of Sears' 900 stores.

Hawks by Geren Ford

There is nothing a shopaholic loves more than a bargain, so naturally we're rejoicing over Hawks by Geren Ford, a line created by Los Angeles designer Geren Lockhart exclusively for Urban Outfitters.

I first heard about the collection in Nylon magazine and, knowing how lovely her own line is, have been impatiently waiting ever since. I'm mad for the Sailor Shorts (above left)--they've got the most adorable sailor buttons, wide legs, and they're only $58, and the Colorblock Top (right), with its drawstring detail on the sleeves and modest price tag of $78.

The whole collection is completely affordable, with prices ranging from $58 to $118, and features the same wonderfully relaxed drapiness of Lockhart's Geren Ford line. Head to Urban Outfitters to see more...

Shades of Gray

From lovely little frocks, perfect for the summertime weddings and garden parties, to sexy skinny jeans to bold, statement-making jewelry, gray is suddenly the most fetching color of the season!

A shoe that is the must-get style and color of the season - smart! And at less than seventy bucks the price of these Asos Leather Flat Gladiator Sandals ($65) is so right!

This Lee Angel Jewel Marbelized Ring ($60) is beyond chic, combining rock-hard, marble resin with colorful stones set in goldtone.

Classic 1940s femininity meets modern edge in these Moschino Cheap and Chic Linen T-Strap Sandals ($524) -- pair with a flouncy blouse tucked into high-waisted short shorts.

The appealingly inexpensive Chiffon Shift Dress ($36) from Twelve by Twelve works for a night of martinis with the girls or an afternoon wedding in the park.

Casual, go-anywhere shorts are a definite summertime staple and these Belted Shorts ($39.50) from Gap are affordable and cute.

These impossible-to-miss Nuria Slim-Fit Jeans from Cambio ($275) come in the most desirable silhouette and color of the season, but be warned: you will turn heads!

Love the Look - Beyonce

I love the casual-cool look of Mrs. Carter's cropped Chanel jacket and pin, layered necklaces, wide-leg trou, and knit cap. It's all-at-once effortless and polished.

Long Overdue

America's Next Top Model has actually given the coveted title to a healthy-sized girl! Bravo to Tyra and her posse for finally recognizing that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!

Hat Mishap

I'm among the many who are patiently squirming in their Manolos until May 30, when we will finally see the reunion of our favorite Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. I am also incredibly baffled by Sarah Jessica Parker's hat at the London premiere of the Sex and the City film...

Sweet Shoppe

For anyone who loves Lilly Pulitzer, the new flagship store at 1020 Madison Avenue in Manhattan is the proverbial candy store to your kid!

The 3,600-square-foot space houses two levels of women's, men's children's, and swimwear,

and interior concepts including a grand pink carpeted staircases, comfy pink couches with green and orange pillows, and framed vintage photos of Lilly and her family. There are also palm tree-shaped treats for pooches and a juice cart for shoppers. Plus jars filled with candy for the little ones in the children's area - sweet!

The Gift of Water

Charity Water Bracelet, $5

This Mother's Day hook mom up with this charity:water bracelet from Saks Fifth Avenue and you'll also be providing the gift of fresh water to someone in a developing country - a gift idea that's truly twice as nice!

Go here to learn more about Charity:Water, a non profit organization that builds freshwater wells in countries that desperately need them.

Love the Look - Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is positively flawless in this insanely chic LBD by Catherine Malandrino (the jeweled belt is just divine!) and sky-high Louboutins.

Romancing the Stones

Dress up your most casual looks this summer with appealingly bejeweled flat sandals from Piperlime.com.

Nine West 'Kellyanna' Sandal, $49

Two Lips 'Jaida' Sandal, $60

Vince Camuto 'Brandy' Sandal $98

Bo'em 'Saffron' Sandal, $185

Rafe New York 'Penelope' Sandal, $225

Cynthia Vincent 'Anette' Sandal, $235

Hollywould 'Gabrielle' Sandal, $445

Giuseppe Zanotti E80411, $575

Enjoy free shipping and free returns on all the must-have shoe styles from Piperlime.

Oh Baby!

My dear friend Nik is having a baby boy this summer and I am wildly excited about the impending arrival of my nephew. Spotted these so-genius goodies at Intuition that I can keep at my place for when baby comes to visit "Auntie Angel!"


I have horrible memories of changing my little brother and getting, um...sprayed. These soft, cone-shaped covers will guarantee I stay dry during diaper changes. Each pack comes with 10 wash-and-reuse teepees.

Pee-Pee Teepees, $25

There will be no shortage of hugs and kisses for the wee one but should I have to put him down for a sec (and I do mean a sec) these snuggly little blankets and toy puppy combo can keep him company.

Cuddly Pal and 3 Flannel Blankets, $30

Because they're just too cute!

My First Biker Boots, $35

And on another note, I have a girlfriend who's getting married this July and I'm already pressuring her to give me a niece so I can buy these:

Animal Print Baby Ballet Slippers, $30

Ruffled Up

Flirty, ruffled tops are wildly pretty and a must-get for summer. Pair them with jeans and metallic heels or a super-sleek pencil skirt for an easy look that's deeply glamorous.

Robert Rodriguez Racerback Ruffle Tank, $298

Rebecca Taylor Chiffon Top, $260

Forever 21 Ruffled Blouse, $20

Banana Republic Cotton/Silk Ruffle-Front Blouse, $58

Kimchi & Blue Silk Dot Blouse, $58

MICHAEL Michael Kors Ruffle Top, $79.50

Jovanna Silk Corsage Trim Bubble Top, $142

Knock Your Block Off

Here's a deeply fetching colorblock dress from Vera Wang Lavender Label available at shopbop.com :

Vera Wang Lavender Label Jewel Detail A-Line Dress, $495

And here's a similar but far less expensive version from Twelve by Twelve:

Seaside Glamour Belted Dress from Twelve by Twelve, $32

Pink Elephant Gift Exchange

With summer looming you can bet your social calendar will soon be filled with dinner parties, cocktail hours, BBQs, and beach picnics. Instead of showing up with the requisite bottle of wine for the hostess, give her something she can use for the other fifteen bottles she'll be getting as gifts. How about this so-cute Pink Elephant Bottle Stopper ($9.95) from Z Gallerie:

Love the Look - Liv Tyler

People online is questioning whether the Stella McCartney dress and Roger Vivier sandals Liv Tyler wore to the NYC screening of Iron Man is a hit or a miss...Style Goodies thinks it's a total hit! Couldn't possibly love it more!

Spring Clearance at Luv Charlie!

You owe it to yourself to head to Luv Charlie this instant for savings up to 70% on their spring clearance inventory [READ: deep discounts on all the cool stuff that you'll still be wearing for months to come!]. Save on favorites like Corey Lynn Calter, Guy Baxter, LaRok, Alisha Levine, Lewis Cho, and more!


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