Urban Apparel Gets a Makeover

I've never been much of a fan of urban clothing lines. It's not that I have anything against the people behind the labels, but as far as I'm concerned, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Nelly, J-Lo, Eve, and every other hip hop star (or any musician for that matter) should stay away from "designing" fashion and stick to rocking the mic. But a recent report in WWD may have changed my view (a little). Seems urban apparel may have been reinvented for fall...


A shawl collar sweater and tweed sheath dress from J-Lo's Justsweet label look less street and more sweet. Chunky Stuart Weitzman boots give the look an appealingly gritty vibe, but it would be just as fetching with a patent peep toe.

Puffed sleeves and an empire waist are decidedly girly - not what I would expect from Red by Marc Ecko. But this cotton flannel top and denim skirt from the label are actually quite adorable and completely wearable.

Jigga what?! Rocawear's belted wool jacket and wide-leg denim trousers are hot! Paired with pumps from his honey's Dereon label, the look is a perfect casual-chic combination for the office.

A denim label designed for the rump-shakin' booties that have inspired so many rap songs would be my last option for a ladylike fall coat, but Nelly's Apple Bottoms label really nailed it with this tweed coat!

This lambskin leather blazer from rapper Eve's Fetish label is a gorgeous substitute for the nylon puff coats so common in the streetwear arena, and the stretch satin dress is more uptown than urban.