Fashion Rundown: 2011 Academy Awards

There were a lot of great looks on the red carpet at the Oscars last night. Jennifer Hudson showed off her new body in a beautiful gown while the men looked very dapper in their tuxedos. Some well-known movies won awards, such as Social Network, Inception, Toy Story 3 and Black Swan... while some that were looked over like The King's Speech and The Fighter picked up some of the biggies. But enough of that... lets see the fashion. 

Black Fashion Icon: Run DMC

Run DMC are the last Black Fashion Icons we are highlighting this month. Like LL Cool J, they also helped define the look of early hip hop street fashion during the 80's. When you think of Run DMC, you automatically think of Adidas tracksuits, shell toe sneakers, gold chains and Kangol hats. Even today, their style is incorporated and honored by some of today's young stars.

Get WHIT the Look: Celebs Rip The Runway in NYC

Over the weekend, fashion and music came together at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York for BET's Rip the Runway, hosted by supermodel Selita Ebanks and actor-model Mehcad Brooks. Designers highlighted included Rachel Roy, Tennille White, LaQuan Smith, Man vs. Machine, Lila Nikole and more. Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Wiz Khalifa, Miguel, Fabolous, Melanie Fiona and New Boyz all hit the stage to perform while models walked the runway in the designers' collections.

Check out some of the fashion from the show and get the looks:

Black Fashion Icon: Michelle Obama

It's the last day of Black History Month and we want to finish up today with our last two Black Fashion Icons. First up is the lovely and inspiring Michelle Obama. Her gracefulness has captured the hearts of many. Our first lady is truly America's Sweetheart, setting the standard for older classy women. Many women close in her age range want her look - which is usually a dress that bares her great arms and kitten heels or a well put together pants suit. She also brought designer Jason Wu to the attention of many, designing her Inaugural Ball dress and other things she has worn.

Black Fashion Icon: Halle Berry

Halle Berry has been one of the hottest women in Hollywood for over 2 decades now… and she still looks amazing. She knows how to be sexy on the red carpet and keep it casual cute on her off days. Her signature short hairstyle still turns heads. Halle can pretty much do no wrong with her fashion choices and we admire her style.

Look for Less: Beyonce's All Star Look

Beyonce looked Fab at the All Star game in her "casual" look. She wore Christian Louboutin Sparkling Pumps, ultra dark J Brand denim jeans, and a Haute Hippie Silk Cowl Blouse. The shirt alone retails for $225, the jeans are $100+, and pumps around $1000.

Read more to get the Look for Less!

Get WHIT it or Get Lost? Ciara's Snake Skin Boots

Ciara attended the All Star game in LA this past weekend wearing a simple top, denim, shorts, and in my opinion (Whitney R), some ridiculous boots. Her Emilio Pucci boots are from the Spring 2011 collection and retail for $2000+. What are your thoughts? A little too much or are you loving it?

Read more to see a Snake Skin shoe for Less and much more appropriate.

Black Fashion Icon: LL Cool J

Let's take a look back at fashion from a past era. When we think of hip hop's origins and the fashion in the 80's and early 90's, we think of the essentials: gold rope chains, bucket hats, track suits, adidas sneakers... the list goes on. One can't forget to mention one who rocked all of these trends, LL Cool J. You rarely saw him without his Kangol hat and chain (he also spent a lot of time shirtless).

Black Fashion Icon: Usher

Usher has had some highs and lows in terms of his fashion choices over the years, but who hasn't? One of our favorite eras, the Confessions album, was when every guy was copying Usher and his button-up shirt look, paired with jeans and hats. Today we get more requests for his laid-back candid style than his stage looks.

Black Fashion Icon: Grace Jones

Grace Jones... singer, model, actress, fashion icon.

Many see Grace as an originator in the world of fashion. She is known for being different and experimenting. This "no fear" mentality is a sure way to make someone standout and become a fashion icon like Grace.

Black Fashion Icon: Chris Brown

We first new Chris Brown as a young talented teen who was bound to become a huge star. Back then, his style was very young (baggy jeans and hoodies, custom jackets, sneakers in every color...). As he grew a little older his style evolved. He is the most requested male here on Get WHIT It - many guys want to know about the shoes, jewelry, accessories and jackets he wears.

His unique style makes him a fashion icon. In one of his recent Mechanical Dummy webisodes he talked about his individual style:

Look for Less: LeToya Luckett's neutral look

LeToya Luckett attended The Magic Johnson Foundation's private shopping even at Nordstom in LA. I'm loving the neutral look. Normally, I wouldn't think shades of browns, green, and gray would go together. Definitely a cute shopping look.

If you love the look, Read more to get the Look for Less:

Fashion Rundown: 2011 Grammy Awards

One of the biggest award shows of the year went down last night, the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. All eyes were on the celebrities and their interesting fashion choices. As usual, people like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna seemed to have people talking the most. Let's take a look at the red carpet and show looks:

Inspired Look: Happy Valentine's Day

Tees by Delia's
Platforms by Steve Madden

Black Fashion Icon: Kanye West

He first came to us as the "Louis Vuitton Don," known for rocking polos and colorful sweaters. Since then he has evolved to a distinct and bold style that is a product of his own ever-changing tastes. His latest style, inspired by his latest album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, incorporates more suits, gold jewelry and high fashion.

Black Fashion Icon: Rihanna

In terms of today's fashion icons, Rihanna's name can't go unmentioned. Her fashion sense has grown in a major way since she first came onto the scene as a young island girl from Barbados. Today Rihanna is one of the go-to girls for hot fashion, always seen wearing some of the hottest designer's clothing and accessories. She sets trends from head to toe, from her various hairstyles to her fabulous shoe game. If it's hot and new - Rihanna is probably wearing it... and she looks great in just about anything.

Hilary Duff's Paris Look for Less

Hilary Duff was spotted enjoying a day of shopping in Paris over the weekend. She kept warm in a leather jacket, knit scarf, skinny jeans and shearling lined Burberry Buckled Suede Ankle Boots:

Burberry Buckled suede ankle boots
$995 – Net-A-Porter

She also carried a large leather Gucci Bag. We found Hilary's cute look for less so you can save on a similar look:

Kim Kardashian's Belle Noel Jewelry Line Launch

Kim Kardashian is constantly expanding her brand. Last week she launched her new jewelry line Belle Noel (Noel is her middle name). The line includes various edgy and classic pieces - many at affordable prices. Prices range from $13–$175. She showed off the collection at the launch and kept it cute in a blazer, layered tanks, leather pants, and Christian Louboutin Maggie pumps. Get Kim's look below and continue reading for the accessories:

Black Fashion Icon: Beyonce

Beyonce has come a long way from being in Destiny's Child and wearing the matching outfits created by her mother, Tina Knowles. She is known for embracing her curves and showing off her amazing legs. Rarely seen in anything but heels, Beyonce's look is sexy and fierce just like her alter ego Sasha Fierce.

Get WHIT It: Fab Valentine's Day Contest from H&M

We thought we'd share this contest to our readers at Get WHIT It. There is only one more day to enter so Get WHIT It and start tweeting!

Join H&M’s “Love Fashion Twitter” sweepstakes Feb. 2nd – Feb. 6th for a chance to win the ultimate Valentine’s Day weekend getaway. The grand prize includes:

Two roundtrip tickets to Las Vegas (Feb.11-13th)
Transportation in Las Vegas, Nevada to and from the airport
2 night stay at Ceaser’s Palace (Feb.11-13th)
2 tickets to The Beatles Love show by Cirque du Soleil (Feb. 12th)
2 $250 gift cards to outfit yourselves at H&M Forum Shops

Rules in short:
1. To enter the contest:
(i) Follow @HMUSA on Twitter
(ii) Retweet the latest tweet (text) posted at www.twitter.com/hmusa containing the hash tag #HM_LoveFashion
(iii) Consent to H&M’s privacy policy and terms of use (link)

2. Retweet as many times as you want to increase your chances of winning.

3. H&M will select a random retweet on Febuary 7th and reward an all expenses paid trip to Las Vegas, 2 tickets to The Beatles Love show by Cirque du Soleil and 2 $250 H&M gift cards. SEE OFFICIAL RULES FOR DETAILS.

Lo Bosworth's Lemonade Look

Former Hills star Lo Bosworth was spotted stopping by Lemonade Cafe recently in LA. She kept it casual in cropped pants, a loose v-neck top, strappy wedge heels and a magenta Balenciaga Arena Classic Velo bag ($1,445). She accesorized with Ray Ban aviators and a Jennifer Zeuner Extra Large Eye with 3pt Diamond Necklace ($242).

Jennifer Lopez Sparkles in New York

Jennifer Lopez looked fab at a Gillette Venus event in New York a few days ago. She wore a long sleeve nude top with a sparkly Haute Hippie sequin mini skirt ($395). I am in love with her Christian Louboutin Boulima Exclusive d'Orsay ankle strap pumps ($995).

Black Fashion Icon: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson started setting trends in fashion long before some of us were even born. His signature was to always be different, and from the moment he started wearing a single sequin glove, loafers and white socks, he stood out in a league of his own.

Beyonce's New York Look + Look for Less

Beyonce has been spotted again in NYC... get ready to start seeing more of her once she prepares for her next album release (can't wait to see what she has in store). Beyonce looked nice - hopefully she wasn't freezing in the cold New York weather. She wore a cropped leather jacket over a buttoned blouse with embellished shorts, black tights, YSL Tribtoo patent pumps ($795), the Bottega Veneta Nero Cervo Brick bag ($2,450), black shades, a hat and layered beaded necklaces. Get her look below or keep reading for the look for less.

Requested Look: Alexandra Burke

GWI visitor Amber wanted to know about singer Alexandra Burke's cute look at the No Child Born To Die Campaign Launch last week in London. She looked nice in a loose plum top with a beige skirt, nude pumps and beaded necklace. Amber, you can get a look similar to Alexandra's with these picks:

Black Fashion Icon: Will Smith

Our first featured Black Fashion Icon is Will Smith. We first noticed Will's style as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - decked in the latest 90's fashion from the street: 

Casual Kardashian

Last week Kim Kardashian was spotted in LA while out and about. Even on a low-key casual day, Kim still looks great. Love this easy, casual look. Get it below:

Black History Month: Celebrate Black Fashion Icons

As Black History Month kicks off, we will pay tribute to some Black Fashion Icons we love. Many black celebrities, singers, actors, models, leaders and other noteworthy people have all played a major role in shaping some of today's and yesterday's fashion trends. Throughout the month we will take a look at some of our favorites from the past and present. We chose 12 fashionable individuals known for setting trends with their style:

Michael Jackson, Kanye West, Will Smith, Usher, Chris Brown, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Michelle Obama, Halle Berry, Grace Jones, Beyonce and Rihanna.

These are all just a few of our favorites - the full list could go on for days. To all the Black Icons of today and the future, keep setting the trends and making history!

Be on the lookout for our first featured icon today.