Keyshia Cole going back to "The Way It 'WAS"??

Since 2005, after releasing her hit debut album The Way It Is, we have watched Keyshia Cole's rise to stardom: from when she was kinda unknown to becoming one of the biggest female faces in R&B today.

With the success of her three platinum albums (I have every single one!), we have not only watched her progress musically, but also as far as style goes. She has gone from "straight out of the mall" to a gorgeous, Chanel-wearing glamizon! What she's probably most know for is her ever-changing hairstyles in several different hues: red weave, red with blond weave in front (so many people attempted that...they attempted!), short and blonde, Short-ER and black--and others as well.

Now she has returned back on the scene with the original red tress she had when she first started out. I always thought the hair color was gorgeous on her and wondered if she would ever come back to it--lo' and behold..she did! ;-) What I'm worried about is ,with changing her hairstyle back, is she returning back to her old "round-the-way" girl look??

I thought about this after watching her new video, "I Ain't Thru" with Nicki Minaj. In it, she's looking kinda "ghetto fabulous" and "rough around the edges" like she did when she first came out. Although, if by returning to her old look we might get another classic album like The Way It Is--it might not be so bad, if she stands any chance of crossover appeal, she definitely needs to go back to something more glamorous!

What do you think--Is she taking a step back??

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Keyshia Cole recently at "Black Girls Rock!"

Me as KC for Celebrity Day in the 9th Grade! =)

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~Keyshia Cole's New Video "I Ain't Thru" feat. Nicki Minaj!~

A New Look???

Sooo, I'm debating whether or not I want to give ZodioStyle a new look. I think I've just grown attached to the look of the site besides I worked so hard to get the vibe of my blog I wanted it. It embodies everything: It's hip. It's fun. It's fabulous. =)

However, I don't blog just for me; my readers matter as well, so I really need your help with deciding. Help me make this blog your favorite spot! I need ideas for layouts, color themes, new logo designs, concepts, etc. Make sure you drop any ideas you have in the comments below or post them on the tagboard! Hmu =)

Here's just some possibilities for The New ZodioStyle from a great site I found, The Cutest Blog on the Block...


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New Layout I almost posted...

Autumn in Winter: My Fall Wardrobe

First of all, Hey you guys!! I have missed you all and blogging about what I love...fashion! Somewhere with the shuffle of college, it got difficult to blog. I don't have internet access in my room (dumb computer!). Also, as I noted on the tagboard, I had been transitioning into college life, which is so stressful, and I kinda lost inspiration. Even though I haven't been blogging, I have been checking the blog and seeing new visitors still checking it out, so that's good.

That being said...let's talk fashion--it's the ZodioStyle way! ;)

I wasn't sure what kinds of things I wanted in my fall wardrobe. There's so many great trends out now (the military look, art deco, bohemian,etc.)! When I saw a bright, orange bag on forever21.com (favorite store & website btw), I fell in love and knew exactly where I wanted to go with my wardrobe this season.


This winter I want to incorporate the colors of fall leaves into my closet: deep reds, orange, mustard, and browns. My look will be a little more earthy than my usual look, yet with some elements of glam (wouldn't be me without it!) & street chic. Also, I plan on dressing up items that people would normally wear casually; maybe a big hoodie with odd leggings and gold chains or tapered sweatpants tucked in a pair of booties worn with a business blazer. =)

Just some thoughts...here's some visuals that might help you understand where I'm going...

Aesha's Tip: It's o.k. to follow the trends (of course, stay up to date), BUT always find YOU in the trends! Remember that with every season, there's a look that'll fit every style! =)

All Images are Copyright Forever21 & can be purchased online at Forever21.com. <--If you don't shop there, have you been under a rock???

Project Runway: "The RunDown" Episode 2

I can already tell this season's Project Runway has some of the best talent I've seen on the show. As I flip through the looks, I find it very hard to choose a favorite because I like different looks for different reasons. All I have to say is that the competition will be stiff...and that we will be seeing amazing things from these designers! =)

Challenge of the Week:

Designers created designs that reflect the Marie Claire woman; winning designer won a billboard in TIMES SQUARE!!

I love Mondo's creation because its very sassy, youthful, and fun. It's a look that I think a lot of girls would love to wear. It was one of the judges favorites this week.

Although Ivy's look was very simplistic, I think she really uses pops of color where it was needed, in the jewelry and in the trim. I feel like if it was made in a more eye-grasping color it could've been a main contender.

***Winning Look of the Week***

Gretchen's navy blue jumpsuit proved to be a hit with the jumpsuit. The color really stands out and it's something that could be worn by the old and the young.

....Really??......REALLY??! Peach's dress was butt ugly! The fabric looks like something cut from someone's old furniture and the brown fabric used in the back really did not work; however, because of her sewing skills, she was not eliminated.

***Eliminated Look***

Jason's "Infinity" concept did not go over well with the judges. It was poorly made and way too grunge for the Marie Claire woman. He was eliminated (he was kinda weird anyway!).

***Eliminated Look***

Although it was well-constructed, the look had so much going on: the Little Red Riding Hood cape, the peek-a-boo back, and the "Circle" concept. Nicholas was eliminated, however, if he could have condensed his ideas, he probably could've turned out some great stuff.

Welllll...I guess concept designs lose this week! Be sure to check out the Project Runway RunDown every Saturday. I'll be covering each episode this season and giving thought on the designers and their designs.

Miss the Rundown??? Check under the label STYLE SPOTLIGHT where all the RunDown's will be located! =)

The "BigFoot" Curse

Usually for women, shoe shopping is HEAVEN ON EARTH; however when you're a size 10 or more shoe shopping can be, well...discouraging. It's not like you can't find cute shoes, a shoe store has tons...it's just too bad that most of them aren't even in your size!
The truth of the matter is that stores usually only get as many of these bigger sizes as you can count on your fingers, making it very hard for us "big-footers" to find cute and affordable shoes.



My question is why aren't we catered to just as much as those women with smaller shoe sizes??? What is society's complex with small feet??

Through a little research, I found out that the average shoe size for an American woman is a size 8 W, which explains why most shoe stores are FILLED with size 8's! Crazy enough, a lot of people consider this big. I hate when I talk to a friend and they'll say, "I have big feet." I'll ask, "What size do you wear?" "8.5......". If you're saying that a size 8.5 is a big feet, what the hell are you trying to say about my shoe size??! I hate to say it, but I get offended almost as if somebody commented on my weight!

Also I found that 68% of American women wear from a size 6.5-9.5. What does that mean for us? We are a minority. Stores don't really feel the need to cater to us because most of the population doesn't wear these sizes. With that said, I still don't see why stores can't have more than 2 pairs of size 10's!

I tried researching why society has an obsession with small feet and the only thing I could find was that smaller feet are considered more feminine. I'm a size 10...and I'm definitely a female! Must vendors make us feel less of a woman by not carrying our shoe size?!



Even though we have bigger feet, it should not make us feel less pretty or womanly. Here's a list of some celebrities with the "BigFoot" curse:




These Hollywood celebrities have access to stylists (and enough money) to have whatever shoe they want in their size. Unfortunately, we don't. Even though I have a big shoe size, I still manage to find some cute shoes. I've actually noticed that the cheaper stores I go to, like Rainbow Apparel, tend to have bigger sizes in cute shoes. My favorite spot to buy shoes is Charlotte Russe (personally, I think the shoes are better than the clothes!), but I also like stores like Rainbow, DSW, even Payless! (don't sleep on it!)

>>>Check Out "My Closet" now for some of my favorite pairs of shoes! =)

Never Sleep On A Clearance Rack!

As a middle-class diva, I am always on the look for deals (or steals! hehe). If something is cute and pretty good quality, who cares where you bought it or how much it costs??

That's why no matter what store I go in, I always make sure I check the clearance rack. Hey, one store's trash can be a fashionista's treasure! Of course a lot of stuff that goes on clearance is MEANT to be on clearance (it's very ugly or looks very cheap!), but I've found in a lot of cases that it's because the items are just out of season (in the eyes of the retailer).

***Get the Most Out of Clearance!***

1) Keep in mind that many items will transcend into more than one season. In other words, the item might be in style longer.

2) Bomber jacket on the rack in July?? Put it away in the back of your closet until the winter. (Make sure it'll be in style then!)

3)One of the most important things to look for on the clearance rack: Quality. Don't go for things that look dingy, worn, damaged (unless you can sew!), or not made with quality materials (i.e. Shirts costs $3...does it LOOK like it cost $3??!)

This post was inspired by some recent Wet Seal purchases off the "Buy One, Get One For A Penny" racks. I must admit...I usually sleep on those racks, but i just got 4 items that are gonna send me to college in style. All without breaking the bank! =)

Black and purple colorblock dress

Buy One: $9.99

A long-sleeve grey cardigan

Get One: 1 cent

White and blue striped shirt with a blinged-out bow

Buy One: $13.99

A light pink loose-fit tee with a sheer lace bow on the front

Get One: 1 cent

(Btw: I went to the mall like 2 weeks ago and wanted this shirt, came back today...it was on clearance!)

{I'm also a member of the frequent buyer club, so I get 10% off all my purchases!}

==>>Find More "Buy One, Get One For A Penny" deals at http://www.wetseal.com/!

A Collegiate Twist

So in the fall I will be attending UNC Charlotte and becoming a 49er. I am super excited to finally get a taste of college life, as well as explore a new, more exciting, city{New Malls!!! :)}.

This past Thursday, I won a free Niner Nation t-shirt (which is good because those t-shirts could run you like $25!); the only problem with the shirt is that they gave me a large (and I'm a small...maybe even extra small!). Most girls probably would've just wore the shirt to bed...Not I! Of course, I am Aesha and I could never rock it like everyone else!

I tried to tie the shirt in the back as I usually do with big t-shirts, but this one was also big in the arms so it didn't look right! I rolled up the arms, but then it just looked like a men's muscle tee.

I was just about to cut up the shirt, when all of a sudden it occured to me that I could just add a belt or a vest. So I grabbed a cute black belt and realized the cute new shape my shirt now had...it was a cute little minidress! I added some pearls for personal style and WAH-LA! It turned out nice. UNCC will definitely see me in this...they are not ready for the fabulous that will be bestowed upon them! ;)


P.S. Aren't the belt and the color of the shirt reminiscent of this season's military look??? (Cool!)

TrendSpotter: The Clash of the Patterns

I remember as a little kid I used to love to play dress up (go figure-look at me now!) and put together my own outfits. Of course, my mom usually put my clothes together but I would always get so excited when I would ask her what I was supposed to wear and she would say, "You can pick it...". "O.k.," I would say before I ran to the closet, most of the time pulling out: my favorite pair of leopard stretch pants, a pair of black clunky boots, and whatever shirt. I wish my mom would've took polaroids of these times. Everytime I ask her how I look she always says that it was so tacky. However my mom is no where near as fashion forward and artistic as myself. Because it didn't match, she probably automatically labeled it "Tacky." In actuality...it was probably ingenious!

The new clashing patterns trend is one of the hottest trends of the summer, and is getting reviews like my play outfits from everyday people; however, I think it's brilliant!

There are unwritten (well, in blogs/magazines maybe!) rules in fashion. From a very young age, when we're taught to dress ourselves, most were told that the colors have to match or "go together". But rules in fashion are only met to be broken...how else would trends be started!

The clashing patterns is a difficult trend to wear and should probably be reserved for just the bold and the daring (More than likely Aries, Leo, Libra, and Aquarius); those people who aren't afraid to be talked about a little. For trying out this trend and escaping a total fashion disaster, I recommend that you:

-Mix patterns with a color in common.

-Add a solid color that's complementary color to both patterns and makes them come together cohesively.

-Have confidence in your ensemble! Let's just face it: Without it no one is gonna be able to pull it off! Stick to your gut. Chances are, if it feels right...it is right (or you can make people believe it is!).






Contrary to how others may feel, I love this trend. It's so rebellious and gives us a chance to really break the rules. Fashion is all about expression and this trend is definitely all about what "feels" right. I know I'm gonna be trying it out--a trend like this was made for me! Let the clash of polka dots and stripes begin!

For more on this season's hottest trends, check out:

• http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=trend_rumi&Page=all&promotype=2&lookbook=1
• http://www.xomba.com/fall_2008_fashion_trends_clashing_patterns
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Review-of-Key-Fashion-Trends-For-Spring-Summer-2010&id=3697671

Love...and Diamonds: Carmelo Anthony & LaLa's Ultrafabulous Wedding!

So I was on MediaTakeout.com looking at celebrity gossip (hey, it's one of my guilty pleasures!), and I saw that Carmelo Anthony & LaLa had FINALLY gotten married!! I'm very happy for them. I think there one of the most beautiful couples in Hollywood!(...and LaLa, you lucked up on that one because Carmelo is FINE!)

Now: the wedding. Oh...My...GOSH!!! Out of the most fabulous weddings, this one HAS to be up there. I mean (according to MediaTakeout.com), LaLa wore a one-of kind Vera Wang dress that was STUNNING (she had a back up btw!), she a DIAMOND-STUDDED rose bouquet that was too die for, not to mention the star studded guest lists! Stars like her BFF Kim Kardashian, Ciara, and tons of NBA players came out to celebrate with the happy couple. I wish them tons of luck...but something tells me this marriage might not need it! ;)

For more info and pics from the wedding, check out http://www.mediatakeout.com!

All photos courtesy of MediaTakeout.com

BET Awards '10: The 'Hot' and The 'Not'

The 10th Annual BET Awards was explosive this year! With a tear-jerking Michael Jackson tribute by Chris Brown, Diddy's 4th of July performance, even a pregnant Alicia Keys belting out notes on top of a piano, there's no doubt about it that this show is already among the best of the BET Awards!

Of course black star power brought out the stars, some were dress to kill...others just made you wanna kill their stylists! I've got pics here along with some critique as well as my favorites and my least favorites! Do you agree or not agree? Who was your favorite? Comment away fashionistas!

HOT! Taraji looked very glamorous in this silver rouched dress with hints of sparkle here and there!

HOT! Ciara stepped out looking sizzling in this gold-laced detail with fringe on the arms! I feel liked she owned this look from head-to-toe.

Well...The black asymmetrical dress is actually gorgeous but I'm not feeling the shoes!

HOT! Nia Long shined in this short tribal print number.

UH-UH! Don't get me wrong its a cute jumpsuit, however two things are all wrong about this: 1) It's too casual and 2) she's too short for wide-legged pants. Love ya Chilli!

HOT MAMA! A preggo Alicia Keys looks great in her purple satin dress w/ pink pumps.

HOT! Fergie hits the red carpet like a rockstar!

NOT! This is actually a very pretty dress...for prom not the red carpet!

Actually...HOT! The vintage gown is beautiful and the Harajuku Barbie looked stunning!

Uhmm...Love you Keyshia but I'm not feeling the outfit...nor the hair! On the plus side your body looks great after having the baby!

HOT! Naturi looks great in the black leather like dress with pops of color.

Hmm...There's something kinda awkward about the fit of the dress..I usually love Eva onthe red carpet but idk about this one.

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AND THE FASHION WINNER IS....

HOTTEST! Keri Hilson was stunning in this short cheetah print with doleman sleeves. This is my favorite look of the night!

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AND FASHION'S BIGGEST LOSER WAS....

What the....? This look for Cassie is tragic and whoever put this togethr should be fired! They obviously were confused about what season it was! On one hand, they got her in a bra and "highwater" harem pants..and on another hand they got her in platform ballet slippers and somebody's poodle for a purse! It's just one big ol' flesh-colored MESSS! The hair was about the only thing I found slightly interesting, other than that Cassie gets an "F" for the day!