WEEKLY FASHION NEWS RECAP: 8/17- 8/24

Photo credits: Bjarne Jonasson,Saks Fifth Ave., thewrap.com, Goodwill

Black Girls Rock!: We all know that September is like the Super Bowl Month of fashion right? So I don't have to tell you how major it is to score a cover on any of the September issues This fashion season we see a slew of black beauties on covers that are traditionally reserved for their more 'sell-able' white counterparts- including Beyonce wordlessly making history on the cover of Vogue, Ciara showing off her model like physique on Shape, Queen Latifah looking like royalty on Variety, Kerry Washington looks amazing on Self, and Serena Williams on the cover of New York Fashion looking the exact opposite of manly! Oh and gotta include a special mention of Ebony's celebratory black models of the moment cover too.. See all of the covers here...

Barbie's New Steps: Confession- When I was younger (and experimental) I used to chew on my Barbie's feet.. I have no idea why, but now that she has newly designed 'articulated ankles' maybe I won't be as tempted lol. Not only does Barbie have new bendy ankles- but after traipsing around for close to 60 years in stilettos and pumps (and here you are complaining about a few hours haa!)- she can finally relax in a pair of cute flats! And obviously, this being Barbie, they will be the cutest most stylish flats designed by super girly whimsical shoe designer Sophia Webster. Oh- and you and your daughter can both own your own version of Barbie inspired shoes from Webster as well. See the designs here..

FreshAzImIz: Fans of Fox's hit urban soap opera will be delighted to know that they can look ghetto glamorous just like Cookie Lyon... and Hakeem, and Lucious and.. (you get the point) because the addictive drama and style filled show has teamed up with retailer Saks Fifth Avenue to debut a collection inspired by the colorful cast of characters. The collection will feature curated looks from luxury designers and brands like jewelry and accessories by Alexis Bittar and MCM, clothing by Cushnie et Ochs, and footwear (both men's and women's) from Jimmie Choo with a spin on each character's individual fashion aesthetics. Items will be available both in stores and online and Empire themed windows will be on display at the company's flagship stores in New York and Beverly Hills from September 10th until October 7th. Empire season 2 airs on Fox September 23rd. I see the perfect opportunity for an Empire themed costume watch party! Read more about the collaboration here...

My (Luxury) Thrift Life: You know that feeling after spending hours of browsing through your favorite thrift spots and FINALLY coming up on a that sick designer piece that you never even knew you wanted?! Yeah- Goodwill stores are making a move to increase that feeling tenfold by opening more high end boutiques in wealthy areas. I'm gonna let that sink in for a moment... In what is seen as a surprisingly good business move, the company has opened a total of 60 stores in areas like Orange County, Anaheim California and in Lake Forest Illinois since 2013, in order to compete with other resale and consignment shops, but also as the economy improves (bish where?!) they felt like people will no longer thrift as much. Hey! Managament! Can ya'll hurry on up to Cleveland pleeease? Read more about this here...