Oh the wonders a great stylist can work in one’s career. But don’t we all know what the lack of one can do for one’s style. Some of our favorite trendsetters didn’t necessarily start off the freshest, while ones who started off age appropriate and chic somehow ended up dressing like they picked their ensembles out in the dark. Check out a few celebrities whose style improved big time over the years, and a few who even with a bunch of money, downgraded, and still can’t seem to get it right.

Solange

WENN.com

It’s actually Solange’s style that has helped her create her own lane and identity outside of her very well-known big sister (that and her drastically different music). But she didn’t get to African-inspired prints, fab fros and chic pantsuits overnight. She had to wear a lot of satin, bountiful weaves and things that I’m sure she would probably cringe at now on the way up. Is that a feather purse above? Girl, no.

But luckily for her, her unique change in style has made her one of the best dressed people out there (it’s true, even Vogue said so) and is just one of many things that has helped her finally garner the respect she deserves.

WENN.com

lev radin / Shutterstock.com

American consumers spend $20 billion annually on footwear, according to Statistic Brain. And now celebrity stylist June Ambrose is looking to put her best foot forward in the shoe business. Ambrose, who has worked with celebs like Diddy and Jay-Z, has announced a shoe line she will sell exclusively through HSN. Her new venture will be a limited-edition collection for Theme footwear priced between $59 and $120.

For the line, which goes on sale March 22nd, Ambrose has crafted shoes that tap into some of the latest trends. with funky heels. The offerings include funky heels, blue suede fringe sandals, color block blue and green watercolor print sandals, and animal prints, like peacock and leopard print, and materials like suede raffia and PVC, reports Clutch magazine.

It’s not Ambrose’s first dealings with HSN. Last year she joined the shopping network  for the “Ultimate Trunk Show” Fall Fashion Event introducing fall fashions.

Ambrose, who is credited with ushering in the union between high fashion and hip hop, was also the star of the reality show Styled by June that aired on VH1 briefly. The program followed Ambrose as she styled celebrities.

Stylist extraordinaire and fab momma June Ambrose is trying her hand at everything these days. Outside of styling folks like Jay-Z and Mary J Blige, Ambrose had her Vh1 show, Styled By June (it hasn’t been renewed though), and now she’s getting her designer on. Teaming up with Home Shopping Network, Ambrose is trying to bring couture looks to the masses, and for some reasonable prices–$59-$119. The theme of the shoe styles is “In The Wild,” and the shoes are named after some of her favorite fashion icons, including the rock candy adorned sandal, the Diana (for Ross), the Tina (for Turner) and the Onassis (for Jackie O). In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Ambrose explained that the women she chose to name shoes after and design in a way that is similar to their fashion sense all broke style rules, and that’s what she’s all about. But the shoes are for everyday women just finding their niche and their style. “I want to get to that girl starting her career for the first time who wants to feel confident and make a statement without making a spectacle of herself.” She also wants the shoes to be comfortable, comfort being something that a lot of high- end shoes she buys can’t offer, so certain shoes are made with back zippers for easier entry, cushioning at the ball of the foot and more. If you’re feeling them, the shoes will be available starting March 22 on HSN and HSN.com.

So what do you think? Ambrose’s line has a few that are hot stuff indeed, like the sandal with the leopard heel in the above picture and the “Josephine” (Baker), which is the raffia wedge heel below. Most of her wedge looks are a win, while some other styles are a little too much for me, but I’m not going to knock June’s huge opportunity because she’s doing very big things. Let us know if you would pick up any of this eye candy when they drop next month!

Details on this one are a little fuzzy, but here’s what we know: AOL planned on unveiling a $10 million marketing campaign this week that was to include a TV commercial. That commercial had been styled by June Ambrose, the star of VH1′s Styled by June and a stylist to stars including Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey. She was bringing in elements of the “Mo Money Mo Problems” music video that she worked on in the 90s. Namely, according to Ad Age, the commercial was going to feature people dancing around an AOL logo and some sort of shiny outfits that looked like the ones Mase and Diddy wore. Ad Age has a photo that was on Ambrose’s Instagram account, but when we took a quick look, we didn’t see it.

Internal issues have apparently derailed the campaign, pushing it to 2013. AOL CEO Tim Armstrong took a deep interest in the commercial, going so far as to attend the auditions for the dancers for the ad. Jolie Hunt, the company’s chief marketing officer, didn’t like the way the ad was going. Armstrong came up with the idea for a big marketing splash late last year, setting a deadline for this month, The Wall Street Journal reports. Separately, Hunt is leaving the company after only joining in July.

All that insider-y stuff aside, it is a curious thing when a company makes an abrupt left turn on a $10 million investment. AOL has been in financial trouble these past couple of years, struggling to keep up with tech companies like Facebook and Google. The change could be another byproduct of a company in flux.

Or it could be the result of “too many cooks in the kitchen.” On this we’d like to toss out a warning to everyone working in the business world: Gathering opinions and insight from multiple sources is a good thing. But involving a ton of people on a project can do more harm than good, becoming an impediment to the decision making process. A select person (or persons) has to be in charge in order for things to move forward.

All that aside, I would like to see what this commercial would look like. It could either be brilliant or lame beyond belief.

Hope you’ve had a fashionable week, because the stars were out and about trying to start trends and stay off the “Worst Dressed” lists. Some succeeded, others? Not so much. Let’s take a minute and figure out if these ensembles are steal worthy or if it’s best that they never be duplicated and done again. Shall we?

Daniel Tanner/WENN.com

NeNe Leakes

The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “New Normal” star stepped out for the TV Guide Hot List Party in West Hollywood in one of her usual form fitting ensembles and her signature blonde hair. She wore a polyester or possible nylon blend dress that she rocked off the shoulder, and the dress had long sleeves and hugged her around the hips and thighs. To accessorize, Leakes wore open-toe mule heels with pink and red feathers. She also walked out with a circular sparkly clutch, black rings, diamond and silver hoops, and had her signature bang flicking.

While I don’t think she looks bad, I’m kind of bored with the look. Plus, the shoes are horrific, but I do think the dress is a good look for her body shape. Plus, her makeup is pretty, so I’ll give it a pass. Steal.

Daniel Tanner/WENN.com

WENN

Stylist and stylista June Ambrose stepped out for the Bergdorf Goodman 111th anniversary event in NYC rocking a very interesting look. She rocked a halter dress with a short skirt and a long skirt on the outside. Talk about details though! The cream top was covered by a sheer black overlay and a thick feather and ribbon combination tied around the neckline. The short skirt underneath has a lace bottom, and the large skirt on top is a sheer one with a large feather shaped like a flower, and small feathers going down the hip to the floor. She carried a sleek black clutch, threw on silver strappy heels and put her hair up like the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland–minus the hat.

Love this lady and her style most of the time, but this one–not so much. There’s just too much going on all over, from the hair to the skirt, and she’s too fashionable for that. Sorry, dear, but I’m going to have to ask you to stop.

WENN

For the fierce and fashionable, it’s that time of the week again to tear apart or applaud some of the most eclectic style choices of the week. Yes, it’s Style to Steal or Girl, Stop time! Being that this was the last week of New York Fashion Week, we collected some interesting looks that we thought you’d want to see, get inspiration from, or stay far, far away from. Let’s get it started!

Solange Knowles was caught walking the streets of NYC trying to get to the Mercedes-Benz fashion week shows. For them, she was clearly trying to mix it up with her prints and have all eyes on her. We’re seeing dots, houndstooth, and leopard print. She paired a short sleeve top (with a pocket) with a high houndstooth skirt, and accessorized with leopard heels, a mustard yellow bag, a bright red lip and blown out strands. While I’m sure we’ll probably disagree, I’m actually a fan of the collection of prints that come together with her outfit. However, the hair is a no for me. I’m all for pressing out fros, but not like this. Yes on the ensemble though. What about you?

So we’re back with another installment of “Cute Kid Alert,” and to start things off on an interesting foot, check out doting dad Usher and his sons Naviyd and Usher Raymond V! The singer snapped a picture while hanging out with his girlfriend, Grace Miguel (lower left) and one of her sons. The pictures were posted on Twitter, and this is just one of many. But interesting enough, this particular photo was tagged as a “Favorite” by Tameka Raymond on Twitter after a follower saw it and said, “@TamekaRaymond is gonna flip the ef out with this!! Was it a little too soon for Usher to post happy-go-lucky pics of his prospective blended family? Maybe, maybe not. But they do look happy!

Source: theybf.com

Source: theybf.com

Above is another photo of the couple and Miguel’s sons getting cozy while out dining. Good for him!

Source: laurittebe.tumblr.com

Speaking of big families (or just average sized actually), Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, along with Willow and Jaden, attended the Toronto International Film Festival dressed to the nines. Jada looked stunning as usual in a backless gown and tall, strappy stilettos, while Willow wore a leopard dress, some embellished boots, a bolero and a gold collar. Somebody’s hair is growing back fast (sans the bright colors this time around). And the guys looked great in their black ensembles as well: Will in his suit, Jaden with his signature confused camera face…

Source: Bossip

They might not be married anymore, but I’m a big fan of how friendly Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons are for the sake of their kids. They go everywhere together! Speaking of which, the two fashion titans stepped out for New York Fashion Week with Ming and Aoki for the Charlotte Ronson show. With her stunner shades on and blinged out jacket, Aoki was clearly on full diva mode, while her sister, Ming, opted for a bright and fun look with some cowgirl flair. Look at all that hair!

Source: Bossip

Source: Bossip

And may we add, Kimora is looking very svelte and sassy these days.

Source: Black Celeb Kids

Source: thejasminebrand.com

Another fashionista front row at all the big shows last week was June Ambrose. The stylist brought along her daughter, Summer Chamblin, who is a mini fashionista in the making. Check out a few of her different cute and chic looks since Fashion Week started as the two ladies had their last go-round together before Summer started school.

On a sidenote, I love that little Summer keeps her fashionable redheaded doll on deck to stunt in pictures too!

Source: alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com

Source: fashionista.com

Source: styleite.com

The seven-year-old was too fresh in her little turban!

Source: Zimbio

Source: teenvogue.com

Work baby girl! And you too doll (with her stunner shades on).

Source: williamyan.com

And oh yeah, I just had to share a photo from last year’s New York Fashion Week when the mom and daughter threw on their matching hats and fiercest jackets to check out the newest looks at the time. Little Miss Thing was too cool for school!

source: theybf.com

And last but not least, Justin Combs took part in his first football game as a UCLA Bruin! Of course, he didn’t get to play (he’s a freshman, so it will be a while), but his mom, Misa, and dad, Diddy of course, were there to support. Check out the video Diddy’s people put together of Justin’s first big game, and all the proud papa words Diddy had to share about Justin and his accomplishments!

Awwwww, proud papa indeed!

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Socialite and businesswoman Angela Simmons attended the 13th annual Art For Life Gala in the Hamptons this past weekend looking uber-colorful and “blinged” out. To the event she rocked this cream dress with a beaded skirt and ruched detailing on the bust. There were also beaded elements draped from the bottom of the skirt that gave it an extra fancy Showgirls costume look. On her feet were satin blue peep-toe pumps, and she brought out her most fabulous diamonds with iced-out bracelets, bangles, a ring and earrings. This is definitely a creative and fun look, and the satin blue pumps brought out the blue in the dress. I could see myself rocking something like this for a night on the town. Steal!

Source: StyleBlazer.com

The 2012 Essence Music Festival brought the big guns onstage (Chaka Khan killed it while looking super svelte and D’Angelo made a comeback), but we got the real dish offstage. StyleBlazer was on the scene to chat with our favorite celebs! Uber-stylist June Ambrose told us how to stay cool when it’s sweltering outside, and the handsome Eric Benet gave his definition of a perfectly dressed woman.

Source: StyleBlazer.com

StyleBlazer: What’s your top tip for staying cool in the heat?
June Ambrose: You have to wear breathable underwear. Keep the meat neat, ladies. And you don’t want your box to be uncomfortable. Reasonable undergarments are the foundation for feeling secure and confident and you want fabric that breathes.

Check out more celebrity summer style tips from EMF on StyleBlazer.com.

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