Spring Fashion is weighing heavy on my mind. New purses, shoes, and my favorite…..the DRESSES. *sigh*

I started thinking about women with style and who I admired growing up. I present to you….my style icons. The women that continue to influence my tastes, even today.

AUDREY

Audrey is the woman that singlehandedly made the little black dress a wardrobe staple. She would wear classic, tailored pieces and she always looked like a million bucks. I remember watching Br.eak.fast at Ti.ffan.y’s and being mesmerized by her simple elegance. Black dress, pearls and a radiant smile.

Lesson learned: Classic clothing is timeless. Simple, understated elegance goes a long way.

DIAHANN

Diahann has always been impeccable. She has been a trailblazer on screen (in Ju.lia) as well as an accomplished singer. I remember watching her in so many roles and she always brought class and grace to every performance. She never resorted to hoochieness (new word) to get a part. She stayed true to her ideals. She was Mrs. Gilbert on a Diff.eren.t Wo.rld and the ultimate Diva ….D.om.iniq.ue Deve.reau.x on Dyn.asty. I loved to see what she would wear when she fought that damned Alexis!

And really, who has aged better than Ms. Carroll? FLAWLESS.

LESSON LEARNED: Growing Older means growing better. Carry yourself like a lady always and never compromise your integrity.

JAYNE

When I was younger, my aunt dubbed me Little Jayne Kennedy. She always said I reminded her of the actress. Now I know that Jayne’s image ended up tarnished but she was always one of my favorites because I loved sports as a young girl (and still do). To watch this beautiful, intelligent black woman hold her own as the first black female sportscaster was HUGE for me. I loved her and still do. And I still think she was an original NATURAL beauty.

LESSON LEARNED: Women that like sports are sexy!

NAOMI

To open fashion magazines or watch runway shows and see a Caribbean Woman was major for me growing up. I love me some Naomi. And two decades later, she still looks as impeccable as she did the first time she graced the catwalk. Her swagger (as the youngsters say) is so serious…..there will never be another. Even T.y T.y Ba.by has to bow down. Just don’t give her a Blackberry.

LESSON LEARNED: Walk like you’re broke and the rent is due.

DIANA

Miss Ross bytches. The DIVA. Over the top, always fabulous. The outfits, the hair, the makeup. She is my favorite icon of all time. She did it and created the mold for every diva that has come after her. There would be no E.n Vo.gue without the Su.pre.me’s. No Be.yon.ce without Lady Di. She is a true living legend and one of the all time greats. I cried over Lady Si.ngs the Bl.ues and jumped up and down when she came back for Bil.ly De.e in Maho.gany. I can’t even talk about Mah.ogany wihout going back to the clothes, the makeup, the hair. Whew. She is the Boss.

LESSON LEARNED: Paying attention to detail. The look from head to toe. Total Flawlessness.