wow!!

It been nearly 4 months since I last blogged and again you must forgive me. I've had a lot to juggle in the past four months including shooting videos, moving half way across the world to finally set up base and styling another nationwide head liner tour for Keyshia Cole. So over the next few days and (sleepless jet lag ) nights I'll fill you in on what's been in happening in my world.

Kid Cudi Rocks!!

All I have to say is this guy rocks! He is an example of a guy who takes risks with fashion and wins every time. Love the way he's teamed the leather jacket and quirky t-shirt. But it's the small details that really draw me to this look - The mini Louis Vuitton coin purse hooked on the jeans, the slight gold tone of his Jesus piece and the casualness of his grey beanie.

Kid Cudi - I take my hat off to you.

Liya Kebede

My favourite model ever Liya kebede has done a shoot with J Crew for their Spring collection which hit their stores nationwide today, she's rocking a look I've blogged about numerous times, a boyfriend blazer and jeans. She's also the first model to ink a deal with J Crew, where she is the exclusive face. And a black, dark skin face at that. It makes me so happy to see the fashion industry making positive moves towards supporting models of all shades and races.

And that's not all J Crew are doing. They've also picked up pieces from the children's range Liya designs (Lemlem, which means to bloom) and will be stocking it in their stores. All items from the range are handmade using natural cotton in Ethiopia, Liya's home town. Which means the community and workers will be a getting a much needed income boost.

Well done J Crew and Liya Kebede. I look forward to seeing many more positive moves in the fashion industry now that the door has been opened even wider. Gap, Banana Republic, Topshop are you guys listening?

I heart denim

When it comes to denim, I have two go to brands that never let me down - Joe Jeans (www.joejeans.com ) and Earnest Sewn (www.earnestsewn.com). But yesterday I went past the window of a high street shop that will remain names less and I fell in love with their denim window display. They had a great selection of distressed boyfriend jeans which were high waisted and semi fitted around the hips and waist. And for £40 I thought it couldn't hurt to get a pair. After trying four different pairs, which were all either too rigid, tight on the hips, the waist was too big or they cut my bum in half I was told by the sales assistant that they don't really do jeans for slim women with curves. That as far as I'm concerned is crap and the very reason I will be sticking to my two trusted brands. So just because I'm slim means I have no curves? That's just plain dumb to me. And what about curvy ladies with small waists?

Joe's are great because they are made for curves, whether you're petite in height and frame with a butt like I am or tall with a whole lot of body. Their super soft denim and the special way they cut their jeans hug not flatten your butt and they sit nicely over your hips, none of those awful stretch lines that make you look like you've bought the wrong size. And to me that fact they go as small as a 24 (through to a 32) is amazing, I can get a pair of super tight jeans that won't stretch out mid way through the day. The honey cut is my favourite for day time, it's fitted at the waist and then contoured over the rest of the body. I also love their Ex-boyfriend, which is a fitted yet loose boyfriend baggy cut and the Muse which is like the Honey but with a higher waist.

Now Earnest Sewn (they also do a size 24 through to 32), I love the fact they fit like a second skin, again they hug curves and lift butts. But the main selling point for me is the fact they aren't made in a sweat shop, each pair is stamped and signed by the person who made them. The denim is treated in Japan and then cut, sewn and finished in America. My Sewn's are a wardrobe staple for me when working, whether I'm on tour or doing a shoot. They're sexy, comfortable and can be dressed up and down. The Grace cut is a high rise wide leg that I team either with Vans and a vest top with a blazer of some sort or The Harlan, a cigarette leg in light grey (it comes in about 5 other washes) that I've bleached and ripped. Team that with a cute blouse and some heels and I'm ready for a day of meetings.

I do plan on feeding my denim addiction a little more this summer by treating myself to a pair of Current/Elliott. The Skinny and The Rolled Boyfriend have my name stamped all over them. Have any of you tried Current/Elliott? Is all the hype justified? Oh that and a baggy denim shirt and a new pair of hot pants.... and of course a denim jacket. I'm can't wait to do a denim jacket and maxi dress combo with some pretty flat sandals.

Nicholas Kirkwood s/s 09


Step your game up!

A striking animal skin shoe is guaranteed to always turn heads, not to mention add an air of expensiveness to the owner. This summer the runway and stores are full of them.

So if you're stuck on how to make your outfit switch from nice to wow, a wedge, sandal or pump (it really doesn't matter they're all hot) in an exotic skin is the only way. Trust me when I say this will not only be a huge trend this summer but a very wise investment. It will be a forever piece that you can pull out time and time again. Which reminds me, I must dig out my vintage Fendi Mini Mama Baguette in dark denim with a lizard flap and strap for Summer. That's two trends in one - animal skin and couture denim. I bought this bag years ago, for what seemed like an insane price at time but every time I pull it out , I get compliments and I know it's never going to look dated.

Don't feel like you match them with a clutch or bag in the same skin, be daring and go for a clashing colour. A snake skin stiletto looks sexy with a neon pink clutch. Or you could go for the same skin but in clashing colours... stripes and polka dots anyone?

Great places to look are Mui Mui, Prada, Gucci and Fendi (the rainbow coloured python pumps are worth starving a whole month for!!). And on the high street (if you must, remember shoes should always be expensive and well made, corns aren't sexy) River Island, Topshop do great mock skin shoes and Zara and Aldo have the sweetest clutchs.

How will you be wearing yours?

S/S 09 TREND ROUND UP

So now that you've spring cleaned your wardrobe I think it's only fair that I give you a round up of the new trends so you can start filling it up with lots more stylish pieces and hopefully you'll join me and experiment a little more with your look this year.

I'll try and cover them all for you and make affordable suggestions (apart from with the shoes.. they should always be fabulous and expensive). But if there's anything I haven't covered feel free to comment or email me your questions direct info@rukigaruba.com

Trophy jacket
Balmain jacket, jeans and sandals

A well cut jacket completes a look to put it simply. The two main versions that are worth investing in are - the military (as seen on the Balmain runway) and the Tuxedo (YSL). On the high street Jigsaw and Reiss have a variety of beautifully cut jackets that will see you through the unpredictable summer weather and most occasions in your diary.

Team with floral dresses, jersey minis and distressed or ripped jeans. For an ultra glam finish accessorise with a layered necklaces, a vintage watch and stud (hoops will detract from the detailing on the jacket).

All-in-ones

Maje silk jumpsuit £140 (Net-a-Porter.com)

One of my favourite looks and finally after 18 months of bubbling it's exploded. A neutral or khaki colour can and should see you all the way through spring and summer, you can wear it a million different ways and make it look new each time. I think it has to be the easiest and most flattering trend to wear. Look to sequins as seen at YSL, Stella's silk or Chloe's chiffon for inspiration. You don't have to dent your bank account too much for this look, the high street is covered in great variations. Zara(silks), Topshop (sequins and every type you can imagine) and Dorothy Perkins (jersey which is a very forgiving fabric) have clearly been studying the shows I've just mentioned because what they have produced is good enough to be on any of runway collection (well nearly, no one but Stella knows the secret to why her all in one's just skim and hug the right spots) . But lose the belt, we belted them all-in-ones last summer, this year its about letting it flow. Your focal points should be a chunky necklace a fringed sandal or a armful of brightly coloured African inspired bangles.

Over sized Accessories
Rose Catwalk Necklace, £25 Accesorize

whether it's a clip on, hoop, drop just make yours a super sized one. This also applies to bangles - make 'em bright and pile it high. on both hands. Necklaces should either be chunky and gold or architectural and statement worthy. Clutch bags- jumbo is the only way forward. With lots of embellishment. If you want to splash on your accessories then Missoni, Louis Vuitton, Paul and Joe will put you in good company. For more unique pieces take the time to visit your local market for vintage steals and of course the high street is FANTASTIC for imitation pieces - Accessorize, Freedom, Claire's and Diva will have you looking fab for cheap.

Ethnic

£30, Ruki Garuba top .

The hottest and most authentic 'ethic' inspired dresses out there are by me, Ruki Garuba. I've got a range of bandeau dresses available in maxi or mini length and about 11 different prints at any given time. My website should be up in a few weeks but until then you can add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and I'll send you a virtual catalogue. Otherwise email me info@rukigaruba.com. Please don’t feel like you have to wear flat shoes and a head tie with this look, it’s all about keeping it authentic with a contemporary twist. So add a patent belt, layer it with a bright vest or two or even throw a tuxedo jacket on top. When it comes to footwear, edge it up with some studded Louboutins and then team it with a few Louis Vuitton (or Freedom) over sized bangles and a fringed clutch. The best thing about the ethic look is that it can be teamed with a number of other look for city life and then you can relax and team it with beautiful jewelled sandals and over sized necklaces on the beach.