Jody Watley. I Love a Great Hat.

Jody Watley in Gladys Tamez Classic Valentino.

I learned of milliner Gladys Tamez through my friend, beauty expert, consultant, nail guru and fine arts diva Shawanna Davis.

After visiting Gladys' studio in downtown Los Angeles, it was hard to resist not leaving with at least one hat. I chose "the classic Valentino,"  which I was measured for and tailored just for me - hat couture! I'm certain I'll be adding others to my hat collection. Millinery is really a lost art. To see the process and how it's done makes one appreciate the craft even more.

Jody Watley and Gladys Tamez at downtown Los Angeles showroom/studio.

Jody Watley at Gladys Tamez Los Angeles Showroom/Studio.

I love this color!

With Armando Lopez who constructs the hats. Armando made Michael Jackson's classic fedora's.

With Gladys Tamez. I couldn't stop trying on hats!

All Photo's: Jody Watley (c) 2013, All Rights Reserved.

Jody Watley Looking Good | Style

Jody Watley attends Harper's Bazaar launch party of "Dukes of Melrose" To view more photo's click:

Essence Magazine 

Centric's The Culture List

GuestofAGuest 

Jody Watley Attends Dukes of Melrose Launch Party

I'm  wearing a vibrant green Stella McCartney tunic dress, black slacks, and color blocked pumps in nude and orange. My bag is a studded MCM clutch from their new collection. It's always a trick to pull off fashion forward, classic, a touch of trendy while being age appropriate while still being very Jody Watley - today. I say age appropriate because I do think that everything isn't for everyone at any age..and personally there's something a little sad and desperate when you see a woman dressing as a teen or woman in her twenties. One can still be youthful and fashionable and not leave it all out there. I decided against my signature hoops, wanting the tunic to be the feature. I was wearing a thin spiked bracelet. The great thing about the tunic as well was it has pockets.

Christos Garkinos rocked a dashing red Paul Smith suit and was a perfect host along with Cameron Silver from Decades. Their series "The Dukes of Melrose" premieres March 6, 2013 on Bravo TV - don't miss it!

Photo's: Getty Images

Jody Watley Photo Classic of The Day. GRAMMY's

Jody Watley, 2012

I'm proud to be a part of GRAMMY history. Some artists, musicians and songwriters never reach a moment like this - and I'm always proud to have done it. It's doubtful that any moment would ever come close to winning such a major award the music equivalent of an Academy Award. at the time in my life when I did win this it meant and means so much. No one expected it, including me. God had a plan bigger than the one I saw for myself. Coming out of Shalamar making such a huge individual impact was rewarding and vindicating to say the least. I've always said that after winning the Grammy for "Best New Artist," I got on with my artistic journey evolving into the artist I wanted to be - never being trapped in the box or rendering myself to the creative commercial expectations of others. This isn't an easy path to take.

When sitting on a panel with music legend Smokey Robinson; he mentioned having one Grammy and lamented on how today they seem to give them out like 'Chiclets.' It was a surprise moment because with his track record as a songwriter and artist, you would think his mantle would be overflowing in with them. It gave me a moment of pause. Fans take so much for granted. Really and truly, it's not the quantity - though of course it would be awesome to have stacks of them, but it's very special to have reached that type of pinnacle - AT ALL. It could be 70 years ago or right now as a young artist making a name for themselves; savor the moment.

My Bio and Discography touches on the depth of my journey Pre- and Post post Grammy win thus far including my groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B. & Rakim "Friends" became a formula with the custom verses that continues to impact music today among other notable influences in Music, Video, Fashion, Celebrity Ads, Cross Marketing and Style across various platforms. I've charted and had success in each decade since. Longevity has many faces and paths - I represent one --  http://www.jodywatley.net
Style is individual and unique to each of us and it should evolve over time, with a distinct essence at the core.
As a note, for my GRammy night style on this occasion I wore a vintage cocktail dress personalized and funked up with customized leather Biker jacket.

Photo: Getty Images

Black History Month Inspired by Josephine Baker. Jody Watley Evolving Style.

I've had so many memorable looks and style benchmarks thus far in my career. I've never been afraid to try new styles and looks - always a chameleon. On my birthday a mini hair retrospective was featured here: HuffPostBeauty

With that in mind I thought I'd highlight some of my own favorite looks and moments thus far starting with channeling the legendary Josephine Baker  and classic 20's glam with my spin on it for Essence Magazine and a Tourbook in 1989.

Jody Watley. New Music Update.

At launch of NARS Boutique

My recent music collaboration with electro pop duo French Horn Rebellion "Cold Enough" is now available at iTunes from their EP "Love is Dangerous." This keeps in line with my creative progression and joining forces with unexpected partners and keeps my musical journey fresh. Additionally, I'm going to do some appearances with the band and perform in front of their younger generation unaware of my history (I love that), allowing another type of freedom and broadening of my fan base in a non-contrived way. Often, I feel older fans just want the 'old' you and aren't always open-minded. My thing is to always do what feels natural and authentic to me. Each year when The GRAMMY's come around, and as a former nominee and 'Best New Artist' winner; I can truly say that I continue to be a torch bearer for longevity, artistic progression and that indomitable spirit of being 'new' - even as I've continued to blossom in age.

In line with that, I recently connected with funky Australian and globally acclaimed music artist Sam Sparro and we're in the midst of a couple of fabulous collaborations - one for Chameleon, one for him. I'm also writing with one of music's best electronic bands out of London - that I've been a fan of since their debut. This is another major major creative milestone for me, and I can't wait to tell you about it - soon! The one and only 'modern funk' master Dam-Funk is also still in the mix, along with Count De Money and Richard Morel. What's also fun is the inclusion of one of Shalamar's original male lead vocalists Gerald "Take That To The Bank" Brown who contributed vocals to one of the mixes of the forthcoming single 'Nightlife' - perfect for the classic disco modern funk inspired song-this song and collaboration with Count De Money from Peace Bisquit also provided a perfect way for me to give a node to my Shalamar past. This is quality music as my standards have remained high.

The one time only sold out musical event 'Loving The Silent Tears' directed by the legendary Vincent Paterson is still receiving praise around the world. As one of the stars of the global cast if you missed it I must say it was really something to behold and experience. The cast album is available for purchase, including my African tinged 'A Real Fool' written and composed by Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Nan Schwartz and Oscar winner Al Kasha. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/SilentTearsMusical 

Speaking of 'Chameleon,' I've been working with the title for some time now and have recently considered changing as the process as evolved - we'll see. One thing is certain - I will be finally be releasing singles and the full length in 2013 the follow-up to my 2006 #3 iTunes Electronic album and former #1 VirginMega exclusive "The Makeover." Stay tuned.

I'm looking forward to my performance this summer at Essence Festival, and will be letting you know about upcoming shows in and a handful of other select rare engagements coming soon. Up next, my concerts on the sold-out first ever 'Soul Train Cruise: The Hippest Trip At Sea,'  February 17-24.

It would be great if you share this post with your fellow Jody Watley fans.

Photo: ScandalousBeautyOnline

"..you know it's funnny - funny how time flies as I've watched days turn into yeeaars.." - lyric from 'Still a Thrill'

Though the pairing of black and white has always been a classic in fashion and runway mainstay it's back at the forefront of what's hot for Spring 2013. I can't help but recall wearing it  back in 1980 for a photo session I did while a member of the group Shalamar. In fashion, everything comes back around in some form or another.

If I see something I like and buy it; it's simply about what appeals to me and my individual style and taste - this has remained consistent with me through the years. If you've been around for a 'trend' that has returned and you choose to wear it;  it's about what works for you now. It's key to not be stuck in what worked in the past - make it work for you now. The same applies to make-up you can't wear the same hues that you did as a teen or young adult. Tweak, revise, remix, update! In this case I paired my new black and white blouse from Zara with bright orange slacks from H&M - effortless and relaxed chic.

The photo of me on the left is from 1980 when I was in Shalamar, the photo on the right was a couple of nights ago at a party I attended; still fabulous and still me - aging gracefully. If we're lucky we're all going to get older; the key is to do it with style and grace.

Jody Watley - Left, in 1980. Right, in 2013.

With Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine.

Photo's: Jody Watley