Ballin’ on a Budget: Keri Hilson

Been a minute since I did one of these…

Decided to go with Keri Hilson this time. Miss Keri Baby, as she calls herself, has a style that I would call “Hood Haute” (if such a thing exists). She’s notorious for ruining a perfectly cute outfit with a pair of metallic ‘kicks’. She’s like the girl at your high school who couldn’t quite work it out in heels and therefore threw on a pair of J’s with everything. Hey…but at least she’s trying, right? I guess.

I came across this picture of Ms. Baby and was pleasantly surprised. This might be one of the few times I’ve seen her in something other than a pair of tights that she had mistaken for pants. (Ladies…please stop that mess!). She wasn’t able to kick her addiction to neon metallics and the fit in the crotch region is horrendous, but the concept is très cute! Her hair is sleek and simple — I prefer this to the 2k10 rat tail she’s currently rocking. It wasn’t cute in the 90’s…it’s not cute now! And shorts and a tank top is a perfect way to show off her frame and flawless skin. I think what got my attention most was the choice of shoes. Not sure I would have chosen a bronze heel, but on her skin complexion it’s pure genius.

“Sensational Silk-Chiffon shorts from Net-A-Porter, $150; Zebra Tank Top by Billabong, $13; Rococco Waisted Belt from Missselfridge.com, $23; Aphrodite Cuff by Forever21, $5.80; Lamp Gladiator Sandals by Nine West, $60”

I chose a pair of similar pink silk chiffon shorts…sans the bling. A looser fitting fabric will prevent the “Is that an almost camel toe?” situation that Keri has going on. I decided to dress it down with a pair of gladiator sandals, a nice play off the primal feel of the zebra print top and belt. (You can always sex it back up with a pair of heels.) A chunky cuff and hoop earrings with a pop of color complete the ensemble. Now, go forth and try it!

All I ask it that you wait until the appropriate season to wear this. Please don’t be the fool walking around dressed for Spring Break when it’s not Spring Break!!! One day of warm weather shouldn’t trigger an allergy to clothes!