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Girl crush: Janelle Monae

by Lauren

Okay, I know the Outfits of the Week have been a little music-centric lately, but I’ve been trying to update my stale playlists and there are just some amazingly inspiring chantreuses. I really like how Janelle Monae, like Patti Smith, has a very calculated and streamlined look. In fact, I’d go so far as to call Monae’s “look” a uniform: tuxedo shirt, oxfords/saddle shoes, tuxedo pants, coifed hair.

View the full Polyvore set here. That tuxedo shirt is a K by Karl Laggerfield for under $100 (as is everything in the set)! I’m a little unsure if Monae would actually where these Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, but they are black and white and add a nice texture to the crisp tuxedo pants and shirt.


Cath and I have a soft spot for Monae not just because she is talented and creative, but her artistic birth happened in Atlanta, and she’s a shortie like us. She’s a five foot powerhouse, and featured in the April 2010 shape issue of American Vogue (see below).

Now, I promise this video of Monae’s latest single will totally make your Monday. And if you get a chance to see her in concert, you should (Big Boi joined her on stage to perform “Tightrope”)! We saw her uber theatrical performance last Tuesday. The best $14 I’ve ever spent.

Let me know what you guys think! And happy Monday!!!!

19 comments

1 Christina { 04.11.10 at 9:35 pm }

BEST. VIDEO. EVER. How have I missed this girl? Off to find more of her music now!

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2 jentine { 04.11.10 at 10:14 pm }

I have, admittedly, the worst taste in music so I am so unaware of the whole musical world… however, the Vogue picture is a classic. I have a little French friend who probably looks like that beside me…

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3 The Owl's Closet { 04.11.10 at 11:11 pm }

i love her look especially with the bow! hope u had a great weekend!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

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4 Annie Spandex { 04.11.10 at 11:58 pm }

Whoah, she’s so teeny! Love how she’s got her own style..

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5 MARI { 04.12.10 at 3:12 am }

Ah, happy Monday to you too =)
Oh yes, this chick has genius style.
And so do you! Love your blog.

XOX!

-The Girl at the Atelier’s Closet

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6 Shen Dove Style { 04.12.10 at 9:41 am }

This is a great post, I love Janelle Monae’s style (and music) too! She has such presence and personality despite her small stature, she doesn’t even need to deviate from her ‘uniform’ to remain stylish.

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7 Marilyn { 04.12.10 at 11:08 am }

I love her style, and saddle shoes have never looked better. Unbelievable that everything in the set is under $100 (the Lagerfeld shirt is $60!). Most, most excellent.

I’m glad the concert was great but not surprised after seeing the video.

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8 greenjeans { 04.12.10 at 11:39 am }

Who doesn’t have a crush on Ms. Monae?

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9 Deanna Heath { 04.12.10 at 12:51 pm }

Love Janelle Monae! Such a beauty. I do enjoy your link lists below. Will have to check the Chronicle out! Oh and I am so trying to make it to the Diana exhibit as well :)

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10 ediot { 04.12.10 at 3:31 pm }

hello lovelies. hope your monday is great! nice post. never heard of this gal- she’s got great style so thanks for sharing!did you understand anything from the video? i definitely think you both should come visit me in either norway or sweden. ok? well thats decided.
id love to hear what you both do on a regular basis- work-study?
take care

xx ediot

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11 Winnie { 04.12.10 at 4:00 pm }

Wow I love the monochrome, so clean cut and sophisticated. Her style is so awesome.

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12 Christina { 04.12.10 at 4:12 pm }

Fabulous! She rocks! And her style is awesome! :)

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13 Sharon { 04.13.10 at 12:54 am }

Wow! She is amazing.. the beat is sick.. and her moves… amazing!! She’s a super cutie. :) How is this the first time I’ve heard of her?! Forgive me, apparently I live under a rock… or in paradise!! hee hee.. :)

Happy Monday sweets!! :)

xx Love & Aloha.

p.s. Lar, I finally wore my JPG for Target dress.. just posted it.. and I belted it just like you!! :)

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14 Sharon { 04.13.10 at 12:55 am }

I just noticed. I use a lot of these >> :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) I love smiling:)

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15 anh { 04.13.10 at 12:10 pm }

she is totally cute and rocks!

ps i put a post on how to make cake pops! and will be posting a how to for japanese ramen soon!

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16 juliAM { 04.14.10 at 2:10 pm }

Her look is so rockabilly. I can’t decide if I like it or not. It’s cool that she’s doing her own thing though.

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17 Lex { 04.20.10 at 9:20 pm }

I love Janelle Monae!

So happy you posted this : )

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18 STL Mom { 05.07.10 at 10:13 pm }

I just found your blog, I think through Already Pretty, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I had never heard of Janelle Monae, but I love her look, and her dancing, and her video, and that song. Off to Rhapsody to find more!
Thanks.

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AsianCajuns Reply:
May 9th, 2010 at 8:03 am

Thanks for stopping by, STL Mom! We love Sal from Already Pretty- and now we love her even more for sending you our way ;) So glad you like Janelle as much as we did. If you get the chance to see her in concert- you should!

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