I must admit, my first time seeing Kerry Washington on the big screen, I was not so taken with her. The movie was Save The Last Dance--my favorite movie in 7th and 8th grade--and Kerry played Chenille. My next time seeing her on the big screen was in Ray and I couldn't figure out why I didn't remember her being that pretty. By the time Mr. & Mrs. Smith followed by the Fantastic Four came out, Kerry was a certified star on the red carpet.

And I was smitten. Don't you like that word, smitten? Kerry certainly has come a long way since her Save The Last Dance days and there are five lessons that we can learn courtesy of Ms. Washington.

Change is good.

Because your style is something that should be really personal, it should evolve as you do. I cringe thinking of me with light colored hair wearing a gold Rocawear bubble coat with fur around the hood, but I'm ok with it now, because I have grown. Much like Kerry's earlier days, it's ok to try out a bunch of different looks until you figure out what works, because once you do, man, it's awesome. Can you tell I have a girl crush on her, yet?

Embrace What Sets You Apart

I imagine that trying to find work in Hollywood where there is a certain standard of beauty, could be a trying thing if you aren't secure with yourself. While some might find Kerry's lips to be too big or 'ethnic,' I think they're beautiful. And Kerry plays them up as one of best features. Coincidently, women pay to have her lips and don't always achieve that. But I won't be mean. I'm looking at you Taylor and Big Ang. 

A Lady Knows How To Show A Little Skin

... and not look like a skank. There is something so 'Old Hollywood' about Kerry to me. She always looks so regal, it's refreshing when it seems to be the norm to let it all hang out. Kerry finds the perfect balance showing us a little leg with a high split or a backless gown. 

Mix Texture With Ease

Kerry is good for mixing and matching her textures when it comes to her look. And it always looks so modern. Adding a pop with sequins or loads of silk. It is interesting to see how she pairs pieces together. 

Figure Out How To Pose In Pictures

Now this sounds silly, but when you think about it, it makes sense. Posture is a big part of how you look. Learning how to adjust your posture accordingly when you see those flashing lights can be the different between stunning and frumpy, wouldn't you say? No wonder Kerry is always posing the same way.

Who else is loving them some Kerry? By now it is quite obvious that she is on my list of girls I have a crush on. It isn't just her style, it's the aura that I imagine she gives off. Does that sound crazy?

Hey! Did you enter to win a trip to New York Fashion Week, a makeover annnd tickets to the Rock & Republic fashion show? Do it here!