Copying: Janelle Monae

Tuxedos are no longer reserved for men or cater waiters thanks to Janelle Monae, an indie-soul performer  never without a perfectly coiffed pompadour that would make Prince envious.  Originially from Kansas City, Monae moved to NYC to study and make it on Broadway.  She eventually switched her focus to music, moved to Atlanta, met Big Boi (one-half of OutKast), and signed with Bad Boy Records (Diddy's brainchild) in 2007.  She's somewhat of an anamoly at first glance, personified by her penchant for structured blazers, crisp white button ups, 80's-esque plastic studs, and patten leather saddle shoes.  On anyone else it would look ridiculous but somehow, Monae makes it cool and totally rock and roll thanks to keeping it classy in either black or white only.  Her latest album, dubbed The ArchAndroid, was just released and is already getting attention.  She'll definitely be a presence this summer (at least on my iPod) and I'm already inspired by her polished, androgynous style.