Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Janet's Lingerie Line
Style File News
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 Taking a cue from one of her most danceable tracks, Janet Jackson
announced today the launch of her lingerie line, Pleasure Principle.
The 18-piece satin and Chantillylace line will be a joint venture between Bruno
Schiavi, the
Australian lingerie designer behind Dr. Rey’s Shapewear line and will
offer a size range between 32A to 44G and are all priced under $40. "There's something for every woman, and that's
very important to us," Jackson says. "I've always hated when lingerie
is uncomfortable, so the fit and comfort were key." The collection, which will hit department stores in November, offers color combination of burgundy and beige, silver and peach and black and white. So tell us do you like it?
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Monday, August 11, 2008
The It Boot!
Our Fall Must-Buy
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The Fall Must-Buy
This fall boots get a rise with knee-high styles like this Jean Paul Gaultier version. We love the dual-toned boot with understated platforms and just enough slenderness in its heel to make a spiked-heel lover like me blush! $1,185, available for pre-order at Eluxury.com.
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Monday, August 11, 2008
First Lady Tyra?
The Supermodel/mogul channels Michelle Obama in Bazaar
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It what appears to be a compliment to how far the Obamas have come, super model and mogul-in-the-making Tyra Banks channels the dynamic political duo in her cover story for the September issue of Bazaar. It certainly is a time for the Obamas, who have become the media darlings touching political, pop culture and the cynical fashion industry with equal aplomb. First Italian Vogue's editrix laments her fascination with Obama sparked th all-black issue; then American Vogue labels Michelle as an "it" girl; and now the iconic Harper's Bazaar delivers Tyra on the cover in a 10-page spread as life as the first lady. Some love the concept; some not so much. So you decide. Here's a peak at some of the shots.
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Hosted By Project Runway's Jillian Lewis
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What do you get when you cross a pillow-top mattress with a four- inch silver mock croc peeptoe pump? Well, you get the undeniable style and comfort of SHANE & SHAWN shoes!
Last week Jillian Lewis of Project Runway fame, hosted SHANE & SHAWN's "ladies night" party at their NYC flagship boutique. Jillian wore a hand-sewn black knit cap sleeve dress from her own collection and pranced around effortlessly in silver SHANE & SHAWN pumps.
The sole of every SHANE & SHAWN shoe is enhanced with a patented luxury liner. The quilted liner, says Shane Ward of the twin-design duo is "like having a mattress in your shoe!" SHANE & SHAWN shoes are created to feel like a comfort shoe and designed for the "Hampton's rebel," explains Shane. "Our shoes have a classic style to it with an edgy spin," says the designer.
Party attendees previewed a few pieces from the Jillian Lewis fall collection that looked a bit familiar...
If you followed Project Runway season 4 (like I did) you know that Jillian was one of the top 3 finalist that got to show her line at NYC Fashion Week! Jillian described her collection as having "the classic feminine look but exaggerated... to create a fun and sexy style." The Jillian Lewis Line will be available for purchase August 15 at SEARLENYC.com and can be seen at the SEARLE trunk show on September 6.
So tell us, when you shop for shoes is it more about style than comfort?
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People like my grandma start shopping for holiday gifts months in advance, picking up a scarf here, a makeup kit there. I never understood her penchant for gift hording until yesterday, when I attended the holiday preview at Keri Levitt Communications. With a multitude of fun, fabulous gift ideas to peruse, there was no way I couldn’t start thinking about who would get what, come holiday time.
While it's her sexy, flirty clutches that gain the most attention, Lauren Merkin’s new additions just may steal the show. The perfect stocking stuffer for my jet-setting roommates, I’d gift them studded leather passport cases, luggage tags, and mirrored compacts-all for under $100. When prepping for all that inevitable holiday travel, they could easily throw one of Merkin’s super affordable travel accessories into their carry-on and jet off in style.
Secret Santa time always a disaster for me. Luckily, Avon has created great gifts that are sure to make me the most popular reveler at my next holiday party. Falling well within Secret Santa price guidelines, nothing in mark by Avon’s new accessories collection is over $30. What a steal for cute hats, hip handbags, and trendy jewelry!
For my friend who moonlights at a yoga studio, I’d buy the whole line of Beyond Yoga’s super soft cotton collection. Though this LA based brand caters to the celeb set, my friend would be more impressed by their bright colors, sleek fit, and sweat proof design. I can already see the envious glances of her fellow yogis as they sneak a peak during downward dog.
 Every holiday season I like to have a little fun and gift myself a little something special. This year, I plan on stocking up on White + Warrens’s luxurious cashmere collection. Their young and fun assortment of colors and styles are perfect for anyone who loves a little bit of lux in every aspect of their life. From their "Blackberry gloves" (fingerless gloves for "crack" berry addicts) to their comforting throws, it’s almost impossible to choose which one to pick. But with cashmere this cute, I’ll splurge and get them all?
How far in advance do you start looking for Holiday gifts>
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Benefit for Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
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Note to self: Shopping with a cocktail in hand usually equals a recipe for disaster—namely an astronomically high credit card bill! But last Tuesday guests at New York City's HOLLYWOULD boutique shopping party gleefully parted ways with their Benjamins (courtesy of the ginger-vodka spritzers) to support the Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation. The upscale boutique owned by Holly Dunlap is well known for its collection of unique shoes worn by celebrities such as Tyra Banks. In addition to sponsoring the chic affair, Dunlap announced that 10% of the day's proceeds would benefit the foundation.
Hosting the "All Day" shopping party was the Champions Committee which is the newly developed youth group of the Reeve foundation. The committee headed by Alexandra Reeve (the 24-year-old daughter of the actor famously known for playing Superman) was created to get young people involved with the foundation through hip events like the upcoming August 9 Southampton party at the Pink Elephant. The Reeve Foundation raises about $2 million annually through fundraising events such as these.
 Reeve Ambassador, Francesco Clark of Clark's Botanicals, co-sponsored the soiree. Clark captivated guests with the history of his popular skin care line, which was created after a 2002 diving accident that led to his paralysis. Unable to perspire due to a complication of his spinal cord injury, he had frequent breakouts. His father, Dr. Harold Clark, created the winning blend of botanicals (algae, lavender & aloe) with salicylic acid that cleared up his acne. The skin care line is now available on-line at Clarksbotanicals.com.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, visit: ChristopherReeve.org.
Photographs courtesy of ChristopherReeve.org
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Sunday, July 13, 2008
Couture Coverage
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 John Galliano, once known for over-the-top, sensational fashion, has again presented a pared down collection (by Galliano standards anyway) lending credence to the upcoming season’s more ladylike look. Perhaps inspired by his latest fan, France’s model turned first lady Carla Bruni, Galliano opted for "fresh couture—restrained and refined" and the result was nothing short of spectacular.
Sheer skirts of varying lengths and shapes dominated the collection, beautifully mastered in a pallet of black, white, soft pastels like violet or sky and the occasional animal print. These A-Line and pencil-cut bottoms were accented by a range of architectural masterpieces in the form of nipped jackets, gorgeous overcoats, and pleated blouses, proving without a doubt that Galliano’s design mastery truly lies in the details.
Couture gowns also received a conservative chic makeover. Obvious distractions like exposed cleavage were missing, while a more demure look prevailed. Dramatic chiffon and taffeta creations stole the show, appearing more like visions from old Hollywood past than the work of a thoroughly modern designer. One could easily envision a young Lena Horne on the red carpet in most of these exquisite gowns.
Though few women could copy these looks in their entirety, with the addition of a slip or two, as well as less "dragtastic" makeup, any woman would bring new meaning to the idea of power dressing in these looks.
So, after Galliano’s previous "ladies who lunch" season and his current stab old-school glamour, could the world be seeing a softer, more conventional Galliano? If it looks this good, we certainly hope so.
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
Back to Black?
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 With a few women's resort shows still trickling in, it would be easy to miss the men’s shows taking place right now in Milan. The one causing the most buzz, however, is DSquared2. It seems the design duo behind the Italian brand had Harlem and hip-hop in mind when they crafted this relaxed collection, even taking time to craft the set as the universal symbol of the black men’s universe—the barbershop. It was against this backdrop that a lineup of mostly black (and mostly ethnic) models strutted, led by veteran male model and sex-symbol, Tyson Beckford. While the clothes themselves were beautiful adaptations of the high-style urban look often seen on those like Kanye West or Terrance Howard, it was truly the men themselves that stood out as the most appealing aspect.
If rumors are to be believed, French label Lanvin's menswear show will be the next major designer to take a concerted effort to diversify the runway. We certainly hope this "trend" appears at the women’s show shortly after, but we also hope that it sticks, doesn’t become a PR stunt, and actually allows some very talented models to get their shot.
First the all-black issue of Italian Vogue, now the world of runway. Can it be that fashion is actually turning back to black?
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sentenced to 30 Months Behind Bars
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Jacob the Jeweler (nee Jacob Arabov) the jeweler-of-choice for many hip hop artists has been sentenced to federal prison. Known to many as the "king of bling," he pleaded guilty last October to falsifying records and giving
false statements as part of a deal with federal prosecutors. "I feel ashamed that I broke the laws of this country, a country
that has been so good for me," the Soviet immigrant told U.S. District
Judge Avern Cohn. "I will carry this shame for the rest of my life."
Arabov immigrated from Soviet Uzbekistan at 14 and built a successful New York jewelry business. He was arrested in 2006 on accusations that he and members of the Black Mafia Family (a ring that operated out of detroit from 1990 to 2005 and whose members can be seen in many hip hop videos) conspired to launder about $270 million in drug profits. They
say he tried to hide the ownership of part of $5 million worth of
seized jewelry. Prosecutors dropped the money laundering charges in the plea deal. The seven-year investigation resulted in the indictments more than 100 people nationwide, federal authorities say. They say about 1,100 pounds of cocaine and $19 million in cash, cars and jewelry were seized beginning in 2000. The men the government says led the Black Mafia Family, brothers Terry and Demetrius Flenory, pleaded guilty last year and are awaiting sentencing. Arabov, also known as the "King of Bling," became popular among hip-hop and R&B artists in the mid-1990s. He launched a line of religious-themed jewelry with Kanye West, who later named him in songs including "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," in which he asked, "These ain't conflict diamonds, is they Jacob? Don't lie to me man."
He also manufactured Lil' Kim's line of Royalty watches.—Associated Press
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Italian Vogue Goes Black
Black Models Rule Foreign Style Mag
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Photographs courtesy Italian Vogue
Last fall, Bethann Hardison, former model and model agent for top black models (think Tyson Beckford, Naomi Campbell, Veronica Webb and more ), rang the alarm about the absence of color on runways and in magazines. Then, CFDA president, Diane Von Furstenberg tried to set an example and used more than five models in her spring 2008 New York showing during Fashion Week. She reportedly sent letters requesting designers be more inclusive. Some, like Heatherette and Michael Kors, Rosa Cha and Gottex, headed. Chanel Iman the industry's current "it" girl, walked more than 17 American shows. And after articles were written, panels have been standing-room only and everyone—from fashion stylists to booking agents to designers—have collectively pointed their well-manicured fingers at each other for not making runways, advertising and fashion pages of magazines that matter more diverse, when all was said and done, it could have safely been said that, well, this is all talk. Not so, said Steven Meisel, one of the most influential photographers
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Botkier for Target
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Target's gone and done it again. Fresh off their successful fashion partnership with indie designer Rogan, the mass retailer has a host of new, exciting limited edition design projects coming down the pipeline.
 First up, is Botkier,
an upscale handbag line known for their supple leathers and delightful
colors, due out July 20th. Sneak peaks of the collection have already
leaked and the buzz is already hot. Designer Monica Botkier has
said the Target pieces will be "a mix of luxury and utility with a
downtown edge. It is for the chic, modern woman — it features rich
textures and luxe metallics, combining my signature use of hardware as
the jewelry of a handbag while still keeping a focus on functionality."
Monica Botkier also outfitter the bags with her signature
trademarks—plenty of interior pockets and a key chain that can reach
from purse to lock, saving women from the always aggravating key search.
 After Botkier, expect great things from British accessories designer (and mastermind behind the celebrated "I’m Not a Plastic Bag" totes) Anya Hindmarch.
Her Target collection will run from October 12 through December 26 at
select stores and online, no doubt offering low-cost examples of her
famous metallic detailing and a modern, feminine aesthetic.
During the same period, Target’s shoe department will get a boost from Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison, the design duo behind luxe footwear brand, Sigerson Morrison.
Style conscious women everywhere can begin rejoicing now, as the
label’s chic silhouettes and notable quality will surely translate into
the diffusion line.
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 When I think summer, I think thongs. No, not the skimpy bikinis made popular by Sisqo, but the sandal type, also known as a flip-flop. Simple, efficient and comfortable. Normally I don’t stray far from this archetype of summer, save for a few platforms or strappy varieties thrown in for good measure. But this summer, I plan on rocking my new favorite shoe, one that goes against my flat-sole tendencies.
The Nine West "Hotpic" in black leather is the shoe that’s making me swoon. The peep toe design with cut out detailing makes me look edgy and as Christian Siriano of Project Runway would say, "fierce" while also assuring that my toes get a bit of a breeze. I’m already pairing this sophisticated take on the summer sandal with all my grownup dresses, along with leggings and tunic combos, cropped skinny jeans, and the occasional flirty skirt.
Perhaps the best thing about my Hotpics is that they are comfortable! Despite the 4 inch heel, with the supple soft leather and sleek design, my heel-aversive side has little to complain about while traipsing across the city. Gone are the days of changing from flats to heels once I get to the door of the club or restaurant. No, these shoes were made for walking!
The second best aspect of the Hotpic is that they are on sale now. Originally $80.00, the black versions are now a mere $49.99 while the bronzed styles go for $39.99. With prices that low I suggest you get your own pair now. You can thank me later.
What summer shoe are you most excited about?
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 Miami’s Raleigh Hotel was the set of what may have been the world’s most glamorous pool party, an appropriate backdrop for the showing of the Chanel 2009 resort collection. Amidst double-C logo life preservers and a team of Olympic synchronized swimmers, the season’s collection wandered down a relaxed poolside runway. But that’s where the references to sun and fun ended. A muted palette, overwhelmingly accented with blacks and white, hinted at 70’s glamour and rock and roll, with relaxed fit, swing jackets, dip dyed logo tees, and a few bellbottoms thrown in for good measure. Zoe Kravitz, daughter of hard partying rock star Lenny, held court in the front row, giving rock royalty approval.
Architectural highlights also had their place, as clean lines and proportions made a splash.
“It’s all about proportions, cuts, volumes,” Karl Lagerfeld told Women’s Wear Daily before the show.
“There is not one line that is taken all through the collection. For cruise, you don’t do that. There are many looks and an attitude.”
Crisp pansuits and blazers with hard embellishments, also punctuated the line, mirroring Lagerfeld’s own distinct look and taste for attitude.
But it was resort after all, so lightweight sweaters, mature swim sets, and easy to throw on vacation dresses (of the upscale, luxurious type) made their requisite appearance.
Clearly a master of commercialism, Karl Lagerfeld proved that he knows just how to infuse a bit of hard line glamour into any vacation.
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Sunday, August 03, 2008
Beauty-Health Fact
Look Great From the Inside Out
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Almond Joy!
Forget the apple a day mantra. All you may really need is a handful of
almonds to keep the doctor and dermatologist away. According to medical
research, one ounce of almonds (about 23 pieces) eaten daily can help
keep your body strong and healthy as it delivers fiber that aids the
digestive tract; vitamin E for cellular renewal; protein that supports
bones, muscles, hair, nails and skin and essential fats said to lower
cholesterol, and keep the heart healthy. And with only about 160
calories in each ounce, it's a healthy woman's best snack choice!
Check back every Monday for a quick health tip to make you look good from the inside out. Post your beauty-health tip.
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Monday, August 11, 2008
Shea Moisture
The Skin Savior
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 I'm addicted to Shea Butter!
Not the so-called refined and blended with oils kind, but the raw stuff
smothered in a plastic bag or container found only at Black
fairs/tradeshows or on the tables of African street vendors who sell it
for $3 or $5 a pop. This combined with African Black soap and I can
almost guarantee an eczema-free winter. Shea Butter, I've found, is my
dry-skin panacea that cures even
sensitive scalp issues. Dry skin equals and equally dry scalp, which
means it itches and my scalp gets a tad tender from nighttime
scratching. So every four to six weeks my scalp has a mix and mingle
with Shea Butter.
I slather it on
the night before or the morning that I get a touch up (note, those are
scheduled on Saturdays) and Marvin can do his job without me jumping
out of the chair (unfortunately no-lye relaxers wreak the worst havoc
on my tresses so they are not true options for moi; more on that on
another post) five minutes after application. Without Shea Butter, my
scalp is seriously in danger. (note, it's too heavy for weekly or daily
use on the scalp)
Now I know not every one can take their Shea straight, no chaser
(Marvin's old assistant gags everytime she smells it). People complain
of its aroma. But more important than the smell (which never bothered
me) was that it worked. Somehow those fancier versions never delivered
for me for my scalp or on my skin. So imagine my skeptism to receive SheaMoisture a new line being distributed by Target! Thankfully, my skeptism turned into delight when I found out SheaMoisture is done in partnership with Sundial, the creators of Nubian Heritage
(the founders are refugees from war-torn Liberia and used to sell the
soap and butter recipes their mothers made on Harlem's 125th street as
vendors). The two have teamed up with Target to deliver this
SheaMoisture line to the masses at prices that range from $5.99 (bar of
Raw Shea Butter Soap) to $19.99 (African Black Soap Shea Butter Wash
and Lotion).
But does it work? I opened the simple packaging and the scent was
pleasing. I showered with it and moisturized my skin afterwards.
Perfect for the summer (sometimes raw Shea can be a bit much in the
summer time, if you know what I mean). On some days, I actually could
go without a moisturizer after using the soap—without looking ashy!
After testing it for a week, and having a co-worker test the men's
line, the answer is a resounding yes. The formula, which combines Shea
Butter with aloe vera, jojoba oil, vitamin D and vitamin A delivers
über moisture to parched skin like mine. Stock up now, as the line is
only available at select Target stoes. Thankfully, you can always
refill online at Target.com.
How do you feel about Shea Butter?
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Monday, June 02, 2008
The Best Drugstore Hair Buy
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 Have you ever fallen in love with a shampoo? I remember the first time I fell in love with a shampoo. It was 1997 and I got turned on to Graham Webb's Back to Basics Shampoo. Rich lather, fruity smell (raspberry) made it an instant must-buy on my beauty shopping list. A salon professional product, that could only be purchased in salons, saving the diverted (read: bootleg) version at Duane Reade, I fell in love with it primarily because of one reason: It smelled like raspberries. And I like when shampoos smell fruity while leaving my hair clean and shiny. The complementary conditioner also left my hair smelling nice and fruity, as well as soft. Then a funny then happened: they switched the formula and combined by raspberries with almond. Eating spices I like, smelling like them, not so much. So I moved on. Since then, I enjoyed Pantene's Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Shampoo, for its rich lather that seemingly didn't strip my hair too much of its natural oils. And for years, it's been a top contender. I could never really say replacement because, well, it's not fruity. And after using it for awhile, (I shampoo at least twice a week) my hair built up a resistance. But now comes along African Pride's Herbal Healing Shampoo. And I have to say, I'm completely blown away by its richness: the lather is to-die for, the way it softens my hair is amazing, and last, but certainly not least, it leaves no trace of strand stripping! Hands down, this is the best shampoo on drugstore shelves. And at $4 a piece, perfection never came at a better price.
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Sunday, June 01, 2008
L, a L.A.M.B Fragrance
My Beauty Obsession
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 Yes,
I know the fragrance isn't new. But from the moment it came out,
showcasing its delicate scent in a heafty amber-colored bottle and
oversized gold cover, I knew Ms. Stefani spared no creative muscle to
deliver a fragrance that was new, exciting and lush. So thanks Gwen.
I'm officially obsessed with L, a L.A.M.B. fragrance.
Blame it on the fact that Freesia—one of my favorite flowers—is a top
note, add a dash of green scents and Frangipani and truly, I feel like
I've wafted into aroma heaven. Available in a bottle, solid and, as a
roll-on, that's ready to go with me anytime, anywhere—especially on the
plane. While there are many scents out for the summer, this, for me,
delivers the sweetness of a spring morning's kiss. And who doesn't love
being kissed every day.
Which fragrance do you love the most and why?
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Saturday, August 09, 2008
Beloved comedian loses battle with pneumonia
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 Comedian and actor Bernie Mac died on Friday after being hospitalized for several weeks with pneumonia. Known best for his comedic observations about race and family, Mac received fame in the latter part of his career, breaking through the mainstream glass ceiling with his hit weekly series, The Bernie Mac Show where each episode he broke the "fourth wall" by talking directly to the camera for a little father knows best theory on child-rearing.
Mac ended his series to concentrate more on movie opportunities, where he either starred or co-starred in films such as Mr. 3000; Pride; Guess Who?; and Transformers. In an ironic twist, his next film, Soul Men, set to be released in November, co-starred Isaac Hayes, who died one day after Mac's untimely demise.
For more on Bernie Mac, click here.
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Monday, August 11, 2008
Isaac Hayes Dies
Soul Legend passes away this weekend
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 Isaac Hayes is a music legend who swooned hearts for over forty years. an accomplished musician and composer, he is best known to the mainstream world as the voice of "Shaft" (he made the movie's soundtrack and sang its theme song, which won two Grammy's for best original score and movie theme) and later on as being the sexually charged chef who doled out sage advice to the raucous kids of South Park. But Hayes made his mark in much more ways within his community and abroad.
Over the years, Hayes, known for his gold chains, open shirts and bald head, delivered hits like "Never Can Say Goodbye," a romantic remake of the Jackson 5's pop ballad, "Walk On By," and "Joy," to name a few. His music delivered the beats artists from Eric B. & Rakim to Tricky to Destiny's Child sampled the most (over 150 different, according to some claims). He served as arranger to Alicia Keys' debut bow, Songs in A Minor; became a spokesperson for and after a visit to the country of Ghana, became a member of its Royal family.
Hayes was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, TN; his parents died
during his infancy, and he was raised by his grandparents in Memphis. After making
his public debut singing in church at the age of five, he taught
himself piano, organ and saxophone before moving to Memphis to perform
on the city's club circuit in a series of short-lived groups like Sir
Isaac and the Doo-Dads, the Teen Tones, and Sir Calvin and His Swinging
Cats. He eventually teamed up with partner David Porter, and the duo began writing over 200 hit songs for the Memphis-based Stax Records. "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,"
"Soul Man," and "Hold On, I'm Comin'," "B-A-B-Y," "I Got to Love Somebody's Baby," "I Had a Dream," for artists such as Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas and Johnnie Taylor, respectively.
Hayes was found on conscious in his home next to a running treadmill. He was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be revived. Doctors report that Hayes died of a stroke. Married four times, he has 12 children, the youngest is two years old. He will be missed by all.
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