Where is AJ & Free?

I have to be honest when I say that I miss seeing AJ & Free from BET's 106 & park. I always enjoyed watching it when they were around. I remember going to NY for a month in 2001. I was on two episodes of 106 & Park with my friend Juanita. While we were sitting on the stage waiting for the video to conclude - I told Free about my dreams & aspirations. She was so sweet and gave me a lot of inside information regarding the entertainment industry. She seemed to be so excited that I asked her about it and was eager to give me a list of contact names of people that I could network with. I will never forget that.

When I heard the news of AJ & Free resigning from 106 & Park, I was kind of sad and happy at the same time. While in NY that summer, I remember Free mentioning that she loved music and her dream was to come out with her album. AJ was just laughing and having a good time listening to our conversation. So a few years have passed since their resignation and I have not seen them. I heard that they were on the cover of Vibe a few months back and I missed it. I always loved Free's personality and style. Hopefully, they are both doing really well in their business ventures and I hope to see them both soon.

Beauty Items of the week

Here are my favorite beauty items this week:

(1.) Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation
(2.) Benefit Get Benefit Lash Mascara
(3.) Bare Essentials Eye Shadow - Meet the Stones
(4.) Estee Lauder Double Lip Wear
(5.) Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Tyra Banks - America's Next Top Waddle - ???

So here is the story - Supermodel & TV personality Tyra Banks has been attacked over the past few months for gaining weight. The rumor is that Tyra has gained over 30 lbs since the premiere of The Tyra Banks Show.

Tyra who is now 5"10 and 161 pounds lashes back at the media saying that "she is not going to apologize for her weight gain". In fact she feels that her larger frame lets young girls know that its okay to have a little meat on your bones. She also hopes that her new frame discourages teenagers from becoming weight-obsessed and developing eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Tyra is not the only one questioning society’s love of the size-zero physique. Internationally, members of the fashion industry have begun creating new guidelines that require models to maintain a certain level of healthiness.

I agree with Tyra. This weight issue is getting ridiculous and its about time that the industry draws some attention to it because it is a major issue. There are plenty of beautiful women out here who are not a size 0. (Such as myself!!)

Tyra - I love you girl!!! You look great to me.

Introducing the Gawker series - Things I want, That I'll never have

PR Couture

I was browsing around the web this weekend to do some research on Fashion & Beauty Publicists. I was so excited to find the PR Couture website, because as I said I live in Ohio and there aren't many PR resources besides PRSA in my area.

PR COUTURE is a new online resource for successful, emerging and aspiring fashion publicists, designers, students, and educators to share tips, tricks, challenges, and commentary about the role of public relations in the fashion industry.

A true insiders’ guide to the realities of the job, with real-life examples of the power of smart, strategic PR, they tackle everything from how to self-promote as a designer, to which courses and programs are best for students looking at Fashion PR as a future career.

PR COUTURE was created in response to the lack of a credible, honest, and engaging forum about fashion public relations online. PR COUTURE believes that by sharing ideas and engaging in relevant debate, we enhance our skills, and increase the value of community within our chosen field.

I am now a frequent visitor to PR Couture. Hopefully, I will be able to find all of the Fashion & Beauty PR resources to be able to launch my business and to one day become the international leader in Fashion & Beauty PR.

Check out Ciara on the cover of Trace Mag!!!

Much better Ciara!!!

The Ghetto Revival?

I don't know if any of you watch The White Rapper Show on VH1, but this show is the funniest ever. In the show ten white rappers compete against each other for the chance to win a $100, 000 grand prize. The show is based in the Bronx and MC Serch from 3rd Bass is the host. At the end of each show one person is eliminated.

Please tune in Monday nights at 10 pm so you can find out more about the "ghetto revival". Its the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard -but I cannot help but to laugh.

CC Skye Jewelry

I have spent alot of time this weekend - searching for Spring trends in jewelry. I love earrings & bangles and I can never find the ones that I like here in Columbus. So anyway, I ran across a website for CC Skye Jewelry and I absolutley LOVE IT! Let me know what you think.........

ITS ABOUT TIME

I read this article about Issuing Model Guidelines for Fashion Designers and I got excited. Its about time that the Fashion Industry focus on being "healthy" and not being anorexic.

I am not sure if you all have heard, but, last month a 21 year old model by the name of Ana Carolina Reston died from anorexia - weighing only 88 pounds at 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

I believe that society puts too much focus on being skinny. Everywhere you look you see images of people that are extremely skinny and that makes women feel that they have to be those sizes in order to fit in. It is sad that it took someone to die from a eating disorder to make the industry change its focus.

However, we do have to start somewhere. Some fashion shows are already taking a step forward by showcasing models that are at a healthy weight and more plus size models. They have also suggested some rules for showcasing models. So far the suggestions are as follows:

• Keep models under 16 off the runway and models 18 and under are not to work at fittings or shoots past midnight.


• Educate those in the industry to identify the early signs of eating disorders.


• Develop workshops on the causes and effects of eating disorders.


• During fashion shows provide healthy meals and snacks, while prohibiting smoke and alcohol.

I understand that in terms of fashion thin will always be in. That's the way it always has been and probably always will be. However, I think its important to continue to put an emphasis on being healthy.

Black Love - Gotta Love It

Ashanti's New Look

Diggin Jennifer Hudson

Ciara on cover of Vibe Magazine

Hmmm. I am not so sure if I like this cover. I LOVE Ciara. I think she is gorgeous, her personality is so sweet, and she has this innocence about her that would make anyone love her.

I know that Ciara is going through a big style transformation right now. She is growing up. I would love to see what other style options Ciara has. I am not so sure about this leather outfit on her. It looks like a two piece vinyl outfit. I have never really been into the leather look though, that's not my thing. I do like her hair though.

The thing that bothers the most on this cover is that ugly font and bold yellow coloring. I don't know who's idea that was, but it does not look good at all.

I still love you though Ciara. Keep doing your thing!

Pink Diamond Spotlight

Every now and then I run across someone in the industry whom I feel is making major moves. Today, I am recognizing Multi-Media personality "Egypt" from Power 105.1 in New York. I have been following Egypt for a while. Being a former radio station intern - I try to listen to radio stations across the country to find out "who's who" in radio. Egypt is co-host of the show “Egypt and Ashy” in the morning. Comedian Donnell Rawlings, formerly of the Chappelle Show is also part of the on-air staff.

Egypt is making moves the entertainment industry. Before she moved to NY City, she worked at 92Q WERQ-FM in Baltimore where she was recognized as the #1 Media Personality in the city. She was also an on-air talent at The Beat 100.3 in Philly.

In addition to her radio career, she was the host of the WB's TV show - "Home Delivery". She has appeared on the Maury Povich show numerous times as a commentator and she also co-hosted a nationally-aired UPN program,” The Source Sound Lab’’ with Ray-J. She has guest hosted BET shows like Planet Groove, Rap City and BET Live. She also made a cameo in the music video "Back Like That" with Ghostface and Ne-Yo and has been featured in magazines such as KING, Sister to Sister, Black Elegance, Vibe Vixen, Source, and Jolie magazines.

I admire Egypt because she is not afraid to try different ventures in entertainment. From radio to TV to music videos, Egypt is doing it all. I look forward to seeing more of Egypt, hopefully on the big screen.

HOW DID I FORGET?

I cannot believe that I forgot to mention Kelis as one my favorite women. Why? Because Kelis is so different than most of the celebs out there. Her style is so unique and she has been consistent fashion wise since her career began.

It's sad to say, that I have never purchased a Kelis album. I don't even know why. I have liked quite a few of her songs such as Caught out there, Get along with you, Milkshake and Bossy. Her voice is kind of raspy, so she does not get the respect so much as a singer, but she is so fun, so colorful and so full of life that you cannot help but to love her.

BELTS, BELTS, BELTS