The Big Day! Sex & The City out in nationwide theatres today!

Fabsugar - www.fabsugar.com is reporting that things may have kicked off in the UK, but the SATC girls finally came home to premiere the film at Radio City Music Hall. Love 'em or not, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, and Kim Cattrall glittered in their metallic dresses on a pink carpet that was covered with more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals. SJP looked amazing in a very familiar dress (hello, LL in Bazaar superhero photo shoot). Chris Noth and more costars came out, as well as some of NYCs most stylish trendsetters like Ashley Olsen and Anna Wintour (looking perfect as usual). New theme song artist Fergie got girlie, while Jason Lewis acted goofy sticking his tongue out for the cameras. Fans are so excited for the film that they paid big bucks to attempt to attend the premiere last night. Seriously, big bucks. Clearly this weekend belongs to the girls in the city, so move over Indy!
Source: Fabsugar

Gabrielle Union teams up with American Eagle & Declare Yourself to support voter outreach initiatives

American Eagle Outfitters announced its partnership with Declare Yourself, the non-partisan, non-profit youth voting initiative। As the exclusive apparel retail partner, American Eagle has created a spring and summer awareness campaign that includes a significant in-store and online presence, direct mail and targeted e-mails designed to reach millions of customers in their teens and twenties.

A focal point of the AE campaign will be an iconic VOTE T-shirt that will be sold on ae।com([R]) and in hundreds of AE([R]) stores across the country beginning May 23 through June 24. For each T-shirt purchased, American Eagle Outfitters will donate $5 to Declare Yourself to support the organization's year-round voter outreach initiatives.

"The 2008 presidential election is important for AE customers," said Kathy Savitt, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc। "For many, it's their first opportunity to influence who leads their country, and we are honored to play a role in inspiring these customers to register and vote."

Beginning today, customers can visit 77E[TM], AE's online entertainment channel on ae.com, to register to vote, reserve their VOTE T-shirt, and view exclusive celebrity video content with some of Hollywood's brightest young stars. The full campaign will kick off on May 23 online and in-stores.
"We are pleased to have such a strong election year partnership with American Eagle Outfitters," said Norman Lear, founder of Declare Yourself। "AE's influence with young people is unparalleled. We look forward to using that powerful influence to get record numbers of young people into the voting booth this year."

In addition to the core campaign, American Eagle has partnered with Seventeen magazine to create a custom version of the VOTE T-shirt, which is featured in a four-page spread in the May issue of the magazine (on newsstands April 8)। Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge and Whitney Port from MTV's "The Hills" are photographed wearing these limited-edition pink-and-white women's tees, which are available to customers online only at www.ae.com/declareyourself. Customers can also view exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage from the Seventeen photo shoot, in which the girls talk about the importance of voting.

For more information, visit www.ae.com/declareyourself.

American Eagle Outfitters designs, markets and sells its own brand of laidback, current clothing targeting 15 to 25 year-olds, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices। The original collection includes standards like jeans and graphic Ts as well as essentials like accessories, outerwear, footwear, basics and swimwear. American Eagle currently operates 858 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 75 AE stores in Canada. American Eagle also operates ae.com[R], which offers additional sizes and styles of favorite AE[R] merchandise and ships to more than forty countries around the world. The American Eagle[R] brand also includes a Dormwear[R] collection, aerie[TM], which is available in 39 standalone stores, American Eagle stores and at aerie.com. The collection includes bras, undies, camis, hoodies, robes, boxers, sweats, leggings fitness apparel and personal care for the AE girl. Designed to be sweetly sexy, comfortable and cozy, the aerie brand offers AE customers a new way to express their personal style everyday, from the dormroom to the coffee shop to the classroom. 77E, a new multi-channel entertainment platform, features original and user-generated content on ae.com, in AE stores, on television, and on Web sites such as YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. For more information, visit http://www.ae.com/.

MARTIN + OSA[TM], a concept targeting 28 to 40 year-old women and men, offers refined casual clothing and accessories, designed to be valuable, irresistible, inspiring, authentic and adventurous. MARTIN + OSA currently operates 20 stores. For additional information and updates, visit www.martinandosa.com.
The company plans to launch a children's apparel brand, 77kids by american eagle[TM], offering on-trend, high-quality clothing and accessories for kids age two to 10। 77kids will debut online at www.77kids.com during Fiscal 2008, with brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S. planned for 2010.

Declare Yourself
Founded by Norman Lear, Declare Yourself features a powerful, multi-tiered platform aimed at engaging Americans 18-29 to vote, including media partnerships, celebrity spokespeople, the sports arena, and most importantly mobile and Internet technology। Declare Yourself's campaign blankets the landscape of popular culture, as well as universities and high schools, with a simple, clear message: REGISTER AND VOTE!

In addition to its partnership with American Eagle Outfitters, Declare Yourself is enlisting an unprecedented array of partners for the 2008 election, including Cricket Wireless, MySpace, Yahoo!, Google, Clear Channel, Comedy Central, Spike TV, Harper Collins, Starbucks and Voto Latino. Easy registration is available through www.DeclareYourself.com or by texting VOTE to 55355 on your mobile phone.

Spotlight on Style: Tia Mowry

Over the past few weeks I've been bombarded with emails asking me to post info about Tia Mowry's new haircut. Which is absolutely fabulous by the way! I am even thinking of getting a new do myself because I am so inspired by this look. Tia has been stepping her game up lately. Speaking of "game" - Did any of you catch the season finale of The Game? Yikes!!! I won't tell what happened just in case some of you haven't caught it yet -- but DAMN Derwin!!! Let's just say I can't wait for the new season to begin.

RAPPER TRINA LAUNCHES 'PINK DIAMOND COUTURE' CLOTHING COLLECTION

Trina's getting her hustle on something proper-like. Aside from her music projects, the rapper has also released two 'Diamond Princess' perfume collections and founded the Diamond Doll Foundation, a non-profit organization created to enlightened, empower and educate young women in the inner city of Miami, Florida and neighboring counties. And now the Miami-based rapper, real name Katrina Taylor, is gearing up to follow in the footsteps of the many, many, many celebrities who have come before her, by launching her very own clothing line, tentatively called the Pink Diamond Couture clothing collection. Peep the press release below.Trina, hip hops ultra sexy diva has done it again! Trina may be known for being Hip Hop’s ‘Baddest Chick,’ but the Slip-N-Slide recording artist’s got enough style and heart to catapult herself into icon status. When it comes to fashion and style Trina has always been a trend setter. With her unique style and an appreciation of what women want, Trina will debut her Pink Diamond Couture clothing line for Spring 2008. Her high quality jeans are emblazoned with her signature logo on the back pockets. Imagine jeans with details such as leather, python and crystals. To add a personal touch to her line the collection comes with a Tattoo that is uniquely Trina’s. No detail is overlooked in the fabric, as well as design. The fit and styling are a sexy new look in the world of fashion. “I have always imagined a clothing line that was high quality that I could offer to my fans. I love the way the jeans fit and feel. I spent a lot of time creating special details that are fresh and unique. The best part they look really expensive but are priced right.”

CONTINUE READING THIS PRESS RELEASE FOR MORE :

The “Pink Diamond Couture by Trina” clothing line will launch Nationwide this Spring 2008. Her line will consist of Jeans, tops, T’s, Velour Sets and jackets all with Trina’s signature logo and unique design. Trina has certainly evolved as a business woman. To her credit she has her Diamond Princess and Diamond Doll fragrance collections and now she has moved in to the clothing business. For further information on her collections or a store near you log on to http://www.shoptrina.com/.

Source: http://www.realgossip101.blogspot.com/

I'm diggin her style: Beyonce at Cleveland Cavalier game

I have to admit -- even though it's close to summer and I am not thinking tweed jackets and khaki pants - this outfit is really hot and well put together. I don't always admire Beyone's style because sometimes honestly, she looks a little over the top. This ensemble is hot though! I really like the hat and the necklace. Good Look B!!!!

It's not too late - Celebrate the Beauty of Susterhood: Pantene Total You Tour Atlanta, GA June 9th

The Pantene Total You Tour visits 5 cities nationwide to unite African-American women in recognition and celebration of their unique and holistic beauty. We connect through this event to create a positive, uplifting and exciting environment where participants experience a transformation of the mind, body and spirit.

What’s All the Excitement About?

Listen up! Join us in the thought-provoking Pantene Total You Tour ForumRenowned African-American women will share personal anecdotes and advice related to women's health—mind, body and spirit.
Susan L. Taylor, Essence Editorial Director
Sanaa Lathan, Actress
Myra J, Comedienne
Dr. Ro, Nutrition Expert
Kimberly Aiken Cockerham, Former Miss America, 1994/Entrepreneur

Check your city’s Tour schedule for details.

See exciting live performances by artists such as: Brian McKnight, Tamia, Monica, Heather Headley and Kelly Price.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy live musical performances by:
Warner Brothers Recording Artist, Brian McKnight
Atlantic Records Recording Artist, Tamia

Check your city’s Tour schedule for specific artist line-up.

Rejuvenate your health and beauty at the Total You Wellness Expo with free makeovers, manicures, product demonstrations and sample giveaways. You can even talk to healthcare professionals about issues affecting your community at the Health & Community Pavilion.
Get up close and personal with our celebrity panelists and special musical performers. During the expo, you’ll even have a change to get their autographs.
Exclusively for Attendees
Two enter-to-win contests:
Enter-to-win at the event,
Enter to win an all expense paid trip for two to the 2007 Essence Music Festival at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This three-day event includes ESSENCE Cares Empowerment Seminars, the ESSENCE MARKETPLACE and live performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Lionel Richie, Chris Brown and many more.
Enter-to-win via our website: http://www.tampaxtotalyoutour.com/
Also, enter to win a complete makeover, complements of Pantene® Pro-V® Relaxed and Natural. Two attendees in each market—one with a “relaxed” and one with a “natural” hairstyle—will be the lucky recipients of a complementary makeover featuring the complete line of Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural products. The winners’ before and after looks will be revealed live, on-stage, during the Pantene Total You Tour in each city.

Aaliyah remembered: Aaliyah graces the cover of Fader magazine

It is with great sadness that I post this article. Every time I begin to write, a feeling of sorrow just runs through my body. Seven years later and I am still in mourning over her death. Who could ever forget Aaliyah? I know I can't. I feel strongly that I was probably Aaliyah's biggest fan. I'll never forget the day that my Uncle gave me her very first CD - Age ain't nothing but a number. We were on our way to a family reunion in Mississippi and I listened to it over and over and over again. I think Young Nation was probably one of my favorite songs on the album. It was then that my obsession with Aaliyah began. I wanted to dress like her - I purchased some dark shades, baggy pants, and tight tops just so that I could imitate her style. Her voice was so angelic and the lyrics in her music was so relateable. Everything she went through, I went through. I felt like Aaliyah & I were growing up together. Then One in a million was released, I was in the prime of my high school days. My friends & I just started driving and believe me - her CD was bumping in everyone's car including my rusty 1986 Buick Sommerset. Man those were the days.

I'll never forget the day that I found out that Aaliyah was killed. My friend Juanita & I took a trip to NY city just to hang out. We were too busy laughing and talking about the crazy NY traffic to notice that every song on the radio was Aaliyah. We didn't really care cause we loved Aaliyah so much that we didn't mind listening to it all. Rock the Boat was just released and we LOVED that song. That's when the DJ finally gave the bad news. Aaliyah had been killed. It seemed as though everything around us just got quiet. The whole thing seemed surreal to me. The car ride back to my friends grandmother's home in the Bronx was quiet. We just looked at each other and the tears begin to roll down our face. I felt like I had just lost my best friend.

The news still didn't stick until her memorial service a few days later. Millions of people lined the streets of NY while the beautiful carriage rode by releasing doves. Candlelight visuals were everywhere, you could hear people singing "your love is a one in a million, it goes on and on and on, you give me a really good feeling" . I hadn't seen a reaction to a death like that since Tupac's & Biggie's murders a few years prior. I guess that is completely different as Aaliyah was a sweet angel and no one ever expected for her to be taken away from us so soon. The love was everywhere. You could feel it.

The songbird known to most of the world as Aaliyah Dana Haughton will be gracing the Icon Issue of Fader Magazine. Aaliyah, who was tragically killed in a plane crash going on seven years ago, will be remembered by friends and family in the magazine.

Here are some quotes of what people had to say about her:

Missy Elliott:"We was gonna save the world. We was gonna change music every chance we got. We was gonna always be family. Forever."

Mark Ronson:"If it wasn't for Aaliyah being the face and voice of [Missy Elliott and Timbaland's] sound they might have never got to where they did. They were presenting their sort of brilliant but challenging breakthrough music through this beautiful young girl who could sing it perfectly.

"Kidada Jones":I think about her all the time...Anytime she's brought up or her music comes on the radio, it’s sweet, but it definitely sounds like she found a niche before it was here. If you listen to her music it's so relevant today, but we had it so long ago.


"Damon Dash": She was already a fashion icon, she was getting into movies, she had already planted that seed. If she was alive today she would be so relevant. I see little bits of her everywhere I look, in a lot of artists.

"This is what the executive editor of Fader Magazine had to say about Aaliyah":
"It only took Aaliyah a few albums to make an indelible mark on the world of pop music, but today her influence can be felt across numerous genres," said Chris Richards, Executive Editor of The FADER. "This issue not only tracks that influence, but also offers a more personal glimpse into the life of a true pop visionary."

Check out the story: http://www.thefader.com/magazine

Getting ready for summer - Five Steps to the Perfect Home Pedicure Treatment

Pedicure Treatment
Five Steps to the Perfect Home Pedicure Treatment

Give your tootsies the home pedicure treatment for tip-top condition. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: To achieve the perfect home pedicure, it¡¯s really important that you soften your nails and skin, so the first step is to soak your feet. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this easily: either have a good old soak in the bath, or rub in foot lotion to loosen hard skin and submerge feet in a hot-as-you-can-bare-it-foot bath with Epsom salts to purify.

Step 2: Apply cuticle cream to all around the nail area and leave to nourish, then, using an orange stick, gently push back cuticles in tiny circular movements all around the nail plate.

Step 3: File your toes using clippers or other pedicure tools, cutting the nails straight across and file from the side to the middle, rounding the edges to help prevent in-growing toenails.

Step 4: Buff your nails to get rid of ridges. Apply cuticle oil to rid you of cracked cuticles.

Step 5: Using a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover, gently wipe excess oil from the nail plate, under the nail and across the tip. Before applying polish use a high quality base coat, the most important ingredient for a perfect home pedicure. When applying nail polish, remember that lighter colours, pastels and iridescent shades will flatter bronzed skin. Dark colours can appear harsh and are more high maintenance, since every chip shows up.

Home Pedicure tools you should have:

An electric bubbling foot bath (optional).
A toenail brush to clean both the tops and undersides of the nails, as well as the feet.
An abrasive pedicure file (wand exfoliator) or pumice stone to get rid of dry, flaky skin.
A metal cuticle pusher or wooden "orange" stick, a round stick about four inches long with a slanted tip for cleaning under the nails and around the cuticles.
A massaging foot roller (optional).
Toenail clippers made to cut thick, hard nails without tearing them.
Fine-grained nail files or emery boards for shaping and smoothing nails.
Foam toe dividers (or cotton balls) to separate toes when applying base, polish and top coats to prevent smudging.
A nail buffer to shine the tops of nails before you polish them or to give bare ones a natural, healthy look.

Once you have the right pedicure tools, set aside about an hour to get your feet and toes worthy of being in the limelight.

Ladies First: Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott on the cover of Essence Magazine

Check out this month's issue of Essence Magazine with Jill Scott, Alicia Keys & Mary J Blige - excerpt from interview below!

Hip-hop may be dead, but R&B is alive and kicking with artists Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott holding it down

Rounding up three multi platinum, Grammy-winning chart-toppers is no small feat, especially when they’re stationed in different cities and different time zones. Did we mention that one of them was on tour (Mary), one had just come off tour (Jill), and the other was between tours (Alicia)? For us, Alicia, Mary and Jill are the truth and the light in R&B. During the past year, they, along with other female singers, have bumped the ’hood boys off the top of the charts. No offense, . fellas, but it’s always ladies first here. As the following excerpts from individual chats with each artist reveal, when it comes to penning hits, embracing success, and keeping ahead of the curve, it’s always about the music.

Essence: One thing you all have in common is that you each had a debut album that was a phenomenal success. How do you feel when you hear those songs now?

Mary J. Blige: It’s been about six months since I’ve listened to What’s the 411? I was in Japan working out, and when I heard it, I could definitely feel my youth, but I could also hear that I’ve always had an old soul. When I think back to that time, I remember that I was singing to escape. I understand that some people are stuck in that place, but I firmly believe that if you don’t evolve and grow, you will die.

Essence: From the outside looking in, it seems that success has been yours since day one, but there probably were, and are, disappointments. How do you cope when a project doesn’t pan out?

Jill Scott: This is life, and if something doesn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to. I feel that there is a divine plan in all things. All I can do is the best I can do, and if it’s well received, then, yeah. If not, I hope life will give me an opportunity to try again. Do I challenge myself? Absolutely. But beat myself up? I just can’t do it.

Essence: Have you ever regretted folding to pressure from record labels?

Alicia Keys: In the beginning, I didn’t understand the concept of boundaries. I wanted to make sure the music was heard, but there’s a price you pay for that. I did everything and anything to promote my first album, like flying from New York to Los Angeles and back on the same day, which was a bit excessive.

Essence: Have you figured out the ingredients for the perfect song?

Mary: Yes, but I won’t tell. [Laughs] For me, it’s about being real and honest. And the lyrics have to be relatable.

Jill: Oh, I wish I knew. I think Ne-Yo knows. I think Carvin Haggins, who does a lot of writing for Musiq Soulchild, has the ingredients, too. My songs are mostly about life experiences, about being human and falling and getting back up. About loving and losing.

Essence: But aren’t those the ingredients right there?

Alicia: It’s always a bit of a mystery. A song should deal with a widely understood emotion, have a really strong, clear explanation of that emotion and a great melody that makes you want to sing it at the top of your lungs. Then the music should evoke the same feeling as the lyrics. Somewhere within all of that lies the perfect song.

For the complete interview with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott pick up ESSENCE's June 2008 issue now on stands.

credit: Essence Magazine, Written by Regina R. Robertson

A Dash Of Color - Summer Accessories & More from Cache

So I know you all remember the satin & fabric wrapped bracelets from the 80's. I know as a kid I had hundreds of them (literally). They weren't that expensive so my grandparents would buy them every time they seen them somewhere. My friends & I collected them and would trade them with one another. We thought we were the most fashionable chics at school (which I believe we were). Anyway, the bracelets are back - looking cuter than ever and just in time for the summer!
Go ahead and freshen up your summer wardrobe with the bright and bold colors. Sold at cache - http://www.cache.com/.
Please check out some of the other hot dresses I found at Cache - so cute!!!! :
A Line Tube Top Dress $98.00

Lace Bubble Dress $168

Pink Diamond Spotlight: Neon Nights Collection - Old Navy

Of course, I am never too busy for shopping and checking out which items will make it to my closet next. I can already tell that dresses are going to be the thing for me this summer. I made a promise to myself that this summer my focus is on comfort and style while remaining professional. I've learned that with the new gig I have, my super active social life and all of the side gigs I am lined up for, it is with extreme importance that I always look good.

To my surprise, I found some of the cutest dresses at Old Navy. They have a new collection called Neon Nights and I love it. The thing that I love so much is the fact that, I always have such a hard time finding things that look good on me because of my appley body shape. My favorite dress in this collection is the Teal Luster Halter Dress. Because this dress has an empire waist it accentuates my bust (which is normally a plus for apple shapes), and it's knee length, so I can still show off my great legs (another apple plus). It's also great because the top part of the dress is solid which minimizes my top heaviness, while the bottom has a really cute pattern. It's important for apple shaped girls to wear patterns or designs at the bottom to even out the smaller bottom area. If not, you should just wear all solid colors. Apple or not though, I can't just wear all solid colors despite my shape. I am too trendy for that. They key is making clothes work for me. After I pair these dresses up with some sexy (comfortable) hills, some great earrings and bangles and some HOT sunglasses - whoa! You can't tell me nothin (LOL). If you really want to step it up - get yourself a great tanned look with the new MAC Skinsheen leg spray. I've heard great things about it.



There are dresses in this collection that will look great on all shapes and the best thing about them is that they are affordable. You can find a dress for you for under $40.00. Check it out: http://www.oldnavy.com/

What I want now

The Bebe Halter Style Mini Dress. Awww this dress is so fresh! I love the color, the style, the ruffles everything.

The Coach Millie Handbag! Believe me the photo does not do this bag any justice! It is so cute! I almost died when I walked in Macy's and seen it. The crazy thing is I am not even a big Coach fan. But I loooove this bag! $498 isn't in my budget. LOL. Oh well!

Yes I do love the Blackberry Curve. I know it isn't clothes or shoes or bags, but, cell phones are accessories and those who care about style know the importance of a good cell phone. At least I know I do. The Curve has all of the features I need, plus, all of the things that I want in a phone. With my super active social life - the Curve is so necessary.

Glamour Magazine Tips - Choosing the right swimming suit for your body

This past weekend, I finally got a chance to catch up on all of my old Tyra Banks episodes that I missed. I really like to watch Tyra because she always gives good fashion and beauty advice. Anyway, last week Susie Yalof Schwartz from Glamour Magazine gave some insight on the users guide to everything beauty inside and out. One of the topics that caught my attention was on finding the right swimming suit for your body. This topic couldn't have been more timely for me,
as I am searching for a new swimming suits. How do you really know if a swimming suit is right for you? Well Susie provided some insight on the best ways to find a swimming suit according to your body shape.

Pear Shaped body ( small top, wide hips and thighs)

Worst Mistakes:
Boy Shorts - cut you off on your thighs and makes you look wider
Light on bottom and dark on top - light bottoms draw attention to your problem areas
Shiny bathing suits are a killer
You should wear:
Swimming suits that are dark on the bottom and light on the top
One Piece halter is ideal for your shape. It draws all the attention upward.
Petite/Small Frame/Flat Chest & Butt
Worst Mistakes:
Bandeau tops - makes you look flatter
No bikini's with triangles - it makes you look smaller.
What you should wear:
Bathing suit with a different texture
Swimming suit with padded bra/booty
Ruffle swimming suit or any swimming suit that has dimensions. It makes your booty appear bigger.
Apple Shapes (big top/small bottom/ large tummy)/Plus Size/Full Figured
Worst Mistakes:
Skirtsuits - make you appear bigger ( I can attest to that)
Spaghetti Straps - also makes you appear bigger.
What you should wear:
Swimming Suit with higher lycra
Choose a younger looking swimming suit with higher cuts
Halter Top - great for arms.Big Chest
Worst Mistake:
Triangle shape bikinis
Swimming suits with no support
What you need:
Swimming suit that provides lift and support
High cut underneath your armpits - so it doesn't spill out the sides

Why I love Jill Scott

This morning on my way to work, I was listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show (which I love by the way) and Jill Scott was on the show. She was talking about her new series that's currently in production and will air on HBO. As I was listening to the interview, I realized again why I love her so much. Jill is one of those women that I wish I could be more like. I remember a couple of summers ago, Jill Scott came to Columbus with the Smokin Grooves Tour ( I think). The tour included Jill Scott, Erykah Badu & Queen Latifah. That was probably the best concert I've been to (besides Janet Jackson). Jill Scott's soulful voice was so soulful and so beautiful. The lyrics in her songs just talk to me. The way she describes love and intimate experiences, I don't think any one could compare. Seriously. Have any of you heard her most recent CD - The Real Thing Words & Sounds Vol III? There is a snippet called Crown Royal On Ice that I love.
Get the cd if you don't have it and check those lyrics out. I mean and that's just one song, she has many, many more. Needless to say that I can never listen to this work or I would constantly be drifting off in another world or playing my own version of Spousal Arousal begging my boyfriend to leave work quickly!! LOL.
Not to mention, I think she is such a beautiful person who is a great role model ,not just for plus sized women, but, all women. She is a great artist, poet, actress and writer and I truly respect and love her. I can't wait till she returns to Columbus.

Caught looking fly: Ashanti at the MTV Upfront Presentation

I am diggin this entire look. It's very sexy and sophisticated. I love the D&G Dress with those peep toe pumps. Very cute Ashanti!

Gabrielle Union on the cover of Vegas magazine

This may be old news to some of you, but, this is my first time seeing this cover. She looks absolutely beautiful. I am looking forward to her seeing her in the new movie "Cadillac Records" with Mos Def, Cedric the Entertainer & Beyonce (Mrs. Shawn Carter)

Pink Diamond Look of the Day: Christina Milian at the Victoria Secret Lingerie Party in LA

I am really feeling this dress. I love all those colors and the design is just sexy. Christina is absolutely glowing. I wonder what she thinks of her ex marrying Mariah Carey?

Style Profile: Tracee Ellis Ross

I absolutely love Tracee Ellis Ross's style. She is so classy and elegant. She stays trendy, but, doesn't try to do to much. These are the photos from her feature article in Essence magazine.

How to stay fresh in 2008

I was checking out an article over at Essence.com: www.essence.com/essence/beautyandstyle/ to look at some fresh beauty tips. I came across a great article that talks about the top ten beauty tips for 2008. Check it out:

10 Change Your Part:The middle part is back in a big way, whether you wear your hair in layers like Beyoncé or channel Halle’s blunt cut. Think of it as your ten-second shortcut to effortless sex appeal. Keep it chic with a shine spray ike Dr. Miracle’s Healing Oil Sheen Spray ($8, Sally Beauty stores).

9 Update Your Bob: It’s a surefire way to freshen flat, lifeless hair. The perfect length for a fab bob? Top stylists say anything shoulder length and above. If you’re too scissor shy to go short, opt for a good trim. Just an inch will give your style more mileage.

8 Rock the Latest Accessories: Whether you pin up your hair with a beautiful comb or pull it back under a colorful headband, nothing adds instant attitude like the right accent piece. We love this Swarovski hair clip and Miu Miu and Swarovski headbands.

7 Do It Up Right: From the red carpet to the silver screen, celebrities are wearing upswept looks that are sexy and sophisticated, not stiff (read: no more slick-and-set gel styles). Ready for top billing? Pull hair up or tie it back, letting strands fall naturally into place. A wide-tooth comb and a light holding spray like S-Factor Vivacious Hair Spray ($26, beauty salons nationwide) are the only supporting cast this production needs.

6 Create–or Update–Bangs: The best ones slim the face and soften features. For a fresher look, cut or grow your bangs to just above your lashes. And try a different shape: side sweeps work best for rounder faces like Queen Latifah’s; straight or asymmetrical bangs look great on oval faces like Rihanna’s. Keep yours looking fabulous, not frizzy, with Luster’s Renutrients Replenishing Style Créme (about $6, drugstores).

5 Add Extensions: Our favorite new hair accessory? Clip-on hair extensions, like Euronext 100% Premium Remy Human Hair Clip-in Extensions ($70, Sally Beauty stores). They make it easy to achieve a fabulous style, as well as add thickness and volume to your look. Even better: Clip-on extensions don’t require as much time—or money—as a full weave.

4 Take a short cut: Short can be chic: Think Kelis or Keyshia Cole. If you’re a girl on the move who likes to just shake it and go, a close crop is the look for you. Keep it funky with a sculpting wax like Pantene Pro-V Texturize! ($4, drugstores nationwide), and don’t forget to keep sides and back smooth and sleek with an Umberto Beverly Hills boar and nylon brush ($13, Target stores).

3 Go Back to Your Roots: If you’re considering growing out your relaxer and going natural, there’s no time like the present to make the transition. To help with those in-between stages, use a curling cream like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard ($25, kinky-curly.com). They’re great for smoothing down new growth, defining waves or curls, and adding moisture.

2 Play With Texture: Curls and waves add volume and body. Here are a few stylists’ tricks from our photo shoot: For natural hair, two-strand twist or plait wet or dry hair, then pin-curl to set at night; release in the morning for beautiful waves. If your hair is relaxed, reach for hot rollers—the pros’ go-to gadget. Try using the Profiles Spa 20 Piece Tourmaline Hairsetter Rollers ($50, sallybeauty.com) instead of a curling iron to achieve lush, romantic curls. For extra volume, set hair at the crown.

1 Pump Up Your Color: Make a statement in the season’s hottest hues. Deep, warm colors like reds and dark browns always look best against winter’s frigid backdrop. If you are a dye-hard blond, try getting lowlights— a method of streaking hair with darker shades to give lighter colors added dimension. Can’t get to the salon? Color at home with Dark and Lovely Fade-Resistant Rich Conditioning Color in Soft Amber ($5, drugstores).

Credit: Tasha Turner
Photo Credits: Berry Behrendt

Columbus Ohio Save the Date: Columbus AIDS Task Force Presents : Art for Life 08

Everyone please support this event! It's for a great cause!
The leading biannual social event in Columbus, Art for Life, is a fundraiser benefiting the Columbus AIDS Task Force (CATF). Art for Life has raised nearly $4 million since its inception in 1989. Those who attend know what a special event Art for Life is. It's filled with glitz and glamour, dignitaries and drag queens, food and drink, and most of all -- wonderful art that has been donated by local and national artists to help support CATF and the excellent programs and services provided to the Greater Columbus community. In 2008, Art for Life is going to be more exciting than ever. Art for Life will be held at Columbus City Center in downtown Columbus on Saturday, May 10, 2008.
Need tickets? The tickets to the Silent Auction & Party for Art for Life 2008 may be purchased online. Please go to their website: http://www.afl2008.org/tickets.shtml
Location, Date & Time
May 10, 2008
Columbus City CenterPatron Reception – 6 p.m.
Live Auction – 7:30 p.m.Silent Auction & Party – 8 p.m.
Silent Auction & Party Pricing
Student ticket $40*
Individual ticket $75
Couple ticket $140
*Must present valid university/college student identification.
Patron Reception & Live Auction
Live Auction ticket $125
Patron tickets start at $250 For Patron and Live Auction tickets, please e-mail Terri LeMaile-Williams or call her at 614-340-6753.

I'm feeling her style...

Have you seen these photo's taken of Rihanna at an Elle photo shoot? Absolutely beautiful! I know that some people diss Rihanna because of her forehead, but, none of us are perfect right? I absolutely love her style!! It kind of reminds me of Kelis whom everyone knows is one of my top style icons.