Filed under: Celebrity Style , Budget Fashion, Red Carpet

More and more stars have been snapped wearing bold, patterned jackets. Whether strong shouldered, silver, patterned, or striped, they're piling on conversation starting statement blazers to set off their looks:

Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams topped off a gray tank top and black harem pants with a silver and black diamond patterned jacket.

Retro style star Solange Knowles sported two different bold jackets to attend the 44th Annual Super Bowl Friday Night Lights party and the launch of New Tide Plus Febreeze Fresh Sport in Miami.


And Queen Latifah wore a striped silver and black jacket with a black tank and jeans to perform at the Super Bowl.

If you want to wear the look for yourself, remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple so your jacket can shine. Like Michelle, Solange, and Latifah, wear solid colored shirts and bottoms with a sleek shoe. You'll be good to go!

Get the look for less than $150 with these choices:
1. Ruched Sleeve Blazer - $125. 2. LABOUR OF LOVE - Striped cotton Clown blazer - $136.
3. Premium Stripe Blazer - $125. 4. DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Cactus cropped jacket - $98. 5. Floral Jersey Blazer - $110.

 

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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Hot or Not

A slimmed down Queen Latifah wore a sliver jacket, jeans, and stiletto boots to sing 'America the Beautiful' at the Super Bowl last night. Was it an outfit fit for a Queen? Let us know below!

Previously: Beyoncé

 

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Filed under: Fashion Week, Fashion News

British beauty Naomi Campbell is set to bring her star-studded runway show and auction, Fashion for Relief, to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York to help the people of Haiti after the nation's devastating earthquake last month.

"I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti," said Campbell, who last held the event in 2005 to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina. "So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake -- women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters."

The runway show will take place Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and styled by Rachel Zoe. With past guests that include Beyoncé, Tyson Beckford and Sean John, expect to see some of Hollywood's biggest names on the scene showing their support for relief efforts in Haiti.

On the catwalk, stars will be decked out in jewelry provided by Chopard and donning fashions by top internationally recognized designers. All the donated garments worn in the show will be auctioned online at NET-A-PORTER, starting Feb. 15. The donation is tax deductible, and 100 percent of ticket sales will benefit CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, with a special focus on working with poor women. CARE has had a long-time presence in Haiti and is the leading agency working with new mothers. The organization teaches them how to breastfeed and makes sure that infants don't die from formula mixed with dirty water.

Tickets can be purchased by the general public through Ticketmaster.

"Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone," Campbell said. "Our aim is to use this season's catwalk shows in New York to reach people and help raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children."

For more information on this appeal visit, www.care.org/fashion.

 

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Filed under: Luv Coach

It's that time of the year, when men get together to scream and shout at the TV, while gorging themselves on chicken wings and fattening their beer guts. Sounds sexy doesn't it? Well it can be, if your as creative as the newly engaged Ms. Christie from New York, who decided to add a feminine touch to a day that has always been male dominated. The new party of the year is (drum roll please)... Super Bowl Engagement Party!

To all the women who don't know which teams are playing in the big game and to those who don't really care, there is a new way to make this day fun for everyone. Men love to watch other men run, throw, tackle, dodge and score, while women love to watch other women open gifts, compliment sparkly rings, plan weddings and score the love of their life. Why not combine the two best days of the year into one glorious fiesta?

I have a feeling women are already convinced, so let me appeal to the men out there. Imagine you show up at a Super Bowl party and instead of just chips and dip and a keg of beer, you find crab puff pastries and prosecco with raspberries. While you lounge on the couch in front of the big game, popping chocolate covered strawberries into your mouth, your lady love is holding court and enjoying being the center of attention. Half-time is no longer just a bathroom break, but a time to play games, score fun prizes, and celebrate the bride and groom to be. For a special treat that everyone will enjoy, try Russian Gummy shots:
2 bags of gummy bears (regular, not sour)
1 bottle of vodka
Shot glasses

Mix ingredients in a bowl, cover and let sit overnight. Spoon the inflated bears into shot glasses and serve as a yummy, gummy treat to toast your nuptials and celebrate your win! Here's to you, Ms. Christie, for realizing that being a partner means creating an experience that will be great for both you and your love. Happy Super Bowl Engagement Party!

 

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Filed under: Dating, Marriage, Infidelity, E-Male Advisor

My girlfriend has issues. She gets upset every time I go out to a strip club with my friends. I try to tell her it's just entertainment, but there's always an argument when I get home. Why can't she just relax about it?

-- Myron

So here's the deal: Every couple has their own version of what's known in broadcast media as "standards and practices." They guide the moral and ethical decisions that are made within a relationship. Ideally, both parties are in agreement on what they'll tolerate in terms of edgy content, but that's not always the case. Specifically, the entertainment value of disrobed women, seductively gyrating in stilettos for a night's pay, seems to be a point of contention for a lot couples.

(Follow Mason Jamal on Twitter @masonsays)

Therefore, when it comes to strip clubs, a lot of guys falsify their whereabouts, as if they were CIA agents on covert missions to Ass-ghanistan. We all have a friend or two who operate in this manner and it's a sad sight to see. In your case, at least you're honest and up front about it, which is more than a lot of men can say. It's not like you're venturing off for a Brazilian sex vacation. You're just looking to be teased and titillated for a few hours by some women, who you hope your daughters and nieces don't grow up to be. I got it. Been there (literally) plenty of times.

Having said that, place yourself in her shoes. Imagine that she and her girlfriends are always hotfooting it to male strip shows featuring dancers with those ridiculous names that women seem to find flirtatiously enticing after a couple of drinks. You know who I'm talking about -- names like "Dr. Mandingo," "Jack Hammer," "Chocolate Hurricane," or "Notorious Biggie Ballz.." And it doesn't matter that I just made these names up. The question is how would you feel about it? If you have some uneasiness with the thought, maybe now is a good time to think twice about your own outings. After all, karma is more than just the name of your favorite stripper.

Something else to consider is bringing the girlfriend along (minus the fellas) on one of your pleasure trips, assuming she's up for it, of course. I don't think most men realize this, but a lot of women, especially those in their twenties and thirties, are game. If for no other reason, they're curious. They want to know what the fascination is. Typically, they end up entertained and often amused by it all. And I'm not sure what it is, but female strippers love female tippers. It's unwritten strip club law; the guy who brings the open-minded girlfriend or wife usually makes out like a lucky bastard by the end of the night. One thing I advise against, however, is excessive tipping on your part. Making it rain isn't suggested when you're out with your girlfriend Actually, girlfriend or not, the whole spectacle is absurd. But something about dropping a wad of cash on a naked woman who's feverishly smacking and clapping her butt cheeks while you're girlfriend looks on just doesn't scream best idea ever.

Regardless of tipping habits, be sure you pick a spot that ranks high on the "ashy to classy" index. It makes all the difference in the world. A (bullet) hole in the wall establishment that lacks visible outdoor signage, requiring a secret knock, and that operates without proper permits and licenses may not fly with the woman who already suspects you have sleazy tendencies. Plus, getting your girlfriend swept up in a vice squad raid is not exactly going to grease the skids for the next outing, with or without her.

Now, Myron, if you're hiding something, like you're secretly living out the lyrics to 'I'm In Love With A Stripper' then you're the one with the issues, not her. The first thing you have to do is stop being influenced by strip club anthems. Falling hard for women who go by stage aliases like Karma, Kandy-licious and Klamyida isn't a good look. The second, but most important thing you have to do if you're indeed in love with strippers, is evaluate your commitment to your real relationship. Always know where home is. That's the most important thing. Keep it all in perspective, player.




Mason Jamal writes about issues pertaining to the style, substance and sensibilities of men (and sometimes women). For more of his musings, you can visit www.MasonSays.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @masonsays and on Facebook.

 

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Filed under: Relationships, Luv Coach, Marriage, Infidelity

My husband and I have been married for a year and are expecting our first child in March. Before we got married, he broke up with me and started dealing with another woman. After a week, he came back and we got married. Two months later, I found out that he was speaking to another woman through e-mails and text messages. He told her he regretted marrying me and that he loved her. He apologized to me, so I forgave him. Since then, he has done the same thing numerous times with few different women. The last incident was over the holidays, when we were out of town visiting his family. I went through his phone and saw that he had been messaging the same woman he was speaking to the week we were broken up. She was in the same area visiting her family. When I confronted him, he again apologized and told me he loved me and that it won't happen again. After this last incident, he agreed to go to a marriage counselor, but he has yet to set up an appointment or to even look into where we can go and what our insurance will cover. I can't trust him. I keep thinking about leaving him, but I want to make things work, and I want my daughter to have her father in her life. I'm just at a loss of what to do and I don't know how much longer I can go on.

-- Andrea
It sounds like your husband wasn't ready to be in a committed relationship from the very beginning. His actions before and during the marriage show that he does not want to be in a monogamous relationship, and he is telling you loud and clear. Since he refuses to change and is unwilling to get help, he is letting you know that this is how he is going to operate whether you stay or go. The trust in your relationship is broken, and aside from telling you that it won't happen again, a promise that he has broken more than once, he is doing nothing to rebuild it. The question you have to ask yourself is do you want to raise a child in an unhappy household where she'll witness lying, cheating, anger, hurt and betrayal? Your daughter will always have her father in her life, whether you choose to stay or leave, as long as he is willing to be a father. It's time to get help and weigh your options before you make a move. I would recommend that you see a professional to help you sort through the beliefs that allowed you to ignore all the red flags and led you into a marriage with a man who cannot commit.

I have been married for 43 years and found out recently that my husband was talking to another woman at his job on his cell phone. I went to his work and told her not to call him anymore, and I told him the same thing. He said they were just talking. I know that all he can do is talk, because of his sickness, but I can't understand why he would turn to another woman when he can't perform at home?

-- Daisy

You have answered your own question. He is turning to another woman because she is not aware of his inability to perform at home. In your eyes, he is sick and therefore is not a "whole man," but in the eyes of someone who does not know he is sick, he may be perceived as a great man. Men need to feel confident in their abilities, be able to identify with the role of a man and feel needed by the ones they love. This is all part of fulfillment in love and in life. This does not excuse his behavior or his choice to emotionally cheat. You did well to set boundaries, but if you want to heal the relationship and reconnect, you need to assess what you can do or say to uplift his ego and help him as he struggles to re-establish his identity with this illness.

 

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Filed under: Hair Politics

It's Black History Month -- 28 days of education and celebration of our ancestors. And here at BVHairTalk we're certainly going to join in the tributes, from our own unique area of specialty, of course!

The history of black hair and hairstyling of course began in Africa. Before the slave trade began, many African cultures wore notably elaborate hairstyles. This is where twists, braids, and intricately parted styles began. From the minute black people were brought to America, many of these traditions began to die as these proud people -- now slaves -- were deliberately separated from each other. Because their indigenous styling techniques and products were now out of reach to them, they were forced to use their ingenuity. That involved taming afro-textured hair with animal fat, kerosene, lard, butter - whatever.

In the 1900's, Madame C.J Walker revolutionized the hair straightening market with her "Wonderful Hair Grower."

We have come a long way, baby.

You can directly see the influence of our ancestors in our cultural beliefs about hair, and in the various ways we care for our hair today. Madame C.J Walker can be seen to be an influence for today's entrepreneurs -- Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter, Karen Tappin of Karen's Body Beautiful, Miko and Titi Branch of Miss Jessie's, Mahisha Dellinger of Curls, Shelley Davis of Kinky Curly and Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules come most immediately to mind, but there are so many more men and women of color who have realized the power of the hair products they've whipped up in their kitchens at home. Today black hair is a billion dollar industry, and we've come full circle when it comes to hairstyling. Now there is recognition that we have a choice in how we wear our hair -- whereas in the past so many women and men of color saw straight hair by any means necessary as the only way to get ahead, now it's recognized that you can wear your hair in any style you wish and find success.

What lies in the future for black hair? It is up to us. And only time will tell.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=829685&pid=829684&uts=1265596780 http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf Best Black Hairstyles in History From the bouffant to the lacefront; from the hightop fade to the conk, black hairstyles have changed significantly over the years. See them all.
Text by Angela Helm; Photo Editor, Monique Gray Getty Images BHM MEDIA NEW

While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.

bauergriffinonline.com

Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?

Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL

Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?

Eric Ryan, Getty Images

Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?

Gerardo Mora, Getty Images

Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?

Eric Ryan, Getty Images

Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.

Tim Boyles, Getty Images

Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.

Dominique Charriau, WireImage

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?

Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images

Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.

Julien Hekimian, WireImage

 

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Filed under: Weaves & Extensions, Hot or Not, Celebrity Hairstyles

Diva-for-years Whitney Houston arrives at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday, in Incheon, South Korea for two concerts this week, setting off her 'Nothing but Love World Tour' for her latest album 'I Look to You'. We love the comeback, but what of the tendrils? The big and bold hair looks like Whitney circa 1987. Retro or dated? Hot or not?

 

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Filed under: Trends, Hair Politics

What would you do for straight hair?

Some of us use chemicals or heat. Some of us buy hair and have it sewn or glued onto our heads. And soon, there may be yet another option for those who desire the straight look.

From The Daily Mail:

"Researchers in Australia identified the trichohyalin gene as being mainly responsible for creating curls. Although it was known to play a role in the development of the hair follicle, Queensland Institute of Medical Research scientists have discovered its role in curliness.

Professor Nick Martin, author of the research, said a variation in the gene determined the straightness or curliness of hair. Professor Martin said it may be possible to come up with treatments to make hair straighter rather than relying on heated hair straighteners.

He said: 'Potentially we can now develop new treatments to make hair curlier or straighter, rather than treating the hair directly."

That is straight outta the Jetsons, am I right?

But the advent of a possible straight hair pill also raises all kinds of questions, some of which are addressed by the Black Snob:

"I don't even want to know what the side-effects of this puppy would be. I have a fear of going bald and if ANYTHING sounds like it could make you bald a pill that makes your curly hair straight sounds like one. But what's fascinating (and sad, kinda) to me, is that if this pill is created and works with side effects someone can live with (like say, dry mouth), how long do you think before black beauty salons across the nation would be closing up shop? The perm is the bread-n-butter of most beauticians. You can charge tons for it and you get that repeat customer business coming back every four-to-six weeks. If you customer can just pop and pill and get the straight hair she's always dreamed of won't she just drop you? Folks HATE going to the beauty shop anyway. It takes FOREVER. Your appointment is almost never the time you actually make it. This could be potentially devastation. I'm talking a beauty shop apocalypse!"

Valid point -- in a world where you can alter the texture of your hair by taking a pill, where does that leave the hair relaxer industry? What are the potential side effects of this medical breakthrough?

So inquiring minds want to know -- would YOU take a hair straightening pill? What potential side effects could possibly keep you away? How do you feel about this development in the beauty field?

 

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