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Vivica Fox & 50 Cent Reunited?
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Follow the Model... And Miss J
- The fashion guru and reality show judge tells all
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U.S. Reverses HIV Travel Ban
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BV on Style covers black style, urban fashion, and hot celebrity looks; everything the urban fashionista or fashionisto could want!
Filed under: Photos, Fashion News
It's that time of the year again. Last night, in a flurry of feathers, hair extensions, glitter and uncomfortable underwire, the Angels once again strutted half-dressed down a diamond-crusted runway in the annual over-the-top Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Before a star-studded audience that included a tuxedo-clad Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Keri Hilson, models Selita Ebanks, Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez, among others, worked the runway in lingerie outfits that weren't the sorts of things any woman in her right mind could or would wear under her clothes. But they were pretty to look at nonetheless!
Heidi Klum, who had a baby daughter just five weeks ago, opted for hosting the event in an elaborate dress-leaf corset costume instead of actually modeling the goods on the runway. 
Dominican-American model Lopez had fun with a green velvet holiday-themed lingerie set paired with matching boots.
Chanel Iman donned this racy lace bodysuit during the show.
You can catch the full event, which took place at New York's Lincoln Armory and featured a performance by the Black Eyed Peas, Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 10 p.m. Until then, tide yourself over by clicking through the fashion show pics.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=779436&pid=779435&uts=1258736748 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf 10 Family Films
'Akeelah and the Bee'
Directed by Doug Atchison, this 2006 film stars Keke Palmer as a young girl from Los Angeles trying to make it to the National Spelling Bee. Reuniting again for third time are Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, who play her mother and her mentor, respectively.
'Crooklyn'
Directed by Spike Lee in 1994, and starring Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo, is this vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn Jazz musician husband and their five kids living in Brooklyn during the '70s. Also starring in the film are Isaiah Washington, Vondie Curtis-Hall and RuPaul.
'Claudine'
Diahann Carroll received a best actress Oscar nomination for her role in this 1974 film about a black woman who tries to provide for her six children in Harlem while on welfare. Directed by John Berry, the film also starred James Earl Jones as her love interest, Roxie Roker and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs. Curtis Mayfield wrote and produced the film's score and soundtrack, and the vocals were performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
'Lean on Me'
Morgan Freeman star in 1989's 'Lean on Me,' which was loosely based on the story of Joe Clark, a real-life inner-city high school principal in Paterson, NJ, whose school was at risk of being taken over by the state. This film's title refers to the 1972 Bill Withers song of the same name. Also starring in the film are Beverly Todd, Alan North, Robert Guillaume and the late Lynne Thigpen.
'Roots'
Probably the greatest African American miniseries aired on television, 'Roots' is a 1977 dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line, from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendents' liberation. The series featured household names such John Amos, LeVar Burton, Ben Vereen, Louis Gossett Jr. , Edward Asner, Leslie Uggams and Cicely Tyson.
'School of Rock'
Jack Black scored a hit in this 2003 Richard Linklater film about a wannabe rock star in need of cash who poses as a substitute teacher at a prep school and tries to turn his class into a rock band. Also starring in the film are Mike White, Joan Cusack and Miranda Cosgrove of 'iCarly.'
'Sister Act'
Whoopi Goldberg starred in this 1992 comedy hit about a lounge singer who enters protective custody in a San Francisco convent after a mob boss puts her on his hit list. Also starring in the film are Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and young Lauryn Hill. The film was followed by a 1993 sequel, 'Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.'
'The Lion King' & 'The Incredibles'
Two of Disney's blockbuster animation films were the 1994 chart topping 'Lion King,' which is the highest grossing 2-D animation film of all time in the United States, and the 2004 computer-animated superhero film 'The Incredibles.' In 'Lion King,' a guilt-ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future king after being tricked into thinking he killed his father, while 'The Incredibles' features a family of undercover superheroes forced into action to save the world.
'The Pursuit of Happyness'
Will Smith and his son Jaden scored a monster hit in this 2006 film, in which a struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. Directed by Gabriele Muccino and also starring Thandie Newton, the film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner.
'The Wiz'
With an all-star cast that included Diana Ross, the late Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross, this 1978 adaption of 'The Wizard of Oz' captured the essence of the African American experience.
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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Trends
Though underwear worn as outerwear was a huge trend on the Spring 2010 runways, several actresses, including Zoe Saldana, are jumping on the "visible bra" bandwagon a little early:
For a Prada book launch cocktail at the Prada store in Beverly Hills, the sultry actress accented a long, high-waisted maroon skirt with a simple sheer turquoise top that visibly revealed a nude-colored bra:
Stars have long been huge fans of the 'peek-a-boo bra' trend, with some like Teairra Marie going so far as to match their lace bra to their accessories:
But one must ask: Is this an alluring, classy look? Or should your undergarments simply stay where they were intended...under your clothes?
Find more Fashion Discussions on Claire's blog, The Fashion Bomb.
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Filed under: Photos, Fashion News
What's your reaction? My eyes, imagination and very soul are thoroughly refreshed by these images. Behold African beauties, Mey Bun, Rila Fukushima and Ai-li Wang, all of whom are awash in bold rich makeup and a masterful mix of European couture pieces and traditional African accessories. These lush visuals can be seen in the latest issue of D Mode magazine, based out of -- of all places -- Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kudos to the creative team behind this shoot: Laurean Ossorio (stylist), Bryan Zaragoza (makeup), Brian Buenaventura (hair) and photographers Herring & Herring. See more of these images after the jump, then let me know: are you as into these images as I am?
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Filed under: Celebrity Style
Melanie Fiona. The Canadian born R&B singer is at that brief stage in an artists career where she's not instantly recognizable but vaguely familiar. Her debut album, The Bridge, which is already racking up rave reviews is about to change that - soon. Born to Guyanese parents in Toronto, the 26 year old, found her way from Canada's inner city to Kanye Wests tour - where she led as his opening act all summer. Since then, Fiona's slowly been building buzz - and landing magazine features - for her eclectic, soulful singing style. Just as interesting is her style of dress, which is a hybrid between couture and casual. I grabbed her for a quick chit chat on my style questionnaire. I'm still smiling at her answers, which included her latest splurge (mortgage worthy Louboutin's) and a brand new word she created: Tom Goddess.A lot of us are still discovering your style. You float easily between Tom Boy and Glam Goddess? Which defines you most?Tom Godess!!! I never want to be too on the nose of any style, and I feel comfortable and confident in both worlds. They're my fashion alter egos!
How has transformed since you launched?
I feel like recording and preparing to launch as an artist has been a great learning experience about myself. I've come into my own identity, so I want my style to reflect who I am when people see me. I've naturally become a lot more fashion conscious about trends and new designers.
Are you loving the fashion aspect of being a celebrity, from red carpet to photo shoots?
Yeah definitely, although its a lot of work! I love getting dressed up and I love to perform. So I look at red carpet and photo shoots as performances in front of the cameras.
What designers have you been exposed to lately that you absolutely die for?
I LOVE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN!!! I recently did a Paper Magazine Cover Shoot for their 25th Anniversary, and I wore this amaaazing red a-line mod patterned dress for the spread. It was definitely a unique and standout piece! I felt great!
What's been your priciest wardrobe splurge since signing your deal?
They would have to be my Ruby Red Christian Louboutins... Almost 6 inches high!! I performed in them while on tour with Kanye West. Some might say they were a mortgage payment... I say, a great fashion investment. I feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz... These ruby slippers will take me all around the world!
Off stage - when you are just hanging out with friends and family - what are your favorite things to wear?
Comfy clothes...I'm a sucker for leggings and knit sweaters!
Melanie Fiona's new album, The Bridge, is available now on Amazon.
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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Fashion News
It's quite possible that the term "one of a kind" was crafted expressly for J. Alexander -- also known as Miss J, but best known as the outspoken judge on the CW's 'America's Next Top Model.' After all, how many boys from the Bronx grow up to become international fashion icons, beloved reality show judges and best-selling authors? Alexander's latest book, 'Follow the Model,' charts his journey from New York to Paris and back with lots of feel-good advice and a fashion dictionary thrown in for good measure. By the time you reach the end, you'll understand how Miss J single-handedly worked his way from messenger boy to a television personality as famous for his sexy legs as his sassy mouth. Of course, you have some questions for the fashion diva -- but we took care of that for you in this one-on-one Q&A. Check it out after the jump!
What inspired you to write this book?
I talk too much as it is, and I am a great storyteller. I thought telling stories would be great in a book about my journey. With a push from agent Nancy Josephson and a shove from agent Suzy Unger, we all made it happen!
You reveal a lot that your fans don't know about you. Was writing about your life therapeutic?
Maybe I revealed too much! In a way it was therapeutic. I got my mind to think about other things, other than designer ball gowns and the latest pair of this season's heels. It opened up a thought process of memories, which made me relax and smile.
I love little touches like the designer pronunciation guide and the guide to Karl Lagerfeld. What made you include these instead of doing a straight bio?
Because the average person outside of fashion who buys this book may not know who some of the latest designers are, let alone how to pronounce their names!
I was shocked to read that you once considered becoming an accountant. What made you think it was a good idea at the time?
My sister, who I idolized, Barbara Ann, who died of breast cancer, worked at an accounting firm. That is where I had my first job in Manhattan as a messenger. I was fascinated by calculators and key-punch machines. Calculators because of totaling up my future earnings and key-punch machines because the cards that came out of the machine reminded me of perforated leather jackets. Plus, I knew one day I would need to know how to manage my money and to make sure I get every penny owed and promised to me!
Ultimately, what do you think empowers us to unleash presence, poise and power?
Presence is when you enter the room. Poise is when you are standing there being photographed in the room. And power is owning the room.
'Follow the Model' is available on Amazon.
Read more from Zandile on The Blay Report!
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Love: Your Questions Answered
Love! So exciting and new...or old and broke down...Whatever the case, sometimes it's rough, and other times its sweet. So when you need some advice or inspiration on your relationship, look no further than BV's Love section.
Filed under: Sexual Health
There are two things human beings do very well, run their mouths and, ahem...procreate.
Trust me, right now someone in this world, actually probably many people, are getting their collective freaks on, in famliar and unfamiliar ways. There are people who should be having sex as well as people who shouldn't (at least not with each other). Through the 2 million-year history of our species, every generation got here through the act of coitus, and nobody asked, "Was it good for you, baby?" because we were boning before we had learned to talk.
But, oddly enough, in modern times, we put far more societal emphasis on people flapping their jaws than people slapping their loins. The result is a lot less sex education than we need and reports like the one from the CDC that says sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise -- particularly since the Bush administration did everything it could to eliminate sex ed from classrooms.
In fairness, the people offering the report say that better testing is revealing that more people are walking around burning, which is actually a good thing. Medical science isolating a disease and then treating it is how we eradicate it. But the fact that instances of diseases like chlamydia being the most ever reported last year (at 1.2 million cases) and syphillis making a comeback (despite being nearly annihilated a decade ago) points to lax attitudes about our sexual health. (Note: I don't believe in terms, like, "safe sex," because your sexual behavior should be a part of your overall outlook on health.)
Now the funniest thing about the chlamydia rate is that it is reported highest in teenaged girls and affecting African Americans worst of all. If we look back a few years to the previous administration, where President Goerge W. Bush insisted that the best sex ed was "abstinence only" instruction, technically, he was right. The only sure fire way to not get pregnant or go home with extra luggage is to keep your skivvies pulled up at all times.
With that said, how many teens actually did that? Remember as I said earlier, as a species, we've been doing it for a couple million years. There is nothing in the way we construct our societies that would suggest teaching teenagers -- who are just discovering their sexual virility -- that abstinence is something they can easily uphold despite their base instincts telling them otherwise.
Don't get me wrong, we'd all like to think our teenaged daughters are "saving it" and that our young sons are waiting for "the one." The truth is, though, times have changed and as a society we are just more liberal about sex. So why shouldn't the way we educate our youth about sex reflect that?
This isn't to say that we should be teaching 15-year-olds advanced whipped cream and honey methods or making the Kama Sutra a high school textbook (besides it probably wouldn't replace Juggs in any boy's locker anyway). But we should be teaching young people to be responsible with their bodies, to respect themselves, making them understand that sex isn't a toy or a weapon, and that like anything else, there is a consequence for their choices. Most importantly, we should teach that if they do choose sex, there are alternatives to "barebacking it" that would protect them in the short and long term.
Now, I know there are a lot of people who disagree with me wholeheartedly on this matter, primarily because of their political or religious views. But I've gotta challenge them with this: I've seen urban clinics passing out condoms, giving out birth control advice, and literature on sexual health that very, very significantly reduced the number of STDs and teen pregnancies in whole communities -- but they are constantly fighting for funds and resources to do their work.
On the other hand, every black community I know is full of preachers and politicians, and I have yet to hear any of them report that they actually prevented the spread of HIV, herpes, syphillis, gonnorhea, genital warts or any other disease, or reduced teen pregnancy. But there always seems to magically be funding and resources for them.
So yeah, this post was more parental discretion advised, but believe me, I can't even get as blunt as I'd like to. Still the message is that when it comes to our health, knowledge is to overall prevention what Viagra is to... well, you know.
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Read MoreFiled under: Relationships, Infidelity, E Male
The other day my attention was turned to the Black Voices Forums where the subject of cheating was getting heat. What lit the match was the suggestion that men cheat 'down' (with less attractive women) and women cheat' up' (with men who make more money and more moves than their current boyfriend/husband). Interesting.
As a married man for the past four years, I thought for a fleeting moment that perhaps I should just walk around this bed of hot coals. After all, I wouldn't want someone in my household to "misunderstand" my casual observations on the subject and turn them into a self-incriminating indictment. But as you can see, I defied the wifestyle and decided to do the barefoot fire walk over the hot coals anyway. I do suggest that my married male readers live vicariously through me and not get baited into this conversation with your wife. I'll take this one for the team.
On with it. The idea that men cheat down and women cheat up seemed too easy. I certainly recognize where the suggestion comes from -- married women. And it rings with a smidge of truth. But to believe it's that simple is to think you're sitting in a remedial basic math class when you're actually sitting in AP Calculus. It's complicated.
That said, most women who cheat probably do seek an upgrade, but there are plenty of exceptions. When cougars (and pumas) attack, for example, all bets are off. Men, on the other hand, are way more unpredictable. Let's keep in mind that plenty of men don't cheat. But for those who do, certainly, a lot of them indeed cheat down. However, others cheat up, cheat across, cheat diagonal, cheat standing still. They cheat. Connect Four. Name the game. Cheating men play it. Show me a room full of cheating men and I'll show you a chess board; different players moving different ways, some with more latitude than others.
Look, I understand the attraction to a good one liner like men cheat down and women cheat up. It's easy. It's kind of funny. It makes for good gab. But this idea that a man is simply looking for a jump-off to back that ass up, while a woman is on a mission for a man who can pack that ass up and fly her to exotic locales is exaggerated. When it comes to cheating, men and women are more similar than they are different. Where the contrast lies is how the two genders are viewed by society. Men who cheat, are seen as the next contestant on Maury Povich, while women who cheat usually get the "sit down and let's talk about it" Oprah treatment. Cheating is cheating, whether you're going up, going down, going in or going to Cabo. It is what it is.
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
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Read MoreFiled under: Celebrity Love, Dating
R&B singer Pleasure P, 24 recently confirmed that he is indeed dating actor and comedian Eddie Murphy's eldest daughter Bria. The singer and the 19-year-old model were spotted by the paps in Atlanta a few weeks ago and then at Chicago's WGCI radio station when Bria tagged along for her beau's interview. Although he told host Loni Swain that the two were "very good friends," he later spilled the beans when he admitted that Bria's father, Eddie, gave the couple his blessing. Someone clearly can't keep a secret!Pleasure P, a former member of the singing group Pretty Ricky, has a 5-year old son, but we hope this relationship is baby-mama drama free! Murphy has been creating quite the buzz on the Hollywood scene due to her budding modeling career. Recently, she played the role of the leading lady in newly-incarcerated rapper Gucci Mane's latest music video. She will also be making an appearance on the 'America's Next Top Model' finale, airing tonight. Eddie will be in the audience cheering his daughter on. Do your thing, Bria!
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Read MoreFiled under: Celebrity Love
It seems like pop princess Rihanna has found herself a new prince in '90210''s Tristan Wilds. The NY Daily News reports that the 'Russian Roulette' songstress and the actor, who also starred in the critically-acclaimed HBO series 'The Wire,' are dating. According to the newspaper, the two were introduced by a music producer who has worked with both of them -- Wilds is currently working on his own album.The CW star reportedly attended a farewell bash at Rihanna's LA home this past weekend as she said goodbye to friends before heading off to promote her new 'Rated R' album in London. "From the moment he walked into her party," a source told the Daily News, "Rihanna lit up." Apparently Tristan is quite the gentleman, which is exactly what the singer needs. It is said the two will keep in touch through iChat and Skype while Rihanna promotes her album overseas and Tristan wraps up taping for 90210.
So let's get this straight: the boy is good looking, and he knows how to act, sing and treat a lady? He's definitely a keeper!
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Read MoreFiled under: Relationships, Marriage, E Male
A long time ago I was schooled: Most women get married hoping their spouses will change; most men get married hoping their wives won't. It's a classic conflict of expectations between the genders, although a bit lopsided. Men are being out-maneuvered at every turn. It's embarrassing. This is a matter of lifestyle versus wifestyle, the latter being defined by a woman's overhaul of a man's habits, attitudes, behavior and sensibilities. Only the strong survive. Most men don't.
By the time they figure out what hit them, it's too late. Their wardrobe is full of dad jeans, pleated shorts and plaid boxers. Friends have been run off like trespassers. The dirty talk has been disinfected. The honey-to-do list reads like a modern-day version of the Dead Sea Scrolls. He's cooked and barely aware of it; the proverbial frog in the boiling water. Damn shame.
You know what I'm talking about.
Either you've seen this guy, you are this guy or you actually did it to this guy. But in some cases, they're not so easy to identify. There are a few, who have managed to hold on to a sliver of their old selves and still project a smidgen of cool when in public. And when you see one, you think you've spotted something rare - the married man who has successfully negotiated the terms of marriage and manhood. And you can't look away. It's like sighting an albino koala bear. But not so fast.Check the basement. Yes, the basement. If dude has a man cave that he couldn't be more proud of, he's living the wifestyle, regardless of what his outward appearance may suggest. The tricked-out basement with all the male amenities: flat screen, Blu-ray, Xbox, pool table, wet bar, unused bench press in the corner, you name it. As far as he's concerned, it's like foreign soil or sovereign territory that she can't invade. Show me a man cave and, nine out of time out of 10, I'll show you a man living the life of a relationship refugee in search of personal asylum in his own home. Sad.
For the woman, on the other hand, life is all good. Or is it? The husband is officially domesticated, and Lifetime HD is running a weekend movie marathon of scorned women getting revenge in cruel and unusual ways. But there's a problem, besides her viewing habits. Even though nine out of 10 men fall like dominoes and succumb to the wifestyle, close to 50 percent of marriages still end in divorce. And there is a reason. Dude downstairs in the man cave is a ticking time bomb. It may take years, but at some point he gets bored and restless. Other than a mad albino koala bear, nothing could be worse than a bored and restless man looking to restore man law and order. This is when marriages go sideways. Most men eventually emerge from hibernation and raise hell by overcompensating for the years they lost sequestered in the wifestyle. Can anyone say mid-life crisis at thirtysomething? It's not pretty.
Advice to both parties: Married men, be good husbands, but stop letting your wives shape and mold you like putty. Modify your lifestyle, as you should, but don't swap it for the wifestyle. In the long-run, she'll appreciate it and respect you more. Married women, don't do it. Don't wifestyle him. Because once he's bored and boring, you and the relationship will be even more bored and boring. Granted, a man who maintains his male identity and instincts is always a gamble. But a man without them is always a bit of a goof. One is sexy; one is safe. Let me suggest that the two of you find the middle ground. Life is too short to be emasculated, and the marriage will likely be even shorter.
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.
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Read MoreBlack Hair Care: Hair Apparent Blog
Lets talk about textured curly coils and every type of hair. The Hair Apparent black hair care blog brings you all the information you need for beautiful African-American hair.
Filed under: Weaves & Extensions, Trends
If you have questions about weaves, wigs, sew ins, clip ins, extensions and/or lacefronts -- I sure hope you were watching Tyra today! On today's show, titled Tyra's Fake Hair Academy, Ms. Banks broke it down like only she could. And together with the as always, refreshingly candid Meghan McCain, they revealed a not-so-secret secret about hair extensions.
Women of ALL ethnicities wear them.
Did you watch Tyra's Fake Hair Academy today? Did you learn anything you didn't already know? Share your thoughts!
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Filed under: Hair Care, Product Reviews
Winter is creeping up, and regardless of your hair texture, you'll discover one essential truth -- all hair needs extra moisture and extra affection during the cold months.
There are some phenomenal, superluxurious hair treatments on the market that promise to infuse hair with much-needed moisture as the weather turns increasingly frightful. Allow me to share some of them with you!
First stop Oribe. The man is a hairstyling icon and has a line of products that offer the same kind of luxury that he's been giving to the locks of celebrities for decades now.
Packaged in an exquisite and unique multisided black jar, the Signature Moisture Masque even looks like luxury from the outside. The formula features beneficial ingredients such as lychee extract (which defends hair from oxidative stress, photoaging and the deterioration of keratin), watermelon extract, amber extract, macadamia nut seed oil and wild mango butter. It costs $59 for a 5.9 oz. jar and has a lovely but mild fragrance. This product is recommended for weekly use, but daily use is encouraged for those with thicker hair textures. But if you're like me, you might want to reserve this for fortnightly or monthly use to preserve your precious jar!
Next up, Paris-based brand Leonor Greyl. This company prides itself on incredible luxe, all-natural hair and body products to suit all your hair's needs. Thin and limp hair? They got you. Dealing with dry, oily or frizzy hair? Even if you've got dandruff or are suffering from hair loss, they've got products for you as well.
For my personal texture needs, the Huile De Palme offers the kind of protection I need. This pre-shampoo botanical oil treatment is great for normal and dry hair or hair that's been damaged by color, bleach, straightening or perms. It protects your hair from water and sun damage, so if you're going on a beachy vacay during these harsh weather months, make sure to bring your Leonor Greyl with you! Apply evenly to your hair's entire length (especially the ends), and you can leave this on overnight, or use a steam cap to make sure your tresses really soak up the goodness. A 3.2 oz. bottle costs $42, but with judicious use, it should last a while.
Finally, PhytoSpecific is a brand already known and loved by black women who pride themselves on shiny, supremely maintained hair. This botanical hair care brand offers extra nourishment and maintenance for the kind of hair that needs it most -- naturally curly, frizzy and relaxed hair. My homegirls with the most gorgeous relaxed hair have often attributed their dead-straight and shiny tresses to Phytorelaxer, which is NOT cheap, but reportedly is worth it. Click here for a detailed review on the Phytorelaxer process and results.
I've been using the Phytospecific Revitalizing Oil Treatment as a pre-shampoo treatment for a while, and I can honestly say it leaves my naturally frizzy hair feeling soft, bouncy and light. It'll cost you $30 at Sephora. The Intense Nutrition Mask promises root-to-tip hair repair for textured or color-treated hair, and it delivers! And just so you know, it also makes a great detangler if you're in a pinch. It costs $28 at Sephora.
I'll be back soon, with a review of affordable drugstore hair products that give black hair the love that it needs!
Have you tried any luxurious hair care treatments? What are your favorites?
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Filed under: Natural Hair, Product Reviews
Allow me to clear up a popular misconception -- natural hair isn't more expensive to maintain than chemically straightened hair. Most of the women with natural-textured hair that I know have learned to care for their hair themselves, without assistance from a salon.
It does take a certain degree of trial and error when it comes to finding the right kind of product for your hair. So from time to time I'm going to do some detailed product reviews to inform you about brands that (in my humble opinion) are worth checking out.
Please note, I'm not a hairstylist. I didn't go to beauty school. I'm just a natural-haired bella who has tried everything under the sun and can wax poetic about my experiences.
So please allow me to introduce you to a brand I am head over heels for: Karen's Body Beautiful.
If you're looking for supremely nourishing, decadently scented products for your natural or relaxed hair that is prone to dryness, look no further.
Karen's Body Beautiful makes items for the hair, body and bath, for women, men and even babies. Based in Brooklyn, the brand is dedicated to pure products made with ingredients that nurture natural hair and healthy skin. You won't find any bad-for-you hair ingredients here like you will in the drugstore brands!
KBB's shampoo is different from traditional drugstore formulas -- it's made with coconut and safflower oils, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera and other herbs that clarify and enrich hair. Despite its 99.4 percent natural ingredients, this shampoo lathers up well and leaves hair soft and sweetly scented, not squeaky clean like shampoos with more detergent tend to do.
KBB conditioner has become my go-to co-wash. For those of you who don't know much about the no-poo or low-poo method, that just means that instead of using shampoo twice weekly or however often the bottle recommends, I use conditioner instead because it softens and hydrates my hair instead of stripping away the natural oils. KBB's deep conditioner isn't as thick or buttery rich as other brands, but the ingredients do my hair a world of good. This is a great beginning product for any bella who is transitioning and isn't sure what her hair needs anymore.
KBB makes a variety of hairstyling products -- Hair Butter, Hair Cream, a fantastic Hair Milk that will more than satisfy my natural-haired sistas who have complained that their old favorite brand of hair milk may or may not have changed formulations on them. But my favorite KBB hairstyling product is the Hair Nectar, a lightweight, creamy leave-in I can believe in. Hallelujah!
Formulated specifically for "medium to super thick naturally curly textures," this product is perfect for those of us who live in a wash-n-go world. If my hair is frizzy and tangled, a co-wash and detangle with KBB conditioner, followed by some Hair Nectar, restores my curls to being bouncy and defined, the way I want them to be. And the scents! KBB comes in a variety of fragrances to suit every taste. Coco lime, white tea, Egyptian musk, luscious pear. My personal favorites are vanilla latte and honey oatmeal. Both are sweet enough to want to eat and leave a soft cloud of yummy fragrance floating about my head.
Like many natural-hair products that pride themselves on great ingredients, KBB ain't cheap. You don't usually find products with this kind of quality under $10. Most KBB products range from $12 to $16, and you get a decent size bottle that will last you through several uses. If you just want to try out the goodies, KBB offers a Heavenly Hair Sample Pack or a Sweet Treat Sample Pack for $25, containing 1 and 2 oz. products, just to satisfy your curiosity.
More products reviews are on the way. Next up, we'll hit the drugstore for brands that cost less than $10 but still get the job done.
Do you like Karen's Body Beautiful? What's your favorite product and favorite scent?
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Filed under: Photos, Natural Hair, Trends
How gorgeous is Corinne Bailey Rae? I've been a fan ever since I first saw the video for Like A Star on VH1 Soul. There's something truly refreshing, accessible, fresh and classic about her aura. She's got a bearing evocative of Josephine Baker, in my opinion. And then there's that hair! I know many a curly girl who cites Ms. Rae as their hair role model. Since she took a leave of absence from the spotlight following impossibly an painful personal loss, I've been rooting for her glorious comeback. And from the looks of her on the red carpet at the 2009 Q Awards, she's ready too!
I am loving these soft, romantic curls. It's the kind of look that you can replicate with old fashioned rollers and some time under a dryer, regardless of whether your hair is naturally textured or chemically assisted. This is a look that I might rock during the upcoming holiday season. Glam, feminine, festive! But that's just my opinion, I'm crazy for big curly hair 24 hours a day. What do you think of Corinne Bailey Rae's new 'do?
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Filed under: Interviews, Natural Hair, How-To, Video
Around these parts, we watch a LOT of hair videos. And while most are informative, many of them aren't exactly fun to watch. Unless you consider watching someone talk to a camera while standing in their bathroom, fun.
Which is why when I laid eyes on the wonderful webisodes being made by Andrea of art and design blog Fly, I had to share with the world!
Check this out!
I had to grill Andrea about her inspiration.
"My blog is about art and design mainly, and although I'm natural I know there are many great blogs out there covering hair. Still, one of the #1 questions I get is, how do you get your hair like that or what products do you use?
Black women are so hungry for this kind of information. So I wanted to make some videos about my hair. And I wanted to make it fun and really different."
Her stop motion videos make natural haircare look fun, vibrant, and EASY! I'm inspired by her technique.
Andrea's got some more awesome natural hair videos in the works, and she's also a BRILLIANT artist. I want all of her hair paintings. Homegirl is crazy talented! Check out her blog and her YouTube channel.
I stay looking for hair inspiration, how about you? Where are you finding your hair inspiration these days?
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Dahlings...
Just in time for the holidays, BV on Beauty is here to fulfill all of your needs! From make-up trends to the latest lotions and sweet smelling potions, BV on Beauty will surely make you beauty-full!
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Week in Photos: Was Eddie Murphy strolling with a new girlfriend? See more hot black celebrities!
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