Life & Style

Filed under: Celebrity Style , Budget Fashion, Red Carpet

Plenty of celebrities came out for the Soul Train 2009 Awards in Atlanta, wearing an onslaught of camera ready frocks. Get a star look for less with the following three recommendations:

Get Kandi's feather hemmed cocktail dress...
With this $79 Strapless Feather-Detailed Dress by Rampage.


Find Keri Hilson's Dolce & Gabbana look a like...

In this $20 Cire Slip Dress from Forever 21.

And channel Keshia Knight-Pulliam's grown up style...


With AK Anne Klein's $99 Longsleeve Boatneck Sweater Dress.

Which look is your favorite?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Filed under: Celebrity Style , Interviews

Right before Halloween, Moet Hennessy invited me and a short list of twenty nine other journalists to come and taste their brand new cocktail, Black Masquerade, featuring Hennessy's new mixable cognac. The drinks were delicious, the vibe festive and the guests charming.

But nothing really compared to the event's co-host , model and actress Eva Marcille (formerly Eva Pigford), who was there with her equally stunning fiance, actor Lance Gross. I know just what you are thinking: " What did they look like in person?" Just as beautiful as they do in pictures! Even more, Eva, who was decked out in sky-high platform heels, wide-leg light blue jeans and a beautifully draped tan blouse (with a daring scoop back), turned out to be more of a fashionista than I'd imagined.

Naturally, I had to scoop her up for my weekly style questionnaire. Read our one-on-one interview after the jump. What brands can't you live without?
Christian Louboutin, Yves Saint Laurent and Giuseppe Zanotti.

What's your everyday bag?
Those change all the time. One day it could be an oversized Baboushka Gucci bag, another a Chanel clutch. But because I'm usually in L.A., I don't have to carry a big bag most of the time.

Stacked wedge or stiletto heel?
Stiletto!

Tailored blazer or leather jacket?
Leather jacket!

Why is fashion important?
It's everything!

What one item is going to be in heavy rotation in your wardrobe this season?
Oooh, these Louboutins I just bought! They have pops of purple and blue! I haven't even worn it yet!

Any advice for BV's fashionista readers?
Stay current! In fashion - and really life in general - those who succeed aren't necessarily better than those who don't - they are just better informed.

Read more from Zandile on her daily fashion blog, The Blay Report.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Filed under: Celebrity Style , Fashion Files, Fashion News, Budget Fashion

KIM KARDASHIAN COSTUME? Tyra Banks went there! She dressed up as the reality star on a recent taping of her talk show. We think she nailed it! [PopCrunch]

BABY ITS COLD OUTSIDE: So why not get a hot deal? From JCPenney to Bluefly, find the top five winter coats under $100. [Budget Fashionista]

TEYANNA TALKS: The music artist spills the beans on virginity, watching Jimmy Neutron and her friendship with Chris Brown. I'ts a juicy interview, to say the least. She also talks about her new lip gloss line, DOPELIPS, which debuts in 2010. [Egypt Says So]

CUTE KID Rapper Kid Cudi gets grown and sexy for GQ Magazine's Gentleman's Ball. We're very into the sophisticated get up on the street style icon. [The YBF]

FAB FASHIONISTAS The search for America's most stylish blogger continues! Cast your vote for which fashion blogger walks the walk as well as they talk the talk. [Stylist]

MILITANT MONICA The R&B singer confuses the fashion crowd in a coat thats a dress or a dress thats a coat...or is it a coat dress? See it for yourself.[ Go Fug Yourself]

STREET WALKING .....would be kind of impossible in these Alexander McQueen "Armadillo"shoes. [The Blay Report]

HOLIDAY DRESSES Those office parties are right around the corner, so it's never too late to start. Check out Kate Moss' amazing Holiday collection for TopShop. [Jeremy Dante]

RAE LOOKS RADIANT After a much-deserved hiatus, Corrine Bailey Rae appeared on the Q Awards red carpet looking super fab. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

CUTIE CONTEST The search for America's most stylish blogger continues! Cast your vote for which fashion blogger walks the walk as well as they talk the talk. [Stylist]

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Watch CBS News Videos Online

'CBS Evening News' anchor Katie Couric interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama for Glamour's "Women of the Year" issue. In addition to talking to about the importance of role models, mentoring and her biggest surprise as first lady, Obama also shares with Couric what women should look for in their mate and when to dump someone.

"Cute's good, but cute only lasts for so long," says Obama. "Don't look at the bank book or the title, but look at the heart, look at the soul," she counsels young women who are looking for a mate. In President Obama, the first lady said she saw something "special."

"When you're dating a man, you should always feel good," says Obama. And if you don't -- DON'T MARRY HIM!

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Filed under: Celebrity Love

Some say chivalry is dead, but in Nick Cannon's world, a "woman should be treated like a precious queen with her crown held way up high." He holds an umbrella for his beloved wife, Mariah Carey, when it rains and protects her from the mobbing paparazzi.

In the recent years, Cannon has evolved into far more than just the funny kid with the big smile on Nickelodeon. We have watched him grow from comedian and film star to executive producer of his own hit TV shows. We've also watched intrigued as he swept one of the world's greatest pop icons off of her feet, only to be labeled "Mr. Mariah Carey." It makes you wonder: what qualities does this young brother possess to win the affections of such a woman? More importantly, what can he impart to some of the men whose "sensitivity chip" seems to be missing?

Recently, BV on Love caught up with Cannon and dating expert Anna David to discuss his current project with AXE and what men need to know about keeping women happy. According to Cannon, it all starts with sensitivity.

How did you form a partnership with AXE and dating expert Anna David for 'Sensitive Subject,' which helps men learn to be more sensitive?
I think it was just a no-brainer, because I am a sensitive dude. I have always been in touch with my sensitive side, and I think they recognized that. I don't know what it is. I must have some type of magic mojo, because I'm no Brad Pitt or Denzel Washington, but I've had my luck with the ladies. So I think it has something to do with my sensitivity.

You say you have this magic mojo. What qualities do you possess that women have found so appealing?

One, obviously, I think it's the sense of humor. And then, you know, being able to be nurturing. And, honesty, more than anything, those three things combined together make a good guy.

Why do you think men have such a hard time showing a woman their sensitive side?

It's insecurity more than anything. I mean, guys are taught at a young age that they have to put up this bravado in order to be a man, that they have to be tough. Toughness is just another word for being uncomfortable. It's like they're just uncomfortable in their own skin.

Some guys, unlike you, find it hard to share that side of themselves. What steps would you suggest for a man struggling in that particular area?

I think he should just evaluate his feelings. In any relationship, you should understand the value of the person you're with and express it to them. If they truly mean the world to you, you should let them know. It's that simple. It doesn't just have to be verbally. You can show your woman with your actions. There's a bunch of stuff you can tap into -- a nice card, some flowers, all of that stuff goes a long way.

It's interesting that New York is noted as one of the most romantic cities in the AXE campaign to help men tap into their sensitive side. The city is particularly important in your own life. What is it about New York?

Yes, New York was the place where I proposed to my wife. New York is a romantic city. It's one of those places where you can take a ride through Central Park on a horse and carriage. You can look at the skyline from the top of a roof. There are great restaurants, there are so many great places that you can go to get in touch with your sensitive side, to show your woman a good time, and show her that you understand. For example, a dude can show his woman his cultured side by taking her to see a late-night Broadway show. That's always a great way to make your woman think, "Wow, he's really sensitive; he likes the theater."

Are there any experiences, from your own life, particularly from your marriage to Mariah, that have taught you how to truly tap into a woman's needs?

Just understanding. I've learned patience from my marriage more than anything. And being able to always support her and elevate her in that way. I was always taught that a woman should be treated like a precious queen with her crown held way up high.

How do you keep your wife's days filled with love and happiness?

I like to do the unexpected. I'll surprise her with a nice card, the flowers. When you love someone, it's just that simple. I always take the time out of my day to remind my wife just how much I love her.

On the flip side, there are times when a man has to show his hard side and defend his woman's honor. You had to do that when Eminem attacked Mariah. What's your take on that?

Always, when it's necessary, a man has to stand firm. As a man, you have to be able to be a protector. As long as you're on the same terms as your woman, you have to do whatever you have to do to hold it down.

Do you perceive that perhaps some women don't like sensitive guys?

I think women want a well-rounded dude. If a dude is hard all the time -- like what you hard at breakfast for? -- there is no point in waking up hard core; but if you have a dude who is sensitive all the time, in those times when you need him to be a little stern or you need him to hold you down or protect you, you don't want him to be sensitive in those moments. A woman needs someone who understands the full range of their emotions.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=731720&pid=731719&uts=1254237449 http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf Mariah: The Men In Her Life For Mariah Carey, having more #1 songs than any American solo artist has been a credit to the company she keeps. From her power wielding ex-husband Tommy Mottola and superstar slugger Derek Jeter to new hubby Nick Cannon, each man has played a significant role in the five-time Grammy winner's life. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the men behind the pop diva. Getty Images Mariah Through The Years

Mariah Through The Years:
For Mariah Carey, having more number one songs than any solo artist in America has been a credit to the company that this five-time Grammy winner has kept since making her music debut in 1990. From people behind the scenes like L.A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri to some of her past loves like Tommy Mottola, Derek Jeter and now husband Nick Cannon, each man has played a significant role in inspiring the music that has made this 39 year-old singer/songwriter famous. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the men who have inspired Mariah Carey over the years.

Tommy Mottola - Husband
No one is more responsible for Mariah Carey's success than former Columbia Records head Tommy Mottola. After receiving Carey's demo from artist Brenda K. Starr, for whom Carey sang backup, he signed her on the spot. While recording her 1990 debut, the two became romantically involved and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 1993. Just three short years later, they split, and a divorce was finalized in 1998.

Luther Vandross - Musical Collaborator
The five-octave singer was fortunate enough to be one of the few entertainers to record a duet with the late Luther Vandross. Their cover of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross's 'Endless Love' became Vandross' biggest pop hit. It was the second single released from his 'Songs' album and was also included on two Carey albums: 'Greatest Hits' in 2001 and 'The Ballads' in 2008.

Trey Lorenz - Backup Singer
In 1992, Carey performed an MTV 'Unplugged' special to show nonbelievers that she was not a studio singer. Her cover of the Jackson 5's 'I'll Be There' with her longtime backup singer Trey Lorenz was later released as a single and became a number-one hit in the United States. Lorenz was able to score a record deal from the duet, and Carey co-produced his debut. On July 7 of this year, the two performed the song at the Michael Jackson memorial, which was held at the Los Angeles Staples Center.

Jermaine Dupri - Producer
It's not a well-known fact that Jermaine Dupri has been working with Carey for nearly 15 years. In 1995, Carey worked with the So So Def Records founder on 'Always Be My Baby,' from her 'Daydream' album. It became the most successful record on U.S. radio that year. And though these two worked on several remixes together over the years, their magic came a decade later when J.D. produced four songs on 'The Emancipation of Mimi,' Carey's 10th studio album and most successful to date.

ODB - Musical Collaborator
Since rapping 'Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers,' Ol' Dirty Bastard, the late Wu Tang Clan MC, helped solidify Carey in the world of hip-hop and R&B. The 1995 remix to 'Fantasy' became a number-one hit. The friendship between Carey and ODB lasted throughout the years. The songstress even met the rapper upon his release from jail in 2003.

Mase - Musical Collaborator
'Honey' was Carey's 12th number-one song. Before turning his life over to God and becoming a minster, Bad Boy rapper Mase appeared on the popular remix of the record, alongside the Lox and Diddy. The song, which also had its own video, was featured on Carey's 2003 remix compilations, aptly titled 'The Remixes.'

Derek Jeter - Alleged Beau
Shortly after divorcing husband Tommy Mottola in 1998, the five-time Grammy award winner met New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter at a Fresh Air Fund gala in New York. The couple connected over their interracial parents - black fathers and Irish mothers. The public romance ended short of the one-year mark. In an interview with Parade magazine, Carey said "It was the wrong time. ...Our two worlds were just too much for that moment."

Eminem - Alleged Beau
From 'Clown' to 'Obsessed,' Carey has documented her disdain for Detroit MC Eminem in her music. The 'Glitter' actress denies they ever slept together, but Slim Shady has consistently rapped that the two were intimate. The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, sent threats to Carey via the 2009 diss track 'The Warning,' which was directed at both Carey and her husband, Nick Cannon.

Nick Cannon - Husband
Nick Cannon, 28, dated singer-actress Christina Milian and was even engaged to Victoria's Secret model Selita Eubanks for five months before becoming Carey's second husband. In 2005, he convinced the Teen Choice Awards to let him present Carey's award for 'The Emancipation of Mimi.' Two years passed, and the couple was reunited in 2007. Their whirlwind romance resulted in a quickie wedding in 2008 at Carey's Bahamian estate, Windermere.

In marriage, does it become easier or more difficult to stay in touch with a woman's needs?

I think it's just one of those things about being in touch with yourself and being comfortable and secure with who you are. Everyone has emotions; no one is sensitive or hard core all the time. It's about just knowing yourself and knowing how to express yourself.

Ultimately, what do you hope that men can learn by your example?

Just to be comfortable with who they are instead of trying to be something they're not. I mean, we got too many dudes striving to be thugs, trying to emulate the people they see on TV and hear in music, instead of just being who they are. Ultimately, you have to be you at the end of the day.

From your perspective, what do all women want?
All women truly want to be comfortable. There are ways that you can make them comfortable. Whichever area a woman is uncomfortable in, if a man can provide comfort for her in that area, then you'll always win a woman over.

For more on Nick Cannon, visit: www.nickcannon.com

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Filed under: Dating, Relationships, Luv Coach

Beliefs are the foundation of who we are, what we think, what we choose to say and how we act. They can be positive and negative, and they shape our experiences in the world. If we have positive beliefs, the world responds to us in a positive way. However, when we have negative beliefs, we actually limit our life. A limiting belief plays a big role in having what you truly desire in your love relationships. When you are young, society instills these beliefs in you, but you do not have to hold on to them if they are not working for you. Your potential in love is limitless, and the key is to be aware of your own limiting beliefs. You want to create the environment that fosters attraction rather than settling for what ever comes your way? The first step is to be aware of them. Here are a few common limiting beliefs that may be getting in the way of you and your true love experience:

1. There aren't enough good men to go around. If you believe that statement, you will feel hopeless and will not even attempt to open yourself up to love. Positive Statement: There are plenty of fish in the sea, and one especially for me.
2. A man looks outside of his relationship for sex if he is not being taken care of right. This limiting belief creates fear in a relationship, and it turns love into a burden. Changing this limiting belief will help you see that someone loves you for you, and that you are enough. Positive Statement: I am enough.
3. I don't need to depend on anyone for help. This belief creates a wall between you and anyone who might be interested in getting to know you. It sends the message that no one is good enough for you, and that inevitably drives people away. If you want to experience a loving relationship, you have to learn to trust that you can depend on others. Positive Statement: I trust you
4. When I lose weight, I will start dating. Waiting to jump into love based upon a change in your weight will limit you from experiencing great love. You are sending the message that you don't accept yourself, so why should anyone else? Positive statement: I am perfect just the way I am.
5. I deserve a rich man. This sense of entitlement sends the message, "What can you do for me?" This is a turn off, and it pushes away anyone who doesn't fit into your idea of what a man should be. Positive Statement: I am open to meeting all types of people.
6. All men are dogs who only want sex/All women are gold diggers who only want money. Entering into the dating scene with this limiting belief will attract the exact people you were hoping to avoid. You cannot judge everyone based upon the actions of one. Positive Statement: Everyone is unique and special.
7. The only good men/women out there are already married. This belief makes you feel that it is useless to try to find a good partner, and it sets you up for failure before you have even begun to date. Positive statement: The world is full of great singles, and I am one of them.
8. Once I meet the right man, everything will be perfect. This limiting belief mires you in a fairy tale, and it hinders you from experiencing happiness in the moment. Putting all your hopes in the idea that your life will be complete once you have a partner sets you up for a big fall when the other person can't fill your expectations. Positive Statement: My life is beautiful, and I am the master of my own happiness.
9. Dating doesn't work. With this belief, you have taken yourself out of the game before it has even started. Positive Statement: Dating allows me to meet new and interesting people.
10. No one will like me because I am too poor/fat/ugly. This limiting belief tells the world that you are worthless, and if that is what you put out, that is how the world will see you. Positive Statement: I am lovable!
    

If you catch yourself thinking or saying a limiting belief, you should stop and think the exact opposite. If you think "I'm not good enough," you need to chuck out that limiting thought and replace it with "I am worthy!" You are in control of your experience, and steering your negative thoughts into positive ones will help you foster an environment that is ripe for love.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

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?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Filed under: Natural Hair, Hair Politics

If you visited Newsweek.com's Human Condition blog today, you may have been greeted by this beautiful photo of two bright eyed, big haired girls. Those adorable little afrobellas are my nieces, Dominique and Isabella! And the article was my response to the latest rebuttal by Allison Samuels.

Hey response to the bloggers, if you will, was titled We Are All Team Zahara, and reignited ire throughout the blogosphere.

One of my favorite bloggers, Latoya Peterson tackled the Baby Z hair police head on in Jezebel. (LOVING all Latoya's work over there, BTW).

Post Bourgie cosigned Latoya's take, and Ta-Nehisi Coates took on the topic for The Atlantic.

Then Newsweek invited some bloggers to respond on their site.

Tami of What Tami Said wrote Natural Hair Is Not Unhealthy.

Author Roslyn Holcolmb who blogs at Stormcrow wrote Hair Don'ts Hold Us Back.

Nichelle of 55 Secret Street wrote Its Time To Fully Embrace Natural Hair.

And now you can click here to read my final thoughts about Zahara's hair. If you could leave a comment on Newsweek's site, it'd mean so much to me!

I hope that puts an end to these shenanigans, at least until the next trip to a toy store, where this little girl will emerge held by her mother, and surrounded by bodyguards, gawking onlookers, and photographers by the dozen.

If you've got a little girl in your life dealing with similar hair issues as Zahara Jolie Pitt and even Chris Rock's little girls - struggling with loving their hair in its unfettered state and appreciating their natural beauty - you might want to get them an inspiring book for Christmas. Of course there's I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, the sometimes controversial Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron, and Happy to Be Nappy by bell hooks. Now you can add I Love My Cotton Candy Hair by Nicole L. Updegraff to the list. The book takes into account the diverse background of a modern interracial family, the hair issues of biracial kids, and ultimately it's "a story about loving yourself just the way you are." A message any kid (and most adults) should be able to get behind.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More

Filed under: Photos, My Hairstory

Maybe it was in the Eighties, when random streaks of color and asymmetrical cuts were the height of fashion. Maybe it was in the Nineties, when everyone was trying to emulate Jennifer Aniston's "Rachel" cut from Friends. You know you've had one, and maybe there's photographic evidence. The worst hairstyle you've ever had.

I'll share mine, if you share yours. Ready?

This was taken in 2000, during a visit back home to Trinidad. That's me and my dad, getting a drink at a roadside bar on the way to the beach. And as you'll notice, my hair is short, bright blonde, and so not the biz.

That was the peak of chemical damage, my hair was literally fried and dyed. I hate photos from my blonde phase, but I'm glad I went through it...because if I hadn't damaged my hair as badly as I did and experienced the breakage and split ends I was causing myself... I may never have decided to transition to natural hair.

I think a month or so after this, I dyed my hair brown again and cut it even shorter. I didn't realize at the time, but that turned out to be my big chop. And I never looked back!

So there's my worst hairstyle ever -- brassy, blonde, and damaged like you wouldn't believe. What's yours?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read More