Life & Style: Style and Beauty
Features
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Supermodels: Where Are They Now?
- They once ruled the runways -- how about now?
Then & Now
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Oscar's Fashion Winners and Losers
- Halle Berry scores, but Queen Latifah's dress disappoints
Red Carpet Style
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Meet Jourdan, Chanel and More!
- A new generation of black models works the runways
Up and Comers
Black 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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Hair Galleries
What's Hot?
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Fifty Years of Black Hairstyles
From bouffants to cornrows, box braids to lacefronts, Hair Apparent takes you on a hair ride for the ages.
Hairstyles Through The Years
BV on Style
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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What's Hot: Best & Worst Dressed
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Best & Worst Dressed TV Stars
Do you often find yourself longing to dress like the ever so chic Wilhelmina Slater on 'Ugly Betty'? Don't you wish 'Grey's Anatomy' star Chandra Wilson could get a pair of sexier scrubs? There are some actresses whose style is simply a blaze on set while others are not so hot. Style Spotter decided to weigh in on TV's best and worst dressed women.
Style Spotter Spots: TV's Best & Worst Dressed
You've Got Black Voices Mail
I Want Muscles
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Strong Arm Us!
Jada, Regina, and, of course, Michelle Obama, work hard and it shows!
More Diesel Divas
Kanye West: Diggin' His Style
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Kanye West has the big, bold fashion sense to match his larger-than-life persona. What are they five key elements that make 'Ye a fashion star?
Red Carpet Damsels
Getty Images
Rihanna leads the pack of beautiful black women rocking the red carpets of the world.
Black Style: Red Carpet Photos
What You're Talking About
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