Gladdys! Celebs in Gladiator Sandals


Celebs in Gladiator Sandals

    Pam Grier
    THE ARENA, Pam Grier, 1974. Well before Gladiator sandals became a trend, Pam Grier knew how to make the look work for her in the film The Arena.

    Everett Collection

    Sarah Jessica Parker
    If the ladies of 'Sex in the City taught us anything about life, it would have to be that it's all about the SHOES! Sarah Jessica Parker donned some sexy gold gladiator inspired heels in this scene of 'Sex & the City', the movie.

    James Devaney, WireImage.com

    Sarah Jessica Parker

    James Devaney, WireImage.com

    Liya Kibede
    Model Liya Kebede is shown wearing a sexy pair of satin styled gladiator shoes at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.

    Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images for Chanel

    Liya Kibede

    Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images for Chanel

    Lauren London
    Rising star Lauren London was looking lovely at the 2008 BET Awards sporting leather gladiator heels.

    Maury Phillips, WireImage.com

    Lauren London

    Maury Phillips, WireImage.com

    Lucy Liu
    Actress Lucy Lui showed off her legs and a pair of metallic gladiator sandals at the premier of Kung Fu Panda in Hollywood, California.

    Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

    Lucy Liu

    Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

    Mariah Carey
    Mariah kept it young and spunky with white laced heels in Tokyo.

    Koichi Kamoshida, Getty Images


Gallery by Hayat Mohamed, Photo Editor: Monique Gray

Latest from BV Life & Style

Life a Happy, Healthy Life! Life & Style

Black Voices brings you the best information and inspiration you need to enjoy your life. Health, beauty, fashion and love advice abound, in addition to great comments and suggestions from our site visitors.

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By Angela Bronner, BlackVoices.com

Two packs please -- of the 20 inch Yaki! Wendy Williams must go through MUCH hair in the course of a month because everytime we see this media maven, she's has a new 'do. Not that she changes too much in terms of color (mostly blonde) or volume (mostly big) but she does switch it up with a little curl here, some bangs there.

Whatever this self-proclaimed Queen of All Media does -- she does it big -- from her furs to her dripping jewels to that monstrosity that sits atop her dome -- her hair. Like a cheetah girl on steroids, Williams is never far away from animal prints and splashes of pink either.

Call Wendy a lot of things (and over the years many people have) but you definitely wouldn't call her a shrinking violet. Nor would you call her a slacker. She has launched herself from one of the hottest radio programs in NYC ('The Wendy Williams Experience') to a nationally syndicated talk show recently picked up by FOX TV. Throw in a couple of books and the queen of media moniker becomes more and more true. We give you some of her hairstyles through the years.

Wendy Williams Hair Transformation

 

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By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

Skin care regimen, face cleansers, moisturizers, sun screen. If these words sound a little foreign to you, you're not alone. For many African-Americans their facial routines still consist of soap and water and if you haven't found out already, the skin on our face is far different from the rest of our body and requires a lot more care.

Renown African-American dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor and creator of Rx For Brown Skin, took the time out to school Black Voices on the issues that we as African-Americans face with skincare and how important it is to create a regimen. Her skin care line Rx For Brown Skin caters to people of color and addresses all the issues that our skin goes through from sensitivity, hyper pigmentation and discoloration. Our skin is truly as unique as we are as a people and it deserves a lot more TLC than we thought. After reading this article we're sure you'll be on your way to a brighter and clearer you in no time.


Black Skin 101

    Create a skin care regimen
    Say goodbye to soap and water! "It's really time for people to update their skin care regimen," advises Dr. Taylor. "You should follow a regimen that's either going to keep your skin healthy, clear, or even your skin and keep it bright and radiant."

    Getty Images/Image Source

    Cleanser
    "Black skin is often sensitive and easily irritated. So cleansers that are non-irritating, that contain ingredients that prevent inflammation, that cleanse and hydrate the skin are ideal. If you have acne prone skin, I would suggest a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to prevent and treat acne."

    Getty Images

    Discoloration
    "By far the top skin concern for people of color is hyperpigmentation which includes discolorations, dark marks, and uneven skin tone. Sensitive skin and acne round out the top concerns of people of color."

    Wash your face
    Women don't be lazy, wash your face! "If you don't wash your face, all of that make up, dirt and oil is going to stay on your face all night long and that's not good for your pores," says Dr. Taylor.

    Scarring
    "A characteristic of black skin is that abnormal healing of the skin occurs frequently. When skin is injured, it may heal with one of several types of scars: normal (level with the surrounding skin), atrophic (depressed), hypertrophic (slightly raised), and keloidal (large and raised)."

    Sun damage
    "African American skin doesn't burn as easily but African American skin DOES burn and that's one of the greatest myths," Dr. Taylor explains. "If you get in the sun you're going to burn. African Americans do develop skin cancer, no doubt about it."

    Skin diseases
    "Many skin diseases are inherited such as acne, eczema and psoriasis so that hereditary predisposition cannot be altered by diet or skin regimen. However, having a good skin care regimen may help to prevent a flare or exacerbation of a particular skin disorder and it may help to keep a skin disorder under control."

    www.jupiterimages.com

    Treating razor bumps
    -Stop shaving completely and grow a beard
    -Permanent reduction of hair with the hair removal laser
    -Shave daily with a single edge blade, with the grain (not against the grain). This prevents the hair from growing long enough to pierce the skin
    -Use of glycolic acid products which help prevent in-grown hairs
    -Prescription medications that are used for acne often help razor bumps.

    Men vs Women
    In general, male skin has more oil glands as compared to female skin and hence is often oilier. Also there are far more facial hairs and they are thicker than in women. Women's skin is much more sensitive than men's.


What are the top skin concerns for people of color?

By far the top skin concern for people of color is hyper pigmentation which includes discolorations, dark marks, and uneven skin tone. Sensitive skin and acne round out the top concerns of people of color.


How does black skin really differ from Caucasian skin?

Black skin is different from Caucasian skin in several respects. First, it contains increased levels of the pigment melanin as compared to Caucasian skin. Melanin is made in cells known as melanocytes and they are very reactive. Because of the reactive and unpredictable nature of melanin, women with black skin are more likely to suffer from problems such as dark marks, blemishes and other skin discolorations such as post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation, melasma and vitiligo. Blacks often take medication for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, and these medications can lead to skin discolorations. Finally, Black skin also reacts differently and at times more severely to common conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff as compared to Caucasian skin. Abnormal scars do develop in individuals of African, Latina and Asian descent, one of the most common types is keloidal scarring. Keloids are more likely to occur in individuals with a family history or genetic susceptibility. Keloids are due to an over-production of scar tissue that is made of the building block of the skin, collagen. There are differences in collagen between Black and Caucasian skin.

How can you prevent and treat scarring?

When an acne pimple resolves, it often leaves a dark mark or discoloration that is termed post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation (PIH). Many people call PIH, scarring. For prevention, it is important to treat acne promptly and to prevent new acne lesions from developing. This can be done by using a daily skin care regimen for acne prone skin (like Rx for Brown Skin, Bright and Clear Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer). For more severe acne, it is important to see your dermatologist who can place you on topical or oral medications. Next, for treatment of the PIH, you want to use a botanical skin brightener or hydroquinone based skin lightener. Exfoliation of the skin is also key (this removes the dead skin cells which contain the extra melanin pigment) and you may begin with an exfoliating serum (like Rx for Brown Skin Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum). Finally, chemical peels or microderm abrasion may be performed safely on Black skin. They are done every 3 or 4 weeks and exfoliate or remove the dead layers of skin.

Why do black people age better?

There's probably some kind of genetic component however because the melanin that we have in our skin, it protects us from sun damage. A lot of the aging changes are from the sun. so for example, if I walk outside, I have a natural SPF of 23 where as a white woman might have an SPF of 3 so she will have much more sun damage over the years than I am; hence I'm going to look younger. Also there are some other fundamental issues in aging between racial groups. For African Americans for example, I can develop discoloration on my skin due to aging. Uneven skin tone is very common for African American women who age where as we don't get the fine lines and the wrinkles. There are just differences in how we age. Another major problem is that we lose firmness in our skin and it starts to sag.

Can black develop skin cancer?


African Americans do develop skin cancer, no doubt about it. Most concerning thing is that we develop melanoma. When we develop melanoma, that's the deadly kind of skin cancer it's often diagnosed at a much later stage because it just goes unrecognized. So people are dying of melanoma, African-Americans that is, at a higher rate than whites because it's not diagnosed early enough and it occurs in unusual areas. It appears on the palms, soles, the fingernail as well as the mucus membrane. Those are unusual areas. People don't know to look for them in those areas. It could be a black streak in the fingernail; it could be a black spot on the palm or the sole. It can be a mole that has changed. There are many different faces of the presentation of it.

Can make-up worsen acne for women?

Well a couple of things. If we're talking about make-up particularly as it relates to acne prone skin, there are makeup that are oil based which have oil in them which will probably cause acne to flare up. You want to make sure if you wear foundation or various types of makeup with acne prone skin, you want to make sure that it's oil free. Or there's something else called nonchomedigenic which means it won't cause acne chomedones.

What is the cause of razor bumps?


Razor bumps are due to the following circumstances. The hair follicles of blacks are curved and the hair that grows out of the follicle is curly. So, as the hair grows out of the follicle it curves back towards the skin and pierces the skin. The hair continues to grown into the skin which inflames the skin and produces a painful, uncomfortable bump. The inflammation then leads to discoloration of the skin. Shaving the hair with a razor often cuts the hair at an angle which produces a sharp point. The sharp point pierces the skin thus setting up the inflammatory process.

How does your skin care line cater to people of color?

I developed Rx for Brown Skin to scientifically address the structural and functional differences of brown skin. The key difference in brown skin is its tendency to hyper pigment and produce dark marks when irritated or inflamed. So, the products in the Rx for Brown Skin skincare line are free of ingredients that potentially irritate brown skin which can lead to dark discolorations. Rx is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, dye-free,
lanolin-free and propylene glycol-free.

There are three regimens each consisting of Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer
o. Bright & Healthy Regimen for dry and sensitive skin
o. Bright & Even Regimen for uneven skin tone and discolorations
o. Bright & Clear Regimen for acne prone skin

For more information on black skin care visit Brown Skin Solutions and to learn more about Dr. Susan Taylor's skin care line go to Rx for Brown Skin.

 

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By Denver Louis, BlackVoices.com

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) continues on its mission to bring sickle cell awareness to the masses. Each year, as part of its Be Sickle Smart Education Days, celebrities are pegged to tour and speak on the benefits of sickle-cell awareness. This year Ruben Studdard is involved with the movement and has been traveling the country bringing together sickle cell disease advocates and patients to share information about Sicke Cell Disease and iron overload caused by blood transfusions.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a blood disorder common in African Americans that sometimes requires treatment with blood transfusions. However, many people with SCD themselves don't know that having 10 or more blood transfusions over their lifetime can lead to a serious condition known as Transfusional Iron Overload.

Black Voices' Denver Louis had a chance to chat with Ruben about the movement, his marriage and his musical career.

Quick Facts About Sickle Cell Disease:

- More than 70,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease (SCD)
- One in 12 African Americans has the sickle cell trait
- Just 10 blood transfusions in a lifetime can lead to transfusional iron overload
- If left untreated, transfusional iron overload can lead to serious health problems including liver and heart damage

How did you get involved with the Be Sickle Smart Campaign?


They called and asked if I wanted to be a part of the movement and help people gain awareness to the issues that are directly affecting people with sickle cell. My mom has been working with the sickle cell foundation here since I was a kid, so it was something that was really important to her. I've known people with sickle cell and sickle cell traits my entire life.

What is the goal of Be Sickle Smart?

The goal is to get people more aware about the effects [of SCD] and things that can help them. A lot of people have blood transfusions every other week and if they have more than 10, they are at risk of having transfusional iron overload. We want them to check out the website and learn as much as they can.

What role does your mother play in the movement?

She helps conduct the fundraisers every year and does whatever else she can.

What are you up to in your music career right now?

I'm halfway finished with a product I'm working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on. I'm just trying to get that done so we can get that out man. It's been a year, almost a year and a half and I think it's about time to put some new music on. I'm actually about to go on the 30th anniversary tour of 'Ain't Missbehavin' and record an EP of jazz standards.

How have things changed for you since the marriage?

It hasn't really changed at all man, we were really good friends and we have a lot of fun with each other. Being married sealed the deal. We've been having a ball and it's been the best 2 months of my life, hopefully it will be the best 50 years.

For more information on Sickle Cell Anemia



More Details on The Be Sickle Smart Program:

The Be Sickle Smart Program is a nationwide community-based health education effort leveraging advocacy groups, churches, local media, community leaders, and civic organizations to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and transfusional iron overload in the African-American communities

The program will be implemented in August and September in 7 different markets: Atlanta, Birmingham, Jacksonville, Chicago, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Philadelphia.

Black Music Notes June 26

    6/26/08: Jill Scott
    Jill Scott's latest album 'The Real Thing' is coming to a television screen near you. And it's going to be a sight for your eyes and a pleasure to your ears. On June 29, TV One will premiere an original music concert special featuring the neo-soul high priestess in all of her glory. Titled 'Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour (Live in Philly),' the one-hour special features the two-time Grammy Award winning wunderkind performing a mix of her classic hits such as 'A Long Walk' and 'The Way,' juxtaposed with material from her newer projects, including the inspirational anthem 'Golden' and the tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-prisoners 'Hate On Me.' The special (Scott's very first) was filmed in March 2008 at the Liacouris Center in Philadelphia. Encore airings of the show are scheduled to air on July 3, July 5, and July 11.

    Wire Image

    6/26/08: D'Angelo
    Despite going through legal woes over the past few years, neo-soul originator D'Angelo is back in the studio working on a new album. According to 'Billboard,' the singer is expected to release his new as-yet-untitled album next year on J Records. The company bought out his contract in 2005 from Virgin Records (who released his first two albums). Fans can expect the man legally known as Michael D'Angelo Archer to hook up with Raphael Saadiq once again, the two previously worked together on Saadiq's 2002 hit 'Be Here.' Although the album is still in its early stages, the 'Brown Sugar' crooner has plans to also land John Mayer on the opus, with a single to hit the airwaves by the end of the year. Until that time comes, fans can catch some of D'Angelo in his former glory with the recently released compilation, 'The Best So Far,' featuring hits, rarities and previously unreleased videos.

    Image Direct

    6/26/08: Gerald Albright
    This week, one of the most sought after saxophonists in contemporary jazz, Gerald Albright, will release his eleventh solo project titled, 'Sax for Stax.' The set features eight covers from the Stax Records catalog , in addition to three originals written by Albright. The multi-talented sax player reached out to vocalists Will Downing, Ledisi, and Philip Bailey to help recapture classic music such as Issac Hayes' top five hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and the Staple Singers' hit 'Respect Yourself.' "I went through two box sets with over 20 CDs to pick songs that felt good and would work well melodically for the saxophone," Albright said.

    Wire Image

    6/26/08: Swizz Beatz
    Just last year super-producer Swizz Beatz was hospitalized for exhaustion, and by the looks of it hasn't slowed him down a bit. The hip-hop hit-maker has been in the studio crafting hits for Jay-Z, G-Unit, Ludacris, T.I. , Alicia Keys, and surprisingly the icon himself Michael Jackson. The Bronx native (legally known as Kasseem Dean) recently revealed his plans to not only produce some music for the King of Pop, but produce his tour as well. "I'm probably gonna be producing his tour and everything," he explained to 'MTV.' "I'm designing planes for Gulf Stream and everything. They called me. I'm around different people. I'm around billionaires. I'm around people like that." This October Swizz Beatz plans to release his new studio opus entitled, 'Life After the Party.'

    Film Magic

    6/26/08: Erykah Badu
    This fall, Erykah Badu is planning on bringing some of her voodoo experiences on the road the neo-soul diva was recently added to the tenth annual "Voodoo Experience Festival," held October 24-26 in New Orleans. In addition to Badu, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and Lupe Fiasco are among the other acts on board to join alternative rock headliners R.E.M. , Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots. Tickets are priced at $115, while a three-day VIP pass will available for a whopping $450.

    AP

    6/26/08: Ludacris
    Trying to maintain a successful career in the music industry as well as Hollywood can be a bit strenuous for some rappers. But not Ludacris! Luda (as he is also known as) not only has his new album, 'Theater of the Mind' slated to hit stores in September, he's also in the process of filming a few movies. On Halloween, the actor/rapper will be appearing in Guy Ritchie's new film 'RocknRolla.' He also recently finished shooting 'Max Payne,' a crime thriller fronted by Mark Wahlberg. When asked which profession he likes most, he simply replied: "Music is still my number-one love. I just balance a lot of different things now." Hollywood is still calling him, though. To date, Ludacris has starred in the Academy Award winning movie 'Crash,' the John Singleton-produced 'Hustle & Flow' and 'Fred Clause,' alongside Vince Vaughan.

    Wire Image

    6/26/08: Ne-Yo/Keyshia Cole
    The 2008 Reggae Sumfest is guaranteed to kick off with a bang! On July 18, new-school R&B superstars Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole are tapped to headline this year's international night at the Montego Bay festival, which takes place from July 13-19. Reggae Sumfest will also showcase the best of the best in Dancehall and Reggae music including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, and Lady Saw, among many others.

    Film Magic

    6/26/08: Will.I.Am
    Crafting hit music for The Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake can only inspire an artist/producer such as Will.I.Am (born William James Adams Jr.)to go beyond the music industry. Fans can expect to see the Black Eyed Peas front-man in the forthcoming X-Men movie, 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' playing a role opposite of Hugh Jackman. Will.I.Am recently revealed to 'MTV News' that the character he'll be playing is a teleporter by the name of John Wraith. In addition to 'X-Men,' the producer also landed a role in the 'Madagascar' sequel. "With 'Madagascar 2,' I think there has to be an angel or something or my grandma's prayers guiding that," he says. "It's pretty, pretty dope. And I'm grateful and happy about it all." 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' is expected to hit theaters in May 2009.

    Wire Image

    6/26/08: Mashonda
    After releasing her debut album 'January Joy' internationally, Mashonda returns with two new singles 'All or Nothing' and 'No Panties' from her forthcoming untitled album. The Harlem reared singer describes her first single 'No Panties' as being "all about giving your man whatever he desires; no limits." In addition to her new music hitting the radio airwaves, the ex Mrs. Swizz Beatz (real name: Mashonda Tifrere-Dean) is the creative director and model for an upcoming coffee table book entitled, 'Alter Ego Revealed.' Mashonda's new album is set to drop in early next year.

    Wire Image

    6/26/08: Lauryn Hill/Kanye West
    'Entertainment Weekly' magazine recently unveiled its 'New Classics' list in which they ranked the best in music, movies, TV shows, and books from over the past 25 years. Lauryn Hill's mega-selling solo debut 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' landed at number two slot behind Prince's timeless classic 'Purple Rain,' which held down the top spot. Other artist that made the list included Kanye West (No. 4), Jay-Z (No. 7), Outkast (No. 12), Beyonce (No. 19), Mariah Carey (No. 21), Nas (No. 28), and The Notorious B.I.G (No. 40), among many others.

    Getty Images/Film Magic



 

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By Tim'm T. West, Special to BlackVoices.com

I am one of the lucky ones: lucky, brave or both. This July, I celebrated my 36th birthday in the company of family, friends, and my partner Dave. The term "partner" doesn't rest well in the ears of some black families, but I am lucky. My family loves me for who I am, no matter what.

A few years ago my small, tight-knit family, consisting of two sisters and four brothers, as well as extended family, started a reunion for the generations to come. This year, being only the second time we've met, I created an online listserve, "The Blessed Wests", to shorten the distance of time and space when we are not together.

This year, I took the initiative to set the tone for the "The Blessed Wests". A gay man, I realize that getting my family to honor my partnership with Dave, a man I have known since 2004, but have only been partnered with since early 2008, might take some time. At 31, Dave is pretty new to the whole "coming out" process. Encouraged by the security of my love, and my desire to no longer love "in hiding", I'm grateful that he trusts my guidance as we aspire to build a family: a commitment ceremony, a home, and adoption are aspirations we both share.

My family is a Christian family full of preacher-men and good church women. I respect their beliefs as they respect my decision to live my life as an out gay man.

Timm West Gallery

    I love my nephew DJ and niece Jasmine, like my own. They love their Uncles Tim'm and Dave as effortlessly as they loved Uncle Tim'm before Dave.

    My brothers Joseph, Matthew, and David represent 3 of 4 brothers who love and support me and value family.

    My partner Dave and I enjoy a moment with my young cousins Christopher (left) and Justin (right). Their mother, Cynthia, and I are more like siblings than cousins.

    My cousin Cynthia, my sister Talisha, Dave, and my sister Toya pose for a shot. Their smiles say a thousand words.

    Dave and I pose for a shot on the 4th of July, just days before my 36th birthday and family reunion.

    I'm not certain about certain people's mother's love, but my mother, Irma Pearl Stinson, is priceless for here unconditional love and acceptance my partner, Dave.

    As my mother's Family Reunion shirt suggests, "A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together".



I remain hopeful that my "family" will continue to honor the vast ways in which black families are constructed: second marriages, adopted children, long-standing friendships, and yes same-sex partnerships.

After graduating at the top of my class with scholarships to some of our nation's premier colleges, and having been a very popular student leader and athlete, coming out to my mother during my freshman year of college filled in some of the missing pieces. The burden of silence I carried as a teen, the depression, the fasting and praying for "change," and the suicide attempts for "change" proved masochistic at best.

On Sunday we made the drive from Shreveport to the outskirts of Taylor, Arkansas; a small township without a traffic light between paper mills, oil wells, and chicken plants. It is believed that Bible belt Christians, in places where the fields grow high and the roads "go dirt", are the most homophobic. I have a different experience. We arrived to the Church and received hugs from my niece and nephew. My brother-in-law, one among a few ministers in my family warmly greeted both me and Dave. There was such comfort in Dave meeting the family.

After a marathon sermon of the preacher men of my family about what it means to build a "strong house" (Mark 3:25), we gathered at the same modest three-bedroom wooden house in which we were raised. If it was crowded as children, you can imagine how quickly it filled. Midnight Starr soul train lines, "seconds" of fried chicken and potato salad, and a game of Family Feud were highlights of the day. As my family harmonized on "Happy Birthday," to help me ring in my 36th year, I made a wish that the love Dave and I were experiencing would grow-wished that my young nieces, nephews, and cousins would be part of a family tradition in which they always knew that they are welcomed home.

My mother is the rock of my family. In her quiet resolve she understands what it means for love to conquer all. We have a relationship rooted in her prayerfulness and love. My father, divorced from my mother and unable to attend the reunion, taught me toughness. While he deliberately sought to raise strong, virile, heterosexual sons, we joke that he raised, among them, one strong, virile gay man. He's proud that he raised a strong man-- one strong enough to confront the truth of my sexuality and live with its consequences, among them a shamed and confused past that led to HIV infection in 1999. My father, the same man who called us "sissies" when we missed tackles or failed to get a rebound, suggests that he would like to perform my commitment ceremony, when that time comes. My brothers, sisters, and cousins will be there. They understood that I wouldn't be me if hiding my sexuality.

Our recent gathering embodies the sum total of all our trials and triumphs. I am healthy, nearly 10 years after HIV almost claimed my life. We smile, fuss, cook, and dance like most families at reunions. We presented a powerful example of what it means to love beyond the fear of what others think. At 36, I'm as happy as I have ever been. Twenty years after I sat on the same front porch where we recently celebrated, contemplating an end to my life, I can say with full resolve and with all parts of me present: It feels good to come home!

Tim'm T. West is a poet, emcee, scholar and the author of three books "Red Dirt Revival", "BARE", and "Flirting". A graduate of Duke, The New School, and Stanford universities, he is also founder of the rap group DDC. Tim'm followed their success with two solo projects, "Songs from Red Dirt" and "Blakkboy Blue(s)". He also created and hosted the "Front Porch" Spoken Word/Soul/Hip Hop showcase in DC, Oakland, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Atlanta. Tim'm also appeared in Byron Hurt's "Beyond Beats and Rhymes", Alex Hinton's "Pick Up the Mic", and is featured in the forthcoming Mario Van Peebles documentary "Bring your "A" Game". Though Tim'm currently resides in Houston, TX he is a Visiting Lecturer in Ethnic Studies this Fall at Humboldt State University in Northern California. Find more about Tim'm's work at www.reddirt.biz

 

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Let's give a boisterous applause for shoe designer, Pierre Hardy! Let us stand in ovation, since this designer has once again created a shoe fashioned for the avant-garde fashionista!

In the past, Style Spotter has blogged on the outstanding, creative feats (get it... feats!) of the Hardy Shoe Collection.

http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/04/30/pierre-hardys-it-shoe/

The innovative design continues from the Hardy camp as fashion forward celebs such as Rihanna, Cassie and Angela Simmons were all spotted this month adorning the fabulous shoe at industry events.

Pierre Hardy "It" shoe

Cassie / Rihanna / Angela Simmons

Here are a few more stand-out designs from Hardy.

 

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When you was a child, one of the first questions people always asked was: What is your favorite color? For many of us, although we do have a color we absolutely love, that colors may not be right for us. Colors have many different meanings and can effect you as well as everyone around you. Before we get to that do you understand what colors symbolize? Well if not let me break it down.

Blue
Blue comes in so many shades in the world around us. From the beautiful sky to the water of our oceans (technically) down to the color of some of our ink pens, the color blue is everywhere. Symbolizing peace, tranquility and being male, this color's claim to fame in fashion came with the development of denim. Nothing is like a cool blue pair of jeans to blend random colors together. Add the white tee from above and a blue Yankee fitted cap and you are good to go.

Top clothing items in Blue: Jeans, Yankee Fitted Cap

White
The ultimate color for your summer top, white is a symbol of pureness, newness and innocence. With the ability to reflect light, it helps to keep you cool on a hot day. Meshing perfectly with any outfit, you will look great all day until you get a stain. Susceptible to marks, dirty and food stains, your clean look will be ruined. Be careful when you eat while wearing white especially if its after Labor Day!

Top clothing items in white: Wedding Dress, T-Shirts, Sneakers

Pink
Totally a feminine color until recent years (shout out to Cam'Ron), Pink is gentle color. Naturally calming by nature, a pink shirt under a blue suit is a great blend for a young executive. For young ladies, why not try to blend pink with brown. Trust me it will work!

Top Clothing item in Pink: Dress Shirts


Red

When red pops up, passion and fire comes to mind. The color of love, red is by far one of the most intense and rambunctious colors. Supposedly this color increases the heart rate and hunger, red can bring the sexy out of you but it can also make you look heavier.

Top clothing item in Red: Red Pumps
Check out these pumps from Baby Phat



Purple
A symbol of royalty, purple used to be an elitist's color but has grown into a common color. Leaning more into a feminine color, purple is sure to make people stop and stare especially if you have purple shoes to match. Megastar Prince made the color popular with the song, Purple Rain.

Top Clothing item in Purple: Ties & Sneakers
Check out these MT580LLV sneakers from New Balance


Black

Black is a no-brainer color when it comes to putting an outfit together because black goes with everything. A symbol of authority, black absorbs light and is known to make one look thinner. With stains and dirt less visible than all the other colors, black transcends social status and is worn by everyone in one way or another.

Top clothing item in Black: Black Dress
Doesn't video model Tierra look great in her black dress?



Stay tuned gang because next week we will discuss blending colors in your outfit according to your complexion and eye color.

Let us know what your favorite color is and what clothing item you like to wear in that color.

Kiante The Sneaker Mann Young

 

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In New York City the temperature has dropped, giving reason for fashion girls in the know to begin their happy shopping excursions for cool fall fashion. While out on the spree, one must not forget the important accessory for the cooler season: fashionable hosiery. Hosiery can play a major role in your ensemble. It can give the illusion of height in stature and the appearance of a thinner physic, and with this season's patterns and designs hosiery can truly make you stand out in the crowd.

Chanel tights

Bebaroque tights

Betsy Johnson tights

Paul Smith tights

Chloe tights

Chanel Hosiey

Anna Sui tights

 

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By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

We caught up with the fun and spunky Tasha Smith before the premiere of her new movie, 'The Longshots', and asked her to spill the beans on how she manages to stay so beautiful. Much to our surprise, she didn't hold back at all. You may want to get a pen and paper because if you're like us you'll be trying some of these tips pronto!

Smith acts alongside Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer in the film 'The Longshots' which depicts the true story of Jasmine Plummer, an 11 year-old-girl who became the first female to play in the Pop Warner football tournament in its 56-year history.

KeKe Palmer plays the role of Jasmine and Smith plays her mother, Claire Plummer, in the film. "I think the film has a lot of heart," said Smith. "As you see the story you see how the life and energy of the town changes just because of this little girl's transformation." 'The Longshots' hits theaters August 22.

The College Survival Guide

    A Fridge
    Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

    Computer
    The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

    Snacks
    You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

    Things from home
    Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

    MP3 Player
    With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

    Budget
    Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

    Alarm Clock
    When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

    Cleaning supplies
    Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

    Bedding
    What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

    Shower shoes
    You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!





What are you wearing tonight to the premiere?


I think I'm wearing a Bagley Mischka royal purple dress. If I don't wear that then it will be a Nicole Miller in purple as well. It's all about purple! Oh and some Jimmy Choo shoes.

What fashion beauty trends have you recently jumped on?

Gladiator shoes and I'm trying to ease into the mini skirt. As long as my legs are, my legs have never been something I've truly embraced but I'm trying to let the girls out.

Whose style are you really diggin' these days?

I love Rihanna's look from head to toe. I think her style is so cool, funky and designer chic all wrapped into one.

How would you describe your own style?

I've been more on the clean and girly look with a lot of dresses and what not. I've been doing the clean straightforward, elegant look. You could call it the fun elegant look.

What's your daily skin regimen?

Olay Henderson face wash and there's this cream that I've found that is incredible, it's like magic. It's a little on the pricey side but it's the best stuff I've ever used. It's called Diamond Cream by Natura Bissa, it's a line out of Spain. You can only get it at Nieman's and it's amazing. They have a great face wash as well and sometimes I go back and forth between Olay Henderson's face wash and Natura Bissa's face wash as well as their cream. At night time, I wash my face with either Natura Bisse or Olay Henderson but the trick for night time is Carol's Daughter face butter. It's truly butter for the face! It keeps the skin so vibrant in the morning. People are always saying "Oh my God your skin is just glowing!" It's very thick but it conditions the face and it's the best.



What are your favorite make-up products?


I go for the natural look but I have to tell you, Laura Mercier has an amazing liquid foundation that's very light and very sheer as well as Bobby Brown's liquid foundation. I've been trying to do not as much powder. I like to have a bit of the dewiness going on because sometimes I feel that powder just accents every wrinkle you could possibly think of having. It gets up in every nook and cranny! I feel like less powder under the eyes the better because it doesn't dry out the eye as much. Bobby Brown has an incredible concealer that I use as well.

Do you think it's difficult to for women with dark skin to find make-up that matches?

No, not at all! I have always found that one color never works; you have to mix it to get the color you want. Whenever I sit down to get my make-up done and the make-up artists has one color and thinks she's going to use that all over my whole face, she not doing her thing right! That doesn't work and I'm not having it.

What is your ideal hairstyle?

I change my hair like I change my underwear girl. My natural hair is very thick and with me trying to work out, sometimes it's difficult for me to manage because after sweating out at the gym with a recent press, my roots become frizzy or if I have a perm, dampening the hair and trying to figure that out isn't so fun. I'm not a girl that likes living in the hair salon every two weeks. I don't do that, I need some hair that I can manage even when I'm at the gym. So I find weaves to be more manageable, it's a convenience thing for me. Sometimes my hair is inconsistent because every time it's time for me to change my weave always I'm trying something new. Right now I'm wearing these individual twists which are fun and it worked for the summer. This is really my summer look although it isn't the clean and chic look that I like. I love the straight hair, blown out with a nice cut. I'm missing my weave and I was also enjoying the bang, so I'm think I'm going back to the bang; long straight side, nice bang.



What are your makeup don'ts?

I say don't wear black lipstick and black liner. That black or dark brown lip liner, that's not blended in with the pink or peach lipstick. That to me is a ghetto no no!

What beauty product can you just not live with out?

I couldn't live without my diamond cream, or my Carol Daughter's face butter.

What are some beauty secrets that you have, home regimens?

Queen Helene! Your grandmother has probably heard of it. You can find it in any drugstore, Rite Aid or CVS drugstore. Queen Helene is a line from back in the day. They have great cocoa butter that is just amazing and they have a great face scrub. Their apricot scrub and oatmeal scrub are great and they have an awesome mud mask. Queen Helene is the best. My home facial regimen is Queen Helene. And I don't care how expensive you go, nothing is going to top Queen Helene. Queen Helene is between $2.99-$3.99. Some of their products include: a mud pack mask, Apricot Moisturizing facial mask, Vitamin C and Honey peel off mask and the Apricot Scrub. Queen Helene leaves your skin glowing. You'll spend $12 on all of it!



 

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Ah China, where the keys to longevity are early morning Tai Chi, the ancient healing art of acupuncture and hip-hop dancing.

*Sound of needle scratching across record*

Hold up! Hip-Hop dancing? Absolutely! You see Wu Ying, now 70, discovered hip hop music and dancing in 2003 while watching a dance competition. Wu was immediately hooked. She started teaching hip-hop dancing in the gym and then took it to the next level.

Wu then had a vision that she and a bunch of other older ladies would get together and form a hip-hop dance troupe. Wu not only taught the moves, but encouraged all the participants to get down with the freeing attitude at the heart of all the best of hip-hop. Now, with the youngest member aged 45, these 30-odd rap-dancing retirees have performed all over China and collected dozens of awards shaking their booties to the beats and baselines of hip-hop.

See these Hip-Hop Grannies for yourself. ...

To fulfill her dreams, Wu Ying had to push back against her own kids who were embarrassed and critical of her at first.
Wu's family could have been a bit more supportive in the beginning, she said, especially her daughter.

"She said, 'This is just great. There are a bunch of young hooligans dancing on the streets out there, now I have an old hooligan dancing in my own household.' The way she said those words was very hard for me to accept. It was so condescending," Wu said.


But with but with a neck pop and a snap of the fingers, Wu just kept on. She told them to mind their own business and just kept on doing her thing. And now some of her hard stepping senior dance mates believe they've discovered the secret to a healthy life:

Chen Guobi, the 66-year-old leader of the dance group, says hip-hop's rhythms have kept her own in check, and she has not seen a doctor in years.

"I did hip-hop for two years and didn't need any more medication, never went to the hospital and now I don't even know where hospitals are," she said.

And guess what Wu's next ambition is? She wants to be a rapper. Don't bet against her.

 

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There is just something about those boys who dress to impress with Sean John blazers, tailored-fit pants and raw silk ties. And there is something so simply, sexy about those Cali boys who can throw on a vintage tee, a pair of baggy, skinny jeans and Converse sneakers without socks, with little ease. And of course who can forget the boys who bring fashion to the masses, with their intricate wrapped scarves, b-boy style-80s-freshness and Louis Vuitton accessories.

Style maniac Fonzworth Bentley, new artist Schwayze and fashion sensi to Kanye West, Ibn Jasper are the fashion boys of the moment. They each bring a fashion approach to dressing, which this Style Spotter so appreciates. What do you think?

Fonzworth Bentley

Shwayze

Ibn Jasper

As the current host of MTV's new show from G's to Gents, Bentley continues to serve us with impeccable style. The exquisite fit of his clothing, the smart way he brings his ensemble together and his genuine fierceness has allowed Bentley to be one of the best dressed men in Hip Hop.

Shwayze is most definitely the cute, new boy on the block. He has partnered with Cisco Adler, (Google him. Trust me, his bio will give you a "long" giggle,) to create a fantastic whimsical album made for summertime loving and endless partying. Why? "Just because," would most likely be Shwayze's answer for almost any question posed to him. Shwayze has that same unapologetic attitude towards his style. Keep it simple, easy, laid back and let it flow. His self-titled album came out this week and he is currently the star of Buzzin', an MTV reality show of Shwayze and his group of friends trying to make it in the music industry.

Cisco Adler on the right

Not many of you would know who Ibn Jasper is, but he is one dope dude to watch since he is Kanye West's Image Consultant. Ibn recently did an interview for Limite Magazine where he stated: "My new thing is that I want to be so fresh that it offends people. I want people to feel a little disrespected when I show up with the clothes I have on." Indeed.

 

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Wedding Season 

Black Voices has everything you need for Wedding season -- check us out!

Wedding Dress on a Budget
Wedding Hair Accessories
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