Life & Style

Filed under: Lifestyle, Style Spotter, Life and Style

Brooklyn Fashion Week{end} was held this past weekend in East Williamsburg, BK. The borough bubbled with fashion minds and muses who attended Friday night's premiere. Style Spotter attended as well, with high heels and high hopes of viewing a chic, cutting edge show, since most of last year's Brooklyn runway shows were truly outstanding. Some designers delivered while others... well as they say: If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

Natasha Samoylenko, of Samoy Lenko, whose See-line Woman collection took inspiration from Nina Simone's sensual and strong song, "Sealion Woman," and the simple strength of Peacocky who created a line of graphic tees for the creative man were my two favorite designers.

Samoy Lenko

Peacocky

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Style and Beauty, Style Spotter

RUNWAY: Chanel Iman wearing "the bowl cut" at Yves Saint Laurent

When making our transition from summer to fall we shouldn't be limited to just wardrobe and and dietary changes (seasonal colonics anyone?) We should also make a few changes in the beauty department as well. When Stylespotter attended the Fall collections this past February, we took note of the beauty direction from the various designers when not gagging on the hottest furs, boots and coats to consider investing in. We also noticed that some of it was deadringers for what some of our favorite celebs have been doing for quite some time if not recently. When Yves Saint Laurent sent out an army of models in 60's Beatles-esque bowl cut wigs, I immediately thought of superproducer Timbaland ingénue Kheri Hilson when she blew us away with her version in their "Way We Are" music video last year. Teen girls have been copying Rihanna's bright makeup before John Galliano featured it at Christian Dior. And the bright nails at his namesake collection? Chicago rapper Kid Sister spewed she 'got her toes done with her fingernails matchin' inher first single "Pro Nails" this past spring. Here, we show some of our favorite beauty trends of the season straight from the runway and celebs who do it their way... which is the real way to do it course.

REALWAY: R&B newcomer Keri Hilson rocks the "bowl" cut the real way

RUNWAY: Chanel Iman is "pretty in pink" at Anna Sui

REALWAY: Pink works on many skintones including pop star Rihanna's

RUNWAY: Liya Kebede wearing "smokey eyes" at Oscar De La Renta

REALWAY: J-Hud wears the smokey eye with silver accents

RUNWAY: Jourdan Dun wears beautiful neutrals at Valentino

REALWAY: Vanessa Williams wearing neutral makeup at the 2008 Emmys

RUNWAY: Striped bold colored nails at John Galliano

REALWAY: Hip-hopper Kid Sister sporting bright nails

RUNWAY: Black nails at Baby Phat

REALWAY: Jordin Sparks' dark nails at MTV's 2008 VMAs

Tell us, do celebs inspire the runway or does the runway inspire celebrity style?

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Style and Beauty, Style Spotter

Celebs crossed the Atlantic recently to partake in festivities during both London and Milan Fashion Week where designers presented their Spring/Summer 2009 collections.

In London Outkast's Andre 3000 launched his Benjamin Bixby line at fame ddepartment store Harrod's and Naomi Campbell did the rare deed of walking for British designer Issa. Campbell has become more selective about who she'll work with so it was a grand gesture indeed. Later in the week she held her annual fundraiser, Fashion for Relief which this year benefits the White Ribbon Alliance, a charity dedicated to maternal mortality. (Campbell's first was held in New York in 2005 benefitting victims of Hurricane Katrina.) Mostly British celebrities participated wearing designs auctioned live at the event including designer Vivienne Westwood, British singer Estelle and male supermodel Tyson Beckford (shirtless no less, so the ladies swooned). Campbell raised hundreds of thousands. An impressive feat for someone who held quite the reputation of caring less about others. But we won't go there.

This week R&B starlets jetted to Italy in droves to support their favorite Italian designer friends. Last night Jennifer Lopez posed pretty in white for paparazzi at Dolce & Gabbana. Of course hubby Marc Anthony was there. Rihanna was at Gucci, Kelly Rowland at Just Cavalli and D&G (as did Ne-Yo) and Solange Knowles at Giorgio Armani's Emporio and namesake collection shows.

Naomi Campbell wearing a serious feathered Zac Posen dress for charity

All of the celebs except Lopez were conservative wearing black outfits in Milan.

Tell us which are your favorite black looks?

Tyson Beckford at Fashion For Relief in London

Andre Benjamin at his Benjamin Bixby launch at Harrods in London

Jennifer Lopez at Dolce & Gabbana in Milan

British singer Estelle with Tyson Beckford at Fashion For Relief

Rihanna at Gucci Spring/Summer '09 show in Milan

Kelly Rowland with designer Roberto Cavalli at his Spring/Summer 09 show in Milan

Solange Knowles with designer Giorgio Armani in Milan

One of Solange's outfits in Milan this week

Another outfit in Milan

Ne-Yo at D&G Spring/Summer '09 Fashion show in Milan

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: More Than Words, Lifestyle, Love, Life and Style

By Angela Bronner, BlackVoices.com

Kim Osorio made history as the first female editor of 'The Source' magazine. During her tenure at the top of the "Hip Hop Bible," there were sales records broken and new territory charted. Apparently, there was also a crazy, dysfunctional underside to the glitz and glamour.

In her new memoir, 'Straight From the Source: An Expose From the Former Editor-in-Chief of the Hip-Hop Bible,' (Simon and Shuster), Osorio recounts a work environment where women were belittled, cursed out, and harassed, as well as a blow-by-blow description of how the magazine took a nose dive into bankruptcy, primarily due to an ill-fated "beef" with rap superstar Eminem.

While recounting the story of how a girl raised in the Bronx went on to get a law degree and rose to the helm of the most prestigious rap magazine, Osorio also speaks candidly about her love affairs with rappers Nas and 50 Cent (the latter responded to the book in a very graphic, derogatory way). She also describes how she struggled with the extreme highs and lows of her work environment, weighing a fly, well-paying job against the very different standards to which women and men seem to be held.

Has your view of hip-hop changed since being in the middle of something so difficult and being close to its (rotting) core?

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.

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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.


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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.


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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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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Lifestyle, Love, Life and Style

I was dating a younger man, and he was very nice at the time, like most men are when things are good. Long story short, I ended up getting pregnant with a child he didn't want. It was truly a nightmare from the moment I said "I am having a baby." What a change this turned out to be. I spent most of my life wanting a baby, but I didn't think it would come this way or with this man. They always said "Don't play unless you plan to stay!" We had a huge falling out over this pregnancy and he never got to see his son until recently. I have let him back in my life and now I feel he is playing with my feelings just to find out about his son, whom he didn't want. I feel in my heart he is seeing someone else, but I need help in proving this point to myself, because there is still love in my heart for him. I truly do love him, but the trust isn't there. What can I do?

Trust takes time to rebuild in any relationship, and you are now not only responsible for your own well-being, but the safety and security of your son. If your ex wants to be a part of your son's life, you need to first set some ground rules. The role of father is not a part-time position that he can walk away from at any time. If he chooses to be in your son's life, then let him know that he must make a commitment to be in it for the rest of his life. Let him know that you support his role as father if that is the one he chooses to play, but that once he accepts that role there is no turning around and changing his mind. You must protect your son and make the best decisions for him. As for your relationship with your ex, you do not know what his real intentions are with you, therefore you need to step back and carefully watch his actions. Does what he says coincide with what he does? Is he walking the talk? Does he put you and your son's happiness and needs above his own? Listen with your ears and your eyes and trust your judgement. You also want to question if this is the man who can truly fulfill your needs, wants, desires and requirements or is it just the nagging feeling of neediness that is rekindling this desire for him.

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!

I am 19 and I just found out I am pregnant. I am a sophomore in college, and I don't feel that I am ready to be a parent. My parents don't know, and I don't want to tell them. They don't believe in abortion. My boyfriend doesn't want to have a kid either, and we both feel like we have our whole lives ahead of us. What should I do?

You are legally an adult, so the choice is in your hands as to what you can do. There are several choices you can make but each one begins by telling your family the truth and having an open discussion about the options that are available to you. Let them know that in the end, you will be the one to make the choice that is best for you. You should reach out to a counselor at school or at Planned Parenthood. They can help you go over your choices and what each choice will mean for your future. Three choices that are available to you are to have the baby and raise it yourself; have the baby and put it up for adoption; or to have an abortion. Take the time to go over each choice and imagine what your life and future will be like if you go down that road. This is a very important decision and you want to know all your options before making the choice that will be best for you.

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Lifestyle, Love, Life and Style

I have just been proposed to by a wonderful man -- he is Jewish and I am not. We are planning a spring wedding, and I wanted to know how we can incorporate his traditions as well as my own into our wedding ceremony.

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!

My boyfriend was my associate for at least 10 years. We've been dating for 2 years now, and I just found out that he has a 6 year old daughter. He is always crying broke even though he works. He is handsome, really good in bed, and is a nice guy over all, but I can't help but think he is hiding something. He will not bring me around his family and I just learned that he has a sister and two brothers. He just told me that he is going to his oldest brothers house for Labor Day and I'm not allowed to come. I don't understand any of this. He is 41 and he asked me to marry him but he did not give me a ring or anything else. He is always nice to me, but hates to spend money on me and he is hiding me from his family and his friends. I told him last night that it was over because I just could not take the games anymore. Do you think I did the right thing?

The question you should ask yourself is not "Did I do the right thing in choosing to end this relationship" but rather "Did I do the right thing in choosing to honor and respect myself." You were experiencing a closed relationship, where one partner lacked the ability to open up and share their self and their life with the other. This does not allow for growth or connection with one another, and leads to an unstable relationship because you always feel like he is hiding something from you. You made a very healthy and conscious choice to leave this relationship behind and move forward with your life. Take the time now to heal and create a vision of the type of healthy relationship you want to have with someone who will love and honor you. Marriage is about sharing your life with a partner, so choose a person who has similar relationship values and beliefs. Together you can truly share your lives with each other.

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!

Rebecca Brody is currently a Life Empowerment coach in New York City. Her area of expertise is in relationship coaching. She is a graduate of Vassar and Ipec, and has trained with the Relationship Coaching Institute. She is ICF certified, and has been studying social interaction, relationships and coupling for over a decade. To work with Coach Brody contact Brody@theluvcoach.com, or go to www.theluvcoach.com

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Hair Apparent, Life and Style

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Hair Apparent, Life and Style

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.