Fashion. Beauty. Health. Life. Style. Music. Art.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Beauty.


Embrace your beauty - from the inside out.

Photo: Model Miriam Odemba

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Ciara


Of the hot photo's for R&B singer Ciara's new Givenchy Haute Couture layout for VOGUE Paris, this is my favorite.

Photographed by Mert & Marcus for VOGUE Paris June/July 2010

Get The Look: Club Monaco


One of my favorite stores is Club Monaco. Their clothing is affordable and often in line with more high end designers like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana to name a few. There have been a few times I was wearing one of their pieces and have been asked "Is that Prada" and I smile and say "No, it's Club Monaco!"
Stripes and neutral tones are always classic staples to have in your wardrobe and the Club Monaco Spring/Summer 2010 Collection has some nice pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Jody Watley Evolving Style and Fashion


Some of my images through the years, then and now. It's all about moving forward, self expression, not being stagnant, and having fun with it all!

Kate Moss For Topshop




Kate Moss for Topshop directed by Nick Knight. Topshop is a better version of H&M to me. Affordable fashion.

Daily Bliss


"Feeling alive and in perpetual bloom." - Jody Watley

Friday, May 21, 2010

Notes.

"There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere . . . " - Jane Austen

Art and Fashion

Make An Entrance





Alexander Mcqueen Strappy Gold. or Louboutin Black. Take your pic!

Daily Bliss.


"Laughter and smiles are good for the soul." -Jody Watley

In My Beauty Bag: Chanel Ultra Correction Lift



The eyes have it! I'm a products junkie and love trying new things. My current beauty obsession are eye creams and serums.
The great thing about cosmetic lines like Chanel are the samples, which makes it easy to try a product out before committing your cash. Sephora is also a great place to get samples.
Currently, I'm trying out an Olay Regenerist Eye Roller to reduce morning puffiness, hoping to avoid what I jokingly refer to as the "baby chicken" look. I really like Chanel's Ultra Correction Lift as well. Cold cucumber slices work too.

Notes.

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
-Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

Nature's Beauty: Avocado


Avocado's have great health benefits which include helping to lower cholesterol. Because of the potassium found in avocado it's a nice addition to your daily diet to help regulate blood pressure. Add to the list of benefits antioxidants which may help prevent cancer. The fruit is also a good source of fiber and contains Vitamins K, B6 and C. If you're counting calories one avocado contains approximately 200 calories and more fat than other fruits - but it's the healthy kind! Of course you can also use avocado for hair and facial treatments as well, but that's another post!

Catwalk to Red Carpet: Giorgio Armani Prive Couture



Actress Kate Beckinsale in Giorgio Armani Prive from his Spring Summer Haute Couture Collection. Beckinsale was attending the AmFAR Gala in Cannes. The event was to raise funds for the fight against AIDS.

Kate Moss Covers Paris VOGUE


One of my favorite models Kate Moss, is featured on the June/July Issue of VOGUE Paris in a layout dedicated to the sun. Photographed by Mario Sorrenti.

Spring Summer Favorites


Tribal influences always seem to make their way back into fashion and this season is no exception. I bought these sandals a couple of years ago from Sigerson Morrison and pull them out every now and again - they still work.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Evening Bliss


Finding ways to bring inner peace.

Notes

"She did as she felt, and she felt a great deal."
-Kate Morton 
The Forgotten Garden

Art and Fashion





Illustration: Wolfgang Joop

Daily Bliss


Eat healthy. Your body will appreciate you for it.

Janet Goes Short


I remember how much fans hated my ultra short crop many years ago when I was photographed for People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" Issue and GAP ad campaign, I found it liberating to chop the hair off. More than likely many fans will find this look jarring on Ms. Jackson, I think it's a nice change whether it's for her upcoming movie role or simply a desire for a fresh start. Fans often get too hung up on the 'long hair' aesthetic of female artists. Thoughts?

In My Beauty Bag: Clinique


Clinique "Rootbeer" Moisturizing Gloss is another of my favorites when wanting a more natural color for my lips. Another small way to update your look is to change your lipstick/gloss. One of the mistakes I see women make as they get older is clinging on to the same look. Update!

Couple Glam


The President and and First Lady Michelle Obama at the state dinner for Mexican President Felipe Calderon looking resplendent. The first lady continues to up the political glamour quotient, this time wearing New York based designer Peter Sorenon.

Beauty.


Model Tara Lynn from her recent layout in French ELLE. Beauty comes in all sizes, shades and forms, it would be nice if more fashion magazines reflected this on a regular basis.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Kelis and Dior



Kelis, looking fabulous, performs for Christian Dior at opening of Shanghai store and runway preview of Galliano's Summer 2011 Cruise Collection.

Evening Bliss


Relax.

In My Beauty Bag: NARS


I'm often asked what lip color I've been wearing. 'Falbala' by NARS is probably the best nude color I've found and I wear it frequently.

Make An Entrance



For a girl with cankles, booties can be your best friend! I'm loving this style from Balmain.

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Diahann Carroll








Actress Diahann Carroll exudes the term classic and grand. Her memoir "The Legs Are The Last To Go" is a worthy read from this trailblazing star.

Daily Bliss



"Bliss can come from doing the things you love and enjoy in life. As long as these things aren't self destructive or harmful to others my feeling is you should follow the path most likely to bring a bit of joy to your day. Don't spend a second worrying about what other's think - be yourself and find your bliss." - Jody Watley

Tie-Dye Gets a Makeover





Still hot for spring/ summer is tie dye. I'm not talking the 70's style tie-dye, but today's modern take on it. From sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts to dresses, scarves and bags tie dye has moved into the new millenium.

Nail It: Damone Roberts "1968"




Damone Roberts has extended his brand, teaming with OPI creating the highly successful limited edition mint green nail polish "1968". The polish flew off the shelves and sold out on the first run. Back by popular demand, Roberts' "1968" is a must-have for your summer mani-pedi if you're looking for a special boost of color. You can order online at DamoneRoberts.com.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Evening Bliss



Close the door, leave the world behind. Create your personal sanctuary.

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Liya Kebede







Liya Kebede possesses a serene grace which seems to separate her from other models.
Kebede was appointed to The World Health Organization's Goodwill for Maternal Newborn and Child Health in 2005 and soon founded the Liya Kebede Foundation for a similar mission. Most recently named to Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World and recognized as "Young Global Leader" by The World Economic Forum, Liya Kebede is an inspiration.

While my daughter was growing up, I made sure that she always saw positive images of black women and made it a priority.
Among other things I raised her to understand that beyond learning to be confident and to appreciate the beauty of her skin, ultimately it's about what's beneath the surface; brains, character and intelligence to name a few primary attributes.
Liya Kebede exudes all of this and more.

Catwalk to Red Carpet: Roland Mouret




I love this look on and off the catwalk.

Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts is elegant and understated in black Roland Mouret from his 2010/2011 Fall Winter Ready To Wear Collection at 2010 Cannes Film Festival. The draping is not only chic, but very forgiving on the body - not that she needs it!

Lady Gaga To Intern With Philip Treacy




Philip Treacy one of fashion's foremost milliners and visionaries will have great company this summer. Pop superstar Lady Gaga will be working as an intern for the designer. Following in the footsteps of Kanye West who has interned for GAP and Louis Vuitton Paris, Lady Gaga makes another savvy move. It's reported that she's interested in creating her own unique line of headwear and requested the post.

Daily Bliss


Don't take anything personally today. Understandably, It's difficult at times to achieve this. We get upset or agitated and it's human nature to want to react or to take the negative intent of someone else to heart. Take a moment of pause and remember it's not about you.

This life lesson is learned from one of my favorite books "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Tuesday Tip: Spring and Summer Must Have




An easy way to dress up any outfit is 'the statement necklace'. I've been obsessed with this trend lately and wear them whether I'm dressed up or down. Whether it's Lanvin or Forever 21 this is a spring/summer do!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Grace Jones







I've always acknowledged being a huge fan of Ms. Jones. Striking and beautifully unique, there is only one Grace Jones. A few close friends and I giggled like school girls from excitement while attending her spectacular summer 2008 performance at The Hollywood Bowl.

In addition to early music collaborations with Chris Blackwell, Alex Sadkin and Sly and Robbie, Ms. Jones is renowned for having worked with fresh and innovative artistic talent such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Paul Goude and Oscar winning costume designer Eiko Ishioka.
Add to the list of artistic collaborations innovative light artist Chris Levine. With a recently completed exhibition "Grace Jones: Stillness In the Speed of Light" at The Vinyl Factory in London, the Queen of Avant-Garde continues to break new ground.

Look for the new video to "Love You To Life" the third single from Jones' 2008 internationally heralded "Hurricane" album, which will be directed by Levine.

If you're still stuck on her early work, I suggest you rush to update your musical play list with "Hurricane". At 61, the Madame is still incredible musically and artistically.

Daily Bliss


You wake up each morning and it's rise and grind. The day begins and you're off to the races. Find ways in the midst of the day to take a moment of small serenity. Pause, breath and count to 25. Visualize a something peaceful or just look up at the sky if you can. Most of all remember not to sweat the small stuff which won't matter at the end of the day. It doesn't take a visit to the spa or an ocean cruise to have a moment of bliss.

Update Your Wardrobe With Dark Denim



One of my biggest fashion pet peeves are men and women in unflattering jeans. Ill fitting, light washed nightmares call attention to body flaws, just say no. I'm speaking of what are called "Moms and Dads jeans".
A good pair or two of dark wash denim should be a staple of every adult wardrobe, an added bonus is you'll appear slimmer.
If you aren't sure of what to pick out, just remember to keep it simple; dark wash with a proper fit without embelllishment. I personally prefer a nice boot cut or a skinny jean.

One of the surprises in the denim market is Cookie Johnson, wife of basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson. She launched a successful line of jeans called "CJ" available at upscale stores across the country cut for women with real bodies, but there are many great looking and affordable dark denim options available at every price point including J. Crew and Target that won't break the bank.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Jennifer Hudson


The newly svelte Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson looking stunning on the Martini Terrace at the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival, announcing her upcoming role of controversial figure Winnie Mandela.
I've been a fan of Jennifer's since American Idol and love how she represents never letting obstacles or tragedy stand in the way of triumph.