“Did you see that Italian Vogue is having a black issue?” “When are you going to write about the all-black issue of Vogue, Bella?” I can’t tell you how many versions of that message I got when Stephen Meisel’s smoldering photographs hit the internet. And oh, are they ever amazing. Seeing those photos took me…
Beautifully Aging Bellas
Satisfy Your Thirsty Skin
In my previous Ask Afrobella about oily skin, a lot of you had really great feedback, advice, and comments. Quite a few of you mentioned that — contrary to the typically discussed issues of black skin care — you actually don’t have oily skin, and therefore, the way I’d explained the oft-repeated “black don’t crack”…
Throwback Thursday — The One and Only Etta James!
Ever since I heard that Beyonce was gearing up to play Etta James in a biopic, I’ve had a little knot of worry in my stomach. I don’t stan for Bey, but I do admire her work ethic and I do definitely think she’s talented (that extended mix of Get Me Bodied makes me wanna…
Throwback Thursday — Randy Crawford
I know I got all political on you yesterday, but it’s still Throwback Thursday, right? Wait, what did you say? It’s Friday? Oh. Well, better late than never, right? Do you have a singer who you just wish you could open your mouth and sound just like them? Kind of corny, I know… but I’ve…
Celebrity Endorsements
I got made fun of a little when I cheered for Saaphyri when she won Charm School. Yes, it was shameful reality television, but I really enjoyed Charm School (unlike the other Flavor of Love spinoffs). One of my resolutions is to cut back on reality TV this year. Except for Celeb Rehab and American…
Little Richard Rules
Quick – before it’s too late, I want to send happy birthday wishes to a rock n’ roll legend. Yesterday was Little Richard’s 75th birthday, and ever since I was young, I’ve been a fan of his. That fire, that energy. The outfits. The hair. The mustache. The makeup. And that unrelenting smile. I love…
Throwback Thursday
How far back do you wanna go? I’ve been stuck in the early Nineties/late Eighties for a minute, so let me break out of that. I’m feeling particularly old school, and found this lush Philly Soul Sixties classic to share with you today. Barbara Mason, young and gamine. Are you ready? Yes, I’m ready. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INDKZe1jih8…
Ask Afrobella — Seeking Natural Hair Salons
Here’s an Ask Afrobella question that I’m gonna need you all to help me answer. Ready? Here goes… Hello Afrobella, First, let me start off by letting you know how much I really respect you as a Woman, Journalist, & Fellow Afrobella! I really appreciate your point of view. Please know that you have filled…
In Defense of Diana
I normally leave the celebrity gossip to the experts, but I spotted this photo of the one and only Miss Diana Ross over at DListed (photo courtesy of Wenn), and I felt compelled to comment. The hilarious dude at DListed declares, “Diana Ross needs to behead whatever queen did her make-up.” So harsh! Of course…
Afrobella of the Week — Afeni Shakur
No parent should have to bury their child. But on September 13th, 1996, Afeni Shakur had to do just that. Her son Tupac Amaru was at the height of his career. That year he’d released All Eyez on Me, a Diamond status double album phenomenon that spawned easily a dozen influential hip hop classics. An…