I spotted this photo over at Necole Bitchie, and I gotta thank her for introducing me to the work of Atlanta-based photographer Derek Blanks. His photos are really edgy and interesting, and I was absolutely captivated by this photo of former Afrobella of the Week Chrisette Michele, meeting herself as celebrity and admirer. I love…
Makeup Muses
Friday Flashforward — Estelle’s My Girl
I love her music, I love her message, and I absolutely love her style — British import Estelle has been making big stateside buzz finally, and she’s made an impression on me as a style icon to watch. Here’s why. Estelle is an unconventional beauty. She’s got distinctive features, and she doesn’t try to be…
Total and Billy B — but of course!
I find so much makeup inspiration in music videos. I just put on some VH1 Soul and let it ride. Bellas, if you ever find yourself stuck in a makeup rut, you just may find a way out by mellowing out with some video classics. To wit — Total. Where the heck are Kima, Keisha,…
Meeting Billy B
I’ve been pretty much obsessed with the makeup wizardry of Billy B. since I first saw the video for Lauryn Hill’s Ex-Factor. Or no wait, it was Missy Elliott’s “She’s a Bitch.” Or maybe it was the video for Independent Women by Destiny’s Child. When I was soaking up all that beauty inspiration, I had…
Sandra Hordatt’s Tips for Carnival Wow!
At the risk of not sounding like a true Trini, I have a confession to make. I haven’t been home for Carnival in a decade. TEN YEARS! What can I tell you? College, then the workplace, then financial constrictions always seem to conspire against me. I must admit, I feel very left out and more…
An Improvement from Last Time
Hey — do you remember that Queen Latifah casting call last year? You know, the one where people stood in the snow waiting to be seen? The one that pissed a whole lot of beautiful black women off? I got lots of e mails from bellas swearing they’d never buy the Cover Girl’s Queen Collection….
Throwback Thursday — Miss Jackson
I was pretty psyched to see the video for Janet Jackson’s new single, Feedback — it made its debut on BET this week, and has been all over the internet, quick, watch before they take the link down again. The video is an intergalactic romp that ends with Janet and co. dancing in what looks…
Favorite Things of 2007
Happy New Year!! I missed you guys so much. After a beautiful vacation in Chicago — complete with fun with friends in the city, family time in the suburbs, and a big ol’ family reunion in Findlay, Ohio — I am back at home and settling happily into 2008. I hope all of you had…
Get That Holiday Glam!
This photo of fabulous Brazilian model Rojane Fradique perfectly illustrates what I’ve been saying for so long — bright colors look so stunning on beautiful black skin. Seriously, how fierce is she? I wish I could do such stunning eye makeup. Someday, bellas, someday. The holiday season is upon us, and that means parties and…
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…