Fabulous Photos of the Week!

Tika Sumpter
Kevin Hart
Tyra Banks
Elle Varner
Shaniece & Flex Alexander 
 Larenz Tate

 What’s your fave twit/instapic of the bunch?

Issa Rae of ‘Awkward Black Girl’ Makes ‘Totally Biased’ Debut Tonight

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of Issa Rae’s “The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl,” be sure to tune in tonight to catch the web series star/creator on FX’s pop culture/media/political talk show, “Totally Biased.”

She’ll chat with host W. Kamau Bell about her viral hit series and recently teaming up with Pharrell Williams’ i am OTHER family.

Issa Rae and cast of “The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl”


Also, with Season 2 already underway, don’t miss the premiere of episode 4 tonight!


If you’re one of the few who isn’t already hip to the series, you need to click here and catch up STAT, you won’t be disappointed!

“Totally Biased” with Issa Rae debuts tonight on FX at 11pm EST.

Are you a fan of the “AGB” series?

Designers ‘Nail It’ at NYFW

Despite having different styles aesthetics and visions, there’s one thing that all the designers used consistently during New York Fashion Week—gorgeous nails as accessories!

Whether a high-fashion couture show or ready-to-wear presentation, nail art was the premiere accessory to complement the designers’ looks.

From press-on manicures to easy-to apply appliqués to spotlight-stealing shades and textures, nail creativity seems to have hit a high note this season.
Check out a few of my fave looks:
Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards applying ImPress Nails backstage at Betsey Johnson.
Model walking in Betsey Johnson show.

Close-up of the nails at Betsey Johnson.

butter LONDON 3-Free Lacquer Colours: Toff, Sloane Ranger, Knackered, Union Jack Black at the Veda presentation.
“Take a Bite” ColorFX Appliqué moon manicure at the Naeem Khan presentation,
What nail trends or colors are you looking forward to rocking this fall? 

Backstage Beauty: Rolando Santana S/S 13

When it comes to making models look super-human and runway-ready, hair stylists play a huge role.

At the Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation on Wednesday, Aveeno Celebrity Stylist Patrick Melville transformed models’ lackluster tresses into perfectly tousled masterpieces.

Patrick Melville styling backstage at the Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation. 

He created volume  and texture to strands with the help of Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo to complement Santana’s water-inspired designs. “I chose this subtle, 70’s inspired style that gently swept tresses around the face to give a wispy, natural look,” commented Patrick. “The dry shampoo literally transforms the hair texture for more a more dramatic look.”

Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo available here, $8

If my fellow naturalistas and relaxed BGs are wondering if dry shampoo is for us, you’d be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s a great go-to for those in-between washings. It doesn’t completely strip away our natural oils, which is key to keeping our curly coifs cute and healthy. I’ve used this product before and it served as a wonderful and quick alternative to washing. That said, I obviously wouldn’t recommend using it too frequently to substitute standard shampooing.

Former “America’s Next Top Model” winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, backstage.

A model getting styled backstage. 
Aside from the gorgeous hair on the runway, Santana’s designs were stunning! His aquatic inspiration was brought to life with sheer, flowing dresses in pretty pastels like sea foam green and powder blue. Embellished trousers, feathery blouses, pretty peplums, and metallic high-waisted skirts rounded out the ultra-feminine collection.
Overall, I spied several pieces that I’d warmly welcome into my spring/summer wardrobe!
Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation
SPOTTED: Dania Ramirez and Jessica White
Have you ever used dry shampoo? If so, what are your thoughts?

Recap: Harlem’s Fashion Row Presentation

We all know that when it comes to fashion, far too many of our BG and guy designers aren’t given the adequate exposure to showcase their talents.

That’s why I made it a point to head over to Harlem’s Fashion Row’s annual show last Friday at the Jazz at Lincoln Center to celebrate our creations taking center-stage.

Harlem’s Fashion Row 9/2012

The amazingly talented Dark & Lovely lead stylist, Keith Campbell, was on hand making sure the models were runway ready.

Founded by Brandice Henderson in 2007, this year’s HFR featured designers: Latisha Daring, Nzinga Knight, Omar Salam, Bethune Brothers, and fashion favorite Kevan Hall.

Structured, eye-catching prints and colors dominated Latisha Daring’s presentation.
 Nzinga Knight showed that she has a knock for creating flowy feminine looks. 

The Bethune Brothers featured tailored styles such as pencil skirts and textured trenches. 
The uber-statuesque model and reality TV star, Nicole Murphy, graced the catwalk in an all-black, show-stopping jumpsuit during Omar Salam’s presentation. 

For the finale, Kevan Hall’s models looked red-carpet ready cocktail frocks and flow-skimming gowns in an array of candy-colored and sherbet shades. 

SPOTTED: Vanessa Williams, Tasha Smith and Natalie Cole 

I actually didn’t notice Natalie Cole during the show, but managed to snap some paparazzi-esque pics of her entering her car after the show.

Natalie Cole
Who are your favorite BG/guy designers?

Take a Look: Jennifer Hudson’s New Clothing Line

It’s safe to say that Jennifer Hudson has blossomed into a bonafide fashionista right before our eyes.  Since claiming those coveted front row seats at Fashion Week for several years, she’s apparently been taking notes.

Photo courtesy: QVC

The slimmed-down actress/singer, 30, is now taking her love of fashion to the masses. During last week’s Fashion’s Night Out, she debuted the Jennifer Hudson Collection, a collaboration with QVC. From figure-flattering wrap dresses to flouncy tops to outerwear, the collection includes contemporary pieces for women of all body types.

Check out some of the pieces from her line:

Leopard Print Twist Front Dress, $68.28
Dolman Sleeve Top with Waist Detail, $53.50
Slim Leg Pants with Stitch Detail, $49.24
Maxi Skirt with Pocket Detail, $74
If yo u like what you see, be sure to tune in to QVC tonight (11pm EST to midnight) to purchase!
What do you think of the Jennifer Hudson collection?

Rihanna Debuts New Pixie Cut at VMAs

Between Fashion’s Night Out, President Barack Obama’s speech, and Rihanna’s super cute pixie ‘do, last night’s Twitter feed was all abuzz.

While the R&B pop diva could never steal the president’s shine, her newly shorn strands undeniably caught the attention of style and beauty fans around the world.

Rihanna at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. 

I, too, was smitten by her cropped coif. It gives her a sweet, yet sassy and sophisticated look that she totally pulls off. When I spoke to her stylist Ursula Stephen a few years ago, she spoke to me about being responsible for styling Rihanna’s original short ‘do. 

“We’ve been talking about going short for a little while now. And we actually planned to cut it next week but, I just felt like – why wait?? Let’s do it today! She was ready for her short hair again,” Stephens, told reporters of Rihanna’s current cropped look.

Are you loving Rihanna’s pixie cut?