From a cropped pixie cut to cascading curls and everything in between, Halle always manages to balance her polished, fab sophistication with her down-to earth appeal. And she never appears overdone!

Here are our top 20 favorites from her ever-evolving hairstyles.

Halle Berry Breaks Foot In Spain

Halle Berry Celebrates 45th Birthday In A Bikini [PHOTOS]

Halle Berry Calls 911 Twice Over The Weekend

Labor Day generally signals an onslaught of falling leaves and cool breezes, but before these last few days of summer are gone, get out there and have some fun! There are still sun rays to be soaked up, so before you pack your short shorts and bikinis away, take a look at this list of 20 things to do before summer kisses your bronzed skin goodbye!

1) Get your camera and start snapping.  There is no better way to capture the essence of the summer than with pictures! Take a few shots that will help you to remember the summer of 2010 forever.

2) Get a bright colored mani-pedi.  Its summer time! When you get to the nail salon and its time to choose your nail polish, give the standard french a rest.  Go for a hot pink or orange, if for no other reason than because its summer and you can do that!

3) Let your hair air dry.  Feel free to wash your hair and let it dry into its natural state without risking pneumonia.  The summer sun can do amazing things to your hair color so let it loose and don’t worry about styling, primping and pressing for a change

4) Put on that bikini! Whether you have been avoiding it all summer or you just want to get one last good run out of it, put on your swimsuit and go for a swim (or just look cute sitting by the pool).

5) Have lunch at a sidewalk cafe.  Scope out a cute little table at one of those quaint little eateries and eat! Outside!

6) Go check out your local botanical gardens.  Don’t miss out on the beautiful flora growing in these neighborhood sanctuaries.

7) Ride around with your windows open.  As wonderful as air conditioning is, scarcely do we realize how isolated it causes us to be.  Pick a not-too-hot day and put those car windows down. Enjoy the fresh air.

8) Drink lemonade. There’s nothing quite like an ice cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, is there?

9) Go to an outdoor movie. Check your local newspapers and libraries for info on outdoor movie screenings.  Sometimes you can catch old classics or even newer films.

10) Have a girls night out.  Pick out a hot little number and some cute sandals, choose a nice lounge or nightclub, call up your girlfriends and go gallivanting about your city. Trekking through the snow in four inch heels to get to the club is just not as much fun.

7 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Staycation This Labor Day Weekend

3 Essential Rules To Remember When Wearing White

11) Catch an outdoor concert.

12) Buy an ice cream cone and eat it while you stroll somewhere. Anywhere.

13) Go to the beach.  Feel your toes in the sand.

14) Barbeque.  If you can’t light up your own grill, then head to the local steakhouse and savor the smokey BBQ flavor.  It just doesn’t taste the same in January.

15) Have a picnic.  If the whole blanket and basket thing is too much for you, then just have a sandwich with a good friend on a park bench.  Enjoy your meal and the warm breeze.

16) Get a tan. No matter what the shade of your skin, lathering up with a good SPF and taking some rays will always leave you with a bronzed glow.

17) Watch the sun set. By the time winter comes back around, you’ll be so focused on getting through rush hour traffic that the sun will set with out you even realizing. Welcome dusk while it’s still later in the day.

18) Wear colorful sunglasses. Its easier to get away with during the summer.

19) Enjoy the fresh fruit that will soon go out of season.

20) Take a romantic stroll with your honey! Let the sweet summer weather lend its self to your romance.  Oh those summer nights!

As Labor Day approaches, this question is on the forefront of many fashionistas’ minds, but before you clean out your closet, take a moment to consider whether this is a valid rule or an outdated remnant of the past.

Perhaps a white linen dress is inappropriate for a 50-degree day, but a chunky off-white scarf, like the one by Ralph Lauren, could be just the thing to spruce up a dark, drab winter ensemble.  The question is not so much whether white is acceptable in the winter, but rather, how can it be done tastefully.

Here are a list of rules to help you conquer white after Labor Day:

5. Stay away from lightweight fabrics. Fabrics like white linen are designed to shade the skin from direct contact with the sun, while allowing for ventilation in warm weather.  Such fabrics serve both a practical and fashionable purposes during the summer,  but are totally inappropriate for the cooler months.

4. Avoid wearing white from head to toe after labor day. While your all white outfit looked fresh and summary as you basked in the June sun, it may very well give you the opposite effect in December.  Avoid appearing white washed by limiting yourself.  After all, there’s nothing cute about blending in with the snow! Try mixing it up; pair that white shirt with dark pants to balance your look.

3. Try off-white hues. You can still achieve the same bright glory by using similar tones.  A light cream colored coat will provide the same effect in a more subtle way.

2. Merchandise it up! Adding accessories to your winter white can help to acclimate it.  An off-white blazer with a heavy statement belt will make it look current, and not like you are still wearing your summer clothes in the fall.

1. Wear your winter-white with confidence! Learn the rules for pulling off the look and then Rock It Out!  After all, you have to master the rules before you can break them.

When you run to the supermarket, it is for another bag of chocolate-covered pretzels to accompany your late night viewing of “Bridezillas.” You walk past all of the Betty Crockers picking out the biggest turkeys for their Thanksgiving extravaganzas, and head straight to the candy aisle, stopping to pick up a Lunchables for your son along the way. You did not buy fancy twenty-dollar auburn candles for your living room, and there is no welcoming wreath outside of your front door. In your opinion, Doomsday is upon us. Well, worry you not, Anti-Housewife! This is a guide tailored specifically to your domestic shortcomings.

Here are 5 tips to help you deal with the Thanksgiving monster your way, on your terms:

1.) Ladies, Place Your Orders!

Do not let your cooking inabilities rob your family of the classic Thanksgiving sit-down-dinner experience. Find the nearest caterer and place your orders! This is prime time for restaurants to make money, so many places do offer catering for all of us anti-housewives who can’t boil water. Place your orders now to ensure that you can preside triumphantly over a well-roasted turkey on the big day!

2.) Do Not Try To Be Anything You Are Not

If you are not into decorating, do not go out and buy a ton of holiday-themed accoutrements to impress your guests. Doing so will just stress you out. Stick with what you like and normally do. If you like flowers, just opt for a holiday-themed bouquet. Leave the hard work to the florist. If you hate to cook, don’t. Don’t over-extend yourself.

3.) Feel Free To Abandon Tradition

Sure, Thanksgiving is known as the day where families sit down to a meal, and give thanks over caramelized onions and creme brulee. If this is not your ideal way of celebrating the holiday, then ditch it. Opt for a late cocktail party with other friends and toast to the holiday instead of slaving over a giant bird in the kitchen. Its just a holiday; do with it what you will, or want.

4.) Keep Things To A Minimum

Do not feel as though you must invite every single branch, twig and leaf of your family tree to your house for Thanksgiving. Not everyone has to eat at the expense of your sanity. Do not go crazy preparing a meal big enough to feed all 200 of your hungry little family members. Uncle Sammy’s half-brother’s cousin does not need an invite. Keep your guest list limited to those that you really want to be with on Thanksgiving.

5.) Just Give It Your Best Shot

I guarantee that your hubby will not divorce you if your Thanksgiving is a little bit wackier than you’d hoped. He will probably be a little bit amused watching you pull a five-pound mound of burnt turkey out of the smoking oven. Thanksgiving is just one day. You have 364 more to redeem yourself. Take a deep breath and don’t stress.

HOW TO ENTERTAIN ON THE FLY

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes (The Best!)

Halloween is rapidly approaching and many of you are scrambling to choose from the left- over costumes that the more timely parents were kind enough to leave behind. Worry you not! HelloBeautiful has surveyed the net for some great alternatives to store-bought costumes that will leave your pockets less strained this Halloween season.  Check out these cool costumes that you and your child can make at home:

1.) A Bunch of Grapes

All this costume requires is about 2 dozen purple balloons, a simple purple outfit and a green hat.  Have your child dress in all purple, then blow up the balloons and stick them to the upper part of your child’s body.  Finish off the costume with a green hat, which you can decorate with simple art supplies to look like a grape stem.

2.) Chicken

Cut the sleeves off a white sweatshirt; fold in and glue raw edges.

Starting at bottom of sweatshirt, hot-glue a white feather boa to it, wrapping it around and up to the neck (you’ll need one boa for a baby, two for toddlers on up.)

Hat: To make chicken’s comb, stuff fingers of a pair of red rubber gloves with Poly-Fil or batting. Then use one cutoff sleeve for a hat: Fold over and glue raw top edge. Then glue the stuffed gloves, end to end, between the folded edges of the hat. Put hat on your child’s head and cut the open end to desired length, leaving an extra inch to fold in and glue down.

Add leggings or tights (striped leggings here are from hannaandersson.com), red or orange long-sleeve T-shirt, yellow gloves, and yellow rubber boots.

3.) Baby Lion

This is a great costume for babies and toddlers. And it might just be the easiest costume. Ever. Simply buy a mop (the old-school stringy kind). Remove the top, and attach it to a creme colored hat.  Dress your little one in a creme outfit and paint some whiskers on his face and voila! Baby Lion. The mop top will give the appearance of an instant lion’s mane. Use piece of rope to create a tail.

4.) Corn on the Cob

For this costume, you’ll need hot glue or fabric glue,  scissors and a tape measure.

Cut the sleeves off a green sweatshirt. Turn in the armholes and glue raw edges. Next, give 3 paper egg-carton bottoms a coat of yellow paint. When dry, glue to front of sweatshirt for kernels. Cut 1 yard of green felt in half. Pull on felt to create irregular edges. Fold and glue along each side of egg cartons, as shown. Glue green pipe cleaners to the back of felt at the top to help the “husk” tips stand up.

For the hat: Measure child’s head and cut a sleeve to fit, leaving an extra inch at the top. Cut a bunch of raffia and bundle together. Wrap a strand around base of bundle to keep it together; glue to hat for corn silk.

5.) Baby Sheep

To make this costume you will need an old sweatshirt, lots of cotton balls, a white hat, black & white felt, a black shirt and black pants. Cut the sleeves off of the old sweatshirt and paste cotton balls generously all over it.  Do the same for the white hat. Cut two ear shaped pieces of felt and add ach them to the hat.  Have your child wear the black shirt/tights under the cotton-covered sweatshirt, along with the hat.

Here is a gallery of these costumes as well as a few others that are simple enough for you to do at home.

6 Beauty Tricks You Can Only Try On Halloween

10 “Healthiest” Halloween Candies

Talley was entertaining, fabulous and hilarious in his embellished but acutely accurate critique of the models. He coined the term “dreckitude” meaning something along the lines of terrible, and brought an authentic, trained eye to the task of judging the wannabe models. Most importantly, he was ridiculously entertaining!

Check out NY Magazine’s video montage of Talley’s best moments from last nights episode of ANTM:

Also, the episode featured a challenge in which the models had to walk a runway with strategically placed swinging pendulums. In other words, a recipe for disaster. Check out some of the girls taking a spill below:

Tyra Wears No Weaves On Next Season Of “ANTM”

New ANTM Judge Andre Leon Talley Pressured To Lose Weight

Honeydew Intimates has debuted its Spring/Summer 2010 underwear collection, bringing you warm, bright, beautiful pieces that will heat up even the most dreary winter day! While we are inundated with snowy, frigid weather here in the northeast, Honeydew is a breath of fresh air in our office, giving us something fabulous to look forward to.

Whether you want to look good for your partner, jazz up an outfit by letting these delicately elegant undergarments peek out or just wear artfully created underwear that will make you feel good, Honeydew has got you covered! Once again, we played guinea pig for our fashionistas, and tried out the lingerie sent to us by Honeydew. The final verdict? Underwear only seems small and insignificant when you are not wearing good ones! The versatile pieces easily go from fun and flirty, to sexy and sensuous. Whatever your personality, this lingerie is bound to help you channel your sensual side. In addition, the fit is perfect and organic, so the underwear conforms to the contours  of a woman’s body in a natural way.

We totally encourage you to get underwear-ready for the coming season by indulging in Honeydew Intimates’ Spring/Summer 2010 collection!

Check out HoneydewIntimates.com to see more.

Also, check out some looks from the new collection below:

REVIEW: WEN Volumizing Spray

REVIEW: Why You Should Try “Urban Decay” Makeup

We earlier posted that the beauty was seen sporting some brand new blond hair at Paris Fashion Week. Well it turns out that her Diddy boo was indeed on deck for the Gareth Pugh Show, seated front row beside huge fashion insiders like Carine Roitfeld (above). According to WWD,

Sean “Diddy” Combs is taking the name of his most recent album, “Last Train to Paris,” to heart. The hip-hop impresario-turned-designer slipped into his front seat at Gareth Pugh minutes before the show started. “I’m here presenting my album,” said Combs. “I’m just here observing, trying to figure it all out,” he added when asked about upcoming fashion projects…R&B singer Cassie squeezed into her seat wearing a white Pugh number ahead of a performance at the V.I.P. Room nightclub. The singer is working on her next album, which will be “more pop than R&B.”

Good to see the designer (and his side piece) doing real fashion research, front row at Paris shows. Hopefully he will learn a few pointers, because the oversized jacket, highwater pants and grandpa shoes (with pants leg tucked in only on one side) were not up to par for such an extravagant gathering:

Do better Diddy.

Take a look at Cassie’s new blonde locks:

Did Diddy shut down Cassie’s twitter account?

Valentine’s Day comes early for Cassie

Stars like Eva and Anika Noni Rose wore beautiful pale and nude colored dressed, paying homage to the coming spring season.

Black remined the champion, as stars looked sleek and sophisticated in their dark frocks.

In the makeup department one trend that stood out was plum eyeshadow.

According to BellSugar,

A plum-toned smoky eye proved to be the look of the evening at the 2010 NAACP Image Awards over the weekend. This hazy hue has just the right amount of punch to create the perfect amount of drama, but thanks to its richly pigmented finish, it also has a sophisticated feel. Pair this shade of purple shadow with a neutral or subtle berry–toned cheek and lip for a flattering style. (Just avoid choosing a plum shadow with pinkish undertones — a surefire way to make it look like you’ve missed out on a night or two of sleep.) And for something fun, use two purples in the mix, just like Gabrielle Union and CCH Pounder did.

If you would like to try the Plum Shadow smokey eye, we recommend these fab products:

Bare Minerals Plum Eye Kit

Dior 2 Color Shadow

You should definitely give this look a try. Happy experimenting fashionistas!

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

You know you’ve reached the bottom of the barrel when you decide to expose a celebrity’s intestinal issues in order to sell your book.

According to the NY Post, Tyra’s ex-publicist, Jon Paul Buchmeyer is exposing trivial tid-bits about the model-mogul’s life in order to advance his book sales. The Post states:

Jon Paul Buchmeyer learned plenty from Tyra Banks when he worked as her publicist during her book tour for “Inside Out.” “Chips with the fat substitute Olestra cause Tyra to have intestinal distress,” he writes in his memoir, “Alphabet City,” which chronicled his years working for Whoopi Goldberg, Vanessa Williams and Condé Nast Traveler. Buchmeyer also learned, “Tyra thinks white limos are tacky,” and to beware of fans who bring teddy bears to book signings — “Anyone that showed up at a book signing offering a stuffed animal probably needs a security escort.”

So Tyra hates stuffed animals and can’t eat certain chips. Is that the best you’ve got Mr. Buchmeyer? Because we still don’t want to buy your sleezy book.

The talk show host was recently spotted at Simyone Lounge in New York City with cast members from “America’s Next Top Model.”

Take a look:

Tyra wears no weaves on next season of ANTM

VIDEO: Tyra & Beyonce get silly on set

Models are the canvases upon which top makeup artists create their best work, and unleash all of their fiercest beauty secrets.

Accordingly, when one of these privileged insiders decides to share a few tips and tricks, we would all benefit by listening!

Glamour Magazine is  spilling the goods on all of the top beauty tricks that you absolutely need to know in order to remain chic and stylish in the coming seasons. Check out a few of the top tips below!

Easter egg colors are your friend

We’re loving this cheery remix of the smoky eye. Just swap your charcoal shadow for the grown-up pastels makeup artist Dick Page used on models at Michael Kors. He lined their eyes with black pencil, then added gold shimmer in the inner corners. Next, he applied light blue or purple shadow along the lower curve of the eyes and from the lash line to just above the crease, then smudged, smudged, smudged. He finished with black mascara.

Try a textured mani

Think of your nails as a showpiece accessory (they’re jewelry, but cheaper), and apply a polish with sparkle—like chunky glitter or gold flecks—built in. “It’s all about texture,” manicurist Elle told me at the Reem Acra show. Another way to wear the trend: Try a dark, opaque shade, with a sheer, shimmery layer on top.

BP Group Spotlight: I Love Makeup

Do an unboring decorated bun

Classic chignons are a runway staple, but the best ones this year got dressed up with fabric. At the Tibi show, hairstylists Kevin Ryan and Frank Rizzieri confessed that they used leftover fabric to frame the models’ updos. And at Jason Wu, hair pro Odile Gilbert used sheer black cloth to add drama to the models’ hair. “It’s fresh and spontaneous,” she said. To DIY, twist your hair into a bun, wrap fabric around it and make big loops with the material, pinning them into place as you go.

Vampy lips done right

The super-intense lipstick combo MAC artist Romero Jennings used for the Jason Wu show made me want to take a temporary hiatus from my usual nudes—it’s that gorgeous. First he applied a deep berry matte lipstick with a lip brush to create a base. Then he added a creamy eggplant shade on top, pressing it in with his fingers for a modern, stained effect. You can perfect the line with a cotton swab or a lip brush (no liner needed). As for your eyes, keep them simple like Jennings did. Apply bronzy shadow and brown liner, then curl your lashes. So fresh!

To read the rest of Glamour’s top model beauty tricks, go here.

Get Mary J’s get-fit-anywhere secret

Take a look at the hottest celeb pics on the net

The debut of Italian Vogue‘s two new web blogs, ”Vogue Black” and “Vogue Curvy,” has caused quite a bit of backlash.

The negative buzz surrounding the sites, dedicated entirely to the task of highlighting the talents of extraordinary black and curvy women respectively, has apparently made it back to the editors. A post entitled “Repleader: What we think about web buzz around Vogue Curvy, Vogue Black and Vogue Talents,” was recently published  on the main Vogue Italia site. Take a look at what Vogue thinks about people being unhappy about having content regarding black and curvy women in particular, carted off to auxiliary sites.

The Cut (New York Magazine blog) suspects that the reason why we decided to create Vogue Talents, Vogue Curvy and Vogue Black is that “these things must be examined on their own, apparently.”

Which is rather true: Vogue.it is not a site dedicated to fashion insiders only, this is why some topics deserve higher consideration.

Vogue Curvy: Tyra Banks in her first post for Vogue.it wrote that “beauty comes in many shapes, and especially in many sizes.” Unfortunately, however, there was no magazine – or site- that covered “other sizes” before.

Italian Vogue Launches Web Pages For Black & Curvy Women

Finally, two years on from the publication of A Black Issue, surrounded by Eastern European models, we ask ourselves: how long will it take before we see more black beauties on the runway? As summarized by Afrobella in her blog, they deserve their own spotlight.

They apparently see nothing wrong with their decision to create these specialized supplementary sites. Still, their decision to do so was groundbreaking in an industry where no such precedent exists. What do you think? Is vogue really doing us black and curvy gals a favor, or are they casting us of to the side and conveniently excluding us from the main fashion vein?

Speak on it.

Vogue Cover Features First Solo Black Model Since 2002

New ANTM Judge Andre Leon Talley Pressured To Lose Weight

Hello Beautiful Hits The Tents For Fashion Week

Fewer Models Of Color Work NY Fashion Week

The mega mogul recently went through a major closet overhaul. With the help of her O Magazine creative designer, Adam Glassman, she managed to reorganize her wardrobe, ridding it of its excess. Though the process began as a tug of war between Adam and Oprah, eventually they came up with a plan to help the big O let go of some of her fashion favorites. According to O Magazine,

Oprah acquiesces, particularly after Adam suggests that the donated items be auctioned off on eBay. “The money should go to OWLA,” Oprah says, referring to the leadership academy she opened for South African girls in 2007. “That sale would make all of this worth it.”

With that settled, the process suddenly becomes easier. Flipping through one long rack of everyday dresses, Oprah pronounces: “These are all fine to get rid of.” Next up: handbags. Oprah likes them spacious and sturdy, like the roomy tote she carries back and forth to her office. So she has no trouble saying goodbye to a number of tiny leather and crocodile bags acquired during her self-described “ladies who lunch phase.” Then she spots a small beige clutch with a gold chain strap. “It’s fantastic.” She slings it over her arm, walks a few paces—and changes her mind. “It’s just so not me.” Off to eBay it goes.

Oprah’s unauthorized tell-all bio coming in April

By day’s end, Oprah has put more than 150 items on the auction list, designated a few untouchables, and even developed a new perspective on her own style: These days comfortable classics win out over straight-off-the runway looks. “In the past, I’ve gotten talked into a lot of trends,” she says. “But I don’t have to be on anyone’s best-dressed list. I’m really just trying to become more of myself.”

Oprah is by far one of the most fashionable women we know. If you would like to get your hands on some of her discarded clothes and accessories, you can place your bids starting here on March 1 at 11 AM. The auction is being hosted by Ebay, and all proceeds will go towards Oprah’s South African school. Its always nice to see celebrities engaging in charitable causes.

They say one mans trash is another man’s treasure, and in Oprah’s case, this is particularly true. Happy bidding ladies!

VIDEO: Lady Gaga visits Oprah looking crazy

Her outstanding talent is being recognized by leading Italian designer designer Max Mara, who has named Saldana ”Face of the Future.” According to the Telegraph:

Ms Saldana will be the front row guest-of-honour at the presentation of MaxMara’s autumn/winter 2010/2011 collection at Milan Fashion Week on Saturday, February 27th.

We are glad to see that despite some media outlets’ reluctance to honor the accomplishments of women of color, Max Mara is willing to give recognition where it is due.

Congrats Zoe!

Vanity Fair’s Young Hollywood Issue Features No Women Of Color

2010’s Woman To Watch: Zoe Saldana

V Magazine‘s March 2010  issue features a very interesting hip-hop themed fashion spread.

Supermodels like Liya Kebede join fierce forces to recreate the aura of the throwback “ghetto fab” fashion sensibility from classic hip-hop figures like MC Lyte, Lil’ Kim, and Salt-N-Pepa. V is definitely giving us an interesting interpretation of what they call ”hip hop goddesses of yore,” complete with gelled-down sideburns and bamboo earrings.

The spread was photographed by Josh Olins and is set to hit newsstands everywhere March 2, 2010.

Check out a few of the images below:

What do you think?

Vogue Cover Features First Solo Black Model Since 2002

New ANTM Judge Andre Leon Talley Pressured To Lose Weight

Jenden is a fashion industry vet, though he is first planting his feet as an independent designer. According to his bio:

Nathan Jenden has over 10 years experience as a designer, his brand is aimed at the modern woman, who desires old fashioned quality delivered in a modern form. Educated at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art and work experience with John Galliano, prepared him for a career at Kenzo, Tommy Hilfiger and Daryl K. He runs his own label in conjunction with his role as creative director at Diane Von Furstenburg.

His Fall 2010 collection was shown at London Fashion Week, and it did not disappoint. He sent bold prints, bright colors, sexy silhouettes and a whole lot of swagger down the runways. Jenden’s work this season has a real urban appeal that we could easily see marching down a Harlem pavement or out a fifth avenue residence. His ability to capture the best of both worlds is what draws up to his collection and the fierceness that his designs exude is what keeps us interested. Also, in light of the lack of diversity taking place on fashion runways world-wide, we totally appreciate his fabulous model casting for the London show. Show ‘em how its done Nathan!

Take a look at Nathan Jenden Fall 2010 below:

Italian Vogue has just made an unprecedented move in the fashion industry, creating a web page dedicated entirely to the happenings and accomplishments of women of color.

Vogue is arguably the central and single most important editorial force in the fashion industry. The Italian division just re-designed and launched their website, making everything available in English as well as Italian. Part of the redesign included the addition of a few auxiliary pages, two of which are entitled “Vogue Black” and “Vogue Curvy.”

The “Vogue Black” page seems entirely dedicated to the task of reporting on black talent in the fashion industry. While it is a first for any major editorial powerhouse to create a division focusing exclusively on women of color, this page still seems uncomfortably exclusionary. Why must we be relegated to a separate page Vogue? Nonetheless, this is a huge step in the right direction, as black women have very few outlets that honor and recognize their great contributions to the industry.

The lead story on the web page as of today is “Know Your ‘Fro,” a curious choice, though a valiant effort at trying to place an “Italian” finger (who exactly is programming and writing for this website?) on the pulse of “black” women’s beauty trends.

Vogue Cover Features First Solo Black Model Since 2002

New ANTM Judge Andre Leon Talley Pressured To Lose Weight

The page also features an interview with Tyra Banks, where she talks about the coming demise of her talk show and her favorite journalistic moments. She states,

“I asked Hillary Clinton how she feels about herself when she looks in the mirror, like, when her clothes are off and when she looks in the mirror. And everyone’s saying, ‘Oh my god I can’t believe you asked her that. oh my God.’ But I felt so comfortable with her, I felt like she was just a girlfriend at home, so I asked her those questions. I didn’t know I was pushing the envelope by asking her things like that.”

It will be interesting to see how things pan out with this new endeavor, though surely we can respect the fact that Italian Vogue has actually taken us into account. It is among the most progressive magazines in the industry, especially considering the hugely successful “Black Issue.” Still, we can’t help by wonder why such a page was spearheaded by Italian Vogue, and not its American counterpart.

Similarly, Vogue Italia has launched a page entitled “Vogue Curvy” which highlights the accomplishments of and news relevant to Curvy women.

Here is its front page:

Somehow this reminds me of high school lunch rooms where the “nerds” have their own table as do the “popular kids” and the “alternatives.” Only in this case, the black women and the curvy girls have their own web pages.

Whats your opinion?

Hello Beautiful Hits The Tents For Fashion Week

Fewer Models Of Color Work NY Fashion Week

Many models and industry professionals have expressed displeasure with the blatantly discriminatory ways of the fashion world. Now, we actually have some quantifiable evidence. Jezebel has been monitoring the number of spots relegated to women of color at New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and the numbers show a clear decline in the trajectory of hiring practices with regard to black women.

Jezebel monitored the website Style.com which covers fashion week, and counted the number of spots in each of the 122 fall, 2010 shows held in New York. They reportedly counted how many of those spots went to models of color. According to Jezebel,

The numbers were not encouraging. Of 4,095 turns on the runway, only 662 went to models who weren’t white. That’s barely 16%.  Black models, at 323 bookings, were used the most of any single ethnic group, aside from whites. Asians were second, with 264. Latinas were a distant third, with 61 trips down the catwalk. Fourteen times during this fashion week, models of other races were used in a runway show.

It’s important to note that we were counting instances of a model being used in a show — not individual models. (A lot fewer than 4,095 models did the fashion week rounds.) Models who are popular with designers and casting directors were booked for multiple shows, and many shows send each model out in two or more looks from the collection. We counted not each model but each runway look — ie, the total number of opportunities for women of color to be included on American fashion’s biggest platform, and in the fashion week that kicks off the world’s ready-to-wear collections, which continue right now in London.

These statistics  show a clear decline in work opportunities since last year. Whats particularly surprising is  the fact that several of the most well-known fashion houses like Calvin Klein and DKNY, were among the most discriminatory. Jezebel states:

Most of the shows that took place used some models of color — just three designers, A Détacher, Alice + Olivia (full disclosure: an old client of mine), and Preen, chose exclusively white casts — but many used very few. Well over 60% of the shows, in fact, used casts that were 85% white, or more.

Nineteen shows used only one non-white model. Those designers included taste-makers like Calvin Klein, blockbuster commercial labels like Diesel, and the Olsens’ well-regarded line, The Row.

Eighteen designers booked just two models of color. That list included both Donna Karan and DKNY, Jill Stuart, Rag & Bone, and Nicole Miller.

It is certainly frustrating to see the pattern that the fashion industry is following, though he real question is how can we change things? It is already a known fact that black women struggle to find solid footing in the racially selective fashion industry. Now, we need to dedicate efforts to the task of remedying the problem. What are your suggestions?

In celebrtion of the few black women that do get recognition in the fashion world, check out these galleries!

GALLERY: Does Naomi Campbell Still Have “It”?

Top 10 Highest Paid Models Revealed, None Black

Wednesday Getaway: Model Arlenis Sosa In Tobago

GALLERY: Chanel & Jourdan Cover Teen Vogue

GALLERY: Chanel & Sessilee Go Head-To-Head

We already reported that the supermodel was honored with an ELLE Style Outstanding Contribution Award for her work in modeling and philanthropy. In her acceptance speech she paid tribute to late British designer Alexander McQueen. Still, Naomi’s tribute goes far beyond that. According to Elle,

The supermodel has been paying tribute in more than words, and probably more fittingly, by wearing the designer almost non-stop since he died. Naomi was snapped coming out the the New York Alexander McQueen store the day after Alexander ‘Lee’ McQueen died, and has donned the designers spring summer collection at most fashion events since.

She made sure his collection was the major draw at her Fashion For Relief show last week which raised funds for mothers and children affected by the disaster in Haiti. Naomi herself, Kate Moss and Pixie Geldof all modeled Alexander at the show, while Naomi then wore another of his pieces sat in the front row of Christoper Kane’s catwalk show yesterday.

Campbell and McQueen were close before his death, so its fitting that she would honor both their friendship and his creative genius by wearing his designs.

To read more about Campbell’s fashionable tribute go here.

Naomi Kicks Off London Fashion Week For Haiti!

Celebs Fave Designer Alexander McQueen Found Dead

There are countless beauty products available for sale, all claiming to be the best at what they do. For this reason, when I come across a product that is actually worth my time, effort and money, I am willing to shout it from the rooftops! Enter Urban Decay, a beauty brand dedicated entirely to the enormous task of creating quality makeup that caters to the edgier, experimenting woman.

I recently sampled some of Urban Decay’s new products: the Stardust Eyeshadow, the Eyeshadow Primer Potion and the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. Let me start by saying that I was indeed intimidated. Eyeshadow primer? I thought to myself, “am I even qualified to use this stuff? Do I need some kind of training course and certificate?” I took a deep breath and followed the (excessively simple) directions. One wave of the brush later, and there was a thin, non-intimidating layer of primer on my eyelid. I then went on with the application of the actual shadow, again intimidated. Luckily, Urban Decay has taken all of the fuss out of eye-shadow. Stardust does not even come with a brush, so there is one less thing to worry about. With my finger I applied the beautiful shimmering powder to my eyelid, on top of the primer and was immediately surprised by the  result. I had bright shimmer that was not too heavy or thick. There were no giant sparkles falling into my eye, and the powder did not fall and stain my cheeks. The finely ground shadow went on smooth and even, providing a look that was bold but not tacky.

REVIEW: WEN Volumizing Spray

My experience with the liner was equally gratifying. Unlike most other liners, Urban Decay goes on easily, and no second application is necessary. The pencil makes a smooth clearly visible line, and stays in place.

Urban Decay cosmetics are definitely good quality, but beware! They are definitely made for the bold and brave! The colors are fantastically bright and alternative. If you seek neutral hues, mauve and pales then perhaps this is not the product line for you. If, however, you love bright fun color then Urban Decay Cosmetics are just the thing to fulfill your makeup needs and wants.

VIDEO: Purple Lab’s ‘No Panty Lines’ Lip Gloss

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

We hit up the iconic Bryant Park Tents to take in one of the most spectacular shows of the week, Isaac Mizrahi.

Of course, the wealth of the fashion week experience lies largely in the smaller details, so here is my fashion week diary, filled with all of the amazingly glamorous details.

9:00 AM

Entering the tents is nothing short of a red carpet experience tailor made for the die-hard fashionista. There are paparazzi and street photographers lining the steps of the entrance tent.  As I enter, random people snap pictures of my outfit, and shoes; ladies, i loved it!

9:30 AM

I brave an impressive line manned by an uber-chic PR team, and make my way to the Mizrahi tent.

9:45 AM

I am seated in the third row (which-fyi-puts me shoulder to shoulder with major players in the fashion game). I see Russel Simmons and supermodel Veronica Webb seated directly across from me. And, oh my, was that Countess D Lessepes from our favorite guilty pleasure “The Real Housewives Of NY”? I even see Yaya from ANTM, remember her?!

10:00 AM

Just as I find myself fed up with people-watching, the lights dim…yes!

Mizrahi sent about 45 glamorous looks down the runway. The collection is a winter wonderland theme; luxe furs, colorful wools and heavy prints march by me. I am totally engaged with this line. It has a pretty, real-woman sensibility, though it is fabulously fashion forward in its execution. Elegant ball gowns float by, topped with full fox-trimmed hoods…perfection! Thick wool blazers balance short feminine dresses, and we are inundated with color which is so often omitted in fall collections. Mizrahi has managed to crank out another winter-wonderful collection that maintains his trademark understanding of what real women can, and want to wear.

Snow comes falling freely from the ceiling (covering the usually stoic and unnaturally chic front-row Vogue editors-Ha!) emphasizing the theme and ending the show with a bang. The models take their final walk, giving us one final view of the amazing Mizrahi looks and then the designer himself prances down the length of the runway. A job well done.

10:40 AM

I exit the Mizrahi tent on a natural high, anxious to see the Fall 2010 collection hit stores.

In desperate need of a break from the high-energy, high-fashion Bryant park scene, I dip into the Frappucino Lounge.

I am greeted with an organically tranquil ambiance, and have a seat to mix and mingle with the other fashion week glamazons seeking refuge at the Starbucks lounge. I become acquainted with a brand new flavor of Strabucks’ bottled Frappucino, and it is decidedly a relationship that I want to continue! The Vanilla Light Frappucino combines the best of both worlds. The traditional taste of Starbucks’ rich coffee, but with 50% fewer calories and 60% less sugar than the classic Vanilla.

As my fashion week experience comes to an end, I have a new collection and a new drink to look forward to! Until next time fashionistas!

Check out some looks from the Mizrahi Fall 2010 collection below:

Thank you to the team at Starbucks for providing me with tickets to the show and some Frappuccino Light!

Still, Azria is often criticized as a designer for refusing to stray from the bandage design that propelled his brand into mainstream notoriety. After all, how many short, tight striped dresses can one fashion house make?

Well, Azria marched his response to this question down the Mercedes Benz Fashion week runways this past week. The answer? At least 32 more.

The collection managed to reinvent the bandage dress is a more cutting edge way. Azria showed conceptual dresses with dramatic cuts and complicated detailing. The typical skin tight Leger mini dresses have graduated to angular, sculpted frocks. In some pieces, the bandaging technique is abandoned altogether in favor of elaborate weaving, although there is always a subtle nod to the original thrown in masterfully.

Check out some looks from the Fall 2010 runway collection, and let us know what you think:

Check out your favorite Celebs rocking Leger for all its worth!

Fashion Week Hair Trend: The Side Pony

Hot Or Not: Alexander Wang’s Deconstructed Collection

There are countless shows out there shining light on the exclusive world of high fashion modeling, though most if not all focus on women. Those that do show male models tend to set aside very few slots for African-Americans. Well Centric has picked up the slack, producing a show that follows a set of HOT black male models navigating their dynamic paths in the industry.

Offering up a slice of reality in the world of fashion, “Model City” introduces viewers to 8 young models looking to expand and excel in their careers. Watch as they battle for the top spot.

Tune in at 10pm every Thursday starting tonight to see the models in action. Until then, check out this clip:

Take a look at the cast below:

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

Much of what we see on the runway is purely for show, but this is one trend that just might make its way into the mainstream. If you’re interested in recreating the look for yourself, Glamour Magazine got a behind the scenes look at the makings of Lacoste’s side pony.

Hairstylist Luke Hersheson was going for “playful and preppy” when he whipped up these poufy side ponies for the runway. Their texture gives them a bit of a sophisticated/modern update.

To give the ‘tails a full-bodied look, Hersheson relied on Rockaholic by TIGI Texturizing Spray Pomade along with some strong mousse.

Will you be trying out this off-the-runway hair trend?

Go here to see more of the Lacoste show.

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

There has been a ton of controversy surrounding Beyonce’s “I AM…” World Tour stop on the island of Trinidad scheduled for tomorrow, and apparently her PR team has cooked up an awesome damage control scheme.

It was reported that Beyonce‘s performance would cost the small island country nearly 30 million dollars-money which would have to come out of the fund set aside by the government for the carnival festivities also taking place this week. Many Trinidad citizens were peeved at the idea of removing funds from the long standing Carnival tradition in favor of a one time Queen-Bey concert.

Beyonce the benevolent has struck back, however, by offering free concert tickets to 300 lucky Trinis. According to her publicity team,

After her sold out “I AM…” World Tour, international superstar Beyoncé marks the last date of the South American leg of the tour by donating 300 tickets to lucky fans in Trinidad. The fans will be chosen by The United Way of Trinidad and Tobago and the tickets will be distributed on the morning of Thursday, February 18, 2010. Beyoncé will perform in Queen’s Park Savannah the evening of February 18 with local soca star Machel Montana on the bill as the opening act.

This concert is part of Beyoncé recently extended 2009 South American tour featuring a series of live concerts that began February 4, 2010 at Parque Planeta in Florianópolis, Brazil. The two-week run took the entertainer from Brazil to Argentina, Chile and Peru. She played to her biggest live concert audience ever in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where a crowd of 60,000 fans gathered. Hopefully she will be able to provide a few extra Trinidadian concert-goers with an equally good time.

Trinidadian’s Say “No Thanks” To Bey’s Pricey Concert Fees

Beyonce: “It’s Time To Recharge My Batteries”

Check out Bey after her performance in Brazil here:

Check out more photos of Bey below:

We recently reported on Vanity Fair’s Young Hollywood issue, which featured ten stars-on-the-rise who, unfortunately, were all white, female, slender and conventionally beautiful.

The lack of diversity in Vanity Fair’s spread has sparked much controversy among those who believe that the magazine intentionally excluded any women of color. Gabourey Sidebe, one of the biggest breakout stars of the past year, has been at the crux of the argument against Vanity Fair’s cover. She recently spoke to Access Hollywood, expressing her humble opinion on the issue. Check out what the “Precious” star had to say:

“Were you satisfied with the story inside the magazine?” Access Hollywood asked the Best Actress nominee at Monday’s Oscar Luncheon.

“Was I satisfied? Yeah, well… I mean, I come from a world where I’m not on covers and I’m not in magazines at all,” Gabourey said. “And so I was happy to be in the magazine.

“At first I thought, ‘Hmm, should I be there?” she continued, about the cover shoot. “Then I very quickly got over it. I think if I were a part of that shoot I would have felt a little left out anyway.”

“I would have felt a little like… whether or not I should have been there,” she told Shaun. “[It] doesn’t matter, because I wasn’t on it and I’m excited to be mentioned anywhere, and it doesn’t matter to me where I’m not mentioned.”

“It was a long transition,” she said. “It was so long ago that I don’t exactly remember how I got there. I’m just grateful that I am there because so many people go through this — beautiful people, gorgeous people — don’t feel it, don’t feel as if they’re gorgeous and I think it’s really sad and I’m glad that I happen to be one of the people who does feel [it].”

Its good to see that Gabourey remains aware, though humble and mostly unaffected by this exclusionary Hollywood BS!

Vanity Fair’s Young Hollywood Issue Features No Women Of Color

Zoe Saldana also weighed-in on the lack of racial diversity on Vanity Fair’s recent Hollywood issue cover, saying that she’s very grateful to America, despite all of its flaws.

Check out what she had to say below:

2010’s Woman To Watch: Zoe Saldana

Wang debuted his Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear collection at Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York, and as usual he managed to push the already far extended limits of fashion. He tackled classic tailored menswear pieces in an attempt to deconstruct the looks, making them new, strong, feminine and edgy. Wang played with concept like asymmetry, which is pretty much unheard of with regard to tailored pieces.

The Alexander Wang Fall 2010 line was definitely inspired and had a clear perspective, but the question is, are you feeling it?

Was this show just an artistic expression for you, or are you ready to wear Alexander Wang’s Ready-To-Wear?

A Disappointing Runway Show From BCBG Max Azria

To see more of Alexander Wang Fall 2010, go here.

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

L.A.M.B. Keeps It Rocker Chic For NY Fashion Week

The BCBG runway show took place this past Thursday at New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and to be frank, it was a huge bummer.

While the BCBG brand is not necessarily known to be on the cutting edge of high-end fashion, it is still known as a stylish fashion house for the city-chic woman. Unfortunately, none of this came across in the fall 2010 collection. Designer Max Azria provided nothing more than a drab color palette with white stockings and a mish-mosh of fabrics that totally disagree with each other. The models seemed to be playing an epic game of “how many ways can we wear the same piece of cloth.” There were a few looks that were satisfactory, but overall BCBG left us feeling uninspired and confused. Take a look at the collection below, and tell us if you feel the same:

L.A.M.B. Keeps It Rocker Chic For NY Fashion Week

Some of our favorite celebs were spotted at some of the hottest shows at Fashion Week this weekend. Check them out in this gallery:

Naomi Campbell’s fashion for relief

We have even more pics for you below:

Designer Gwen Stefani sent her Fall 2010 collection for L.A.M.B down the runway this past Thursday at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

The line stayed true to its usual rocker aesthetic, via cool leather pieces, layering and punk prints. Stefani also incorporated a military motif, a clever belt accessory and garments with more proportion to keep the line looking trendy, fresh and new.

Want to recreate the Rocker-Chic L.A.M.B. look? We can help! Here are a few tips to help you get in touch with your inner rock star for Fall 2010:

1) Create A Muted But Bold Color Palette

Sure, this may sound like a contradiction but its not. The L.A.M.B. collection used a lot of blacks, deep greens, greys and rich blues. While these aren’t the brightest colors, they are definitely bold! Mixing bold colors is actually quite difficult sometimes, as it is so easy to end up looking more drab than fab in a black and blue outfit, but if you use the looks from the L.A.M.B. runway as a guide, you should be able to master the delicate balance.

2) Try A Multi Strap Belt

Transform a normal blouse into an off-the-runway look by rocking a multi-strap belt similar to the ones shown in the L.A.M.B. collection. This Studded Multi-Strap Belt

We recently told you all about Wen, a revolutionary new line of haircare products that is changing the way we cleanse our tresses.

Well ladies, we recently came across a new product that takes our hair-care regimen to a new level.

I’m sure you have all seen those fabulous hair commercials that showcase models with surreal tresses that bounce, flip and move effortlessly. Furthermore, I think we are all equally guilty of envying voluminous hair, though still largely unaware of how to achieve the look without dropping a mortgage payment at some fancy beauty salon. Once again, enter Wen, a set of hair care products dedicated to the momentous task of managing and cleansing hair in a healthier, low maintenance way.

The Wen Volumizing Spray is your all natural answer to the question that we all find ourselves asking at some point: “how can I achieve full bouncy hair at home?”

REVIEW: “Wen,” The Alternative To Damaging Shampoo

I took it upon myself to play guinea pig, and tried the Lavender Wen spray. My hair is naturally very curly and must be flat-ironed to within an inch of its life in order to be worn straight. As many of you dealing with ethnic hair already know, the intense heat and stress from flatirons, curling irons and pressing combs can often leave your hair lifeless and dull. I decided to see whether the volumizer was any match for my extra-strength flatiron, and to my surprise, at the end of my straightening routine, my hair was not only straight, but light and airy. Instead of laying perfectly flat on my head, the curls held in a natural, healthy way, and moved freely from the root all the way to the end.

While I was definitely pleased with the results that Wen volumizing Spray produced, I must add that a large part of the product’s success probably had to do with the fact that I used it in combination with the Wen cleansing and styling products as well. The entire line is focused on treating hair with natural, non-harsh, environmentally friendly ingredients, allowing for more holistic haircare. Accordingly, I encourage you to give the entire line a try in order to maximize your results.

REVIEW: Motives Cosmetics

Again, I know that as black women, it can be hard for us to stray from our usual formulas when it comes to hair care. Still, I encourage you to try Wen, as its product line does offer benefits beyond measure in terms of its healthy perspective on hair care. Revamp your routine, and give Wen a try ladies. Its worth it!

The Wen products are moderately priced and available here and here for purchase.

Check out this video to learn more about how to use Wen products:

Take a look at the hottest celeb pics on the net