Tag Archives: Celebs

Feb 22 2012

Plus-Size Model Call for Tionna Small’s New Boutique, “Majesty’s Closet”, in Richmond, Virginia on Sunday, March 18, 2012

Very soon my hometown of Richmond, Virginia will be the location of a new plus-size boutique from TV personality/author Tionna Smalls and her sister, Toni Reason. The boutique will not officially launch until March 31st but I have the inside scoop on their model call coming up first. Majesty’s Closet will be hosting a plus-size (sizes 12-28) model casting call on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Paradise Lounge from 4-7pm. Models must bring pictures of yourself, printed out, heels to walk in and be ready to strut your stuff:
112 N Fifth Street  
Richmond , VA 23219
TV personality, Tionna Smalls, is known to be a curvy woman. The world was introduced to her in April of 2010 when she co-starred with Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in the hit VH1 show, “What Chilli Wants.” After being fed up with not being able to find fabulous clothes to accentuate her womanly frame, she called her sister Antonia “Toni” Reason. Reason, being known for her sense of style and Smalls conversed on the telephone about what the plus size industry was missing and exchanged ideas; it was then that “Majesty’s Closet” was created.
Majesty’s Closet is an online boutique for the majestic size woman sizes 12-28. Their motto is “We dress better than our size 4 friends.” They specialize in fab items for the everyday diva and for those who are looking to put some kick in their wardrobes….

Majesty’s Closet named after Reason’s daughter and Smalls’ niece Majesty, is the answer for plus size women everywhere wondering where can they find trendy clothing in their size. Majesty’s Closet is an online women’s boutique that specializes in fabulous contemporary clothing for sizes 12-28. The sisters replaced the phrase plus size, instead they use ‘majestic’ size. 

The company’s colors are purple and gold which stands for the way the company plan on treating their customers, as “Royalty”. The motto of the company is ‘we dress better than our size 4 friends!” The motto was created to dispel the misconceptions that a voluptuous woman couldn’t able to dress better than a woman of traditional size. 

Majesty’s Closet is by far not the average online boutique; the company will open a showroom later on in the year. The showroom which will open here in Richmond, Virginia, is for customers who would like to receive the attention they deserve when they get dressed and step out. The Majestic Diva’s will be able to get one on one fashion consultations and be able to try on merchandise once the showroom is open to the public.

The website, www.majestyscloset.com, will be launched on March 31, 2012 which is also the 28th wedding anniversary of the owners parents. The sisters are hoping that the launch date will bring on many blessings.




Feb 14 2012

Supermodel Beverly Johnson Debuts New Haircare and Ponytail Line at TARGET Stores This Month

ICONIC MODEL BEVERLY JOHNSON TO LAUNCH MULTICULTURAL HAIRCARE LINE AT TARGET STORES 

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF. (FEBRUARY 14, 2012) —Supermodel Beverly Johnson, the first African-American model to grace the cover of Vogue magazine, will launch two new product lines in select TARGET stores nationwide on February 26, 2012.

1) Model Logic by Beverly Johnson™ is a multicultural line of seven luxurious haircare products geared towards women and men of all ages.

2) Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails feature a blend of synthetic and natural hair for which they can withstand the high heat of a curling iron for numerous styling options. 

Following in the tradition of legendary African-American entrepreneurs and pioneers who have built beauty empires by creating products specifically for women of color, Ms. Johnson has invoked that same spirit with The Beverly Johnson Lifestyle Brand that includes haircare, skin care, bath & body, ponytails and more. And unlike many celebrity-licensed or endorsed products, Model Logic by Beverly Johnson has been created, manufactured, and distributed by Beverly’’s recently launched company BJE, LLC.

“”Having worked so long in the fashion and beauty industries, many of the products that were used on me while I was modeling were more than just your average lipstick or shampoo”,” said Ms. Johnson. “”I learned how they were formulated and what products were the most beneficial for both women and men of color in terms of styling but also restoration. Thanks to this experience, I would say that I’’ve become a multicultural expert and leader for beauty and hair products that are top-notch and that serve our specific beauty needs”.”

The salon-quality products are all based on formulas that Beverly has used for years. Each of Beverly’’s hair products boasts unique blends of emollients, botanical extracts and vitamins that leave hair looking luxurious just like a supermodel’s mane and at an affordable price point ranging from $12.50 to $25.00 for the haircare products and $19.95 to $25.00 for the Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails.


The following products will be available at select TARGET stores nationwide on February 26:

Top Model
Super Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo – A concentrated shampoo enriched with conditioning emollients that has a unique blend of botanicals extracts as well as vitamin E. It gently conditions as it cleans, so that hair is never stripped or depleted of natural oils after shampooing. 

Hairline Magic Crème
Softening and Prevents Breakage of Hairline – This product is a wonderful solution to several hairline conditions. It is the perfect way to smooth down broken and unruly hairs and keep them in place. As a protectant, it conditions and fortifies the hairline and keeps it from becoming dry and brittle. It replaces dullness with a beautiful shine and adds refinement and luster to this fragile section of hair.

Go Curly
Promotes the Natural Curl of your Hair – A nourishing styling product used to create soft flowing frizz free curls. Contains Pro Vitamin B and Keratin to moisturize and improve shine on curly hair. 

Dead Straight
Incredible Shine and Styling Treatment – Provides your hair with exceptional conditioning and incredible shine. This multifaceted product can be used as an elegant conditioner for dry damaged hair, and as a shine enhancer following styling. 

Work It
Ultra Softening Conditioning Treatment – An exceptional way to replenish dry hair with smoothing and deep-penetrating conditioners. Enriched with Pro-vitamin B-5, which is highly beneficial and refreshing for both hair and scalp. This luxurious treatment provides genuine help for dry, damaged or abused hair, revitalizing it with a soft manageability. 

Photo Finish Mist
Fine Mist that Gives Hair Shine – An excellent product to use to add shine and dimension to finished styles. 

Strike a Pose
Shea Butter Moisturizer that Provides Control and Hold – A styling cream designed to provide control, hold and texture. Strike A Pose is enriched with Shea Butter that moisturizes while keeping your hairstyle in place. 

Beverly Johnson’’s new Drawstring Ponytail adds long, luxurious natural style to hair. Using the Futura™ synthetic hair fiber that is lighter, softer and feels and looks just like human hair, it beautifully blends in with natural hair. The Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytail comes in a range of colors from golden blonde to off-black as well as varying textures from silky straight to a loose straw curl. The Drawstring Ponytail responds to styling tools and can easily be curled with a curling iron and take the heat of a flat iron. 

Consumers can visit www.beverlyjohnson.com for a full list of TARGET stores where the haircare line is available. 

BeverlyJohnson.com is a new ecommerce site launched in December 2011 and features Beverly’’s haircare, skincare and bath & body products. The site also includes a blog where Beverly shares beauty & fashion tips and The Beverly Johnson Lifestyle Brand. Visit Beverly on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SupermodelBeverlyJohnson or on Twitter,http://twitter.com/beverlyjohnson1.

Feb 13 2012

“New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week” in Atlantic City, NJ, Friday, March 30th-Sunday, April 1st, 2012

New Jersey’s Full-Figured Fashion Week to Take Place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, March 30th to April 1st 2012

 

Brought to you by Nfinite Form, New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week is a buzz-worthy, “Girls Getaway” weekend of celebrity performances, plus size runway shows, daily shopping, panel discussions and notable guests.

 

This spring, fabulous full-figured women from all across the Tri-state area will come together in Atlantic City, New Jersey to experience an exclusive look into the world of fashion for every size. By creating a platform to raise mainstream fashion’s awareness of the plus-size industry, NJFFFW ® created by Nfinite Form, will empower women of all ranges to feel glamorous and confident with designers and brands that appeal to their curves.

Melanie_fionaeric_benet

This buzz-worthy weekend of performances, runway shows, activities, shopping and notable guests is a must-attend event for every true lover of fashion. Shining the spotlight on never-before-seen plus-size style and taking mainstream women’s fashion to revolutionary new heights, NJFFFW ® will take over Atlantic City March 30th- April 1st, 2012. Among the ever-expanding roster of guests – two-time Grammy-nominated R&B legend Eric Benet and Grammy-nominated Melanie Fiona are slated to perform. Top TV Style Correspondent and author of The Bra Book, Jené Luciani and Heather Feather, Star of TLC’s Big Sexy, are amongst the fashion panelists. Star of Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” Lamman Rucker is also slated to appear, along with famed fitness instructor, dancer and actor Darrin Henson from “Stomp the Yard and Soulfood.” The overall weekend will be hosted by MTV Reality star Chelsea Settles. Additionally, Toccara Jones from America’s Next Top Model will be a panelist – many more yet to be announced!

2011-12-27_2044Darrin_Henson

This highly anticipated three-day event will debut to an audience of thousands of women of all shapes and sizes. Much like fan favorites Lucky Shops and Shecky’s Girls’ Night Out, shoppers will have the opportunity to shop, party and mingle together all day, while taking place in Bally’s Hotel and Casino. Featuring celebrity DJs and Grammy-nominated performers (not to mention the latest trends on the market in Spring/Summer fashions, the hottest designers and vendors, and two runway shows happening live) women will get a chance to enjoy their custom-tailored favorite brands and looks.

Tocara_jones

NJFFFW ® kicks off with an opening cocktail reception and runway show at 8pm, followed by an after party hosted by Tami Roman of Basketball Wives at One Atlantic. The following Saturday, March 31st, the shopping events begin with panel discussions, runway shows in both prom and wedding, drinks and appetizers continued by a night of dancing and performances at The Harlem Club at The Showboat Hotel hosted by Kiss FM’s Lenny Green. The final Sunday begins with a Zumba class hosted by celebrity choreographer, Darrin Henson, bruch, and then a state wide model search with Top Model’s Toccarra Jones and farewell SWAG bags.

www.njfffw.com

Feb 13 2012

“Singer Adele Proves That She’s Not ‘Too Fat’ To Win 6 Grammy’s, Now Take That Karl Lagerfield”

“I found the greatest love of all inside of me,
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve,
Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all”—-Whitney Houston

It only seems befitting to start off this blog post with those famous words from the Whitney Houston song, “The Greatest Love of All”.  Even though this post is not specifically about her those words are perfect for what I have to say. Last night were the 2012 Grammy Awards and me along with millions of others were glued to the TV watching and tweeting our thoughts. I for one thought that the most emotional part of the night would have been the tribute to Whitney Houston. Turns out  that what really moved me was singer Adele. Not only is her voice both chilling and stronger than ever after having throat surgery, but her whole presence was amazing. This was Adele’s first performance since having the throat surgery and she didn’t disappoint. She even started off her performance acappella to show us that she’s still got it. But let me get to the real reason for writing this post.

While on Twitter last night I tweeted a few thoughts on Adele and when I woke up this morning, I saw that I had quite a few Retweets of what I wrote. That just shows me that a lot of people feel the way I do. Here are my tweets below:

Bella Styles

Yeah Adele, show Karl Lagerfield you ain’t too fat for a #Grammy #GoTeamCurvy
Adele is showin every lil girl who was ever ashamed of her curves that yes you ‘can have it all’ & make it. Society needs to wake up!  #Grammys
I feel like ranting but 4 a good cause.Curves are “winning” this year. Just look at Octavia Spencer & Adele. Don’t eva apologize 4 ur curves

I’m not gonna lie, I was so excited for Adele last night for proving that you don’t have to be stick thin to make it in the entertainment world that I had to shut down and stop tweeting altogether. I could not stop the tears. Adele received 6 Grammy’s sweeping the entire awards ceremony last night.  All I could think about was designer Karl Lagerfield’s comments about the singer recently. He said, and I quote, ”The thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice,” the 78-year-old head designer and creative director for Chanel told Metro Paris”. 

Now this is what pisses me off with society. Everyone is not gonna be shaped the same due to health reasons, genetics, etc. But why do we have to be put in a box because of that? No, I’m not condoning obesity in any way shape or form but just because you may be a size 14 or even a 20 doesn’t mean that you’re not healthy or not taking care of yourself. I’m about to step on some toes here but what the hell. I have been holding this in for some time now.

 Karl must have forgotten that he was a “big boy” just a few years ago too. Yes, I’m sure some people do feel better about themselves or look wonderful after major weight loss, such as Jennifer Hudson, but don’t forget that you were once larger too. I myself know that I could stand to lose a good 50 pounds but I always want to rep the curvier woman. Even if I do lose the weight I would “never” turn my back on the plus-size world. I honestly have been smaller years ago, when I first found out that I had thyroid problems, and I didn’t look right being 150 pounds. Having a ‘smaller’ frame isn’t for everyone. That’s what pisses me off with society. We feel that you have to be below a size 6 to be ‘accepted’ in the world. That’s what’s been brain washed into our heads for years. Many times producers and industry people tell entertainers that they ‘must’ lose weight or be a certain size in order for records to sell . Ummm, I think last night Adele proved them wrong. ( A point also made with actresses Queen Latifah, Mo’Nique, Amber Riley, KayCee Stroh, etc who have either won awards or made positive strides as plus-size women).

It even carries over into the real world of dating guys and also having female friends. Some men only want the ‘society approved’ woman on their arms. I personally have been victim to guys saying that they’d prefer a ‘smaller woman’ or feeling like they only want one thing  from you and then not wanna be seen out in public with you. Or have you ever been the ‘fat bestfriend’ who you feel that she only has you around to make herself feel better?  Yes, even I have gone through this, recently as a matter of fact, but you know what I do, I just keep myself up even more. Hmmphh, and some of those ‘smaller/society’ chicks can’t even strike a match to me when I step into a room. But let me stop venting because I think you get my point. “DON’T EVER LET ANYONE MAKE YOU FEEL LESS THAN. IF YOU CAN’T ACCEPT ME AT MY ‘FULLEST’ (LITERALLY), THEN YOU DAMN SURE DON’T NEED TO BE AROUND ME FOR MY ‘BREAKTHROUGH”.   Adele you inspired me and many other curvy women last night. Hats off to you!

Now since I am a fashion stylist I must speak on the styling point of view. Although Adele looked great in all of her outfit changes last night, I think her stylist played it too safe with the basic ‘black’ looks.  Earlier in the night I inadvertently tweeted that “Adele was wearing all black AGAIN, smh”, but I was getting her confused with Melissa McCarthy. But that just proves the same point, why are these beautiful women hiding behind black so much? Golden Globe and SAG winner Octavia Spencer has demonstrated that women with curves ‘can’ rock colors and look marvelous while doing so. Her designer of choice right now is Tadashi Shoji and he’s been making fabulous color-flattering pieces for her.  So go ahead ladies, rock your curves!

Feb 11 2012

The Vivica A. Fox Wig Collection: “Oh You ‘Fancy’ Huh”

I went wig shopping yesterday and just so happened to stumble upon a Vivica A. Fox wig that I fell in love with at first sight. I didn’t even know who it was by when I asked the clerk to try it on. But when I went to check the name of it that’s when I realized your girl Vivica A. Fox had a winning wig line. For those who may not know Vivica A. Fox is a powerhouse actress and producer. Famously known as an actress for roles in “Set It Off”, “Kill Bill” and “Independence Day” just to name a few. But now she can add “wigologist” under her belt. (Yes, I said “wigologist”, lol). I was looking for something to compliment my round face and took a liking to the synthetic style wig named “Fancy”. I had heard about Vivica’s hair line some time ago but I guess my local beauty supply store is just getting it in. 

I have been wearing my short blonde wig for a while now and although I usually like longer hair, the short wig is a favorite of mine. So that’s why I was drawn to this “Fancy” style from Vivica’s line.  ”Fancy” is from the “Pure Stretch Cap Collection” and is a razor cut angled bob and is made with new futura fiber, meaning that it can even be heat curled or used with a flat iron. It falls perfectly on my neckline and the hair fibers are natural looking. I stuck to my current blonde color shade and got “Fancy” in the color of P4/27/30. But it’s available in 16 different color schemes. When I got home and did my web research on the entire collection, “Fancy” is Vivica’s selection of the month. I guess I really invested my $29.99 well and am very pleased with my purchase. Here are a few more from the collection that I plan to get next:

“Honey”

“Dare”

“WP-Makari”

Coincidentally, when I went to the Vivica Fox Hair Collection Facebook page, they are hosting a contest entitled “Celebrating ALL Beauty”. I plan to enter so please go to that page and “like” my photo please. (Please place your “like” in the “Celebrating ALL Beauty Contest Entries”  album under the photo of me and not “like” the Wall photo of me. Only the official photo in the contest album counts).  I would really appreciate all of my Facebook followers votes. Thanks in advance!

www.vivicafoxhair.com

Here’s a little theme music to go with my new hair, Drake f/ Mary J. Blige, ” Fancy”:

Feb 11 2012

Laila Ali Introduces New Sportsbra Collection from Marika for Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant, a leading fashion retailer, Laila Ali, one of the world’s most recognizable female athletes and a champion of health and fitness, and Marika, the California-based women’s activewear and bodywear company have joined together for a new sportsbra collection. On this past Thursday night, Laila Ali helped Lane Bryant debut Marika’s new exclusive line of plus size sports bras at the Culver City, CA store location. Ali chatted with guests, signed autographs and shared her tips on the importance of finding the right sports bra for any figure. Guests had the opportunity to shop the new collection and were able to get personal bra fittings and consultations by Linda Lewis, Lane Bryant’s Senior Buyer, Cacique. Refreshments from Jamba Juice were provided throughout the evening and guests received 30 percent off their purchase. XX was the lucky sweepstakes winner, being given a $500 gift card by Laila herself! 

Known for her boxing career, Lalia focuses her attention on an overall healthy lifestyle and renders her fitness expertise to the field on a daily basis. She is currently the President of the Women’s Sport Foundation, and can be seen on the new ABC show, Everyday Health, which focuses on people who have overcome or are overcoming health related issues and are paying it forward to assist others in similar positions of need.

Microfiber racerback sports bra by Marika MiraclesMolded underwire sports bra by Marika Miracles®Cotton criss-cross sports bra by Marika

Purchase the Laila Ali for Marika line from Lane Bryant here

Jan 31 2012

The Look For Less: “Viola Davis in Marchesa for the SAG Awards”

Did you see actress Viola Davis at the SAG Awards this past Sunday? If not you missed her not only accept the award for best actress from the movie, “The Help” but you missed her beautiful dress from designer Marchesa. If you liked her look but don’t wanna shell out thousands of dollars for her dress, then check out this more inexpensive version:

(Above) Viola Davis in Marchesa

(Below)   Ivory & Gold Beaded Strapless Sensational Gown; $378, Sizes 0-12, www.unique-vintage.com

Jan 26 2012

Beth Ditto and MAC Are Set To Do a Collaboration This Coming June

Beth Ditto, known for her outrageous fashion sense and singing voice, is now doing a collaboration with #1 makeup company MAC.  Women’s Wear Daily reports that Ditto, who often boasts her own bold eye makeup, will create signature products to hit MAC stores and counters in June. In celebration of the partnership, Ditto will attend this evening’s Gala Sidaction Dîner de la Mode as a guest of John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund, and Karen Buglisi, MAC global brand president. The MAC AIDS Fund will donate 190,000 euros, or $246,620, to Sidaction this year. No word yet on what the products will be but if it’s as great as her Evans collabo, I’m sure to be the first in line for it!

Story via The Huffington Post and WWD

Jan 19 2012

Fashion Déjà Vu: “Bella Styles vs. Queen Latifah in the Zebra-Print Miss Tina Dress”

I always say I like a good bargain and it seems that actress/rapper Queen Latifah does too. I’m a faithful watcher of “The Wendy Williams Show” and spotted the Queen wearing this zebra print dress while on the show yesterday. All day I have searched the internet high and low to ‘verify’ this info, but my sense of style is telling me that this is the ‘exact’ same Miss Tina dress that I purchased from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I wore it during a visit to NYC for a style symposium and interview.  I’m making a point of writing this post to show that you can look great in clothing that doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune. This dress cost me only $18, as all items are less than $20 from the Miss Tina collection, and it fit like a glove. 

I have purchased several Miss Tina dresses since this one because of the great  fit and quality material. Now being a fuller-figured woman you must always make sure to wear the proper ‘foundations’ under a form-fitting dress like this and if you do it right, the ending results will be marvelous. It’s also really great to see designers supporting one another as Queen Latifah also has her own line of clothing out for HSN.  Well even if this isn’t the exact same dress as Latifah is wearing, which I’m almost sure it is, it’s mighty close. If you like this style, and price, then you can still find more similar choices of the Miss Tina collection at Wal-Mart. Sizing goes from a S-XXL so there’s something for every shape and size!

 

(Above left) Queen Latifah in her zebra-print dress

(Below) Me in mine

 

Jan 18 2012

Spring 2012 Must Have Trends: “Flaming Heels, Colored Denim, Polka Dots, 70′s Flare to Stiletto Nails”

In the fashion world you must always stay at least 6-months ahead of the next season. So with that said, I’m sharing with my readers some of the top must-haves for the upcoming Spring 2012 season. Look forward to seeing color-blocking make another return, including colored denim jeans, making a major splash on the fashion scene. 70′s styles and metallics seem to be very popular as well. Here’s my Spring 2012 vision board for beauty products, slender and plus-size clothing, shoes, bags and more…….

One surprise trend is the “princess” skirt. This showed up on runways such as that of Jason Wu. I remember seeing this trend a few years ago when Sarah Jessica Parker wore hers on the “Sex and the City 2″ movie. 

Last Spring Prada had some of the most wanted trends being that of the stripe dress, monkey prints and chunky heels. This Spring the Prada shoes are a statement again. Checkout these “fireball” sandals inspired by hot wheels cars with flames:

More trends below:

To blend in with the “deep sea” trend from above, I’m lovin this Kate Spade ‘Barclay Street’ Ship Clutch, $358 from shop.nordstrom.com

And these Jimmy Choo Sandals (below) are the bizness

As you see below, polka dots will be “spotted” everywhere this Spring. 

For the curvy gals, here’s a great little polka-dot trench coat from Ashley Stewart, $59.50, sizes XL-4X

Belted Polka Dot Trench Coat

Or this cute polka-dot belt from White House Black Market, $38

The colored denim jeans trend is on the top of my spring list. These can be dressed both up with a blazer or down with a tee. 


For plus-sized colored denim try these aqua jeggings from Ashley Stewart, Sizes 12-26, $36.50

Basic Stretch Jegging

I’ve been eye-balling this new nail trend called “stiletto nails” since last year but just couldn’t really get with it until now. Rihanna is just one of many celebs wearing stiletto nails – acrylic nails that are filed to a point to look like stiletto heels, and then are generally painted in an attention-getting color. I plan to try these out very soon!

To polish those stiletto nails, opt for new spring shades such as Dior Scented Polish  ($23), “YSL Candy Face”  ($30) or the new Nicki Minaj for OPI  collection

This dress called the “The Miranda” was just released today and I already have it at the top of my personal Spring wish list. It’s from designer Monif C. and is available now for pre-order. I can so see me rocking this with my stiletto nails,  $228, Sizes 14/16-22/24

"Miranda" Draped Jersey Gown - PurpleOrange Shell Necklace Turquoise Shell NecklaceIron Fist - Zebracorn Platform Heel (Wide Width) SKU: 567808

Since the Monif C. dress is such a vibrant hue, it can easily be used within the color-blocking trend with these “Sheri” by Jessica Simpson pumps, Sizes 5-11, $98 or either one of these Shell Necklaces from www.curvaceousboutique.com, $34.99 each. But if you wanna bring out your animal instincts, then pair up the dress with these Iron Fist Zebracorn Heels from Torrid, $39

(Remember, everything doesn’t always have to be matchy-matchy to pull a complete look together).