Ethnically Ambiguous?

I am sad to say that I won’t be at New York Fashion Week this year… I’ve never been before so I had daydreams of attending and covering the fabulosity for Afrobella. But the very next week I’ve got somewhere more magical and important to be — I’ll be going to my sister-in-law’s Seventies karaoke wedding in VEGAS!! I am so excited, and I’m looking for the perfect Seventies style plus size dress. (Got any suggestions? Holla at a bella!)

Even though I won’t be able to hobnob with the fashionistas, I know quite a few of the beauty bloggers I respect and admire will be on hand to cover events as they happen.

I look forward to reading the coverage and criticism on Jezebel and Make Fetch Happen. And my beauty blogging amigas The Makeup Girl, 99 Products, and Shake Your Beauty (OMG Tia is so beautiful and glowing right now!) will definitely be covering events and sharing makeup tips, so I’ll be keeping track of what they’re saying.

According to The Cut, New York magazine’s awesome fashion blog, the whitewashed trend of colorless models might be more or less over — as explained in this unfortunate quote by casting director Daniel Peddle.

“Another thing this season is trying to discern from all the girls out there the ones that are ethnically ambiguous. Girls and boys that have faces that you can’t just put in a certain place or race or geography. I think it’s very helpful to see those types of faces in our conflicted world because you can see that we’re still evolving as humans and they are the results of people willing to go beyond the socially constructed notions around race … With the Internet and the way that everyone is so connected now it’s not something you can overlook anymore. I don’t think it’s possible to do a modern show and have it be all blondes. I understand that sometimes a designer has an aesthetic that dictates something like that and of course we’re going to work with them to achieve their goals but personally I don’t find that to be a very modern statement.”

So… I guess this is a step in the right direction, but I still find myself questioning the industry. Why go for ambiguity when you could just — be diverse? And show models of a variety of ethnicities, and celebrate the spectrum of beauty without being cliche and stereotypical? Is it THAT hard? Arrrrgh!

I am trying to reserve judgment until I see the models on the runway, but I think I already see where this is going. It kind of looks like a hat tip to Vogue Italia — see, we can be down with black models too! — but in the most cautious, selective, vague manner possible. Which goes against what fashion should be about in the first place, right?

What do you think, bellas? What are your expectations for Fashion Week? What are your hopes?

Throwback Thursday — One in a Million

Seven years ago, on August 25, 2001 — the music world lost one of its brightest up and coming stars. Aaliyah’s death affected me profoundly then, and still her shadow looms so large over the music scene now. Who can blame lesser emulators for trying to jack her swagger?

I just spent the evening browsing around YouTube, watching countless Aaliyah videos and wondering what could have been. There are some wonderful Aaliyah tributes out there, but I found myself becoming super depressed. It’s almost impossible for me to choose just one Aaliyah video. So here are three of my faves.

Hot Like Fire was my JAM back in 97, 98. Freshman year of college. Man, oh man. Memories.

At Your Best (You Are Love) can bring tears to my eyes to this very day. Aaliyah’s voice is so crystal clear and so sparklingly beautiful on that track. Love it.

And of course, One in a Million. That stuttering bass, her angelic voice floating over it. Your smile, your style, so fly, I can’t deny. This track never gets played out.

There were some cool online tributes to Aaliyah this past week. Fashionista 101 did a great Aaliyah-inspired beauty makeover. Her eye shadow blending skills are sick! Spinner did a clash of the cover songs, featuring Aaliyah’s original version of Are You That Somebody versus The Gossip’s cover. In tribute to Aaliyah, The Fader is featuring an exclusive freeload by DJ the Honorable Caps titled U R Missed. If you’re a fan, you should check it out.

Click here to visit the Aaliyah memorial fund. At just 22 years old, baby girl left us way too soon. I know I’m not alone in wondering what could have been.

The Healing Power of Hillary?

Unfortunately I missed Hillary’s speech last night — a dinner party took up the whole evening, and by the time I flipped on the tube it was already over. But from everything I’m reading, HRC is working hard to put the past behind her, and support the chosen Democratic candidate.

But for every one of her remaining supporters who plans to do what Hillary’s encouraging them to do — no way, no how, no McCain — there are those who apparently can’t get behind that sentiment. As revealed in this Washington Post article, there are holdouts who simply refuse to cast their vote for Obama, even though his policies are so similar to their would-be candidate.

The end of the article really got me in the gut: ““I hate Obama so much that I’m going to devote as much time to McCain as I did to Hillary,” said Adita Blanco, a Democrat from Edward, Okla., who has never voted for a Republican. “Obama has nothing. He has no experience. The Democratic Party doesn’t care about us. You couldn’t treat [Clinton] any worse.”

Clinton will hold a private meeting with her top financial advisers Wednesday, and many donors plan to leave immediately afterward. Terence R. McAuliffe, Clinton’s campaign chairman and the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, also plans to leave before Obama’s speech. Many of the women from 18 Million Voices, Fiechter’s pro-Clinton group, booked tickets for Wednesday and Thursday because “we really are taking a position of being indifferent to Obama,” Fiechter said.”

To me, that indicates that Adita from Oklahoma and the others who feel like she does — would rather see victory go to someone who directly opposes many of their candidate’s policies, rather than someone who supports them.

Hillary’s whole speech is already online, so click here to watch if you haven’t seen it yet. I’ll be watching after my deadline today, and I’ll post my two cents in the comments later.

Did you watch Hillary’s speech last night, bellas and fellas? How did she do? And is there any hope for convincing those who were apparently unmoved by even their own candidate’s exhortations, or women like this, who are moved to tears at the prospect of voting for Barack?

I Think She Nailed It

Did you watch? I’m an open admirer of Michelle O, and I gotta give it up for my girl — she was stunning tonight. First of all — that dress. That color. GORGEOUS. Her makeup, flawless. And her words, poignant and resonant.

In case you missed the speech, Yahoo and CNN both have recaps. She shared her family background and her father’s struggles through illness, she explained her attraction and admiration for Barack, commemorated the historic significance of the timing of the Democratic National Convention — the 88th anniversary of women winning the right to vote, and the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech — and payed tribute to Hillary Clinton to thunderous applause. She said all of the right things to directly address those who would still question her patriotism and pride in America.

NPR has a transcript here. I just want to know — did you watch Michelle’s speech tonight? Did she nail it, or am I just hopelessly biased? What did you think?

For even more politics, check out Jack and Jill Politics, Pam’s House Blend, and Michelle Obama Watch for coverage live from the convention!

That Girl Shelly Ann!

The Olympics are officially over and I’m sure I am not alone in that what-do-I-watch-on-TV-now panic. There was some big breakout stars this time around — none bigger or more talked-about than Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. This Trini to the bone was proud to see two silver medals go to Trinidad and Tobago athletes. But for sheer unabashed delight in unexpected victory, no athlete could top Jamaica’s Shelly Ann Fraser. I LOVE her!

Watching her win the women’s 100 got me feeling all kinds of emotions — jumping for joy right along with her, then verklempt at her heartfelt victory speech. Jezebel did a little tribute as well, celebrating her “brace face smile” and linking to the actual race itself.

Shelly Ann’s silvery grin made me instantly like her, and her words afterwards made me fall in love — she told the BBC, “A lot of yam, banana and dumplings produce top three!”

That’s when I knew Shelly Ann was a girl after my own heart. From her name alone — I immediately thought of that Nineties bashment Red Rat tune — I bet she heard no end of that in school. That girl, that girl Shelly Ann!

To see a girl from yard bigging up what we in the Caribbean call “Blue food” or ground provision on the BBC really warmed my heart. I could already tell she had to work hard to get where she is today, and watching this interview with her mom proved that.

For those of you who are patois-challenged, her mom is delirious with joy as she exclaims,
“We can come from the ghetto and produce good things out of the ghetto.” She gives up thanks to the people of Jamaica, to her family, to her pastor, and most of all to God.

My island people didn’t let me down — already there are nuff tribute videos to the Jamaican athletes who made waves in this year’s races. This one, using Sizzla’s Rise to the Occasion, is my personal favorite.

Like I said last week, big up Jamaica! You made the whole Caribbean proud. Shelly Ann Fraser and Usain Bolt are living proof that we can come from a small place and do big, big things. I already can’t wait to root for you in the next Olympics!

(Photo courtesy of Jezebel, by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Goddess Zuri giveaway winner!

Thank you all so much for your kind compliments and awesome suggestions on the Goddess Zuri giveaway! Candace, the creator of Goddess Zuri, chose the winner herself — she has a real vision for her teeshirt and accessory line and each name has a special meaning. She chose Olivia!

Olivia on August 19, 2008 10:30 am wrote: “Miss Bella you are so beautiful, I love your confidence and it radiates :o) Any woman wearing those beautiful earrings are confident, loving life and loving themselves. ?Folami Hoops?, Folami is Nigerian meaning respect & honor me. Those earrings will always represent that when worn or adorn with an outfit.
Its really a treasure and Miss Bella you wear the earrings well.

Thanks so much, Olivia — I do feel beautiful when I wear them. Candace explained, “Goddess Zuri tries to express natural beauty with edge, confidence and attitude. The command meaning of “Folami” captures the essence of what we’re trying to convey. It’s a great name for the hoops. We love it!”

I’d also like to note that another reader, Mariska, suggested the same name later on. But Olivia made her suggestion a day before, so she’s the winner of these earrings. Congratulations to Olivia, and I’ll be in touch to get your mailing address ASAP.

And if you didn’t win this giveaway, don’t give up! I have some great Afrobella anniversary giveaways in store, and fingers crossed I’ll be hosting a big one this week. Keep reading, bellas!

I Can’t Go to Sleep

It happens when I’m at my most stressed out, busy, and overwhelmed — just when I know sleep is exactly what I need and I can imagine how sweet it would feel to just close my eyes and not think of anything anymore… I can’t do it. I find myself sitting up until 3 a.m. or later, staring at the computer screen with bleary eyes, completely bereft of ideas or energy.

Insomnia sucks. And the worst part is, I’m totally doing it to myself and I can’t even stop it. transient insomnia can be caused by stress and depression. So what helps to alleviate my bouts of work-related sleeplessness? I’ve tried a bunch of stuff.

As much as I love the Smashing Pumpking song, I’m not about to start popping Soma. Because I’m scared of sleeping pills and overly potent remedies, I try to keep my sleep aides all natural. Here’s what helps most in my go to sleep routine.

1 — Get a good workout in during the day. Working up a sweat guarantees that I’ll be ready to pass out the second my head hits the pillow.

2 — Try to eat dinner early. I notice, if I have dinner after 9:30 p.m., I still feel wide awake well past midnight. On a school night, that just guarantees that I’ll be sluggish in the a.m.

3 — If it’s getting late at night, even if I still have work to do, I have to make it a point to drag myself away from the computer screen and the television, to allow my eyes and brain to relax. Staying up late to complete a task often means that I’m not working at my optimal best, and I often find my most heinous spelling errors and crimes against grammar the morning after an all-night writing binge. There’s a noticeable difference in the quality of posts I worked on when at my sharpest, versus the ones I churn out on a sleepless night.

4 — A warm, delicious, non-caffeinated beverage usually does the trick. Got milk?

Even though it’s been debunked as a sleep inducing beverage, a night time glass of milk’s still my BFF. Since I’ve been a little one, my family has believed in a glass of warm, slightly sweetened milk to kill nighttime sweet tooth cravings, and lull us off to the land of Nod.

My Aunty Gemma’s a teetotaler with a strong religious faith, and she believes in a bedtime cup of warm milk and honey — a combination that is beneficial and beautifying both inside and out. I love the thick sweetness of honey, but every so often, for a decadent nightcap, I go heathen-style. A splash of amaretto, Bailey’s, Frangelico, or Kahlua all are delish in a glass of milk, and sometimes I’ll make a PG-13 creamy cocktail depending on what liqueur I’ve got available. Just a splash. Web MD doesn’t recommend this at all — one of their top 10 tips is to avoid alcohol before bed. But until that new special extra-melatonin milk hits the market, I reserve the right as a grown woman to kick my nightcap up a notch if I so choose.

If I’m not sipping leche, I make some kind of warm, yummy, non-caffeinated tea. Celestial Seasonings has been outdoing themselves in this department, and their bags are constantly on sale at the grocery store. That Sleepytime definitely works well for me when I’m halfway zoned out, and today I treated myself to a box of Sweet Coconut Thai Chai. It smells like poetry, and it’s decaf so it won’t get you all hopped up. I just had a cup, and I do feel about ready for bed. Good thing — it’s 1:15 a.m. on a Monday morning!

Random randomness indeed — in writing this post I stumbled across a Sesame Street song I’d almost forgotten! Everybody Sleeps. Wow. I hadn’t seen this since I was a little girl, I swear! I miss old school Sesame Street, I really do.

My Trinis know whereof I speak — vintage Sesame Street will always be the bomb. I really couldn’t finish my post without that video.

Do you ever suffer from sleeplessness? What helps you drift off?

O’Biden? Jobama?

Hat tip to Jack and Jill Politics for the name suggestions for the new Democratic ticket!

I have been steering clear of politics lately, just because I notice a clear correlation with my high blood pressure and paying close attention to every detail of this election race. You already know what my hopes for the future are. But what do I know? Back in January, I actually thought an Obama/Edwards ticket was the thing to beat. Imagine how disappointed I was to see a shameful dalliance with a Tom Petty lookalike derail that dream. (Sorry to be so uncharacteristically snarky, but I’m still mad about that. Talk about a news story that raised my blood pressure).

Last night when I put on my Ojamas and dreamed up my ideal Democratic ticket (just kidding - I don’t actually own a pair of Ojamas. But aren’t they adorable?), I imagined a wild card candidate and kept Joe Biden on the back burner. I definitely think he’s a great debater and talk show guest because of his straight shooting nature, but his history of gaffes and misstatements makes me unsure that he’d be a wise choice — Jack and Jill Politics also pointed all of that out recently, which gave me even more pause. Still, I definitely admire his foreign policy skills.

This is a veep with issues — he speaks his mind and has said stupid things in the past — he really, really needs to self-edit a whole lot better. But still, I like him. I really like him. And I think he makes this the change and experience ticket, which I believe would be hard to beat. I am cautiously optimistic. But enough about what I think — I don’t claim to be extremely politically knowledgeable, by any means. Just passionate and engaged. Feel free to step in and school me on your thoughts on the ticket.

What do you all think?

Hot Beauty Must Haves

I try out so many beauty products in a given month, quite a few of them simply fall through the cracks. But when I fall in love, it’s a lasting attachment. These are some of my latest faves.

Without a doubt, Benefit has to be one of my favorite beauty brands these days. I use the Play Sticks concealer/foundation stick every day, and ever since I got a very special makeover at the newly opened Benefit Brow Bar, there’s a new tool in my everyday beauty arsenal — Benefit’s Gilded pencil. Quite simply, it RULES.

During my makeover, the artist, Ivette (ask for her at the Benefit Brow Bar at Dadeland Mall in Miami!) absolutely raved over this pencil and its illuminating properties for women of color.

“Honey, on your skin…” she kept saying as she applied it to my brow bones, the corners of my eyes, the bridge of my nose, and then finally using it to fill in my lips before she applied a generous coating of clear gloss. Deft blending left me with a subtle, luminous contouring effect. It was instantly noticeable and absolutely gorgeous. I had to have this magical pencil. $20? Totally worth it. I love this thing and I’ve used it every day since I bought it. The reviewers over at Makeup Talk agree. It is lovely and amazing.

In the same makeover, Ivette applied Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Stiletto. I purchased it in Busy Signal, and I love it. It slicks on smooth, dries to a soft powder, and lasts for most of the day. I really dig it.

For those of you who asked, I’m wearing both the Gilded pencil and Stiletto eyeshadow in my Goddess Zuri photo, and let me tell you all about the gloss. It’s my new favorite.

TAI Lip Shine by Three Custom Color Specialists is the most gorgeous copper gloss EVER. I absolutely adore it. It was designed by famous afrobella hairstylist Diane Da Costa and Trae Bodge, Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists. This gloss is gorgeous, and it costs $19.50. But hold on a sec — it isn’t on sale yet. It will debut on www.threecustom.com (or call toll-free at 888.262.7714) in November in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Diabetes Association. So I’ll do a reminder post in November, but mark your calendars if you want to support the ADA and have the hottest copper lippie on the market.

If you’re in a hurry and you need a fly new lipgloss now — run to your nearest drugstore, because that Cover Girl Wetslicks Amazemint gloss is exactly what they say — amazing! Oh wait — it isn’t a gloss, it’s a smile treatment. They say this because not only does it give your lips a gorgeous, sheer shine without that stickiness that I despise in so many other glosses, it’s also infused with Crest Peppermint Oil. So it makes your mouth taste yummy, your breath smell good, and your lips look beautiful. I have it in Slaphappy and Sillylily, but my eyes are on the blue-tinged Happy Hour and UnWined as my next purchases.

As soon as I try anything new that I love with my whole beauty junkie heart, I’ll share with ya. What are your new beauty finds?

Throwback Thursday — A Decade Since Miseducation

The Root just did an amazing trilogy of Lauryn Hill tributes to commemorate a decade since Miseducation dropped.

Rebecca Walker asks five questions (including the one everyone has been asking for almost a decade now, Are you coming back?), The Confessions of Lauryn Hill — lyrical analysis that revealed her true feelings about fame and the music industry long before she left it all behind, and An Analog Girl in a Digital World, a portrait of Erykah Badu as Lauryn’s successor. I can’t believe it’s been a decade since Miseducation dropped. If that makes me feel old, I can only imagine how it makes Lauryn feel. I wonder if that decade feels like a crushing weight, or if she finally feels free from the trappings of the industry.

All I know is, I miss her. As an admirer of what she meant to the music industry, as a natural haired black woman, as a fan of her undeniable and enduring songs. I hope she chooses to bless us with her presence again someday. Until then, we’ve got Miseducation. So few artists can say they produced music of such lasting quality. This isn’t even a real video, just audio of one of my favorite songs off that seminal album.

I mean, for real. It still gives me chills. Sometimes I listen to Lauryn Hill and my heart just aches, because I want so much more. As a fan it makes me feel a tinge of guilt, just like I did when I read that brilliant D’Angelo article in Spin. Guilty for being a simple fan who’s hungry for more music.

Miseducation and her remarkable, raw Unplugged album stay in regular rotation with me to this day, and I already can’t pick a favorite Lauryn Hill song, but damn if I don’t want more to choose from. Damn, if I don’t want another album or two, or three — if what Rohan Marley says is to believed, Lauryn’s got music oozing out of her pores but no indication of releasing any of it anytime soon. Damn.

I had a hard time choosing a Lauryn Hill clip here, and I found some rare live performance gems. If you’ve got time on your hands and nostalgia in your heart like I do, check these out.

– An emotional Lauryn sings “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in London

– Turn Your Lights Down Low at One Love: The Bob Marley All-Star Tribute.

And one of my favorites off her Unplugged album, I Find It Hard To Say.

We miss you, Lauryn. But you already know that.

Do you have a favorite Lauryn performance, bellas? Share with me in the comments, I’m soothing my soul with her music all day today.