A Day in the Life: Black Girls Rock! Awards

It's a good time to be a woman (wait...isn't it always though? hehe).

I barely came down from my high following The Ween Awards this summer, where I interviewed sheroes, Soledad O'Brien, Nia Long and Valeisha Butterfield (if you don't know her, google her) on the pink carpet, when I received an invite to Black Girls Rock! Awards. While they were slightly different, I left both shows feeling inspired, lifted and proud.

Black Girls Rock!, held at the Paradise Theater in the Bronx, particularly blew me away. The night started with me dressing up in a garment from my fave new emerging, supertalented designer, Sammy B. Designs (below, more on her later). With her suggestion, I belted her glamazing blazer as a dress (don't you love it, glams?).

 The arms of the blazer were covered in rosettes and it gave shoulders. Truly, a beautiful garment!

In that blazer and with my hair done (thanks to Sharon Alexander of Done-Up Salon), I was so ready to hit the pink carpet. There, Jill Scott, Ciara, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Free, VV Brown, Ledisi and more showed up looking like a rockstar. Check out my favorite looks below:

 

Raven-Symone showed off her slim physique in a neon fitted dress.

One of my favorites, Malinda Williams, gave a funky dark cut and pop of leopard print on the pink carpet.

Jill Scott blew me away with a short cut, leopard pumps, fur, lace and shades. Werk!

Black Girls Rock! founder, DJ Beverly Bond, was pretty in black with a fitted dress and long, luscious hair.

So excited to see VV Brown get some shine! She kept all eyes on her with her winged sleeves and standout poses.

Ledisi's voice is nothing short of incredible! Her winged-sleeve cape and slim pants made for a sophisticated look.

 

Ciara gave fur, leather and plenty of cross chains - truly a rockstar moment!

The energy in the room was just as fabulous! Everyone was excited for the fifth show and first-ever taping of the Black Girls Rock! Awards. You could feel how momentous the occasion was for the organization, founded by DJ Beverly Bond, BET and black girls in general!

Everyone was sweet, from Ciara who I ran into in the bathroom to Jill Scott who looked fab and, ahem, slimmer on the pink carpet. When the show finally started, the feeling of sisterhood only intensified.

The stage at Black Girls Rock! taping

Without giving away too much, here are my highlights:

-Nia Long was an amazing, hilarious host with a fab wardrobe thanks to superstylist June Ambrose. Her best moment of the night? When she was speaking about "unsung heroes," she made a mistake and said "unhung." Then to clean it up, she goes: "I don't know nothing about unhung." Neither do we, Nia. Hilarious!

-Ledisi blew everybody away as part of a foursome with Jill Scott, Kelly Price and Marsha Ambrosius performing "Four Girls" from the For Colored Girls soundtrack. Incredible! Ledisi's verse at the end was soul-stirring and unforgettable. Lucky us: since they were taping, we got to hear it twice!

-The Videos: Real women like AIDS activist, Hydeia Broadbent, were recognized with inspiring video clips throughout the night, and celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross and Anika Noni Rose taped charming, funny and sometimes emotional videos telling the world why they rock! 

-Keke Palmer and Raven-Symone both won awards (Who's Got Next and Young, Gifted & Black respectively) but the most touching moment is when Raven presented Keke with her honor. Raven told everyone she had to come back to the stage after her win to share the love with her girlfriend! It was a cute, sisterly moment.

-Lynn Whitfield presented Ruby Dee the Living Legend award with a heartfelt speech about meeting Ruby Dee as a theater student at Howard, giving her best imitation of Dee's famous stutter and cadence. Even Ruby Dee herself had to laugh.

These were only some of the moments that made Black Girls Rock! a night I'll always remember. The other performances (Jill Scott, VV Brown, Shontelle, Keyshia Cole, Keri Hilson, Monica and more) and honorees' speeches (Iyanla Vanzant, whose speech received a standing ovation, Major General Marcelite J. Harris, Missy Elliot and more) were just as phenomenal!

 

My fave, Jill Scott shutting the stage down with a performance of 'Golden.'

Two women I look up to, Iyanla Vanzant and Ruby Dee sharing smiles and laughs on the red carpet.

My only suggestion? I think the guys should get more involved next year...if only to tell us how much we rock! Don't you agree?

Anyway, trust me, you don't want to miss the show when it airs on BET on November 7th, 2010. Come back and tell me what your "highlights" are.


Kisses,

Coutura

A Day in The Life: Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Party PLUS Sessilee Lopez on Why She's Team Naomi Campbell

Glamazons,


My interview with Bevy Smith over Belvedere Pink Grapefruit cocktails was only the beginning. To celebrate the launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, Bevy hosted a themed dinner followed by a glamorous party called "In the Pink."


Held on Friday night, "In the Pink" brought out the top names in Entertainment, Media and Fashion, including Keri Hilson, Sessilee Lopez, Alek Wek and Rosie Perez to name a few. A Dinner with Bevy creation, the party and dinner celebrated bold, vibrant women in media, like Ms. Bevy herself.


We were happy to be invited to the soirée because Bevy knows how to throw a party! She was a kind and gracious host (she gave me a great big hug when I saw her) and looked glorious in a pink, belted v-neck dress, to match Belvedere Pink Grapefruit of course! The decor was also rooted in pink as a nod to the beautiful kaftan Matthew Williamson designed for the launch.


While toasting Belvedere's new sultry, summer flavor, guests danced all night to tunes spun by the one-and-only Questlove. When he played songs like "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing" by Stevie Wonder, he got the crowd of actors, media personalities and makeup artists to work it out on the dance floor.


And who was in the crowd, you ask? Well, in the VIP section alone, I spotted Angela Yee, Necole Bitchie, Tristan Wilds, Fonsworth Bentley, Michaela Angela Davis, AJ Calloway, Mimi Valdes (and her gorg haircut), Sister Toldja of The Beautiful Struggler and Belle of A Belle in Brooklyn, in addition to the celebs I named above.


Ferocia and I even chatted it up with Keri Hilson (she's so sweet!), superstar publicist B.J. Coleman and celebrity makeup artist, A.J. Crimson, who said he's proud of our blog (this clearly made our night! he's totally OUR inspiration).

In the midst of all the dancing, catching up, chatting and mingling, Ferocia got a few minutes to speak with the beautiful Sessilee Lopez in VIP.

Here's a pic of Sessilee with Friend of The Glamazons, A.J. Crimson.

Read below to see what Sessilee had to say about her summer vacation plans (Russia and Jamaica!), Christian Siriano and why she's Team Naomi Campbell.


Ferocia: Tell us what you’re wearing!


Sessilee: Well, I’m in head to toe in one of the most amazing designers. His name is, I don’t know if you know him, Christian Siriano.

Ferocia: Uh, yeah! You walked in his show. Duh.

Sessilee: (laughing) Yeah. He hooked me up today.

Ferocia: Looks hot! So what are the big trends you’re looking forward to this summer?

Sessilee: Woo! Effortless fashion, not having to try and just knowing you’re looking good. Relaxing. I’m not really looking at trends to see what other people are doing. I’m doing my own thing. I’m a model. I’m a trendsetter. People are watching me.

Ferocia: Yeah! Where are you vacationing this summer?

Sessilee: Well, I’m about to go to Jamaica. I’m going to Russia this summer with Naomi. She’s going to show me around.

Ferocia: Are you and Naomi like best friends?

Sessilee: I wouldn’t say like BFF, but she’s definitely someone that I aspire to be.

Ferocia: Is she like your mentor?

Sessilee: Definitely. She’s a beautiful person. The stories that you hear, I mean, all the times that I’ve met with her she’s been nothing but sweet as pie. I don’t really listen to what people say about others. I make my own decisions about them, ya know?

Ferocia: Definitely! I agree.

Scroll down for pics of a Christian Siriano-clad Sessilee, Keri Hilson, A.J. Crimson and more!

Sessilee Lopez in Christian Siriano

Keri Hilson's gorgeous jumpsuit

Alek Wek

Rosie Perez

Lovely Ladies!

Keri Hilson and Tristan Wilds

Michaela Angela Davis

B.J. Coleman

Love this pic of D.J. Kiss getting love from her fiancee D.J. M.O.S. and A.J. Crimson! So cute

The Glamazons with Elaine of Ebony Magazine, Makeup Artist, Melissa and Stylist, Memsor Kamarake 

Me in my Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes (and socks!) + a glass of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: The ICU; Picture Group; YBF.

BREAKING NEWS: Celebrity Hairstylist Tippi Shorter Now Taking Salon Appointments

Have you ever dreamed of having big luscious locks like Alicia Keys? Or maybe you'd like to try the cute cut that Keri Hilson wears. If you live in the New York area, now you can!

Celebrity hairstylist Tippi Shorter (who's responsible for the tresses of Alicia Keys, Keri Hilson, Lady GaGa and Jennifer Hudson) is now accepting monthly appointments beginning next Friday (April 30) at the Warren Tricomi Salon (located at One W. 58th St).

Her price list may be a bit on the expensive side (ie $86 for a shampoo/style) but, it's well worth it. She's even doing extensions. To request an appointment, click here.

Happy Styling Glamazons!

xo

Ferocia

Avon Names Keri Hilson New Spokesmodel

How much do you love that Keri Hilson will be the newest face for Avon?!

The beauty brand announced Hilson's role this week at their annual leadership conference in Las Vegas. According to WWD, she will replace Jennifer Hudson (who signed with Avon in 2007 and now has a contract with Weight Watchers) as the face of the cult classic fragrance, Imari. Here's what Lily DeStefano, executive director of Avon North America beauty, had to say about the collabo:

"Keri just brings a youth and vitality to our brand. I think that she's just the perfect transition. We are looking to bring in a younger, fresher target, also a more diverse audience as well."

Hilson, who noted that she was being very selective with the brands that she collaborates with, told WWD that she loves fragrance, beauty and teaching women to feel confident about themselves.

xo

Ferocia

*photo by Denise Truscello for WWD

GET THE LOOK: Keri Hilson at the 2010 Grammys

Hey Glamazons! Songtress Keri Hilson finally "WOW'd" us last night in a floor length Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown, a jeweled smokey eye and dewy skin. Makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff (whom we love!) shares with us how she created the look:

"Keri Hilson looked like a 1950's diva when she left for the 2010 Grammys. Her peach dress with jeweled waistband was fit to the T and hugged every curve with care. I was inspired to play up her beautiful hazel eyes and also give a touch of edge to her Hollywood glam goddess look."

"Before applying makeup, always start with clean, toned and moisturized skin. I use Mary Kay's TimeWise Targeted-Action Eye Revitalizer to refresh tired eyes. I love Enessa Neroli Oil Spray to tone skin and make skin glow. To finish, prep skin with La Mer moisturizer."

The Perfect Face

"I love for Keri to look flawless because she has such a beautiful bone structure. I use Smashbox Photo Finish Primer to give makeup long wearability, then I apply COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation to create a flawless finish. I create a sculpted glowing face using COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Light Bronze. I also use it to contour the nose and cheekbones."

Radiant Cheeks

"I love the soft peach tones of her dress so I accented Keri's cheeks with Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Strawberry Cream which has a subtle cotton candy rose tone with a beautiful shimmer to it, so cheeks just glow."

Standout Eyes

"Keri wanted to have a jewel tone smoke so I chose a beautiful deep purple shade from Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Plum on her lids and lower lash line. As a base to intensify the purple shadow I applied COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Purple Plum. Then I created depth using Tigi Bed Head Big Fat Fun Liner in Purple and COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black to top the look, coating both bottom and top lashes three times. I used Ja’Maal Busters Lash Line to add that extra drama for red carpet flare."

Luscious Lips

"I didn't want to do just a nude lip and smoky eye so instead I went retro— think Kevyn Aucoin meets Naomi Campbell in the 90's with a deeper liner using Mary Kay Lip Liner in Dark Berry. I lined lips then used a brush to blend the liner out so it had soft edges then used COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lip Gloss in Pearled Peach in the center of the lips to create the perfect pout."

Glorious Brows

"Brows frame the face and I love Keri's brows because they are naturally high arched but also full. So I fill them in with Dior Universal Brow Pencil then brush them with Diorshow Brow in Shiny Blond so they shimmer with a golden glow."

Bodilicious

"Keri's dress was amazing and really showed off her curves so I wanted her skin to glow. I used Sally Beauty Body Glow Shimmer spray to give her body that shimmery glow."

Glam or a Sham: AMA's

Hey Glamazons!

By now, we've all seen and heard about the spectacles at Sunday's American Music Awards that everyone is talking about: Jennifer Lopez falling on her ass-et (what's more appalling to me is performing a "Louboutin" song not wearing Louboutins), Adam Lambert making out with a man, Jay-Z taking an alleged jab at 50 Cent while Chris Brown tweets "Cornball" and Q-Tip tweets about "cocky rappers."



But to me, the fashion was just as troubling.

While some celebrities looked beautiful, others took fashion risks that didn't quite pay off (Rihanna) or made amateur style faux pauxs (Whitney, where was your shapewear?).

Take a look at the celebrities that made us turn heads or scratch our heads and give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

We loved Whitney Houston's ruched white gown but a Spanx would've smoothed out her (tiny) tummy.

Not at all crazy about Rihanna's Marchesa ballgown with floral cut-outs, and Easter Sunday ready white Mary Jane pumps. However, the red cat eyes (and Neil Lane jewelry) were everything.

We think Rihanna's body is AMAZING but the Fifth Element meets Amber Rose bandaged suit was way too much for us.



Lady Gaga's antics always amuse but the unsightly strap over her panties looks like a diaper or holster. Odd...not in a good way.

Alicia Key's Armani Prive dress was adorable, fresh and sexy. We love how she highlighted her amazing legs and kept her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry simple and stunning.



Her fall may be the talk of the town, but Jennifer Lopez's Marchesa feathery dress with beaded bodice totally makes up for it.


I live for Fergie's studded Armani Prive gown. Equal parts daring and dazzling.

Does it get any chicer than Shakira's yellow Versace minidress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels? Note to Rihanna: this is how cut-outs should be done.

I think the Biker Chic trend is completely overdone here. And Leona Lewis' soft hairstyle with cascading ringlets seems out of place when paired with her leather Vivienne Westwood dress, chains AND a three-finger ring. Not a fan.

We thought Mary J. Blige looked elegant but a tad too dressy for the event. Nonetheless, her expertly-styled blonde cut was the perfect complement to her glowing skin.

We loved Keri Hilson's sparkly Louise Golden minidress and Alaia booties. She always gets it right.


Though some critics feel Toni Braxton's dress is a bit too revealing for a 40-something star, I think her gown---and body---look stunning. The messy updo, on the other hand, is not red-carpet friendly. And she could've put that boy in a suit.

I think velvet is always a controversial choice, but when done right, it looks expensive and dapper. Jay-Z slightly misses the mark, in my opinion, with the brown color.

What do you think about these looks, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Angels In The Big Apple

I know, I know, I'm slightly late with this post so you've probably read all about the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.

But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I'm complaining about it, but it's good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I'm settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!

You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria's Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty...she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.

(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April

Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)

While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I've been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy's birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).

Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009

It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year's show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year's show versus last year's. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)

This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside...or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don't know...there just didn't seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show....I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn't you agree?!

The show itself was pretty awesome! This year's musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie's legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce's bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).

The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009

The first performance was "Boom Boom Boom" (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn't help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.

Other than the Black Eyed Peas' musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn't as naked as she usually is presumably because she's still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn't really find anything else too intriguing about the show.

VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!

Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I'd kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she's the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.

Chanel Iman shows off her 'ass'ets at the VS Show 2009.

Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who's still pregnant).

VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the "hot" in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!

I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren't supposed to take any pics during the show haha)

Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009

All of the models came out at the end of the show.

Did anyone else attend this year's show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.

And don't forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!

xo

Ferocia