Tracee Ellis Ross, mixed & loving it!

Hello Blogosphere! It feels good to be back! I know I've been on a small hiatus but sometimes life gets in the way. And when that happens you just have to buckle down and get to work! Speaking of 'work' can we take a second to admire how Tracee Ellis Ross is werking this dress!

Love love love it! The 'Black-ish' star posted this pic of herself on Instagram wearing a custom floral printed dress from Duro Olowu Spring 2015 collection. The cut of the dress is simple but what gets me is the variety of bold prints that work cohesively together to create this beautiful soft pastel color scheme. To add the cherry on top she paired it with a bright pink Christian Louboutin pumps (Breast Cancer Awareness!).

By the way, have you been tuning in to 'Black-ish'? I watched both episodes and thoroughly enjoyed it. To me, I honestly don't see too much of an issue with it. I can understand how some can view the show to be a bit racist or some who are wishing a return of the Cosbys; however, I believe this is an appropriate take on a modern multi-cultural, pre-dominantly Black family within the suburbs. Times have change but there are still social issues, especially identity, that Blacks deal with today. May it stem from being raised in a mixed family (ex: white mom, black dad or vice versa) or being the only Black person within your office. This show has potential to address these issues and more. I think 'Black-ish' is mainly being attacked for the name. But hey, like the classic saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover.." 

'Black-ish' comes on every Wednesday, at 9:30pm on ABC. 

What are your thoughts on the show so far?

Can't get enough Lupita!

It was only a matter of time before Anna Wintour got the hint and graced the cover of Vogue with the talented dark-skin beauty, Lupita Nyong'o, who has been slaying the red carpet and our hearts! The Most Beautiful Person of 2014, as named by People magazine, was photographed by Mikael Jansson in the enchanting city of Marrakech. On the cover she is seen wearing a Prada Fall 2014 frock that perfectly reflects her colorful style and her signature low-cut hairstyle for the infamous glossy American Fashion Bible July issue. If you think she looks stunning on the cover wait until you see the spread! Pure perfection! I am loving the fact that Hollywood and the Fashion World are loving and appreciating Lupita. It really is given dark-skin women not only a boost of self-esteem but also hope. Hope that they, just like their light-skin or white counterparts, can be seen as a beautiful individual.  Check out a few of the pics of her in Givenchy, Proenza Schouler and more. Two snaps and encore for Ms. Lupita! 

The Best Dressed at the CFDA Awards 2014

Last night the fashion crowd assembles for the 2014 Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) Awards, one of the biggest fashion events of the year. Consider it a follow-up to the Met Gala which in this case, it was desperately needed to make up for the lackluster fashion display at the Met. The CFDA Awards celebrate the best and the brightest of the industry this year. Of course I had to critique and compile my list of the best dressed; however, I had a LOT to choose from! I think a lot of celebrities brought their A-game this year!

First up is supermodel Iman wearing a color-block dress by Juan Carlos Obando. I am not a big fan of the way this fits on her or the loose material. Kind of makes her look like she's unraveling. But the colors are no doubt gorgeous on her & she looks magnificent at her age!

Next is Queen of the Runway & mentor on the show "The Face", supermodel Naomi Campbell stuns in this metallic embellished gun-metal gown!

Model Coco Rocha stunned with this black-white number designed by Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano. I've been following Siriano's work & I am glad he's getting the recognition he deserves. His designs are very detailed, ethereal & unique. 

It seems like all the models were killing it at the CFDA. Chanel Iman looked nothing less than gorgeous in a black beaded Monique Lhuillier dress.

Joan Smalls did not disappoint & strutted her flawlessness all over the red carpet in this sultry Prabal Gurung gown with a thigh high slit. Werk!

Liya Kebede, model & founder of  the Ethiopian clothing line LemLem, kept it chic & simple in a white blouse with an embellished white pencil skirt designed by Wes Gordon. 

Actress Olivia Wilde stayed on trend in this black fringe dress by Decades. The funny thing is I have been steering clear of anything fringe so far because I have a serious disdain for it. But this look is not bad at all & made me see the light...just a bit.

Grammy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o looked amazing in this colorful striped crop top & matching culottes designed by Suno. This definitely played to her playful nature & changed the tone of the evening since majority of the attendees opted for floor-sweeping gowns or dresses. 

I love Emmy Rossum's style and this J. Mendel dress did not disappoint! The color isn't the best but she pulls it off anyway & I just love the lace inset on her chest! 

SOLANGE!!! I felt after the media lashing she has been receiving from the elevator showdown at the Met Gala, this event & this outfit was so needed to bounce her back into our good graces. She is serving some Diana Ross/Donna Summers realness in this Calvin Klein shimmering gold dress! Yasss girl!

Coming in at #2 is recipient of the well deserved Style Icon of the Year award, Rihanna! Wearing a crystal-embellished sheer gown with matching gloves, hat & a soft pink fur stole to cover her lady bits this outfit, designed by Adam Selman, leaves very little to the imagination. Surprised she's not my #1 pick? Well, simply I want to see Rihanna do a little bit more than show us her sexy naked body. When I saw this it made me go "Wow! Typical Ri-ri.." instead of "Wow! She blew our little fashion mind...again!"

And coming in at #1 is legendary supermodel & casting director Bethann Hardison, recipient of the Founders Award for her fight for diversity within fashion! Wearing a heather grey Prabal Gurung dress, Hardison greatest accessory is her passion for fashion & equalizing the playing field for models & designers of color. 

Do you agree or disagree with the order of 'Best Dressed'? Who were your favorites?

Keke Palmer makes herstory!

Keke Palmer was always like a shooting star to me: You don't see her too often but when you do she always shines or amazes you with her appearances or performances. This time is no different. 

Keke Palmer at Elle's Women in Television Celebration 2014

It was recently announced that Keke Palmer was picked up by BET and Mathis Productions (Judge Greg Mathis) in association with Telepictures for her very own daily talk show! At age 20, the singer/actress will be the youngest talk show host in TV history. A record like this hasn't been achieved since Ricki Lake first hit the scene with her show and she was only 25 years old.  The idea stemmed from Palmer's and fans' interactions on social media. 

“I like to read quotes that touch on how I am feeling,” she said. “If I am dealing with confusion, I will read quotes about clarity and peace of mind. I started posting these quotes on my Twitter page, and the fans responded so positively! I realized that many of them were dealing with similar issues, and the quotes helped to open up a genuine dialogue between us.”

Aimed at young adults, the show is set to cover topics such as fashion, pop culture, social issues, sex as well as feature celebrity interviews, street segments and  undercover gags. The Keke Palmer Project, the alleged name of the show, is set to air in July.

I am really happy and excited for her! There has been a lot of ratchetness all over television with no signs of slowing down. Hearing this was like a breath of fresh air because we need more positive, Black women to be showcased! I am looking forward to this show and will set my DVR to record it if I have to (more than likely since most talk shows happen while I'm at work anyways). But most definitely two snaps for Miss Keke Palmer!

Lupita Nyong'o is the fresh,new face for Lancome

The Lupita reign continues on strong and in the best way! The 31-year old Kenyan actress, who won an Oscar for Best supporting role in 12 Years a Slave, joins the ranks of Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz and Julia Roberts as one of Lancôme's ambassadors. Although she is the fourth actress to cut a deal with Lancôme, she is their very first BLACK ambassador!  The new ads will appear in September.

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself," Nyong'o said in a statement released by the French beauty house.

This announcement is right on the heel of her recent stint with the French high fashion brand, Miu Miu, for their spring 2014 campaign. 

The French love them some Lupita and it’s quite understandable why!

Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International, said the company's decision to add Lupita was because she is "talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices."

Oui oui Monsieur! Two snaps for Ms. Lupita Nyong’o!

"JODY!!" TPH snags the cover of Upscale

"Hold up, hold my phone...!" Did you guys see who is rocking the cover of Upscale magazine May 2014 issue? The gorgeous actress Taraji P. Henson and boy is she killing it!

Adorned in a Nicolas Jesbran romper the actress shows us that age is nothing but a number when it comes to owning a hot bod! Lucky for us, we will be seeing more of Ms. Henson on the big screen with the upcoming movie Think like a Man Too, two films, No Good Deed and Empire, which are in post production and another film, Term Life, currently in the works! Twenty years in the game and no sign of slowing (or aging) down!
Below are some behind the scene pictures she posted on her Instagram from the photoshoot. Absolutely flawless! Two snaps for Ms. Taraji P. Henson!

(I mentioned in my other post that I was going to the gym. Now I'm DEFINITELY going to the gym!)