Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union

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Maximum Impact, Minimum Effort

Gabrielle Union attends the 'Style Villa' at the Sagamore Hotel on August 28, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Beyonce Knowles and her boyfriend Jay-Z lunch in a restaurant with friend in Upper East Side, New York, NY on July 29, 2006.

Sanaa Lathan attends Jordan Brand Parlor 2007 held at the The Shave on July 11, 2007 in Beverly Hills.

Halle Berry strolls along the beach in Malibu, California on September 12, 2007.

The “maxi” dress is the easiest and most comfortable way to look elegant in an instant. Whether you’re off to lunch or just taking a casual stroll along the beach, a maxi dress will never fail at making you feel feminine. Since maxi dresses flatter all shapes, the key is not so much finding the right fit as it is finding the right colors and pattern. See below for some tips...

Gabrielle Covers Vegas Magazine…

If this is what 35 looks like, sign me up! Gabrielle Union reminds us you can be flawless in your thirties in the latest issue of Vegas magazine. Whilst I’m not sure what the connection is between her and sin city, the article makes for a good read. I had no idea people close to Gabrielle call her “Nikki”…

"Anyone who has known me for a long time calls me Nikki," Union says, explaining the name comes from her middle name (Monique) and the fact that her grandfather had difficulties pronouncing Gabrielle. "It has just been Nikki, literally since birth. I answer a lot faster."

Read more snippets from the article here.

Shake Your Booty Part Deux!

Gabrielle Union shopping at Paige Premium Denim in Los Angeles, December 20, 2007.

1. Novet Slouchy Boots by Qupid, $69.90, www.flyjane.net; 2. Lennon, $110, www.dune.co.uk; 3. Devoted, $119.99, www.stevemadden.com; 4. Wrap It Up Boot, $39.50, www.alloy.com; 5. Dolce & Gabbana Brown Leather 'D' Buckle Tall Boots, $1196, www.bluefly.com; 6. Zari 13101 Boot by www.bronxshoes.com; 7. Oriana Tall Boot, $475, www.colehaan.com; 8. Vagary, $119.99, www.ninewest.com; 9. Elegy, $199, www.ninewest.com; 10. Gadsdena, $200, www.aldoshoes.com

I haven’t had time to post this week. I’m settling into a new job and beginning to look for an apartment but I scraped together a few of my favorite stylish, winter boots online. All are inspired by Gabrielle’s pair spotted on a recent trip shopping in LA. And what is this season’s trend? Buckles. A simple buckle or two can give an ordinary boot some edge.

Note: See “Shake Your Booty” part one here and here.

Nia, Sanaa & Gabrielle Cover Essence...

They look great as per usual. Read what they had to say below about working in Hollywood as black actresses and dealing with all the gossip blogs... Pick up a copy now!

ON BEING IN-BETWEEN JOBS AS A BLACK ACTRESS

Essence: What kind of year has it been for you?

Sanaa Lathan: I’m happy to have gotten a job this year. You know one of the things I decided early on in my career—especially because I only have me to take care of—is that I don’t want to do anything just for money. As a result, I can be very annoying to my agents and pass on everything. To a fault. But something came along that I’m really excited about. I’m playing a Senegalese woman, and it’s the first time that I’ll be able to do some real accent work. It’s a small, really beautiful film. Other than that, I’ve just been living my life. Living the life that you live as an actor between jobs, which is…

Nia Long, Gabrielle Union: [Immense laughter]

Sanaa: You know, at this point in our careers, we’re all in our mid-thirties. There’s an art to being an actress, especially being a Black actress. And the truth is, to have persevered as long as the three of us have, you have to have some kind of philosophy about being in between work.

Essence: Because that’s so much time, right?

Sanaa: So much time.

Nia: No matter how long you’ve been in it, there is no security. So you have to really do sort of that internal work to just say I’m going to stay true to who I am, and also to have your heart open enough to be happy when other great things are happening for other people who do the same thing you do. Because that can be difficult if you’re not in the right place. I think having that helps to attract your highest good to you.

Gabrielle: That’s a tough lesson we all have to go through. It’s like, no matter how much you hate on somebody, it doesn’t change your life. I mean, you feel kind of okay in the moment as you’re dogging somebody, and then at the end of it you feel [bad] —and you still don’t have a job.

Nia: And you won’t get one because you’re putting all that negativity out there!

Sanaa: I truly believe that. And you know the thing is also, because we are artists, we feel. We have to nurture that sensitive side of ourselves, so of course we’re going to get jealous and envious. We’re human. But the key is to have the emotion, recognize it, deal with it, and move on. That’s what being an adult is. I think in life you have to work on yourself, but it’s almost like being an actress in Hollywood is double the stress.

ON GOSSIP

Essence: How do you deal with the 24-hours-a-day gossip that comes out on the Internet?

Gabrielle: Just last week somebody gave me a baby. This isn’t Perez Hilton or the White gossip people, these are women of color, specifically Black women who, for whatever reason, don’t like the company I keep.

Sanaa: She’s talking about the gossip sites.

Essence: The blogs.

Sanaa: That are run by Black women.

Gabrielle: And now because everyone is clamoring for celebrity tidbits, the bigger gossip sites and even mainstream entities are picking up on it. No fact-checking, no nothing. And in one week’s time, there were like five different dudes, a baby—I’m a homewrecker. In literally seven days. I can’t point the finger at the White media. They don’t care about us. Paparazzi are not staked out in front of any of our houses. They are not going through our garbage because they don’t care about us in that way. So when you hear crap about us, it is coming from our own community, which hurts.

Nia: We are some of the few Black actresses whose passions are rooted in our community.

Gabrielle: There is this idea that there is integrity in journalism; if it’s written it has to be true. But that’s not the case. When blogs or any of the magazines get it wrong, there’s no accountability. In the next breath, they’ll complain on the blogs that we don’t have enough Black stars. Well, you rip us to shreds every two seconds from our nose to the weave to the clothes to the shoes to the ashy ankles.

Credit: Thank you Essence for the pics and interview.

When in Rome…

Gabrielle Union attending the Playstation Oasis during Super Bowl XLI weekend at the Raleigh Hotel February 2, 2007 Miami, Florida.

Top: Alloa, $89.99, www.aldoshoes.com; French Twist, $38, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Tena, $29.99, www.bakersshoes.com
Middle 1: Michael Kors “Gavi” Conac Sandal, $130, www.neimanmarcus.com; Via Spiga “Glaza” Sandal, $109, www.nordstrom.com; Enzo Angiolini “Marseille” Sandal $92.95, www.zappos.com
Middle 2: Franco Sarto “Kyra” Sandal, $59.90, www.nordstrom.com; Gladiator Sandal, $29.50, www.alloy.com; Glaze Sandal, www.viaspiga.com
Bottom: Nice Touch, $29.99, www.bandolino.com; Ankle Wrap Sandal, $34, www.urbanoutfiitters.com; Benefit 22b Sandal, $12.99, www.gojane.com

Picture walking along the streets of Rome on your way to the imposing Colosseum or taking a leisurely gondola ride along a canal in Venice. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?... You need the perfect pair of sandals! I’ve been on a mission to locate the perfect Romanesque sandal, reminiscent of the footwear gladiators used to wear in battle but don’t worry, you won’t be doing any fighting in these wonderful creations. Make like Ms. Union and let your ancient Roman-style sandals do all the talking. Just make sure your toes are perfectly polished, these sandals leave nothing to the imagination!

Note: Also check out these Chain Sandals from www.alloy.com at jus$29.50!

Get Your Stunnas On...

Kelis rocking her then, new hairstyle and sunglasses… Work it!

Kerry Washington at the Luxottica Group Lounge during the 31st Annual Toronto International Film Festival last September.

Jennifer Lopez Launches Her New Album "Como Ama Una Mujer" in Barcelona over the weekend.

Gabrielle Union posing in the Sunglass Hut sponsor penthouse during the Sunglass Hut Swim Shows Miami at the Raleigh Hotel last Summer in Miami, Florida.

Vanessa Williams in Gucci 2932/s sunglasses at the Solstice Sunglass Boutique during at the 2006 American Music Awards last November.

It’s that time again. It’s officially spring and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds. I’m in desperate need of some new sunglasses. I like to buy a new pair every year but I have a Jackie Onasis pair that I love to death and I'll still be rocking them this summer. Aviator sunglasses are still 'in' but they really are no hard and fast rules when it comes to sunglasses fashion. It’s much more important to find a pair that compliment your face. See below for ideas.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Mortons on March 5, 2006 in West Hollywood, California.
Gotta love you some Gabby. She’s always so effortlessly stylish and oozes class. Also see this pic of her. I picked this dress, which Gabrielle wore at the Vanity Fair Oscar party earlier this year, because I think chiffon dresses never fail to make you look chic. Pick any bright, rainbow color and clash it with another for the ultimate party look. Warm colors are perfect for the Christmas season, don’t just confine them to summer.

Steal Gabrielle’s Style…

Dress: Tadashi Ruched Silk Chiffon Dress, $288, Nordstorm
Necklace: Antiqued Double Locket Necklace, $12, www.alltherageonline.com
Bag: Pleated Turquoise Duipioni Clutch, $56, www.amiciaccessories.com
Shoes: Worthy, $79.99, www.aldoshoes.com

Ever since Amici Accessories started selling on Girlshop.com their prices have sky rocketed :( In any case I love this pleated clutch by them. Also be sure to check out All The Rage, they have an abundance of cute jewelry pieces and other accessories.

Note: Also see this purple dress similar to the one Garcelle wore earlier this year.

Best of the Rest…

Left to Right: Knotted Bandeau Pleat Dress, $160, www.warehouse.co.uk; Gossamar Silk Chiffon Dress, $268, www.maxstudio.com; Babydoll Dress, $59, www.fredericks.com; Necessary Objects Babydoll Dress, $58, Nordstorm

If fuscia isn’t your color try these equally cute chiffon dresses. I have my eye on the red one from Fredericks, I had no idea they made clothes this cute!

Style on the Go...

Thandie Newton arriving at the launch and tea party for new online shopping site called www.doorone.co.uk hosted by Bay Garnett, in London.
Gabrielle Union attended the "Self Spotlight" the first-ever benefit to support breast cancer awareness at Crobar on Wednesday night in New York City.
Cheri Dennis spotted at the Heineken’s Red Star Soul event in Cleveland earlier this week.
Natalie Cole attending Janet Jackson's "20 Y.O." album release party at Room Service in New York City last Tuesday.

Everyone looks suburb although the leggings Cheri Dennis is wearing are confusing, the outfit would have worked better if she’d opted for loose fitting capris. Gabrielle Union never fails to look good even if that dress isn’t the cutest I’ve seen. Thandie Newton looks cute in her own way, don’t know anyone else who could pull off that outfit. And finally, for 56 Natalie Cole looks damn good… She couldn’t have picked a more flattering dress and shoes to match. Just one question – Is that her real eye color?!

Style Inspiration: Color

Tracee Ellis Ross in vibrant orange.... She can do no wrong fashion-wise!
Gabrielle Union and Amel Larrieux brighten up their days with some color.
Coat: Soft Belted Checked Coat, $230.00, www.topshop.co.uk; Platforms: Kawaii Pumps by Michael Antonio, $26.99 (On Sale!), www.cutesyshoes.com; Pumps: Barona Pumps by Michael Barona, $23.99 (On Sale!), www.cutesyshoes.com; Skirt: Floral Woven Mini, $15.80, Forever 21; Sequin Clutch: B Feather, $29.99 (On Sale!), Steve Madden; Jacket: Enzo Jacket, $138.00, French Connection; Blue Cuff: Blue Shell Cuff, $7.50, Claire’s; Bracelet: Red and White Plastic Stretch Bracelet, $1.99, www.girlprops.com; Blue Clutch: Ruffle-trim Clutch, $10.00 (On Sale!), www.newport-news.com; Red Bangle: Skinny Red Bangle; $4.50, Claire’s; Shirt Dress: Cadwell Tuni, $31.99, www.gojane.com; Tote Bag: Modern Fall Prada Style Shopper, $29.00, www.akostyle.com; Top: Donna Camisole by Day Birger et Mikkelsen, $162.00, www.my-wardrobe.com; Blue Top: Ruched Round Neck Top, $15.80, Forever 21; Wedges: Strappy Suede Wedge, $39.50, Gap; Flats: Dolce Vita Twist Toe Ballets, $78.00, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Dress: Sheer Matte Jersey Tonal Roller Glitter Dress, $88.00, Rampage

Join the rainbow coalition and splash your closet with some much needed color. Apparently, those who wear bright colors maintain a happier disposition (don't ask me for the source!) I think the brightest item in my wardrobe is a yellow belt I bought in London's Camden Market... I rock it with everything! Are you into color or are you strictly a black 'n' white kinda gal?

Note: Try these colorful bags!

Style Inspiration: Classic

Garcelle Beauvais always looks stunning and this little black dress is to die for!
Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross are the reigning queens of classic style!
Gold Clutch: Gold Python from a selection by Lorelei Lucia; Sandals: Calen, $89.99, Aldo; Turtleneck: SS Sweater Top, $15.80, Forever 21; Black Clutch: Blima, $49.99, Steve Madden; Dress: Style no.6201G55, $68.00 (On Sale!), www.maxstudio.com; Trousers: Notch Back Wide Leg Pant, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Top: Vanessa Tie Top, $88.00, French Connection; Belt: Jocasi Ibiza Waisted Wide Belt, $100.00, www.asos.com; Bag: Convertible Two Pocket Messenger, $58.00, Urban Outfitters; Red Clutch: Ruby Red Clutch, $56.00, www.amiciaccessories.com; Hoops: Goldtone Hoops, $7.00, Claire’s; Skirt: Highlight by Greenbaum Clothing, $96.00, www.paper-doll.com; Pumps: Black Snake Jewel by Cesare Paciotti, $716.00, www.shoeluv.com; Gold Earrings: Gold Earrings, $12.99, www.girlprops.com; Boots: Gilda, $60.00, Rampage; Coat: Super Coat, $298.00, French Connection

Every closet needs it's staple items; the little black dress, the perfect gold pair of shoes, the classic coat, and since the stores are starting to release their Fall collections it's the perfect time to update your closet. I have my eye on those boots from Urban Outfitters and that coat would fit seamlessly into my current wardrobe. It's sometimes worth spending a little more on classic items of clothing, a great fitting pair of black trousers will see you through many seasons... But of course that doesn't mean you have to own just one pair! ;)

Style on the Go...

Jill Marie Jones attended the Broadway opening night of "Chicago" at the Ambassador Theatre last night in New York.
Gabrielle Union was also at the "Chicago" premiere last night - Everyone is wearing red these days.
Amerie opted to attend the after-party for Usher's Broadway debut in "Chicago" at 'Nikki Beach' in New York
Meanwhile, Sanaa Lathan was at the party for Cynthia Garrett's "Love Conquers All" jewelry collection debut hosted by QVC.

Looks like the celebs had a difficult choice last night... "Do I attend the opening night of 'Chicago' on Broadway and support Usher's debut stage performance OR do I show some love to Cynthia Garrett, who just launched her first jewelry line?" I think Usher won! But in either case the celebrities looked FABULOUS! You can view more pics from both events via the slideshow on the left (you can double click on the pics to view them bigger or click once to activate the names of the celebs ;) Other celebrities in attendance for Usher's Broadway debut included, Mario, Phylicia Rashad, Gayle King and Rosie Perez. At the jewelry launch Holly Robinson, Shaun Robinson, Natalie Cole, Niecy Nash and CSI's Gary Dourdan (who is Cynthia Garretts new man!) all made an appearance.

Note: View some pics from the National Action Network's Dream Keepers Awards Honoring Clarence Avant, Ken Sunshine and Congresswoman Maxine Waters here!

Jump to it!

Gabrielle Union enjoying the backstage freebies during Miami Fashion Week earlier this year.
Olivia Longott of G-Unit at the 'AllHipHop.com's BBQ' this month, sponsored by G-Unit.
Candid of Mariah Carey at the Mandarin yesterday.

I absolutely love this new jumpsuit/onesy look! I have plenty of shorts in my closet, but I must get a pair of these suits ASAP! I'd wear it with supa high wedges and a big chunky belt. All the ladies above look fabulous! Scroll down for 'My Picks!'

Gabrielle Union in Essence magazine...

Gabrielle is on FIYAH in these pics!
I'm so looking forward to the September issue of Essence magazine! As well as Beyonce and Janet Jackson, the issue will also feature Ms. Gabrielle Union whom i'm convinced is getting younger with each passing year! She's currently completing her latest movie 'Daddy's Little Girl' which is written and directed by Tyler Perry and co-stars Idris Elba, Tracee Ellis Ross and Malinda Williams. I really hope the movie does well as i'm in love with the whole cast! It's due to be released in 2007.

Credit: Foxxology for the scans of Gabrielle!

4. Gabrielle Union & Darren Sharper

Though they haven’t been together long, both Gabrielle and Darren have amazing style individually, so only good things can come from them being an item! No one’s really sure how or when the couple met, but it seems Darren is certainly helping Ms. Union ‘heal’ after her separation from football star-turned-businessman Chris Howard. You know what they say… the best way to get over someone is to get under someone! Hmmm, anyway for those who’ve never heard of Mr. Sharper he’s an NFL player who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings. And congratulations to Gabby who’s just landed the lead in Tyler Perry’s new movie, ‘Daddy’s Little Girl,’ co-stars include Idris Elba and Tracie Ellis Ross. Can’t wait to see it!

I Think I'll Pass!...

Malinda Williams arriving at the premiere of "Get Rich Or Die Tryin''
Jessica Simpson, Gabrielle Union and Nicole Richie are all channeling 'Alice in Wonderland' with this look

I haven't worn a headband since I was six! Behind my ears would always ache after wearing one for an hour, but I digress... It seems i'm the last one to catch on to this trend and even though I don't think i'll purchase one myself, I thought i'd spotlight the trend for those of you out there who are feeling them :) Shout-outs to Malinda Williams who is such a cutie!

Chill Zone...

Jessica Alba looking a little too relaxed on her day off!
Gabrielle Union dresses for comfort on her way to meet a friend for lunch Ciara still knows how to glam-it-up on the weekend, shown here leaving her hotel in New York

It's okay to dress down on the weekends, but that doesn't mean you have to walk around looking like death warmed up 'n' mobile! I got caught out once whan a 'friend' made an unannounced appearance at my door one lazy Sunday afternoon and you guessed it, I was looking less than my fabulous self ! :( Save yourself the embarrassing moments and pick a style that's comfortable yet stylish... Scroll up for ideas!

Miami Fashion Week...

Gabrielle Union posing it up for the camera!
Garcelle Beauvais enjoying a cool drink in the Miami heat.

Gabrielle Union and Garcelle Beauvais were spotted in Miami this weekend for Miami Fashion Week, both looked ab fab as usual. Gabby sat front row and center at the Rosa Cha Summer 2007 fashion show during the Sunglass Hut Swim Shows Miami in the Beachway tent at the Raleigh. I love Gabrielle's skin, she needs to let a sistah know what products she's using!