Hair Stories: Quench My Thirst

Tanika Ray, Yaya DaCosta and India.Arie show off their luscious natural hair - big earrings are optional!

1. Kizzi Stay-Put Hair Pomade, $9.50, www.carolsdaughter.com; 2. Curly Pudding, $38 for 16oz, www.missjessies.com; 3. Citrus Shea Butter Whip, $16.50 for 2oz, www.tuliaskincare.com; 4. Greg Juice - nourishing herbal leave-in, $9, www.oyinhandmade.com; 5. Whipped Butter, $5.75, www.anitagrant.com; 6. Amla & Olive Heavy Cream for 8 oz, $16, www.qhemetbiologics.com; 7. Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, www.elucence.com; 8. Happy Nappy Styles, $19, www.blendedbeauty.com

Afro hair is a slave to dryness and with summer fast approaching you’d better stock up on heat defying products. The key is to add moisture, moisture, moisture to your hair (as well as good protein treatments for strength). Whether it’s a shampoo, conditioner or styling product make sure you pick at least one moisturizing version of your staple brand. Above are some of my favorites, most of which were produced by black-owned companies for black hair.

Style on the Go...

Thandie Newton arriving at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, at the Royal Opera House Sunday night in London.

Rihanna attending the Universal Music Grammy party held at The Palm Restaurant Sunday night in Hollywood.

Beyonce Knowles arriving at the Sony/BMG Grammy party held at the Beverly Hills hotel on Sunday in Beverly Hills.

India.Arie arriving at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 11, 2007 in Los Angeles.

So many events so little time! Gotta start off with Thandie Newton and her gorgeous champagne colored dress. I don’t know who the designer is but she worked the hell out of it. I guess there’s life after “Norbit.” Also notice the jewelry she has on… She gets an A+ from head-to-toe.

Rihanna opted for jewel green for this year’s Grammys – it emphasizes the natural color of her eyes. I love the cut of this dress, especially at the back (see beginning of slide show). I also love how Rihanna steered clear of the played out, long weave and went with an edgier cut instead. Tres chic!

I’m not to keen on the hair but the dress and make up is on point. Beyonce is definitely a pro when it comes to red carpet poses! She’s come a long way, remember those Destiny’s Child days? *shudders*

Lastly, I’m not a fan of the dress, or shoes for that matter, but India.Arie looks AMAZING! I’m bias to natural hair so I adore this look on her. I wonder if it’s hers or if she twisted in some natural hair? If it’s hair it sure grows quick!

Who Needs Two Sleeves?

Lucy Liu attending the premiere of ''Code Name: The Cleaner'' at The Empire 25 last week in NYC.
Beyonce Knowles attending the L'Oreal Legends Gala to benefit The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at the Museum of Natural History, November 8, 2006 in New York City.
India.Arie arriving at the 37th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine Auditorium last year in LA.
Joy Bryant attending the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in September ’06.

Two sleeves are overrated. Since this winter has been pretty mild, well in D.C. it has, try making-do with just one. Even the simplest dress can stand out with just one sleeve. I think I found Lucy Liu’s dress which if I’m not mistaken is by Rachel Roy. If not, Rachel Roy’s is a great alternative. Also see below for some other great finds. My personal favorites are the Lela Rose dress and the long black dress from Windorstore.com.

Style on the Go...

UNICEF Ambassador India.Arie attending the Third Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball at Cipriani's 42nd Street on Tuesday in New York City.
Ashanti appearing onstage during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on Tuesday in New York City.
Cassie arriving at the Fendi party celebrating their new line of bags "B.MIX" which will be released in the spring/summer of 2007 at the National Stadium last night in Tokyo, Japan.
Paula Patton attending the Touchstone Pictures world premiere of "Deja Vu" at the Ziegfeld Theatre last week in New York City.

I had no idea India Arie had been appointed the position of UNICEF Ambassador… Congratulations to her. She looks fantastic in this dress. She wears long evening gowns well. Read more about her UNICEF role here.

Ashanti is making the media rounds to alert people that she’s still alive! She made stops at MTV’s TRL and Sucker Free Sunday as well as 106 & Park all on the same day. She looked great and I loved her hair, although that quiff is a little passé.

Paula Patton is fast becoming the next black A-lister actress. I’m glad too, because I sometimes get a little fed up of watching films starring Gabrielle and Sanaa, as much as I love them. Here she is at the “Déjà vu” premiere which I must watch it soon. I wonder why she never walks the red carpet with her husband Robin Thicke?

Finally, Cassie is sticking to what she does best and that’s looking good on the red carpet. Whilst I wish her skirt was a bit longer she’s working the whole look to perfection. See more pics of Fendi’s B.Mix bag here. I love the silver one!

India.Arie

India.Arie's locs are gorgeous but like she said, she is not her hair...
India Arie may not get the attention she deserves, but that hasn't stopped her latest album Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship from selling over 500,000 units (that's Gold!) To ensure the continued success of her album, India is embarking on a U.S. tour with a few dates in Europe. See below for details or visit www.indiaarie.com.

Upcoming Shows:
1. September 17,06 Black Oak Ranch - Laytonville, CA
2. September 28,06 Rams Head Live - Baltimore, MD
3. September 29,06 Keswick Theatre - Philadelphia, PA
4. September 30,06 Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, VA
5. October 4,06 Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
6. October 6,06 Royal Naval Dockyard - Bermuda
7. October 7,06 Beacon Theater - New York, NY
8. October 8,06 Landmark Theater - Richmond, VA
9. October 12,06 Chicago Theater - Chicago, IL
10. October 13,06 Riverside Theater - Milwaukee, WI
11. October 14,06 State Theater - Minneapolis, MN
12. October 17,06 Nokia Live - Grand Prairie, TX
13. October 20,06 Wilshire Theater - Los Angeles, CA
14. October 21,06 Spreckels - San Diego, CA
15. October 26,06 Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
16. October 27,06 Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
17. October 28,06 The Grove - Anaheim, CA
18. November 8,06 Huxleys - Berlin
19. November 11,06 Amager Bio - Copenhagen

India Arie

India Arie is the 'Lady in Red' for the night. Check the earrings, lovin' it!
India Arie looks amazing in this dress that she wore to the '37th Annual NAACP Image Awards' in February of this year. I also adore her hair, those twists are absolutely gorgeous! I like the concept of wearing a simply dress then glamming it up with jewelry, especially when the dress is this long and demure. I imagine India was completely comfortable in this outfit, there's nothing worse than pulling and tugging at what you're wearing all night - it's not a good look! Scroll up to copy this look.

Steal India's Style...

Ruffle Halter Dress, $133.00, Diane Medak available at www.girlshop.com
From Left to Right: Gold 'en wood earrings, $8.00, Claire's accessories; Wooden bangle, $7.50, Claire's accessories; Goldtone bangle, $4.50, Claire's accessories; Amara Bracelet, $28.00, Chico's

I found this great fashion website called 'Girl Shop' @ www.girlshop.com It has everything from denim and evening wear to jewelry and shoes! I found this beautiful white dress on there (also available in turquoise) and since it's a wee bit expensive I thought i'd counter it by buying some cheap, but very stylish jewelry. I'll play up the 'afrocentric' look by wearing my hair in a big, blown out afro and several bangles... it's definitely a look that'll get me noticed!