Work it Out

Mary J. Blige working out on Miami Beach, Florida on March 24th, 2008.

Venus Williams stretching before a workout last year.

Serena Williams of USA during the shooting of a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour global TV advertising campaign on May 12, 2008 in Rome, Italy.

Mel B post workout in Los Angeles California, September 3, 2007.

There's still time people! Though the sun has started to rear it's head, we can still get a few good weeks of body toning exercise in before our summer vacay. With obesity among African American women at an all time high, there's no excuse for not squeezing in 3 half an hour workouts into your week. To brighten up a mundane workout session you can do at least one of two things: 1.) find something active that you love doing and doesn't feel like exercise (salsa, hip hop aerobics, yoga); 2.) look fabulous doing it! That's where I come in. Scroll down to get some ideas on how to look cute whilst in a sweaty funk!!

Green with Envy

Rihanna arriving at the World Music Awards 2007, November 4, 2007 at Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Nia Long was one step ahead of the herd at the 2005 Black Movie Awards at the Wiltern Theater on October 9th in Los Angeles, California.

Mary J. Blige arrives at Conde Nast Media Groups 2007 Movies Rock at the Kodak Theater on December 2, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

Beyonce arrives at the Conde Nast Media Group presents 2007 Movies Rock at the Kodak Theatre on December 2, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

Chrisette Michele performing at her album listening party this summer just gone.

Green has never been my color. It just never enticed me in any way, shape or form. Lately however, I’ve spotted some of our favorite red carpet starlets light up the venue in unapologetically green frocks. Take one stunning dress in an emerald green hue and viola!, instance chic is born. Together the ladies have convinced me that my next cocktail dress will be satin, green and oh so sexy. If you need more convincing also check out Rihanna’s green dress at this years Grammy’s.

If I Had My Way: Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige attends LIFEBeat presents “Live Beats” honoring Stephen Hillon December 4, 2007 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

Mary at the “I Am Legend” premiere, the “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” and a candid in New York City, all within the last month!

I think it’s safe to assume that Mary J. Blige will not be appearing in any “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” promos for PETA. So attached is she to her furry cover-ups, Mary has been spotted wearing a different fur coat at no less than seven events in December alone. Now, I’m not one to judge but I would like to see Mary explore other outerwear options. It would be quite unfortunate to see the queen of hip-hop/soul doused in red paint.

If I Had My Way… I’d intorduce Mary to some of this season’s oh so cute high collared coats. Every diva worth talking about should have one.
If I Had My Way… I’d take Mary to see a hair stylist. It’s time to let the blond go. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see Mary rock a longer cut – maybe just past the shoulders with plum undertones.
If I Had My Way… Hoop earrings are so boring Mary. Visit Isharya.com to step your accessory game up!
If I Had My Way… I’d buy Mary ankle boots in every color. Her current taste in boots is on point, but it’s always good to try something new.
If I Had My Way… I’d play up her cheek bones a little more. Mary would look great with a more contoured cheek bones and a little bit of blush.

How would you update Mary? Especially considering she's got stiff competition coming up behind her in the music industry. You've got to keep your image fresh.

Oscar Fashion… Be Kind!

Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose

Beyonce and Jada Pinkett-Smith

Keisha Whitaker and Queen Latifah

Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lopez

Oprah and Mary J. Blige at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Tracey Edmonds and Shaun Robinson

Rashida & Quincy Jones and Will & Jaden Smith

Tanika Ray and Forest & Keisha Whitaker

Djimon Hounsou and Eddie Murphy

623 seamstresses beaten and whipped, 537 stylists cursed, 469 shoes re-dyed, 313 nails chiseled and 165 curling irons burnt-out and it was, for the most part, worth it. Many will debate the necessity of Ms. Hudson’s gold jacket but if nothing else, she’s been reading this blog (see below!) No one dress blew me away but I loved the way Oprah, Anika Noni Rose, Beyonce and Penelope Cruz looked.

Jada’s dress was disappointing. I’m not too sure what the bodice was all about. Keisha Whitaker's dress was ugly to me in the back with the roses but she still worked it and can someone explain to me who Shaun Robinson and Tanika Ray are?! Seriously, I see them all the time and I have no idea what they do.

Lasty, the men were sharp in their tuxes, bar Quincy. Wasn't Jaden so cute presenting an Oscar? I’m mad that Djimon didn’t win but at least he looked yummy. Don’t worry Djimon, you can always come cry on my shoulder!

Are You Faking It?

Mary J. Blige and her husband Kendu Isaacs, seated front row at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards last week.
Kimora Lee Simmons arriving at Paramount Pictures' and Walden Media's screening of ‘Charlotte's Web’ at Clearview Chelsea West last week in New York City.
Candid of Kelly Rowland shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York City last week.
Queen Latifah attending the "Dreamgirls" premiere presented by DreamWorks Pictures & Paramount Pictures at the Ziegfeld Theatre on earlier this week in New York City.
Meagan Good walks on Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival back in 2004 in Park City, Utah. – Are these boots ridiculous? Yes. Does Meagan get away with them? Absolutely!

I in no way, shape or form advocate the skinning alive of animals for fur. It’s not even necessary in this day and age… Just fake it! I know Mary J. Blige, Kimora and possibly Kelly are certainly not faking. Some poor fox suffered for that wrap on Mary’s shoulders. And look at the pic of the Queen… :(

I think fake fur can look just as elegant and glamorous as the real thing, plus you don’t have to sleep with one eye open worrying if that was PETA you heard outside your window (them folks are serious with the cause!) So this winter faking it is good… See below for the goods.

It Suits You!

Amerie arriving at Out Magazine's Out 100 Awards last week in New York City.Mary J Blige at the GUCCI Ginza Flagship Store Opening Reception Party Tokyo, Japan earlier this month.
Star Jones attending the launch of the dramatized audio recording of "The Bible Experience" held at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ last week in LA.
British actress, Naomie Harris at the after show party following the UK premiere of "Miami Vice," in July of this year in London.
Iman and Zoe Saldana at the cocktail reception to benefit the "Keep A Child Alive" charity co-hosted with fashion designer Valentino at the Valentino Boutique last week in New York City.

If dresses aren’t your thing, you can always opt for a smart contemporary suit. I think they make the perfect alternative to a cocktail dress. You could go with a tailored fit like Mary J Blige and Star Jones or you could pick something a little unconventional like British actress Naomie Harris and Iman. Now if you’re really brave, take a style cue from Amerie and ‘bust’ out in a three-piece vest and tuxedo pants. It'll make the ultimate show-stopping entrance… you just know the men couldn’t stop looking at her chest and bare back!

Note: Also peep Halle in this gorgeous Ralph Lauren suit. Photo taken by The Sartorialist.

Round Three of “The Leap”

Mary J. Blige should be commended for not having any problem with stepping out in public without makeup.
Rihanna looks fresher without the makeup, but with it her best features are highlighted.
If Golden Brooks chooses to wear makeup, she must find a better artist or take lessons herself.

I don’t write these posts just to put my sistas on blast; I do it because I think it’s essential to put the truth out there. You must have a heart of steel if you’ve never experienced the feelings of inadequacy the media images of women can sometimes stir. Above is another batch of photos demonstrating what we have come to know as “The Leap.”

I don’t actually believe Mary J. Blige really looks like this, it's a really bad pic, but in any case she looks like a different person with the aid of makeup. I’m glad she’s not afraid to step out in public as herself. There is no doubt that Rihanna is a beautiful girl, but clearly makeup helps accentuate her best features especially her eyes. And while both photos of Golden Brooks show her wearing makeup, there’s a big discrepancy between Mya Wilkes’ (L) and Golden Brooks' (R) – she should take her “Girlfriends” makeup artist everywhere or just go 'au natural.'

Now most of you may be aware of Doves’ “Campaign For Real Beauty.” In an effort to counter the media portrayals of women, Dove uses women like you and me in their ads and commercials. Watch the amazing video below that perfectly demonstrates “The Leap” in action and emphasizes how the media distorts the truth. Visit www.campaignforrealbeauty.com to find out more about Doves’ campaign and to read personal stories from various women.

Note: See the first and second part of “The Leap.”

Style on the Go...

Halle Berry attending the 15th Annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel last Thursday Los Angeles.
Kelly Rowland arriving at the Sony Pictures premiere of "Stranger Than Fiction" at the Mann Village Theatre last month in Westwood, California.
Mary J Blige arriving at the GUCCI Ginza Flagship Store Opening Reception.
Amerie arriving at the Moet & Chandon's BE FABULOUS and The New Season of VH1's "The Fabulous Life" party at Skylight Studios last week in New York.

Hot pink remains the number one color for the red carpet, Halle is working that dress. Both Mary J Blige and Kelly have taken the office day-look to evening. I’m going to have to do a post on pencil skirts soon because I’m seeing them everywhere. Amerie’s boots are little off, but she looks good overall... I always love her hair!

10. Mary J. Blige & Kendu Isaacs

Poor things didn’t even get one vote, but it’s O.K guys – I still love you! Mary has definitely embraced high fashion more as the years have gone on and this picture, with her husband Kendu, epitomizes the growth of her style. Remember when Mary first came out in the 90s? I doubt you would have been able to get her to wear a dress like this, but a happy marriage and 16 years in the business later, have all helped evolve her style! The couple will have been married for three years on December 7th of this year.