Estelle Covers Bleu Magazine…

U.K. singer and rapper Estelle grace the latest cover of Bleu magazine. I knew of Estelle almost 4 years ago when her music was still playing on underground radio stations in London. I’m really happy for her recent explosion into the U.S. market although I’m fascinated to see if her image will help or hinder her. She is after all the antithesis of the light-skinned, long haired beauties that are saturating the market these days. I with her much success!

Bleu magazine is a great publication for “urban” men. Think GQ for the sophisticated black man. I say visit the site, snoop around, then if you like what you see, recommend it to your male friends. This issue hits stands April 29th.

Credit: ConcreteLoop.com for photos.

AmberMag.com

AmberMag.com is the premiere destination for African-American and Hispanic women who want the latest information on trends in the beauty world. Founded by Marcia A. Cole (editorial director), who also acted as the Deputy Editor of Lifestyle and Features for Suede magazine, this online publication offers comprehensive and honest reviews on products that we can actually use. I particular love their Salon and Spa locator because Lord knows it’s hard to find a good hairstylist and waxer! Also check out their video library which contains up-to-the-minute beauty and hair tips you can do yourself. You may have also noticed that the Iman video feature below was by AmberMag.com. Visit the site and let me know what you think.

Nothing Vogue about it!

UNVOGUE.com is the newest online magazine on the block and it’s determined to stand out from the crowd. Its title says it all. According to K. Tyson Perez, the magazine’s Editor in Chief, UNVOGUE.com takes a unique approach to fashion journalism. Their mission statement/opening letter states:

“A magazine that dictates your every fashion move is UNVOGUE. An editor who tells you what you must have to be apart of the “In” crowd is so UNVOGUE. If you are clearing out your closet every six months because a journalist or stylist said to, that is sooo UNVOGUE… A magazine that realizes that its readers are of many races, sizes, colors, religions, economic backgrounds and that they too would love to see themselves represented in the pages they dash to purchase is so UNVOUGE.”

We love it already, although the first issue doesn't seem to portray all the things the magazine claims to be. Click here to see if you too are “UNVOGUE.”

Vanessa Simmons Covers Brides Noir…

Vanessa Simmons is in the latest issue of Brides Noir, an magazine that focuses on the wedding fashion. As well as the photo shoot Vanessa also talks about her new clothing and jewelry line with her sister Angela. They also plan on expanding their existing Pastry sneaker line. Visit www.bridesnoir.com to preview the issue online and get inspired for future weddings… urban style, of course!

Credit: Concrete Loop for the pics.

Alicia Covers Uptown Magazine…

Alicia Keys looks flawless on the latest cover of Uptown Magazine and the additional editorial photos inside. If you've never heard of this magazine before it is very much for those who are “living well,” but I like it. I think this is only their fourth issue. The magazine is available in electronic format, so click here to start reading her interview and to see the other pics.

Credit: Juicy News for photos.

Another One Bites The Dust…

Another day, another Black magazine folds. Vibe Vixen is the latest publication to fall under the witches spell. After two years and some change, Vibe Vixen will no longer produce their hard copy magazine but will continue their presence online. Read the official press release below. I wasn’t really a fan of the magazine but it’s sad that people will lose their jobs.

"Less than two weeks after being named CEO of Vibe Media Group, Steve Aaron announced Vibe would fold Vibe Vixen, the female counterpart to urban music and lifestyle magazine Vibe.

Vixen will cease as a regularly published title with the August/September issue and starting in the fourth quarter, the company will begin publishing Vixen as special issues focusing on urban culture themes. The company hasn’t determined the frequency for the specials, a company rep said. Vixen also will continue to maintain a Web site.

In a press release, Aaron said there would be “some” layoffs. The rep would not make executives available for further comment.

Vixen launched in February 2005 as a twice-a-year title with a circ of 425,000 (unaudited) and upped the frequency to six times this year. Pages for the first half of 2007 totaled 147, per Publishers Information Bureau. [Source]"

Mimi Magazine

Angela Asare on the cover of Mimi magazine.

Mimi (the Swahili word for “me”) is the online magazine of choice for fashion-forward and culturally aware African women. Mimi offers articles on fashion/beauty, politics, love, the arts and everything in between. Features are carefully crafted to appeal to the entire African diaspora. If that isn’t enough, check out their blog written by Mimi editors and contributors. On the cover of their current issue is the beautiful Angela Asare aka Miss Ghana of 2006. The magazine has been around for two years. I’m surprised that I’m only just hearing about it now. Click here and tell me what you think.

Mya covers Ocean Style Magazine

I was getting my daily dose of Concrete Loop and saw this new magazine (well, new to me) called Ocean Style. As you can see Mya is on the cover looking sultry and fabulous. There was a time when I didn’t care much for Mya’s style but she's been growing on me. I wonder what projects she has up her sleeve. Head over to Ocean Style’s website to flick through a preview copy of their magazine.

Clutch Magazine Relaunches!

Rejoice! The wait is over! Clutch, the online magazine, has relaunched offering even more mouth-watering features pertaining to fashion, beauty, life and culture. Check in daily to receive a dose of their “Notebook” and while you’re there get exclusive insights on the latest up-and-coming designers and beauty brands. A new issue premieres on the first of every month but if you can’t wait until then, browse the Clutch “Blog Index” that lists all the hottest blogs on the web (including yours truly!) Visit www.clutchmagonline.com to peep the site for yourself!

Clutch Magazine

I stumbled across this wonderful online magazine while on My Space and had to let you ladies know about it. Clutch is an Atlanta based fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine dedicated to women of color. Visit www.clutchmagazine.com to get a heads-up on all the latest fashion trends, beauty products and even ask their relationship ‘expert’ for advice (he’s a regular guy, sometimes you just need that outside opinion!) The ‘Clutch’ site is planning to re-launch on April 1st, until then Clutch’s editor, Deanna Sutton, also updates their blog daily so be sure to check that out too. I’m glad that we’re slowly starting to see an emergence of online African-American fashion magazines. I believe in the next decade or so hard copy magazines will become obsolete so get ready for a huge rise in ‘e-zines’ over the next few years.

Note: Also check out these other online magazines… Lavish, Mahogany and Jolie.

Honey Magazine is Back!

A few weeks ago I was contacted by one of Honey Magazine’s new owners, Suzanne Burge. She asked if I’d be interested in contributing to their site, which re-launched a couple of months ago… I said “Hell Yes!” Now all you fashion addicts can get a double dose of ‘I Like Her Style!’ as I’ll be posting exclusive articles over at Honey weekly as well as continuing this blog. When you get to the homepage click on ‘Get Ahead Guide,’ then click ‘I Like Her Style!.’ Be sure to support Honey magazine’s site and keep your eye out for the actual magazine which is scheduled to re-launch next summer! Congrats to Suzanne and all the Honey staff, I’m honored to join the team! ;)

Mahogany Magazine

Bre on the cover the latest Mahogany Magazine

Two new magazines in one week…. I likey! Check out a full copy of Mahogany Magazine online. The fashion pages are so inspiring and they cater to ALL sizes. It’s great to see more publications dedicated to us emerging. You may recognize their cover girl Bre from America’s Next Top Model, she looks great. Also peep the page dedicated to fellow blogger AngelLa from Concrete Loop – I ain’t mad at ya! ;)

Live Lavishly!

The eagerly awaited premiere issue of Lavish Magazine is now available online! Visit their site today to learn about the latest trends in beauty, fashion and urban culture. The current edition offers great hair and make-up advice as well as spotlighting talented up-and-coming designers. I’m already in love with their culture section, which discusses the ongoing immigration debate and “The Nu Africa” – what does 2006 hold for the world’s first continent? As well as their fabulous site, the magazine also owns a blog which is updated daily. Check it out if you haven’t already and show your support!

A Day in the Life of an Intern...

Hi guys, I started my internship today at D.C.'s Style magazine... I feel like Lauren from 'The Hills,' LOL! Anyway, it was a little overwhelming, but I'm really excited about what I'll be doing during my time there and you guys will get the inside scoop on what's going on in the world of fashion! I've already been assigned an article on a Designer Sample Sales event and I'm covering the 'Fashion RIPS' runway show hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses, later this month (I'll post about it soon!). If you live in the D.C. Metro area pay close attention, as I'll be posting many events that are happening in-and-around D.C. Visit D.C. Style's web site @ www.dcstylemag.com and become a 'Style Club' member, where you'll receive emails about upcoming retail sales and fashion events! ;)
Note: If you live in Philadelphia or Atlantic City, check out their 'Style' magazine issues!

Live Pretty!

I don't know if any you have heard of or read Jolie magazine, but their public relations department were kind enough to send me an excerpt from their next issue featuring the infamous Kimora Lee Simmons (out August 29th). And unbeknownst to me, Vivica Fox owns this publication with three other African-American women. I ain't mad at that!...

Simmons shares some private time with her girl, editor-at-large Vivica A. Fox and dishes about her “self-indulgent, over-the-top-diva” persona, Russell and that infamous rumor:

JOLIE: How do you feel about the media’s depiction of you as some "self-indulgent, over-the-top diva"?

KIMORA LEE SIMMONS: I try not to let others’ perceptions of me affect the things I know about myself. But at the same time I preach to all women everywhere that a little self-indulgence is sometimes necessary....

J: Allegedly, you were quoted in a major media outlet as saying "I am happy and wished that Russell and I departed years ago….Russell and I had outgrown one another years ago and the little blue pill did not help our s*x life….Russell was awful in bed! We will continue our business relationship and we will both be active in our kids lives, but the romance is what...over!!!”

KLS: ABSOLUTELY FALSE! I would never nor have I ever been known to be the type of woman that would carry herself in such a way - by saying such silly and senseless things about another person, let alone my baby daddy!

Jolie can be found at Barnes & Noble as well as supermarkets and newsstands nationwide. Learn more about the magazine @ www.jolie-magazine.com where you can look through some of the pages from their current issue (featuring Lisa Raye!)

Are You a Vibe Vixen?...

Tracee Ellis Ross (current issue) and Kelly Rowland on the cover of VIBE's sister publication

My answer would be 'no' since i've never heard of this magazine before, but judging by the website, it looks promising! The magazine offers the usual sections... fashion, beauty, music, blah blah; I just wish they would mix-it-up a bit and feature other celebrities inside the magazine. Much like other publications out there, they tend to recycle the 'usual suspects.' I guess i'll read a full copy before I condemn it to hell! Visit www.vibevixen.com to judge for yourselves.

Slighty off topic but in regards to Tracee Ellis Ross, did you all hear about Jill Marie Jones (who plays Toni) leaving Girlfriends? Apparently, the four actresses made a pact to stick together and ask for a pay rise while the UPN network merged with the WB forming the new CW network. As the story goes, the other three fell short on their promise and renegotiated their contracts without informing Jill! She subsequently left the show, and all the other ladies could say was they 'needed their jobs.' You know she's P*SSED!! Check out the new web site (minus Jill) at Girlfriends. The new season airs October, 1st.

Credit: Juicy News for the Tracee pics!

Jewel Magazine...

Reginal Hall and Nia Long grace the covers of Jewel Magazine

So who is reading this magazine? I only found out about it a couple of months ago, but i've never read a hard copy. Their website looks pretty good, but I can't find a store in D.C. that stocks copies of this mag. If anyone has read it tell me what you think... I used to read 'Suede' but that didn't last long! :( I think it's a shame that we don't have at least one stable, black women's magazine that is an equivalent of say 'Vogue' or 'Vanity Fair'; it would be my dream to start a successful magazine that contains both serious public affairs articles and up-to-the-minute fashion. Anywho, I love both Regina Hall's and Nia Long's look in these pics... They'd better work it! To find out more about Jewel Magazine, visit www.jewelmagonline.com