America’s Next Top Model Season 23 – Episode 1 Recap

America’s Next Top Model returned for a new season in New York City.  Rita Ora served as the host for this season’s challenge along with co-hosts Ashley Graham, Drew Elliott, and Law Roach.

After years of being a fan of the series, I was excited to see a new panel. Each panelist provided guidance and mentorship to the contestants.  ANTM Hosts also shared expectations of each model along with insight into the fashion industry.

ANTM Recap:

Last night’s episode was an introduction of each contestant; sharing their background and taking photos for the first challenge.

I enjoyed the selection process and uniqueness of each contestant. There was also a range of (beauty) diversity from natural hair, full eyebrows, and a set twins.

The selection process was not based on being a pretty face but the ability to become a fashion brand.  What does that mean? Contestants should exemplify the concept of having beauty and brains!

To watch full episodes, click here:  Business, Brand, and Boss 

 

 

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2016 – Paris

For the first time ever, the Victoria’s Secret Angels are strutting down the runway in Paris, France! Be sure to tune in to CBS All Access on Monday, 12/5 @ 10/9c to stream the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show!

The all-star line-up of Victoria’s Secret Angels will include returning favorites Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lily Aldridge, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill, as well as new faces.

We hope you’re as excited as we are about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Paris!

It’s no secret that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Paris is streaming on CBS All Access! Watch with 1 week FREE!

Ciara Red Carpet Maternity Style – AMAs 2016

Ciara looked amazing on the red carpet during The American Music Awards 2016. She embraced her natural maternity glow wearing a black form fitted top and contrasting ruffle at the bottom of her dress.

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The singer was an inspiration to women seeking great maternity style.  Ciara not only dressed red carpet appropriate but also appeared very comfortable, holding her delicate baby bump!

Cassie VMAS 2016 Red Carpet Look

Cassie graced the red carpet wearing a hot, new look for the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. The singer was seen in a Balmain Jacket and Gucci Metallic Leggings. Her accessories for the evening included a Gold Body Chain and Handbag.

The eye-opener was Cassie’s neon hair color; very fitting for the awards show red carpet!

Cassie VMAS 2016
Jacket: Balmain | Pants: Gucci

To re-create this look, fashion girls (and guys) can visit their local ASOS store online.  Simply purchase a Ponte Blazer and Gold Leggings.  Pair this look with a Body Chain and Zip Pouch Handbag. For a more conservative twist, add a Fitted Cami Top underneath the blazer.

Edge Ponte BlazerMango Coated LeggingZip Pouch BagMultirow Body Chain

Don’t forget to accent the hair with Blonde Hairspray, Extensions, or even a Wig. The singer/dancer’s red carpet look was trendy, fun, and inspirational.  Dare to be different!

 

Jill Scott Concert 2016 – Songstress and Poet

One of my favorite quotes is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” by Eleanor Roosevelt.  This quote is significant in terms of goal setting and personal achievement.

Attending a Jill Scott concert was a goal on my personal to-do list.  Jill Scott is a soulful singer and her voice has a variety of range.  As a song-writer, her lyrics go beyond the surface; addressing topics that are realistic to listeners.

I was gifted a set of tickets from my brother (and sister-in-law) to take part in her performance at the Amphitheater located in Tuscaloosa.

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Lace Chiffon Sleeveless Romper purchased from Amazon Prime

Jill Scott’s concert pushed beyond the limits of watching a songstress to viewing a “seasoned” artist/poet.

She gave us relationship advice and shared reflections from her own life. The concert was amazing and I encourage anyone who’s a fan of her music to purchase tickets from ticketmaster.com

 

https://youtu.be/OgVyGRdQsg0

Summer Solstice and Adventures

I wanted to make an effort (this summer) to get out and enjoy the sunlight.  After surviving the winter months and various inches of snow it was a relief to feel the heat on my skin.

I was dead set on venturing out in Tampa, Florida.  One thing I can’t resist is a great meal and wine tasting. The photo shown is from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. It’s an upscale working winery where customers can also become members. We decided to sit outside while viewing the palm trees and water fountain.

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I am a fashion blogger and it’s a ritual to drop by shopping malls when visiting a new area.  International Plaza was no exception to my tradition. The fascinating concept about this particular center is the mixture of stores and Bay Street food court.  It’s an open-air village with restaurants; very exciting for night-life.  I’m also a people watcher and relish in the distinct styles (or fashion) for each region.

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It’s no secret that my hair is natural.  I made the transition three years ago due to chemical damage on my edges.  Being natural is a personal preference because I am more health conscious.

Amongst my friends, I’m also known for changing my hair styles (often) and can be seen wearing accessories,  twist outs, extensions, or wigs.  After watching several Youtube videos I was finally able to accomplish a turban.  This was my favorite summer go-to style when I’m seeking a sleek look.

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The Tampa Club
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Disney World Magic Kingdom
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Boy Scout Boulevard
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Supper Club

“The Tans Will Fade But The Memories Will Last Forever.” – Unknown

Taraji P. Henson BET Awards Beauty Report – Ashunta Sheriff for Black Opal

Already a BET 2015 Best Actress winner, superstar and TV’s reigning diva Taraji P. Henson hits the red carpet as a nominee once again for her role as Cookie Lyon in FOX’s hit music drama “Empire.” The actress stunned with a glowing beauty look created by celebrity makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff.

TARAJI P. HENSON:
“I wanted to go for an understated, soft and clean look on Taraji for the BET Awards. It was a hot day and the look was effortless and easy to create. Black Opal was perfect for achieving great skin with a gorgeous glow as the rest of her makeup look was accented with luxe lips and cat winged liner.”
– Ashunta Sheriff for Black Opal

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 26:  Actress Taraji P. Henson attends the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Paras Griffin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 26: Actress Taraji P. Henson attends the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

GET THE LOOK:

FACE:
I started with clean and moisturized skin before applying Black Opal True Color Perfecting Primer. I used a wedge sponge starting from the inner parts of the face, moving outward.
Then, I applied Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation in Rich Caramel with a foundation brush only on areas that needed coverage to even out her complexion.
Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer in Tan was applied onto the under-eye area and brow bone to give a natural, clean lift to brows. I then set her face with Black Opal Invisible Oil-Blocking Powder.
To contour and sculpt the face, I used Black Opal Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte duo in Bordeaux Bliss. Using a fluffy crease brush, the darker color softly contoured as the lighter shade created a soft lift on the tops of her cheekbones.

EYES:
I used the same Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte duo in Bordeaux Bliss, using the lighter shade on the lids and darker shade on the outer corner of the eyes to create a blended out, smoldering look.
With a thin liner brush, I created a cat winged eyeliner look with Black Opal Luxe Crème Liner in Onyx.
To finish the look, brows were shaped and groomed with Black Opal Precision Eye Definer in Coffee Bean.

Black Opal Flawless Concealer_Tan Invisible Oil Blocking Powder Closed Black Opal Perfecting Primer Medium True Color Stick Foundation Basic CMYK InvisibleOilBlockingPowderOpen InvisibleOilBlockngPowderBlack Opal Precision Eye DefinerLuxe Creme Eyeliner

 

PRODUCTS USED:
Black Opal True Color Perfecting Primer – $14.95
Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation – $9.95
Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer – $5.25
Black Opal Invisible Oil-Blocking Powder – $9.25
Black Opal Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte – $6.95
Black Opal Luxe Crème Liner – $7.95
Black Opal Precision Eye Definer – $5.50

AVAILABILITY: All Black Opal products are available online at blackopalbeauty.com and select retailers nationwide, including: Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Kmart and OTC Stores.

TARAJI P. HENSON AT THE BET AWARDS:

Taraji P. Henson was nominated for Best Actress at the 2016 BET Awards