Tune-In Alert: Black Beauty Roster Virtual Summit – Gabrielle Union, Kim Kimble, and more

The upcoming BBR Virtual Summit, hosted by Black Beauty Roster (BBR) and powered by Bonnti, has announced ten additional partners to their lineup of organizations and companies driving change for people of color. This first-of-its-kind digital summit will bring together beauty pros and Hollywood insiders to learn, discuss, and advocate for a much-needed shift in representation in the entertainment and beauty industries. BBR is proud to welcome its new partners, alongside existing sponsors, L’Oréal Paris and SHOWTIME, who represent a cross-section of stakeholders needed to increase representation in Hollywood.

“The BBR Virtual Summit is, at its core, about uplifting people of color in beauty and entertainment and driving large-scale change. We are so excited to partner with organizations that continue to progress the work we are doing through initiatives like TRESemmé’s Future Stylist Fund and Color of Change’s #ChangeHollywood Diversity initiative ” said Maude Okrah, co-founder of Black Beauty Roster and Bonnti.

In September 2020, TRESemmé launched the inaugural TRESemmé Future Stylists Fund, an annual $100,000 scholarship program created to help Black women interested in becoming licensed hair professionals offset the cost of tuition for an accredited cosmetology school of their choosing.

“Black women are underrepresented in women’s initiatives and receive fewer tools, resources, and support to advance their professional ambitions. There is more to be done, but the Future Stylists Fund is one way that TRESemmé can provide a long-term solution that specifically supports Black women,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, EVP and COO Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever NA.

The BBR Virtual Summit will take place on Sunday, February 28 from 12pm EST to 8pm EST. In addition to showstoppers like Gabrielle Union, Kim Kimble, and L’Oréal Paris US Makeup Artist and Creative Director, Sir John, BBR is excited to announce additional guest speakers including actress Monique Coleman, journalist Jemele Hill, celebrity natural hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood, and a special guest appearance from model Tyra Banks. Attendees can look forward to engaging and informative panels and breakout sessions, as well as networking opportunities and a virtual happy hour sponsored by Indoggo Gin by Snoop Dogg.

To register for the BBR Virtual Summit please visit: blackbeautyroster.com.

Update Your Spring 2021 Wardrobe with These Essentials

It’s not that much longer now – spring is upon us and with that comes a rise in temperatures and the inevitable change of the wardrobe. Those heavy layers are no longer needed, and you may be looking for ways to integrate some lovely spring colours into your look. So, before you hit the shops and pick up some new items, here’s a look at what will be hot and trending in terms of a spring 2021 wardrobe.

Featured Photo from E! Online

Embrace Spring Dresses

One of the hottest trends for spring 2021 is spring dresses in all styles, colours, prints, and lengths. What this means is that you have a lot of freedom to choose the ones that speak to you. Dresses with full skirts are particularly hot for spring so you can keep your eyes open for that style.

If it’s still a bit chilly to break out your new spring dress, try layering a cardigan or blazer on top and wear a pair of tall boots rather than more traditional warm weather shoes like sandals.

Time to Get Rid of the Skinny Jeans

If you’ve been sporting skinny jeans for the past few years, it’s time to embrace the latest denim trend which is loose denim. Look for wide legged denim that has more of a vintage and lived-in quality to it.

Beach Wear Vibes – Bring Elements of the Look into Your Wardrobe

Picture yourself sunbathing on the beach, relaxing, and enjoying the summer heat. Now it’s time to take those vibes and that beachwear style and integrate it into your spring wardrobe. This can be done with nautical prints, beach-type images and patterns, soft natural colours you’d find on the beach, and of course, casual style clothing.

Pink Is the Colour of Spring

Traditionally, there are colours that emerge for each season that prove to be trendy and, right now, pink is shaping up to be that colour for spring 2021. All shades of pink will be trending, including bright fuchsia pink that can really add a bright and youthful pop to your complexion.

It’s All About the Proper Fit

As you shop for your new spring wardrobe, the key to looking great is finding the right fit. The right fit ensures that you look put together, the garment hangs and fits as it should, and that you feel confident and comfortable. Designers are now catering to a much broader range of body sizes and shapes, which means finding your proper size has never been easier. If you’re looking for a selection of plus sized items, check out froxx.

If you prefer shopping online rather than in-person, make sure you take your body measurements to use with the website’s sizing guide. The majority of online retailers will have a sizing guide posted.

All of these wardrobe essentials will make it possible for you to step into spring with style and confidence. And what’s great is that so many of these pieces can be mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe.

Collaborative Post

Chrissy Teigen is Pretty in Pink BFFs & Babes Robe

Robe enthusiast Chrissy Teigen stepped out in a custom tie dye BFFS & babes robe today in Los Angeles.
The Cravings founder looked radiant and cozy in her personalized  Embroidered Full-Length Dustdyerobe  ($99, www.etsy.com/shop/bffsandbabes).
West Hollywood, CA – *EXCLUSIVE* – Chrissy Teigen looks flawless in a tie-dye monogrammed robe and fluffy slippers while visiting the construction site of her new West Hollywood mansion with hubby John Legend. Chrissy looked amazing almost after recently undergoing surgery to treat endometriosis.Pictured: Chrissy TeigenBACKGRID USA 16 FEBRUARY 2021 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.comUK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com*UK Clients – Pictures Containing ChildrenPlease Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
Chrissy’s customized BFFs & Babes “Miles & Luna” Dustdye sweatshirt
 and “Chrissy” embroidered Dustdye Robe

EDDIE MURPHY, ARSENIO HALL AND ALL-STAR CAST ON ESSENCE’S “COMING 2 AMERICA” TRIPLE COVERS

Prepare the royal jet! Coming 2 America is finally arriving, with Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall and an all-star cast of returning and new faces—including Jermaine Fowler, KiKi Layne and Bella Murphy. It’s been more than three decades since the beloved original Coming to America hit theaters and became a true cult classic that has spanned multiple generations and demographics. Now, in the ESSENCEMarch/April issue triple cover article, The Fresh Princes of Zamunda, Regina R. Robertson talks to the cast about why this was the right time to do the sequel, their fave moments and what the film means to the culture:

  • EDDIE MURPHY ON WHAT THE FILM MEANS TO THE CULTURE: “Coming to America is one of my films that has really worked its way into the culture. People get dressed up as the characters for Halloween, and they still walk around saying catchphrases like ‘Sexual Chocolate.’ So many people grew up with Coming to America and have a lot invested in it, so I didn’t want to taint that…Once the ideas started coming together, it took about four or five years to get the script all the way right. Once we got it right, I knew it was time…”

  • ARSENIO HALL ON DOING THE SEQUEL: “A lot of people have posted about Coming to America and said things like, ‘Please don’t mess with my movie’ or ‘I don’t want no sequel!’ We’ve been pitched all kinds of ideas, but I remember reading the script in Eddie’s backyard and it was all making sense. That’s when I knew that this was going to be the sequel…”

  • KIKI LAYNE ON PLAYING MEEKA: “Meeka is loyal to her family. I’m interested in showcasing strong Black women— and being a part of this film was an opportunity to play in such a classic world and also to work with straight-up legends, all the way around…”

  • BELLA MURPHY ON PLAYING OMMA AND WORKING WITH HER DAD: “Omma is super-smart, a little bit of a badass, and she’s super-cool. Being able to do my first film with my dad is really special…I’m over the moon…”
  • JERMAINE ON PLAYING LAVELLE—AND WATCHING HIS DREAM COME TRUE: “In some ways, Lavelle reminds me a lot of myself when I was growing up and trying to figure out life. As a fan of the original film, I was honored to be a part of this whole world—but when they told me how Lavelle becomes part of the story, I just laughed my ass off and thought, All right, let’s do it…”  
  • SHARI HEADLEY ON WHAT AUDIENCES WILL LOVE: “I’m as excited as the audience and have no doubt that this will be a film that people will love. I’ll venture to say they’ll love it even more than the first one…”

  • WESLEY SNIPES ON JOINING THE FILM: “I was like, ‘Whatever the role is, I want to be in it.’ Later, I was told that I was going to be a General—but really, I could have played a zebra and been just fine…”

5 INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS THAT WILL BOOST THE ROMANCE IN YOUR HOME THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Believe it or not, the way you design and decorate your home can have an impact on your relationship. There are a lot of things that homeowners do in designing their spaces that can put romance on the back burner. The decor in a home—whether that’s a rented condo or a house in the suburbs—is important for setting the right tone and sending the right message to those who inhabit the space. Make sure cupid is ready and willing to visit with these easy to apply decorating ideas:

Add out-of-sight storage for turn-off items

Shoes, stacks of bills, kids toys, and dirty laundry don’t exactly set the mood for Valentine’s Day. One way homeowners can improve their living space in time for the holiday of love is by reducing clutter and installing storage options that keep turn-off items out of sight. Over-the-door organizers in closets are perfect for anything from shoes to house cleaners and stuffed animals. Double duty storage benches by the front door provide a home for seasonal gear, such as coats and boots, and a place for family and friends to sit down and take off outerwear upon entering the house, decorative baskets as a catch all for books, magazines, pet/kids toys etc… Installs shelves or modular closet systems in smaller spaces that cannot hold bulky pieces of furniture. Nothing melts worries and stress, leaving vacancy for feelings of intimacy, then a clean and clutter-free environment.

Decorate the walls with photos and memorabilia

Displaying pictures and items that represent special moments in a relationship helps foster intimacy, and it’s an easy and inexpensive home improvement option that can be done by Valentine’s Day. Homeowners can stage precious moments in shadow boxes and on floating shelves. Collect saved items from events like weddings or childbirth and store them together with props to elevate the setting. For example, if a picture captures a husband kissing his pregnant wife’s belly in a field of flowers or on a beach, incorporate elements from that scene such as a vase of sunflowers or a bottle of sand and sea glass. Next, frame ultrasound pictures and announcements and arrange them with props in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Choose soothing colors

Take a look at the colors that a business like a spa will choose: natural shades of green, blue and light hues of browns and taupes, all intended to create the feel of a lush and calm oasis. Homeowners don’t always consider the use of color in the aesthetic of a home, often opting for neutrals that border on boring. That doesn’t inspire a lot for romance though, and even if the homeowner begins with a single room (the bedroom, perhaps?), adding colors that soothe the soul will help create a perfect mood. Whether that’s wall color to the choices of artwork on the wall, choosing soothing colors from nature inspired palettes will help to create a harmonious space. In the same style, it’s best to avoid gender focused colors and styling, so that everyone feels comfortable in the space. Too much pink or mahogany can be off putting.

Set the mood with lighting 

Homeowners will be surprised by how much a simple change of a light bulb can impact the atmosphere of a room. White light mimics natural light, making a room feel more expansive. Yellow light, on the other hand, casts a cozy glow, perfect for setting a romantic tone. Utilize both lighting options by pairing white lights with ceiling fixtures and yellow light with table lamps. That way homeowners can choose between the two lighting based on their needs. (White light while reading and working, and yellow light while cuddling their partners.) Take lighting a step further by burning candles with pleasant scents regularly, and stringing up twinkling fairy lights for a whimsical, fairy tale atmosphere.

Focus on the bedroom

When romance is in the cards, a cozy den is nice. A beautifully set dining table is excellent. But the ‘’pièce de résistance” has to be the bedroom. This is where a little luxury is worth the expense. It starts with adding storage for everything, as noted in the first tip, and then then it’s a question of personal taste. A quality mattress is a good first step. Considering that adults spend 6-8 hours a night sleeping, which is a full third of every day, it makes sense to put a little quality into the one piece of furniture that gets used the most. Bedding should be luxurious, with 1000 count thread sheets, soft duvets and perfect pillows. A cashmere throw blanket is the height of luxury and would put anyone in the mood! The right color palette, lighting and bedding is all it takes to make the bedroom a space to enjoy.

With most people spending more time at home these days, events like Valentine’s Day are more important than ever. Creating a beautiful space has the advantage that, while homeowners will enjoy it on the day, it can be appreciated the rest of the year as well!

Bio:

Marty Basher is the home improvement and organization expert with Modular Closets, https://www.modularclosets.com. Marty regularly contributes on topics of DIY renovations, home design, organization, improvement and more, helping home owners get the most out of the spaces in their home. Modular Closets are high-quality and easy-to-design closet systems made in the USA you can order, assemble and install yourself, in no time at all. Using closet modules (closet pieces you can mix & match to design your own modular closet), homeowners everywhere are empowered to achieve a true custom closet look- for nearly 40% less than standard custom closets. 

Jessica Alba’s Fave Mix & Match Sustainable Diamonds Launch Necklaces

Jessica Alba posted another video to her Instagram wearing modular earrings from Idyl!

The  LA’s Finest actress paired the brands’ ethical and sustainable, lab-grown diamond  Audrey earrings ($495-$990) with the Silos add-on ($518) The Antwerp based brand, also beloved by Isla Fisher, Shanina Shaik, Sophia Bush, just launched modular necklaces just in time for Valentine‘s Day (idyl.com/)!

BGL Belted Caped Dress: Rep. Stacey Plaskett Showed Up For Loyalty, Honesty, and Power

Yesterday, Rep. Stacey Plaskett was articulate and well-spoken.  But, there was one distinction that stunned audiences; her BGL Belted Caped Dress.

She appeared during the Impeachment Proceedings wearing a beautiful, professional look; strand of pearls, caped dress, and nude pumps. 

How does all of this relate to us?  Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett did what we would like to say on social media, showed up!  The dress she was seen wearing complimented her body shape and skin tone. 

Kimberly West Styling & PR

When I work with personal styling (or shopping) clients we sit down and perform a color analysis, discuss hairstyles, make-up application, and wardrobe building

Most importantly, we talk about the importance of creating a personal style and what does it communicate. 

Rep. Stacey Plaskett’s style demonstrated loyalty, honesty, and power!

Twitter followers tweeted commentary and the masses have spoken!  To purchase your own Blue Caped Dress click here:  Neiman Marcus

Chiara Boni La Petite RobeHigh-Neck Short-Sleeve Cape Dress.
Short cape sleeves.

Put Your Best Face Forward this V-Day with this Special Offer from DefenAge

Valentine’s Day glam usually features a bold lip, but with masks still firmly placed upon our pouts, perhaps you’ll consider emphasizing your most notable asset – your eyes.

Exclusively for Valentine’s Day, DefenAge is offering up the Ultra Eye Radiance Treatment bundle, which contains a 3D Eye Radiance Cream, a Mega Size 8-in-1 BioSerum and a Mega Size 1-Step Multi Cleanse.

Together, these solutions will give you round the clock anti-aging eye care, leaving you feeling beautiful and confident, with or without a mask on, on a Zoom date or IRL.

The 3D Eye Radiance Cream is a technology-loaded product for rejuvenating the tough to treat skin around the eyes. Designed to improve the visible health of this sensitive area while addressing challenging cosmetic concerns on a global scale, including:

  • Lifting

  • Firming and smoothing of the upper eyelids

  • Fading of dark circles

  • Puffiness

  • Diminishing the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines

If you want to feel extra luxe on this indulgent day, you’ll enjoy the cream’s patent-protected metal applicator with Cooling Tip Technology which feels cool upon contact and provides a “finger-free” application.

Show yourself some self-love this V-Day and enjoy 30% savings over buying all products as individual items.

The Ultra Eye Radiance Treatment is available for $237 at defenage.com after login.

Valentine’s Looks for Home Lounging or Date Night, by Hypeach

Valentine‘s Day and Galentine’s get togethers will look a bit different this year!

Hypeach Lounge recently launched with comfy separates and slippers. For a night out with a special loved one or celebrating with good friends, Hypeach offers dressesromperstopsaccessories, and more for every occasion.

With love in the air this Valentine‘s Day, Hypeach celebrates their one year anniversary this Valentine‘s Day with special limited time offers! Even more, a portion of every purchase goes to GlobalGirl Media, a women-run charity that empowers young women.

Check Out These Delicious Super Bowl Snack Recipes

To celebrate, TheSoul Publishing — the publisher behind one of the top five YouTube channels, 5-Minute Crafts – has provided some delicious treats to keep the fun going at your Super Bowl party.

Featured Photo from Simply Home Cooked

    • Easy Oreo Cake Pops – Crush a bag of Oreos and combine with cream cheese. Roll into balls and insert a toothpick; then, dip into melted white chocolate and freeze. Yum! (Instructions here)
    • Elegant Chocolate Rose Cookies – Combine melted chocolate and flour, and then add to a piping bag. Create small spirals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and then bake. These elevated cookies will add a touch of glamour to watching football at home! (Instructions here)
    • Colorful Popcorn! – Add oil and popcorn kernels to a deep pot, as if you’re making stovetop popcorn. Then, add a secret ingredient…skittles! As the kernels pop, they will become bright, colorful, and the perfect combination of salty and sweet. (Instructions here)
    • Avocado Fries – What’s better than guacamole and chips? How about frying avocado for a delicious snack! Dredge avocado slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then add to hot oil to fry until golden brown. (Instructions here)
  • Pull Apart Mozzarella Sticks – Slice a block of mozzarella into pieces (without slicing all the way through); add to hot frying oil, then serve with marinara sauce for a savory snack. (Instructions here)