Changing lip color is one of my favorite beauty secrets for updating your look. I'm constantly trying new things and was thrilled when I learned about Tom Ford's newest venture. Continuing his evolution from designer, fine fragrance creator and critically acclaimed film auteur Tom Ford has launched "Private Blend Lip Color Collection". The lipsticks are formulated with a divine blend of soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter, and chamomile flower oil. The 12 shades range from bare nude to classic red and a deep raisin with names like Black Orchid, Moroccan Rouge and Warm Sable.
The price tag might be steep at $45.00, but more affordable than a designer outfit or handbag. Personal luxuries can come in small packages.
Your personal style should always be updated and can be achieved with the smallest adjustments. Whether it be a new color, freshly sculpted brows or a new accessory. Even in these tough economic times, you can do little things to tweak your look.
I love clutch purses and smaller bags. Finding new ways to mix and max casual with more glamorous pieces is key. This Miu Miu bag a nice option for a bit of flare, and it's timeless enough to work as a wardrobe staple. If not a new purse, you can also add sparkle with your smile, the ultimate accessory.
In music and the arts, it's often easy to take our icons and legends for granted. The term legend, icon, pioneer gets tossed around far too much these days. Before most artists have lived enough, and endured enough challenges for those terms to apply the accolades come as a marketing tool rather than a true realization of impact.
I've always admired Lena Horne. Like most people I was also in awe of her continued elegance and beauty as she aged. It was inescapable. I'll admit I wasn't fully aware of the impact who she was and what she endured until I got older. Much like Eartha Kitt, Nina Simone and others who stood before, there is a lot to learn and it's important to learn it and pass on. Lena Horne felt her talent was often obscured by her looks. She didn't want to be molded into mere 'eye candy', she was an unafraid and outspoken activist. Her legacy isn't dependent on sales stats, clothing lines, or endorsements; this was a woman of substance who came along during in a time full of obvious barriers.
Unafraid to speak her mind during an era where American Blacks weren't yet considered equal, she would find herself blacklisted and unable to find work for many years as a consequence. In today's era, with such high profile platforms, it's rare to hear one of today's female artists in film, music or television say anything that may be considered 'not politically correct'. I celebrate Lena Horne for being the woman she was.
Variety shows, movie musicals and so many artists from my childhood and youth quietly helped to mold my view of entertainers and inspired me deeply. There is indeed something to be said about positive images for malleable minds of young girls and boys. Today, I'm grateful for YouTube which has an abundance of great footage of so many great artists like Ms. Horne.
In today's vapid and empty landscape of fauxlebrities and contrived corporate imaging, it's humbling to be reminded of a era when standing for something mattered, as well as presenting an image of refinement, elegance, class and perseverance. Thank You Lena Horne. Rest In Power and Peace.
Jody Watley is a style forging pioneer, innovator and Grammy Award winning recording artist and hit-making songwriter. She has amassed an incredible 32 Top Ten Singles in a diverse range of genres from Pop, Dance, and R&B from the 80's, 90's and 00's, 10's.
Jody Watley was named one of "America's Most Beautiful" by People Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, and has also been featured in fashion magazines around the world including the historic "The Black Issue" of VOGUE Italia.
She's also renowned for her trendsetting style including jumbo hoop earring many still refer to as 'Jody Watley Hoops.'
She has the quiet distinction as the first mainstream artist to incorporate a rapper with the customized 16 bar verse on her multi-format 1989 hit single "Friends" featuring Eric B and Rakim, wanting to go beyond the Melle Mel Chaka Khan song "I Feel For You" intro. Subsequent collaborations merging R&B/Pop with Hip-Hop/Rap became such successful formula in Pop Music and that The Grammy's added the Rap/Sung Category in 2002.
Watley's stylish video "Real Love" directed by Academy Award Nominated Director David Fincher remains one of MTV's Most Nominated videos.
Jody Watley released a Top 10 Fitness Video selling over a million copies titled "Dance to Fitness", a first for an African American Woman and Artist. Watley also appeared in the first celebrity ad campaign for GAP, LA Eyeworks and a previously unprecedented 15 page layout in the prestigious Fall Catalog for Saks Fifth Avenue photographed by the legendary Skrebneski.
To learn more visit her official website.
Jody Watley Vintage '89. Tour Book Cover Illustration
The Idea.
I've loved writing since I was a child, in addition to music, art, fashion, style, beauty, poetry and literature. I really wanted to find a way to incorporate beautiful and positive imagery as well as celebrating the beauty of diversity in the world in which we all live. The blog is also a way for me to showcase a rich history of style. My blog is intended to be positive and eclectic and for sharing another glimpse of Jody Watley beyond my music. Incorporating style, but making it bit more than just that. "StyleFile" is another creative outlet and extension for me.
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