Daily Bliss

"Feeling alive and in perpetual bloom." - Jody Watley

Notes.

"There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere . . . " - Jane Austen

Art and Fashion

Make An Entrance

Alexander Mcqueen Strappy Gold. or Louboutin Black. Take your pic!

Daily Bliss.

"Laughter and smiles are good for the soul." -Jody Watley

In My Beauty Bag: Chanel Ultra Correction Lift

The eyes have it! I'm a products junkie and love trying new things. My current beauty obsession are eye creams and serums.
The great thing about cosmetic lines like Chanel are the samples, which makes it easy to try a product out before committing your cash. Sephora is also a great place to get samples.
Currently, I'm trying out an Olay Regenerist Eye Roller to reduce morning puffiness, hoping to avoid what I jokingly refer to as the "baby chicken" look. I really like Chanel's Ultra Correction Lift as well. Cold cucumber slices work too.

Notes.

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
-Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

Nature's Beauty: Avocado

Avocado's have great health benefits which include helping to lower cholesterol. Because of the potassium found in avocado it's a nice addition to your daily diet to help regulate blood pressure. Add to the list of benefits antioxidants which may help prevent cancer. The fruit is also a good source of fiber and contains Vitamins K, B6 and C. If you're counting calories one avocado contains approximately 200 calories and more fat than other fruits - but it's the healthy kind! Of course you can also use avocado for hair and facial treatments as well, but that's another post!

Catwalk to Red Carpet: Giorgio Armani Prive Couture

Actress Kate Beckinsale in Giorgio Armani Prive from his Spring Summer Haute Couture Collection. Beckinsale was attending the AmFAR Gala in Cannes. The event was to raise funds for the fight against AIDS.

Kate Moss Covers Paris VOGUE

One of my favorite models Kate Moss, is featured on the June/July Issue of VOGUE Paris in a layout dedicated to the sun. Photographed by Mario Sorrenti.

Spring Summer Favorites

Tribal influences always seem to make their way back into fashion and this season is no exception. I bought these sandals a couple of years ago from Sigerson Morrison and pull them out every now and again - they still work.

Evening Bliss

Finding ways to bring inner peace.

Notes

"She did as she felt, and she felt a great deal."
-Kate Morton 
The Forgotten Garden

Art and Fashion

Illustration: Wolfgang Joop

Daily Bliss

Eat healthy. Your body will appreciate you for it.

Janet Goes Short

I remember how much fans hated my ultra short crop many years ago when I was photographed for People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" Issue and GAP ad campaign, I found it liberating to chop the hair off. More than likely many fans will find this look jarring on Ms. Jackson, I think it's a nice change whether it's for her upcoming movie role or simply a desire for a fresh start. Fans often get too hung up on the 'long hair' aesthetic of female artists. Thoughts?

In My Beauty Bag: Clinique

Clinique "Rootbeer" Moisturizing Gloss is another of my favorites when wanting a more natural color for my lips. Another small way to update your look is to change your lipstick/gloss. One of the mistakes I see women make as they get older is clinging on to the same look. Update!

Couple Glam

The President and and First Lady Michelle Obama at the state dinner for Mexican President Felipe Calderon looking resplendent. The first lady continues to up the political glamour quotient, this time wearing New York based designer Peter Sorenon.

Beauty.

Model Tara Lynn from her recent layout in French ELLE. Beauty comes in all sizes, shades and forms, it would be nice if more fashion magazines reflected this on a regular basis.

Kelis and Dior

Kelis, looking fabulous, performs for Christian Dior at opening of Shanghai store and runway preview of Galliano's Summer 2011 Cruise Collection.

Evening Bliss

Relax.

In My Beauty Bag: NARS

I'm often asked what lip color I've been wearing. 'Falbala' by NARS is probably the best nude color I've found and I wear it frequently.

Make An Entrance

For a girl with cankles, booties can be your best friend! I'm loving this style from Balmain.

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Diahann Carroll

Actress Diahann Carroll exudes the term classic and grand. Her memoir "The Legs Are The Last To Go" is a worthy read from this trailblazing star.

Daily Bliss

"Bliss can come from doing the things you love and enjoy in life. As long as these things aren't self destructive or harmful to others my feeling is you should follow the path most likely to bring a bit of joy to your day. Don't spend a second worrying about what other's think - be yourself and find your bliss." - Jody Watley

Tie-Dye Gets a Makeover

Still hot for spring/ summer is tie dye. I'm not talking the 70's style tie-dye, but today's modern take on it. From sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts to dresses, scarves and bags tie dye has moved into the new millenium.

Nail It: Damone Roberts "1968"

Damone Roberts has extended his brand, teaming with OPI creating the highly successful limited edition mint green nail polish "1968". The polish flew off the shelves and sold out on the first run. Back by popular demand, Roberts' "1968" is a must-have for your summer mani-pedi if you're looking for a special boost of color. You can order online at DamoneRoberts.com.

Evening Bliss

Close the door, leave the world behind. Create your personal sanctuary.

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Liya Kebede

Liya Kebede possesses a serene grace which seems to separate her from other models.
Kebede was appointed to The World Health Organization's Goodwill for Maternal Newborn and Child Health in 2005 and soon founded the Liya Kebede Foundation for a similar mission. Most recently named to Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World and recognized as "Young Global Leader" by The World Economic Forum, Liya Kebede is an inspiration.

While my daughter was growing up, I made sure that she always saw positive images of black women and made it a priority.
Among other things I raised her to understand that beyond learning to be confident and to appreciate the beauty of her skin, ultimately it's about what's beneath the surface; brains, character and intelligence to name a few primary attributes.
Liya Kebede exudes all of this and more.

Catwalk to Red Carpet: Roland Mouret

I love this look on and off the catwalk.

Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts is elegant and understated in black Roland Mouret from his 2010/2011 Fall Winter Ready To Wear Collection at 2010 Cannes Film Festival. The draping is not only chic, but very forgiving on the body - not that she needs it!

Lady Gaga To Intern With Philip Treacy

Philip Treacy one of fashion's foremost milliners and visionaries will have great company this summer. Pop superstar Lady Gaga will be working as an intern for the designer. Following in the footsteps of Kanye West who has interned for GAP and Louis Vuitton Paris, Lady Gaga makes another savvy move. It's reported that she's interested in creating her own unique line of headwear and requested the post.

Daily Bliss

Don't take anything personally today. Understandably, It's difficult at times to achieve this. We get upset or agitated and it's human nature to want to react or to take the negative intent of someone else to heart. Take a moment of pause and remember it's not about you.

This life lesson is learned from one of my favorite books "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Tuesday Tip: Spring and Summer Must Have

An easy way to dress up any outfit is 'the statement necklace'. I've been obsessed with this trend lately and wear them whether I'm dressed up or down. Whether it's Lanvin or Forever 21 this is a spring/summer do!

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Grace Jones

I've always acknowledged being a huge fan of Ms. Jones. Striking and beautifully unique, there is only one Grace Jones. A few close friends and I giggled like school girls from excitement while attending her spectacular summer 2008 performance at The Hollywood Bowl.

In addition to early music collaborations with Chris Blackwell, Alex Sadkin and Sly and Robbie, Ms. Jones is renowned for having worked with fresh and innovative artistic talent such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Paul Goude and Oscar winning costume designer Eiko Ishioka.
Add to the list of artistic collaborations innovative light artist Chris Levine. With a recently completed exhibition "Grace Jones: Stillness In the Speed of Light" at The Vinyl Factory in London, the Queen of Avant-Garde continues to break new ground.

Look for the new video to "Love You To Life" the third single from Jones' 2008 internationally heralded "Hurricane" album, which will be directed by Levine.

If you're still stuck on her early work, I suggest you rush to update your musical play list with "Hurricane". At 61, the Madame is still incredible musically and artistically.

Daily Bliss

You wake up each morning and it's rise and grind. The day begins and you're off to the races. Find ways in the midst of the day to take a moment of small serenity. Pause, breath and count to 25. Visualize a something peaceful or just look up at the sky if you can. Most of all remember not to sweat the small stuff which won't matter at the end of the day. It doesn't take a visit to the spa or an ocean cruise to have a moment of bliss.

Update Your Wardrobe With Dark Denim

One of my biggest fashion pet peeves are men and women in unflattering jeans. Ill fitting, light washed nightmares call attention to body flaws, just say no. I'm speaking of what are called "Moms and Dads jeans".
A good pair or two of dark wash denim should be a staple of every adult wardrobe, an added bonus is you'll appear slimmer.
If you aren't sure of what to pick out, just remember to keep it simple; dark wash with a proper fit without embelllishment. I personally prefer a nice boot cut or a skinny jean.

One of the surprises in the denim market is Cookie Johnson, wife of basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson. She launched a successful line of jeans called "CJ" available at upscale stores across the country cut for women with real bodies, but there are many great looking and affordable dark denim options available at every price point including J. Crew and Target that won't break the bank.

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Jennifer Hudson

The newly svelte Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson looking stunning on the Martini Terrace at the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival, announcing her upcoming role of controversial figure Winnie Mandela.
I've been a fan of Jennifer's since American Idol and love how she represents never letting obstacles or tragedy stand in the way of triumph.

Nature's Beauty: Lemons

You might be overlooking the benefits of lemons in your daily beauty regime. Rich in vitamin C, lemons can help in rejuvenating from within to help with your outer glow.

We always hear of the importance of drinking water each day, but did you know that adding lemon to the mix is even better? Lemon water can act as an anti-aging remedy improving the appearance of wrinkles and blackheads, not to mention helping in getting rid of acne flushing toxins and hormones your body.

In addition drinking lemon water also aids as a natural diuretic with weight loss and relieves symptoms such as the dreaded bloating which may come from indigestion. Because of the high levels of potassium, lemon water is valuable against heart disease and high blood pressure aiding in relieving symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Keeping a pitcher of this natural elixir in your fridge at all times without honey or sweetener should be a small but important part of your routine. It's also nice to light a candle and sip it hot with just a touch of honey or organic blue agave sweetener at the end of a stressful day.

Drink up!

Tom Ford's Latest Move

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.

A Little Sparkle

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.

Remembering Lena Horne

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.

Mark de-Clive Lowe featuring Jody Watley

Jody Watley and Mark De Clive Lowe are busy people. Between winning herself a Grammy and writing more than a dozen hit albums, Jody has collaborated with the likes of David Morales , 4Hero and Masters at Work. Mark meanwhile has quietly been producing some of the world’s finest electronic, with Gilles Peterson labelling him “the man behind a million great tunes”, so it was inevitable that these two musical masterminds would meet sooner rather than later.

That time has now come with the release of ‘Tonight’s the Night’, which has shot straight to the top stop on Traxsource’s download chart. We caught up with both Jody and Mark to discuss the record, each other and collaborations past, present and future…

Tell us about how the collaboration on ‘Tonight’s the Night’ came about…

Mark - I'd done a remix of 'Midnight Lounge' for Jody's 'The Makeover' project…that was the first time we'd collaborated after we 'met' over Myspace (back in those days!). The remix turned out great and we wanted to follow that up with another collaboration.

Jody - Mark started sending incredible tracks. I loved the music for what became 'Tonight's the Night' and wrote lyrics while stuck in traffic. Fortunately and much to my relief, Mark liked what I'd come up with. The first time we met face to face was when we did the vocal session.

Read the Full Article Here:
http://www.defected.com/news-reviews/latest/Tonight's%20the%20Night/416

The Dream Catcher

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis

It isn't true that dreams and goals are something for the young. No matter where you are and what you've achieved in life it's never to late to make new dreams and work toward them.

I was reminded of this reading about tennis great Serena Williams attending cosmetology school to learn about being a nail technician. On the surface one could assume, "She's a millionaire, tennis champion, why?", the answer is simple; Serena is still daring to dream and achieve other goals beyond tennis. In the midst of college students I spoke with last week were a few adults who were fulfilling a long desire to return to school. I feel inspired.

We are all works in progress after all, and should never get so settled into our daily routines that we lose the essence of aspiration however lofty or seemingly small.

The Art of Listening

In an ever evolving and fast paced society of 'me me me' and instant gratification, it seems we tend to not listen as much as we should. I've experienced it in personal relationships, where I've talked my heart out, and yet wasn't felt 'heard'. I wondered, did they listen to anything I said? You see people screaming at each other over issues in politics and wonder is anyone really listening and trying to objectively understand the other person's point of view? Sometimes in our own enthusiasm to share or let the other person know how we feel, in relation to what they are saying, we may miss something. With friends or family, they may not always want advice, rather they may just want someone to 'listen'.

This phenomenon isn't unique to personal relationships, it happens in business. I started to notice how many times either I was being cut off, or in fact I was doing the same. It seemed as though each person is rushing subconsciously to make their own point. I was particularly frustrated and decided that the first thing I was going to do from that day was to make a conscious decision to slow down. It all begins with you, right? I remain focused on what they are saying, not thinking about what point I want to make, until they have finished their thought. If appropriate I ask questions about whatever they said. This reinforces to me that I had 'heard' them, and in turn perhaps the person on the other end will do the same by slowing the pace of the conversation whenever possible. Being in the moment, and not already jumping ahead to the next point or thought has become something I try to remain keenly aware of.
One of the lessons I've learned in life is we can't change people, but we can change ourselves.

Social experts and therapists always tout communication, it seems as though we need to cultivate the art of listening as a major part of that process.