Vintage Monday: DARRRRRRRLING!!! Eartha Kitt

C'est Sin Bon, Uncle Tom's Cabin, The Emperor' New Grove and Boomerang are just a few of the the movies this astounding Cat Woman has done. Yes Halle tried her best however nothing can hold a candle to this energetic, little lady.  I will never forget her saying...."MARRRCCCCUSSSSSSS".  I present to you.............

Eartha Kitt

I don't want to just recognize her as Cat Woman or for her role  in Boomerang. I want to talk about her as an artist. Mother, Singer, Dancer and amazing Actress. This thoroughbred with a combination of Native American, African American and German.

She was born Eartha Mae Kitt, not raised by her mother because of not being accepted because of her light color, she moved to New York with family until her mother's husband passed away.
That is B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!! She became apart of the Katherine Dunham Company in 1948.  Ms. Kitt had a very distinctive voice and all of her English speaking songs seemed to be enriched with a little French.  She spoke four languages and sang in seven, which she effortlessly demonstrated during a lot of her recordings.  This outstanding woman went on to act and do voice recordings for many movies including The Emperor's New Groove.

And check this out.  She always picked from the top of the crop. From romances with a cosmetic magnate, a banking heir and finally her husband who was an associate of a Real Estate Company.  Can we say, cream of the crop however she deserved the best.

Leaving us at a tender age in 2008, colon cancer took control. She is survived by her daughter Kitt McDonald.  What excited me the most about this Diva is her ambition to be versatile. To keep growing and going. That's what we need to do in life and in the beauty industry. GROW!!!!

HAVE A GRANDTASTIC MONDAY!!! 

Start the week off right with GLAMPRO's for all of your beauty industry needs and necessities. Find a GLAMPRO in your area today. 

5 O'CLOCK EVERYWHERE: MY PERSONAL STASH.....AMBITION

Wednesday is one of those days that can set the tone for the rest of your week. Monday really gets you in and then Tuesday is really just a day however Wednesday.....it will take you up or down.  So even though it's Happy Hour, let's put some energy back into your day with a little pep.  Time to refocus your goals for this week.

MY PERSONAL STASH:  AMBITION

am·bi·tion/amˈbiSHən/

Noun:	A strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Desire and determination to achieve success.

Now not everyone will have this in their cabinet or glass. Oftentimes it is something that is already in you. You have goals, dreams that you want to reach for and with a determined mindset you will stop at nothing to get it  Most times they have to be refocused or readjusted in order to get to where you are trying to go. 

THE TOOLS

Vision Board.  This is a board that you make to put things that you want or goals that you want to reach.  On this you can dream as big as your hearts desire.  However you must put a date on it and write it in permanent marker. That way you will make sure that you complete this task.

Journal. You will need to write down your thoughts and what you want to accomplish everyday. I know, it's tedious. However once you get the hang of it and really start doing it, it will be a breeze.

Goal Charting. Now this can be included in your journal (as I do). What I do is write it down everyday with the expiratioin date until it happens. I don't care how many times I have to writeand rewrite I do it.  And when it happens, I stop.

Your mouth. Speak it into exsistence.

Mind.Your mind must only produce the 2 P's: POSITIVTY AND PRODUCTIVITY. No matter what anyone says, you must believe it for yourself. There will be people who won't believe in you, who will think you are crazy. But guess what?? They are the non-factor. Are they one your vision board, journal or goals? Nope. So let them be who they are while you push to your zenith.

THE ATTIRE

This part was actually very easy. I like to do my vision board, jurnal and goal charting while I am at home. So in honor of the Vikki's Secret Semi-Annual Sale, pajamas are the attire for today.  Why? When you are comfortable and relaxed, you mind can think free and clearly.  Perch up on a chaise or in the middle of your bed and let your mind just go. The bathtub is also a great place to write. And just because you are writing in solitude doesn't mean you can't be cute while doing it.

The Semi-Annual Sale started yesterday. Yes, I was in the mall at 8:00AM!! However the nice pajamas are on sale on the website at up to 35% off. 

So I hope that this inspired you this morning to get up and do something amazingly GRANDTASTIC with your days and the rest of your life.  If you are in the beauty industry and need some more added inspiration get in contact with Ungenita Prevost and Natasha Caesar. Invest in yourself with some primetime business coaching.

HAPPY HOUR HAS BEGUN!! FILL YOUR CUP WITH AMBITION!!!

I GRACE COVERS!! Vintage Monday Honors Beverly Johnson!!!!

Model, Actress and Business Woman.  And that sentence doesn't even give her the credit that is due.  Vogue, Ebony, Jet, W, French Elle....I can go on and on about this woman who is now sitting back and watching her wig company flourish. But let's get down the the sew-ins. I bring you....

Beverly Johnson

Studying to be a lawyer at Northwestern University, pursuing a career for her in Buffalo, New York wasn't an easy task.  Everyone including her first agent, Eileen Ford, told her that she couldn't do it. In 1974, Johnson shot a Vogue Cover with Francesco Scavullo, becoming the first woman of color to do it.  The following year she shot for French Elle which catapulted her career and with her uncomplicated looks landed her a campaign with Revlon.

She has been in many films, my favorite funny role from her was in How To Be A Player. Two books, a beautiful daughter, who is a plus-size model, 2 grandchildren, a goodwill ambassador honor from former President Bill Clinton and a wig company later she is still looking fabulous.   She also has a show on the OWN Channel called Beverly's Full House. The show follows the trails and tribulations of the supermodel and three generations under one roof. I wouldn't even call it full house, it would be more House Overflowing.  Here are some more pictures of our fabulous covergirl in action. 

ALBUM COVER

VOGUE

FRENCH ELLE

Of course there is more on her, however I wanted to honor her today because they told her that she couldn't do it and she pulled and pushed until she proved them wrong.

HAPPY VINTAGE MONDAY EVERYONE!!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!!

FASHION FRIDAY!!!!! CANNES AND MAY

RECAP: The 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival happened May 16-27th. I think I was too busy celebrating my Born Day and forgot. Never again!!! Along with amazing movies from independent directors and 1700 student entries, there was also amazing FASHION!! Some people showed out. I am going to post the top fashionable people that I appreciated the most that week of the festival and some extras....of course!! 

Let's start with the First Lady Michelle Obama. Always has on body conscious clothing seamlessly made just for her. She makes the President look so good.  But for some reason it seems like she is not trying to hear what he is saying right now. Love the smirk.

(Arriviing at the White House.  May 5 2012)

Eva Green killed it and brought them back to life in this Tom Ford Dress at the London Premier of Dark Shadows.  It's like she stepped off the set of the movie and onto the red carpet. Loving the side tresses of dark curls with the powerful red pout. 


(Premier of Dark Shadows, London. May 9. 2012)

Dakota Fanning has grown up to be a gorgeous young lady.  I remember how she was tis 7 year old frail thing now this butterfly is making the ultimate lady-like statement. 

Prada dress, Guiseppe Zanotti Shoes, Prada Clutch, Cartier Bracelet

(The 98th Annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Washington, D.C.)

 I wasn't even drawn to her dress. It was the look on her face getting out of the car while wearing that dress. If that's not an editorial face, I don't know what is. She could grace any cover, two page article or throne. Stunning neutral dress and the hair is ravishing.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge  

Roland Mouret dress and Jimmy Choo shoes

(A dinner at The Thirty Club at Claridges, London. May 8, 2012)

Let's wrap it up in Red. I promise you this is a hip-hugger (literally). If those old balck-white hollywood movies were in color. They would like this. She is amazing and just fr an added red bonus....check the shoes.

Lily Kwong.  Lanvin. The Sixth Annual DKMS Linked Against Blood Cancer Gala, New York

Happy Fashion Friday!!  For more visit Vogue Online. 

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5 O'CLOCK EVERYWHERE: Shaken Not Stirred...The Dirty Martini

James Bond and I have two very distinct things in common.  Beautiful people and martini's.  In 1953, Ian Fleming wrote Casino Royal which put my man James Bond on the map and gave martini's a standing ovation when James ordered his "shaken, not stirred." I however prefer mine................DIRTY!!

The Attire

Now this was kinda hard because I love James Bond and the feel of all the movies however this drink reminds me of all the women throughout the movies. Bad as they wanted to be in looks, outfits and vengence.  So I chose some fascinating pieces sure to get you in the mood to play "eye-spy."  

The High-waisted wide leg pants.What girl couldn't get away with murder in these? Tailored to make any woman have an hour-glass shape and to make your legs look longer. If worn properly (on the natural waist) it gives the body a slimming look. 

Now this dress has been a show-stopper since the Cleopatra days. I just found one that was to my liking. The sheath dress has stopped and dropped (lol) many men dead in their tracks. Once again you see the ruffles and it is cut inward to make the natural waist smaller flattering the hips. And of course I would have a key-hole neckline because I LOVE CLEAVAGE!!!! What would James Bond say??

I wanted to add a bag to this one because a clutch can go either way. And I've noticed that none of the Bond Girls really have time or the room to have a big bag. The clutch is versatile. Make sure that the bag is a contrast color of your outfit.  All you really need is ID, charge card, tampon, iphone and brass knuckles, ....wait....don't bring those out, lol!! Here are some more really cute ones by Prada and Louis Vuitton.

How can I put this to you lightly. No I can't. Both outfits can be finished with each pair of these shoes. It really depends on what you are trying to show. You want to be the serious corporate girl or are you the one who feels like being a little "Dirty" with a nice round toe. A nice pair of Enzo's or Jessica Simpson's will do.



And don't forget that Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale is about to happen....NEXT WEEK!!! Visit the website or your local store to see what the scoop is, get your credit card ready to #SWIPE!!!

The Recipe

2 1/2 shots Gin

1/2 shot of brine from cocktail olives

1/8 shot extra-dry Vermouth



 Shake ingrdients (or STIR) in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Strain into martni glass. Serve with your choice of olives. Mine are the blue cheese stuffed olives!!!

~HAPPY RESPONSIBLE DRINKING~

Vintage Modays!! I Feel For You: Chaka Khan

This woman was wild before the Lil Kims, Foxy Brown's and now Nikki Minaj. She put her foot, hair and swaying hips into Funk. She let them know that she was a woman and could be sexy and rough at the same time.  She has been noted as the Queen of Funk, is a 10-time Grammy Award Winner and I'm telling you that smile will make anyone melt.  I present to you.........

Chaka Khan

Born Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in the projects on the South Side. Her siblings were also musicians in their own right. She was raised Roman Catholic and she contributes her musical styling to her grandmother, who introduced her to jazz.  Now that I've gotten the basics out of the way, let's look at the Style Icons Closet.

 

Whether on or off the stage, Chaka Khan embodies FUNK. To me, I think of her as the female Jimmy Hendrix without the guitar. She made it sexy to be the front-woman for an all male band (Rufus) and gave them exactly what they were looking for...Pretty, Sexy and Rough. After leaving high school early and taking on music as a real deal...she became the Beauty Queen we know and love. When I see her all I can think about is off the chart vocal chords, hair, fridge, knee-high or thigh-high boots and cleavage!!! Here are some more pictures of this amazing being with an amazing style embodying..EVERY WOMAN!!!!

 

59 years old and she still makes guys cry and women want to be more like her.  She is amazing. She just did an appearance on American Idol and looks to me like someone is back to their old self again. With that same killer smile.

 

 So let's salute this beautiful woman today. She makes it look so effortless. And even though she's been THROUGH THE FIRE, she still throws up her hands and tells everyone...FUNK THIS!!!

 

~Have A Super Monday~