Vintage Monday: It's A Thin Line Between Love and Diahann!!!

Dean Martin refers to her name as two of the most musical words in show business.  We all remember her for her role as my favorite single mother with six children in Claudine.  Or maybe as the little 15 year old singing those high notes alongside Dorothy Dandridge in Porgy and Bess. Either way, this amazing actress/songstress who went from Broadway to the Silver Screen still steals the hearts of movie goers everywhere.  This Ebony Fashion Fair model continues to grace us with her beauty.  Today, this Vintage Monday, I bring you:

Diahann Carroll

Born Carol Diann, July 17 1935 in Bronx, NY.  At the age of 10, she received a Metropolitan Opera Scholarship for studying at New York City High School of Music and Art. That's a great feat for such a young person. This eventually had her considering an operatic career in the music.  In her late teens, she began focusing on a nightclub career, changing her name to the more exotic Diahann Carroll.  She has starred along side Pearl Bailey, Dorothy Dandridge, James Earl Jones, Sidney Portier and other great giants from Broadway to the Silver Screen.  She also starred on various musical variety shows to include The Carol Burnett Show, Judy Garland, Andy Williams, Dean Martin and Dean Martin.  She was also married to some very glamorous men like Vic Damone, engaged to Sidney Portier....whooo the suiters!!!

Let's check out some photos of this natural beauty.

In Harlem on the set getting ready to film Claudine.

Shortly after filming Porgy and Bess along side Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte.  Diahann Carroll was only 15 when chosen for this role. And she hasn't changed a bit. 

Her first meeting with Former President John F. Kennedy. She was often referred to as the "Black Jackie Kennedy" because she was so poised and she wore her hair in coifs a lot of the time. Then she became known as the "Black Barbie Doll."

Filming Paris Blues with Co-Star Sidney Portier.  This is when the love affair  between then began.  They were only engaged for SIX months before calling it off. 

Hope that you enjoyed that clip of her performing on the Dean Martin Show. I am loving that dress!!!

HAPPY VINTAGE MONDAY!!!

Confessions of a Cosmo Student: WEEK ONE

So I decided to go back to school for the 3rd time.  Yes, I said 3rd.  I don't know when I decided that I was going to embrace and bury myself into education this much. I guess when the military really does pay for your education, you go B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!! It's something about the beauty industry that pulls me in. I am a natural caretaker/giver. I don't think this is something that you ask for, it's just something that happens naturally.

I decided to add this weekly tidbit into my blog because being a single-parent with 2 boys, going to school, starting and growing your own business and on the verge of destitution with no support from the people who call themselves your family is hard work.  My First Lady said something to me the other day that put things into perspective. She said "you have been traveling in the world the entire time, surrounded by so many people, and alone." That was the most truest statement I have ever heard in my life. It's like she read in and just met me.

So this snippet into my weekly life at Virginia College isn't just for you. It's therapy for me. The hood antics and ghetto-ness I see happening everyday in my life of Cosmetology. I chose to go back because I am already licensed in skincare and body wrapping. I think that it is important for us to be well-rounded in any field that we want to grow in.  I love the beauty industry so I will grow in that. And prayerfully with the help of mi fadda's checkbook, I can grow into a nice spot of my own.

PRAY FOR ME, THE SHEARS AND THE BLOW-DRYERS!!

VINTAGE MONDAY: WonderTwins Activate...Tasha and Sidra Smith

Today I wanna celebrate some friends today....Bernice and Beverly.  If you don't know them, you need to. Taking the beauty industry to a whole 'nuther level. One fashion boutique owner of Hazel Eyez Beauty and also an amazing hairstylist, the other is a makeup connoisseur. This Vintage Monday, I really wanted to do something special for them and let them know that I trully care. So I found some of the most beautiful black TWINS that have ever graced this earth.    Ladies and Gentlemen, this Vintage Monday, I would like to pay hommage to:

TASHA AND SIDRA SMITH

A lot of you didn't know Tasha Smith has a twin did you? I mean not "I can drink to that" Tasha? Yes she does and she is absolutely wonderful. Camden, NJ native, known for her roles as Angela Williams alongside the handsome Micheal Jai White in Why Did I Get Married? or Jennifer with the very handsome Idris Elba in Daddy's Little Girls.  This actress was raised by a single mother along with her twin sister Sidra and got the opportunity to play in little roles because of the twin-effect.  As she got older she told people that she was an atheist and went through a downward spiral. She told Essence Magazine that she was a heavy drug-abuser. "I used between 19 and 25." She confessed to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, to having marijuana everyday and to using cocaine three times a week. She attributed her victory over drugs to "the Grace of God."

I'm gonna call Sidra the private, quiet twin.  Still equally outgoing however on a different realm of the industry. Instead of being in front of the lens, she enjoys oftentimes being behind it.  Her directorial credits are to include A Luv Tale (1999), Playas Ball (2003) and Dead Money (2011).  Her recent writer credits include The Obama Effect (2012).  Sidra who is based in New York but works in Atlanta, loves being in the industry but as a Producer and a Director. Even though from time to time she models with her twin, Tasha.

Here are some pictures of the two. I found a photoshoot they did with the amazing Derek Blanks and they are outstanding. Check out those cheekbones...

Now after all that all I want to say is flawless beauty. Yes, these Pisces women have done and excellent job of exuding natural beauty in any form.  And at age 41, I have to give it to them.  

Hope you guys have an amazing VINTAGE MONDAY!!!!!

VINTAGE MONDAY: Giving You The Best Of....Anita Baker

All I want to do is close my eyes and hear her sing. My eyes closed, candles, nice glass of Pinot Grigio and her voice serenading throughout the entire room.  Hits like You Bring Me Joy, Sweet Love, Rapture all give me chills and send me up and down an emotional roller coaster.  This beautiful diva has paved the way for great songstresses such as Toni Braxton.  Who we all know has the most unique voice that no one can touch.  Today I would like to honor a woman who is not to be mimicked or recreated.   Vintage Monday brings you:

ANITA BAKER

Born in Toledo, Ohio, raised in Detroit, Michigan, Anita Baker joined a group called, Chapter 8. They eventually got a deal with Ariola and came out with two hit singles. Eventually Ariola was bought by Arista Records and Chapter 8 was dropped.  Ms. Baker decided that she was going to go out on her own in 1983, with her debut album: The Songstress. It was released on a smaller record label and even though the album didn't make a great shake in the music industry, Angel still rocks the stage. And did you know she just remade Tyrese's Lately?? I'ma tell you what...Tyrese betta watch out because she crushed it!!

Now that we have gotten some history out of the way.  The reason why I love Anita Baker, is not just because of her voice. It's because she is one of those beautiful, brown-skinned, natural beauty women. I am very shocked that Covergirl hasn't started an Ageless Beauty Line with her as the face of it.  Basic foundation with eyeshadow to match and dark brown eyeliner with mascara....she's done!!!

Here are some pictures to show you what I mean..

And she always has a nice short crop. I love that it is always neat and put together. Effortless Beauty. She seems like a creature of simplicity and very observant with those amazingly bright eyes. Very capturing. 

Well I hope you all enjoyed Vintage Monday.  If you have any suggestions on who I should write about next Monday, let me know....I take suggestions, lol.  

HAPPY VINTAGE MONDAY!!!!!

FASHION FRIDAY: White After Labor Day..Is This Illegal??

This is a question my mother would answer yes it is very illegal. Well someone is gonna have to arrest me because I am going to wear white tonight.  I wish somebody would come give me a fashion citation. I will respond "No, kind Sir. For I dwell in the South."

Story has it that this rule was determined by the separation of classes. Labor Day marked the time where the affluent returned from their vacation, packed away summer clothes and went back to school and work.  While there's a practical reason for not wearing white (white clothes dirty easily due to the weather, making them ill-suited) however those who have been carrying out this rule have had a less practical rule for doing so - because they said so.  Coco Chanel  flouted this custom as early as the 1920's and she did it very well I might add.

What trips me out is that we get all of our "FASHION VOICES" from New York. However, have you guys looked at the Fall Collections that were shown during NYFW? I have seen some white and I have seen the light.  My rule over on this issue is that I am an adult and I will wear what I want to. Tradition be damned...I love WHITE!! As a brown as I am...I deserve to wear a color that compliments my skin and makes me look radiant. 

I hope that you guys come out to the party tonight in your ALL WHITE at Zodiac Bar & Grill and dance and have a good time.  We are breaking rules...THE RIGHTWAY!!!

HAPPY FASHION FRIDAY!!! I HAVE MISSED YOU ALL SO LET'S KEEP THIS GOING!!!

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~