Birthstone Style: Garnet

Every month I'm going to do a feature called "Birthstone Style". This will highlight the gemstone for the month and include fashions, accessories or even home decor to coordinate with the shade. So if your birthday is in January your birthstone is a "Garnet".This gemstone is found in many different shades although it is commonly known as a red gemstone. It was first mined in Sri Lanka over 2500 years ago and comes from the Latin word granatus, meaning "grain or seed". The name garnet comes from the close resemblence to the pomegranate fruit seeds. So even if your birthday isn't in January you can still wear a stylish hat, carry a hip handbag or step out in trendy shoes that compliment the exquisite sparkle of the garnet.

Red shiny laquer straw hat, Harlemshats.com, $ 165.00

Red patent leather tote w/ "liquid strips", Bottega Veneta, $2680.00

Printed metallic peep toe shoe, Carlos by Carlos Santana, $98.99

original posted 1/12/08

Screen Scene: A Raisin in the Sun:

In 1959 a play by the name of "A Raisin in the Sun" written by playwright Lorraine Hansberry made it's Broadway debut and in 1961 the original film version was released. The movie had an all star cast that included Sydney Poitier and Ruby Dee, and the title came from the poem "Dreams Deferred" by Langston Hughes. This play and movie alone would pave the way for many opportunities for blacks in entertainment today. The story is about a struggling African American family in Chicago. Walter, the main character lives with his mother; wife, sister and son in a small apartment. The storyline starts to evolve when his mother receives $10,000 in insurance money from her husbands death and everyone has their own idea of what the money should be used for. Lena, his mother wants to use it as a down payment to buy a house . Beneatha, his sister wants to use the money to pay for medical school and Walter wants the money to go into business with a friend. The many ups and downs this family has to endure will will eventually cause them to triumph in the end. Fast forward to today, this play by a 29 year old savvy sistah is still changing the lives of everyone who is connected to it in some way. In 2007, veteran actress Phylicia Rashad who played the character of Lena in the Broadway play became the first black woman to win a Tony Award. And not only will this ABC World Movie Premier Event air on February 25, 2008 but it has also been selected to be screened at the Sudance Film Festival on January 23, 2008. (this is the first time that a broadcast network film will be broadcast at the festival). With an all star cast lead by Phylicia Rashad, Sanaa Lathan and Sean Combs, I'm sure the same feeling everyone felt when they saw the Younger family 47 years ago is the same feeling we'll have today.

Take a look at the trailer for "A Raisin in the Sun".

Savvy Style: A Splash of Black & White

Black and White is one of my favorite color combinations and most of the people who know me are very aware of my obsession with these colors. The b/w fashions I have in my wardrobe range from sophisticated to elegant to busy. I really like patterns, because I like the energy I feel when I wear my clothes. One key benefit of owning b/w garments is that they never go out of style just watch the fashion forecast for the year and you will always find these colors high on the list. You'll also discover that you can wear b/w anytime throughout the year and still be in style (you may just need to grab boots, an umbrella, or your sunglasses). So bring the pizazz back into your life, with a little splash of Black & White.

The Abstract Cover-Ups
Multi-colored print collarless coat with contrast jacquard trim, $1990.00; Torre print drawstring short kaftan, $580.00 by Emilio Pucci, www.net-a-porter.com


Clutches with Crystals
Left to right: Aphrodite pattern and Abstract swirls on clutches with jet black and clear Rhine Austrian Crystals by Judith Leiber , http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/


Peep Toe Shoe
Left to right: Lace-up oxford by Ralph Lauren, $595.99; Patent leather and optical suede by Gucci, $585.00; Satin leopard print by Gucci, $595.00, shoes available at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/

Just Sit Back & Relax In ....Liquid Lounge

Over the years, I have spent alot of time on airplanes and in hotels. And after a long trip, one thing I couldn't wait to do when I returned home was take a nice warm bath. I would go into my bathroom and make an oasis for myself away from everything and everybody. And then oneday I sat around the house and made my own milk bath soak and this would be one of the first bath products for my new company. I never forget sitting around the table with my mom and uncle two years ago right before New Years talking about business. I told them about my business idea and the name, and they loved it. The vision for this business really started after 9/11 and I was jobless. I'm a former United Airlines flight attendant and I was based in New York. So flying all over the country was difficult for me, and I made the decision to leave. One thing that helped me through this period in my life was remembering the words of wisdom my mother gave to my sisters and I many years ago, she said that "entrepreneurship was the path to true wealth". So, I felt that if I tossed some ideas around eventually I would come up with something. I learned how to sew when I was a little girl, and my mom always had plenty of fabric around the house so I sat down at the sewing machine and made my first pair of lounge pants with a matching pillowcase. I sold a few sets, but then fear set in and I went back to work. We'll four years later in 2005, I was lounging on the sofa watching TV and then for a brief second I saw myself relaxing in the tub. And that's when I got the name "Liquid Lounge". The same way you sit back and relax on the sofa is exactly what you do in the tub, but you're in liquid. That night with my mom and uncle, I took my last few dollars to trademark the name. "Liquid Lounge" is a luxurious natural bath & body line created to enable you to enjoy an at home spa experience everyday. The first collection is called "OASIS" and it combines an island inspired aroma of fragrant flowers and exotic fruits infused with botanical extracts, nut butters, and vitamin rich oils that transport you to a tropical paradise.These products were created for you to experience the "Ultimate Bath". After you use them you will walk away relaxed, renewed and replenished.You can find my products at http://www.liquidloungebeauty.etsy.com/ (new website coming soon)

I just want to take this time to encourage all you savvy sistahs who have dreamed of owning your own business. I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for God first and then my family supporting me. If you have to start your business in the kitchen like I did, don't let that stop you. There's a quote that says “It is the job that is never started that takes longest to finish." So today just take a few steps and eventually you'll reach your dreams.

Be Blessed!

Product Review: Nexxus -vs- Suave

When I stopped relaxing my hair two and a half years ago 0ne thing I learned about my natural texture was, it needed and loved moisture (water). I have discovered over these past few years that shampooing my hair really dried it out so I stopped and started to CW or condition wash my hair. I usually do this a few times a week (less now because of the weather) and over a period of time it can get really expensive. So I had to venture out to discover a two-fold product, one that worked and didn't break the bank. At that particular time I was using Nexxus products and I really liked their Humectress Conditioner. It's thick, smells good and really helps to restore moisture to your hair. But in most stores it cost 7.99 for a 5.1 oz size, so after two weeks of doing my conditioner washes it was empty. Then I discovered Suave Humectant and I was really impressed. It's not as thick as Humectress, but it has great ingredients for your hair like glycerin,panthenol and silk amino acids. They both are designed to draw moisture to your hair and repair dry & damaged strands but Suave is $5.00 cheaper. So if your looking for a salon quality conditioner without paying the price I would run to the nearest Walmart and pick up a bottle of Suave.