http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc354/beautyluxeblog/hlmbanner.jpg

What Did He Say: Yung Berg Edition

2008-07-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

Via Black Sistah Central:

I'm used to hearing all kinds of foolishness from entertainers (especially rappers) but this was just too ignorant to ignore. Yung Berg, who's recently been seen out with Jaslene Gonzalez, had this to say about the type of women he prefers.

“I’m kinda racist … I don’t like dark butts …. You know how some women prefer light skin men or dark skin men. It’s rare that I do dark butts - that’s what I call dark skinned women … I [don't date women] darker than me."

read the rest...

Alexander McQueen Fall 2008

2008-07-15T11:10:00.000-04:00

Via Bagista:

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I'm afraid that I've grossly underestimated Alexander McQueen. I appreciate the fact that he takes risks, but I've never been a fan of his aesthetic. I'll put it this way: I'm a fan of clothes that are wearable, and most of McQueen's ouevre doesn't fit this classification. However, seeing these bags from the lines Fall collection have made me reconsider my distaste for the raucous aesthetic. The bags are impeccably well made. The beautiful structure combined with the luxe materials make for handbags so irresisitble that I might be willing to fork over the inevitable $5,000+ in order to own one.

Mesh Babydoll Bubble Dress

2008-07-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

Via Fabulous Frocks:

Brown isn't usually the color that comes to mind when you think of sexy. Well, not for me anyway. It's funny how an amazing piece of clothing can change your view of the world. Sexy is what I immediately thought when I first saw this dress on sale ($48) from Arden. B. It's short, sweet, and, yes, sexy.

I'm going to pair it with some chunky gold Jewelry and be on my way for a night out on the town.

$49 @ Arden B.

Introducing The Wet Seal Collection

2008-07-14T10:16:00.000-04:00

Via Affordable Fashion:

It's a phenomenon. The new trend of affordable fashion outlets producing their very own eponymous brand of clothing "high end" clothing. First Forever 21, gave us TwelvebyTwelve and later announced that they would be expanding their retail outlets and now Wet Seal has introduced "The Wet Seal" Collection which is now only available online and at select stores.

As a retail savvy consumer, I understand that this is simply a ploy to get us to think that we're buying something better than what it actually is. Wet Seal and high end are still virtual antonyms, but I appreciate the effort. Plus, the clothes are pretty cute. Here's a sneak peek.

Read The Rest...

The Trend That Must Never Come Back

2008-07-14T09:03:00.000-04:00

Via Style Luxe:

I've only had a few jobs in my life (I'm only 19), but only 1 have I truly detested. During my junior year in high school, I worked at a clothing store in the mall to pay my way for my speech team's trip to Boston. The people were nice enough, and I was getting paid a pretty decent wage (for a 16 year old), but I absolutely hated that we had to go around harassing customers in order to get them to buy items that I personally would never have worn (this wasn't an upscale clothing store). Yet, every time a potential buyer picked up a piece I praised their excellent taste in clothing no matter how ugly. Generally, I had no problem with this (business is business) but the one item that it pained me more than anything to see someone take off the racks was a pair of gaucho pants.

Read the Rest...

Look Of The Day

2008-07-08T12:03:00.001-04:00

Via Black Style Central:

If we could just take a moment to morn the loss of Naomi Campbell's hair line. And that wig is a mess. But from the eyebrows down this woman is utter fabulousness. YSL featured some wacky looks this season, but this was one of the strongest. The dress plus the too tall shoes makes for near perfection.

Read More...

Essence Music Festival Flicks

2008-07-08T11:44:00.000-04:00

Via The Showdown:

The Essence Music Festival has commenced in New Orleans and stars from all aspeccts for the entertainment industry came out to celebrate.

read the rest...

Halle Berry "Sexiest Black Woman Alive"

2008-07-07T14:03:00.000-04:00

Via Black Sistah Central:

Baby or no baby Halle Berry is till killing the game. I've always thought she was one of the most beautifull actresses in Hollywood and now she's officially been given the title of "Sexiest Black Woman Alive."

On the next “TV One Access,” co-host Jamal Munnerlyn and guest co-host Tatyana Ali count down to the 16 sexiest black women alive. In addition to naming the top list of on-screen sirens, “TV One Access” also gives viewers a look at the women who embody categories such as “Sexiest Athletes,” “Sexiest Sense of Style,” and “Quintessential Complete Package.

The list ranges from Tyra Banks, who was the first black woman ever to grace the cover of “Sports Illustrated,” to Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys. A few surprises include a nod to Presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s wife Michelle and “Deja Vu” break-out star Paula Patton.”

http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Yasmin Warsame Walks The Walk

2008-07-07T11:26:00.000-04:00

Via Black Style Central:

I first discovered Somalian beauty Yasmin Warsame because of my addiction to international versions of the "Next Top Model" franchise. She was one of the judges of Canada's Next Top Model host by ANTM's Jay Manuel. This woman is astoundingly beautiful.

read the rest...

Tyra Gets A Wax Figure

2008-07-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

Via The Showdown:

Tyra Banks has truly reached the top of her game. She now has a wax statue of herself at Madame Tussaud's world famous wax museum.

read the rest...

The Smiths Attend A Premiere

2008-07-01T11:55:00.000-04:00

Via The Showdown:

Will Smith and the family showed up to the premiere of Hancock along with tons of black celebs like Lisa Raye, Diddy, Tia Mowry, Vanessa Williams and Queen Latifah. More flicks below the cut.

Read the Rest...

Eye Candy of the Day

2008-07-01T11:54:00.001-04:00

via Black Sistah Central:

Read the Rest...

Black Republicans Smear Obama

2008-07-01T11:51:00.000-04:00

Via Black and Bougie:

The National Black Republican Association are doing what they can to help Senator McCain triumph over Barack Obama in the November presidential elections. That includes producing disparaging ads to be played in battleground states. Here's the copy from 2 of the ads:

"Bitter is what Obama called blacks and whites who love God. Racist is what Obama called his white grandmother who raised him and made sacrifices so Obama could get a good education and become a millionaire. Obama's friends are terrorist Bill Ayers and Rev. Wright who said innocent Americans deserved to die on September 11th. Obama is an arrogant elitist who turned his back on poor blacks and his own country."

From another spot, entitled "Radical Obama":

Read the Rest...

Rager by Steve Madden

2008-06-30T18:29:00.001-04:00

via Shoephoria:

I am a fashionista at heart so I love quirky, unusual fashion items. That's probably why I was so drawn to these patent t-straps. I've never seen anything like them. Pick them up today.

Rager $159.95

New Collection Hits Target

2008-06-30T18:10:00.000-04:00

via Style Luxe:

The latest guest collection from Target has officially hit store shelves. It's called the GO International: New Next Now collection, and the pieces are young, and chic(emphhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifasis on the young.) Ladies, be sure to mix and match Target's pieces with classic selections from your own wardrobe (a habit you should get into anyway) lest you'll end up looking like a teenager trying to look "grown."

Here are my suggestions on how to integrate GO collection pieces into your current wardrobe.

I'd suggest pairing this skirt with a simple white tank top. The print speaks for itself, no need to draw more attention with a bright top like the one Target paired it with.

Read the rest...

Style Showdown: Amerie Vs Dawn

2008-06-30T12:22:00.000-04:00

Amerie made quite the splash when she walked the red carpet wearing these Chloe Shoe Boots, but as it turns out, she wasn't the first black celeb to wear them...

Read the rest...

The Perfect Summer Nail Color

2008-06-30T12:06:00.000-04:00

via Black Beauty Central

I know neon nails have been en vogue for the Summer and stars like Rihanna and Beyonce have been sporting them during their fabulous summer vacations, but I'm still partial to classic reds and oranges.

I work in an office, and I just cannot draw that much attention to my nails. So I'll settle for a vibrant orange like Perfect Coral from Revlon.

It looks gorgeous against dark skin, and it says summer perfectly.

The HyperLuxe Media Network Weekly Roundup

2008-03-15T20:25:00.001-04:00

buy a cute handbag and try out a hot new trend at Bagista

Shopaholic Unite shares the hottest spring sales.

Take a glimpse into the new Strobe color collection from MAC at Beauty Luxe

Learn how to rock the new peep-toe boots trend at Black Style Central

Bejeweled shares 4 Spring 2008 jewelry trends

Cameron Diaz is down with L.A.M.B. at Celebrity Handbag Blog

See how contemporary designers looked to the past for inspiration for Fall 2008 collections at Cult of Couture

Find great deals on dresses at Fabulous Frocks

Would you wear these L.A.M.B. shoes

Learn 5 Easy and Inexpensive Anti-Aging Tips at Skinsational

Brought to you courtesy of HyperLuxe Media

Spring 2008 Jewelry Trends

2008-03-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung, and of course there are a whole new crop of jewelry trends. Here are the top 4.

Wood: Not Just for the BOHO Chic
Wood cuffs are all the rage this season – from marbled wood to rich colors, our wrists have never been so fabulous. Find wood in big, chunky bangles or pair a couple of these at a time for the same high-style impact.
Isharya Sunburst Cuff, $250
Bridget Lynne Designs Cuff Bracelet, $52
Roberto Cavalli Wood Cuff, $315
Via Bejeweled...
Statement Pieces
This season, statement pieces deserve their very own category. This look has built slowly over the past few years, but now these sizeable beauties are the biggest thing going. Examples range from audacious medallions to oversized and vibrant pendant necklaces.

Marc Jacobs Square Gems Necklace, $158
Square Studs, $14
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Triple Pyramid Cuff, $295

Read the rest...

Versace V-Neck Cape Dress

2008-03-12T00:58:00.000-04:00

via Fabulous Frocks...
Donatella Versace is my all-time favorite designer. Just behind Monique Lhullier. She's what every girly girl wants to be. She's glamorous, sexy, and I'm sure that she has a wardrobe to die for. I love that her signature aesthetic is embodied in every Versace creation. Like this royal blue cocktail dress. It's just downright lavish.

Find deals on Versace dresses.

L.A.M.B. Darrel Pump

2008-03-11T17:02:00.001-04:00

via Shoephoria...

I often wonder why Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line isn't as popular as she is. Today I think it figured it out. Her designs just aren't accessible enough. Take these pumps for example, they cute in a “quirky” “wear once and throw them in the back of the closet” sort of way. Gwen hasn't mastered the art of mixing the couture with the ready-to-wear and it's reflected in the L.A.M.B. designs. I do, however, love her animal prints.

$335 @ Nordstrom

Do You Love It?: Burberry Mixes It Up

2008-03-11T02:09:00.000-04:00

via Style Luxe...

Not too long ago, Christopher Bailey vowed to retire the conic Burberry check citing it to be overexposed and easily counterfeitable. I just saw this interpretation of the print during my daily web browsing. It's the Burberry Patchwork Check Bucket Bag available at Nordstrom for $550. On one hand: I respect the fact that Burberry chose to take a risk, on the other hand staring at the bag for 5 minutes gave me a headache. What do you think? Do you love it?

Find deals on Burberry products

5 Easy and Inexpensive Anti-Aging Tips

2008-03-11T01:51:00.000-04:00

via Skinsational...
1.Check your diet
I'm sure you've heard it before: good skin starts from the inside out. So infuse your diet with antioxidants which have been proven to aid your skin in keeping its youthful glow. try:

Beta-carotene (e.g. carrots) may neutralize free radicals which effect your skin on a cellular level. Anthocyanidins (e.g. berries) increase your cellular defense system. Flavanones (e.g. citrus) and flavonols (e.g. apples, onions) may increase cellular defense as well as neutralize free radicals. Sulforaphane (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower) may increase your cellular defense system.
Vitamin A (found in dairy, fish, and liver) and Vitamin C (e.g. citrus fruits) both help to protect cells from free radicals. Vitamin E (e.g. nuts, oils, seeds) can also protect cells from free radicals. Selenium (e.g. meats, tuna) may be preventive in damage to your cells from free radicals.

2. Remove all your makeup.
This one is helpful both for the acne-prone and the aging-conscious. Throughout the day your face gets dirty. Products you use clog your pores causing excessive oil buildup which will prevent skin cells from regenerating.

read the rest...

Because Subtlety is so Passe

2008-03-10T20:28:00.000-04:00

via Bejeweled...

Looks like jewelry designers are now taking their cues from gangster rappers and adopted the motto: Bigger is better. The latest in runway trends just happens to be huge jewelry. Don't you love it? Here are a few example from New York and Paris Fashion Week's

Lanvin
Art Deco Dome Crystal Necklack with Silver Chain Links

Tom Binns
Engraved Silver Cuff

Burberry
Copper Cluster Necklace

Phillip Crangi for Vera Wang
Twisted Antique Crystal Rope Necklace

How Giambattista Valli Does "To-Die-For" Better Than Anyone Else Exhibit A...

2008-03-10T19:33:00.000-04:00

via Cult of Couture

The coveted pink platform from Giambattista Valli's Fall 2008 Runway Collection. In a word...sinful.