TWISTED BUT EVOLVING

"Twisted Elegance" Interlude-Velvet Rope


                                                 

" There's nothing more depressing 
than having everything, and still feeling sad...
You must learn to water your spiritual garden."- Janet Jackson from the Velvet Rope

Velvet Rope  album art, 1997 via Janet Global 

                       
                                         
Here we are again at the brink of another new year. I recently came across one of my favorite albums ever, Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope. I can't tell you how many times I played that album when I first got it back in high school. Love me some Janet Jackson. She's just simply iconic.


I now have a deeper appreciation for the work on this project, an audible diary of all the life transitions she was going through. Even just looking at the photography from the album was a clear crystallization of her emotional space at the time-raw, vulnerable, brash, and disjointed even. This is definitely my favorite Janet incarnation. That red hair, really her whole vibe, was so avant-garde at the time.


Now much older on my own journey of personal growth and reflecting on the this past year, I realize the importance of being mentally and spiritually sound. As much I love looking fierce with my makeup, hair, and clothes in check, I've learned it is nothing more than a fleeting facade if we do not invest in ourselves spiritually and mentally in the same ferocity as we do on our outer selves. Afterall, what we manifest internally is what the world really sees.


So this holiday season, amidst the height of mass consumerism and consumption, I challenge you to really take a moment to reflect inward on ways you can improve yourself on a more personal, internal level. Remember each and every day, each and every moment of our lives can be a new year if we so choose.

Blessings to you and yours.

Have a happy New Year!

NO WORDS NEEDED

picture via MadMikeAmerica



BEAUTY IS WHAT BEAUTY DOES: ESTEE LAUDER V.P. AND CREATOR OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS RIBBON PASSES AWAY

 Image from: NYDailyNews.com

Evelyn Lauder, the daughter-in-law of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder and  pink ribbon pioneer, died Saturday at the age of 75 due to complications with ovarian cancer according to Estee Lauder Cos. spokeswoman Alexandra Trower. 

Evelyn met her husband and son of Estee Lauder, Leonard Lauder, in college when the beauty conglomerate was still a small cosmetics company. Since then Evelyn has held several different positions within the beauty company, helping  launch several successful skin care, fragrance and makeup lines, even working throughout her own battle with cancer. Lauder also established the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center in New York City.

I know so many women, be it family or friends, whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, so this is a cause very,very dear to me. A salute to one of the women who were on the front lines fighting the disease with strength, elegance and beauty up to her very last.

RIP.

ICONIC+ BEAUTIFUL: ANNIE LENNOX, ANDROGYNY AND AIDS

                                                                  Photo via Eurythmics.me.uk   

                                           Photo via Dailymail.co.uk

"Some of them want to use you.

            Some of them want to be used my you.

                               Some of them want to abuse you. 

                                                 Some of them want to be abused."

Annie Lennox is one of the most striking women in music history to me. With a career spanning over four decades, her groundbreaking, electro-soul sound as one part of the duo Eurythmics defined a sound-and look-for pop icons thereafter. Lennox's bold. androgynous look was way ahead of it's time and absolutely timeless in my opinion. Now in her 50's, Lennox looks more stunning than ever; her skin is absolutely aglow.

But what's even more is her commitment to human rights as an outspoken AIDS/HIV activist and UN Ambassador. 

On when she decided to become an AIDS activist via Oprah.com:

"That moment, as I listened to Nelson Mandela,  propelled me forward. I evolved from being a singer-songwriter-performer-mother-woman to being an activist."

The British singer's audacious wardrobe are the subject of a six-month-long art exhibition in the UK. The  House of Annie Lennox will be showing from September 15 through February 26 at the Victoria and Albert  museum in London.

I for one can appreciate a woman who is comfortable enough in her own skin to wear more genderless gear. Lately I have been toying with different ways of incorporating  menswear into my everyday look...such a departure from my normal style, and I can't wait to rock it.

.

You should try incorporating a few unisex fashion looks in your wardrobe: 

Unisexme by sugarrimmedandspicy.blogspot.com

GIMME THE LOOT! GIMME THE LOOT!

 [insert bratty voice] I WANT IT, I WANT IT, I WANT IT!

Delayed post, but when I saw this in my email via Sephora, I could literally feel my heart palpitate.

I kinda have a slight, long-standing infatuation for Hello Kitty... that is actually a severe understatement; I love, love, LOVE me some Hello Kitty. I have amassed so much Hello Kitty paraphernalia over the years-wallets, T-shirts, jewelry, artwork, bubblegum dispenser- you would think I should be ashamed. Well, I'm not because HK is just dopeness, period.

So when I saw Sephora was unveiling another HK collection, this one with bright splashes of graffiti, I knew I just HAD to have it. No questions. The mix between the girly iconic brand with a gritty urban backdrop was simply love at first sight. *Praying it is still in stores*



By Square Crow via Picasa



MY GIRL CRUSH SALMA HAYEK-PINAULT REAVEALS HER LATEST NUANCES IN SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF INSTYLE

Salma Hayek-Pinault is my kind of women. She is a ballsy trailblazer who has climbed the ranks from illegal immigrant  to Hollywood power player and philanthropist. I have always admired gorgeous women who have brains and depth to boot. I first fell in love with the  petite, Mexican-beauty on her 2002 ELLE cover where she was pubbing her groundbreaking, Oscar-nominated film  Frida,  which is still one of my favorite movies to this day.

Now Hayek-Pinault is debuting her new beauty and skin line Nuance, which is infused and inspired by organic ingredients indigenous to her native Mexico that has kept her and her family youthful for generations, and now she is finally unveiling her beauty secrets with the world.


Get inspired by Salma Hayek-Pinault's sultry, South American style:

"I Love You More Than My Skin" via Polyvore by Me
1.  Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick- $9.99, CVS.com
2. DL & Co Bright orange skull candle-£80,  Harveynichols.com
3. Bracelet: Barges-$18, Aldoshoes.com
4. Frida Kahlo T-Shirt- $9.99, Zara.com

"I act tall!" 


- Salma Hayek
 
"I have gotten a lot more attention than...other women that I find incredibly beautiful. And this has happened to me ever since I was a girl, when I was flat, had no teeth, was skinny and small as I could be. I always got more attention than anyone else. If I hadn't, I would have made sure I did."

- Salma Hayek
                                "My heart has been stolen too - but I've gone and got it back every single time!" - Salma Hayek

"I grew up in Mexico, not the US, and the fact is that there just aren't any parts for Latin actresses. I have to persuade people that my accent won't be a problem, but an asset."

- Salma Hayek

Nuance  is now available at CVS drugstores nationwide. Read Salma Hayek-Pinault's interview in the September issue of InStyle  magazine.

ONCE YOU GO BIG, YOU NEVER GO TWIG!!!

(image source: Jezebel.com)

Now I would be lying to you if I said reality televsion is not a guilty pleasure of mine, but it is my observation that it is rare that reality TV actually showcases uplifing messaging in my opinion, which is why I was absolutely tickled and delighted when I saw the preview for the TLC Network's upcoming reality TV series "Big Sexy." The show follows five gorgeous, fashion-focused plus-size women in New York who are committed to conquring the big city. What I love about the preview was the vision of brazen women who loved their size and refused to conform to stick-skinny standard of beauty, and I love non-comformity. The show appears to be a stark contrast to other stereotypical images of insecure plus-size women because the fact of the matter is, not all women desire to be a size zero, myself included. I hope the show does well, and if not, it will certainly give a refreshingly empowering perspective, at the very least. And I LOVE the show's tagline:

"ONCE YOU GO BIG, YOU NEVER GO TWIG!!!"



"BIG SEXY" airs on TLC on August 30 at 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST

What do you think: Will this type of  TV show be a major hit?

(image source: Beutifulmagazine.com)

25 WAYS TO WEAR A SCARF

So, I know it is suppose summer, but the way this weather has been flucatuating, you can never be too sure.

I have been completely obessed with different ways to transform and wear fabrics, scarves in particular. I found this video created by one of my favorite bloggers, the adorable Wendy's Lookbook and thought it was so helpful to figure out the best scarf shapes for me, so I wanted to share. Finding different ways to wear those summer scarves can be most useful on those cooler summer nights and before you know it, it will be cold again-dare I utter.



Anywho, enjoy! And check out Wendy's Lookbook!

$90K WORTH OF WEAVE STOLEN FROM BEAUTY SUPPLY!

Damn. Are you quite sure the recession is over???

I know the owner of this store is too sick about this-that restocking process is going to be a bear. Hm, I wonder if it was an inside job.

$90K Worth of weave stolen from Chicago beauty supply:




So my Chicago friends, if you see a man selling loose squares AND a #4 Indian water wave on the low off Stoney, I suggest you notify the authorities immediately. #citizensarrest

THE ART OF GETTING NAILED

      picture courtesy wah-nails.com London

Get your mind out of the gutter! This is NOT that type of post, however, this year’s increasingly striking nail trends could heighten your chances of getting noticed by a special someone to help you in that department, but I digress.This season’s manicure brings a noticeable departure from single nail shades from years past, evolving into more of a flamboyant form of individualistic, artistic expression.

“No one finger is the same,” said Marchia Stallensworth, a manicurist who specializes in minx manicures from Polish nail lounge in the South Loop and owner of the Mobile Nail Bar. “There is a movement to make more natural nails jazzed up and flashy.”

At the top of the nail style favorites is The Half Moon manicure, also dubbed the “half-naked nail,” where only half the nail is painted, turning your simple shade into a graphic design statement in a blink.“That came from fashion week,” said Stallensworth. “A lot of designers were requesting the half moon style and people have been coming in and requesting that.”
 

    Japanese nail magazine, featuring 3-D design, UV coating, and piercing - Defyingmainstream.com

Cosmetic retailers are dutifully taking heed of the emergent trend, even enlisting the help of celebrities like Katy Perry and The Beib, to bring the looks straight to you via their very own nail polish lines.

Is your head swirling yet with dizzying nail designs, but you think you don’t have the time, cash, or creativity to partake in all the nail mayhem? Sure you do. Try Sally Hansen’s pre-designed nail polish strips, a surprisingly successful attempt to mimic the Minx manicure from last year. I am actually wearing their Hoodstooth design as I type.

And when all else fails, Stallensworth advises shrewdly, “Go to Hobby Lobby, buy some glitter and make your own glitter topcoat and apply it to your tip, (it’s) a cool way to spice it up…at home.”

My own nail creation:

I used:

OPI Fit For A Queensland

Finger Paints Hue Left A Message?

Nail Art gem stones from Sally's

Send me pics of your nail art!

Orginal content on URChicago.com

D.O.L-Death to the Lace Front Wig

Sigh. You know, I reeaaaally didn't want to do this, but it is time to officially put yet another unfortunate beauty trend to bed. With the power invested in me by Blogger, I am declaring 2011 as the year lace front wigs are put down. I just can no longer take it.

From an extremely warm place in my heart with nothing but the utmost concern, I say this with all the love I have in me, ladies:

TAKE THE LACE FRONTS OFF!!! They’re done. Over with. Finished. A don datta. No more. Please, move on already.

I, rather hastily and optimistically, thought we had moved on from the lace wig movement, but lately, to my mounting fright, I am noticing a slight resurgence and I MUST bind thee in the name of all that is holy.

No matter what celeb or who you see on the daily wearing them, they have had their time and quite frankly, at this point they look ridiculous-even Beyonce and Tyra have seemingly moved on to other hair extension means, so that in itself should be your cue.

I too admittedly partook in the lace front mayhem extra hard; the thought of a seamless, natural-looking hair weave changed just about every hair enthusiast's world, myself included. I have witnessed chicks get in frenzied altercations and clear out entire hair inventories during lace wigs sales at the beauty supply, like no joke. Therefore, I realize the severity of the hair weave. But now as a result of my lace wig days, I am left with nothing but recovering, thinned edges and old pictures of myself wearing what I now call the hair helmet.

Lace wigs are no longer the revered novelty they once were, they just look ridiclously fake.

To be clear, I am proud, card-toting member of W.W.W.W. (Women Who Wear Weave) and I make absolutely no qualms about enjoying a good weave every now and again. Like most women of W.W.W.W. my hair journey has included slight detours with tracks, half wigs, sew-ins, anything with horse hair attached. Lately I'm proudly rocking a crown of my natural hair, but know I plan on enjoying more weave in my bright future with no apologies.

Therefore, do not confuse my sentiments as yet another radical diatribe about why women should not indulge in extensions to enhance their look-it's fake, it's unhealthy, blah, blah, blah. That's not what this is about. I am merely saying as far as the blatant lace fronts are concerned, please do not wear them if you can help it because it’s just simply wack, outdated and unnatural, no matter how much baby hair you use to cover the net (which is another post entirely). Trust, I am just trying to look out for you and yours, and you know who you are too-your scalp is probably tingling now suffocating underneath that horrible, itchy net. I’ve felt your pain.

So I say to you, sis… snatch it off and free yourself. Swing it in the air and declare that this year you will no longer be slave to the dreaded lace wigs.

With all that said, I realize this may offended some of my political connects, but I was told to keep it real, keep it 100 and I had to do my due diligence, for the greater good of women looking their best everywhere.


Besos,
Lenora

How To Get Makeup From Fashion Week

With the end of the New York fashion week festivities and as Spring rather slowly creeps upon us, I thought it would be great to spotlight one key supporting member on the runways- makeup.

Take beauty cues from one of my favorite fashion-forward fashion chicas, the adorable Gwen Stefani, and her L.A.M.B. 2011 Spring collections and some of my other favorite designers. This year’s beauty and fashion looks in a word: bold.

So don't be shy about experimenting with a bevy of color palettes on your face and your wardrobe, and you don't need high-end products to achieve a strong look. Take a look and get inspired:

                            L.A.M.B. Spring 2011:

Betsey Johnson:

Zac Posen:

Dior:

What fashion/beauty statements do you want to make come Spring?

Be a Two-Timing Beauty

In the world of dating, two timing is usually viewed as completely and utterly unacceptable. Lucky for us girls, however, the opposite is true in the world of beauty and cosmetics. Nothing beats the sheer delight of discovering that your favorite beauty product possesses other secret powers that you can call upon in a pinch. And let’s face it, in these economic times, we all have to put in a little extra over time and our beauty products should not be exempt. Here is a list of inexpensive beauty products that can serve more than one purpose, saving you time and much-needed money.

Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss ($6.50, Walgreens)

Not sure what took so long, but the marriage between a breath freshener and lip gloss is a natural fit that equals perfection-not to mention convenience. The latest evolution in lip products, Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint, infuses peppermint oil into your favorite lip color leaving your pout alluring and your breath minty fresh. The 2-in-1 product comes in 13 shades and is a definite date night must that should carried with you at all times.

The Original Moroccan Oil ($40, http://www.moroccanoil.com/)

Everyone is raving about the benefits of Moroccan oil and it is completely understandable. The contents in this little bottle do it all: hair restorator, frizz and flyaway tamer, skin moisture, and cuticle softener. A little goes a long way with the lightweight oil, which can also be used pre-color treatment for a more intense color pay off. It is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit, which is almost exclusively in Morocco, hence the name.

Oral B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Toothbrush ($22.99, CVS/Pharmacy)

Alright, maybe not the most exciting or most obvious pick at first glance (though some would argue fresh breath and clean teeth are the ultimate beauty accessory), but this tool in oral health also doubles as a spa treatment for your face. When used with your favorite exfoliating cleanser, the soft-bristled toothbrush gently buffs out your skin and encourages skin cell turnover, which in turn reveals bright, beautiful skin. You can also use this with a hydrating lip balm to exfoliate your lips before your favorite lipstick for a smooth application. Quick caveat: Purchase two separate toothbrush heads, one for your face and one your teeth.

Pur Mineral’s 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup ($24.50, http://www.purminerals.com/)

Dubbed the “The One Minute Mineral Makeup Miracle,” the title alone sells it. Few ladies would argue with a product that is an all natural mineral foundation, concealer, powder and SPF 15 protection all in one that leaves your complexion flawless. Available in 10 varied shades and rated by dermatologists as the number one mineral makeup formula, this delivers on everything it promises. Think of all the time and space you will save having this in your arsenal.

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($4.99, Target)

A kin to the beloved industry favorite Maybelline Great Lash in black, this clear version can be used as a conditioning mascara and an excellent eyebrow shaper. What is great about this product is you won’t have to worry about the messy smudging, clumping and smearing that can be quite annoying with traditional mascara. Bonus tip: Spray an old wand with hairspray and use on your eyebrows for an added hold that lasts all day or on your hair to tame flyaways.

Hope this helps you ladies the next time you are out looking for your next great product. What products do you use that have double the use?