Black on Black..................

Sticks and stones............

Home: Southgate Auction Rooms

I went to the auction last Monday, –I’m looking for a marble top commode [not a Neapolitan inlaid tulipwood commode or anything as grand –honey I don’t have that kind of money] –with a little age to sit beside my bed. I went to my nearest auction house –Southgate Auction Rooms in North London [there’s another fabulous one in Finchley but I just didn’t have the time] and even though I didn’t see what I wanted; –fell in love over-and-over-again with all the other odds-and-ends. I’m a big fan of blue&whites and fell very hard for a group of blue&white lamp bases, some gorgeous multi coloured Murano vases, a collection of battered Anglepoise lamps and a very old Persian rug. If you are over flat-pack and MDF furniture –and can’t be doing with some of the jagger-jagger on the high street –then second-hand, car-boot sales, skips [that’s right -skips], e-bay and auctions are fabulous places to buy good solid furniture on a budget [plus it stops your interiors from having that ‘shiny’ new look –that pedestrian ‘high-street’ furniture create]. http://www.southgateauctionrooms.com/...

Feline and Her Daughter Yseult for Comptoir Des Cotonniers

I’ve kept this Comptoir Des Cotonniers advert –forever, and just had to scan it.....and share it with you. I love it...

Fashion et al Hearts Susan Bender

I love the ever-fabulous Susan Bender! Beautiful, stylish and a trendsetter with a lovely sense-of-fun; -uber stylist and creative consultant, Susan’s at the very top of her game –and has become the go-to-stylist for many a-new-designers at LFW and high-end glossies. Well connected [Susan counts Camilla Al Fayed, Giovanna Battaglia, Hannah Bhuiya, Lara Bohinc et al as close friends] -her style, like Genevieve Jones’ -never disappoints. I love that she can be ‘upper-east side’ one minute and a ‘sexy’ eclectic, urbanite –the next! Go Susan...............x

Home: Malene Barnett [at home on theselby.com]

[Credit: "Malene Barnett - carpet designer at her home - brooklyn - may 12th 2010" –at: http://www.theselby.com/]

**Malene B’s is a fabulous carpet designer [her designs are coveted globally]. Off St. Lucian and Jamaican heritage, –Malene’s home is beautiful -with an eclectic mix of turquoise walls, African artifacts, Afro-centric art, quality furniture and of cause, –her superlative carpets. You can check out Malene B’s fabulously on-trend carpets [especially her ‘Wolof’ and ‘Adinkra’ designs] at: http://www.maleneb.com/

Sidis –A Lost African tribe in India

When you get a minute please check out this group of African brothers and sisters –living deep in the jungles of Gujarat state in western India. A forgotten tribe, –they have been living in India for the past 1,000 years. Little is known about their origins and many now fear their unique heritage may already be lost –I pray not... I don’t know anything about this tribe –or whether there’s a charity that is helping them but you can view this incredible tribe via YouTube at the following link.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCo78Jthymo&feature=channel

Fashion et al Hearts Khanyi Dhlomo

Ahhhh beauty....

Khanyi Dhlomo and Chinezi Chijioke -fabulous....

I don't normally cover marriages on my blog but as I was searching for photos of the ever fabulous Khanyi Dhlomo [South African media mogul and one of the most stylish and powerful sisters in Africa] -to do a Fashion et al Hearts -when I stumbled across the wonderful news and pictures of her marriage to the gorgeous Chinezi Chijioke [a Nigerian-American businessman] -and just had to share it. These two represent -what Africa's all about now; -unity, style, prosperity and movement [praise da Lord]. I love them ooOO! They are so 'sexy powerful' together. The following's more info about the lady in question and her new husband from ghananation.com...

***One of Africa’s most successful female media moguls Khanyi Dhlomo walked down the aisle with her Nigerian-American beau, Chinezi Chijioke in a beautiful ceremony on December 20 2009 Allee Bleue in Franschhoek – the Cape Winelands, South Africa.

The bride, Khanyi is well-loved and respected in South Africa, she started her career as a newscaster and then transitioned to the magazine industry at age 22 when she took over as the Editor of True Love Magazine. Under her leadership, the magazine thrived and expanded into various countries outside SA including Nigeria.

It was while completing her MBA at Harvard Business School that she met her husband Chinezi who is from Arochukwu, Abia State. The couple met in 2005 at a fundraiser for the African Leadership Academy which was founded by Fred Swaniker – Chinezi’s classmate at Stanford Business School.

They met, the sparks flew and then a connection was formed and now they are married. The couple are now based in South Africa where Khanyi co-owns a media company which publishes various magazines including Destiny – a popular women’s business and lifestyle magazine while the groom is a consultant for McKinsey & Co.

Their wedding was a showstopping yet intimate affair. The event was set in the lush natural surroundings of the Cape Winelands with tents setup in a beautiful garden. The bride’s ivory-coloured strapless dress with delicate embellishments was by designer to the stars, Elie Saab while the groom was handsome in his black suit paired with a blue tie. In the presence of their guests including the bride’s two children, the couple pledged their love and commitment then proceeded to dance the night away surrounded by their loved ones.

Its such a beautiful story and they are really an inspiring couple! Two young successful Africans coming together to share their lives as one. Wishing them a very happy marriage and lots of blessings! [Credit: http://news.ghananation.com/templates/?a=16272]

Burberry’s new make-up range looks good and will be out next month…

Has anyone seen the latest British Elle? Well it has a photo of Burberry’s new cosmetics line and it looks good. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing/feeling the make-up -up close and personal but when I do, -I’ll let you know…xx http://uk.burberry.com/

The Dawn Of Dusk? Indian Vogue tries to celebrate darker skinned Indian models

I got some really funky emails this morning but thankfully –my mate Talib [known to me as Tals] sent me an email about two things; –firstly Indian Vogue latest cover via this link: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100412-vogue-india-promotes-darkerskinned.aspx and a statement about Diane Abbott's race to labour leadership:
 

“Also, [I] love the fact that Diane Abbott has made it into the Labour leadership race. Yes. She. Can!”  Talib.Choudhry

I love my mate Talib, –he’s always -so on the ball and relevant. As for my views on Indian Vogue, –well I feel it’s a step in the right direction –but just doesn’t go far enough. The truth is, -most of my Indian friends are much darker than the models featured –and I’m thinking that’s the reality in India  –that most women [who are not bleaching] are much darker etc. And as for Diane Abbott –I’m really pleased and ‘Yes she can’. And how was your morning?

Phoenix Magazine -get your free copy now....

New independent fashion and lifestyle title Phoenix Magazine has launched. Aimed at 18-25-year-old students and recent graduates of the creative arts, the magazine supports emerging talent and is edited by Hannah Kane while Leigh Keily is the Photography Editor. 5,000 free copies are distributed outside Graduate Fashion Week at Earls Court until June 10, as well as at the London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, The Royal College of Art, UCA Epsom, UCA Rochester, Thames Valley University and several other major universities. The title is also published in September and February to coincide with London Fashion Week; a launch party is planned to take place in September - watch this space. The debut issue contains high fashion and educational content, aiming to inform and inspire readers about a career in the fashion industry; interviews with PPQ and Susie Bubble are also featured, together with editorial photoshoots, art, nightlife, games, gadgets, shopping and street style.  [Credit: fashionmonitor]

For more information about Phoenix Magazine visit: http://www.phoenixmag.co.uk/

I know ‘My Redeemer Lives’ – [as sang by Nicole C Mullen]

I don’t know what's going on; –my mind wants to write about fashion but my heart and soul –wants to [only] praise God –right now. Well......today –I found out that I love God more than what –anyone could possibly think of me! He is bigger than fashion, bigger than my fears, bigger than my wants –and there I say it.....bigger than my dreams. I know that my Redeemer lives –and I’m not ashamed of the gospel.

Don’t make anyone bigger than you; they are the same as you –but remember, -to never make yourself bigger than God. You must have reverence for God –because without it, -a person is never [truly] beautiful.

My mother and I have always had a somewhat ...non existence relationship [most of my life]. But a few days ago, -we met up and embraced, cried together and let all the past go.....all by Gods perfect grace..... And I feel so light; so free, so Blessed, so redeemed, so born again, –so happy....so alive –and beautiful. A lifetime of not feeling a certain kind of love –has ended. My heart’s no longer missing a piece...Thank you daddy God.....Paulina Opoku-Gyimah...xx

Redeemed:
To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum.
To fulfill (a pledge, for example).
To set free; rescue or ransom.
To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences.
To make up for:
To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of:

Object of Desire: Penguin Classics Deckchair in Orange.....

£74.95           http://www.artmeetsmatter.com/

**An iconic piece of furniture -perfect for lazy summer days in the garden.....

Life’s not a competition –‘God Dey’ by Eben

I have loved ‘God Dey’ since the first time a heard it –sometime back and after getting the artist’s details -I’m pleased to share this sweet uplifting song by Nigerian gospel artist Eben –with you. Remember, life’s not a competition and note, God doesn’t sleep -but is always there....loving and listening...Stay Blessed and have a wonderful day!

Ps. I can’t find Eben’s website –or a recommended place to download his music –I will work on this and keep you posted.......x

This’ how I’m going to look when I grow up.....................

I was pleasantly shocked when I stumbled across this beautiful image –because when I dream -this is how I see myself……neat, groomed to within an inch of my life, precise and in control…..x

Fashion et al Hearts Julia Sarr-Jamois

Since celebrating the ever fabulous Julia Sarr-Jamois in my ‘Afro-Divas’ piece -last June, -Ms Sarr-Jamois has gone from model, to [fashion] stylist –to fully paid-up member of the front-row ‘fash-pack’ in her role as fashion editor of Wonderland magazine.. Of Senegalese and French heritage, –Julia’s ‘high-end-relaxed-sexy-tomboy’ style is all her own. And moves graciously from: one-off jeans and slouchy tops/cashmere v-necks and men’s jackets –with brogues to killer vamp in an all black ensemble and skyscraper heels –effortlessly….

Music: Sam & Ruby……….

Sam & Ruby Live- "Heaven's My Home" from sammy b on Vimeo.

If Ruby Amanfu and Sam Brooker aka Sam & Ruby’s sweet, folksy music was a colour - it would most definitely be yellow! Honey-sweet, sunshine music [that would melt –the hardest heart] –this duo is rocking a melodious sexy mix of: country, soul and a certain something -that’s all-their-own. Ruby’s pretty, post Dolly Parton, -nouveau-Nashville voice –is beautifully redolent on ‘The Suitcase Song’ and ‘The Here And Now’ –and their ‘Heaven’s My Home’ featured in the film, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’. For more information about Sam & Ruby, their upcoming tour or to download their latest album please visit: http://www.myspace.com/samandruby

The Princess And The Pea.....Hermes S/S 10

Tolula Adeyemi gives good 'red carpet'.

courtesy of zimbio.com

courtesy of zimbio.com

Hot gals: Tolula Adeyemi and Carine Roitfeld

I’ve been seriously suffering from ‘red carpet’ fatigue; –all those wedding gowns at the ‘Met Ball’ and now Cannes –had me bored rigid, -until I saw the latest pictures of the ever gorgeous Tolula Adeyemi strutting her stuff at Cannes via the Zimbio website –and just had to share them. You can follow her Cannes journey at: http://twitter.com/tolulaadeyemi   [Photo credit: http://www.zimbio.com/]

Janet Jackson gives good hair.....

Fabulous…….. Janet Jackson looks amazing at the 'Why Did I Get Married' screening in London….