Fashion et al Hearts Connie Mitchell

As I sit here at my laptop –eating my grilled chicken [I only do protein now] and type away, I’m sooo in awe of Australian rock'n'roller Connie Mitchell of the band -'Sneaky Sound Systems'. Its not easy being a big gal in a world where [it would appear] that only skinny gals win! I’m ashamed to put this out there but I have turned down a couple of offers –that would have seen my blog given huge exposure –but because it would involve me being shot, –I declined.

I wish to goodness that I had that 'thing' that Beth Ditto, Anita Blay [thecockandbullkid], actress -Gabourey Sidibe, Connie Mitchell et al -all have but I don’t [please note, I’m now doing something about it because I haven’t always being this size –no sirree]......And so, images of Goddess Connie enjoying her curves [unashamedly] -have to be applauded and celebrated [plus its only her, Anita Blay and Beth Ditto who can honestly claim to be ‘Goddess Stylistas’-representing for all the uber stylish plus size beauties out there].

Just feat your eyes on Connie in all her eclectic, flashy, bold accessories, one off dresses, crazy tights and colourful sunglasses in the winter –fabulousness. There are days when I can’t quite tear myself away from my latest black second-hand stretchy Ghost dress –and to see Connie in bold prints, horizontal stripes [across her ample bust], voluminous crazy dresses and skyscraper heels –just warms the cockles of my heart. I salute you Connie – ‘rock-on-with-your-bad-self’....xx

The one to watch: Diandra Forrest

I can't wait for Diandra Forrest to hit these shores -she is sooo fashion fabulous! Discovered by photographer Shameer Khan in New York, Diandra is a 5'11" Bronx gal -causing quit a stir over the pond. Since signing to Elite Models last year, -she's been working non stop -so look out for her at the A/W 10 shows...

Fashion: Another Kanye West and Bape Collaboration for S/S 10

I'm loving the above images of our Kanye. I've been sick to my back teeth with all the negativity written about Kanye of late. So he made a mistake... -this brother has just lost his mother...and he has not killed himself with drugs, or trashed a hotel room etc -all the usual stuff celebrities are known for -but has instead, continued to cre-8, God Bless him.

"Once again Bape have worked with rapper/producer Kanye West, this time for their latest lookbook, which advertises their Spring 2010 collection. With photography from Keiichi Nitta, the collection is well captured is certainly looks very promising. With a mixture of Bape and URSUS Bape releases on the cards, the entire range is refined, with a mixture of Japanese and American aesthetics, making the choice to work with Mr. West appropriate. The collection includes new styles of belts and as wells shirts, work trousers, tees, varsity jackets and more. Surely to be a strong divider amongst fans, the most immediately striking piece is the Baby Milo hoody, which is complete in a vibrant multi-colourway featuring a selection of characters seen throughout Milo’s history." [Credit: www.hypebeast.com]

President Barack Obama's first year in office -'Yes we Can'

I was doing some research last night, –looking for the right image to accompany a short piece about ‘our first family’s’ first year in office –and stumbled across this image of President Barack Obama. Relaxed, working and doing his thing [in his own humble way] -I was struck by the soles of his shoes and was deeply touched by just how very real President Barack Obama is. God continue to Bless him, Michelle and our first princesses....I decided to not write anything as I felt that the following piece by Samira Edi from www.greatimhotep.com said it all...Enjoy....xx

Title: Obama's Humble Shoes By Samira Edi
The time-honoured message is etched on the sole
Like a metaphor— an understatement of a rare gem’s soul
Just half of his story which reflects our very own lives
That from adversity, a patient phoenix soars and thrives
It is the seal of greatness encased in meekness and modesty
They bespeak the spirit that underscores his great personality
The logo of a man of unblemished integrity
Here’s the insignia of one who knows his priority
Alas, this is the imprimatur of a man who loves humanity
Whose fight for our freedoms, was fraught with humbling indignity
Now his footprints are impressed on the heart of mankind
As the beacon of inspiration—a genius and a priceless find
It is the badge of a rara avis—unique and one of a kind
Tired shoes! Well-travelled feet—the independence of mind
This is the symbol of distinction—of remarkable character
An emblem of an outstanding political caretaker
They are the eloquent testament to a message of hope
That provides a clear viewfinder to our visions from a wider scope
The brilliant architect of a matchless political campaign
Those shoes paved his path to the Whitehouse to voice our pain
A man of compassion, he had a dream from an absent father
Audaciously he taught us to, “Be Your Brother’s Keeper”
Here is a leading servant with a phenomenal ability
Those shoes of his mettle—helped pick up the mace of authority
Remember, Remember the fourth of November
We thronged out to victory—We Voted Obama
He walked to greatness in humble shoes— that’s our man
That one who carried our weight and cried out, “Yes We Can”
[Credit: www.greatimhotep.com]

Model: Corali.....

I'm loving this new model/presenter -Corali's hair...I don't know much about her but I stumbled across Corali in Black Beauty and Hair magazine [in a piece about hairstylist Charlotte Mensah's new miracle shea butter cream]. 100 per cent shea butter, -Charlotte's new cream is gentle, natural and kind to hair and skin. After applying the shea butter to Corali's tired, dry frizzy mane-Charlotte's shea butter [enriched with Vitamin E] -tamed, controlled and lovingly restored Corali's crowning glory, -leaving it more manageable, healthy and glossy. The shea butter is made in Ghana and prices starts from £7.99 -and can only be purchased from Charlotte's hair salon -at:

Hair Lounge
347 Portobello Road
London, W10 5SA
020 8969 9444
www.hairlounge.co.uk
[Credit: Photo from Black Beauty and Hair Magazine]

Words of Wisdom: Alek Wek.......

"I have no problem with whatever the next big look is. Just don't try and tell me that only one look is beautiful." Alek Wek

*Isn't Alek beautiful?

Fashion: Tilda Swinton 4 Pringle …S/S 10

Tilda Swinton is one of my favourite style icons. With her individuality, beauty and that hair –Tilda has always been a ‘must watch’ - and Pringle agree. She can be seen in their S/S 2010 menswear/womenswear collections -and this fabulous ‘fashion and film’ combo –via YouTube.....Tilda Swinton is Art...x www.pringlescotland.com

Shock, horror....Amber Rose covers up.....and the press go crazy...

Amber Rose was photographed in a floor length gold lame dress at the Haute Couture shows in Paris yesterday, –and the paps went crazy........Poor Amber; -covered from head to toe -they complain, –dress in little more than see-through black negligee -and they complain, –she just can’t win. Personally, I think she’s at her best when she is being herself –and I’m afraid she pandering to the crowd in this desperate, hooded gold lame dress. Amber just be....x

Zoë Kravitz Rocks...

It’s only just dawned on me that the edgy gal in Vera Wang's Glam Princess Perfume ad -is the one and only, -Zoë Kravitz [she’s been fronting the brand since December 2009]. I love her! A true rock’n’roll princess [Zoë is the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet] -Zoe is one of my favorite style icons, -and I was listening to her music on myspace –just the other day! It’s such a shame that her music is soo underrated –because Zoë and her band Elevator Fight are fabulous. Just check out their –‘Broken Glass’ and ‘Eye of the Pyramid’ tracks, –these tracks are sooo ‘rock-sexy’…....Kudos Zoë....xx www.myspace.com/elevatorfight

Black Fashionista’s Heart Hervé Léger

Arlenis Sosa....

Cassie...

Color-block bandage dress £990.00 www.net-a-porter.com

Teyana Taylor....

Gabrielle Union

Nicole Fiscella [Gossip Girl]

Leona Lewis

Camille Winbush...

Red High Neck Bandage Dress £732.50 www.liberty.co.uk

Amelle Berrabah

Amber Rose...

Fashion et al’s 2010 Personality du jour: Lady Colin Campbell......

**Fascinating, beautiful, bourgeois and always exquisitely turned out; –Lady Campbell never seizes to intrigue me. Born in 1949 with fused labia and a deformed clitoris in Jamaica to a wealthy Lebanese/Jamaican family, -Lady Campbell was registered and brought up as a boy [even though she was not], -until she reached 21 and had corrective surgery. A socialite –she went on to marry aristocrat, Lord Colin Campbell [who assaulted her, -then informed the press that she was a transsexual]. Today, Lady Campbell is infamous for her ‘tell-all-books’ on royalties, -notably the ‘Diana in Private’ and ‘The Royal Marriages’. I love this survivor. She is so much more than the mystery that surrounds her, plus she is -incredibly stylish. Affectionately referred to [by myself and my mates] as ‘The Yardie’ – this aristo-socialite is fashion et al’s personality du jour for 2010.......Go Lady Campbell...x

More info....
Lady Colin Campbell, (born George William Ziadie, [known as Georgie, 17 August 1949), is a British writer, biographer, autobiographer, novelist and radio interviewer, known for her biography of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Real Diana.
Campbell was born in Jamaica, the child of Michael Ziadie. The Ziadie family is prominent in Jamaica, the descendants of half a dozen Maronite Catholic brothers who emigrated from Lebanon in the early 1900s; she says they have gone from being "revered to reviled to treasured as exotica" and are a more important family than the aristocrats into whom she married. She grew up largely in the United States. In 1974 she married Lord Colin Ivar Campbell, the son of Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll, and divorced him the following year.
She is the parent of two adopted Russian-born sons, has a chateau in Provence, and a maisonette in Kennington, near central London. [Credit: www.en.wikipedia.org]

January 2010 Birthday Celebrations.......

Happy Birthday to ya...Happy Birthday! ..Happy Birthday to ya...Happy Birthday!...

Michelle Obama Date of Birth: 17th January, 1964
Our 'First Lady' is on the February Issue of Easy Living....have you got your copy yet?
Muhammad Ali [born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr] 17th January, 1942

Martin Luther King, Jr. 15th January 1929
[The 18th January is a Federal Holiday marking the late, great Dr King’s birthday in the USA]...

Fashion et al Hearts Cassie...

Come on admit it...there’s something about Cassie –isn’t there? The hair, her beauty, the Diddy thing etc, etc! ....I just love her style -she is sooo fierce. Second only to Genevieve Jones, –this gal is no longer afraid of her 'power'. Sexy, fierce [with never-ending-legs] –fashion et al’s eyes are on Cassie – right now. It’s been amazing to watch Cassie morph from R&B princess [wearing ‘red carpet’ dresses] to full blown edgy, rock’n’roll, eclectic -fashionista. From faded skinny jeans, one off t-shirts and ‘ghetto-fabulous’ jewellery combo –to sculptural black leather dress and killer heels -Cassie is hot stuff..x