08

Dec

Recommended Reading: asha bandele’s Something Like Beautiful

This 2009 release from former Essence editor asha bandele is a follow-up to her memoir The Prisoner’s Wife and recounts bandele’s experiences as a single mother combating drinking and depression.  I struggled to relate to her as the wife of a imprisoned man, then as a mother to his child, until I read this passage:

“I would have to ask myself this question, and find the heart to answer it:

Had I ever really loved myself? Had I ever handed myself over to myself, whole and complete, willing and wanting…wide open and without barrier?

…Had anything worked either its magic or science and moved me closer to the place where I could claim my own heart, my own desires, and my own needs?

Did I ever commit to myself the way I did to others, and if I didn’t then why not? And if I didn’t, is that why I found myself in my thirties still trying to stand, years after I could have sworn I had taught myself to run?” –  asha bandele, Something Like Beautiful 2009.

Whoa. 

What mother doesn’t want the absolute best for her daughter? And what daughter doesn’t – at some point – contemplate her mother’s choices as she makes her own? As the publisher’s site notes, “[Something Like Beautiful offers] a vision of hope for all women struggling to keep it together on their own.”  Don’t miss this lovely, lyrical read.

Image courtesy of HarperCollins; brief excerpt reprinted with permission

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute off the Press/Reading is FUNdamental (and sexy!)

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07

Dec

Bill Cosby @ the Alabama Theatre, 2/17/2012

Hey, hey, hey…Miles College presents an evening with Bill Cosby on February 17! Whether you know him from I Spy (which made television history by being the first drama to feature an African-American actor as a lead), Uptown Saturday Night  and Let’s Do It Again, The Cosby Show, his stand-up comedy or Fat Albert (which was also part of Dr. Cosby’s dissertation), his extensive philanthropy, his books, or from his activities as a no-nonsense,  outspoken social critic, – whew! – you don’t want to miss this show. 

No word on whether pudding pops will be provided.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Image courtesy of art.com

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen

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06

Dec

Lalah Hathaway @ the Alys Stephens Center 12/15-16/2011

Mark your social calendars, chic ones! Lalah Hathaway (daughter of Donny and owner of a FAB set of classically trained alto and contralto pipes) is performing at the ASC on December 15 and 16, and YOU can win tickets! How? Simply check out Magic City Post’s contest and enter by 5 PM on December 12, 2011; many will enter and a few will win-you know the drill!

For more on Ms. Hathaway, whose newest album Where it All Begins  dropped in October,  click here.   And just for kicks check out this clip of what Birmingham concert-goers can expect.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen

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06

Dec

Get a Leg Up….

…on falling temperatures by adding patterned tights under your dresses, skirts and shorts.  You can play it safe with opaque, or experiment with a fun pattern in argyle, quatrefoil, stripes, polka dots or even lace-print.  And of course, now’s a great time to break out a haute pair of fishnets or back-seamed stockings.  When worn with a demure pencil or pleated skirt or even a fitted dress, they look quite professional and not so “working girl.”  And even better, tights can be an inexpensive way of turning your look up a notch without breaking the bank; you can find an array of styles at reasonable prices at Target, Macy’s, Belk and Dillard’s.

Note: Our experience with thigh highs has taught us they tend to roll down at the most inopportune moments (like while we’re in line at the bank!).  We also aren’t recommending nude pantyhose for anyone of any age, for any occasion.  Instead, dare to bare legs that are smooth and moisturized (ahem)!  And if you absolutely must wear knee highs (gasp!), please remember that the top edge near your knees should not be visible when you sit, stand or walk.

Image courtesy of  Red Rider Leg Lamps

14 years ago Short URL Comments

The Look

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05

Dec

Can I Get a Roll Tide?

You mad?

We had the privilege of being in the house for the 2011 University of Alabama Football Banquet at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center yesterday evening, and what a thrilling night it was!  The legendary Eli Gold was master of ceremonies and the mood was absolutely electric as guests waited for the final BCS standings to be announced.  I would be remiss if I didn’t note that crimson and houndstooth were the color combination of the night, with Chanel handbags being seen on the arms of quite a few.  Floral arrangements by Norton’s featured crimson roses, and pristine white hydrangeas, accented with houndstooth bows and hats.

Congratulations to Kerry Goode, who was named Jefferson County Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus for spearheading the Alabama/Auburn charity flag football game to benefit tornado relief efforts, and Trent Richardson, who was named Most Valuable Player, as well as all the other award winners.  We spotted Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Carson Tinker, Marquise Maze, and AJ McCarron as well.

Although we restrained ourselves from getting autographs, it was truly a fabulous night!

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See you at the ‘Ship!

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen

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05

Dec

Nicki Minaj is Now a Real Barbie Doll

We don’t know whether to clutch our pearls or give her a slow hand clap.

In your life imitating art imitating life news of the day, Billboard’s 2011 Rising Star, Cash Money multi-hyphenate Nicki Minaj will now be immortalized in plastic as a “Her Minajesty” Barbie doll. The Divine Design Pink Friday  doppelganger is being produced for a charity auction through charitybuzz. com and will benefit Project Angel Food, which delivers over 700,000 free meals a year to people suffering with life-threatening illnesses in Los Angeles County.  Bidding, at a $1000 minimum, began December 2 and will conclude on December 19.

We can’t knock her hustle…er, enterprising skills.  Nicki’s MAC Viva Glam line launches in February and her OPI Nail Lacquer will be out next year as well.

Images courtesy of celebritybuzz.com

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Random Acts of Fashion

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02

Dec

She’s the Boss: Tia Chestang-Beville

Tia Chestang-Beville

At SCDD, we believe true beauty starts within, and following your dreams is always in style!  So talking with Tia-Chestang-Beville (owner of Purify Wellness & Spa )was a no-brainer.  Nestled off Highway 280, the spa offers a pampering environment to escape the daily grind.  It also represents owner-operator Chestang-Beville’s desire to fulfill a personal dream of pursuing entrepreneurship and promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness.  Purify Wellness & Spa invites its clients to relax, refresh and rejuvenate with services that include beauty, massage and detoxification treatments.

Her inspiration: What really inspired me to start my own business was I noticed that so many African-Americans have a hard time finding a job, or even an opportunity. I wanted to be my own boss and call my own shots.

Wake-up call: Before I [became an entrepreneur] I worked in the banking industry.  One day I woke up and realized this was not what I had come to Birmingham for.  I turned in my two week’s notice and started a physical therapy program [within several months].  While working as a physical therapist I realized many of my patients had issues with [digestive complaints].  And I had learned personally the benefits of proper nutrition.  Purify was born of that.

Would she ever return to banking? Never, ever!  If push came to shove, I’d [return] to physical therapy. It’s just as rewarding.  But I’d work as an [independent contractor].  I’ll never go back to being fully employed by someone else.  It’s not all glitz and glamour, but I’ve gotten a taste of the American dream and I’ll never go back.

SCDD took a guided tour of the spa during the interview and learned about the colon hydrotherapy services Purify administers.  Purify Wellness & Spa currently uses the “open,” or Libby System exclusively, in which the client controls the session.

Ms. Chestang-Beville was careful to make the distinction that the spa services clients, not patients, as she is practicing under a certification and not a license. “I am at the beginning stages of colon hydrotherapy (CHT),” she notes.  “I’ve completed pre-requisites in gross anatomy, physiology, plus 100 hours and 50 sessions in colon hydrotherapy.  I’ll go to Atlanta to move to the intermediate level and received training on the closed system.  The closed system is a little more invasive and requires a therapist to be present at all times.”

The Libby System tables are scrupulously clean, and the room itself is soothing. We observed as Ms. Chestang-Beville personally sterilized and prepared the session room for her next client and found out there is even an automatic “kill switch” which allows the client to control the apparatus’ valves to his or her comfort. 

“Everything is sterile and disposable,” Ms. Chestang-Beville says.  “Nothing is recycled.  All supplies are carefully laid out each time for each client.”

What has been the most surprising part of the process for her?

“Initially I had tons of support from friends and family encouraging me to follow my dreams and go forward, ” she says.  “The most surprising part is I never thought I could actually do it, and manage it the way I’ve been able to. [Ms. Chestang-Beville talked to us while running the front desk,  interacting with a steady stream of clients, and scheduling sessions.  She even planned her recent wedding while running the business.]  The [Highway 280] area loves us and has been very welcoming. The support has been great.”

Purify is now offering  a spa membership program and Chestang-Beville has plans to further expand her services.  Ready to check out Purify Wellness & Spa for yourself?  December is a great time to relax, relate and release, as they are offering a 12 Days of Christmas special as well as promotions via Facebook!

Image courtesy of Tia Chestang-Beville

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

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01

Dec

We Love a Man Who…

No. Just....no.

…keeps it simple. 

Are you wearing square-toed shoes?  Buttoning every button on your suit jacket?  Stepping out in a suit jacket with more than three buttons (SIGH)?  Rocking suspenders AND a belt (ahem: it’s either/or, never both)?   Sporting more than one ring on both hands (and if either of them is a nugget ring, go sit in the corner)? Do you have nails (finger or toe)so long that your nickname is Shredder? Are you rocking a suit so small that it looks like you stole it from Webster? Then you, sir, are doing the most.  Take it down a notch.

Take it from us: dress your age, not your shoe size.  For the love of God, manscape.   The Grizzly Adams/unwashed look is not the  business; go “occupy” a bathtub and get thee a manicure and pedicure! And the hipster look is not for every physique.   

Remember: less is sometimes much, much more.

You’re welcome.

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

C'est Si Bon/The Look

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30

Nov

Red Haute

Brrrr! Baby, it’s cold outside…but crimson clothing and accessories are heating up this winter, according to a recent fashion forecast by The Birmingham News’ Chanda Temple.  I’ve been wearing red since I was a baby, and have become notorious in my family for busting out a red dress for formal occasions.  I’m currently in love with Plenty by Tracy Reese’s crimson lace cocktail dress at BHLDN…it’s “vintage sophisticate” done right.

Party season is almost upon us, so why not pick out something in the showstopping shade?  But consider yourself warned: put on your red dress, red stilettos, red lipstick, red jewelry and carry a red bag and people will be saying “My, my, my!” for all the wrong reasons.  So tone it down with a nude lip or a neutral shoe.

Images courtesy of Google

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion

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29

Nov

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without….

Fragrance!   I feel naked unless I’m wearing my signature scent.  And as Coco Chanel once said, “A women who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”   But it isn’t as simple as picking up Beyonce’s Pulse.  (We’re not too keen on celebrity scents; who wants to smell like Khloe Kardashian or Lamar Odom combined? No thanks.)  Fragrance is very personal.  The very memory of one’s cologne or perfume can trigger powerful memories for a family member or loved one (or even a former loved one) years later.    

Want to smell like a lotus flower and not a bomb?  Remember that fragrances work in conjunction with your own body chemistry, so what works for Halle Berry or your homegirl may not work for you.   And there is as much an art to wearing it as there is to producing a scent.   Don’t bathe in it.  Be mindful of where you plan to wear it: loud fragrances are a fail.   And don’t rub your wrists together after spraying it on; you will crush the fragrance’s notes and could alter the scent. 

Are you still wearing Hai Karate, Tabu, Tommy Girl or Charlie?  I used to love my Love’s Baby Soft and Jessica McClintock, but as I grew up they no longer fit with the young woman I was becoming.   While I believe in staying with a perfume or cologne that works, I also believe in being open to trying something new.  And there are so many great ones to try,  in sprays, solids or oils…from CREED to Coach’s Poppy!  Why not have a different “smell good” to suit the temperature, occasion or your mood?

14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon

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