Read Smoke!

Read Smoke!
My latest book, "Smoke: poems of love, longing and ecstasy" is available for purchase on Amazon in e-book and paperback. Click book for link.

Friday, January 11, 2008

The Look

The Look: Bold and Beautiful. This mod inspired ensemble is infused with this seasons bold colors. Fabulous for a party diva's night on the town. 1. Cynthia Steffe Colorblock Dress, $265, www.nordstrom.com
2. Cole Haan “Aurora Air” snakeskin slingback, $375, www.nordstrom.com
3. Crushed Patent Leather wristlet, $88, www.nordstrom.com
4. Chanel Inspired Sterling Silver Diamond CZ Quilted Mother of Pearl Flower Ring, $109, www.overstockjeweler.com

Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans star in The Color Purple


Legendary vocalists Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans joined the Broadway cast of The Color Purple in the roles of Sofia and Harpo respectively on January 9th 2008. Chaka will only perform in evening performances. American idol finalist, Lakisha Jones, will perform Sofia during matinees and 'church soloist' in the evenings. If you haven't seen this amazing musical, now is a great time to do so. For the chance to see Chaka on broadway, I would even suggest seeing it again.

SPOTLIGHT: Patti Labelle, Isn't it a Shame, 1985

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

African-American Queens vie for the Miss America Crown

Round of applause please for the 6 beautiful Black Queens who will compete in this years Miss America contest. The contest, which airs on Saturday January 26th on TLC has apparently turned a new leaf this year. More than likely in response to falling ratings in comparison to its sexy cohort, Miss USA, Miss America is on the quest to find a gorgeous and relatable "it girl" of today. Contestants are taught to rethink their traditional pageant image in a reality show currently airing on TLC called Miss America Reality Check. I personally don't see anything wrong with the glamour and stateliness that the Miss America pageant system has always stood for. Why does she need a reality check? In order to make it through the rigorous system, state delegants must be intelligent, well spoken, knowledgeable about current affairs, physically fit, talented, elegant, charming and gorgeous. These feminine ideals never go out of style. This pageant is not about sex appeal or even the girl next door. It's about "that" girl that can serve as a role-model for young girls across the nation. I hope it never loses that element.

Anyways, here are the contestants below. My early favorite: Miss South Carolina, Crystal Garrett. She's the second African-American queen to be crowned in South Carolina (the state that didn't even legalize interacial marriage until 1998) since Kimberly Aiken in 1994. Kimberly went onto to be crowned Miss America. Crystal is stunning, charming, talented, and very well spoken. She will definitely be a finalist.
Flyness, funk...and crowns
Ike

Jewelry-Inspired Home Decor

Hi Divas,


What a better way to add a touch of luxury to your place than with the dazzling finish of jewelry inspired home decor. Look for decorative accents with rhinestone embellishments, crystal accents, and hardware finishes and use with moderation. Here are a few classy choices.









  1. Metallic Chargers, set of 4, $100, www.neimanmarcus.com
  2. Asher cut Diamond white organza pillow, 49.95, www.pillowdecor.com
  3. Scented candle, $7.95, www.easterninspirations.com
  4. Waterford Crystal Lustre Bedside Lamp, $785, www.neimanmarcus.com
  5. Bling pillow, 24.95, www.pillowdecor.com
  6. Vintage gold platted perfume bottle, $85, www.passionforperfume.com
  7. Orrefor’s “bracelet” low bowl, $95, www.Nordstrom.com

-flyness and funk

Ike