SPOTLIGHT: Janet Jackson, I'm Here, Damita Jo, Bonus Release in Japan

I wish this song was released on the album... it's beautiful. Enjoy.

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

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

Wedding Dress of the Week

Full A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline by Kirstie Kelly Bridal Couture accented with a vintage-inspired, short sleeved lace overlay and lady like fitted waiste. Very elegant and memorable. For more information visit the designer's site.

Fly Alert: Jovani Cocktail Dress

Perfect year round cocktail dress for the woman who wants to be remembered after the clock strikes twelve. The origami detail on the back of this dress is so striking and unforgettable. This would make a great evening go-to as it is appropriate for formals, after-five's, and evening weddings. Purchase at select Jovani retailers.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" starring Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis

2008 appears to be the year for Blacks on Broadway. Already The Color Purple still reigns supreme on Broadway and Debbie Allen's bringing an all star line-up for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" in April. Now former Idol stars Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis will star in an off-Broadway national tour of "Ain't Misbehavin'". The musical comedy is set to the incredible music of "Fats" Waller with the exuberant backdrop of 1930's Harlem. This show, which originally debuted on the Great White Way in 1978, is considered a musical theater classic. Specific tour dates will be announced at a later date. See it if you can.

Style Icon of the Month: Michelle Obama

Who is Michelle Obama? An attorney, community activist mother of two and wife of Sen. Barack Obama, candidate for the 2008 Democratic Party nomination for U.S. President. She attended Princeton University where she graduated in 1985 cum laude and in 1988 she received her JD from Harvard Law School. Following law school she was an associate at the Chicago branch of law firm Sidley Austin, where she met Barack. She was his summer advisor. Since then, she has held several public sector positions in Chicago, including most recently, VP of Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals. She was listed as “25 of the World’s Most Inspiring Women” by Essence Magazine in 2006 and as “10 of the World’s Best Dressed Women” by Vanity fair in 2007.

Why is she fly? Behind every great man is a great woman and no one currently exemplifies this maxim like Michelle Obama. She has the mind of a CEO, the statuesque silhouette of a model, and the grace of our grandmothers. Her campaign style usually consists of classic business seperates, muted colors, tailored lines, and every ensemble is created around one fabulous center piece, like the black and white tweed blazer she wore on Oprah. Michelle style doesn’t scream for pop-star attention (like Judy Giuliani) nor is her look stiff and contrived like most lady hopefuls. The truth is, she is not your typical candidate’s wife. Michelle very well may be Barack Obama’s greatest political asset, a supportive wife who looks the part and can deliver just as fiery a stump speech as he. We are constantly wowed by Sen. Obama’s devotion to correcting the ills that face our country, but it is Michelle’s quiet conviction, her determined mien, as she sits with perfect posture just over his shoulder, that has compelled many devoted fans to place America’s future in this couple’s hands.