Everyone Loves a Bargain

Kinky/Curly Cutie (and fellow Emory Alumnae) JT wants to know how I achieve my puff when I'm wearing a twist-out. Kerry Washington knows my secret- it's Goody's Ouchless headbands, and she's wearing one in this pic. Here's my tip: place the headband around your head, pull forward, away from your head, and cross, double around your head once more and slide back into desired position. My hair is thick and as dense as a pine forest, so I have no trouble keeping

the band in place. If you're worried about slippage, anchor the band in back with bobby pins, crossed like an X.

Goody Ouchless Headbands, $4, drugstores, Walmart, Target.

I've also seen these at the dollar store and at Walgreens for a buck! Happy Shopping :)

I may have to eat my words.........

Solange, at the 2009 MTV VMA's, still a kinky/curly cutie!

Look Mom, no weave! :)

Kinky/Curly Magazine Celebrates One Year! and Tyra's Real Hair!

I wrote my very first blog entry on September 8, 2008. I let the entire World Wide Web know about my hair-story. Much of that story is still being written. I've fully accepted my crown, and I wear it proudly. I wear it well. My heart's desire is to now help other women accept theirs.

I think it's fitting that today Tyra Banks premiered Season 5 of her talk show by revealing her real hair (sans weave, still permed. It's about baby steps, y'all). She looked beautiful. She looked like that sistah at the mall, your child's always-put-together teacher, like YOU! It made me ask myself, If Tyra's gonna use weave, why use so much of it? Why must the transformation be so far from your original beauty, into a blonde, silky-haired stranger? It's gonna take baby steps, for real.

Tyra noted that the obsession with weave is not just a Brown Girl issue, noting that both Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton have hair (extension) lines, and that everyone in the industry wears weave. If everyone got nose jobs, Tyra, would you get one too?

Guests on her show revealed how insecure and unattractive they felt without weave. One Black woman said her weave gave her confidence, and that she "hated" her natural hair. A White guest with hair extensions stated "I am my hair." Where did the notion that long hair (straight, or natural) equals beauty come from?

Many men and women I asked said simply that long hair is more feminine, attractive and sexy. Women use it to flirt, men think it's a turn-on and want to run their fingers through it. It's what distinguishes us as the opposite sex. It's magical, the lore of fairy-tales, and it's romantic, and quite frankly, short hair is for lesbians. Not my words, Curlies. Don't shoot the messenger!

I challenge anyone reading this to question your own ideologies about hair and beauty. Can you emerge from the barber's chair rocking a Caesar and still feel FIERCE! If not, what's holding you back? Did you just "big chop" and now you can't wait for your "natural" hair to grow long so you can feel pretty again? Are you obsessed with vitamins and frequent "length checks", counting down the days until your hair is "bra strap length". If any of this rings true for you, ask yourself 'Why'.

Shaving my head made me feel strong and liberated. I defined beauty for myself, beauty was Me. Still is. I challenge you all to do the same.

Next season, Tyra? A twist-out? Can't wait! Until next time, Curlies.......

Jiggaboos and Wanna-Bees

I love Chris Rock for making this movie, exploring the topic of "good hair" in our community, and owning up to the fact that there is still self-hatred and ignorance among us. I hope this film is an eye opener, and that women see themselves in this film.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!"- Spike Lee's "School Daze"

Newly Natural

Pop princess and famous lil' sis Solange Knowles shaved her head recently. Here's the quote:

"I just wanted to be free from the bondage that black women sometimes put on themselves with hair. "

Please comment on this one guys. Input please! Let's just see how long before she throws a lace front back on. I'm just sayin'. I don't think she's in this for the long haul.

Oh, Maxwell!

"Global warming aint got nothing on this chic, she's not to play with."

Great lyrics, great instrumentation (the horns on track 2 are sick), great album! So worth the wait. I just hope I don't have to wait this long again for great music.

Michael Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009

Rest in Peace

We'll Keep Dancing........

No. 1 songs:

"Ben," 1972.

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," 1979.

"Rock With You," 1980.

"The Girl Is Mine," 1982.

"Beat it," 1983.

"Billie Jean," 1983.

"Say Say Say," 1983.

"Bad," 1987.

"I Just Can't Stop Loving You," 1987.

"The Way You Make Me Feel," 1987.

"Dirty Diana," 1988.

"Man In The Mirror," 1988.

"Black Or White," 1991.

"You Are Not Alone," 1995.

___

Solo albums:

"Got To Be There," 1972.

"Ben," 1972.

"Music & Me," 1973.

"Forever, Michael," 1975.

"Off The Wall," 1979.

"Thriller," 1982.

"Bad," 1987.

"Dangerous," 1991.

"Invincible," 2001.

___

Albums by "The Jackson 5," the family R&B quintet that launched Jackson to fame:

"Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5," 1969.

"ABC," 1970.

"Third Album," 1970.

"The Jackson 5 Christmas Album," 1970.

"Goin' Back to Indiana," 1971.

"Maybe Tomorrow," 1971.

"Lookin' Through the Windows," 1972.

"Get It Together," 1973.

"In Japan!," 1973.

"Skywriter," 1973.

"Dancing Machine," 1974.

"Live!," 1974.

"Moving Violation," 1975.

___

Albums by "The Jacksons," which formed after the group — without older brother Jermaine — left Motown Records for the Epic record label:

"The Jacksons," 1976.

"Goin' Places," 1977.

"Destiny," 1978.

"Triumph," 1980.

"Live," 1981.

"Victory," 1984.

"2300 Jackson Street," 1989.

"We Are the World," a 1985 charity song co-written by Jackson and Lionel Richie. It reached the top of the charts, featuring the voices of Jackson, Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles and a host of others.

Rihanna-FOTD

Plus, an interview with her MUA, Mylah Morales, on how to get the look.
Because I love ya. Be fro-abulous, fly and fierce this summer. Until next time Curlies.........

Mylah: I’m all about skin! Right now my favorite foundation to use is Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20. Then I use La Mer The Powder. It gives a really pretty, glowy, natural look to the skin. And actually I always ask Rihanna to hydrate her skin well before any red carpet event. She uses Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. It works really well to energize and revitalize the skin especially since she’s always traveling, which dries out your skin.

A: I could see that. I have noticed that Rihanna always has a really pretty glow to her skin, a really pretty sheen. I have always wondered how you do that.

M: Yep, that’s how I get it. The Le Mer powder has a slight luminescence to it; it’s not matte. So, it gives the skin a really pretty glow. As for the concealer, I also used Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer under the eyes.

A: Can you tell me what you used on her eyes?

M: Sure. I used Cover Girl Exact Eyelights Mascara in Black Ruby. It’s got pigments in it that really bring out your eye color and it creates really long & lush lashes.

A: Did you use lashes too?

M: (Laughs) Yeah. But they're not a full strip. I cut them to look more natural on the eye. They’re by Red Cherry but I don’t remember which ones exactly. Maybe the #42’s… but I’m not sure.

A: Ok. No problem. Can you tell me what shadows you used? Do you use a palette or do you use specific shadows by brands like MAC or Make Up Forever?

M: You know what? I love using a palette by Dior. It’s a neutral palette. I have been using that a lot. You can use it alone or add a splash of color. Then on her cheeks I used Orgasm by NARS. Actually, it is called Super Orgasm.

A: I was wondering what that was! It’s so pretty. I heard that it shows up better on olive skin or golden skintones because the original Orgasm doesn’t.

M: Yep. And to contour her cheeks I used GlowFusion® Micro-Tech™ Intuitive Active Bronzer. It’s a really great bronzer.

A: So what color did you use on her lips?

M: It’s Cover Girl Trushine Lipcolor in Brillo Delilah**

A: Okay. I think that’s about everything. Oh, one more thing! What did you use on her brows?

M: I used Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil to define them and then used an angled brush with brow powder to fill them in.

Source:Spektra.net

Keyshia Cole-FOTD

I think Keyshia's makeup in this photo is beautiful! This album is also one of my summer faves ("I buy my own liquor, I'm a go-getter. Thought you should know.")

What I would use to re-create this look, aka, shopping my stash:

NYX Jumbo eye pencil-Black Bean-all over lid
Vincent Longo Eye Shimmer Souffle-Argento-on inner lid
L'Oreal HIP Duo-Sculpted-darker shade in the outer crease
NYX eyeliner-Black
Sephora Blush Me-Rose Rebelle-applied lightly with MAC 187 brush
Lorac Sheer Lipstick-Nude
L'Oreal Colour Juice-Bubble Gum

Awwww!!!!!

I really hoped they would last. He represents Queens, she was raised up in Harlem.

The hip-hop pair has called it quits, but Kelis still has some of the best hair in the biz. Some vintage Kelis. Be inspired. Until next time........

Kinky Curly Cutie-Tanika Ray

I absolutely love her hair. And the color. The shape is beautiful. To get this look I would use:

The curly fro technique
Setting Cream- Black and Sassy, Miss Jessie's, Homemade Curly Pudding
Set ends of 2x twists on rollers
Sit under dryer(to eliminate frizz)
Un twist using light hair oil- Carol's Daughter Tui Hail Oil smells great, and gives great shine
Fluff into place and G-O!

Rip Your Own Runway

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! Rip the Runway aired last night on BET and I could not wait to bring you the hotness!

Joy Bryant and Derek Luke gave us Young Black Hollywood as the evening's hosts. Joy's stunning strapless Maxi Dress with embellishments- one word-A-Mah-Zing!











Our girl Korto Momolu from Project Runway was, by far, the best treat of the evening. At least for me. Equally delightful were all the Kinky Curly Cuties struttin' down the runway. Owwwwww! (As in, "All the ladies in the house say Owwwwwww)!




1. Designer Korto Momolu

2. Kinky Curly Cutie in an LBD


3. The baddest Chunky Fro and the baddest jumpsuit- Period!



4. Model Stacey McKenzie in Korto Momolu gown


















Did you see the bold, feminine hair accessories? Mama said, "Put a flower in it." KC Magazine will never steer you wrong. Here's designer Byron Lars and more lovely Curlies givin' us Spring. You-Bettah-Work!





























Designer Johnny Vincent showcased swim wear, and Douglas Says showed love to full-figured women.

In true BET style, performances from T.I., Ron Browz, and Keri Hilson were show highlights. If you missed any of this goodness, (in true BET style) the show will re-air Thursday night.

KC Magazine is giving it to 'ya- Fashion, Beauty, Hair, Jewels, Inspiration, Motivation, Appreciation, Relaxation....... Stay Tuned!















ETA: Joy Bryant's flowing pink silk gown is from Missoni.

Kinky/Curly Cutie

Beyonce, or is this Sasha?, for an upcoming issue of Ebony Magazine.

Even if it isn't hers, even if the look is temporary, I still think it's cute. What about you?

Kinky/Curly Cutie- Halle Berry

We've always admired Halle's hair. She represented for the no-weave sistah's in Boomerang, gave us a cute, classic pixie when she won her Oscar, and now she's rockin' her natural! The curls are beautiful, the fro is fierce. Be inspired. Until next time...

My Hair Inspirations

Top left: A GAP ad I am absolutely in looooove with.
Bottom left: Bre from ANTM cycle 5.
Center: The ever evolving, fantastically fierce, always fly, Ms. Erykah Badu.
Top right: Ms. Hill. Lauryn, we miss you!; The always golden Jill Scott. Hate on me haters!
Bottom right: The angelic Corrine Bailey Rae; Everyone's fave gal pal Tracee Ellis Ross.

I hope these lovely ladies inspire you to love your locs, pamper your tresses and allow your light to shine. True beauty radiates from the inside, out. Stay fly, ladies. As my good friend, Jewell, says, "Pick Fros, Not Fights!" Until next time.....