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For the past few weeks, the discussion of “How old is too old?” has come up a lot for me. Well, not necessarily for me per se, but in reference to celebrities and even everyday women who wear and do certain things after a certain age to the chagrin of others. Writer IndigoBlack did a slideshow a while back about that wretched half-shaven hairstyle that stars like Cassie and Rihanna like to wear, and in it, she pointed out that even Jada Pinkett Smith had tried the hairstyle. While she looked pretty cool in it, it seems that for the 41-year-old mom, some felt she was doing too much at her age (including the author). To that, a reader disagreed with a very interesting comment:

“I think it’s ridiculous to say anyone is too old for anything, except maybe breast feeding. that’s what’s wrong with society. people turn 40 and assume they and everyone else their age are growing old and stale, and the closer they get to their expiration date, the more boring they have to get… do what you want, wear what you want and live your life exactly how YOU want to, who cares what year you were born?”

I kept this comment in mind after checking out the old post. Less than a week later I was surprised to find that on a popular fashion website, they were asking “How old is too old to wear a crop top?” plastering the image of Evelyn Lozada and LaLa Anthony with their stomachs out. Toned with tummies looking even better than my stomach at ages 37 and 33, I thought to myself, “Hell, if their bodies are in shape and looking better than most young women’s bodies, what’s the harm?”

Fast forward to this past weekend when Madonna came out with a Chinchilla fur and no pants on, and Jennifer Lopez performed in a red leotard (booty all out) and thigh-high boots with a boa at the Billboard Music Awards, everybody had a lot to say on social media. Folks were all over Facebook saying that Madonna looked a fool at 54 in her fishnets (though those legs of hers are envious), while others were claiming that despite her very entertaining performance, Jennifer Lopez was too old to be dressing like an extra from the Broadway show, Kinky Boots. Pair that with the fact that even my mother scolded the singer through the television during the Grammys for wearing one of the highest slits I’d ever seen at the age of 43, and it’s clear that many believe that as your age goes up, your levels of rachet should go down.

So now that I have all that straight, I guess I just need clarification from someone about exactly what age I’m supposed to turn in my tight jeans and my crop tops, and start wearing muumuus and mom jeans, because clearly their is some unwritten rule that when you pop out a few kids and get around your late 30s, you’re supposed to start shopping at Dress Barn and wearing dresses more fitting for a character like Madea. But we all know that’s complete bull.

While I can for the most part agree that as a mother, you shouldn’t be out here behaving recklessly (i.e., at the clubs all night, booty shorts on at PTA conferences and rocking belly shirts at graduations), I think we can all be a little too hard on our fellow sisters who would rather dress and act how they feel, and not by what their age relegates them to do. And I’ve found that it’s so easy for either younger women, or older women who’ve turned in their hot pants, to point the finger at the J.Los and other brave souls with banging bodies to say, “Have a seat,” but nobody wants society, especially not strangers on the Internet, telling them what looks appropriate on them because of their age.

I will say though, there is a difference between expressing yourself how you want and being thirsty for attention. If this attire is all you wear, chances are, you’re crying out for help. But if your body can look as right and tight as Madonna’s at 54, why not show a little leg? If your stomach, despite a kid or two, or three, is washboard worthy, why not put on a crop top occasionally? Our bodies are our own, and just because motherhood and older age comes, it doesn’t always mean that you have to dress like Bea Arthur on Golden Girls (love that show!). Life’s too short to start living a dull existence because people you don’t know tell you that’s what you should do. As Kevin Hart would say, “Do you boo boo, do you.”

Oh yes, but let’s keep the hot pants and leotards to a minimum ladies, especially if you want to stay in good graces with your kids. Everything in moderation…

Source: AP

Every award show we know there are going to be some hits, some misses, and some WTF were they thinkings when it comes to red carpet fashion (that was our nice way of saying bold in the headline). This year’s 2013 Billboard Music Awards were no different. Check out the best and the most interesting outfits we saw.

Although they broke up and moved on with other people, we just can’t seem to get over these high-profile celebrity relationships that we thought were a match made in heaven. Here are 15 celebrity couples that we wish could have stood the test of time.

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Kanye and Alexis

Before there was Kanye West and Kim Kardashian or even Kanye and Amber Rose, there was Kanye and Alexis. The Chicago rapper/producer met Alexis Phifer back in 2002 and the cute couple dated on and off for four years before West finally popped the question. After an 18-month whirlwind engagement the two went their separate ways citing his hectic touring schedule as the cause. West dated then-unknown model Amber Rose before settling down with the reality show superstar who is now pregnant with their first child.

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A diva is the female version of a hustler. – Beyonce

Looking at celebrities, it’s quite easy to see the glitz and glam, but not the hard work it took to achieve success. There definitely are some who have it a little easier as they might come from wealth, or had a guaranteed foot in the door. There are, however, many who had to work hard to build their brand after failed ventures, personal struggles, or whatever else made their road to success bumpy.

The name of the game is longevity and it often comes by diversifying both your talents and reach. If you have been looking for ideas to grow your business opportunities, take a look at these celebs and how they grew their empires.

From StyleBlazer

Fashion is cyclical and ever-present, which is probably why trends from the early 90s are everywhere these days.

Jumping on the fashion bandwagon is Urban Outfitters who created a whole collection based on the fly-girls from “In Living Color.”

Yes, this is worth getting majorly excited about! The sketch comedy show that ran from 1990-94, was the launching pad for some major veterans in the world of comedy, music and dance.

Read more at StyleBlazer.com

Image Source: WENN.com

For American Idol, the struggle continues.

Word on the street is…aka, according to The Hollywood Reporter, in an effort to salvage a season that saw ratings hit their lowest ever, producers of the show were hoping to replace Mariah Carey with former judge Jennifer Lopez just some weeks ago. Mimi and her people were able to shut down the possible swap out by threatening legal action against the show, and the possibility of that forced producers to back down from their supposed-to-be-secret plans. But the head of reality shows for FOX, Mike Darnell, was allegedly so worried about the dip in ratings this season that he was hoping a surprise change in judges would pull viewers in. Lopez is planning to show up on the show’s season finale in May, but it’s not clear if she will just be performing, helping with the contestants, or what. But Lopez was a popular judge during her tenure on the show (2011-12), so I’m sure they’re excited to get her back if even for a hot second.

However, Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, who is a judge on the FOX show, So You Think You Can Dance?, denies such reports or rumors saying, “I have not been included in any conversation regarding replacing Mariah with Jen this season.”

Either way, The Hollywood Reporter says that their sources are confirming that there will be another judge shake-up when this season is over: “…insiders say a search already has begun to replace Carey, most likely Nicki Minaj and possibly the entire judge’s panel for next season.”

Yikes, it sounds like whether or not Mariah leaves mid-season or after the season, she’s probably going to get the boot. As someone who has watched the show from time to time, I can say that honestly, as talented and legendary as Mariah Carey is, she’s NOT a good judge. At all. For all the personality it seems she has, it doesn’t show up on camera, she’s too too kind, and some of her comments come off as side-eye worthy. But do people need to try and replace folks behind their backs? No. A good warning would probably do wonders. And trying to replace an icon with Lopez? That’s just disrespectful and a sign that the show really is not about contestants anymore or legends in the music industry giving good feedback. But the whole judges panel is just awkward for me, and if I would vote to keep anybody, surprisingly, it would be Keith Urban. The rest are too boring or too aggressive. But I just feel that changing judges for the umpteenth time in the last few years is NOT going to help increase Idol‘s ratings. How about you?

Most of us grew up in a household where “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am” was the norm when responding to an adult. We were taught to say please and thank you, refrain from interrupting conversations, and hold the door for people. It only took so many glares and spankings if we ever forgot these life lessons — and these signs of respect never left most of us as we became adults.

Unfortunately there are certain celebs who think they are immune to such niceties and respectable behavior and have racked up quite the reputation for rudeness. If only they followed Aretha’s advice and gave a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T…

Naomi Campbell

Don’t let the beautiful face fool ya! Notorious for her lateness, supermodel Naomi Campbell is also known for hitting her helpers — from assistants to therapists. Many people in her path suffer the wrath of her mean streak and nothing seems to keep her outrageous behavior in check – not even five-o. She was detained for assaulting two police officers as well.

Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Jenny from the Block is starting to act more like Jenny from the Bourgeoisie these days. Though we know the Bronx-born Latina is hardly “on the six (train)” anymore, it seems she still hasn’t quite got what it takes to demand a private plane just to do a show. That’s the demand that reportedly got the singer/dancer/actress booted from a huge gig recently.

As the Huffington Post tells it:

The singer and actress was in the running for the opening ceremonies of India’s Premier League cricket tournament, an event the New York Post says comes with a viewing audience of 60 million people.

The massive opportunity, however, seems to have evaporated when organizers received Lopez’ rider. Among the big asks that reportedly came through manager Benny Medina: a private plane and a host of hotel rooms for her cadre of stylists and handlers.

Among those handlers were a number of assistants and even a personal chef, and according to one of the NY Post‘s sources, the audacity of that demand turned officials at the Pepsi IPL all the way off.

“The demands made on behalf of Jennifer were outrageous. She effectively priced herself out of the event. It was an idiotic move because the audience for this event is huge. It’s like the Super Bowl halftime show. Last year it drew 56 million viewers.”

Jenny’s rep is denying that these demands are what caused the singer-dancer to back out, claiming she was simply “busy,” but this isn’t exactly the first time we’ve heard J Lo is getting a little too big for her britches. According to the Post, “In 2001 she arrived for a BBC interview with a 90-person entourage and ordered nine dressing rooms for the group.” And remember when Wendy Williams said Jennifer doesn’t allow anyone else to go into a public bathroom with her at the same time? Sounds like she could’ve jumped on a “Diva” remix with Beyonce and been dead serious about that line “I’m a diva best, believe her.”

In this case, one Latino’s loss is another’s gain, as Pitbull has been chosen to take J. Lo’s place. In response to this news, Huff Po hilariously stated, “it’s hard to know if J.Lo or cricket fans are more deserving of your pity,” but I say congrats to Pitbull. Who ever thought he’d become so big globally? J Lo might wanna take a lesson. These aren’t exactly her Selena Bidi Bidi Bom Bom days.

Zooey Deschanel, Lindsay Lohan, Bruce Willis and Scarlett Johansson… want to know what they all have in common? They all attempted that rocky transition from actor to singer, some conquering this territory with success, but many failing spectacularly. The urge for actors to test their talents in other realms is an understandable one. It makes sense that if you’re celebrated for talents in one area, you surmise that you have what it takes to flourish in other arenas. The aforementioned actors are just a shortlist of individuals who’ve attempted the crossover, read on to find out which African American singers have dabbled into singing.

Terrence Howard

Source: WENN

Howard’s performance as an actor and rapper in the acclaimed film Hustle & Flow earned him an Academy Award nomination and recognition for his…well, flow. He followed the film with the release of his first studio album, Shine Through It –which presents music that is far different than what’s featured in the film. Most often described as experimental, the album features soft-rock, R&B and soul sounds.

Becoming a first-time mother can be a thrilling, yet daunting experience at any age. These 15 celebrities waited until they were established in their careers and a little more mature and wise before having their first child. Welcome to the 35-plus mothers club.

Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Before finding love with her current fiancé Olivier Martinez, Halle Berry has a string of failed relationships. After two divorces, the Academy award winner didn’t let her single status deter her from becoming a mother. Her dreams were finally answered when she and then boyfriend Gabriel Aubry welcomed their daughter Nahla into the world in March 2008. Berry was 41 at the time of her daughter’s birth. The two have since broken up and are currently embattled in a narsty custody battle that has played out in the courts and the media.