Madame Noire | Black Women's Lifestyle Guide | Black Hair | Black Love

Source: StyleBlazer.com

From StyleBlazer.com

Most celebs claim they weren’t changed by money and fame. In some cases, we agree.  Other cases get thrown the side-eye.  Because the stars who met were are very different from the stars we know now.  Money might not change people but PR teams, stylists and image consultants absolutely do. Check out these seven celebs whose styles completely switched up after reaching superstar status.

See if you still recognize these celebs at StyleBlazer.com. 

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Source: StyleBlazer.com

From StyleBlazer.com

Though the television season is winding down, there’s one new show (and particularly one man) we’re looking forward to this spring and summer. Michael Ealy’s USA series “Common Law” just debuted and we already can’t get enough of him and those dreamy eyes. He’s known for playing heavier or romantic roles but this time he’s flexing his comedic chops in the buddy cop show.

But seriously, does it matter what type of role Michael’s playing? Either way, we swoon hardcore over this man. Though we’d love seeing him with little on, he looks amazing in a suit or dressed casually in jeans and a button down. A fashionably well-rounded man is always StyleBlazer approved.

Peep seven of his finest moments at StyleBlazer.com.

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• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind the Making of “The Color Purple”
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www.celebrity-gossip.net

When it comes to identifying the first influential person in our lives, many of us credit our mothers. After all, she’s the women capable of doing everything—keeping her household together, taking care of all her children, making sure the bills are paid and preparing healthy meals—all while maintaining a career and keeping herself well put together. She’s the master of balance, a ‘Rockmom’ of sorts. This term coined by June Ambrose, who is the quintessential example of a ‘Rockmom’ describes how being a mother doesn’t mean one has to sacrifice her personal style while conquering the world and taking care of her children. As we prepare to honor and show appreciation for all the ‘Rockmoms’ in our lives, let’s take a look at some of the most stylish celebrity mothers who rock out in motherhood.

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It’s definitely getting warmer outside, and with that, people are ditching their uncomfortably tight jeans for sassy skirts, embellished shorts and anything that will let their limbs breathe. Celebrities are just a few of the individuals doing so, so let’s check out their leggy fashions from the week and decide whose look we would steal, and whose needed to be stopped.

At the launch of Jay-Z’s Dussé cognac the other night in NYC, former 3LW singer Adrienne Bailon showed up in a mix of sheer and sequined materials. Her shorts were bright, funky and pulled up high with all their gold sequins, and tucked in them was a sheer button up blouse with pockets on the front and a bow tie. The top had openings at the shoulders, and to accessorize, Bailon wore patent leather pointed-toe heels, a small black bag, and a bright pink lip. And yes, she has on a black bra to probably go with the outfit. The high bun was a nice style for the look. In the end, she looks cute. I feel as though she’s not trying too hard, and I know a gang of people who would wear something like this to the club…like tomorrow. Steal.

Source: blackisblack.ca

When I was younger, I once told my friends I wouldn’t change the way I dressed. I exclaimed, “I’m gonna rock Pepe all the time.” Thank goodness I grew up. Part of fashion is growth and exploring different styles, but what happens when we reverse the cycle? We have moms who hide in the clearance section in Forever 21 and at Pink in Victoria’s Secret, and fifteen year olds who shop at Cato. The reversal is both ways and here are a few ways to help you step your style up and still look age appropriate.

• Don’t look for size, look for fit: When you normally go shopping, you’re probably looking for something your size. Take into consideration that different brands run either smaller, true to size or larger. It all depends on the demographic that they’re catering to. For instance, H&M blouses run small along with PacSun clothes (every time I’m in those stores I always see older women shopping).  Also, many brands are going for the “bigger is better” look right now, selling blouses and tunics that are meant to be worn loosely, so it really doesn’t matter what size you get because they’re all going to be big! Before you assume something is too big or too small for you, it doesn’t hurt to make a date with the dressing room first to get a dose of reality.

• Realize that you’re getting older: This isn’t a slap in the face, just a little reminder that you aren’t 17 anymore. The things you wore in your heyday won’t explain the life you live today. Once you see that, you will start to explore different types of clothes and styles.  Remember, just because those Real Housewives of Whatever wear those skin-tight party dresses, that doesn’t mean you should. In fact, they have editors, producers, and really good makeup artists to hide what they’re really looking like, so don’t make a fool of yourself.

• Buy for quality, not for quantity: We all love a good bargain, but sometimes we have to spend a little more to get longevity in our clothes. Also, most of the clothes seen on the clearance racks are either out of season or just extra stuff that just didn’t sell. There is always a reason it’s there. So just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean that it’s something you have to add to your collection of clothing. Sales in department stores happen almost every other weekend, so sign up for email alerts and get apps like Mobo, Weekly Ads and Sales, or your favorite retailer’s applications so that you can get things that are made better and look better for less.

• Ignore Fashion Trends: The best thing you can do to avoid being that mom at parent-teacher conferences in sequins and skinny jeans is to ignore fashion trends. I know this sounds cliché, but it’s the truth! We wear what we want to express ourselves and that’s just spiffy, but when you follow a trend you’re not expressing how you feel, but how everyone feels. Plus, spending money on what’s cute right now but might go out of style a few months from now is not really a good look for your style, or your wallet, is it?

All in all, you can do whatever you want. Just because you get older doesn’t mean you have to put on turtlenecks and start searching for orthopedic shoes, but dressing like a teenager in a Justin Bieber video or overdressing to look older isn’t all that good of an idea. Don’t be afraid to grow up and step up your style.

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Colored denim has become a closet staple and with summer looming, NOW is the perfect time to embrace the trend. Whether you fancy pastel shades or neon hues, you’ll find a denim option that suits your colorful taste on our list. And no, we’re not just referring to jeans! Be prepared to color yourself inspired by denim pieces such as an edgy vest, adorable blouse, bright jacket and more!

Source: Zimbio.com

It was New York City’s biggest night in fashion as the stars hit the “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art last night. All kinds of materials and looks made their way on the red carpet from our favorite folks, and we’ve got a quick look back on all the hot pieces and the stars that wore them.

Talk about a stunner! Bey came through (sans Jay-Z) in this black see-through gown with a gorgeous black and purple train. All the detailing on this one, including the stones, the feathers, and all that mesh (her hands even seem to be covered in it), just make this a jaw-dropping stunner. Shout out to the good folks at the house of Givenchy for this look.

I’ll never forget when I went to prom with my dad. Well, let me clear that up, he was just a chaperone and asked both my sister and I to come along to keep him company. He had never attended a prom and didn’t know what to expect. It should have been the norm: colorful dresses, happy teenagers letting loose and so on and so forth. But no, it was a hot ratchet mess. In this particular side of this particular part of this particular city, a majority of the students had their dresses made. You know a homemade prom dress when you see it–there’s less material to it. When the kids walked in the door, every piece of skin you could think of was out, the materials were hideous, and the guys were wearing hats with wrist watches on them…don’t ask. Yes, ratchet prom attire is becoming as American as apple pie, and to keep your child from going that route, have them look at this gallery. If not, good luck.

The “Where Are Your Damn Clothes” Dresses

Source: justelite.net

Source: ebaumsworld.com

Source: http://www.ghettoredhot.com

Blame it on a school where students have to wear uniforms all year long, or just society’s lack of appreciation for clothing, but more and more young ladies are showing up thinking these kinds of dresses are hot. All you have to do is make an outfit and use the extra material…as the dress. If we can’t see all thigh, your entire stomach and the top and sides of your breasts, then you’re not committed to looking as ratchet as possible.

Source: Global Grind

With all the dramatic rumors flying around about Fantasia and her money, her man and her career in general, it’s nice to see the new mommy (who gave birth in December) all smiles and showing off her post-baby curve-a-licious body. Homegirl gave her own short locks a break and was seen at a recent event in North Carolina with long, flowing extensions with some really cute bangs. She also showed up in this multi-colored dress with slits in the arms and pink, strappy stilettos. She, like Bey, is embracing her added curves since giving birth, and it’s nice to see her looking in good spirits. For a minute there, we were getting worried about the direction of things in Fanny’s life (and we still are a little), what with Antwaun Cook allegedly wanting to go back to his ex and the singer having to sell her home for a lot less than she paid, but we’ll continue to hope for the best. Make that money, honey and hurry up and put out a new album! “I’m Doin’ Me” was the jam…

What do you think of her new look?

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Source: Bronzemagonline.com

Michelle Obama represents a lot to black women in America and Senior Newsweek Journalist Allison Samuels wants to see to it that the First Lady comes to represent more for our youth against the backdrop of reality TV drama with a new book, What Would Michelle Do?

The new literary release follows Michelle Obama’s journey from Ivy League graduate to First Lady of the United States and really serves as a blueprint for living a life of substance and style. In an interview with Bronze Magazine, Allison explained her inspiration for writing the book.

“I teach at the boys and girls club in Los Angeles and I saw that a lot of our young girls look at reality shows and I am tired of the way we as black women are depicted today.  On Television and in the media we are made to look so mean and have tempers, they show us fighting all the time and we can’t seem to get along with our girlfriends.  I know some of the young girls get confused because they would see these women on TV fighting and being mean and they think this is how they are supposed to act. A lot of them look to these type of women as their role models and I thought this is not what they need to learn from.

“I know a lot of these young girls that didn’t have good role models to learn from and I thought, here we have this beautiful role model in the White house that has everything, a great husband, beautiful children and she has girlfriends, why not look at her and learn from her?  I had to write this book that focused on Michelle (A positive African American Women) for women and young girls that don’t see themselves in a positive way; to show them that there are plenty opportunities out there and they can have anything they want, but they just have to know what they want.”

Going further into the depictions of black women as constantly angry and without any positivity in their lives, Samuels stresses how this book shows the FLOTUS is the exact opposite of those stereotypes.

“This book talks about how First Lady Michelle Obama stopped what she was doing to support her husband and take care of her children and how she did it without being upset. How she handles every situation with style and grace (even if it is hard). I thought I need to do something to change what we are seeing on television.

“First Lady Michelle Obama is Strong, Beautiful, and Intelligent and has the opportunity to change the way people see Black women and how Black women see ourselves and our future.  We have to learn how to embrace our beauty.  Michelle has rules she lives by and she had her ‘End Game.’ This book teaches women and young girls that we all need to have an end game in order to have a fairy tale life.”

What exactly does she mean by “end game?”

“She knew what she wanted from the time she laid her eyes on President Barack Obama,” Allison said. “Michelle attracted a man that had everything she wanted because she had all the same qualities.  Life is about knowing what you want and doing what it takes to get it.  You have to also remember how to continue to handle yourself with ‘Substance and Grace’ no matter what. Michelle had her end game and used it to her advantage to be successful and to have a successful life.”

You can check out an excerpt of What Would Michelle Do? on michellewould.com and get more info on the book and author on the site as well.

Will you check out this book?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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