Chanel and Jourdan in January 2009 Vogue

Most of you have probably seen this spread already but I felt like posting them anyway. I know some of your are tired of seeing black modeldom's chosen ones in fashion magazine but I like the editorial and think both women look great. Chanel shows a bit more range of facial expression and Jourdan's mature gaze suggests that she's been doing this for ages even though her career only really began a year ago.

As far as American Vogue shoots go, this one is pretty typical. Lots of shots of surprised looking models levitating against gray backdrops and segregated by race. While it does stand out that this is the longest editorial featuring black models that I can recall seeing in eons, Vogue's placing it in the "Change! Yes You Can" issue immediately after a feature on The Obamas is a bit heavy handed in my opinion. If Anna Wintour and Co. had just thought to perforate theses pages they could have billed it as a special "black" pull-out section on the cover.

More photos at Studio Audience

Where's Dinah? Hiding!!

Where's Dinah? Hiding!!, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

My Little Printer Family

My Little Printer Family, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

Santa tricked me into going to MicroCenter to look for someone elses
gift, but really it was because he heard my wishes for a color laser
printer! I wanted something that I could feed address lables and heavy
card stock through, and I've sworn off streaks and other wierdnesses
from ink jets. So, the MicroCenter guy led us to this Samsung, which
apparently has better quality that an hp for half the price. It also
has a feed tray on it for the lables so that they don't have to curl
around inside the printer.

On the right is my trusty hp1300 black and white laser printer that I
bought from Craigs Lust for $100. Love it so much for cranking out
pages and a long lifespan of a laser carterage.

So now you have met my printers.

Jeni's Ice Creams Storefront in Granview OH

Jeni's Ice Creams Storefront in Granview OH, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

Here is a picture of Jeni's Ice Creams at their Granview location in
Columbus, OH. We go here every single tine we visit Columbus.

A few Manhattenites know the flavor of the Jeni's, and place their
order online. I know I have, and I'm not alone. It arrives in freeze
dried ice and can last for hours. For our wedding, it was shipped
special, and boy did we love those left overs...

My flavor of choice this evening: Captain Morgans Burbon with homemade
hot fudge. Normally I do Salty Caramel...

Jeni's: my most favorite source of delicious inspiration

Jeni's: my most favorite source of delicious inspiration, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

Ok people, look at what Jeni's Ice Cream has down now. They have
created picture frames out of cardboard boxes. Yes, cardboard boxes
that they have painted the cardboard, and cut out the frame in a cute
shape. Then, in the storefront window, they have not only hung the
frames, but in the window where the frame hangs, Jeni's has painted in
cute words. I am overcome with cuteness. Google their website because
I can't link it because I'm on the iPhone...Jeni's Ice Cream in
Columbus Ohio.

Talking to Sister Kim for Xmas Dinner via Skype!

Talking to Sister Kim for Xmas Dinner via Skype!, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

Our adventerous sister is living in Argentina, and we get to have her
in our living room via web cam and Skype! Ignore our silly crowns.
They were our party favors when we sat down. Kim thinks we look like
pirates...

Zoe Saldana in D&G

The dress itself isn't my personal cup of tea but it is a fun look. Accessories are key here and I think Zoe's slicked back hair, earrings and black pumps kick it up a few notches. The confident pose doesn't hurt one bit either. I just don't get the pairing of this dress with gladiator sandals on model Jessica Stam. It makes the dress look like a middle school sewing class project.

The holidays are fast approaching and once again, I will be going to the land of no reliable Internet access so I probably won't be posting again for a short time. Please everyone be safe and enjoy yourselves this holiday season whether you celebrate them or not!

pics: zimbio and style.com

LIFE Photo Archive: Donyale Luna

I have been passing a lot of time searching for old images and articles on Google since they've expanded their search function to include vintage magazines like Ebony, Jet, and photo archives from magazines like Life. The index terms used aren't as robust as I would like but it is still a treat to pull up old articles and photos like these of model Donyale Luna in her prime. Man, she had a thing for Austin Powers type ruffles and money fur coats didn't she?

S: Google/Life Magazine

Mission Curry & Kabab: the best Indian food on Amsterdam in the Upper West Side

Mission Curry & Kabab: the best Indian food on Amsterdam in the Upper West Side, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

It has become my mission: to raise awareness of my favorite Indian
restrrsunt, Curry and Kabab on Amsterdam Avenue in between W. 105 and
W. 106 in the upper west side of Manhattan.

On Friday nights, I used to crave a juicy burger. Over the years,
after living in New York, I have come to crave the creamy curry
deliciousness, Chicken Dildar, which is a cream based sauce with
pinapple juice and slices, mixed with suculent pieces of dark chicken
meat, scooped at your preference on a bed of rice. Thebest with it is
an order of the Poori, the very doughy fried dough stuff that is
steamed into a round ball.

So. Good. Curry & Kabab used to be on Broadway and a. 103rd syreat,
and was great to go unwind to a mango glacé or a glass of merlot if
you'd had a oarticularlly long week at the computer, because all of
theo Lights were on, the walls red, pictures of beautiful India
everywhere, and tall botles of Taj Mahal. Now the are located at
Amsterdam and W. 105thish. You must find them there. The Indian food
and the poori are more that worth it. It's a craving.

Naomi Campbell - Vogue China January 2009

Photographed by Mario Sorrenti. She looks a little different in the face, don't you think?

Ciara in ELLE Magazine - January 2009

Beyonce may have landed the cover but Ciara definitely got the more interesting spread inside January's wafer thin issue of ELLE magazine.

It seemed a little odd to me for the issue to feature two pop/r&b divas but I guess ELLE wanted to kill two birds with one stone without actually resorting to hiring a black model. Poor Ciara didn't even merit a mention on the cover.

Here she models pieces from MaxMara's new collection. I could have gone my whole life without seeing that purple jumpsuit. Seriously some of this stuff looks like it was fashioned together using what fell on the floor in Jim Henson's Muppet studio.

Photographed by Dulsan Reljin and styled by Christopher Niquet

Make your own Reeses Cup, with a Spoon

Make your own Reeses Cup, with a Spoon, originally uploaded by KT Flicker.

So yummy, and so easy. And so right there in your cupboard so that you don't have to spend a dime extra to get your quick afternoon snackity fix.

Just have Nutulla chocolate, the Bees Knees peanut butter, and a spoon. Scoop one edge of the spoon in the Nutella, and the other edge of the spoon in the peanut butter.

Yummidy.

Naomi Covers MIXTE and Numero Magazines

Love her or hate her, Naomi is still among the hardest working women in the game. Here she is on the November 2008 issue of Numero (in the YSL harem pants that she can't seem to live without) and the December 2008 issue of Mixte. I would kill for just one of the fabric covered bangles she's wearing there.

Thanks Richard for the heads up :)

Holiday Gift Guide : Mista-tacular

I'm very excited to give you some great last minute holiday gift ideas! Some have coupon codes to bring you extra savings. These are shops, designers, and more that I personally know, love, and am recommending to you. Happy shopping! And as always, you are helping to Buy Entrepreneur!

CHIQUE LIFE and CHIQUE PLUS



ChiqueLife and ChiquePlus is offering you 15% off both of her clothing sites sites. Enter MISTA at checkout.
Double your pleasure at one, and then the other for plus sizes.

ERTHE FAE DESIGNS : UNIQUE FANTASY JEWELRY
AJ, based in Arizona creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind fantasy jewelry. She draws inspiration from fantasy, mythology, and the beauty of the natural world. She also offers beautiful beads as she tries to "de-stash her overgrown collection."
Find one of a kind jewelry pieces


ROSANNA INC., BEAUTIFUL CHINA
I registered for lots of this china for the wedding. Not this china pictured here, but some beach cottage china, that may not all be there anymore.
Get this beautiful china before it's gone





BIJOU BOUTIQUE : UNIQUE HANDMADE JEWELRY
This designer, based in Florida, designed my bridesmaid earrings. Amazing. Every time I wear them, I get compliments. All of us did (oh, I ordered some for myself, of course ;) ). If you see something you like, she can customize it. So if it's not in her shop, just contact her.
Shop this jewelry




BESTOW BOUTIQUE
This New York based online shop is a fabulously fun and flirty store for you to browse in! She came to the Collective-E holiday party, and I found the cutest egg container of the freshest smelling black soap. Black soap? I know. Who knew it could smell so delightful.
Find lots of gift ideas...

FRETZELS
Watch out. These are serious chocolate covered pretzels. Probably the most buttery and salty and chocolate tasting chocolate covered pretzel you have ever tasted.
Order these now

SWEETMUSE
If the chocolate covered pretzels didn't get you, just wait until you bite into these chocolate brownies. Dangerous! Imagine having both of these bakers at a holiday party. You won't leave hungry, believe me. I don't know how she does it, but SweetMuse has mastered the fudgy brownie, and made a business out of it.
No really, order these now

POPJUDAICA
I found my Obamica Yamica here, and while it is now sold out (Dental Mista may have gotten the last one from me as an impulse gift!), there are plenty of other Jewish treats here.
Get stuff before it's gone



WELLALARM
WELLalarm not only has the most stylish charms on the market, but is a patent pending web-based service that offers easy secure, 24/7 access to your medical information from anywhere in the world—including your iPhone or Blackberry! For everyday convenience, keep your health information right at your fingertips in your secure WELLalarm account. Do you know people with allergies, diabetes, or other conditions? This is a great gift for them.
Look into WELLalarm Medical Alert ID charms and more

JALA DESIGNS
This is another designer who was at the Collective-E holiday party, only she came from Atlanta, GA! I'm not going to lie, I did treat myself to gold hoops with a fabric covered square dangling in the middle. Beautiful. So I got someone else a gift as well, someone who is very into fabric, and gave me the awareness I have of it.
Do look at these beautiful pieces


OPERATION NICE
And if you're more into budgeting then spending this season, but you still want to do something nice for someone or yourself, checkout Operation Nice, a wonderful project by a fellow blogger that has really caught on.
Read nice things and other happy thoughts

Happy shopping, to one and to all!

Beyonce Covers Elle - January 2009

I guess it's Beyonce Day on this blog.

Looks like she'll be on the cover of next month's ELLE magazine. The cover on the left with the painted on dress and bow is the newsstand cover while subscribers like me get Sasha Fierce on the right.

Personally, I prefer the subscriber cover, at least boring old ELLE made an effort there to make it a little edgier and I'm always in full support of clean covers that don't feature models being squeezed to death between twin columns of font madness.

If you're interested in reading the Beyonce article follow this link. They're calling it The Liberation of B. which I guess is sort of like The Emancipation of Mimi but without the butterflies and bottomless bottles of Pinto Gris.

Source: Elle.com

Beyonce in Zuhair Murad

I kind of like this dress. It definitely flatters Beyonce's curves but I'm not too wild about how she wore her hair with the look. I think the way the model is wearing her hair shows off the neckline a bit more which is nicer and a little more romantic.

This dress should really be worn by the sexiest vampire at the party but Beyonce's expression and posture just say Miss Congeniality 2008 to me.

Pics: Lipstick Alley and TFS (masquerade)

Off Topic: Denise Matthews aka Vanity Writes a Book

The last time I saw Vanity....I mean Denise Matthews, was late at night one one of the Bible channels. She was sitting in an armchair being "interviewed" by a couple a Jim and Tammy Faye clones. Actually, I take that back. The guy was a Jim Bakker clone but the big haired woman beside him probably wasn't worthy enough to carry Tammy Faye's mascara wand. Anyway, I put interviewed in quotes because Vanity/Denise was maybe asked one question the entire segment before she started rambling, sometimes incoherently, about Jesus, her love for Jesus, more Jesus, the light and another heavy coating of Jesus. She didn't sound like a normal person talking about her faith, she sounded like a junkie. Even the hosts looked a little scared. It made me wonder if she was one of those people who trade one addiction. It made me worry about her.

When I was a kid, I loved Vanity. The woman was just beautiful and she got to wear underwear wherever she went which seemed like a big time saver. Could she sing? Not really. When I listen to her old albums now it seems obvious that she could have benefittted from Pro tools during her career. That didn't really matter to me. For one, she appeared on the best episode ever of "Friday the 13th: The Series" as a rock star with an obsessive fan and was in "The Last Dragon" with the man I thought I would marry, Taimak (I had big dreams back then.)

The fact that Vanity has a autobiography coming out this month should be cause for celebration but after going to the book's website and reading the description, the book doesn't sound like it will be much of a fun read. I like my biographies juicy, one of the benefits of getting older is that tell-all books from people I'm actually interested in are starting to trickle into bookstores. Believe me, when "Blanket Jackson: My View from the Balcony" comes out, I will be pre-ordering that shit on Amazon.

Here is my fantasy chapter listing for Vanity's book "Blame it On Vanity"

Introduction: Foreword by Taimak
Chapter 1: My Messed Up Childhood
Chapter 2: Meeting Prince
Chapter 3: But I Can't Sing!
Chapter 4: Shopping for Lingerie
Chapter 5: What Was Up with the Blonde Chick in Vanity 6 Anyway?
Chapter 6: Appolonia Who? Why Wasn't I Invited to Rehearsal?
Chapter 7: Life After Prince
Chapter 8: Sex, Drugs and Motley Crue
Chapter 9: Rock Bottom
Chapter 10: Meeting Jesus
Chapter 11: Why I Married That Dude After Knowing Him 1 Month
Chapter 12: Farewell My Kidneys
Chapter 13: Doing Just Fine, Thank You
Bonus Chapter: What Is Up With Prince?

Wouldn't you want to read that too?


No chapter list on the book website but there is this unfortunately written description:

All I had become was thus painted on my face-vanity-and what i had thus spoken from my vile tongue spewed forth from my juvenile breast of disdain.But this was just the beginning of my surrealistic journey, my make believe “i am the new hoopla” squeezed appropriately, sufficiently, distended in your black box, televising all my oddities up close and effectual. With each new, methodical, despicable movement of my being, i closed my fists around a wretched lie which sought to eradicate my life at an impromptu time and i had built no stomach for the fight. With each new bitterness dispelled formulated by this cruel cold world of which i had become its strange kind, i shut my eyes and with deep complaint muttered words of death and despair, while the hot flames seeped, boiled and burned ablaze under my bottle. I was molding to the likes of mediocrity, vulnerability, having had all the experience of a trained seal, being pushed to the brink of hopelessness,and helpless to perpetuate a flawless, ruinous end.

I know, right? Not quite the beach read I had in mind. To add insult to injury, she's charging $45 per copy AND $12 shipping and handling. Has she not heard of "media mail?"

I should add that I don't care what religion Denise/Vanity is practicing as long as she's not on that hate juice. If she's found peace and happiness with her Christianity more power to her, it's just that I was hoping for a lot more from her autobiography than this stream of consciousness dreck.

Sigh. I wonder if the women from Klymaxx are planning a tell-all anytime soon...

Have you read anything good lately?

Pics: scriptgirl, Couturierdiva, Blameitonvanity.com

WWD - Michelle Obama: What Should She Wear?

Oscar de la Renta

It seems that everyone in the world is just dying to know what First Lady Elect Michelle Obama is going to wear to the White House Inaugural Ball. Sketches from designers big and small have been all over the web for weeks and I must admit that I am more pumped for this than the Oscars.

Lots has been blogged already on the topic but for my contribution, I've decided to rate the sketches and their various incarnations of Michelle apart from the actual designs. Honestly, I love looking at fashion sketches and having most of them feature a black model (in this care Michelle) is lots of fun. I haven't seen this many cartoon black women since BET cancelled "Hey Monie!"

An anonymous commenter sent me this link to WWD article titled "What Should She Wear." Here are my pics for the best and worst interpretations of Michelle from the slideshow.



First up are two sketches from Diane von Furstenberg that I personally think are the best of the bunch. The image doesn't exactly look like Michelle but damn if it doesn't look like that hautest woman at the party. Even the stance says "run along now dear, you're starting to bore me."



This Badgley Mishka dress seems like something that the 90s spit out. Their Michelle is all lips and hips with a dash of sass but really, how sassy can you be if you arrive at the Ball wearing a Steve Martin wig?



Chado Ralph Rucci should have just kept this sketch to himself but it's nice that he's still putting that spirograph his grandma gave him for Christmas in 1985 to use after all this time.



Betsey Johnson is fashion's Mariah Carey. Perpetually in junior high and sometimes inappropriate. Apparently, Betsey thinks of Michelle is a browner version of herself dipped in patriotic unicorn blood.



Judging gtom the head on this sketch, Zac Posen is under the mistake impression that Condoleeza Rice will be our next First Lady.



Monique Lhuillier sees vibrant color but not race.



Nice try Karl Lagerfeld. I know you probably just colored in old sketches of Carla Bruni and wrote Mrs. Obama on the bottom.



I can't fault Christian Lacroix for these super heroine sketches. His Michelle may be a few shades darker than the original but the drawings are fierce.



Caroline Herrera can't draw heads and may be pro-ana.



Tuleh's Michelle just looks like a burn victim.



You know how every season on Project Runway there is one person who can't get their shit together on time and sends some half assed look down the runway to be mocked? Zero + Maria Cornejo is that contestant.



Peter Som and Tracey Reese had images of Jackie O. swimming through their heads when they came up with these.



Honestly, I expected more from Rachel Roy. Her Michelle looks like someone's crazy auntie on Easter Sunday.



Zac Posen sees Michelle as a cross between Scarlett O'Hara and Cruella de Ville.

Your turn. What do you think of these dresses? These Michelles? Has coverage of Michelle's fashion choices gone overboard? Will she ever be able to wear sweatpants again?