SOPHIE OKONEDO CHATS WITH EBONY

Sophie Okonedo is featured alongside her "Bees" co-stars Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson for Ebony magazine's November 2008 photo spread. (photos: Keith Major for Ebony)

The British actress (shown in a scene with Jennifer Hudson's character) who won an Oscar nomination for her role in Hotel Rwanda, says it was "so unusual" to be on a set with "a whole bunch of Black women...all of them strong, all of them characters."

Remember you saw the scans here first on FG2BH!

Scans: Me

More "Bees" highlights:

• "Bees" leading stars campaign for Senator Barack Obama...
  
  

  Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson want you to visit http://www.voteforchange.com/ to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and find your polling location on November 4...

  
  
  
  
  
• Check out this frequently updated fan site, Sophie Okonedo Love.
  
  
• "Bees" just like I predicted gets Oscar buzz from Black Tree TV...
  
  
  
  
  
• On October 2nd, the cast and author of "Bees" will appear on Oprah.

My rants/thoughts:
I finally joined the hoopla that is twitter...and I'm officially 25 as of yesterday. October 1st would mark two years of FG2BH.
Last night I saw "Family That Preys" and let's just say that Sanaa Lathan's character is quite a bitchy one. Like Sanaa told "Jewel" magazine, you will applaud the way she got shut down at the end. Without giving too much away, you're going to enjoy that one particular country tune that plays in the movie mid-way through and at the very end. Anyhow I walked away with one lesson learned: Live your life to the fullest and do enjoy yourself along the way. I rate this movie as a must-see! I'll probably see "The Women" this weekend.
disclaimer: all rants/thoughts are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Register to vote! November 4th is the day you vote for your U.S President!
  
  
• Check out Tina Fey as Governor/VP hopeful Sarah Palin on "SNL" ...

Did Tina Fey go too far with her latest Palin spoof? [La Times Blog]

Listen in on Michelle & Barack's one-on-one talk. [Black Snob]

Idris Elba and Laz Alonso were caught in this blinged-out Barack Obama tee-shirt. [Concrete Loop]

Nigeria's 48th Independence Day is this Wednesday October 1st. Rock your green white green ever so proudly!

MICHELLE OBAMA IN THAKOON...AGAIN!

Clearly the old saying, "If It Ain't Broke, don't fix it" applies to the fashionista Michelle Obama when she wore another Thakoon creation at the first Presidential debate.

Michelle's Thakoon floral Fall 2008 dress retails for $1,250. (Thanks to Black Snob for the dress ID!) So what do you think of Michelle's dress pick?

Sophie Okonedo has been busy promoting her latest film, "The Secret Life of Bees" and at each event, she switches up her style.

Grab Sophie's black beaded necklace for less:

1. apt. 9 gold-tone black beaded necklace $18.76
2. Black strand/white link necklace $18.99
3. Matte teardrop necklace, $4.80
4. Round Wood bead necklace, $565
5. Braided bead necklace, $230

Rants/thoughts:
Why is it when you speak to someone you haven't seen in a long time, they are quick to remind you that I'm so-and-so from [insert your hometown]. Do they say this to imply you don't know/remember where they are from?

Can't you hear the soul in this song?

So I went to the African market in New York City last night to purchase some vintage music. When I get to the counter, I'm overjoyed by the display of Nollywood movies and music. So when I ask the cashier whether or not they carry music. He told me ever so boldy no we don't. I look down at the display which CLEARLY has the music I wanted and I looked back at the cashier. I simply shook my head. Things that make me go hmm...
disclaimer: all rants/thoughts are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Chanel Iman made Gucci history! [Mrs. Grapevine]
  
• Ghana Gets $300 Million Facility From JPMorgan! [Bloomberg]
  
• Virgin Nigeria Suspends Plan to Fly U.S. Routes. [All Africa]
  
• Woman advocates for better life in Kenya. [ABC Local]
  
• Stephanie Okereke on the Making of "Through the Glass" Film. [Ladybrille]
  
• Brandy loves a great Chanel shoe. [SET]
  
• 50 Cent to Jay-Z: Beyonce made you! [Fresh & Fab]
  
• Who has better style - Rocsi, Ciara, Kelly Rowland or Angela Simmons? [Urban-Hoopla]
  
• Meet the new fashion girl, Aminata Niar. [The Cut]

SANAA LATHAN TALKS TO "JEWEL" ABOUT WALE

Sanaa Lathan talks a bit about her boyfriend Chicago defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. In the past, Sanaa called Wale her African prince.

Then she gets a little deeper, delving into her spirituality, being Black in Hollywood, her upcoming projects, and her current beau, Chicago Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, who calls once during our interview. Judging by the softness in her voice and the smile on her face, it appears she’s found her brown-sugar boo. Lathan and Ogunleye, whom she calls “Wale,” were initially hooked up by Lathan’s older brother Tendaji and have been dating for two years. “He came highly recommended by my brother,” Lathan says with a grin. “We just hit it off right away. He’s really smart and really sweet…” At that moment, Lathan’s internal censor gets reactivated, and the intensely private actress politely says, “I don’t think I should talk about him. Should I?” [MIKI TURNER FOR JEWEL]

Sanaa also talked about becoming a mother and a wife one day.

While she hopes to become a wife and mother someday, she isn’t one to listen to the ticking of her pesky biological clock. “I really want it to be organic. I want it to happen because it’s right for me and my partner,” she says. “Of course, there is that fear and the statistics about the biological clock and having kids. Whenever that comes up, I just try to breathe and say, ‘You know what? Just have faith that it will all work out perfectly.’ “That’s not to say that I don’t have my days when I get depressed or angry,” she continues. “But I definitely practice optimism and gratitude. I’ve seen a difference since I started doing that. It’s like your life shifts around you when you practice that attitude of gratitude." [jewel]

Time will only tell if these two will make it in the end...

My personal thoughts:
The joy of being a celebrity is rocking the latest 'in' bag. Check out the YSL handbags Lindsay Lohan and Jada Pinkett Smith got their hands. Not to be outdone, Jennifer Lopez flaunted her Dolce & Gabbana bag and Rihanna rock her beloved Givenchy Nightingale. Solange wore her Armani bag twice.

Oh it must be pleasantly nice... [UPDATE: That's a Zac Posen bag Jada has not a YSL!]

Billboard's Hot 100 celebrated its 50th anniversary this year - August 1958 to be precise. And here are my favorites off the many lists:

"Say, Say, Say" - Paul McCartney f/ Michael Jackson

Two of the biggest artists of their time came together on this wonderful track.

Off the Top R&B Hip-Hop Songs list, I enjoyed many picks and was surprised to see "Crank Dat" and "Low" on the list. (things that make me go hmm...) The list also had a great mix of oldies and some of today's biggest artists.

"Say You, Say Me" - Lionel Richie

This song came in at #31 right over his previous hit, "All Night Long (All Night)" AND Mary J Blige's "Family Affair."

Shania Twain's "You're Still The One" made the Top Country Songs of All-Time list. This song is truly the wedding anthem...and I based that off that the weddings I attended.

Moving right along...
Do you think the message within this song ("If You Wanna Be Happy" by Jimmy Soul) still holds today?

disclaimer: all thoughts are meant in good, positive humor!


Site to Visit: Blog Around Harlem

http://www.blog-aroundharlem.com/

Do visit Blog Around Harlem if you thoroughly enjoy all things Urban America. It's a great online lifestyle magazine that informs the reader about all the fun events that happens in New York City.

Afro/Naija News:

• Political Fashion-Faceoff: Condi Rice vs Michelle Obama. [The Black Snob]
  
• First Lady of Ghana looks effortlessly fab. [Princess Sparkle Pony's Photo Blog]
  
• Liberian President says Obama should stick to Change. [Black Voices Blog]
  
• Xeno-Centrism: The Killer of Our Culture by Nnena Uzowulu. [Ebony Intuition]
  
• Who Wore Rock & Republic Better? [Abiola & The Goddess Factory]
  
• Jay-Z and Beyonce are seriously obsessed with "Fela - the new off-Broadway play that is. [Stereohyped]

Just a quick reminder - the 2008 Nigeria Independence Day Parade in New York City is on Saturday - yes this Saturday! Nigeria celebrates 48 years of independence! After all, I made the flag my blog's banner! :-)

AFRIK ELEGANCE 2008 IN NYC

The second annual Afrik Elegance 2008 fashion show was held at Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City on September 13, 2008. The day after New York Fashion Week wrapped up, African designers held their own show.

The fashion show featured designers from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Congo, and Madagascar. One of the designers worked for Chanel in Paris and another designed all the first ladies outfits in Africa.

One of the designers that impressed me was B. Oyama who has his own boutique in Harlem. B. Oyama was the brainchild (re: producer) of the fashion show. Check out his contact info: 2330 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. Between 136th and 137th Streets New York, NY 10027 212-234-5128 phone

Designs from Amy Camara of Ivory Coast:

Designs from Haingotiana Ramahandry of Madagascar:

Former Chanel designer Victory:

Other designs included Congo designers Marie Claire Stshudi Omba, Gabriel Ramazani, and Sula Mbula, Senegal's Gueye Khady Soumare, Gabon's M. Bernadette Tchandi and Madagascar's Haingotiana Ramahandry.

All photography done by Chi-Chi for Feels Good 2 B Home. Many thanks to Blog Around Harlem for the invite!

NGO & BORIS GOT SWAGGER + SKIN BLEACHING

Boris Kodjoe looked every bit like the fashion designer he has become in a new one-page article featured in the new "Uptown" magazine. All I have to say about the photo is swagger, swagger, swagger!

(Photo credit: Derek Blanks/ Thanks Necole!)

So I paid a visit to my local Barnes & Noble last night, the following romance novel cover got my attention.

By the looks of it, that's male model Ngo Okafor! (Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me but I'm waiting on him to confirm/deny that's him.) Do add him on myspace right here.

Tyra Banks visited a topic that is still revelant in few African countries. When I visited Nigeria a few years ago, I noticed a few of my Nigerian sisters bleaching their natural complexion for a lighter (re: what they consider more desirable) skin. Some of them argue that men wouldn't married them if they weren't lighter. (Do keep in mind these men are also dark but they don't have to bleach. Insert: the side-eye!) So when Tyra decided to use her datyime talk show as a platform to speak about it, I tune in.

I've been asked by many why do we bleach our complexion? Well the same can be said for those who enjoy tanning? You simply can't have it both ways. Skin bleaching is a hip thing to do within the black community and I say that very loosely! This is a HOT topic on Tyra's website. Darker women wants to be lighter and the fair women wants to be tan. What do you think?

UPDATE: Check out the entire episode...

Rants/thoughts:
I wish I found these Halle Berry's DVF gold metallic "Molto" sandals during the Summer time. They would been perfect for the wedding I went to back in August.

-sigh!-

Photo credits: Gossip Girls/FLYNET

Speaking of gold, isn't LaLa's Yves Saint Laurent sequin "Mombasa" bag AND Haute Hippie beaded tunic divine?! *By the way Lauren Conrad also wore this tunic recently.

Beyonce's high-fashion photo session with Tony Duran raised a few eyebrows but would have rock this Jean Paul Gaultier zebra print coat better than Mrs. Carter?

ESSENCE.COM got a great makeover...and I like what they did with the layout. It's easier to read, huh?

disclaimer: All rants/thoughts are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

Wycelf Jean & Matt Damon Visit Haiti City. [Ebony Intuition]

Nigerians are fighting over Oil. [Yahoo]

Duro Olowu in the latest's Vogue. [Match Fetch Happen]

Ladybrille chats with Iman. [Ladybrille]

Lauren Conrad and LaLa Vasquez got bitten by YSL accessories. [Urban-Hoopla]

Ramsey Noah opens up about his career. [Bella Naija]

Updated Fashion tidbits from Johannesburg. [Boutique Mix Fashion]

Trya Banks and Sessilee Lopez honors "Mahogany"! [Mrs. Grapevine]

Style Showdown: Rihanna vs Thandie. [Genuine-Imitation]

NAIJA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE NYC 2008

The 48th Annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade will kick off in New York City on Saturday September 27th, 2008 with special guests Berbice, The African Kings, Ishola, and Emperor Adichie. Click on both flyers for additional info!

Feels Good 2 B Home was on the scene for the past two years. I bump into Former Miss Nigeria Regina Askia, Ramsey Noah, P Square, Omotola, Ebby Bassey, Madrocka, and Nnenna. In 2007, I bump into the individuals behind "This America" and AFRICANEVENTS.COM.

FILM SWAGGER - SOPHIE & IDRIS

Check out this newly released snapshot of Sophie Okonedo taken during the 2008 Toronto Int'l Film Festival. Sophie's busy promoting her film, "The Secret Life of Bees"...so she was also spotted at In Style magazine's party.

[spotted at In Style]

Photo credits: GETTY


Ali Larter Fan & Beyonce World posted up the first official photo from Idris Elba's upcoming movie, "Obsessed" which co-stars Ali Larter and Beyonce.

Idris and Beyonce are married while Ali's the mistress. Interesting...

Thoughts/Rants:

Pierre Hardy has gotten a boatload of press on the blogosphere thanks to Cassie, LaLa, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, Angela Simmons, and Rocsi. Why? Metallic.strappy.platform.sandals!

As you can tell these shoes are quite fierce..even Cassie had to wear them twice. Now if I were to get these overpriced shoes, I would wear it with a skirt just to show it off.

disclaimer: all thoughts/rants are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Avant talks about his new single. [Urban-Hoopla]
  
• Ciara to sue Vibe magazine. [Project Scoop]
  
• Kanye West got back together with his ex, Alexis. [Straight Outta NYC]
  
• Barack Obama to appear on Saturday Night Live. [People]
  
• Idris Elba's estranged wife is on the move. [The YBF]
  
• Michelle Obama snags another magazine cover gig. [The Black Snob]
  
• Idris Elba perserves his sexy at TIFF. [Fresh & Fab]
  
• Check out how Solange maintains her style. [The Quick's Catch Up]

BLACK MODELS ON SPRING 2009 CATWALK

Frankly all eyes were positioned on the Spring 2009 catwalk for any positive effect bought on by the All-Black Vogue Italia hoopla. After all, "Vogue Italia" was the most-talked fashion magazine of the year..and the blogosphere!

Photo credits: JEZBEL, STYLE.COM, NYTIMES.COM

Outside of Sessliee Lopez, Arlenis Pena, and Chanel Iman, there have been relative more black models strutting their stuff on the runway as Stereohyped pointed out. Don't believe my assumption? Keep reading...

Betsey Johnson Spring 2009 - Samira Bento (Brazilian model)

Hervé Léger by Max Azria - Marie Fuema (IMG Model) & Arlenis Sosa

Tracy Reese - Nana, Samira Carvalho (Brazilian model), Hollis Wakeema (African-American model), Lily, Shelby Coleman (African-American model), and Joan Smalls (NYMag's 'It' Girl).

Matthew Williamson Spring 2009 - Arlenis Sosa.

Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 - Liya Kebede (Ethiopian model) and Arlenis Sosa.

Rodarte Spring 2009 - Jourdan Dunn.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 - Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, and Sessliee Lopez.

Max Azria Spring 2009 - Chanel Iman

Carolina Herrera Spring 2009 - Lakshmi Menon (Indian model), Arlenis, and Jourdan Dunn.

Isaac Mizrahi Spring 2009 - Chanel Iman.

Malandrino Spring 2009 - Aminata Niaria (Priscilla's Model Mangement)

Rock & Republic - Chanel Iman (Vogue Korea cover girl), unknown model, and Hollis Wakeema.

GAP Spring 2009 - Arlenis (Lancome spokesmodel) & Sessliee.

Check out the complete Spring 2009 collections over at STYLE.COM.

Photo credits: style.com

Related Fashion Week Links:

• Celebs front row. [Us Weekly]
  
• Would you wear Victoria Beckham's new dress collection? [Style Watch]
  
• Inside Scoop on Fashion Week. [People]
  
• Runway trends on Spring 2009 catwalk. [In Style]
  
• Everyone attended Marc Jacobs show. [PopSugar]

Estelle kept cool in the rain at Mercury Music Prize Awards 2008 in London. On her feet are a pair of suede Pierre Hardy shoes - a look seen on Nia Long.

*The gif disappeared...

Photo credits: WENN/GETTY/CONCRETELOOP.

Rants/thoughts:
Every girl has a shoe that drool over well this is my take. I simply adore these Givenchy sandals that Mary-Kate Olsen, Liv Tyler, and Gwyneth Paltrow all have. (These beauties remind me of my Carrie infatuation.)

Don't you hate when a dress you love goes on sale and the minute you hit 'buy', it's sold out. Case in point this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress that Leighton Meester, Fergie, and Dawn Richards all worn.

-sigh!- Well at least I know Marc's dress and those Givenchy shoes don't mix quite well but then again...

The Northern part of Nigeria thinks it's a great idea to marry off HIV folks to one another in a bid 'reduce the spread of the disease.' Is this situation a 'positive' answer to cracking down HIV cases in Naija? Speak on it!

Photo credits: DAILYSTAB.COM/WIREIMAGE/GOSSIP GIRLS
disclaimer: all thoughts/rants are in good humor!


Site to visit: Gorgerous Black Woman

It's been awhile since I did a "Site To Visit" update. The wait is worth it thanks to GORGEROUS BLACK WOMAN. This blog spot is run and maintain by one savvy slogan, "Celebrating Black Beauty Each & Every Day." From the fun newsstand vintage photos on the sidebar to the photo slideshow as the banner, this blog keeps you the reader thoroughly entertained and informed - visually and content wise.


Afro/News Naija News:

• Elisabeth Hasselbeck trashes Michelle Obama at the RNC. [Stereohyped]
  
• Real Tent Style Part 1 [The Fashion Bomb]
  
• Models are making a cover comeback. [In A Word...Fab]
  
• Find out how this Black Halo cut-out dress became Hollywood's most popular dress. [Mrs Grapevine]
  
• Thandie Newton on the birthing experience [Black Celeb Kids]
  
• Find out why Michelle Obama is a positive model for the Black female. [Raw Dawg Buffalo]