STYLE TIDBITS WITH NNENNA, ESTELLE AND FATIMA

Cate Blanchett and Nnenna were seen in this Jil Sander silk chiffon S/S 2008 dress.

A then pregnant Cate attended the Sydney premiere of her film "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" back in March while Nnenna wore the same dress for a recent fashion magazine spread.

This fashion faceoff may seem as slightly unfair because Nnenna wore her dress for a photoshoot whereas Cate wore her look at red carpet event. I couldn't resisted matching up Nnenna with Cate's look.

Online Surveys & Market Research

The Jil Sander Spring 2008 dress in question:

Photo credits: Just Jared. Nnenna's myspace

Estelle jumped right on the latest shoe trend when she attended the latest "Indiana Jones" film premiere in a pair of bronze Yves Saint Laurent Tribute platform sandals. Golden Brooks, Jenny McCarthy and Keri Hilson were all seen in this fashion forward footwear.

Shortly after, I noticed this particular shoe a whole lot on the red carpet. Case in point, Kelly Rowland, Heidi Klum, an Olsen twin, Mariah Carey, and two Danity Kane members all wore this popular shoe:

That YSL price tag ($770) is sort of steep, so try this Steven Madden Aileenn shoe for $99.95!!

ONTD posted up these recent photos of Fatima Siad...

Fatima best known for being a Cycle 10 finalist on "America's Next Top Model." As you can tell from the photos, Fatima switch up her hair from long to short. Check out loads of Fatima's fashion photos over at ALL-ANTM.NET.

Photo credits: Shameer Khan/DN Photography

Keeping Up with The Obamas.

photo credits: AP Photo. PEOPLE.COM

The Obama Family on the August 4th cover of "People" magazine. [BlackCelebrityKids]
And here's the entire "People" interview. [People]
Check out the many magazine covers Barack has done so far. [Tycooning 101]
Michelle Obama joins the blogging community. [BlogHer]
Get inside Barack's thoughts! [Twitter]
Barack's overseas. [Black Voices Blog]

Rants/thoughts:
1. I cannot get enough of this Lauryn Hill track. Press play:

2. Jess from Genuine Imitation wants a "Waiting to Exhale" sequel...and I couldn't agree more! I always hope that movie would be turn into a TV series but then "Girlfriend" and "Soul Food" came along to answer my wish. Speaking of TV, what's up with all the drama in "The Hills" season 4 trailer???

• MTV


• Music Videos


• MTV Shows


• Entertainment News

3. My blog, Urban-Hoopla, got a fab mention on "The Best of Black Blogs" via Tocarra's Vogue Italia magazine appearance.
Toccara Rocks Vogue

"Get it Toccara. Vogue? Now dats what's up. No other blog covered this but they wanna cover that Eva Pigford b&#$% who ain't ever been inside a reputable magazine and ain't really doing s@^%. Now this is sexy right here." By Tyrone Biggums on Urban Hoopla

Blog for Blog features the best user comments from around the Web. We search through the best black blogs and other great sites to bring you the hottest one-liners about African-American celebrity gossip and important social issues.

Thanks to Black Voices Blog, Tyrone, and Jawn Murray!

UPDATE: Check out these two snapshots of Alek Wek and Iman from "Vogue Italia"....



Be sure to visit JEZEBEL for additional photos from "Vogue Italia"!

4. Wendy Williams finally got back on TV. I met Wendy during her last book press tour and I have to say she's tall and witty. Check out her interviews with Vivica A Fox and Omarosa:

Watch Vivica talk about her ex 50 Cent...again. I love Wendy's Nicole Miller dress...and Vivica's red Herve Leger dress. Hmm...that dress like the one Oluchi wore earlier this month.
Watch Omarosa clip here (Wendy and Omarosa argue...and I am grateful for REDLASSO.)

disclaimer: all rants/thoughts are in good humor!
Afro/Naija links:
1. Djimon Hounsou lands a role as Thulsa Doom. [It's All Reel]
2. Ebbe Bassey on Nollywood and more film projects. [Ladybrille]
3. Vogue Italia All-Black Issue has to be printed due to high demand. [Hip Candy]
4. Keep Up with CNN coverage on "Black In America". [What About Our Daughters]
5. Lola Ogunnaike looks fab in purple. [NSC Fashion Network]
6. Get to know Bernos, a Ethiopia-based tee-shirt line. [I Like Her Style]

CELESTINA SPOTTED IN ROBIN THICKE'S MAGIC VIDEO

Celestina Aladekoba who I interviewed last November has a cameo in Robin Thicke's "Magic" music video. She's the girl with the black and pink outfit. Celestina's definitely on her grind as she danced with Prince, Usher, 50 Cent and now Robin Thicke!

Robin Thicke's "Magic" video


behind-the-scenes clip

Akon worked with Nelly and Ashanti on the single, "Body On Me." The song is featured on Nelly's "Brass Knuckles" album and Ashanti's record "The Declaration." Benny Boom directed the video treatment at the Red Rock Casino, Resort, & Spa in Las Vegas. (Thanks Rap-Up!)

Now that you saw the video, check out this sneak preview that aired on MTV:

[official video link]

This past week photos taken from the video set leaked online. The exclusive snapshots were taken by Erik Kabik Photography. Thanks ASHANTIDAILY!

Alright you saw both music videos, which one did you like? I prefer Robin's "Magic" over Akon's "Body On Me" track. Why? I can't get that melody out of my head (copyright Kylie!)

One-name wonders Iman and Sade were ranked as two of the top 20 Sexiest Black Women over 40 according to Black Voices Blog. Iman came in at # 19 and Sade's #16! (Angela Bassett was #1 followed by Halle Berry.)

19. Iman
Millionaire model and entrepreneur Iman remains seductive and glamorous at 52. A pioneer as an African fashion icon, Iman carries the torch today by speaking out for equality for newer black models. She's got her game on lock, and nothing is more sexy than power.

16. Sade
Singer Sade has been beloved for her intoxicating voice and elegant style for many years. A child of two continents, her background lent an exotic ambiance to songs like 'Smooth Operator' and 'Sweetest Taboo,' making them totally authentic -- and incredibly sexy. At 49, she's still got it.

I couldn't agree more with the list. While you and I are on the topic of Miss Sade, I think I speak for all her fans when I say - DO COME BACK TO MUSIC!

Photo credits: GOOGLE IMAGES. GETTY IMAGES

Djimon Hounsou supported girlfriend Kimora Lee Simmons' Fabulosity for JCPenney launch.

I think I speak for many when I say damn Kimora, just damn! I say this just from outside looking in. Djimon has stood besides her throughout her divorce and her kids seems to like him. Can we freeze frame on Djimon's salt and pepper beard. -sigh!- Anyhow, I do love her Dolce & Gabbana dress.

Photos: BOSSIP. WIREIMAGE. FILMMAGIC.

If you've been reading this blog, you know how much I love posting up these fun 'got IT better' posts. Liya Kebede may have been onto the Givenchy open-toe booties trend several months prior. The runway model wore this look straight from Givenchy's Spring 2008 collection back in January at 10th Annual amfAR New York Gala. This look has been seen on Rihanna twice.

Due to high demand, the short style of this shoe is sold out! So, anyhow which fashionista has the better style -Liya or Rihanna?

Photo credits: ZIMBIO. GETTY IMAGES. SWAGGER. RIHANNA-FENTY.COM

Rants/thoughts:
Planning any wedding is hard and time consuming but planning a Nigerian wedding is a trip! I'm not the one getting married but I sure feel like I am, lol! From making your outfit from the lace to last minute arrangements... oh my goodness! One more month to go! Maybe I posted up photos from the wedding on here because you and I know that the fun part is the actual wedding reception. I cannot wait to see the cultural dance groups and of course the fight for the bride's flowers.

Can you believe I'm apart of the blogging community for 2 years in just two days???
disclaimer: all thoughts in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Estelle's blog spot hasn't been updated in a minute. [Estelle's Blog]
  
  
• Get to know Sudan's Atong Ajork. [Ladybrille]
  
  
• This blog cures your big feet dilemmas. [My Lovely Big Feet]
  
  
• More scoops on that Givenchy shoe trend. [Urban-Hoopla]

UPDATES ON NNENNA, OVIE, AND SOPHIE

Nnenna Agba from "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 6 was seen at the 2nd Annual Illusions Cosmetics "Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine" last month. Nnenna covered the event with ZAIN - a leading mobile telecommunications company.

You gotta love Nnenna in those True Religion jeans...and her fierce hair cut!

Photos: PR Photos/EXPOSAY.COM

Long after Nnenna famously cut off her hair on "ANTM", she still maintains her low-cut hairstyle. The bald/buzz hair definitely fits Nnnena, don't you agree??? If you can't remember when Nnenna had hair, don't worry I got you covered...

Photos: THE CW/ANTMC6 BLOG

Not too long ago, Nnenna updated her myspace photo album with these fun photos taken from a Paris magazine July 2008 photo session. No the name of the magazine isn't "Paris" nor is it "Sring" apparently. All I do know is that photography was done by Stephane Gizard:

Nnenna rocked a few couture pieces and yummy shoes from Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2008 ready to wear collection. Anyhow, check out a few of Nnenna's looks straight from Jil Sander Spring 2008 ready to wear collection. Thanks Elle!

Summer is almost over. August is quickly creeping up and winter would be here all over again. Speaking of which, find out the latest Fall 2008 trends to have in your closet here.

Photos: Nnenna's myspace, ELLE.COM, Stephane Gizard

Ovie Mughelli was picked as one of Essence magazine's "Do Right Men 2008". Check out the behind the scenes video here and the shirtless photo of Ovie below...

That one was for Wienna! Check out Ovie's biography as credited on OVIE MUGHELLI'S DO RIGHT MAN 2008 PAGE:

OVIE MUGHELLI,28
HOME BASE: Atlanta
PROFESSION:Atlanta Falcons fullback
DOING RIGHT:When he’s not blocking defenders on the field, Mughelli helps 150 boys and girls win at life. His Ovie Mughelli Foundation uses summer football camps as a platform to support nutrition, education and health initiatives. “I wanted to impress upon these kids that working hard pays off, and I wanted to make sure other kids have what I did not.”
WHY HE LOVES BLACK WOMEN:“I love everything, from the fullness of their lips to the curves of their body.”
ROMANTIC MOVES:He’ll trade his playbook for a cookbook and work hard to captivate with five courses.
HERO:“Kess, my older sister. She’s like a second mother to me. As a doctor, she had to work so hard to get to where she is today and she always believed in me.”
MOTTO:“You are not your own. Any greatness you achieve you did not accomplish on your own. It’s your -responsibility to do what you can to bless someone else.”
E-MAIL OVIE: dorightovie@essence.com

So you read his bio, now vote for Ovie here!


Black Voices Blog recently revealed the first preview taken from Sophie Okonedo's upcoming film, "The Secret Life of Bees."

So I did a quick Google search to find out more about Sophie's film. She is Unique has additional details on the film. Check out the article as written by Wilson Moracles for AOL Black Voices Blog:

If you are looking to be among the first people to 'The Secret Life of Bees', which stars Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo, you will have to get a ticket at the Toronto Film Festival, where it will make its world premiere.

Also featured in the film are Tristan Wilds, Nate Parker, Paul Bettany, and Hilarie Burton.


The festival will run from September 4 through September 13. Also showing there will be Spike Lee's 'Miracle at St. Anna', and Guy Ritchie's 'RocknRolla' with Idris Elba and Thandie Newton.

Directed by Gina Prince Bythewood, the film is based on a 2002 bestselling novel by American author Sue Monk Kidd.

Set in South Carolina in 1964, story centers on Lily Owens (Fanning), who escapes her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father by running away with her caregiver and only friend (Hudson) to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past.Latifah, Okonedo and Keys play the three sisters. [BBV]

side note: Idris and Thandie in the same movie TOGETHER? In the words of Ashanti, "Yo, that bananas!"

"The Secret Life of Bees" trailer:

With that all-star cast, you can't go wrong. Hopefully JHud, Alicia or Queen contributed a song or two to the film's soundtrack. Anyhow the book was fabulous so I cannot wait to see how the movie turns out.

Rants/thoughts:
Ever gone to one Naija party and get tired of the same process over and over again? For instance, you sometimes feel the party/event is a repeat of what happened at the last. What happens when you're not tired of it but the folks throwing the occasion does! What do you do? Do you leave the party early or do you stay?

disclaimer: all rants/thoughts in good humor!

Afro/Naija news:

Snag denim for every figure! [Your Style Star]

Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson share a red carpet for charity. [Head Over Heels]

Check out behind the scenes info on the recent This Day event. [THIS DAY]

Akon joins Ashanti and Nelly on "Body On Me" video set. [Urban-Hoopla]

Sanaa Lathan calls boyfriend Wale her African prince. [Black Voices Blog]

Miss Universe 2008 dress rehearsals [Seattle PI]

And I'll leave you all with this Amy Winehouse jazzy-soul song that I absolutely enjoy. "Tears Dry On Their Own" samples my favorite Marvin Gaye-Tammi Terrell's 1967 Motown classic hit "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" which I placed under the video:

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell


Okay I couldn't resist adding this verison from "Sister Act 2"...

Props to Ashford & Simpson! ;-)

BOOK TO KNOW: SHAKARA, DANCE-HALL QUEEN

Since I last updated, I've been busy reading Tess Onwueme's novel, "Shakara: Dance-Hall Queen." Needless to say I have to make this fabulous Naija literature FG2BH's "Book To Know." "Shakara: Dance-Hall Queen" can be purchased on the African Heritage Press website for $14.95.

Shakara: Dance-Hall Queen summary:

Shakara dance-hall queen is a gripping drama on the struggle for identity, power and control, engulfing mothers and daughters in a modern city that is sharply split between the rich and the poor. How do these mothers and daughters cope in a world, where their very survival is constantly challenged by the unyielding social and economic forces?

For those in the UK, "Shakara: Dance-Hall Queen" was featured on BBC World Drama Service international broadcast for the fall season of 2004. Check out more details about the broadcast here. So if you're just as interested in reading novels about Nigeria, do get to know the author by visiting this site.

Photos: African Heritage Press

THIS DAY TAKES OVER ABUJA!

Remember when I posted up photos of Naomi Campbell, Ozwald Boateng and This Day founder Nduka Obaigbena at a recent photo call in London? Well, the 3rd annual This Day Africa Rising festival officially took over Abuja, Nigeria with celebrity guests like Oluchi, Tyson Beckford, Rihanna, and Jay-Z.

Check out the phots via Chanel's fashion blog, Hip Candy and Natasha's YBF:

Oluchi flaunted her post-baby figure in a red Herve Leger dress while Usher showed he still got his abs in shape during his performance set. Not too long ago Nigeria named a street after Jay-Z.

Naomi, Nduka, and Ozwald held a tree planting ceremony in Abuja yesterday. The ceremony launched "The planting one million trees" in capital city to raise environmental awareness.

Photos: HIP CANDY WIREIMAGE, REUTERS, FYB

Afro/Naija Music
YouTube sensation The Naija Boyz produced another classic Nigerian remix to Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop." Try not to laugh at these talented twosome incorporating fried platians into the lyrics. This is H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S to the tenth power!

The Naija boys are behind "Crank That and "Kiss, Kiss. I had to make these guys FG2BH's Naijas of the Moment! I couldn't resist...


Black Celebrity Kids scooped up this hot photo of the Obama's with Access Hollywood reporter Maria Menounos. Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha sat down with Maria to talk about their family.

That photo collage was just my excuse of posting up photos of Barack with his family! Anyhow, check out the interview here.

Afro/Naija News:

• Barack is Ebony ma's cool brother! [Genuine-Imitation]
  
• Check out this trend Jennifer Beals passed along to Tia Mowry. [Mrs. Grapevine]
  
• Somalian beauty Yasmin Warsame walks for Elie Saab Couture show. [Black Style Central]
  
• Runway photos of African models from Honorine Uwera to Maria Fuema. [NSC Fashion Network]
  
• Africa's own web radio [Unity 1960]
  
• This is what Rihanna wore at THISDAY event. [Sxy Fashion Queen]
  
• OMG, Jim Iyke! [YouTube]
  
• Omotola vs Ini Edo! [Nigerian Movies]

BORIS & LOLA AT ESSENCE MUSIC FEST '08

CNN correspondent Lola Oguinnake, UK artist Estelle, U.S football player Adewale Ogunleye and actor Boris Kodjoe were seen at the 2008 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Wale came along with his girlfriend Sanaa Lathan while Boris took photos with Ruby from the Cosby Show Keisha Knight-Pulliam.)

Great times...

Photos: WIREIMAGE

"Clutch" magazine caught up with Boris who talked about his new film, "All About Us" and juggling his career with his family. (Photo credits: Boris-World, Google Images)

Check out a few quotes from the interview as written by Erin Whitlock....

Clutch: Wow, that sounds interesting! Now, you also have a new movie coming out, All About Us, which boasts a knockout cast (Morgan Freeman, Ruby Dee, LaTanya Richardson Jackson). Tell us about it.
Boris: It’s a true story about a couple who are both filmmakers in Hollywood, who become disillusioned with the politics of the industry and the roadblocks they constantly encounter on their way to realizing their dream of being successful filmmakers. They travel all the way to Mississippi to find Morgan Freeman and persuade him to be in their movie. While on the road, they answer questions that have gone unanswered about what’s important in their life; what their priorities are and where family falls within the whole system of being successful. It’s a very interesting movie. I was attracted to it because it was a role that I usually don¢t get offered. I loved the passion Christine and Michael Swanson had for their script, and I wanted to be part of their journey. It was a true labor of love and teamwork was essential. The experience left me high on life and on family, and clear about one thing: When you put family first, the happiness that comes from that makes everything else fall into place.

Clutch: How was it working with such an amazing group of seasoned actors?
Boris: Well, Morgan Freeman made a cameo appearance, so I didn’t get to work with him at all actually. But, Ruby Dee, obviously is a legend on the screen. The energy on the set was just amazing. She’s just so wise, and talking to her and being in her presence was such an honor to me and everybody else as well. It was something I will never forget; it was truly an amazing experience.

On his family:

Clutch: Since the movie is essentially about family, let’s talk about that. You and your wife (Nicole Ari Parker) are the proud parents of two beautiful children (Sophie, 3 and Nicolas, 1). What has fatherhood been like for you?
Boris: It’s absolutely amazing. It’s turned my life upside down. I could have never imagined it having such an impact, but it’s been the best experience of my life. It’s amazing every day. When you see those little people grow up and you start to notice little things in their personalities that remind you of yourself and your wife. They’ve taught me so much about myself and what’s truly important in life. Children give you invincibility in a way. Because all of a sudden, everything else becomes so unimportant and falls by the wayside. It makes you very relaxed about everything else. It takes the pressure off, but at the same time, it gives you a newfound purpose. It’s funny because we’re always talking about how we never remember what we were doing before kids. There was really no purpose in doing what we were doing, until we had children.

Clutch: Is it difficult juggling your home life with your hectic work schedule?
Boris: It’s a challenge; it’s harder sometimes than others. But I have an amazing wife who is on the same page when it comes to family. We decided that family comes first and that everything else comes second. So once you make that choice, it becomes a little easier because you’ve stripped yourself of those anxieties of not being in LA so much or not getting a certain job. All that stuff becomes unimportant very quickly. Once you embrace family and your kids and marriage, that becomes the nucleus of your life. Everything else happens sort of by itself. Everything falls into place.

quotes: CLUTCH magazine

Check out the "All About Us trailer as seen on Black Voices Blog:

Christine Swanson's celebrated feature All About Us (the companion film to her feature All About You) is an inspirational and refreshing romantic drama inspired by a true story. When a filmmaking couple hits a brick wall in Hollywood, they set off to Mississippi to find Morgan Freeman and persuade him to star in their next movie. When life gets in their way, the couple soon discovers what matters to them most. Beautifully told with stellar performances by Boris Kodjoe, Academy Award nominee Rudy Dee and special appearance by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman against the backdrop of Hollywood and the Mississippi Delta, All About Us is an entertaining and heartfelt story that provides insightful commentary on the familial rifts that ambition often creates. [FAITH FILM WORKS]

"All About Us" can seen at your local DVD store since its July 1st release date...and I'm heading off to Netflix/Blockbuster for my copy, lol! Speaking of which, do rent "American Nurse" from your local African markets. ;-)

So far, Armani Prive, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Elie Saab, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino had their Fall 2008 haute couture runway shows. Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier were the designers that had diverse models. Lakshmi Menon, Jourdan Dunn, and Sessilee Lopez modelled at the Givenchy show. Chanel Iman and Jourdan also appeared at the Jean Paul Gauliter Fall 2008 couture show. Maybe I am truly mistaken but the aforementioned models are the ones I discovered in spite of the Vogue Italian issue.

3 diverse models at Givenchy and two at Jean Paul Gauliter. Better than none, I suppose? I agree with the 'few black models at Paris Fashion Week' theory made by Make Fetch Happen.

Photos: STYLE

Speaking of fashion, designer Ozwald Boateng was spotted at Pharrell's after-party bash at the Maddox Club in London. Sorry ladies Ozwald's happily married!

Lemar has been a busy man since I last did an quick update on him. (He became a father earlier this year.) Lemar was seen at the U.K premiere of "Hancock" with a lady friend. He later snapped photos with Leona Lewis at the O2 VIP Lounge.

That lady friend of Lemar's has to either a family relative or his baby mama.

Photos: WIREIMAGE

Celestina added this new video blog about her dance career. The clip also features her "Dancelife" co-stars. Check it out:

Rants/thoughts:
1. Don't you know of someone who was sent home because of 1.) - bad behavior that only the elders can straighten and 2.) they need to become African/Nigerian-ize. (LMAO!)
2. Simply why do folks from home call you at 2 in the morning because it's afternoon over there??! WHY?!? This gets on my last nerves especially when I have a long day ahead of me. Then when you try to call them back at 2 in the morning just for the sake of it, their phone is shut off! Things that make me go hmm...
3. Any suggestions for the Naija site to visit?
disclaimer: all rants/thoughts are in good humor!

Afro/Naija links:

• Stephanie Okereke supports 'Stop Rape' campaign! [Stella's Groove]
  
• Read about this blogger's Chanel sacrific! [ONADA Photography]
  
• Nigerians loves to procreate! [Ariztos]
  
• Get to know Afro/German artist, Lyambiko! [Mimi Magazine]
  
• Check out this photo Genevieve Nnaji's '30 Days' the movie! [Thoughts Aloud- An Unbiased View]
  
• Flicks from the "30 Days" movie premiere in Lagos! [Pure Foto]