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Known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige has been heating the air waves since 1989 with her soulful voice and style. With eight albums and eight Grammys under her belt, Ms. Blige has been considered a pioneer in R&B by helping to define and redefine music as we know it today.

Over the years, we've seen Mary's music and personal life evolve right before our eyes. From "rainy days" to "no more drama," she's been through it all. Although the up-and-down battles seem to be behind her, one thing that has definitely remained constant in her life is her love of boots. When it comes to boots, Mary can't seem to get enough of them. The R&B diva switches her boots -- which range from suede to leaver to fur to metallic -- so often we lost count. Check out some of the hottest -- and not-so-hot -- boot choices of our beloved Mary J. Blige.

Continue reading The Many Boots of Mary J. Blige

By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

Every business begins with an idea, but entrepreneur Donna Harvey-Newman knew it would take more than just an idea to get her online business off the ground. Donna is the founder and CEO of the 'cheap chic' online shoe store FlyJane.net.

FlyJane.net was created for the fashion forward woman on a budget. "Who says that you have to be a celebrity or have a lot of money to be able to just be fabulous?" asks Harvey-Newman.

FlyJane.net offers designer inspired shoes, handbags and accessories all at a reasonable price. The website has been flourishing since its launch in May of 2004 and shows no signs of stopping. Donna Harvey-Newman recently took a moment to speak with Black Voices about the future plans for FlyJane.net and offered some advice to those who are aspiring to create a business of their own.

Celebs in Gladiator Sandals

    Pam Grier
    THE ARENA, Pam Grier, 1974. Well before Gladiator sandals became a trend, Pam Grier knew how to make the look work for her in the film The Arena.

    Everett Collection

    Sarah Jessica Parker
    If the ladies of 'Sex in the City taught us anything about life, it would have to be that it's all about the SHOES! Sarah Jessica Parker donned some sexy gold gladiator inspired heels in this scene of 'Sex & the City', the movie.

    James Devaney, WireImage.com

    Sarah Jessica Parker

    James Devaney, WireImage.com

    Liya Kibede
    Model Liya Kebede is shown wearing a sexy pair of satin styled gladiator shoes at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.

    Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images for Chanel

    Liya Kibede

    Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images for Chanel

    Lauren London
    Rising star Lauren London was looking lovely at the 2008 BET Awards sporting leather gladiator heels.

    Maury Phillips, WireImage.com

    Lauren London

    Maury Phillips, WireImage.com

    Lucy Liu
    Actress Lucy Lui showed off her legs and a pair of metallic gladiator sandals at the premier of Kung Fu Panda in Hollywood, California.

    Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

    Lucy Liu

    Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

    Mariah Carey
    Mariah kept it young and spunky with white laced heels in Tokyo.

    Koichi Kamoshida, Getty Images



Continue reading FlyJane.net: Be Fly on a Budget

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By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

Hey ladies -- do you ever feel like the bras that you wear are just not fitting right? Is it impossible to find bras for your well stacked rack? Well, you're definitely not alone. According to fashion experts 75-80% of women wear the wrong size bra. No big deal, right? Wrong! Wearing the wrong bra can not only be a fashion faux pas but it can also affect your health. Lack of support can cause pain and discomfort. On the flip side, if your bra is too tight, this can dig into your skin leaving marks or even constrict your breathing.

Black Voices may have the solution. Bra maker Olga, a division of Warner's bras, designs bras which cater to the needs of top heavy women sizes 36-42 C, D, DD
(Itty Bittys need not apply). This month, Olga is launching their Wire-Free collection. This innovative design eliminates dig-in and irritation for all-day comfort. The right size bra can take inches off of your waist, improve your posture and make back pain a thing of the past. After checking out these tips we're sure you'll be ready for a bra makeover ASAP! And just because we heart you, one of our lucky BV readers will win a complete bra wardrobe courtesy of Olga! Read on to find out how....

Continue reading Back to Basics: Bra 101

By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

The winners of our AMBI Gift Baset are:

Tamecca of Ashton, VA and Marsha of Bronx, NY. Congratulations ladies!


One of the most charged debates in the black community is the light skin versus dark skin dynamic. The idea that lighter skin is "better" may date back to slavery and historically, light skin in the African-American community has been synonymous with power and higher social status. For some, the desire to have lighter skin still strongly resonates within the black community -- here and abroad.

The skin lightening cosmetic industry has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry worldwide and has many detractors, both for the principle of it and for the use of the controversial ingredient hydroquinone (HQ).

"The FDA has proposed a ban on HQ because of the development of liver and kidney cancer in a certain type of mouse," says dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor. However, "there has been absolutely no evidence of any type of cancer in humans" Dr. Taylor reassures.

In addition to Dr. Taylor, we recently spoke with Deena Singleton, Product Director for AMBI, the leading skin lightening brand for African-Americans to gain more perspective on "skin lightening."

AMBI has gained notoriety for being a skin evening/lightening line; is the company consciously trying to branch away from that?

Continue reading Light Skinned: Are Lightening Products Safe?

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Something new? Check. Something blue? Check. Lingerie for the wedding night? Hmmm.... Not so sure? For many girls of a more "voluptuous demeanor," the idea of wearing lingerie of any kind -- especially for your new husband -- may be a bit intimidating. But big girls are sexy too! If you're shy about showing off your curves to your man or if you haven't been able to find something just right in your size, we got you covered!

Avenue, which focuses on high-quality fashion for curvy women (sizes 14-32), is launching their 2008 Bridal Collection. The collection features corsets, lace underwear and sexy gowns all in virgin white; ranging from $18 to $48. Your husband already thinks of you as the most beautiful woman, now it's your job to embrace it! For brides or bridesmaids and gal pals looking for the perfect bridal shower gift, this is the ticket.

Continue reading Bridal Lingerie For Big Girls

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By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

Skin care regimen, face cleansers, moisturizers, sun screen. If these words sound a little foreign to you, you're not alone. For many African-Americans their facial routines still consist of soap and water and if you haven't found out already, the skin on our face is far different from the rest of our body and requires a lot more care.

Renown African-American dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor and creator of Rx For Brown Skin, took the time out to school Black Voices on the issues that we as African-Americans face with skincare and how important it is to create a regimen. Her skin care line Rx For Brown Skin caters to people of color and addresses all the issues that our skin goes through from sensitivity, hyper pigmentation and discoloration. Our skin is truly as unique as we are as a people and it deserves a lot more TLC than we thought. After reading this article we're sure you'll be on your way to a brighter and clearer you in no time.


Black Skin 101

    Create a skin care regimen
    Say goodbye to soap and water! "It's really time for people to update their skin care regimen," advises Dr. Taylor. "You should follow a regimen that's either going to keep your skin healthy, clear, or even your skin and keep it bright and radiant."

    Getty Images/Image Source

    Cleanser
    "Black skin is often sensitive and easily irritated. So cleansers that are non-irritating, that contain ingredients that prevent inflammation, that cleanse and hydrate the skin are ideal. If you have acne prone skin, I would suggest a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to prevent and treat acne."

    Getty Images

    Discoloration
    "By far the top skin concern for people of color is hyperpigmentation which includes discolorations, dark marks, and uneven skin tone. Sensitive skin and acne round out the top concerns of people of color."

    Wash your face
    Women don't be lazy, wash your face! "If you don't wash your face, all of that make up, dirt and oil is going to stay on your face all night long and that's not good for your pores," says Dr. Taylor.

    Scarring
    "A characteristic of black skin is that abnormal healing of the skin occurs frequently. When skin is injured, it may heal with one of several types of scars: normal (level with the surrounding skin), atrophic (depressed), hypertrophic (slightly raised), and keloidal (large and raised)."

    Sun damage
    "African American skin doesn't burn as easily but African American skin DOES burn and that's one of the greatest myths," Dr. Taylor explains. "If you get in the sun you're going to burn. African Americans do develop skin cancer, no doubt about it."

    Skin diseases
    "Many skin diseases are inherited such as acne, eczema and psoriasis so that hereditary predisposition cannot be altered by diet or skin regimen. However, having a good skin care regimen may help to prevent a flare or exacerbation of a particular skin disorder and it may help to keep a skin disorder under control."

    www.jupiterimages.com

    Treating razor bumps
    -Stop shaving completely and grow a beard
    -Permanent reduction of hair with the hair removal laser
    -Shave daily with a single edge blade, with the grain (not against the grain). This prevents the hair from growing long enough to pierce the skin
    -Use of glycolic acid products which help prevent in-grown hairs
    -Prescription medications that are used for acne often help razor bumps.

    Men vs Women
    In general, male skin has more oil glands as compared to female skin and hence is often oilier. Also there are far more facial hairs and they are thicker than in women. Women's skin is much more sensitive than men's.


What are the top skin concerns for people of color?

By far the top skin concern for people of color is hyper pigmentation which includes discolorations, dark marks, and uneven skin tone. Sensitive skin and acne round out the top concerns of people of color.


Continue reading Black Skin 101

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By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

We caught up with the fun and spunky Tasha Smith before the premiere of her new movie, 'The Longshots', and asked her to spill the beans on how she manages to stay so beautiful. Much to our surprise, she didn't hold back at all. You may want to get a pen and paper because if you're like us you'll be trying some of these tips pronto!

Smith acts alongside Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer in the film 'The Longshots' which depicts the true story of Jasmine Plummer, an 11 year-old-girl who became the first female to play in the Pop Warner football tournament in its 56-year history.

KeKe Palmer plays the role of Jasmine and Smith plays her mother, Claire Plummer, in the film. "I think the film has a lot of heart," said Smith. "As you see the story you see how the life and energy of the town changes just because of this little girl's transformation." 'The Longshots' hits theaters August 22.

The College Survival Guide

    A Fridge
    Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

    Computer
    The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

    Snacks
    You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

    Things from home
    Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

    MP3 Player
    With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

    Budget
    Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

    Alarm Clock
    When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

    Cleaning supplies
    Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

    Bedding
    What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

    Shower shoes
    You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!

Continue reading Tasha Smith: Beauty Secrets Revealed

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