Gabrielle Union dishes to moi about “Being Mary Jane”

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of chatting with Ms. Gabrielle Union about her role on BET’s first scripted drama “Being Mary Jane.” The actress was in Atlanta doing promo and we sat down together at Buckhead’s [very swanky] St. Regis hotel.

Initially going into the interview I was nervous; a.) because I’m rusty especially w/ my video interviews and b.) because it’s GABRIELLE UNION. After taking a minute to get my nerves together however I was good to go.

She gave lengthy answers to my questions and sang praises to Shonda Rhimes who she says treated her royalty when she auditioned for the role of Olivia Pope on “Scandal.” She then went on to say that”Being Mary Jane’s” director Mara Brock Akil gave her the same A-1 treatment when auditioning for her program. Ultimately when Gabby was offered the role of Mary Jane Paul, she  happily accepted.

We then went on talk about the program’s dramatic (see: gross) cliffhanger and Gabby explained how even though Mary Jane Paul is technically a mistress on the program (stop gritting your teeth), she’s human and not devoid of mistakes.

A few extra deets; Gabby had the cutest white manicure with black outlined around the nail bed. Her hair was very well blended and bouncy. Renny Vasquez did a great job with her makeup; it was like a BeatFaceHoney “sweet beat” with glowing skin, nude lip and whispy lashes. After we wrapped up the interview she said (quote): “Oh you’re so gorgeous”, which I thought was a very sweet thing to say.

All in all it was a good interview and it made my day to be able to have that [very] unique experience.

After wrapping up with Gabby and hitting the tootsie roll (my victory dance) on the way to the elevator, I ran into Sam Champion formerly of “GMA” as I was leaving the hotel. He was very sweet and when I casually cooed “congratulations on your new position at the Weather Channel” (like we were old friends), he walked over, shook my hand and introduced me to his husband.  I love Sam Champion…and his husband was very hot.

That was the cherry on top that made that day extra special.

In case you were wondering this interview was pre-engagement…and pre….yeah.

Click here to check out my chat with Gabrielle Union.

Christina Aguilera’s ‘American Music Awards’ Makeup

After scrolling through pictures for the excessively boring American Music Awards, I landed on a few shots of Christina Aguilera looking nothing short of gorgeous. The songstress arguably had the best look of the show that featured glowing skin from head to toe, a double lash, white liner on the lower lash line and this awesomely blended taupe and amethyst eye. Normally it’s taboo to match makeup to your apparel but in this case it worked—beautifully at that.

Spotted: Beyonce’s Knuckle Rings

In September while with my girlfriends at the Made In America festiva, I spotted Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It was the first time I had seen either one of them in person and for once in my life I got a little starstruck and took out my camera for a paparazzi style ambush. I got some pretty clear shots of Bey glaring looking at me while I snapped away at her talking on the phone. Jay didn’t seem to mind though and he just looked away like he didn’t notice the crazed, wide eyed blogger zoom lensing till her heart was content. After about three minutes security very politely asked me if I “had enough”, and I replied “yes” and walked away beaming…

Sam Fine Interview

I recently did an interview with celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine when he was in Atlanta and he was not only FLAWLESS (the man looks like a painting…no lie), he was also very sweet and greeted me with a “Helloooo gorgeous.” Needless to say, I was in love. During our allotted time, we discussed Fashion Fair Cosmetics’ ‘Truly Treasured’ line and the stigma surrounding the black owned brand.

Check out my interview with Mr. Fine on RollingOut here…

Spring Trend To Try: Sneakers

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m seriously considering buying a pair of sneakers.

No, not gym sneakers which are usually the only form of female sneaks I find appropriate, but actual casual sneakers.

Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks And Other #HairEnvy Inspo

Iggy Azalea’s hair is always #HairEnvy ready.

As the summer season quickly approaches, bright colors, opulent ombre and long luxurious locks are coming back in style.

If you’re like me however and undecided on the latest way to style your hair, look no further for a few ideas.

Common Previews His New Album In Atlanta [Photos]

 

This post is almost completely gratuitous, but bear with me.

During the Soul Train Awards week, myself and my co-workers were invited to Common’s listening party where we had the chance to listen to his The Dreamer, The Believer album in its entirety.

Needless to say we were all very impressed, on this project Common’s taking us back to his Rashid days and rapping with tenacity some people may have forgotten he already had.

The album, which hits stores December 20, has limited features—Nas and Maya Angelou, who’s been a strong supporter of the rapper and his Common Ground Foundation.

Also in the building for the event was Keri Hilson, Jeezy, Ne-yo and his girlfriend Monyetta Shaw.

I had a great time, so great in fact that I just HAD to pose for pictures of the man of the hour.

Check out Common and I below as captured by my boy FreddyO.

Common And Lexi With The Curls

 

Exclusive: Tika Sumpter Talks Her Favorite Lipsticks, Favorite Designers And Acting Career

So if you’ve been reading my blog, way back in September I wrote a post about meeting actress Tika Sumpter at Ludacris’ Luda Day Weekend block party.

If you’re unfamiliar with Tika, she plays Malik’s girlfriend on BET’s ‘The Game’ and has a starring role in the remake of ‘Sparkle’ alongside Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks.

I also just happen to think she’s one of the most beautiful women in the world and I almost didn’t mosey my way over to speak with her…almost.

Check out my Q&A with the beautiful Ms. Tika Sumpter below.

 

Me: One thing I really like about you is that you’re not afraid to try a bold lip. What are some of your favorite lipsticks?

Tika: Ruby Woo I’m stuck on that one. It’s vibrant and it really pops, I love that.

Me: I’m looking at you right now and your skin is just glowing. What’s your skincare routine?

Tika: I just wash it everyday.

Me: So you’re just blessed?

Tika: No, no! [Laughs] I wash it with Neutrogena

Me: Besides a Ruby Woo, what are some other lipsticks you love.

Tika: I like Cover Girl, they have all sorts of pinks, I just love color, I feel like our skin pops with color and that’s what I love. Like your purple is beautiful.

Me: Thank you very much! So do you have any other beauty tips you can give? Especially for women like us with brown skin tones?

 

Tika: I think the basis is to make sure your foundation is the right shade. Black Opal makes a really good foundation and it’s inexpensive.  Also MAC makes really good browns so make sure your base is good and you’re set.

Me: Back to you though, I know you said you’re taping for The Game…what else are you doing acting wise?

Tika: I have a film coming out in September the 18^th with Anna Faris and Chris Evans called “What’s Your Number.” We’re about to start taping for The Game a week or two from now and I have other projects in the works that I can’t talk about yet.

Me: What about your style though? Are those Jeffrey Campbells shoes? Those are amazing…

Tika: They are! And they’re super comfortable. I’m obsessed; Jeffrey is my new obsession.

Me: Who are some other designers that you like to wear?

Tika: I love Giuseppe Zanotti because he’s super comfortable and I can look cute in heels and be comfortable all night. Who am I stuck on? Right now it’s Jeffrey…I just love the odd, crazy shoes.

Me: Do you have any last words for your fans?

Tika: Thank you you guys, the bloggers, have been so supportive of me. Everybody! Fans have been so supportive; I just want to always be accessible so thank you for the love.

Me: That’s what we like about you; you’re always accessible, always sweet.

Tika: Thank you!