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.

Lexi And Danielle Host TJ Maxx/Marshalls ‘A New Year, New You’ Event [Photos]

On Friday, my homie Lexi of Curls, Coils, And Kinks.com and my namesake Danielle of TheStyleAndBeautyDoctor.com hosted Atlanta’s “T.J. Maxx/Marshalls A New Year, A New You” event.

A bevy of beauty bloggers, natural hair aficionados and fashionistas turned out for the event at TJ Maxx Dunwoody where they were treated to light refreshments and challenges for prizes.

The ladies gave us great tips on items that TJ Maxx/Marshalls provides for much less than their retail value including hair products, designer shoes and even makeup and skincare.

In my opinion the highlight of the night was a fashion challenge where we had to find the most stylish outfit in the store that was ultimately judged by the TJ Maxx staff for a prize.

I picked out a super cute burgundy designer dress (I can’t remember the designer…but it was only 39.99!) and paired it with a black blazer ($49.99) and matching Jessica Simpson shoes ($49.99).

I didn’t win the challenge unfortunately but everyone was awarded a $25 gift card for participating.

This event was so much fun and I had a great time rediscovering all that TJ Maxx/Marshalls has to offer.

Check out some pictures of the event below.

Bloggers

Lexi (Curls, Coils And Kinks)

Challenge Participants

Me And My Challenge Outfit

My Challenge Outfit

Danielle (Lushworthy.com), Alicia (Moguldom Media), Tai St. Boogie (Bossip) Deola (Bossip)

Lexi (Curls,Coils And Kinks) Deola (Bossip)

Janee (Bossip)

Lexi (Curls, Coils And Kinks)

Danielle (The Style And Beauty Doctor)

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

 

Beautiful Textures Hair Care Collection Premieres In Atlanta [Photos]

Before the Thanksgiving Holiday, a number of natural hair beauties converged at Bar ONE Atlanta for Strength of Nature’s Global hair care collection – Beautiful Textures.

Beautiful Textures is designed specifically for women with mixed textured hair including curly, wavy, kinky-coily, and frizzy hair textures.

On Monday, beauty influencers and natural hair enthusiasts were treated to natural hair demonstrations by natural hairstylist Kimberly Walker of Tress Talk (Hey Boo!…lol) and a formal introduction to the collection by Strength of Nature Global Marketing Director, Charlene Bastien.

Also on hand was natural hair beauty blogger Lexi of  Curls, Coils And Kinks.com.

Although I couldn’t make it out (Yes, #TeamWeave was invited), I heard the event was awesome, well put together and an excellent introduction to the new haircare line.

Beautiful Textures will be available this winter in fine beauty retailers, for more information visit www.BeautifulTextures.com

Of course The Garner Circle was on hand to handle the event, check out pictures from the Beautiful Textures event below.

*Photo Credit: Vaughn Dabney*

Natural Hair Influencer, Maeling Tapp Founder of Natural Chica

Beautiful Textures Atlanta Natural Hair Models, Lexi of Curls, Coils And Kinks (Far Right)

Beautiful Textures Natural Hair Presenter Kimberly Walker (Tress Talk) w/ Natural Hair Model

Strength of Nature Global and First Choice Sales Group and Marketing

Beautiful Textures Q4 Code

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!