ISSUE 11 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

Ladies, I won’t lie… writing this week’s FIERCE LIST has been a little bit of a mission for me, solely because I’m soooooooooo knackered. If it’s not the 4.30am starts with boss lady who believes its time to play and talk to Mummy, then it’s the long days juggling the other ventures, plus the main job of PR. However, as these factors have been a constant in my life for so long now, the only thing I believe is to blame for this new lack of energy is the new fitness regime I’m putting myself through, in order to be fitter, a little bit slimmer and yes, I’m not ashamed to say it ‘hot enough’ to make my man stare longer than he has to all day, every day. (Plus a few others should their eyes insist it!) I’m actually doing well with it and I haven’t felt the need to chuck in the towel (well not just yet). I’ve reduced the carb intake (which is extremely hard for a Nigerian girl who loves her ground rice with okra soup), but hey – once the extra tyres have left, then I’ll re introduce my favourite dish, in a smaller portion.

So, in light of the above if you enjoy reading my blog and think your female friends and family members will do too, please do forward it onto them so they can subscribe. I’m trying to build something with this and can only do it with your help. Plus, I’m assuming my devoted subscribers enjoy receiving it as your still here with me? Thanks for the love!

Xxx

P.S. I absolutely hate cross trainers! They should be banned from all gyms!

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… EASTENDERS BEING COY ABOUT ITS ALL FIRST BLACK SHOW

What’s your opinion on this? Do you think the BBC was wrong to not promote Tuesday’s episode to feature an ‘all black cast?’ I must say, I happened to miss this one as I was busy bathing boss lady. Had I read about it prior in the newspapers, I would have definitely made sure I was free to watch it. (No worries, I’ll see it on the omnibus on Sunday)…
I think people should stop shouting their mouths off at the BBC as I believe their bosses were just scared of what else would be said, had they heavily promoted it… the likes of The Sun, Daily Star, Daily Mail would be kicking off saying ‘why they felt the need to promote an episode with just blacks in it’… yada, yada… it’s just another form of segregation… yada, yada. If you think about it, I suppose it was better for them to just be safe and keep quiet not highlighting a thing and just making sure they did a good job in tackling the delicate issue of racism.

However, as someone who works in the PR industry, there are many ways in which they could have taken the a positive route to promote this within mainstream press. For instance, this week saw the tenth anniversary of Sir William Machpherson’s report into the death of Stephen Lawrence. If I was head of PR for BBC, I would have developed the strategy of selling in features which combined the two; the first episode of the long running soap to feature an all black cast and the 10th anniversary of the report... how times have changed? Or have they? There are several different angles they could have pulled from this surely?

Regardless of those who were unhappy with the BBC’s inactions, apparently the show was ‘spot on’ in dealing with today’s racism issues, so if anything ‘well done’ for this BBC.

FASHION NEWS: REISS SPRING SUMMER COLLECTION IS IN STORE NOW!

All I can say is find your way to the nearest store and feast your eyes on what one of my favourite brands (in joint place with All Saints of course), have in stock. They are simply on F.I.R.E! For instance, their silk dress orange on top, black on bottom (£145) = hot. Their accessories line makes you want to buy everything up for you would no longer need to bother with anything else. The brightly coloured yellow cotton mix pencil skirt for £89 is a definite ‘must have’. Lord God, I need the whole collection in my wardrobe, will you help me?

Reiss are hot on the design front, but not hot on uploading the new collection onto their website, so you’re just going to have to wait either until they do or get down to the nearest store now.

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… VV BROWN

I first saw VV Brown perform a few months ago on The Sunday Night Project (I think) and whilst her music didn’t jump out at me, I was attracted to her style. She looked quirky in her fifties look with her long dead straight weave with the quiff thing going on at the front. Not many black chicks would even think to rock this hairstyle, however it works on her and I suppose that’s what makes me like her more, the fact that she’s experimental with her fashion and appears to not give a damn, regardless how it may look.

Anyway, she’s made it to the FIERCE LIST for a number of reasons and here’s a few of them; at the young age of 24, she headed the Daily Telegraph’s list of Britain’s Brightest Young talent to look at for, for 2009, she’s already making big waves within the music industry having released her debut single recently, fashion bible Vogue magazine have clocked on to her unique fashion sense and plan to feature within their May issue and lastly she featured during the runway at London Fashion Week for designer Ashish Gupta.

TREND WATCH: FRINGING

Whether it be fringed bags, boots, dresses, jackets, jewellery, fringing is a key trend for Spring/Summer. With the trend being featured within shows of designers from Alexander McQueen to Christian Louboutin (yes please!), you are free to where the look in whichever way you please… I’m thinking retro fringing?

Now, if you’re not sure where to start with this trend, how about picking up these pretty babies; studded suede fringe sandals from Warehouse for £30! A bargain if you ask me… these will look so chic with a pair of perfectly manicured toes. Message to boyfriend… “Mothers day is coming up” a trip to Nails Inc and these scrumptious sandals will do nicely thanks. Don’t worry about the surprise dinner; it will probably be full of carbs anyway.

I’M IN NEED OF A … NEW PAIR OF JEANS

Considering my favourite and trusted pair of River Island skinny fit jeans decided to split in the upper thigh region the other day, I’m due a jean shopping trip real soon. I’m currently undecided if I should wait a few months until I’ve shed a few pounds and buy a pair of jeans (or two) in my new size, or just buy a pair now and then turn them into boyfriend jeans, when the weights off? If that’s not enough to think about, what bloody brand should I purchase from? If I want the boyfriend jean look, then there are shed loads of different types I can buy from jean specialist Donna Ida (donnaida.com), if I want slash and faded then Diesel, J Brand and 7 For All Mankind do some good pairs, however these guys will blow my budget. I’m yet to see what the high street shops are offering, so maybe I’ll take a look at these first?

Whilst I decide if it’s expensive versus cheap, or skinny versus slash, take a look at these Indigo boot cut jeans from Topshop for £40.

BEAUTY BUYS: CLEAN AND CLEAR

Clean and Clear doesn’t need no hype from me as it does what the bottle suggests, leaves your face ‘clean and clear’. I’ve been using their Deep Cleansing Lotion since 1st year of secondary school and I have to say, the only times spot has graced my face, is when I’ve not used my cleanser due to me running out of it.

Even if I’m not choosing to be frugal with my purchases, Clean and Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion is a product which will always be in my bathroom cupboard.

THE LAST WORD… NIGERIAN FRAUDSTERS TARGET UK JUSTICE SECRETARY

This story made me laugh out loud when I saw it appear on BBC News the other day. Basically, Justice Secretary Jack Straw had been the victim of Nigerian fraudsters who sent out hundreds of e-mails in his name asking for money. (Nothing new here then!). The e-mails claimed he had lost his wallet on charity work in Africa and needed 3,500 US dollars to get home. The email with the subject heading of “the Right Hon Jack Straw MP” were sent to council bosses, government chiefs and others.

My Naija brothers and sisters why oh why do you continue with this fraud nonsense? Did your mother and father not tell you that they didn’t want you to “bring shame on the family?” Or were you not there for this speech? I know you guys back home may not care how you make the rest of us Nigerians look, but please… I beg. Stop this, its just too embarrassing! Especially when you’re stupid enough to think that such a scam will work by pretending to be the UK’s Justice Secretary. What’s next? Here’s an idea which I’m sure will work. Why not send emails to all the world leaders pretending to be Obama lost in Kenya? “Di di rins”….

ISSUE 10 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

This week has flown by… its nearing the end of February and Christmas seems so long ago. Plus the sun has been shining a few days this week and 5pm is looking lighter so does this mean British Summer Time is soon coming?! I do hope so, as I don’t think I can take much more cold winds and snow showers.

Regardless of what the weather says, in retail world Spring/Summer has arrived with all the S/S collections more or less in most stores. Plus with London Fashion Week kicking off today for the A/W 09 shows, it feels like we’re wishing away the days of 09’.
For those who said you’d be getting fit for 09, “how’s it going?” Remember I said I’d be getting ‘hot for 09’ – well another part to this goal started this week when I started my gym classes – and whilst they were painful, I know why I’m doing it and I plan to stick with it. With whatever goals you’ve set yourself for the year, I hope you achieve them. As for me… watch this space… I hope to show off a new and improved me in the near future.

Enjoy.
xxx

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… JADE GOODY BEING DIAGONISED TERMINALLY ILL

Say what you want about Big Brother 3 reality star Jade Goody, but damn, this is sad, sad news. Goody was first diagnosed with cervical cancer August last year following an appearance on the Indian version of Big Brother. Since then she has endured months of painful chemotherapy and radiotherapy, however sadly it was announced the cancer has spread to her liver, bowel and groin and she has been given two months to live.

It wasn’t that long ago Goody was hated here and across the shores in India, following her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, where her and model Daniella Lloyd and S Club singer Jo O’Meara were accused of bullying Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. The show attracted 45,000 complaints and led to Goody’s perfume being taken off shelves and a paperback version of her autobiography being dropped by publishers. Now Goody has been propelled back into the public eye with her cancer diagnosis, with Living TV commissioning a three part series documenting her dealing with the illness. With the wedding days away, OK! Magazine revealed this week they had bought the exclusive rights to publish her wedding photographs for £750,000. Many have slammed Goody for bearing all to the world for the sake of money, but hey, isn’t this why the world over knows about Jade Goody? With having to come to terms to the fact her two sons Bobby and Freddie are going to grow up without their mother (who is their current sole carer), I too would be pulling out the stops to make sure they’ve been provided for. In her case, this means inviting the public to watch her cope with the emotional day of her wedding, then so be it. Good luck Jade. I can’t say I’ve always defended your choices, however this time I think people who have something negative to say should just keep their opinions to themselves.

NEWS FROM BACK HOME … GOVERNMENT TO STAMP OUT DRUG TRAFFICKING IN GHANA

It was reported President John Evans Atta Mills, said on Thursday the government aimed to create a more potent drug enforcement agency that would collaborate more effectively with international drug enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders. He went onto say the Narcotics Drugs Control, Enforcement and Sanctions Law of 1990 would be reviewed to reaffirm government's commitment to stamp out drug trafficking through and from the country. "We will bring to closure investigations into the numerous high profile drug trafficking cases of recent years and bring to book all those involved," President Mills was delivering his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament in fulfillment of the 1992 Constitutional requirements.

Why anyone would contemplate drug trafficking in the first place is beyond me. To agree to participate in this crime and then agree to do so in an African country is just stupid! Surely you have a few screws loose if the fear of what the African officials/jail officers will do to you alone isn’t enough for you to say “thanks, but no thanks”. To be honest, I have enough fear to keep me away from such criminal acts, with the thought of what my parents would do to me. I can just hear my mother now “You – come – and – bring – shame – on – this – family! You – will – see – what – I – will – do – for – you!” Obviously she is beating me with some type of apparatus whilst screaming this at me. Yes, I’m soon to turn thirty, but you’re never too old for beatings from the parents, especially if you’ve brought shame on the family. I’m confident to know I’m not alone on this one!

FASHION NEWS: HIGH STREET RETAILERS HAVE GONE ALL TRIBAL ON US!

With every high street retailer featuring the current ‘tribal’ print trend within their collections, my friend RG and I were not surprised when we saw the mannequin in the window of high street retailer Warehouse, wearing an African inspired print dress (see picture above). Now, our initially thoughts were simultaneously irritation. Why you ask? Because this is something which we all know we’ve been rocking for years, whether we had a tailor back in Nigeria, Ghana or Zimbabwe sew it up for us in a modern style or whether we sewed it ourselves (well, those of us who are talented enough to know how to work a Singer sewing machine – Charmaine!). When we were out showing off our ‘couture’ pieces, no one took notice. Then because a copy cat designer saw one of us ‘wearing’ our hot outfits one day out in Soho, they decided it looked too good too good to not include within their collection and ‘hey presto’ all the fashion magazines congratulate them on being the ones who made ‘tribal print’ cool… Nonsense. With UK independent labels like RG, Sika and Gisella Boutique who have been using African prints and turning them into modern styles for yonks, it can be said that its a little annoying to see the ‘big guns’ jumping on the bandwagon and selling by the bucket loads. Not saying they shouldn’t as its good Africa is able to inspire fashion trends and helps to increase awareness on the independent labels like the aforementioned. I suppose all I’m saying is “people, remember to support home-grown talent first, before making your way down to Oxford Circus”. I can almost guarantee you, you’ll find more unique pieces with them and you won’t be wearing the same African print inspired dress as your colleague Sharon who lives in Essex. Not that it’s a problem… but still you know what I mean.

To see African inspired clothing with a modern twist, visit independent designer Ruki Garuba’s website http://www.rukigaruba.com/

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… TARAJI HENSON

Taraji Henson (born September 11, 1970) is an Academy Award-nominated American actress. She is best known for her roles as Yvette in Baby Boy (2001), Shug in Hustle and Flow (2005) and Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008).

Henson not only a talented actress but singer too made her singing debut in Hustle & Flow; when she provided the vocals for the Three 6 Mafia track "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp". The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2006, giving Three 6 the distinction of becoming the first Black hip-hop act to win in the category. Henson performed the song at the Oscars on March 5, 2006 with the group.

Henson has made several appearances on music videos, having appeared in the rapper Common's music video called Testify in 2005 as the wife of a soon to be convicted murderer. On December 5, 2008, Jamie Foxx premiered his new music video "Just Like Me" on TBS featuring Henson and T.I.
Henson seems to be cropping up in so many places, she’s definitely going to be big in 2009…

TREND WATCH: SKY HIGH HEELS

Some of you will be saying “yay! I never stopped wearing them anyway”, whilst some of you will be screwing you’re expected to be tottering around in heels which are high enough to surely break your ankle. I say to you all, “wear what you want to wear”, but I will be opting for the killer heels. Not because Alexandra Shulman and her posse at Vogue tell me to, but because I’ve always loved heels. However, since giving birth to boss lady, my body has decided it wants to do its own thing – for instance, my once nicely sized 6 feet are now probably a 6.5 if not 7. For some strange reason, my feet no longer want to fit in any of my shoes. I am however praying to the good Lord that he will shrink them back down, as what am I suppose to do with the shoes I have in my wardrobe otherwise?

Anyhow, should I have to go out and buy new shoes, then I will be gracing my feet with a couple of ‘fierce’ killer heels. On my weekly trip to Bluewater yesterday, I browsed by the Aldo window and saw some fantastic buys, one of which were a pair of half high heel, half wedge base shoes which were supremely hot. I tried to take a picture on my blackberry, but the sales assistants nearly came for me, so I came home and went online to their website to find an image to show you guys, but they don’t seem to have posted them up yet – so you’ll just have to believe me for now. What I do know is they were £90 and were just too fabulous not to have. I must think about how I’m going to fund them for next week’s trip?

I’M IN NEED OF A … BLACKBERRY CURVE 8900

So, I was all excited last month when I checked my diary to see I had put a reminder in that my mobile upgrade was due. I called my mobile provider quick time and when I eventually got through to a customer service representative, I explained I was due my upgrade and that I wanted the new Blackberry curve – I was clearly excited. The voice at the other end explained “yes madam, you’re right your upgrade is due, however should you wish to take full advantage of the discounts we offer you (due to being a loyal customer for so many years), you should wait until the end of March where you’ll be eligible for a free phone of a high spec and a discount on your price plan”. “Aggghhh!” I was screaming in my mind. It may sound like a minor to some of you, but you just don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this beautiful piece of technology. I would described the feeling as bitter sweet, as I’ve been dying to get my hands on my new curve for since it came out last year. To now hear I have to wait another 4 weeks until its in my hands, is literally doing my head in, but there’s no way I’m missing out on the discounted price plan, I give those rogues enough of my money as it is.

So, until next month I’ll have to still show love to my current Blackberry curve (the older version) and just gaze from a far looking at everyone else’s curve’s due to their early upgrades (DF and RG!), until I’m graced with mine. For those who are yet to join the Blackberry crew, stop running away - admittedly I did all those years ago, however three years ago I saw the light and have never looked back.

BEAUTY BUYS: REN BATH OIL

I’m not a fan of taking baths as I much prefer showers. The idea of sitting in hot water for more than 10 minutes turns me right off, however after my first 1 hour session of Tums, Bums and Thighs on Monday with the almighty instructor named Adjowa, a soak in the bath is something which I think my achy body needed.

So fast forward to Tuesday evening, I’m in agony running my bath when I start rummaging through my bathroom cupboards for some Radox. As I was pulling out the cotton wool and everything else, I remember I had a bottle of REN bath oil hiding at the back of the other toiletries. It’s hiding as its mine! And it costs £25 per bottle, so there is no way my boyfriend is using this stuff like its buy one, get one half price from Asda.

As I start to pour the Laminaria, Grapefruit and Yarrow Bath Oil (this is the one I happen to have) liquid into my bath, I smile as I start to remember why the bottle is indeed hidden. The smell is divine… I’m not too sure how to explain it or what to compare it to, but the smell alone is worth the money. Other than smelling great, the bath oil moisturises the skin and is suppose to help with firming and toning of the skin. Whether the latter be true or not, I don’t care, Ren have me well and truly under their spell.

For those of you who LOVE your baths, this brand of bath oil is well worth it. Available from Space NK (http://www.spacenk.co.uk/), however the online store don’t seem to have the Laminaria, Grapefruit and Yarrow one, instead they have Moroccan Rose Otto bath oil, which I’m sure is just as fab as mine.

THE LAST WORD… FIRST PICS OF RIHANNA POST BUST UP

What can you say? Whatever the REAL story is behind the Chris Brown and Rihanna’s bust up, this is inexcusable. I know I joked around last week saying if anyone took my car keys out the ignition and threw them out the window I would slap them up too, but hey this is just not on.
Mr Brown, I’m intrigued to see how you get out of this one.

ISSUE 9 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

Hope all of you have had productive weeks. I’ve had a sad one after attending my second funeral of the year for my beloved Uncle yesterday. Whilst I’ve spent most of the time crying over the fact I won’t be seeing him again (well in this lifetime), I’m rejoicing to the fact that he is pain free in a better place. I am also grateful boss lady and her cousin were able to meet him before he passed.

Being an adult stinks, but hey its life and I suppose we have to learn to deal with all the troubles which comes with it. So this week I think it’s appropriate to say what I’m sure you’ve all heard before, ‘life is short and life is what you make of it’. I currently have two ongoing feuds with two people who once upon a time, I considered to be important in my life. I’m in a situation where I’m two-ing and frowing with the idea of resolving at least one, but remain irritated at the fact that I would have to make the first move, considering I wasn’t responsible for putting our relationship in the situation it currently is in. Anyhow, should you have ‘ex close individuals’ who you think of time to time, but never speak to for whatever reason, maybe now is the right time to rekindle those relationships? I’m not saying I will be sorting out my issues with these two fools immediately, but at least I’m thinking about it. Ask yourself the question “God forbid this person died tomorrow, would you be devastated you didn’t get to air your differences?” I’ve been in this situation where I’ve lost someone I held close to me before being able to resolve an argument between us both and whilst it was a very long time ago, it still hurts me till this day.
I’m hoping the two personalities mentioned in my post below, are able to sort out their differences and something positive is able to come out of the situation, as right now the headlines surrounding their spat just seem to be getting worse.

Enjoy your 10 min break whilst reading this week’s FIERCE LIST…
xxxx

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… CHRIS BROWN AND RIHANNA BUST UP

How stupid are these two? Both were supposed to perform at the Grammy’s. Instead they both had to cancel their performances due to having a fight the night before, after leaving Clive Davis’ pre Grammy party.

According to reports, they were in Brown’s silver Lamboughini driving through LA’s Hancock Park neighbourhood, when Brown pulled up to park the car. Rihanna apparently grabbed the car keys and threw them outside the window, which sent Brown to a rage.
After trying to find the keys, he apparently came back to the car and put his hands around her neck shouting “I’m going to kill you!” (You can’t blame him now can you? Even if the car was a Ford Cortina and this happened, the person responsible would still deserve a dirty slap!)…
During the fight, Rihanna manages to call the emergency services and the Police have been reported to say the call to 911 features a woman screaming. Chief investigator Detective Deshon Andrews (‘Deshon’ how unfortunate) says, “It mostly recorded the sound of a screaming woman”.

The 20-year-old "Disturbia" singer told police that she lost consciousness, (according to sources), and when she awoke, Brown had fled. (Naughty boy…)

According to reports, her right eye was blackened and badly swollen and she had hand prints on her arms. The responding officers were so concerned about her; they drove Rihanna to the hospital in their squad car instead of waiting for an ambulance. (Purlease! Concerned? Whatever! The only thing they’re concerned about is Rihanna remembering them, in the hope she pays them 100 dollar bills to show her gratitude. Again, can’t blame them for thinking like this, as I’d be exactly the same!)

There’s so many versions of this story flying around at the moment, you don’t know what to believe. I just hope the talented pair haven’t messed up their careers… this would be a great waste.

NEWS FROM BACK HOME …. ZIMBABWE PRIME MINISTER MUGABE, TO SHARE ROLE WITH OPPOSITION LEADER

Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe’s opposition leader has been sworn in as prime minister in a unity government with President Robert Mugabe.
During last year’s presidential elections, Mr Tsvangirai won the first round, but withdrew from the run, citing violence against his supporters, however later agreed to share power with Mr Mugabe.

I’m not a heavy follower of politics; but I wouldn’t be surprised to hear if Mugabe had anything to do with the violence which took place. Also, this is the first I’ve heard of two leaders sharing the role of Prime Minister.

Problems facing the new government include a cholera epidemic which has killed more than 3,400 people, a collapsed economy and a 90% unemployment rate.
Hyperinflation is causing prices to double everyday and the country stopped publishing inflation figures after it was last estimated at 231m%. People are using foreign currency wherever possible and more than half the population rely on emergency food aid.

The new cabinet will be sworn in on Friday. One can only pray things will change for the better for Zimbabwe, however with Mugabe still in power it’s doubtful this will happen.

FASHION NEWS: OFFICE SALE IS STILL ON!

If you haven’t blown your entire monthly shopping budget, then check out Office as they still have a few decent boots and shoes left in their sale… 80% off selected lines – so “yes please”. I’ve got my eye on their Bambi Fringe Knee High boots in brown (and black), both available from their website http://www.office.co.uk/

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… KEISHIA CHANTE

Canadian born Keishia Chante first appeared in early 2003 with her debut “Shook (The Answer)” and has since released for more singles and a self titled album which went gold.

It’s now been rumoured Chante has been chosen to play the late singer Aaliyah, in an up and coming biopic - check the resemblance in the picture above. According to reports the currently untitled biopic will capture Aaliyah’s rise to fame and her untimely death. Aaliyah died a plane crash in the Bahamas in 2001, she was 22 years old. During her career Aaliyah sold 32 million albums worldwide and was nominated for five Grammy’s. She was also romantically linked to Damon Dash and R.Kelly. Other details surrounding the biopic were not revealed but it’s slated to open in cinemas this year.

TREND WATCH: COLOUR BLOCKING

With the Spring/Summer collections hitting the store shelves, you may have noticed the trend ‘colour blocking’ which I’m really enjoying right about now. From designers Christian Dior, Ossie Clark to cheap and cheerful Asda and Primark; all brands seem to be using up this trend and from what I’ve seen, they’re doing a good job of it.

The art to getting this trend right is to team colours from the same family together. If you’re looking for a harmonious look, think bright pinks with bruised fuchsias, turquoise and royal blue. If you’re opting for orange and red – their warm colours so keep them together.
If you’re like me and like a mish mash of styles and colours, work stately purples in with contrasting fiery oranges. Try green with pink for a pleasantly jarring combination. If you’re a shy gal and want to down play this trend, follow simple colours like grey and black as seen on the ASOS jersey dress above.

I’M IN NEED OF A … MATTHEW WILLIAMSON VALENTINES BROOCH

Its Valentines Day tomorrow and I want to be showered with gifts because I am worth it. I want a Canon EOS 1000D Digital SLR camera (it’s not going to happen as it costs £460 and is way too much for a Valentines gift, however “I am expecting this for my 30th babe!”) and the other gift I’d like is a Matthew Williamson Valentines Brooch. Again, doubt I will receive this from the boyf for two reasons. One because it’s a brooch and two because it costs £95. Put the two together and it’s a brooch which costs £95 – which a Nigerian man (my boyfriend) would never understand. He would probably tell me he could make me one from the skills he learnt from his school in Nigeria, but let’s not even go there.

Following the success of Matthew Williamson’s beautiful ornate Christmas brooches, he’s designed a range of accessories specifically for Valentines Day. Take your pick from the encrusted pink and red heart brooch as above, a necklace and a practical yet pretty wallet all in store now. For those who have non Nigerian boyfriends, the wallet is £95 and the necklace is £295.

BEAUTY BUYS: YVES SAINT LAURENT EASY LINER

Ok, so I’ve gone a little YSL crazy in regards to beauty products over the last month or so. Well I was due a make up shopping trip and when I did I decided to treat myself to the more desirable products, and I’m glad I did.

Don’t know what they’ve done to make this liner the ‘one of choice’ but it’s just great. My normal liquid eyeliner is L’Oreal and I still do like it, but I love this one. For some reason, I’m able to achieve a more precise line when sweeping this pen against my lashes with its extra fine nib. Plus it enables me to get the ‘flick’ I like to add to my eyes when wanting a more dramatic effect. For £21 it’s much more than the L’Oreal, but as I said, I consider it to be more of a make up treat so its justified. Available from all department stores.

THE LAST WORD… NAS AND KELIS EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD

Nas confirmed during an MTV interview with Shaheem Reid, that he and Kelis are expecting their first child. The rapper apparently revealed the couple are to find out the baby’s sex next week.

On 15 January, reports claimed the hip hop couple were starting a family, however now it’s been confirmed. Nas, who already has a child from a previous relationship, was reported to say “I’m so happy… I got another one coming in 09!”
I wish the couple all the best with their new addition… can’t wait to see Kelis’s maternity outfits for the remaining months of her pregnancy. I’m sure she will be looking as ‘hot’ as she normally does.

ISSUE 8 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

What a COLD, COLD week it has been and continues to be? When I woke up Monday morning to the picture above, I couldn’t believe it. I half wished I was still an employee, for the sole reason of gaining satisfaction from not making it into work, but still being paid for it! Instead I spent most of the day working from home… with boss lady crawling in and out of the office (there was no way I was risking driving the car in those conditions to drop her off with grandma. No sir, not me…

Anyhow, to those who bunked off I hope you enjoyed your 1 day’s holiday whatever you did. I would say I would pray for more snow for you, in the hope you had more time to chill, but I’m done with the cold now – bring on summer please as I have a fabulous tea dress I want to wear and tights just won’t do it justice.

x

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… THATCHER REFERING TO TENNIS PLAYER AS A GOLLIWOG

How do you feel reading this headline? Did you take offence when you heard Carol Thatcher daughter of Margaret Thatcher was reported to have commented, (in a private conversation on the set of the BBC’s The One Show), that tennis player Jo Wilfried Tsonga reminded her of the golliwog motif seen on the Robertson jam jars back in the late 80’s?

Honestly, not sure how I feel about this one… as I didn’t immediately feel offended by what she had said. (Sorry I don’t normally sit on the fence). Don’t get me wrong, I do not think the word ‘golliwog’ is one which should be used in society today, but in her defence, she wasn’t using the terms to verbally abuse someone, she was using it to help describe an image she was thinking of, plus she was under the impression her conversation was a ‘private’ one.

The visual of discussion was created by author Florence Kate Upton in 1895, who was inspired to write about a black doll she had named ‘golliwog’. So wasn’t Thatcher just mentioning an image which had been in the public arena during her childhood? I hate to say it (as I hate anything which sounds remotely racist), but I think so. I don’t know enough about Carol Thatcher to say that I think she is a racist, I just think she was extremely stupid to have said what she did, in a crowded BBC green room, where other reporters, celebrities and staff were present, able to hear her every word.

Hmmm… I can feel a heated debate on this topic coming on this weekend.

NEW SECTION!!

As much as it’s great to blog about fashion, make up, celebs etc... Think it is important to flag up news from back home across the seas. So, I will be looking to include news of interest from Nigeria to Jamaica, Ghana to St Lucia, Kenya to Trinidad & Tobago as well as other African and Caribbean countries, so I do hope this is something of interest to you all. The first post is below and will feature ‘as and when’ rather than weekly, well for now at least. If you guys think this is a rubbish ideal, let me know. If you think its great, let me know that too!

NEWS FROM BACK HOME… BILL GATES DONATES 4 MILLION TO NIGERIAN HEALTH PROJECT

Microsoft founder Bill Gates arrived in Nigeria last week armed with a budget of £4 million to help combat the fight with polio.

Gates visited Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria before travelling to capital Abuja for a meeting with governors where they informed him of the efforts they were making to fight the disease.

Gates has vowed to work alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank and UNICEF in a bid to eradicate the disease in the few countries where it exists. I’m glad to see there are key personalities who are able to reward suffering countries with such a gift. Bill Gates, we salute you.

FASHION NEWS: DAVID BECKHAM MODELS FOR ARMANI UNDERWEAR

Woooooosh! (For the ladies in the know, you know what I’m talking about!). How fine is this guy? If last years Armani ads were not enough to kill us (yes, I say kill us as I nearly crashed my car into the back of a bus when I saw the billboard), he’s back again to send us wild!
If I’m honest, I do prefer last year’s ads (the one of him laying back at a beach) – but who cares! David is a hot, fine guy and I will shout it from the roof tops if I need to. With his broad shoulders, pretty face and the way he wears the Armani briefs (not boxers…) but the briefs – I believe a one minute silence is in order so we can show our appreciation! The combined fee of 32 million he and Posh reportedly received for the campaign is well deserved.

Lucky Victoria… she better follow his ass to AC Milan, or I may find myself over there as the next Rebecca Loos! Only his time, “I won’t sell my story, I’m happy being the bit on the side! No lie!”

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… SESSILEE LOPEZ

Discovered by IMG models in New York, Sessille Lopez is sending the fashion crowd into frenzy. Bagging herself a part to star in rapper Kanye West’s Flashing Lights music video last year is impressive (plus he hand picked her), however the fact she’s already graced the cover of Italia Vogue: The Black issue last year is simply, double impressive.

Lopez has been hot property in New York since her debut at a Victoria Secrets event in Miami last year and it looks like she’s here to stay. You go girl.

TREND WATCH: £7 LASH LIFT

So I found a beautician who had a lash and eyebrow stand in Bluewater a few months before Christmas and I made an appointment with her which in the end, I had to cancel. Let’s say I’m glad I did as she had quoted me £50 to have my falsies put on. Now, I would have paid it because I’ve seen her work and she’s damn good, clients of hers include Danni Minogue and Cheryl Cole and we all know Ms. Coles lashes look per-fec-to.

Anyhow, now everyone seems to be going mad for more than a lash or two at the outer corners to full blown lashes – up to 25 per eye! How times have changed… one of my first beauty clients were Eyelure (false eyelashes brand) and I regularly had to put two or three falsies on journalists to entice them to write about how ‘great’ they were and they were a struggle to apply. Fast forward to now, applying 25 per eye, doubt my hand would be able to be so steady for that long! Well no more do you have to be an X Factor judge on Simon Cowell wages to enjoy this look, beauty guru Shavata has opened the Lash Lounge nationwide, offering 12 different instant chic lash effects from just £7 as well as permanent treatments such as last perming.
As false lashes give you that eternal youth look, it’s been reported to knock off 10 years… Bring them on I say! That means I’ll be looking my best all the time… my 20’s were my fine days! Call 020 8993 8333 for a Lash Lounge near you.

I’M IN NEED OF A … ASOS DOUBLE WRAP AROUND CUFF

I love ASOS as I’m guaranteed to find good bargains and this time I’ve come trumps once again! These stylish cuffs are only a tenner! With a gold finish chain and leather effect and adjustable buckle fastening (for those of us who have fat wrists?!), this is a definite must have for my accessories draw.

BEAUTY BUYS: STELLA BY STELLA MCCARTNEY

If I had to choose my favourite perfume I’d pick Stella by Stella McCartney. The first time I bought it was several years ago during a shopping trip where I was babysitting the American hottie Carmen Electra, which was part of my job whilst working on the PR for her Strip Aerobics DVD’s.

There I was, milling around (obviously window shopping), whilst she was buzzing round the shop like a bee. I strolled into the boudoir looking area where they had all the perfumes randomly placed and I picked up this purple bottle. Once I sprayed a little bit on my wrist I was immediately hooked. The scent is seductive, delicate and confident; it’s just perfect! Can someone tell my boyfriend I’ve run out please? Possible Valentines Day gift perhaps?

THE LAST WORD… JENNIFER HUDSON’S SUPERBOWL PERFORMANCE

Did you see it? If you didn’t you really missed out, as this woman is extremely talented. The performance was effortless. Her voice, faultless, however as I had suspected J Hud’s performance of the US National anthem was a pre record, but that means nada to me and I’m sure many who watched will agree with me. It was still out of this world and due to how fabulous it was her label announced that the recording would go on sale on iTunes on Tuesday, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Hudson-King Foundation which cares for the needs of families who have lost relatives to violent crime.

It was reported the decision for Hudson to lip sync at Sunday’s Super Bowl XLIII was at the request of the pre game show’s producer Rickey Minor. Can’t blame him for this request after what she’s been through, but to be honest it doesn’t even matter – the performance was too spectacular to criticise it in anyway and had she have sung live, it would have been just as brilliant. Click the video below to see.

Truly amazing…

ISSUE 7 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

Sorry, a few days late – it’s been a hellish week, I can feel the stress in my neck – time to visit Aveda for a massage me thinks. I actually did have this week’s done in time, but my laptop/internet has been playing silly buggers with me, so just pretend its last Friday for the next 10 or so minutes…

Anyhow, to compensate for my lateness of recent I’m in the process of sorting out some ‘great freeness’ for my dedicated subscribers so watch this space. If you regularly view my blog, why not become a subscriber and have the chance of winning some fab prizes too? Just enter your email address into the subscriber box to the right and ‘wa – la’. Fierce List in your mailbox every week! Plus, this is a time to get your female friends and family members in the know, by subscribing. With Britain’s No 1 Black newspaper going into administration this week, you never know my dreams of online publishing may soon become a reality. On a serious note; the demise of The New Nation and struggles The Voice are having saddens me (even if I’m still filled with anger from when I was horrified to see one of the above publications printing the wrong date (yes, I said the wrong date) on their front page way back when…

Oh and to those who woke up this morning to see inches of snow outside their door step, I’m happy for you too! No work today and probably tomorrow (how residents of Canada will be laughing at us all now!). Maybe you can prop yourself up in bed, playing catch up watching Series 1 of Gossip Girl as this is what one of my close girlfriends is doing as I type!

xxxx

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… KELLY ROWLAND PARTS WAYS WITH MATHEW KNOWLES (B’S DAD!)

Hooray!!! She’s done it! I know you all hear me. Ms Kelly as per the title of her latest album announced in a joint statement with Mathew Knowles this week the two are severing their working relationship. Well it’s about time is all I can say!

Knowles as we all know is Beyoncé's father and manages her, in addition to her sister Solange, and Destiny's Child. Now I understand Mr Knowles wants the best for his children, starting with the eldest but please, for the past how many years, he’s just been quite simply, taking the piss with Kelly and Michelle. They have always been put at the back whilst Beyonce received all the leads in the songs, videos, and the ‘fiercest’ outfits. Who remembers the ‘Lose my Breathe’ video? Beyonce’s Evisu jeans outfit against Kelly’s ‘Rosie from the Rugrats’ look (she had pigtails in her hair for Pete’s sake) and Michelle look like a female pimp in that white suit combo with matching hat. There were several outfit changes in this video and Beyonce’s outfits and hair were on point, whilst the other two look like extras for the video. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not dissing Beyonce as I’m one of her biggest fans, simply for her talent and for being the D.I.V.A she is. Diva in the good sense of the word by the way, plus it’s not her fault she is so damn hot. However, I believe Kelly could be just as hot as she has the looks and can damn well sing too. Her debut album ‘Simply Deep’ sold by the bucket loads and I believe she can be just as successful as Beyonce if given the opportunity to. I mean, how come Beyonce got to release ‘Crazy in Love’? This tune was a great single, with all the killer trumpet hook pounding out, whilst wearing the sexy pink/purple dress and the most ‘sick’ (meaning wicked), panties and fur combo I’ve ever seen, whilst shimmering her ‘baby oiled’ greased body on Jay Z (the hottest rapper in the game). Then there’s Kelly, who gets the club banger ‘Dilemma’ with Nelly (the rapper who did the duet with country and western star Tim McGraw who wears a plaster on his face). As if that wasn’t enough, she’s wearing some ‘off-key’ clothes throughout the video with the GHETTO-EST shoes I’ve ever seen in my life and let’s not talk about the red hair. Why? See below if you chose to permanently erase this look from your memory those few years ago… just plain OUT OF ORDER if you ask me.

I’ve been lucky enough to have been present on a photo shoot for Ms Rowland sometime last year and when I say this woman oozes sex appeal, I ain’t lying. It’s so natural to her without being contrived its unreal; I’ve not seen anything like it before. When I first arrived on set, she had no make up on and she looked a million dollars. When the shoot started she started posing for the camera and it was like ‘ca bam!’ She was on fire. I was in awe, not because she’s famous, but because of how she was working it so effortlessly. So ladies, when I say without a shadow of a doubt that Kelly Rowland CAN produce a video looking as hot as Beyonce did in “Singles Ladies” with the success to match, you best believe.

FASHION NEWS: FEBRUARY = FASHION WEEK…

For readers who love fashion you will probably know the details of when fashion week is on, which city is first and so on. For those who don’t have a clue, but would like to – here is a quick low down…

The schedule begins with New York Fashion week (13th – 20 February), followed by London Fashion week (20th – 25th). The penultimate fashion week is Milan Fashion week and the schedule ends with Paris Fashion week. These four cities are the traditional "big four" fashion weeks that are followed by new emerging fashion weeks globally. The Menswear shows occur in between autumn (fall)/winter and spring/summer in Milan.

If you don’t work for a fashion designer, a fashion pr agency or as a buyer, then it’s unlikely you’ll attend Fashion Week. Fashion is one of my loves, but I wasn’t in awe after I attend my first catwalk show at London Fashion week. What I did enjoy more was picking up ‘must have’ pieces from the official London Fashion Week venue during Fashion Weekend which will run from the 4th to the 8th March 2009.

London Fashion Weekend is the ultimate fashion event taking place on the lawns of the Natural History Museum, South Kensington.

Reinvent your look for less by picking up the season's statement purchases at a fraction of their retail price. A mixture of accessories, jewellery and ready to wear from up and coming British designers as well as the classic labels, all in one incredible location. A stunning Catwalk Show, the free Fashion Clinic, makeovers, manicures, hair styling, brow shaping and Stylist Sessions, champagne, beautiful food and one off pieces at one off prices - it is what shopping is all about.
The most expensive ticket is the GOLD ticket for £32.50 (including booking fee) which gets you entry to the event, entrance to one catwalk show and a show Bag. The cheapest ticket is £16.95 which is entrance only. For more information and to book tickets, visit the London Fashion Weekend website on Londonfashionweekend.co.uk

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… LAUREN LONDON

I’ve been meaning to write about Ms London for a while now, but just didn’t get round to include her in previous weeks. Some of you may know or recognise her already. London, is an American actress; model and occasional music video extra and I don’t mean the latter as a diss.

Born in Los Angeles, California to a Caucasian father and an African American mother, she contributed vocals on music producer Pharrell's album, In My Mind and has appeared in numerous of his music videos, such as "That Girl", "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "Frontin'." She’s recently starred in singer Ne-Yo's current video to the song Miss Independent with Keri Hilson and Gabrielle Union, and in rapper T.I.'s music video "What You Know,".


To say looks gets you everywhere is an understatement. Since being featured in the above videos London has been tipped as a ‘personality to watch’ for 09’ for what it seems for no other reason other than being beautiful. Ok, ok, she’s starred in a few films including ‘ATL and This Christmas’ (yeah, I’ve never heard of them too), but hey, she’s pretty and that’s all what Hollywood care about right? (Man, I’ve just re read the above and I sound real bitter, but I promise you I’m not, although if I was it would be understandable!)

Anyhow, let’s see what she has to offer for 09’ and maybe next time I’m writing about her, I’ll have something substantial to say which we can credit her for, rather than just talking about how bloody beautiful she is.

TREND WATCH: HEADSCARVES AND SCARVES

From silk bandanas to huge cotton squares this trend once again graces the shelves for SS09, having made an initial comeback last year. There are loads to choose from too… if you are still buying Marks and Spencer sandwiches and salads for lunch during these ‘CC’ times then you’ll be able to afford the likes of Alexandra McQueen’s skull scarf which retails at £135 from the Matches website or Yves Saint Laurent’s leopard print scarf at £325. (Now I enjoy shopping and don’t mind spending on expensive items, but please, please tell me why a scarf is this expensive?).

Anyhow, in no way am I saying spend the above amounts on a piece of fabric which is probably under 50cm both ways (!). I’m merely informing you on the hot styles out there – the rest is up to you.

I’M IN NEED OF A … SIZE 10 WAIST!

Sorry, no fashion tit bits this week… I want to have a moan. Yes, I said it. I’m asking for a ‘size 10 waist’ please… ok maybe not size 10, but a little smaller than what I am now, which is just over a size 12, but I swear I look bigger.

I recently went through some old pictures of me, way back when I was in uni with the rest of my girls. Pictures of us at the annual Ak Fest celebrations in Birmingham and we all look so slim (and young!). After reminiscing our ‘fine days’ I then looked on some pictures of a recent night out where on the night I felt ‘hot’ but on a second look think I now look fat!

Maybe I’m just going through the phase every woman tends to go through, where you hate every single piece of clothing in your wardrobe… who knows. What I do know is last year October I was saying I was on the journey of getting ‘hot for 09’ and it’s now the 2nd February and I still feel exactly the same as I did then! Also, doesn’t help that I bought a leopard print jumpsuit (yes I said leopard print – don’t judge to you see it!), but I know it will look more fabulous if 0 tyres were around my waist… the 3 I’m carrying at present affects the overall look and not in a good way.

Coupled with the above, I’m not motivated to go gym three times a week; swimming twice a week plus 100 sit ups each day (my boyfriend thinks this should be 200. What a joker!).
Cha…

Ok, I’ve just re read this post and the paragraph above re the work out regime I ‘should’ be doing has just kind of given me a kick up my ‘fat ass’ so I think I’m about ready to go to the gym, however I’ll start tomorrow as the snow is just too much for me to handle right now. :)

BEAUTY BUYS: YVES SAINT LAURENT PERFECT TOUCH

Remember the other week I told you I was going on a ‘make up’ shopping spree? Well, I did just that and decided to change from the usual Mac Studio Fix NW45 and buy Yves Saint Laurent’s Perfect Touch foundation and I’m very happy about my decision.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Perfect Touch pioneers make up revolution being the first ever brush foundation. The complexion appears perfectly even, smooth and naturally radiant from morning till night. Not only is the finish flawless, but it also provides you with a simple and unique way to help you achieve a professional makeup artist finish at home, and is also ideal for touch ups throughout the day. Available in a complete range of shades, I really like it in comparison to my trusted Studio Fix. I bought mine from Debenhams for £30, but it should be available at most department stores as well as Boots, however I’m not happy with Boots as I was lead to believe they didn’t stock the shades for darker skin, not even one or two for the sisters who might opt to buy it from there rather than Selfridges and Co.

THE LAST WORD… MADONNA STRIKES A POSE FOR LOUIS VUITTON

One of my younger cousins thinks Madonna is the devil, however I’ve got to say, say what you want about the Queen of Pop, if I was this flexible at 50, I’d be chilling saying ‘Yeah I’m the devil and what? Bet you can’t stretch like me though looking this hot?’ The image above in which Madonna defies all assumptions about age, whilst demonstrating the benefits of yoga and all the other daily work outs she has continued to do since I first watched her videography ‘In Bed with Madonna’, is from the Louis Vuitton Spring 09 ad campaign.

The campaign which features Madonna posing provocatively in fishnet tights was designed to resemble that of a smoky Parisian café. Keep an eye out for the campaign which should be out from February. Fierce, Fierce, Fierce is all I can say.