The Savvy Sistah

 My sophisticated & stylish sistah for the week is actress Gabrielle Union. She is the Hollywood "it" girl at this time and everywhere you see her from premiers to parties you'll always see that winning smile. The last movie she did was "The perfect Holiday" with Morris Chestnut & Queen Latifah and she looked so elegant on the cover of the December issue of Essence Magazine with fellow actresses Nia Long and Sanna Lathan. A well spoken and classy lady she also has the most beautiful and flawless skin and that's why she's a spokesperson for Neutrogena. Newly divorced, you will find her at many industry parties but she always looks on point with all of her wardrobe picks. Keep your eyes open for more of this sophisticated & stylish sistah for 2008.

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                                                                     2008 CTS

I have found it really strange that some people still think that women don't know about cars. But it's not like it was 30 years ago. Today women are the primary decision makers in the home and with more ladies going to college, starting their own businesses and even moving up the ranks in corporate america... we can buy our own cars.

So let's talk about cars, and you know the kind i'm talking about, you know the one's that cause you to do a double take when someone races past you or make you want to get dressed up when you go out for a drive even if it's right down the street.

 I have had the pleasure to work as a presenter for Cadillac for the North American Auto Show circuit for three years and I am constantly amazed at the products that Cadillac is putting on the road today. Cadillac has an a 100 year history and was the car the signified that you have "arrived". The new 2008 CTS is stylish, advanced and affordable. It starts at $32,990 and will max out in the low to mid 40's. It's available in a V6 engine with a choice of AWD or RWD with and automatic or manual transmission. You can enjoy features like heated and cooled seats, voice activated DVD navigation system, heated windshield washer fluid and the list goes on. If you want to be seen in one of the best looking cars of the season, make sure you go to www.Cadillac.com

                              Take a look at the 2008 CTS and Escalade at the auto show

Beyonce

If you're looking for a sophisticated yet simple hairstyle to wear to some of your Christmas parties, why not try "The Updo". This hairstyle is very elegant and it's designed to accentuate many of your favorite features. Wearing your hair up will draw attention to a beautiful neck, high cheekbones and big beautiful eyes. Many updos start with just making a ponytail high on top of your head or you can even purchase attachments to complete your looking in a short amount of time.

This look on Beyonce is achieved by putting hair up in a ponytail and and rolling small sections of hair around your fingers as you secure it in place with bobbi pins.

More stunning updos for the holidays!

Sally Richardson-Whitfield at the premier of I Am Legend

                         Salli Richardson-Whitfield at the premier of I am Legend

 Every week I want to highlight a celebrity that exudes sophistication and style. This week I chose Salli Richardson-Whitfield. Salli is a talented actress from Chicago. In 2002 she married fellow actor Dondre Whitfield and she has a beautiful daughter named Parker. (and at 40 years she still looks good). She was recently photographed walking the red carpet at the premier of I Am Legend in New York. She plays Will Smith's wife Zoe in this movie. And with the success of this new movie i'm pretty sure we're going to see a lot more of her.She looks gorgeous in this dress and I love the chandelier style earrings.                                                              

Salli and family

She's a wife, mother & actress and she's my Sophisticated & Stylish Sistah of the Week!

Silk Bonnie Dress by Zac Posen

I love this party dress by designer Zac Posen, it's free, flowing, and sexy. This colorblocked design looks very vibrant and unique with accordion pleating in shades of fuschia & red.To complete the look grab these Python-Embossed T-Strap Sandals by Andrew Gn and a sassy rhinestone embellished satin clutch with a chain link strap by Devi Kroell.                                      

Embellished Sandal

Satin Frame Clutch by Devi Kroell

Venus

She's a tennis star and now she's on her way to becoming a designing star! Venus Williams graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale on Thursday. It took her 8 years to complete her associates degree. (Now I call that drive and determination).

Eleven by Venus

Her new women's athletic and lifestyle clothing collection created with Steve & Barry's called "Eleven" is doing pretty good, so I can't wait to see what this designing diva is going to do next.

Congratulations Venus!!!!

Shop her collection at elevenbyvenus.com

Yolanda Adams

If you need a little help getting into the holiday spirit go out and pick up Yolanda Adam's latest release. The new cd is called "What A Wonderful Life" and it's filled with many of our holiday favorites in addition to five original songs.

Yolanda always has a way of putting a jazzy and classy spin on Christmas songs and on this one she holds nothing back. Hear songs like, "My Favorite Things", "Give Love On Christmas Day" and the smooth redention of "Do You Hear What I hear". (just to name a few)

So before the snow falls and you gather logs for the fireplace, make sure you go out and get this new cd.

Mary J

My mother always taught me that you never have to have a bad hair day. So around this time of the year my signature hat is "The Beret". This hat looks good on everybody and you can wear it with a causal outfit like jeans and a sweater or with a classy dress like Mary J. It's a simple accessory that gives a chic look.

Elasta QP DPR-11

Okay ladies I don't know about you, but this cold weather is making my hair really dry, so anytime I notice that my hair lacks moisture and feels a little brittle I know that means I need to get back to my weekly deep conditions.

One of my favorite deep conditioners is Elasta QP DPR11. It's inexpensive (under $6.00) and you can find it at your local beauty supply store. It has 11 conditioning botanicals that include Peach Blossom oil and vitamin e and it's perfect for all hair types. When you get ready to condition your hair just follow these few steps. (scoop out a few spoons full and put in a bowl) 

1. Add a little honey because it's an "natural" humectant and it draws moisture to your hair

2. Add a little olive oil because it's loaded when vitamins and it's great for replenishing oil back to your hair

3. Make sure you cover your hair from root to tip.

4. Sit under a hooded dryer for at least 30 minutes with a plastic cap

5. Rinse with cool water to close the cuticle, this will make the hair smooth and shiny

6. Continue with your regmine (leave-in conditioner, hair oil, rollersets etc.)

Many of us have naturally dry hair and the weather doesn't help. You will be amazed at how the condition of your hair will improve with weekly deep conditions.

Alicia keys

One lady tells her story by playing on black & white keys

and the other had a voice that had the smooth sound of a horn.

And soon these two instruments or "ladies" will become one, when Alicia Keys takes on the role of the legendary Lena Horn in an Oprah Winfrey produced biopic.Alicia has been fine tunning her acting skills with movie roles in "The Nanny Daries" and "Smoking Aces and she's been really busy since releasing her new cd "As I Am" which is number one on the charts. As she travels the globe her new look is always the focal point and everyone seems to love her new style. (Go Girl)!

I can't wait to see this new project and hear the smooths sounds that will flow when 

Keys & Horn come together.

Lena Horn

 Photo: OTRCAT.com