Makeup Inspiration!

*Stands up and starts the slow clap building to wild applause*

The makeup (not to mention the accessories) in this video make my heart sing =)

Jamila

Check my footwork...

Versace Intrecciata Metal Platform Sandal.

I wanna put a ring on it......

That's how much I like it

Style.101

Check out BeautifulCompany in Style.101 Magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.style101magazine.com/BeautyMarch10.html

LOC UPDATE!!

Baby I'm LOCKED up!!

I suppose it's about time for a loc update =) I know you've all been waiting with baited breath lol

I'm loving every moment of the journey!

Come along for the ride!!

I started here:

I loved this style but missed my natural curls soooo after a few months I did the "big chop" (for the 3rd time)

After wearing my T.W.A. (Teeny, Weeny Afro) for a few months...

(Ryan Leslie and I at a Melanie Fiona album signing)

I was ready for something new. After inspired my this GORGEOUS picture of Lauren Hill...

That was that--

So the loc journey begins!

Day 1...

2 months...

(My lil roommate and I)

3 months...

4 months (now)...

(Dwight Eubanks and I @ his salon)

I'm officially locked. =)

I'll keep you posted with any new developments lol-- I'm thinking a little color for the summer, no?

Tell me what you think!

(Special shout out to my loctician Allyson!!)

Until next time,

Remember to stay in beautiful company and BE Beautiful Company!

*MUAH*

Jamila

The Color of Beauty

American Vogue July, 2008

Spring is right around the corner, at least for us southerners :) and visions of espadrilles and sundresses have begun to dance in my head. Naturally, as a self-proclaimed fashionista, I began scouring the latest ad campaigns and magazines for spring inspiration. As I surfed the net, I came across some pictures from W magazine. As I mentioned in my last BeautifulCompany post, I couldn't help but be distracted by the lack of diversity in the models:

W Magazine

As promised I did a little research and dug a little deeper...

Apparently I am not the only one that noticed a "white-out" in the industry. Bethann Hardison has led the charge and become very instrumental in demanding equality in the industry.

Picture source: uptownlife.net

For those of you that do not know this fabulous woman, allow me to enlighten you. :) Bethann Hardison is a former model (and Dwayne Wayne's [Kadeem Hardison] mom :)) who worked with major designers and magazines ie: Vouge and Harper's Bazaar in the 1970's.

After retiring from modeling she became an agent and eventually started her own agency: Bethann Management. Ms. Hardison focused her attentions on ethnic models and is credited with jump-starting the careers of major models such as Tyson Beckford. To learn more about her click here.

In 2007 Bethann Hardison began a series of forums about Blacks in Fashion, attended by fashion heavyweights such as, Andre Leon Talley, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and MANY others.

Ms. Hardison carries some clout! lol

These forums were an open floor to discuss the recent "white-out" that had not gone unnoticed in the fashion industry. During the forums it was concluded that designers and agencies were unaware of the problem. Several black models spoke out, expressing that many designers and agents felt that having one black model was enough. The overall consensus was that many magazines, agents and designers felt that black models do not sell. (If you would like a more detailed account of these forums Claire at Fashion Bomb Daily attended these conferences and did a great job reporting on them)

After these conferences, things seemed to get better-- for a while. Vogue Italia released it's All Black Issue in July 2008. (I am the proud owner of an issue!)

The issue sold out in the US and UK in 72 hours! Though some people had mixed feelings about the issue, I felt that it was a step in the right direction.

The models featured on the quadruple cover: Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn,-- with the addition of Chanel Iman, Jessica White and Arlenis Sosa seem to have been granted entry into the fashion elite (Naomi was inducted years ago). Though this is great for these models, many other Black models have doors slammed in their faces daily because the powers that be feel they have met their color quota .

hmmmmm...

On the BEAUTY side of things, I must give Covergirl props for diversity in their beauty campaigns. Though I have yet to see an Asian or Middle-Eastern model, CG has a fairly long history of having African-American and Latina lead models in their ads. Tyra Banks, Brandy, and Rihanna are examples. The CG Queen Collection with spokesperson Queen Latifah is geared towards women of color.

Also Dania Ramirez is set to launch CGs Clean Makeup for Clean Water campaign. Mabelline also uses people of color for many of their ads including, Jourdan Dunn, Jessica White and Halle Berry. *snaps for them!*

So Beautiful People....

Does it make a difference to you what color the models are, as long as the ad is HOT?

Should we as the consumer protest louder? Boycott?

Does BEAUTY have a color?

White Hot

The FLY, INTERESTING, CRAZY, SEXY, COOL (no t-boz) spring fashion in this W Mag layout ALMOST makes up for the lack of diversity in the models. (I see a few sistas representing though!)

While the style in this layout is beautiful, I can't help but be distracted by the fact that out of the countless white models there are only 2 (possibly 3) black models and 1 Asian model. :o(

I must admit, this bothers me...

There is more than one type of beauty and, though we have made some progress in the fashion community-- most cultures are still grossly underrepresented.

Hmm... I feel a blog post coming on... Let me do some research and get back to you...

Stay Tuned!

Jamila

I Do.

Soo...

I found my wedding dress!!!

Versace Atelier 2009/10

Now all I need is the groom.....

The Powers that "V"

Hey y'all. I know, I know, it's been a while *hanging head in shame* We had some stuff we had to deal with but...............WE'RE BACK!!!!!!!!

Ok, so a while back I did a post on V Magazine's "Pump up the Stam!!!! The Rachel Zoe Workout" and it got me to thinking how marvelous V Magazine really is. From their magnificent covers:

To their creative layouts:

V Magazine has definitely made the world a better place (fashion-wise at least) and for that we are eternally grateful =)

**Natural Barbie**

Dope.

Our apologies!!!

It's been a long time! We shouldn't have left you, without a dope post to read!! Please forgive us! : (

We have some great ideas and exciting posts on deck! I promise!

Anyhoo...

As I was doing my daily blog rounds I ran across this VERY FLY picture of Teyana Taylor:

This picture is GORGEOUS! The makeup is lashes are LUXE! The eyebrows are PERFECTION! The gloss is the most perfect bubblegum pink and the glasses are a HAUTE addition.

This photo is doing everything right!!!!

Apparently, she's starting her own lip gloss line called Dope Lips:

The ad could definitely use some work........... But we wish her success and favor on her business venture nonetheless : )

Am I the only one tempted to abandon my vampy fall lip for neon pink??

*Jamila*

I LIVE FOR THIS!... You're just a fan

Beauty is a lifestyle. It is a way of life. It drives me, and makes me smile. :o)

Beauty inspires me, I live for it. Beauty is small and fleeting. It's obvious and grand!

It's surprises you.

It contradicts.

It's found anywhere.

It's found everywhere.

God is love, God is beauty.

Beauty Is Life.

Beauty is Love.

"To give them BEAUTY for ashes, the oil of JOY for mourning, the garment of PRAISE for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness."

Isaiah 61:3

BEAUTIFULCOMPANY

*Jamila*

WHAT?!?!?! You're now rockin' with the GREATEST!!!!!!!!

Ok, so it's no secret that we at Beautiful Company are obsessed with Rih-Rih. This is why:---------------------------------->

WHAT?!?! This pic is why I mess with Rih-Rih. Her rep is impeccable, she's not to be messed with. She is killing EVERYONE right now with a sawed off shotgun!!!! Her gutsy style can be duplicated by no one. From her edgy hair, to her seemingly inherent swagger, and I don't even want to get started on her makeup. That cat eye is SIC!! You will DEFINITELY see that again here soon. I take my hat off to you Rihanna. BRAVO.


*Natural Barbie*

The Best I Ever Had......

When thinking about things that are considered to be "The Best,"

several things come to mind:

-The Best Popcorn: Garretts Popcorn in Chicago

-The Best Chicken and Waffles: Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles (Pico and La Brea)

-The Best Rapper Alive: Ehh... debatable but my vote's for Jay-Z

-The Best Frozen Custard/Ice-Cream: Kopp's Frozen Custard in Milwaukee, WI

-The Best Eyeliner: M.A.C. Fluidline in Blacktrack

-The Best Bronzer/Blush: Black Opal Shimmer Bronzer (Quality + Affordabilty = The best)

-THE BEST MAGAZINE OF ALL TIME --------> SUEDE!

I don't know how many of you remember this genius publication but, Suede Magazine was released by Essence on September 14, 2004.

Essence disclosed this press release describing what the magazine was all about:

SUEDE speaks to a new American woman -- urban, always cosmopolitan; as downtown as she is uptown; 

cultured and multi-cultural; black, white, Latina and Asian and always on the edge of fashion, culture and entertainment.  

The magazine represents a new, original voice on the newsstand, a voice that speaks to a generation of people from diverse cultures, upbringings and interests.  

Their role models range from politicians to supermodels, from authors and historians to rap artists.  

Their style is inspired by the street and the runway but is wholly their own.

This wonderful magazine folded after just 4 issues! *sad face + tear*

Leaving only this short sentence for an explanation:

"It has become clear that more time and resources would be needed to further develop this brand.," Ed Lewis, chairman and chief executive officer of Essence

I for one was DEVASTATED! There has been a gaping void in the magazine world ever since. Though others have tried ie: Vibe Vixen, Jewel, etc. No other publications have matched or even come close to Suede.

From The Layouts:

To The Beauty:

To The Fashion:

To The Editorials:

Suede Magazine was nothing but pure creativity, and quality from cover to cover. Suede Magazine was a game changer.

The game once again needs change...

Who will be the cashier???

*Jamila*