Rihanna doesn't play "Russian Roulette" with love anymore.

A blonde Rihanna, flaunting yet another cutting edge haircut and wearing a sharp, white sweater dress with big shoulder pads and stilettos, spoke about her humiliation because of her abuse at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown and her regret over reuniting with the singer only three weeks after he assaulted her.

“This happened to me….it can happen to anyone,” she told Sawyer. The 21-year-old also says she wants to be an example to other young women not to stand for domestic violence.  And she revealed she doesn’t hate Brown, but wants him to act like a man and take responsibility for his actions, not feel sorry for himself, and “grow up.”  Right on Rihanna!

Image credit: Newscom.com

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Tell me which couples you think are Hot and which are just lukewarm? 

Mariah Carey stands by her man, Nick Cannon.

I still don’t get Mariah Carey with Nick Cannon.  And it’s not because he’s younger; it’s because he seems so immature.  She’s a superstar glamazon and he’s…well, he’s Nick Cannon. But I have to admit Mariah seems truly in love and looks great in this body-hugging black gown at the premiere of “Precious.”

Freida Pinto with her Slumdog co-star Dev Patel.

“Slumdog Millionaire” costars Freida Pinto and Dev Patel are finally going public with their relationship.  And don’t they make an adorable couple?  Freida is a natural beauty whose taste in fashion tends to make her look older than 25.  But with Dev — and his tossled hair and hipster style — Freida looks young and fresh.

Paula Patton with her boo Robin Thicke.

Paula Patton is another stunner.  Her red carpet fashion, however, has always been hit and miss (mainly miss).  This lingerie-inspired, champagne mini-dress is no exception.  Good thing the “Precious” star has her suave husband, singer Robin Thicke by her side; he’s her best accessory. 

Image credit: Bauer Griffin

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My friend Keisha loves Aveda's Be Curly.

Keisha had been growing out her relaxer for about a year. Recently she took the plunge and had her hair cut into a chic, short-cropped natural style that when blown out reminds me of the Nola Darling character from Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It.”

Be Curly ($18) is supposed to define curls, reduce frizz, and boost shine. Keisha’s review? She used the product on both her damp and dry hair to shape and define her curls, and loved the results. Her curls were even bigger when she washed, dried, flat-ironed, and then sprayed her hair with water and generously applied Be Curly.

The product includes tamanu oil—sustainably sourced from the island of Vanuatu –which moisturizes hair and helps reduce frizz.

Keisha shows off her curly coiff.

Keisha said she prefers Be Curly to other curl-enhancing products, including Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding or Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue.

Now it’s time for the rest of you Hot Mamas to hip me to your fave curly hair product. Respond to this post and tell me all about it.

(Image credit: Tracy E. Hopkins, Aveda.com)

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The boyfriend blazer I sported in high school came from the Limited, and was grey with a plaid pattern, double-breasted, and had shoulder pads so big I felt like a linebacker.

Women's 3/4-Sleeve Sateen Blazers, $39.50

Women's Double-Breasted Boyfriend Blazers, $39.50

The new version of the boyfriend blazer seems less tomboyish and a little sleeker. I found these two great jackets on Old Navy’s website.  Better yet, you get 30% Off any purchase if you use your Old Navy card!

What do you think — are boyfriend blazers Hot or Not?

Image credit: OldNavy.com

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So ladies get ready, set, and go stock up on holiday gifts, because Falchi’s authentic-looking, faux snakeskin bags are available at Target ($19.99 to $49.99) through December 27.

Carlos Falchi for Target® Small Hobo - Purple Collage, $19.99

Carlos Falchi for Target® Large Satchel - Black, $49.99

Thanks to the generous folks at Target, I already have my large, patchwork satchel in gray.  And I love it.

But what do  you think of the bags?  Are Carlos Falchi’s handbags for Target Hot or Not?

Image credit: Target.com

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During Fashion Week, I visited the CVS/pharmacy Reinventing Beauty event, where I found out the store’s beauty aisle shelves are lowered to 5′0″ so products are easily accessible for the average height woman (5′4″), and was introduced to the latest beauty trends and products for the Fall/Winter season. Here are a few highlights:

DIY: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit ($5.99 for 44 strips) is a good example of a do-it-yourself product that will save you time and money. The dermatologist-tested strips are made with aloe, soybean, and Vitamin E.

Store Brands: Store brands are usually a better value.  And with CVS’ money back guarantee, you can’t lose.  I’d love to try the CVS/pharmacy Deep Action Power Cleanser ($13.99), which massages and exfoliates your face when used with your favorite skin cleanser or scrub.  Compared to the $195 Clarisonic Classic, that’s a real bargain!

Back to Basics: It’s fun to test new beauty products,  but there’s nothing like tried-and-true standbys like Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5.29). America’s number one mascara in the pink and green container conditions as it thickens lashes, and is a stock staple at CVS.

Image credit: Tracy Hopkins

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Packaged in a pretty peach, candy-striped boudoir box with a satin black bow on top, Moxie adds a touch of glamour to picking up your monthly supply of sanitary napkins and panty liners.

Moxie Slenders Panty Liners with reusable tin.

And each box of Slender Pads (daytime pads), Slenders Panty Liners (for light period days), and Scanty Panty Liners (everyday use between periods) comes with a discreet, reusable candy-stripped tin.

The Australian brand is available in the U.S. exclusively at Duane Reade pharmacies.

Image credit: Moxie

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18 karat Gold, Silver, and Chocolate Diamond Ring by JesseDanger

This modern and luxurious 18 karat Gold, Silver, and Chocolate Diamond Ring ($585) by JesseDanger features a band hand-crafted from recycled Argentium Silver, and the 18kt yellow gold bezel holds a beautiful .25ct round chocolate diamond.

Silver Asymmetry Ring with Quartz

For those not going to the chapel, the Vermont-based designer also makes eye-catching cocktail rings like this Silver Asymmetry  Ring with Quartz ($85) made with recycled Argentium Silver and a lovely, round rose quartz stone. 

Image credit: Etsy

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Amazing Grace. She wore a black mask when it wasn't Halloween!

I absolutely love Grace Jones.  She is a bold, beautiful avant garde fashion muse and music icon. But I can see how some folks would be more than a little scared of the 60-year-old glamazon.

'Lil Kim, what a Thriller!

Lil’ Kim has taken her tribute to Michael Jackson a little too far.  I can’t decide what’s scarier — her botched plastic surgery, crazy blue contacts, or this horrid, lime green stripper dress.

Is Bai Ling a sexy hobo?

This mix-and-match outfit would be passable if it were Bai Ling’s homeless chic costume for Halloween. Unfortunately, this is how the nutty “actress” (she played a tattoo artist in the worst episode in “Lost” history) always dresses.

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Keep your closet tidy.

So I came up with these five-time-saving tips to getting dressed and out the door each weekday morning:

1) Organize your closet.  If your clothes are easy to find, they’re easier to put on.

2) Pick out and iron your clothes for Monday on Sunday night, and continue this the rest of the week.

3) Take your favorite work pants, dresses, and shirts to a discount cleaners at least once a month.  That way, they’re ready to wear.

4) Keep your mirror time to a minimum.  What’s most important is that your face is clean and moisturized.  Apply a little foundation or powder, lipstick or lip balm and get out the door.  Then you can apply the rest of your makeup at the office.

5) Go bargain shopping.  The winter  blahs are on the way and it’s the perfect time to liven up your wardrobe with a dash of color.  And stylish new clothing and accessories are a great motivation to getting to work so you can show off.

Image credit: Sam’s Club

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