In keeping with the celebrity trend of the moment, the first challenge was simple… to wear and/or buy a scarf.  So below is a photo of me wearing a black “Pashmina” scarf (and a cute black and white stripped turtle neck I scooped up at Forever 21 for only $8.50) during my dizzying four-day stay in Las Vegas.

The photo was taken by my hubby during a yummy brunch at the hip, new Sushi Samba restaurant in the uber-chic Palazzo Hotel & Casino on the Strip.

Next week, I’m hosting “The Hot Mama Challenge.”  Here’s where you come in. If you want to take the challenge, send me a photo of yourself wearing your fave, funky winter hat (or a photo of you in your fave hat and fab earrings or outfit to match).  Remember to think a ‘lil outside the box, but keep it fashion forward.  I have a thing for slouchy, bohemian knit hats (Nicole Richie’s vibe). What’s your hat style?  

On Tuesday, I will post the best photos that are emailed to me by noon EST on Saturday, Dec. 13.  

Along with your emailed photo, please include the following info:

Your name?

Age?  City?  Why your hat rocks? Where you found it? 

And as in incentive, the best three photos/descriptions will win a pair of groovy fake eyelashes or makeup from Black Radiance.

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.

SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.

Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.

Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.

Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.

Star shows us a selection of fabulous gifts for him and her at Glamour Gift Guide.

Chloe features jewelry gifts for family and friends at Gleaming Things, and offers The Twelve Days of Shopping Christmas Guide at Her Accessories.

Tracy has a not so secret wish list and her holiday gift guide at Hot Mama Daily.

Dexie’s jewelry gift guide for her lights up She Knows Best. And don’t miss out on her Under $100 Holiday Looks at Style It Less.

Kori offers fabulous shoes for every woman in your life at ShoeBlitz.

Colleen features wonderful spa and beauty gifts at Spa Beautifully.

Ashley invites you to indulge in luxury at The Latest Luxe.

Lara provides 8 top 8 lists of holiday gifts for everyone at The List Maven.

Happy Shopping!!

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

As an African-American woman, it’s hard for me to put into words how proud I am that Barack Obama has won the presidential election.  Yes we can and did!  I’m equally amazed that America will now have a black First Lady and first daughters.  Michelle Obama and her girls, Malia and Sasha, are beautiful and I can’t wait to see how their flair for fashion evolves over the next four years. Michelle’s fashion sense is pretty bold — from the darling, Donna Ricco black and white flower sheath she wore on “The View” to the hip-hugging purple dress she wore on the campaign trail (see top photo, for sale at Amazon.com). 

The red-splashed black Narciso Rodriguez dress she wore during Senator Obama’s victory speech wasn’t my favorite. It looked more Contempo Casuals than Jackie O. But we all have our fashion don’t days.  

What do you think of First Lady Obama’s style?  Hot or Not?

Photo credits: Amazon.com, Newscom

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

I’m thrilled to be the new editor for Hot Mama Daily. Each week I will bring you the latest in beauty, style and fashion news and trends for women of color.  Since I’m equal parts budget style expert and pop culture enthusiast, I’ll also give tips on where to find the season’s looks for less inspired or designed by women of color, and juicy celebrity beauty and style commentary.

I recently met designer Tracy Reese at a presentation of her Spring 2009 collection at her Manhattan boutique.  Besides that fact that we share a first name, Tracy’s success truly inspires me. And when I told her I was editing this blog, she responded, “Good luck with Hot Mama!”

Needless to say, I’m already loving this gig.  So check in daily to get the scoop on new and affordable beauty and style trends for women of color.

Best,

 Tracy 

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

FASHION

The Well-Heeled Society highlights a worthy Breast Cancer Awareness event: Shoes That Inspire, where you can buy a $10.00 raffle for silk Peter Fox shoes, hand-painted by Tracey Asai.

BEAUTY

A Touch of Blusher counts down the best 10 fall 2008 makeup collections.

Steeping Beauty has a low cost fine mist spray by Evian.

Post from: Hot Mama Daily