Find out more about the crafty stylist:

Hot Mama Daily: How long have you been making the shoulder jewelry?

Seville: I came up with the concept in July 2009 and by October 2009 I designed the full line.

HMD: What’s your inspiration for starting the jewelry line?

Seville: I was working with a pop star, Nelly Furtado, and imagined all of the beautiful things I would love to create if I were her personal stylist. One of the concepts I envisioned was a drapery silhouette for the shoulder that would later become babettte epaulette.

babette epaulette

HMD: Your shoulder jewelry would look hot on Rihanna.

Seville: I have pieces for Rihanna that I am waiting to make for her.

HMD: How long does it take to make each piece?

Seville: All of the pieces are handmade in Astoria, Queens. It takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to create each piece.

HMD: What’s the significance of the name babette epaulette?

Seville: I came across the name babette a few months ago and I loved it. After showing my pieces to a friend, she reminded me that shoulder accents worn in the military are called epaulettes. And I like the way the name came together, babette epaulette.

babette is rock star ready!

HMD: Before you launched your own shoulder jewelry line, you were a stylist.  Besides Nelly Furtado, whom have you worked with?

Seville: I’ve been a wardrobe stylist for 5 years and an assistant art director for 2 years. I’ve worked in wardrobe for several MTV shows including “Brooke Knows Best,” and “Making the Band,” and on the films “Away We Go,” “Soulmen,” and “New in Town.”  As an assistant art director, I’ve worked with “The Real Housewives of New York,” among other [productions].

I can't wait to get my babette epaulette shoulder piece.

HMD: Where are the shoulder pieces available?

Seville: I’m in the process of getting into Patricia Field and building a shop on my site. I’m also in talks with a few of my favorite stores in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. They range from $110-$160.

HMD: Do you have plans to expand into making other types of jewelry?

Seville: My focus right now are the shoulder pieces, but I know this world is magical and I will follow the path that lights up in front of me!

Image credit: www.9ststudio.com

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Sheree Whitfield at Fashion Week in New York City.

This season, Sheree’s near fisticuffs with a hot-tempered party planner spawned the catch phrase “Who’s Gonna Check Me Boo?” and she debuted her She by Sheree clothing line.  The designer sites Dolce & Gabbana as her style icons, admits she’s not “bald-headed” but likes to rock  clip-in hair pieces, and loves “the daily grind” of New York City.  Let’s find out more about the glamorous socialite.

Hot Mama Daily: What’s the most difficult part about doing the Real Housewives of Atlanta?

Sheree:  The schedule is a little challenging, but I would say the most difficult part is putting your life out there for the whole world to judge.

HMD: This season we saw that you had to move to a smaller house and your divorce was finalized. Was it difficult to go through that on TV?

Sheree: It was a bad situation, but it was my life. It’s a reality show and at the time that’s what I was going through.  When you get married you never think this would be the outcome.

HMD: Would you say the show accurately portrays you?

Sheree: The show is kind of accurate, but people are only seeing part of your life.  My personality is multi-faceted, but on the show they may only show one side of my personality.  This season they were able to capture more of my personality.  But you really can’t get who I am out of two hours [of editing].

HMD: You had two of the most memorable moments this season, with the party planner and the Kim wig incident.  Would you say those incidents reflected you accurately?

Sheree: Those are sides of me.  I don’t like to go there, but I can. [Regarding the party planner] Was he a lunatic or what?  Before I went to meet with him he hung up on me.  He had promised the producers all these things like the helicopter, which was his idea. And he couldn’t deliver, I told the producers I wasn’t going to work with him, but they told me to go for the meeting so the story would have continuity.  So I think he did what he had to do to get on the show and get air time.

 HMD: Which housewife are you closest to off-screen?

Sheree: It’s a working relationship.  When we’re not taping we really aren’t hanging out.

HMD: We got a glimpse of She by Sheree in the season finale. When will it be available and in what stores?

Sheree: The pieces from the fashion show in the finale are custom pieces.  I also did a Spring/Summer 2010 presentation during Fashion Week in New York. That collection will be available in select boutiques next year. I owned a boutique, and it’s about exclusivity. I worked with a lot of up-and-coming designers and it’s about being in demand.  The clothes from the show are custom pieces and those are available in late December on www.shereewhitfield.com.  I also have “Who’s Gonna Check Me Boo?” t-shirts; the t-shirts keep selling out but will be back up soon.  They sell for $30 and up.

Sheree Whitfield, Lisa Wu Hartwell, NeNe Leakes and Kandi Burruss

HMD: What was your most favorite and least favorite moment from this season? 

Sheree: My favorite moment was the She by Sheree fashion show. My least favorite moment was I wish Bravo showed more of me during the fashion show.  The fashion show was amazing.  I wanted something classy and high-end. Dwight came in at the last minute, and I appreciate what he did.  But it was a team effort.  He didn’t do everything; but Bravo made it look like he did everything.

HMD: You’re obviously in great shape.  How many times a week do you work out?

Sheree: Besides my family and fashion, I am passionate about health and fitness.  I want to motivate and get people in shape.  If you look good you feel good.  When I’m not taping “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” I work out 4 to 5 times a week.  That’s my “me time.”  People always talk about my arms, but I don’t do a lot of weight training.  For me, it’s all about [working my] butt and thighs.  I do a lot of plyometrics, spinning, and walking in the park.

HMD: If you could replace Kim with any cast member from one of the other Housewives’ shows, who would it be and why?

Sheree: I would replace Kim with Gretchen from the O.C.  I met her and she’s cool, there’s no drama, and she seems to tell the truth.

HMD: Will there be a third season? 

Sheree: We put the “Real Housewives” [franchise] on the map. I can’t imagine [Bravo] wouldn’t do another season.

(Image credit: Newscom)

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Tinu loves shoes!

I chatted with the stunning Nigeria native via email.

Hot Mama Daily: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Tinu: (Laughs) Mum is the word here! I am so ashamed to say the number out loud for the fear of being called a mini Imelda Marcos. Perhaps I will let the cat out of the bag in my upcoming book. That is one you definitely don’t want to miss. It will be announced on my website when it launches.

Tinu's shoe collection.

HMD: What’s your favorite brand of shoes?

Tinu: I’m not loyal to any brand. I buy based on designs that appeal to me. [For example], I just got my first pair of Jimmy Choos a few months ago despite owning a few hundreds of other designer shoes. I don’t buy based on name or trend. I have to “connect” to the shoes and most importantly wear them.

Tinu's boots are made for cat-walking!

Tinu Naija

HMD: What designers did you model for in Europe?

Tinu: It was fun working with Julien McDonald when he did a special BBC feature in Paris when he was still the designer at Givenchy haute couture.  I also had fun working with Pascal Millet at Carven haute couture. I would call my experience with them beyond just modeling. Now I’m also happy sitting front row watching the shows and collecting some of the best designs in the industry. There is nothing like owning a piece or two of haute couture; it’s no different than owning a Rembrandt.

HMD: When and why did you make the switch from modeling to singing?

Tinu: In high school, I was in the drama club and we would perform cultural dances, school plays, and sing. That’s where music really started for me. I gave it up for modeling and then pursued my education when I returned to the US. It hit me again after 9/11. I realized that life is short. It made me wake up and want to start doing all of those things again. It all came rushing back and I began sketching and writing songs. I got a deal and put out a CD. It was a wakeup to enjoy my life and do what I can do. I thought, I’m privileged to have talent, now what am I going to do with it?

HMD: Who is your biggest inspiration as a singer?

Tinu: Grace Jones! I am a big fan of her work because she has no rules to her own [personal] and singing style.  Her songs make me feel free each time I listen to them. I sometimes feel like running around butt naked in the streets and screaming my lungs out singing to her songs. You can’t define feeling more free spirited than that!

Photos courtesy of  Tinu

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"Precious" star, Gabourey Sibide

Several stars of the Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry-produced “Precious” are zaftig. The movie hits theaters November 6th, and is based on the brilliantly brazen novel “Push” by Sapphire.  The compelling drama tells the tragic-yet-triumphant story of abused, illiterate and overweight teen Precious Jones, and co-stars Mo’Nique, Sherri Shepherd, and newcomer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe.

Mo'Nique stars as an abusive mother in "Precious."

Mo’Nique is best known as a comedian and advocate of being big and sexy.  But she recently lost weight after a wake-up call from her husband.

“I was very comfortable at 262 pounds,” she told Oprah.  ”I’m in the bathroom mirror one day admiring 262.  And [my husband] says, ‘Mama, how much do you weigh?’  I said ‘262.’  And he said, ‘Mmm.”

"View" host Sherri Shepherd dropped 41 lbs.

Sherri Shepherd has become a poster girl for weight loss success after dropping 41 lbs.; a measure she took to control her diabetes. Sidibe, who plays the title character Precious, however, told New York magazine that despite the press and the public’s perception of her based on her character, she’s extremely comfortable in her own skin:

“They try to paint the picture that I was this downtrodden, ugly girl who was unpopular in school and in life, and then I got this role and now I’m awesome,” she told the magazine. “But the truth is that I’ve been awesome, and then I got this role.”

What do you Hot Mamas think?  When does big and beautiful cross the line and become unhealthy and overweight?

Image credit: PCN, Newscom

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Yes to Carrots Hair & Scalp Mud Mask

Yes to Carrots Hair and Scalp Mud Mask:  It takes me hours to comb through and re-twist my hair when I take it out. This super moisturizing hair and scalp mask contains carrot seed oil, carrot juice, pumpkin, sweet potato, and dead sea mud.  The product made it much easier to de-tangle my hair and left it feeling soft and looking shiny. I even used it as a leave-in conditioner.

My verdict: I say yes to Yes to Carrots and will use it often!

WEN Cleansing Conditioner:  The conditioner claims to do the work of a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner, with “a perfect balance of herbs and natural ingredients that cleanse your scalp and hair  while moisturizing, soothing, strengthening and adding shine.” WEN is a favorite with women of color including Nicole Murphy (Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife) and actress Della Reese.

My verdict: My hair was easier to comb through while it was wet.  But it didn’t solve my “shrinkage problem” once I rinsed and dried my hair.

Jane Carter Solution:  These hair products were developed by veteran hair stylist Jane Carter and infused with natural butters and essential oils to combat dry hair. This is great news because my hair’s biggest hinderance is that it becomes dry and brittle without a good moisturizing regimen.  

My verdict: I tried the Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. I used it along with the Yes to Carrots mask,  so I can’t really tell how effective it was. Next time I will try the full Jane Carter Solution system for the best results. 

Image credit: Target

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French Vogue does blackface.

• Controversy  was sparked — and rightfully so — over French Vogue’s 14-page photo spread featuring supermodel Lara Stone in blackface.  I don’t know where to begin. For starters, blackface is completely offensive to black people and there’s nothing cheeky or fabulous about it.  Secondly, black models don’t get nearly enough opportunities, so why would the magazine decide on using a “faux” black model instead of hiring the real thing? Perhaps an argument could be made that Tyra Banks has “painted” white models “black” during several seasons’ of “America’s Next Top Model.”  Since she’s a black woman, is it the same thing or is there a different intention when the photo shoot and editorial is controlled by a white woman?

• A Newsweek journalist criticized Angelina Jolie for not combing/styling her adopted daughter Zahara’s hair.  The writer, who happens to be a black woman, called little Z’s hair a “hot mess.”  Never mind that I wish I had a copyright on that phrase, but what’s wrong with letting this little girl’s hair grow free of chemicals and the hot comb?

Angelina Jolie with her daughter Zahara.

Yes, Zahara’s hair would look cute braided or up in a pony (as it has been worn in the past), but I disagree with writer Alison Samuels that her hair looks dry and unkempt.

If Zahara’s hair really starts to look crazy, you better believe I’ll be one of the first to say so.  But at the moment, I think it looks clean, curly, and cute. Sounds like the real issue here is that some black women don’t feel Jolie is qualified to raise a little black girl.  And that’s a whole nutha ball of hair…and wax.

• Now that I’ve told you what I think, I’d like to hear your opinions on the Vogue blackface controversy and the state of Zahara Jolie-Pitt’s hair.

Image credit: Steven Klein/French Vogue, Bauer Griffin

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Find the play in the every day!

In fact, I want to be in a good mood so badly that I’d love to become a “Good Mood Blogger” for Nature Made vitamins.  

So I need every Hot Mama Daily reader to vote so that I can become a top 20 finalist; please click this link and vote for me (voting ends October 30)!

To help me get in a good mood, I like to take warm, detoxifying baths with bath salts and lavender oil.  I also listen to spiritual and self-help audiobooks.  And shopping, dancing, and traveling also help me keep my spirits up.

Of course, surrounding myself with positive people helps my mood too. And Kim Kirkley, wedding celebrant and originator of the “Happiness Attraction Home Study System” is one such person.  Here are Kim’s 5 mood boosting tips:

Kim Kirkley, wedding celebrant

1. Get some sunlight everyday! Sunlight increases serotonin levels.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is thought to control numerous functions including mood.
2. Focus on the good. No matter what is happening, there is  silver lining. Like attracts like, so the more you think about good things the better things will be. Let go of what ”should be” and embrace what is. 
3. Revisit what made you happy as a child. It’s the simple pleasures that can easily lift our mood. It can be as simple as swinging on a park swing.
4. Find the play in the every day! With a light attitude, almost anything can be fun.
5. Make a stronger commitment to yourself! I suggest that all the things you do to make someone else happy without concern for yourself pushes your happiness away. Make this your mantra, “I make a stronger commitment to myself,” and do so!

Image credit: John Carluccio, Kim Kirkley

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Thevaki Thambirjah

“The best fall 2009 makeup looks are those that are a bit dramatic and draw attention to your eyes,” Thevaki says.  “Make a statement this fall by embracing any of [these] makeup looks.”

Sheer Foundation

Fall is all about letting your natural skin shine through with shimmery sheer color of light-weight sheer foundations. To achieve this look, try Thevi Liquid Mineral Foundation or Pressed Mineral Powder for a sheer, clean finish.

Earth Tone Eye Makeup

Make your eyes stand out with rich earth tones. Rich greens, vibrant golds, smoky greys and deep browns add drama and style to your eyes. Dark colors should be matte and smooth in texture. Golds should shimmer to draw attention to your eyes. Consider Thevi Bistro or Hemispehere Triple Split Shadow, or Thevi Matte Shadows in Charcoal, Dark Brown or Moss.

Contoured Cheeks

Chiseled cheeks are all the rage. Use three colors such as a bronzer, blush and a highlighter. After applying foundation, dab bronzer under your cheekbone. Blend blush onto apples of your cheeks and then finish off your look with a brush of highlighter along your cheek bone. Consider using Thevi Mocha Mates Duo Mineral Powder (all over blush/bronzer), or any of the Thevi Sheer Blushes.

Grey Smoky Eyes

To achieve the smoky eye look, blend together a variety of smoky colored greys for a distinct, dramatic look. For mascara, consider charcoal g rey or rich black.  Use Thevi Matte Shadow in Charcoal with Thevi Automatic Eyeliner in Onyx or Granite.

Dark Outlined Eyes

It’s all about the eyes for fall 2009 makeup looks. To add drama, create the look of black rimmed eyes by lining the entire eye. Pencil eyeliner works best to achieve this look. Pair this look with a pale shade of lipstick for added drama. Use Thevi Automatic Eyeliner in Onyx with Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Sequin.

Brilliant Red Lips

Matte red lips much like those of the 20’s and early 30’s are hot this fall.  Use Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Drama with Thevi Automatic Lip Liner in Port.

Check out thevicosmetics.com for all products!

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Bianca (5'7) has high hopes on America's Next Top Model - Cycle 13

After watching both shows this week, however, I noticed a common thread. Beyond the obvious fact they’re both about models, each reality show has a strong-willed black female “character” who has been pegged as the the witch of the model house.

On “Top Model,” it’s Bianca, who likes to complain about her makeup and wardrobe and whose photos have been consistently hard -looking and unattractive.  On “Models of the Runway,” Fatma, a striking African woman, is the resident troublemaker prone to hyperbole (”What will become of me?” she pondered after her designer picked another model).

Initially, I also labeled these ladies as problem children.  The latest episodes of each show, however, have revealed that although Bianca and Fatma have a flair for the dramatic, they’re also sensitive and real, unlike some of their catty counterparts.

Just when I was really starting to like her, Fatma was sent home.  But Bianca finally opened up about her abusive relationship and showed her softer side during the last “Top Model” photo shoot.  Let’s hope she can maintain her improved model behavior.

Image credit: Lifetime.com, America’s Next Top Model

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It had been a long, rainy day.  I’d already stood for the Twinkle by Wenlan show (a fresh, feminine collection highlighted by bohemian black and white separates) and I wasn’t feeling festive or patient. But there I was, part of the couture cattle waiting for nearly an hour to enter the Promenade. If I could have escaped the shoulder-to-shoulder flock, I would have promptly gone home.  But I didn’t.  And I’m glad.

Inside, I made a beeline for the first empty seat.  Tropical rhythms blared from the sound system, transforming the tents into a disco. I spotted singer Amerie in the front row.  After a few minutes, the neon emblazoned word “Arise” on the screen at the top of the catwalk unzipped and the first group of models emerged.

The collective featured four designers.  The first was Lisa Folawiyo’s Jewel by Lisa.  The boho chic collection was distinguished by a mix African fabrics and traditional textiles, and exquisite hand-embellished beads, sequins, and Swarovski crystals.

Jewel by Lisa

Tiffany Amber

Next up was Eric Raisina’s vibrant collection of funky, fringe accented designs; and Folake Coker’s Tiffany Amber collection of soft, flowing, red carpet-worthy gowns. Raisina scored double cool points for hiring striking “America’s Next Top Model” Cycle 12 contestant Amina to stalk the catwalk and for recruiting supermodel Chanel Iman.

David Tlale

The show concluded with David Tlale’s show-stopping collection featuring elaborate collars, harem pants, couture gowns, and guest supermodel Tyson Beckford.

Arise reflects a culture rarely represented, and I left beaming with pride. The show was predominated by beautiful black models (with a few fierce white and Asian girls), and hot damn those girls could strut.  This was one show that was definitely worth the wait.

Image credit: image.net

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