Oprah Winfrey with Martina McBride at the State Fair of Texas.

And with Oprah ready to take a bow at the end of her 25th season, who will be able to fill her designer shoes?

Could Tyra be the next Oprah?

If you’ve ever tuned into “The Tyra Banks Show” it’s very clear that Ty Ty would love to become the next Oprah.  But does the supermodel have the journalistic chops?

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams’ radio program, “The Wendy Williams Experience,” was my afternoon delight.  Although I still find Wendy amusing, her scattered syndicated TV show hasn’t totally won me over.  How she doin? Could Wendy be the next Oprah?

Mo'Nique showed her range in "Precious."

Funny lady Mo’Nique showed her flair for drama with a ferocious performance in “Precious,” an acclaimed film co-produced by Ms. Winfrey.  She also slimmed down and has her own late night talk show on BET. Does Mo’Nique have the Oprah touch?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin, The Wendy Williams Show, Newscom

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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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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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Here are 5 tips on how to look hot without looking sleazy:

Members Only Leather Liquid Leggings

1) She’s Got Leggings: This trend continues to have….legs.  I must admit that black leggings look good paired with long tunics and worn under billowy skirts. But I can’t quite get used to many of you ladies wearing leggings (and only leggings) with short tops.  Even worse, some have mistaken opaque tights or regular pantyhose for leggings.  Not a good look.

Beyonce put her freakum dress on, but is it too short?

2) Put Ya Freakum Dress On: If you’ve got it, I say flaunt it.  Although a tight dress should accentuate your assets, it’s best to leave something to the imagination.  And remember that this type of dress is strictly for a house/beach party or the club; not an office party, wedding, or family gathering.

3) Maximize Your Mini:  A mini-skirt or mini dress can be a great fashion statement. But a mini that’s too short, too revealing, or too tight isn’t hot; it’s hoochie.  Sorry Mariah, who in the above photo is showing way too much cleavage and a little too much leg.

Tyra Banks shows off her classy cleavage.

4) Classy Cleavage: Showing a little decolletage makes most women feel more feminine and flirty.  And men of course love it.  However, keep it classy and don’t let your cleavage runneth over.  

Keep the clear heels at home.

 5) High-heels, Not Stripper Pumps: High heels have never been my thing. But I envy Hollywood A-listers like Rihanna, who struts about in designer stilettos like they’re sneakers. Stripper pumps, however, are not high-fashion. And if you have a pair of clear heels, save them for “play” time at home.

Image credit: Member’s Only, My Shoes.com, Bauer-Griffin

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“The line really exudes a different side of my personality, which I am grateful I can express,” Beyonce explained in a press statement.  ”The ‘Sasha Fierce’ line is for the confident, sensual and daring side of a woman.”

In Women’s Wear Daily, Mrs. Knowles describes the edgy, back-to-school line as a toned down interpretation of Beyonce’s tour costumes designed by Thierry Mugler.  I remember the avant-garde music video, “Too Funky,” Mugler directed for George Michael; it featured a young Tyra Banks and another model flaunting a metal glove.  Sound familiar? 

Highlights of the “Sasha Fierce” line include sportswear, handbags, footwear, and jewelry, which will retail for $20 -$125.

Image credit: House of Dereon

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Tyra Banks will say goodbye to her weave on September 8th.

Tyra has declared September 8th “Natural Real Hair Day” and invites all women of color (and all women really) to wear their own hair (no wigs or weaves please) on that day and beyond. The TV and fashion personality is getting a jump on “International Curly Day” on September 22, sponsored by the natural hair care web resource, NaturallyCurly.com.

Hot Mama Daily readers already know I’m an advocate for natural hair, so I challenge you to make every day “Natural Real Hair Day” or “International Curly Day.”

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Canada's Next Top Model host Jay Manuel

New episodes air Tuesdays at 8 p.m.  Here are four things that make this franchise fresher than Tyra Banks’ original U.S. version:

1. Jay Manuel aka Mr. Jay is the star.  On “America’s Next Top Model,” Jay is the flawlessly made-up, silver-coifed  photo shoot art director, but on “Canada’s Next Top Model” the Toronto native and makeup artist fills the Tyra spot as host and head judge.  He can even smile with his eyes!
2. The girls actually look like models.  They’re tall and skinny and come to the judges’ panel dressed the part, unlike many of their wardrobe-challenged American counterparts.
3. The show’s production value is far superior to “America’s Next Top Model,” which seems to have regressed in quality since it debuted in 2003.
4. Cuddly and lovably bitchy fashion stylist Nole Marin, who was a judge on the first American season, directs the photo shoots here. 

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Tyra Banks

That said, Tyra has made no secret about her post-modeling career weight fluctuation (remember when she told her haters to “kiss her fat ass”?).

I think she looks like a real woman with curves in this belted beige dress that hits her in all the right places.  But what do you think — is “Top Model” Tyra on top of her weight?  Or is she losing the battle of the bulge? 

Is Tyra winning the battle of the bulge?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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The stunning 20-year-old with impossibly high-cheek bones couldn’t deliver the easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl commercial lines to save her life, but she knows how to smile with her eyes like a pro.  Teyona is my favorite winner since Dani.  I hope she really makes it to the top.

Teyona, winner of America's Next Top Model

Image credit: America’s Next Top Model

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Below are photos of Iman and current catwalk queen and designer darling, 19-year-old Chanel Iman. In the words of  Tyra Banks and “runway coach extraordinaire” Miss Jay, both ladies are fierce and know how to work a couture gown with a train.

My vote is for the one-and-only, original Iman, but Chanel is undoubtedly a stunner.  Who do you think looks hotter?

Legendary model Iman at the MET Costume Gala

VS

Chanel Iman at the MET Costume Gala

Image credit: Newscom

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