Mya’s the Real Dancing with the Stars Champ
November 26, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Entertainment
My, oh Mya! How did this talented pretty young thang lose the “Dancing with the Stars” crown to Donny Osmond? She was robbed I tell you, robbed. The R&B songbird didn’t just think she could dance; she could bust a move. Just ask perpetually in-heat DWTS judge Bruno.

Mya, the real Dancing with the Stars champ.
On the bright side, at least the show has put the Maryland native, who sang with Christina Aguilera, Pink and ‘Lil Kim on the hit remake of “Lady Marmalade” and had a role in the dance chorus of the Academy-Award-winning musical, “Chicago,” back in the spotlight. Mya’s “Fear of Flying” CD from 2000 is still on my play list.

My, oh Mya!
Image credit: Bauer-Griffin
Hot or Not? Avant Garde Fashion at the AMAs
November 25, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Celebrity Style, Entertainment

I totally missed the American Music Awards the other night. But thanks to You Tube I caught the highlights or better yet low lights including J. Lo falling on her most famous asset, Janet’s “she still got it” hit medley, and Adam Lambert’s WTF performance. Fashion wise, most of the stars came out dressed to impress. Some succeeded, and others….well, you be the judge.
Alicia Keys is like a fine wine. The girl only gets better with time. I think she looks lovely in this leg baring sparkly blue mini with matching, strappy blue pumps. What’s your vote: Hot or Not?
Rihanna …read more
Shop for Christmas Without Spending a Dime
November 25, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Christmas shopping, Holiday gifts

Yeah we know, there’s a recession. But don’t let that fizzle your holiday shopping plans. It’s simply time to get more creative when it comes to gift giving or treating yourself to a little Christmas retail therapy. Here’s how I shopped for holiday gifts without spending a dime:
Trade your unwanted clothes for cash or credit. This week I visited Re/Dress NYC, one of my favorite Brooklyn consignment shops, and made thirty bucks by selling a few things that had been idling in my closet including a couple sparkly winter hats, a glittery dress, and a set of gold bangle bracelets …read more
What’s On Hot Mama’s Black Friday List?
November 24, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Christmas shopping, Shopping

Are you ladies ready for Black Friday? I know I am. And I’ve already scoped out a few of the items I want. I hope my fave stores will give me deep discounts galore.
Here’s what’s on my Black Friday short list:
These Hollyn black lace-up boots by Nine West are hot! They’re already 30 percent off, but I’m hoping they’ll be marked down even more on Black Friday.
I have a $50 gift card for Target, and I know how to use it. In addition to the brand’s trendy staples by Merona and Mossimo, I plan to raid Tar-jay’s designer collections.
Plus, HBO’s …read more
Hot Pick: Kusmi Detox & Christmas Teas
November 24, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Anti-aging, Women's Health

Holiday party season is only a few weeks away. And where there’s a party, there’s a tendency to overindulge in food and drink. But don’t fret. I’ve found a slimming secret. Delicious Kusmi Tea Detox ($18.40) contains Chinese green tea, Mate, and lemongrass — an antioxidant-rich combination that detoxes and acts as a diuretic.
The brand is new to me, but Kusmi Teas of Paris has been known for its traditional Russian style teas for the last 140 years. The teas are made by master blenders who select premium tea leaves and flavorful natural ingredients to make tasty beverages that purify, …read more
Who Will Be the Next Oprah?
November 23, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Entertainment

I’m still trying to get over the news that Oprah Winfrey will end her reign as daytime talk show queen in 2011 to focus on her forthcoming cable network. Well, not really. I mean, I’ll miss the big O. She’s an inspiration to African-American women in particular. But except for must-see episodes like her interview with Whitney Houston, I haven’t regularly watched “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in years.
And with Oprah ready to take a bow at the end of her 25th season, who will be able to fill her designer shoes?
If you’ve ever tuned into “The Tyra Banks Show” it’s …read more
Disney’s First African-American Princess
November 22, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Entertainment

Every American girl grew up watching Disney fairy tales. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella became our images of what a princess looks like. In 1992, Disney moved in a more racially inclusive direction with Arabian Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin.” And finally, with “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney has introduced its first African-American princess.
Princess Tiana is voiced by adorable actress Anika Noni Rose. I’m so proud of the “Dreamgirls” and Broadway star and can’t wait to see her animated portrayal of the New Orleans princess. The cast is rounded out by Tiana’s matriarchs, voiced by Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer …read more
Christian Serratos at the New Moon Premiere
November 21, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Celebrity Style

“New Moon” star Christian Serratos is becoming quite the red carpet darling. This chica’s got legs and she knows how to show ‘em off in this reptilian, strapless metallic mini and booties.
Christian plays Bella’s best friend Angela in the “Twilight” trilogy, and hopefully the vampire flicks will only be the beginning for this rising starlet, who has also appeared on the TV series’ “Hannah Montana” and “7th Heaven.”
Image credit: Bauer-Griffin
New Moon Inspired Jewelry by Demitasse
November 21, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Accessories, Jewelry

Even though I think Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are totally overexposed, I can’t wait to see “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” Mainly because of Wolf Pack hottie, Taylor Lautner. Go team Jacob, baby!
Diehard fans won’t want to miss Demitasse’s limited edition, “The Vampire Chronicles” jewelry line, inspired by “New Moon.”
This Team Edward necklace is made from pewter and features a size 9 ring of teeth and bullet tip center. The DemiVamp comes in three colors: silver, brass, and rose.
I wouldn’t wear this rosary to confession, but it makes a great vamp fashion statement. Available for pre-order, this 30″ long rosary …read more
Alicia Keys Launches a Poetic Jewelry Line
November 20, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Accessories, Shopping

Singer Alicia Keys can add jewelry designer to her resume. The Grammy-winner has joined forces with Toronto designer Gisele Theriault for a collection of sterling silver and gemstone pieces inscribed with poetry and prayers. The jewelry line, called the Barber’s Daughters, will be available in Fall 2010.
Lucky New Yorkers, however, can get a sneak peek at Keys’ jewels on Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 23-24) at a temporary pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery at 26 Clinton Street in Lower Manhattan. The hand-crafted jewelry is priced $85 and up.
Keys told Women’s Wear Daily her mission is “to give people beautiful, unique …read more
















