What's Poppin With The Paparazzi ...

Our Bag Ladies "Gossip Guru" always brings it to us every Tuesday with our What's Poppin With The Paparazzi segment and she literally has us falling out of our chair every week and tears strolling down our face with laughter. Tonite was no different. And one headline in particular was too hilarious not to immediately post and if you missed this eve's show, check it out here OnDemand. But as we talked about last week, Tyra's whole mission to sport her natural locks and get rid of the weave and commence some sort of a natural hair day, has garnered some attention not just from regular folk and fabulous Bag Ladies but also celebs. And one response in particular that we talked about tonite, could not be ignored. Our girl also actress and model, Joy Bryant let a rip! And like my friend and I were chatting about, call me stupid but I never knew she had a weave. Anyway, read for yourself below ...

Joy Bryant wrote a blog over at Essence.com. And she’s being half sarcastic and half real about her own addiction to weave. ANd how Tyra’s “real hair” realization has no effect on her:

As the threads of the grown-out tracks were being snipped, I broke out my laptop and began my ritualistic daily web search. I go from news of the day to articles/blogs about the news of the day, ending up on entertainment/gossip/fashion stuff.

But that day, something caught my attention and trumped all of the glowing reviews of President Obama’s health care speech:

It was Tyra’s hair.

National Real Hair Day? I missed that one…In fact, on National Real Hair Day, I was calling Extensions Plus in L.A. to make sure they had enough of the 20” “relaxed roots” texture hair that I love oh so much (and that keeps selling out like crazy!), and making an appointment to get my hair, I mean, my weave, hooked up.

So Tyra, while I didn’t take part in your observance, I just want to say: “WOW!” You are such a brave woman for breaking the chains that bound you since your teenage years! What courage that took, for you to expose yourself to millions of people! Such fearlessness!
Oh, how I wish I had the guts to do that. I guess I’m much too much of an insecure, self-loathing Negro for all that self-acceptance foolishness.

I’m glad we got down to solving the mystery of what’s under your lace-front, though. I mean seriously, it was “THE” question that has perplexed the world over. And now we see that there’s a beautiful head of hair underneath it all, hair that was surprisingly relaxed and ready for the world. Whodathunkit?! If I had the same length and fullness of hair that you have, I might take my weave out too.

Ha!!!! I’m just playing! Even if I DID have your “real” hair, I’d still be wearing a few tracks or clip-ons up in there.

Why?

Because I’m straight weave fo life, kid!!!

Ima ride ride wit this weave, die die with this weave!!

Let me break it down for you:

See, I loooooove taking new hair out of the bag, combing through it with my fingers, holding it up with my two hands, and burying my face in it. Mmmm, mmmm, mmm! Nothing like a new batch of zig-zag curly to get your self esteem out of the dumps!

The feeling of getting my hair, I mean, my weave done over. I feel human again. I feel sexy. I feel powerful. It makes me feel…it makes me feel…it makes feel like a natural woman!!!
I can be whatever, whoever I want to be with the stroke of a sewing needle…

With long brown tresses and a tan, I’m Pocahontas, ’cause I got Indian in my family. With easy waves, I AM bohemian rhapsody goddess personified. And now that I got blond highlights! What!? I know I look like Beyonce! You can’t tell me nothing! Uh oh, uh oh…
And then I looked up from my computer, and caught a glimpse in the mirror of my head minus the long weavy locks. I looked crazy! Awww hell naw! I looked over at the new batch of hair sitting off to the side waiting to join forces with me. Damnit, I’m trapped, I thought to myself. I can’t let it go. I am powerless over it. Just when I think I’m done, it pulls me back in!

Now I guess I can get help for my self-loathing addiction.

I can learn to accept myself in my entirety. I can emancipate myself from that which keeps me locked-up. I can embrace the natural state of things.

Yup, I can do all of that…

But don’t hold your breath!

Hi, my name is Joy, and I’m a weave-a-holic.

Bag Ladies Look of the Week: Eve

It's Monday which means it's time for another fabulous look! Perhaps you might've caught some of the looks posted all over the world wide web from VH1's Hip Hop Honors 2009 which is the only way you will sneak a peek since the show doesn't air until October 13th. There were many head turning looks on the red carpet ...some good, most bad. But one look in particular that we liked and selected as our fave of the week, is our girl Eve. Always on the radar, Eve maintains her style and doesn't compromise. Eve achieves such a great balance between femininity and confidence with just a touch of testosterone thrown in! We love the way she rocked this little black dress. Everyone should have one ...of course it doesn't have to be Helmut Lang but Eve set it off with a gorgeous yellow and black striped clutch, fingerless gloves and Diego Dolcini heels. Evidently she took the stage and presented so can't want to see her do her thang.

BTW, Bag Ladies is switching things up a bit and further details will be revealed on tomorrow's show. But instead of our recreating the look at a more cost-effective price, we want you to do it!!! That's right, we are turning it over to you. Bag Ladies Radio wants to give you some FREE swag but you gotta do your part too. Once our fave is posted, you then take the look, recreate it on yourself, snap a couple pics and submit to Bag Ladies providing your contact info. and details to include where pieces came from (brands), and price points. Each week, a different winner will be announced and that winner will be sent some great goodies!!! And trust, we don't front. We mean what we say, you will get some great goodies!! So get to recreating, snapping and sending. Submit all entries to info@bagladiesradio.com.

Tune into Bag Ladies Reality Radio tomorrow at 7p EST for more. Talk to ya then!!

-- Bag Ladies

Look of the Week: Olivia Wilde

Bag Ladies Look of the Week!!

Pictured at right and below: Olivia Wilde from House

All attention of course was paid to the Emmy Awards Red Carpet last night. I felt a bit sorry for those that had to endure what was like 102 degrees to walk the red carpet and give it in an effort to get that one shot. You could clearly see the sweat on the brow of everyone. It was probably the most talked about subject on the red carpet. But nonetheless, there were definitely some standouts from Christina Applegate to Mariska Hargitay to Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. And you know I'm a die-hard Seinfeld fan and although Julia didn't make it as our look for this week, she can do no wrong. But our pick for the Look of the Week is Olivia Wilde from the show House. She drove home skin is in and perhaps the barely there dress left her a bit more room to breath cause I certainly didn't notice a bead of sweat anywhere on her. But this bare back, full skirt Marchesa dress not only garnered the attention of everyone at the Emmy's, Paparazzi and all but Bag Ladies as well. And the smoky eye was a great compliment. We are gonna try our best to tell you how to get it. And first time for everything ...we had to give Heidi Klum a gold star b/c she is absolutely the most gorgeous "preggers" woman we've ever seen and she worked the red carpet w/ Seal by her side in all her pregnant glory. And wouldn't you know it, we found that her black strapless lace gown w/ embroidered bodice was Marchesa as well. Seems that both Olivia and Heidi have great taste!

Tune in tomorrow at 7p EST only on bagladiesradio.com. Bag Ladies is joined tomorrow by Dr. Legs to talk about Catwalk Confidence, "How To Live A Fitness Chic Lifestyle" and hot footwear trends for fall.

-- Lady Erin

Get Cassie's Look ...

Get this week's Bag Ladies fave and don't break the bank doing it. If you hit up mybagladies blog yesterday, then you no doubt saw our MTA VMA fashion pick which was Cassie on the red carpet, sporting a plunging neckline floral print mini w/ metallic peep-toe booties and a yellow clutch. Bag Ladies searched to find you the most cost effective options ...

Although neither addresses afford you the same plunging neckline, the floral print is right on and the cinched waist will provide a more slim look. And the length is perfect and with the right booties, will elongate your frame that much further.

1st option - Angie Floral Print Short Sleeve, Macy's - $49

2nd option - Rebecca Taylor Mini-Me Floral Print - Neiman's - $375

Accessories: Ruffle T-Strap Bootie, Mandee - Steve Madden, $79.99

Peep-Toe Bootie, Mandee, $22.49

Yellow clutch - Alfani Genova Patent Clutch, Macy's - $68.00

-- Bag Ladies

Bag Ladies Look of the Week: Cassie at the 2009 VMA's

So many fave looks to be had at last night's MTV VMA's, it made it nearly impossible to pick a fave. Although there were just as many looks that you wouldn't wanna be caught dead in on the red carpet. But for Bag Ladies Look of the Week, we just love the print of Cassie's plunging neckline silk floral print mini paired with metallic peep-toe booties. And the contrast of the bright yellow clutch totally sets if off not to mention those diamond cuffs. Say what you will about her hairstyle but still loving the originality and for this look, it's styled in such a way that it is garnering less attention and is rather a compliment to her sassy style. Her makeup is not too extreme or overpowering. The nude lip and smokey eye is perfect!

Tune into tomorrow's Bag Ladies Reality Radio at 7p EST and we'll tell you how to get the look for yourself.

-- Bag Ladies

FASHION ...We Can't Get Enough!!

As folks recover from last night's glorious and fabulous (especially for those in NYC), nationwide Fashion's Night Out (Patricia Field pictured at left), a real kick in the butt to stimulate the retail industry, folks are slamming blogs and sites across cyberspace that have their finger on the pulse of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week which continues on into next week. Definitely stay close to The Fashion Bomb because as Claire (pictured at right) mentioned on this week's episode of Bag Ladies (check out what you may have missed On Demand), she is gonna be providing regular and frequent updates on that which is walking down the runway. And why not have a one up on everybody else as to what trends are gonna be hot for next year. If you're like me, you're ready to start stockpiling now. Here are some hot looks from Gwen Steffani's LAMB. and BCBG Max Azria. And this is just a taste of what has debuted on the runways thus far for Spring 2010!

A few new styling tips from this week's Madame Myra's Top 10 ...

The NEW rules of fashion!!

New Rule 1
Soften a structured look with lingerie-inspired elements.

New Rule 2
Build an outfit around a unique article of clothing.

New Rule 3
Flaunt one stretch of skin at a time.

New Rule 4
Mix ladylike pieces with something super sexy.

New Rule 5
Make gray your go-to neutral.

New Rule 6
Refuse to accessorize a dress that speaks for itself.

New Rule 7
Add edge to a classic look.

New Rule 8
Don't match your shoes and belt...but keep them in the same color family.

And for those of you who are where we (Bag Ladies) are, we are fastly approaching DC Fashion Week so definitely stay tuned to next week's show on Tuesday at 7p EST for updates and details on upcoming events and shows. And check us out OnDemand at bagladiesradio.com for whatever you might've missed this week. Until then ...

-- Lady Erin

BAG LADIES LOOK OF THE WEEK: Amber Rose

We caught a shot of Amber Rose shopping last week on Robertson Blvd. in LA, "bunned" up with beau Kanye West. Some folks call their inseparability as part of her quest for fame and she's not as into him as the pics of them out and about would suggest. But nevertheless, you will most often see her stepping out looking fab and nevertheless, Bag Ladies is claiming this look as one our faves so it is Bag Ladies Look of the Week. Stay close, we'll tell you how to get it.



--Bag Ladies

LABOR DAY: Ideas On How To Spend Without Having To ...Spend

As much as we'd all like to hit the road jack, it's not feasible for everyone. So Bag Ladies has a few cool ideas from Madame Myra's weekly Top 10. So if you don't already have plans, perhaps you might after reading this. And if all else fails, forget the cuddling and instead, drown your sorrows about the fact that you are stuck at home by hitting the malls, stores and boutiques for hella discounts and bargains. Have a great and safe Labor Day Weekend! We'll chat with ya Tuesday ...7p EST only on bagladiesradio.com

1. Pull a recipe from a famous restaurant off the Web — try CopyKat.com or RecipeGoldmine.com — and make your own version of a five-star meal together.

2. Have him over for game night. Mad Gab, Uno, and Twister can all be played with just two people.

3. Buy all the fixings for tacos and make your own at home. You need only a handful of ingredients: tomato, avocado, meat, cheese, shells. Download Latin songs onto your iPod to set a festive mood.

4. Head to a casino with $20 in change and play the slot machines. They often serve free cocktails on the casino floor.

5. Have dinner at a bar during happy hour. There are usually drink specials, and you might also score free appetizers (or at least a gratis bowl of chips). Plus, cozying up on bar stools can feel more intimate than sitting across from each other at a table.

6. Teach each other to play your favorite video games, then place a sexy wager (whoever wins gets treated to a full-body massage that night, for example) before going head-to-head.

7. Belt out some tunes at your local karaoke bar. Sing with the crowd in the bar area for free or rent a private room, which usually runs about $6 to $15 an hour. They typically have anything from Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” to Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown.”

8. Go roller skating at a local rink. General admission is usually around $10, including the skate rentals. Even if you suck, you can still have a blast falling on your asses.

9. Plan a date in reverse. Meet for brunch (breakfast is usually cheaper than dinner), then hit an afternoon movie for the matinee price. Finally, make your way back home and spend the rest of the day in bed together.

SOME OF WHAT WE LIKE TO STAY PURRRRTY FOR FALL!!

So many of you asked so here are some of our fave products from last nite's "Beauty Talk" segment about all things purrrrty! Some products are being introduced just in time for fall but one of our faves in particular, is the Kiehl's Limited Edition Lip Balm #1 Set, introduced to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Lip Balm #1. But the set is so affordable ...you get 6 flavors for the price of 4 consisting of coconut and mango to name a couple and you don't have to worry about that sticky, sweet after-taste and for 32 bucks we see why celebs like Halley Barry, John Mayer and Gwyneth Paltrow consider Lip Balm #1 a must have.

Eyeshadows are so hot for fall and with the variety of Sephora Mono Eyeshadow colors, you will surely find a shade amongst the 54 beauty-full shadows to compliment your look. 54!!! How can you go wrong?! And what's more, the shadows can be applied wet or dry depending on if you are going for a more sophisticated or natural look. My fave is the preppy look N41. Let us know yours ...

We also love the Sephora Smokey Eye Brush which is designed to achieve a smokey eye and even comes complete with step-by-step instructions which I have not yet followed but I will surely get back to you with the results. So if you didn't know, you will know following purchase.

And not to be outdone, Bobbi Brown has a Long-Wear Cream Shadow collection for fall that consists of 8 metallic shades that will leave your lids glittery with a high-shimmer, sheer finish. And the texture is like velvet.

Of course Bag Ladies loves the smell goods and we hope you enjoyed our chatter as much as we did about some hot fall fragrances.

Apple Bottoms by Nelly is sweet and unexpectedly sexy and mature with a very pretty bottle. I couldn't stop sniffing myself. One of my absolute faves. I could definitely see it resting atop my vanity. Available in Macy's and bonton.com

The other fave is one of Kat Von D's fragrances for Sephora. You know Kat is the tatted up chick who had the reality show. Kat concocted two fragrances, Sinner and Saint. I thought my fave would be Sinner as I said on the show last nite, for obvious reasons but I instead preferred the sensual scent of saint filled with sandalwood and musk.

We just love the bottle design of Andy Warhol Success is a Job in New York. The genderless scent is the latest eau de parfum from Bond No. 9. But this fragrance definitely requires layering over something more sweet like a lotion or spritz. Maybe try one of Kiehl's Portable Essential Oils. But either way, you just might have to think twice about paying $145 although it's a $cent as $eductively $weet as a dollar $ign. Available October 1st at Bond No. 9 boutiques and Sak's.

And imagine your favorite perfume in the form of a potpourri or candle. Well that is exactly what Ferragamo delivers with the newly introduced Tuscan Soul Home Collection. The collection launches this month in select Salvatore Ferragamo Boutiques. We loved the Scented Stone the most because not only is it aesthetically pleasing but the scent which the handmade stone gives off is so supple and smooth. I was literally working the other eve and was smelling something good and couldn't quite figure out what it was and I realized the stone was resting on my mantel. The scent is so discreet that you can walk into someones home realizing something smells good yet not be able to put your finger on exactly what is. You will just wanna keep inhaling and taking deep breaths. The fragrance is guaranteed to last for three months. But the concept of the collection is just awesome!

More soon to come ...Until then, stay purrrrty! And don't forget to join us next week for the second show in our month-long wellness series. We started with Beauty Talk and who knows where we'll end up next. Talk to ya ...

-- Lady Erin