Wednesday, November 24, 2010

"Pink Friday" by Nicki Minaj for MAC ...


We haven't made much effort to keep our feelings secret when it comes to Nicki Minaj. We've discussed off-air, on-air and most recently, during The Style And Beauty Doctor's fashion and beauty report on last week's show. The Style And Beauty Doctor gave us the exclusive scoop the week before.

Say what you will but there is no denying the buzz regarding this Friday's release of "Pink Friday". Included are pics from yesterday's press event at MAC Times Square in NYC. You definitely gotta give Nicki credit for working the press and media to garner as much attention as possible for the upcoming release of her debut album, also on Friday. Nicki Minaj has paired up with MAC to customize a limited edition, pink lipstick which will supposedly only be available via maccosmetics.com for, four Fridays only starting this coming "Black Friday", November 26th, 2010. Although we haven't yet seen, we've heard it described as hot pink, bubblegum pink and fuschia. We hope as do many of you, to soon have a chance to see for ourselves. Although after the experience that was the debut of Lanvin for H&M last weekend, we surely won't be doing anymore "stakeouts" ...even if just an online "stakeout". Share your thoughts. Is "Pink Friday" a "must-have"?
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Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk!
Tune in LIVE, Wednesdays, 7:30p EST

Monday, November 22, 2010

FUNNIEST TWEETS FROM #RHOA, EPISODE: IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?


No breaking news to report when it comes to #RHOA being a guilty pleasure of ours. And also no secret, that we tweet to the max while watching. Last night's episode had us mad, frustrated, pissed, raising eyebrows but as always, entertained and in tears with laughter particularly while reading the live tweets of our followers, listeners and fans. If you ain't down, you betta get down. And tweet with us @bagladies. These are our picks for the most hilarious tweets from last night's episode:

@A_jackson12 - Phaedra is 2 years Pregnant.. She gone Deliver that baby and drop him off at PreSchool the same Day

@iPeachPR - And iChocked a bit when she said that.•"@bagladies: Did Sheree just refer to herself as a designer? #RHOA"

@MartyT1105 - @bagladies. I really think she won an appeal for him and he had to pay her back by marrying her. Ant no love there

@profblmkelley - RT @alpha1906: Doctors w/more credentials than Dr. Muhammad: Dr. J, Dr. Pepper, Doc from the Love Boat...#RHOA

@HauteCoutureDiv - Maybe Dr. Ti-yi was the one who examined Phaedra! FAKE DOCTOR, FAKE BABY RESULTS!

@bagladies - LMAO ...he got his PhD online. I'm done #RHOA

@bagladies - Did the dreads tear his hair line up and start the median strip baldness? #RHOA

@bagladies - I have no sympathy 4 Sheree ...The 1st date was a carryout, he made her lick dough off his finger which he made at friends place n what else

@bagladies - Ok, the Dr. is laughing too hard at Lawrence and waaaaaay too tickled. Raised brow ... #RHOA

@LDotMarie - I'm with Sheree. If you can't play Spades, you CANNOT sit down with me. No way, no how.

@ShesSavvy - Clearly Phaedra lied b/c she got knocked up and she didn't want her mom, aka the pastor, to find out. SMH! #RHOA

@MsBlk1der_MUA - *close my casket!!* RT @DivaGlam23 Apollo had that I wasn't even outta jail face....

@clickityclack - RT @ProgressiveElec: RT @bagladies: Phaedra makes pregnancy sound like some crazy phenomenon that just kinda happened upon her. WTH?! #RHOA

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Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk
Tune in LIVE, every Wednesday at 7:30p EST

Saturday, November 20, 2010

CHRONICLES OF POPPING TAGS",US DEBUT OF LANVIN FOR HM



"I'm Up" ...
Awoke at 2a on Saturday, November 20th 2010 feeling rather accomplished. I only hit the snooze button once! I was on a mission to "pop tags!" Before turning in the night before, I determined what my "stakeout" ensemble would be. The two major concerns were comfort and warmth. I followed the advice of this week's featured guest, June Ambrose and layered the hell up!!! I made a mad dash to the bathroom to brush, wash ...you know, all the essentials and proceeded to text my "roll dog", ElevarBeauty, to make sure she was up. She was my ride and I couldn't let her blow this for me, she had to get her ass up! She called me back to inform me that she hadn't even gone to sleep! I knew from that moment, this was gonna be FUN. I applied one layer after the other like a skilled ..."layer-er". Well, what do you call one skilled in layering? Although 3am at this point and as much as I wasn't in the mood, I was feeling just a tad vain so I beat my face with a lil powder and applied a lil blush and some gloss ...of course. If I don't do nothing else, I apply the gloss. My NARS Sweet Charity Lip Lacquer, is a must-have and has been for a minute. But back to the chronicles ...

"On My Way Baby!" ...
I proceeded to check-in with my DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) "stakeout" team to see where dey at! ElevarBeauty and I discussed possibly starting our "stakeout" earlier the nite before so I was really curious as to what the scene was looking like. My girl, ShanaJanelle tweeted that she was snug as a bug in a rug and that her and SilverLips were on the scene. She tweeted that I had no cause to worry cause wasn't much of a line at that point. ElevarBeauty was here ...I quickly grabbed the rest of my essentials and we made our way. My girl, SapphireBlu informed me that she was following our lead and would meet us on the "walk" (short and cute for sidewalk). As we made our way, ElevarBeauty and I came to the conclusion that we are either "crazy fashionistas" or "determined shopaholics" ...you make the call.

"In Waiting" ...

Upon arrival, we found a space right in front of the store, parked ...ElevarBeauty and I made time to high-five one another, and we made our mark on the curb. We smiled and greeted everyone nicely (refer to yesterday's mybagladies). We came prepared so we took a seat in our fold-out chairs, snuggled up ...I in a blanket and my daughters sleeping bag and ElevarBeauty in her cap or turban rather (shout out to JA), husband's sweats, under a blanket and with a pillow even ...why didn't she tell me, I would've brought a pillow too!! By this time, it was about 3:30a and I turned back to see SapphireBlu fastly approaching. We all hunkered down to play the waiting game. I did my thang and talked to others in waiting and learned that the folks at the front of the line had arrived 8p the night before! I was speechless. I snapped some pics and captured some footage ...ElevarBeauty snuck off to her car and caught a quick snooze, grabbed us some Starbucks, we laughed and joked amongst other shoppers regarding this being our first ever "stakeout" and before we knew it, the sun was coming up. We realized 8a was soon to come so we proceeded to put what we didn't need ...to shop, back in the car so we could effectively carry on with the mission, hands free! One of the guys nearby, also in waiting, helped us with our chairs and other belongings. I guess he didn't have anything better to do than wait right so why not? We saw the doors opening around 7:45a and you literally heard the entire crowd gasp which btw, by this time, was wrapped around the building (ElevarBeauty said a few rolled their eyes as she walked along the sidewalk with Starbucks in hand, to the front of the line practically where we held our spot). So we considered that perhaps Management was opening the doors a tad earlier than expected or perhaps they were distributing the color coded bracelets per the Lanvin for H&M shopping rules. But alas, they were passing out coffee and free croissants. We already had Starbucks in hand so we passed on the coffee but we did partake of those delicious croissants ...how could we not? At this time we were hungry, all giddy and giggly because of sleep deprivation so we barely knew which end was up but whatever, it's all about scoring some quality apparel, right? Little did we know, this was ...

"The Calm Before The Storm" ...
Immediately prior to opening the doors, the management team flocked us again but this time with the most adorable Lanvin for H&M tote bags with a Lanvin black scarf and for those that might require a reminder, instructions on how the shopping experience would be managed. We were on pins and needles by this point and SapphireBlu offered a great idea, to cut the lil flower off the bag and use as a brooch ...or something. I was too sleepy to pay her much attention. The bands were distributed also. As far as I could tell, we were like 36 in line so we knew upon arrival, we wouldn't likely be in the first wave but definitely the second and our wristband confirmed it.

"The Shopping Experience" ...
We walked along the worn out pink carpet rolled out at storefront, the doors opened and the madness ensued!!! Total lack of management afforded more folks than should have been allowed, access to the store so although we thought the Lanvin for H&M shopping instructions would be followed, they absolutely were not. Upon entering, folks pulled every stunt imaginable to make it to the TINY (and I mean tiny), enclosed area where the limited (and I mean limited), collection was displayed. Unfortunately, management made no effort to contain the crowd so they rushed the area where the collection was displayed. Although just in the second wave and although feeling like we had no worries, it took almost 40 minutes for Management to regain control of the crowd and allow us access to the collection. By this time, it was entirely picked over. We stood and watched as Management totally disregarded the rules and allowed shoppers to pick extreme quantities of each style. It was a madhouse!! Folks were pissed, folks were angry, folks wanted their Lanvin ...I, myself included. I watched with sadness as all of my "must-have's" not slowly but in the blink of an eye, disappeared. Anyone that knows me, knows I don't bite my tongue so I absolutely addressed the managerial staff ...all of em! But by this time, the damage was done. Upon gaining access to the collection which was far from complete, I selected a few items but not with nearly the level of enthusiasm I had hoped and certainly not that which I had upon entering the store ...even after waiting 4 1/2 hours. All I heard were screams of, "grab me this size!", "grab me that size!". The collection is indeed gorgeous and the quality is undeniable. The lookbook does not lie. But I didn't go in with the mindset of trying to score some pieces just for the sake of being able to say, "I got Lanvin!" But clearly the only option was to reset my list and pick what I wanted from what few items remained, which wasn't much. And mind you, we were only the second round! I began to feel bad for those behind us. The staff was clearly not very much in the know regarding the collection and were unable to answer questions regarding anything pertaining to the collection ...sizes or styles. Seemingly more attention was paid to a waiting list for the sunglasses. Upon exiting the collection shopping area, we made our way to the fitting room. We saw the first wave exit the shopping area with armfuls of pieces and boxes of shoes so I had hopes that perhaps a few lone shoppers would be back there having tried on a size in a style that I really wanted and perhaps might be willing to swap or something but one thing Management did do, they did an effective job of not allowing that for reasons that are still so beyond me. So my girls and I proceeded to try on that which we could grab and make decisions on that which we actually wanted to keep. We scoped out those shoppers who remained, to see if we could swap styles or sizes on anything and made our way to the register and although feeling "ok" about our selections, there was definitely a bit of a sour taste in our mouths. The experience that was shopping the debut of Lanvin For H&M, didn't quite go as planned but we still left the store with bags in hand. We came prepared for a fight and that we surely did. If one listened closely, they could hear the soft cheers as the crowd opened up as we made our way to the fitting room after having or after my having told "Management" about themselves. Uh-huh ...it really wasn't a case of "shopper greed" although "Mangement" tried to claim otherwise and made no effort to resolve their mistakes.

"The Experience That Was" ...
All in all, it was an experience and in all my shopping years, unlike any ever experienced before. And if it wasn't for the adorable packaging of everything from the pumps to the dress to the lipsticks, even, I might be carrying a slightly different attitude. Oh, what did I buy you ask? I purchased the plum off the shoulder dress. I purchased the four lipsticks in hot pink, red, burgundy and rose ...they really need to get more creative with the names. And lastly, the black pumps ...didn't intend to but the but the metallic heel sold me and wasn't nothing else left!! I wear the bracelet some 5 hours later as a symbol of what we endured today, the US debut of Lanvin for H&M.
P.S. - Check out a new post by SilverLips (DMV "stakeout" team), Lanvin for H&M Experience & Haul
-- Lady Erin

Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk!
Tune in LIVE, Wednesday at 7:30p EST.

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Benefits of Finger Curls ...


You think Kate Middleton is required to do finger curls just to hold that mug up?! You recall that line from Nia Long in Best Man, right? You be the judge. Seemingly folks are less engaged by the announcement that there is a wedding in the works and more enamored by the gorgeous oval sapphire and diamond engagement ring presented by Prince William. Perhaps that's what all single ladies should take to ...finger curls! It obviously worked for Kate. Even though some claim the marriage might be jinxed (they haven't yet made it to the altar), simply because the ring is that of Prince William's Mommy, the late Princess Diana.

QVC is on it! Reports are, QVC has partnered with Kenneth Lane to produce a "knock-off" that will be on sale starting tomorrow. They ain't wasting time!! Check the QVC Program Guide.

But as our follower and listener @msrasberryinc suggested, Kate Middleton is "flaky in the sense that she's broken up w/ him (Prince William) several times. as in what if she calls off engagement & tries to keep Di's (Princess Diana) ring."

Our reply @bagladies, "Well then that's his (Prince William) dumbness. We give her (Kate Middleton) credit for that. He still put a rang on it LOL! ...a phat ass rang!


Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk!

Tune into Bag Ladies Reality Radio LIVE, every Wednesday at 7:30p EST

COUNTDOWN 2 TOMORROW'S DEBUT OF LANVIN FOR H&M!!!!


It's a DMV "STAKE-OUT"!!!! And the countdown is on ..."Rise and Grind"!!! I literally did quite a few hours early this morning, all in an effort to prepare my body for tomorrow's H&M stake-out for the debut of Lanvin for H&M! Some of you might ask, what might possess one to rise in the wee hours of the morning, for fashion? My question to you, is not do you know the story behind Lanvin and designer, Alber Elbaz, but have you seen the collection?!!!!

If you tuned into this week's Bag Ladies Reality Radio, LIVE on-air "Passion For Fashion" featuring Celebrity Stylist & Fashion Designer, June Ambrose, then you heard our latest fashion and beauty prescription delivered by "The Style And Beauty Doctor". We discussed tomorrow's debut and our plans to ensure that we lock our spot on the curb ...in the wee hours, and are admitted into the store upon opening at 8a, and popping Lanvin for H&M tags, upon exiting!!! And heads up, Bag Ladies will lock a spot on the curb at 3:30am in front of the H&M F Street location in Washington, DC, unless we hit the snooze button one too many times. If so, it will be 4am.

Let's talk about how to maximize your Lanvin for H&M shopping experience!!! So for those of you planning a stake-out as are we here in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), here are some shopping tips pulled from a Black Friday article on DealSeekingMoms.com:

1. Make a list - Review the collection and take your pick. As much as I'd love to walk out with the entire collection in hand, it ain't happening. If it was like that, do you think I'd be up waiting on a cold, dusty sidewalk for the debut? Know what you want so that you know what to grab in store and can make a mad dash to the register. This also prevents overspending.

2. Prioritize - What are your absolute "must-have's" from the collection? I've selected mine but I ain't telling ya'll!! But know that there is no guarantee that you will get everything you want. Note: we aren't the only ones awaiting this debut and as we discussed on this week's show, folks take it personally when it comes to fashion. You will be surrounded by those shopping the collection the same as you, who are willing to fight to the death for a particular style!

3. Be realistic - Review H&M's, "How To Shop Lanvin For H&M" ...enough said. Note phrases and words like "HIGH DEMAND", "QUEUING SYSTEM", "20 AT A TIME".

4. Take a shopping buddy - This could be beneficial perhaps if you drag someone along who has absolutely no interest in fashion. Otherwise, that friend could easily turn to "foe" when challenged with grabbing that one remaining "must-have". Envision eyes rolling, terror music playing in the background and an extreme stare-down as the both of you wonder who will make the first move. Flying solo might be the better option.

5. Leave the kids at home - I think you can figure this out for yourselves. Spare yourself and surrounding shoppers, the agony.

6. Research prices ahead of time - Click here to find prices for each style in the collection. Know your budget and what you can afford because the time spent calculating while in store can be advantageous to another "fashionista". While you're adding and subtracting in your head and counting numbers on your hand, she's grabbing. Know how much money you got and how much you can spend. It's simple!

7. Wear layers - You recall my previous mention regarding cold, dusty sidewalks? Well, that's likely where you'll be standing, awaiting the opening of your selected H&M store (find your store). We are heeding the advice of June Ambrose. Layer it up!!!! Tis the season so although not for all but for alot of us, there will be a chill in the air. My theory is I'd like to be comfy while I wait. As it warms up for some, you can peel the layers off. But for me, I will wear a bodysuit or something underneath those layers so although H&M is normally true to size for me, if I have to try on something with the "quickness", I can drop those layers to the floor which I absolutely will do for this collection. "Watch out there now!" Side Note: if looking for more on the actual fit and size range of the collection as well as the concept, check out footage of our girl Wendy from Nitrolicious (a fave) as she played around in the H&M showroom.

8. Bring snacks and water - "Pack plenty of snacks and water so that you have something to eat and drink while you wait in line or drive between stops. Waiting too long to eat because you're afraid you'll miss a great deal will affect your mood and energy level, so don't do it!" I absolutely agree ...let's face it, we are all likely gonna be a lil moody and irritated. We all would rather be in bed on a Saturday morning instead of keeping each other company in the wee hours. Make the best of it by having your supplies at the ready!

9. Set your expectations
- Not to dampen your excitement but don't expect to get everything you want. This collection is historical! Some items might sell out, your size may not be available. Who knows? I'm already damn near on the verge of having an anxiety attack because that's how anxious I am and how bad I want something, anything from this collection!!

10. Be friendly - A smile and a hello goes a long way. Make friends with the staff and shoppers around you. Don't be afraid to reveal your size. Perhaps that very shopper or salesperson that you took the time to say hello to, might be more inclined to say, "hey" should they come across a style in your size. Let's support one another in our efforts. You'd be surprised, it works!

Bonus Tip - Put comfort first! The stake-out is not at all about looking your best, it's about maintaining comfort. You can focus efforts on looking your best when first stepping out in that Lanvin for H&M style. But for the sake of the stake-out, it's all about maintaining comfort. Oh, and being hands-free, so that you can shop quickly and effectively.

It's a strategy, PLAN YOURS!!

Tweet with us @bagladies for more details regarding our DMV "stake-out". And details will be posted to our fb page too. We'll see you on the curb. Just look for the group of ladies shivering with a deadly look of WTH am I doing out here!!! We look forward to meeting you!

-- Lady Erin

Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk. Bag Ladies airs LIVE every Wednesday at 7:30p EST. Visit www.bagladiesradio.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

MOST HILARIOUS TWEETS FROM #RHOA!! EPISODE: SHE CAN DANCE?


We received such great feedback per our previous post, regarding the most hilarious #RHOA tweets, that we just couldn't resist doing it again. If you ain't down with Twitter and ain't "tweeting" as you watch #RHOA, you ain't enjoying it! At least not like we are. These are our picks for the most hilarious tweets shared during last nites, "She Can Dance?" episode. Enjoy ...and btw, tweet with us @bagladies.

@bagladies - Phaedra is so dang clueless!!! Did she every read or do any kind of just general whatever. Does she care that she's becomn a Mommy? #RHOA

@glamgirlpr - Why the hell does kim need an office??? is she building a ho empire
Phaedra is amazed that she may have to care for her own baby? Girl...

@FlyonaDime - "Penis ointment," what aisle do you find that in Duane Reade? #RHOA

@smashedthehomie - Phaedra is amazed that she may have to care for her own baby? Girl...

@nailtaxi - She has no idea! Like you are really going to wear lingerie after a vaginal delivery! She's prolly got a csection scheduled.

@SinnamonS - Did she say Ambiblical???? You know what!!!! I quit #RHOA

@hollywoodizme - WAIT! Did she say penis ointment?

@Gingerlatte - Ok how is she getting panties from a designer but pulling stuff out of a MAcy's bag? #girlbye #RHOA

@TheCubicleChick - According to the Twitter streets, Sheree's Aston Martin got taken away and now she is driving a Dodge Stratus. LOL #RHOA.

@bagladies - Ok, Lawerence didn't at all impress me last week. Why do they keep calln him "serious"? He sounds better than Kim yes but otherwise ...#RHOA

@TheCubicleChick - Watch, Lawrence will be the new housewife next season. Dwight will not be pleased. #RHOA.

@cheekystarnova - I had a baby 13 months ago & everything you need to know about child birth can be found on Google. Ever heard of it, Phaedra?! #rhoa

@brokesocialite - Lawrence is the Neo-Sylvester, no? #RHOA

@luvvieig - But I MUST say though. Cynthia's cheekbones are SCULPTED! Geezus! She makes mine look round. I'm impressed.

@WHWRocks - Peter better watch Sex and the City. I'm telling you, Cynthia has "Big" syndrome. They better go to the Justice of the Peace. lol #rhoa
@SavorySewSavvy - Cynthia's slick back is blowing me... it looks like a crack head or a lunch lady... I feel like its deserving of a gold tooth... #RHOA

@BasseyworldLive - I need to step up my blouse game. Lawrence is shading me. #RHOA<<>
@bagladies - Lemme find out ...NeNe bout to kick Greg to the curb and push up on Peter!! Well, Cynthia surely don't want Peter so ...#RHOA
@drgoddess - Phaedra's hilarity is that she may be the 1st to introduce to mainstream USA that there are blacks who feel totally superior 2 whites. #RHOA
@bevysmith - Lovers, I hope u all rest well, sweet dreams of Lawrence's ruffles, Kim's Versace-esque office & Phaedra's pickled Caucasian canned food
@luvvieig - Right. Umm... Phaedra this would be accurate in 1645. In 2010? We got science RT @steenfox Doctors have theories about your due date?
@SinnamonS - BUwhahahahah *Dead* @ @Kandi's Yawn!!! Sheree danced like she was a 80 year old woman with a hip replacement!
@sawngbyrd28 - Phaedra bitch its a C-section fuck you hollin bout?? Youn feel a gat amb thang!(She hollerin cause Apollo & Lawrence fuckn
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Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk. Tune in LIVE, Wednesdays at 7:30p EST. This week, "Passion for Fashion" featuring June Ambrose!!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

RELATIONSHIP RECAP!!


Relationships are a topic of conversation that is always relevant so we could think of no better topic, to kick off the NEW SEASON PREMIERE of Bag Ladies Reality Radio!!! We're back baby!!!

Last night's show featured, Shay Williams-Garrett, "Your Date Diva". Shay has joined Bag Ladies Reality Radio previously to lend her expertise and she certainly didn't disappoint last night. Shay is a writer, author, speaker, relationship coach and more! If we had to be specific with the more, we'd say a motivator, a great personality and a source of encouragement and empowerment. Whenever we've featured Shay, she lends attention to not only changes that need to be made as far as one's pursuit and efforts to find a partner but personal, internal changes that one needs to consider making when it comes to themselves and their confidence and the energy that will yield the best results and bring the fulfillment we all desire in a partner and in a relationship even if per Madame Myra, just someone to add some warmth to those cold toes now that there is a slight chill in the air. You can connect with "Your Date Diva" and learn more by visiting http://www.lovein30days.com/.

If you missed some or all of the show which included the "Perfect Partner Meditation" and why piecing together a man ain't always the best option (may yield temporary satisfaction though ;-), please be sure to check out Bag Ladies Reality Radio OnDemand. If reading this, last night's show is likely playing in the background since the player is posted to mybagladies blog but our OnDemand feature enables you to access previously aired shows, 24/7 and download to your iPod via iTunes. Told you, you never have to miss us! Please stay tuned for more details on the new season, new segments, new features and our fabulous guest lineup!! Bag Ladies Reality Radio airs every Wednesday at 7:30p EST. Next week, is our most popular segment, "Beauty Talk". Stay tuned!

Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk!!!