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Beauty

Tonille Watkis Crowned Miss Black Connecticut USA

Arianne June 30, 2016June 30, 2016Leave a Comment

Tonille Watkis Crowned Miss Black Connecticut USA

June 30, 2016 New York, New York (FETE|PR) Neiman Rose, FETE|PR neiman@feteeventgroup.com

In light of her many accolades, Tonille Watkis will represent the state of Connecticut! Watkis will act as an ambassador of the national premier pageant for women of color. Furthermore, she will take part in nationals this August. Tonille Watkis is an alumna of Adelphi University and the London Academy of Music. Her schooling also includes Dramatic Art, studying Theatre and Classical Acting.

In addition, Tonille travels to inner city schools and churches performing her autobiographical one-woman play, No Boxes Allowed. She also teaches theatrical performance, creative writing, dance and diversity workshops to at risk youth. All in an effort to advocate for her platform, Perfecting Your Voice: Freeing Your Mind.

Miss Black Connecticut USA

After nearly 20 years Miss Black Connecticut USA will be making its return. The state’s capital will house the pageant this September. This premier pageant for women of color is a division of the Miss Black USA pageantry system. Miss Black USA has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to women of color.

Most noteworthy, thousands of women from all 50 states have had the opportunity to participate and compete. Competitions are held in DC and Africa. Miss Black USA contestants and winners come from all walks of life. Ranging from students, doctors, lawyers and successful business leaders.

Miss Black USA Facts

In 2007, over 80% of contestants were pursuing graduate and professional degrees. No small feat when also competing for the crown! Furthermore, Madison Gibbs (Miss Black USA 2015 in Washington D.C.) is a prime example of pageant greatness. The Howard University Law student travels the globe speaking on mental health, heart disease and women’s empowerment. Also, by partnering with PBS and The Heart Truth, Gibbs has made a huge impact on others.

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc is a Non-Profit Corporation. It is located in the state of Maryland and was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington. “Creating Miss Black USA was a way to smash the negative stereotypes and images portrayed of African American Women in mainstream media” says Arrington.

Submissions

Currently, submissions are being accepted for a Miss and Talented Teen. Hence, ladies that submit in those categories will compete to claim the state crown of Connecticut. State winners experience a year of beauty, brains and benevolence. They also receive a cash prize, scholarship, personal stylist, talent coach and a modeling spread. A few of the many perks due to being a winner!

Think you have what it takes? The Connecticut State Pageant is scheduled to take place September 15-19 in Hartford, Connecticut. Therefore, get those submissions in early and we may be writing about you next!

Thoughts on Tonille Watkis Crowned Miss Black Connecticut USA? Join the discussion by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap

Arianne SuggsUpdated on June 28, 2016June 27, 2016Leave a Comment

We had a blast at this year’s BET Awards! The hottest celebrities of black entertainment were all in attendance and came dressed to the nines. If you missed a moment of great couture last night no worries because here is our BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap to get you up to speed!

BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae dazzled with her shimmering red carpet look! Janelle walked the BET gray carpet in a tailored striped suit embellished with glittering details. She rocked the stripe look right down to her clutch handbag. Moreover, she wore her signature palette of black and white. You would think after awhile Monae would run out of fresh combinations, but she never disappoints!

Meagan Good

Meagan Good is naturally a breathtaking woman. She could wear anything and find herself on the best dressed list. Meagan stunned in a green Lorena Sarbu dress with Jimmy Choo heels.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross wore vintage Thierry Mugler down the red carpet. Her body is so sick! Ross constantly gives us body goals and the retro look she chose to start her night of many changes was perfect.

Karreuche Tran

The temperature was already hot and Karreuche kept things blazing! She wore a skin tight leather dress with gold Louboutins. We are sure she got tons of hearts racing with that little number.

Do Your Own Thang

Gabrielle Union

Statuesque and blessed with legs for days, it is so easy to see that Gabrielle Union is beautiful! So what does an absolutely gorgeous girl wear to a big awards show? She wore a design by Marc Jacobs and looked regal.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys came very casual streetstyle to the 2016 BET Awards. She also stuck to her new beauty routine. Recently, Alicia Keys said that she would no longer wear makeup. Honestly, we love the natural Alicia!

Mya

Sassy songstress, Mya hit the carpet in a major fashion trend. All year the color yellow has been quite popular. From the runway to major Hollywood events, yellow has found its way into the mix. Mya walked the red carpet in a gown by Christain Siriano.

More Top Looks

Nandi Mngoma

What’s cooler than wearing something you designed to an awards show? You’ll have to ask Nandi because she did just that! Mngoma wore a design from her upcoming collection Colour.

LeToya Luckett

We thought LeToya Luckett shut it down! She wore a sexy red dress with cut-out and thigh high slit. We couldn’t take our eyes off this Lady in Red!

Yara Shahidi

We are such huge fans of Yara Shahidi and our favorite doll brought it! Yara was total Hollywood glam in a sequin gown by Tracy Reese.

Thoughts on our BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign

ArianneUpdated on June 24, 2016June 21, 2016Leave a Comment

Miss Supa Dupa Fly aka Missy Elliot stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 campaign! Missy Elliot throughout her illustrious career has been known for her iconic style. Whether on stage or in a music video her innovative fearlessness and passion in the fashion department has help keep her on top of the hip hop game. Simply put, no one does it like Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot!

Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign

Seasonally, designers constantly need to innovate or they will lose customers. Fresh and trendy equals sales in fashion. Therefore, it makes sense that designers would want to team up with hot models, entertainers, actors, musicians, movers and shakers in order to keep their brand relevant. Not that Marc Jacobs needs that type of help at all. Yet, its cool that a major couture house recognizes Missy’s strong style. What did MJ have to say about Missy’s style and selecting Elliot?

“From the moment I heard, The Rain, back in 1997, I was entranced by the genius rhythms and brilliant rhymes of Missy Elliot. Missy’s music has kept me and my design team happily energized through countless weekdays, weeknights and weekends during those long hours of sketching, fitting, styling and doing looks.

In addition to the boundless energy of her music are the visually pulsating and wildly cartoon-like music videos she made in collaboration with the talented and visionary, Hype Williams. I am in continued awe of Missy’s ability to push the boundaries of the style of music both to the the eye and to the ear. It was a dream of mine to work with her and I’m happy to share this portrait by David Sims for our Fall ’16 campaign.” – Marc Jacobs

Missy Elliot’s Stylish Music Videos

Missy Elliot’s The Rain video is pretty banging. If you don’t recall or like many of us are too much of a young’in to know scroll down to see it in all of its glory. Trust, its worth the view and the whole Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign will make even more sense.

Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign Notes

Photography: David Sims

Styling Direction: Katie Eleanor Grand

Casting: Anita Bitton

Hair Direction: Guido Palau

Makeup Direction: Diane Kendal

Nails: Jin Soon Choi

Set Design: Stefan Beckman

Thoughts on Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign? Talk fashion with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

BTS: Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign

Hair

Blac Chyna New Red Hairstyle!

Arianne Suggs June 20, 2016June 20, 2016Leave a Comment

We don’t know if it’s the pregnancy glow, but Blac Chyna is pumping life into us in the beauty and hair department. Just a few weeks back Chyna had us doing a double take with her luxurious long, raven waves. An elegant and sophisticated look that we completely went ape over. Now the model/reality star has changed it up again going full rouge. Okay, we can admit it, we love the Blac Chyna new red hairstyle!

The length is shorter and the curl pattern is tighter but the hairstyle is still fly! As soon as we saw her rocking her new look we knew we had to get the deets on it ASAP. The style is perfect for any gal who is fearless in the salon chair. Want the Blac Chyna new red hairstyle? Keep reading…

Blac Chyna’s extensions are from Kendra’s Boutique (on the Gram search for @kendrasboutique you’re welcome LOL) and were custom colored to achieve their very red tint. The hair is the boutique’s Brazilian Deep Wave Hair. Lengths that were used to create Blac Chyna’s look were: 20/22/2-24 and a 16″ Deep Wave Lace Closure.

As you can see, the Brazilian hair trend is continuing its reign right into summer. Since so many women are indulging in the trend do a Blac Chyna and change things up a bit by incorporating a little color. We love that she went fiery red, serving up some mad Jessica Rabbit vibes. Betta work Blac Chyna!

Want to shop the Blac Chyna New Red Hairstyle look right now? Piece of cake, head over to www.kendrasboutique.com and have a great time shopping!

Thoughts on the Blac Chyna new red hairstyle look? Talk all things hair with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Beauty

Karen Civil KC Red Lipstick By Posh Collection

Arianne Suggs June 20, 2016June 20, 2016Leave a Comment

Social media darling, Karen Civil has added a new beauty venture under her entrepreneur belt. Somehow the extremely busy lady found time to expand between book signings and hosting rallies with Hillary Clinton. Civil recently collaborated with Posh Collection on a new bold lip color. The Karen Civil KC Red lipstick by Posh Collection is simply fire!

In the market for a sassy new lip color? Then feast those eyes on KC Red! The tint is a highly pigmented color with long lasting wear. Nevertheless, if red is not quite your thing or a little “too much.” You will be happy to know that Posh Collection is slaying the beauty game with more than one stunning shade. On their site you will easily find a plethora of lipsticks that you are sure to fancy. Colors include:

Curious (HG), Flash Bulb (C), G-String (P), Girl Crush (C), Heavy Petal (C), Hip (P), Karen Civil (C), Love Hate (P), Midnight (C), Mozart (C), Night Moves (C), On the Rocks (C), Plateau (P), Right On (P), Sex on Heels (HG), Stripped (M)

Lipstick finishes have become as important as the tints themselves. Some us love matte (M) lipsticks while others want their lips to shine in all their glory. Posh collection lipstick offers the following finishes:
•(C) Creamy and smooth
•(P) Pearlized or frosted
•(H) Hi-gloss, super shiny, ultra lightweight

Beauty Tip: The Karen Civil KC Red Lipstick by Posh Collection is formulated to go on smooth but always help your lipstick out by prepping lips before application. Ensure dry, chapped lips are buffed smooth by gently exfoliating them with a toothbrush or washcloth. A smooth foundation enables a super smooth look!

Thoughts on the Karen Civil KC Red Lipstick by Posh Collection? Talk all things beauty with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Beyonce Is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon

Arianne Suggs June 6, 2016June 6, 2016Leave a Comment

The waves of the fashion sea had been quite quiet when it came to who would be this year’s recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon Award. Literally, you could of dropped a pin and the silence on the subject would of still remained. A few rumors had been sparked as to a certain queen of a hive who could possibly be the winner. Well, if you were still in wonderland you did not have to reside there long because Bey’s fans had started early to confirm their suspicions. Before long anyone with an Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat or Tumblr knew that Beyonce is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon!

How did they uncover the big secret of the night? Images and videos soon emerged of Jay-Z on his way to the CFDA Awards with little Blue Ivy in toe. That was the first piece of evidence that quickly began to circulate. The next piece of evidence was the smoking gun.

At about ten till 8 p.m. the official Twitter account for the CFDA made a simple yet humongous announcement stating,

“Behold! Your CFDA Awards Fashion Icon Award winner, the incredible and unparalleled Beyonce.”

Boom…there it is and there it was! It didn’t take much more than that for the Beyonce is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon news to spread like wildfire. In minutes every man, woman and child knew Beyonce was taking home the coveted Fashion Icon award. So what did an icon wear tonight for her big win?

Beyonce sparkled in a pinstripes Givenchy design. This seemed like a fitting choice since wearing Givenchy came up during her latest visual album Lemonade. Beyonce’s win is sure to cause a tiny stir and style debate due to the hoopla that began over her couture two years ago when a writer made the statement that Bey is not a fashion icon. Great performer with an okay style is what some claimed.

What does the evidence show? We were DMed quite a bit on Twitter regarding our views on Beyonce’s style. Here are our quick thoughts:

When we think of fashion icons the names: Diana Ross, Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Prince, Michael Jackson and yes, Rihanna come to mind. Not our complete list by any means but they help to illustrate our point. These icons didn’t wear trends, they set them. People wanted and still try to immolate their style. For instance, MJ had everyone wearing a red jacket, super tight black pants, penny loafers and a glittery glove. Moreover, the fact that you visualized that outfit perfectly proves the effect and influence Michael had the fashion industry.

Everyone we named also has something else in common. They are considered stylish risk takers. Prince and his revealing chaps, Janet’s Poetic Justice braids/denim/crop top look, Aaliyah fully decked in Tommy Hilfiger, Diana’s sequined gowns and even Rihanna’s yellow Met Gala look. Focusing on Rihanna, people were so fashion starved at this year’s Met Gala they searched the Internet high and low for Rihanna who wasn’t even in attendance. She still ended up being the third searched for celebrity of the night.

Case in point look at all the editorials that continue to be made channeling Prince, Grace Jones and Aaliyah. There really hasn’t been a DC editorial tribute. Could be on its way but hasn’t made its debut yet.

In conclusion a fashion icon makes us beg for more and even after their career isn’t at its peak we can’t help but remember the good times. Beyonce is a gorgeous woman which is why we constantly write about her. Could she go harder in the style department? Yes and we would love to see it! We’ve been praying for the day she changes her hair color or takes some other stylish risk. We’d love to see more than the leotard because she has a dream hourglass body. The body people pluck and inject themselves for or configure up in some photoshop app. That body could wear, rock and stun in anything!

So yes, we will always tip our big hats (wink, wink) to Beyonce because she has survived in an industry for decades where most careers last two years if they’re lucky. In an industry that transitioned from being talent driven to imaged based. If anything that is worth an award in itself and an excellent reason to give credit where credit is definitely due. Congratulations Bey and great detective work tonight Beyhive.

Thoughts on our Beyonce is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon feature? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Beauty Fashion

Joan Smalls Estée Lauder Red Lip Color

Arianne SuggsUpdated on June 6, 2016June 6, 2016Leave a Comment

When you’re a supermodel you can wear just about anything including a paper bag and still look fabulously chic. Lucky for us Joan Smalls chose a different route than paper couture for this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards. From head-to-toe Joan Smalls hit the red carpet looking very voguish. Let’s break down her gorgeous CFDA OOTD shall we? First up let’s focus on Joan Smalls Estée Lauder red lip color!

Red lipstick is for the bold gal who doesn’t care about or mind being the center of attention. She’s the girl on the Gram that posts a selfie and proudly hashtags it “selfie queen.” In psychology the shade of rouge also denotes being sassy, alluring, romantic, seductive and magnetic. If you needed anymore reason to indulge in one of this season’s hottest trends, red lipstick, just think well heck if it’s good enough for a supermodel…why not?

Joan Smalls Estée Lauder red lip color was a nice pop of color that still perfectly harmonized with her overall ensemble. Her gown was a gorgeous but neutral shade, therefore, incorporating color would not cause a clash. What designer gown did Smalls decide to wear this year? Joan turned heads in a floor-length design by Givenchy.

Hair Notes: Social media has been at a standstill over Joan’s tresses. Some love her short hair look and some are passing on her fringed shoulder length bob. However, the fact that her hair got hair lovers talking in the first should still count for something. If a hairstyle grabs attention then in our style book it has served its purpose and well.

Thoughts on our Joan Smalls Estée Lauder red lip color feature? Talk all things beauty with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Beauty Fashion

Army Officer DeShauna Barber Wins Miss USA!

Arianne Suggs June 5, 2016June 5, 2016Leave a Comment

She served and protected in the army, now 26-year-old stunner DeShauna Barber just served it at one of this year’s biggest pageant competitions! We just love the sound of Army officer DeShauna Barber wins Miss USA! Her back story is as mesmerizing as her big win. However, getting to the crown wasn’t just a piece of cake. The Miss USA 2016 competition was fierce, for all of this year’s hopefuls displayed grace, poise, talent and of course beauty.

As soon as news of army officer DeShauna Barber wins Miss USA began to circulate the congratulations started pouring and flooding in big time. CHI Haircare, who followed the pageant step-by-step not just on the Gram but also via Snapchat were among the first to congratulate Barber. They said,

“Congratulations to the new Miss USA DeShauna Barber from District of Columbia! Farouk Systems and CHI Haircare welcome you to the family!!!!”

Isn’t that sweet? CHI Haircare was behind the amazing hair seen during the competition. If you missed any backstage/insider hair tips they posted many on their Instagram. Nevertheless, DeShauna also received accolades from Diane and Company. The company was responsible for Barber’s gorgeous Juan Carlos Pinera formal gown look. Regarding DeShauna Barber winning Miss USA 2016 Diane and Company stated,

“So this just happened! We dressed Miss USA!!! Beyond proud to have been blessed to dress this beauty! [DeShauna Barber] YOU were a winner since day 1.”

Many had such kind words of congrats for DeShauna. However, it was her very own words that touched us the most. Just hours before the final phase of the pageant Barber released this statement,

“No matter what happens in 2.5 hours, I am thankful to have represented the District of Columbia and Military Service Women around the world on the Miss USA stage. The stereotype for Women in the Military is OFFICIALLY BROKEN. The stereotype for Pageant Women is OFFICIALLY BROKEN. Drops mic.”

Now that is some serious girl power! Breaking stereotypes is never easy, but someone always has to be the one to get the ball rolling. Congratulations on your win DeShauna Barber and by the way, the stereotype for black women is OFFICIALLY BROKEN.

DeShauna Barber Just Hours Before Becoming Miss USA 2016

Thoughts on Army Officer DeShauna Barber Wins Miss USA? Join the discussion by dropping a comment like its hot down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Style Ambassador: SA Fashion F/W 16

Arianne Suggs June 2, 2016June 2, 2016Leave a Comment

Guess who’s back? You already know, our very own style ambassador, Carly! As you may remember from past posts Carly has been busy living the life of a college girl. School keeps her hopping but she always has a place right here in the 1966 Mag fambam. Since being one of our ambassadors, she has shared many thoughts with us on how she balances school and remain looking fantastic. In today’s post she is filling us in on what’s big in fashion for SA F/W 2016!

Lets break that down just in case (wink, wink). SA F/W 2016. SA F/W 2016 means South Africa Fall/Winter 2016. Okay, everybody good? Perfect! Here’s what our lovely doll had to say:

“We are heading to winter on this side of the globe. Personally, during the seasonal transition I noticed that colours don’t really change much haha Nevertheless, there is another change that has happened. Unfortunately, I haven’t been out shopping or been fully indulging in the fashion world lately. On the daily I seem to find myself falling into my usual style, my uniform (overalls n boots) lol I am always in that! However, I do try to change it up a little colour-wise like with nude or a dusty pink. Speaking of colour for SA F/W 2016 there is a popular trend here that I can share. The whole dark green military trend its still going on here. Looks like it’s here to stay!

Always nice to know what is popular or en vogue around the globe. Carly always has a few words of wisdom for us when we check in with her. We thought what she said was definitely how all of us girls should think. She mentioned,

I believe we are all winners… It is up to you whether you choose to win or lose. In everything I choose to put my mind to I choose to win.”

You go girl! Let us all continue to win. Let us all continue to succeed. It is not just about the beauty, let us always also focus on the brains and determination to turn our dreams as well as goals into realities.

Thoughts on our SA F/W 2016 Style Ambassador feature? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Rihanna x Dior Sunglasses Collaboration

Arianne Suggs June 2, 2016June 2, 2016Leave a Comment

The hardest working woman in music and fashion has made style headlines once again. This time it is not heels, slippers, boots, athletic wear, socks or an awesome pair of sneakers. Rihanna has collaborated with Dior on a Rihanna x Dior sunglasses collection. The entire collection with have the Rihanna vibe and feel that fans have grown to love.

Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik, Rihanna x Puma, Rihanna x Stance and the list goes on and on. Whatever Rihanna touches seems to immediately turn into fashion gold. Don’t believe us? To quickly illustrate, Rihanna brought back her famous Creepers shoes. The first time around the popular shoe sold out of minutes. Since then, RiRi fans have begged and pleaded for the shoe design to come back into the fashion picture. Rihanna finally answered the style call and brought back the shoe in three new colors. The result? The kicks sold out in 30 minutes… again.

With that type of influence and power fashion houses and brands continue to line up for the chance to collaborate the chic mogul. With that being said it no wonder that Dior decided to work with Rihanna once again. Ah yes, the Rihanna x Dior sunglasses collection is not the first time the music icon and luxurious brand have crossed paths.

Last year, Rihanna starred as the face of Dior’s 2015 Secret Garden Campaign. This was no small feat. Rihanna was thrust in the history books as being the first woman of color to be the face of Dior. It looks like the Rihanna x Dior partnership has only blossomed over time and we are completely excited for their upcoming release!

Thoughts on the Rihanna x Dior sunglasses collaboration? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.