RIP Katoucha

The body of former top model, Guinean beauty Katoucha Niane, was found this month in the River Seine. The mother of three had been missing from her Paris houseboat since January. A one time muse of couture giant Yves Saint Laurent, Katoucha was one of the first African models to achieve international success in the fashion world.

Safe passage!

Simply Vera for Spring

Brushstroke Dress $58.50

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Hand-painted prints are definitely on trend for Spring 2008 and the venerable Vera Wang has updated her Simply Vera line at Kohls accordingly. I am definitely an art lover (thanks to my parents, who founded the premier African-American art show in New Jersey) so the idea of wearable art is absolutely appealing to my senses. This Spring, designers have brought paint from the canvas to the cloth. From watercolors to modern abstract, dresses, bags and blouses are splattered, smothered and covered in streaks of color.

You can get the look for less by picking up one of these Simply Vera pieces, which are conveniently on sale. Get inspired!

Lantern-Sleeve Leaf Top $40.50

Belted Dress $58.50

You can shop the entire Simply Vera Spring 2008 collection, here. But if possible, I would suggest checking out the line in-store, where you can get a better idea about the look, fit and feel.

Campaign Desk Thursday, Feb 28, 2008

Economy is on candidates' agenda

The economy took front and center on the campaign trail today as Democrat Barack Obama blamed both President Bush and Republican John McCain for a "failure of leadership" and McCain lashed Democratic trade policies for imperiling the economy. MORE>>>


Race a wild-card factor

COLUMBUS, OHIO -- When John McCain apologized to Barack Obama this week for the comments of his warm-up act at a rally, it was not the first time -- and probably won't be the last -- that the most competitive black presidential candidate in U.S. history has heard the words, "I'm sorry." MORE>>>

Clinton Hauls in $35 Mill; Obama Camp Says They'll Do Better

Sen. Hillary Clinton said Thursday she was incredibly gratified to learn her campaign hauled in a record 35 million dollars in the month of February, despite losing 11 contests during that time. MORE>>>

For The Record: Barack Obama

In the CNN debate Jan. 21, he said: "On issue after issue that is important to the American people, I haven't simply followed, I have led." From votes for abortion rights to lessening penalties for marijuana use to raising doubts about capital punishment, Obama is a traditional liberal, CBS News correspondent Dean Reynolds reports. MORE>>>

Democrats Bring in $80 Million, With Obama in Lead

Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton both had a record-breaking month of fundraising in February, bringing in more than $80 million combined, but with Mr. Obama again raising significantly more than his opponent. MORE>>>

The Muddy Road Ahead, and What the Candidates Can Do About It

John McCain has a tiger by the tail. Twice in as many days, McCain's Republican allies have launched unseemly attacks on Barack Obama. Twice, McCain has tried to distance himself from them. Does anyone doubt they will continue? Can McCain really do anything to stop them? MORE>>>

Shrill-ary
Is Clinton’s problem as basic as her voice?

It was perhaps the most memorable line of perhaps the most memorable moment of Hillary Clinton’s campaign for president. The night she won New Hampshire, in an upset that seemed as much a surprise to her as to everyone else, the candidate strode out before a sea of supporters in the cavernous gym of Manchester’s Southern New Hampshire University. MORE>>>

President Bloomberg: RIP
Will Mayor Mike’s op-ed finally end this nonsense?

“I am not — and will not be — a candidate for president.” Can we finally, finally, without any second thoughts, take Michael Bloomberg at his word? The man has been trying to get the press to understand for a long time that he is not running for president, but journalists and editors (based mostly here in New York, I might add) have refused to take the hint. MORE>>>

News Desk Thursday, Feb 28, 2008

3 feared dead as PDP, AC supporters clash

Supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and those of the Action Congress (AC) yesterday clashed in Yola with about three persons feared dead.
Five other supporters of the AC were reported dead in a road crash while travelling from Madasali to Yola to solidarise with the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Ibrahim Bapetal. MORE>>>

Kenya rivals agree to share power, deal faces legal challenge

KENYAN President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga have signed an agreement to end the country's post-election crisis. At a ceremony in Nairobi, the two men put their signatures to a power-sharing deal brokered by UN ex-head Kofi Annan. MORE>>>

Controversy trails PDP state congresses

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had a taste of what may happen at the party’s National Convention scheduled for next weekend when controversy, complaints and condemnation trailed Thursday’s state congresses nationwide.
In some states, parrelel executive councils emerged. MORE>>>

FG proposes law to prosecute sitting govs

THE Federal Government on Thursday said it had sent a bill to the National Assembly seeking constitutional powers to commence prosecution of corrupt governors while still in office. MORE>>>

Fake results: Jail INEC officials for life - Nnamani

Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has advocated the amendment of the 2006 electoral law to ensure life jail or a minimum of 20 years imprisonment for electoral officials who declare phantom results after elections. MORE>>>

Tyra works it out!

Remember when I challenged you guys to a mothereffin pose off? Well Tyra clearly reads the blog. Here she is working my favorite pose, the Stretch Bicycle, on ANTM.

Model of the Moment

Name: Dustin Brown

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Background: Jamaican athlete and model born and raised in Germany

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Stats: 23, 6'4, 168 lbs and boo'd up (has a girlfriend)

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Why I love him: I was absentmindedly doing my afternoon blog-stroll, when a picture of darling Dustin stopped me in my tracks. Clickworthy indeed. I was all too pleased to find out that Dustin is both the top tennis player in Jamaica and a professional model. I'm really drawn to his earthy appeal and rustic good looks. Locs get me every time. Give him a few years to marinate and he'll be damn near perfect!

You can check out more model shots of Dustin, here.

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Thanks Sheila!

Keep Moving On

Here they come again. According to a Vanguard Report, the nation's National Think Tank "has selected 56 prominent Nigerians" to review a constitution that has long been overdue considering the fact that the said constitution was enacted in a hurry, having not much effect to the population; thus a fabricated document by a military machinery.

First, the brouhaha became part of a big deal when the Fourth Republic came into being with calls for a Sovereign National Conference. That idea died a natural dirth because it had no base and the callers for such projects weren't serious about the whole issue. How long has the country gone through the mandate of reviewing the constitution from the first initiative? Well, after the idea was killed by a sitting president, the tune changed as it favored the callers who did not feel threatened as it was in the past when they thought the nation was slipping away from their hands.

Now that Professor Steve Azaiki has disclosed the gathering of a constitutional review committee and PRONACO as its blood bank, would there be another call for a sovereign national conference whereby indicated that the entire nation would have a sense of purpose in which a sovereign national conference would be the main focus of the constitution review committee? The National Think Tank made it clear where it will be getting all of its materials for reviewing the constitution. They include National Political Reform Conference, Presidential Technical Committee, National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Reform and the National Conference which has been PRONACO's doing from day 1.

We've seen all these before and hopefully if it becomes just blowing another hot air, there will be no other choice than to be moving on. Whatever it is, I think the constitution of 1999 should be entirely rewritten which should include people from all walks of life from around which the nation has been shaped. That would make sense, or else, we should keep moving on.

Whatever happened to that call for a Sovereign National Conference? Did the callers change their minds or they perhaps want to keep moving on? Time will tell.

Gwen Rocks V Mag

Whatchu lookin at?

Gwen Stefani completely transformed herself for this color-iffic cover of V Magazine. Well done, Gwen-luv! From the face to the pose, you're totally giving me "hungry couture model fresh out of rehab with an attitude problem." Which, of course, equals FIERCE!

Fashion Faceoff

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Celebrity stylist June Ambrose was spotted backstage at Rip the Runway in a sequined frock from the Tracy Reese 2008 collection and Twiggy wore a similarly layered look by Stella McCartney at the Elle Style Awards.

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I'm not a huge fan of either look, but these pictures did get me thinking. The idea of layering a short summery tank dress over a long sleeved top is a cool way to get the most out of your wardrobe, especially in that awkward period in-between seasons. Your safest best to try this out at home is to pair the solid-colored tank dress that was your summer staple over a thin, long-sleeved black tee with black opaque tights. You could even up the ante by piling on a blazer and cinching it all together with a belt.

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Take a few hours to play around in your closet and experiment with layering, you could end up doubling your wardrobe!

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Oh and I'd love to know, who wore it better?

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Source/Source

'Nigeria's' Electoral Mess, Yaradua Retains Seat.

Without a doubt, the contradictions, election flaws and massive irregularities in last year's general elections in Nigeria has now reached alarming proportions. Never before in the country has there been such a confusion in the outcome of an election which has involved and implicated the electoral process and its body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headed by Professor Maurice Iwu.

In an expected ruling today, the Presidential Election Petition Appeal Court threw out petitions filed by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and Atiku Abubakar of Action Congress on the ground the petitioners lacked proof to show Umaru Yar'Adua did not win the presidential election of April 12, 2007. The decision was reached while President Yar'Adua is in China on an official visit to strenghten bilateral relations with China.

In another ruling, the court of appeal sitting in Jos upheld the nullification of Murtala Nyako as Adamawa State governor and ordered the sacked governor to vacate office immediately with fresh elections to be held within 90 days.

The judiaciary is beginning to make sense. It is, however, not surprising that an independent judiciary is beginning to make headway in the nation's democratic dispensation. Many Nigerians place their hope on independent judiciary and a change of the country's leadership starting from every aspect of government -- the executive, the legislator, the judiciary, which has begun to prevail in respecting and upholding the rule of law; and of course, the local government and or municipalities.

Hopefully, every election that has a question mark to it should be well scrutinized and if necessary probe its flaws which has been the major problem in the country's electoral process. The time is now and the judiciary must act fast in eradicating the mess that has destroyed the nation's electoral process over the years, especially in the Fourth Republic.

A Raisin in the Sun

What happens to a dream deferred?

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Does it dry up

Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

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Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

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Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

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-Langston Hughes

The Oscars Very Red Carpet

Katherine Heigl was stunning in scarlet Escada

Style-wise, the story of Oscar night was definitely the color red. No less than six attendees stood out in various shades of rouge to match the carpet.

I loved the drama of Heidi Klum's red dress by John Galliano. You can even enter to win it here. Interestingly, she paired her dress with pink accessories.

Anne Hathaway was draped in deep red Marchesa with rosettes...gorgeous.

Miley Cyrus chose a red Valentino gown that fit her beautifully.

Dame Helen Mirren dazzled in a merlot-colored Georges Chakra gown. I could have done without the Swarovski crystal sleeves, but they are a unique and age-appropriate touch.

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The fabulous Ruby Dee also wore a red gown in a classic silouhette: belted with a matching jacket.

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Strapless gowns in richly-colored hues were also very popular last night...

Amy Adams kept it simple and elegant in forest green Proenza Schouler.

Jessica Alba glowed in a plum-colored feathery Marchesa confection.

Jennifer Garner gets high marks for her black strapless Oscar de la Renta gown with a dramatic fishtail. Great hair.

Penelope Cruz wore a navy blue organza dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture that was embroidered with feathers...pure glamour.



I'm a big fan of Kristen Chenoweth's sheer strapless Armani Prive gown with rivers of ruching.



Hilary Swank wore a black one-shouldered Versace dress. Just okay for me.

There were some light-colored gowns that graced the carpet as well...

Jennifer Hudson looked lovely in white with diamond details...and even had her back out! Brave girl.



Best Actress winner Marian Cotillard looked amazingly zexy in a white mermaid-esque Jean Paul Gaultier gown with fishscale details.

Cameron Diaz origami inspired Dior gown was a knock out but that light pink color screams 2005. She also looked a tad disheveled on the red carpet (her hair and her dress could both use an iron) but she pulled it together for the telecast.

Keri Russell's Nina Ricci dress bored me to tears. But I did like her necklace.

It seems everyone is finally over all the sequin, glitz and glitter that has abounded since last year. Only Renee Zellweger showed up a super sparkly number that now looks kind of outdated.

And finally...

Cate Blanchett chose a Dries van Notes halter gown in royal purple. Love the color but I'm not fond of the embellishments at the neck and hem.

A bare-faced Tilda Swinton won the award for Best Supporting Actress but lost a sleeve somewhere along the way.

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Who was your fave?

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Source/Source/Source

Afternoon Newsroom, Friday, February 22, 2008

President George Bush has just concluded his six day tour of five African countries. He was back in the White House last night and conservative news commentators are cheering that the president's visit to Africa was the best by any American president. It's quite interesting to note from L.A. Times Editorial that construction for a six lane highway, The George Bush Motorway, will soon be underway. The contract will be funded by the United States and according to sources, the highway will stretch from Kumasi to Accra.

Serbians are outraged as they stormed and set the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade ablaze over Kosovo's independence declaration on Sunday. I'm not sure what the Serbians want when the principles of self reliance has been made clear during the course of Kosovo's struggle. Majority of Kosovoans are ethnic Albanians.

Well, the Academy Awards is around the corner and every major street in Hollywood is a bottleneck and road rage seems to be coming closer as the weekend set in for Hollywood's biggest night on Sunday. Advertisers are paying a whopping one point eight million Dollars for a thirty seconds spot for Sunday's show. Show will be hosted by John Stewart.

Old Navy Freshens Up February

Pullover Safari Dress $34.50

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Have you been to Old Navy recently? Admittedly, it can be hit or miss, but this month Old Navy introduced the Urban Explorer collection, which features some great little pieces that will keep you right on trend this season. Sweet safari-style jumpers, separates and ethnic print dresses will help you to conquer the concrete jungle! The best part? Oh so reasonable Old Navy prices.

Tie Front Wrap Dress $29.50

Check out FabSugar.com to see what Old Navy has in store for March!

Winter Exploded

Bus travel is soooo not my thing, but I'm rest ta go!

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This past weekend was my GBFF's birthday, so us and some friends spent the weekend at Winter Explosion, a huge gay ski event. It is a well-known fact that Elle loves the gays so I was super excited to live out all of my wildest Beyonce dreams and completely indulge my inner drag queen. Oh and I totally did. It was the most fun I've had in, like, ever. So I decided to 1) document my costume changes and 2) share some of the fun with you!

The first night...Sasha is in the building! Are you ready to be entertaaaaaaaained?

I love these guys...fun times

The next day...heading to the mountain in my ski bunny wear

Of course we missed the 8:30 am bus...so we had to call a cab.

In true diva style, they came with a limo!

Later that night...loving my LBD

Drag diva

The theme of the night: uniforms!

Day three...Beach Party and Hot Body contest...don't even ask!

The fabulous Rayceen

It's the last night and I'm working the Black and White theme

I opened for Patti Labelle ya'll...

...kidding!

The legendary Miss Patti was AMAZING! In true dramatic form, I cried the entire time.

She was working the Christian Louboutin's...and you know she kicked these bad boys off!

Some of my faves....

It's a love fest

Posing with cutie pie and Winter Explosion Executive Producer, Don eL Johnson

Mkay, I'm done.

Travel chic, darling...see you next year!

I can't even explain what a fantastic time was had by all. I gave and recieved so much love and positive energy...I feel fabulously fearless!

Source - me and my digital cam

If for any reason you'd like a picture removed, contact Elle at inawordfab@gmail.com