As I'm creating my vision board for 2011, I started to think about all the great moments I've experienced in the past year. (Btw, you already heard about one of my BIG New Year's Resolutions to go natural...excited!)



Confession: I'm always moving so fast that sometimes I forget to slow down, breathe and marvel in all the amazing blessings that have come my way in the last twelve months.



So...with that said, here are five highlights and the lessons they taught me in 2010. Take a look and tell me yours in the comment section.





1 - Becoming a director of a website



When I started this blog, it was soo a way to express myself and my obsessive love for all things Fashion. Little did I know, it would pave a career path. Since leaving The Magazine, I have been blessed with so many opportunities in the digital space, primarily due to this blog, which makes me overwhelmingly proud we took the risk to get it started.





2 - MET Gala

After attending the MET Gala this year, one of the writers I look up to (who has an amaze blog, Black Bridal Bliss) said it was on her bucket list. It was that comment that made me slow down from all the impending deadlines and assignments to say, wow something amazing just happened.



I partied with people that I have always admired from Karl Lagerfeld to Oprah Winfrey to Sarah Jessica Parker to Anna Wintour. The night was so magical I still can't even believe it happened. The lesson here: live in the moment!

3 - The Glamazons Blog



Omg, I love this blog! This year, we saw record numbers in traffic (woot!) and next year is opening up so many opportunities including a site makeover we're so excited about it!

From waxing poetic on our career dramas, to dishing about parties we attend (Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Why Did I Get Married Too? Premiere above) to interviewing our favorite stars (Kandi, Chrisette Michele, Ameriie, Fergie, Letoya Luckett, June Ambrose, Sessilee Lopez!) to going on trips (ESSENCE Music Festival, Ford in Atlanta) Glamazons is truly a labor of love.

This year also saw us recognized by other media outlets and fashion brands like Rachel Roy, iVillage and WEEN. I'm excited to see where 2011 will take us!

 

4 - Penn Station Outreach



The beginning of this recap should, in no way, make you think life in New York City is easy. For every moment of excitement where Ferocia and I are literally living our dreams, there's some struggle to bring us back to reality: almost being evicted, lead/bed bugs/mice taking over our apartment (true story!), getting laid off, writing for sites and not getting paid, those moments where you strongly consider going to Jersey/Texas to a warm home with food and a regular day job.



But none of those rough times compare to that experienced by homeless people here in the city, especially in the Winter. The Penn Station Outreach helped drive that point home for me. Just a few trips offering warm food and beverages, and coats/gloves to people in Penn Station, and to see how touched they were by kindness from a random stranger, made me grateful for the apartment and life I do have. I definitely want to do more, and give more, in 2011.



5 -  The Word 'No'



Another reality check that quells all talk of life in NYC being easy? The word 'No.'



It was at the Black Girls Rock! Awards when Raven-Symone matter-of-factly said, "If someone tells me No, I just say: you're not the person I should be talking to." A light bulb went off on my head then. To accomplish something great, you often have to stand on a ledge and do things people have never done, or never thought possible.  



Ferocia and I have already been blessed with opportunities that most people don't expect this early in the game. And every time we've had doubts or second thoughts about pursuing a goal, the thought comes in our heads: "Well, the worst they could say is 'No' ... and even then, we can find another way."



And the funny thing is, most times, they DO say Yes. One of the most important qualities to have when trying to succeed is resilience. That was one of the lessons I learned in 2010 and now, in 2011, 'No' is no longer a dream crusher, or a roadblock, for me.





What are your highlights, and lessons from 2010? And what's on your vision board? Tell me in the comments.





Kisses,





Coutura

Working in fashion and entertainment, I rarely need a reason to party. But welcoming 2011, and celebrating the end of a decade, is as good a reason as any.



I threw a party at my house and invited all my family and old friends, and had a glamtastic time bringing in the new year with some of the people I love the most.

Our favorite celebs seem to do the same with appearances, performances, toasts and laughs at some of the hottest party spots across the country (but mostly in Vegas).



Here's a look at some of the most darling and dapper celeb looks on New Year's Eve.











Watch the slideshow for more:













Who looked best out of the ladies? Vote here:

Who looked the best on New Year's Eve?
	Kim Kardashian
	Whitney Port
	Beyonce
	Rihanna
	Solange
	Jennifer Hudson
	Fergie
	Kourtney Kardashian
	Selita Ebanks
	Jennifer Lopez
	Kelly Rowland
	Nicki Minaj
	Ke$ha
	Blake Lively
	Kirsten Dunst
	Willow Smith
pollcode.com free polls

Oh and they performed too, of course. Check out performances from Rihanna, Willow Smith, Jay-Z and Beyonce below.





Rihanna - What's My Name









Beyonce and Chris Martin - Halo













Willow Smith - Whip My Hair











Jay-Z and Kanye West - Monster















And send us your hottest NYE pics to be featured in our Street Glam post! Tweet, Facebook or email us (theglamazonsblog@gmail.com) TODAY.





Ooo, and I have a contest for you! If you follow me on Twitter, you've seen me tweet about the Style Felons NYE competition. The good people at Style Felons, which has quickly become one of my blog addictions, invited me to be a celebrity judge aside Doug E. Fresh and Naked With Socks On blogger, Anslem. We'll be judging the best of the worst: pictures of NYE partiers who looked a hot, volcanic mess in NYC.



Did you snap a pic of a style felon on NYE? Send it to style@stylefelons.com by 12:00 Midnight tonight to enter. The winner starts the new year with a $250 gift card.





Kisses,



Coutura

You know, I like never check my mailbox. Only because it's soooo depressing! Bill after bill that I can't even pay followed with notices of the fact that my rent is once again overdue. Sigh.

However, one rather spirited evening I was feeling rather nice after a fun dinner out with friends (code for me being tipsy tee hee hee) and decided "What the hey! Let me just gander on over and check my mail box!" Buried underneath a pile of New York Magazines (LOVE that publication!) and an overdue Time Warner Cable bill was a huge envelope addressed to me from Glamour magazine!

I quickly ripped it open and there was the invitation of my dreams: a ticket to the annual Women Of The Year Awards! I must have squealed for like 20 minutes in the lobby! (My doorman already thinks I'm insane haha).

Just a little bit of background, I've been itching to the go to this awards show since I moved here to New York five years ago. From several sources I've heard that it's an inspiring night and that some of the most powerful women in the world are present. This year was the 20th Anniversary of the show and it did not disappoint.

The stage right before everyone filled their seats. I was so exited to be going that I got there super early! As you can see, I was sitting pretty high up and my 7-inch platform YSL's were obvs not the most comfortable at that high altitude. So, I ended up taking them off and watched the show in my stocking feet. If you had told me 10 years ago that I would one day end up attending this show in Carnegie Hall practically barefoot, I would have laughed in your face lol!

Check out some of my fave highlights from the show below:

Janelle Monae opened the show with a performance of her hit single "Tightrope." This little woman has the best dance moves ever and I couldn't help but dance along with her in my seat while watching her perform! And I die over that cape. I mean, who else could wear an Elvis Presley looking cape while singing and look so cool doing it?!

Doesn't Kate Hudson look glamazing?! She was there to present a WOTY award to Fergie. Turns out that the two are BFF's and Fergie totally called Hudson "Katealicious" during her acceptance speech! Love that.

Yes, it's Donatella Versace in all her gold gown glory. Not only is the mastermind behind some of the most beautiful clothes in the world, but she also spends some time helping out underpriviledged children! I always looked at her as a cold, no-nonsense taking diva but (while this still may be true) turns out that she can also be quite loving. Awwww!

Here's actress Hilary Swank...looking, well, pretty swank! I'm assuming that's a Versace gown she's rocking because she presented a WOTY award to Donatella Versace and confessed that they were her favorite gowns to wear and that she always felt lucky when wearing one. Cheers to that, Hilary! I'd feel lucky if I even had the chance to wear one..which I'm sure I will have soon hahaha.

Janet Jackson surprised the crowd when she appeared along with actress Hilary Swank to present Donatella Versace her WOTY award. In a very emotional speech, she said that Donatella has been a friend of the family for years and that she dressed them all for Michael Jackson's funeral. "When I asked Donatella if she would dress us, I knew that we would be dressed in love," Jackson said. Almost made me spring a tear!

Speaking of tears, these women did make me well up a bit after watching their video about the work they do. In the middle is Dr. Hawa Abdi, 63, and she's flanked by her daughters (who are also doctors) Deqo, 35 (right) and Amina, 30 (left). These women protect and provide medical care for thousands of Somalian refugees that live on their land. In case you didn't know, Somalia has been dubbed by the U.N. as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. When Dr. Abdi was kidnapped and taken hostage by Islamist militants who challenged her authority, she faced them with no fear and was eventually freed. During the video, they showed refugees in the camp as well as the many babies and young children that die because they have no food to eat. With tears in her eyes, Deqo said that it is easier to deal with the deaths when you don't know what to do or you did everything that you could. But, when someone dies because you had nothing to feed them, that's really hard. I was instantly moved and my eyes welled up with tears. I know what's it like to be hungry, but never would I actually starve to death! I was so moved that I just had to figure out how I can help. You know, I don't have much but something is always better than nothing, Glamazons. Click here to read more about the Women Of The Year Fund and how you can donate to help. Every little bit counts!

Cover girl and honoree Fergie really did cry when accepting her award from Kate Hudson! That's her pictured above with her mom (on the left) and her sister (on the right). In her video, Fergie's mother said that when Fergie was a little girl, she wanted to be two things: a lifeguard or a singer. The video showcased Fergie's singing career that started with Disney's Kid's Incorporated (I used to love that show!) all the way up to her success with The Black Eyed Peas. She thanked both her mom, sister and her therapist (loved that!) and said "I love you" to her cutie pie husband Josh Duhamel. So sweet!

And talk about fierce! Check out her bod in that fire engine red dress. POW! Isn't she a hottie?!

Kelly Osbourne has got to be the cutest little celeb around! She looks so happy and seemed almost glowing while onstage presenting an award to gay rights activist Constance McMillen. Constance was denied access to her prom in Fulton, Mississippi after asking to attend with her girlfriend and became a celeb in practically overnight when she filed a lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union. Osbourne's words of advice to McMillen? "As you guys know, I've got some really great dance moves now," she said, referring to her stint on Dancing With The Stars. "F*ck the prom. You can dance with me!"

This little lady is 23-year-old Katie Spotz and she's the youngest person to row across the Atlantic ocean. Why did she do such a thing?! To call attention to the fact that there are billions of people out there that don't have clean water to drink. Her row raised funds for the nonprofit Blue Planet Network. After watching her video montage, I was completely floored. She was in a little rowboat, completed 10,000 strokes per day and slept two hours per night. All alone. In the ocean. Sounds insane but so empowering! It made me think that I've done absolutely nothing of substance with my life so far to help anyone other than myself. Something that I need to change immediately!

Three of some of my most fave women in the world! Cindi Leive (EIC of Glamour), Julia Roberts and Oprah. In her intro speech, Cindi said that she started at Glamour as an Editorial Assistant and worked her way up the ladder. She mentioned the first Women Of The Year Awards ceremony that she attended was at the Rainbow Room here in New York and she considered herself to be extremely lucky to have a place to stand in the back of the room during the show. And now look at her! Running the show! So inspirational. And Oprah? Do I really need to say anything about her except that Coutura and I are head over heels in love with her?! I was so honored just to share the same air as her! hahaha

One of the funniest moments during the show happened above when Julia Roberts accepted her WOTY award from Oprah. That red thing (does anyone have any clue as to what that is?!) is the statue that each of the honorees received. The first thing out of Julia's mouth? "What the hell is this?!" and then she laughed. Hilarious! At the end of the show, Cindi said that whomever guessed correctly what the award statue is supposed to represent would receive an all-expense paid trip to next year's WOTY Awards. She said to tweet your response to Glamour.com with hashtag #woty. Side note: a pretty wack prize if you ask me! I mean, most everyone there in attendance lives in New York! So a month's free rent would be a heck of a lot more lucrative, wouldn't you say?! hahaha

Cher received the Lifetime Achievement Award because she's awesome and doesn't even look like she's even been alive a whole lifetime! While on the stage, she kept stepping onto the train of her dress and cursed loudly ("God d*mmit," she said) and had the best quote of the evening.

"Don't take no for an answer. No is just some bullsh*t answer that someone made up." I couldn't agree more. She even compared herself to a bumper car and wasn't afraid to admit that she's made plenty of mistakes along the way and that once she hits the wall, she just bounces back and keeps going. Greatness personified! I really wanted her to start singing, but considering that Glamour cut out the cocktails portion of the event, I'm willing to bet that there was no way they could afford to pay her to perform hahaha.

While I could go on and on about this night (it was seriously just that amazing!) I can sum it up by saying that it's inspired me like no other to a. continue to go after what I want no matter what anyone says and b. that I need to give back more..starting with my own community! Saying that I'm too busy is just not a sufficient excuse when I see these celebs and everyday women making such a big difference in the world today. Be sure to check out Glamour.com for more highlights and a complete list of honorees!

xo

Ferocia

As it turns out, Fergie has a lot more rewarding qualities than a great singing voice and phenomenal taste in shoes. She is also silly, down-to-earth and lots of fun.

I had the pleasure of meeting her last Friday and chatting for a bit about her fabulous line of sandals, Fergie Shoes.

The Black Eyed Peas lead singer, who was rocking a pair of black Fergie Shoes stilettos with a rockstar-cool deep blue blazer, says she is very hands on with her designs. "I add studs or a buckle here and there to give my shoes edge," she says. As for her favorite type of shoes? "I love heels," she laughs. "The higher, the better." 

Besides her new fragrance, she says she isn't pursuing more beauty and fashion ventures...yet. "When I do something, I like to give 100%, and study it to make sure it's the right move to make," she said.

As for her first love, music, she's listening heavy to Drake's new album now. "He talks about everything: fame, money, relationships. I think that's cool."

Check out Fergie's edgy, fashion-forward line of shoes below. Which is your favorite?

More Fergie...

Kisses,

Coutura

Avon has leaked some shots from Fergie Ferg's upcoming advertisement campaign for her first fragrance, Outspoken. As previously reported here on The Glamazons, the starlet is set to release the "bold, floral fruity" scented juice in September 2010 and it will retail for $28.

What do you think of the pictures from the ads? GLAM or SHAM?

xo

Ferocia

Working at The Magazine, Ferocia and I come face-to-face with some of the smartest, brightest stars in the Fashion and Beauty industry. Once they inevitably succeed, you have the pleasure of having been a witness to their triumphant journey to the top. A.J. Crimson is one of those people. 





At a young age, he's already accomplished what beauty industry-hopefuls dream of: He's a makeup artist for celebrities like Estelle, Fergie, Amerie and Letoya Luckett. He's worked on Vogue photo shoots like "A Brief Encounter," the fashion spread featuring Diddy. He is the co-founder of lip gloss line, Kissable Couture, with Forest Whitaker's wife, Keisha. And he recently directed his first video, Letoya Luckett's "Good To You." Oh and he can tear up a dance floor better than any man I've ever met!

For our ten-minute interview column, the beauty God opened up to me about working for Pat McGrath, partying at the Armani club in Milan and what it takes to get ahead in this business. 

Coutura: First, thank you so much for speaking with us! You have the dream job every make-up artist wishes they had. Walk us through a typical workday in the life of the fabulous A.J. Crimson.



A.J.: I normally wake up at about 6am, begin sending and checking emails, and organize my thoughts for the day. Especially if it’s a day where I know I’ll be on set. It’s staying in touch with my office all day through my crackberry. Lol!  My laptop is always on standby for use when I’m on breaks. I try to take a meeting about my projects at least once or twice a week.





Coutura: Busy bee. Working in beauty is not easy, but it certainly is rewarding. When did you realize you wanted to work in this industry?  How did you get your start?



A.J.: I think I have always had an eye for beautiful things, so my entry into the industry was effortless.  It wasn't until I landed in Los Angeles that I really began to carve a niche for myself.



Coutura: Eventually you landed a job working with the legendary Pat McGrath! What was it like working for her?



A.J.: It was a surreal moment.  The time spent wasn't long enough. I recall it was my first trip to Paris. I was living in Vienna when I got the call from my American agent asking if I could get there, Pat had a space for me. I didn't think I would make it on time so I almost didn't go.  But I couldn't stand to think "what if"... so I just went with the mindset that on time or late I will get there.  I will do a great job and will not be turned away.  I ended up getting to Paris early, worked the Christian Dior fashion show, and got booked for 6 other shows that week.



Coutura: I commend how you were able to seize the moment! That mindset paid off. What advice would you give to up-and-coming beauty industry hopefuls on breaking in the business?



A.J.: Make your own breaks; never let your expendables get in the way of your dreams. Be careful how you use the word “reality.” Reality is what you make it!

Coutura: You've certainly made your dreams a reality. You are the youngest founder and designer of a luxury cosmetics line EVER with Kissable Couture, your lip gloss line with Keisha Whitaker.  That's a huge accomplishment.  Do you see any other beauty product lines in the future? Makeup?  Lotion? Etc.



A.J.: Thank you. And yes, I'm currently developing [BeautyStatements]by ajcrimson.

Coutura: Keep us posted. I'm sure [BeautyStatements] will be as phenomenal as Kissable Couture. By the way, my fave shade is ELUSIVE, so sexy! What lip gloss colors from Kissable Couture will be hot for Spring?



A.J.: Our new shade GLAMOUR which is an exclusive for QVC.  Available on Friday April 16th at 7pm!

Coutura: What are a few of your favorite beauty trends from the Fall 2010 runway?



A.J.: Color, Color, Color!  The liner and definitely the bold lips.



Coutura: Name three beauty products you can't live without.





A.J.: Nutura Bisse - The Cure, Nivea- body lotion, Embryolisse. I love moisturizers!!



Coutura:  What are three beauty tricks of the trade you can share with us?



A.J.: 1) I love to add moisturizer to foundation for a great light spring summer foundation.



2)   Use a wedge sponge placed behind the eye lash against the lid when applying mascara.     This helps prevent ruining eye makeup.



3)  Give dull eye shadow more pop!  Lightly wet the tip of your brush swirl in eye shadow and apply!

Coutura: Great tips! Besides taking over the beauty industry, you recently directed your first music video, "Good to Me" by Letoya Luckett. Congrats!  What was that experience like? [Ed Note: Scroll down to see the video.]



A.J.: Thank you!  OMG I loved directing Letoya in this video.  I thought I would be nervous but I wasn't.  It’s just like working on one of my photo shoots that I produce. I know what I want when I see it. I have to get the shot in a certain time frame so the pressure is always on. The editing process was longer, but I loved seeing the possibilities. It was awesome! I love Letoya and everyone at MBK for giving me the opportunity. I'm really happy that Letoya’s fans LOVED IT!



Coutura: I am a huge Letoya fan and thought the video was so cool! What is your favorite music video of all time?



A.J.: Well I don’t know that I have a favorite video of ALL time, but I really liked Madonna’s – “Vogue.”This was just a great video in the 90's.  It was just a different video.  The quality was crisp and I loved the black and white concept.  The song was so alluring!



Coutura: Vogue is, and forever will be, a classic. Lol. What do you think of Madonna's heir, Lady Gaga video, Telephone? And by the way, I'm in love with Estelle's video, Freak!



A.J.: I love Gaga and the creativity of the video. I love that she pushes the boundaries, even if sometimes it is way overboard. But that’s why we keep watching and that’s what makes her great. I saw so many great references in this video. She raised the bar for music video quality, anticipation, and delivery. Everyone I know was waiting at 12:30am to see this video and was talking about it the next day.  Whether they liked her or not!



I had the best fun working on “Freak.”  I was able to paint Estelle in full on body paint.  Artists don’t usually have the opportunity to do that.  We did gold glitter lips and painted a mask on the dancers.  It was one of the most visual videos I have worked on with an artist.  We were able to have fun and get dirty!

Coutura: Speaking of having fun and getting dirty, I love that you're a bicoastal social butterfly, hanging out in NYC and LA.  What are your favorite restaurants/clubs in both cities?



A.J.: I love Soho house in New York in the summer. I also LOVE Juliet for dinner, Chef Kyle Williams is amazing!  For breakfast I can’t get enough of Mikes in Brooklyn. My favorite club in New York, I would have to say I spend many nights at GreenHouse. SL is going to be popping this summer! Maybe I’ll make a cameo when the weather is better. I really wish I could just fly to Milan every weekend and go to the Armani club. I have so much fun every time I go!







As for LA, brunch at the four seasons is a must and they have the best waffles.  For dinner, I would have to say Katsuya. I love their version of Chinese chicken salad clubs.  I have to be honest; I really don’t go to clubs in LA.  After you've been to a NY party or one in London, Paris, or Milan, there is no point.  LA is my place to relax, have fun with friends, and enjoy a private party in the hills, which are always invite only so start building those relationships.  Lol!

Coutura: LOL! So celebrity clients.  A music video.  A successful luxury cosmetic line... and it still feels like your career has just begun!  What's next for AJ Crimson?



A.J.: I'll be hosting makeup classes - April 24th in NYC, April 25th  in Philadelphia,  May 1st  in DC,  and May 2nd  in ATL.  I am also working on my book and will continue to work on my blog!





Coutura: Great! We'll be reading! 











Kisses,





Coutura

The Grammy Awards are upon us which means for the last few weeks, stylists, make-up artists, eyelash artists, PR girls and designers have been scrambling to outfit stars in the latest and greatest fashions.



Judging from the latest pics from Pre-Grammy events, some celebs will push the envelope in avant garde looks (a la Rihanna) stay safe and trend-friendly in sequins or silk (like Mary J. Blige and Katy Perry) or show up in a tacky cringe-worthy ensemble that anyone can pick up at your neighborhood Rainbow store (sigh...Ashanti).



Check out the looks from Clive Davis' and Neyo's parties below and give your verdict: Who was Grammy Glam and who was a Sham?

Rihanna's multicolor pastel look was delightfully avant garde but the shape and hue was a lot to take in at once. I will say her light green make-up and polished hair was uberfabulous.

Ciara, is this a joke? The cheap-looking shaggy fur top paired with shorts and knee boots (darling, pick a season) was proportionally and aesthetically all wrong. The loud fashion faux paux is sure to turn heads---just not for the right reasons.

Fergie...the part lingerie/part electrical tape dress would make sense on a Vegas party girl, not a pop star. It is cheap and tacky and looks like it smells like plastic. Sham.

Though Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift's dresses were sequined and safe (aka you could see a thousand of them at any New Year's shindig or gala), atleast they looked glamorous and presentable. I live for the multicolor sequins on Katy's dress.

It seems leather was a staple on the red carpet (see Ashanti's disaster below) but Jennifer Hudson's trendy purple color, shoulder detail and blunt bangs make the look undeniably chic.

The fellas stole the night. In all black everything, Jay-Z redefined cool in a New York City rockstar vibe with a motorcycle leather jacket, a chain necklace and black separates. Jamie Foxx brought his signature suave style in a one-button blazer with a shirt and tie.

Neyo's signature fedora, shirt and vest captured his "perfect gentleman" motif to a tee, but I hate the sneakers. English gentleman meets street culture? I'm not buying it. And raise your hand if you're tired of seeing a fedora on this man at every event...I understand hats are your thing but they make different styles.

Precious star, Gabourey Sidibe wore a black banded sheath dress and...flats? I LOVE Gabourey and what she represents as a full-figured woman in Hollywood who readily embraces her out-of-the-norm body size. But this dress is just not flattering. It makes her look ill-proportioned and does nothing for her shape. 

Ashanti is on my list. The gray leather zippered mini is cute, yes. But why did you borrow your sister's dangly earrings from prom and clip on a blonde, curly weave from the beauty supply store? (Did anybody tell her that her hair doesn't match in the front?!) No matter how chic she starts off, she always gets it wrong. Sham.

What do you think, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?