Hey Glamazons! I know we just gave you the scoop on Carol's Daughter with the Chrisette Michelle interview (isn't she the cutest?!), but I feel that it's my beauty duty to also let you know that Mary J. Blige will be back on HSN tonight. (Get excited!)

In case you've been hiding out on an island somewhere and don't know anything about this, Mary J. Blige collaborated with Carol's Daughter to create her own signature fragrance, My Life. In what some said is a crazy move (because how do you sell something no one can smell?!), she teamed up with the good folks down at HSN to sell My Life on television and the rest is history! Not only did she break records by selling more than 72,000 bottles (that's $3 million in sales!) but she also donated $1 from each sell to the nonprofit organization she shares with Steve Stoute called Foundation For The Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN).

Wowza! Luckily, I had the opportunity to fly down to HSN (it's located in Tampa, FL..that's a pic of Mary and I on-set above) interview and watch the songtress in action on-set. It was quite amazing!

Although I won't be on-set with her this time (insert sad face here) I did have the opportunity to sit and chat with Mary over lunch Tuesday afternoon about her fragrance, life and other fun stuff. She eagerly mentioned that this time around she will be selling My Life gift sets that will consist of the fragrance, body lotion and shower gel. She also plans to have a couple of surprise celeb call-ins (last time Oprah called in and I thought I was going to pass out..literally!)

Mary will kick off selling again today at midnight and continue segments into tomorrow (12/10) during the following times:

-1 a.m.

-12 p.m.

-2 p.m.

-4 p.m.

-9 p.m.

-10 p.m.

With every purchase made, $1 will be donated to FFAWN. Be sure to tune in and support Mary, Glamazons! I can't even begin to tell you what an amazing and inspirational woman she is! For more deets, visit the Carol's Daughter Facebook page.

xo

Ferocia

Remember how we told you guys about Mary J. Blige launching her first fragrance, 'My Life' on HSN? Well, last weekend she hit the airwaves and (in true MJB fashion) set new records. According to the article in today's WWD, she sold over 72,000 units of fragrance and ancillaries in 24 hours. That's $3 million in retail sales! Wowza!

And now, the fragrance industry is starting to take note. I mean, it's already a bonkers idea to even think about selling a fragrance on television (how will you smell it?!)

But, apparently everyone (included myself) loves the singer and didn't mind dropping top dollars for her signature scent. Lucky for them that it really does smell divine!

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to fly down to St. Petersburg, FL last weekend and interview the starlet for Glamour.com (click here to check out her beauty faves!)

Did any of you Glamazons tune in and buy the fragrance? If so, were you able to chat with her over the phone? Who do you think will be the next celebrity to launch their scent on the channel?

xo

Ferocia

As we reported in April, Mary J. Blige is preparing to launch her My Life fragrance THIS Saturday on HSN and HSN.com (following the launch, the scent will be available at Carol's Daughter).



But here's the latest: The R&B diva will donate $1 of the proceeds from each sale to help put young women through college this Fall.



In collaboration with her women's empowerment organization, FFAWN, Mary J. Blige is using her star power to help support and strengthen our youth. ::Applause::



Make sure you tune into HSN tomorrow to hear Mary's story and give back through the purchase of her new fragrance, which retails for $46. Though you can't smell it through the TV screen, Ferocia and I promise you it smells sultry and alluring. You will not be disappointed!



Kisses,



Coutura



Photos: ThatGrapeJuice.com.

Ok, remember how we told you all about how Mary J. Blige has a new fragrance called "My Life" out and shared the looks from her latest fashion collabo with Catherine Malandrino?

Now, we've got more deets to share with you on her collection of sunglasses (which we told you about back in May.)

The singer is set to launch a sunglass collection called Melodies by MJB at Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman in October.

According to WWD, the collection will consist of four styles: an aviator shape (called Incognito); classic oversize (Red Carpet and MJ's); and a geometric-retro style with side cutouts (Showtime). Each will be available in four to six colors and retail from $165 to $225. Two more styles will be added later this year. Here's what she had to say about why she made an eyewear collection:

"I want women to be able to hide behind their glasses, but also be fashion-forward and comfortable. I didn't make any Grandma glasses."

Hmmmm...I usually like the shades Mary rocks in real life, so I'm pretty sure they'll be fab. However, they're a bit on the pricey side, wouldn't you say, Glamazons? What do you think?

xo

Ferocia

Now that Mary J. Blige's $1,000 Charity Fashion Show has passed, it's time to focus on the fun part: the beautiful, irresistibly chic clothes from the new Catherine Malandrino/FFAWN Resort 2011 collection.



With the exception of a glorious, printed dress bursting with tropical colors, the collection is centered in fashion's perennially chic hue---black. However, it gets its interest and flair from elegant jeweled adornments and fringe details that decorate skirts and tops. Metallic jackets, tie-up sandals and glittering belts imbue this collection with refined charm and brazen edge.



As can be expected from Catherine Malandrino, the silhouettes are tailor-made to accentuate the most beautiful parts of a woman's curves. She expertly uses draping in both dresses and harem pants to emphasize and enhance a gorgeous, feminine shape. The accessories, like a jeweled bracelet and statement necklace, are just as elegant and striking.



Check out the pieces below and let me know which look is your favorite. See more on www.catherinemalandrino.com.

 

.

And here are the lovely Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino making a speech about the collection. Cute!

Kisses,



Coutura



Pictures Courtesy of Catherine Malandrino.

Apparently there are 600 other people that would..and we would too, if we had the money! (Hey, it's for charity.)

We're talking about the FFAWN fashion show happening June 15 at the Museum of Modern Art here in New York. It's the first ever clothing collection from the organization and is designed by Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino. The money raised from ticket sales will be used to cover college tuition for 30 graduates from the Women's Academy of Excellence in the Bronx.

As you know from previous posts, Coutura and I are huge fans of FFAWN and I was more than happy to shell out $39 to purchase Blige and Malandrino's last fashion collabo: this super cute (and comfy!) t-shirt dress they launched in February at Bloomingdale's. (That's me rocking it below after a fun brunch date with Coutura and friends.)

Items in the FFAWN r-t-w collection will include items such as t-shirts ($200) and a studded leather jacket ($3,000). It seems that Malandrino has been doing the design work while Blige has been feeding her friend with inspirational thoughts. (Which we're sure that she has tons of!) No clue as to where items from the clothing line will be sold just yet.

ELLE is the official media sponsor for the event, so be sure to check out highlights from the show in the July 2010 music issue.

xo

Ferocia

Truth be told, Mary J. Blige could come out with a line of bedding and we'd love it. She's so gorgeous and strong and regal and raw. Both her perfume and collaboration with Gucci and Degree were big hits in our book.



As we reported in April, her latest venture is a line of sunglasses called "Melodies by MJB." But this isn't your typical celebrity-endorsed product line. The designs are each significant to Mary J. Blige on a personal level; each of the four styles will represent a facet of the singer's life. The line, which will feature four styles in twenty color options, will debut in Fall 2010.



"Melodies by MJB" is the second celebrity brand developed and supported by Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope who also helped launch the popular "Beats by Dr. Dre" headphones. Jimmy predicts that Mary J. Blige's line of sunglasses will be a huge success, already planning for a second collection in Spring 2011.



Are you excited about this launch, Glamazons? I sure am. Mary J. Blige is the sunglasses Queen and I remember buying the white shades she wore on the Share My World cover just because she rocked them! She's always been something of a trendsetter so a line of sunglasses is a logical progression.

Would you wear them?



Kisses,



Coutura



Source

As you know, Mary J. Blige gave an awesome FREE concert yesterday in Times Square where she performed songs off of her latest album. Although Coutura and I weren't able to make it (I'm traveling and Coutura had previously scheduled engagements), we just wanted to make sure to let all of you know that you can catch Blige's performance on Degree's Facebook fan page (click here).

Also, just in case you were wondering what in the heck Blige was doing the free concert for, it's because Degree has launched a new line of products for women called Degree Natureffects.

The line includes anti-perspirants/deodorants and matching body sprays (see below for deets on the new products). The company will be sponsoring Blige's organization FFAWN.

As part of the collabo, Degree held the event "Dare to Join Forces with Nature" and invited Blige to perform.

So, be sure to get your pits in order, Glamazons! Warmer weather is finally upon us and being musty is just not cute.

Degree Women Natureffects Products

-Degree's top odor and wetness protection formula with fragrances inspired by natural ingredients are available in Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil; Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper; and Orange Flower & Cranberry

-Prices: $3.99 (for 2.6 oz anti-perspirant/deodorant)

$3.99 (for 2.2 oz anti-perspirant/deodorant)

$3.99 (3 fl oz body mist)

xo

Ferocia

This just in: Mary J. Blige will be giving a FREE concert (performing songs from her new album!) today at 11 a.m. in Times Square at Broadway between 42nd & 43rd.

The songtress has hooked up with Degree Women (who is an official sponsor of her organization FFAWN). Here's what she had to say about the new collabo:

"Degree salutes women who dare to feel more alive, and who are inspiring and confident, which is quite an empowering message. That's why Degree Women Natureeffects is helping to support my organization FFAWN, which is dedicated to helping women gain the confidence and skills to reach their full potential."

Check out the Degree Women Facebook page for more deets!

xo

Ferocia

A pop of color goes a long way on the Grammys 2010 red carpet. With Rihanna in white Elie Saab, Beyonce in Stephanie Rolland nude and Ciara in Givenchy black, Mary's magical magenta Gucci gown brought some life and energy to the mix.





Her bold hue shined against her glowing brown skin and golden hair. Her subtle makeup and dazzling jewelry were the perfect accompaniments (I would've chosen a silver clutch over black though). But these aren't the best parts.





The body-skimming silhouette showed off a toned, curvaceous figure that put even the young celebs to shame (It certainly put me to shame. Heading to the gym after this post).





And the detailed neckline, a theme at the Grammys (see Rihanna's high neckline and Jennifer Lopez's halter neckline) gave the gown some interest with its purposefully-placed cut-outs. It highlighted Mary's pretty cleavage, toned shoulders and muscular arms in a way that was feminine and elegant. Love.





For her performance with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli as a tribute to Haiti, Mary J. Blige wore another stunning hue: a cobalt blue jersey gown with beaded detail from Roberto Cavalli's Pre-Spring 2010 collection. Color looks good on her.

Check out her performance via my beloved hip hop site, Rap Radar, below:



















What do we think of Mary's boldly hued looks? Glam or a Sham?

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?

Hey Glamazons!By now, we've all seen and heard about the spectacles at Sunday's American Music Awards that everyone is talking about: Jennifer Lopez falling on her ass-et (what's more appalling to me is performing a "Louboutin" song not wearing Louboutins), Adam Lambert making out with a man, Jay-Z taking an alleged jab at 50 Cent while Chris Brown tweets "Cornball" and Q-Tip tweets about "cocky rappers."But to me, the fashion was just as troubling.While some celebrities looked beautiful, others took fashion risks that didn't quite pay off (Rihanna) or made amateur style faux pauxs (Whitney, where was your shapewear?).Take a look at the celebrities that made us turn heads or scratch our heads and give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

We loved Whitney Houston's ruched white gown but a Spanx would've smoothed out her (tiny) tummy.

Not at all crazy about Rihanna's Marchesa ballgown with floral cut-outs, and Easter Sunday ready white Mary Jane pumps. However, the red cat eyes (and Neil Lane jewelry) were everything.

We think Rihanna's body is AMAZING but the Fifth Element meets Amber Rose bandaged suit was way too much for us.Lady Gaga's antics always amuse but the unsightly strap over her panties looks like a diaper or holster. Odd...not in a good way.

Alicia Key's Armani Prive dress was adorable, fresh and sexy. We love how she highlighted her amazing legs and kept her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry simple and stunning.Her fall may be the talk of the town, but Jennifer Lopez's Marchesa feathery dress with beaded bodice totally makes up for it.I live for Fergie's studded Armani Prive gown. Equal parts daring and dazzling.

Does it get any chicer than Shakira's yellow Versace minidress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels? Note to Rihanna: this is how cut-outs should be done.

I think the Biker Chic trend is completely overdone here. And Leona Lewis' soft hairstyle with cascading ringlets seems out of place when paired with her leather Vivienne Westwood dress, chains AND a three-finger ring. Not a fan.

We thought Mary J. Blige looked elegant but a tad too dressy for the event. Nonetheless, her expertly-styled blonde cut was the perfect complement to her glowing skin.

We loved Keri Hilson's sparkly Louise Golden minidress and Alaia booties. She always gets it right.Though some critics feel Toni Braxton's dress is a bit too revealing for a 40-something star, I think her gown---and body---look stunning. The messy updo, on the other hand, is not red-carpet friendly. And she could've put that boy in a suit.

I think velvet is always a controversial choice, but when done right, it looks expensive and dapper. Jay-Z slightly misses the mark, in my opinion, with the brown color.

What do you think about these looks, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,Coutura