B a hair-raiser...

Straight, curly, locked, twisted, braided, long, straight, natural, relaxed, weave, no weave...These are just some of the options that make black women's hair something like a phenomenon. We've all had that moment when someone thought it was OK to pet our hair, and say "Oh, that's so cool, how'd you get it like that?" And we've ALL had that moment when you walk in with a fresh blowout and a classmate/co-worker says, "OMG, it's so pretty (substitute: long/straight/soft)!" (And this implies that it was what, before the blow out?) Or we've even had that occasion when someone asks "How many times do you wash it?"

Yes, yes...black hair is a wonderful, evolving part of who we are. It can be a mysterious thing to our counterparts, and even to us. But dealing with questions about your hair (i.e. your identity) at work can be a sensitive issue to say the least. Many have seen that article circulating about a certain beauty editor from Glamour Magazine hosting a luncheon on the Do's and Don'ts of Corporate Fashion at law firm, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Below are some of the comments made by the "style expert".

"Those political hairstyles really have to go..."

"Afro: A real no-no."

"Dreadlocks: How truly dreadful!"

As a result, the young fashionista was "dealt with", but her words are already out in the universe and likely reflect the outlook of others in corporate America. For some, it's a constant struggle to maintain their personal style, all while managing the expectations of others. Personally, I'm just trying to find a something that works when I need to look fly and work out at the same time. (I haven't figured it out just yet. Any suggestions?) As for now, I rock what my boy calls a "snatch-back" (low bun) - but whatevs!

Being serious for a moment - how do you feel about this issue? I'd love to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, check out this mini-snippet on Marie Claire's website about "Erasing Ethnicity", pretty interesting. The full-length article is on the newsstands.

Big Boys Toys

The Mission: Boys Speak Out, Inc. is a non profit corporation created to bring intelligent, compassionate, dedicated and diverse people together in pursuit of one common goal: building community through youth development.

Event Info:
Classic Car Club - Manhattan
250 Hudson Street
New York City
Saturday October 13th - 8:30 P.M. - 11:30 P.M

This Saturday, Boys Speak Out, Inc. brings southern hospitality and good graces to NYC for a charity event that caters to the inner kid in all of us. "Big Boys Toys" will raise funds to support an organization that creates programs for adolescent boys by giving them a format to discuss issues such drugs, relationships, family issues, and peer pressure. BSO, Inc. makes it a priority to prepare young minds for high school and college and inspire overall academic and social achievement.

Your advanced donation of $110 will not only help raise money for this great cause, but you'll also be privy to a an open bar, hor d' oeuvres, a live auction, a hot DJ spinning the latest music, free admission to the after party at Opus 22, PLUS you'll be surrounded by beautiful vehicles! There may be limited availability at the door for $130, so advanced purchase is your best bet.

The B-Life will be in full effect (working the door), so we hope to see you come out!

B inspired...

"In life we must utilize every moment we have to strive towards becoming the people we want to be."
~ Anthony Webb - CEO, Boys Speak Out, Inc.

B out...THIS WEEKEND!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (WEEKEND) TO RASHIDA MAPLES, ESQ.! IT'S STILL HOT...SO TAKE ADVANTAGE!

What: The Big Chill - Benefiting The Global Artists Coalition
When: Friday October 5th 8:00PM
Where: The Hip Hop Cultural Center of Harlem - 2309 Frederick Douglass Blvd., 2nd Fl.
Why: THE BIG CHILL is an evening of decadence, music and dancing for the New York elite. The event commences at 8pm. The night shall include:
- Wine Tasting from 8-9pm
- Wine and Spirits Open Bar until 9:30pm
- Live Musical Performance by Rhonda Nicole and Montrose
- Hip Hop Dance Performance by Hypnotized Dance Company
- Dancing into the evening with sounds by DJ Danja Mowf

What: COLLEGE GAMEDAY
When: Saturday October 6th
Where: Blondie's
Why: The wings, the games, the wings...

What: The Big Bang
When: Saturday October 6th 11:00PM
Where: Colors
Why: I love this spot...no work on Sunday!
RSVP to: thebigbang07@gmail.com

What: Ebony Fashion Fair - Glam Odyssey
When: Sunday October 7th 3:00PM
Where: The Apollo Theater
Why: You know you grew up looking at those Fashion Fair spreads in Ebony!

YBF in NYC!

~past event~

Last night The B-Life went to support the always fabulous Natasha at her debut event in NYC. The party was super-chill and fun even though industry heads like Danyel Smith from VIBE, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson were in the house. Not to mention, BET's spunky flygirl, Alesha Renee and AI's Jared Cotter were present as well. And make no mistake...that is SOUL FOR REAL, who brought us back with "Candy Rain" & "Every Little Thing I Do"...oh yes, the highlight of the night!

SOUL FOR REAL

Jared Cotter, American Idol (such a cutie!) & Jamila Cummings

Stephanie & Claire, The Fashion Bomb

Shareeff Williams & Mike Williams, Common Ground Marketing

B out...This Week(end)!

Even though we're detoxing, we hope you'll continue the fun.

What: AFTER WORK THURSDAYS @ ASPEN
When: Thursday Oct. 4thth 6pm-12 MIDNIGHT
Where: Aspen (30 West 22nd Street btw. 5th & 6th Aves.)
Why: Cute spot - FREE ENTRY!
Email RSVPBBE@GMAIL.COM

What: NYquil: The V.S. Edition
When: Thursday Oct. 4th 9pm
Where: The Vault (East Houston & Essex St.)
Why: For those in the "swagger" movement. Variety is key.

What: BLACK GIRLS ROCK! INC, VH1 HIP HOP HONORS, AND RAP SESSIONS
PRESENTS..."A community dialogue on HIP HOP…"Does Hip-Hop Hate Women?"
When: Friday October 5th 2007 7:00pm
Where: The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue NYC 10029
Why: Admission is Free with RSVP to 212-534-1672 x3395 (Also, see below.)

Over the last 30 years, hip-hop culture has proven itself to be a positive force in the lives of youth relative to art, business and social activism. Despite these constructive influences, arguably the most well-known fact about the culture today is its lyrics and music videos that degrade women. In fact, for many, the term hip-hop, in the last decade, has become synonymous with misogyny. As hip-hop is the defining culture in the lives of American youth, naturally the question arises, "how is it shaping the new war of the sexes?"

The gender crisis facing the hip-hop generation is a major hot button issue for those both outside and within the hip-hop community. This Community Dialogue on Hip-Hop and Gender hopes to provide a public forum where young people can began to think through the issues:
* How is hip-hop contributing to the misogyny in our national culture?
* How do degrading images of women affect women, girls, men and boys?
* What are hip-hop artists and activists presenting as alternatives to the dominant representations?

The goals this town hall style meeting conducted by leading hip-hop intellectuals and activists is to help young people think through the range of issues associated with this dilemma; place on the table the tensions and animosities between young men and women that some hip-hop music exacerbates; and finally, present youth with viable strategies they can implement in their personal lives and organizations.

HOST:

Beverly Bond, world renowned celebrity hip hop DJ and Founder/President of Black Girls Rock! Inc.

MODERATOR:

Bakari Kitwana, Co-founder of the first ever National Hip-Hop Political Convention and the author of The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture (Basic Books, 2002). Bakari is also the former executive editor of The Source Magazine.

PANELISTS:

Mark Anthony Neal, Duke University Black popular culture professor and author of four books including New Blackman.

Joan Morgan, Hip-Hop Journalist author of the groundbreaking When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: My Life as a Hip-Hop Feminist. Joan also sits on the Board of Directors for Black Girls Rock! Inc.

M-1, aka Mutulu Olugabala, Rapper, activist and author known for his work as one half of critically acclaimed political hip-hop duo Dead Prez.

Helen Little, Program Director at Power 105.1FM and acclaimed music director and on-air personality.

Professor Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, Director of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University and author of the forthcoming Pimps Up, Hos Down: Hip Hop and the New Gender Politics.

B carried away....with Fall's Must-have bags!

Are you Type A or Type B?

Type A: Sensible shopper who looks forward to changing seasons so they can pull out their fall/winter clothes and have fun with new styles. This person might use fashion mags to draw inspiration from and slowly introduce a few elements into their existing wardrobe.

Type B: Slightly impulsive fashionista who feels a need (almost insensibly) to buy a NEW handbag and NEW shoes every time the next season rolls around. This person cannot carpe' diem without something shiny and new to rock as they take on a new year?

No matter what type of shopper you are, use this post with caution...

What: Prada Glazed Calfskin Tote - $2580
Why: Prada stepped up the GAME this year - so chic!

What: Michael Kors - ID Chain Large Hobo - $1195
Why: Lock me up, cause I love this city-rocker bag too!

What: Marc by Marc Jacobs - Dr. Q Delancy Tote - $698
Why: This bag is perfection for the Fall (the price isn't half-bad either)!

What: Leiber- -Python Clutch - $2195
Why: Total indulgence, but have you ever seen a sexier clutch?

What: Miu Miu - Tall Bow Tote - $1195
Why: My personal fave. Hot, sophisticated, and laid-back in one beautiful package!

What: Kooba Harper Gathered Slouch Bag - $545
Why: "I-just-don't-care-I'm-naturally-fly-(in-jeans-and-layered-sweaters)-bag"

What: Chloe Metallic Haley Clutch - $1120
Why: You'll get the right type of attention with this one. It's bold in the most palatable way.

What: YSL Patent Leather Tote = $1395
Why: Because those who can, do! Get 'em!

B fabulous...THIS WEDNESDAY!

What: Young, Black & Fabulous Event
When: Wednesday October 3rd - 10PM
Where: BLVD 199 Bowery (btw. Spring & Rivington)
Why: We can't think of a more fab way to celebrate hump day!
RSVP @ ybfnyc@gmail.com

B in New Orleans...Post-K

The B-Life doesn't work for the New Orleans board of Tourism, but we do want to encourage folks to visit one of America's gems. The city has a lot of work to do to restore the homes and lives of all it's residents, but many areas are alive and ready for your patronage. What comes first...that's always the question.

With upcoming events such as Bayou Classic (Nov. 2007), Mardi Gras (Feb. 2008), The NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 2008), The Jazz and Heritage Festival (April & May 2008) and Essence Music Festival (July 2008) - you have every reason to see for yourself.

Today, we're spotlighting Faubourg-Marigny and The Metro to whet your palette. Bon' appetit!

FAURBOURG-MARIGNY
This area is the sister to the illustrious French Quarter, but better known for it's concentration of cultural spots like Cafe' Brazil, The Hookah Bar, and Blue Nile, among others. You can't walk 10 steps without hearing live music pouring from an establishment or a sidewalk corner. It's a neighborhood with an authentic passion for artistry.

(Check for the rooftop patio at Blue Nile.)

And while you're in Faubourg-Marigny, don't forget to check out Snug Harbor. This no-frills jazz spot embodies the jazz heritage of the city. Our first Marsalis- jazz experience was at Snug Harbor - it's a classic!

"THE METRO"
For an authentic club experience, people watching, and all-around good time, Metro delivers. Sunday is the right night. The DJ will take you through the latest in hip-hop, southern specialties, and the native bounce. If you're not familiar with that N'awlins brand of music, you will be before you leave.

For more info on happenings in The Big Easy, head to New Orleans Black.

B quoted...

"Thoughts have power; thoughts are energy. And you can make your world or break it by your own thinking." ~ Susan Taylor, ESSENCE

B out the weekend...in NYC!

What: Rachelle Ferrell
When: Thursday Sept 27th - Sunday September 30th
Where: Blue Note Jazz Club
Why: "With five-octave range, she's the best voice in modern music." Dawud Shereef, JP MorganChase

Hudson River Cafe

Calling all Uptowners...Have you checked out Hudson River Cafe? The minute my friends and I walked into this anomaly on 133rd & 12th Ave. we immediately sang in unison, "doesn't it feel like we're in Greece?"

Between the heavy, Euro bass beats coming from the live DJ on the rooftop, the tangerine-umbrella patio and the cool breeze that blessed us last weekend, we certainly felt an out-of-Harlem experience. This is rare, especially when it comes to dining above 96th St..

The actual food was pretty good, with lots of healthy, grilled options. But the desserts and drinks were the trump cards. The key lime pie was to die...

Definitely check out HRC while it's still warm enough to sit on the patio. The ambiance and proximity to the water is very cool. The interior will still work when the temperatures bottom out.

Fellas, take your girl out for a midnight drink or something sweet. It's def. a cute date spot. But please, don't take all your girls to the same restaurant - not cool!

The Pink & Black Ball

We party all the time for different reasons, next weekend we party for a purpose.
Come in your Best Black & Pink Attire

OPEN BAR SPONSORED BY:
NUVO Sparkling Vodka

A PINK & BLACK SEMI FORMAL
CHARITY EVENT FOR BREAST CANCER
at Retreat (37 West 17th St. btw 5th & 6th)
September 30th 8pm to 2pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: vegasinternational@gmail.com
or Call 917.572.4328

Suggested advanced donation of $20 via paypal: info@showcasenyc.com
Donations will be accepted at the door. 100% of proceeds go to...


Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and distributed over $450 million worldwide from 1992 through 2006 to advance breast cancer research, access to care, diagnostics and screening, support services, and awareness and education programs. The Avon Foundation has provided more than $27.3 million since 2000 in New York and the surrounding region to support programs including: The Avon Foundation Breast Imaging Center and the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center.

Sisters Network ® Inc. (SNI) is the leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. SNI promotes the importance of breast health through empowerment, support, breast education programs, resources, information, and research. Membership is 3000, which includes over 40 affiliate chapters nationwide. The organization’s purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country. As a nationally recognized organization among leading medical establishments and breast cancer physicians, Sisters Network is also recognized as a critical information resource for African American women.

B out...This Week!

A few things for the week...the weather in NYC is too good to miss. Enjoy!

What: Mizani Style-A-Thon
When: Tuesday September 25th 8A-8P
Where: 15 Mercer St. (btw. Grand & Canal)
Why: Discount beauty services - love it!

What: Get Yours! Book Party
When: Wednesday September 26th 7- 9P
Where: The Grand Hotel
Why: Amy DuBois Barnett is fab...this should be a good one!

What: Barack Rally in NYC
When: Thursday September 27th 5PM
Where: Washington Square Park
Why: Get to know your candidates...
RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/nyc