August, 2010

It was the news that sent shock waves through the hip hop and R&B communities, and you probably remember exactly what you were doing the moment you heard of the tragedy nine years ago.  Aaliyah – dead at 22.

The stories our parents shared with us - stories recapping their wherabouts when John Lennon was killed or the devastation they felt when Marvin Gaye was murdered – no longer sounded like “way back when” tales of yesteryear. Now, it was one from our generation whose life had tragically ended. It was our pop princess who could only live now through song. Our generation’s Star Search competitor turned multi-faceted mega star whose mysterious demeanor was the perfect mix of sexy and sophistication.  It was our Aaliyah. And she was gone.

Her first single, “Back & Forth,” was the party anthem of the year and properly introduced the world to the “l-i-y-a-h.”

Many have speculated that Aaliyah’s song ”Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number” directly related to rumors that she and a much older R. Kelly were romantically involved.

Aaliyah eventually traded time with the Kels for more collabos with all star producers Missy Elliot and Timberland.  A little more mature and showing a bit more skin, Aaliyah released Billboard hits “Hot Like Fire” and “4 Page Letter.”

Aaliyah’s star continued to rise with the release of “Try Again,” the hit song from the movie, ”Romeo Must Die.”

And still haunting nine years later are eerie images of an angelic-looking Aaliyah in her “Rock The Boat” video, shot hours before she and crew were killed in the plane crash as they left the shoot location.

With the rise of superstars like Beyonce’ and Ciara, I have heard many people compare Aaliyah to their likenesses. Would those ladies have achieved such popularity had Aaliyah lived? Unfortunately, we will never know. However, we can be thankful for the talent, voice, and spirit that was Aaliyah and that still lives on through her music today.

Here’s some of her most incredible albums and songs to download:

Be sure to check out more great posts from music editor Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!

I wish I looked like this when taking my dog for a walk and a spin around town! Fashion factor: very high!

Kate Beckinsale (and her pooch) strut an impressive collection of current trends – clogs, jeggings and poncho style jacket. Comfortable factor (most important to me): just as high!

Conclusion: an absolutely perfect appearance by Kate and her little friend!

Here’s how you can get the look, direct from our sponsor!

James Perse V Neck Top - Stylish top in blue cotton - very delicate rip quality, pleasant, soft, typical James Perse - V neck, long sleeves - Sharply waist fitted and figure hugging cut, nice and long - Great basic shirt, exactly the kind you’ve always been looking for - A hit with tube jeans - Material: 100%Cotton Our Price $75.00

DL1961 Super Stretch Twilight Skinny Jeans - Twilight Skinny Jeans in Stretch-Denim - Cut: Low rise; Skinny Leg; 6″(15cm) Beinöffnung - Wash: Dark Blue Denim - Inseam: 35″ - Rise Front: 7,5″ Back: 13″ - Fit: Tight - Zip fly with button closure - Details: 4 Way Stretch lycra, they fit a 0 or a 14 and slim you down - Wash instructions: Wash cold - Use: Wear to many occasions and at the office - Fit note: Fit true to size - Material: 73%Cotton27%Polyester Our Price $240.00

Tom Ford Black Sunglasses - Luxurious sunglasses in black acetate - Stylish oversize star incognito optic - Extremely high quality, extremely cool world-class design by Tom Ford with an increasing amount of fans - New: the delicate and light frame - Purple colour gradient glasses with UVA- and UVB-protection and delicate Tom Ford logo writing - Very slim and comfortable ear-pieces with decorative fern knot - More than just protection, these glasses are a fashion statement - Material: Plastic Our Price $325.00

Poncho by Sandro -Take your favorite looks through to fall with a trans-seasonal coverup like Sandro’s striped gray and brown wool-blendfringed poncho. -Gray and brown striped wool-blend. -Round neck with faux-leather trim, fringing at bottom and simply slips on. -65% wool, 30% polyester, 5% other fibres. Our price:  $295

Be sure to check out more celebrity trends — from runway to reality — right here at Positively Celebrity!

Who knew? Benji and Joel Madden are not only rockers, but fashionisto-moguls-in-the-making as well! On Wednesday, August 25, Macy’s and American Rag will unveil the limited edition “Mad Picks” capsule collection by the brothers from Good Charlotte, available in select Macy’s stores and on macys.com.

As part of an exciting music program created by FILTER Creative Group and Macy’s private brand American Rag, the “Mad Picks” capsule collection has a distinct rock-n-roll feel for the girl who loves to combine her love of music with fashion.

In addition to handpicking “Mad Picks” items from the American Rag fall collection, Benji and Joel Madden will be performing a series of five free concert events in Macy’s stores across the country this fall in support of Good Charlotte’s new album, Cardiology, out November 2.

With stylish denim, embellished tops, and boho vests, “Mad Picks” is the Maddens’ first collaboration with a retailer and features their favorite looks from American Rag’s new seasonal collection for girls. To celebrate this effort and launch, the Maddens will perform free acoustic concerts at the following locations:

Saturday, 9/11: Cherry Hill, NJ – Macy’s Cherry Hill Saturday, 9/25: Rosedale, MN – Macy’s Rosedale Center Saturday, 10/9: Miami, FL – Macy’s International Mall West Dade Saturday, 10/16: Roseville, CA – Macy’s Galleria at Roseville Saturday, 10/23: Skokie, IL – Macy’s Old Orchard

Each concert event will take place at 2 p.m. in Macy’s Juniors department and will feature autograph signings and sweepstakes for customers to win tickets to Good Charlotte’s upcoming tour. Customers who make a $50 purchase will get VIP access to meet the Maddens and receive a download card featuring an exclusive acoustic version of Good Charlotte’s new hit single, “Like It’s Her Birthday.”

Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to pre-order the upcoming album, Cardiology.

Cardiology is Good Charlotte’s fifth studio album and will be released November 2 on Capitol Records / EMI Music, almost ten years following the release of their self-titled debut.

Continuing with the band’s traditional adventurous musical persona, the new album features everything from the dance floor-friendly first single “Like It’s Her Birthday” to future anthems like “Silver Screen Romance,” while still effortlessly retaining the band’s signature sound in the process. “Like It’s Her Birthday” is out now and will be available for purchase August 24.

The Maddens currently appear on the cover of RAGGED, the free publication featuring full-length articles and photo spreads of today’s hottest artists sporting the latest collections by American Rag.

(Side Note: I just picked up this vest over the weekend and it is SO FAB!!)

In the article, “Good Charlotte: Fashion Ready,” Benji and Joel discuss the “Mad Picks” collection.   “We like to wear clothes that you can wear up or dress down, like a T-shirt you can throw a jacket over for dinner. It’s important for us as a band to have clothes which we can both walk on stage or relax at home.”

Further commenting on the collaboration process, Benji Madden adds, “Macy’s and America Rag have always been places we have looked to for new trends and stylish clothing so it was exciting to be working with retailers where we would normally shop. Both Macy’s, American Rag and Filter have been incredible and inspiring to work with and we can’t thank them enough for the opportunity. Joel and I can’t wait to look out into the crowd at the next Good Charlotte concert and see all the girls wearing our first collaboration from Mad Picks.”

Visit your local Macy’s store beginning August 25 to find “Mad Picks” exclusively from American Rag and get a free PDF download of RAGGED Magazine at  www.raggedmag.com.

For more information on Good Charlotte or American Rag visit:

www.myspace.com/goodcharlotte

www.goodcharlotte.com

www.raggedmag.com

And be sure to check out more of the latest entertainment news right here at Positively Celebrity!

Hi Lovelies! It’s just about time to switch up your look for Fall!

This week I’m bringing you the Fall beauty trends straight from the runway.  And although the weather is cooling off, these looks are smokin’ hot!

The beauty trends on the designer runways for Fall were a mix of rebellious messy hair and smokey eyes and polished buns and neutral lips.

Check out these 5 hot looks to try this fall!

Jill Stuart

Jill Stuart went bold with a super sexy “cat-eye” paired with a natural lip and deliciously messy hair!

Use a liquid liner to create a sleek cat-eye  and just have fun with this messy hair look -  you can’t go wrong! LOVE it!

Chanel

Chanel models rocked the always sassy bright red lip with sexy “bed-head” hair! YUM!  Can you pull it off? Be bold, try it!

Stephane Rolland

The look at Stephane Rolland was all about the smoky eye and nude lip!

To get this smokey look, skip the liner and and use eyeshadow for lining both the lid and just below the eye.

Giorgio Armani Prive

Armani actually switched it up with beautifully polished hair with voluptuous waves – very “Lauren Bacall!” Love it! They kept the lips neutral and the eyes smoky with amber and maroon colors…super sexy!!

Valentino

Valentino models looked so yummy with tight, slicked back buns that were piled loosely in the back. The look was completed with a sultry smokey eye and nude lips. Positively Fabulous!

There you have it!  The beauty trends for fall are super sexy, rebellious, and smokin’ hot!

*To look positively fabulous this fall, mix up your look with messy and polished! For example, pair a smokey eye with neutral lips. Wear bright red lipstick, but keep the eyes simple. Be rebellious with eye color, but keep hair polished! Mix it up beauties!

Peace, Love, and Sexiness

Angie O

Be sure to check out more great celebrity tips from beauty expert Angie Ohman right here at Positively Celebrity!

In a music world dominated by synthesizers and auto-tune radio hits, it is refreshing to discover an artist whose musical creativity provokes thought and inspires self-reflection. An artist whose expressive lyrics and sensual melodies embody an unparalleled, sophisticated sex appeal that midriff baring, studio-artist-only, pop stars aspire to achieve. I have become utterly enamored by one such artist. His name – Citizen Cope.

About two years ago, I heard the song, “More Than It Seems,” playing as an outro for some television show to which I was barely paying attention to. Then, I heard these lyrics,  ”You’re so pure. Your heart is full of all I ever need…my adorer, they say I don’t know ya. I sure do know. Sure do miss ya.” Within minutes, my mundane, prime time TV watching experience quickly turned into a Citizen Cope, iTunes, downloading frenzy. I was hooked.

As a self proclaimed music junkie and lover of most music genres, I couldn’t believe I had never heard of Mr. Cope (whose real name is Clarence Greenwood). As I launched my full-on investigation to uncover the enigma that was Citizen Cope, I immersed myself in the passion and truthfulness weaved between each note and lyric.  ”You give me the strength to beat the odds and overcome my fears. You make me feel like I belong under the sun,” he confesses in “If There’s Love.” Beautiful words with the power to expose the vulnerability of even the most stoic of souls.

In songs like ”Let The Drummer Kick” from his self-titled, 2002 album, you recognize Cope’s awareness and appreciation of life’s complicated obstacles.

You’ll enjoy the groove, ”Friendly Fire,” and will be intrigued and left wondering how to interpret the seemingly political undertone of the track.  And “Back Together” can easily be an anthem for anyone resolving to get their life moving in a positive direction.

I had the privilege of seeing him perform live this year at the Wiltern in Los Angeles. His amazing band, his unique voice, and his ability to connect with each standing-room-only concert goer made for an awe-inspiring, 2 1/2 hour experience.

Citizen Cope.  He’s like a kinder, gentler, more humble John Mayer. A new-aged Otis Redding.

Though he has yet to achieve many of the accolades that define today’s “successful” artists, something in Cope’s demeanor subtly reassures me that he knows his mark is indelible. And he’s okay with that.

Note from Editor-in-Chief Kristen Aldridge: I’m way hooked too! If you want to download some of his songs (God knows since I first heard him, I haven’t stopped – Bullet and a Target is one of my all-time faves) check out the player below.  And be sure to read all the awesome posts from our expert music editor Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!

We all know of the Addams Family of film and tv, but not many people know where the ghoulish group made their debut.

Long before they were movie stars, the First Family of Macabre made its debut in The New Yorker.  Born of the brilliant mind of Charles Addams, The Addams Family first appeared in the magazine in 1933 when the artist was only 21 years old.

Since then, the cartoon has gone on to appear in The New Yorker dozens of times and has inspired movies, tv shows, and even a broadway musical.

Although Charles Addams died in 1988, his artwork continues to captivate people all over the world, including some of today’s most influential artists.  One such person who is a fan of Addams’s artwork is none other than director Tim Burton.

Burton, who is known for his dark style, has just signed on to direct the newest version of The Addams Family film.  Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, writers of Ed Wood, will be writing the film and Chris Meledandri will be producing it along with Burton.

Meledandri recently purchased the rights to The Addams Family cartoons, which will be included in this stop-motion feature.  The movie will be produced for Illumination Entertainment under Universal Pictures.

In addition to The Addams Family series, Charles Addams drew a number of other cartoons for The New Yorker.  Most of his cartoons appear in numerous books that are distributed world-wide.  If you love dark humor, then you are bound to love all of Addams’s work.  To get more information on the artist or purchase something from his collection, visit www.charlesaddams.com.

Be sure to check out more great stories from tv/movie editor Lisa Curry right here at Positively Celebrity!

When you’re getting ready for a big event, you put thought into every last detail. This season, why not let your nails be your most fabulous accessory?

When picking that perfect polish, choose a color that pops.

I LOVE the bright pink polish that actress Carrie Keagan rocked at the Teen Choice Awards. For a bold pink like this try OPI nail polish in Pink Flamenco.

Nail polish can also work as an accessory to your look.

Pretty Little Liars’ Ashley Benson matched her nails to her outfit!

Megan Fox shows off her glam gold nails at the Transformers premiere. Metallic shades are a great way to dress up your look. For a great shade of gold try Gold Fiction by Chanel.

Whether you make a weekly trip to the salon to get a pampered pedicure or you prefer to do the job yourself, it is important to make sure your nails are well-groomed and pretty! The beauty experts at Marie Claire offer these tips to  getting a professional-looking manicure at home:

• Remove old nail-polish using a non-acetone remover
• Cut and file nails to desired length and shape (file in one direction, starting with edges and moving toward top)
• Soak hands in soapy water for a few minutes to soften cuticles
• Push back cuticles using a wood stick
• Massage hands with lotion
• Apply a base coat (allow to dry), two coats of your color (allow to dry), and a top coat (allow to dry)

Beautiful nails for any budget!

Be sure to check out more great blogs from editor Jessica Crilley right here at Positively Celebrity!

Anderson Cooper has been offered $1 million to get rid of his trademark gray hair. A company called Rise-N-Shine wants the CNN anchor to take their product, Go Away Gray, for 60 days and document his experience on Twitter and Facebook.

Go Away Gray developer Cathy Beggan told the Sun-Sentinel, “We feel like Anderson Cooper is a really visible and well-respected figure and thought he would be a great spokesperson for the product and the company…And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a handsome gentleman.”

Go Away Gray is a pill that contains the enzyme, Catalese. According to recent scientific studies, low levels of this enzyme may play a role in the graying process of human hair.

No word on whether Cooper has actually accepted the offer, but Beggan is optimistic that he just might go for it, adding, “While Cooper may not need the extra cash, he may decide to go ahead with it and donate the million dollars to a worthwhile charity.”

What do you think? Should Anderson Cooper snag an easy mil, or should he remain loyal to his silver fox identity?

Comment below, and be sure to check out more of the latest entertainment news from Jessica King right here at Positively Celebrity!

Recently, I was feeling artsy-fartsy and thought it would be a good idea to strip completely naked while walking down the street.  But…I decided against doing that and chose to direct my creative energies elsewhere.  In March, Erykah Badu was overcome with that same emotion but actually decided to act on hers.  With Dallas, TX’s Dealey Plaza – site of JFK assassination -  as her stage, the soulful songstress sheds her threads, and in one take, creates the controversial “Window Seat” video.

Please.  Feel free to watch again if you need. I was equally shocked and bewildered after watching Window Seat the first, second, third, fourth … and tenth times. After shooting the video, Ms. Badu tweeted that Window Seat was shot “guerilla style,” had no production crew and that there was no closed set.

Basically, some unsuspecting kiddies’ field trip unexpectedly turned into a graphic lesson in anatomy. For her indecent performance, Erykah paid a $500 fine and is on 6 months probation.

Google the song’s lyrics, and you will find the Neo-Soul Queen is crooning about needing some alone time and about needing some special attention.

Somehow, I missed the part of the song where she talks about needing to get out of her clothes. Oh, wait. That wasn’t in the lyrics.

So why did Erykah choose to publically let it all hang out? According to the “On and On” singer, she was challenging “groupthink” and people’s tendency to “play it safe.” By shooting Window Seat at Dealey Plaza, she said she hoped to illustrate the correlation between physical and character assassination.

Aside from drooling over her bootyliciousness, what do you really think? Was Ms. Eccentric Erykah artistically justified in breaking out the birthday suit?

Comment below and be sure to check out more great articles from music editor Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!

When it comes to facials, I do things on recommendation. (Unless I’m lucky enough to be in Hawaii at an insanely fabulous hotel — then of course I’ll just go down to the spa, read the menu and choose).  But in my hometown of London and Los Angeles, I have to ask my friends, family and colleagues for advice on where to go when my skin needs a little TLC.  If I seek more advice, I’ll also read other people’s beauty blogs.

Here’s my guide to a positively fabulous face, just like Megan Fox!

Before I move on to my tried and tested recommendations, here’s a little of my “skin history”.  My skin was great until I was about 19 — then my whole face was covered with tiny under -the-skin pimples.  Fortunately, most were un-noticed to people looking at me…but I could feel them.

I was prescribed Roaccutane (aka Accutane here in the U.S.).  I endured eight months of darkness and very safe sex (if you become pregnant on the drug, your baby will be deformed — it’s that strong)  You even have to sign a waiver saying you’re on birth control, and if you were to get pregnant you would legally have to abort.  But…when I finished, I had the softest, clearest, most radiant skin.

If your skin (or soul) isn’t quite ready for the lengthy process of Accutane, let’s talk products!  I’ve been using the same moisturizer for the last seven years  (Avene Trixera) but I do use different cleansers, face wash and masks to my fancy.

Once in a while I’ll get a breakout, but more than anything I get those awful pimples that come  from a tiny whitehead I try so hard not to pop — only to find it buried back under the skin and reappear eviler, bigger and redder three months later.

So my trick to avoid that?  Extractions!  I haven’t found anyone stateside that’s been able to get “in there” with deep extractions, until i met Heather at Beauty Call LA.  The treatment I recommend is a “diamond dermabrasion with cellular level oxygenation”.

Yes, I know it sounds like when you go to the doctor and they use big words (Ha) but basically this treatment exfoliates to allow the skin to absorb 10 times more nutrients, as well as stimulating collagen and oxygenating the blood to treat free radical damage, nourish cells and kill bacteria.

This treatment is great for acne or if you have a special event coming up.  It leaves you glowing for 10-14 days!  She was totally right — I had the kind of glow that people admired for weeks.  Heather calls it the “vacation facial” because it leaves you looking rested with a sun-kissed glow.  Sports Illustrated cover model and Victoria Secret angel Marisa Miller seems to have this glow permanently.

You can also add a light to moderate topical peel for more lightening, tightening, and brightening — yes please !  You can be sure Heather will choose the appropriate peel for the results that YOU desire.  I got special treatment for my skin type — a light peel that didn’t make my whole face peel off in a dramatic way !  Just a gentle flake for a few days and a glow for two weeks!

If you would like to see Heather she offers three locations:  Brentwood, West Hollywood and a private Los Angeles location.  She takes appointments as late as 10 pm which is a dream come true when you work until 8 pm like i do sometimes.

Best thing about BeautyCallLa is  that she does mobile pampering, facials, peels, microderm, spray tan, make up, body wraps, and beauty call pamper parties. You may have heard about botox parties… well now she is starting the pamper party.

www.beautycallLa.com

heather@beautycallla.com

(310) 770-9177

If you don’t live in LA or aren’t visiting any time soon, talk to a facialist near you to see if they offer this amazing treatment!

Make sure you read my other beauty blogs right here at Positively Celebrity and check out my official website www.emilyrosetv.com