Single Ladies: The "Three Dudes" Edition...

Ok, when is this gonna stop?

The Crap Economy Hits Luxury Markets...

Silly sounding headlines like "Sales of Luxury Yachts Down Last Quarter" or "Billionaire Selling Private Jet for $28 Million" are becoming more common. Now the giant luxury brand CHANEL is also starting to feel the pinch...

Chanel, one of the grandest French fashion names, is to lay off 200 Paris staff in an unmistakable sign that even the world's top luxury brands are feeling the pinch in the global recession. A week ago Chanel, privately owned and secretive about its affairs, called off a glitzy art show as it was about to arrive in London from New York. Over the weekend trade unions reported that the fashion house was to lay off all of its 200 Paris staff who are on fixed-term or temporary contracts.

The company employs 16,000 people worldwide. “In the little world of luxury goods, the news has had the impact of a bombshell,” said Le Parisien newspaper. By coincidence, French television was showing the first part of an Italian-American mini-series on the life of Coco Chanel last night.

The Louis Vuitton brand is not immune to the current economic crunch either. Read the rest of this article here.

Thakoon Available Now at Target...

Thakoon Panichgul, a favorite designer of First Lady Elect Michelle Obama is now available at Target through January 31st.  The Thakoon for Target line has a bunch of fun prints available to mix and match, and cool greens and blues just in time for spring.

Michelle Obama in Thakoon during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
Check out Thakoon's entire line for Target here.

How To Look Great in a Winter Scarf...

I learned a couple new scarf tying tricks in this video! I absolutely ♥ scarves. I'm definitely gonna try the cute bow style. Check out the video below for some spectacular scarf styling tips, or scroll down and check it out in my right side bar (it's the "Video of the Moment").

Eartha Kitt, 1927-2008...

[via People] Groundbreaking actress and the sultry singer of the stylishly sexy Christmas standard "Santa Baby," Eartha Kitt, died on Christmas Day in New York City, her publicist confirmed to CNN.

Kitt, 81, had been treated for colon cancer. Her daughter Kitt Shapiro was by her side at the time of her death. Known primarily for singing in her distinctively raspy voice and purring like a cat as Catwoman on the '60s TV series Batman, Kitt was a star of stage, the small and big screen and music. She was nominated for three Tony awards, two Grammy awards and two Emmys, according to her official Web site. A performer to the very end, Kitt taped a PBS special in Chicago six weeks ago that is set to air in February, CNN reports.

Read more about the legendary Eartha Kitt here.

Merry Christmas!

I just want to wish every one who reads Hip Candy on the daily a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy the holiday video below of Deborah Cox singing "O Holy Night". Also, be safe, and take a moment to reconnect and enjoy time with your family and friends.


Happy Holidays!
~Chanel

Fab Holiday Looks for Under $100...

Find fabulous bargain holiday looks for under $100 from Target, to H&M to Lane Bryant.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Holiday News You Can Use: Be Aware of Return Policies..

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

"Obsessed" Movie Preview [VIDEO]

"Obsessed" looks like "Fatal Attraction 2.0" to me.  I'll go ahead and give it a B-/C+ for some questionable acting I witnessed in this preview. Starring in the movie is Beyonce, Idris Elba, and that multiple personality chick from the TV show "Heroes" (love that show..) The movie is set for an April 2009 release.

"Madea Goes To Jail" Movie Preview [VIDEO]

"Madea Goes To Jail" has a February 2009 release date.

Presidential Inaugural Program Details Emerge...

According to a press release obtained from Huffington, the order of the Inaugural program on January 20, 2009 will go as follows:

Musical Selections

The United States Marine Band

The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus

Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein

Invocation

Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA

Musical Selection

Aretha Franklin (I approve..)

Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

The Honorable John Paul Stevens

Musical Selection

John Williams, composer/arranger

Itzhak Perlman, Violin

Yo-Yo Ma, Cello

Gabriela Montero, Piano

Anthony McGill, Clarinet

Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama

By the Chief Justice of the United States

The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.

Inaugural Address

The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama

Poem

Elizabeth Alexander

Benediction

The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery

The National Anthem

The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters"

This is gonna be a very historic and exciting event whether you're actually there or watching it from home.  Nickelodeon is even planning on covering the Inauguration for the first time ever for the younger set.

Will Smith's "Seven Pounds" *REVIEW UPDATE*

Do you have plans to see this movie? It looks intense.




*UPDATE*We went to see this on opening night and just like I thought, this movie was very intense. Will Smith is becoming a hugely talented actor, but if you're not ready to (and STOP reading NOW if you don't wanna know anything..) continuously wipe away tears while watching this flick, you might wanna go and see something a little lighter.
A few pics from the "Seven Pounds" premiere in Los Angeles below: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson (both star in the movie), Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy (also starring in the movie. See a pic of Michael & me here. We were best man and matron-of-honor in a beautiful Hollywood wedding a few years ago..), Laila Ali and her husband, Curtis Conway.


The Los Angeles premiere of "Seven Pounds" at the Mann Village Theatre took place on December 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Beyonce's "Single Ladies": The Toddler Edition...

Sean "Diddy" Combs Releases New Fragrance, "I Am King"

Or is it back to "Puffy" now? Well whatever he's changed his name to this month, normally I would rail on this dude's massive ego, but I'm giving him a pass this time because he said something in this interview and in his commercial that stood out to me in a good way. He said "You are what you say you are..." WOW. Chew on that for a second.. How much better off would we ALL be if we would just be more positive? If we would just put a stop to all the negative poison we let come out of our mouths? If we would just have the audacity to say about ourselves where we would like to be instead of speaking the obvious of where we currently are? 



I am_________. You fill it in. 

Good Shipping Tips for Sending Your Holiday Gifts...

There's not much time left! Check out the video below for some good packing and pricing tips so you can get your Christmas gifts sent on time.

Vanessa & Angela Spinoff to Los Angeles [PREVIEW]...

It was only a matter of time before Vanessa and Angela Simmons (Run's House) got their own show. And at the rate that some of my fave scripted shows are being laid to rest (Lipstick Jungle, I'm talking about you..) Angela and Vanessa should have a lot more success doing reality television. Anyhoo, check the preview below, the show premieres Monday January 5, 2009 on MTV and it seems like it's gonna be a lotta fun to watch.

[video via Dime Wars.]

How To Tips on Achieving the Perfect Smoky Eye...

I taught myself how to do a smoky eye a while back and I got pretty good at it! And if I can do it, trust me, anybody can.. it's really easier than it looks.

Spotted Out: Atlanta Housewives...

Eric and Deshawn Snow and Sheree Whitfield from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" were spotted attending the 5th annual Frank Ski Kids Foundation's wine tasting and live auction at a private residence on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bravo has also announced that "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" has been renewed for a 2nd season, which isn't a surprise given that Bravo said it was their highest rated show.

Designers Sketch Ideas for Barack's Inaugural Looks...

There are 54 design sketches in total for President-Elect Barack Obama over at Women's Wear Daily. Everyone from Sean John to Brooks Brothers, to Tommy Hilfiger submitted sketches of day looks, formal evening looks, ties and shirts. Click here to see a full slideshow, and check out Michelle O. Style to see the many inaugural sketches submitted so far for the First-Lady Elect.

Spotted Out: Rihanna and Brandy...

Rihanna and Brandy posed together backstage during Z100's Jingle Ball 2008 Presented by H&M at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2008 in New York City.

Cute, Not Cute? Beyonce's Style in Spain...

Ok, I'll go first. First off, I'm totally and completely over this hair. Over it. It's time to move on to something else. And ya'll already know how I feel about the nude pantyhose. And are those ruffled shorts she has on in the 2nd pic or a mini-skirt? 


Beyonce posed for photographers in the press room of 'Los 40 Principales' 2008 awards ceremony at the Palacio de los Deportes on December 12, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.

Kanye Taking a Break to Become a Fashion Intern...

Picturing Kanye West as anyone's "assistant" is a little hard to wrap my mind around. But according to the U.K. Mirror, Kanye is gearing up to do just that next spring. He's planning to move to London next year to pursue an internship with Louis Vuitton. That's right, he's going to go and learn and assist and maybe even make refreshments for staff... yeah, I still can't picture that.  Anyhoo, Kanye will also begin work on his own clothing line, Pastelle while in London.

An insider said: "Everyone is surprised at just how seriously Kanye is taking his fashion dream. "He is always in the front rows during the Paris and Milan fashion weeks, chatting away to the likes of Lily Allen. "He absolutely loves London and wants to absorb the fashion over here."

The Magazine Sales Continue: Get $5 Off Elle Magazine..

I can personally vouch for Elle, it's one of the best fashion mags on the market in my opinion.  I don't know how many years I've been a subscriber to this one, and if you subscribe right now, you can get a year of Elle for only $9 bucks. That's $5 bucks off the $14 regular Amazon/newstand price. Again, perfect for yourself or someone on your holiday list.(just click below then click on the "Elle" link to get the discount)

Spotted Out: Will Smith & The Family...

Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith joined their children, Willow and Jayden, at the NYC premiere of Jayden's new flick, The Day the Earth Stood Still, on Tuesday December 9th.

Jennifer Hudson Getting Back to Work *UPDATED*

Us Weekly Magazine is reporting that Jennifer Hudson is headed back to work. Theola Borden, a spokesperson for her label, J Records, told the Associated Press that the singer will begin filming a music video in L.A. next week for her latest single, "If It Isn't Love."

Hudson was scheduled to film the clip when her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57; brother, Jason, 29, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were fatally shot in Chicago on Oct. 24. The announcement that she will return to work comes more than a month after her family's funeral and less than a week after her estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, had been charged in the slayings.  Jennifer Hudson has cancelled the first video shoot scheduled since the October deaths of her mother, brother and nephew, a source tells Usmagazine.com.
*UPDATE*
The Oscar winner, 27, planned on shooting the clip for "If It Isn't Love" in L.A. next week, her J Records rep confirmed to the Associated Press Dec. 9. But "the video was set up before the tragedy and she felt like she should finish what she started, but she's realized that she's not ready to go back to work," a source tells Us.  "It's too early," the source adds. 

A personal rep for Hudson, however, calls the original video plans "speculation.  "The video shoot was never confirmed, so there was nothing to cancel," the rep tells Usmagazine.com. "[J Records' statement] was erroneous."

Style Verdict: Black Lace Tights

[Photo source: People]
I was at church this past Sunday, and there was another church and their choir visiting all the way from New York.  One of the lead singers in the choir was a stylish, petite little thing, she wore a fitted black pencil skirt, a black jersey top, cropped black sweater with a brown scarf, black pumps and a pair of these black lace tights. Yeah, they pretty much sat us on the front row last Sunday, which explains my photographic memory. But I remember thinking to myself, "wow, she looks really chic" and she did, in a effortless, Parisian magazine editor, kinda way. Lace tights can be a little arresting when you first see them on, but they have this ability to grow on you after a little bit. They have a funky vibe with a bit of an edge.  I have to say, I'm not opposed to this look, as a matter of fact, I'm currently on the hunt for a cute pair.  But that's me. I wanna know what YOU think about this trend.  Do you like it? Hate it? Don't care? Would you wear it? I wanna know your style verdict.

Links & More Links...

Michelle Obama's black and white dress from the Barbara Walters interview revealed!'Tis the season for John Legend to sing about nutmeg.10 dresses under $30 at Forever 21.Stevie Wonder's wife wants to design for Michelle Obama.A rainboot + an Ugg boot = I'd really like a pair.

A Few Looks from Narciso Rodriguez Pre-Fall Line...

Designer Narciso Rodriguez profile has certainly been raised since Michelle Obama wore his black and red dress the night her husband won the presidency. Now the designer has launched his Pre-Fall 2009 collection and he's calling it "his most polished pre-collection ever."


Could the pieces from this collection be a possible window into what we might see Michelle wearing in the future?  I guess we'll have to wait and see.  Click here to see more from this line.

Beyonce to Cover French Glamour in January...

Beyonce is set to grace the cover of French Glamour Magazine in January 2009. 




Get American Glamour for a full year for only $12! Click below to subscribe.

Oprah Taking Her Show to D.C. for Inauguration...

Oprah will host her show during the week of the presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. Oprah revealed to Access Hollywood. Oprah has rented out the Opera House at the Kennedy Center to film the show. Oprah has been one of President Elect Barack Obama's strongest backers and supporters.

Designers Offer Inaugural Suggestions to Michelle Obama

Just about every designer and stylist is itching to dress Michelle Obama, especially for the Presidential Inauguration because it could instantly raise the profile of said designer around the world...


I liked this Oscar de la Renta design for Michelle Obama when I first saw it, but let's be fair, Oscar has locked down dressing the first lady for years and years. Am I wrong in thinking that it's time to give somebody else a shot? 


I love this red Monique Lhuillier gown, and not just because Monique and I graduated from the same design school.  I honestly think Monique has a shot with this dress. Nice.  Check out even more dress designs for Michelle over at Michelle O. Style.

The 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Airs Tonight..

Victoria's Secret

Brad Pitt Helps to "Make It Right" in New Orleans...

I can respect Brad Pitt for how he's helped out in my home state, and in the New Orleans 9th Ward in particular after Hurricane Katrina.  
A year after the New Orleans storm, Pitt was horrified at the lack of progress in repairing the damage it wreaked, especially in the devastated African-American populated Lower Ninth Ward. "I couldn't believe nothing was going on. I recalled the pictures of people on roofs, begging for help and I couldn't believe that this was our America."

Determined to put his dual passions for architecture and environmentally-sound development to work, he and several partners started the Make It Right Foundation, whose aim is to build 150 homes for residents of the lower Ninth Ward - one of the hardest hit during the '05 hurricane. He invited architects from around the globe to New Orleans to submit sustainable - and affordable housing solutions. Pitt convened a meeting with the architects, residents and community leaders to establish guidelines for rebuilding the neighborhood. "I never had any idea that so many people would show up for this. The model works and it's replicable."

Although many thought the Lower Ninth Ward should be abandoned because its land was below sea level, Pitt argued that other wards - some populated by white and middle class were on lower ground and nobody suggested abandonment there. "It seems to me that this is about fairness. We may have been designed equal, but we certainly weren't born equal. I feel great happiness whenever we level the playing field."Read the entire article here.

Also see CNN's "Hero of the Year" Liz McCartney who left her Washington D.C. job to help get people back into their homes after Hurricane Katrina.

Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet" Tour Makes Mega Money...

The 28 dates on Madonna's just-concluded North American jaunt grossed about $91.5 million and moved about 550,000 tickets, according to tour producer Arthur Fogel, chairman of global music for Live Nation.

The venerable performer wrapped the North American leg of her Sticky & Sweet tour Wednesday in front of 50,000 people at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. She then headed to Mexico City for shows Saturday and Sunday.

Counting her European run, Madonna is at about $207.5 million in ticket sales and on a pace to hit about $282 million when the Mexico/South America leg of the tour wraps. That would make Sticky & Sweet the top-grossing tour ever by a female artist or solo artist.

The tour, supporting her album "Hard Candy," concludes with three nights December 18-21 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Essence to Beat VOGUE to the Finish Line on Covering Obamas..

While VOGUE Magazine is iffing at putting Michelle Obama on a cover, Essence Magazine will beat them to the punch as they are set to cover Barack and Michelle in a commemorative January '09 issue...
Essence may have scooped Vogue, sort of, in being the first women’s magazine to put Michelle Obama on its cover since the presidential election, but the Time Inc. title did so by relying on archival images. Essence’s January issue is dedicated to President-elect Barack Obama, with essays and commentary from Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Gwen Ifill and other notable African-Americans. The issue has two covers: one of Barack by photographer Ben Baker from a shoot for Fortune earlier this year, the other of an inaugural-looking Michelle shot during the summer of 2007 by photographer Jim Wright. Essence and Ebony are both planning special January coverage of Obama’s journey to the White House. Meanwhile, Vogue said it was interested in featuring the soon-to-be first lady in the magazine, but no plans have been finalized.
— Stephanie D. Smith, WWD
Click below to get your subscription to Essence Magazine now!


And get even more Monday Michelle O. Links here.

December 1st is World AIDS Day.

HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. Most of today's youth have never known a world without it. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published national HIV incidence (new infections) that showed much higher numbers than previous estimates. The time is now. Together, we can prevent the spread of this pandemic – through awareness, care, prevention, education and research.

“HIV/AIDS has now become a pandemic that has literally put the world at risk, affecting diverse populations in different ways”. –Dr. Nora Volkow, NIDA Director

On December 1st, individuals and organizations will recognize World AIDS Day. This year’s theme is leadership – from all sectors, including government, but also leaders among individuals and families, communities, non-profits and other organizations. The question is not should you participate, but how can you? 

Links that educate:

AIDS.gov

Find an HIV testing center near you.

Learn the link between drug abuse and the spread of HIV.