STARRING STARRING
ISSUE
11
JoRdin SpArks 03
MASTHEAD
Editor EBONY ALLISON Style Director GLAMO OF GLAMORE DELUXE Beauty Editor CATAANDA JAMES Lifestyle Editor TANYKA RENEE Copy Editor TAYLOR STABLER Editorial Assistant ALIVIA ROYAL Editorial Contributors Elton Anderson Apuje Kalu Mitchell Cantrell Emily Warren Deron Walker Drealun Beasley Dominique Williams
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With each issue we aim to not only be your fashion and beauty survival guide but over ruling all things glamorous, we aim to inspire you to be the best YOU. Your life is the greatest journey you will ever travel upon and it’s important to figure out what exactly your life means to you, without the influence of others. One of our favorite authors, Chris Brogan, pretty much summed up the way we should live our lives in one simple yet effective quote. “Don’t settle: Don’t finish crappy books. If you don’t like the menu, leave the restaurant. If you’re not on the right path, get off it.” So we say all of this with hopes that you walk away from this issue embracing all your dopeness, emerging in all your passions and committing to being your true authentic self! Keep doing you boo boo! Xo Ebony Allison
U R T ING A E F
JO
RD
I N S PA R
CONTENTS
S K
4. BEAUtY Go Big
6. FASHION
The Gold Rush
7. STYLE SNOOPS Jessie Malay
8. SPOTLIGHT
Naturi Naughton
9.TRENDS
Summer Necessities
10. BOMBSHELL Jordin Sparks
14. Health & Fitness
A Diva's "Bombshell workout" Playlist
15. ICON
Chaka Khan
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BEAUTY
GO BIG words CATAANDA J
The iconic beauty mantra "less is more" is definitely true, but less does not mean blah! This summer, have some fun and up the amp on your makeup and hair! Truth be told, we all have a little diva in us so why not flaunt it? Your hair and makeup is the ultimate accessories to executing your total look! You cannot strut around in your "So Kates" or Jimmy Choo's with mediocre hair and barely there makeup.Yes, we all swoon for celebrities when viewing red carpet looks at award shows and such, but have you ever stopped to think how much effort it takes to pull it off? It’s the total look that gets you on that “best dressed” list, so when stepping out for a girl’s night out or that first date... Go big and get glam like you mean it! Celebrate you and diva-tize your look with ease following these quick tips using our Bombshell picks!
M.A.C. Lipstick
in “Girl About Town” This sizzling shade of vibrant pink will definitely bring out the diva-tude, effortlessly! $16 / maccosmetics.com
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M.A.C. Lip Liner in “Heroine”
A carbon copy of the infamous Heroine lipstick, also stamped by M.A.C. Simply line your lips, filling in the entire pout...lace it with your favorite clear lipgloss. $16 / maccosmetics.com
SPOTLIGHT BEAUTY
Big Sexy Hair Spray &
Play Volumizing Hairspray The name says it all! This hairspray allows you to play and spray. It will take you from ingenuous to stunning in no time, giving that long-lasting hold for a tousled VS Angel effect...So let your bun loose, do a hair flip and spray! $18 / Ulta
Conair Think Big Self Grip Velcro Rollers
These self grip rollers are the secret to voluminous waves full of body. Just pop them in, no strings attached before applying the final touches to your makeup! They’re applicable to any length and texture, magically giving you that fresh, just stepped out of the salon look...in minutes! $9 / Target
Milani Liquid Eye Liner Pencil In “Aqua 04”
This high impact pencil gives you the effect of a liquid liner. It glides on seamlessly, adding just enough metallic shimmer taking your look from bronze to gold! $8 / Walgreen’s
Urban Decay’s Naked Palette A combination of 12 neutral eye shadow shades in a variety of textures-- glitter, shimmer, and matte! This single palette is a staple in many celebrity makeup artist’s kits and in the powder room of every girl who has claimed her inner diva! Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and Naked is a must-have gem! $54 / Sephora
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FASHION
The dawn of dismal attire is long behind us and yellow is on the scene. Take a risk this season and rock out in this bold hue! Popping, primary and perfect for pepping up any look this spring, YELLOW is a closet essential.
Witchery T-Back Dress $39.00 Witchery.com.au Valentino Tailored Shorts $650.00 Stylebop.com
Moschino Iphone 5 case $51.00 Shopbop.com
Aquazzura Chain Me Up Bootie $766.00 NeimanMarcus.com
Etro Printed Silk Shirt $660.00 Stylebop.com
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Nail Butter $15.00 Beauty.com Vanessa Bruno Blazer $527.27 FarFetch.com
STYLE SNOOPS
E ST SN YL OO PS -Featuring-
y l a a M J es sie Who was your first style icon? Madonna! When I was 4 years old, my sister bought me this little white lace crop top and mini skirt…I’d wrap long white pearls around me and sing Holiday!
The most vital accessory you own? Right now it has to be my Valentino ‘Garavani’ Fringe Tote! I’m literally on the go constantly and need a big bag that I can throw my life in! I carry around my laptop, an old school day planner, entire makeup bag, phone, chargers, and sometimes a change of clothes in that baby…I have it in Army Green and it literally goes with everything.
If you could be the face of (the designer of your choice) next ad campaign, who would it be? TOM FORD! I really identify with his brand…every time I see a new collection, I feel like he’s in my mind! He creates pieces that are so bold, decadent, daring, and sexy with incredible attention to detail, while still maintaing a streamlined and simplistic sensibility.
Whats the secret to having skin as flawless as Jessi’s I’m a really big fan of a new skincare line I just discovered a few months ago called Ling. I use the Vitamin C serum after washing my face in the morning and at night, and the Oxygen Mask once or twice a week, and it has literally transformed my skin!
Drugstore beauty products or high end brands? I use a combination of both… I really love my blush, bronzer, and lip pencils by Nars, but my favorite foundation since I was a teenager has been Revlon Colorstay!
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SPOTLIGHT
NATURI NAUGHTON
…& all her glory. [no
POWER trip needed]
With her thrilling role on Starz hit show POWER it’s safe to say that if the entertainment business had an annual coronation then Naturi Naughton would be next to receive her crown. photographer SAILEY WILLIAMS
How Did You Prepare For The Role Of Tasha? OMG! When I found out I got the role I was ecstatic & ready to work! I had to get in the zone of what it meant to be a drug dealers wife. I watched a lot of different movies like Carlito’s Way and Al Pacino and shows like The Wire where you’re dealing with that underground world. I wanted to be as raw as I could be with this character because she’s very much a fearless woman. As season 2 continues to heat up what else can we expect from Tasha? Just….expect her to get a little more crazy! [LOL] She knows a lot of information so she’s becoming more dangerous. Never sleep on Tasha because she always has something in her back pocket if anyone tries to do her dirty. You’ll continue to see her become very strong. How is it being on set surrounded by so much HOTNESS i.e.: Omari Hardwick, Joe Sikora 50 cent...we could go on lol, but also what’s that interaction like off set?
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It’s cool because everyone has their own level of “hotness” [LOL] but what’s great is that we’ve all become friends and when we’re outside of power we’re honestly like brother and sister. It’s pretty cool because there’s so much great energy and it’s a great dynamic. Best Advice From 50 Cent? One of the first things that I remember when I first started Power was 50 saying, “Never let people put you in a box.” He’s been able to brand himself and grow as a business man and I respect him so much. He encourages everyone around him to be about your business and stand for your brand. How do you remain humble in hollywood? It’s crazy because so many people lose their mind the bigger they become. However for me, my faith in God plus my family and my real friends are around to keep me grounded. I’m blessed because so many people are out here fighting to get in a film or a television show and I’m so fortunate. I never take this for granted.
TRENDS
......Everything you need to have a bomb a** summer!
1. 11.
Tropical Print Bikini Set $65.00 Tophsop.com
2.
Flora Silk NLAY Cat Eye Optyl Sunglasses $310.00 lanecrawford.com
Mara Hoffman Rising Palm Printed Bikini $235 Nordstrom
10. 3.
Distressed Denim Levi’s $23.50
Deep Blue Plunge Bikini Set $38.00 TopShop
9. 4.
The Anne-Marie Striped Swimsuit $160 net-a-porter
Rory 2-Piece Flatform Sandal $69 Gilt.com
8.
5.
7. Emilio Pucci Printed Sarong $495.00 Stylebop.com
Pattern Trim Straw Visor $30.00 Topshop
Hip Jelly Sandals $25.00 Topshop.com
6.
Moschino printed crop top $875.00 Moschino.com
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BOMBSHELL
skirt TED BAKER top NOOKIE ring CHARLED ALBERT earrings VINCE CAMUTO shoes VALENTINO
photographer ELTON ANDERSON stylist APUJE KALU hairstylist CANTRELL MITCHELL make-up Artist EMILY KATE WARREN contributing writer DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS
is Absolutely Ready For This....
New album, new love, new heights—and how to live Right Here, Right Now.
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words by TAYLOR STABLER
She was born with it in Phoenix, Arizona. And at seventeen, when she graced the sixth season of American Idol, she brought it—soul. Whether it be Motown maven Diana Ross, the Bee Gees, Estefan or Streisand, Jordin Sparks could sweeten any rendition with her honeyed vocals and in-trinsic comprehension of what it means to be soulful. With that understanding, she sparked the admiration of millions. Nearly eight years after being lauded as the youngest Idol winner to date, two albums, and a Broadway debut later, JSpeezy prepares for the release of her new album Right Here, Right Now, coming out this August 2015.
BOMBSHELL
“It [the album title] really applies to what’s going on in my life. I’m coming into my own and I am having fun…right here, right now. It really encompasses a feeling behind the whole project and my state of mind at this stage.”
“I think its great to be able to talk directly to my fans! And I love that they get to peer into my life. I think I’m pretty normal [laughs].”
top ENDLESS ROSE skirt MAJE cuffs VINCE CAMUTO
She mentions a departure from her previous sound, describing her new work as “pretty music with a bump
as well as informed.
to it…for when you’re chillin’ with your girls.” Sparks believes that it can be at-tributed to personal growth fueled by varied experiences as well as the freedom she felt during the production process while working with 2Chainz on her new single “Double Tap.”
Bombshell would have to agree that if you put aside her following of 921k, maybe leave out the epic shots of her performing, the appearance notices, and a number of fierce glamour shots, Jordin Sparks’ Instagram could reflect a “normal” young woman learning to love herself.
“I really wanted to work with people of whom I am a fan and to whom I love to listen [laughs], so working with him was very fun! 2Chainz was the one I wanted on this track because of his flow and because he might be crazy enough to do it.”
In addition to promoting self-love, Jordin chronicles her romance with rapper Sage the Gemini, who she initially connected with via social media.
The collaborative track narrates a glimpse into the courtship tactics implemented by today’s broadening social media generation—of which the songwriter is undoubtedly a part. On Insta-gram, @jordinsparks is constantly abuzz with an outpour of affection from her fans. “Speezys” will double-tap everything from Jordin’s fresh-faced selfies to her anecdotes as an Auntie because they visit her page to be inspired and motivated
“I’m definitely a monogamous relationship girl. If I’m in a relationship it’s practice for the fu-ture—it’s not really a “we’re in this for right now because I think you’re cute” because in that case, I wouldn’t mind being single.” Sparks and her beau,Dominic Wynn Woods (a.k.a. Sage the Gemini), began a conversation on Instagram about working together creatively and now they can be found going to the gym to-gether like a typical 21st Century couple. The two appear to be having fun while making a po-tentially unstoppable duo in realm of music.
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BOMBSHELL
In addition to her budding romance, she cultivates a number of passions: “I love to bake—I would maybe go to culinary school and possibly open a bakery one day! Also, I love to recharge with my family. I think that is an incredibly important part of wellness.” Jordin’s family has always been very supportive of her career. Her former professional football player
father Phillippi Sparks and her entrepreneurial mother Jodi Jackson instilled within her as a child a foundational reverence for Jesus and God. “When I travel, I have a small bible I carry with me everywhere, and it definitely helps me when I’m stressed, when I’m nervous, when I’m tired, trying to calm myself down or I need to pray for somebody—I have that bible with me.” top SANDRO pants RAG AND BONE shoes RUTHIE DAVIS earrings KATE SPADE
“Also, I love to recharge with my family. I think that is an incredibly important part of wellness.” 012
BOMBSHELL
As a young adult, Jordin continues to explore her faith and is very comfortable with talking about her beliefs, which may be another reason she is so relatable to fans. “One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans that I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ and that’s always something I repeat in my
“I’ve been auditioning for TV shows, movies and different things like that—you know, just try-ing to get more experience in that field because I really love it. I love acting, oh my God, I’m so hoping I get an audition for ‘The Wiz’ to play Dorothy, I’m putting so much positive energy to-wards that [laughs].” Positive energy and soul undoubtedly played a part in
dress SANDRO shoes STUART WEITZMAN ring KATE SPADE earrings 14TH & UNION
head when I’m kind of unsure with what’s going on in my life.” Tattooed on Jordin’s wrist is Timothy 4:12 which says ‘don’t let anyone look down on you be-cause you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.’ Jordin’s Nana and her mother Jodi accompanied her to the parlor when she turned eighteen and they too have tats of their unique guiding verses. Sparks’ foreseeable future may or may not include more tattoos. However, new music, exciting collaborations, and more flawless covers are a guarantee.
the success of Jordin Sparks thus far. However, it will be a stunning medley of brain, heart, and courage that takes her career beyond the yellow brick road. “If you had asked me three or four years ago ‘You ready for this?’ I would have been so terrified to put myself out there again—but I’m ready now! I am so excited to release the album. Hope-fully there will be a tour coming. I’m just really grateful because I know that God has some amazing plans for me—I can’t wait to see what they are.”
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HEALTH
A DIVA’S “BOMBSHELL WORkOUT” playlist
words TANYKA RENEE
Being a diva isn’t easy but somebody has to do it! Here is Bombshell’s playlist to keep you in tip-top shape and motivated.
In For The Kill La Roux I love it Icona Pop Beez in the trap Nicki Minaj Can’t hold us ft. Ray Dalton Macklemore and Ryan
Nicki Nicki Minaj Minaj Beez Beez in in The The Trap Trap
Dark Horse Katy Perry
Known for her BOOTY-LICOUS behind, Nicki Minaj has a shape that turns heads. You too can enhance your booty by incorporating Donkey Kicks into your workout. Get on your hands and knees, keeping your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Making sure to keep your core tight, lift your left leg parallel to the floor with your knee bent and foot flexed. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times and switch sides.
Ruff Ryders Anthem DMX Forever Drake, Kanye West Work Bit*h Britney Spears Stronger Kanye West Pompeii Bastille
Britney spears work biT*H
Amazing Kanye West, Jeezy
Britney may be a little crazy, but her abs are crazier. You can get Britney’s washboard abs by doing exercises like planks and crunches to keep that core tight. Many don’t know, but abs are actually made in the kitchen. Eat clean and you will see results in no time.
Show Stopper Danity Kane
Don’t Cha Pussycat Dolls Partition Beyonce Pop That French Montana
pussycat dolls DON’T CHA Dance your way to a better body like the Pussycat Dolls. Dancing has been known to reduce stress, increase flexibility, help you lose weight and even allow you to meet new friends.
Trap Queen Fetty Wap Bullet Proof La Roux Only U Ashanti We Found Love Rihanna, Calvin Harris Ring The Alarm Beyonce
BEYONCE ring the alarm The “Beyonce Diet” is here! Beyonce has partnered with her trainer Marco Bourges to launch a new vegan meal delivery service called 22 Days Nutrition. All meals will be 100% plant-based and delivered once a week. All ingredients will be nonGMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and organic.
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Power Kanye West Run the World (Girls) Beyonce Blow Keisha IDFWU Big Sean B-Boy Meek Mill
ICON
CHAKA KHAN
words TAYLOR STABLER illustration DRELAUN BEASLEY
@hoodratken
Icon (ī′kŏn′) noun: an important and enduring symbol; something to be emulated Had Yvette Marie Stevens not joined the infamous Black Panther Party in 1969 and sired her new identity, the world may have never been transformed by the wild fire that is one miss Chaka Khan. Apart from her powerhouse vocal stylings and prolific flair for penning lyrics, Chaka Khan embodies the understanding that self-expression by way of art, fashion, and sexuality is paramount. Clad in feathers, fringe, sequins, leather and turquoise she pioneered a platform of fearlessness on which generations of women would sing, dance, and be heard. Her music was was unmistakably designed to uplift, inspire and motivate. The song “I”m Every Woman” became an electrifying anthem for the gender equality movement in 1979, while her 1984 hit “I Feel For You,” was the first
R&B song to ever feature a rap. The magnitude of her influence across genres is arguably unprecedented. Twenty-two albums and ten GRAMMYs later, Chaka Khan is still reigning supreme. The “Queen of Funk” is coming up on her 40 year anniversary in the business and will be surely be rocking out to an accomplished 60 years spent on this earth. Chaka’s passions are as big as her iconic natural hair, and therefore, cannot be limited to one industry. She is also a championed author, actress, founder of The Chaka Khan Foundation, entrepreneur of her gourmet Chakalates and creator of her own Chaka Khan app! Because timeless she is but behind the times she ‘ain’t! Smile Bombshells, you’re living in an age of Chaka Khan.
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