As a certified handbag junkie, I’m happy to announce that Yana Handbags has just launched their new site! Created by fly female entrepreneur, Ayana (Yana) Evans, YANA Handbags “embodies closely interwoven elements framed by feminine constructs.” The beautifully redesigned site is packed with quite a few pieces that are perfect for the woman who wants to carry life’s essentials (iPhone, debit card, lipstick, biz cards, etc.), NOT everything and the kitchen sink

Like most of the world, it took me a while to wrap my head around Whitney Houston’s death. I’m still in a bit of denial, but as thoughts of her premature passing flood my head, I force myself to stop and think about the highlights of her short time here with us. Say what you will about Whitney Elizabeth Houston, but this woman worked hard, loved hard, and lived hard! What’s not to admire about her fearlessness? There are so many lessons to be learned from Whitney including the importance of having a mentor (Clive Davis was truly her champion), the beauty of mother/daughter relationships, and the power in nurturing our gifts.

Speaking of which, Whitney’s gifts blessed her with countless accolades so instead of focusing on her untimely death, let’s shine light on her stellar accomplishments. As you can imagine, she had plenty to be proud of

Taking a much needed break from the runway shows during New York Fashion week, an eclectic mix of beauty and fashion media, influencers and tastemakers came together to celebrate the bi-annual Cocktails & Couture at Caravan Stylist Studio. Hosted by Cocktails & Couture Founder and veteran beauty expert, Lianne Farbes, guests were treated to blowouts by BabyLiss, manicures by Oasis Day Spa, beauty products by Tarte Cosmetics, travel cases by CupCase Your Bras, skincare products by Proactiv, cocktails and sweets by Hpnotiq, hors d’oeurves by Honeybun Catering, music by DJ Belle DE Jour and a rocking gift bag provided by top beauty brands

Last Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending the kick off of AMBERmag.com’s Speaker Series, Survival Secrets of Game Changers hosted at Uniworld Group’s Brooklyn headquarters. Featuring Style Strategist Rachel Johnson and Style Expert Daisy Lewellyn, the event drew over 100 New York City movers and shakers in the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries.

The night was filled with inspiring insights, valuable lessons and offered the guests a chance to connect with two of the fashion industry’s Game Changers

Good things come to those who ask!

Asking for what you need is probably the most underutilized tool for people. And yet, amazing requests have been granted to people simply because they’ve asked for it! Whether it’s money, information, support, assistance, or time, most people are afraid to ask for what they need in order to make their dreams come true.

They might be afraid of looking needy, ignorant, helpless, or even greedy. More than likely, though, it is the fear of rejection that is holding them back. Even though they are afraid to hear the word no, they’re already saying it to themselves by not asking!

Singer/songwriter and actress KeiShera James gives In Her Shoes the inside scoop on her new place of residence, Berlin. Born in Jamaica, KeiShera lived in New York City most of her life and in 2011 decided she was ready for a drastic change. Learn all about Berlin’s hot spots for shopping, dining, and networking, and why KeiShera thinks her new city is the place to be for fly female entrepreneurs!

The fashion world has always been heavily involved in philanthropic efforts throughout the years. When a horrendous hurricane hit Haiti, the fashion world stood at the forefront leading the charge to repair the battered nation. Fashion, much like music, is a universal form of expression and can be a catalyst to eradicating some of the world’s most devastating human rights issues. One of the designers giving back to others in need is Rachel Roy. Many in the entertainment industry may know her as the former wife of once hip hop mogul Damon Dash and the woman who turned the Roc-A-Wear label into an urban success, but today, in the fashion world she’s simply Rachel Roy.

If you’re natural, you’ve probably tried just about every curly girl product on the market. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect fix, another brand hits the shelves that promises amazing natural hair and before you know it, you’ve invested another $20 or more on a product that may or may not work for your hair type. There’s got to be a better way, right? Myleik Teele has created curlBOX, an exclusive, affordable and effortless way to explore new hair care products delivered to your doorstep each month

If I asked you to try out a neon orange lipstick or lip gloss would you go for it or give me the side eye? I can see the side eyes and hear the she crazy grunts now. However, if makeup maven Bobbi Brown showed you how to infuse color into your everyday make up regimen I bet you would. This season Bobbi Brown Cosmetics introduces the Neons and Nudes Collection. The lip glosses and lipsticks are in dope bright hues of orange, pink and purple and will have tossing those light pinks and reds out the window

Meet Corvida Raven, the 24-year-old creator of SheGeeks.net and all around social media, gadgets and mobile tech genius. While many of us shy away from the world of technology, Corvida lives and breathes it. The Blockbuster employee-turned-tech savvy entrepreneur has been recognized as an Essence Magazine “Power Player” and is successfully turning her passion into profits. Today on In Her Shoes we’ll find out how Ms. Raven did it, where she’s going with it, and why the sky is not her limit!

The fashion mavens over at Brooklyn Bleu are at it again. This Thursday, join Brooklyn’s best kept secret for a special evening of cocktails, conversation, and of course, shopping! As a true vintage aficionado and owner of Brooklyn Bleu, Tenisha Light-Caba travels across the country to find head turning pieces for her style-savvy online and in-store clients. Enjoy 30% off Tenisha’s hand-picked collection this Thursday during Brooklyn Bleu’s private winter sale

The current state of the health care industry increasingly threatens the quality of patient care and is eroding the patient and health care provider relationship. Shenekia Loud, Founder and CEO of The Kenkou Group is committed to making a difference, one patient at a time

As the quintessential fly female entrepreneur, Kimora Lee Simmons rocks many hats with the three M’s: mom, model, and mogul at the top of her list. The 6 foot beauty burst onto the fashion scene in the early 90′s as a fresh-faced teen model but unlike many of her peers, has kept her career alive long after her catwalk days by building a beauty and fashion empire. As the face and creative force behind brands like Baby Phat, KLS Cosmetics, numerous perfumes and now Shinto Clinical, Kimora makes “Life in the Fab Lane” appear effortless.

I live to see the folks we feature on In Her Shoes shining in their respective careers. Today, our very first “In His Shoes” subject, Paul Carrick Brunson (better known as the Modern Day Matchmaker) announced that he’s joining forces with the queen of media, Oprah Winfrey to create the world’s largest TV dating challenge!

The Simmons sisters are at it again! This time Vanessa Simmons is up to bat with the unveiling of her new lingerie line, Rose by Vanessa Jean. The line was created to provide women with comfortable, stylish and sexy lingerie no matter the shape or size.