Our girl Ariana Proehl of Know This TV shared an eloquent message via YouTube that is the PERFECT closing note for 2011. Let’s join Ariana in officially declaring the death of the “tragic, scientifically less attractive, unmarriable, single Black woman” narrative in 2012. Rest in peace!

There’s no doubt that Brooklyn breeds stars. Whether it’s a rapper, actor, trendsetter, or in this case, a fashion designer, there’s no questioning Brooklyn’s arsenal of talent. With that said, keep Brooklyn-based designer Nike Oyelami’s Ekineyo line on your radar. Hailing from Chicago, the half Nigerian designer has a line full of minimal dresses, shirts, and skirts infused with African accents that take plain to new heights.

Just in time for the post-holiday workout craze, VIBE Vixen asked several of their favorite beauty mavens, including yours truly, to share a few tips on how to maintain natural hair while working out. Thanks to Ms. Franny over at VIBE Vixen for thinking of me for this piece. Check out the entire story by

It’s that time of year again, ladies. The holidays are in full swing and 2012 is creeping up ever so rapidly. As we look back on all of our accomplishments and shortcomings of 2011, it’s only natural for us to start visualizing how 2012 can be bigger and better. I mean, life IS all about forward movement and growth, right? With work and career taking up so much of our time, it’s important that we absolutely love what we do. Not think it’s “OK” or just collect a check. You’ve got to LOVE it and find fulfillment in your work, even when you’re so busy you don’t know if you’re coming or going

We’ve all seen the intricate woven prints before. While we call them African prints the fashion world has labeled the look tribal. This past Fashion Week and some collections before we’ve seen such labels as Boxing Kitten, L.A.M.B, Michael Kors and Burberry use these prints to turn out high fashion pieces that have received rave reviews. Well, there’s another designer on the scene serving up tribal fierceness. This holiday season all I want for Christmas is a dress, skirt, top or anything that Jewel by Lisa (JBL) creates!

Join The Jetsetters this Saturday night at FREE CANDY for the “Holiday Fiesta” soiree. Hosted by Evita Robinson of Nomad*ness TV and Tracey Coleman of Brooklyn Travel Addict, the event will promote awareness of the Passport Party Project and raise money for programs that provide passports to young people of color

Brooklyn-based carpet designer and the fly female entrepreneur behind Malene B. Custom Handmade Carpets, Malene Barnett, invited the world into her home this week as a guest on The Nate Burkus Show. With splashes of tropical colors throughout her brownstone and an eye for design that’s beyond impressive, Malene shows Nate what BK living is all about: culture, style and substance

“Sunglasses and Advil, last night was mad real.” If this statement by the prolific Kanye West applies to you or anyone in your life, then these holiday gift picks should be added to your list immediately. Designed with the perfect mix of fresh, fun, and fab, the sunnies featured here are sure to brighten anyone’s day. And let me whisper something to ya, both pair are created by fly female entrepreneurs!

The Curly Girl Collective’s “Curl Crush” brought out some of the city’s classiest naturalistas for a night of speed dating, scavenger hunt fun, fab product giveaways, and curly girl-inspired cocktails. Hats off to the ladies of CGC for yet another stellar event. Honored to have been a part of the magic as a featured “curl crush” and can’t wait to see what type of awesomeness you have in store for 2012!

With trends like celebrity tea lines, the growth of tea retail outlets and teas being marketed to men and younger consumers, it’s clear that one of the most popular drinks in the world is taking the beverage industry by storm. Today we’re excited to introduce you to Tea by Tiffany, a New York-based start up committed to serving, sharing, and creating a spirit of unity – one delectable cup at a time.

Designed by Anitra Michelle a graduate of FIT, the Plutocracy collections offer you NYC chic with African accents. What else would you expect from a woman who has worked with fashion power players such as Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Wang and Lanvin? Launched in 2009, Plutocracy has developed quite the cult following. To find a cute sheath or separates that you can take from day to night log on to www.beplutocracy.com and explore. Don’t step, strut outside the box and OWN your style!

A gorgeous fall evening. A room full of prolific female writers and creative visionaries. I can’t imagine a more inspiring way to celebrate my 10 year anniversary in New York! “Her Word As Witness: Women Writers of the African Diaspora” opened yesterday at Restoration Plaza’s Skylight Gallery. It’s a must see!

Congrats are in order! One of our beloved designer friends is getting some much deserved shine this week so in true In Her Shoes fashion, you know we had to share. The talented Rochester, New York native, FIT graduate, and all around phenomenal woman, Miss Ashaka Givens is featured in JET Magazine’s latest “Designer’s Spotlight”. Kudos and much love to you, Ashaka!

Join the ladies of CGC next Tuesday, December 6th in New York City for their second signature event titled “Curl Crush: A Speed Hair Event For Your Kinks And Coils.” I’m honored to be one of the guest “Curl Crushes” along with several of my beauty industry faves including Dickey of Hair Rules, Christina Brown of Love Brown Sugar, and other fabulous bloggers, vloggers, and celebrity stylists. See your beautiful faces (and hair) on Tuesday!

Fly female entrepreneur and all around amazing lady, Mara Brock Akil, has teamed up with Olay to “Challenge What’s Possible.” As a loving wife, mother of two, Hollywood power broker, and Executive Producer of “The Game,” this woman rocks many hats but remains committed to her spirituality, grace, and humility. I had the pleasure of interviewing the gorgeous game changer earlier this year for Jones Magazine and can say from first hand experience that she’s truly a gem. Keep shining, Mara!