I remember swearing up and down this guy at my church wasn’t married—couldn’t be. I did the subtle glance at the left hand, nothing. While his actions weren’t ever inappropriate, during our many casual conversations, he never mentioned his wife. Ever. When I finally found out he was indeed married, I was taken aback. I completely lost all respect for him. Even though our relationship was strictly platonic, just the mere thought of me possibly being interested in a married man was enough for me to pluck my eyeballs out.

Over the last couple of years I’ve noticed an increase of missing rings from very married couples. And if you take a look at some of our favorite celebrity twosomes (Will and Jada, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Carmelo and Lala, etc.), almost none of them wear their wedding rings. If you do catch a glimpse of the diamond, it’s most likely on the hand of the bride and not the groom.

This brought up an array of questions in my mind.

Are wedding rings not deemed necessary anymore? Is it this new age of freedom and understanding that makes it acceptable for your spouse to not have to wear their ring? Does the ring even hold the same amount of value as it did in our parents’ and grandparents’ generation? And I know what most will argue, a ring won’t stop the infidelities. I get it. I really do. But infidelities aside, to exchange vows and place upon my finger the very symbol of what those vows supposedly mean only to decide not to wear the ring, feels like a slap in the face. It is a blatant disregard of feelings and the ultimate disrespect.

Let’s be real, while you may be secure enough to handle your husband not wearing his ring, why should you have to? Where is the mandate?

Tell us, is the wedding ring a thing of the past? Would you be okay if your husband decided not to wear his ring? We’re listening!

Of course products promise “instant, thicker hair,” but before you go into debt shelling out money for the newest and latest on the market, check out these tips for our volumizing secrets.

1. Cut layers beneath the crown of a bobbed style or slightly back-comb hair to create a lift and a little extra boost.

2. Use a volumizing shampoo, paying special attention to your roots. Follow up with volumizing conditioner, but be careful to only apply it to your ends to prevent over-conditioning.

3. Switch it up. Wearing your hair in the same style encourages it to lay flat. Lose your part (or switch it if the thought is unbearable) or sweep your hair all the way back. Think Deena or Effie from Dreamgirls.

4. Get the right cut. A one-length cut is when hair appears to look it’s thickest. A bob also creates the illusion of volume. Steer clear of cutting too many layers to avoid looking stringy.

5. Don’t be afraid of the tease. There is a fine line between teasing and over-teasing. Don’t fear it. The trick: remove the teeth of the rattail comb from your hair after each downward stroke.

6. To create fullness and volume, curl hair with a large-barrel iron or try a roller set. The bigger the better. Be sure to let hair dry completely before removing the curlers.

7. Feed your scalp. Applying nutrients and vitamins to your scalp increases hair growth and can often prevent straggly hair.

What products, tips or tricks do you swear by to prevent limp locks?

]]> http://www.vibevixen.com/2011/11/hair-pick-me-up-7-secrets-to-voluminous-hair/feed/ 0 http://www.vibevixen.com/2011/10/the-%e2%80%9cit%e2%80%9d-list-6-vixens-stepping-into-the-spotlight/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-%25e2%2580%259cit%25e2%2580%259d-list-6-vixens-stepping-into-the-spotlight http://www.vibevixen.com/2011/10/the-%e2%80%9cit%e2%80%9d-list-6-vixens-stepping-into-the-spotlight/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:00:05 +0000 Krystal Franklin http://www.vibevixen.com/?p=9998

What really defines an “It” girl? Looks? Style? Personality? All of the above for sure, but the true characteristic of an “It” girl is her undeniable hustle. Either on the court, in the booth or on the silver screen, she is relentless for her shot at the spotlight. It’s only right that we introduce (or re-introduce) you to the new slew of gorgeous, fashion-forward Vixens that we are slightly obsessed with.

Here’s who we’ll be keeping our eyes on this year. We recommend you do the same.

The Sexy Siren of Roc Nation: Bridget Kelly

When one of the biggest names in rap signs you to their label, you’ve clearly done something right. Just three years ago, the New York native was performing on subway platforms, writing songs and singing at open-mic nights in various clubs. Now Bridget Kelly is Roc Nation’s sexy secret weapon. Her debut album is slated to drop later this year. (Check out our VV Chat here!)

Nike’s Newest Face: Allyson Felix

Only standing at a whopping 5’6 and 120 lbs, Allyson is a triple-threat. Don’t let the petite frame fool you!

This Olympic gold-medalist is one of the world’s fastest runners, and at only 26, she’s already won more than a lifetime’s worth of achievements (she’s the current and three-time world in champion in the 200M, the only woman ever to achieve this). She recently teamed up with Nike to appear alongside other female athletes in an ad that will run in Elle, Seventeen, InStyle and Vogue.

Charlie’s Newest Angel: Annie Ilonzeh

Known for her role as Maya Ward on General Hospital, Annie made her television debut in the CBS series, How I Met Your Mother, in 2007. After a few appearances on other sitcoms, she joined the cast of General Hospital in 2010.

Now the brown beauty is serving up action-packed sexy on the cast of ABC’s television remake of Charlie’s Angels.

The Garbie: Toya Wright

She will always be known as the ex-wife and mother of Lil Wayne’s daughter, but Mrs. Wright (she married former A&R exec Mickey “Memphitz” Wright) can now add New York Times Best-Selling Author to her résumé. She also just landed an endorsement deal as the face of Ampro Hairstyling Gel.

Not to mention, she is the owner of Garb–a clothing boutique located in her hometown of New Orleans–and gearing up to open a second location in Atlanta. She seems determined to make us remember her as more than Weezy’s first love. We’d say she’s well on her way.

The Future of the WNBA: Cappie Pondexter

Olympic gold-medalist, ranked 5^th in the WNBA and co-creator of an image and styling company, the New York Liberty star is only six seasons into her professional career and has already been hailed as the next Lisa Leslie.

Perhaps the coolest thing about Cappie is that she’s quickly become the go-to face in fashion. Her company 4Seasons Style Management works with athletes and models to help create and embrace their personal style. A baller who knows her way around the hottest designers? What else could you ask for?

90210’s Newest Babe: Megalyn Echikunwoke

The Washington native is no stranger to television. We’ve seen her in everything from 24 and CSI: Miami to Raising the Bar and The Game.

This Fall, the actress will add a new area code to her acting reel joining the 4^th season of 90210 as Holly, the “mean-girl president of the most prestigious sorority at CU.”

Music has the incredible ability to speak to our hearts and innermost desires, especially those of the broken heart persuasion. And, I can admit I live for a sassy, roll your neck, boy-what-were-you-thinking song.So what happens when the two biggest musical stars on the planet, famous for their achy-breaky heart anthems, trade their tear-stained faces for wedding bells and babies?

Let’s explore.

In the early 90′s and mid-2000′s (depending on when you were born), the Queen of Hip Hop Soul sauntered her way into our lives with gut-wrenching tales of men who did her wrong. And, like almost every woman that’s ever heard a MJB record, you could identify immensely. While there were some fun, upbeat songs sprinkled in her catalog (think “No More Drama“), no one did woe-is-me better than Mary.

Years later, we were introduced to Oakland, CA songstress Keyshia Cole. With the same repertoire of deeply scorned songs as Mary, Keyshia evoked the same emotion. And because heartbreak never goes out of style, we saluted Ms. Cole and sung our hearts out to ballads like “I Remember“ and “Love.”

Now, both are married, and their records have changed quite a bit. But, even before they both tied the knot, something was different. Instead of the painful, drama-laden songs we grew to love, cute and playful records dominated the albums and gone were the dark and dreary videos. Choreographed versions of our two favorite singers frolicking on the beach now dominate our television screens.

Will these new, happy songs be embraced by the same hurt and scarred audience that propelled the two to stardom? Can Keyshia Cole and Mary J. Blige reach the same success singing happiness?

We hope so.

Wigs and hairpieces have become a status symbol. If we’re honest, we have all dreamed of having our favorite celebrities’ down-to-there locks.

Even more interesting, the celebrity faces that now accompany those coveted bags of human goodness. Stars like Brandy and Vivica Fox have endorsed wig, weave and extension lines. Even before it was popular, legends such as Diahann Carroll and Beverly Johnson did the same. More recently, Lisa Raye debuted her new weave line at the Bronner Brothers Hair Show in Atlanta to much acclaim.
But what about the companies that don’t have the luxury of boasting a celebrity face or name? Take Constance Petty for example. In just a little over a year, she has grown Bella Dream Hair extensively with her elite celebrity clientele, over 10,000 followers on Twitter and most importantly, quality hair and wigs in an array of textures and colors. A black-owned company selling affordable hair? We’ll gladly invest.

But back to the subject at hand.

If my guess is correct, ordinary people don’t want to be pushed by celebrities to buy a product they have probably never used. Instead, they want to actually know if the product is effective and if the brand compliments them.

Are companies wasting their money paying celebrities to be the face of their products? As a consumer who are you most influenced by?

Not Exfoliating
Exfoliating is the greatest defense against ingrown hairs — no matter what method of hair removal you choose. Already suffering? Exfoliate the area with a gentle scrub. Use a daily body lotion with alpha hydroxy acid to prevent them from developing after shaving.

Shaving First Thing In The Morning
Sure you want to save time, but shaving at the end of a morning shower saves doesn’t allow for the smoothest shave. Your legs swell slightly, as you sleep, which can hide a portion of the hairs. Try shaving in the evening, you’ll get a closer finish.

Shaving With A Dull Blade
Perhaps the biggest mistake of them all is letting your razor sit for days, weeks, even months. Let’s just be honest ladies. We tend to forget to replace our blades which leave us feeling prickly. Buy your razors in bulk, use it three times and toss it. Not only will you get a cleaner shave, you’re also prevented from day-after red bumps.

Waxing Too Frequently
If you’re tempted to head straight to the spa—or worse, grab the razor—at the first sight of stubble, fight the urge. You should wait at least four weeks in between waxing sessions so the wax has enough hair to grab.

Waxing At The Wrong Time Of The Month
No matter your tolerance level for pain, waxing during your cycle can cause great deal of soreness. Yes, even moreso than those deadly cramps, back aches and tender breasts. It’s best to wax mid-cycle, right around the time you’re ovulating.

Skipping Shaving Cream
No matter how much of a rush you’re in, whatever you do, do not dry shave or opt for using bar soap. Shaving cream helps prevent irritation from a razor blade and it removes more hair. For the best results, Apply it against the grain of hair growth so that each individual hair stands up.

What mistakes have you made during hair removal? Any tips for a cleaner shave?

Here at Vibe Vixen we love us some color. We’ve dedicated countless hours to the summer trend of bright colors. Rich reds, vibrant yellows and electric blues have been our go-to shades of the season. Even color-blocking (combining different colors that that support and compliment each other) made our wardrobe smile with its daring and bold shades.

And yet, nothing is more simple (and sexy) than a natural, creamy neutral tone.

Although nude is dependent on your skin tone, it’s a trend that works for any complexion. It’s a perfect companion to a dark, smoky eye or an exciting partner with a fun, flirty dress. Even a fresh, nude manicure is wildly sexy.

Whether it’s a barely there nude lip or flesh-toned heels, check out the celebrities who’ve rocked the neutral look well.

Alek Wek: Nude Lips

Solange: Nude Shoes

Rihanna: Nude Nails

Lauren London: Nude Dress

Nia Long: Nude Lips

Cassie: Nude Dress

Jill Scott: Nude Lips

From lips, nails and shoes, would you try the nude trend? If you have tried it, what’s your favorite way to wear it?

Denim is a classic that’s always in style! We saw models incorporate the trend on the runway, and now we’re seeing our favorite celebrities try their hand at the traditional style. Denim (not to be confused with jeans) can be tricky to pull off, so fit and color are important. Be sure to choose a wash and style that fits your current wardrobe and clothing that you have already purchased.

Feeling inspired? Get into the blues this season and click here to see new ways to rock denim.

Start With A Vest
The easiest way to add denim to your wardrobe is through a vest. It adds depth and it’s a cool layering technique that makes any look effortlessly chic.

Add a Shirt
Denim shirts are probably the most common and can be styled in a myriad of ways. Try a fitted shirt with a body-hugging skirt or pairing a slouchy denim shirt with a pleated/full skirt.

Bring Back The Skirt
This isn’t your favorite denim mini from high school. It’s sleeker and classier. Denim pencil skirts work with a blazer for an office look or with a sexy top for a fun evening.

Try a Dress
Even our girly-girls can pull off the denim trend. Keep it sexy and stylish with a fitted a strapless denim dress. If tight isn’t your thing, opt for a shirtdress and match it with a tights or a belt. The possibilities are endless.

Would you take a break from your go-to jeans and incorporate new denim looks into your wardrobe?

These types of lists are usually reserved for end of the year celebrations, but with so many hair-raising and look-at-me-now beauty moments we’ve spotted so far, we’ve decided to go against the grain and share our top vote for the best looking stars on the carpet – so far.

Which celebs top your list for most memorable beauty and fashion moments?

Janelle Monae: Costumes aside, the singer is always a beauty on the red carpet. Nude lips, a full brow and a hint of color on the cheeks were the perfect combination for the MET Gala.

Halle Berry: The 44-year-old actress sparkled on the red carpet at the Academy Awards in a nude, crystal encrusted Marshesa gown.

Beyonce: Queen Bey proved that bigger was indeed better, debuting big, blonde locks at the Summer Concert Series on Good Morning America. No complaints from us.

Macy Gray: The eclectic singer was spot on with the latest trend at the Essence Music Festival – neon nail polish and lids to match.

Eve: The self-proclaimed “pit-bull in a skirt” looked sleek and sexy at the BET Awards in leather pants and a tribal top. Both showed off her amazing figure.


Rihanna: If you mention hair, Rihanna is the number one trendsetter in all things long, curly, short and red! Here she sweeps her red-lot locks into a fishtail braid.

Nicki Minaj: The rapper is synonymous with elaborate costumes and crazy wigs, yes. But pulling off the trend of pink lips is no easy feat. Nicki has long sense perfected it and it’s now a permanent staple to her look.