Lady luxe is what we are craving.
My fave is Chloe.
Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

It is modern, edgy and easy at the same time flattering on all body types.
My fave is IMAN Global Chic Cape.
Available at HSN.

Fur is the new knitwear.

Collars, chubies even on bags… what a comeback!
My fave anything by Michael Kors.

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Aaaah! The collective sigh of relief of spring after a long dreary winter. Everything is coming up roses and daffodils and it is time to get seriously gorgeous… for the beach, red carpet and just life… from head to toe. These are few of my favorite things:

1. IMAN Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup with Minerals

IMAN Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup with Minerals available at DrugStore.com

2. Diana B. Black Fig Sugar Scrub

3. SK II 3-D Redefining Mask

4. IMAN Global Chic accessories at hsn.com

5. Metallic Mani

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I’m happy to report that I’ve recovered completely, hence my decision to go back to my fitness regimen–ie, a personal trainer. One morning as I was watching The Today Show, coffee in hand and WWD on my lap, I saw an interview with an Equinox trainer, Patricia Moreno, that stopped me in my tracks. She claimed that, with her IntenSati workout, you could burn 500 calories in one hour!

I’m a member of New York City’s Equinox gym and, in my opinion, they have the best group classes in the city. So, I reasoned that, to save time and money, I could take a month of Moreno’s IntenSati classes to get myself physically prepared for the trainer (Honey, I don’t like to throw money away…even with my Bowie budget!). CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

IMAN: Do clothes determine the hair, or vice versa?
MAISHA OLIVER: Clothes always determine what the overall look is going to be. Hair and make-up have to compliment the clothes. If the look is futuristic then you have to be able to carry out a futuristic look.

IMAN: What’s was your inspiration for Keri’s Grammy’s hairstyle?
MAISHA OLIVER: I wanted to create a style that was elegant but still had that Keri flare. I also wanted to make sure that she was recognizable on the red carpet. Plus, she’s wearing her hair short these days, so I wanted to add some glamour to her cut.

Keri Hilson with Maisha Oliver

Next, I caught up with her makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff.  She told me that, for her, the Grammys represent the creme de la creme of musicians, so being quirky, funky, edgy, or just straight glam are all acceptable. CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

If you didn’t know, let me confide in you that I love wearing wigs. Five years ago, I decided I’d had enough of hair extensions, and wanted to start taking care of my “real” hair.  I know that many of us who’ve been wearing extensions for a long time can start to think that it is our hair… but, girl, let’s face it is not! I should know–I almost feel that I was part of the “invention” of hair extensions.  Let me clarify it … some twenty years ago I was traveling to Paris for the couture shows, and my hair stylist Ellin Lavar decided to experiment this fascinating technique on my hair.  Voila: in a mere ten hours I was transformed. CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

BEAUTY AND HSN

I shot in New York city the new ad and video campaign for HSN for IMAN Global Chic and of course the usual suspects of my glam team where with me… Sam Fine/makeup and Oscar James and a sleuth of Video Camera crew. Check the behind the scene video on the home page to give you a glimpse of the philosophy behind my line and don’t forget to watch me on HSN on Sept 27th.

Wearing Herve Leger with Sam Fine

BEAUTY AND FAVE RESTAURANT

My fave restaurant in New York is Norwood. It is a private club/restaurant on 14th street. It is housed in a glorious brownstone that is so chic and private and the food is delicious. It is over 5 floors in a spectacular landmark townhouse. Beside the restaurant it has lounge bars, screening room, private dining room and to top it all a walled garden. Love It!!

At Norwood

BEAUTY AND THE WIGS

I have been loving these great wigs that I have been trying out the past 6 months and I am just loving them. It gives my hair a break and it can take me from drab to glam in an instant. They are light and easy to manage as you don’t need a hairdresser to groom your locks daily. No self respecting fashionista leaves the house with a hair extension or a wig these days so why should you… So, you are dying to know where can you get these wigs from? Stay Tuned!

It is easy to make celebrities look good but it is fabulous to make real women look gorgeous! This is exactly what we did and do at IMAN Cosmetics…. making beautiful faces one face at a time. We transformed these girls the best that they can be so let us help you to put your best face forward during these economic hard times. Looking fab is the best revenge. Check out IMAN Cosmetics on Youtube to get more inspirations and the products that will get you there ….. all on real women.

I am trying something new this time for the diary as i am very excited about the Fashion, Beauty, Accessories and all the other extras this fall. I am going to share with you my Fall’s must-haves to make you look fabulous and chic.

FASHION
If I have to singularly choose one designer it will definitely be Balenciaga.

Balenciaga on the Runway

After baring lots of skin all summer, it’s nice to finally feel pulled together with his skinny gray pants and Goya-inspired draped velvet and taffeta tops.

skinny gray pants and Goya-inspired draped velvet and taffeta tops

The dresses were so modern – scrolled peplums, slit skirts and armband sleeves – fiercely genius!

SHOES & BOOTS
This fall must have boots for me is from Gucci as they have the new slouch and major hardware….

Fall Must Have Boots from Gucci

…they instantly give you that Studio 54 look and trust me I had many nights at Studio 54. The shoes it’s a tie between Balenciaga’s concorde/Jetson style silver killer!

Balenciaga Silver killer!

and YSL new black everyday shoe…. ha!

Black by YSL

BAGS
My Iman Global Chic are the bomb! It is high fashion coupled with great price that can’t beat. Try on for size—Chic City Tote in Black Patent, Plum Patent, Amethyst and Caramel—Icon Shopping Bag in Black Patent and Denim for your days off from work.

BEAUTY
This is the time to do a sophisticated and an updated fall look. I love fall’s colors and textures and usually I take my cue from the fashions. At IMAN Cosmetics we are bringing on full luxe chic with luminous skin using Second to None Luminous Foundation with Luxury Mineral Enriched Semi-Loose Powder. On the eyes try Luxury Eyeshadow Duo in Mysterious.

On cheeks: You can never go wrong with Afterglow for that flush of bronzer that we all need during the winter months.
On lips: line your lips with Perfect Lip Pencil in Espresso and finish it with Luxury Lipstick in Black Brandy.

ACCESSORIES
Extras! Extras!
Fall gives you so many options to be creative, daring and inject some fantasy. Gold and bold jewelry is cropping up everywhere and can be intensely flattering. Purple was the major color and necklaces have taken centre stage.

Check out Iman Global Chic
—Golden Goddess with Amethyst necklace
—Golden Goddess with Amethyst cuff
—Grecian Style Hammered Cuff
—Jeweled Stretch Branch Bracelet in Gold and Silver
—Knock Out Ring in Amethyst, Green Tourmaline and Citrine
—Jeweled Onyx Ring

Check out IMAN Global Chic, on hsn.com for all you will need this fall check me out on Sept 27th for all new products introduction.