‘Empire’ Recap: Lucious Makes Moves From Behind Bars, Cookie Fights For Her New Dynasty, And More

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A New Empire in the Making
The episode opens with Cookie, Hakim and Andre leaving Empire Records because they got the boot. Remember last week, when Lucious let it be known that their plan to get Empire from him didn’t work? So, yeah…this is the aftermath. You know Cookie is a hustler, though. She and her sons are already planning to start their own company. They’re already plotting on the artists they’re going to steal from Empire, and planning to look for new talent. In a surprising twist, Anika is right along with them in trying to set up their new dynasty. This is not part of Cookie’s plan, but Andre and Hakeem seem to think it’s a good idea to try to convince Cookie to at least tolerate Boo Boo Kitty.

Nearly Twenty Years Later, “Soul Food” Sequel Coming Soon

Source: Jeff Golden / Getty

According to The Hollywood Reporter, writer/director George Tillman Jr. is currently working on the script for More Soul Food with Tracy Edmonds and BabyFace Edmonds as returning producers. It’s been nearly twenty years since the release of the feel good, family film, Soul Food. (Is this not the BET movie of the week every holiday season?)
The ensemble cast of the1997 film included: Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long and Mekhi Phifer who according to TheGrio are slated to participate in the sequel.
Following the success of the film, Showtime aired “Soul Food: The Series” for five seasons.
Reportedly, the sequel will focus on the next generation of the Joseph family who are too distracted by technology and social media to make time for family traditions.
George Tillman Jr. is also producing the forthcoming Ice Cube and Nicki Minaj film, Barbershop 3.

This Is How Many Calories You Save By Blotting Your Pizza

Remember when you were younger and every birthday party you went to had pizza for the meal? And before you ate, you took a napkin and dabbed off the grease. Your friends stared, the moms whispered about you. Well congratulations because you were saving yourself thousands of calories over the years! Labdoor Magazine made a handy graphic to explain just how much fat you can stay away from by dabbing.

Willow Smith Was Just Signed by Kendall Jenner's Modeling Agency

Willow Smith has officially joined the modeling world.
E! News confirms that the 14-year-old celebuspawn has just signed with The Society Management in New York, the same modeling agency that represents Kendall Jenner.
The agency announced the exciting news on Instagram with a post of Smith's i.D. magazine cover and the caption, "#NowRepresenting A grand welcome to @gweelos! #WillowSmith."
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's daughter seemed to be born with the model gene, with her long legs and flawless presence in front of the camera, and she's already gotten a great start with some big names.
The famous teen was recently revealed as the face of Marc Jacobs' fall-winter 2015 campaign!
Willow is the second face of Marc Jacobs' fall-winter 2015 collection to be unveiled, following Cher, who was revealed as a star of the campaign on May 27.
As with the pop icon, Jacobs made the announcement via his Instagram, writing a lengthy note alongside Willow's ad that included a shout-out to other women he's chosen to front collection campaigns in the past.

Zoe Kravitz for C Magazine October 2015

Fashion Deets: Leigh-Anne Pinnock In Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Military Shirt Dress

Leigh-Anne Pinnock posed on Instagram in a $520 Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Military Shirt Dress:

Fashion Deets: Amal Clooney In Versace Green Pleated Dress

Amal Clooney went bold in the Big Apple, draped in a $2,045 Versace Green Pleated Dress and matching Jimmy Choo sandals:

Fashion Deets: Jada Pinkett Smith In Guy Laroche Fall 2015 Black and Gold Panel Dress

Jada Pinkett Smith looked golden en route to Guy Laroche’s Spring 2016 show in a black and gold dress from the designer’s Fall 2015 collection. She wore the dress as modeled, though opted for pumps instead of booties.

Grace Jones Memoir Hits Bookstores: Says She’s Not Flattered by Pop Stars Emulating her Looks, Calls Kim Kardashian Basic

Grace Jones’s Memoir, titled, “I’ll Never Write My Memoir,“ hit bookshelves yesterday, and it certainly seems like a juicy read (pun intended)!

Sanaa Lathan for 360 Magazine

Fashion Deets: Kourtney Kardashian In Westward Leaning Flower 7 Sunglasses, Ronny Kobo Varvana Dress, and Gianvito Rossi Jimi Sandals

The paparazzi snapped some pics of Kourtney Kardashian in LA! For her day out, she donned $225 Westward Leaning Flower 7 Sunglasses, $381 Ronny Kobo Varvana Dress, and Gianvito Rossi Jimi Sandals:

Naya Rivera Gives Birth!

Naya Rivera is feeling extra gleeful today!
The actress and husband Ryan Dorsey have welcomed their first child together, her rep confirms to E! News. Other details, including the newborn's birthdate and name, were not immediately available.
Thus concludes one of Hollywood's most glamorous journeys to motherhood that featured Rivera glowing everywhere she went.
Whether concealing a bump at the White House Correspondents Dinner or flaunting her figure in a bikini while on a much deserved babymoon, the Glee star perfected the maternity style with her looks.
That's not to say everything was easy and peaceful. While blogging about her pregnancy to People, the actress revealed that the third trimester had a few pains and obstacles.
"When I reached the final leg of my pregnancy, I was ecstatic. I could see the finish line and it felt so good. Sure, my back was on fire and I was tipping the scales at numbers I didn't think I could ever reach, but who cares?! WE'RE ALMOST DONE!" she wrote. "Being in my third trimester means hard work is ahead and every day a new body part aches or seemingly falls apart. But it also comes with its share of really fun and exciting things too."
Congratulations to the couple on their happy news!
Us Weekly was first to report that Rivera gave birth.

Beyoncé, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj, & Lil Wayne to Perform at TIDAL X: 1020 Concert

Jay Z promised a celebration, and he plans to deliver.
In honor of reaching one million subscribers, TIDAL has announced TIDAL X: 1020, the first in a series of philanthropic music events curated by the streaming service. The charity concert will take place on Oct. 20 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
In addition to Mr. Carter, it will feature an all-star lineup including Beyoncé, Prince, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Lil Wayne, and T.I.

Fashion Deets: The Snobbery Boutique’s Baby Boss Romper

There are tons of affordable e-stores sprouting up every day!
One such shop is The Snobbery Boutique! While perusing their offerings, I couldn’t help but love their $175 Baby Boss Romper:

Victoria Beckham by Josh Olins for L’Officiel Spain October 2015

Victoria Beckham for L’Officiel Spain October 2015
Photographer: Josh Olins
Source: DesignScene.net

Anthony Vaccarello Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear

If you don’t know much about Anthony Vaccarello, know this: he is the Belgian-Italian fashion designer behind countless red carpet looks for celebrities, such as Diane Kruger, Ciara, Nicole Richie, and Kelly Rowland. Plus, he was recently named creative director of Versus Versace (and took his first solo bow for the brand 11 days ago), so expect to see his sexy, celebrity-admired aesthetic even more exemplified moving forward. Vaccarello’s Spring 2016 RTW Collection brought its fair share of understated ‘va-va-voom’ and its oft-expected leg-baring, asymmetric silhouettes.

Fashion Deets: Chiwetel Ejiofor In Thom Sweeney Grey Slim Fit Prince of Wales Check Wool Three Piece Suit

Chiwetel Ejiofor was suited up at the New York City Premiere of his new film, The Martian. For the evening, he wore a $3,260 Thom Sweeney Grey Slim Fit Prince of Wales Check Wool Three Piece Suit:

Fashion Deets: Rochelle Humes In Suzanne Neville Bespoke Strapless Gown

Rochelle Humes was the belle of the ball at the Pride of Britain Awards 2015 in a Suzanne Neville Bespoke Strapless Gown. The blush pink lace bodice and contrast black full skirt came together for a charming design.

Fashion Deets: Kylie Jenner In Mistress Rocks Gunsmoke Tan Suedette Asymmetric Dress

 
Kylie Jenner was spotted at Smashbox Studios in a $92 Mistress Rocks Gunsmoke Tan Suedette Asymmetric Dress. Her soft stretch suedette dress features long sleeves, a round neckline, asymmetric hem, and a bodycon fit.

Fashion Scoop: Ralph Lauren Steps Down as CEO, Kim Kardashian-West Gives Fashion Credit to Kanye, and Willow Smith Signed to Modeling Agency

• 
• Ralph Lauren is stepping down from the chief executive post of his eponymous empire. His replacement: Stefan Larsson, 41, who was a former H&M executive and president of Old Navy, part of the Gap Inc. portfolio. According to an interview with Ralph Lauren, 75, he will still remain active at the company as executive chairman and chief creative officer and Larsson will report to Lauren in the new regime. The benefit in this transition is Lauren’s continued presence to guide and inform its new CEO; Lauren also is the largest individual shareholder in his company, so even if he weren’t operating in a formal capacity, he would still wield quite a bit of influence. Bravo to what appears to be a smooth succession. (NY Times)

Kim Kardashian West and Riccardo Tisci by Ezra Petronio for Sorbet Magazine Issue #9

Cora Emmanuel by Christian Oita for Wonderland Magazine September-October 2015

Tips: How to Pose Like a Celebrity

While stars used to smile and even laugh on the red carpet, the smug mug is now more de rigeur. Two hands on your hips? Not so much. The key these days is to make it all look effortless. Take a look at a few tips.

Beauty Tips: Celeb Hairstylists Share the Best-Kept Secrets for Extra-Shiny Bleach Blond Hair

The secret, friends, is in the maintenance.
"Dark hair reflects light while blond hair absorbs it, so that's why you see more shine on brunettes," informed Le Salon at Sofitel hairstylist Lindsay Taisor. Lighter locks may entail a smidgen more upkeep, but ice-blond strands on par with Ashley Benson's can be yours with these tried-and-true celeb stylist must-dos.

How to Keep Youthful Hands: The Celeb-Tested Anti-Aging Regimen

While you're busy perfecting your a.m.-p.m. skin-care regimen, you're likely neglecting a very important part of the anti-aging equation.
As celeb dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer puts it, "from the dinner table up, skin has to match." Ageless celebs like Kate Hudson, Amy Adams and Angelina Jolie know that putting as much effort into hands as you do into your face is an essential aspect of looking vibrant and healthy. Since hands start aging between the ages of 20 and 25, you might want to give your digits a little TLC sooner rather than later.
"Hands require a lot of maintenance because the skin on your hands is thin to begin with, has lower blood flow than the face and are gravitationally dependent," warned Dr. Lancer. The fragility of hands coupled with the fact that you're constantly using them for everyday tasks means it's high time to start paying attention to the oft-neglected body part.

Sure, you may not be able to afford skin re-texturizing laser treatments and skin-plumping Juvederm injections like Dr. Lancer's celeb clientele, but the following everyday steps are ammunition enough to create a long-term difference in the years to come.

Billboard Names Lady Gaga Woman of the Year

Lady Gaga is known for many things, but now she's also a Woman of the Year—which should come as no surprise to her devoted fans.
Billboard announced today the pop icon will be honored during its annual Women in Music event, which will air for the first time on Lifetime in December. The magazine said Gaga was chosen for her unparalleled contributions to entertainment, pointing out her six Grammy awards and countless other milestones within the music industry as major determining factors.
The singer-songwriter shared her gratitude on Twitter, writing, "I can't believe @billboard named me Woman of the year thank you so much. I am so so so so grateful. My gosh good morning!"

Omarion and Girlfriend Apryl Jones Expecting Baby No. 2

There's going to be another addition of love for this Love & Hip Hop family!
Singer Omarion and longtime girlfriend Apryl Jones, who also star in the VH1 reality show's Hollywood franchise, have announced that they're expecting another baby together!
The pair each took to their personal Instagram pages to share the news separately. Apryl showed off her growing bump with their 1-year-old son, Megaa Omari Grandberry, looking up at his mama and sibling in her belly in a sweet post that read, "And he thought he was having a brother lol.... #5months #itsagirl @1omarion."
Yep, you read that right. It's a girl!

Build Your Empire: 4 Ways To Brand Yourself For Professional Domination

Source: pixedeluxe / Getty

In today’s digital-driven age, where social media, Google and text messages create an impression of you before you even get the opportunity to do so yourself, branding has become more important than ever.
Branding, a term once only relegated to how companies are perceived, has now become a part of how individuals, both entrepreneurs and employees, present themselves to future employers and clients.
Based on the industry you work in, and the goods and services you may provide, your “brand” is basically a one-thought synopsis of who you are and what you can provide to the masses. Though most who think of themselves in terms of being a brand seek to define it for themselves, it can sometimes be defined for you by the public.

Mariah Carey x MAC Cosmetics Set to Launch in 2016

So, it’s official! Mariah Carey and MAC Cosmetics have joined forces to create her upcoming Beauty Icon Collection!

Tyrese Is Joining ‘Empire’ As Cookie’s New Bae

Source: Monica Schipper / Getty

Are we really ready for a Baby Boy reunion on Empire? It’s been nearly 15 years since Tyrese and Taraji P. Henson aka Jody and Yvette have been on screen together.
Last season the sexy chocolate Derek Luke aka “Malcolm DeVeaux” had a six episode arch on the series. He exquisitely played Cookie’s bodyguard/love interest and Lucious wasn’t the only person upset about Malcolm crossing the line!

Fashion Deets: Jasmin Walia In Jovani Jersey Crystal Beaded Dress

Jasmin Walia shimmered and sparkled at the Pride of Britain Awards 2015 in a $550 Jovani Jersey Crystal Beaded Dress. Her floor-length jersey dress features crystal beaded embellishment and a center keyhole.

Fashion Deets: Alesha Dixon In Michael Costello Sequin Rock Crystal Gown

Alesha Dixon turned up the glamour at the Pride of Britain Awards 2015 in a Michael Costello Sequin Rock Crystal Gown. The gown’s low back added to its undeniable sexiness and allure.

Fashion Scoop: H&M Features First Muslim Model in Ad Campaign, Solange Has A New Beauty Collaboration, and Gigi Hadid Addresses Body Shamers

• H&M recently unveiled a new campaign for its autumn collection this month, prominently featuring a Muslim model and blogger Mariah Idrissi wearing a hijab, a head scarf typically worn by observant Muslim women. This marks a rather powerful move by the Swedish retailer to display more inclusive representations of its global customer base in its branding. It is also a smart business decision as there are over 1.6 billion Muslim consumers worldwide, who constitute tremendous buying power for fast fashion brands like H&M. (International Business Times)

On Instagram: Users Enraged by Nicki Minaj’s Reaction to Zendaya’s Barbie Doll

Zendaya recently debuted her very own Barbie doll, wearing a replica of the Vivienne Westwood dress and the beautiful locks she rocked at the 2015 Oscars. She posted a photo on Instagram, saying “When I was little I couldn’t find a Barbie that looked like me, my…how times have changed. Thank you @barbie for this honor and for allowing me to be apart of your diversification and expansion of the definition of beauty.”

Fashion Deets: Her Threads Salute to the Queens Solange & Erykah & Lauryn & Aaliyah Tee

Have you heard of Her Threads?
They’re a line of t-shirts that salute Queens in our community. While I love all of their tops, their $30 Solange & Erykah & Lauryn & Aaliyah tee is one of my faves:

Rihanna by Renata Raksha for The FADER

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Fashion Deets: Beyonce In Hudson London Distressed Denim Overalls and Stella McCartney Silver Metallic Platfrom Britt Brogues

Beyonce went for a pizza run with Jay Z in Brooklyn in $255 Hudson London Overalls and $1,070 Stella McCartney Silver Britt Shoes. It’s always hilarious to see how people in the background react to Bey.

Fashion Deets: Selena Gomez In Marc Jacobs Resort 2016 Red Embellished Coat, Black Button Front Shirt, and Red Mini Skirt

Another day, another look from Selena Gomez! The songstress kept the promo train going at BBC Radio 1 Studios. This time, she donned a Marc Jacobs Resort 2016 Red Embellished Coat, Black Button Front Shirt, and Red Mini Skirt. Her coat was paired with a black headscarf, red leather shoulder bag carried as a clutch, and black platform booties on the Resort 2016 runway.

Fashion Deets: Jennifer Lopez In Mugler Resort 2016 White Long Sleeve Cady Cut Out Dress and Casadei Silver Blade Pumps.

J. Lo’s American Idol slayage isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
She attended this show’s Denver edition this weekend in a $2,060 Mugler Fitted Cady Long Sleeve Dress and Casadei Blade Pumps in silver: Her dress debuted in Mugler’s Resort 2016 collection:

Weekend Instagram Cuteness

Hey all! Celebs were busy this week with fashion month still continuing (Milan Fashion Week coming to a close). But a few others were busy with other projects. And some even escaped the pandemonium to catch a few rays while on vacation. We’ve ogled their Instagram shots, but which stars shared their best? Let’s take a look!

Scoop: John Legend, Magic Johnson And More Invest $24 Million In Black Owned Beauty Business Walker & Company Brands, Bevel Will be Sold at Target

Today, Walker & Company Brands, a company that makes health and beauty simple for people of color by developing products and services tailored to their unique needs, has announced that they’ve raised $24 million in a Series B round of funding led by Institutional Venture Partners (IVP). The company, which owns Bevel products (a shaving system made for people of color), has also announced a partnership with Target to sell its flagship shaving product both in stores and online.

Fashion Scoop: Judith Leiber to Unveil Empire-Inspired Cookie Clutches, New Fashion Books Out This Week, and Kerry Washington Wants Beyonce on Scandal

• Empire is taking over again and we’re all the better for it, fashion-wise. The New York Times published an inside look featuring Taraji P. Henson herself, the costume designers from Season 1 and 2, and Lee Daniels on the inspiration behind Cookie’s upcoming ensembles. Long story short, Cookie sells!. Judith Leiber will be selling a series of Cookie-style crystal-studded clutches later this year with Saks’ rival, Neiman Marcus. (NY Times)

Weekend Cuteness

Happy Monday everyone!
There are only a few more days in September. I hope you’re making the most of them!
Celebs hit the stage, Milan Fashion Week, the red carpet, and promotional appearances this weekend. Form-fitting silhouettes, LBDs, prints, and ladylike pumps were all on the menu.
Let’s see what they wore!

Fashion Deets: Rihanna In LaQuan Smith Spring 2016 Money Green Italian Braided Embroidered Cleopatra Maxi Dress

Rihanna loves LaQuan Smith! The songstress was spied at the Rockin Rio concert in an Italian braided embroidered Cleopatra maxi dress from Smith’s Spring 2016 collection:

Zendaya by Rankin for Hunger Fall 2015

Fashion Deets: amfAR Milano 2015

Fashion’s finest were at amfAR Milano 2015 in sultry sheer designs, leggy frocks, come hither red lips, and more.
Let’s get into their looks shall we?

The Ladylike Quotient By Majorie Harvey.

What do you get when you combine dignity and humanity with a bit of compassion, then dived it by elegance, style, and grace? You arrive at the Ladylike Quotient! It’s a kind of elusive quality that some women seem to have that allows them to journey through life’s triumphs – and inevitable tragedies – with a regal air or demeanor. Not to be confused with arrogance or perfection, the ladylike quotient is defined by a woman’s perspective on various matters and the behaviors she chooses to exemplify on a consistent basis.

Cute Flicks Of The Day: September 26th – 27th, 2015

Rosie Huntington Whiteley was airport ready in ripped jeans at LAX airport in LA.

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear

Whereas previous collections may have been designed with the Italian woman in mind, Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2016 RTW Collection seemed poised for the foreign tourist who wanted to capture her own tiny piece of Italian culture. Over 20% of looks carried phrases on them, including Italia is Love, Bella Italia, Italia Forever and popular Italian spots, such as Portofino, Rome, and Pisa. Every once in awhile, a model rocked a Dolce & Gabbana shopping bag, looking simply gleeful with her purchase — this was a very interesting decision for the brand, perhaps to hint at the accessibility of these runway looks in an unabashed hope to drive sales.

Fashion Deets:Leigh-Anne Pinnock In Rare London Black Double High Split Maxi Dress

Leigh-Anne Pinnock posed on Instagram in an $86 Rare London Black Double High Split Maxi Dress.Her sexy maxi dress features long sleeves, double thigh-high slits, and cutout banding that crawls up to the torso.