"B.E.P's" (Black Eyed Peas) Front woman "Fergie the Dutchess" is back!!!!!

Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson-Duhamel is back coming with a new album, love her now who is the fergalicious, bright gray eyed  beauty with lovely lumps. Fergie is the front woman who’s soulful voice you hear on the Black Eyed Peas albums on songs like “Where is the Love?” (feat. Justin Timberlake), “Don’t Phunk with my heart”, “Don’t Lie” one of my favorite songs from their 2005 album, “Monkey Business” it’s still on my ipod and still have the c.d. when she took some time off and went solo from the group. I used to play her album like crazy back in college. I remember it well cause we used to blast it in my student newspaper office.  I loved the idea how the Black Eyed Peas members always kept in touch and stuck together as a musical unit and family. They all went their separate ways but love that they kept the music growing and going as a group no matter what.  She went on to release one of the best albums (in my opinion in 2006) as a solo artist.  She released “Fergie the Dutchess”. I play and still play to this day no lie that album. I still enjoy blasting that song “Fergalicious”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “All that I Got (The Make Up Song), and “Glamorous” featuring Ludacris, “Clumsy”. Her debut helped her reach a lot of commercial success. She even reached and hit the Billboard charts that year. Then she went on to release a clothing line, she participated on some major film soundtracks remember “Love & Labels” on the “Sex and the City” the first movie (2008) soundtrack. I love that song and then she was featured on “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)”  Fergie featuring Q-Tip & Goonrock on the “The Great Gatsby” (2011) soundtrack belting her song lyrics

Fergie "The Dutchess" released September 2006

"L.A. Love" by Fergie single released in November 2014,  the album will debut next year in  early 2015. 

Performing at the American Music Awards 2014 releasing "L.A. Love" the first single.

 I didn’t realize it was her I couldn’t believe it until recently. Love her music, she’s the kind of artist who you know was meant for this business. They cannot sleep on her cause she’s incredibly talented. She started out in the group "Wild Orchid" in the late nineteen nineties and after going through a tumultuous time with the group she found that she needed another outlet. She received an opportunity and was asked after the Black Eyed Peas lead singer left and she replaced the lead singer. She sang on the Black Eyed Peas "Elephunk" album and a year later she was featured on "Monkey Business". Afterwards she was given the opportunity to have her own solo project come out and she did just that. 5 out of 6 singles that were released were all on the Billboard charts from 2005-Present including her singles with the Black Eyed Peas. "Fergalicious", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Clumsy", "Glamorous", and "Finally" were all featured on the Billboard charts and her songs went on the Billboard 100 at 25 or less for weeks on the charts. 

After a couple of years focusing on her own life as well, She started a fabulous clothing line and shoe line called "Fergalicious".  Fergie and her husband, Josh Duhamel had a baby boy name, Axl Jack Duhamel on August 29, 2013. She has still been very active in the studio and just released her first single, "L.A. Love" was released this fall. It has even been featured in a car commercial as well. Now her new album will be released in 2015 as soon as I get the date I am going to of course keep my readers updated. So for now I want you to listen and watch some of my favorite Fergie songs.  For more information visit http://www.fergie.com and for her clothing line visit http://www.fergieshoes.com 

"Life of a bridesmaid series: "The Dress Fitting Part 2"

Hello my “Honey Brown Sugar” readers!  So back to the “Life of a bridesmaid” series. Yes I am having fun as bridesmaid planning and be apart of this journey with one of my dear friends.  I am learning and have learned a lot before and during this process. I have plenty to share with you all that I hope will help you, your friends, family, co-workers, and other important people in your life.

So let’s start with dress fitting number 2. Yes I have one more dress fitting l  Otherwise I have chosen my shoes, accessories, and many other things all ready. So the Sardella/Fernandez bridal party commenced.  Everything went really well once again I met up with the lovely bride and we really got a chance just to hangout with the girls, have fun, and catch up this time. The bridal party paid for their dresses and we took our last fitting. Now the fun really begins. Everything is settled and going fantastic we have a maybe a couple bumps in the road but it’s been great all the way. I think we really nailed everything and will all look amazing and fantastic. I really have to hand it to our bridal party we are nothing like the ladies on “Bridezilla”, “Say yes to the dress”, or other shows who have had bad reputations. I think we’re all so excited to be apart of the day, and see someone who we care very much marry another person who we care for that’s the beautiful part of it.

One movie classic I love definitely something every couple  could relate to leading up to the day.

One of my favorite wedding themed films.

We do have a few thing left, I have to do alterations which can be extremely expensive tailors charge between $50-60.00 and up based off of the dress, style, and material.

I am very excited and happy that this day we’ll arrive could not be more proud, now for you all I have advice for you all. All right you want to know how our group got everything to go so smoothly so early. The bride, my friend Marisa planned everything in advance, super in advance. That’s how we roll….when you plan something in advance even if it may be 2 years off. You have time to focus on the matter, it’s like building an old house taking it apart and redoing it from scratch. You want the home to look it’s best so you take time and build it slowly.  You renovate piece by piece.

This is how preparing for a wedding can be as well You want to prepare, financially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. You have a whole cast of characters to deal with aside from your family, friends, and everyone else you are dealing with for this one big amazing day. It is your job to eat, sleep, prepare, and think of what you want. What did you and your groom/bride always dream of? What did you always see for yourself? How did you envision your day being with the person you love, did you want simple, did you want casual, did you want extravagance, opulence,  dark, comical, exotic, or flamboyant. How did you envision your day and what is the style between the two of you. That’s something I think the brides and brides-to-be need to keep in mind. Remember the day is about you and your significant other. You want to accomplish your goal together as a couple.

            Another thing we used team work as well, we all know each other very well, I suggest the bride please choose people who you know have your best interest at heart and love you completely. They would do anything for you and vice versa. I think that’s how the bridal party managed to make it work. We found a way to compromise and found a way to make the day go smoothly for the bride.  Spend time with group leading up to the day, even if you haven’t seen everyone consistently that helps a lot for your bridal party to build trust, become even closer, and get to know each other.

            One more thing I must elaborate on is communicate with the store who has your dress, that’s one thing I definitely noticed with all of the brides who were at bridal store choosing their dresses. You must communicate with your salesperson(s_) and make sure every guest is comfortable, attended to, and can speak with the sales people effectively getting the look she is going to achieve for the big day.

Marriage counseling yes the topic came up. I cannot believe we went from talking about sweet sixteen’s to now Marriage counseling. Yes my friend and I are discussing how that all though you are planning a beautiful wedding, on a spiritual and religious level. You have to also prepare for the spiritual part of how you are going to raise and build your family. It doesn’t matter what faith or religious background you are. Any couple needs to go through marriage counseling and preparation I believe.  Every couple needs to discuss their issues and what is going on with them daily. That is something I am actually excited to go through with my own fiancé/husband one day. We have a chance to discuss everything and prepare. Yes it may daunting, it could be challenging, scary, fearful of how your partner may really feel about not just you but everything in general. At the same time it’s great because you have a chance to know the real them before you take that step with them down the aisle. Does anyone remember these movies, “License to Wed”, “Father of the Bride 1 and 2”, “Jumping the broom”? Yes these were  romantic/dramatic films but every film remember has a plot and climax where the characters are tested. This is where you are tested with your partner. You get a chance to see what they are really thinking and how they feel. However, you also they realize that the person may be also holding back some things too. I am all for counseling, and an outside voice or people to help guide you without judgment but genuine and pure concern. You want to make sure you know what you are investing into and what you are completely devoting yourself too. I told someone marriage is part business, pleasure, fun, socializing, and learning as well. How do I know so much about this topic I think because I have seen a lot of relationships, I know what problems can arise, I have also experienced things myself. So I have a good idea if you stay realistic. You have to be aware and know problems arise, great days can be enjoyed, but you have to also remember just like your life before the person you  were with and how your life was during that time. You have to remember you will have beautiful moments and difficult challenges as well. You have to know how to be strong, how to know we can fight through any test no matter how minute, trivial, large, dramatic, ugly, or difficult it may be. You need to remember who you fell in love with as well.  If you keep that in mind you will be all right and you’ll have someone to come home to every time who will make the day all better.  So I say all you newlyweds, newly engaged, or people thinking of proposing to the person they love. Keep all of this in mind. You need to know who you are dealing with in the end. 

Another film about conflict and quick resolution for an engaged couple or newlyweds. 

I will have so many other topics to discuss during my life of a bridesmaid series, giving you advice, and interesting tips as well until the summertime comes-topics like your venue: what do you envision, The Cake Tasting: How to find your perfect dessert to splurge on at your reception, The perfect wedding shoe: Every bride is different is it comfort over style?, also  Find your perfect wedding song: Wedding anthems :classic to contemporary,  Show them what you’re working with at your reception!: The perfect wedding dance, and  How to find your love destination: Perfect honeymoon, and the perfect wedding gift. There’s so much coming that I have in store to write about cannot wait to share more with you all. I will be in touch my readers love you all. 

See stars rise in "Beyond the Lights" film

Beyond the lights film will be released on November 15, 2014-Friday 

Fame, Fortune, Glamour, The stage, the microphone, the clothes, and most of all the lights. Doesn't every little girl dream of becoming an actress, dancer, or  a singer?. The film "Beyond the Lights" is coming to theaters this Friday, November 15, 2014 which is being produced by the hit screenwriter and director, Gina Prince-Bythewood. I love a lot of her films and have seen many of them she has been incredible in the last decade with her films. Does anyone remember "Love & Basketball" starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps back in 2000. Now she has done it again coming with a blend of not only a romantic take with this story. She also is bringing more drama to this character "Noni" who is an aspiring singer and star on the rise played by breakout star of 2014, Gugu Mbatha-Raw ("Belle","Larry Crowne",Living with the Enemy" and will be starring in other upcoming films this year and next. ), Nate Parker ("Red Tails", "The Secret Life of Bees", "The Great Debaters" and "Pride" ), Academy Award  supporting actress nominee for "Good will hunting", she also stars as "Fiona" on the NBC show, "About a Boy", Minnie Driver plays Raw's mother/manager within the film, rap star, Machine Gun Kelly, and Academy Award nominee, Danny Glover("Color Purple", "Lethal Weapon" series, "Saw","Angels in the Outfield", "Dreamgirls") Mr. Glover's resume goes on and on I cannot fill the whole list. 

Throwback story- I actually met him a long time ago one of the sweetest and down to earth people as well an old friend of mine knows him, he took a photo with my mother, grandmother, and I. I can get the photo later for you all but one of the nicest gentlemen. He plays Nate Parker's father in the film.  
Now back to this complex story, there's many elements to the movie you see the talent of this little girl first in the film, next you see the mother-daughter/business relationship, then the love interest and the dramatic way they both meet within the film. There's a lot to the story that I believe many other stars have actually seen this story sort of happen in real life with other celebrities. I believe most of them feel a sense of being lonely often because they are traveling so much too many different locations. You are traveling with an entourage of course of people who are paid to assist you and help you. Yet at the same time you want a sense of normalcy and anonymity as well. You want to be able to be yourself and free as well.

 Now when you usually get into the music industry or entertainment field that kind of all goes out the window as well. This is where I think the story has a great twist to it because the characters meet and they are looking for a way to give each other that as well. The same as in the story "Love & Basketball" they were both striving for the dreams, trying to obtain their dreams, balance family life, find a way for them to be together, and then also had a need to be successful in playing basketball.  That's the same theme I believe will happen in this story but it has a complex twist in it as well, especially when an artist does not want the fame or does not want to be in the spotlight. That's the interesting concept of the film. How often do you see a celebrity or aspiring star say "No I don't want this anymore". That's the part that really struck me with the film. Not so much the romantic element but also the fact you have someone who's extremely fragile and looking to find her way as well.  

I believe these two actors definitely have something in this film that will touch audiences, the story seems not like a "Sparkle", "What's love got do with it", or "Why do fools fall in love" theme. It has a unique twist to it when you're going against family, love, and accomplishing your goal all wrapped in one at the same time.  You also get a perspective and a different view of what a recording artist female really goes through within the film. Go see this film it comes out nationwide this Friday.  I will have a full movie review for my readers,it's going to be a really busy weekend for me but I will find a way to see the film as well.  For now visit the website, look out for this cool soundtrack to the film as well the soundtrack has been released it came out on http://www.amazon.com  November 10, 2014, and visit http://www.facebook.com/beyondthelights for more information. Click below to view the trailer below for the film. 

An honest and hilarious look at race relations with the movie, "Dear White People"

"Dear White People" Movie review

The world premiere of “Dear White People” now has a movie that is  has caused a lot of attention in movie theaters. The film was released earlier this year as an independent film across the country, the film is set at the ivy league, Winchester University on a college campus during the present day in 2014. The campus is largely diverse with people of all backgrounds. The protagonist, Lionel Higgins (Tyler James Williams) comes to us he is locked out of his campus dorm and housing do to being a homosexual African American student. He cannot find a place to live and he is also a sophomore as well still deciding where he fits in at on campus. The movie took me back to college immediately. I was in college only about four years ago and I can tell you it took me back to that time trying to fit in, know where you want to be at, who you want to be, and where you want to go as well.  As many of my readers know I attended first Bergen Community College, I was there from August 30, 2004 to August 17,2007 when I completed my last summer class towards my degree in Contemporary Mathematics which was completely challenging. I even went to tutoring too back then. I earned my Associates degree in Journalism and attended the graduation a year later on May 15, 2008.   I started at Hunter College  on August 27, 2007 and graduated from Hunter on  Thursday, June 3, 2010 my graduation was held at Radio City Music Hall.  All right why am I mentioning my college days to you now because it was so recent. I am lucky I still remember these days and I am lucky to still be very close to my college campus. I know what really happens and goes on behind the scenes and in front as well. You deal with a lot of issues, that’s part of the struggle, and part of the college experience while you are there especially a diverse campus full of people from everywhere. You run into different issues all over.  I think for not only myself, but many students you deal with the issue, pressure of finding a place to belong, to find a group to connect to as well. Lucky for me being in New York helps a great deal, there are so many people of all backgrounds here, and people here who are here can teach you many things, share their own stories, and background.

The film is over all hilarious, you have to have a sense of humor for this film. One issue in particular and common theme is race relations, I loved the film I often saw and found myself in some of the female characters in this movie. I saw myself a lot in the characters Samantha "Sam" White (played by Tessa Thompson) and "Colandrea "Coco" Conners (played by Teyonah Parris).  I could see some of the issues I myself dealt with as well, trying to find my way to be apart of a clique, and finding a way to make your voice heard. Also finding a way to obtain your degree and make yourself proud and have a balanced reputation.  You also find a way to simply find yourself as well. My time on campus as an African American female did I feel threatened, did I feel I needed to belong to a crowd or stick with African Americans like this is in the film. Not at all I see where Justin Simien was going with this as well. How all of the African American stereotypes in our society today exists. How certain images of “The sellout”, “The ghetto black girl”, “the mixed/mulatto girl struggling to find which side to choose”, “the wealthy African American student looking to fit in and be normal”, “The militant black man”, “the African American hip hop student”. All of these are roles I have seen been made in films before but it shows how everything has evolved now too.  If anyone is a film buff, film history major, or a media and film major in college or graduate school you should look up the movie “School Daze” by Spike Lee. That film will definitely show you the race relations and race issues we all have dealt with as well on campus. There are thousands of movies, but that is definitely one of the more current American films that people could relate to during that generation as well.

            The second issue was the stereotypes, the class issues, and dealing with the problems that affect many people around the world as well. Even just the every day issues. You feel the pressure to fit in to please those around you in your social circle as well.  You feel the need to make them happy, you also try to figure out ways to make people feel comfortable and feel relatable to what you have been through as well. You want people to see the essence of who you are as person not judge you because you are different than them, you have different hair textures, different skin colors, you just want a sense of acceptance period. As the wise Dr. King said I always live by his philosophy on every day race relations and social interaction of people of different backgrounds and cultures. “Judge every man and woman by the content of their character and who they are, not by the color of their skin”. Judge every human being especially in America by their personality, behavior, actions, what they say whether their actions are filled with malice, hatred, ignorance, being condescending, or mean-spirited. Do not judge them on their racial backgrounds because you simply do not know the person underneath all of that skin.  We live in one of the greatest countries in the world. Where people of all nations fight so hard why because they want to be like us. I am just going to say it. Just like Colandrea “Coco” Conners she said “They don’t care about Harriet motherf**** Tubman”…. well I say let’s give them a reason to care. 

I believe give them an education on what all minorities have contributed to society. Not just African Americans but continue to show them what has made the country greater and what has made people better, what has made them strive and achieve success as well.  That’s what you want to be proud of and happy with as well.  You want to show them this what you need to really focus on the greatness of what we achieved not so much the stereotypes that have tried to destroy and bring us down. Continue to show yes we can be successful, attend college, make ourselves well established in society as well.  We can make our ancestors proud, we can make them see yes we broke barriers. That’s what I think people need to take away from the movie. Take away that we are better than that.  Better than what negative media stories have showed in the public. I loved the film and will probably the movie this year on dvd very soon. It was well written and I loved the concept as well.  Go see this love letter to not just white people but all people those who still condone prejudice, stereotypes, and racism. Justin Simien well done!

A photo of Breakthrough actress for the Gotham Independent Film Awards for  2014 Tessa Thompson in the movie, "Dear White People"

One scene of the cast getting outraged yelling at a ticket holder at a movie theater.

Go see “Dear White People” starring Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris,”) Dennis Haybert ("Waiting to Exhale", and a plethora of many movies), Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Brittany Curran, Marque Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Brandon P. Bell, and Peter Sugvertsten.  This film has received some incredible awards earlier this yea  They also received an award for the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Award for Breakthrough talent for Justin Simien, the Gotham Independent Film Awards: The Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award, and last an award for Breakthrough actress, Tessa Thompson. Tessa is definitely one of the characters along with Tyler and Teyonah who really stole the show. Tessa has appeared in the movie “For Colored Girls” by Tyler Perry (2010) she has been acting since 2005, and was born in Los Angeles, California.  For more information on the characters, the actors, actresses, and directors of the film go to http://www.twitter.com/dearwhitepeople and http://www.facebook.com/dearwhitepeople to find out on show times for the film as well. 

 Go see it right away it received an accolade and award for the 2014 Palm Springs International Film Festival-Directors Watch.

“The intimate side of these 3 ladies”: Intimate Celebrity Clothing Lines

I love when a celebrity comes out with a clothing line especially when it’s affordable. Whenever you find a clothing line that you love, that is inspired by one of your favorite celebrities. You get a glimpse in to who they are and what they are about as well. These three lovely ladies have the look, style, fashion sense, and business sense to make you stunning, feel sexy, glamorous, all on a affordable price. These three ladies have their own clothing line, have done many endorsements all ready themselves. The three ladies I have chosen who have found their own lines which is genius is Sofia Vergara, Britney Spears, and Halle Berry. All three of these ladies are legendary and will be legends long after for their stunning looks, their style, and now with their intimate lines they are sure to leave their mark. Now they are not just pretty faces at all these women have done many things behind the scenes as producers whether in film or movies too.

Now they are stepping up to the plate and crossing over into a new market going up against intimate lines like La Perla, Victoria’s Secret, Agent Provocateur, and even the cheaper more affordable lines for women at Walmart, Target, or even department stores as well. Sofia Vergara known of course for her films and best known as “Gloria” on “Modern Family” the fast-talking, sassy, Colombian wife of Jay (Ed O’Neill). This scene stealer and showstopper definitely will have women stopping in their tracks to not only try her fashion clothing line but also her intimate clothing line as well.  

Sofia's clothing line can be found at most Kmart Clothing stores

Britney's clothing line can be found online also in Walmart as well.

Halle's clothing line can be found in selected Target stores. 

Her colors are deep maroons, deep royal purples, they make you feel like royalty and a queen as well.

The next woman pop icon and international star, is Ms Britney Spears. Spears’s line I think is a new way for her to bring out another side of her again that we often forget is her business side. How she once again is showing that not only is she a triple threat who can dance, sing, and can act occasionally in films or television. She also is a smart business- woman when it comes to making decisions to expanding her brand. She was recently inspired by a trip to France and saw a small boutique that she went in and saw something she really loved. She knew right away that she wanted to start her own line. To me it was a genius idea you have a beautiful, attractive woman, and of course we all know she’s hot. Spears previously had a clothing line when she was endorsed and signed with Candies shoes and clothing. Now she has her own which really I believe will sale extremely well especially for the fans who have grown up with her as well.  Britney’s colors come in pink, grey, black, whites, and have classic vintage looks. A lot of the looks are modern but have a retro pin-up girl vibe to it as well.

The next woman who I believe really needs no introduction she’s a producer, actress, former model, and is another smart business woman. She has had a fragrance line out for a few years called Halle for both women and men. She has a clothing line that would really turn heads at a reasonable price. She has an intimate line called Scandale Paris that just recently came out. You have three well known hot ladies on the market to make your woman, friend, or relative feel hot and comfortable within her skin. So ladies get ready to head to the stores. These clothing lines can be found in department stores as well as Target, Kmart, and Walmart at an affordable price from $20 dollars and up.  

Visit http://www.store.britneyspears.com, http://www.intimatebritneyspears.us, http://www.scandale.com, and http://www.kmart.com/sofia 

  For more information go to their websites for more information and ladies have fun dressing up and feeling confident =)!