Allure U

Never Judge a Book by its Cover...

2013-02-01T20:41:00.000-05:00

You've heard the saying, "Never judge a book by its cover." several times in life and if you're like me, every time this phrase turns out to be true. I'm not the talk show kind of person, but today I was over my mom's house and she was watching an episode of the Ricki Lake show so I decided to sit down and watch some of it with her. Soon as I sat down and started watching I instantly began to regret my decision (well at least I thought). 13 preppy guys with microphones came out on the stage. I was so confused, I didn't know what was going on. I thought I was about to experience the worst entertainment ever... Do you know to my surprise I was actually very impressed from the moment these young men opened their mouths and tunes began to flow. The lead singer and the group sang Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You" acapella. When I say these boys talent blew me away, and I think it was even more so because I judged them based on appearance before giving them a chance. Halfway through the performance I found out the group is The Colgate Thirteen, from Colgate University in New York. If you want to learn more about them you can check out their website at www.colgate13.org. For now you can check out this YouTube video I found of them performing "If I Ain't Got You."

Pretty Impressive!

57TH INAUGURATION PHOTOS

2013-01-21T13:23:00.001-05:00

President Obama walking in.

Walking into Capitol Hill shaking hands.

A photo of Obama during his speech.

Our president.

Joe Biden being sworn in for his second term as Vice President.

The beautiful Sasha and Malia.

Beyonce and husband Jay Z.

Beyonce and Jay Z headed to their seats.

Look at all of the people joined together for this special occasion.

57th Presidential Inauguration...

2013-01-21T11:36:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! How have you all been? Sorry I've been away for so long. Well I'm glad to be back at it and I couldn't have chosen a better day to start back blogging. Today we are celebrating the 57th Presidential Inauguration and also Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. As I'm typing the motorcade is pulling off from the White House getting ready to make it's way up to Pennsylvania Ave! How awesome is it that we're just minutes away from the kick-off of the inauguration at our nations capital of Barack Obama as the 44th president.

Four years ago I thought I was living through history being made as America voted for President Barack Obama to become America's 43rd president. Who knew that four years after that on November 6, 2012 that history would repeat itself. On the night of November 6th it was announced that Obama had won
his second election. History had been made again, not only did we have our first African American president, we now were able to say he made it two terms. Many people used the excuse that his winning was only due to people wanting a change after George W. Bush Jr. messed things up for us so bad, however no one can say that this go round as we came together and elected him once again.

On this Monday January 21, 2013 history is definitely being made. This is such a significant time for our culture. On today we are celebrating Dr. King's birthday while we're actually living the dream. This is what Dr. King lost his life fighting for and years later we have our first black president serving not only once but getting ready to give his speech for his second term. I think that if we never thought our voice matters this is living proof, it does! They've said he's been tweaking his speech up to this last second now it's about that time to hear what he started working on back in December. Looking at the first family right now on my tv screens makes me so proud to be an American and even prouder to be an African American today.

Dr. King would be so proud if he were still alive to share this day with us. However, we're thankful for all that he did and sacrificed because if it weren't for him a moment like this wouldn't be possible.

They announced the President and as he's walking in he looks better than ever. I can't imagine the thoughts that he has going through his head at this moment. I know that the one thing that's evident is Obama loves his family first and foremost.Today's focus is on renewing our faith in the future of America. Let's listen and and enjoy this moment of history together!

Obama was sworn in last night at a private ceremony using a bible that's been in their family for years.

The Motorcade headed to Capital Hill

The sun rising on this inauguration morning

THE WAIT IS OVER...

2011-06-02T03:08:00.000-04:00

IT'S HERE...IT'S HERE...IT'S HERE

AllureU Boutique

Items being added everyday!!! Enjoy!

Say I'm Hating If You'd Like.....

2011-04-18T10:20:00.001-04:00

I would love to know how People magazine chose the most beautiful people of 2011. Jennifer Lopez was chosen as the number one headliner for the list...now don't get me wrong she's gorgeous but to be number one...NOPE I don't think so.

All FOUR of these ladies should've been chosen over Jennifer Lopez if you ask me for the number one spot....

EVA LONGORIA

HALLE BERRY

SANDRA BULLOCK

even... ANGELINA JOLIE

2011-04-05T12:07:00.000-04:00

VOTE ME FOR THE NEXT VIBE VIXEN BLOGGER!!!!!

VOTE FOR ME

http://ultimateblogger.vibe.com/contest/index.php?content=blogger&id=209

KID'S CHOICE

2011-04-05T09:17:00.000-04:00

Fergie's Lego dress at the 24th annual Kid's Choice Awards was the cutest and most unique dress I've ever seen! I have to know who came up with the idea for such a dress! Maybe she was inspired by will.i.am after he wore a Lego hat at the American Music Awards last year...whatever the case may be the dress was definitely a WINNER in my book! I have to give credit to the designer Michael Schmidt for creating such a look...AWESOME!

Now that's more like it!

2011-03-06T12:37:00.000-05:00

For me I wait for awards shows just to see certain stars gowns. I'm always expecting certain people to bring it...and Halle Berry is one of those people on my list. Well, at the start of the year at the Golden Globe Awards (January 16) I must say I was a little disappointed in her appearance. She wore a black Nina Ricci dress...it was kinda like a mini dress but it had a sheer train that I definitely wasn't a fan of...

Well Halle definitely made a come back last week at the 2011 Academy Awards (February 27). Halle looked FABULOUS in a nude crystal encrusted Marchesa gown! She was definitely a SHOW STOPPER! Oh and the hair was FAB too!

No BS...This is BS....

2011-03-06T12:10:00.000-05:00

What was Chris Brown thinking about when he decided going blonde was his next best move??? Idk about you all but I'm so not feeling the new look. He looks like Amber Rose to me :-(. I'm hoping this isn't a permanent move and just something to gain attention for his March 22 CD release because it definitely isn't a good look.

WAS IT REALLY THAT BAD????

2011-02-06T19:57:00.000-05:00

DID CHRISTINA AGUILERA REALLY BOMB THE WAY A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SAYING?!?!?!?! WELL I GUESS YOU ALL CAN WATCH THE CLIP AND BE THE JUDGE! EVEN IF SHE DID HER SHOES WERE STILL HOT SO SHE GETS SOME POINTS FOR THAT LOL!

CHECK OUT THOSE RED BOTTOMS...

2011-02-06T19:36:00.002-05:00

AT SUPER BOWL XLV CHRISTINA AGUILERA SANG THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. OF COURSE I HAD TO CHECK OUT HER OUTFIT (DOLCE & GABBANA SKIRT SUIT WHICH I REALLY WASN'T FEELING) AND SHOES! SHE ROCKED A FLYYYY PAIR OF CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN'S FROM THE FALL/WINTER 2009 COLLECTION...THE CALYPSO PUMPS...RED AND BLACK WITH A CRYSTAL ENCRUSTED TOE CAP!!! CHECK THEM OUT! HOT!!!!

HIGHER LEARNING!

2011-02-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

I strongly support furthering your education. In today's world you can't do anything with a high school diploma. For the average person you really have no choice but to go after a college education. Of course it's not the easiest thing to do but it's what our youth need to do...GET EDUCATED! With that being said, you all know how close HBCU's are to my heart and it's about that time for the yearly black college tours. I'm such a believer that every African American should have that HBCU experience, even if it's not for the entire undergrad...or even if it's it for grad school. From the professors, the culture, activities, life long friends you meet, networking, etc...it's a once in a lifetime experience! There are three black college tours that will be leaving from the metro Detroit area this year...how exciting! If you know any high school juniors (or even seniors...although it may be pushing it for Fall 2011 semester) that have an interest in attending an HBCU pass this info along!!!

YMCA HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR

~ APRIL 24 TO APRIL 29, 2011

~ COST: $600.00 (includes 6 night hotel accommodations, charter bus, t-shirts, and two social outings)

~ COLLEGES: FLORIDA A&M, ALABAMA A&M, SPELMAN, CLARK-ATLANTA,

TENNESSEE STATE, FISK, TUSKEGEE, MOREHOUSE, AND KENTUCKY STATE

~ CONTACT THE YMCA (METRO YOUTH COLLABORATIVE) @ 313-309-1552

7375 WOODWARD SUITE 2600, DETROIT, MI 48202

HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MINISTRIES BLACK COLLEGE TOUR 2011

~APRIL 17 TO APRIL 23, 2011

~ COST: $650.00 (includes transportation, lodging, banquet, t-shirt, and tote)

~COLLEGES: TENNESSEE STATE, FISK, MOREHOUSE, CLARK-ATLANTA, SPELMAN, FLORIDA A&M, ALABAMA A&M, ALABAMA STATE

MORE INFO: www.hopeumc.org/min_black_college_tour.htm

NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH YOUTH MINISTRY 2011 BLACK COLLEGE TOUR

~ APRIL 17 TO APRIL 23, 2011

~ COST: $585.00 (includes transportation, hotel accommodations, black college tour t-shirt and bag)

~COLLEGES: HOWARD, HAMPTON, JOHNSON C SMITH, LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE, CLARK-ATLANTA, MOREHOUSE, SPELMAN, ALBANY STATE, TENNESSEE STATE, FLORIDA A&M, ALABAMA STATE, AND TUSKEGEE.

MORE INFO: http://newhope-mbc.org/hbcutour/

WAS IT WORTH IT?????

2011-02-06T13:19:00.002-05:00

So after all the buzz surrounding O.P.I. Axxium gel nails and CND Shellac nails Crystal and I decided to see what all the hype was about......Well if you've been stuck under a rock and haven't heard about this new trend let me feel you in. Well, the number one good thing about the soft gel nail lacquer is its 14 day wear guarantee. IDK about you all but that right there had me sold b/c you know without acrylic a manicure typically last about 3days max before it starts chipping. Second thing that had me sold was the zero dry time! Last plus, is it doesn't damage your nails like the hard gel and acrylic. So, with all those positives we had to try it.

After the experience here are the results......

Was it quicker and less harsh on the nails....YES

Dry time...NONE

Was it worth the $30...NO

Is it something you should invest in for home use...YES! It's so simple to do on your own at home and by the time you go five times you will have spent enough money to purchase the UV lamp and the Axxium or Shellac nail kit. For a total around $150 I think it's definitely a great investment but...NO I wouldn't recommend going to the shop to have the procedure done...NOT WORTH IT!

CHECK THIS GRANDMA OUT...

2011-02-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

ATLANTA, ATLANTA, ATLANTA, OH HOW I LOVE THEE! YOU NEVER LET ME DOWN LOL...NO SERIOUSLY LET'S TALK ABOUT ATLANTA GRANDMOTHER JAZZ ISON SINKFIELD. THIS LADY HAS BEEN MAKING HEADLINES FOR HER 24 INCH NAILS (YIKES)...SHE HOPES HER LONG NAILS WILL GAIN HER A CHANCE TO MEET OPRAH AND OTHER CELEBRITIES (HMMMMM) SHE REALLY WANTS OPRAH TO HEAR HER STORY BECAUSE SHE FEELS HER NAILS ARE A GIFT AND NOT EVERY WOMAN CAN DO WHAT SHE'S ACCOMPLISHED OVER THE PAST 22 YEARS. SHE ALSO THINKS THAT MOST WOMEN DESIRE NAILS LIKE HERS. SHE SAID, "BECAUSE IT'S A FASHION STATEMENT NOW." HMMM.... (TO BE HONEST I DON'T THINK ANYONE ELSE WOULD WANT NAILS 24 INCHES LONG...BUT I GUESS I COULD BE WRONG LOL) SHE SAID IN HER INTERVIEW THAT HER NAILS DON'T STOP HER FROM DOING ANYTHING EXCEPT TYING HER SHOES....IDK ABOUT U BUT I'M NOT BELIEVING THAT FOR A SECOND! IF THIS ISN'T RIDICULOUS ENOUGH FOR YOU ALREADY I BET THIS WILL BLOW YOUR MIND...HOW ABOUT SHE PAYS $250 A MONTH TO MAINTAIN HER NAILS o_O....WHAT THE HECK??? THIS IS PROBABLY THE WEIRDEST THING I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR. BUT I GUESS WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN UNIQUENESS AND DREAMS...GOOD LUCK IN YOUR QUEST JAZZ LOL!

DID U KNOW???

2011-02-02T16:38:00.000-05:00

Alexander Lucius Twilight was the first known African American to graduate from college with a bachelor's degree from an American college or university. He graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1823.

Also, in 1836 he was the first African American elected to public office as a state legislator in Vermont.

FABULOUS FIND OF THE DAY

2011-02-01T12:47:00.001-05:00

NOW OF COURSE MOVADO WILL ALWAYS BE KNOWN FOR GORGEOUS CLASSIC STAINLESS STEEL WATCHES...BUT...I'M LOVING THE NEW "BOLD COLLECTION"...THESE THREE IN PARTICULAR....

PURPLE (MY FAVORITE COLOR) AND BLACK

$350

A MUST HAVE FOR ME! ***DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE ONE!!!*** THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE A GIFT TO MYSELF...PERFECT FOR THE SUMMER!

$295

PINK AND BLACK IS SO CUTE TOGETHER

$350

DID YOU KNOW???

2011-02-01T11:28:00.002-05:00

AS WE ALL KNOW TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH...WITH THAT BEING SAID OF COURSE I'M GOING TO HAVE HISTORY POSTS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH!

REMEMBER GROWING UP YOU COULDN'T WAIT FOR THE WARM WEATHER TO PLAY WITH YOUR SUPER SOAKER WATER GUN? OR WHEN YOU COULDN'T WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT SUMMER BECAUSE YOU KNEW THERE WAS GOING TO BE A BIGGER AND BETTER ONE COMING OUT? WELL, DO YOU KNOW WHO INVENTED THE SUPER SOAKER? IF YOU DON'T LET ME TELL YOU.....

LONNIE G. JOHNSON

Lonnie Johnson is currently the founder and president of Johnson Research and Development Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering and also an honorary Doctorate in Science from Tuskegee University.

In 1992, Lonnie invented the Super Soaker water gun. His invention generated over $200 million in retail sales. To date sales are almost at a billion (that's incredible.) In 2000, Lonnie was named to the Inventor Hall of Fame for his invention of the Super Soaker!!!

He's been in many magazines, on Oprah, won many awards from NASA, was a captain in the Air Force, and has over 80 patents. These are just a few of his achievements amongst many others. I guess you can kind of say he's the man LOL!

IT'S SPRING AT MAC....

2011-02-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

SO THE SPRING 2011 COLLECTION HAS ARRIVED AT MAC...IDK ABOUT YOU BUT I'M SUPER EXCITED! I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH THE PEACOCKY COLLECTION SO I'M CERTAIN THIS COLLECTION IS GOING TO BE JUST AS FUN! AFTER THIS SNOW BLOWS OVER I'LL DEFINITELY BE OUT EXPERIMENTING AND PICKING UP MY FAVORITES FROM THE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND! LET'S CHECK IT OUT...

THIS COLLECTION IS THEMED AROUND WONDER WOMAN...WONDER WOMAN COLOUR

THE FEMININE FORCE THAT SAVES THE DAY!

WONDER WOMAN POWDER BLUSH

AMAZON PRINCESS AND MIGHTY APHRODITE

OOHHH MY FAVORITE...LIPGLASS

EMANCIPATION, WONDER WOMAN, ATHENA'S KISSES, SECRET IDENTITY

WONDER WOMAN LIPSTICK

MARQUISE D', RUSSIAN RED, SPITFIRE, HEROINE

WONDER WOMAN OPULASH...MASCARA (LOOKS FUN)

VICTORIOUS, ARMY OF AMAZONS, THEMYSCIRA, BLACK

ISN'T THIS CUTE...THEY HAVE ALL OF YOUR WONDER WOMAN MATCHING ACCESSORIES

MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH

PINK POWER AND GOLDEN LARIAT

WONDER WOMAN REFLECTS GLITTER (2 LEFT) PIGMENT (2 RIGHT)

PEARL AND BRONZE....BRIGHT FUSCHIA AND MARINE ULTRA

WONDER WOMAN EYE SHADOW X4: LADY JUSTICE

WONDER WOMAN EYE SHADOW X4: DEFIANCE

THERE'S ALSO ANOTHER SHADOW...

SHADOW X4:VALIANT

WONDER WOMAN NAIL POLISH...OBEY ME and SPIRIT OF TRUTH

SAG AWARDS.......

2011-02-01T09:56:00.001-05:00

THE SAG AWARDS AIRED SUNDAY NIGHT AND OF COURSE I HAD TO DO MY BEST DRESSED LIST. HERE GOES..........

NEVER FAILS...EVA LONGORIA IS ALWAYS ONE OF THE BEST DRESSED...

SHE LOOKS GREAT IN HER GOWN BY GEORGES HOBEIKA

NATALIE PORTMAN LOOKED AMAZING WITH HER BABY BUMP...OFTEN TIMES PPL CAN'T PULL OF BEING PREGNANT AND STILL BE FAB...BUT PORTMAN HAD NO TROUBLE AT ALL

#2

NATALIE IN AN A LORIS AZZARO GOWN AND $2,000,000 IN TIFFANY & CO. JEWELS

SOFIA VERGARA LOOKED PHENOMENAL WEARING AN ELECTRIC BLUE DRESS BY ROBERTO CAVALLI

#3

I LOVE THE WAISTLINE AND NECKLINE OF THIS DRESS. SHE LOOKED GREAT!

I HAVE A LOVE HATE THING GOING ON WITH KIM KARDASHIANS DRESS...SO IT MAKES MY "ALMOST" LIST...

ALMOST

PURPLE MARCHESA GOWN

DARE TO WEAR

2011-01-30T00:12:00.010-05:00

KEVA by Keva J (African American designer) has some of the hottest swimwear I've ever

seen! Bold colors and one of a kind designs. Although some of the styles are repeats from

the previous year I'm still loving her collection. Check the many styles out @ KEVA J

I'm ready for the weather to break so I can travel and hit the beaches in one of these

Summer Must Haves! Here are just a few of the styles...ENJOY!

Kim Kardashian in KEVA...$176.00

$168.00

$184.00

RESPECT

2011-01-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

After the whole Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz drama I kind of lost a lot of respect for A. Keys. However, after seeing this ensemble she rocked at the Knicks game the other night I think she gained some points in my book lol! Check out the Christian Louboutin's and the oh so cute studded leather jacket she wore...FLYYYY! Now Swizz Beatz on the other hand...he still gets NO love from me smh!

WE'VE GOT TO DO BETTER...

2011-01-29T23:19:00.001-05:00

Did you know that heart disease and stroke are the number 1 and number 3 killers of blacks? That's scary! According to the American Heart Association cardiovascular diseases account for 33% of all deaths among African Americans. These numbers are too large to me so I thought it would be a good idea if I took the time to talk about this topic for a brief moment!

There's a few things that increases the chances of these two killers that we can't change such as age, gender (unfortunately men are at a greater risk) and of course heredity but.... there are many everyday behaviors that we engage in that are increasing our risk of heart disease and stroke that we can change.

WE CAN DECREASE OUR CHANCES BY CONTROLLING THESE FEW THINGS!!!

• Cigarette smoking (Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease.)

• High blood pressure (More than 40% of blacks have high blood pressure...stop smoking, lay off the salt, stay active and reduce stress)

• High cholesterol (Again control weight, and cut back on fatty foods, cheese, and butter...EAT HEALTHY)

• Physical inactivity (Simple stay active...dance, run, walk, etc.)

• Obesity and overweight (77% of black women are overweight and 63% of black men...so we need to EXERCISE)

• Diabetes (2 out of 3 people with diabetes usually die from cardiovascular diseases...SCARY!)

This is a very big deal and we all need to take control of our lives to reduce our chances of being a statistic!

TAKE CONTROL

SNAKES...

2011-01-29T21:20:00.001-05:00

Why is this the cutest bracelet ever?! Not to mention how unique it is. It's a snake wrap bracelet from BEBE and it's only $24.00! This is definitely a must have...well in my opinion!

FABULOUS FIND OF THE DAY

2011-01-29T12:09:00.000-05:00

IF THIS ISN'T THE CUTEST WEDGE BOOTIE FOR SPRING 2011 THEN IDK WHAT IS...

BY...ASH

$225.00 Shopbop.com

THIS CANVAS PEEP TOE WEDGE BOOTIE WITH THE BUCKLES IS JUST TOO CUTE...A MUST HAVE!

$225 Shopbop.com

Browsing and found the black pair for $168.75 @ Endless.com

GIVING BACK IN THE COMMUNITY!

2011-01-29T11:17:00.000-05:00

Last year Home Depot launched a great program called "Retool Your School Campus Improvement Program." The grant program is only for HBCU's and it was put in place to provide campus renovations and improvements to HBCU's throughout the United States. In the programs first year 57 school's submitted a major and minor project they wanted done and 11 were chosen. The #1 winning project received $50,000 for their major project and the other ten schools chosen received $10,000 each for their minor project. Some of the winning projects were Elizabeth City State University in first place (baseball field installation) and Florida A&M Universty (rainwater collections system installation.) The program is back for it's second year and ready to kick off in full swing. HBCU'S are near and dear to my heart so this is something big to me that Home Depot is so committed to helping HBCU's and African American communites in general.

They also joined forces with Honda to sponsor the 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands which will take place later on today in Atlanta, Georgia at 3:00 (oh how I wish I was there although, FAMU isn't a part of it this year lol)... Each year over $200,000 in grants are given away throughout this competition. I must say Home Depot is really doing their part in our communities...such a good look!