(Beauty and Hair) Summer 2011 Fish Tail Braids

TheFIGURE caught the Fishtails and their so easy to do with your hair for the summer!

Edgy but sleek, fishtail braids are too cute.

Check out a step by step video showing you how to style a fishtail braid of your very own. Stay gorgeous ladies!

STACKED! with bangles. Check it out (Fashion)

My personal look favorite!! Kelis

Are "TIGHTS" going out of style?? (FASHION)

Just when you thought, tights were a thing of the past. Leggings are now becoming more trendy than ever. Dazzled, Ripped, and even Bleached. Check 'King B' out her studded leggings!

The new buzz with Christian Louboutin (Fashion)

With the fashion industry going insane over Christian Louboutin's "Red Bottoms"

 I never thought to apply the "RED BOTTOM" concept to my nails. Creative!

There's something feminine about "Coral" (FASHION)

Check out these Coral Pieces!

• Hive & Honey Embroidered Dress
• Pleat Collar Blouse
• Orange oversize square metal arm sunglasses
• Apricot floaty cape blouse
• Paul & Joe Nail enamel
• SEPHORA COLLECTION Nectar Shine Hydrating care lipgloss SPF 8
• WIRE orange Suede Faux Snakskin platform Wedges
• Rebecca Minkoff Matte Snake M.A.C. clutch

Dangerous Shoe Game! Check out the FANGS!

TheFIGURE checks out The elegant Tracee Ellis Ross in (FASHION)

High waist Skirt, Sleek satin V-neck Top, Banging Gold bracelets

Natural Hair Queen Tracee Ellis Ross

Cream blazer, Coffee 'Paper Boy' hat

'Stanky Leg' booties!

TheFIGURE flawless!

Royal purple Toga Gown

Tracee Ellis Ross is the ultimate fashionista! It’s not surprising that Ross would be a natural on stage and don't we all just love seeing her play on BET's 'GIRLFRIENDS'? but Tracee Ellis Ross is fashionably FIGURED as well! TheFIGURE caught Tracee Ellis Ross looking flawlessly natural in some of the most stunning trends. Check her out!

Beyoncé - Run the World (Girls) [Alternate Version | Deluxe Cut]

R&B quartet Rich Girl has some impressive instruments.

Last time we heard from Richgirl, the stylish R&B quartet created by producer Rich Harrison, they were performing vocal acrobatics the thunderous beat of “He Ain’t Wit Me Now (Tho)” — but still had no album release in sight. But now it appears the ladies are finally ready to strut their stuff: check the just-released “Swagger Right”, featuring Fabolous and Rick Ross, a slinky new joint that may finally help Richgirls measure up to the hype. Who else hears early Destiny’s Child? En Vogue? Yes, iwe said it.

Harrison is known for tracks that blaze with horns and percussion (see Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love”, Amerie’s “1 Thing”), but here he creates an easy-going groove that lets the ladies shine. Check them out singing the Wizard of Oz Classic Over The Rainbow  A Capella.

Dedicated to the King of Pop Chris Brown's Video "She Ain't You"

TheFIGURE presents "Respect the Ambition" with 'Phasion Doll'

TheFIGURE presents "Respect the Ambition" with 'Phasion Doll'

Model, Hair & Makeup Stylist, Fashion Designer

'PHASION DOLL'

Ordinary people, doing extra-ordinary things. Chasing visions of the imagination, all under one ambitious motive: Make our dreams, a REALITY!

Darlene “Phasion” Keel a Miami native who dabbled in the world of hair, make-up and fashion at the tender age of 16 wearing bold custom made pieces, hair neatly done and make-up that was always flawless.

Surrounded by Motivators 

In 2006 Phasion (Fashion) decided to take her talents to another level re-creating unique looks and styles that fits the professional woman to the bold and out-going teenage girl. Coming from a stabled home with positive influences from her “Go-Getter” mind set parents was a constant reminder that education is top priority. Doing just that, Phasion continued her education maintaining a 3.6 GPA in the English Secondary Education field all while working on her ultimate dream which is becoming a well-known household name in the beauty and entertainment industry. Although there were a few setbacks and mistakes that were made, Phasion took life experiences and lessons learned to be the true story of success. With the help and words of encouragement from her support team which included friends, family and even fans, Phasion never viewed failure as an option but continued to push through it all and what life has to offer.

Phasion's Pattern of Success 

In 2011 Phasion introduced her Promotion and Beauty Consulting business which is an on-site business managed by Phasion herself titled “PhasionDoll”, specializing in hair and make-up artistry and promoting local talent and small businesses while still balancing the life of a college student. Founder and CEO of PhasionDoll LLC. and VP of Shai (Shy) Girls LLC. (modeling agency), Phasion is currently working with videographers, hosting upcoming events, models, photographers and blogs about Fashion, Health and Fitness and other topics that men and women will find both entertaining and informative. She is also working on her upcoming poetry book which deals with overcoming obstacles, struggles and life situations and is also “DirtySouthRadioOnline” (The Southern Hustlas Show) On-Air Radio Personality working alongside DJ Brass Knuckles. Phasion is dedicated to her clients and her craft expressing genuine customer service and down to earth personality that anyone can love.

Best Thing I Never Had - Beyonce

G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Brittany Coleman

Beyoncé's New album "4" first week Sales Predictions : by Quis

All eyes are on Beyoncé, whose new album 4 arrived in stores this week. Without a massive hit and a premature leak, just how will the superstar fare on the charts? Early sales predictions are in.

According to chart experts HITS Daily Double, B’s fourth offering is expected to debut at No. 1 with 275,000-300,000 copies in its first week based on preliminary figures. This would mark her fourth No. 1 solo debut on the Billboard 200. Her previous album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, opened with 482,000 in November 2008. These numbers are not final and are subject to change.

Beyoncé has been making high-profile appearances overseas this week to promote the project, which leaked three weeks in advance of its street date. She will return to the U.S. to perform on the “Good Morning America” Summer Concert Series on Friday.

Other debuts next week include Big Sean, whose G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam release Finally Famous is approaching the 90,000-95,000 range.

Respect The Ambition : Erica "Nikki G" Walker

"I know that i am meant to educate,enlighten, and entertain"

Ordinary people, doing extra-ordinary things. Chasing visions of the imagination, all under one ambitious motive: Make our dreams a REALITY. 

Respect The Ambition recognizes Erica Nichole Walker, also known as "Nikki G . Quis Debonair got the opportunity to have a one on one with the On-Air Personality as he learns about her shoes and the concept she uses to walk in them.

Now a junior at Bethune-Cookman University double majoring in Mass Communications and Theater Arts, this 20 year old Cleveland native is taking on the world one step at a time. Growing up as the middle child and losing both of her parents at such a young age only led her to getting that dollop of hope from her biggest inspiration: the man upstairs. "God just helps me challenge the status quo and instills in me the strength to appreciate myself first" says Walker. Her biggest goal is to fulfill her divine purpose - whatever that may be. At this point of her life, she's at the blueprint phase of her self construction. She has hopes in one day hosting her own radio show, publishing a book, and starring in films that actually serve a purpose.

Today, she currently works at a free clinic in the Department of Development, attends and plans to graduate from BCU with two degrees. There (at BCU) she is a member of The P.R.I.D.E. Marching Wildcats, the historian of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Incorporated, and the Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists. 

Being born many moons ago, the destiny in her life will only be as fulfilling as the journey.  She was always taught her "end game" and where she wants to be (as of many have) years from now. 

"As I look at my life in brief retrospect and walk by faith towards what is yet to come, one phrase keeps me motivated—the show must go on."

-Nikki G.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa gets close with Amber Rose at the BET Awards

Wiz & Amber sitting in the tree, K-I-SS-I-N-G

Wiz Khalifa:Amber Rose

Rapper Wiz Khalifa tattoo's Amber Rose's name on his right hand and states during a Rickey Smiley interview 

 “We hold each other down and do the small stuff that counts!” TheFIGURE wishes the best for this new hot couple!

(Fashion) All BLACK Everything with Drake

"All BLACK Everything with Rapper Drake"

Rapper Drake accepts SongWriter Hall of Fame Award

Fashion Teas! Prints gone WILD!! Tribal Pieces

Handmade Tribal Bag

Solagne Knowles

Tribal Print Wedge

Tribal Print Nail Art

Beyonce Knowles

(Beauty) The Ice cream scoop on "Dimples"

TheFIGURE gives you the Ice Cream scoop on having "Dimples" and why they're so attractive!!

Why are dimples so appealing? I have two dimples and people say to me all the time that it makes me look young and innocent. I think that dimples tend to make a person seem friendlier and they accentuate the person's smile (which is always attractive), Having dimples on your cheeks provide cuteness to your face. Dimples gesture shyness, and some believe dimples appear mostly when people are very happy. My dimples on the other hand are so easily recognized and anytime I pretend like I'm not happy, the dimples in my cheek reveal themselves leaving folks to think otherwise!  'Dimple' can be defined as a small natural depression or indentation of skin on the cheeks or the chin caused due to the flesh below.

Why do some people have "dimples" and other's don't?

Obviously you can't make yourself have a dimple if you weren't born with one. But if you've ever wished that you could, it might have occurred to you to wonder how those lucky cuties got their dimples in the first place. The answer is fairly simple: it's all in the genes.  Dimples are a genetic trait. If one of the parents has dimples then there are 25-50% chances that the child will inherit the gene and if both the parents have dimples then the chances for inheriting the gene is 50-100%. (LetUsFindOut.com) No doubt dimples make your face cute and attractive but it is a kind of birth defect and it shows that the “malformations” are not always bad.

If you have dimples don't be ashame to show them off! And if you are'nt so lucky there's nothing wrong with that, smile anyway! - Cookies & Brownies! Shan

(Entertainment and News) B.E.T. Centric Presents 'As Written' with Jill Scott

B.E.T. Centric Presents 'As Written' with Jill Scott

Up close and Personal with the Singer/Poet and Phenomenal woman of FIGURE

by Shan

If you didn't catch it, last night on Centric shines light on one of the most admired singers in the music industry. Jill Scott talks about growing up in Philly, opens up about her failed marriage with her first husband, DJ and graphic artist Lyzel Williams, her son, the new album & lots more. Phenomenal woman of FIGURE has debuts new album "The Light of The Sun" making such a soulful come back. Here at TheFIGURE we are "So In Love" with Jill Scott, looking forward to seeing more of her! 

Check out her new video with Anthony Hamilton "So In Love" Enjoy!

TheFIGURE presents G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Diva Diva

TheFIGURE presents G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Diva Diva

When it comes to women and fashion every G.I.R.L. must own

"A Little Black Dress"

Stylish Diva Diva in "The Little Black Dress"

Quis Debonair Recaps the 2011 BET awards!

G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Valencia Cote'

G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Valencia Cote'

TheFIGURE presents another (G.I.R.L.)

Appreciating the fullness of being a woman in fashion Check her out!

Store Brand: STYLEZ
Red Tunic: Medium $24.99
Black/White Stripped Dress $12.99
Olive green Pumps from Charlette Russe $34.99

Jill Scott speaks on new album "The Light of the Sun" (Entertainment and News)

Finally Jill Scott is back with her new album "The Light of the Sun"

Singer/Poet Renaissance Woman tells all!

(Health & Fitness) Today is National HIV Testing Day

Health and Fitness with TheFIGURE

Get tested TODAY is National HIV Testing day 2011

Taking a simple 15 minutes out of the day keeps your life protected. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Today is National HIV Testing day 2011 and all across America people are learning helpful ways to prevent HIV and treat human immunodeficiency virus. Stop depending on Google, AAA, and Nationwide to be on our side. When it comes to down to knowing whether or not you are HIV positive this is a responsibility that rewards a lifetime. At the end of 2008, approximately 20% of the estimated 1.2 million persons living with HIV were undiagnosed and unaware of their infection, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To increase HIV testing, improve awareness of HIV status, and enable earlier diagnosis of HIV infection, CDC recommends that all persons aged 13--64 years be screened for HIV in professional health-care settings. Americans today are getting tested for HIV more than ever before. Take the test, Take control, and get tested!

(Health & Fitness) Sunday Urban Kickboxing Day 1 with Nicky Rae Fitness in Miami







(Health and Fitness) TheFIGURE by Shan & Co.

Kickboxing Day 1 with Nicky Rae Fitness in Miami, Fl

by Shan

After days of 'Insanity' and 'Zumba' workouts, best friend Charnee' Horne invited me to join her while promising something different: Kickboxing class. Excited to break a sweat, I entered the classroom not exactly knowing what to expect. Professional and outstandingly motivated fitness trainer Nicky Rae of Miami,Fl greets everyone letting us all know that it was indeed time to work! One of the many things to brag about is that at the beginning and end of every workout fitness trainer Nicky Rae plays a song from rapper and Maybach Music Group's very own Wale. Encouraging us all to push ourselves, Nicky Rae instructs a combination of rhythmic aerobic exercise and energetic kickboxing techniques flawlessly. With consistency I know exactly what I should be expecting from this workout experience: RESULTS! I encourage anyone working on their "Summertime fine" to join the members Every Sunday Urban kickboxing with Nicky Rae Fitness and classes are currently being held at 16184 NW 27th Avenue at 5pm. Hope to see you all there!

Log on to Nicky Rae Fitness

www.exclusiverules.com

( ENTERTAINMENTAND NEWS) Meet Karmin The Love and Lima Beans youtube sensation

Meet Karmin "The Love and Lima Beans" YouTube sensation.

Musical Collaboration Karmin

For many of us, Karmin's performance on the red carpet at this year's BET AWARDS 2011 was our first time hearing how extraordinary a musical collaboration can be. Meet Karmin [car-men] - noun, in Latin meaning 'Song' with their own spin from the word 'Karma'. I find it absolutely impossible to not be utterly amazed at how creative this duo covers America's top singles! Nick, inspired by Classic Rock and Jazz can be found behind the keyboard. His sidekick, Amy vocalizes sweet harmonies through rap, guitar and song. With jaw dropping antics, these two have combined their outstanding musical talents keeping YouTube subscribers at the edge of their seats. Karmin amazingly covers songs such as Look at me now by Chris Brown Featuring, Lil wayne and Busta Rhymes. Singing, and rapping every lyric  adorable Amy breaks the mold of being another pretty face in the music industry. "Karmin mixes soul and passioninto their music with a perfect amount of Pop sprinkled on top. Their charisma and charm keeps you glued keeps you glued to your computer screen for hours" Reviews songwriter, Aj Rafael. So if you haven't already subscribed to Karmin's music channel  here it is at www.youtube.com/KarminCovers Follow Karmin on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KarminMusic  

The 2011 BET Awards : Performances and photos

Host Kevin Hart, Lifetime Achievement award recipient Patti LaBelle, singer/dancer Chris Brown and actors Will & Jada Smith were among the celebrities that attended the BET Awards ’11 held at the Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (June 26) in Los Angeles, California.

The awards left a lot to be desired, especially with the Tiffany Greene incident and a bunch of lackluster performances. Either way, check out some performance and audience photos below and also make sure to check out the arrival photos here.

Nick Minaj Fan Tiffany Greene has a Mishap: By Quis

On Sunday night, Tiffany Greene, an excited Nicki Minaj fan had the opportunity to announce and present the winner of the BET Award’s Coca Cola Viewer’s Choice award. Unfortunately, some technical mistakes (on BET’s end) were made and the winners were mixed up (VIEW VIDEO).

Initially, Tiffany announced Chris Brown as the winner, then corrected herself by declaring Rihanna & Drake as the real winners. Drake came to the mic to accept the award and even spoke on how awkward the situation was. However, at the end of the show, BET announced that Brown was in fact the real winner. Confusing right?

Meanwhile, Tiffany became the top trending topic of the night and some tweeters were bombarding her with some hateful messages. She took to her twitter page and said:

Shortly after, Vice president of programming Stephen Hill took to his twitter and admitted the mistake was all his.

Anyway check a photo of Tiffany arriving to the show below..

Team FollowBack ? By Quis

Twitter is one of the worlds most popular social networking sites. With everyone registered from your average joe, to A-list celebs, you often wonder: with the millions of followers that celebs get daily, do they even attempt to follow some back? for one twitter user, Kesha Anderson from Atlanta GA (@wtfkay_), she is on a quest to get R&B heartthrob Chris Brown to follow her back. This is day 8 of her journey and by mentioning (@) him a few times a day, she hopes Brown will just click that follow button and make another fans life complete

"Respect the Ambition" TheFIGURE interviews Dancer/Choreographer Clarence Jones

"Respect the Ambition"

& TheFIGURE

by Shan

BCU's very own Dancer/Choreographer Clarence  "DaArts" Jones

Ordinary people, doing extra-ordinary things. Chasing visions of the imagination, all under one ambitious motive: Make our dreams a REALITY. "Respect the Ambition" salutes yet another talented individual Dancer and Choreographer Clarence "Da Arts" Jones. Born and raised in Miami, Fl Junior at The GREAT Bethune-Cookman University majoring in Theater Performance. As I learned to "throw counts" with the expressive dancer Clarence Jones shares his dreams of one day starting his very own dance company in Seattle Washington. "I believe I was put on this earth to send and feel the emotion and power of the art of dance through the human body." says Jones. This young ambitious dancer has worked with dance companies through out the state of Florida such as Mahogany Dance Theatre (Florida A&M) Orchasis Dance Theatre  (BCU) Images Performing Arts (Miami Carol City) there is no doubt about his determination in the world of "Da Arts" TheFIGURE would like to thank Dancer and Choreographer Clarence Jones and wish him the best. "Respect the Ambition"

If you have ambition that deserves from R-E-S-P-E-C-T

 contact TheFIGURE online magazine by Shan & Co.

FIGUREMAGAZINE@YAHOO.COM

Daytona Dance group turns it up a couple notches

Bethune Cookman's own Rekonstruktion Dance Group . Has been on the scene for a while now. Led by Captain Shawntil Williams, Junior of Ft. Lauderdale, FL  AND Marquis Richardson, alson a junior from Miami FL. The group formerly known as "Star Status" has a meaning behind the new name. The group (including members of The FIGURE's own Quis Debonair) have been seen at many of BCU's events , and just recently competed at the Stop The Violence Talent showcase in Miami Fl. Be on the look out for these guys, because they are a force to be reckoned with.

Fashion Teas By Quis Debonair

according to fashion week daily, the july issue (on-stands now) of instyle is…wait for it…it’s gonna be good…scratch-and-sniff. see? i told you it was gonna be good. yes, the issue is filled with the scents of summer. five designated areas in the magazine will smell like watermelon, popcorn, grass, iced coffee, and suntan lotion. need proof that print isn’t dead? here it is. in fact, it is more fun than ever.

i plan to snag a copy during my lunch break, but what about you? will you buy it?

Fashion Teas By Quis Debonair

if you have plans after work or during your lunch hour, i highly suggest that you cancel them because the zara semi-annual sale started. everyone loves a semi-annual sale for the following reasons: cheap prices. that’s one reason, but i think it’s enough. don’t ask me what the other reasons are because i’ll just make up some variation of “cheap prices.” according to fashionista, here is some of what you should expect:

• party dresses from $15.99
• leather jackets from $69.99
• blazers from $29.99
• shoes from $49.99
• skirts from $29.99
• trousers from $29.99
• accessories from $12.99

R.I.P King of Pop Michael Jackson 2 year anniversary.

R.I.P. King of Pop Michael Jackson 2 year anniversary

by Shan

Two years ago, the world's very own Michael Jackson went on to be with the musical angels in heaven. Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the King of Pop and his memory of  timeless music will forever live on. The family of the late Micheal Jackson plans a tribute to their loved one by candlelight. A customized Michael Jackson motorcycle will be driven through his final resting place to mark the second anniversary of his death. Decorated with pictures of Michael Jackson, this Motorcycle was made by family friend Marcell 'Porkchop' Miller. TheFIGURE also pays tribute The King of Pop in the  remembrance of his musical legacy. 

Paper & Pen Hour with Shan. Poem entitled: "Looking"

Looking

by Shan

I'm not looking to flirt,
I'm not looking to share with
you the secrets the lie underneath this skirt, ...or shirt.
I'm not looking to turn you on, I'm not looking to trip when you don't return my phone.....calls.
I'm not looking for any drama at all.

I'm looking for commitment.
Looking drive.
Looking for the tranquility to keep me alive.
Looking for desire, respect, and intellect.
Looking for spirit, mannerisms, poise.

*In the middle of the night, the cops are knocking, neighbors complaining about the noise*

Get it?

Looking for inner strength, character, charm
looking for him to introduce me to his mom.
---And dad, if he's still around.
Looking for humor, the class clown.
Searching all over, my eyes open WIDE!
Until then, behind these I will hide.
Still........Looking.

Interested in getting a poem published on TheFIGURE blog?

Email us: figuremagazine@yahoo.com

(FIGURE SPORTS) USF LINEMAN lifts a Cadillac to save a man's life!

USF Lineman Danous Estenor lifts a Cadillac to save a man's life!

By Shan

21 year-old Danous Estenor from West Palm Beach, Fl rushes to save the life of a man who's stuck underneath a 1990 Cadillac Deville. Estenor notices the victim's wife along with two other men struggling to remove the helpless man. "I just see his legs," said Estenor, "The car is crushing him. He's not moving. I'm thinking, 'Oh, God, this guy is going to die.' The wife of the victim tells the story of how she was horrifically awakened by the yells of her husband "Help!!!" The Cadillac's front right tire had run over Arzola's torso and dragged him about 10 feet. Heroic Estenor reflects on the bloody scene "I tried to lift the car, and when I first tried, it didn't budge. I backed up. I don't know. But I felt this energy come, and I lifted it. I don't know how, but somebody pulled him from the car."Luckily, the guy only sufferes from a disloacated shoulder with a few cuts and bruises.