Color Blocking is the new trend for Summer 2012

It is time to throw your chunky knits to the back of your wardrobe and invest in some summer friendly attire for the upcoming season. London Fashion Week has shown a lot of potential for spring-summer fashion with designer clothing. From boyfriend cuts with added femininity to clashed prints - this summer's fashion is bound to be exciting and colourful.
Style is ever-changing and with designer clothing being so versatile - is the term fashionable too ambiguous? Whether you are more of a 'dare to be different' girl or more of a laid back 'tomboy' there is undoubtedly trends for everyone. Although it was a proverbial fact that the initial influences of what defines fashion came from the designers, now it is a lot more about street style. Nevertheless, designers have created a remarkable variety of attire set for spring-summer 2012 and it is only a matter of time before these are available on the high street.
Prints are an extremely important part of fashion this year and they have not been so flamboyant since the '70s hippie revolution. Clean cut shapes with outgoing patterns define the extravagance of summer fashion - it is all about standing out from the crowd. The only rule of this colourful season is to clash your patterns; everything else is up to you. Designers have included every pattern available into their clothing ranges so you are most definitely not short of choice.


One other way of dressing for summer 2012 is to incorporate flirtatious, bold colours into your attire. Bright and sporty neon's have been projected across the media in order to create the perfect look for summer. Combine bright colours with dark and diaphanous attire to master the simple ensemble.


Alternatively, take your fashion taste in the complete opposite directions by dressing in chalky pastel apparel. Sugary and luxurious shades define the ideal subtle outfits for the upcoming summer season. This particular apparel has the characteristics of clean lines and simple shapes so that you can indulge in plainness and layers. There are no rules to this pastel phenomenon as you can take one shade and dress from head-to-toe or go into pastel overload and use many different colours to complete your look.
Finally, the last fashion trend which has been hitting the designer clothing shelves is the boyfriend look. A style that has always been in fashion since Coco Chanel, one of the world's most legendary fashion designers, initiated the look for masculinity within women's fashion. Androgynous pieces are hitting the market and many aspiring fashionistas have been documented sporting such attire. This fashion style is all about getting in touch with your masculine side whilst staying feminine and true to your roots!

In Celebration of Mother's Day 2012 [Music/Entertainment}

Happy Mother's Day 2012

Happy Mother's Day

For all of our Tupac Fans, Listen to one of his classics dedicated to his mother. "Dear Mama"

Jay-Z Releases A Song Dedicated To His Daughter!

Making a formal announcement the way he knows best, Jay-Z wrote “Glory,” a rap song in honor of Blue Ivy Crystal, his new baby daughter with wife Beyonce Knowles. Referred to as "B.I.C.," the baby's cries appear at the end of the song as Blue Ivy makes her first "public" appearance.


Now daddy Jay-Z is making the birth announcement himself in the form of a rap song entitled, “Glory.” The song made its formal debut on his social website, Life and Times, on Monday. The confirmation in song comes just two days after the birth of his daughter, Blue Ivy.

The sweet song from the proud daddy states, “You're my child of a child from Destiny's Child,” referring to both his daughter and her mother Beyonce.

The song is revealing, indicating the little girl was apparently conceived in Paris, a romantic spot for such an occasion. The rap song also shows the pain the coupled must have experienced when Beyonce had a miscarriage, stating, “Last time the miscarriage was so tragic/We was afraid you'd disappear/But nah baby you magic.”

Here's a ntoe from the happy couple: 

"Hello Hello Baby Blue! We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives. We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.
Beyoncé & JAY Z"

Listen to the song >>>HERE!<<< 

Beyonce Gives Birth!

Written By Marquise N.

After announcing that she was pregnant with her and Jay-Z’s first child, Beyonce has given birth to a baby girl Named Ivy Blue Carter! (Meaning of the name? IVy Blue. IV is the roman numeral for "4" which is the most important number in Beyonce's life. Blue is Jay's favorite color.)
Congratulations to the happy couple!

NY Daily News reports:
A very pregnant Beyonce checked into the upper East Side hospital Friday night under the name “Ingrid Jackson,” a hospital staffer told the Daily News.

Beyonce and her hip-hop hubby, Jay-Z, rented out the hospital’s entire fourth floor for $1.3 million, the employee said.

In an effort to keep images from leaking to the public, hospital workers placed tape over security cameras and are forcing employees to turn in cell phones when they arrive for their shifts, the source said. Several security guards were spotted patrolling the outside of the hospital Saturday night. A Lenox Hill staffer confirmed that a patient named Ingrid Jackson was in a “labor room.”

Celebs such as Rihanna tweeted the couple saying: "Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih”.


Congratulations Bey and Jay!

R&B group SWV set to release fourth studio album in 2012!

After  13 years, SWV is back and once again ready to take the R&B world by storm. SWV has inked a new deal with Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 (formerly Koch Records) to release their fourth studio album.

SWV burst on the scene in 1992 with their RCA debut, ‘It’s About Time,’ which sold over three million copies and spawned a string of top-ten hits that included: "I’m So Into You," “Right Here," "Downtown," and "Weak." The group’s second release, ‘New Beginning’ also went double-platinum and included number one hits: "You’re the One" and The Neptunes’ produced track "Use Your Heart." In 1997, SWV dropped their final album ‘Release Some Tension,’ which also went platinum, logged several top-ten bangers such as "Someone" with Sean Diddy Combs, “Can We” from the Booty Call soundtrack featuring trendsetter Missy Elliot and the sensual single “Rain” with longtime collaborator Brian Morgan.

Listen to their New single "Co-sign"  >>>>HERE<<<< !

Are you excited for their new album?

 

G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) featuring Shemerria "he Amazon" Burgess

Shemerria "he Amazon" Burgess is a diverce and upcoming Full figured model. At 6'3" this West Palm Beach Native brings something different to the Plus Size Modeling world. Ever since she was little, she was always told that there wasn't a place for her in the modeling industry, but throughout the years, the plus size market began to open up and there was now a need for representation of the "Real" Woman she thought to give her dream another try. Now, at 29, she has walked in runway shows for The Red And White Ball and modeling for CKXL, Digiford and Live Models Sunrise Shoot. Her diversity as a well-rounded plus sized woman has really pushed her modeling career. Burgess also shows that she not only a pretty face with never ending curves, she now works for the State Insurance Agency after receiving her medical degree in billing! YOU GO GIRL!




Check out some of her photos below!!

Are you TheFIGURE'S Next G.I.R.L.? Send your photos to figuremagazine@yahoo.com!

Troy Davis supporters rally in Savannah, deliver more petitions

Supporters of death row inmate Troy Davis will deliver over 240,000 petition signatures to the offices of Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm today, in the hope that he will intervene and request that Davis' death warrant be revoked.

The petition delivery will took place at 9 a.m. outside the DA's office, at 133 Montgomery Street in Savannah. There will be a brief press conference before the petitions are delivered. It comes after the Georgia Board of Paroles and Pardons refused to grant Troy Davis clemency. The death row inmate faces execution tonight.

More than 50,000 of the signatures come from a campaign started on Change.org by Davis' sister Kimberly, the second campaign she has launched on Change.org. The first was signed by more than 250,000 people from around the world and called on the board to grant Davis clemency, highlighting a lack of evidence and recanting witnesses testimony in the case against Troy Davis.

"In the past two decades, seven of the nine witnesses in this case have recanted their testimony or changed their stories," said Kimberly Davis, who launched the campaign on Change.org. "There is too much doubt to execute Troy."

Today's will be the second petition delivery. Last week more than 650,000 signatures from multiple petitions seeking to stop the execution were delivered by supporters to the Georgia Board of Paroles and Pardons at a press conference in Atlanta.

"When Troy saw that more than 650,000 signatures had been delivered to the board in his name, he called to tell me he was deeply moved," Kimberly Davis said. "He told me he knew that he had supporters around the world, but he had no idea that the support was that widespread."

"Kim Davis' campaign has been one of the most popular ever launched on Change.org" said Jonathan Perri, Senior Organizer for Criminal Justice at Change.org. "Change.org is about empowering anyone, anywhere to demand action on the issues that matter to them, and it's clear that there is overwhelming support for granting Troy Davis clemency."

- Credits to WLTZ News 38.

How do you feel about the Troy Davis Story?

10 Year Anniversary Of 9/11 (Bravery, Hope, Spirit)

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

Sophisticated Elaurie shows that she is totally G.I.R.L.

(Gorgeous In Real Life)

Would You Like To Be TheFIGURE's next GIRL?

Email us or Contact us on facebook!

www.facebook.com/TheFIGURE2011

FIGUREMagazine@yahoo.com



Maya Angelou Upset Over MLK Memorial Inscription (NEWS)

Maya Angelou has a number of things to say about the inscription on the MLK Memorial. The honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. looks like an "Arrogant Twit" says, dear friend of Dr. King. Why is Maya Angelou so stirred up about the memorial that was unveiled this past weekend? According to a recent interview with the Washington Post, Angelou targeted one inscription saying "I was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness" This inscription was paraphrased from one of Dr. King's comments made at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1968. What we didn't was that the inscription on Dr. King's memorial were missing a few words. The exact words were delivered "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness." Maya Angelou tells Washington Post that the omission of “if” in the inscription changes the meaning of King’s words.

Maya Angelou opinionated “The quote makes Dr. Martin Luther King look like an arrogant twit,”  “He was anything but that. He was far too profound a man for that four-letter word to apply.”

We at TheFIGURE sure hopes that this stir up can be solved as quickly as possible. Long live the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

GIRL (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Fashion Runway Model Jasira Monique

Congratulations Jasira Monique for exemplifying everything it means to be GIRL (Gorgeous In Real Life) Check out her 'Woman On The Go' photos!

For more information about Monique M. McDowell visit

www.moniquemcdowell.com

info@moniquemcdowell.com

 

 

 

 

(Health) 7 "Bad" foods you no longer have to be afraid of!

7 "Bad" Foods You Should Be Eating!



 1. PEANUT BUTTER

Rumor: Peanut Butter is being charged for being fattening

Good News: Peanut butter is high in fat, but that doesn’t mean it’s fattening. (Gaining or losing weight, and body fat, basically comes down to balancing calories.) That said, peanut butter is a concentrated source of calories, so you don’t want to go overboard. But you don’t need to eat tons to feel satisfied: just a tablespoon (90 calories) or two of peanut butter goes a long way. Plus, peanut butter provides protein and folate, a B vitamin important for the healthy development of new cells.

2. EGGS

Rumor: Egg yolks are off- limits!!

Good News: eggs are super-satisfying: in one study, people who ate a scrambled-egg-and-toast breakfast felt more satisfied, and ate less at lunch, than they did when they ate a bagel that had the same number of calories. Egg yolks contain lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that research links with reduced risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.

3. BEEF

Rumor: Beef is full of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, so people who care about their hearts should avoid it.

Good News:  Lean cuts of beef are a low-fat source of protein and iron, a mineral essential for getting oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body—and one many women (of childbearing age) are deficient in. There are many lean cuts of steaks: filet mignon, sirloin, strip steak, flank steak. If you can’t remember the names, pick steaks that are deep red with a relatively small amount of marbling—a fancy name for fat—to find lean cuts.

 

5. CHOCOLATE

Rumor: Chocolate has lots of fat, lots of sugar—and it tastes amazing, so it must be bad for you.

Good News: Dark chocolate contains flavanols, antioxidants that seem to have a blood-thinning effect, which can benefit cardiovascular health. And, recently, researchers in Switzerland reported that eating dark chocolate (1.4 ounces of it) every day for two weeks reduced stress hormones, including cortisol, in highly stressed people. But be sure to account for the calories (1.4 ounces delivers 235)—or you may be stressed to see extra pounds creeping on.

6. BREAD

Rumor: Bread is bad for you, because it’s loaded with carbs.

Good News:  Bread isn’t bad—eating too many refined grains is, and that’s why the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend making at least half of the grains you consume whole grains. Switching to 100% whole-wheat bread, or other whole-grain breads, is one way to do that.

7. POTATOES

Rumor: Potatoes rank high on the glycemic index, which measures how quickly different foods raise your blood sugar. Foods with a high GI value tend to cause a higher spike in blood sugar—and in insulin, the hormone that helps glucose get into cells—which can be a problem for some people, particularly those with diabetes.

Good News:  Potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. And unless you’re eating an absolutely plain potato all by itself, its GI value doesn’t matter. (It’s also worth noting that the glycemic index is an imperfect and controversial scale.) A high-GI potato becomes a low-GI meal if you simply add a little olive oil, because the added fat helps slow the absorption of the potato’s carbohydrates.

Log on to our Facebook Page and tell us what's your favorite "BAD" food?

www.facebook.com/TheFIGURE2011

"MOTHER-TO-BEY" Beyonce Announces her PREGNANCY on the MTV VMA's Red Carpet Event! (PHOTOS)

The incomparable Beyonce' better known as "King B" preciously announces her pregnancy to the photographers, rubbing on her BaBEY bump! Confirming what the world has been waiting for! We are all so excited for the hardworking performer. Congratulations to the 'Mother-To-Bey'

Beyonce & her BaBEY bump!

Homophobia in the 2012 ballot? A Quis Debonair story.

 

You Need to Pay Attention to Michele Bachmann

I know a lot of us aren’t that political, and many haven’t been paying much attention to the Republicans clawing all over each other for the presidential nomination next year, but if you have a Twitter account or read the news you have probably heard of Michele Bachmann, the congresswoman from Minnesota who is quickly floating to the top of the short list of GOP bigots likely to face Barack Obama at the ballot box next year.

You know Bachmann—she’s the one who married her queeny husband Marcus (who runs a clinic that offers “ex-gay” therapy for self-hating homos) after both of them experienced a vision from God. Well, despite the fact that she is a religious extremist with virtually no record of accomplishments in congress besides forwarding her hateful moral agenda, she won the Iowa Straw Poll over the weekend, one of the first real litmus tests to determine who is a “top tier” candidate for the 2010 election.

Here’s the thing about Michele Bachmann: she is not Sarah Palin. She is smarter, she’s more highly regarded, she has a more drive and she has none of Palin’s political baggage. She’s also about twice as [scary].

Want to know just how Bachmann feels about you? Here’s what she said in 2004 re: the gays:

“It’s a very sad life. It’s part of Satan, I think, to say that this is ‘gay.’ It’s anything but ‘gay.’ It leads to the personal enslavement of individuals. Because if you’re involved in the gay and lesbian lifestyle, it’s bondage. It is personal bondage, personal despair, and personal enslavement. And that’s why this is so dangerous. We need to have profound compassion for people who are dealing with the very real issue of sexual dysfunction in their life, and sexual identity disorders.”
Bachmann was faced with this gem as recently as this past weekend, when she appeared onMeet the Press after her Iowa victory, and she stood by it, adding stupidly, “I am not anyone’s judge.” In it, she displays her profound ignorance (or worse, her straight up denial of facts) by calling homosexuality a “dysfunction” and a “disorder”, despite the fact that the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a disorder in 1973, with the American Psychological Association following suit a few years later.

We need to face a scary reality, guys. Barack Obama’s approval ratings have dropped below 40 percent, the lowest they have ever been. Meanwhile, Michelle Bachmann, even with her long history of documented bigotry, is well on her way to securing the nomination (with only Texas governor Rick Perry posing much of a threat now, and he’s about as bad as she is). Remember what happened in 2010, when the GOP took back the senate and the house? We need to face the real possibility that Michele Bachmann could be the next president.

She supports a federal ban on gay marriage. She has vowed to reinstate Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. She opposes ENDA, which would defend you from discrimination in the workplace. She thinks the love you share with your partner is Satanic, dysfunctional and sad. Under President Bachmann, you can expect the momentum toward full civil rights we have achieved over the past few years (with little thanks to President Obama, it’s true) to be rolled back. You’d see full Republican control of government, and the introduction and passage of who knows what kind of hateful legislation aimed and subjugating LGBT people even further.

You need to pay attention to Michele Bachmann in the coming months, as she calculates her way to the presidency. And you need to be terrified.

TheFIGURE remembers Aaliyah Dana Haughton

Today marks the anniversary of when we lost not only a incredible artist but also a role model to her fans who believed in her every step of the way. In loving memory of Aaliyah.

"In her precious 22 years, Aaliyah achieved more than many do in several lifetimes...
An illuminating factor was her conviction to touch and help others. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund was created as a vehicle whereby her fans, friends and family can contribute to and support causes that Aaliyah found important. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund started in 2001. The beneficiaries include the Revlon/UCLA Women's Breast Cancer Research Program and the National Breast Cancer Coalition and Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Research. In addition, Aaliyah was committed to providing support to Alzheimer's research through the National Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles. The Haughton family is committed to these causes among others that affect families all over the world from every walk of life.
For Aaliyah and her comrades that left us August 25th, 2001, there is much we can do as a benevolent community to keep Aaliyah's dreams & legacy alive. With your contribution, research and hope for cures will go on with your help in Aaliyah's name."

- The Haughton Family

"You have to enjoy your job; you should wake up every day and love what you do... I honestly do...From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul. I'm truly happy."

Try this sweet recipe! Frozen Banana Bites! Enjoy



Frozen Banana Bites YUM!!

What you"ll need:

• 2 Large Bananas
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
Unsweetened coconut flakes (OPTIONAL)

 Now here's what to do:

1. Set out a large plate or bowl with a piece of parchment or wax paper on it.
2. Cut up the bananas into good-sized chunks. Each banana should give you around 5 to 6 pieces.
3. Heat the peanut butter and chocolate chips in the microwave on high for about a minute. Then stir until smooth.
4. Dip the banana pieces in the chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Lay them out leaving some space between them on the parchment/wax paper. Then when you’ve “covered” them all, use the remaining mixture to spoon over the tops (for even more chocolate-y goodness).
5. Then sprinkle the unsweetened coconut flakes on top. Transfer to the freezer for about an hour until hardened (or over night).

Send us your photos of how well your Banana Bites turned out! Do you have a recipe that you'd like to share with TheFIGURE? Email: FIGUREMAGAZINE@yahoo.com

TheFIGURE presents Plus Size Model Brittany Martin Who's Totally GIRL (Gorgeous In Real Life)

TheFIGURE has another fabulous GIRL (Gorgeous In Real Life) strutting her stuff in the world of modeling, do your eyes a favor and catch a wonderful glimpse of our newest GIRL:

The alluring Brittany Martin

Are you totally GIRL? (Gorgeous In Real Life)
Contact FIGUREMAGAZINE@yahoo.com

"Respect the Ambition" Introduces Shai Dominique & Shai Girls,LLC

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

Respect the Ambition: Shai Dominique & Shai Girls,LLC

Meeting Shai Dominique was such a delight! Her vision of full figure potential is inspiring to TheFIGURE beyond measures! I truly could not wait to introduce her ambition to TheFIGURE. Shai Dominique chats with me about her life and how Shai Girls, LLC all began. Brooklyn born and Miramar (located in Fort Lauderdale,FL) raised plus size model. From the age of 7, Shai graced others with her flashing smile and walk to die for. Growing up, Shai realized that she wanted to become a model but felt too discouraged to persue those dreams. At the age of 20, Shai started to realize that her beauty was more than what she expected. Constantly hearing others say, "Your so pretty for a big girl", she decided to go take things up a notch. Shai started to model. Showcasing herself in plus size fashion shows and taking photos that captured the eyes of many. In January 2011, Shai decided to start her own company with her husband specializing in models as well as promotions and marketing. Not discriminating against any origins or creed. Within that month, Shai Girls LLC was born with STYLE and Grace!

 How would you describe your ambition?

Shai : My ambition is like no other. I use to be discouraged when it came to my company and my weight. Hearing it wasn't worth it. That I should concentrate on something else. But I figured it was time to show and prove. Now its time to show others that I have what it takes as well as give something to the world.

What inspires your vision and goals?

Shai: Ahhh man! Hearing people tell me that I inspire them makes me feel good. It only pushes me more and more every day when a young lady approaches me asks me "How do I become a model"; I feel the pleasure and need to help them. Those that follow my work are who inspire me to reach my goals.  


Shan from TheFIGURE speaks:

With well respected accomplishments Shai Dominique & Shai Girls, LLC are beyond any doubt chasing their dreams! Shai pronounced SHY is certainly far from it, her sense of style and poise breaks all the barriers and molds full figure fashion beautifully! Like to see more of Shai Girls, LLC?

Contact:

email:shai.cci@gmail.com
facebook: Shai Dominique
Twitter: shai_vibezInc

G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) The amazing Shai Dominique

Full of grace and style Check out the newest G.I.R.L.

Shai Dominique Owner of Shai Girls, LLC!

The Color Of Fashion Featuring Toyrei Shade

The Color Of Fashion is a new column that was started by Quis  to recognize people of color and their views, thoughts,  and personal style  with  the fashion industry and how people of color are so significant  in it.  TheFIGURE recognizes  Toyrei Shade, a  19 year old  with a  punk, vintage-esque style .

Explain what you’re wearing in the photo

- my favorite pink blazer i picked up from a thrift store.
- a simple white tank.
- dark washed skinnys my momz got me for christmas (lol)
- gray peep toe boot heels from charlotte russe i believe
& lastly - a navy sling purse.

What does style means to you?

style is a means of expression. you dress according to how you feel & it has no limits. it's one thing people can't point at & say "oh, you did it wrong."

Where/who do you get most of your inspiration from?

i see a lot of dopeness on the net. if i like it, i might adopt it or do my own spin on it. i'm not a big "name brand" person. i like what i like.

What inspired you to start blogging?

i was going through a really tough time in college & in my personal life. it was a way to vent. to let everything out that i kept bottled up.

What inspired the blog title?

pillow talk & confide lol. it's a line from wale's "the manipulation pt. 2". "pillow talk & confide, make your secrets all mine." he's one of, if not, my favorite rapper. first thing that popped in my head when i was thinking of a blog title.

What does Black Fashion and or black people in fashion mean to you?

black people in fashion are a statement all in itself. there's so many negative views on black culture. to see people being original and doing something they enjoy, it inspires me to continue to do what i love.

check out her blog here at http://turnupthesteez.tumblr.com/ and see her life, her fashion, and her thoughts!