Art + Design

The new year is right around the corner, Why not take up a new hobby?



Here are some helpful tips for the new art collector :

1. Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it will enhances your life.
2. Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.
3. Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.
4. Visit and join your local Art Museums and Non Profit Art centers.
5. Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.
6. Attend National Art Expos and Art Fairs whenever possible.
7. If you know art collectors talk them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting.
8. Read art and art history books or books on collecting art.
9. Subscribe to a few art magazines.
10. Read reviews by local and national art critics, but keep in mind that reviews usually just reflect one persons opinion.
11. Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art.... buy it, take it home and enjoy it.
    

News: The Doctor is free Now.. + Circumcision & HIV

Dr. Death is free:

LANSING, Michigan (AP) -- After more than eight years in prison, a frail Dr. Jack Kevorkian will be paroled in June with a promise that he won't assist in any more suicides, a prison spokesman said Wednesday.

Kevorkian, once the nation's most vocal advocate of assisted suicide for the terminally ill, Mr. Kevorkian’s lawyer said that his client was suffering from hepatitis C and diabetes and that he had less than a year to live. He is serving a 10- to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder in the 1998 poisoning of Thomas Youk, 52, an Oakland County man with Lou Gehrig's disease. Michigan banned assisted suicide in 1998.



I'm from Michigan and I Remember this case. I feel if you're terminally ill and want to end your suffering and you go looking for Dr. Kevorkian to help make the transition go smoothly, Why not!! I don't think he should have done anytime.

What do you Think?

Ms Ray


Circumcision Reduces Chance of Contracting HIV??

According to the National Institue of Health, it has been reported that circumcision can reduce the possibility of a man contracting AIDS from heterosexual sex by 50%.

Uncircumcised men are thought to be more susceptible because the underside of the foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells, sentinel cells of the immune system, which attach easily to the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. The foreskin also often suffers small tears during
intercourse. (full story, NY Times)

Let it be clear that circumcision is definitely not a cure for HIV/AIDS, it is argued that it can only reduce the chances of contracting the disease.

This is rather interesting folks. Stay vain, protect your self regardless.
Lady A

Just Random: B. Cox, Kelis's Hair, Brad loves Carol's Daughter, etc.

It's a "celebration bitches". Houston's own, Bryan Micheal-Cox celebrated his birthday at the Inforum in Atlanta.

B. Cox is a multi-grammy winning protege. He produced songs for Mariah, Usher, Janet Jackson, and a host of others. Check out his myspace

The Top Model Alums were spotted Thursday night at different events.

Danielle (winner) was at the Sagittarean event with Nnenna in NYC.
Just a note to D: Nnenna is messing up all of your fabulousness that you have going on in this photo. I feel that Nnenna has high fashion model potential written all over her, even more so than Danielle, but that 1993 candy striped dress she's rocking is killing the whole pic. Killing it!

Oh no! She has on hot pink shoes, gross!

Camille McDonald (another reject Next Top Model) was spotted at Tyrese's NYC album release party.

They both look like a miss match hell! Is she rockin' a cell phone purse. I know my eyes are fooling me. No they aren't, she really wearing a cell phone purse.
Another note: Am I the only person in the world sick of thick high waisted belts?
Tyrese, take off that chain belt charm connected to your jeans. I know the skate boarders of the world are pissed!



Earlier in the week, I talked about Kelis and how much I loved her hair, but I don't know what the hell she's doing now.

She introduced the look on her video "Bossy", and we all loved it.


Then she did the Vixen shoot, and she looked polished and fly. Still lovin' it!

Then, she had to dye it, which she is known to do. I was still one of the few on the Kelis Wagon. Cute!


Now, it's like oh no! What did she do? You know when you first get your hair colored and it looks all fresh from the Salon and like a week later it looks gross! That's what happened to Kelis. I guess she didn't get the memo, Mohawks are so yesterday!

At Vanity Pages, we leave no stone unturned my friends. We call it like we see it here!




Well Carol's Daughter should be very excited about Brad's pub for their line.

"Carol's Daughter Hair Products: For white people who might be having a little trouble with black- person hair, Carol's Daughter is a fantastic hair product. We got it for Z. Now her hair has this beautiful luster. And it smells nice, too."

We all know that Brad came from a trailer trash background, ya'll saw his E True Hollywood story, so I am not at all surprised by the "black-person hair" comment.

By Valentine

Accessories for the Spring: part deux!

So, I told you guys that this week is accessories week. I am basically highlighting random fly bags and shoes that I come across, no order, just flyness. For my male viewers, don't worry, I got you next week. Stay tuned!

Shoes, Sergio Rossi; Clutch (Roger Vivier)

I did not know Roger Vivier made handbags, how cute is that! If you ever happen to purchase any Sergio Rossi shoes, please make sure you don't have to do a lot of walking and standing when you wear them, these bad boys are not that comfortable.
These two accessories really go well with a festive outfit. I would do an all white number, maybe a flirty sundress, or a nice linen outfit. Of course, a nice denim ensemble would look really great with these pieces together. For fashion questions contact Eddie Nicole at vanitypages@gmail.com. STAY VAIN!!

Fahion: Naomi & Tyson, They're Back

Photos courtesy of concreteloop.com
Our Favorite "brown" models Tyson and Naomi are posing for this new Pirelli Pzero Ad campaign. I am an advocate for more images of "brown" folk on ads and billboards, how about you?

Wendy Williams Blasts Carmen

Can I just say, I love Wendy for this interview and New York is such a hot mess!

Celebrity News: Lil Wayne vs. Jay-Z

As much as I really don't care about these two, I guess I have to at least comment. Apparently in the recent issue of Complex Magazine, Lil' wayne talks about how he is better than Jay.. blah..blah..blah...boohoo! He is also taking shots at Young Buck, The Clipse and Pharrell Williams in Complex magazine's new December/January issue. Just another Publicity Stunt.

I thought Lil' man looked up to Jay-Z. What happened to the "Best Rapper Alive, Since the Best Rapper Retired"? Check out this link for details....nobodysmiling.com

Gossip

Still No Wedding, Damn!

I know I was a little hype about this supposed wedding. But damn! B is a southern girl from H-town like myself, and as independent as we are we want to settle down. If we are in a relationship for more than 2 years after the age of 24, we wan't a rock on that hand. Ladies, how would you feel if you were with a multi-gazillionare, who has the money, the power, and the respect, and you are supposed to be the baddest Bi%*# in the game, and no wedding, after 3years? Please, I guess I would...........probably.............. just wait.....impatiently!

Below is the story on what truly happened in response to the speculated wedding posted in PageSix.

http://www.kellyrowlandweb.com/-The New York Post trumpeted on Tuesday that the star couple were bound for a "rap wedding" disguised as a 37th-birthday party. The paper said that after boarding "a yacht in St. Barts," the guests "will also be ferried over to Anguilla for the wedding at Cap Juluca."
The couple actually wasn't anywhere near Anguilla, sources vouch.

Here's what really happened:

Monday night, right after Beyoncé walked the red carpet at the New York premiere of "Dreamgirls," she shanghaied her unsuspecting rap-star boyfriend to an airport where she'd chartered two customized 757s. (One had a 20-seat movie theater.)

Waiting were about 20 of their closest friends, including Beyoncé's Destiny's Child sista Kelly Rowland and music and marketing honchos like Lyor Cohen, Steve Stoute and Kevin Lyles.

After an in-flight feast prepared by two chefs, the gang touched down in St. Martin, where everyone boarded a 270-foot yacht.

For the next two days, Jay and his friends did the biggest of pimpin'. Two helicopters were on standby, and the lobster and Champagne - Jay-Z's own Ace of Spades vintage - flowed. There was swimming, snorkeling and even a four-man minisub to take guests on deep-sea explorations.

"The party must have cost $1 million a day," estimates one source.

The revelers finally returned yesterday morning. Jay stopped off in Miami for the Art Basel fest, where he was said to be considering a $7 million painting.
Rather than honeymoon, Jay is due to be here in town this weekend, possibly watching football.
As to when he and Beyoncé will get hitched, he's still guarding his cards. Next Tuesday on Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People" special on ABC, Walters asks him, "Do you see marriage in the near future?"

"Of course," he says.

How near?

"I don't know. I don't."

Entertainment News: Dereon Ad, Alicia Keys, Making the Band 4

New House of Dereon Ad Campaign:



Very Maxim......... No King Magazine. No more booty shots and photoshop. PLEASE!! Are we selling jeans or sex? I guess a little of both. I heard the jeans are a good fit. I just can bring myself to buy them.
Still looking good B!




More Pics of Alicia in her new film debut: Smokin' Aces



Alicia is doing the damn thing in these promo pics from her new movie "Smokin' Aces", starring Common and some others. From the photos, it looks very hot. This movie will be released in the Spring of 2007.




The Wire on BET


I am so excited to check out the wire on BET. If you missed any episodes, be sure to check it out in January of 2007.

Kim Fields Expecting

Former "Facts of Life" and "Living Single" star Kim Fields is expecting her first child with boyfriend Christopher Morgan. (aw..)
The 37-year-old starred as Tootie in the popular TV series, starting on the show when she was 9 years old.

She was married to Johnathon Franklin Freeman from 1995 to 2001.
Fields and Morgan, who is a Broadway actor, are expecting their new family member in May


Congradulations!!!
I love Kim Fields

How's your mom, Chip Fields
I loved the role Chip played in "Good Times" you know, Penny's(Janet Jackson)the abusive Mom. Uh, she was wicked in that role.

Ms Ray

Here We Go Again...for the 4th Time!

DIDDY IS BACK and this time, he’s looking for the best *MALE* talent in the nation! If your voice rivals Justin Timberlake’s. . .AND you put Usher to shame on the dance floor. . .YOU may have what it takes to MAKE THE BAND! Nationwide casting calls are being held in early 2007 - and DIDDY WANTS YOU!
Look for upcoming auditions in:Los Angeles, Houston, Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and New York City!
Danity Kane from Making the Band 3 has already become a HUGE success!
Don’t miss your opportunity to make history with DIDDY’S INTERNATIONAL *MALE* SUPERGROUP in Making the Band 4! (Sorry, no rappers or MC’s, please)http://www.myspace.com/mtvmtb4

Diddy, you are killing me! He needs focus, seriously. He starts a project and barely finishes it. What ever happened to Dream, where the heck are they? Da Band, did their career ever get anywhere? No! And Danity Kane, they are alright with me but they haven't even had a number 1 hit yet! Diddy, you need focus, FOCUS! But, if you are trying to get in the music game, this is probably a good start! Take that, take that!

Entertainment News: Jada Pinkett Gives $ & Kanye gets Sued

Jada Pinkett-Smith Gives Back



World Entertainment News Network reported that Jada donated $1 million to her Alma Mater Baltimore School for the Arts. The donation will be used for renovation and expansion. The school will soon build a theater named after Jada Pinkett Smith.

This is a wonderful thing. You definitely can't forget about where you come from. I love when people give back-you are setting a great example Jada, Kudos!

Kanye gets Sued

Evil Knieval sued Kanye West claiming that Kanye infringed on his trademark name and jumpsuit in the "Touch the Sky" video. Kanye called himself "Evil Kanyevil" in the video.

Knievel argues that the white jumpsuit he wore for the stunt and the "Skycycle" that he used are trademarked. Knievel also claims in the suit that "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damage his reputation. (full story)

FYI Evil Knieval, most of the people who actually listen to Kanye were probably born 1975 or later-you performed your stunt in 1972, most people in that particular age range don't even know who you are. Trust me, Knieval, Kanye isn't stealing your thunder!

Celebrity Gossip + Foolishness

Merry Christmas Kids

Eric So, a Japanese designer, created this special edition characature for Jay-Z.
When I first saw this, I thought what everybody else is thinking, big lips, big eyes, STEREOTYPE. But when I researched the designer, many of his characters are exaggerated in details. I truly feel that he didn't mean any harm. How do you guys respond to this toy?



Snoop in a "Sex Gang"?
In the December issue of Rolling Stone, Snoop revealed what almost caused his fleeting marriage to end in a divorce. The artist says he was involved in several sex rendezvous and cheated on his wife, Shante Broadus. He also admits he was part of a gang that consisted of Los Angeles hookers where he could get any woman he wanted - day or night. He told Rolling Stone magazine, “I had a b***h on every exit from the 10 freeway to the 101 freeway ’cause b***hes would recruit for me.” He added, “She’d act like it didn’t happen but she knew it was happenin’ because pimps would come over, get dressed, and then go to the Players Balls.” Check out December issue of Rolling Stone to get the full story

If this is how men act in their damn near 40's, I'm not interested!


Foxy Brown Too Good for Probation

TMZ reports that "Kick and slap-happy rapper Foxy Brown says she refused to sit in a Brooklyn probation office during the late evening without security because her "safety" was "in jeopardy," as she was surrounded by "all kinds of criminals." Unfortunately her refusal resulted in her having to go back to court. She was initially sentenced to probation for misdemeanor assault by kicking one of her employees and slapping another one at a nail salon back in August (full story).

Now isn't she the same female rapper that always represents the 'hood and the hanging out with the hardest G's on the street? It's funny how we get saditty after a little bit of money, now she just can't be around those "criminals". Hey, Foxy I understand girl! I wouldn't want to be around criminals either-but you can't go around kicking and slapping people. What's up with her and Naomi Campbell?...oh yeah, and what ever happened to her going deaf?

The 2007 Spring Accessories Review

It took me a while to edit this layout. Yes, I designed this myself. I am very passionate about fashion, and accessories are my thing. I researched and folded through several style magazines, and I came up with a few trend setting shoes and bags for the spring. I named them after my own make believe music bands. That's how I visualize fashion. Styles are like genres, each entertaining you with a different flavor! So I just want to introduce to you The Flats, The Metallics, and The Preps. These are just a few groups I came up with.
At Vanity Pages, this week is accessories week for our fashion section. So stay tuned to check out my latest fashion post for the week!



Flats are so fun and easy to wear. If you're a city gal like myself and forever rushing to a last minute luncheon or shopping spree, just slip on a pair of classic flats. Whether ballerina or canvas, they go great with a flirty skirt or a cigarette pants.

Black ballerina flats (The Gap); Suede flat with silver and gold applique (Alessandro Dell' Acqua); Red strappy ankle flat (Christian Louboutin); Yellow peekaboo toe patent flat (Chanel); Dee ballerina flat (Tod's)

This group is very, how can I say this, ROCK STAR! You can't be afraid to go all out with both handbags and shoes. All of these rockin' accessories compliment each other and can be interchangeable. The wardrobe can be very relaxed with an emphasis on the accessories or just completely rock it out with a vintage leather motorcycle jacket and straight distressed jeans. Either way, you're fly,....Either way!

Shoes

Gold pump (Christian Louboutin); Silver w/black strap (Christian Louboutin); Black leather Mary Jane with gold heel (Chloe); Silver platform (Yves Saint Laurent)

Bags
Leather Emily clutch (Chloe); Signature Luck Charm bag(Chanel); Metallic Patchwork tote (Chanel)

For the "Betty" in you, check out these new and improved styles. When in doubt, go classic. These accessories compliment a woman of charm and sensibility. For work, a luncheon, or an evening gallery opening, try any of these styles. My favorite is the Louboutin oxford heal. It's masculine and chic all in one, and throw in the Valextra bag with a hint of red, and you will be on your way to chic heaven.

Bags
Coated Denim suitcase (Fendi); Canvas and Leather Boston bag (Valextra); Chestnut quilted-leather Bay bag (Chloe)
Shoes
Black Patent (Ferragamo); Oxford heels (Louboutin), Lace/ Leather platform (Roger Vivier)

For more info, check out style.com

Upgrade Information

The Bags Of All Bags!! The Famous Birkin Bag. There is a 3 year waiting list for this bag if your interested. $10,000 up. I love this Bag. I salute you!!..



It's worth the wait trust me. But, you better be ready or they will go to the next name on the list.. A must have. Also check out the Kelly Bags by Hermes.


The Famous Spy Bag
By Fendi.
$ 3, 000


Fabulous!!









Audemar piguet

Swiss Watches for ladies and men

Price range: $10,000 up






Ralph Lauren's Purple Label Ties

Wide Satin Stripes Price: $145.00
Rich color and a subtle sheen assert a timeless classic style.
Handmade in Italy exclusively for Purple Label.
Full silk twill lining.
Ralph Lauren script logo artfully stitched on front end lining.

Solid Super Repp Price: $145.00.
Rich color and a subtle sheen create the perfect balance of style and classic elegance. Handmade in Italy exclusively for Purple Label. . 100% silk.

Ms. Ray
What do you think

Fashion + Style

Black Style Now: Exhibit at The Museum
of New York City



If you are in the New York City area, make sure you check out the 'Black Style' exhibit.
It's hip, it's rock, it's bold, it's us. It has every genre of fashion from street chic, to just chic, to the Harlem Renaissance era.

The exhibition is curated by Michael Henry Adams and Michael McCollom, and features examples of pioneering black design of the past and outfits by many of today's hottest African-American designers. On display are garments worn by black style setters such as Beyoncé, Sean "Diddy" Combs, LL Cool J, and Tina Turner, and couture created by black designers like Stephen Burrows, Tracy Reese, Jeffrey Banks, CD Greene, and Montgomery. Jewelry, accessories, footwear, and clothing by major hip-hop mega-brands are also on view, as are photographs of fashion icons past and present.

For more info, go to this link mcny.org





Kelis's New Look

concreteloop

Right when she starts a new trend, she mixes it up. That's what I love about this "Betty".
She's like a chameleon, she can always change her hair and it never looks damaged or unhealthy. I hope she sticks with just one color this time.




Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen has solidified his reputation as the bad boy of fashion. The designer's potent mix of controversy, creativity, and technical mastery has earned him three British Designer of the Year awards and a faithful celebrity following (fans include David Bowie and Prodigy's Keith Flint). Born to a taxi driver in London's East End, the self-described "pink sheep of the family" became an apprentice for Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard at 16. After working for Romeo Gigli in Milan, McQueen returned to study at St. Martin's College in London. His exquisite tailoring and inventive designs caught the attention of fashion legend Isabella Blow who bought his entire student collection and became his patron.
Here are some of my Favorites

Hot
Very Sexy
What do you think!
Ms Ray

Where to Buy
Alexander McQueen Bergdorf Goodman
Barney's
Saks Fifth

Entertainment News: Halle Berry & Prince

Halle Soon to Release Album

Yes, Halle is a singer (yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either). The December issue of Ebony Magazine confirmed that Halle Berry will be releasing her self entitled album Halle in February 2007.

Halle told Ebony that, “I’ve always loved to sing and this album will show people that I can do more than act.” (source)

Ummm, I guess! I love Halle, don't get me wrong and it's nice to branch out but why does every actress have to come out with an album? Maybe she was inspired from playing Dorothy Dandridge or something...I'm fishing here, help me make sense of this. Nothing more to say, what do you think?

Prince set to Perform at Super Bowl XLI


Prince will perform on February 4th at Dolphin Stadium. Because of Prince's universal appeal, CBS felt that Prince was the best fit for the performance. Since the 2004 Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" (yeah, right!) the NFL and CBS have been very cautious by choosing "safe" performers to avoid $550,000 fines that the FCC awarded them after the infamous Janet & Timberlake performance (Since then MTV has not been invited back to produce another show).

“He’s an electric performer whose body of work has appealed to a wide diverse audience over the years,” McCarthy said Friday. “We’ve had discussions with Prince and his management, and they understand the spotlight that performing on the world’s largest stage provides. We recognize that we are held to a higher standard in everything we do and we want to put on a show that is suitable for a mass audience.” (source)

I think this will be a great performance, and I think they made a great choice (ok, I am a little biased because I LOVE PRINCE!!) So who cares what everyone else thinks, I'll be watching!

Who's Your Daddy!!!

Pregnant Singer Says Murphy's the Father
The Associated Press

December 07, 2006

"I don't know whose child that is until it comes out and has a blood test." You shouldn't jump to conclusions, sir. Eddie Murphy has said that he's not sure if he's the father of ex-Spice Girl Melanie Brown's unborn child. Brown, however, says she's quite certain that he is.

'I am obviously upset and distressed at some of the comments made by Eddie Murphy to the media,' Brown, 31, said in a statement released Thursday by her publicist, Nadine Bibi.

TMZ has learned that former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, aka Scary Spice, is four months pregnant with Eddie Murphy's baby

Murphy, 45, escorted film producer Tracey Edmonds to the premiere of 'Dreamgirls' in New York earlier this week. When asked by AP Television News if Edmonds is his 'new lady,' he smiled and replied, 'Yeah.' People magazine, on its Web site, has quoted Edmonds, the ex-wife of singer Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, as saying she's been dating Murphy 'for about a month and a half.'

Ms Ray
Talk about an Upgrade!
What do you think?

Murphy's wife, Nicole, filed for divorce last year, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple were married in 1993 and have five children together.