Jennifer Hudson: She’s a Purse Girl
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, 26, injects some color and youth into Sex and the City, playing Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant, Louise, from St. Louis. Like her movie boss, Hudson loves her accessories — and learned from writer/director Michael Patrick King how to be hell in heels. Q: Did you feel like the new kid on the block on the set? A: It’s a family that already lived together, and they added me. They’re fierce, and I get to be fierce and fabulous with them. Q: Are you into shoes or bags? A: I’m a purse girl. I remember, I had a scene where you didn’t see my feet. So I took my shoes. Michael Patrick’s like, ‘Put those heels back on. You’re not fully in character unless you’re in heels.’ He’s serious. I had to put my heels back on. It’s hard. The heels are mandatory. (Continue Reading…)

Black bloggers fight to make voices heard
With its power-to-the-individual approach, the new media world promises anyone with a laptop the possibility of a publishing empire. But, as some black bloggers are finding out, the new media world is a lot like the old one: racially segregated, with many prominent black voices still fighting to be heard. Some bloggers felt insulted this month when the Democratic National Committee selected 55 state-oriented blogs to cover its convention in Denver; critics said few featured African American voices. The DNC said race wasn’t considered in its selection from 400 applicants. Officials were more interested in the sites’ audience size and how much chatter about local issues appeared on them. The DNC answered critics Thursday by adding several sites led by African Americans to its general blogger pool. (Continue Reading…)

Serena, Venus Williams Lose in 3rd Round at French
Oracene Price, mother and coach to Venus and Serena Williams, stood near the steps to the locker room at the end of a long, rough day at the French Open. First she watched eight-time major champion Serena lose a match that began a little after 11 a.m. Then she watched six-time major champion Venus lose a match that ended in near-darkness, shortly before 10 p.m. Both sisters were stunned in the third round Friday by journeywomen who never have been quarterfinalists, much less champions, at any Grand Slam tournament. (Continue Reading…)

Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, whose tell-all book blasts the Bush administration on issues including Hurricane Katrina, the election and the Iraq war, didn’t say Friday whether he still considers himself a Republican. But he did say he supports parts of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama’s agenda.

“Some of what Obama says, his overall message, is very similar to the one we ran on in 2000 about changing the way Washington works and what I had so much hope in,” said McClellan, who became the White House press secretary in 2003 after serving as spokesman for President Bush when he was the governor of Texas.

But it’s a very difficult thing to do, and I hope some of the Obama staff will take a look at [McClellan's book] and consider what they need to do if they become president.” McClellan also said he has “a lot of respect” for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain. (Continue Reading…)

For more Midori Drink Recipes please visit www.midoriawakening.com

Murphy to Return as ‘Beverly Hills Cop’
If Indiana Jones can make a successful comeback after almost 20 years, why not the Beverly Hills Cop? Paramount Pictures has given the go-ahead for a fourth installment of its “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, with Eddie Murphy on board to return to the role that launched his movie career, the studio said on Thursday. Brett Ratner, the filmmaker behind the similarly themed “Rush Hour” movies starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, is in negotiations to direct the latest “Beverly Hills Cop” adventure, a Paramount spokesman said. (Continue Reading…)

R. Kelly Trial Day 6: Forensic Expert “Marks” Kelly W/ Damning Testimony
Defense attorneys in the R. Kelly trial took a blow yesterday as a forensic expert pointed out a mark on the back of the man in the sex tape, which may account for Kelly’s mole. It was Kelly’s defense team that originally introduced the mole in their opening statements last week; arguing that the man on the tape did not have one and therefore it was not their client. According to the AP, today in court, video forensics expert Grant Fredericks analyzed several frozen frames of the sex tape which revealed a dark mark on the man’s back. Fredericks compared the still frames to a photo taken of Kelly’s back after his arrest in 2002, where a dark fingernail sized mole is evident. (Continue Reading…)

Obama Campaign Used Party Rules to Foil Clinton
Unlike Hillary Rodham Clinton, rival Barack Obama planned for the long haul.Clinton hinged her whole campaign on an early knockout blow on Super Tuesday, while Obama’s staff researched congressional districts in states with primaries that were months away. What they found were opportunities to win delegates, even in states they would eventually lose. Obama’s campaign mastered some of the most arcane rules in politics, and then used them to foil a front-runner who seemed to have every advantage — money, fame and a husband who had essentially run the Democratic Party for eight years as president. (Continue Reading…)

Envoys from 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries meet on Friday to discuss the rising cost of food and draw up a united policy for the region.

The talks in Caracas, Venezuela, mark the beginning of a week of meetings on the issue, leading up to a three-day UN food crisis summit in Rome on Tuesday. According to the World Bank, global food prices have risen by 83% over the past three years. The lender has announced a package of food grants totalling $1.2bn (£608m).

An influential report on Thursday warned that higher food prices might be here to stay as demand from developing countries and production costs rose. Prices would fall, but only gradually, the report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

Food grants
The BBC’s James Ingham, in the Venezuelan capital, says that like much of the rest of the developing world, Latin America’s poor have not escaped from the increased food prices. (Continue Reading…)

BET News takes an inside look at one of fashion’s industry’s lasting weaknesses: The lack of Black models at major fashion shows and ad campaigns. Across the globe, as the runways fade to white, we have to ask ourselves, “Has Black become unfashionable?” Top Black style-makers will pull no punches as they expose their industry’s dirty little secret: racism by some of the top names in fashion. Bethann Hardison, Naomi Campbell, Andre Leon Talley, Tracy Reese, Liya Kebede, Iman and others give the lowdown on the lack of Black images in high fashion.

After keeping its silence on the issue, the Black Fashion World is moving to action after last fall’s shows at New York’s fashion week. Their mission is to keep Black models from becoming extinct in a business they, at one time, were near dominating. So why have images of Black models been in sharp decline in high fashion for more than a decade? What does this mean for society at large? At the helm of the issue is Bethann Hardison who has modeled, run her own modeling agency and handled casting over the years.

At her recent town hall meeting, “Out of Fashion: The Absence of Color,” she said, “In the United States of America, this is the one industry that still has the freedom to refer to people by their color and reject them in their work.”

Don’t miss the premiere of this event tonight at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT)

For more information about Fashion Blackout please visit www.bet.com

Rappers Create Sean Bell Track for Charity
Members of the Hip-Hop community are uniting to pay tribute to Sean Bell in song, just weeks after three New York City detectives were acquitted of fatally shooting the 23-year-old. Producer/rapper Swizz Beatz, Talib Kweli, Cassidy, Drag-On, Maino and Styles P. are featured on the track, titled “Stand Up (A Sean Bell Tribute).” “Stand Up,” which debuted on AllHipHop.com today (May 28), will also be available for purchase for .99 cents in the iTunes music store, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Sean Bell Benefit Fund. (Continue Reading…)

Black Anchor Out After Using “N” Word
A veteran African American television anchor who has worked in Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City and Charlotte, N.C., was ousted Tuesday from his latest job in Huntsville, Ala., after reportedly calling an African American producer the “N” word. Keith Lowhorne, interim news director, confirmed on Wednesday that, “Michael Scott is no longer with WAAY-TV.” He said the action took place Tuesday, but would not elaborate, saying, “It’s a personnel issue.” (Continue Reading…)

Obama Expects to Clinch Nomination Next Week
Sen. Barack Obama said on Wednesday he expected to become the Democratic U.S. presidential nominee after next week and he is considering an overseas trip that may include Iraq. After a hard-fought primary season against rival Democrat Hillary Clinton, Obama said the general election race will begin in earnest next week after the last two nominating contests are held in South Dakota and Montana. (Continue Reading…)

An iconic accessory, Wayfarer inspired sunglasses have managed to make a cult comeback almost every decade since the 1950’s. Crafted with the intention to replace their metal rimmed aviator predecessors, the newer plastic alternative Ray Ban Wayfarer was created. Although pilots had long been Ray Ban’s main customers, the brands latest pair of sunglasses had suddenly become notoriously popular in Hollywood after being favorited by starlet Marilyn Monroe. By the early 1960’s the original Ray Ban Wayfarer had reached symbolic status after being famously worn by actress Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. During the 1950’s and 60’s the most infamous of Hollywood elite from Andy Warhol to John Lennon were amongst the loyal Wayfarer fans. And after a slow decline in popularity in the 1970’s, the Wayfarer managed an epic comeback through film and music in the 1980’s lasting into the early 90’s. Only this time the Ray Ban classic had been revised and was being sold by several new brands.

Today it’s almost impossible to miss a pair of Wayfarer inspired sunglasses either on your favorite paparazzi dodging celebrity or the nearest retro loving fashionista. With contemporary twists and endless colors the reinvented Wayfarer has once again redeemed itself a must have accessory of the past few seasons. From high end to low, the legendary accessory has inspired renditions from Marc Jacobs to Urban Outfitters.

Related post: Summer Staple: Sunglasses

Are you an Office Tramp? Well according to design team Gina & Adriana the college friends who founded the hot jewelry line you just might be…

“Office Tramp Definition – a young female working hard for $$$$ at some boring job to pay for the 3 essentials in life: Rent, Bills, and Fashion!!!”

Stuck behind a desk all day at some humdrum office job? Well Gina & Adriana deliver with these bold and flashy accessories that’ll be sure to stir up a little 9 to 5 fashion controversy.

Q: Tell us the inspiration behind Office Tramp Jewelry.
The Office Tramp style is about NEVER BEING BORING; taking wardrobe, professional, and life risks. Inspiration for each Office Tramp piece definitely comes from our everyday lives as young professional females who are slightly rebellious, plenty independent, and a whole lotta flashy. We know there are a lot of girls out there like us, so we design for them! We also draw a lot of our inspiration from bold vintage jewelry looks of the 50’s, 60’s, and 80’s and of course timeless fashion icons of the past. You can never really go wrong when taking a cue from icons like Audrey Hepburn or Coco Channel. :-)

Q: Ugh! Some 9 to 5’s can be pretty dreadful to a fashionista! So what are the tell tale signs one might be an Office Tramp?
Haha…yes! Unfortunately, some of us might be at a 9-5 that could be a boring from time to time. We like to say, “Just because your job is boring doesn’t mean you to have to be!” Whether she is a CEO, entrepreneur, artist, student, or secretary, an OT girl is definitely not afraid to get noticed for her bold wardrobe and professional choices. She loves mixing up her look with glam, a little bit of humor, kitsch, and of course bling. An Office Tramp can be pointed out in a crowd for her sense of style, individuality, smarts, and confidence.

Q: With some of your pieces worn by The Cool Kids, what design elements makes OT comfortable to be worn by anyone?
Well, first of all we gotta say that we love the fact that dudes are down to rock Office Tramp!!! We firmly believe that you don’t have to conform to a style that is expected of you…guy or girl…if you like something, wear it with confidence and know you look good in it! Our designs are unique and made with the intent to be that “finishing touch” to any outfit. We design with the everyday young fashionista in mind, the girl who wants to buy a quality fashion pieces that will add flavor to her wardrobe, but won’t break the bank.

Q: Overall, what pieces have become the most popular? What do you think made them the most appealing?
Over the past few years we’ve noticed that all of the bigger, bolder, and flashier pieces have been the most popular ( just the way we like it! ). These pieces are definitely conversation starters. This season the banger has been our Vintage Reading Glasses necklace. The uniqueness, quality, versatility, and of course affordable prices are why these pieces have been the most sought after.

Q: What can the Office Tramps of the world expect from your next collection?
More hotness! We are so thankful for the reaction we received to our “Working Girl” Collection and are very excited to follow it up with an amazing fall collection. This is just the beginning!

LL Cool J Teams Up With Sears For New Clothing Line
Hip-hop veteran LL Cool J has teamed up with corporate giant, Sears, to launch line of clothing by the rapper called LL Cool J for Sears. The new line, according to Women’s Wear Daily (WWD.com), will consist of casual wear for juniors, girls, boys, and young men. It will also be sold at 450 of Sears’ 900 stores, with customized “shops in shops” also featuring the line. Experts estimate the rapper’s line to earn as much as $100 million for Sears, which has seen a decline in sales throughout the year. “I have always had a hand in fashion in some capacity [as the face of brands such as Kangol and Fubu], but I have never embraced a brand the way I will embrace this,” LL Cool J told WWD.com. “The LL Cool J name is a brand I have been building for 25 years and I didn’t want to do this line with just any store. I wanted to wait until I felt comfortable enough to take the leap.” (Continue Reading…)

Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick Vetoes Resolution Seeking Ouster
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has vetoed a resolution calling for his own ouster, hinting to the City Council that he intends a bruising battle over members’ double-barreled effort to force him from office. In a 10-page letter sent Tuesday vetoing a resolution asking Gov. Jennifer Granholm to remove him, Kilpatrick warned that ousting an elected official is “irresponsible” and deprives voters of their rights. The city charter doesn’t allow him to veto the resolution calling for the start of impeachment-like proceedings next month, but Kilpatrick called the move “legally deficient.” Kilpatrick’s letter, drafted by the Law Department, claims the council can only remove him if he was convicted of a felony or “lacked qualifications” to serve in office. (Continue Reading…)

Ex-Kelly Employee Testifies Singer Appears on Tape
A former personal assistant to R. Kelly became the latest person to take the stand and say she believes the R&B superstar appeared in a sex tape at the center of his child pornography trial. Lindsey Perryman, who worked for Kelly and his family on and off from around 2000 to 2007, identified Kelly and the alleged victim in the graphic 27-minute videotape. “I didn’t want to think it was them,” a sometimes anxious-looking Perryman said Tuesday, with the 41-year-old Kelly sitting at the defense table just yards away. (Continue Reading…)

Known in the UK for housing a most enchantingly beautiful collection of both vintage and contemporary pieces, jewelry boutique Rockoko has launched its online component www.rockokojewellery.com. For the first time customers from around the globe now have access to the boutique’s exclusive pieces crafted by some of the most sought after jewelry designers from Europe to the States.

The user friendly and comprehensive online shop upholds the traditional boutique feel by intimately detailing essential information about each piece. Shoppers can learn everything from information on the collection the piece is from to tips on styling. Visitors are also granted access to an accompanying Rockoko jewelry blog which features hot new pieces, the latest trends and budding designers on the jewelry scene.

With pieces for men and women and at very affordable prices, Rockoko promises all “style savvy girls and guys with an eye for something sparkly” the chance to enhance their wardrobe by purchasing a special piece from Rockoko’s new online boutique.

Skyy Hadley – the queen of nail color – offers her take on this summer’s trends:

“This summer, jeweled true-green hues are going to be the trend on fingers, and it’s all about confidence when wearing it,” says Skyy. “If you feel that this is too dramatic for you try a neutral metallic or light lilac shade instead.” To pick the best metallic shade, make sure to match it up against your skin tone, Skyy says. “These should compliment, not compete with one another.”

To create the perfect canvas for your nails, make sure to maintain more than just your polish. “Use creams on hands and use a cuticle oil such as Creative Solar Oil to stay moisturized,” explains Skyy,

“Never cut your cuticles, just push them back – and remember to exfoliate hands to remove dead and dry skin.” Keeping nails at a shorter, active length is an ongoing trend so file and cut accordingly.

For more information on Skyy Hadley please visit www.asuwishnailspa.com. For more information about Zoya Nail Polish please visit www.artofbeauty.com.

Nothing makes us more giddy than stumbling across a burgeoning fashion designer. That is why when we came across Amy Sarabi, we couldn’t stop smiling. Everything about this emerging designer’s work is impeccable. From her careful craftsmanship to her avant- garde aesthetic — Ms. Sarabi definitely has what it takes to get the fashion world’s attention.

If you are obsessed with all the happenings for Gen Art as we are, you might have came across some of her work before. Just last year Amy was featured as part of San Francisco’s Fresh Faces and now she is stocked at San Francisco boutique MAC (Modern Appealing Clothing. Her pieces will cost you a pretty penny, but for fashion that inspires and sparks the imagination we say it’s worth every cent.

For more information about Amy Sarabi please visit www.amysarabi.com

A Few Tremors in Oprahland
Oprah Winfrey is still the queen of all media, but her crown is beginning to look a bit tarnished. The average audience for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has fallen nearly 7 percent this year, according to Nielsen Media Research — its third straight year of decline. “Oprah’s Big Give,” an ABC philanthropic reality show, beat every program on television except “American Idol” in its premiere week this winter, but steadily lost nearly one-third of its audience during the rest of its eight-week run, according to Nielsen. The circulation of O, The Oprah Magazine, has fallen by more than 10 percent in the last three years, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, and the magazine is now seeking a new editor in chief after the announced retirement of its longtime steward, Amy Gross. (Continue Reading…)

African Models, Designers Promote Peace in Kenya
Scores of top African designers and models held a show in Nairobi National Park at the weekend to raise money for victims of Kenya’s post-election violence and show a different face to their continent. The “Fashion for Peace” event drew mainly West and East African models onto a catwalk in a marquee under the moonlight on savannah usually known for its lions and rhinos. “Fashion for Peace will not change the world, although it does aim at changing people’s negative perceptions of Kenya and Africa in other countries,” organizers said in a statement. (Continue Reading…)

Racial tensions heat up in a Brooklyn neighborhood
Seventeen years after race riots left the streets of one New York City neighborhood bloodied, tensions are rising again there between Orthodox Jews and blacks. First, a black man was badly beaten. Weeks later, a Jewish teenager said he was attacked by two young blacks while riding his bicycle, and angry Jewish residents took to the streets with signs saying “Jewish blood is not cheap!” and “Every Jew a .22.” And along the way, the district attorney accused an Orthodox Jewish street patrol of vigilantism and compared the group to street gangs like the Bloods and Crips. The strife has revived painful memories of the 1991 riots in the Brooklyn neighborhood called Crown Heights, which is home to about 15,000 Orthodox Jews and more than 130,000 blacks. As summer approaches, leaders from both sides are braced for trouble. (Continue Reading…)

Trina Introduces Pink Diamond Clothing
Miami rapper, Trina, recently introduced her Pink Diamond Couture clothing collection, along with its website ShopTrina.com. The line will consist of jeans, tops, t-shirts, velour sets and jackets, all of which will feature her signature logo. Her high quality jeans are emblazoned with the logo on the back pockets, and available with details such as leather, python and crystals. To add a personal touch to her line, the collection comes with a Tattoo that is uniquely Trina’s. She’s also paid close attention to the fit as well. (Continue Reading…)

He stole our hearts as a troubled seaman in Antwone Fisher, reminded us of our cocky, high school jock crush in Friday Night Lights, and he’s slated to star in the role of music mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs in the upcoming Notorious B.I.G. biopic. We here at Clutch are seriously feeling Derek Luke, and by the looks of his ever-evolving style game, we always will.