ETHIOPIAN WEDDING GOWN DESIGNER AMSALE ABERRA

Weddings are the pinnacle moment in every females life. Preparing for that one special day sometimes comes down entirely to "THE BRIDAL GOWN!" Feels Good 2 B Home wishes to introduce to you the Ethiopian Vera Wang---Amsale Aberra.

Ethiopian native, Amsale Aberra, has made an indelible mark on the couture wedding gown business.

[source]

Amsale not only caters to brides but bride maids. Here are a few of her designs:

According to The Wall Street Journal, Ms. Aberra's New York-based wedding- and evening-dress house, claims annual sales of about $30 million. The Amsale label is in the same league as Vera Wang, another high-end wedding-gown brand.

[source]
Her designs are in the post-prom meets nightmare '80s look at all! Bride maids can wear those looks over and over again for any occasion. Click here to check out her Fall 2007 collection.

Her designs are favorites of Kim Basinger, Salma Hayek, Julianna Marguiles, and Vanessa Williams. For those within the tri-state area, the AMSALE Flagship Salon is located on the east side of Madison Avenue between 58th and 59th streets on the 2nd floor at 625 Madison Avenue.

On her official website, Amsale runs down her creative prowess and fresh designs. Aside from designing gorgeous bridal numbers, Amsale maintains a daily blog called "Simply Chic by Amsale":

click on the image above to check it out!

Ladies and gents it's that time again for a Site to Visit. Introducing...Style Chile:

-click on the image to learn more- .

Style Chile is energetic style blog that entails creative writing and graphics. The site is maintain by Naki and Style Chile, two fierce independent females in the tri-state area. If their hilarious commentary doesn't grab you, do take notice to their weekly style recaps.

To be apart of Site to Visit blog post, do e-mail me at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com!
[feels good 2 b home]

LADY GOLD & EBBE ON THE NYC SET OF LAW & ORDER: SVU

Feels Good 2 B Home made history on the Manhattan set of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."* Nollywood stars Lady Gold and Ebbe Bassey appeared in an upcoming scene to be featured in October/November episode entitled, "Snitch." Rapper Method Man was on hand as were Feels Good 2 B Home's own Miss Chi Chi. The scene entails a Nigerian funeral with a 10 person all female Nigerian choir--a historical event within itself. In between the 8 am to 8 pm shoot, Lady Gold and Ebbe Bassey posed for pictures.

Lady Gold is an aspiring actress ("This America") and an Nigerian Christian singer. Her album drops Winter 2007.

Ebbe is an Nollywood actress making moves in Hollywood that made my Site to Vist post. Check her out with Christopher Meloni (Detective Elliot Stabler)
Feels Good 2 B Home wishes to thank Golden Studio Inc and Ebbe Dream for the personal invite and the guest spot. Yeah I've even got a gig on the show as one of the choir members. I got the chance to sing in Yoruba which is not my native language. The singing aspect was quite interesting, challenging and a eye-opening learning experience. Being outside in the humid weather is not a glamorous thing at all. *Being on the Manhattan set of the NBC drama series is a first for Feels Good 2 B Home who has since worked on the sets of Naija films, "Slave Warrior" and "This America."

[feels good 2 b home]

WHAT SOUKOUS VIDEOS LOOK LIKE TODAY

One of Feels Good 2 B Home's faithful readers, Nachi, sent me this clip of what West African music videos have succumb to:

Now wow! West Africans invented that whole booty shaking movement that Beyonce took to a whole different level in her 'Crazy in Love' video.
[feels good 2 b home]

CHAMILLIONAIRE'S HIP-HOP POLICE VIDEO

Chamillionaire and Slick Rick team up on this positive hip-hop track, "Hip-Hop Police." I like the different get-ups Cham wears to get his message across. Another Grammy and MTV Video Music is rest assured for Cham in the future. “Hip-Hop Police” featuring Slick Rick is the first single off Chamillionaire’s sophomore album Ultimate Victory (Sept. 18). Check out another video from Cham called, "Evening News" below. Props to A Hot Mess for the "...Police" video.

[feels good 2 b home]

AKON WANTS PARIS HILTON

Akon has already signed TLC vocalist Chilli to his record label, Konvict Music but this time he has his eyes set on tabloid vixen Paris Hilton. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

"In my mind I was thinking now Paris Hilton is an official convict, I think I'm gonna get with her and put a record out. I would definitely sign her to my label 'cos she's a character. You give her the cutest record, something that's just for women, an anthem; I think it will be outta here!" [source]

And to be fair, Paris doesn't sound that bad:

Akon can do wonders for Paris' singing career...
[feels good 2 b home]

R.I.P JAMES OYEBOLA

Ghana-born*** former Commonwealth Games medallist and British heavyweight champion boxer James Oyebola was shot in the face at a nightclub where he worked as a bouncer. The reason why Oyebola was shot is because he asked three men to stop smoking.
James’s partner of 15 years Malin Bergstrom, 37, and their school-aged children, Crystal and James, have kept a bedside vigil. [source] Oyebola** died at the age of 46. Feels Good 2 B Home wishes the Oyebola our condolences.

Quick facts about John Oyebola:
*Although he's of Ghana*** descent, he was born in Lagos, Nigeria.

**He just celebrated his 46th birthday on June 10, 1961. (This birthday is conflicting various news outlets stating that he was 47.)

*He's known for his his 85-inch reach and 6'9 frame.

*Oyebola won bronze at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in the super heavyweight division.

*He won the superheavyweight division of the Amateur Boxing Association of England in 1986 and '87 and was the British heavyweight champion from 1994 to 1996.

*Known as "Big Bad," Oyebola won 18 fights, with 16 KOs, lost 4 and drew 1. He retired in 1996 and has been working as a boxing manager. [source]

[feels good 2 b home]

LEMAR AT THE UK PREMIERE OF THE SIMPSONS

Last night, UK R&B soul man LEMAR attended the Simpsons Movie premiere at the 02 Arena with a babe on his arm:

Ladies and gents, who's the mystery girl?! Hmmm...let's look at MANY possibilities, shall we? Is she his sister, new girlfriend or his wife? In the past, Lemar has been linked to Joss Stone. Anyhow, I liked how the yellow carpet ties in with "The Simpsons." 

And in related news, Lemar has added another date to his current tour for the Arundel Festival. He'll join the likes of Girls Aloud and Jamelia in performing at Arundel castle, West Sussex on Saturday 25th August. For more details visit www.arundelfestival.co.uk or to buy tickets visit
https://kiosk4.ts.com/k?arundelcastle

[feels good 2 b home]

BORIS KODJOE'S FAVORITE ACCESSORY

One consistent thing that Boris Kodjoe has with him all the time other than his wife Nicole Ari Parker and his children is his favorite accessory--this suede pageboy cap. Since its January 2005 arrival, Boris and his favorite thing has not parted. And so here's a collage of Boris and his one favorite thing.

Events Boris has wore his favorite accessory to:
"Roll Bounce" premiere. "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" ATL After Party. Air Jordan's 20th Anniversary Bash. Linea Pelle 20th Anniversary Party. Golden Globe Gifting Suite: Boom Boom Room. "Something New" premiere back in January 2006.

Of course, this is meant for you to laugh! Well, I hope it worked!

Anyhow press play to see Boris and Nicole as babies:

I love, love, love this song. Don't you?
[feels good 2 b home]

CANDIDS OF THANDIE

UK beauty Thandie Newton made an appearance at the Grazia O2 X Awards in London. [source]

Thoughts on this outfit?

Check out this video clip of Thandie at the Grazia O2 X Club Awards:

Below is an another exciting edition of got IT better featuring UK supermodel Kate Moss.

Via Faded Youth:

It’s a battle of the British beauties! Supermodel KATE MOSS kept her star emblazoned blouse modern with skinny capris and casual sandals during a shopping spree at Dior. Meanwhile, Hollywood starlet THANDIE NEWTON sexed up the look with leather pants and sparkly footwear at a promotional event in London.

who got IT better?

more at twiigs.com...

The busy actress was spotted on the set of her new movie “RocknRolla” in London:

And here's a SITE TO VISIT for fans of Thandie's:

THANDIE was created by two fans Angie and Quinn. These two are really dedicated to keeping Thandie's fans update on all projects and new clips. Click on the screenshot above to visit!

[feels good 2 b home]

NEW MUSIC FROM AKON: SPEAKER 9MM

Sengal's own Akon has done it again! The West African native has come through with some good club music:

Via RAP-UP.COM:

“Speaker (9MM)” is the first single off David Banner’s upcoming album, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" out October 2nd. The video features the usual—Akon, Snoop Dogg, and Lil’ Wayne."

[feels good 2 b home]

IMAN SERVES AS TRACE'S GUEST EDITOR

Supermodel Iman attended the Trace Magazine's "Black Girls Rule! Issue" Release last night in New York City. Iman served as the magazine's guest editor. Chanel Iman, who Oprah dubbed as the next coming of Naomi Campbell, attended the event.

Iman with upcoming model, Chanel Iman.

pictures were spotted at CONCRETELOOP.COM. Be sure to visit SET for snapshots of Iman in the Big Apple shopping.
[feels good 2 b home]

SNEAK PREVIEW OF DJIMON HOUNSOU'S CK AD

Ladies and fans of Djimon Hounsou, the sneak previews of his Calvin Klien AD campaign that he spoke about on the Oscars red carpet are here for your eye candy pleasure.

Via Faded Youth Blog:
"...Here are a couple of previews of the new Calvin Klein Steel underwear campaign starring Oscar-nominee Djimon Hounsou.

The shots were reportedly taken in the Hollywood Hills in May after a few weeks of serious training on Hounsou’s part.

At the time, he told the New York Post: “I regularly watch how much, when and what I eat. It really becomes a daily journey. You just have to do it - get up, eat something, go to the gym - so you can burn as much as you can and look lean. It’s pretty challenging.”
----
According to Just Jared:

Blood Diamond actor Djimon Hounsou is featured in the new ads for Calvin Klein Underwear, which were shot by photographer Peter Lindbergh in the Palm Springs desert.

This is first time the brand, launched in 1982, has used an African model in its ad. The CKU ads are also a throwback to the original Calvin Klein Underwear campaign, shot by photographer Bruce Weber back in the 1980s.

These pictures are just proof that Kimora Lee Simmons is one lucky girl but I ask for your thoughts. Before you put a thought together, doesn't this picture look like outtakes from Janet Jackson's Love Will Never Do Without You?! (Yes Djimon was in the video):

[feels good 2 b home]

KELLY ROWLAND COLLAPSES AT THISDAY FESTIVAL

Fresh off the heels of her NYC album release party for second solo record, "Ms. Kelly", Kelly Rowland collapses in Nigeria. Via People:

"Kelly Rowland collapsed onstage early Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, where she had
been performing. Dehydration was the cause, her rep, Yvette Noel Schure, said in
a statement. Rowland was taken to an undisclosed Lagos hospital for a check-up
and was reported to be in "good condition."

Below is a YouTube clip of the incident. Kelly was performing her Destiny's Child hit, "Say My Name." Viewer's discretion is advised, folks...

UPDATE: Click here to see the video.
And these are snapshots of Kelly moments before she passed out on stage:

Word is Kelly was out for a good 15 minutes. And here's a fan reaction to the incident: "Kelly Rowland freaking collapsed, 15 minutes into her performance. She was all up on the stage shaking her booty to "Say My Name" and I look away for a split second and then I see her lying on the stage. At first, I thought it was part of the act especially when one of her dancers started jumping around super-dramatically but then stage crew started running towards her and then some This Day folks including This Day publisher, Nduka Obaigbena were on the stage forming a ring round her to prevent the audience from seeing what the medical emergency crew were doing and then we knew it was real." Continue reading HERE

pictures were spotted at Kelly-Rowland.br.com
[feels good 2 b home]

SITE TO VISIT: EBBE'S DREAM

Ladies and gents it's that time again for another "Site to Visit!!!" Ebbe Bassey is a successful Nollywood actress making and breaking new ground on the NBC night time drama series, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." I had the pleasure of meeting Ebbe at the "Slave Warrior" premiere earlier this month and within five minutes of chatting with her about the Ghanaian film, "Beyonce" I told her she's in the WRONG profession! She should be a comedian! {Take that Queen Latifah!}

-Ebbie with the co-founders of AfricanEvents.com (Oliver, Bethels and Sir Citor) and Nollywood actress Regina Askia at the 2006 Nigerian Independence Day Parade-

[pic credit: AfricanEvents]

The currently New York-based actress has rubbed elbows with known Nollywood stars like Felix Nnorom of Golden Studio, Inc., Oliver Mbamara of "Slave Warrior", Naija's Denzel-Ramsey Noah, and Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay. Right now, Ebbe's on location as the technical director for an upcoming episode of the popular NBC series.

-click on the image above to visit Ebbe's official website-

Quick Facts about Ebbe Bassey:
*She appeared in two episodes of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", 2004 and 2006 respectively.
*Fresh from Nollywood, she first broke out into the American TV scene with a guest stint on "NYPD Blue."
*Not settling for TV dramas, Ebbe has appeared in a Virgin mobile phone commerical.
*Ebbe was raised in Calabar, Nigeria but born in the Bronx, NY.


Folks as always do hit up me via feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com to find out how you can be apart of these informative 'site to visit' updates!

[feels good 2 b home]

SITE TO VISIT: OBSESSED-HOOPLA

For all who loves those fashion comparions, here'a site to visit, "Obsessed-Hoopla."

-click on the image to access-

Yes this is a shameless plug. "Obsessed-Hoopla" is my new fashion blog catering to endless fashion faceoffs.
If you want to become apart of these informative "Site to Visit" blog posts AND if you don't see something YOU think I should cover, do contact me at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com!

In the meantime, here are some things to look forward to:
1.) Two new fresh faces. (Hint: One's on "Law & Order" and the other's runway model turned actress.)
2.) A giveway contest for those who love Naija Christian music.
3.) More updates this month on all these Naija/Afro culture.
4.) A shocking blind item between two female Nollywood stars!

Check out this cool clip of a Yoruba joke:

[feels good 2 b home]

THANDIE AND AKON SUPPORTS LIVE EARTH

Actress Thandie Newton and musician Akon supported "Live Earth" 24 hour long concert special this past weekend:

Thandie in black PVC pants:



Via Contact Music:

Hollywood star THANDIE NEWTON has urged the world to go green, because it makes people more attractive. The actress launched into an impromptu speech at the London leg of Live Earth after stepping on stage to introduce Al Gore via a video-link from Washington, and a delay left her with minutes to fill. She said, "I'm onstage infront of two billion people and I have nothing interesting to say. "Actually I do. Coming to live earth increases our attractiveness to a potential mate about 200 per cent - say you've come to Live Earth is a way of saying you're hung like a warlord."

Akon performed his hit, "Don't Matter" shirtless:


Akon later admitted that he didn't know what being green meant:

Interestingly, Senegalese-American hip-hop artist Akon admitted to not really knowing what "green" was before showing up at Live Earth to perform. But now he knows, and when asked about how important an issue addressing climate crisis is in Senegal or Africa, the rapper deflected the question, alluding to the fact that they may have bigger fish to fry -- like poverty, if you're listening, Mr. Geldof.

[source]
[pictures spotted at Concrete Loop]

[feels good 2 b home]

GHANIAN BEAUTY ANGELA ASARE

Ghanian beauty Angela Asare is the latest cover girl for the summer edition of "Mimi" magazine. Asare is also the face of Runway Africa-the first African couture fashion show in the United States.

On Runway Africa:

"Runway Africa is designed to spotlight African influence in today's mainstream style and fashion. It is dedicated to educating the media and the public about Africa's emerging talent and contributions to the international fashion industry at large. I got involved with it because of it's two-sided cause: to showcase Africa in a different light, while giving back to it's improvished regions. I believe Runway Africa is one of the few events giving Afria and it's youth
renewed hope."

On winning Miss Ghana Universe 2006:

"..I took on a new responsibility as an Ambassador of my country, representing Ghana the best way...I can."

[READ MORE]
More about Angela Asare:
*She was born and raised in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
*Her parents are from Kwahu Obormeng, Eastern Ghana.
*She started modeling at age 15.
*Asare was the national ambassador for AIDS awareness in Ghana.
*Runway Africa kicks off September 15th.

For more on MIMI magazine, a leading African online journal for women, visit its daily blog here.


[feels good 2 b home]

DAVID OYELOWO TO CO-STAR WITH A DREAMGIRL

Broadway theatre vet David Oyelowo (of HBO's "As You Like It" and the Oscar-winning film The Last King of Scotland fame) will next co-star with Anika Noni Rose in "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." The Oxford native Oyelowo will also apear in the criticially-acclaimed TV production of "A Raisin in the Sun."

About "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency":

A Botswana woman {Anika Noni Rose} starts up the country's first female-owned detective agency. Based on the novel by Alexander McCall Smith. Filming has started since May 2007 in Botswana...

[READ MORE]

-David and his wife Jessica Oyelowo with their children-

Quick trivia about David Oyelowo via IMDB:

*David made history in 2000 when he became the first black actor to portray an English monarch for the Royal Shakespeare Company when he played the title role in a production of Henry VI Parts I, II and III.
[feels good 2 b home]

CHAMILLIONAIRE'S ALBUM COVER

Above is the album cover for Chamillionaire’s "Ultimate Victory" due out September 18th. (The 18th of September is of course 11 days shy of my 24th birthday.) Listen to the first single, “Hip-Hop Police,” featuring hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick over at Rap-Up. The Marc Klasfeld directed video will debut this month. ["Ultimate Victory looks a lot like R. Kelly's "Double Up" album cover art. What are your thoughts on Cham's album cover?]
"Can't Tell Me Nothing" freestyle:

[feels good 2 b home]

HOW TO PICK UP A NAIJA LADY

Oh the hilarity of videos posted up on YouTube. I'm quite sure you'll be entertain to see how to pick up a Naija lady. Do keep in mind that this method may NOT pay off for all Naija females you'll encounter. Nevertheless this is a must-see clip! Thanks to Mona from Naija to the Core for the clip!
[feels good 2 b home]

OUT & ABOUT: THANDIE NEWTON

Thandie Newton attended the Great Ormond Street Hospital F1 party July 4 in London.

Such impeccable style Thandie has, huh?

{picture spotted at BOSSIP and Red Carpet Fashion Awards}
[feels good 2 b home]

GOT it BETTER: THANDIE VS EMILIE

"Norbit" star Thandie Newton and Belgium actress Émilie Dequenne were photographed in the same black sequined mini from Fendi:

Thandie first wore this trendy Fendi Spring 2007 number at the "Norbit" premiere last year while Emilie wore it to 2007 Cannes Film Festival for the "No Country for Old Men" Premiere in France this May.
Who got IT better?

more at twiigs.com...

[feels good 2 b home]

RUNWAY STAR ZAHARA

The pint-sized runway star of the Jolie-Pitt clan, Zahara pointed out the paparazzi on her way to school:

Zahara with her mother, Angelina Jolie, and brother Pax, seems to be the real gem of the family, huh?

[feels good 2 b home]