A Brief Intermission

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

We just wanted to do a brief post to inform all of our lovely readers that we will both be out of town for the 4th of July weekend and unable to post during that time period. Teneasha will be doing it up in the "Windy City" of Chicago, Illionois and I will be melting in the sweltering heat of Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Virtuous Blue will be back in full effect on Monday, so feel free to come back and check out the updates.

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend...and don't forget to keep it BLUE (oh, and feel free to throw in a little red & white for the 4th while you're at it hehe)

Someone Needs to Have It: Patent Peeptoe

Greetings Lovelies,

Forever 21 has not been failing us this summer. I'm extremely impressed. I remember a few years ago when I couldn't fit anything in there (and I was thinner then), nor did many items catch my eye. Now I wouldn't be mad if they wrapped up one of everything and shipped it to me directly.

Check out this weeks "Someone Needs to Have It" item.



Forever 21 brings us style on a budget. If you're like us and constantly referencing the wise words of Kanye West "Wait Til I Get My Money Right", then these Chloe inspired options are perfect for you. Check out the Chloe originals...


How do they compare?

1. Forever 21 Patent Peeptoes $27.80 2. Chloe Leather Shoe-Boot, ON SALE for $387 at http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/30946

Keep it BLUE!!!

Are You 1 In A Million?

Hello Bluetiful Ones! It's Kenya signing in. Here at Virtuous Blue, we believe that beauty encompasses many areas; one of which includes good health. We cannot truly be at our best unless we not only care for ourselves externally, but internally as well. One prominent health concern that has affected millions across the globe is the ever growing epidemic of HIV and AIDS.

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27th the Black AIDS Institute, The Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper, 102.3 FM KJLH, the NAACP, and many other organizations combined forces for the 2nd Annual "Test 1 Million" HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. This event included free HIV screenings and a press conference featuring celebrities themselves being tested for HIV right in front of the cameras. The goal of these efforts are to urge at least 1 million African Americans to get tested by December 2009. However, I'd like to go one step further by not only encourage African Americans to get tested, but every single living person around the world.

As a marketing intern at 102.3 KJLH, I had the opportunity to assist at this event, and it was truly an inspiration. Here are a few pics that I snapped while in attendance (sorry for the poor quality. My cam was misbehaving) *click the pics to enlarge*

Men Are One In A Million

Actor/Comedian Flex & Singer Ralph Tresvant from New Edition

Lil Eazy-E, son of the late rapper Eazy-E who passed away of AIDS, gives his take on awareness.

Women Are One In A Million

Actress/Singer Tatiana Ali receiving her test instructions (swab method)

Actress Tamala Jones proclaiming to be One In A Million

Actress Tasha Smith getting suited up in her One In A Million t-shirt by fellow intern Ray

Couples Are One In A Million

Actress Kimberly Elise & boo conduct their tests together

Families Are One In A Million

Basketball Star Doug Christie and wife & daughter talk about the importance of getting tested.

Children Are One In a Million

Even a 5th Grader is smart enough to know the importance of getting tested. "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" star Alana Ethridge proclaiming to be 1 In A Million.

Are YOU one in a million? If not, I urge you to PLEASE get tested as soon as you can. Regardless of race, and whether man, woman, or child, we are all in this fight together. Knowing is power. Knowing is healthy. Knowing is BEAUTIFUL and SO BLUE.

Color Me Bluetiful: Floral Blossom

Hey Lovelies! Nature has influenced every form of artistic expression, and with the endless and unexpected color combinations what better source helps us push our limits? This segment of Color Me Bluetiful was inspired by a blossom similar to the one photographed above. I noticed this beauty while walking to work. What a way to start the day?! I hope you enjoy the look, feel free to tell us what inspires you...

Products Used:
Face
Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Foundation w/SPF 15 in Golden 6
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Basic Brown 4
MAC Blush in Gingerly

Eyes
MAC Paintpot in Rollickin’ - used as a base
MAC eyeshadow in Bitter - inner corner of eyelid
MAC eyeshadow in Swimming - middle of eyelid
MAC eyeshadow in Humid - outer corners of eyelid and crease
MAC eyeshadow in Gorgeous Gold - used as highlight
MAC eyeshadow in Stars N Rockets – inner corner of lower lid
MAC eyeshadow in Plum Dressing – middle of lower lid
NARS eyeshadow in #92 – outer corner of lower lid
1 coat of MAC Prolash Mascara

Lips
MAC lip liner in Hodgepodge
MAC lustreglass in Instant Gold

Beauty truly does surround us, so don't forget to admire the contributions that nature offers us daily. You never know, it just might inspire a new look. KEEP IT BLUE!!

BET Awards Fashion Review

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

On June 24th, 2008 BET aired their star studded award show in sunny Los Angeles, California. Celebrities came out in full force to celebrate some of the hottest music in entertainment and to do it in style. The ladies adorned the red carpet in vibrant colors, chic dresses, and sexy platforms & sandal stilettos. Here's a few of the fashion choices that we thought were so "blue"...


*click pic to enlarge* From left to right: 1. Singer Jordan Sparks showing off curves & looking fab in a red cocktail dress 2. Singer/Actress Solange Knowles taking a fashion risk & looking fashionably ambitious 3. Actress Nia Long in a purple Grecian inspired mini dress 4. R&B singer Keyshia Cole looking classic in a vintage inspired yellow baby doll dress 5. Video vixen Lola in a charcoal ballerina dress 6. BET host Danella in a black & metallic flowered flowered sun dress 7. Actress Kyla Pratt in a lovely blue mini 8. Alicia Keys in a chic hot pink number 9. Singer Rihanna looking radiant in a flowing yellow summer dress

And I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the "grown & sexy" route that many of the men showcased with their choices this year. The men kept their color choices quite neutral and rocked well tailored pieces, chic fabrics, and debonair suits...




*click pic to enlarge* From left to right: 1. Singer Chris Brown adding an edge to his fit w/a white & black leather bomber 2. R&B crooner Joe looking well put together in charcoal slacks & a black dress tee 3. Singer Ne-yo using chocolate & cream hues to tie together his classic look 4. Singer John Legend using a sexy satin fabric to enhance his tan & white look. 5. Rapper David Banner cleaning up nicely in navy & white Gucci pieces 6. Actor Boris Kojoe keeping it simple, but clean in a tan suit & dress tee

Feel free to tell us who you think "brought it" in the style department, and as always...don't forget to keep it blue.

Etsy Find: Color Rehab

Hi Lovelies,

I'm a firm believer in mixing and matching unexpected colors. In fact, my personal challenge is to incorporate at least three colors in my total look everyday. This week's Etsy find had me hooked at the name and their unique earrings were totally VB worthy.

ColorRehab calls its accessory line AccessoRehab. She so eloquently describes her line as:

"AccessoRehab is for the BOLD, OUTSTANDING, CONFIDENT, FASHION FORWARD chick who knows how to coordinate, and put an entire look together perfectly. If you're not that chick, spend a little time in Rehab and BECOME that chick! If you think, "Oh no I can't wear these!" or "I can't pull these off."....Chances are, you're EXACTLY RIGHT! I value being different. It means alot to me to walk in a room and be the only girl lookin like I do. AccessoRehab is for chicks who share the same passion for standing out. Hang out and get Rehabilitated! :)"

Here at VB we talk a lot about confidence and its affect on beauty. If you've been stuck in a fashion rut, some fun earrings are the perfect way to expand your horizons slowly. Once you become more comfortable ideas will start flowing and you'll happily step up to the plate.

Check out ColorRehab:

(From left to right)

1. Eerie-descence $32.00 2. Dutch Dutch $26.00 3. Duckets $22.00

4. Pitri $18.00 5. Pre K $58.00 6. Beige-ing $24.00

7. Green Goblin $38.00

I'm not even mad at homegirl's eyeshadow application either. The green is very becoming. All items listed today can be purchased at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5346757

As Always, Keep it BLUE!!!

VB In Action: Contest Time Part 2!

Hey Bluetiful Ones!

As some of you may or may not know, a few weeks back I decided to get a little brave and entered a beauty contest on Youtube. This contest was hosted by a beautiful woman that goes by the screename of MsButtahfly. The contest offered women the opportunity to showcase a natural sexy summer do or a make up look that she has done in a previous video. I went with the hair do option, and guess what....I WON...YAAAYYY! For those that missed it, here's the video that I submitted, as well as the results video posted by MsButtahfly.





I'm so grateful for the prizes, and I can't wait to try them out, especially the Sunsilk Cream & Gel Twist. It sounds like a product that my hair will react quite well to. Oh, and did I also mention that I won a Creme of Nature contest hosted by one of my favorite beauty bloggers Afrobella? I better capitalize on this good luck streak before it drifts away hehe.

However, I must say that although I was excited to win, the greatest enjoyment was really in participating. It's so inspirational to witness other women creatively express themselves by embracing their beauty. And trust me ladies, when you are feeling down, there is nothing like playing "dress up" to get you feeling all bubbily inside (and not the gassy kind) lol.

So be on the look out for some reviews on these products very soon. But in the meantime, i'm off to create some more sexy summer blue dos. Feel free to do the same & tell us all about it :o)