Beyonce Covers Ebony Magazine

I know I'm late with this but I just had to post these pics of Beyonce looking "Sasha Fierce" on the upcoming issue of Ebony magazine. I always loved Beyonce with the big, curly and bouncy hair - makes for a refreshing change, although she looks great however she wears her hair. I love how Ebony covers are always on point. I haven't seen them make anyone look bad yet... Exhibit A & Exhibit B.

FREE Print from Kristine Noel

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend! To set the mood, I thought I'd leave you with some gorgeous work by Houston photographer Kristine Noel. I was immediately struck by how classic and familiar they are. They have such a lovely vintage feel. Each one seems to evoke pleasant memories of the days when all we had to worry about was jumping in puddles, and swinging in the park.

Kristine is offering a free print from her Etsy Store to a Houston's Weekly Chic reader!! Hooray! Just visit the store, and leave a comment below about which print is your favorite and why. Contest will end on Monday, March 9th. Man I love freebies!

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji Henson arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Eagle Eye' at the Mann's Grauman Chinese Theatre on September 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

First of all I have to congratulate Ms. Henson on a phenomenal year, especially the last couple of months. She will always be known as an "Academy-nominated" actress. The rising star has shone on both the big screen and the red carpet and it's about time she got the attention she deserves. I picked this red carpet style to spotlight because I recently bought a slightly shorter version of this dress online and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Taraji wore it late last year. The ruffles and v-shaped slit at the front make this dress another fail-safe staple for any party girl's wardrobe. See below for tips on how to steal this look.

Steal Taraji's Style

Above: Ruffle-Sleeve Sheath Dress, $49.50, www.alloy.com

Heels: Nine West Rocha, $59.99, www.piperlime.com

Clutch: Faceted Square Clutch, $16.80, www.forever21.com

Bangles: Gold Metal Bangle Set, $40, www.topshop.com

This is Alloy.com's cheaper (and very good quality) alternative to Taraji's Black Halo ruffle dress which is currently selling for $345 at Saks Fifth Avenue. I have this dress and whenver I wear it people compliment me. It is VERY flattering on women with curves and the material is stretchy. It fits like a Herve Leger dress - which is saying something! Pair this dress with statement jewelry and killer heels for a show-stopping look!

Black and White Room Inspiration

If you came to my house, you would understand my obsession with black and white. Here are some of my favorite black and white inspirations.


black frame, ikea. black and white bedroom, brocadehome.com via kaboodle. Grace White and Black floral damask retro modern wallpaper, designyourwall.com. black chandelier, tablefivedesigns.com.

Oscar Dress Review 2009

My computer was in the shop, so this is a little late. My apologies.

I think the fact that Hollywood celebrities have so many marriages means they always have a extra wedding gown on hand. How could so many of them confuse their spare with their Oscar dress? They are not all pure white, but certainly bridalesque. Don't get me wrong, they all look fantastic (with the exception of the last two, who look like they wore the garment that goes under the wedding dress, what were they thinking?!!) One more thing about the last two dresses; they are so similar that I thought they were the same dress until I read the designer's names, how embarrassing for the women and the designers.


Penélope Cruz, in vintage Balmain Couture


Marisa Tomei, in Atelier Versace


Anne Hathaway, in Armani Privé


Evan Rachel Wood, in Elie Saab Haute Couture


Sarah Jessica Parker, in Christian Dior Haute Couture


Taraji P. Henson, in Roberto Cavalli


Melissa George, in Dolce & Gabbana


Sheryl Crow, in J. Mendel

Spring Buzzz

I'm starting to feel a slight twinge of spring in our Houston air, which alway seems to result in a warm weather shopping spree. I think that spring fever is what inspired me to (finally) purchase one of Dallas' designer T's...and the fact that they are on sale. I love all of her designs, but her "bees knees" T draws me like a bee to honey...get it? It's a bee...eh, eh? Go here to see some of her other beauties.

Fish Food

My dear friend Janine, tipped me off on the latest pedicure fad to hit luxury spas. Hopefully the photo above is self explanatory, because if I actually explain it, I might throw up in my mouth a little. If not, check out this video. Sorry local ladies, you'll have to cross state lines for this tasty fish dish. It is completely illegal in Tejas. So I ask of you, would you EVER have this done? Even if it were free?

Chuy's Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Recipe

**UPDATE**
Thanks to a wonderful reader, we finally have the real recipe!!! See below! You can also go here, to see a video of the owner making the Boom Boom recipe.

Some of you may already know about my obsession with Chuy's Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Enchiladas. Not only is it fun to say, but I imagine it is served daily in heaven's cafeteria. These little enchiladas turned this northeastern girl (who felt less than lukewarm about Mexican food) into a total Tex Mex lover. The real secret is the Boom Boom sauce, and I have found a copy cat recipe. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks awfully promising. I feel like I just discovered the Holy Grail. Here it is...

SAL HERNANDEZ / CHUY'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

10 corn tortillas

1 1/4 lb cooked roasted chicken

1/2 c vegetable broth

1/4 c water

1/4 T each salt and pepper

3/4 lb roasted green chilies

2 oz tomatillos

1 1/2 oz cilantro

1 oz green onions

3/4 oz minced cerrano peppers

1/2 oz lime juice

1 1/4 lb American cheese

additional mixed shredded cheese for topping

In a saucepan, add vegetable broth, water and spices and place over a medium to high flame. Using a food processor, puree roasted green chilies, tomatillos, cilantro, green onions, serranos and lime juice.

Add to saucepan, stirring in well. Bring mixture to a slow boil. Lower flame and slowly add American cheese, whipping as needed to remove clumps and make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. When the cheese is melted and mixed, remove from heat. Yields 1 Quart.

To make enchiladas, fill a corn tortilla with 2 ounces of cooked, roasted chicken. Roll up and place in a baking pan. Top with mixed cheese, as needed. Warm in a hot oven for 4 minutes, until cheese is melted. Top with Boom-Boom Sauce.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: PART 4

Best and Worst Dressed Oscars 2009

Here are my picks, let me know what you think!

BEST
I know people will fight me on this, but Marissa Tome was my #1 pick!

Loved Penelope's vintage

Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson hit the nail right on the head.
Natalie Portman
Anne Hathaway

The dress was a bit of a yawn, but those emerald earrings woke it right up!

WORST Oh Beyonce..why! Why?

Sorry Miley..eek!
If only Sarah Jessica had a little more fabric on top.

Bridget Fonda in "some old thing" she just threw on. Too much fluff for Cotillard

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: PART 3

Baby Miles

So I decided to play hooky from work yesterday, because I just had to go see the new baby! A 5 ft. tall baby. His name is Miles, and he is the Houston Zoo's newborn. He was born January 30th, at 69 and a half inches tall, and 110 pounds. He's about as graceful as a lanky, awkward, adolescent boy, and cute as a button. The best part of skipping work to meet him...NO CROWDS!! To see more photos of the precious Miles, click here!

What Say We?... Yay or Nay

Estelle arrives for the Brit Awards 2009 at Earls Court on February 18, 2009 in London, England.

What do we think? I'm on the proverbial fence. While on the one hand I adore the shape of this dress, puffy sleeves and all, on the other I think there may be a little too much "detail" on there. She looks like a christmas tree that was decorated by a bunch of hyperactive toddlers coming off a sugar high. I will let it slide this time. Afterall she is wearing fab heels. YAY!!

Shecky's Goody Bag WINNERS!

Using http://www.random.org/, I found these lucky winners. Each winner will receive 2 Goodie Bag Tickets so that you can bring a friend to the event as well. If you didn't win, make friends with one of the winners so you can go too!

Drum roll please....

1. Shelly Delight

2. A Texas Gal

3. Sweet n Sassy Baby

4. Super Holly

5. Mulberry Street

Congratulations everybody! Be sure to send me your email address if I don't already have it. Thanks to everyone for entering!

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: PART 2

FALL '09 RUNWAYS: PART 1

New York Fashion Week is on in full force and I will be showing you my favorites as the photos from the shows are posted on Style.com.

Chris Beeks at it Again

Everytime I see fresh work from Mr. Chris Beekman, he always takes it to the next provacative level. I think you'll find that these paintings are no different. Man this guy is talented. Have a look see.