SELF AND ALLURE MERGING?

More Shuffling At Condé Nast. Yes. By now we know that print magazines are struggling at the newsstand. Lucky magazine unfortunately has become unlucky and according to WWD, SELF magazine could merge with Allure magazine.  

Now wait a minute.

Historically, SELF focused on fitness and health whilst Allure generated content — specifically, about beauty and how-to obtain a beat face. At first I was confused by the alleged merge, hence the Huh? Nicki Minaj head tilt pic. Because there's clearly a distinction in terms of readership: To this day, SELF generally targets fitness enthusiasts; Allure targets the beauty-obsessed. Right...?

But in efforts for corporate (Condé Nast) to perhaps "make nice" with the bottom line of its Profit and Loss statement, I suppose the merge is necessary from a financial standpoint and could potentially work, content-wise, as most of us strive to become our very best alluring selves. Coined!

The New York Post joined the media frenzy and published an article last week (July 23rd), "Three Condé Nast magazines might not exist in print soon."

The buzz inside Condé Nast, according to one well-placed source, is that there could be some major publisher consolidations — with certain bosses being asked to take on group publisher roles that will allow Condé Nast to consolidate the digital reach of related titles. 

There is also buzz around the high-profile publishing house that three titles are on the hot seat — and that at least one is likely to be shuttered. Two others may go digital only. [New York Post]

Do you think print media is dying a slow death?

Photo Credit: SELF

Photo Credit: Allure

Hey Barbz! Superstar Nicki Minaj Covers Marie Claire In August

Photo Credit: concreteloop.com

Nicki Minaj Covers Marie Claire, August 2013

In March, I commented that I was diggin' Nicki Minaj's cover shoot with ELLE magazine (April 2013); her "toned-down" look was much-anticipated — and since then her style has been slowly evolving into something a little less theatrical and outlandish ... many onlookers are giving the head-nod of approval. Indeed change is a wonderful thing. That being said, I do appreciate the fact that Nicki is not losing her overall swag in the midst of the change. Ms. 'Trini To De Bone' is still sassy, still classy (in a bad girl sort of way?), and will not hesitate to speak on issues that matter, such as her experience with bullying as a child to personal opinions about Mariah. Yeah, I had to mention the "feud." Bap! Bap!

Below is a snip-it of Nicki's interview with Marie Claire:

What's one thing that pisses you off instantly? "People who don't own up to their mistakes. They'll make every excuse in the book, as opposed to just saying, ‘Damn, yeah, I f*cked up.'"

Do you work out? If so what’s a normal routine, Nic?!!! "I don't work out. I hate it. I don't mean to sound super-lazy. I tried it for a time. I lost my boobs. When I feel I need to lose weight, I just change what I eat. I cut carbs and sugar. I'll do water and protein and fruit. But I do think that you should work out. My doctor tells me that, and I get it. Do cardio, Barbz."

August issue on newsstands July 16.

Source: Satoshi Saikusa; Marie Claire

WOW! A "Toned-Down" Nicki Minaj Covers ELLE Magazine In April

Photo Credit: elle.com

Nicki Minaj Covers Elle, April 2013 

I was speaking with my sister-in-law a few months ago about Nicki Minaj. I told my sis that I couldn't wait to see Nicki reveal another side in terms of personal style—and now look at Nic—all toned-down and stuff. Could this be the end of pink wigs and theatrical clothing? Eh, it doesn't matter, as long as she doesn't get rid of the multiple accents!

The following is an excerpt via next month's cover story which I found particularly interesting; the topic of bullying is a brutal issue that's killing our society and we must address it continually. We must SPEAK UP if we witness horrible acts of bullying.

(Interview Excerpt) On experiencing bullying in school as a child: "I went through a lot of bullying early on. Girls made my life a living hell. We had come to America from a different country. My brother and I had accents. It was very tough. So I've always put up this wall— it was a self-defense mechanism growing up— because I was almost expecting people to attack me. And I still have it. It's sad." [Source]

April issue on newsstands March 18.


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Nicki's Must-Haves!

Photo Credit: thatgrapejuice.net

Beauty Notes | Elle gave its readers the lowdown on superstar Nicki Minaj's beauty secrets, as well as her favorite products. And because I am such a huge Nicki fan (*ahem* Trinidad, please stand up!) — I had to put the spotlight on this fun-filled girlie interview. 


See it now! The World Premiere of 'Stupid Hoe'

Interview Excerpt:

What’s the most high-maintenance part of your beauty routine? 

My eyes, because they’re the one thing I need my makeup artist to do. I don’t have the patience, my hands shake, and I mess everything up. So my makeup artist has to do my brows and lids and lashes. Everyone knows I’m a lash girl by now. When I don’t have my lashes, I feel naked. 

Are they extensions or strips? 

Today I’m wearing strips. I used to wear the individual lashes, but those became so time-consuming. We needed to figure out an easier way, so my makeup artist has been experimenting with cutting lash strips in half and piling them on top of each other. 

What’s the best tip a makeup artist has taught you? 

I contour by using a lighter shade of foundation under my eyes instead of concealer. I take it down in a triangle by the sides of my nose, and then apply blush on top. I don’t do round, rosy cheeks; that’s for old people. It’s played out. I like the color to be like a diagonal line across the cheekbone up to the temples. It really changes the shape of my face. 

What’s always in your makeup bag? 

I can’t see myself without pink lipstick. I can go without it for a couple days, but if there was no more pink lipstick in the world, I’d be useless. Seriously. And a good white pencil for under the eye, just inside the rim. It helps you look like you’re on. [Source]

Nicki's Superstar Must-Haves!
Get the Deets Here

VIDEO -- Manny Norte Interviews Nicki Minaj

OH MY GOSH! LAAAD-A-MERCY! Nicki Minaj Style -- LACE BODYSUIT

WERK IT, BISH! I came across this photo of Nicki Minaj today and couldn't resist posting it. The question of the day: is the lace bodysuit stylish, or just plain tacky? 


Photo Credit: VLAD TV

Nicki Minaj Covers COMPLEX MAGAZINE - Oct/Nov 2010 Issue - PHOTOS

Photo Credit: Complex 

My Girl Crush: Nicki Minaj

Dear Nicki: My name is Nikki, too. LOVE YOUR STYLE! 
Can I have a kiss?

Photo Credit: Myspace