Celebrating New Year’s Eve In Times Square With Verizon Wireless #My2012Moment
January 9th, 2013 by Christen
Last year (which was technically only 10 days ago) – I had the great pleasure of teaming up with Verizon Wireless for their #My2012Moment celebration campaign. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with many visitors from around the world – all with one goal in mind – to ring in the new year with over a million friends, family and more in what many call the crossroads of the world – Times Square.
We chatted about everything from accomplishments to milestones and everything in between that made many #My2012Moment for everyone. Some of #My2012Moment (s) definitely included: (Click here for the entire #My2012Moment list…)
- Attending the 2012 London Olympics
- My first ever Parisian escape to Paris, France
- Being Named “Best In The Blogasphere 2012″ by Black Enterprise
…and even becoming the host for Verizon’s New Year’s Eve celebration video on New Year’s Eve was beyond a doubt one of my favorite moments of 2012 and it closed out the year with a bang!
Want to check out the #My2012Moment experience from Times Square? Check out the video in it’s entirety below…
What were some of your favorite moments of 2012? What are you looking forward to the most in 2013? Share below…
We’re Counting Down Our Favorite Moments Of 2012 #My2012Moment
December 31st, 2012 by ChristenIt’s true! This year has had truly been an amazing year of highs (and even higher highs) for DivasandDorks.com. From going to 2012 London Olympics to speaking at the National Black MBA Conference and everything in between. While looking forward to a better year than ever before – 2013, we can’t help but to look back at our favorite moments of 2012. Check out below to discover why this has been an unbelievably phenomenal for DivasandDorks.com.
Black Women in Music / Black Women in Hollywood
Thanks to Lincoln & Essence Magazine, we had the chance to rub elbows, talk tech and mingle with some of your favorite starlets, musicians and Hollywood celebrities. Kelly Rowland, Nene Leakes and more checked out the new 2014 Lincoln MKZ during Essence’s Black Women in Music, Grammy weekend in California. Just a week later, Kerry Washington, Shonda Rhimes, Tracee Ellis Ross supported and uplifted fellow thespian sisters during the Black Women in Hollywood event during Oscar weekend in L.A.
In The Press – Essence.com, RollingOut.com, BlackEnterprise.com, TheRoot.com, Pose Magazine
This was an incredible year for DivasandDorks.com in the press. As a contributor for Essence.com, I was featured in RollingOut & Pose Magazine highlighting the business behind the blog. BlackEnterprise.com even interviewed an unconventional mentor, (my mother) to reveal the secrets behind successful mentor/mentee relationships. Before the summer was complete, TheRoot.com listed DivasandDorks.com as one of the best blogs of 2012.
Induction in Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Of The Blogosphere’s Best
One of my favorite moments by far included kicking off this year’s Black Bloggers Month as being revealed as the first inductee in the 2012 Blogosphere’s Best for BlackEnterprise.com.
Kayaking in the Pacific Ocean
During an exciting west coast excursion with Toyota, I had the best time camping and even kayaking, (yes, I really kayaked) in the Pacific Ocean all by myself.
Diva, Dork and Actress?
This year marked a year of firsts in front the camera, as I starred in Ford’s Escape To New Orleans web series and Samsung’s SmartTV informercial series.
Panelist, Host & Keynote Speaker
“When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” – Michelle Obama
This year has been filled with a lot of hard work, blessings beyond belief, and I was more than excited to share my experiences as a speaker/host/keynote speaker at the Financial (App)titude seminar, Style Bloggers of Color Conference, National Association of Black MBA, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Tom Joyner Family Reunion.
Mentorship & Inspiring Young Lives
As an active mentor for The Young Women’s Leadership Schools in NYC and host of D&D’s first “Social Girls Night” – we at Diva And Dorks believe in investing & encouraging young women to pursue their dreams, passions and more (and because of those beliefs, the Divas and Dorks Foundation was officially formed.)
Global Ambassador at the 2012 London Olympics
As Samsung’s official ‘Global Ambassador’ – I was privileged to represent Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics. I got the chance to meet Olympians, take in a few of the Olympic games and experience all the unique sights of London, England.
Last Train To Paris…
For the first time ever, I experienced a dream getaway to Paris, France from the United Kingdom (during the Olympics). The Effel Tower, The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysée all were seen and conquered by the diva!
Divas Love To Travel & Love Their Cars!
This has been an amazing year of travel and automotive adoration on DivasandDorks.com. So much so, that our sister sites DivasOnDestinations.com and DivasDriveInHeels.com were born and slated to launch January 2013!
Here’s to a wonderful 2012 and an even better 2013!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
How To Make Realistic Resolutions You Can Easily Keep
December 24th, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffAs 2012 comes to a close, many of us are looking back eleven months and wondering what happened to those New Year’s resolutions we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year. While we hope that you’ve had success with many of those, we have found some of the most common resolutions that won’t require drastic lifestyle changes in order for you to keep in 2013.
Fitness and Weight Loss

The push to get to your ideal size is a common goal, especially at the start of a new year. With months and months ahead of you, you might begin to develop a workout plan that you start with vigor, but one that fizzles out after the summer months and bikini season come to an end. In 2013, try developing a workout plan that’s not too complicated and can be kept for an entire twelve months. That way, when 2014 rolls around you won’t find yourself struggling to hit the same goal. Try things like replacing snacks like cookies and chips with healthier alternatives like fruits and vegetables. Also, try not to be a couch potato. Scheduling fifteen to thirty minute workouts into your day either early in the morning or before going to bed are easy ways to help you reach your goals.
Finances

One the most common pitfalls, when it comes to making a resolution of better spending, is making an unrealistic goal. Start the year off knowing exactly what your intended income will be and make a monthly budget that reflects that amount. While you might be subject to a raise at your job or monetary gifts from family and friends, consider any additional income money that whichcan be put into a savings account. Crystal Colclough, financial advisor and founder of BlackChicksWithCents.com says, “Determine your net worth by figuring out how much you have in assets and how much you have in debt. Create and budget then find the leaks and plug them”.
Occupational Therapy
If you go to work every day and leave feeling like the day has been wasted on work that hasn’t fulfilled you in any way, setting a goal to land a new gig isn’t a bad idea, and while the job market may seem scarce, it is not an unrealistic goal. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to pull out that stellar resume of yours and update it, adding any new skills or awards you might have acquired during the previous year. Were you named employee of the month? Did your job offer training that allowed you to gain certification in an area you weren’t certified before? These are great examples of resume enhancements that can help you land that dream job you’ve been searching.
Don’t let a fear of not accomplishing certain goals stop you from making New Year’s resolutions for 2013! Write them down so that this time next year you can look back and check them all off.
Tell us some of your realistic resolutions below…
‘What Were They Thinking?’ Celebrity Moments of 2012
December 19th, 2012 by Tiffany12.
Evelyn Lozada and Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson definitely shocked the world in August of 2012. Johnson, 34, was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge after he allegedly head-butted Lozada during an argument. Lozada was treated for a “pretty good-sized” laceration to her forehead. While the situation was physically damaging to Lozada, it was detrimental to Johnson’s football career. We bet he’ll never head-butt another soul.
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Comedian Katt Williams had a double whammy that left everyone wondering what is wrong with him?! After a high speed police chase in California, Katt went into a Target store and was caught on camera slapping an employee! He then did a tearful news interview after another altercation at a Seattle restaurant saying he was “done with stand-up comedy”.
If you missed it watch an out of it Katt Williams give his statement after the incidents.
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Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson has definitely made a name for herself this year. Landing her own reality show on TLC, she has also recently appeared on Barbara Walters‘s Most Fascinating People of 2012 list. While she has had many memorable moments on both Toddlers and Tiaras and spin-off Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, her guest appearance- or lack of appearance- on the Dr. Drew show lands her on our 2012 memorable moments list as she defiantly expresses her boredom on camera.
If you missed it watch her doze off on Dr. Drew here.
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Nicki Minaj confused, shocked and even scared a few during her February performance at the 2012 Grammy’s in Los Angeles. She performed Roman Holiday sitting next to The Pope and called the performance “The exorcism of [Nicki's alter ego] Roman.” Choreographed by Laurieann Gibson, it featured religious imagery, pyrotechnics, and backup dancers dressed as monks. The performance may -or may not- have been a mock of the Illuminati conspiracies, but it definitely rubbed many the wrong way.
Work The Trend: A Guide To Working Oxblood Into Your Daily Wardrobe
November 15th, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Undoubtedly one of the hottest trends for the fall is the color Oxblood. I personally hate the name…why can’t I just call it burgundy or plum like it’s been since the beginning of time!?!?! HA! Aside for the disdain for the name, there is no questioning its presence in this falls lineup of “must haves.” Celebs and fashionistas have flocked to the trend rocking it in a variety of ways. This variety adds to the allure of the trend and it’s capacity to be worn with most anything and worn in almost any way.

This amazing leather skirt, priced at $925 definitely makes a fall statement in traditional McQueen fashion!
Avant Garde fashion house Alexander McQueen took this trend and fused it together with classic fall favorite, leather! This amazing leather skirt, priced at $925 definitely makes a fall statement in traditional McQueen fashion! Wear it with cable knit tights and ankle booties to complete the look!
Unlike some trends, oxblood is not limited to a particular item like military jackets or coated denim. Oxblood can be worn as a clothing item (sweater, blouse, skirt, jeans), an accessory (shoes, purse, necklace, ring, scarf, hat), or as a beauty item (nail polish, lipstick) making it an affordable option for any budget.
There really is no wrong way to wear it as I’ve seen it rocked “all oxblood everything” or as an accent piece for an outfit. Need some style inspirations? Check out these outfits that cater to any budget.

Looking for something more formal? This tuxedo blazer from Elizabeth & James $395 is also successful fusion of two hot trends.
Sequin Dress – Topshop – $130
Ring – Zara Simon Cross Gold Ring – $180 Shoes – Christian Louboutin Daf- $1,075
Clutch – Dareen Hakim Le Icon – $305
Cuff – Dorothy Perkins – $17
But what if you’re not into leather skirts, dresses or tuxedo jackets? You can still be on-trend in oxblood skinny jeans! Super skinny jeans were all the rage this past summer and they are back for the fall season in oxblood and plum! Retailers from Wet Seal $29 to Mother the Looker $196 feature them so price is no barrier to this must!
Peplum Top – Chicwish – $43
Two Tone Jean Pants – Aqua – $68
Hoop Earrings – Miso – $8
Studded Black Bootie – Charlotte Russe – $39
Watch – Merona – $15
Black Boston bag – Mossimo – $30
No matter you taste, style or budget there is something this season that will woo a warm a nice plumy place in your heart this fall! So get out there, get creative and get into the trend because it isn’t going away anytime soon!
BET Hip Hop Awards 2012: Fellas, Fashion & A Few Tech Fetishes
October 2nd, 2012 by TiffanyBefore the confirmed fights, chain snatchings and melees was the BET Hip Hop Awards Red Carpet interviews. Since the BET Hip Hop Awards took place in none other than the heart of Southern hip hop music, Atlanta, GA. it’s only right that the talent as well as the fashion here is definitely in a league of its own. We hit the red carpet to find out what fashions, trends, and gadgets a few of Hip Hop’s rising stars & celebs just can’t live without!
Diggy says when it comes to fashion he’s an accessories kind of dude. “I like neck wear and bracelets a lot, but definitely love kicks a lot too.” One gadget he can’t leave the house without “My iPhone! I’ll turn around for that.” I just knew Diggy had the iPhone 5, but looks like his schedule hasn’t allowed for it yet. “I’ve been traveling everywhere so much since it came out that I haven’t been able to make it to the AT&T store, but I’m going to get it though.”
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We spoke to Mr. “Snapback and Tattoos” himself, Driicky Graham. To my surprise snapbacks are not his fashion must-haves on a daily basis. “Fox tails and I love Louie V. belts, I got one on right now actually.” He doesn’t have the iPhone 5 yet either, but says he’s still “rocking with Siri on the 4S, so I’m good for now, but I’m definitely going to check out the 5.” He will be one of the many rappers part of the this year’s Cyphers.
Super producer Mr. Bangladesh (left) definitely gets my vote for most interesting style and outlook on technology. The Grammy winning producer has worked with names like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Lil’ Wayne, and his latest project with Brandy. When asked about his fearless style he says– “This is just me, I came out of the womb with {style like} this.” I asked if he was as advanced in technology as he was in fashion and had the iPhone 5? He definitely gave the most interesting answer unlike any other celeb– “No, I’m not into the hustle. One thing about Bang, you’re not going to hustle Bang. Technology is the hustle world. There’s nothing different in the iPhone 5 that they couldn’t have put in the iPhone 4 or the 1. Apple has these smart technicians- you can’t tell me that they didn’t think about making the picture clearer before the next one was created. You know what I’m saying? It’s a hustle. I have the old iPhone not because I wanted it but because I was in the U.K. and they told me I needed it. I’m not for the hustles.”
His newest artist Fast Life (above right) says he prefers to get his clothes from all over the world. ” I got some Balenciaga, Fendi, and vintage Valentino type . But my favorite piece I’d have to say is my gold… I can’t leave the house without my gold.” He has a mixtape coming soon and is striving to be the next big name under Bangladesh Records.
Looks like the iPhone 5 is still on many celeb’s to-do list, while others refuse to be “hustled” by it. So WHO was the first to boast having the iPhone 5 on the red carpet?
Q Parker from the Atlanta based singing group 112 was the first one on the red carpet that could boast of having the newest iPhone.
“I don’t really have a style, I just like to be expressive. I’m not afraid of textures or colors.” That was clear considering he was the only male on the red carpet wearing sequins. “However I feel that’s what I do.” So what does Q look for a lady to have as a part of her style package? –”I don’t really get into that. I just really like for a lady to be confident in whatever she puts on and know that she’s sexy. If she knows it, I know it. Confidence is the whole package.” Ladies take notes!
When I told Q he was the first one I’ve come across with the iPhone 5 he said–”You know a lot of people don’t have it because they’re letting the glitches get out of it. A lot of people have been having problems with the new operating system. Luckily I haven’t had any problems and I love the new iPhone.”
Here are a few more red carpet surprises, show downs, show outs:
Rapper 2 Chainz showed up on the red carpet looking like a bag of skittles, but also like a dad. He brought along his daughter and expecting partner as well. Who would have known he was a family man?
We’re still left to wonder who showed up as the Ninja Turtle squad…
Cash Out and his Chucky doll accessory was the loudest fashion statement on the red carpet by far. This is definitely a red carpet first.
Fans can look forward to another year of Hip Hop greats & hot acts rocking the Atlanta stage next week. Rapper LL Cool J spoke in a tribute to hip-hop manager Chris Lighty, who committed suicide last month behind his Bronx townhouse. Q-Tip, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott and 50 Cent took the stage to perform, as did Rick Ross, P. Diddy, 2 Chainz and Future.
Check out more photos from the Hip Hop Awards red carpet below… You can check out the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards & Performances Tuesday 10/9 at 8P/7C. Only on BET!
US Weekly Names 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers… Do You Agree?
September 14th, 2012 by Fashion StaffWednesday night, US Weekly celebrated their coveted list of 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers at STK in New York. Gracing the coveted list included TODAY co-host Hoda Ktob, 50 Cent, Olympian Ryan Lochte and more! Check out the full list and celebrity arrivals below…
Tons of celebs (both honorees and supporters) attended the celebration & we’re curious to know if you think everyone on this list deserved their spot. Check out a few of the red carpet arrivals below and cast your vote of the hottest of the 25 Most Stylish honorees…
Do you approve of US Weekly’s 25 Most Stylish list? Did they miss anyone? Share your most stylish New Yorker nominee below…
Black Enterprise Votes DivasandDorks.com Best Of The Blogosphere!
May 1st, 2012 by ChristenTalk about kicking the summer off on a high note! You can’t imagine how happy I am to be selected & actually kicking off Black Enterprise Magazine’s Black Blogger Month Celebration!
Dress by: Calvin Klein (Marshall’s $49.99)
It has been a hard road & it couldn’t have been done without loyal & faithful readers like you! Make sure you check out the full Black Enterprise Black Blogger Month Interview HERE and if you’re in NYC – join me and the rest of this month’s inductees as we celebrate Black Blogger Month in style at the 40/40 club at 7pm.


















































































