By Tamara Jenkins

Chicago’s dark and lovely ladies descended upon the Wit Hotel June 12^thfor SoftSheen Carson and Essence Magazine’s Ultimate Fashionista Event.

The event included a casting for the newest Dark and Lovely ad and a panel discussion on how women can achieve a polished look from head to toe as well as tips on how they can look their best everyday.

Tasha Turner, Contributing Editor of Essence Magazine, moderated the panel that featured actress and former First Lady of Turks and Caicos, LisaRaye McCoy, celebrity hairstylist Eric Bland who’s worked with Tyra Banks, Lisa Ling and Star Jones and celebrity stylist/fashion correspondent Carlton Jones whose clients include Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and Alicia Keys.

Key topics included creating a budget when shopping, befriending store sales associates, shopping sample sales, recycling an older wardrobe with tailoring and experimenting with different styles. Also discussed, things that can kill a look- inappropriate clothing, over accessorizing and bad hair.

Panelists agreed the best look always starts with healthy hair. McCoy divulged her secrets of wearing wigs and weaves to maintain her mane and Bland stressed the importance of trimming which should be done every 3-6 weeks. The discussion concluded with final tips from panelists and audience questions.  

Following the discussion UnRated Urban spoke with LisaRaye McCoy about her upcoming projects and she stated they included the second season of her successful TV One reality series The Real McCoy, launching her social media networking organization B2B (Back to Business) and the VH1 film entitled “Single Ladies” co-starring Stacey Dash and Lauren London produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Productions.

The winner of the national casting will be announced in the October issue of Essence Magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Adam Bielawski