The Black Dress Traveler

Ivana Trump Goes from First Class to No Class

Naughty, naughty, naughty. Ivana Trump, the socialite ex-wife of The Donald, was booted from her first class seat on a commercial flight from Florida to NYC on Friday as a result of her less than classy behavior.

"From the initial contact until Ms. Trump left the property, she was saying f - - k you to all the deputies," and called the kids "little f - - kers," a police spokeswoman told the Palm Beach Post.

Ivana's tirade of F-bombs was allegedly ignited by the sounds of a crying baby that she was unable to block out with her headphones. It is reported that her behavior was so unruly that the plane returned to the terminal so that the TSA could escort Miss Thing off the aircraft.

Shame on you Ivana! Take your private jet if you can't play nicely with others!
Click here to read the entire story in the NY Post.

Journalist Gwen Ifill: On the Go In a Great Jacket

In an age of television pundits who raise their voices without raising important issues, journalist Gwen Ifill's poise and knowledge make her a stellar standout. As moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and senior correspondent for  PBS NewsHour, Ifill is an undisputed media power player. And, power players dress the part.

 Gwen Ifill moderating the 2008 Vice Presidential debate.

I met Ms. Ifill yesterday at the Hudson Union Society's event at the Williams Club where she was discussing her best-selling book The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama. She made the journey from her home in Washington, DC to New York City on the ACELA train and was dressed in a simple yet elegant travel friendly ensemble of black slacks paired with a black shirt and a perfectly tailored royal blue jacket. The other guests sensibly questioned Ms. Ifill about politics, President Obama, and other serious matters. Don't get me wrong, I care about those issues too and enjoyed hearing her perspective. But there was one question I really needed the answer to. 

"Ms. Ifill, I couldn't help but notice the gorgeous blue jacket you wore when you moderated the Vice Presidential debates in 2008. Who designed it?"
 
Smiling warmly, Ms. Ifill answered, "Nina McLemore."

While not as important as the countless hours of research and hundreds of questions that she carefully crafted in preparation for the highly anticipated debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, I suspect that Ms. Ifill gave serious consideration to a jacket that would be seen by a live audience of almost 70 million people. Not only did she need to like the garment but her selection needed to convey the message that she was confident and in charge without being distracting. For the debate, Ms. Ifill needed to be prepared in every way, especially since there were some vocal critics who questioned Ms. Ifill's ability to be unbiased because then Presidential Candidate Obama was a focal point in her book. When asked how she felt about her detractors Ifill said, "They were trying to mess with my mind and I wasn't going to have it."

Nina McLemore? The name was unfamiliar to me but Nina McLemore must be nothing less than fabulous if Ifill opted to wear her jacket on such a momentous occasion.  Ifill was also wearing a McLemore jacket at her appearance yesterday.

Ms. Ifill was gracious enough to pose for a photo with me! Look, another great jacket!
photo by J. Hoch

Further research revealed that Ms. McLemore is the Founder of Liz Claiborne Accessories and Former Chair of the Fashion Group International. Her collection of clothing for "smart, confident women on the go," is also a favorite of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

After delivering her great talk, Ms. Ifill had a few hours of free time before taping her appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Could a visit to Nina McLemore's Manhattan showroom for another fab jacket have been the next step on her busy agenda?

Whoopi Inspires Aretha to Fly the Friendly Skies

Legendary entertainers Aretha Franklin and Whoopi Goldberg may not get stage fright but for years they were both grounded by their intense fear of flying, opting instead to cruise around in their luxury tour buses. Earlier this year Whoopi conquered her fears and took her first flight in 13 years. Now it seems that the Queen of Soul is ready to do the same!

Today on "The View", Aretha of the soaring vocals indicated that she was inspired by Whoopi and ready to soar the skies. It just goes to show that it is never too late to conquer your fears! Aretha, get your black dress ready and go!

Nigella Bites the Big Apple!

Best-selling cookbook author, television star, and world renowned domestic goddess Nigella Lawson had the crowd at Tuesday night's Hudson Union Society event eating out of her hands and hungry for more!

Dressed in a perfect little black dress, the curvy culinary celebrity was in New York City to promote her newest book, Nigella Christmas. More than just a collection of holiday recipes, Nigella's festive book is full of practical advice to keep your holiday meal preparations stress-free so that you can focus on enjoying time with your guests.   

A winning combination of posh and down-to-earth, Nigella proudly proclaimed that she is "spearheading the anti-perfectionist movement."  She continued by explaining that "food is about home cooking" and that most people on their death beds will reminisce about the simple foods of their everyday lives, such as a juicy roast chicken, and not the elaborate creations served in restaurants.

Nigella's talent and passion for food have led her on an incredible journey but her ascent was far from premeditated. "I never planned anything in my life. I loafed from crisis to crisis," she laughed. 

Nigella's talk revealed some basic but important truths about life: be comfortable in your own skin, relish life's unexpected twists and turns, and a pat of real butter makes everything better!

Photo taken by J Hoch.

Global Chic: Affordable Luxuries from Iman

 This dreary day in New York City gave me the perfect excuse to spend a little time indoors watching that hilarious haute mess of a talk show known as The Wendy Williams Show.

Wendy's guest today was the gorgeous supermodel and mogul Iman. This ageless diva was promoting her Global Chic line of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories that are sold exclusively on HSN. I'm pretty familiar with Iman's cosmetics line but really did not know much about her other products. 

Well, I have to say that several of the Global Chic items caught my eye. Best of all, nothing is over $100 and several items have very low clearance prices. HSN also has flexible pricing and many of the goodies can be divided into 2 or 3 payments. These price points make it even easier to follow Iman's advice to "think globally, live fashionably". Here are a few pieces that really stood out for me.

   Handbeaded Parisian Clutch ($69.95) - Love the bold colors. This would be great for an evening out and adding some wow to a little black dress or even blue jeans.  

Parisian Style Open & Airy Braided Cuff (59.95) - Simply elegant! 

 

Venetian Style Multi-Faceted Stretch Bracelet ($54.95) - Playful and flirty. 

Pave Wrapped Stone Necklace ($64.95) - Looks very expensive but only you will know!

Philadelphia Celebrates Princess Diana

As a little girl, I was captivated by the fairy-tales-do-come-true Royal Wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981. As an adult, I was crestfallen by the sudden death of “The People’s Princess” in 1997. Clearly, I was not alone in this sentiment.

What was it about Diana? I am not a Royal Watcher but it was impossible not to watch Princess Diana. Somehow, she was different. In spite of Diana's beauty, wealth, and talents she possessed an ineffable quality that made her seem like someone with whom you could actually share a glass of wine, secrets, and even commiserate about boy trouble.

Twelve years after her death Princess Diana continues to be a source of fascination. Thanks to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, fans of the Princess can indulge their passion for all things Diana at the fabulous new exhibition, Diana: A Celebration. Diana's brother Charles, Ninth Earl Spencer, flew across the pond from the family's ancestral home in Althorp (where Princess Diana was laid to rest) to welcome guests to a preview of this stunning exhibition. Diana: A Celebration will be open to the public from October 2 - December 31. In his welcoming remarks, Charles referred to his beautiful and altruistic sister as the world's first glamorous humanitarian.

Diana: A Celebration covers 10,000 square feet and features over 150 artifacts organized into nine galleries: Childhood, Spencer Women, Engagement, Royal Wedding, Tiara Gallery, Style & Fashion, Her Work, Tribute, and Condolences. While Princess Diana’s extravagant wedding gown is the showstopper, the other objects in the exhibition really bring Diana’s personality to life. Childhood movies, an old report card, handwritten notes and even old dancing shoes share space with her couture fashions. Most importantly, Diana: A Celebration also showcases her humanitarian work for causes such as HIV and the campaign to ban land mines. Truly, Diana's modern approach to life and her concern for the world far beyond the walls of Buckingham Palace redefined what it meant to be a Royal.

Yes, Princess Diana was only human but Diana: A Celebration is an engaging reminder of how this very unique woman generously shared her gifts with the world and broke through rigid expectations to live life on her own terms.

For more information about Diana: A Celebration, visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

    Princess Diana’s wedding gown - the wedding dress of the century!

Yes, the dress has a 25 foot train!

 

Princess Diana’s brother Charles graciously posed for a photo with me.

Princess Diana wore this scarlet evening dress designed by Jacques Azagury on a 1997 visit to Washington, DC.

   The Style Gallery showcases 28 of Princess Diana’s outfits.

  

Princess Diana’s passports from her childhood and as an adult.

Nancy O'Dell Found Love at the Airport

Gorgeous Access Hollywood correspondent Nancy O'Dell has a dream job, a beautiful daughter and a handsome husband. Hard work landed Nancy her amazing career but travel helped her to meet the man of her dreams.

Nancy told talk show host Wendy Williams that she and her husband Keith met while standing in the security line at the airport. Apparently, they kept making eye contact, struck up a conversation, and the rest is history.

Is love at the airport a quiet phenomenon? A friend of mine met her future husband at baggage claim.

Airports can be downright stressful and unpleasant but these true romantic tales prove that love can happen when you least expect it - another great reason to wear a cute outfit when traveling and leave those sweatpants in your suitcase!

Oprah Discovers My "Amigo" - Polo Player Nacho Figueras

 

The topic on today's Oprah Winfrey Show was the "Most Famous People in the World and polo star Nacho Figueras was one of the featured guests. It was fun to watch Oprah gaze flirtatiously at the handsome Argentinean polo player who is also the perfectly chiseled face of the Ralph Lauren Black Label Line.

Ok, Nacho isn't really my amigo but I did get to meet the man who came in second in Vanity Fair's competition for the Most Handsome Man in the World.  (That kid with the messy hair from the Twilight movies came in first. Whatever.) I watched Nacho play in the last match of the season at the Greenwich Polo Club just a few weeks ago and he was gracious enough to take a photo with me. What a way to end the summer! Oprah mentioned that she had never been to a polo match, so Oprah you are welcome to picnic with me and my friends at Greenwich next season!

Little Black Travel Diary: Kym Hampton

Athlete, actress, singer, and model Kym Hampton is a true renaissance woman whose talents have led her on an exciting journey far from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

A legend of the WNBA and the New York Liberty, Kym played in the league’s inaugural game and was the first player in the team’s history to score a basket. Kym started in every game of the Liberty’s first three seasons and was a first-round pick in the WNBA Elite Draft in 1997. Prior to joining the Liberty, Kym also played basketball professionally in Spain, Italy, France and Japan.

Off the court, Kym has modeled for Cover Girl cosmetics and acted on television and in film. Kym is currently the Fan Development Leader for the New York Liberty. Music is another passion of Kym’s and she is pursuing a career as a singer. In fact, Kym closes out each regular Liberty season with her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem on Fan Appreciation Day. Let’s peek inside the Little Black Travel Diary of the inimitable Kym Hampton!

My first memory of traveling is going to California on an airplane when I was 8 (apart from the car road trips).

I never travel without Vaseline. It has been used by my family before I was born. It was used for everything - the body after a bath (lotion would fade after a few hours), lip gloss, if we were out of hair grease. I’ve been blessed with incredible skin so my cleansing routine consist of soap water and Vaseline. I know I’m making a lot of people cringe by saying this because that goes against what a lot of people in the skincare industry would say but, you know what they say…….”If it isn’t broke don’t fix it.”

My favorite destinations are Spain and Italy.

The taste of great olive oil reminds me of Italy.

My favorite traveling companion is my boyfriend Fred.

Traveling alone is relaxing, but sometimes boring.

I dream of visiting Tahiti and Bali. 

A film, book, or song that awakens my wanderlust is How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan and the song La Costa by Natalie Cole.

My favorite traveling outfit is a velour sweat suit. 

My most unforgettable traveling experience was when I was playing professional basketball in Spain- the team I played for only allowed us to have four days off for the Christmas holiday. I had to get a flight leaving on the 24^th because we played a game on the 23^rd. When I got to Chicago the flight I was scheduled to be on was oversold and I was told I had to be placed on a waiting list. We were also informed that the hotels in the area were full so unless we wanted to stay really far away our option was the airport. Needless to say I was heartbroken…until my name was called and I was the last to make the flight.

When I have been away from home for a long time, the thing I miss the most is my own space.

If I could travel back in time, I would go to Africa to see how the ancient Kings and Queens lived.

My travel icons are Melissa Abbe and Maureen Coyle.

My must have beauty product when traveling is Vaseline. 

My words of travel wisdom are go, see, taste and experience the beautiful world!

Click here to read the Little Black Travel Diaries of other fantastic women!

Cindy Crawford Wants You to Glow!

Our skin is our constant companion wherever we go, so I am always interested in learning about skincare lines that are travel-friendly and deliver great results. Like many of you, I tend to be slightly skeptical when I hear about celebrity skincare lines - do the celebrities even use the products they promote or is it just another way to keep their coffers full?

Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty bills itself as a "complete age maintenance system" that will "diminish the visible signs of aging." Crawford developed the line in partnership with Parisian cosmetic doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh. The 30-day kit is sold online for $29.95 and includes Skin Softening Cleanser, Day Moisture, Night Fluid, Eye Creme, Facial Masque, Decollete & Neck Cream and Glowing Serum. Most of the products will fit the Ziplock bag required by the airlines to contain liquids in your carry-on. 

Cindy's skin is so gorgeous that she recently did a photo shoot for Harper's Bazaar without makeup. Will Meaningful Beauty do the same for you? I asked my lovely friend Karen to give Meaningful Beauty a trial run. Here is what she says:

"I have medium skin, that can tend to be dry depending on the weather. I think the moisturizers are terrific in the Cindy Crawford line. I would buy the Glowing Serum by the gallon! WOW! Everyone commented on how rested I looked and how great my skin looked. I liked all of the moisturizers except the eye cream which was too harsh. They were light, not heavy but effective. The cleanser was very good too - again, not greasy and my skin felt clean afterward, no soap necessary. I would recommend the line to all of my friends, except for the eye cream. I enjoy using the products and feel they are a good value."

For more information, visit www.meaningfulbeauty.com.

Real Atlanta Housewife Lisa Will Attend Opening of New Carol's Daughter Store

The Black Dress Traveler is a huge fan of Carol's Daughter natural and heavenly scented beauty products and I was so honored when down-to-earth-diva and company founder Lisa Price completed her Little Black Travel Diary for my site. So I was thrilled when I heard that Carol's Daughter's newest store is opening this Saturday, August 22 at Lenox Square Mall in Hotlanta (3393 Peachtree Road NE). 

Lisa Wu Hartwell, the gorgeous star of one of my guilty pleasures, reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, will add a dash of Georgia Peach Glam to the opening on Saturday. (Hmm, Lisa's skin does always have that gorgeous glow, I wonder if she uses my favorite Carol's Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub?)  On Saturday from Noon-7:00 pm the public is invited to indulge in some FREE pampering in the Carol's Daughter Mobile Beauty Lounge. The complimentary treatments offered on Saturday will include mini hair, nail and massage treatments. Each guest will also be gifted with a 10% coupon that they can use towards the purchase of products used in their mini-treatment. On Sunday, August 23 at noon R&B singer Keri Hilson will be making an appearance and getting her pretty on and the public is invited to shop.

What an event! Who can resist the lure of Carol's Daughter products combined with the slight possibility that one of Lisa Wu Hartwell's zany castmates might show up to cause some drama! Well, at least they can get a Carol's Daughter manicure after breaking those nails in a catfight! Meow! 

Win Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skincare!

In honor of the return of Project Runway to television (premieres Thursday, 8/20 on Lifetime), The Black Dress Traveler is giving away a starter kit of Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skincare. (retail value $39.95)

Supermodel and super mogul Heidi's product line is designed to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores in just seconds. Heidi states, "In An Instant® is the perfect name for my skin care system because it instantly cleans, instantly polishes, instantly hydrates, instantly rejuvenates, and instantly gives your skin a natural-looking glow. The In An Instant® system is one of the best things I do for myself everyday."

This 30-day kit of six travel friendly products includes:

• - Instant Warming Scrub
   - Gentle Foaming Cleanser
   - Intensive Firming Serum
   - Instant Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
   - Intensive Eye Treatment
   - Instant Wrinkle Smoother
  

(Supermodel contract and a sexy R&B singer husband not included).

So You Think You Know Proactiv? : A Great Skincare Solution at Home & On the Road

Enter to win a Proactiv Solution Mini Maintenance Kit. (retail value $15)

Is there anyone who hasn't been mesmerized by those Proactiv Solution commercials? More than any other skincare line, I credit Proactiv Solution for emphasizing the point that acne does not discriminate and that even rich and beautiful celebrities like Serena Williams, Vanessa Williams, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Love Hewitt aren't immune to the frustration and shame that unsightly pimples can cause. These ladies are all proud Proactiv users. If they are bold enough to share their skincare woes, I feel that I can too.

I have had sensitive and acne-prone skin since my pre-teens. I was picked on and teased about my condition - sometimes to the point of tears. From over-the-counter treatments to prescription medications, over the years I have spent a small fortune on my face.  A break-out is a downer anytime but I really remember feeling so angry and embarrassed when my face would betray me on a special occasion or a vacation. As an adult, my skin has vastly improved but I have to remain vigilant.

When I was invited to try Proactiv, I was suprised to learn that their famous 3 step combination therapy system has expanded to include a wonderful array of products, including anti-aging and makeup. The hot and humid weather can even wreak havoc on skin that is generally trouble free so this seemed like the perfect time to give Proactiv a whirl. Here are some of the Proactiv products you may want to try and that have really worked for me. If you are also a ProActiv user, I would love to hear from you!

In case you are not familiar with Proactiv Solution, let me start off by sharing their basic 3-step maintenance system - Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion. If you've never used Proactiv, I suggest starting with this regimen. I began with this and the results were pretty dramatic. In just a few days, my skin was less oily and noticeably clearer. You can order a mini-maintenance kit for $15 at QVC.  This kit is perfect for travel.

After using the standard regimen for about 10 days, I decided to swap out the Renewing Cleanser with the Deep Cleansing Wash. I am crazy about this cleanser and pray they never stop making it. At first, I was a little nervous about using a product that was designed to be used on the face and body. However, the Deep Cleansing Wash is remarkably gentle. Like the Renewing Cleanser, it also has microbeads that give the skin a gentle exfoliation and the salicylic acid has a nice brightening effect on the face. You can get two 8 oz. bottles at QVC for $33.50.

Moisturizing is an absolute MUST when you are using Proactiv because overly dry skin will start to go crazy producing oil and that will lead to the very break-outs you are trying to avoid. Oil free moisture is the solution. For daytime, Proactiv's Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 is the BEST oil-free moisturizer I have ever used. ($27)  Lightweight and moisturizing, this gem also has also oil absorbing Nylon 12.  My face is visibly less oily and I have to powder my face less frequently.  For night time, try the Green Tea Moisturizer ($24.50) and for extra oil control during the day, you could also put on a sheer layer of the Daily Oil Control ($20).

During the day, I use the Repairing Lotion that is a part of the three step maintenance system but at night time I have quickly become devoted to the Clarifying Night Cream. ($28.75). Addressing adult acne and aging simultaneously can be a real drag but this cream combines retinol, vitamins, and salicylic acid to effectively and gently fight pimples and wrinkles. No zits + a great smooth glow = LOVE IT!

That's all for today. The second part of my review  next week will feature the Proactiv makeup, eye cream and some other treatments. To learn more about Proactiv, visit www.proactiv.com.

Black Dress Beauty: Christiane Amanpour Trades Her Safari Jacket for a Sexy Dress

CNN's Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, has always wowed me with her intellect, fearlessness, and cool demeanor as she delivers hard-hitting reports from war zones around the world. Safari jackets have become Amanpour's trademark and completely make sense in her line of work: she needs to be comfortable and often works in areas where it is not culturally appropriate for women to reveal too much skin.

So I was stunned when I saw  Amanpour in Harper's Bazaar (August 2009) looking absolutely glamourous and sexy in an  elegant Donna Karan dress. Not a safari jacket in sight. You can tell from the big smile on Amanpour's face and her confident stance that she is loving how she feels and looks in her glammed out ensemble. Amanpour said, "[This] is a real luxury for me because it introduces me to clothes and options I would never dream — well, it's not that I would never dream of going and getting in a store, but I would not know where to look," she says. "So it was a real help to put on those clothes and have somebody to pick them out and then say, 'Oh, wow, that looks really good!'"

Score another one for the little black dress!

Click here to read the full article in Harper's Bazaar.

Talking & Tasting with Top Chef Stephanie Izard

The 55th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City featured more than 250,000 products and I feel like I tasted every single one. In the space of 3 hours I sampled pickled cactus from Mexico, coffee from Cameroon, European rose nectar, and even bacon lip balm that the exhibitor told me was an aphrodisiac. Hmm, maybe that explains why that Emeril Lagasse impersonator was getting all flirty with me.

Just when I thought my taste buds had gone to sleep, they perked up at the sight of season 4 Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard - the first, and so far the only, female chef to win Bravo's popular culinary showdown.  Today Chef Izard was working her magic at the Lucini Italia Olive Oil booth and her Chilled Walla Walla Onion Soup with Green Garlic Vinaigrette & Olive Oil Poached Shrimp was DELICIOUS, refreshing and superbly seasoned - the perfect palate pick-me-up.  

Gracious and down-to-earth, Chef Izard even laughed when I dorkily asked her if making the soup was as stressful as Top Chef's Quick Fire Challenges. Chef Izard told me that her new restaurant, The Drunken Goat, will be opening in Chicago in January 2010. If the soup is any indicator, her restaurant is going to rock!

Black Dress Beauty: Natalie Portman

One could have easily confused the red carpet at this year's White House Correspondents' Association Dinner for a major Hollywood awards show extravaganza. (Hmm, maybe Joan and Melissa Rivers can do commentary next year?) Mingling with the politicos and beltway regulars were many of the biggest names in film, television and music. However, one black dress beauty stole the show: actress Natalie Portman was elegance personified in this long and sexy Balenciaga halter dress. If fashion were a political party, Ms. Portman would win the nomination in a silky landslide!

 

Black Dress Beauty: Halle Berry

Shapely thespian Halle Berry rocked basic black with a sexy twist at the red carpet premiere of Wolverine. Sheer paneling added a dash of naughty to this va va voom black cocktail dress by French designer Herve L. Leroux. Ms. Berry kept her look sleek and elegant with minimal accessories and strappy sandals. Bravo Ms. Berry, you are a black dress beauty!

 

Animal Fair Guides You and Your Pooch to the Perfect Vacation!

The Black Dress Traveler was delighted to contribute to the most recent travel issue of Animal Fair - the premier lifestyle magazine and website for animal lovers. Acclaimed actor Mickey Rourke is on the cover with his dearly departed Chihuahua Loki. 

I had a great time writing my  article on Savannah. During my trip, I met the founder of Oliver Bentley's Barking Bakery and, in the name of research, I even tasted their signature organic dog biscuits! Savannah is a very dog friendly city and my article features many of the best places in town to pamper your canine companion from hotels to bars.  Other destinations featured in the Animal Fair travel issue include Palm Springs, Cleveland, Miami, and New Orleans. In addition, to Mickey Rourke; Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Kyra Sedgwick, Ashanti, and Bridget Marquardt are also profiled with their dogs. In case you're wondering, the Black Dress Traveler does not have a dog but my Betta fish Benicio was happy to pose for a photo!

Animal Fair can be purchased at Barnes & Noble.

Little Black Travel Diary: Lisa Price (Founder, Carol's Daughter)

Lisa Price

www.carolsdaughter.com

 

Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub, Mango Melange Body Butter, Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie; Carol's Daughter sweet hair and skincare concoctions are fragrant proof that food is not the only tasty creation to come out of a kitchen. Lisa Price, the founder and president of Carol's Daughter started the company in 1992 with $100 in her Brooklyn kitchen. Named lovingly after her mother, today Carol's Daughter has outgrown Lisa's kitchen and is a multi-million dollar company with stores throughout the United States, including the flagship store on Harlem's legendary 125th Street.

Fragrant, luxurious, effective, and affordable, Carol's Daughter has a loyal customer base and a devoted celebrity clientele. Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith and singer Mary J. Blige are such big fans of Carol's Daughter that they even became investors in the company. Recently, Mary took a little break from singing to whip up a sea salt scrub with Lisa on the Rachel Ray show. Jada said, "I attribute my long, beautiful hair to Lisa's Hair Elixir and Hair Balm." With such rave reviews, success is very sweet indeed for Lisa Price and Carol's Daughter.

Let's peek inside The Little Black Travel Diary of Lisa Price!

I never travel without Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, my must have hair product.

My favorite destination is Miami, Florida– even if just for a moment. As soon as I get a sense of the sun, I’m immediately relaxed.

The taste of lychee reminds me of Costa Rica.

My favorite traveling companion is my husband, Gordon. He is adventurous and I am not, so I always see new things and do new things. I love to travel with my best friend.

Traveling alone is great at times. I travel for business and while I do miss my family, I like to be in the hotel room alone with the remote. No dishes or laundry to do.

I dream of visiting Bali.

A film, book, or song that awakens my wanderlust is “Like Water For Chocolate.”

My favorite traveling outfit is a comfortable, but stylish pair of knit pants and a soft knit wrap.

My most unforgettable traveling experience was in Costa Rica and Beach #3 in Manuel Antonio State Park.  Breathtaking!!!

When I have been away from home for a long time, the thing I miss the most is the sounds of my children.

If I could travel back in time, I would go to Ancient Egypt.

My travel icon is Joy Mangano of HSN (Home Shopping Network.)

My must have beauty product when traveling is Carol's Daughter Hair Milk.

My words of travel wisdom are be true to who you are wherever you are and make the most of your time.

Click here to read the Little Black Travel Diaries of other dynamic women.

Way to Go: Whoopi Goldberg Tackles Fear of Flying

Award-winning actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg is absolutely fearless when it comes to speaking her mind on and off The View but flying the friendly skies was a no-no for this tough diva. In fact, Goldberg's fear of flying (aviophobia) was so intense that for the past 13 years she has only traveled in her super luxury tour bus or sailed on the QE2.  Swanky, yes, but still limiting.

But Whoopi recently looked fear in the face and took a transatlantic flight to London to observe and consult on the rehearsals for the stage version of her hit film Sister Act. She prepared for the flight by participating in Virgin Atlantics's "Flying Without Fear" course. The Virgin program is not yet available in the United States but it implements Thought Field Therapies invented by Dr. Roger Callahan. Visit Dr. Callahan's website for a free guide on techniques to tackle the fear of flying and other phobias.

Traveling on a private jet, Whoopi was accompanied by a doctor who could calm her down with sedatives but she says that she didn't need it. She told Page Six."I'm kinda proud." And best of all, Whoopi plans on flying again, "I'm going to fly to the West Coast to surprise my daughter." Way to go Whoopi! You can count on The Black Dress Traveler to treat you to a cocktail if we are ever on a flight together. (wishful thinking on my part since Whoopi flies on private jets and I look for bargains!)

Here is a video clip of Whoopi talking about the roots of her fear (she saw a mid-air collision in 1978) and her Flying Without Fear treatment.

Baz Luhrmann's Walkabout Vacation

Yesterday, The New York Post ran a fun and fluffy piece about celebrities and their travel resolutions for 2009. American teen actress Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl) longs for tropical islands and brilliant British thespian Ralph Fiennes is intrigued by the Trans Siberian Express.  Two very different itineraries with their own charm.

However, it was Aussie movie director Baz Luhrmann's (Moulin Rouge, Australia, Strictly Ballroom) response that really captured my attention.

"I'm going to do a walkabout. That's the Aboriginal idea of going on a sort of spiritual journey where you leave all of your material stuff behind and you go walking - you go traveling and you leave all of this behind. I want to leave my title, my name, who I am behind. And the Aboriginals say, 'Until you find the other half of yourself that you've lost, then you have a good talk with yourself and you become one again, and then you can go on with life.' So, I need to go on that kind of journey."

Amen.  I can't make it to Australia right now but I would love to embark on my own version of a walkabout. No computer. No cell phone. Not even a little black dress. Just a few days of walking and thinking.  A walkabout sounds like a perfect way to gain clarity and perspective at the start of the new year. At the end of the journey, I can only imagine feeling energized and prepared to face the year's hopes and challenges.

PS. Baz Luhrmann's travel resolution reminds me of a book that a friend recommended to me a few years ago - Mutant Message Down Under. Written by Marlo Morgan, the story revolves around an American woman's walkabout in the Australian outback. I feel inspired to read it again. And, I would love to hear from anyone who has been on a walkabout.