BEAUTY                                                                                                           31 Glam Rock Songstress Janelle Monáe shows us big, bold style statements
38 Fab in a Flash Transform your daytime vibe to nighttime fabulousness
40 Sharper Image Makeover magic for women at any age
50 Best Sellers L.A. shoppers are snapping up these hair and skin products

FASHION
55 Looks We Love Leather pieces get contemporary
58 Perfect Fit Sophisticated coats for sizes 14 and up
60 Cheap & Chic Affordable classic outerwear

FEATURES
126 I Am Legend Beyoncé talks wedding, new album and life in the spotlight
By Jeannine Amber
134 Mix Master Layer on luxury pieces for less
140 Yes, You Can! Put your life’s to-do list in motion By Claire R. McIntosh
144 Child Brides A look at early marriage in Africa By Jeannine Amber
152 The Gift Leaning on faith and family, she battled three cancers and won
154 Starting Over Star Jones bounces back after a taxing year By Patrik Henry Bass
126 Ring the alarm, Beyoncé speaks

CULTURE
65 Sophie’s Choice Sophie Okonedo shines in The Secret Life of Bees
66 Gazette Robin Thicke and Something Else; rolling with Idris Elba; Nicki Micheaux, prime time’s leading sole sister
68 Gospel The grace of Mary Mary; plus, some of this year’s best gospel albums
72 The Arts Three acts redefine classical, African and jazz music; a retrospective on an artistic quilt master
76 Books Diahann Carroll on the dark side of fame in her new memoir; a gritty coming-of-age tale of two Black men; the return of Sister Souljah and more

WORK & WEALTH
83 Family Finances Our 30-day handbook on how to find the funds to retire, send the kids to college, take care of your parents, and, of course, celebrate you!
88 Tanisha’s Tips A single mother gets a financial lifeline; boost your credit score
90 Money Makeover Combating studentloan overload

BLACK MEN, SEX & INTIMACY
95 What Men Think How to get his attention
96 On His Mind Do nice guys finish last when it comes to love?
98 Your Sex Life A different kind of ring for your significant other; kid-friendly HIV talk with Cookie Johnson
100 Love at First Site Helpful hints for seeking romance online
102 Oh, Brother Finesse says there’s no time like the present to focus on you

OUR NEWS
115 A Moment in Time We take a look back as Barack Obama completes his
amazing race
120 Opinion Roland S. Martin wants African-Americans to stop making excuses
and head to the voting booth
124 Confronting Problems at the Polls The second part of our guide to help you
make the best choices on Election Day

HEALTHY LIVING
160 Got Coverage? Secrets to obtaining inexpensive health insurance
166 Fit & Fab One woman’s battle with a job that packed on pounds
168 The Fast Full-Body Workout No time to get in shape? No problem
172 Detox Diary Mikki Taylor sheds pounds and toxins on Martha’s Vineyard
174 Take 5 Quick exercises in fun
176 Entertaining Wow them with a Thanksgiving dinner that’s waistline friendly

IN EVERY ISSUE
18 Between Us
20 Contributors
22 Your Letters
26 Spotlight
186 Where to Buy
190 Horoscope
192 Get Lifted Hope on a Tightrope
66 Idris Elbasizzles