New Year-New Things

Happy New Year! Albeit 8 days already in, I am still totally psyched about the start of 2011. This is the year of ME. This year I will embark on the journey of living my best life, making my passion for fashion a full time career, and marrying my soul mate. I'm excited, a tad bit anxious, and every bit focused!
And just when I get distracted or doubt my abilities, God taps me on the shoulder to remind me"You got this, You CAN do it." Case in point- this past Monday, I started classes at FIT otherwise know as the Mecca of fashion education. I was excited about the class but had 1st day nerves about what to expect and nagging thoughts about if I will be able to deliver. And then in comes the Instructor, Anita D. Ellis- with her petite, chocolate self-bursting with enthusiasm, and encouragement telling me that I can do it- that we all can succeed. She would help us find our strengths to better prepare us for the fashion industry. I was beaming from ear to ear, hanging on her every word. I was in the right place- all my doubts were gone! 2nd case in point- today on the MetroNorth- on my way to the Mid Manhattan Library- I met a kindred spirit. A lovely woman who took note of my fashionable glasses (pictured above) which provoked conversation. Come to find out she is an accomplished makeup artist and works for Plus Magazine- an online magazine dedicated to Plus Size Models. And most important- she was genuine & gracious enough to offer to share her contacts. Eureka! We exchanged information and hugs & went off to our perspective destinations. Later when I did get to the library- I learned that the picture collection that I needed for my assignment was closed for renovations- LOL! A good day indeed and another tap from the man upstairs.

Fashion Forward

Okay Guys, by now you all must know how much I looove fashion. And so, I have entered a contest called "The Passion for Fashion Challenge" sponsored by Neiman Marcus. So be sure to cast your votes for me and tell your friends to vote and tell their friends to vote- for ME! Thanks, peace, love, & fashion!

What's Your Passion for Fashion? Challenge - Round 1 Sponsored by Neiman Marcus

Sidewalk Catwalk

We all know that Fashion is Art & Art is Fashion. To prove it, 30 top designers are displaying custom-built and styled mannequins in the heart of NYC’s Fashion District. Sidewalk Catwalk is the name of this ultra-fabulous exhibit where one-of-a kind mannequins are presented runway style down Broadway from Times Square to Herald Square.

Some of the designers include Kenneth Cole, Badley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and notable newcomer – Jason Wu, who created First Lady Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball gown.

Out of all the many beautiful displays, three captured my heart:

Nannette Lepore's 3D floral interpretation is bright, flirty, & fun.

Catherine Malandrino's Stars & Stripes Americana look is both classic and regal.

And the belle of the catwalk is Rachel Roy’s neon model mannequin. Clad in a studded bustier, chiffon mini, & over the knee boots - the look is sexy, edgy, & right on trend!

The display ends on September 3rd, so get to Sidewalk Catwalk and strike a pose with your favorite mannequin like I did!

Waiting For Superman

"What percentage of students in New York will not graduate from high school in 4 years?"

This intriguing question and startling answer can be found on the website of the upcoming film "Waiting for Superman". The documentary examines the plight of America’s public-education system with focus on the failing No Child Left Behind Act. New York City students and parents have experienced 1st hand the mismanagement and ill-leadership of NYC Government & it's Board of Education. Budget cuts, scarce resources, school closings, and frustrated teachers, parents, and students are all results of the fall out with the City's Public Education system.

How are students expected to succeed under these conditions? Geoffrey Canada, Education Reformer, Social Activist, and CEO of The Harlem Children's Zone is highlighted in the film. He pledges to lead the fight in in saving our city students and schools.

Visit www.waitingforsuperman.com to view the trailer for what promises to be a compelling film and join the movement to help save New York City schools.

Don't Call it a Comeback

As we know in fashion, major trends never really die. They just go on hiatus, then get recycled and then renewed. As a result 80’s Fashion is back in full force.

The Millenials are the main exhibitors of 80’s fashion, clad in Leggings-Skinny Jeans-Studded belts, shoes, & jackets-Knukcle rings-Midriff tops-Combat boots,High Tops, Sperry Boat Shoes, Day-Glow & Neon Colors-,etc. But do they even have an inkling as to what that decade was all about?

The Good- Music & Culture was alive; Hip-Hop got its wings, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Loose Ends, Hall & Oats all made music you can dance to. Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat made the art scene accessible to everyone. Electronics soared; rise of personal computers, video games, and cellular phones.

The Bad- Famine in Ethiopia. The AIDS Epidemic.
The death of Warhol & Basquiat.

The Ugly- Apartheid in South Africa. The Iran-Iraq War 1980-88.
High rate of illegal drug use, crime, and poverty in the inner city.

Because I am a card carrying member of Generation X, I can fully appreciate revisiting the 80's, remembering movies like Karate Kid, Mad Max, Indiana Jones, The Goonies, Breakfast Club, Can’t Buy Me Love, Purple Rain, Lean on Me, and many more… And Although you probably won’t dare catch me in a midriff top- I do wear an armful of bangles and did cut my hair in asymmetrical style, paying homage to the likes of Boy George and Salt & Pepa.

Below are modern spins on the 80’s movie, music, and fashion scene:

Glamour, Glitz, Girls.....

Glamour, Glitz, Giggles & Girls- just ‘wanna have it all!
Especially our favorite on-screen divas: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, & Miranda. Let's head out to the movies and watch them make it happen. Sex & The City 2 is finally here! Scores of die-hard Sex & The City “Fan-sho-nistas” will bombard the box office to see the beloved fab-four.

The critics are saying that the movie is mediocre at best but who cares. The Sex and The City series and characters have created a brand that capitalizes on the ideology that women should be empowered in every facet of life! In their personal style, families, careers, and of course, their sex lives. This message remains consistent even if the storyline is not so tight! Plus we do want to see our girls living it up in Abu Dhabi and our BGF Stamford get married.

Will Carrie spend an Arabian night with Aiden? Will sweet Charlotte turn into Mommy Dearest? Will Samantha consider celibacy? (Ha!) What fabulous frocks and to-die-for stilettos will the ladies be wearing? And what new must have accessory will replace Patricia Field’s studded belt? The real fans want to know and some are spending up to $70 a ticket to find out!
Brian Atwood Studded Pumps worn by Carrie, featured in Sex And The City 2
I’m sure that despite the critics’ reviews the movie will be a feel good event - mainly because I will be seeing it with my favorite all girl crew. Oohh I can't wait to get Carrie-d away! See you at the movies, Ciao!

Mary Quite Contrary

My favorite singer of all time is the one and only, Mary J. Blige!!! I have been a fan of hers from day one, own all of her albums, go to all her concerts, and tune in to see all of her performances/TV appearances. So you know I was uber excited when I was invited to The New York Women's Foundation annual "Celebrating Women Breakfast", whose honorees included Social Justice Advocate, Margarita Rosa- Fashion Designer, Eileen Fisher- and my girl Singer, Songwriter Mary J. Blige! The fabulous event took place in the Hilton Hotel's Grand Ballroom with CNN Correspondent Soledad O'Brien as the emcee. The event was attended by over 2,000 women and a distinguished few supportive men.

Mary J. Blige- Our favorite "Around the way girl" turned Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, turned International Icon can now add Philanthropist to her list of esteemed titles. Partnering with music executive Steve Stout, Mary created the Foundation for Women's Advancement Now, otherwise know as FFAWN (www.ffawn.org).
The organization's mission is to "Inspire women from all walks of life to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their individual potential."

I applaud Mary for singing from the depths of her soul,even when it wasn't a happy song.For falling down repeatedly and picking herself back up gracefully.
For turning the page and allowing herself to find love- first from within.
For always keeping it real. For using her celebrity to help women help themselves.
For Inspiring, Uplifting, and Shining!

We Love you Mary & congratulate you on receiving your much deserved Vision Award!