Friday, May 13, 2011

"Ferocious Fashion"

Video Song: "Words I Never Said" - Lupe Fiasco ft. Skylar Grey

_______________________________________________________________

Hey Guys!

What a fabulous week of weather! I hope it stays. Anyway, Jessica and I were very intrigued by this year's Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume institute Gala aka the Met Gala. The Met Gala is an annual event that celebrates the opening on an exhibition in fashion. This year they were honoring late imaginative designer, Alexander McQueen. The Gala (as well as the exhibit) was entitled 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.' A-List celebrities walked the red carpet to honor the master tailor who ended his own life last year.

On Wednesday, May 11 - Jessica and I decided to pay a visit to the Metropolitan Museum to check this exhibition out and let me tell you it was quite an excursion. We weren't really allowed to film (but we sneaked in a couple of shots if you look at the video, that's Scene Stealers for you lol). There were ensembles from his postgraduate collection of 1992 to his final runway presentation, which took place after his death in February 2010. His pieces definitely made a statement (think Lady Gaga), the ambiance gave me the creeps, but at the same time captured my attention. He definitely took me to a place I've never been. I felt that the presentation was a kind of monsterish, but not in a bad way…more like in a beautiful monster way. Although 90% of the stuff that was in there I couldn’t really see myself wearing, especially when accessories include masks and tails (lol). Overall though, he managed to push the envelope and try to convey the message that beauty comes from within. I love the creativity and his carefree passion!

“You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That what I’m here for, to demolish the rules to keep the tradition” -Alexander McQueen

Savage Beauty had themes such as Gothic design, exoticism and nationalism (Check out Jessica's post for more information on each theme). To me his pieces represented the combination of past, present and future. You can find feathers, leather, shoulder pads, flowers, and hair as his materials. It was oddly brilliant. Yes, some were a little outrageous, but for him to come up with theses ideas and make it real is very commendable. I also loved how McQueen appreciated and embraced the curves of a woman’s body! He definitely idealized the female form.

AMQ Creative Designer, Sarah Burton at the Met Gala

Did you know that Duchess Catharine's wedding dress designed by Alexander McQueen? Yup it sure was, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton who know runs the label, created it! She actually designed not one but TWO wedding gowns! ( I can only imagine the pressure).

The Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty will be up from May 4th - July 31st, 2011, so definitely go out there check it out and its free! There's also so many other beautiful exhibitions that you guys should look at. To me art equals expression, expression is powerful... its important to find a way to express yourself. This blog to me is our art! :) Other then facebook/twitter, how do you express yourself? The world is your playground, use your imagination!

xo, Samantha

Song of the week "Beautiful Monster" - Ne-Yo

_____________

What's up,

This past week Samantha and I visited New York's museum mile and stopped by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (one of my favorites in NYC). What some people may not know about his museum is that they house the Costume Institute (formally know as the Museum of Costume Art which merged with The Met in 1946), which stores a collection of more than thirty-five thousand costumes and accessories spanning five continents and as many centuries.

Earlier this month, they opened a special exhibit celebrating the works of fashion designer, Alexander McQueen entitled "Savage Beauty". The exhibit itself features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from McQueen's prolific 19 year career. What I found so interesting about his work is that McQueen challenged and expanded fashion beyond just utility to include a conceptual expression of culture, politics and identity. Each gallery (seven in total) showcased these recurring themes and concepts in extravagant way.

The first gallery, "The Romantic Mind," examined this technical ingenuity with tailoring, pattern making, draping and dressmaking. Alexander McQueen himself said, "Through cutting I try to draw attention to our relenting desire for perfection. The body parts that I focus on change depending on the inspiration and reference for the collection and what silhouettes they demand." In these collections, Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims (1992) and Taxi Driver (Autumn/Winter 1993-94), McQueen showcases his imagination and confidence. His iconic designs such as the three-point "origami" frockcoat and "bumsters" are also introduced in this gallery.

Next was the "Romantic Gothic," which highlighted McQueen's historicism. In this area, you can see his interest in the 19th century, especially the Victorian Gothic, as well as the concepts of life and death. There's something very melancholy about these works. McQueen's collections, Dante (Autumn/Winter 1996–97), Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, inspired by Tim Burton), and the unofficially titled Angels and Demons (Autumn/Winter 2010–11) are on display in this gallery.

"Romantic Nationalism," gave us a look at McQueen's patriotism, including his reflections on his Scottish heritage and his fascination with British history. McQueen's reasons for displaying his patriotism in his fashion can be summed up in this quote, "The reason I'm patriotic about Scotland is because I think its been dealt a really hard hand. Its marked the world over as...haggis...bagpipes. But no one ever puts anything back into it." Highland Rape (Autumn/Winter 1995-96) collection was meant to express the horror of the 18th century Jacobite Rising and the 19th century Highland Clearances. While his Widows of Culloden collection was a more wistful interpretation the final battle of of the Jacobite Rising. His reflections of England and London (more particularly) in his Autumn/Winter 2008-09 collection, The Girl Who Lived in a Tree was very fairy tale inspired and dream-like.

In "Romantic Exoticism," McQueen explored the influence of other cultures on his imagination. Countries like India, China, Africa, Turkey and Japan heavily influenced his collections, VOSS (Spring/Summer 2001), It's Only a Game (Spring/Summer 2005), and Scanners (Autumn/Winter 2003-04). With these collections, McQueen wanted break down barriers stating, "I want to be honest about the world we live in, and sometimes my political persuasions come through in my work. Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes...that's mundane and it's old hate."

Followed by that gallery was "Romantic Primitivism." In these collections, Nihilism (Spring/Summer 1994), Eshu (Autumn/Winter 2000-01), It's a Jungle Out There (Autumn/Winter 1997-98) and Irere (Spring/Summer 2003), there's a lot of tribalism present. He has taken an in-depth look at ancient African tribes and the rituals in how they dress. He captures this idea of "noble savagery" in these collections.

In the final gallery, "Romantic Naturalism," McQueen shows an interest in raw materials and various forms in nature. "I have always loved the mechanics of natures and of a greater or lesser extend my work is always informed by that," said McQueen. Collections like Plato's Atlantis (Spring/Summer 2010) and Sarabande (Spring/Summer 2007) were inspired by Charles Darwin's On the Origins of Species as well as evolution and the ideas of devolution.

In the mist of these structured galleries is the "Cabinet of Curiosities" that include various ancient and fetishized accessories produced in collaboration with jewelers and milliners (hatters). In the "Cabinet," you'll feel as though you are in the middle of Lady Gaga's closet. You can see where she has gotten her inspiration of a lot of her ensembles. Also in the "Cabinet," are video highlights from ten of McQueen's renowned runaway presentations. If you know anything about McQueen, you'll know that he is best known for this astonishing and extravagant runway presentations, which often gave dramatic scenarios and narrative structures that suggested avant-garde installations and in many case performance art. (Click here for an example)

You may have noticed that the main recurring theme in all the galleries is the romantic. His collections can be categorized as mysterious or even moody, but there is not doubt that they are alluring. McQueen definitely used his fashion as an outlet for his emotions and his deepest and more often darkest aspects of his imagination were showcased.

R.I.P. March 17 1969 - February 11, 2010

If you are in the New York area, this exhibit is an imperative must see. The clothes that are on display are more than just fashion...its the expression of the powers of a creative mind. His works shows no limits to boundaries or conventions...and its inspiring. Even if you are not into fashion, you'll appreciate the architecture, geometry, physic, history and social commentary in all of McQueen's designs.

So go checkout the show!! Its on display until July 31st at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Song of the Week: "Give Me Everything" - Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer

xo, Jessica

___________________________________________________________

Become our friend on Facebook

Meet up with us on FourSquare

Check us out on

www.urbanlatino.com

Catch us every Monday (10pm-1am) only on

www.urbanlatinoradio.com

and find us on

www.blogsbylatinas.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

"Rock that Body..."

Video Song: "Sunshine of Your Love" - Eric Clapton

__________________________________________________________________

Hey Guys,

Summer is literally around the corner. What have you been doing to stay in shape?

Well me...I was so inspired by Jessica's legs that I wanted to start running. I got my workout clothes but what I was missing was the obvious...sneakers! I was so excited to purchase my first pair of sneakers in 6 years (lol). I went to Modell's to see if they had the Shape Ups (Sketchers, yes the ones that Kim Kardashian wears lol), they looked perfect for me! Come to find out they didn't have my size. So I went to the Sketchers store in Times Square and found them! The sales person gave me a brief education on the sneakers and I learned the ones that the pair I originally wanted were only for walking.

For those who knows me I'm not a sneaker fan, so I had no clue that there were certain sneakers for everything...toning, walking, aerobics, running, etc. He pointed out Shape Ups Walk/Run. These you can use for almost everything! I was sold (and they had it in Black with PINK).

Apparently the Shape Ups I purchase are designed to:

Burn Calories
Increase Muscle Activation
Improve Posture
Reduce Back Stress

It's a machine lol...I didn't know a sneaker can do all of that!

Wearing Shape Ups footwear may result in more toned leg and buttocks muscles - all when your walking, running, working or out and about. Did you know wearing curved-bottom shoes will help you burn calories, resulting in a leaner YOU!?!

My sneakers are very light and I learned that's important to use when running and its cushioned so its comfy to walk/run in. I ran to work today and I felt like I was flying! Jess and I are going to start running the Brooklyn Bridge at least 3 times a week! I really want my legs and booty toned for this summer and I'm thankful for my Sketchers helping me achieve that :)...Kimmy K move out the way (JK lol).

So after a good workout, TRY to watch what you eat. I know a lot of people are not big fans of "dieting" and that's ok. You just have to learn to maintain a balance to live a healthy life.

For those who ARE into finding the new best diet, here is a good one that I'm currently on, its Special K diet:

MEAL 1

Start your day with: Any Special K^® Cereal, 2/3 cup skim milk and your choice of fruit, or have a Protein Shake or Protein Meal Bar. When selecting Special K™ Low Fat Granola Cereal, choose either 2/3 cup of skim milk or fruit.

MEAL 2

Replace a second meal with one of these yummy options:

Serving of cereal
Protein Meal Bar

Protein Shake

MEAL 3

Eat your third meal as you normally do.

Remember, you can make this meal either the first, second or last meal of the day.

SNACk

Enjoy two great-tasting Special K™ snacks every day (and at any time)!

Protein Snack Bars
Cereal
Fruit Crisps

Crackers or Cracker Chips
Protein Water Mixes

Enjoy fruits & veggies as additional snacks.

Drink beverages as you normally do.

You will see results in 2 weeks!...I currently weigh 128lb, I'm trying to see if I can go down to 120lbs before my trip to Miami in two weeks.

Also be sure to DRINK LOTS OF WATER! That's the ultimate secret to any weight-loss. Cut/minimize your intake on soda, juices, alcohol...Yes I know alcohol... but checkout this diet-friendly alcohol diet below :

Wine: The Most Diet-Friendly Choice

Wine	Calories	Carbs	Per 5-oz Serving
Chardonnay	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Pinot Grigio	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Zinfandel® White Wine	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Cabernet Sauvignon	20	0.8 g	100 calories, 4 g carbs
Merlot Red Wine	20	0.8 g	100 calories, 4 g carbs

Hard Liquor: Easy on Your Diet

Hard Liquor	Calories	Carbs	Per 1.5-oz Serving
Vermouth	32	0.2 g	64 calories, 0.4 g carbs
Coconut Rum	51	5.3 g	77 calories, 8 g carbs
Beefeater® Gin	65	0 g	98 calories, 0 g carbs
Rye Whiskey	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Scotch Whiskey	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
White Rum	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Vodka	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Cognac	69	2 g	104 calories, 3 g carbs
Tequila	69	5.3 g	104 calories, 8 g carbs
Gilbey’s® Gin	79	0 g	119 calories, 0 g carbs

Beer: Raise Your Glass with Care

Beer	Calories	Carbs	Per 12-oz Serving
"Light" Beer	9	0.5 g	108 calories, 6 g carbs
Draft Beer	12	1.1 g	144 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Lager	14	1.1 g	168 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Ale	18	1.1 g	216 calories, 13.2 g carbs

Liqueur: Small but Potent

Liqueur	Calories	Carbs	Per 1.5-oz Serving
Chocolate Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs
Mint Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs
Peppermint Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs
Strawberry Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs

For more information click here.

Well that's about all folks! Check out Jessica's blog for more tips on how to maintain that sexyy bodyyy!

Got to bring it back! Song of the Week: "Sexy Body" - Sasha ft. Fatman

xo, Samantha

____________

What's Up!

Summer's right around the corner and with Samantha and I both booking vacations this month, we suddenly began obsessing over how we would look in our bikini's (lol)!

So while Samantha gave you some helpful tips on healthy eating...I decided to share with you some of the most effective exercises to maintain your sexy physique.

Let's start with why you should be exercising to begin with. Experts say that regular physical activity improves your health in the following ways: reduces the risk of premature death (that's enough of a reason right there!), reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces the risk of diabetes, reduces the risk of colon cancer, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, promotes psychological well-being, helps control weight, build lean muscle mass and reduces body fat, prevents the development of high blood pressure and helps release stress.

Motivated yet? Hope so...now let's get you started! You should start out slowly, especially if you've been inactive for years. Begin with a 10-minute period of light exercise (maybe a brisk walk) and gradually increase how long and the intensity of your exercise. For example, stop being lazy and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Now that you're warmed up, here's a list of the most effective exercises according to WebMD.

1. Walking - This is great because you can do this anywhere, at anytime and with no equipment other than a good pair of shoes.

But don't get ahead of yourself...Richard Cotton, a spokesman for the American Council on Exercise, says beginners should start by walking five to 10 minutes at a time, gradually moving up to at least 30 minutes per session. Don't add more than 5 minutes at a time. Another great tip: it's better to lengthen your walks before boosting your speed or incline.

2. Interval Training - What is this you may ask? Well interval training is a type of physical training that involves bursts of high intensity work that is alternated with periods of recovery (either complete rest or lower intensity activity).

The way to do it is to push the intensity or pace for a minute or two, then back off for anywhere from two to 10 minutes (depending on how long your total workout will be, and how much time you need to recover). Continue doing this throughout the workout.

3. Squats - Experts tend to favor strength-training exercises that target multiple muscle groups and squats do just that...working out the quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves all at once.

Keep in mind that, "What makes an exercise functional is how you perform the exercise," David Patterson (trainer) says. "If you have bad technique, it's no longer functional."

For perfect form, keep feet shoulder-width apart and back straight. Bend knees and lower your rear. The knee should remain over the ankle as much as possible.

4. Lunges - Like squats, lunges work all the major muscles of the lower body: glutes, quads, calves and hamstrings...however a bit more advanced.

Here's how to do them right: take a big step forward, keeping your spine in a neutral position. Bend your front knee to approximately 90 degrees, focusing on keeping weight on the back toes and dropping the knee of your back leg toward the floor.

5. Push Ups - If done correctly, the push-up can strengthen the chest, shoulders, triceps, back and abs all at one time.

Here's how to do a perfect push-up: from a face-down position, place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your toes or knees on the floor, and try to create a perfect diagonal with your body, from the shoulders to the knees or feet. Keep the glutes and abs engaged. Then lower and lift your body by bending and straightening your elbows, keeping your torso stable throughout.

6. Abdominal Crunches - Firm abs...who doesn't want those?! To get these right, begin by lying on your back with feet flat on the floor and fingertips supporting your head. Press your low back down and begin the exercise by contracting abdominals and peeling first your head (tucking your chin slightly), then your neck, shoulders, and upper back off the floor.

But be careful!!! Don't pull your neck forward by sticking your chin out, don't hold your breath and make sure to keep your elbows out of your line of sight to keep chest and shoulders open.

7. Bent-over Row - Talk about "bang for your buck": this exercise works all the major muscles of the upper back, as well as the biceps.

Here's how to do it with good form. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, then bend knees and flex forward at the hips. Tilt your pelvis slightly forward, engage the abs, and extend your upper spine to add support. Hold dumbbells or barbell beneath the shoulders with hands about shoulder-width apart. Flex your elbows, and lift both hands toward the sides of your body. Pause, then slowly lower hands to the starting position.

Well there it is...seven great and effective exercises. To make sure you stick with this program here are some tips: choose something you like to do, get a partner (Samantha's mine!), vary your routine up, choose a comfortable time of day, don't get discourages, forget all about that "no pain, no gain" motto (soreness is normal, but pain isn't...so stop!) and be sure make exercise fun!

Good luck!!

Song of the Week: "One (Your Name)" - Swedish House Mafia

xo, Jessica

_________________________________________________________

We've got a pair of tickets to John Leguizamo's Ghetto Klown to give away!!

So here's the deal - For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Ghetto Klown at the Lyceum Theater, answer these 3 questions correctly:

Which blog post contains our blooper video? (Include episode #, title and posted date)
What restaurant did we film our video for episode #4?
Which celebrity have we not met (yet!) a) Brandy b) Wycelf c) Manny Perez d) Alex Sensation e) Daddy Yankee f) Prince Royce

So please send your answers (along with your full name, email and telephone number) to nyscenestealers@gmail.com or you can tweet us your answers @Scene_Stealers. We'll be announcing the winner Friday (5/6). Good Luck!

______________________________________________________