The World Is Your Runway...

 

 Strike A Pose Part IV - Ni** Sky (MadeMe MixTape)

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Hey Guys,

OMG its Fashion Week!

Modalista Designers

So to kick off this marvelous week we got invited to a fashion show by Modalista! It’s not just any ordinary online boutique but an outlet for self expression. The runway was super cool and the pieces were fabulous as well! The look was very 1960’s from the style to hair and makeup. I love that retro/mod look they had going on. It kind of reminded me of the young Audrey Hepburn days. I think its genius bringing back “back in the day” fashion with a touch of today…. I LOVE IT!

Scene Stealers with Malik So Chic

For the spring – according to the show – LADIES, try to go for the yellows, blues, a light grey and even black with some serious pumps (think rhinestones, sequence...go crazy with it)! As for the material, go with laced up topsor a sequenced outfit and expose that cleavage ;) FELLAS, its all about the blazers and fitted jeans! NOW GO & EXPRESS YOURSELF!

Kudos to the founder and creative designer Monica Phromsavanh…Great show!  I love the fact that this Latina accomplished her goal as being a successful entrepreneur.

Taboo getting interviewed for ULR

Later that day we went to visit socialite and TV fashion expert, Malik So Chic for his new handbag line called “Pampered Royale” (check Jess’s blog for the 411).

Taboo from THE BLACK EYED PEAS came to our offices, showed some love & posed for Urban Latino Magazine! He was there to promote his new book, Fallin Up; My Story. He was so pleasant to interact with. He even did a drop for us as well as a synopsis of the book (check our video). It’s his story of his trial and tribulations; I can’t wait to read and be inspired. Get your copy!

;)

You know guys, if you really think about it … the world is YOUR runway so whoever is distracting you, simply maintain that focused face and make sure NO ONE GETS in your way (wear confidence as your makeup).  Seriously, I realized that fashion, books, blogs, radio, TV all have one thing in common and that’s EXPRESSION! So go out there and make a statement!

STRIKE A POSE … "VOUGE" – Madonna, my song of the week.  

xo, Samantha

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What's Up!

This week has been awesome! Wednesday kicked off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week here in New York City. Fashion Week is a week long event that allows fashion designers and brands to display their latest collections in runway shows, while buyers take a look at the latest trends. Most importantly though, it lets the industry know what is "in" and what is "out" for the season.

Modalists Fashion Show

Samantha and I started our Fashion Week early with the Modalistas Fashion Show presented by Fashion Forward Tuesdays. The show was great and featured designs from Charles Dieujuste, Daniela Zagnolli, Dasgupta, Henry De La Paz, Kastle Designs, Shauntele, Tribal Couture and Edwing D'Angelo.  Get the full 411 from Samantha.

After that show, we headed uptown to 220 Atlier for the launch party event for Malik So Chic's Pampered Royale handbag collection.  

Malik So Chic, originally from Ohio, is a Manhattan socialite who came to New York about 4 years ago and began working as an assistant for Patti Wilson (a stylist) and V & Visionaire magazines. He is most memorable for his unique sense of style which has led him to host various NYC parties. He is also the co-star of Tinsley Mortimer's reality show High Society, which debuts in March on the CW. 

Malik So Chic

With a name like Malik So Chic its no wonder, he is serious about his fashion. He was voted best dressed in high school, and its a title he lives up to today. He's often seen wearing rhinestone lens-less glasses and bright (at times outrageous) clothing.

Malik So Chic developed the Pampered Royale label to "represent any woman who aspires to a life of modern luxury without limitations of society or class level."  Pampered Royale is "sexy, confident and seductive...for women who have a talent for making their dreams come true and conduct their life in effortless leisure."

I was not a fan (lol).  The handbags seemed a bit over the top for my liking with mixtures of faux furs, specialty leathers, novelty fabrics and feathers. The handbags seemed almost childish to me. 

Scene Stealers w/ Taboo

The next day, we had a visit from Taboo, founding member of the six-time Grammy Award winning group The Black Eyed Peas, here at the Urban Latino offices. He was here in New York City promoting his new memoir Fallin' Up: My Story and for a photoshoot for our upcoming issue of ULM.  The Mexican-American star tells the riveting story of his journey from the drug crime-ridden neighborhoods of L.A. to the packed performance sites around the world. While is rise to fame is inspiring, the book also takes a look at the darker, more private tale of Taboo, from his long neglect of the son he had at eighteen to the addictions to drugs and alcohol that almost ended his career.  His book is honest to say the least and will be on the must-read list for BEP fans, new and old.

Song of the Week: "Shooting Star" - David Rush - ft LMFAO, Pitbull & Kevin Rudolf

xo, Jessica 

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"Put Your Drinks Up..."

Video Song: Bulletproof (Hyper Crush Remix) - La Roux

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Hey Guys!

Thank you so much for tuning into our THIRD week! We really appreciate all the love.  I just finished e-mailing Pulp Fiction actor, Paul Calderon! (100 Hispanic Men are actually honoring him with the First Annual Arts Award at Villa—THIS SATURDAY!)  It’s still so surreal knowing that I have the contacts of top notch singers, actors, athletes, radio/TV personalities - I find it incredibly mind boggling!  

::Ok, Sam focus (lol):: 

So back to this week’s topic….

Jess & I attended a couple of liquor sponsored events last week!  “Rising Icons” (loving the title) sponsored by Grey Goose Entertainment and “Latin Nights” sponsored by Bacardi. They were both very different, but yet pleasurable and motivational affairs. The “Rising Icons” event was an evening to recognize two local women in the arts & fashion.  Going to this event with Jess, stimulated our drive even more to MAKE it into this industry. I love seeing young women striving hard to form their dreams into a reality. Check out Jessica’s blog to get the 411 on these fashion “Icons” and our exclusive interview with one of them!

 

Casino Game

On Wednesday, September 29th we had the opportunity to attend Latin Nights at the Empire Hotel (Rooftop). This Bacardi sponsored event to me was more of a soothing but engaging evening!

There were salsa dancers, casino games, and hand rolled cigars being passed out by beautiful Bacardi models. There was also a Piragüero serving frozen treats that were made out of shaved ice and covered with fruit flavored syrup & Bacardi! I later found out that they actually found him on the street and brought him to the event! How crazy?!  It definitely went along with the motif, so thumbs up! I felt like I was on vacation in Puerto Rico for the night! The ambiance was very tropical. Not to mention the abundance amounts of FREE drinks, yea… that was on point! My fave were the Mojitos! 

Piraguas!

We actually bumped into some of our entertainment associates, co-workers and friends – you think the world is small? Ha! It’s even tighter in this circle; everyone is somewhat connected. You don’t know who you might be talking to or even learn a thing or two from!  SO GET YOUR NETWORKING GAME ON! (I enjoy these events for that specific reason)

Jess & I are content with what we have accomplished thus far and we are excited to see how our work will prosper and continue. With that being said “Put your drinks up” & CHEERS TO SUCCESSS, CHEERS TO YOUR DREAMS, CHEERS TO LIFE <3

Enjoying a Bacardi Mojito

XO,

Samantha

P.S. - Song of the week “Bottoms Up”  – Trey Songs ft. Nicki Minaj (love her)

P.S.S. – WE WANT TO READ YOUR COMMENTS!

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What up?!

Another busy fun-filled week has come and gone.  I'm thoroughly exhausted (**bbm yawn face**). It's more of the usual at work - promotions, magazine, social media updates and more.  We're coming up on our last Given Saturday at Villa (so be sure to stop by if you haven't already to check out the venue and to enjoy a great night out), hoping we close it with a "bang!!"

Along with our crazy work schedule, Samantha and I were able to attend two very different liquor sponsored events to network and enjoy a cocktail or two. Tuesday night, we traveled downtown to a small lounge named RDV for Grey Goose Entertainment's "Rising Icons" series.

Laurel & Amanda w/ Grey Goose Reps

Grey Goose Entertainment (founded in 2005, dedicated to producing original and unique content for TV, music, and etc to reflect the spirit of Grey Goose vodka, while celebrating the interests of their consumers) honored two very different local "icons." Amanda Diva and Laurel DeWitt were recognized that night for their creative excellence and for "rising" as revolutionaries in the world of visual art and fashion.  Both women are extremely talented and have made very influential contributions to their respective crafts....what's so also interesting about these two extraordinary artists is that they happen to be close friends as well. The event (adequately named) “DivaLuxe”, featured an art installation combining Amanda's paintings and Laurel's ready-to-wear jewelry designs (and of course, Grey Goose flavored cocktails!)

Some of Amanda Diva's Hand Bags

Amanda Diva, actually started out as a young actress on Nickelodeon's "My Brother and Me."  Moving from Florida to New York, she became exposed to hip hop culture in a whole new way, which has has been a heavy influence in all her faucets of work.  She started writing and performing, and was chosen to perform on Russell Simmons' Del Poetry Jam in 2002 and later in 2005. She was "discovered" and offered an oppportunity to host her own show, "Breakfast at Diva's" on Sirius Satellite Radio. She then landed an job as a TV personality on MTV2 and VH1. After that other opportunities began to arise from becoming the host and creator of a humor based web show ("Diva Speak TV"), a host on Music Choice ("Speaking of..."), and the host and creator of "The Spark" on AOL's Blackvoices.com.  While all these accomplishments are honor worthy, it's her visual art that sets her apart as a "rising icon."  She has exhibited her work in various shows, participated in live painting events, created murals and has developed a hand-painted bag line, which is available at Karma Loop. 

A LaureLuxe Design

Laurel DeWitt is the designer and creator behind the LaureLuxe brand.  She's a native New Yorker, graduated from Pratt Art Institute in fashion design with an emphasis on jewelry and accessories. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in fashion and previously served as a handbag and accessories designer for Guess, Rocawear, Nine West, Calvin Klein and Oscar De La Renta Intimate Apparel (just to name a few!). Her fashion bags have also been seen in Target, Forever 21 and Nordstrom's. Her LaureLuxe designs have been worn by a diverse array of celebrities and personalities, such Milla Jovovich, Nicki Minaj, Amerie, Lady Gaga, the ladies of Dirty Money, among many more. Her pieces are handcrafted, unique, edgy, customized to fit each client and created from aluminum geometric shaped plating.

Samantha and I got the chance to have a Q&A session with Laurel, here's a little of what she had to say:



Samantha & I with Laurel Dewitt

What/who inspires LaureLuxe? And how would you describe your jewelry line? I'm an artist. I can paint, draw, do all of the traditional forms of artistic expression. But, working with metal and chain is sculpture. It allows me to express my inner crazy.  But at the same time, I've learned to focus the unbridled energy into sexy, wearable outfits and a thriving business.  No one person inspires me. It's the artist inside speaking out.

Tell us a little bit about your journey to starting LaureLuxe? It all started with a class I took at Pratt Art Institute entitled “Wearable Art”. One of our assignments was to make a garment from found objects/costs nothing to make. So, when I told my father about the assignment, he sent me aluminum metal scraps from his company that makes high-end lighting. From there,I created a metal bra and the reaction was very positive. So I continued building my craft from there.

How did you feel being honored by Grey Goose as a "Local Rising Icon"? It felt great to be recognized for all of my hard work. All of the sleepless nights and lost life moments finally felt worth it.

What's in the near future for LaureLuxe? LaureLuxe is now in Heaven Sent showroom, which will significantly drive sales. I'm also starting a line of pink chain bracelets in support of breast cancer awareness. All proceeds will be donated towards the cause.

Where can consumers purchase your line? http://www.laureluxe.com/

Enjoying a 'lil Grey Goose

That's all I have for now, see you next week! (Don't forget, follow me on FourSquare)

Song of the Week: "All Talk" - Kid Cudi ft. Chip Tha Ripper

XO,

Jessica



We Get Paid to Party?!

Video Song: Cooler Than Me (Gianni Marino Remix) - Mike Posner 

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Hey Guys!

ULM, Sazon, Villa, and Scene Stealers (and in that specific order) is pretty much the story of my life lately, but I'm not complaining -- being busy is good!  Just give me the right pair of heels and I can take over the world! ;)

So I just finished my press release for Urban Latino/Radio.com's Official Website Launch Party!  And guess where it will take place?...At Villa (2nd Ave. btwn. 39th & 40th).  Also our very own Kenny Ortega is debuting his fragrance for women "One2Quatro" that evening! (Smells lovely by the way.)

Villa

Villa is on the verge of becoming the new "hot" spot for Saturday nights! Jess and I are pretty much running the venue along with our boss/mentor/CFO, Jorge Cano-Moreno.  I look at this gig as "practice" for our future, since Jess and I would like to one day open our own place!  So far, the nights are coming along pretty smoothly, although we expect to have a few bumps along the way just because that's how this business is.  It's our duty to make each night interesting, we are going through a "trial and error" stage - seeing what works and what doesn't.  This Saturday, with all these launches and two specials birthdays (my line-sister Christina and Sazon co-worker, Mindy), I got a feeling that, that night is "gonna be a good, good night"...and the best part is we get paid =P

Me & Jennifer Rodriguez

Speaking about grown and sexy places, I actually had the privilege to attend The Love Jones NYC event, last Tuesday night at Greenhouse. The theme of the night was "The Art of Sensuality" (ohhhlalala lol).  They had a mini-fashion show demonstrating lingerie from Luscious NYC! Super sexy! (ladies, check it out and fellas, you know you want to).  I had a chance to chit chat with Luscious store owner, Jennifer Rodriguez.  She was telling me how it was a dream of her's to open this store and serve as a platform to showcase designers from around the world.  I'm a big fan of the term SEXY, so I loved it!  This steamy evening was hosted by J-Harris and Angelique Cinelu.  The show was incredible.  They had a soulful storyteller named Nicole Lyrice, live paintings by Fernando Mora and James Shields...and (my fave) food galore, sponsored by Jacob's Soul Food restaurant. There were special performances by Ant Taylor, Tiko Pink, Cocoa Fox, Natalie Imani, Brian Gibbs, and Devin.  Each artist truly graced the stage with their voices that night, they all seriously gave me chills.  The room was filled with amazing talent/artists/models/producers and I felt very fortunate to be able to mingle and network with them.

NOTE:  I promise by the end of this month, Jessica and I will invest in a legit camera, because due to poor lighting on my phone the videos I took that night are too dark to edit and post up =(

In Front of the Step & Repeat

Now did I get anything from Luscious NYC? Well...thats for me to know ;)  I feel that it's important to embrace what your "momma" gave you - you have to showcase that confidence! It's very essential to have that comfortable connection between your body, mind, soul and sexuality. Embrace your own "Art of Sensuality"! 

XO,

Samantha

PS. After writing this blog my song of the week is... (I've got to take it back, lol) "Red Light Special" - TLC

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What up?!

Last week was pretty busy, we had our second night at Villa celebrating DJ Rio Lopez and Erica Lopez's (office manager @Sazon and ULM contributor) birthdays.  DJ Rio Lopez kept the party going all night long with the best of house/dance music.  It was to say the least, a very interesting night (lol).  This week is just crazy hectic, with all the success of GIVEN Saturdays at Villa, comes a heavy work load.  There's promotional business to take care of - birthday bookings, social media updates, flyer designs (these are beginning to take they're toll on my creativity...well not really, it just gets tough to design unique flyers for people you don't know).  This Saturday, we'll be celebrating my line-sister, Christina's 24th birthday, the official website re-launch of both Urban Latino and Urban Latino Radio and the launch of One2Quatro's The Fragrance by ULR's Kenny Ortega...it's shaping out with be an awesome night with DJ WyldLyfe and ULR's DJ Bestout on the turntables.  

NOTE: If you're interested in attending, stop by and say Jessica or Samantha at the door.  You can also email us at nyscenestealers@gmail.com, if you're interested in booking a birthday package.

On top of all that, there is other ULM business to handle....like issue #95 (I have a deadline of this week **bbm raised eyebrow face**), website updates, print jobs, follow ups on proposals, and more.  And then there's this, Scene Stealers, our weekly blog. 

So with all this work going on, I definitely had to take full advantage of my Sunday (being that it seems to be my only real day off suddenly). So I made my way down to Little Italy to enjoy the Feast of San Gennaro in downtown NYC with a few of my line-sisters. 

Here's a little history on the feast:

The Feast of San Gennaro

The Annual Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration of the Patron Saint of Naples. First celebrated in New York City on September 19, 1926 by newly arrived immigrants from Naples, the Feast of San Gennaro was a traditional celebration in Naples for Saint Gennaro who was martyred for the faith in 305 A.D. Immigrants who had settled along Mulberry Street in the Little Italy section of New York City continued their traditional celebration with a one day Feast. September 19th is the most religious day of the Festival of San Gennaro, and features a Religious Procession followed by Celebratory Mass at the Most Precious Blood Church on Mulberry Street, the National Shrine of San Gennaro. (Source)

Fried Oreo

So my line-sisters (Christina, Christi and Arielle) and I began our exploration on Mulberry and Broome Street and already we were hungry (lol). We stopped by one of the many mouthwatering stands and grabbed some lunch. Absolutely delizioso, I had a philly cheese steak with onions and peppers. After that we walked up and down and up again (trying to burn off those calories we just consumed lol), stopped at a few stands...entertained ourselves with some handmade finger puppets and animal hats (lol). We actually bumped into my parents as well who were enjoying some Italian wine at a small restaurant.  As the night was winding down, I still had a sweet tooth craving.  Now, you can not...I repeat CAN NOT...go to the Feast of San Gennaro and not get a bag of fried oreos or zeppoles. It's just wrong, to deny your taste buds and stomach of these delicious treats!! 


Now, I'm a huge fan of Sunday night programming on HBO - True Blood, The Pacific, Entourage...to name a few.  I was super excited when I started seeing the previews for Boardway Empire.  Unfortunately, I was at the Hispanic Heritage Game at the new Jets stadium last Sunday (btw great game this past Sunday night against Miami), so I missed the premiere. After hearing the news of HBO renewing the show after just the first episode, this Sunday, I just had to catch up! So I rushed home after purchasing my bag of nine zeppoles and six fried oreos (yes, I realize I sound like a fatass lol...**shurgging shoulders**) to catch the second episode and it did not disappoint.  I mean...from writer Terence Winter and director Martin Scorsese, why would it?  Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City at the dawn of prohibition in the 1920s, it follows the city's treasurer, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who is both a politician and a gangster.  There's a clear investment in the characters and impeccable sense of visual style.  I suggest you check it out - Sundays at 9pm.

With the Lion Hat

Well that's all I have this week...be sure to leave your comments, let us know what you think and come back next week, we'll be discussing some exciting new stuff.

XO,

Jessica 

Song of the Week: "Charmer" - Kings of Leon