Stealing A Scene with...#MargieB

SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH

Video Song: "What's My Name" - Rihanna ft. Drake

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Margie S. Brito originally from New York, moved to the Dominican Republic at a young age.  While living in DR, her mother who worked as a seamstress (and made everything from scratch!) was her biggest inspiration.  Her mother motivated her to pursue fashion. Unfortunately, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away, when she was only 10 years old. Although, her mother was no longer physically with Margie, her mother remained (and still does to this day) a driving force and influence in everything Margie does.

And that is where her journey began…

After high school, Margie thought about enrolling in La Escuela de Diseño de Altos de Chavón, in the Dominican Republic, where the famous fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta attended, to pursue fashion. However, she couldn’t see herself returning to the island. And so ultimately, she decided to follow in her older brother’s footsteps and attend Stony Brook University, where she majored in Spanish language & literature and minored in business.

Upon graduating in 2004, she landed a full-time job (non-fashion related). She decided to start a blog to express her love for everything in fashion. In July 2010, Simply Fabulouss was born.  Since the debut of her blog, she’s been invited to various NYC fashion shows to write about and feature in her blog and cool advice to know whats hot and whats not!

That same year, she decided to pursue her dream of being a fashion handbag designer. She designed her very first handmade cross-body bag using just her sewing machine at home. Although her first creation was great, she wanted to use authentic material…leather.  So she got on the internet and began researching manufacturers and sure enough created the bag in leather to give it a polished look.  Soon after her creation, she branded and trademarked “MargieB.”

Margie Brito rocking her MargieB

She posted her new bag on her site in December, and within a month not only received her first order for the bag but also sold out of her stock!  This is what Margie told us about her MargieB Brand: "I have a total of 3 designs so far but waiting on the samples of  2.  I am very excited and motivated to get this going.  I have a few projects pending like building my website for purchases, a photo shoot scheduled at the end of April for my press kit and campaigns, and finishing up 4 more designs for a Fall collection."

If all this hasn’t impressed you yet….then this will…Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes has even been seen rocking the MargieB crossbody bag!

We think her work is great and her blog is not only informative but fun and well…simply fabulous! Definitely check out her site, www.SimplyFabulouss.com and be sure to follow her on twitter @PinkRock.

We’re happy to feature Margie as our “Spotlight of the Month” and can’t want to see what MargieB has in store for 2011. (Cheers to girl power!) 

xo, Samantha & Jessica

Luces! Camera! Acción!

Video Song: "All of the Lights" - Kanye West

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Hey Guys,

So Jess and I continue to witness history! On Monday, March 7th, 2011, we went to the Times SQ Arts Center to witness the hottest new late-night show, Tu Nite Con Lorenzo Parro.  It's the 1st bilingual talk show ever! Host, Lorenzo Parro interviews A-list Latino celebrities, lampoons current events and brings you the best music from throughout the U.S. and Latin America. The show premiered on March 5th, 2011 and it airs every Saturday night at 1am on Telemundo (ch.47). The line up was very diverse, they had artists like the Psychic El Nino Prodigio (from El Diario and Univison) to Juelz Santana (member of Dipset)...odd right? lol... But I loved the concept of the show, and how it creates unity.  

 

"We Created TU NITE to showcase top Latino talent through excitement of late-night format. We know there's an eagar audience for these guests, for this comedy and  for our honest take on Latino life in the U.S" - Parro

The host of the show is also a professional clown!!

Speaking of clowns Jess and I FINALLY went to see John Leguizamo's Ghetto Klown! I was 

dying of laughter. The piece explodes with energy, leading audiences on a fever-pitch adventure and heating up the stage with vivid/hilarious events of where he's been and the colorful characters who he'd encountered. Leguizamo took us from his adolescent memories in Queens to the early days of his acting career during the outrageous 80s scene. He allowed us to see his personal journey from being on set of major motion pictures to his roles opposite some of Hollywood's biggest stars.  To him its a therapeutic way to deal with his issues and for us it was an exhilarating and motivational story.

The next day, we went to the New World Theaters and saw our buddy Manny Perez doing his thing in La Barberia! It was pretty funny. The dialog was mainly in Spanish, which is good for Jess and I so we can reconnect to our Latino roots (We both don't know how to properly speak Spanish :/ yea I know pretty sad). La Barberia is about Latinos (Dominicans) who came to this country chasing a dream and find themselves stuck in a position that raises the issue of money over morals or morals over money? hmmm. It was also pretty funny and had us dancing in our seats with the music!

These Latino productions were very encouraging for us. Especially with all of these mini-projects that we have lined up. Oh, don't forget to come out and party with us on March 19th at Vibrations. Its FREE to get in and you have a chance to win a pair of tickets for GHETTO KLOWN!!!

 

Song of the Week: A Lambada - Brasil ( I love that Portuguese! ;) )

xo, Samantha

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What's up!

This week was great! Samantha and I received the opportunity to finally check out the Latino shows we brought you the scoop on week's ago - John Leguizamo's Ghetto Klown and David Maldonado & Juan Toro's La Barberia.

Set of Tu Nite con Lorenzo Parro

But before I get into that...Monday night Samantha and I attended a special taping of a new late-night Telemundo show, Tu Nite con Lorenzo Parro.  It's so new, that this was a taping for the show's second episode! The taping was conducted at the Times Square Arts Center and will air Saturday, March 12th at 1am (est). On this particular show, Lorezno Parro had rapper Juelz Santana, spiritual advisor El Nino Prodigio and Colombian comedian Andrew Kennedy.

Ghetto Klown

Honestly, the show was mainly in Spanish...so I didn't understand a lot of it (lol, smh..sad I know), but definitely check it out if you can on Saturday, maybe you'll see me and Samantha in the audience.

The next day, we headed to the Lyceum Theatre to catch John Leguizamo's performance in Ghetto Klown.  Like we mentioned a few weeks ago, Ghetto Klown is the next chapter in John Leguizamo's hugely popular and professional story.  He told the story of where he's been and who he's come across throughout his adolescent years in Queens to the early days of his acting career to the sets of major motion pictures.

John Leguizamo is a very funny man, without a question and Ghetto Klown was just that...funny.  Although a times a bit "deja vu"-ish, especially during the first act, the show was entertaining.  Definitely check it out, its running until May 15th and look out for his (6) upcoming films due out in 2011-2012. (He's also the cover man of Urban Latino's next issue!)

La Barberia

Wednesday night we went to the New World Stages to support our friend and actor, Manny Perez in La Barberia. Just to remind you, La Barberia is a story about Beny, proprietor of a barbershop in Washington Heights, who is faced with a the tough decision to continue to be a stakeholder in his community or sell his building for a lot of money and move on. The cast includes, Ruperto Vanderpool, Mateo Gomez, Sunilda Caraballo and Ivan Camilo.

Although lacking in originality, its an enjoyable show with a very charismatic cast. Modesto Lacen as Correo is hysterical...he seems completely comfortable on stage and he definitely owns his moments. The musical numbers were a little weak and make the production feel a little "cheesy," but its a entertaining show...one that will have Latinos feeling proud...so check out it while you can!

Song of the Week: "Words I Never Said" - Lupe Fiasco ft. Skylar Grey

xo, Jessica

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Conquistando La Noche

Video Song: "Traigan La Botella (DJ A-Juice Extended Intro Remix)" - Omega, Fuego & Shorty C

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Hey Guys,

Uyy Alex Sensation que papi! Lol.

Alex Sensation!!

So Jess and I were part of entertainment history! On Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Johnnie Walker Black Label announced its unique partnership with media personality ALEX SENSATION! The event took place at Latin Quarters, New York City. Jess and I were super excited to work this exclusive event and witness this Latino history!  We were very honored that he took the time chat with us in the VIP area…he even showed Scene Stealers some love (check out the drop)!  Amongst the crowd,  was one of my other fave personalities L.Boogs from MTVtr3s /Hot 97. It’s good to see Latinos supporting one another!

with L.Boogs

Not only will Alex Sensation be featured in Johnnie Walker’s latest outdoor advertising campaign, but will also provide the voice for Johnnie Walker Black Label’s radio spots and most importantly host a series of exclusive VIP events in the tri-state area for his preferred brand of scotch whisky! With this endorsement deal he will be doing a lot more television…and not to mention extra $$$$$ in his bank account lol

Here is a little bit about his papi ;)

• He is New York City’s top Latin DJ! Alex Sensation
• He was born in Bogota, Colombia!
• He works for the Hispanic radio station with the highest ratings, La Mega 97.9 FM. (You can listen to him Monday through Friday 11AM – 3PM and Saturdays 8PM – 12 AM.)

Us with Alex Sensation!

Alex has always determined to succeed!  He started out at the Copacabana, where he was by a programming director for Amor93.1 FM. They offered him a job as a mixer, which Alex took and he remained at the station for about a year and a half until it renamed itself to Latino Mix. Six months after that switch, he was offered a job as the main mixer of a segment called “La Mega Mezcla del Mediodía” on La Mega 97.9 FM, where he remains today.

Alex is a person who has stayed true to who he is and has made sure to give back to the community. He is heavily involved various charities. He also participates every year in the Puerto Rican and Dominican Parades, as well as Colombian festivals. He has also taken his talent to countries such as Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Columbia, Canada, Spain, Italy, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay and Aruba.

Me & Jess =)

Tonight the celebration continues in RISE (Lodi, New Jersey)!!! 

I can’t wait to see how this event turns out. One thing I realized about this industry which is always stay true…like Alex told us, “Stay Humble!”

Song of the Week: "Si No Le Conteso" - Plan B

xo, Samantha

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What's up!

Alex Sensation doing his thing!

So the past few weeks we've been busily preparing for a huge event, that  was hugely successful!! Urban Lifestyle Media helped executed Johnnie Walker's Conquista La Noche event at LQ's on Tuesday, March 1st.

This event was historic. Johnnie Walker coordinated this event to celebrate a very special announcement involving Colombian DJ, Alex Sensation from La Mega 97.9FM. Johnnie Walker names Alex Sensation the first Latino spokesperson for the Black Label brand in the tri-state. 

The Crowd at LQs

Alex Sensation is definitely considered one of the most influential Latinos in the NY/NJ community, so its no wonder Johnnie Walker chose him. He's one of the most hardworking DJs out, which no doubt got him noticed by Johnnie Walker in the first place.

Besides becoming the new face of Johnnie Walker's Black Label, stay tuned to catch Alex Sensation honing his television presence. He plans on embarking on a new journey to become a television personality. 

VIP baby!

Alex Sensation is definitely proof that if you work hard and dream big...it'll all pay off.

"Don't let anyone get in your way!" - Alex Sensation

Song of the Week: "Man Down" - Rihanna

xo, Jessica 

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Mixed with a little Sazon...

Video Song: "Love Drug" - The Kickdrums

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Hey Guys,

I hope you enjoyed our “Spotlight” of the month feature =) Do you have what it takes to become a "Spotlighter"? Or do you have a cool event/venue you would like for us to cover?  Well e-mail us at nyscenestealer@gmail.com, we got you !

with Kenny Ortega

Jess and I’s second home - Sazon Restaurant  - the tropical, sexy/sophisticated ambiance attracts a sense of tranquility and captures the culture and art of Puerto Rico. You all have to come by…especially Saturdays that's when the party really starts! You can find us both there, I work the lounge and she holds it down in the office. I love dabbling into this industry, it’s a perfect experience and a great way to get our foot in the door toward our future investment!

Have you heard Sazon shoutouts on x96.3? They play it every 5mins. They even shoutout our very own Chef Frank!! Jess and I hung out with DJ Sleepy from the (x93.6) Luis Jimenez Show! We had an interesting outing after a night at Sazon lol. We actually found out his big sister is singer, Lumidee. 

with Victor Cruz

Urban Latino always manage to have our after-party events at the venue! Last week was a perfect example for that. We had our Acoustic Wednesday there (check Jess's post for the 411) and we also hosted the 100 Hispanic Men after-party! The 100 Hispanic Men produced a Comedy Fundraiser at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre. The non-profit organization started out as a forum for Hispanic men in 2006. Today, it is a platform for Hispanic men with diverse backgrounds and careers. Through networking and community involvement, their goal is to form new possibilities for young people, build groundbreaking programs and revitalized communities.The evening was hosted by Kenny Ortega (Urban Latino Radio, SiTV Latino Laugh Festival, MTV Tr3s). Not only did he make people cry out of laughter, he also introduced the following comedians: Victor Cruz (SiTV Latino Laugh Festival, Law & Order), Gina Brillion (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, MTV Tr3s) and Vladimir Caamano (Stand Up 360 at the Movies, Comic Quikies). The night was so funny!

#FunFact - Laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity! Its good for the Soul and Body =).

Anyway you guys! I have to run off and get some sleep. Today is going to be a long day/night. We are working the LQs event where Alex Sensation and Johnnie Walker Black Label will announce their partnership. It should be a good night! ;)

xo, Samantha

Song of the Week:   "Fired Up" - Funky Dog  (This song always gets me pumped up for work!! It makes me almost want to fist pump lol).

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What is up!

Haha, so I bet you all thought Samantha and I wouldn't put another post up this month...but you were wrong!! (lol) Nah, but we do honestly apologize for not putting our posts up in a timely manner, we're still trying to get used to our busy schedules.  It's hard, but I think little by little we're finding our groove and are managing our time better between our multiple jobs and projects. As always though, thanks for checking in with us!

Zeitlin Perez

So this week was all about our third home, Sazon (1st being out actual homes (lol) and 2nd being Urban Latino).  We attended GIVEN Liqueur's Acoustic Wednesday which featured LIVE performances from our friends, Zeitlin Perez, Joshua Torrez and new up-and-comer, Prez. 

Zeitlin Perez has performed for Merengue pioneers: Rubby Perez, Johnny Ventura, and The Henry Jimenez band. But her main highlight came from being on tour with Grammy award winning Dominican Merengue singer, Milly Quezada also known as the Merengue queen. Zeitlin’s range of music varies from R&B, Salsa, Spanish rock - but her heart will always be Merengue! She wants to follow the footsteps of Milly Quezada, but also strives to be able to sing in both worlds (English and Spanish). 

Joshua Torrez

Vocalist and Guitarist Joshua Torrez  is originally from Chicago. The artist is so young and talented, with an old but wise soul that transfers into his songs - his music is definitely reminiscent of Al Green.

Prez from IME Records added the "Hip Hop" element to Wednesday's performance. The South Jamaica, Queens native performed his latest work, based on his trial and tribulations. "Hip Hop allows people to express themselves in a free manner, and allows different races and religions to meet on common ground.” stated the young MC.

Prez

It was a great night that showcased lots of talent!  Later on that week, Samantha worked the 100 Hispanic Men Comedy event at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre with Kenny Ortega, Victor Cruz, Gina Brillion and Vladimir Caamano (read her post for more details). The after-party was at Sazon, where I was working. So Samantha filled me in on all the hilarious jokes from that night. 

Hope you enjoyed this week's blog and video!! Have an awesome week =)

Song of the Week: "E.T." - Katy Perry ft. Kanye West

xo, Jessica

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Stealing a Scene with...#TeamPanConQueso

SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH

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Whiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow" became the post-season rap anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and inspired a number of remixes, from Fabolous' "White and Navy" to Jersey Shore castmate, Vinny's "Black and Guido"...but none have created as much buzz as Juan Bago and O's spoof "Pan Con Queso."

Since its debut on February 4th, it has become viral hit among Latinos and put the Washington Heights area of New York on the map. With over 300,000 hits between Youtube and World Star Hip-Hip, Juan Bago and O are without question creating a scene of their own.


This past week, we meet up with the comedic duo behind "Pan Con Queso," to get the story behind their craving for the Latino breakfast staple and what they have planned next.  And if you want to see this lip syncing duo perform LIVE, be sure to hit up SOB's on Sunday, February 27th as they open for Mala Maluca to celebrate Dominican Independence Day.

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Here's a little more info on the duo:

Michael Diaz is an accomplished writer/producer/actor and director. Born and raised in the Connecticut suburbs, his passion for performing started at an early age. By the time Michael moved to NYC’s Washington Heights, he had starred in projects and films such as "The Preston Lopez Show", "In Hood Politics" and "Looters." His experiences in front of the camera soon led to work behind the scenes, assisting in various production roles. He became more interested in the film production process as a whole and began honing his skills in writing, producing and directing. In 2006, Michael combined all his available talents to release the independent film "The Story of Juan Bago." The success of the film led to Michael’s involvement with various projects such as "A Song and a Prayer” (AD), "Erica" (AP), "Color" (Producer), "El Sueno" (Actor), "Awilda and a Bee" (Actor), "Jolopeo" (Producer & AD), HBO’s “Habla” (Actor), “The Shooter” (Actor), and “Tomate” (Actor). During his whirlwind of a career he also began the formation of Heights Entertainment, a multi-service production company specializing in marketing, public relations and film production. One of HE’s projects has been Room 28 Comedy, a live and online video sketch comedy group, were he serves as both a producer and talent. He is in post production in his first directing role “The Tickets” and is currently enrolled in the famous “Upright Citizen Brigade.”


Oscar E. Martinez is a recent college graduate with a knack for making people laugh. This charismatic Dominican from the Bronx, undoubtedly has a love for entertaining.  He's been featured in an official television commercial for Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus and hosted a variety of social University events. In April of 2010, he was offered an amazing opportunity to play the lead in a new Aloe Blacc music video,“I Need A Dollar,” the theme song to HBO's How To Make It In America. Later that year, Oscar submitted a video entry to become an official video host for the 2010 New York International Latino Film Festival. The fans voted and Mr. Martinez was seen on various social platforms, including the NYILFF website, clearly "stealing the scene" with the hottest Latino stars on the red carpet and at exclusive events. 2010 got even better for Oscar when the New York Jets noticed his confident on-screen presence and invited him to be an official correspondent for “Los Jets” during the New Meadowlands Hispanic Heritage Game. Be on the lookout for Oscar Martinez...he'll be on a screen near you in no time!

xo, Jessica & Samantha

Keep Your Heels High & Self Confidence Higher

Video Song: "Strike A Pose Part III" - NI** Sky (MadeMe Mixtape)

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Hey Guys,

JLo's Sexy Grammy Shoes

Gwyneth Paltrow's Performance Shoes!

Did you check out the Grammy's Sunday? Honestly I wasn't to fond of it, but congrats to all the winners! I really think my Justin Beiber was robbed thought! :'( .  But the red carrpet was great!!! My fave celebrity look came from Ms. Selena Gomez (Mrs. Beiber :p)! I'm telling you, for an 18 year old, she has such an amazing sense of style! Oh & I absolutely adored J.Lo's and Gwyneth Paltrow's shoes! They were super sexxxyyyyy!

Jess and I went over our Grammy fashion opinions on the radio. Yup, that's right, we debuted our very own "SCENE STEALER" segment. As of this past Monday Pretty Lou and the Front Stage fam has us on EVERY Monday. We will bring you the latest gossip and scoop on what's new! This past week Lou really put us and his guest co-host, Jasmine (@Jasygirl24) on blast lol. Our half hour debut turned into the WHOLE SHOW! It got pretty personal and scandalous lol but I guess that's what we get for being on the most controversial online radio show ! Oh and join the LIVE message board that goes on the site. I'm telling you it gets pretty crazy.

Our LXIV bag!

Jess and I also went to a fashion show at the Rivington Hotel. It was actually a Fall 2011 Exclusive Press Collection by LXIV "In the Raw". I witnessed a lot of knee high socks on the runway (think Catholic school girl uniforms). There were also a lot of cropped belly-bearing shirts. We had a moment with the designer, Chou Xiong-Neri after the show. She was very proud with the outcome of her first show. Chou even showered us and her guests with a LXIV bag! So cute.

Juan Bago & "O"

After meeting all these amazing young entrepreneurs, Jess and I thought it would be great to shed some light on them... so as of next Monday we will have a  monthly "Spotlight" segment, where we will acknowledge these "go-getters".  Our first Spotlighters, will be the "Pan Con Queso" stars! I know you guys seen this?! If not click here, the duo kills it with the "Black & Yellow" - Dominican parody - remix! We'll have an exclusive with BOTH of the stars on Monday, so stay tune for that.

 with LXIV Desinger, Chou Xiong-Neri

Remember "Don't be a drag just be a queen" ;) - Lady Gaga

Song of the Week: "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga

xo, Samantha

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What's Up!

This week was has been kind of hectic.  

Leather tank w/silk tunnel pants

But Samantha and I managed to find some time to close out Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2011 with a very unknown fashion designer.


We headed to the Rivington Hotel to catch the LXIV "In the Raw" Fall 2011 Exclusive Press Collection.  The designer, Chou Xiong-Neri presented her new line with 10 original pieces. The collection was very modern with unique materials, including leather, silk and alpaca. 


I wish I could write more about the designer and the label...but I couldn't find any information! ::confused face:: For now you can check out her twitter and facebook accounts.

Alpaca top w/leather & silk skirt

Thankfully, we got to chat with Chou after the show for a bit.  A student of Parsons The New School of Design, she obviously loves her fashion and everything and anything that expresses one's individualism. Be sure to be on the look out for her developing projects, LXIV Label and Haute Abettor!  


This week we also debuted our half-hour "Scene Stealers" segment on the Front Stage Radio show with Pretty Lou on Urban Latino Radio.  Needless to say, we got pretty "raw" on the show about how we felt about Valentine's Day and other topics (::embarassed face::). We'll be on the show every Monday from 10:30pm-11:00pm, so be sure to tune in!


We also want to announce that we are an official member of the Blogs by Latinas Directory! Blogs by Latinas was created in 2008, after Monique (the creator & founder) did some researching on the internet for other Latina bloggers. Her initial search came up with very few results, so she decided to create a place where Latina bloggers could find each other. The site now has more than 1000 Latina bloggers in the directory and grows daily.  We're super honored and excited to be part of this amazing blogger community.

Enjoying some wine

Song of the Week: "Good Morning" - Kanye West (This gets me in a really good mood in the morning lol...but I like the Kickdrums Remix way better featuring Big Sean.)

xo, Jessica

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