This Week In Fashion…Sexy Show Stoppers!

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So, I vote that the new style this Summer is the Sandal/Boot. Who agrees? There may be a name for them but I choose to call them Show Stoppers! They are all around sexy. All bets are off when you walk into a room with these. You get two in one, a boot and toe cleavage! What more could you ask for in a sexy heel! I posted this on my Facebook Fan Page and the women loved the Tan Aldo number! These are $100 bucks. The Christian Louboutin, I absolutely love his shoes! What woman doesn’t? Okay, there may be a few that don’t but that’s fine. It’s safe to say the overwhelming majority of women do! But, who can afford it, at least now? I can’t! <———-These are a little over a $1,000! God bless you if you can cop these. Ladies don't hate on those that can. But, we can still admire the CL's and get the same style for a little less. CL we will come back to you when the recession takes a back seat. Aldo has a few other similarly-styled “Show Stoppers” that are less than $100 and I think you could rock them to work, lower heel and a little more reserve, but still all the drama you could ask for in a heel—->! I always live close to the edge when dressing for work lol. I don’t push the envelope, but I like to add a little flavor to the workplace. Call it a conversation piece if you will! Ok, I’m off to go stop traffic with my pair…won’t you join me! That’s my Tuesday Tip! Au revoir!

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Danalee is Back…

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BCBGeneration Dress & Boutique 9 Shoes
Photograph by Joann Gomez
Have you missed me? I hope so! I certainly missed you! I was away for a moment and then I was off celebrating my birthday. <————Hence the big birthday smile! I'm so happy to be another year younger! While I was on my travels and celebrating I was thinking! Some may say "Oh no!" Only trouble comes about when she starts with her deep thinking lol! But, you know how when you get a year younger (ha) you go through this whole reflecting, self-evaluation, examination of relationships/friendships, etcetera etcetera etcetera.

I didn’t really come up with any real solutions to the Big question every one asks: What is LIFE really about? Ummm, I certainly don’t have a clue. Although, I normally have an answer to everything, the Life question stumps me every time 🙂 One day you wake up and you feel like Oprah “Ahhhh!” The next day its the Twilight Zone “dodododododo!” Hilarious, I make myself laugh! I always laugh at how things change from moment to moment, but how it all really stays exactly the same. We love change, yet we love the familiar. It’s all an oxymoron to me. To you also? Glad to hear, I’m not alone. I have a lot to learn about LIFE! After all these years, I thought I got the hang of it! We’re all a work in progress. But, I’m happy to report I’m getting close 🙂 How about you? It’s just a rhetorical question, no pressure to answer.

I do know one thing: Life is what you make it! It’s true! Someone said just today don’t wait on the sunshine, find the sunshine in you. How Profound! Now that I have gotten that out of my system, back to the business at hand…Life! Shall we proceed….

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Belle Noir Magazine’s First Annual Curves & Cocktails

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Saturday proved to be a great day, filled with laughter, Lady Power and all around good times with some great people! The First Annual Curves & Cocktails (C&C) was the “ultimate Girls Night Out for women with Curves.” Ms. Aja B. Stubbs was successful in hosting such a great event. She is the the force behind Belle Noir Communications, which includes Belle-Noir Magazine, Belle-Noir Radio, and events such as C&C , Phat Poetry, and the Big Beautiful You Tour. I had the pleasure of meeting Aja, and without a doubt, she is a strong Independent Woman, in my Diva Spotlight!

Mia Amber Davis, Plus Size Model & Madeline Figueroa-Jones Editor-in-Chief Plus Model Magazine

Renee Jennings, owner of R. Media Group responsible for P.R. for C&C ,
Christina Mendez, Plus-Size Model & Aja B. Stubbs, Host & Creator of C&C

Belle-Noir has managed to fill a void where women with curves had no voice. C&C, brought together a variety of quality vendors, some of which cater specifically to the plus-size woman, provided goodie bags, delectable food & tasty cocktails, giveaways and the best music! So, often in the fashion industry these type of events are geared toward one type of woman, forgetting the multitude and variety of women that exists.
The aspect of the day that most touched me was the camaraderie amongst the women throughout the day. This was especially present during the Award ceremony which honored four Independent Women. The recipients of the Independent Woman Award was: Denise A. Best, Founder & CEO of Blissful Elegance Events, Mia Amber Davis, Plus Size Model, Madeline Figueroa-Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Plus Model Magazine, and Christina Mendez, Plus Model, Actress and Activist.
Aja & Madeline Figueroa-Jones Recipient of Independent Woman Award
Mia Amber Davis Recipient of Independent Woman Award
The Independent Woman’s Award “began as a column in Belle-Noir Magazine that turned into a official award, Renee Jennings being the first to receive this award” stated by Aja. The Independent Woman Award is given to the women that are blazing trails in the Plus Size Community. The four women that received this Award are certainly doing just that with their movements in this industry.
Qristyl Frazier, Fashion Designer & Christina Mendez Recipient of Independent Woman Award

The resounding sentiment in the women’s acceptance speech was “to do what you love” don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Step out on faith and let your voice be heard! I can certainly dig that statement! So often we are told that our lives must be lived in a defined way and that you can’t follow your hearts desire. You of course have to be realistic, but you should certainly not limit yourself or your goals in what you can achieve and how you can help others along the way. This is what these women have been doing and they continue to make great strides in their careers in an industry that excluded them, but no more! Keep doing your thing Divas!

C&C benefited One In Three Women, a great campaign that is focused on ending the violence against women in their homes and throughout communities. The name of the organization embodies the very reason why we should stop violence to the women around the world. The 2003 UNIFEM report “Not A Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women” states that One in Three Women around the world will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. That statistic is daunting, but with the help of such organizations and events like C&C to bring awareness and assistance to others, we are well on our way to making that statistic non-existent!
Congrats to all the lovely ladies that took part in C&C and made it a great success. Stay STRONG, INDEPENDENT & CURVY!
Take a look at the events throughout the day, as well as the Ladies that attended and the Vendors that made the event get off to a great start! Hope to see you at the next C&C!

Official Sponsors Freya, Fantasie, Goddess Bra Line
Curves & Cocktails Logo

Below Left: Bravin Publishing LLC, Check out this book “A Man in Transition” by K.L. Belvin.

Below Right: Shopping Yania Izquierdo’s Jewelry

From Left to Right Below: DJ Stealth kept the soiree moving with his great musical selection; Severe, Designer of Sevy Handbags, very chic , with Stacy Armand her P.R. Rep.

Above Right: Mary-Jean Eraci for B’s Purses, Design Your Own Bag!

Left: Charmaine from CharPower Blog & Tina Gaddy. They came from Philly to show their support for Aja! Char stated “She did a good job, this takes a lot of work to pull together.”

Below: Darryl Jagga for Women of Dimension, he is a Designer and Stylist for the Plus-Size Woman

Above Left: Collective Elements by Danielle L. Green, beautiful greeting cards geared toward the Curvy Woman! Very Nice!
Above Right: Qristyl Frazier for Qristyl Frazier Designs with some very interested Fashionistas!

Left: Yania Izquierdo for Yania Creations, Unique Handcrafted Jewelry, loved the leaf pendants!

Below: The beautiful bras for full-figured women. The bra fittings were great, I took part as well!

Below Right : Sherisa Vassel owner of L’elephant Rose, very cool jewelry and head pieces!
Below Left: Myself & D, Editor & Chief of a hot entertainment blog, Cool Cruel World, check it out!

Left Below: Diane Duncan & Eileen Leone for Booty Parlor, ooooo child they had sexy items! Check it out in the pic below!

Above: The tables were getting stocked with Riunite’s Lambrusco and soon Ovington Prophete’s Toma Vodka, shout out to the Curyitini! Tasty!
Some scenes from Curves & Cocktails! BTW the food was great, thanks to For Real Catering, based in Brooklyn! BK stand up 🙂

Curves & Cocktails~Girls Night Out!

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Belle Noir, an on-line magazine for plus size women, is hosting their First Annual Curves and Cocktails: The Ultimate Girls Night Out For Women with Curves Event. The Executive Producer of this event and Communications President of Belle Noir is Ms. Aja B. Stubbs. The proceeds of this event go to the Charitable Partner One in Three, a organization dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women. Curves & Cocktails will be held:

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 25th

12 to 6 p.m.

AVEnts Loft

15 West 28th Street

10th Floor

NYC

The events for the day will include, brassiere fittings, raffling off of prizes from PZI Jeans and plus size retailer Igigi. The VIP Goodie Bags will be filled with Rx for Brown Skin, B’s Purses, Collective Elements, and Samanta Shoes. No event would be complete without great music and DJ Stealth will be there to ensure that you are musically entertained!

Enjoy a great libation and delectable treats while shopping the great vendors, such as Qristyl Frazier Designs, Booty Parlor and Sevy Handbags. Don’t miss the award ceremony that will honor three great women who will become the first recipients of the “Independent Woman Award”: Plus-Size Model Christina Mendez, Actress & Plus-Size Model Mia Amber, and Plus Model Magazine Editor-in-Chief Madeline Figueroa-Jones.



This is sure to be a great event! Here is the link to buy your tickets! Hope to see you there!

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Spring Spottings~O.N.Y.

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I found the O.N.Y. boutique in Park Slope and fell in love with the clothing, bags and the chicness of the store. The co-owner Yvonne was a darling to talk to. I love dealing with pleasant people when I go shopping. I actually did not mean to shop but I found these bags and couldn’t resist! The prices are great! Great halter dresses and other pieces under a $100. Yvonne wants to keep the price point affordable and still provide quality goods.

I seem to have a fascination with big bags these days. I can’t get enough of them, the bigger the better! I want to wear it everywhere, even to the club. A friend teased me saying ” Where are you going with that suitcase…” lol! Whatever, you know me I sport what I want, when I want, and can careless about what others think, I say that in the nicest voice 🙂 I have actually been using my purple clutch as an oversized wallet for my oversized purple bag, that I copped from O.N.Y.

Yvonne just got in a new collection of clothing from BGN. BGN is a ten year old company based in Paris. Ooooo la la, I like it! They actually provide some of the clothing for the ladies on Gossip Girl! So, go and check out O.N.Y.! You won’t be disappointed. When you’re done shopping pop over to Naidre’s for brunch, great food and the deserts, yummmmmy good! Myself and my girlfriends enjoyed it!

449 7th Avenue

Bet. 15th & 16th

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Naidre’s

384 7th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11215

American Business Women’s Association~Senator Diane J. Savino

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Last week Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting a group of great women during a American Business Women’s Association Meeting. The Mission of the ABWA “is to bring together business women while providing them with opportunities to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.” You should definitely join them at their next free networking event Spring Fling, on April 28th, click on link for all the details! Also, think about joining as a member of this Association.

(Pictured to the Left, Gilian Abramowitz President of the ABWA NY Chapter & also Sales Associate with the Corcoran Group, Senator Diane J. Savino for the 23rd District of the New York State Senate & Amoy Barnes, Office Manager to Senator Savino & a Young Power Player to look out for, a Diva in the making! Oh, yes I’m there also!)

The guest speaker for the evening was Senator Diane J. Savino and she was dynamic, had a great sense of humor and motivational. She touched on several aspects of her career and how she found herself in politics. She started her political career by accident, she stated. She worked many years as a caseworker for NYC Child Welfare Administration until she was laid off. She then became a labor union activist and moved up quickly in the ranks. Because of her hard work and dedication she was asked by Governor Paterson to run for a position. The rest is history, since then she has sponsored many important initiatives, including the increase in funding for cervical cancer and educating women on the HPV vaccine. She was victorious in the doing away with the five year statute of limitation for a person who commits the crime of sexual assault.

A key point of her speech for me was when she stated that “WOMEN SHOULD SUPPORT EACH OTHER.” She gave the example of very few women being in politics or even wanting to sign checks to show their support of candidates. It’s true! I find that we are strong as women but sometimes don’t want to put ourselves in the forefront. Men have no problem with putting themselves out there, in more ways then one, but women tend to rethink situations, second-guessing our decisions and motives. I am guilty of that, as strong as I am. Senator Savino was great in pointing this out and stating how to overcome some of this thinking. She stated”You don’t listen to that voice that tells you, you shouldn’t be here.” Simple, yet the implementation is an ongoing process. How many times have I been in a room of Attorneys thinking what am I doing here, then I snap out of it, because then I say why not be here, I am intelligent and well-versed. As Senator Savino steps into a room of powerful fellow Senators, Politicians, Lobbyists, Businessmen and the like, she may ask herself the same question, but there is no doubt she has crushed that small voice of negativity to rise to the level she currently holds. We can all take a lesson from Senator Savino!

Senator Savino you’re in my Diva Spotlight! Keep doing what you do!

(Pictured Above Rekha Krishnamurthi, Designer & Owner of Divine dZigns and other wonderful Business Women at the Dinner Meeting)

Support These Worthy Causes: March of Dimes March For Babies & Walk Now For Autism

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Nakesha Anthony & Christina Mendez are my Spotlight Divas that are making great strides when it comes to their careers. In addition to their careers, they both are Philanthropist, finding the time to give back to their communities through their individual causes. I ask that you support March for Babies and Walk Now For Autism, by either volunteering your time or sponsoring them by giving a monetary donation. Yes, there is little we want to give in such times, but I am a FIRM BELIEVER of GIVING BACK, not to receive, but because IT’S GOOD FOR THE SOUL!

Christina Mendez, beautiful Model and Mother to her gorgeous son Damian, pictured here, has given her time to making people aware of Autism. April is Autism Awareness Month and Christina has made her voice heard in spreading the message about Autism with interviews on Belle-Noire Blog Talk Radio and with Cindy Hsu from CBS News. Damian was diagnosed with Autism when he was two-years old, and his parents were told that he would never communicate with anyone. Now Damian is twelve, communicates very well and is bi-lingual. Damian’s parents did their research to make sure he lived an interactive life! The key they say is early diagnosis and intervention.

Christina asks, “Did you know that more children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with AIDS, Cancer or Diabetes, combined?” Well, it’s a fact that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism. “Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.”* Christina needs your assistance in raising funds for the Autism Speaks: Walk Now For Autism. Christina has formed Team Mendez to raise funds and awareness for the June 14th Walk, taking place in New York City at the South Street Seaport.

Nakesha Anthony, has always been interested in advocacy for different public health issues. While in Medical School, she rotated in the Pediatric Department, and became fascinated by the strength of babies, especially the preemies. Nakesha states, “Soon, I found myself spending more time in the premature section of the hospital dealing with the parents and the babies and this is when I knew that I was considering a career as a Neonatologist. I remember hearing about the walk for the March of Dimes, when I went to the bank and they had signs for their team. I searched on the Internet and signed up as an individual walker. This was in 2007 and I have been walking since. I also have babies in my family that were born as preemies so this is a very important cause for me to support. Although these babies are very strong, they still need a voice to fight and to speak up for them. Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. The funds that are raised for the walk, support research that saves babies’ lives.”

“The March of Dimes uses 77 cents of every dollar you raise in March for Babies to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And your funds are used to bring comfort and information to families whose baby was born too soon, or sick.”* Read more about how the March of Dimes, helped Baby Alex, pictured to the left, by clicking the link. Please support Nakesha by either volunteering to walk or giving a donation by going to her March for Babies Webpage.

Both of these women are advocating for very important causes that are growing issues in our communities. Won’t you lend a hand in supporting them!
April 26, 2009
Eisenhower Memorial Park
East Meadow, Long Island
6 Mile Walk
June 14, 2009
South Street Seaport, New York City
1.5-3 Mile Walk

Topshop in SOHO

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Topshop has invaded the United States!!! Another posh store to add to your list. It opened just this morning in SOHO. There were all sorts of soiree’s full of celebs going on before this opening and slated to go on throughout the week. Was anyone at the Balthazar party last night? Party at The Box also, which by the way I’ve been wanting to go and see that interesting show, wink! Anyone want to join me?

I have to swing by the store and check it out. But, I like what I see on the site. The Collections include: Kate Moss, Summer Pirate, Miami, Witchcraft, Memphis and Hotshop. The price points are not like H&M, expect to pay TopPrice. I’ve heard the lines are long to get in and there is also a wait for the fitting rooms, so be prepared! Take a few people with you, shopping in a crazy store, can be good in numbers!

This week customers can enjoy pampering sessions, sign-up in store. Get your hair done by Woodley & Bunny, get a makeover from Make Up For Ever or a mani-pedi from Valley. If you you can stand the wait!

Here are a few items I loved on the site:

The Pyramid High Sandal Boot by Witchcraft for $190. Oooooo, I so want it!

The Cut Out Jersey Dress also by Witchcraft for $80. You need to check the back of it out, sooooo sexy. This is a Freakum Dress for when your man is acting out of control! It pairs nicely with the Pyramid Boots!

The Sachi 2 Platform by Miami is super trendy in Yellow for $135. I’m also loving Yellow in addition to Purple. These are cute! Pair it up with the dress below for a fun color clash!

The Sunset Animal Bandeu Dress also by Miami is $90. Love it!

The Rex Sandal Boot by Summer Pirate is $145. Loves it!

The Kate Moss Collection ranges from Dresses to Knickers, with prices from $24 for Lace Knickers to $510 for this Diamante Dress pictured below. Note, there were prices for this Collection when I checked it out this morning, now it seems there are no prices available. Hmmm!

If you can’t get to the store then shop on-line. Free delivery until April 9th! Check out some of the other Brands at Topshop and items on Sale!

Topshop

478 Broadway & Broome

NY 10013

(212) 966-9555

Diva Spotlight ~ Qristyl Frazier

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The much-anticipated Spring Collection by Qristyl Frazier is here!! If you don’t know that name, you should and you definitely won’t forget it by the time you finish reading this article. The Diva Spotlight is on Ms. Qristyl Frazier (pictured to the left) designer extraordinaire. Qristyl, originally from St. Louis, is now established in New York and based right here in Brooklyn. You know I love that! She has been in the Fashion Industry for more than fifteen years and has created designs for many famous women, including Janet Jackson and Queen Latifah, to name a few. I had the pleasure of speaking with Qristyl and she is an absolute delight to talk with. I got the sense right away that she is passionate about her work, aims to please her customer base and she works very hard to maintain her successful business, wearing many hats on a daily basis. In 2008, her designs Ripped the Runway, in BET’s annually televised Runway Show. The praises of her work resounded from many that saw the show that evening. Her hard work and skills had paid off, with many requesting orders, and a multitude of people checking out her website.

 

Qristyl designs for the plus-size woman, “Plus-Sexy” as she has coined it, are for women sizes 12 to 24 and ages 22 to 55. However, there are a few dresses that are available in sizes Small and Medium. I often hear women complain that they are unable to find the perfect fitting dress or a modern style look that compliments their figure. Qristyl has managed to solve that problem and design sexy, elegant and very modern styles for the plus-size woman. Her designs are for all occasions, work, play and casual. She uses an array of colors in this Spring Collection: Coral, Pink, Aqua, and prints, as well. But, if you’re looking for that Ultimate Black Dress, she has that also. Fret not, if a dress is not for you she has a few sexy jumpsuits, they’re in this season and I’m loving these! Don’t worry Qristyl’s got you covered, literally!
 
Qristyl has decided to take her designs to a whole new level by adding two lines, swimsuits and lingerie. She will be debuting these Collections at the end of April, and I will certainly bring them to you! Stay tuned this Diva is on the go and nothing can stop her! 

The Spring Collection ranges in price from $70 to $260.

The Twist-Tie Knotted Dress available in Black, Grey and Coral for $150, sizes 10 to 20.

 

The Three Piece Pink Kimono Suit, for $150, sizes 12 to 24.

The Rouched T-Shirt Neck Dress With Leather NecklineTrim, available in Navy for $150, sizes 12 to 24.

The T-Shirt Tie Dress, available in White with Green Tie, for $140, sizes L to 4XL.

The Grown & Sexy One Shoulder Print, available in other bold prints for $150, sizes 10-24.

The Ultra Long Dress, available in other prints for $160, sizes S to 4XL.

The Grown & Sexy Collection: Sexy Jumper, in solids and prints, the straps can be adjusted for several different styles, for $180, sizes 12 to 22.

Check out the website for the complete Collection, which also includes wrap dresses and separates. Also, check out the Faces of QFD, the beautiful models wearing her designs. Place your order today and of course tell her Danalee~The Fashionista sent you!

Qristyl Frazier Designs
info@qristylfrazierdesigns.com
(347) 587-9193 

Lucky Magazine and Almay Pure Blends

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Lucky Magazine and ALMAY Pure Blends have partnered up in an effort to be more ecologically conscious. ALMAY presents their new Pure Blends, The Generation of Natural Cosmetics. Join this eco-effort by clicking on the link and Lucky will plant a tree in your honor. But, don’t forget to also go to your nearest store and try ALMAY Pure Blends. What I love the most about the ALMAY Pure Blends is that its not only a natural look, but a look you can obtain at an affordable price! Take a look at some of the shades below, you won’t be disappointed!

I love the True Blends Shades! It speaks of Spring, light beautiful and natural with tones in Lavender, Peach, Petal, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sage, Natural and more!

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