What was Hot at Shecky’s Girls Night Out?

2 Comments

Two Eyewitness Fashionista Reporters, and friends, answered this question when they attended the Shecky’s event two weeks ago! Why wasn’t I there? Couldn’t brave the long line, had a prior commitment, if you must know :-)!

First let’s hear from Fashionista Nakesha Anthony, pictured center with her two beautiful friends:
“It was so busy, so crowded! Here are some vendors I particularly liked Tixxi & Co. they had unusual wooden and woven handbags that I thought were cool. Uniquely ChCha had a nice turn on photography. Go Sisterhood is a nice site for womens month and supportive of women’s issues! Every purchase made on Go Sisterhood, a donation will be made to the American Heart Society!

I LUV Friction Jewelry. I snagged a pair of earrings that look like the wisps you beat eggs along with a beautiful pair of earrings that were flower shaped, both pictured on the left. They were reasonably priced and they were willing to negotiate with me when I offered them a deal. Three Sirens had some cool outfits as well!

I absolutely LUV this vendor, NY Chameleon, as well! Some things were a bit pricey, but so much of their jewelry reminded me of Panama’s jewelry that I bought earrings for myself and my mom. Pictured below, Nice Stuff !

I also ordered the goodie bag and received some nice things, samples and such! There were samples of smoothies, wine, martinis, cookies, cupcakes and chip & dip stations. There were many many vendors present at this event. Some items were overpriced but many items were reasonably priced. I had a BLAST!”

Let’s hear from our second Fashionista Reporter Samantha Stephens:

“I think we’ve all been to the SoHo area before right? You know how they have those lil boutiques with independent designers selling “unique” clothes for High prices? Well, at this event, the prices are marked down 40-75%. There are also a lot of the designers there from the flea markets in SoHo. Anyway, add nice clothes plus FREE beauty treats, FREE drinks, FREE decadent desserts (they had cupcakes, cookies, smores, chocolate fondue (hmmm good!) and good company to the mix and you’ll have yourself a Grand ole time! The goodie bag is also a nice touch.


The goodie bag had all types of items that I will actually use! For example, included in my bag was a Yes to Carrots body scrub (6.2 oz), Jonathan polishing gloss (1.7 oz), Black Radiance lip gloss, a 1.75 package of Dr. Miracle’s Deep Conditioning Treatment and a big bottle (3.4 oz.) of Celine Dion’s par fum, Enchanting. And that’s only a few of the items that were in my bag. I only copped a pair of Michael Kors shades from Eye Save because I was on the run to meet a former coworker for drinks.

But, I ran into this Columbian designer, Sandra Baquero, that has some sexy simple comfortable looking cotton dresses. She didn’t have my size so homegirl broke out the measuring tape and said that she’d make me the dress for the same price – 80 bucks! Sandra doesn’t have a web site but she is at the market on Mulberry between prince and Houston every Saturday (9AM-7PM). Edge NY also had some nice pieces, check out their site Selma Karaca. There were some sisters from a shop called Marzee located in VA that had cute dresses/skirts, pictured below, but they were all size Small.”

Thank you ladies for that fabulous report! Sounds like you both had a great time. It’s all about the Girls Night Out! Those are some great style suggestions!! Hopefully, myself and those that missed it can catch Shecky’s when it returns in June! Go to Shecky’s site for further information and definitely check out the designers mentioned in this article! In the meantime, create your own Girls Night Out, gather your best girl friends and catch brunch or dinner and stroll through some of the best shopping areas in the city! Let me know what you find!

Spring Spottings~Serene Rose

Leave a comment
In celebration of Spring, I went on a hunt for interesting stores this past weekend. I found SeRene Rose, located on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope. The clothing is super chic! The dresses are exquisite! Check out their website to find out the major and local designer looks they carry. Right now they are having a buy-one get-one free Spring Sale. If you’re looking for that perfect Spring dress for a soiree, work, a wedding or vacation/staycation you should venture out to this store. Brides-to-be, they also have great bridesmaids dresses! Ask for Emanuel, he is great
and will definitely help you find what you are looking for! Tell him Danalee~The Fashionista sent you! Oh, and check out the Men’s store right next door. Pick your man up a little something or have him go and check it out for himself!
SeRene Rose
331 Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 3rd & 4th Street)
(718) 832-3225

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/

ARISE Magazine

Leave a comment
ARISE, is the new magazine that explores African Fashion, Music, Politics and Culture. I picked up the first two issues at Fashion Week and just got around to flipping through it. I know its like March, and I am only flipping through the mags and WWD papers I picked up in February. But, you don’t understand how many mags I get and don’t go through immediately. Fashion mags are like Fine Wine, to me, they are to be savored and taken in slowwwwwwly! I did discuss the ARISE Collective Runway Show, in my Fashion Week coverage, which showcased several talented African Designers. Check out the video in my previous article.

This mag is ooozzing with all soughts of great info on new artists, like Patrice, so sexy or K’Naan, great lyricist), legendary artists like Fela Kuti, African Power Players like Librerian President Ellen John-Sirleaf, Nollywood (you know we like to cop those Nigerian movies), the latest and hottest Fashion, and much more! I loved it all, and the layout satisfied my aesthetically judging eyes. I am easily turned off by mags that do not easily flow, or where the author only knows what he or she is writing about. I won’t name any names! But, you know who you are….

Here’s an non-exhaustive list of Designers I think you should keep up with:
Black Coffee, Designed by Danica Lepen & Jacques van der Watt
Duro Olowu
Mobolaji Dawodu
Mantsho
MoMo
Phyllis Taylor
Deola Sagoes
Oswald Boateng
Lanre De Silva
Tiffany Amber
Xuly Bet
Adebayo Jones

Check out these great sites, Haute and Belle Naija, to get an extensive list of African Designers. Be sure to check out the ARISE website!

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/

Jurors Using Twitter & Facebook

Leave a comment

Fumo: Juror discussing case on Facebook, Twitter – The Times Herald News: Norristown, PA and Montgomery County (timesherald.com)

Posted using ShareThis

Perfect example of taking social-networking just a bit too far! As a juror, you are not suppose to be giving blow by blow accounts of what’s going on with a case on Facebook and Twitter. Hmmm, did he/she think they were there as a spectator and journalist and not an actual juror. There is another instance of this happening in Arkansas as well. Crazy!

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/

Diva Spotlight~Ambler Jackson

Leave a comment
AJ, as some call this Diva, is an Attorney, Entrepreneur and my good friend! She recently started her business called LiveLoveLife, in February of this year. Her motto, is to Love the Life you Live! Don’t you agree, you have to do just that, and don’t think twice about it.

Ambler has always had a fierceness she exuded in her dressing, her attitude and her work. So, it was only natural that she would channel that fierceness into a business that she loved. She has a passion for fashion, baking and event planning and thus her business is a fusion of all three.

LiveLoveLife, is a one-stop boutique. Pick up a chic handbag, glitzy dress or consignment shop at the Fashionista Corner. You can also satisfy your sweet-tooth and order “Grand Marnier Balls” or “Yummy Blondies” , to name a few, at the Great Taste Corner. She has also managed to incorporate her great organizational skills into what she calls “Creative Solutions.” She can provide image consulting services or help you complete your “To-Do List” by perhaps choosing that perfect gift for a loved one.

She created her business with the busy professional in mind. We all know how life can become very hectic. Ambler knows all too well how busy a life of an attorney can be, leaving little time for yourself to do the smallest things, like buying a greeting card, which you can also order on the website. So, she created a boutique that could provide those people with little time to spare the opportunity to instantly get the assistance they need.

I recently had the pleasure of indulging on AJ’s delectable delights, when I received two great packages of “Heavenly Chocolate Brownies.” Ummm Ummm good, moist and tasty! The perfect combination of chocolate, caramel and nuts, every chocolate lover’s dream treat! As you can see in the picture below, I took a bite out of one of the brownies, I couldn’t resist! I loved the personal touch, from the packaging to that fierce business card! Receiving such a gift from a good friend was heart-warming. I am sure your loved one will feel the same receiving one of AJ’s baked goods!

This is a Diva Entrepreneur doing it for herself, in all aspects of her career. This is why I choose Ms. Ambler Jackson for the Diva Spotlight. I encourage you to check out this Diva’s website & utilize the services she provides! LiveLoveLife, is more than a boutique, it’s a way of life! You won’t be disappointed. Tell AJ, The Fashionista sent you.

Check out http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/ to find out more about the other Inspirational Diva Entrepreneurs I will be spotlighting this month!

It’s All About Women This Month

Leave a comment

It’s ironic that its Women’s History Month and we have all this discussion about Domestic Violence swirling around our most notable young woman celebrity. We have come so far as Women in our careers and personal lives. However, it seems that there is still a epidemic of great proportion that plagues some of us women.

I worked with women that were victims of Domestic Violence and it was heartbreaking to hear the stories! I think sometimes people forget that there are different forms of abuse, both physical (Domestic Violence, Rape, Incest, Female Genital Mutilation) as well as mental. Mental abuse can be just as scarring as physical abuse. Women are sometimes made to feel that they shouldn’t leave or nobody will be better than there current partner, and sometimes there is a comfort level, as unbelievable as it sounds, that they do not want to break. In 2009, none of these forms of violence against women should be occurring! Women and girls need to know that it’s ok to seek help to break this unhealthy cycle of violence. It’s not ok to stay in abusive relationships.

V-DAY is one organization that has dedicated themselves to ending violence toward women by raising funds and awareness through benefit productions of the popular Vagina Monologues, which I saw in London in 2002. V-DAY distributes money to organizations around the world that work to stop the abuse and violence of women. Check out their website for information about events in your area where you can volunteer your time.

Another great organization based right here in New York City is inMotion, Inc. This non-profit organization assists low-income women, that are victims of domestic violence, with their legal issues involving Matrimonial, Family and Immigration Law.

If you are a woman or girl being abused, please know that there is help for you! Check out the organizations I have mentioned as well as Safe Horizon, another great organization dedicated to assisting the youth as well as families that are victims of violence. You can break the cycle!

Domestic Violence Hotline:800.621.HOPE (4673)
Crime Victims Hotline:866.689.HELP (4357)
Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline:212.227.3000

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/

BET’s Rip The Runway Designers

1 Comment

Project Runway’s Korto Momolu, is a great designer. Loved the bold print and the way the dresses flowed on the models. The jumpsuits were hot! Here’s a look at her Designs on the Finale of Project Runway last Fall.

Monif C and Douglas Says Plus Designs were great! I think these designers address the problem of Plus Size women not having a variety of styles to choose from. The looks were sexy and flattering!

Byron Lars Beauty Mark has a oldies but goody feel to his Collection. I like the looks that are on his site better than those that ripped the runway. Check out his site and photos from the show. Tell me which do you prefer?

Johnny Vincent Designs swimwear…loved the swimsuits! Very sexy and stylish. However, I’m a bit perturbed that there is a swimsuit named after several Caribbean islands except St. Lucia, hmmmmm. Check out the site and pics from the show.

Akoo, T.I.’s Men’s line launched last year. His line ripped the runway with some trendy looks. I like!

Recovery.Gov

1 Comment

That’s the website address you go to find out where our money is headed! I have to go to bed, but wanted to write a quick note about the President’s Joint Session Speech. I was totally blown away, again, by President Obama. Some of the critics are saying that he is taking on too much at once. But, I am a firm believer of Multi-Tasking! He has an aggressive agenda and that is what we need. An agenda that is going to tackle the most important things to the American people, and as you know many issues are on our minds these days.

President Obama discussed:

1) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that was just passed…can I get an Amen!
2) No tax increases for those making less than 250k, there also be tax cuts for these individuals
3) Health Care Reform, Preventive Medicine, Reduce Health Care Costs by $2,500, and more
4) No Torture, Closing of Guantanamo Bay
5) Increase of pay and health benefits for our Military and Veterans
6) Higher Education incentive for those that volunteer in their community
7) Cutting the deficit in his first term
8) Increasing research for a cure for Cancer
9) The moving out of the troops from the Middle East
10) The Energy Issue, Implement a program to reduce greenhouse emissions
11) Increase in jobs
12) Strengthen Education System
13) Foreign Policy to renew alliances and start new ones
14) Extension of Unemployment Benefits
15) Decreasing Terrorism

And that’s just to name a few! He gets a A+ from me, not that we should be grading him. I have to stop watching the Nightline Report Card with George Stephanopolous . Check out Recovery.gov and Whitehouse.gov to stay in touch with the President’s policies and to follow the money.

One last note, Governor Jindal is not the one to bring the GOP back. Just cause JT brought Sexy back, doesn’t mean you can do it in just one overacted speech. I am not being bias at all! He did not give a rebuttal speech, it was a campaign speech. The beginning part of the speech he reiterated what we already know about the President and the history that he signifies. The speech was suppose to highlight the issues that the American people are focused on and how he agreed or disagreed and how the Republicans will either help or voice their own change about the issues I listed above.

Ok, goodnight!
Keep Multi-Tasking Fashionistas 🙂

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com

What I "Liked" at Fashion Week

Leave a comment

William Rast Collection is not my style, however I still like something about it. Hmmm, can’t put my finger on it and its not because of JT! I did like two looks, the white button-down shirt with lace and matching black skirt and second the black sleeveless buttoned blazer.

Zac Posen is a great designer with impeccable vision. I liked the first suit, the gold backless dress and the purple gown. I didn’t love the collection. But, still thought that there was impeccable detailing in Zac’s collection.

Simple and bold colors dominate this collection. I like the simplistic looks and sleekness unique to Narcisco Rodrigues!


I liked Akiko Ogawa’s Collection. The first two looks are hot! Along with that last look, the white tail coat, very nice.

I liked Matthew Williamson’s Collection. An array of colors, I especially liked the gold and turquoise gown. His looks are always a bit edgy and unique. Tell me if you agree, if you look for the video!


Tracey Reese’s Collection is made up of florals and other patterns. I’m not the biggest fan of floral patterns, but I like the long dress with the ruffles at the bottom. Also, liked the salmon-colored dress with sequin designs.

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com

Keep Looking Forward, A Response to the Post Cartoon

3 Comments

I received all the e-mails and heard all the discussions about the Post cartoon. I wasn’t going to address it, only because sometimes you need not give credence to such attitudes. But, then I figured why not be short and brief about how I feel on the matter. To say anymore would be wasted energy.

I have only three statements to make:

One: I normally do not buy the Post, and will continue with that trend. I suggest you follow suit! These days its not that hard to put a business out of commission.

Two: I hope no one actually thought that because we had an African-American President that mentalities would change? Nothing in this lovely world is perfect, especially people and their opinions. So, just take this as a lesson that with change still remains the ignorance of a few.

Last: Keep looking forward and don’t turn back! We now have a President we would have never in a million years dreamt of having. Don’t let one mans depiction of a situation cloud the goal that was just accomplished. Keep looking ahead, dust your shoulders off and keep it moving! There will always be someone making a negative statement when there is absolutely nothing negative that should be said. But, then we grapple with that thing called Freedom of Speech, and some may just call the cartoon satire at its best. Something to contemplate.

But, I look at the cartoon as a disrespectful move not only on the part of the illustrator but on the part of the Post, all for sensationalism and the selling of papers! This is not what most of the American people want to see at such an ominous time. Its just not! Of course, this is my version of Free Speech as well!

Keep Looking Forward!

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/