ESTELLE takes stage in Style at the Good Awards

The GOOD Awards recognize individuals and corporations for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and promoting opportunity in Africa.

Last night at Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund’s second annual GOOD Awards, Grammy Award-Winning recording artist Estelle hit the stage in style at at Lavo NYC.

Not only did Estelle sound amazing but she looked incredible too in chic Black Prada Booties and a floral accented Manish Arora Dress

 Hip-Hop Music Mogul Russell Simmons, neice Angela Simmons

 Fashion model Selita Ebanks

Hip-Hop Music Mogul Russell Simmons and models

Gucci Bags Cruise Collection 2013

 Discover the largest collection of Gucci handbags for women. Shop luxury bags, clutches, totes & more. Made In Italy

Gucci

Twill Leather Tote, Splash

$1550.00

Gucci

Soho Leather Chain-Strap Shoulder Bag, Brown

$1290.00

Soho Large Leather Double-Chain-Strap Shoulder Bag, Black

$1750.00

Soho Leather Double-Chain-Strap Shoulder Bag, Splash

$1150.00

Soho Leather Shoulder Bag, Red

$1750.00

Rania Leather Top Handle Bag, Classic Khaki

$2490.00

Bella Original GG Canvas Tote, Bumblebee

$1650.00

Bella Medium Tote Bag, Bumblebee

$1980.00

Joy GG Boston Bag

$850.00

Sukey Large Original GG Canvas Tote, Soft Rose

$995.00

Joy GG Canvas Boston Bag

$820.00

Sukey Original GG Canvas Top-Handle Bag, White

$1095.00

Soho Leather iPad Case, Sunflower (colors black & red available)

$305.00

For more bags go to Neiman marcus http://www.neimanmarcus.com 

NY Fashion Week Fern Mallis Live with Marc Jacobs at 92nd Y

Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis

Marc Jacobs, who creates clothes for Louis Vuitton as well as his own brand, talks with NY Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis about living in the spotlight and next season's fashion line. In New York City 92nd street Y livecast online at 1/9/12 at 8pm.

Marc Jacobs was born in New York City. His father, an agent at the William Morris died when he was seven years old. Marc Jacobs mentioned, Joan Rivers lent her house to his parents one summer. Later Joan Rivers joked to Marc, Brat I would of been much nicer to you, if I knew you would of been Marc Jacobs. Calvin Klein also knew Marc Jacobs father.  Marc asked Calvin Klein advice on how to become a designer. Calvin said, go to Parsons School of Design. He received partial scholarship at attended school with Tracy Reese and Tom Ford. Marc would actually party at Studio 57, bring books to study there and go to school right after.   During his adulthood  the carefree sex and drug revolution years of the early 80's took place.  In 1984 graduated from  Parsons School of Design in New York. During his time at Parsons, Jacobs won the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award in 1984, and in the same year was also awarded the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award and the Design Student of the Year Award

Marc hired Tracy Reese, Tom Ford to help with his portfolio. Marc first collection, the most memorable and liberating, models were awkward, music of Nirvana, Pear Jam and Sonic Unit.  The models could wear flannel; no makeup but still be beautiful.  A runway show that models wore no makeup and hair wasn't styled.  The show received allot of press but didn't generate enough money from the collection.  Marc was fired as a designer.  As a designer if the clothes aren't profitable, companies want to spend money on something that will make money to grow the business.

 Anna Wintour helped Marc, really loved his work and introduced him to Versace and other designers.  Jacobs was appointed Louis Vuitton's creative director, where he created the company's first ready-to-wear clothing line. Jacobs has collaborated with many popular artists for his Louis Vuitton collections.  Jacobs started a new line of body-splash fragrances in affordable huge ten-ounce bottles, Daisy, Oh Lola and Lola.

Marc was addicted to heroin, went to rehab to stay sober. He admits to still drink wine, liquor, pot and still smokes cigarettes but no heavy drugs.

His health began to fail, would spend long hours in the bathroom and feel sick all the time. Marc found out he had problems with his colon. Since he didn't trust medication, visited a nutritionist Dr, Lindsey Duncan put him on a strict diet, drinking green kale, broiled chicken, no white flour, no dairy, no caffeine, no sugar ..couldn't have sugar from fruit either .  Marc began to work out, laugh every day, taking a nap and live more.  He mentioned, would take it easy on Sunday, have a carrot cake.  This health lifestyle, now has a healthy colon and more at ease.

Marc says, he use to be insecure, with working out, very confident, even send nude pictures to his boyfriend.  His favorite gym is David Barton gym, goes between 9am-11am. 

CDFA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, he received twice.  Fern Mallis, asked Marc if he believes in awards.  Marc says, it is an opportunity to thank people publicly but what is important is the journey, the process of putting it together.  It's not a trophy or a check.  It's real passion, in all aspects of the process.

Marc tell Fern Mallis, He isn't into emails and doesn't tweet or do anything on social media. Marc likes to text.

Fern Mallis : What would you like to add to your list.

Marc Jacobs: says have more sex, have a manicure, go to the gym more, see more art and design more collections.

Fern Mallis: What advice would you give to upcoming designers. 

Marc Jacobs: I don't give advice but will share my experience.  Don't quit, be passionate what you do & turn more to others who believe in you.

Fern Mallis: What moment did you think you made it.  

 Marc Jacobs :He doesn't think he has made it.  Yes, you have Marc, collections, fragrance, awards, countless runways shows, and soon launching makeup with Sephora in Sept

http://www.marcjacobs.com/

-- 

4 Hygiene rules to a Healthy Vagina

Keeping your private parts clean and well-groomed gives you a fresh feeling that will please both partners  ... Here are some tips for and women on how to spruce up.

1. Proper hygiene

 While the inside of the vagina usually keeps itself clean, the outside can use a little help sometimes. Wash every day with a gentle, additive-free soap to keep your vagina fresh and smelling nice.

Baby wipes are just as a big necessity as soap when bathing. It's good to carry travel sized Huggies compartment in my purse. Ladies, let's face it. While we are "ladies", and love to be clean and smelling good, our urine smells no better than a man's. So, I utilize baby wipes everytime after I pee. Toilet paper alone is fine, but I find it not to be enough, especially on a date night. Trust me, this works.

2. Shaving 

Whether or not to shave the pubic hair is a personal choice, and you shouldn't do it if you feel uncomfortable with it. If you don't mind the idea however, consider that once that pubic hair is gone, things like sweat and stray urine droplets won't get trapped in the area. If you notice your vagina smells bad, it could be scents trapped in the hair and not the vagina itself. Shaving will also improve the taste of your vagina, much the same way as it improves smell.

a.Choose your shaving cream wisely. For this sensitive body zone be sure to get and use a good shaving cream or gel, using soap is definitely out. The Art of Shaving, Unscented Shaving Cream is phenomenal for getting a smooth shave, moisturizing skin and preventing ingrown hair.

b.Don’t skimp on your razor. Stay clear of the straight, cheap disposables or you'll be asking for cuts and nicks. Instead use a razor with a pivoting head and multiple blades to give you a smooth, close shave. My pick is Schick Quattro for Women

c. Give a haircut. Trim hair down first as short as possible by placing comb flat on the skin and trim over comb with scissors, or with clippers using the shortest guard. The less hair you start out with means less use of your razor.

d.Take a warm shower or bath. At least 5-10 minutes of the heat will soften skin and relax the hair follicle.

e.Exfoliate. Rid dead skin cells and provide a closer shave by using a mild exfoliator or your favorite body wash with an Ayate washcloth on your pubic area.

f.Dab on some shaving oil or cream. Working as a barrier on your skin, the razor will glide easier instead of dragging and moisturize skin. It also helps prevent razor burn, general irritation and ingrown hairs.

g.Apply shaving cream or gel. Make sure skin is damp but not overly wet. If you have a shaving brush, work the product with the brush in circles to help lift hair and get a closer shave.

h.Shave. Using a fresh blade, first go in the same direction of hair growth and then in opposite direction. Don't go over the same area too many times.

i.Rinse. In between strokes, be sure to rinse blade. A clogged razor won’t work well.

j.Cleanse. Rinse pubic area and pat dry with towel.

k. Moisturize. Apply a light, preferably unscented lotion.

j.Fight redness. There's a tendency for getting ingrown hairs. Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum ( can help with bumps, redness and ingrown hairs).

Tips on Scents:

3. Flavored oils 

There are flavored massage oils available that can be used on the vagina to improve the taste and smell. These are only to be used during sex though, not during everyday activities. Still, if you're looking for a quick improvement in taste and smell for an intimate moment, massage oils are a good option. Make sure the kind you get is specifically intended for sex, and always test a small amount first so you know your vagina isn't too sensitive for the product.

Qianbaijia tightening vagina compound essential oil & Elegantanna Aroma Vagina Contracting Essential Oil 

 4. Drinking juice 

Cranberry and pineapple juice have both been reported to improve the taste and scent of vaginal discharge. Cranberry juice naturally combats unhealthy bacteria in the urinary tract system, so this will help improve the smell of urine as well. Even if you only drink a glass of one of these juices a day, you can still see changes. The pineapple juice trick works for men too, so if you live with your partner, consider getting him to try it with you. 

If you notice a persistent bad vaginal smell, you may be suffering from some kind of infection, so see a doctor if these natural tips don't improve your condition.

Love & Hip Hop Season 3 returns

Love & Hip Hop Season 3 Returns

Last night in New York, VH1, Monami Entertainment and NFGTV celebrated the third season of the hit series “Love & Hip Hop” with a private bash at Meatpacking District lounge Kiss & Fly. Dressed to the nines, cast members hit the red carpet, including Yandy Smith, Joe Budden (with girlfriend Kaylin Garcia), Tahiry Jose, Erica Mena, Rich Dollaz, Consequence, Jen the Pen, Raqi Thunda, Lore'l and Winter Ramos.  

Executive Producer, Mona Scott Young introduces the episodes

Love & Hip Hop Cast watches episode

Press crowd watches episodes

It seems like only a few months ago, we were watching Chrissy fighting Kimbella and cuss out Yandy every chance she got, the show is back with new members and new DRAMA!!  There are a few interesting names added to the cast. 

 Here is a list of the new cast members:

Consequence - NYC rapper Consequence has established a successful career working with the likes of Kanye West and A Tribe Called Quest. His five year relationship with Jen Bayer and their 1-year old son Caiden has left the couple bickering about how to raise the child based on differing cultural and religious beliefs, Muslim meets Jewish.. Let's watch to see if they can make it work...

Jen “The Pen” Bayer - Known for dishing up gossip as a hip hop journalist,, Jen has spent the past year raising Caiden, her son with Consequence.

Winter Ramos - She appeared on the second season on of “Love & Hip Hop,” with Emily.  Winter Ramos, former assistant to rapper Fabolous, is making her name in hip hop history as she writes a tell-all book of famous ex-boyfriends and her life in the music industry. She is currently the Creative Costume Designer for Flavor Unit Films. Hmm, isn't Flavor Unit ... Queen Latifah

Rashidah Ali -Appeared on Atlanta housewives, friends with Sherrie Whitfield. Rashidah is most known for being a shoe consultant to the stars and is currently working on launching her own shoe line. 

Joe Budden- Hip hop artist known for his Grammy award-winning song “Pump It Up” was featured in the hit movie 2 Fast 2 Furious. This ladies’ man is also known for dating video vixens and posting his public relationships and break-ups online.

Tahiry Jose- Tahiry is a urban mode/video vixen who Joe Budden exgirlfriend. The breakup was painful and very public online.

Raqi Thunda- Radio personality and DJ, Raqi and Joe Budden insist they are just long-time friends. However, Raqi and Joe’s ex, Tahiry don’t see eye- to- eye and that's when the drama starts.

 Rich Dollaz is managing Erica Mena music career & dating her, Yandy is now a mom and Olivia is still pursuing music, wondering if Rich & Erica relationship will mess up her brand.  

  The crazy Q&A at the “Love & Hip Hop” 3

•  Rich Dollaz can barely hold his liquor, too much Ciroc, smh
•  Cast members Erica Mena and Lore'l get into a verbal spinning match until executive producer        Mona Scott-Young regulates. 
•   Joe Budden current girlfriend doesn't mind his friendship with Tahiry Jose, which is sweet
•   Raqi Thunda reveals how she met Joe Budden

Season 3 of "Love & Hip Hop" premieres TONIGHT at 8pm (January 7th) on VH1. Visit the show online at www.lovehiphop.vh1.com., watch the Trailer below:

Katie Holmes on Project Runway All Stars..

The all stars are back, and they're ready to make fashion magic happen!  It's already time to start gearing up for Project Runway All Stars... Katie Holmes brings her fashion expertise to Project Runway All Stars this season.Watch Holmes in action, serving as a guest judge on the series.  Interestingly, though Project Runway All Stars premieres tonight, Jan 3rd on Lifetime.

The Project Runway designers pay their tribute to the armed forces! The four remaining designers are paired with female veterans from various military branches. The designers will have to battle it out to see who can create a design that best suits each veteran for each of the special events they are attending.  Special guest judges for this episode include actress Katie Holmes and designer Carmen Marc Valvo.

Dress to Shine On NYE.

This double breasted v-cut tuxedo dress by Balmain is stylish, sexy and formal but far

from boring. Paired with Giuseppe Zanotti criss-cross strappy heels exude simplicity and

elegance. A New Year's Eve outfit isn't complete without a bold statement neck piece and

this black collar with dangling gold chains from Zelia Horsley is sleek-and-chic. Classic

Chanel quilted lambskin Coco bag and crimson red lipstick polishes the look.

Click to read more ...

Editor picks - MCQ by Alexander McQueen ankle boots

BWTV  EDITORS' PICKS ... $399.00 MCQ Alexander McQueen boots  .... 

MCQ by Alexander McQueen  Black Two Tone Ankle Boot

shoes cost $399 on net a porter.com

Listen up....10 Health benefits of Semen

A nice shot of semen allows a man to pass on a genetic code through the ages, offering the closest thing to eternal life humans are ever likely to achieve. But such wonders aren't straightforward. In fact, semen is a wonderfully complex secretion, rich in evolutionary history and packed full of healthy chemicals. And actually, there's far more to it than sperm alone.

Health expert (surgical president at Beth Israel) Jason Gilleylen, suggests at least 10 ways that sperm can be healthful to the person receiving it.

 It is based on the theory that seminal plasma (the fluid that provides nutrients and protection for sperm, consisting of a complex range of organic and inorganic constituents) may have many health benefits.

Yes, semen is healthy for you! 

The alleged benefits of seminal plasma are activated when a man deposits semen into a woman's vagina. Newer research suggests that the same benefits may be available if the seminal plasma is swallowed. Some theories even suggest that semen deposited anally will offer the same benefits. The existence of "butt plugs" suggest that some men may want to keep the seminal plasma inside.

1. Easing depression and stress 
 “The release from orgasm does much to calm people. It helps with sleep, and that is whether we talk about solo sex or sex with a partner,” she says.

I kid you not, ladies. Semen is good stuff. It gives a shot of Vitamin A, C, E, zinc, calcium, potassium, fructose, proteins -- a veritable cornucopia of vitality!

2. Relieving pain 
Orgasm is a powerful pain-killer. Oxytocin, a natural chemical in the body that surges before and during climax, gets some of the credit, along with a couple of other compounds like endorphins.

3. Boosting cardio health 

I can’t resist another plug for semen. It’s possible that male goo can lower blood pressure. Another recent study found that women who gave their men oral sex, and swallowed, had a lower risk of preeclampsia, the dangerously high blood pressure that sometimes accompanies pregnancy.

No, I’m not making this up. “The present study shows that oral sex and swallowing sperm is correlated with a diminished occurrence of preeclampsia,” .

4. Countering prostate cancer 

Over the past few years, several journals have published studies showing that the more ejaculations the better.

Now the Journal of the American Medical Association, no less, has reported that “high ejaculation frequency was related to decreased risk of total prostate cancer.” It doesn’t matter how a man climaxes -- intercourse or masturbation. So next time he says, “Really, honey, it’s therapy,” he could be telling the truth. 

5. Healing wounds 
Some evidence suggests sex can be rejuvenating to the point of helping wounds to heal faster. Several experiments have shown that oxytocin can help even stubborn sores, like those suffered by diabetics, to heal by regenerating certain cells. 

6. Fighting aging 

Maybe it’s the rejuvenation, maybe the happiness, maybe all of the above. One thing’s for sure: “Use it or lose it” is literally true. For example, postmenopausal women often suffer from “vaginal atrophy,” which is what it sounds like and can lead to all sorts of complications like urinary tract infections. What’s one way to prevent it? More intercourse.

Sex is a form of exercise, after all, and like all exercise, it burns calories and can help battle the onslaught of the years. In fact, nursing home experts say they wish oldsters would have more sex.

7. Increases energy, Increased testosterone can have energy-boosting effects in women.

8. Improves memory & concentration- Some findings suggest, that semen-exposed women perform better on concentration and cognitive tasks.

9. Helps with pregnancy maintenance Another study that states that women who swallow semen while performing oral sex have less of a chance of developing preeclampsia, a high-blood pressure disorder that can come with pregnancy. Some doctors believe That prostaglandins in semen actually Induce labor in the full-term or past- due pregnancy, although other experts believe this semen  work connection is only theoretical and That having fri does not trigger labor.

10. It increases testosterone, women become more aggressive, initiates sex more...

Believe it or not, there are sperm pills on the market which can make sperm taste and look better.

What is in semen?

Sperm is only 1% of semen. The rest is water, mucous, sugar and other acids and bases. According to SemenTherapy.com, semen contains:

ascorbic acid (vitamin C, for tissue maintenance) 
blood-group antigens (from immune system) 
calcium (mineral) 
chlorine (oxidizing agent) 
cholesterol (steroid alcohol present in body fluids) 
chlorine (base, part of the vitamin B complex) 
citric acid (occurs during cellular metabolism) 
creatine (nitrogenous substance found in muscle) 
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) 
fructose (sugar used for energy) 
glutathione (peptide amino acid) 
Glycoproteins (cancer fighting agent) 
hyaluronidase (enzyme) 
inositol (sugar found in muscles) 
lactic acid (byproduct of muscle use) 
magnesium (mineral) 
nitrogen (gas found in all living tissue) 
phosphorus (mineral) 
prostaglandins (good for pregnancy) 
potassium (mineral) 
purine (compound of uric acid) 
pyrimidine (organic base) 
pyruvic acid (formed from either glucose or glycogen) 
selenium (cancer fighting agent) 
sodium (salt) 
sorbitol (body alcohol) 
spermidine (catalytic enzyme) 
spermine (ammonia compound found in sperm) 
urea (from urine) 
uric acid (from urine) 
vitamin B12 (for proper function of nervous system and metabolism) 
zinc (mineral)

Impressed? You should be! Nature knows what she is doing! Some of the helpful chemicals in seminal plasma include testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, opiod peptides, oxytocin, serotonin, melatonin, and norepineprine. Just think, you can get a dose of all that without having to go to the vitamin store!

When I tell women with arousal disorders that they can reap all of the above health benefits, it often enables them to be more receptive to sex. Suddenly, they are may be willing to "swallow" if they think it might help them sleep or reduce their pain. Suddenly they can tolerate intercourse if they believe it may help with depression.

Revive of girl indie pop bands - Dum Dum Girls

 

Dum Dum Girls are an American noise pop band originally from California that formed in 2009. The name comes from The Vaselines' album Dum Dum and the Iggy Pop song "Dum Dum Boys. The Dum Dum sound is a tough music wave to revive and if any one is going to make the Go Go's guitar jangle cool again, it's these girls; they've got Beauty and the talent.  True to her word, the second album from the group Only In Dreams, sees Dee Dee rounding up a fresh and female quartet to perform alongside her which vocally, propels the band into a vintage hue of Bangles-esque harmonies; all four filles participating in these kaleidoscopic and choral melodies. So much so that some of the tracks here wouldn’t be out of place on a Go Go’s Greatest Hits but with a rock swank seen in modern day heroines like that of The Raveonettes.

"Bedroom Eye" is a flashblack from the 1990s, during indie-rock sounds.

This is the girl-group revival growing up, standing up taller, insisting on living in the now.

But that old Dum Dum Girls sound hasn’t gone away, nor is it atrophying. Into that spot are leaping bands like Veronica Falls, from London, which has just released its lovely self-titled debut album. Many of the starting points are the same — 1960s rock, distortion, the sense of drama in the use of halting guitars and percussion. 

In an earlier era of revival, the Bangles were a band like these, too, a few years before “Walk Like an Egyptian” painted them forever as pop eccentrics. They’re grown-ups now — at least, the three of four original members who remain — and their new album, “Sweetheart of the Sun,” reflects that.

Made with the help of Matthew Sweet, a longtime collaborator of the frontwoman Susanna Hoffs, it’s a spare and occasionally stiff album that has more to do with, say, the Indigo Girls than the 1960s bands the Bangles grew up worshiping. (The mandolin and steel guitar sprinkled throughout don’t help.) But some songs here, especially “Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun),” feel like mature takes on youthful ideas. And there’s a glimmer of real ferocity on “Sweet and Tender Romance,” the album’s shortest and most convincing song, lean at just over two minutes, like the songs on the group’s first prefame EP. It shows that they haven’t forgotten that loose, mean charm, from a time when looking backward felt like the newest thing.

Zac Posen new judge on Project Runway- Michael Kors exits

Sad news for our Project Runway fans. Designer judge, Michael Kors is leaving the show.  With seasons 10 and 11 filming back to back, Kors attributed scheduling issues to his reason for leaving.  Who could possibly fill the shoes of such a major designer…Zac Posen, that’s who.  Also, as a special gift to the fans, Michael Kors will judge the show’s finale.  Not all around bad.  Good luck to you Michael on your future endeavors and we look forward to checking out Zac Posen on Project Runway upcoming seasons!

Kors isn't "out" — as host Heidi Klum likes to say to the fashion-design contestants who get the boot on the granddaddy of fashion reality TV shows. His schedule didn't allow a commitment, but he will come back as a guest judge for the season finale, according to a statement for Lifetime TV.

Posen said he learned from Kors. "When I was a guest judge, I saw he was always a generous, warm mentor."

Posen's best skill to offer the contestants is his sharp eye, he said. Craft and construction are among his passions, he explained, so nothing gets past him there.

It's Klum's role in the new lineup to bring the voice of the woman who might be the eventual customer. Nina Garcia, the fashion director at Marie Claire, has her editorial eye, and Posen analyzes the specifics of the design, he said.

Another twist to the revamped "Project Runway," in which the winner gets $100,000 to start their own brand, is that the contestants compete as teams instead of individuals. Project Runway airs ,January 24th at 9pm on Bravo.

Solesville Brings Holiday Joy

Hurricane Sandy Toy Drive in Far Rock Away by hosted by Celebrity Shoe Designer Etu Evans. The Solesville Foundation gave away over 400 toys and books to children affected by the storm. 

   Etu created Solesville in  Harlem in 1998, but initially began collecting shoes and toys for disenfranchised children while a graduate student at Columbia University.

Since, he has been selected by Burger King in it's National Everyday Heroes campaign, a recipient of the Public Service award by Governor Andrew Cuomo, citation from Governor Elliot Spitzer and Selected by the National Social Workers Association as it's National Public Citizen of the Year. Solesville specializes
in global shoe drives and distribution, a seasonal toy drive and promotion of AIDs awareness and prevention events.

 

Mr.Evans designs have been featured on Halle Berry, Beyounce, Tyra Banks, Solange Knowles, Queen Latifah, Alex McCord, Cynthia Bailey, Iman, Danny
Glover, Chris Tucker and Andre 300 just to name a few. He has been featured on The View, America's Next Top model and in several high end magazine articles .

For more information see www.etuevans.org.

Soleville partnered with Ena Renee Events and Community Angel Foundation to help distribute toys.

Olivia Culpo wins Miss Universe 2012

 On Sunday night in Las Vegas, 20 year old Boston University sophomore Olivia Culpo put the pint-sized state of Rhode Island on the map as she was crowned Miss USA 2012 on June 3rd and won Miss Universe on Wednesday, December 19th.

The 20-year-old brunette on the dean's list every summer, a talented cellist and has nabbed spots in several New England-based ensembles and orchestras.

During the competition, Culpo addressed the recent controversy revolving around transgender contestants being allowed to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. The subject made headlines when transgender pageant queen Jenna Talackova was initially prohibited from competing in Canada. (In April, that ruling was overturned.)

Culpo statement: "I do think that would be fair, but I could understand how people could be apprehensive to take that road," she explained to the judges panel, which included Rob Kardashian, Joe Jonas and Ali Fedotowsky. "However, there are so many people who have a need to change for a happier life. I do accept that because I believe it's a free country."

She grew up in Cranston with two professional musicians for parents and has played the cello alongside world-renowned classical musician Yo-Yo Ma. On her Miss Universe page, she said she hopes to pursue a career in film or television, and cites Audrey Hepburn as a role model because of her "generosity, intelligence and grace."

The Miss Universe pageant was back in Las Vegas this year after being held in Sao Paulo in 2011. It aired live on NBC and was streamed to more than 100 countries.

Rent a designer dress for the Holidays from Rent the Runway

'Rent the Runway is the premier designer dress rental destination. Rent dresses by celebrity designers such as Herve Leger, Nicole Miller, Catherine Maladrino ..Rent the Runway has 24,000 dresses and 12,000 accessories in store for women to rent for weddings or special occassion. The designer dresses start at $50-$600

 New Years is a few weeks away.  You can wear something memorable, but in the age of facebook… memorable means you can never wear it again!  Rent the Runway is the perfect solution, to wear it once then return it without feeling guilty.

You can pair a dress with I with shoes and accessories.. Here’s a step-by-step of what to do:

1. Sign up for a free account at Renttherunway.com
2. mBrowse the dresses available for the date of your event.  Play it safe by ordering in a day before you will  actually need to wear the dress. That way you will know I’ll get it on time.
3. Order the dress. You can get a second dress in the same style for free! The dress will be delivered to your door in a Rent the Runway garment bag that’s yours to keep! The package will include a pre-paid envelope to return the dress and samples of products to try such as doublestick tape 
4. Return the dress (meaning have it postmarked) by the date they tell you, otherwise they charge your credit card for the entire value of the dress.  Don’t worry about cleaning it.  They clean the dress for you!

MSGM $575 but rent for $100

Diane Von Furstenberg $698 but rent for $125

RadenRoro $450 but for $75

David Meister $460 but for $75

Robert Rodriguez $325 but for $65

Erin by Erin Fetherson $595 but for $85

Badgley Mischka $410 but for $75

www.renttherunway.com

Movie Review: Django Unchained

Django Unchained

Last night, had the opportunity to watch an epic film DJANGO UNCHAINED, which starsJamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson.  The screening was hosted by The       Breakfast Club’s "Angela Yee & Charlamagne The God”, within a whole two weeks before the Christmas Day masses, at the Landmark Sunshine.

Just when we thought Quentin Tarantino had shown us various good films, he has, in rides “Django Unchained.”

The writer-director’s great new western action-drama dares us to stand outside of its issues, becoming this season’s see-it-to-believe-it film. (In its repeated use of a racial epithet, make that hear it to believe it.) I call it a slave revenge.

It’s a tough movie to admit to liking, but also impossible to forget. “Django” plants its boots in the mud to confront horror with a wagon full of guts in an artful, genre-specific landscape.

In 1859, German dentist-turned-bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) frees a slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) to help find some slave traders Django knows. When he shows a talent for the job and proves himself a great shot, he and Schultz become partners and friends.

Schultz learns Django’s wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) is owned by vicious plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), whose favorite entertainment is “Mandingo fighting” — watching slaves fight to the death for sport.  The fighting scenes are gory and gruesome....

Schultz, whose hatred of slavery extends to the vile people who propagate it, knows Candie won’t sell Broomhilda. So he and Django enter Candie’s Mississippi estate posing as callous Mandingo traders, with Broomhilda’s freedom their ultimate goal.

Yet in classic Tarantino style, things go blood-red wrong before a gray victory is achieved in this pre-Civil War South.

The movie superficially harkens back to ’70s blaxploitation flicks, while hewing to western conventions of bigger-than-life revenge legends. Tarantino’s title even refers to a 1966 oater that, as in “Basterds,” is referenced in name only. 

DiCaprio is equally strong as a dandified fiend whose repugnant traits include a boyish enthusiasm for evil. Samuel L. Jackson has an even more audacious role: Candie’s butler-confidante, who listens as his boss holds a dead slave’s skull and spouts nonsense about mental capacity, then sips brandy with him, complicit in the inhumanity.

This all can make for uneasy viewing, and the film does stumble in its final showdown, failing to find closure beyond its most basic motives. Yet if you’re willing to stand for what “Django” delivers, this rousing magnum opus is so very good at confronting the bad and the ugly.

Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Quentin Tarantino

DJANGO UNCHAINED opens in theaters on Christmas Day.

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