Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Follow Up: Southern Beauty Magazine - Where can I find it???

A few people emailed me to find out where they can purchase Southern Beauty magazine.

The holiday issue will be on newsstands in the South on November 27th. You can find it at Books-a-Million or Barnes & Noble.

The “official” national newsstand launch will be in March 2008 and it will be available everywhere in the US and Canada .

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Get in touch with your inner B. Smith...

Lately I've really wanted to cook and entertain. I envision myself whipping up tasty delights for a small dinner party. Just so I'm being honest here, I'm about as non domestic as they come.
I do enjoy good food and good company, sadly the good food is never my contribution.


My goal is to get in touch with the B. Smith that lives within me and not cause people the need to have their tummy's pumped after eating my experiments, er..uh, cooking. I will conquer the kitchen and make a meal that my friends and family WILL eat and love (or at least like).


Miss Jamie aka Rural Glamour has been cooking up a storm and posting all about it. Check out some of her yummy recipes. I'm thinking about trying the Apple Brandy Chicken.


As the holidays get closer its time to plan your soirees. This Friday, Emil Grosso, President of Sebastians will tell us how to choose a caterer for the holidays.


Be sure to check out A Life of Style's Holiday Entertaining post!
picture courtesy of Getty Images

Southern Beauty Magazine



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Meredith Turner
The Rosen Group
212.255.8455

Meredith@rosengrouppr.com

~ Ring all the Belles! ~

Southern Beauty Makes a Stunning Debut - www.southernbeautymagazine.com

New Beauty Title Unlocks Secrets to Everyday Elegance and Inner Beauty for Women Everywhere

Birmingham, AL (October 22, 2007) — The “Southern woman” is quite possibly the last remaining socially acceptable stereotype. In these uncertain times it’s an image of Americana many people find as comforting as a warm slice of apple pie (think Steel Magnolias and Designing Women). “That’s fine,” says Shannon Lindsay, founder and publisher of Southern Beauty, an exquisite new beauty book launching first with a preview issue in October 2007, “as long as they remember that we are also smart, sophisticated, stylish and trendy.”

It was while working in the fragrance industry for cosmetic and fashion empires Aramis (a division of the Estee’ Lauder Companies) and Ralph Lauren, that Lindsay and her colleagues noticed a void in the market for beauty titles targeted to women who live in the South, the number one purchaser of luxury goods in the nation. They conceived Southern Beauty as a way to fill the gap while granting advertisers access to this targeted and untapped audience of smart, affluent women who are passionate about style and beauty. The preview issue will be followed by a holiday issue in November, with a full national newsstand launch slated for March.

“The pop-cultural impact of modern Southern women like Julia Roberts, Faith Hill, Courteney Cox-Arquette, Ashley Judd, Jessica Simpson and our preview cover model Reese Witherspoon, has gone far in changing the world’s perception of Southern women. These strong, stylish women possess an outer beauty that is undeniable, but in our opinion, it’s their inner beauty that really makes them shine,” said Lindsay, who counts fellow Mississippi native Oprah Winfrey as one of her role models. “Oprah is an inspiration to so many women. She is an incredibly smart business woman with poise and self-assurance, but she also knows how to have a good laugh,” said Lindsay. “And that kind of balance is at the heart of Southern Beauty.”

By addressing the complete beauty needs of women—both inner and outer, Southern Beauty will be the most trusted source for beauty information, delivering the latest product information and expert advice with entertaining and thought-provoking articles, all told through the eyes of seasoned beauty insiders with a distinct Southern voice.

Southern Beauty is delivered in a reader-friendly format that is stylish, yet inviting— hallmark attributes of a true “Southern beauty.” Each issue will deconstruct Southern charm by dividing it into its four most essential components: face, hair, body and soul, with regular sections devoted to the care and maintenance of each.

Highlights of the preview issue include:

FACE: Clarins celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose shares tips on how to put your best face forward in under five minutes; eye-opening solutions to combat premature aging; a top ten list for achieving healthy skin; and real beauty tips for real women of all ages.

BODY: Southern Beauty’s own spa treatment expert, known simply as “Spa Girl,” reports on the ultimate pampering experiences guaranteed to make readers relax and “listen to their bodies;” and bath and shower must-haves for when the closest you can get to a spa day is a few minutes in your tub.

SOUL: Yoga is demystified, revealing the very real mind, body and soul benefits hiding behind all the hype; age is embraced; and in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two survivors share their inspirational stories of hope, recovery and higher-callings.

HAIR: Miracle creams capable of banishing “bad hair days” for good; hairsprays guaranteed not to wilt under the most humid Southern conditions; and a modern twist on the vintage updo.

In addition, Southern Beauty’s team of beauty insiders share the products they can’t live without and renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown lends her expert advice on looking great in less time. And, finally, because no Southern debutante would dream of making her debut without her pearls on, Southern Beauty’s last page, entitled “Pearls of Wisdom,” leaves readers with just that.

Demonstrating the spending power of the South, upscale advertisers like Laura Mercier, Dillard’s, Borghese and Christian Dior are featured in the preview issue. “Southern women are attracted to quality, prestige and luxury,” noted Lindsay. “They buy for both want and need, and Southern Beauty is the perfect vehicle for advertisers to reach this untapped market. The response so far has been exceptional.”

Southern Beauty’s demographic is well educated, professional females between the ages of 25 and 49. Readers of the preview issue skewed 95 percent female with a median age of 35 years old and a median household income of over $100,000, with 71 percent owning their principal residence. Southern Beauty is headquartered in Birmingham, AL.

For more information, images or to speak with an editor, please contact Meredith Turner at Meredith@rosengrouppr.com
or 212.255.8455.

10th ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE

If you're a fan of the cinema and want to learn about some of the extremely talented African American women who are doing MAJOR things in the film industry then plan on attending the African American Women in Cinema Film Festival. This looks like an experience you don't want to miss - just think of the networking opportunities!!!




Friday, November 9th, 2007
6:30pm - 10:30pm

10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL PRESENTATION & SCREENING of TALK TO ME
by Focus Features

African American Women in Cinema is proud to Salute Director Kasi Lemmons
-come meet the director as we screen her current film Talk To Me starring Don Cheadle

HBO1100 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036Sponsored by: MOSAICTo attend please reserve seating at:
troy@megamanagementinc.comSeating is limited for this screening

Saturday, November 10th, 2007
9:00amNew World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, NYC 10019


Actor's Workshop with Casting Director, Winsome SinclairTitle: Upclose and Personal with the Actor

Overview: The art of the audition, learn what the casting directors are looking for when casting projects.

Workshop Participants include:
Acting Coach / Casting Director: Tracey Moore - Marable
Actor: Funmi Desalu (Ugly Betty)

Actors are encouraged to bring headshots. Click here to purchase tickets for this workshop.

10:00amNew World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, NYC 10019

Producers Keynote Panel
Title: The Day in the Life of a Producer, moderated by Crystal McCrary Anthony (Dirty Laundry)
Overview: Defining the role of a producer while understanding the process of securing financing.
Resource materials will be provided.


Click here to purchase tickets for this workshop.11:00am

Film Screening Program I

New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street(between 8th & 9th Avenues), NYC 10019

Click here to purchase tickets for Screening Program I1:45pm

Film Screening Program II

New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street(between 8th & 9th Avenues), NYC 10019

Click here to purchase tickets for Screening Program II

2:00pm
The Door
508 Ninth Avenue
(38th x 39th Street), NYC 10018


MEDIA Keynote Panel Title: Women Images and Media, moderated by, Michaela Angela Davis
Participants: Sharon Thomas (MS, NCC, LPC) The Paper Dolls (Creators of the All Women Internet Radio Show)
Jennifer Oxley (Creative Director, Little Airplane Productions).Overview: The power that imagery has over women and its effects.Sponsored by: Rock Me TV

Click here to purchase tickets for this panel.

3:30pm
The Door
508 Ninth Avenue
(38th x 39th Street), NYC 10018

Music Keynote Panel Title: Music on Screen, moderated by, Thembisa S. Mshaka

Participant: Marty Majeske (ASCAP)

Overview: Securing music for your film.Sponsored by: Rock Me TV
Click here to purchase tickets for this workshop.

Sunday, November 11th, 2007
The Cinema Restaurant

2 East 45th Street,
(between 5th and Madison Avenues)
New York, NY 10017 10017

11:00am - 2:00pm

Special 10th Anniversary Celebration Women's Empowerment Brunch and Closing Award Ceremony Hosted by, Denise Richardson (WNET)

Honoree: Tasha Smith (Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married)

Sponsored by: Bombay Sapphire and New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT)

Click here to purchase tickets for these events.
Screening tickets are $15.00 each. Workshop tickets are $25.00 each. Sunday Brunch tickets are $80.00 advance online purchase

($125.00 at the door).
Click here to purchase a One Day Pass ($80.00)

Click here to purchase a Festival All Access Pass ($190.00)

Seating is limited for all events -- first come, first served. Tickets will be on sale through midnight, November 7th, 2007

For Press Credentials please email
troy@megamanagementinc.com
Visit www.AAWIC.org for complete listing of all festival events.


Monday, November 5, 2007

M by Shakara Collection



metrostyle Catalog and Website Introduces M by Shakara Collection


-Supermodel/Actress Shakara Ledard Debuts Fashion Forward Spring Line for Redcats USA -


WEST BRIDGEWATER, MA (October 2007)-metrostyle (www.metrostyle.com), a brand of Redcats USA , one of the country's home shopping leaders, has entered into an exclusive relationship with the renowned model and actress Shakara Ledard. The new spring collection, M by Shakara, will debut in both the metrostyle catalog and on the website in mid February. The collection is comprised of stunning separates which can be easily mixed and matched for a day to evening wardrobe. Distinguishing features include updated trends, brilliant colors, luxe materials and value pricing.


"We are thrilled to work with Shakara on this very special collection," explains metrostyle Vice President and General Brand Manager Sandy Forgione. "Shakara has a wonderful fashion sense; these pieces combine the very latest fashions with extremely affordable price points. The collection will showcase trend-focused designs that accentuate Ledard's personal flair for high fashion." Sandy Forgione added, "Another important component of the line is sizing; all clothing items will be available in sizes 4-20."


The M by Shakara collection features mix and match clothing and accessories that are geared to the stylish, contemporary woman. Retail price points range from $14.99 for a wide patent belt with covered buckle to $149.99 for a metallic leather trench coat. (Most items retail for well under $100.) Highlights include a satin bubble skirt ($49.99); a metallic knit dress ($59.99); a satin clutch with patent-croc trim ($29.99).


Shakara Ledard is a Bahamian-born model known the world over for gracing such national magazines as Sports Illustrated and Essence. She has been the premiere face of metrostyle since 2002.


"I'm so pleased to be working with metrostyle," states Shakara Ledard. "This collaboration enables me to design the style of clothes I love to wear-pieces that really make a statement but are designed to flatter the female figure. The fact that these clothes are available for women of all sizes and at truly affordable prices is important to me. I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with metrostyle."


In addition to M by Shakara, metrostyle spring offerings include the fashionable Platinum Design Collection as well as the new metrostyle Spring 2008 Collection. The apparel mix is quite impressive: ankle zip stretch jeans, supple leather jackets, cropped blazers, shapely wrap dresses and fitted sheath dresses. Accessories run the gamut from peep toe pumps to colorful patent leather satchels to zebra print totes. Both collections emphasize the top fashion trends at prices well below department and specialty stores.

About Redcats USA
Redcats USA is a multi-channel home shopping leader with eleven well-known brands in its portfolio: Chadwick's, metrostyle, Woman Within, Jessica London, Roaman's, La Redoute USA, KingSize, BrylaneHome, BrylaneHome Kitchen, The Sportsman's Guide and The Golf Warehouse. Redcats USA offers a wide range of value and quality driven merchandise categories, including missy apparel, men's and women's plus-size apparel, home and lifestyle products, and outdoor gear.


About Redcats Group
Redcats USA is a division of Redcats Group, a global leader in Home Shopping for apparel and home furnishing. Drawing on a multichannel network combining catalogues, e-commerce and stores, Redcats Group generated 4.33 billion euros of sales in 2006 with 17 brands in 28 countries and a staff of 20,000 associates. Sales are split between France (46.4%), USA (27.5%) and the rest of the world (26.1%). Redcats Group is a PPR Company. For any further information:
www.redcats.com

# # #

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Meet the Creators of Kissable Couture

Click image to enlarge...

Two in store appearances by Keisha Nash Whitaker &
AJ Crimson.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Table Fifty-Two

Table Fifty -Two
52 W. Elm St.
Chicago, IL.
312.573.4000
Oprah's former chef, Art Smith, has opened his very own restaurant, Table Fifty-Two.
The reservation number stays busy, so keep trying. I got through after eight attempts.
So Table Fifty-Two is where I willl celebrate my next birthday, January 9th. If my curiosity gets the best of me before then, I may plan to drop by on a Tuesday evening with a couple of friends just to see if we can get a table.