Hey Glamazons! I know that I start off all event posts saying how tired I am, but it's the truth: I'm exhausted. Pretty much every single day of my life, if that's possible hahaha.

But, I felt like I had a little bit more energy than usual after attending the Daisy Fuentes fragrance launch event Tuesday night (more on that in a bit!) so I hit up my friend Elaine to find out if anything was hopping in the city.

Lo and behold, there was the premiere party for Russell Simmons' new TV show on Oxygen, 'Running Russell Simmons' going down at Lavo. I quickly called my other friend Adair (that's him in the pic above wearing the green sweater...he works very closely with Russell so you'll probably see lots more of him on the show!) to let him know I was coming over and jumped on the train.

Side note: I'm pretty sure that about 99.9% of New York nights begin in this manner: one event leads to one phone call that leads to a string of texts and before you know it you've nailed down a location. SCORE!

After arriving at Lavo (which just so happens to be one of the newest and hottest joints in the city) it was only a matter of seconds before I'd talked the list girls into letting me inside the party. The first folks I noticed were those two publicists from the show 'The Spin Crowd' (which to me is a serious fail! Have any of you watched it? It's so boring..yawn...)

Here's Russell along with Jonathan Cheban (on the right) and Simon Huck (on the left) from 'The Spin Crowd.' At least they left their annoying co-stars at home...

I then noticed my good friend Carlos from PEOPLE magazine and miserably failed in trying to greet him because the music was sooooo loud! (Shout outs to DJ Cassidy for spinning some great music! I was dancing up a storm by the end of the event hahaha).

After greeting some more familiar faces, I was finally given about 2.5 seconds to chat it up with Mr. Russell Simmons himself. Now, before I began please note that I think he's an awesome man and a lot of our discussion centered around yoga so I won't bore you with any of that stuff.

But, I did ask him the million dollar question of "Why should we be excited about your show?" and he responded by saying that he "hopes that it's different" from what's already out there. How so? Well, according to Russell, he didn't really script his show too much and tried to bring big issues to the screen such as gay rights, animal rights and tons of social political activities.

He also emphasized that we'd see him engaging in a lot of prayer and yoga as well as take a glimpse into his dating life.

Of course, you know I had to ask if he only dated models. (Because that's all he's ever around you know...models) and he said "Well, I can only date one person at a time. I meet models a lot since I live and work in the Fashion District."

Russell with his honey of the moment, model Heidy Allende. They even gave a smooch on the 'green' carpet. Besides being gorge, Heidy is actually a really nice woman and gave me hugs and not those fake air kisses like most models do which is a plus in my book!

Hmmm...doesn't sound like too good of an excuse to me, Russell, but I'll let it slide. Check out some highlights from the event below:

Gayle King was there! She didn't stay very long so I wasn't able to get close enough to declare my undying love for her or beg for a job at O Magazine...sigh...

Pepa showed up and actually partied! The highlight of the evening came when DJ Cassidy played 'Shoop' and Pepa hopped on stage to rap her lyrics! Made my LIFE to see her perform. I've been in love with her since sixth grade and always wanted to see a Salt-n-Pepa concert. Alas, they broke up before I was old enough so seeing Pepa do this is probably the closest I'll ever get. I would have taken pictures but my phone and camera were already dead. I know, a serious blogger fail...ugh....

Selita Ebanks was looking her usual pretty self. Nick Cannon was also there, but neither of the two seemed to notice each other. (Or if they did they did a good job of pretending hahaha). It was kind of weird to see Selita not all glammed up in a tight fitting dress and uber high heels, but either way she's still beautiful so whatever.

Oh and I think every female at the party (except me) took a picture with Tyson Beckford...because he's just that pretty.

Russell's brother Rev. Run and his fam also showed up to give love (don't you miss their television show!? I do!) and I even got in a five second chat with funny man Tracy Morgan. Ashley Dupre was there (wearing a lot of clothes) and Rev. Al Sharpton made sure to greet everyone there at the party. So, as you can tell Glamazons, good times were had by all. I mean, any man that can bring a crowd like that out on a Tuesday night is just destined to have a fab television show!

Be sure to check out 'Running Russell Simmons' when it premieres November 2 at 10/9c on Oxygen and let me know what you think about it.

xo

Ferocia

New York State Senator Eric Adams wants you to pull up your pants. And he's putting up six billboards in Brooklyn to convince you.



The Senator has waged the "Stop the Sag" campaign against "urban" men who wear their jeans so low that their underwear is exposed. He alleges that the fad started in prison when inmates weren't allowed to wear belts via WWD claiming: "The sagging pants culture represents an immature disregard for the basic civility, courtesy and responsibility that our young men should display."



The billboards display two young men, one of them African-American, wearing their jeans so low that you can clearly make out their boxers and their butts. The accompanying slogans include "We are better than this!" "Stop the sag!" "Raise your pants, raise your image."



The response has been divided. Russell Simmons feels Adams is unfairly targeting and condemning the urban male African-American community:

“I like Sen. Adams, but this is wrong-headed and a waste of time,” said Russell Simmons, the founder of Phat Farm and Argyle Culture. “This is the latest example of adults trying to repress the creativity and individuality of kids. Why would kids want to dress like Sen. Adams? There is no connection to saggy pants and the ability to succeed. Just look at what buttoned-up America has done to the rest of the world and each other. Why can’t kids be different?” 

Jeffrey Tweedy, Vice-President of Sean John, doesn't necessarily embrace the sagging jean trend, but feels it is freedom of expression:

 “We are a sophisticated brand. I actually get offended when I see some stores style their mannequins with saggy jeans. But remember, this is about youthful rebellion. They are doing it to get attention — there’s a cool factor involved.” 

President Obama previously gave MTV the take on saggy jeans I most agree with:

“Here is my attitude: I think people passing a law against people wearing sagging pants is a waste of time.…Having said that, brothers should pull up their pants. You are walking by your mother, your grandmother, your underwear is showing. What’s wrong with that? Come on. There are some issues that we face, that you don’t have to pass a law, but that doesn’t mean folks can’t have some sense and some respect for other people and, you know, some people might not want to see your underwear — I’m one of them.”

In this economy, the money Adams is putting into Brooklyn billboards could fare better by, I don't know, restoring the city's struggling education system.



Not that I love seeing a man's boxers exposed. I just don't see the value in waging a campaign against how kids choose to dress.



Why? Because it changes all the time. If it's not saggy jeans, it's long white tees that look like dresses that you'll take issue with.



Furthermore, I'm sure the young "urban" men who sag their jeans will feel attacked by the billboard's message and further alienated from the older community as a result. Consequently, they will continue to rebel by wearing their pants low and nothing will change...well, nothing except the gap between the young and older communities, which will widen.



What should he have done instead, you ask? Enlisted Jay-Z to deem sagging jeans "wack" in a song. And told T.I. to wear fitted jeans with a belt in his video. That would have changed everything.



What are you thoughts on the campaign? Discuss.



Kisses,



Coutura



Source

I know, I know, I'm slightly late with this post so you've probably read all about the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.

But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I'm complaining about it, but it's good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I'm settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!

You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria's Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty...she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.

(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April

Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)

While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I've been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy's birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).

Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009

It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year's show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year's show versus last year's. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)

This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside...or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don't know...there just didn't seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show....I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn't you agree?!

The show itself was pretty awesome! This year's musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie's legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce's bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).

The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009

The first performance was "Boom Boom Boom" (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn't help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.

Other than the Black Eyed Peas' musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn't as naked as she usually is presumably because she's still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn't really find anything else too intriguing about the show.

VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!

Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I'd kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she's the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.

Chanel Iman shows off her 'ass'ets at the VS Show 2009.

Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who's still pregnant).

VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the "hot" in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!

I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren't supposed to take any pics during the show haha)

Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009

All of the models came out at the end of the show.

Did anyone else attend this year's show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.

And don't forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!

xo

Ferocia

Mary J. Blige became famous singing about sorrow. Now, she's using her painful experiences to spread joy to millions. Enter FFAWN, the Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now, which she founded with marketing pioneer, Steve Stoute. The organization seeks to inspire women to overcome difficulties and achieve success through scholarships, grants and programs. The cause is one close to the singer's heart, as she has spoke candidly over the years of her resilient, unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. I commend her for using the pain of her past to encourage and inspire women to reach their own unique potential.



Just in time for Fashion Week, Mary J. Blige collaborated with Gucci Creative Director, Frida Giannini, to celebrate Gucci for FFAWN day on September 16th, where the 5th Avenue flagship store donated 10% of its day sales to Blige's charity. To commemorate the special day, Blige hosted a ceremony at the Empire State Building, lighting the landmark in FFAWN's colors, purple, yellow and white, and threw a private cocktail party that evening at the flagship store.



I had the good fortune of attending the latter. Guests, including Lebron James, Serena Williams, Alicia Keys, Estelle, Russell Simmons, Ryan Leslie, Vanessa Simmons, Dwight Eubanks and Estelle,came out in dazzling cocktail dresses and sharp suits to show their support.

Powerhouses, Estelle, Mary J. Blige and Russell Simmons take a moment to chat on the red carpet.

Lebron James and Savannah Brinson make a handsome couple at the event. Love the houndstooth jacket, Savannah! [Sidenote: Go Cavs!]

Mary J. Blige, Serena Williams and Alicia Keys looked stunning.

Serena Williams poses with blogger and make-up artist, Beautylicious, inside the store.

Dwight Eubanks and I give good face at the event. Love him!

Vanessa Simmons and I take a picture after the event.

The oldest Simmons daughter chatted with The Glamazons about how she plans to design a clothing line for Pastry, her popular sneaker brand. She even modeled one of her designs, a black skirt with sparkly line details, for us at the event. We're all about sparkle at the Glamazons (check out my leather and stone vintage necklace)! Vanessa, you better work! Can't wait to shop the collection =)





Speaking of shopping, the Gucci flagship store was an ideal venue to host the event as since 1921, Gucci's clothing, shoes, jewelry and watches have made women feel luxurious and beautiful. Creative Director, Frida Gianninni, continues that tradition with a limited edition black PVD twirl watch she designed specifically to commemorate the collaboration with FFAWN. Check out the watch below, which is available in Gucci stores and on gucci.com. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to FFAWN.

Stunning.

With all the focus on shopping and party-hopping, it was great to see celebrities and designers put their energy toward a significant, worthy cause. It actually inspired me to clean out my closet, which is currently overflowing with never-worn dresses and jeans, and donate to the clothing drive at my grandmother's church. Glamazons: how are you using your love of Fashion to give back to those less fortunate? Whether it's the purchase of a Gucci for FFAWN watch or a clothing donation, every little bit helps.





Kisses,





Coutura





Photos: Getty Images.