Breaking Into Fashion..............

forum panel lto r: Derek Blanks, Blu Brewster, Drexina Nelson, Cristal Stervenson, Toni Acey, Candice Hood, Reco Chapple, Odnair and front Cotrice

I was in attendance for the Breaking Into Fashion, Atlanta 101 workshop. Although, I am not really a fashion designer, model or actor. I could not miss the chance to attend this event and network with some of Atlanta’s own talented designers, photographers, makeup artist, image consultants and models. Spearheaded by the ultra glamorous fashion designer Reco Chapple of House of Chapple, (www.myspace.com/thehouseofchappleinc) , along with Chapple the forum panelist consisted of Candice Hood, owner of Lifestyles by Candy, Lifestyle Mogul, The flawless and fabulous Toni Acey, Celebrity Make-up artist(www.toniacey.com), Drexina Nelson , Photographer (www.nstylonline.com), Derek Blanks , Celebrity Photographer(www.dblanks.com), Cotrice, Fashion Designer/Stylist for NY and Atlanta, Blu Brewster, Creative Director/Fashion Designer for CP Time Outfiddars, LLC.(www.myspace.com/cptimeclothing) , Odnair, Model, and rounding out the panel Cristal Sterverson aka Serious, From Charm School/Model (www.myspace.com/soserious07).
With this all star line up and the nature of the event I was surprisingly amazed that this forum was not filled to capacity, especially with all the A-town aspiring models, actors, photographers, stylist and so on. They surely did not know what vital information they missed out on. Threw topic of discussion I found the forum to be very informative and eye opening for any business minded individual. So if you were not in attendance because your desire is not for fashion, I found the information provided would help any entrepreneur stay ahead of their game.

Let’s run down some of the following topics for breaking into the industry.

Create Relationships: For all industry type individuals creating relationships with other knowledgeable industry folk will and can help you build a team and hopefully offer opportunity to open doors for yourself and others in your circle. If you’re a model looking to build your portfolio introduce yourself to a photographer or makeup artist that is also trying to build a name for them selves. Build a team, help each other. As Candice Woods put it, “Even Business Exchange”, bring something to the table.

Follow your dreams: Surround yourself with like minded individuals. If you’re working your way up in fashion design then hangout with fashion designers with your same interest in mind. Surround yourself with people that can take you to the level you desire or higher. Keep elevating yourself.

Find Direction: A simple tip given by Cotrice, Fashion Stylists was to get a notebook, list all the things you like and what you want to do in the industry. If it is acting list what types of rolls you would like to play. Research that area. Work on your ideas everyday add to that area and check off which ones you have completed. Set some goals for your ideas.

Say what you are and believe you are it: Stand firm on what you’re doing at that particular moment. If you are a makeup artist then introduce and carry yourself as a makeup artist. Know how to sale yourself. Have a presence for your service by having a website, portfolio, business cards, press kits, and a reliable business number with a professional voice mail box. Network, network and network. At every opportunity sale your self and your service and have passion in doing so.

For more information or to sign up for updates visit the forum’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/breakingintofashion. Hopefully The Social Scene has enlightened and inspired all my fashionistas out there to attend the next seminar. I will also keep you posted on upcoming events of course.

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If you’re a trendsetter in Atlanta then I am sure you attended the Icon Style Trunk Show and Sample Sale event last Thursday. The event was held at Defoor Centre this was an excellent platform for hot designers and vendors to showcase their goods. Among the showcases were Lachelle Morris of Joia Style Studio, a -commerce retailer delivering an online shopping experience, , Pondur (http://www.pondur.com/), Couturiette Custom Clothing (couturiette.com),Faveur clothing(getfaveur.com).
Shouts out to ICON STYle for giving these designers some shine and the opportunity to share their work.
ICON STYLE is always on the look out for new designers. If you are a designer and wanting to participate in their next trunk show apply via website(http://www.iconstyleinc.com) or visit their my space page www.myspace.com/iconnstyleinc.

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I also made my way over to one of my new fav restraints Hot Stix Stir Fry Kitchen. I have been dying to try this place for sometime. The concept is a dining experience that allows you to create your own stir-fry bowl. You have your pick of rice or noodles, vegetables, sauces, spices and meats. You can pile them as high as the bowl can handle, then your mixture is cooked on a 700-degree Mongolian grill-in-the-round, and then brought to your table by the HotStix staff. I was amazed to learn that one of owners for this restaurant it the same owner of Thrive in downtown Atlanta another one of my favorites and part owner of The Compound night club. My Food was delivered fast and fresh. On Thursday nights they offer socializing drink specials like $5 Sake Bombs, $5 Jagger Bombs and my personal favorite to help complement the Socialista in me, the Geisha House. A little Sophia Mini champagne in can served with a champagne flute and a pink straw. How cute is that. So if you’re in the new Lindbergh City Center be sure to check out them out.

Hot Stix Stir-Fry Kitchen, 570 Main Street, Lindbergh City Center, Buckhead (404-844-2000 or (hotstixstirfry.com).

Insider tip: Valet Parking, Prompt Seating and Buffet style dining.

Till next time my socialites......The Urbansocilista the socializing trendsetter.

Mary J. Blige & Michael Jackson - “Just Fine”

Greetings Everyone.. I know I am a little behind on posting but the Socialista was a little comoste after all the holiday eating, shopping, and socializing. But now I am well rested and ready to let you know what is going on The Social Scene.






I am so super amp’d off of Mary J. Blige new single “Just Fine”. I have been hearing the song in rotation for a couple of months now and I love hearing it get air play, but after seeing the video yesterday, I am really excited. This song and video makes you want to dance. It puts me a good mood. It is so FANTABLous. I guess it sums it up on where I am and a lot of you guys are in your life. I saw the video and had to keep going back to watch it. When I first saw the video I was like that reminds me Mike Jackson and low and behold go on You Tube and the have the making of video detailing how they used MJ’s video footage from over 20 years ago from “ Don’t Stop til Get Enough”
I just love the lyrics, check them and the video. I posted my fav part. This is def the Mary I enjoy listening to.


So I like what I see when I’m looking at me When I’m walking past the mirrorNo stress through the night, at a time in my lifeAin’t worried about if you feel itGot my head on straight, I got my mind rightI aint gonna let you kill itYou see I wouldn’t change my life

my life’s just…..Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, oooohFine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, oooohJust fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, oooohYou see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just fine




Okay now that I got that out of my system let’s chit chat about what’s been going down in the A.

I have to tell you guys about the newsest Midtown Hot spot The Mealting Pot, which had it’s grand opening on last WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2007. But being the Socialista that I am I go the opportunity to attend the Pre-Grand opening on Tuesday. If you don’t know about the Melting Pot franchises check their site out at http://www.meltingpot.com/. They also have several locations as we in the city like to say outside the perimeter, but the Midtown location was the ideal location for this interactive dining experience. Their niche is Fondue, where you can get a unique four course dining experience. There were so many options to choose I am just going to narrow down to the Socialista’s Top Fav’s. Let’s start with the cheese dips. I am not a big fan of cheese but I have got to tell ya, The Melting Pot won me over with this one.

*Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue
Fotina and Butterkaie Cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts and garlic

*Mojo Style Shrimp
Caribbean seasoned

And now for the best part of the whole night, Yummy Yummy chocolates. This section had everyone at the event feeling love. I guess chocolate does that to you. I could not just choose one from this section.

Yin & Yang
Half dark chocolate and half white chocolate.

Chocolate S’mores
Milk Chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed and garnished with crushed graham crackers.

They also offer some great specialty drinks I suggest the Love Martini, it is a combination of Malibu rum, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice and fresh strawberries.

754 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 100Atlanta-Midtown, GA 30308404-389-0099 Fax: 404-389-0097

SUNDAY - THURSDAY4pm-10pm (Full Dinner Service Only)10-11pm (Cheese and/or Chocolate Only Service)
FRIDAY & SATURDAY4pm-11pm (Full Dinner Service Only)11pm-midnight (Cheese and/or Chocolate Only Service

The next day was even more action packed. Me and El’ Presidente had slide on over to Shout to share a happy birthday dinner with my girlfriend Randy Pierre, The Budget Stylist, hit her up at TheBudgetStylist@gmail.com if you want to makeover your style today. We had so much fun here and the food was delicious. I know this is not a new spot, but you can’t really seem to go wrong with the dishes at this place.












We had to sing Happy Birthday and run because I had to be on the Social Scene for Sol Fusion’s 5th year Anniversary at Earthlink with special guest Bilal.











You say who? Bilal, You may not remember him but he had a few hits a couple of years ago.. Then he disappeared. From what I heard he hasn’t performed here in 5 years. But I have to let you guys know this is one performer you don’t want to miss, although I did not know a lot of his songs. I can say he gave it his all.
Did you know Bilal was nominated for a Grammy? He was nominated for his duet with Beyonce “Everything I Do”. Who knew he had a song with B?
Amongst the guest in attendance, Kenny Burns, Joi,Algebra , Jcarter, & acclaimed entertainment journalist PJ Jackson.
















They even gave away free Rockport shoes to the first 250 guest.



Pics provide by the Hip Publisicsit.