Enter the White House Black Market Feel Beautiful Sweepstakes

One of my posts yesterday included details on how you could win a $,1000 credit for Gilt Groupe. Today, I'm bringing you information on how to have a chance to win a premium luxury spa weekend for two, shopping sprees, weekly gift card giveaways - and more!

No need to thank me - just think of it as a little "Happy (Almost) September" present straight from MSMPR24seven to you!

White House Black Market's Feel Beautiful Sweepstakes will be run through September 20, but act NOW - you can enter once per email address per day!

To enter the sweeps, visit http://facebook.com/WhiteHouseBlackMarket or www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/feelbeautiful.

All that's required is that you create a Feel Beautiful mosaic using the designated app, then write a brief explanation as to why the mosaic makes you feel beautiful.

The prizes include:

1 Grand Prize: 3 day/ 2 night luxury spa weekend getaway for winner and guest and WHBM shopping spree

1 First Prize: $1,000 WHBM gift card

4 Weekly Prizes: $100 gift cards

What are you waiting for?! Log on to Facebook or Twitter and get going!

Just remember to add @whbm when you tweet (you can use #whbm or #whitehouseblackmarket too) and @WhiteHouseBlackMarket when you update your Facebook status.

Best of luck! And if you win, just remember who told you how to enter - there are two spots on that getaway! ;)

Congrats to Nina Dobrev - Our Best Dressed at the 2010 Emmy Awards!

I know you've all been waiting for it, so here it is: our coverage of the Emmys!

We've picked our favorites looks from the red carpet and have been pouring over the coverage from our friends at HollywoodLife.com (because no one does it better), and we're ready to dish, so here we go!

First place: Nina Dobrev (Zuhair Murad)

Nina's look was hands down my favorite of the night. Nothing screamed couture as much as her Zuhair Murad gown did last night - nothing. She looked stunning in it, and it was the epitome of what an award show dress should be - elegant, glamorous, daring. I'm still drooling over it hours later!

Second place: Lea Michele (Oscar de la Renta)

Lea may not have taken home a statue last night, but I bet winding up on today's cover of WWD was still a stellar birthday present. No one rocked Oscar at the Emmys as well as Lea did; combined with the hair, jewelry, and makeup - the Glee star was stunning!

Honorable mentions: Heidi Klum (Marchesa), Christina Hendricks (Zac Posen), and Kelly Osbourne (Tony Ward).

Did you see Heidi Klum?! It was so inspiring the see the hottest mom out there rock that Marchesa mini!

Christina Hendricks also looked like a dream in one of Zac Posen's gown - the perfection of Old Hollywood glamour.

Kelly Osbourne, who, I'll be honest, I didn't expect to wow me on the carpet, was a delight! That black Tony Ward gown fit her to perfection and the detailing was beyond.

Finally, I have to admit, I had to disagree with the HollywoodLife.com crew on a few points - I grew up on Gilmore Girls, so Lauren Graham can do no wrong, but I wasn't impressed by her white and black dress.

On that same note, (and I'm bracing myself for the bashing) I really did not care for January Jones' Atelier Versace gown. I know, I know - the detailing on the gown was masterful and she looked fantastic, BUT it was a little much for my taste. The full, short skirt and flowing train just did not do it for me.

For everything you ever needed (and didn't know you needed) to know about the Emmy Awards as well as everything for everything and anything celebrity, check out HollywoodLife.com and stayed tuned for Bonnie Fuller - she's making appearances everywhere!

Better Than Cake: Gilt Groupe Celebrates WWD's 100th Anniversary - Featurng All Your Favorite Designers

Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung) recently broke the news that he had been chosen as one of the eleven designers who were handpicked to make over the most popular designs of the last century.

Minutes later, Women's Wear Daily (@womensweardaily) confirmed - and added a social media twist worthy of the 21st Century.

As the Gilt Groupe blog explains, "the person who generates the most buzz about this project will walk away with a $1,000 in Gilt credit."

Genius.

Not only is there going to be tons of buzz around this (thanks, in part, to the 100th anniversary and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), but now WWD just secured itself free press.

Obviously, WWD is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 100th anniversary and this partnership with Gilt Groupe is no exception.

The eleven designers reinventing the looks of the past century include: ADAM, Alexandre Birman, Dana Lorenz, Doo.Ri, Jason Wu, Kimberly Ovitz, Lyn Devon, Marchesa, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, and THAKOON.

Even if you're not feeling inclined to enter the contest to generate buzz, it's worth making the trip to the blog to check out the designers' sketches. I, for one, cannot wait to see Marchesa's, Prabal's, and Wu's...oh hell, I can't wait to see all of them!

To enter the contest for the $1,000 Gilt credit, visit WWDGiltPromo.com.

If you're just interested in buying the pieces (oh to be you), make you sure you're one of the first to visit the site from September 15 - 17, which is when the exclusive pieces will be available for sale.

MSMPR24seven does not own the picture of Prabal Gurung.

Louis Vuitton's Latest Campaign Features Bono and Wife, No Band Mates

Fans of Bono rejoice and pay attention!

The musician/humanitarian/husband will appear with his wife in the latest Louis Vuitton campaign, "Core Values."

As Women's Wear Daily reported, this marks the first time the U2 front man will appear in a campaign without his band mates.

Another first, Louis Vuitton will not be receiving the fashion credit for Bono and wife Ali Hewson's outfits. The two will wear Edun, which WWD describes as an 'ethical clothing label...founded to encourage trade with Africa, and in which LVMH took a 49 percent stake last year."

For those ready to jump to an obvious conclusion and call Bono a sell-out, consider this: the musician and his wife donated their fees to TechnoServe, Conservation Cotton Initiative, Chernobyl Children's Project International.

Be on the lookout for Louis Vuitton's latest ad to break mid-September.

To read the full WWD article, please visit: http://www.wwd.com/media-news/bono-hewson-to-appear-in-lvmh-campaign-3231223?src=twitter

The ad pictured above is the property of LVMH.

Hot This Week? No, RichRocks is Hot EVERY Week

Go pick up your OK! Magazine and flip to the Hot This Week section.

Pause.

Now go grab you laptop or smart phone and get online, because those pieces of jewelry give new meaning to the phrase "must buy."

MSMPR is beyond proud to be working with - and how could we not be when everyone is wearing them!

And believe me, if the cast of Gossip Girl is glittering in these gems, you need to be too.

I know, I know, but before you tell me there's no way you can afford anything anything Blake Lively or Taylor Momsen (let alone their characters) are wearing, let me mention the best part.

Every piece from RichRocks is under $100.

No, that wasn't a typo - every. piece. is. under. $100.

Hooked, yet? Trust me, visit their Web site (http://www.richrocksnyc.com/) and you will be.

If you're still hesitant (I don't know, maybe you don't think you can pull off jewelry that these 20-somethings are wearing), take a closer look - I wasn't kidding when I said everyone is rocking the hottest thing in jewelry.

Everyone from Kelly Ripa to the ladies from Today and The View have been out and about in these pieces!

I could go on and on about how timeless the jewelry is, how affordable it is, etc. - but I'm going to have to cut this post short.

I have some online shopping to do.

Emmy Awards Goes High-Tech With Live, Backstage Show

As we previously reported, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is pulling out all the stops to make this year's Emmy Awards as technologically innovative as possible (did you submit your Emmy tweet yet?).

But, as PRNewser reports, there's more.

More, you ask? More than Jimmy Fallon reading your tweet on live TV??

Yes, more.

This year there will be eight (be sure to count them - eight) cameras backstage at the Nokia Theater for "Backstage Live at the Emmys."

But don't worry - they'll spare the usual amount of cameras for the red carpet and actual show.

To read PRNewser's full article, visit http://www.mediabistro.com/prnewser/events/every_camera__in_la_will_be_at_the_emmys_172055.asp

This Just In - Your Tweet Could Be Read at the Emmy Awards!

Jimmy Fallon announced Friday that viewers will be able to submit tweets that could be read at the Emmy Awards!

Starting tomorrow, NBC will have a link on their Web site where interested parties can submit their best introduction (remember - in 140 characters or less!) for the presenters.

Jon Hamm, January Jones, and Mathew Morrison have already been revealed as just a few of the actors presenting awards at this year's ceremony.

Fallon reveals that the user name will be read along with the description.

He gave the following example: "@blahblahblah says Jon Hamm is the hottest guy of all time. Here he is, Jon Hamm!"

Now, no offense to Fallon, but I'm betting you can come up with something a bit more creative! Starting brainstorming now for some witty one-liners and don't forget to check out NBC's Web site tomorrow to enter your tweet!

MSMPR24seven does not own the rights to the picture featured in this story.

VOICE OF AN ANGEL

Since i was addicted to nickhun, i had watch all episode of star king in youtube

suddenly i've found 1 episode that they featuring the person who been given voice of an angel.

He is KIM JI HO, a blind teenager boy that can sing perfectly likes superstar.

This boy has such a damn delicious voice..i think better than nickhun or nik irfan..

Ooopps...sorry guys .. i love u bcoz of your PREETY & CUTE face n your great dance(Nichkhun).. btw Nickhun has a cutest Wink wink eyes

Although he can't see as clear as normal person but he has strenght whereby not all of us have.

i couldn't stop crying while watch him singing coz i m so impressed..

So do to all da guests,they also cried..

and da most emotional is Nickhun..i can see he shed tears at da back..

OMygosh..he's still cute even he's crying

ok...back to da main story...

Ji ho had come with 4 other members who are visually impaired like him.

and they are called with BLUE OCEAN.

and their album is released.

DEAR JI HO , i had fallin love with your angel voice.. i wish u can go more futher with ur band n make

da whole world see n hear ur voice..XOXO

Lets enjoy his soothing voice n hope it could soothing ur heart too

Exclusive - An Interview with Liz Auerbach, Senior PR for alice + olivia

Just in time for Fashion Week, we caught up with Liz Auerbach, Senior PR for alice + olivia. In this exclusive interview, she dishes on her Southern roots, what people made fun of her for in high school, the magazine she had every issue of growing up, and much more!

1. You just accepted the Senior PR position at alice + olivia after working for Nine West. Congratulations! Why did you choose to work in fashion PR as opposed to other areas?

I have always been passionate about fashion. As a child, I dreamed of one day becoming a fashion designer, but that transitioned into writing about fashion, which then led me to working in public relations; it was a great way to combine things that I loved - fashion, writing and working with people.

2. How did you end up where you are now? Would you mind explaining how you went from college graduate to Senior PR at alice + olivia?

Well, I graduated in 2004 from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and knew that I always wanted to live in NYC and pursue a career in the fashion industry, so I resigned from my job at TBS in Atlanta as a researcher and segment producer for the show "Movie and a Makeover" and moved up here without a job. I quickly started freelancing as a PR assistant for Kenneth Cole and working as a freelance editor/stylist and publicist for a few years at a few different jobs including WWD and an on-camera position on a short-lived party show on the Discovery Channel. I then landed a job at Brown Shoe Company as their PR Coordinator and was there almost a year when Nine West picked me up. I was there for almost 4.5 years and loved it. The opportunity to work in a contemporary fashion brand for a+o randomly presented itself very recently.

3. What advice do you have for college seniors who are about to enter the workforce and want to work in fashion PR?

Hmm...The best advice I can offer would be to stay hungry and optimistic. This industry is extremely cut-throat and the pace can sometimes be overwhelming, but you have to have passion in order to really get the most out of any situation. If you love what you are doing, that will negate any other negative experiences, in my opinion. Also, you have to have a thick skin in PR. You must learn never to take any criticism personally. It is tough to do, but a positive attitude will ultimately lead you to success in any career that you pursue.

4. How do you define public relations? Or, what do you say when people ask you what you do?

Haha, that is a great question! A lot of times I say that I work as the "hub of communication," which is quite true. Public relations is all about maintaining an image of a brand, person, etc. and you also become the mediator between the outside world and the company/person that you represent. You have to keep everyone internally and externally informed and make sure that everyone and everything is reported correctly, honestly, and in a positive light.

5. What is a typical day in your life like? And is any day really typical?

No such thing in this industry, lol - especially with Fashion's Week and Fashion Night Out quickly approaching. We are in crunch time right now! Everyday brings some new brainstorm, angle, idea, inspiration. It always keeps you on your toes, which is great if you are up to the challenge.

6. What are your plans for Fashion's Night Out this year?

FNO is going to be great fun for alice + olivia! We are hosting our 2nd annual FNO Top Model Contest at our flagship store in Bryant Park! The winner will get to walk in our fashion show on Sept. 14! There will also be special guests and surprises throughout the night.

7. The New York Fashion Week line up just went out - which designer's show would you die to see?

Oh boy... I'd hate to be trite, but I'd love to see Marc Jacobs and Proenza. I am also a major Alexander Wang fan, so that would be cool too. But no time to see other shows! That is what Style.com is for! :)

8. You've had an amazing career. Is there any one moment or job you've been most proud of?

That is so nice to hear! Thank you! :) I am proud of every job I've had. I think when you always work hard and have passion, you will always look back at past experiences fondly.

9. What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?

Hm...I am from a small town in North Florida called Gainsville (where the University of Florida is) and I was always made fun of for wearing outlandish things to school. Oh and I was also a minor in art history and am completely obsessed with post-modern art! If I wasn't in fashion, I would work as an art publicist or gallery manager.

10. I know you were a major player in the Pay It Fashion Forward event for Fashion Delivers. Why is it important for you to work with charities and for countries like Haiti?

Fashion Delivers is an amazing organization that one of my close friends, Shanya Fernando, co-founded and brought me and our other friends into. We have accomplished so much so quickly. I think it just made sense to have an organization within the fashion industry where we could find a way to give back using the means that we have access to (i.e. surplus samples, events, celebrities). I think the fashion industry, especially the younger members, needed that outlet. We wanted to feel connected and that we could contribute to the greater good while still working in a field that we loved.

11. Who are your role models in this industry?

I have so many for so many different reasons... As a child, I was obsessed with Anna Sui's creativity and the fashion magazine Sassy (I owned every single issue), so that lead me to research careers in fashion. I am a huge fan of fashion writers such as Cathy Horyn. She is incredibly insightful and refreshingly honest. Of course, Anna Wintour has always fascinated me as well.

A thousand thanks to Liz for taking time away from her work to answer a few of our questions! Be sure to check out alice + olivia's flagship store in Bryant Park on Fashion's Night Out! And, as always, keep checking back for the place for all your PR, fashion, and other industry news!

Rosabel Tao Takes Over as MySpace SVP of Corporate Communications

It has been reported that MySpace will be undergoing a massive redesign over the next few months, and this announcement is further supported by the appointment of Rosabel Tao as PR Chief.

As MySpace's official press release details, Tao's official title will be Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications.

Although only time will tell what and how much of a role Tao will play in the company's redesign, this appointment certainly makes it clear that MySpace is taking all steps necessary to reformulate its public relations strategy.

According to MySpace's official press release, Tao's recent history focused on companies at the intersection of media and technology. Before this appointment, Tao was working on her own consulting firm, but before that, she was the VP of Corporate Communications for Spot Runner.

Bragging Rights: Flight Attendant Finds Representation With Howard Bragman

You'd be hard-pressed right now to find a more highly publicized instance of a person quitting their job after Steven Slater's unique stunt pulled last week.

Howard Bragman, veteran publicist, will be stepping in to help Slater field the numerous offers he is getting from different media outlets.

It seems Bragman is not making an effort to steer clear of controversial clients - as MSMPR24seven previously reported, Bragman's next venture will include a documentary that chronicles celebrities "coming out."

The former JetBlue employee has been hailed as America's New Favorite Flight Attendant, but it remains to be seen what will become of Slater's future.

KHUNNIO BOOO!!!

Last week i was damn crazeynesss into NIK IRFAN since i watched him singing 'weeding dress malay version' n 'oh ma gosh' in YOUTUBE..he was awesome n his voice likeAArrrrGGGHHHHH..

Btw he's new artist of caprice...studying in UK...KELANTANESE BOY.. n have a damnDELICOUS voice ..u can enjoy his song in ma mixpod ..

NIK IRFAN

But now i m not into nik irfan anymore..This week NICKHUN HORVEJKUL was driving me DAMN CRAZY with his CUTEST eyes..

he was GREAT in dancing.. 1st time i watched him i thought he's korean coz he's 1 of 2Pm members.

but imma totally wrong he's 22 years old siamese boy mix with chinese blood n born in california.

n no wonder lah he can speak in english very well.

HERE WE GOOO

DA MOST MACHO MAN

DA CUTEST BOY

DA SEXIEST GUY

but!!! da most super duper HANSOME and CUTEST is..

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TAADAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

ma lovely GOLDFISH

KIM JOE HAHN's song

Pass the time with you in mind
It's a rather quiet night
Feel the ground against my back
Counting stars against the black
Thinking bout another day
Wishing I was far away
Whether they were dreams or worries
You were there with me

Sister, I hear you laugh
My heart fills full up
Keep me please
Sister, when you cry

I feel your tears running down my face

Sister, Sister keep me
I hope you always know its true
I would never make it through
We could make the sun go down
Just by walking away

Playing like we used to play
Our kingdom will never go away
Feel you beating in my chest
I'll be dead without
Pass the time with you in mind
It's a rather quiet night

Feel the ground against my back
Counting stars against the black
Thinking bout another day

Wishing I was far away
Whether they were dreams or worries
You were there with me

this song created by KIM JOE HAHN .. aku cabar dia buat 1 lagu coz dia dok kutuk2 lagu "i know u want me..u know i want cha" hahahhahha...

Agung Article on Marinduque

“AGUNG”, The official newsletter of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), published the following article in its January-April 2010 issue:

CLASSIC SARSUWELA STAGED IN MARINDUQUE
By Maria Crisedna Magsumbol

For sometime the province of Marinduque has been trying to forge its cultural development. In 1998, it attempted to establish Sining Marinduque with the help of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and with representations from different sectors all over the province. Despite this effort, it died a natural death due to change in political leadership after elections. However, not all was lost as the municipality of Gasan established Gasan Culture and Arts Foundation (GASCUAF) in 2001. From then on, the municipality of Gasan became known as the cultural center of the province with cultural projects such as the Gasang Gasang Easter Festival. Meanwhile, the provincial government passed Provincial Ordinance No. 81 in 2009 declaring February 21 as Araw ng Marinduque, the date when representative Ricardo Paras of Marinduque proposed for the separation of Marinduque from Tayabas. Since the celebration is held in the month of February, the celebration is incorporated in their celebration of National Arts Month.

In 2008 and 2009, the project Ani ng Sining: Viva Marinduque of the province of Marinduque has received funding from NCCA. The success of the celebrations in spired the province to continue the celebration of the Arts Month but this time they opted to replace the touring performances of Viva Marinduque with the staging of the zarzuela Walang Sugat. Eliseo Obligacion, consultant for Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development, witnessed the staging of Walang Sugat by Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation and thought of bringing back the zarzuela in the province after 108 years. The zarzuela saw its Marinduque premiere in 1902 as part of the Boac town fiesta with then fiscal of Tayabas Manuel L. Quezon as special guest. Walang Sugat was staged in Boac on February 18, 2010, and Gasan on February 19.

The Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. (BKFI), a community theater group based in Malolos in the province of Bulacan, staged Walang Sugat, a masterpiece by Severino Reyes against im perialism, originally for the Sarsuwela Festival 2009 at the University of the Philippines. The play was directed by Armand Sta. Ana and starred Rey Clement Maaliao as Tenyong, Karren Uaje as Julia, Ron Mariano as Miguel with Maria Ireen Crisostomo, Rowel Escalante, Crystal Mendoza, James Dimagiba, Joseph Rejoso, Melandro Pascual, Wilfredo Alberto, Christopher Adriano, Lemuel Galman, Egie Boy Galman, Ryan Managbanag and twelve koro members. In the production are Joseph Cristobal, Armando Sta. Ana, Estelita dela Cruz, COnsilacion Gamboa, Jose Ruel Paguiligan and Glen de Jesus.

According to Obligacion, the contributions of cultural projects in the area thus far cannot be easily located particularly in terms of of the revenue of LGUs, however, cultural projects such as Sarsuwela: Walang Sugat proved to be an effective way in leading Marinduquenos to appreciate their culture. The event also coincided with the first Mimaropa Arts and Culture Forum. The project also complemented the tourism and cultural development program of the province as it paved for other municipal government officials to hold cultural events in their respective municipalities.

In a small island province like Marinduque that relies mainly on fishing and agriculture economy, culture and tourism continue to contribute in the development in the area. Aside from Moriones Festival and other historical celebrations, the province continues to forge its niche in the cultural development of Mimaropa.

Waste Not, Want Not: Will the Fashion Industry Embrace a Zero-Waste Existence?

Waste not, want not.

It's hard to turn on the TV, radio, or computer and not find a story involving the environment. It has become a way of life, and whatever your thoughts on the movement, it's going to be hard to avoid.

Sure, the eco-vists out there are already recycling, hanging their clothes dry, and maybe even composting their waste. However, no one, at least in the fashion world, is taking the eco-friendly movement as seriously as Parsons the New School for Design.

Starting next semester, the New School will offer courses in zero-waste fashion design. The New York Times recently published an article, "Fashion Tries on Zero Waste Design," which gives the history of the movement as well as the trials and tribulations of creating fashionable garments with little to no waste.

To read the NYT article, please visit: http://nytimes.com/2010/08/15/fashion/15waste.html

The Past Week in PR: August 11, 2010

Because it's been a busy few days for everyone (waiting for New York Fashion Week credentials to be approved, last minute summer trips, etc.), I wanted to recap two of the most important pieces of PR news that have surfaced in the past week:

First, Jason Shuffler recently reported for PR Week that Ogilvy Senior Vice President Dushka Zapata has been promoted to head the San Francisco office.

Second, the PR crisis of the week involves former HP CEO Mark Hurd who recently resigned amidst allegations of sexual harassment. Hugh Collins reported for Daily Finance that Hurd hired Sitrick & Co., a PR agency well-versed in crisis communication, shortly before he quit.

Finally, some fashion PR news for those fashion-hungry:

Lisa Elia Public Relations firm launches "an affordable PR coaching program that enables emerging fashion and product designers to gain visibility."

Social Media Celebrities: Opportunities and Threats

The Social Media Examiner recently published an article by Bill Seaver titled "Dealing with Employees Who Are Social Media Celebrities."

Like Seaver explains, the wonderful thing about social media is that almost anyone can become a celebrity. Awesome!

An employee celebrity is described as someone who "has a positive reputation apart from or in addition to your corporate brand."

However, employers should proceed with caution. While your employee celebrity could present you and the organization with some positive opportunities, the hiring does not come without some very real threats.

Kudos to Seaver for giving examples of these threats, specifically naming those who were unlucky enough to incite anger over a simple tweet. Hello, people. It's the age of the Internet. Nothing you say is private, especially on social media sites.

To read the full article, visit www.socialmediaexaminer.com/employees-as-social-media-celebrities/.

Chef Toni: Saving the World...One Palate at a Time

With summer winding down and the back-to-school mania at its peak, parents are understandably concerned about their children's lack of enthusiasm to return to the daily school routine. But have no fear, 'rents, because Chef Toni - The Tesla Group's newest client - is here to save the day...and maybe even the world: one palate at a time.

Every once in a while, I come across stories of incredible women who inspire me to do more - and to do it better than everyone else. Chef Toni Willard-Young is one of those women.

A mother of four who has catered for NY/NJ politicians, the South African Embassy, private dinners for Columbia University's alumni, women's civic organizations - such as The Links - and international style doyenne, Audrey Smaltz, her resume is beyond impressive.

Chef Toni has also dedicated her time to teaching cooking classes at the YMCA and PS 166, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

If that's not astounding enough, Chef Toni's latest project, Chef Toni's Cooking Academy, turns kids into top "junior chefs," focusing on "farm-to-table" cooking through fun culinary adventures!

Sound a little too good to be true? It's not.

Students at the academy dress us in their very own chef hats and aprons, visit local farmers, butchers, bakers, grocers who teach students about fresh produce, and other food professionals - all in service of developing their palates with an understanding of food origins, preparation and dining.

With the back-to-school season upon us, Chef Toni understands the importance of nourishing food, because not only does it make a child healthier, but also improves their school performance and is a critical component in growth and development.

And the best part of the program? The kids receive Culinary Graduation Certificates at the end of the class semester!

Chef Toni's many accomplishments are a true testament to her skill and passion. She was just recently featured in Examiner and will be in TimeOut NY Kids in October, and she has been catering for high profile politicians and clients like Jonathan Waxman for years.

For more information on Chef Toni or her Cooking Academy, please visit http://cheftoniscookingadventures.blogspot.com/.

Locked and Loaded: Our Interview with Lock & Mane's Jackie Cascarano

It's been said that hair is the perfect accessory - and the ladies and Lock & Mane are proving that point.

Their site, http://www.lockandmane.com/, is the destination for luxurious hair products. I caught up with Jackie Cascarano, Lock & Mane's Creative Director, and she told me everything from what hair trends she wants to see this fall to what you need to do to ace an interview with their team (hint: it involves making a martini!).

1. You describe yourself as a recovering attorney. How did you jump from practicing law to creating Lock & Mane? That seems like quite a career change...

I always knew I wanted to do something in the beauty industry. Law was a safe career choice and I enjoyed it, but I always knew it wasn't the best fit for my demeanor and interests. My mother and I founded Lock & Mane in 2009 because we couldn't find a website that was upscale and completely devoted to luxe hair products and accessories. But we also wanted a site that had a personal touch with fun commentary on the latest hair trends and celebrity styles.

2. As I'm sure you know, there are lots of sites out there that are dedicated to hair and hair products. What sets Lock & Mane apart?

Lock & Mane is the fastest growing beauty retailer online because it truly is the ultimate destination for luxury hair products and hair accessories. We believe in all the products we carry because have tried them ourselves (and love them!). There's a personal touch to the site - we have video reviews of products, photos of us wearing the hair accessories, and a fabulous blog with fun commentary on trends and celeb styles. You can come to Lock & Mane to see what hairstyle your favorite celeb is wearing these days and also buy the products that will give you that look.

3. I really love your blog. Why do you think it's important to keep a blog when you have some many other facets to your site (not that I'm complaining!)?

Thanks! We love the blog because it makes Lock & Mane much more than just an e-commerce site. Sure, you can purchase a T3 hairdryer or Oscar Blandi shampoo or a crystal Jennifer Behr headwrap, but we also want you to come to Lock & Mane for the latest in hair and beauty news. In addition to giving our opinions on the latest hair trends, we have interviewed respected hair stylists, celebrities, and trendsetters. The blog is a fun and useful resource for the hair-obsessed.

4. Lock & Mane seems to have nailed the social media aspect of the business. Why do you think it is important to be on Twitter, Facebook, etc.?

It is vitally important for us to communicate with our customers! We want to hear what they have to say about products, accessories as well as celebrity hair trends. Other beauty retail sites have completely lost the personal touch and we are trying to bring that back. We enjoy being friends with our customers and we chat with them on Twitter and Facebook daily.

5. I love that one of your past blog posts was dedicated to wanting to dye Sookie's (from True Blood) hair. If you could kidnap any celebrity and change his or her hair, who would it be?

Oh so many. Britney comes to mind immediately. Poor thing. Someone needs to force her to take out the extensions and just rock a pixie or bob while her hair grows out. Also the entire Kardashian family needs a haircut. I have issues with ultra long hair. I'm a big proponent of well-manicured ends and hair that won't get stuck in your cleavage.

6. You're the hair guru, where do you get your hair done?

I split my time between Philadelphia and New York. When I'm in Philly, I go to Hush Salon in Old City where I see Carlos Rogers. When in New York, I go to Pierre Michel on 57th Street - my mom has been seeing Ron Levin for color for over 15 years.

7. What does it take to be part of the Lock & Mane team?

Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, and willingness to try any product! We definitely have fun at Lock & Mane and we want our customers to experience that when they visit the site. Also happy hour features prominently in our lives. Anyone who can't mix a good dirty martini in less than 20 seconds is turned away during the interview.

8. Finally, it's no secret that I love fashion - and you recently raved about Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 ad campaign. I agree; it's divine. Besides the 1950's flipped ponies, what other hair trends would you love to see this fall?

I love big hair, so for me voluminous, sultry hairstyles are always preferable to straight and sleek. I also believe the braid trend may have reached its limit. I'm hoping to see a more mature trend for the autumn and winter.

Many thanks to Jackie for taking the time to answer my questions! P.s. - Isn't her hair great?!

"Burlesque" Shows Alice in Wonderland

Perez Hilton recently posted the trailer for "Burlesque," staring Christina Aguilera and Cher, and I've got to say - It. Looks. Fantastic.

True, it may be a little early to call this movie a box office smash, but come on -it has Christina Aguilera, Cher, Kristen Bell, Dr. McSteamy (aka Eric Dane)...and it takes place in a burlesque joint! How can this not equal box office gold?!

The trailer shows Alice leaving her small town to chase fame and success in LA. After trying to persuade the owner of the club (Cher) to let her dance, Alice realizes she has to do more than just talk the talk to get on stage - she's going to have to strut and sing (half naked) to get there!

Add some glitter, lace, Agent Provocateur, alcohol, and some vintage Aguilera vocals and you get Burlesque! Question is, will you make your way to the theaters this Thanksgiving to see it?

Michael Kors Previews a "Cool" Promo for the Hottest Week in Fashion

New York Fashion Week is only (thankfully) weeks away, and fans of fashion can thank Michael Kors for bringing us a little closer to the Lincoln Center festivities today.

Michael Kors tweeted a photo teasing the promo he filmed with fashion juggernauts Anna Wintour, Iman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tommy Hilfiger - along with Mayor Bloomberg.

This news comes on the heels of the release of a tentative line up of shows, ranging from runway veterans like Max Azria and DVF to fashion favorites like Carlos Miele and Tory Burch.

To get your fashion fix, stay tuned to designers' Twitter account and Facebook fan pages - where the latest news is sure to leak first.

Weekend Warrior: Which Event Did You Attend?

In case you haven't heard, the most important wedding of the season took place Saturday night.

Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky at Astor Courts in Rhineback, NY, in front of 400 guests.

While there was speculation months ago that the bride would walk down the aisle in Oscar de la Renta, Chelsea instead chose a stunning Vera Wang gown to wear as she celebrated her nuptials.

From an outside observer's perspective, it is so refreshing to see the pictures of the new Mr. and Mrs. Mezvinsky and how blissfully happy they appear.

However, the Clinton wedding wasn't the only thing happening in New York this past weekend. If you weren't lucky enough to get your hands on one of those 400 invitations and you lived near the City, you probably spent your weekend in the Hamptons at the 13th Annual Super Saturday.

Benefitting the OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund), the daylong fundraiser was a dream come true for those both fashionable and charitably-inclined. Once hailed as the "Rolls Royce of garage sales," the event sells merchandise from the top tier designers: Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Theory, and DVF - to name a few.

While an estimate of the funds raised has not yet been released, last year's event raised over $3.7 million for the OCRF.