Gucci Museo

Now Italy has another attraction for lovers of fashion.


Palazzo della Mercanzia is an ancient and historical building located in Florence, the city where in 1921, Guccio Gucci opened a leather goods company.  90 years later, this building is now the home of Gucci Museo.  From the private basement that holds the Gucci archives, to the third floor, everything that is, was and will be Gucci is here to be seen.  Covering over 18,460 square feet, the story of The House of Gucci, from 1921-Present day is on full display.

The Gucci museum will be a fascination for many, especially historical buffs.  Displaying 90 years worth of handbags, shoes, dresses, luggage, custom made items and even interior car upholstery, this is one fashion museum that will be a must see when visiting the beautiful Italian city of  Florence.

For more information about this historic event, please click here or visit http://www.gucci.com

 

Published in: on September 29, 2011 at 12:59 pm  Leave a Comment  

The Original Black Bunny

Jennifer Jackson was ahead of her time and didn’t even know it-nor was she proud of it.   In 1965, amidst the civil rights movement, Ms. Jackson became the first African-American playmate for Playboy Magazine.  However, it was not something she was proud of.  Due to the new TV series, The Playboy Club, Ms. Jackson’s previous centerfold career has become the center of attention once again and she did an exclusive interview with The  Huffington Post.   Jennifer Jackson explains how she was ashamed after posing nude,  her pursuit of higher education and how she didn’t feel like a pioneer at all.  To read her amazing story, click here.

Published in: on September 27, 2011 at 11:07 am  Comments (1)  

More Than Meets the Eye

Many may know her as the Fiance of future Hall-of-Famer boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather, but Shantel Jackson (aka Miss Jackson) is much more than a pretty face who stands by her man.

A seemingly down to earth woman who is clearly focused on her future, Miss Jackson is a model, fashion designer and business woman who plans to take the world by storm.  She recently took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and answer questions pertaining to everything from business to beauty.

Getting started in print work as a model when she was about sixteen, Ms. Jackson states, “Modeling and acting are things I always wanted to do.”  And even though her success as a model is evident, she humbly states “…I truly have a long ways to go before I feel I have reached my ultimate goals…some of my future goals are to complete the samples for my clothing line, and to have a lead role in a great movie.”  And to keep herself busy between modeling and finishing her clothing line, she makes it a point to stay involved with every detail pertaining to her business ventures.

Constantly being in the lime-light, she must keep her skin looking radiant.  To do that, Miss Jackson uses Aveeno face and body products, ‘their whole line is so amazing!’ and during a night out on the town, there are two must-haves in her purse: My press powder because I have oily skin, and Mac Lipgloss called Underage.  When asked about beauty advice, there are four beauty tips she gives to women: 1) Always moisturize… it can really make a difference with your skin,  2) …dry hair shampoo is something that I live by because it gives you those extra few days u might need,  3) Deep condition your hair at least once a week  and 4) Use Botin’s Skin, hair and nail pills.  Being a model means that staying in shape is a must, and even though she states that she’s not really a fan of working out, she tries to workout at least 3 days a week.  However, she is also not one to restrict herself from eating some of her favorite foods: I honestly eat what I want but I never over indulge. Some of my food vices are french fries which are my favorite, fried chicken, and banana pudding.

Like all women, Miss Jackson has both good and bad days.  When having bad day, she uses comedy as source to uplift her spirits: I try to watch comedy, because laughter always makes me feel good when I’m feeling down.  And what does she do to relax? I love to shop, shopping helps me relax and helps me with stress… nothing takes away stress like a great pair of shoes… and to unwind, I like to sit back and listen to old R&B music.

This Miami native has come a long way in a short period of time and with all of her accomplishments, she has great sound advice for other women wanting to take a similar career path…follow through with your dreams, but always have a great backup plan.  What a smart lady!

**Miss Jackson is a Florida native who divides her time between Miami and Las Vegas.  For more information on Miss Jackson, click here.

Published in: on September 23, 2011 at 2:21 pm  Comments (14)  

Singer Vesta Williams Found Dead

It’s being reported that singer/songwriter Vesta Williams was found dead in a hotel room in Los Angeles, CA.  Details are currently sketchy, but many fans as well as friends, have expressed their sadness due to her untimely passing.  May she Rest In Peace.


For more biographical information on this R&B legend click here.

Published in: on September 23, 2011 at 10:54 am  Leave a Comment  

Celebrating Elizabeth

For all of us who loved the immaculate jewels of Elizabeth Taylor, we finally have the chance to see them up-close and personal.  Beginning September 5th, Christie’s will launch The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor Exhibition Tour.  This will be a worldwide event which will start in Moscow and end in New York.

For those who would like to bid on some of her valuable jewelry, an auction will be held at Christie’s of New York during December 13th-15th.  Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia, including costumes will be auctioned as well.

For more information, please visit http://www.christies.com

Published in: on August 29, 2011 at 12:36 pm  Leave a Comment  

Philly Legend Dead

Geno’s Steaks is a Philly staple.  The owner, Joey Vento, died Tuesday at the age of 71.  In November 2010, the owner underwent cancer surgery, but his death was caused by a heart-attack.

Joey started Geno’s Steaks in 1966 and since then, numerous celebrities, politicians and of course, all of Philadelphia became a fan.  And not just a fan of the famous cheese steaks, but a fan of Joey as well.  Mr. Vento was a well-liked and charismatic guy.  My uncle lived in South Philly and I’ve been to Geno’s many, many times and met Mr. Vento a few times.  His style, energy, jokes and that smile will be truly missed!

Published in: on August 24, 2011 at 4:38 pm  Comments (1)  

Chris ‘Shut-It-Down’ Brown

“When Team Breezy do it, we do it big!”, is what I heard a young woman say as she was on her way to see Chris Brown in concert this morning.  And big was an understatement.

Chris Brown is the first mega star to shut down NYC in a long time.  As a matter of fact The Today Show stated that it was the biggest turnout in their summer concert history-ever!  For some however, this may come as a surprise, but for others it’s no surprise at all.   His latest album F.A.M.E. has yet to go platinum, but he can still bring out a crowd of 18,000+ fans for a free concert at Rockefeller Center.  Much of this has to do with his talent and amazing appeal, not only to teenagers, but to everyone.  Depending on who you are, Chris could be your son, brother, uncle, cousin, boyfriend, best friend, teenage crush, cougar crush or simply your next door neighbor.  Massive appeal and extraordinary talent can lead to ultimate success, regardless of mishaps along the way.

That was proven this morning as Chris Brown took to the stage in front of 18,000+ fans and onlookers, who didn’t care about past mishaps or misspoken words, but only cared about seeing a talented young man who is well deserving of all the success that’s coming his way.

Published in: on July 15, 2011 at 5:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

What A Life!

Elizabeth Taylor lived a life that many women only fantasize about.   Glamour, fame, fortune, beauty, jewelry and love.  Born in England to American parents in 1932, this blue-eyed beauty would grow up to be admired my women and lusted after by men all over the world.

Even though she is well-known for her beauty and her many marriages,  people fail to forget that the reason she is such a legend has to do with her immaculate talent.  This two-time Oscar winner proved that you can have it all: beauty, talent, grace, sophistication and be smart enough to know what to do with it!  How many women in Hollywood are currently living up to those standards?   Her charitable contributions, activism and philanthropic work can not be ignored either.  And even though she had many marriages and lovers, it was and will always be Mr. Richard Burton who will forever be remembered as the love of Elizabeth Taylor’s life.  How could he not be with the exotic vacations and fabulous jewelry he gave to her, as well as all the drama,  a relationship that toxic can only be remembered as such!

This Dame will be missed, but will always be remembered as an iconic legend.

Wearing a ring given by Richard Burton

Elizabeth Taylor wearing the Taylor-Burton Diamond in a necklace by Cartier

Published in: on March 23, 2011 at 10:28 am  Leave a Comment  

Professional Addicts

As of late, the name Charlie Sheen seems to be the topic of conversation.  By now we have all heard about his rants and arrogance about him being the greatest actor on prime-time television.   However, when observing and really listening to what Charlie Sheen is saying, in some strange way, I have to wonder, does he have a point?  I do not condone his behavior, his actions or his arrogance, but when observing the history of numerous drug-induced talents, is there some truth to what he is saying?

Some people are highly functional addicts-a proven fact.  However, when performing their jobs well and act accordingly, we don’t question or punish them for their addiction.  Once the job performance suffers, their behavior gets out of control or which ever comes first, then their addiction becomes a concerning factor.  This is exactly what has happened in Charlie Sheen’s case.  The public has known for years about his addiction to drugs and numerous liaisons with prostitutes, but as long as he behaved and performed well, not much was being said.  When coming to the television set to film his weekly show ‘Two And A Half Men’, it was reported that he was a professional on the set and performed his job well.  At times, he did this while being high.  Even with the drug addiction rumors, the chaotic circumstances involving him and his ex-wife Brooke Mueller drug induced fights, and the all night drinking and partying that surrounded him while being employed at Warner Brothers, there was no outcry by his employers or the public for him to get help.  He was doing such a damn good job, that Warner Brothers decided to give him a salary increase of $2 million per episode and the show ratings increased!  Yet, as long as he behaved and performed well, the producers and creator of the show, didn’t seem to mind.  Maybe because of the show high ratings along with the millions of dollars being made, no one at CBS or Warner Brothers noticed.  It wasn’t until his public rants and unflattering comments about the producers and creator of the show, that it was decided that Charlie Sheen must be fired!  The well-being of Charlie Sheen was not of  much concern in comparison to the image of  CBS and the creator of the show.  That is what’s so shocking.  He wasn’t fired due to coming to work late, not coming to work at all or poor job performance.  He was fired for acting unprofessional while OFF the set!  But being high ON the set is okay as long as you act professional and give a great performance?  Wow, the standards of Hollywood never cease to amaze me!  Depending on the circumstances of his contract, maybe he does have grounds for a lawsuit or at least he should.

When I think of actors such as Robert Downey, Jr., Colin Farrell and others, it is truly amazing to me that while high on dope, some of these people perform better than those who are sober.   Could that be the reason why Charlie Sheen is so upset?  To come to work on time, remember lines, perform well, and remain professional while high as a kite, yet your sober co-worker is bullshitting around, not remembering all their lines and acting like a clown–but you end up getting fired for some shit you said on your “off” time!?

When you look at it from that point of view, maybe he does have a right to be pissed-off.

Published in: on March 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm  Leave a Comment  

Really?!

Heat 1995This morning I read an article about Lindsay Lohan’s Wednesday court arraignment at which she plead not guilty to a theft charge.  What startled me however was the last paragraph of the article which stated: “If convicted, Lohan will join a long list of celebrities with sticky fingers, including Charlie’s Angels star Farrah Fawcett, who was arrested twice in 1970 for shoplifting clothes from two boutiques; Winona Ryder, who was caught on video trying to carry out more than $5,000 worth of merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills; and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s daughter, Caroline, who was nabbed for pocketing $150 worth of cosmetics.” Really?

Why would beautiful, famous and well paid women have to steal clothing, jewelry, or cosmetics?  Why can’t they just purchase less expensive clothing and wear costume jewelry?  Maybe someone didn’t give them the memo, that you can still look damn good in items from the sale rack.  Stealing cosmetics is just ludicrous.  Noxema and witch hazel can do wonders for the skin and with great skin, little cosmetics is needed.  I could go on and on, but the real question is why are you stealing and you’re a celebrity?  Are you stealing out of necessity or just for the hell of it?  Either way it is unnecessary theft amongst some within the Hollywood crowd and if caught, I think they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  Because with all of the perks that come with being famous, stealing is absolutely the last thing any celebrity should have to do.

Until then, at least now we know who not to invite to the summer backyard cookouts!  Ladies make sure to keep your purse close-by.

Published in: on February 10, 2011 at 11:19 am  Leave a Comment  
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