KORRIE HOOKS ELEGANTLY CLUMSY ELIZABETH MCLAUGHLIN DRIVEN TO EXCEL
DAVID JOSEF FASHIONS-
TO THE RESCUE
MAY 2016
QUICK WEDDING MAKEUP TIPS FOR BRIDES
THE CREW
YEMI SEKONI, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, is the owner and director of Donahue
Models & Talent - Rhode Island’s oldest model and talent agency. Her company books some of New England’s top professional models and talent to work with many corporate giants across the region.With over 35 years of experience in various areas of the acting and modeling industry, including theater, TV, film, print and runway, Yemi also holds a Bachelor of Arts in education, a post-graduate diploma in marketing and an MBA. TRADE SECRETS magazine is the culminating outlet for all of her passions – education, performing, marketing and creative writing.
JACLYN PELOPIDA,, WRITER, TALENTTALKS & THE BUZZ, gradu-
ated from Iona College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in psychology. She was the arts and entertainment editor of her college newspaper, “The Ionian.” Throughout her college career, she was an editorial intern for “M Magazine,” a web editorial intern for “Seventeen” magazine, and a public relations intern for MTV Networks. She is in the midst of writing her first novel and currently resides in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CINZIA ANTONELLI, WRITER; A WINK FROM ITALY, resides with her
husband, Gianfranco DiMarco, and their 14-year-old daughter, Enrica, in the little town of Cassino, Italy. Inheriting her creative and artistic flair from her father, a painter, and her grandfather, a novelist, she grew up with a love for fashion, and a passion for creating costume jewelry. When she is not busy with her daughter or helping her husband with his business, she can be found designing and creating new lines of costume jewelry – inspired by the ancient royals of the world, primitive prints and nature. Through her craft, her goal is to express her unique personality, as she believes that creating an object for the body is also a universal form of communication and language.
OLGA HAWWA, WRITER; THE COSMETIC COUNTER , is licensed esthetician, and makeup artist offering facials, face/body waxIng, eyebrow design, makeup artistry, and body treatments for women and men. She is located 1227 Main Street, West Warwick. Hours are by appointment: makeupandimage.com
VALERIE LANGLAIS, WRITER: ON THE TOWN, hails from Oxford,
Massachusetts and has an Associates Degree in Account- ing from Quinsigamond Community College, as well as a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Kennedy-Western University. During the weekdays, she is a mild-mannered accountant with Charlton Furniture Co., Inc in Charlton, Mas- sachusetts. In the evenings and on weekends, the former model teaches the children’s program for Donahue Models in Cranston, RI; is on staff with the Boucher School of Dance in Oxford, MA and runs an online business selling vintage designer clothing.
RACHEL SILVA, WRITER: OPTIQUE, graduated from Merrimack college with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology. She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Education with a professional certification as a reading specialist and Literacy Coach. Currently she is employed as a reading specialist in an elementary school. Over the past fifteen years she has strived to bring out the best in students and coworkers by helping them to discover who they are. She has trained teachers during professional workshops in various writing approaches and literacy programs. Educating individuals on topics that can improve and enrich their lives professionally and personally is a passion of hers. She currently resides with her two school aged children in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. LYNELL MASTERSON, WRITER: FROM THE INSIDE OUT, found-
er of Nell, develops individual and group wellness programs integrating mind, body, spirit methods. Lynell uses coaching, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Expressive Arts, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, and other practices to create the most effective life-changing programs. Life experience required her to develop these tools to address adversity, hardship and coping skills. Lynell recognizes and honors the challenges and difficulties that we all may encounter and that is why she has created individual and group programs to heal and empower others.
PRINCE SEFA-BOAKYE (Say-fah Bo-ah-chi), WRITER: PUR-
SUITS, is what people in Boston refer to as a ‘Renaissance Man by Trade,’ ‘Entrepreneur by Day, and ‘Law Student by Night.’ Prince describes himself as a student-entrepreneur blogger; providing daily blogs to students on how to start their own online business while balancing school. He also, from time-to-time, blogs about politics. Currently he is a 2L evening student at Suffolk University Law School, located in Downtown Boston, where he is studying to be a Copyright and Trademark attorney specializing in fields like social media, start-ups, entertainment, and fashion. For questions on his student-blogging business go to www.livelikeanenterpreneur.com. For his political blogs, go to www.princesdailyjournal.com
DIANE CAPOZZI, WRITER, OUT OF THE CLOSET, born &
raised in Oklahoma, Diane spend most of her childhood focused on competitive swimming. She received a swimming scholarship at Drury University & graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Exercise Physiology, and also holds a Masters Degree in Cardiac Rehabilitation. Degrees in hand, the next item on her bucket list was working abroad, where also started modeling. After returning stateside, she secured representation with multiple agencies including Wilhelmina, Maggie, Inc. & Donahue Models. A career highlight was making it as a finalist on the modeling reality TV series, “She’s Got the Look.” When not working, this fitness fanatic volunteers at the local animal shelter, creating custom greeting cards & working on her new fashion blog: www.fashiononthe4thfloor. com. Through this creative outlet, she hopes to demonstrate that fashion & having your own unique personal style transcend all decades!
PLESHETTE VONNER, WRITER: ON THE TOWN is origi-
nally from Atlantic City, NJ. She is a consultant and entrepreneur in the health & beauty, fashion and event planning industry. One of her favorite quotes is, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breathe away!
ANGELA PIERRE-LOUIS, WRITER: TEEN CHATTER,
a 16-year-old Haitian-American shining star of the Y2K millennial generation will be the 1st Teen ever to represent Rhode Island at the National Miss Black USA Talented Pageant in August 2016. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island. She attended elementary and middle school in Coventry, Rhode Island and is currently an honor roll sophomore at St. Mary’s Academy Bayview. During her free time, she volunteers at her local church and participates in school clubs that aim to enhance the lives of others within her community. Angela is currently a candidate for her black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In the future, Angela aspires to be the #1 dermatologist in the world. Her dream is to help others feel beautiful in their own skin!
VALENCIO
PHOTOGRAPHY
AUDRA HUDSON
SALES/ADVERTISING
DANIELLE DUBE,
HAIR/MAKEUP ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR
LAUREN CHIARINI COORDINATOR
SINNARITH VANN HAIR/MAKEUP
DARIO RIDRIGUEZ SOCIAL MEDIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TALENT TALKS Korrie Hooks: Elegantly Clumsy...22 PURSUITS Elizabeth Laughlin: Driven to Excel...32 ON THE TOWN Fun Quirky Ideas for Your Themed Party this Season...42 Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird? A Plane? It’s David Josef and Fashion to the Rescue...46 FROM THE INSIDE OUT When ‘How Are You?’ Is All You Need to Say...50 A WINK FROM…Italy Italy’s Best Known Inventions and the Names Behind Them...54 THE BUZZ Dating in a World Where Dating is found on an App...60 IN THE GREEN ROOM A Peek Inside Spring Colors,,,10 THE COSMETIC COUNTER Quick Wedding Makeup Tips for Brides...14 OUT OF THE CLOSET Looking Sharp: The Importance of Good Tailoring...18
IN THE GREEN ROOM
A Peek Inside By Ray Lorraine
L
s r o l o C ing
r p S
ast minute hair and makeup touchups, garments being adjusted, and models nervously laughing with feelings of anticipation surround the backstage area. The lighting brightens and the PA system sounds. It’s show-time for Spring Colors 2016 at the Providence Marriott.
Spring Colors 2016 was a success, bringing together all walks of life, and allowing for a great night of entertainment. There was an overwhelming amount of talent in the room in the respect of designers, models, makeup artists, photographers, hair stylists, coordinators, and so on. Leading into the fashion show on April 10th, I was able to participate in pre-show practices at the D’High Class Escuela y Agencia de Modelos, a modeling school and agency for up-andcoming youth, who desire a career in modeling. For me, it was great seeing the dedication and hard work that these young, emerging models put in.
one of the most fun fashion events that I have taken part in. Everyone involved had a great attitude and overall good vibe. It was also very rewarding to see how hardworking, engaged, and elated many of the young models were, as this was the first fashion show for many of them. I look forward, and hope to be involved, in Spring Colors 2017.
I was fortunate enough to model three different looks for Martin Polanco, as well as three different looks for Cópa Menswear, during this event.
“I cannot fluently speak or understand Spanish, the primary language of the majority of those involved with the event. All of the models were aware that my Spanish skills are limited, so the second that I was given any instruction, in Spanish, a model would turn to me and translate what was said.”
The outfits were remarkable and something that I would gladly wear to any event. A somewhat challenging, though humorous, obstacle that I came across was a language barrier. I cannot fluently speak or understand Spanish, the primary language of the majority of those involved with the event. All of the models were aware that my Spanish skills are limited, so the second that I was given any instruction, in Spanish, a model would turn to me and translate what was said. The model’s translations also showed, to me, that a lot of comradery was involved in this event. There were some stressful points during this event, specifically the quick clothing change. It was difficult to change as fast as possible, with all of the different pieces to the outfit—neckties, bowties, vests, buttons, jackets. After every exit from the runway, I, as well as the other male models, would essentially have to walk and change at the same time. Because of the much needed quick changes and steady pace of the show, I felt like my mind was being pulled into several different avenues, while walking the runway. “I can’t remember zipping my pants,” “My shirt might be buttoned wrong and look disheveled,” were among my many thoughts on the runway. Either way, I was not concerned too much about these thoughts, knowing that it would have been unprofessional to look down, to check my outfit, while walking. In the end, it was an absolute pleasure to be involved in this event and I can confidently say that this was
THE COSMETIC COUNTER
Quick Wedding Makeup T for B
P
T
he wedding day is one of the most important days of a woman’s life! In preparing for this wonderful day, don’t forget to plan your makeup. One thing to keep in mind is how your skin and makeup looks that day is really about the photography. Your photos are your keepsake of this memorable day for years to come! Here are some tips for picture perfect bridal makeup:
Tips Brides
By Olga Hawwa Model: Katya Kouptsova Photo / Video: Valencio Small
CLICK HERE TO WATCH OLGA’S DEMONSTRATION VIDEO
Book a makeup lesson with a makeup artist. She will help you with color selections and techniques to bring out your best features and show you how your makeup can last all day. - Practice! Practice! Practice! and take lots of pictures in various lights and angles at the time and place you will be taking your photographs on your wedding day. Consider your skin type. If your skin is oily, use as many oil-free products as possible, especially if you are getting married in a warmer climate. Likewise, if your skin is dry, creamier products will give your skin a dewy look. - Primers are the tools of the trade. Eye shadow and skin primers give the makeup a better surface to stick to, so the makeup lasts a lot longer with minimal touchups throughout the day. Use a sponge or brush to apply foundation for a smoother finish to the skin. Avoid foundations with sunscreens, especially physical sunscreens like zinc oxide. They are reflective and will blow out your skin, especially with flash photography. - Match your foundation color to your neck and chest areas, especially if you are wearing a strapless dress, for more even looking skin. Use subtle contour to define your features for photography...under the cheekbones and jawline and both sides of the nose. Well-groomed and shaped eyebrows will frame your eyes beautifully and polishes your entire look. Book a professional eyebrow shaping at least 6 months before and learn how to fill in your brows. Maintain every month with regular salon visits with your esthetician to get your most flattering eyebrow shape. Use a subtle eye shimmer powder on the inner corner of the eyes to brighten and awaken your eyes. Follow with eye shadow. The best eye shadow look is a blended ombre fade of light to dark. Curl the lashes before applying mascara primer and mascara…and it goes without saying.. Waterproof Mascara!
If you plan on using fake eyelashes, opt for the most natural looking lashes... or apply individual lashes… and practice, practice, practice! Prime the lips with a balm so they don’t appear dry or flaky and blot to remove excess. Then apply lip liner and lip color as usual. - Avoid makeup that is too trendy. You don’t want to look at your pictures in ten years and wonder “what was I thinking?” If in doubt, go classic and pretty. That day, enlist the help of a friend to carry your touch up kit which can include: your lip color, blotting sheets if your skin is oily, a hydrating mist if your skin is dry, and cotton swabs to clean up any eye makeup mishaps from happy tears. - Avoid any drastic changes too close to your wedding. However, if you do want to experiment with changing your hair color or intense tanning, do it WELL before your wedding day and take lots of pictures to make sure you really love the look. Even though a lot of brides do their own wedding makeup successfully, my best piece of advice for your very special day is to hire an experienced and licensed makeup artist. Yes, it’s another line item on the wedding budget, but in my opinion, how you look trumps the favors and custom napkins that few will even remember. An experienced makeup artist knows how to create your most flattering look and uses professional level products that will work with photography and lighting. A licensed artist is also trained to apply makeup in the safest and most sanitary way. One should book a makeup trial 6-12 months in advance of your wedding day. The best artists book up fast, especially during peak wedding season. And you may have to do trials with a couple of artists to find the one you love and who gets what you are looking for. Although you do want to be true to your self and express that, remember: You are not wearing a dress or hairstyle you would normally wear every day, your makeup should enhance your face, yet be special too!
OUT OF THE CLOSET
Looking Sharp: The Importance of G
W
e all want to look & feel our best & make a great first impression, right? Without speaking a word, you are already saying so much about who you are as a person when it comes to your appearance & that includes how you look in your clothing. As soon as someone meets you, they are sizing you up, judging the way you look & forming an immediate impression of you; it’s human nature. This is the first of several reasons why good tailoring is so important.
Good Tailoring By Diane Capozzi
You don’t want to look dwarfed in your clothing like you borrowed from your older sibling. Nor, do you want your clothes to look too small & tight like Frankenstein in a tiny little suit, how constricting!!! You don’t want to hide under ill-fitting clothes, who will take you seriously? Think back to a time when you saw a well-dressed man or woman enter a room. Remember how they grabbed the attention of everyone? They influenced the entire room & created a sense of authority just by focusing on the detail of their clothing. Let’s take this a step further. Think about a time when you took the extra effort with every detail of your look? Remember how you felt? You obviously looked sharper, but how did it make you feel emotionally? You had that extra edge, felt more confident, stood taller, & got more positive attention, yes? People recognize, listen & want to be associated with someone who is self-assured & poised.
Most of us are in between sizes. It is rare to find your exact measurements in the stores that mass-produce, & for some, it may never happen at all. I’ve heard this a million times: “As soon as I lose the weight, it will fit great!” Who are you trying to convince? Why wait? What is the point of purchasing an item now that you can’t enjoy immediately? There is no excuse to try & squeeze into something just because you loved the color or it was the “must-have” item for spring you had to have!!! It will just end up in the back of your closet, never to see the light of day.... what a waste! There is nothing wrong with purchasing items from large, mass-produced stores, the majority of us do. The key is to take your less expensive item, have it tailored to fit properly through your shoulders, chest, waist, hips & legs to seriously elevated your look. You will be more comfortable & less apt to fidget with your garment…. yanking it down or hiking it up all
the time. Admit it, we have all subconsciously reacted negatively when we see a woman pulling on her top or hemline of her skirt. From a financial standpoint, having a good tailor can reduce the stress on your wallet. With perfectly fitting garments, you are spending fewer dollars buying new items. For instance, if you purchase 5 different pairs of jeans thinking you will eventually get the best fit, you could have purchased one pair, taken it to an affordable tailor & saved yourself loads of money. You will end up spending less & create a piece that has more versatility in your closet. With more “goto-pieces” in your closet, you will spend less time shopping & enjoying a perfectly tailored item for years to come!!! Your clothing will also hold up over time (i.e. pant hem dragging on the ground), again, increasing the number of wears; therefore having to purchase less. You see, dressing well doesn’t necessarily mean dressing expensively. If your clothing looks like it was custom made for you; therefore, it looks like a quality garment. You will be more polished & put together. Just don’t just think about business suits. A great tailor can give you fantastic results with denim, dresses, skirts, pants & button-down shirts. Before you decide on another shopping spree as the new season approaches, take a look through your closet for ill fitting, older items you’re currently not wearing & have them altered. Bringing old items back to life will make them feel like new again & breathe
new life into your existing wardrobe. You will notice the increased options for styling since everything will fit like a glove. You will use them more often & it was the fraction of the cost versus purchasing the exact item off the rack. I think the lesson learned is quality is way more important than quantity!
TALENT TALKS
Korrie
El
e Hooks
legantly Clumsy
By Jaclyn Pelopida | Photos & Video by Valencio Small Hair/Wardrobe by Danielle Dube | Makeup by Sinnarith Vann
“I…remind myself that the stress is temporary, if I won’t be bothered by a situation next week or a month later there is no use in becoming too worked up over it.”
A
lthough humans aren’t known to have super powers like Batman or Superman, KorrieElizabeth Hooks has a physical power and a mental super power. “I use my height as a source of power, if everyone’s eyes are going to be focused on me I make sure I give people something influential to see. I also love to learn, being intelligent is my superpower the more I learn the greater I become,” said Hooks. With 10 years of Softball, 13 years of Ballet, 13 years of Jazz, 12 years of Tap dance and four years of Acrobatics under her belt, it’s hard to believe that hooks is only a student in high school! Aside from her impressive resume of skills, Hooks also speaks so eloquently about wanting to inspire others, making her seem wise beyond her years. “I want to inspire my friends and family to be confident rather than conceited. Helping my friends and family achieve their goals is my passion and my arms are always open to new friends. I genuinely love spreading happiness,” said Hooks. TS: “What is your nationality?” KH: “I’m Native American, Black and Irish.” TS: “How would your friends describe you?” KH: “Caring and compassionate. I feed off of making people smile.” TS: “How would others describe you?” KH: “Other than being obscenely tall, I’m often described as graceful, which I always find surprising because I’m constantly stumbling over my own feet.” TS: “How long have you been acting/modeling?” KH: “I’ve been modeling for about three years now and my experience so far has been amazing.” TS: “How did you get started?” KH: “I was actually having a pretty rough day. I was at a modeling competition and I felt embarrassed because everyone had pin straight hair and perfect
makeup. I had what felt like a lion’s mane surrounding my face and my mother and I knew nothing about makeup so I had on Chap Stick and mascara. I walked down the runway once and I remember having 15+ agencies contact me. I decided to contact Donahue Models and I’ve been off and running ever since.” TS: “What has been your biggest challenge as a model?” KH: “For quite some time I really struggled with learning how to embrace my height. I always felt like I came across as masculine because I’m so athletic and tall. Once I entered the industry I realized that I’m still taller than the average female model but that was okay because it became my selling point. Now I feel like an exotic Amazonian.” TS: “What has been your most embarrassing modeling moment?” KH: “When I had first entered the industry, I remember being told I had a photoshoot the day after I jumped off of a swing and landed directly on my face. I was beyond embarrassed but still managed to look fierce despite looking like I had taken a couple of hits from Mike Tyson.” TS: “If we bumped into you walking down the street on any given day, what would we traditionally see you wearing?” KH: “Once the weather is warm, you can almost always depend on catching me in a cute dress and converse sneakers. I love looking feminine and soft
“Other than being obscenely tall, I’m often described as graceful which I always find surprising because I’m constantly stumbling over my own feet.”
“Other than being obscenely tall, I’m often described as graceful which I always find surprising because I’m constantly stumbling over my own feet.”
CLICK HERE TO GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT KORRIE’S SHOOT
but I’m truly a tomboy at heart, I always have shorts on underneath my dresses; if my brothers want to play a game of football I’m ready to go!” TS: “What article of clothing do you currently have in your closet that makes you look and feel you’re best? Why?” KH: “I have this amazing green and blue summer dress that I got in a boutique down in Newport. It’s not your average-looking dress and it’s perfect because I’m not an average-looking girl.” TS: “What is your go to beauty product or fashion accessory/item?” KH: “My go-to accessory is a turquoise ring that my parents got for me. It’s my favorite color and it usually doesn’t clash with what I’m wearing because it isn’t too flashy.” When I asked Hooks how she would describe herself, her answer is nothing short of elegance, “I embrace being bold, intelligent and artistic. I constantly dare myself to become someone greater than I am currently and if I’m not pushing myself to become greater I’m helping the people around me do so. I love to create beauty out of things that are perceived as being unattractive or that are often over looked, I usually achieve this through drawing, painting and writing.” TS: “Aside from painting, drawing and writing, what else do you enjoy doing in your down time?” KH: “I love to read, I remember being younger and constantly ranting about my extremely elaborate plan to build a tunnel straight from my house to Barnes & Noble!” TS: “As a model, do you ever feel extremely stressed and overwhelmed? How do you overcome that?” KH: “I just remind myself that the stress is temporary. If I won’t be bothered by a situation next week or a month later there is no use in becoming too worked up over it.” TS: “What’s your favorite movie of all time, and why?” KH: “Tim Burton’s ‘Coraline’ is an all-time favorite. I love that its message is to always be grateful and the animations are amazing.”
TS: “What type of coffee do you prefer? Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Etc.” KH: “I run on Dunkin Donuts. In the morning their black coffee is my go to beverage.” TS: “Are you a better singer or dancer?” KH: “I’m definitely a better dancer. My singing is best left in the shower.” TS: “If you could learn to play a musical instrument, what would it be?” KH: “I would really enjoy learning how to play an acoustic guitar, I adore the sound.” TS: “What’s your biggest turn off?” KH: “I cannot stand it when people are judgmental. It’s not only unattractive, it’s ignorant and closes doors on so many opportunities to meet new people and try new things.” TS: “Who is your favorite author?” KH: “I can always lose myself in anything written by James Patterson, his stories are captivating.” TS: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” KH: “In five years I want to finish studying English at Rhode Island College and begin to educate elementary students.”
“I had a photoshoot the day after I jumped off of a swing and landed directly on my face. I still managed to look fierce despite looking like I had taken a couple of hits from Mike Tyson.”
“I feel like an exotic Amazonian.”
PURSUITS
Elizabeth McLaughlin Driven to Excel
By Jacqueline Youngdahl
K
ent Stetson Handbags are making their way up in the fashion industry. But handbags cannot just carry themselves into fame; they have to be promoted, they have to be known, they have to be seen in the right hands. That is why Kent Stetson handbags fell into the hands of Elizabeth McLaughlin.
“With my blog I am able to receive invites to key industry events where I then can promote the bags.�
“I started Royale Diary about two and a half years ago as a way to document my life in the fashion industry, my style, and the events I attend. I wanted to have an online diary where people can be a part of my journey.�
Making her way to being the Public Relations Manager, Account Manager and Brand Ambassador for Kent Stetson handbags was no walk in the park. She started in high school just like any girl, she had a dream. Elizabeth’s dream was to be in the fashion industry. She went to high school at JMW (Jacqueline M. Walsh School of Performing and Visual Arts) in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. After traveling around the East Coast with her family, they finally settled in Rhode Island, where Elizabeth calls home. “I love the Rhode Island energy. It feels like one big family here where people support each other’s small businesses and goals. Don’t be fooled by living in the smallest state, there are big dreams made here in Rhode Island,” Elizabeth said. For most, figuring out what you want to do with your life could takes years after high school, and some may never figure it out at all. Elizabeth knew from the beginning that her custom doll clothing made of remnant fabric, her sketchpad filled with fashion illustrations and her love for creation would not let her down. Elizabeth said, “My senior project consisted of creating my design brand, a 16-piece collection, creating jewelry, designing the website and setting up the related social media platforms,” which led her to do what she does today. When college comes around after 4 years of torturous high school, you have to let it sink in that you have another 4 years of classes, teachers, exams and studying to do. Elizabeth would not let that stop her from reaching her goals. Originally attending Rhode Island College for General Education and business classes, she later transferred to University of Rhode Island where she “graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design (TMD)”.
Eco-Chic’s Most Creative and Spring Splash’s Judges’ Choice. Not only can she balance her career at Kent Stetson’s Handbags, she also developed her own blog called Royale Diary. You can find her blog Royale Diary on Wordpress.com where you can learn more about Elizabeth and shop from her unique collection. “With my blog I am able to receive invites to key industry events where I then can promote the bags.” She said, “I started Royale Diary about two and a half years ago as a way to document my life in the fashion industry, my style, and the events I attend. I wanted to have an online diary where people can be a part of my journey.” And that is where her journey began, if you didn’t think it hadn’t already. As she was just beginning to work at Kent Stetson Handbags, she was given a part-time position to “manage the social media, designing a brand website, presenting the line to buyers at select trade shows and being a Brand Ambassador at special events such as StyleWeek,” Elizabeth said. The longer she was with the company, the more impact she made and she was soon promoted to a fulltime position, where Elizabeth plans to brand Kent Stetson Handbags even more by “collaborating with bloggers/celebrities, managing our 250 wholesale accounts, and going to NYC for special events,” she said. So now you are probably thinking, how does she do it?
“During my time at URI I worked as a Teacher Assistant for Intro to Design as well as a Professor’s Assistant for a sustainable textile project for NASA’s 100YSS (100-year star ship). For my senior seminar class, a range of different industry professionals came to speak at my school. This is where I met Kent Stetson” Elizabeth said.
“I find it is important to produce fresh and fun content, which is something we excel at. Kent has a lot of fun producing new and far-out designs. We love to engage with and inspire our followers,” Elizabeth said. Because of this never-ending supply of new ideas, there is no room for failure. For all fashion companies, the hardest thing to do is keep up with the trends. If you don’t sell something that is “in,” no one will want to buy. That is why Elizabeth always looks at things from all directions, so that she can be, not just with the trend but, ahead of it.
She also won multiple fashion competitions including
If Elizabeth quit when the going got tough, she would
not be anywhere near where she is today. Her main advice is to, “always remain positive. There is always going to be some sort of struggle you have to get through.� Kent Stetson Handbags will continue to grow under the leadership of Elizabeth McLaughlin and the potential it and she has is unlimited. And at her young age, achieving so much, she is not only just a leader, but a role model who shows that determination leads to achievement and achievement leads to success!
“I find it is important to produce fresh and fun content, which is something we excel at. Kent has a lot of fun producing new and far-out designs. We love to engage with and inspire our followers,�
ON THE TOWN
Fun, Quirky Ideas for Your Themed Party this Season! By Pleshette Vonner
T
he birth of DIY (Do it Yourself) websites such as Pinterrest.com has ignited individual creativity to the masses in a way that gives us the confidence to imitate what others have already done. It is a widely acceptable social “plagiarism� that encourages us to copy and recreate the ideas of others coupled with our own personal touch.
What is considered fun and quirky for one may be deemed boring and predictable to another. It’s all subjective and a matter of perception and preference. Just because something was done before, doesn’t mean that you can’t take it to the next level.
party? So let’s get our “quirk on” with some fun party ideas. Disclaimer...repeat after me “I will keep an open mind and think outside of the box!” Spirit Swap
Have you ever watched a movie that at first appeared to remind you of another movie and then BAM... the plot twists and turns into something you did not expect and you were pleasingly surprised! Keep this in mind when planning your next party. What story do you want to tell? Just as the storyline thickens in a movie, the same anticipation, intrigue and excitement can build at your event. How can you give your guest a unique and unforgettable experience? How do you want your guest to feel before, during and after the
A spin on the cookie swap. Cookies are nice but let’s turn it up little! In lieu of cookies, ask guests to bring two bottles of alcohol. One bottle will be used for tasting samples and one will be swapped. You’re bound to lift a few spirits with this take home gift! Set up tasting stations and allow guests to sip and mingle. Hire a bartender or everyone has that friend who loves to be behind the bar! Play “Prohibition Trivia” (ask alcohol-related trivia questions) to select which guest picks from the bottles first and once they get a bottle, they’re out of
tertain your guests. The music and food should also reflect the Moroccan culture. Serve Moroccan tea in Moroccan tea glasses or use as a centerpiece for guests to see. Comedy Karaoke Party Turn your space into a cool comedy club. Instead of the traditional Karaoke
the competition. At the end, the moderator gets to either choose the last gift remaining or steal a gift from somebody else—a one-time-only privilege for all of his or her hard work. Serve plenty of food to balance out the alcohol and of course designated drivers, Ubers and Taxis should be on deck!
where people sing, ask guest to come prepared with jokes or funny SNL skits and laugh the night away. Have some funny skits on hand to act out or give guest a topic and have them do improvisation! Print out pictures of famous comedians, put them in picture frames and place them around the area. You can also hire local professional comedians or actors. Create a stage, have a microphone and stand and of course a spot light! Be sure to record this hilarious footage to playback with your friends!
Exotic Moroccan Party Of course it goes without saying that you - the host - are the “Genie” of the event because you magically put things all together. Invite your guests to dress in Moroccan attire. For the decor, use low tables, lots of cozy cushions, ottomans, throw pillows with intricate designs and fabric with rich contrasting colors such as gold, purple, red, orange and blue. Dim lighting with votive candles and jar lanterns will transform the space into a sexy mystical oasis. Hire a belly dancer, Henna artist or have a Hookah station to en-
Worst Dressed Red Carpet Party No pressure to be the best dressed Don or Diva at this party! Your guests have a pass to dress their worst! Create the red carpet experience with a backdrop or step and repeat and have the” paparazzi” snapping tons of photos. Have a few friends scanning the party with prop microphones interviewing guests as they arrive or use phone cams. Who will be the talk of the night? Create a runway and have your guests model. Choose a worst dressed winner by applause and present a “Worst Dressed” shabby trophy. This is bound to stir up lots of laughter and chatter! As a thank you, you can mail your guests a photo spread of the event similar to People Magazines worst dressed coverage. Remember to use your imagination and step outside of your comfort zone a little! Innovation can happen anywhere by anyone! Happy Planning!
ON THE TOWN
Look! Up In The Sky! It’s A Bird? A Plane? It’s DAVID JOSEF and
FASHION to the RESCUE! By Valerie Langlais
F
aster than a concealed zipper; more powerful than a corseted top; (we’re not sure about his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound) Boston’s favorite and not-so-mild-mannered designer, David Joseph has again transformed into a superhero to benefit Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Photo courtesy of Iggy Photo
Photos courtesy of Dan Busler
West End Johnnies held a standing-room-only sized crowd for this second annual fund raiser. Boston’s elite and fashion-forward gathered for a lively happy hour and dinner buffet before David and his dear friend Marjorie Clapprood began the festivities. Live auction items raised more than $12,000 and included: paintings by MikeeSue the donkey, mixed-media paintings by artist Jodie Apasache, a reggae brunch for six at West End Johnnies, and a Magic Extrava-
Photo courtesy of Iggy Photo
ganza Package (donated by David Josef’s cousin, Mat Franco) that included: a stay at Las Vegas’s Bellagio Hotel, airfare on Jet Blue, dinner at Olive’s and tickets with back stage passes to Mat Franco’s immensely popular show. Following the auction, our Man-of-Steel (Steely Devotion, in this case) accepted pledges from audience members, furthering Aimee Takaha’s ability to rescue
and care for these abused and abandoned animals. Designer Denise Hajjar started off the fashion portion of the evening showing a capsule collection that featured a beautifully vibrant pink floral pattern. The looks were elegant and feminine with flattering silhouettes and sexy ruffles. A classic biker-style jacket in a surprising baby-pink snake print confirmed that Hajjar knows what her client likes!
Next came I AM Kreyol. The looks featured were young, urban and contained both attitude and femininity. The designs play with proportion; cropped tops, exaggerated shoulders and strategic pattern mixing give the collection a bold and feminine strength. There was no kryptonite to be found when David Joseph unleashed his all-star models on the runway. His glamorous and sophisticated style has long been a favorite of Bostonian women, celebrities and models alike. All of these beautiful women donated their time to this great cause: Professional Models: Amber Lu, Linda Cole Pertosian, Jacquie Robnett Williams, Jane Conway Caspe, Munjeet Geyer, Simone Aptekman, Hollis Colby, Yemi Sekoni, Kirsten Hede-Brierley, Sonia Garufi, and Lucille Murray Celebrity Models: Mrs Angela Menino, Susan Menino Fenton, Guilia Menino, Erica Corsano, Gail Huff, Kennedy Elsey, Janet Wu, Traci Bingham, Kathy BenHarris, AJ Williams David’s Client Models: Kathy Stevens, Ronni Wexler, Sue Kern Gelanas, Debbie Smookler, Michelle Paster, Lynda Shurman The desirable dresses were heightened with jewelry from Emily Kuvin, hats and accessories by Lindsay Tia Designs. And if our Bean-town Metropolis wasn’t sparkling enough for the evening, the event raised a jaw-dropping $106,000 for Aimee’s farm. Then in a surprising turn of events, this amount was MATCHED by attendees Brian and Kathy Stevens, ensuring that these beautiful animals would be safe and happy for a very long time. Visit http://www.aimeesfarmanimalsanctuary.com/ if you would like to help David Joseph promote a world filled with Truth, Justice and the Fashionable Way!
Photos courtesy of Iggy Photo
FROM THE INSIDE OUT
When “How Are You” is All You Need to Say By Lynell Masterson
L
ast month we talked about how carrying your body and the way we move can affect feelings about yourself. It is also true that words we speak are attractors for the type of life we want to be living. The words you speak are the house you live in. -Hafiz This is a mantra that I abide by daily.
Have you ever thought about the words you say about yourself? Your life? Your friends? Sometimes we are so programmed to repeat and say things that we haven’t even stopped to question. That’s what I am here for.
wouldn’t suggest unless you truly love interacting with people, in which case I do so it fits perfect for me. Don’t try this at home kids unless you really want to know the deets to someone’s life, because you will get them whether you like it or not.
Here’s a scenario that I have often encountered: I am going about my day to day and in comes someone that I know.
SO WHAT’S WRONG WITH SAYING SOMETHING LIKE “NOT BAD”?
I say “Hello” so and so, with a big welcoming smile on my face (truth be told, I usually smile), “How the heck are you???” And the response I get by many, “Not bad”. Hmmmmm. Depending on how well I know the person I either question them * and say, “Not bad?” Or leave them to go about their day thinking about how they are not bad, whatever that actually means. *DISCLOSURE: This does open the door for some very heavy heart to heart conversations which I
When you begin to focus your attention on negative words in your life, you begin to attract and bring that in. We all have an unconscious filter and when our words rest on the things that aren’t right, that is where all of our focus goes. I am always reminding my clients about their use of words, like “don’t fall”, “don’t be late” or GASP “I am fat” are spoken. I gently or not so gently encourage their words to reflect what they want, “Please keep your balance”, “Be prompt” and “I am longing to be fit and healthy” these statements specifically explain your needs. Now, let’s take that same simple question, “How are you?” and redefine your answer to begin attracting what you are focusing on. These are some examples of being truthful to yourself are at the present time. There is evidence that supports the power of positive thinking but what happens for some people is they think they need to pretend they are good to have great things happen for them, this can sometimes create a huge disconnect because a person feels lousy but thinks they need to say they are good, they are not being honest with themselves. Here are some fun examples to integrate your “How Are You,” to keep you focused on living your authentic life. “Hey you (insert name here), how are you?”
How are you during a mind of its own hair day? “I am enjoying the fact that I am challenged with something that I haven’t figured out yet.” (You see no lies here, you can eliminate the “I am wonderful” remark and remind yourself how much you like to be challenged and your hair is totally doing that for you.) How are you after you’ve gotten on the scale and you’ve gained ten pounds and its swimsuit season? “I am inspired to eating healthy and developing a positive relationship with myself. “ (Please be kind to yourself, chastising your behaviors will only keep you focused on them) How are you when you woke up late forgot to feed the pets and your kids are cranky (never happened to me, all hypothetical here)? “I have been given the opportunity to practice patience
with the ones I love and compassion for all of my imperfections.” Voila you are now putting mad attention on how you want to show up in the world, all by a simple, How Are You!!! Look out supermarket cashier, UPS carrier, counter help, because when you ask someone how they are, you will be surprised by the answers and you never know what interesting conversations will come up and what you will attract into your life. I promise it, happens all the time. Each month I share some of the ways in which I work with others AND how I was able to turn my life around. If you are struggling or need a little light to come your way, I’d love to hear from you, lynellmasterson@gmail.com I’ll get back to you as soon as I finish sprinkling fairy dust all over the land. May love, light and brilliance flow to you daily!
A WINK FROM... Italy
Italy’s Best Known Inventions and the Names Behind Them By Cinzia Antonelli
I
taly is well known around the world for being the birthplace of famous inventors who have excelled in every field, undoubtedly leaving an indelible mark in history. Since ancient times, Italy has given birth to visionary minds and geniuses, whose inventions have helped to change the world, taking a leading role in the daily lives of us all.
I think and imagine that the most genius inventors of all time, with their good ideas and intuition, could not have ever imagined the consequences that their findings would have developed and operated in our society. I wonder if Leonardo da Vinci, the artist and most brilliant Tuscan scientist that ever existed in the world, had expected that his inventions would still be used today! There are numerous designs and projects that da Vinci realized during the Renaissance period, where war was the main conflict in our country. He volunteered to design the so-called “war machines�, that would help the army of Ludovico Sforza, the Moro and Lord of Milan, against its French enemy. For almost 17 years at his court, he planned strong bridges, brought cars to war and battled powerful bombs. But all of that could not be brought to completion, because Ludovico Sforza (the Moro) was captured by the French, and Leonardo left Milan. However, all of his plans and drawings are now preserved in the Ambrosiana Library in Milan. Leonardo da Vinci thought and planned not only war machines as the first rudimentary tank, but also flying machines, cars, paddle boats, musical instruments, all of course in the most rudimentary way possible. ( Http: //www.macchinedileonardo. com ) Subsequently, other great Italian i nventors have
contributed to world progression such as Antonio Meucci, who in 1849 discovered the teletrofono: the telephone.
was that of the internal combustion engine, by two Tuscan engineers: Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci.
Another extraordinary invention came in 1895, with the wireless telegraph from Guglielmo Marconi, an engineer in Bologna. He managed to communicate two antennas placed on each side of the Atlantic Ocean via airwaves.
They designed and experimented with a vertical engine in which the burst, in the related combustion chamber, occurred with a mixture of air and coal gas. Only later was he perfected by the German scientist Daimlei, who in 1901 built the first modern car called the “Mercedes”.
The invention of the “pile” (stack) in 1799, is the result of numerous experiments conducted by the Italian scientist Alessandro Volta. He invented the first static powered generator called “Volta stack”. He noticed the passage of the electric fluid caused a contraction of the muscles in a dead frog when two electrodes were applied, connected to the ends of the stack. Today, the stack (in Italian Pila) is the name by which we call the batteries for electrical appliances. In 1853, another extraordinary invention
Another symbol is surely the Italian scooter, exported worldwide. The first model was the “Vespa” legendary, produced by Piaggio in 1946, designed by engineer Corradino D’Ascanio. The Vespa became a worldwide success thanks to the
1953 film directed by William Wyler, Roman Holiday (Roman Holidays) starring Gregory Peck and Andrey Hepburn. Corradino D’Ascanio also designed the first prototype of the modern helicopter D’AT3 in 1930 that allowed him to win several international records. Today the material that best represents the modern world is undoubtedly, plastic. It has radically changed our everyday life in all its different environments: technology, transport, fashion, etc. When we speak about it, we think of Giulio Natta, who in 1954 was the inventor of the modern one, called Moplen, which allowed him to win the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. For all of us, Italian coffee is a true daily ritual we take either at the bar or in the privacy of our home. The man that has allowed us to enjoy this tasty elixir is Alfonso Bialetti, who in 1933 invented the famous machine for making coffee: Moka. Until 1688, the musical instrument that parred excellence was the harpsichord. Later, the craftsman Paduan Bartolomeo Cristofari built the first prototype of “harpsichord with soft (piano) and loud (forte)”, called at the end of the ‘700’s, “fortepiano”, well-known today as the piano. And as the icing on the cake, the most delicious Italian invention is certainly the pizza. In the ‘700’s, in the Kingdom of Naples, finally there was a mix of pasta and tomato. In honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, the pizza maker Raffaele Esposito dedicated the Pizza Margherita, famous throughout the world. It’s really impossible, for me, to list all the other inventions of which we Italians are the proud authors of. Both for the countless number of them and the variety of topics they cover, and so at this point we just have to look for the genius that is in us all, and invent something! Hello ... from Italy
THE BUZZ
Dating in a World Where Dating is By Jaclyn Pelopida
D
ating in your 20s in the 21st century is nonexistent. There’s no romantic dinner dates or phone calls or even such a thing as flowers. Instead, we’re gifted with the ability to easily swipe left or right and instantly have a warm body
found on an app! to lay next to at the lonely hour of 2 a.m. But then again, isn’t instant gratification the theme of my generation?
Guys no longer want to commit, even in their late 20s, (when the stigma says they should), and all girls want is a commitment; it’s a lose-lose situation. It’s hard to meet someone anywhere anymore, especially in a bar because honestly, slurring your words and spilling your drink on me is not going to make me want to go home with you, sorry.
be. Then, let the games begin! Pictures of different people come up and you can either swipe to the left if you don’t like them or swipe to the right if you do. If you both like each other, then you are able to message each other. And since men can’t figure out how to call - let’s be serious, text a girl, then in reality, scrolling should be easier for them, right?
Joining in with the rest of the millennials my age, I turned to what seemed like a last resort - one of the more popular “dating apps,” Tinder. And honestly, if that’s any single girl’s last resort, then honey, we’re all doomed.
Granted, even though you have to like someone back for them to be able to message you, you will still get the dirtiest, most inappropriate, eye-rolling messages, I promise you. I’ve had guys send me messages asking where I can meet them at 3:30 a.m., because yes, I absolutely decided to become the next Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman,” how did they know? But of course, all of this was expected because even though it’s an app, Tinder is still a form of dating through social media.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Tinder, here is a quick run-down: Tinder is a dating app that you can download on your phone, but you must have Facebook for it to be able to build your Tinder profile. None of your personal information will be put on Tinder, just your first name, age and a few photos, and Tinder will never post anything on your Facebook. You can then adjust your settings to which gender you’re looking to date, the age range and the maximum miles away you want the other person to
Social media has not only changed the dating game, but it’s also changed the way people communicate. We’re now able to catch up on people’s lives by scrolling through our Facebook newsfeed when we should be working or watching videos of our friends on Snapchat instead of calling them up and asking how
their day was. With everyone’s lives so easily accessible through social media, what makes you think someone from a dating app can’t find personal information about you by just searching through your social media accounts? If you really think about, it’s scary as to how much information can be easily accessed about you and your personal life. Am I strictly against dating apps? No. Like every other single 20-something, I’ve dabbled with a few dating apps out of curiosity and because sometimes, you just need to pass the time. I even personally know a few people who have met their significant other on a dating app and their relationship is still alive and kicking. Unfortunately, I’ve also heard stories from friends who found out that their boyfriend/girlfriend was sneakily on these apps and got caught red-handed. As if dating in today’s society wasn’t already tricky, we now have to worry about our significant other not only physically cheating but also mentally and emotionally cheating by talking to other people on a dating app. So, have I had any luck? Well sure, there’s been a few guys that have sparked my fancy but hey, I’m not about to end up in a ditch somewhere because I met a guy off of Tinder, (does “The Craigslist Killer” ring any bells?). Perhaps I’ll toy with the idea of saying yes to a date if some of my friends can tailgate me with spy-wear kits, you know like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen style“We’ll solve any crime by dinner time!” And like the saying goes, there’s plenty of fish in the sea. Heck there’s even a dating website for it now. But you know what? I hate fishing. So I think I’ll just wait to be reeled in by someone in real life, thank you very much.