The Little Black Girl That Could

Time for an UPDATE.....

2007-05-06T17:50:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile but I've got some exciting updates....

Here's a rundown of what has been going on in my life (in no particular order):

1) Happy 1-year Anniversary Tracy Reese Boutique!

I attended the 1-year anniversary fete for the Tracy Reese flagship Boutique. The party was amazing: champagne, tasty hor d'oevures and lots of elbow rubbing with the most fabulous NYC fashionistas. The best part of the night was chatting with Tracy...and learning that we might be closer to becoming BFF then I thought! Here's a recap of our convo:

JULEE: Happy Anniversary Tracy...I'm so happy for you! I'm not sure if you remember me, but my name is...

TRACY: I know...Julee...Of course I remember you! And there is actually a picture of you on my mother's refrigerator!

JULEE: Oh wow! That's so crazy...it's the picture we took after your Fall 2007 show!

TRACY: Right, right! My mother just ADORES you!

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! CRAZY, huh? And it doesn't end there. As I was leaving, Tracy summonded the paparazzi and asked them to take a few pictures of us together! I almost passed out from sheer shock...but I was able to pull myself together and give my best red-carpet poses :o) P.S. I don't have any scanned copies of the pictures...once I do I'll post em! But here is a picture of the fab Ms. Reese and the picture that I took with her mother, which again is on her refrigerator!

2) The 1st official B.A.Ps and J.A.Ps Party...

Zandile and I decided to go beyond our super successful J+Z ROLODEX PARTIES and do something strictly for the ladies! I had a dinner a few months ago with my good friend Sogol ( a talent, outgoing and beuatiful jewish gal) and we came to the conclusion that black and jewish women have so much in common. With that said, I decided that Zandile and I should plan a mixer for not only our favorite J.A.Ps (Jewish Amercian Princesses) and B.A.Ps (Black American Princesses), but also all the fab women in our lives that are hard-working, successful and all-around-fabulous no mattrer what their background.

Unfortunatley, the name of our event was taken out of context and featured on Gawker.com as "casual racism." Apprently someone didn't read the evite clearly where it said you didn't have to be black or jewish to attend! Nonetheless, the event was amazing (all press is good press) and it was sponosred by the ubber-amazing new blog by Lauren Williams, www.STEREOHYPED.com in conjunction with www.JOSSIP.com! We held the event at the ELIZABETH CHARLES BOUTIQUE.

Here are some pictures of the fabulous night...can't wait for the next one!

3) This past Tuesday evening I was one of the two Official award-presenter-girls for the National Magazine awards (aka the Oscars of the magazine industry).

Marlene Kahan, the executive director of ASME (the American Society of Magazine editors) and also a wonderful mentor of mine asked me to be one of the presenters for the evening. Of course, I said yes...and the rest is history!

Bascially, I helped hand out the award statues called "Ellies" to the winners with Lila, a great girl that interns at Glamour magazine (she is the other girl in the black dress in the slide show). It was an amazing opprotunity to meet the editors, managers and ceo's that I look up to in this industry...AND get to see how our industry is celebrated! Needless to say, I had an amazing time! For inquiring minds....my dress is made by Jil Sander :o)

Here are some pictures from the event:

4) Had a great time with friends at the De la Hoya and Mayweather fight last night (yea Mayweather!!!!)...and I got to meet Brie from America's Next Top Model (she's fabulous as expected)!

Here are a few pics of-Janelle, Jen, James, Jabron and our gracious hosts Andre and Toya!
P.S. Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you...that is a removable stripper pole, HOWEVER, no clothes were removed that night!

5) Last, but certainly not least.... Here are my dope Nike iD sneakers! I LOVE them....So fresh and so clean clean!

Love and Light...

D+O+P+E= The Nike iD Studio

2007-02-12T21:24:00.000-05:00

The Nike iD Studio on Elizabeth Street in NYC is the only studio in the United States that offers the public a chance to design their own exclusive pair of Nikes. THE CATCH: You have to be selected from an online lottery system, know someone who works there, or offer them your first born child! Nike.com offers customers to design sneakers also...but the studio offers exclusive sneaker styles and colors.

Note: Just to be totally fair....there is a Nike iD Studio in LA but it's not open to the public (Translation: only stars or entourage members get to partake). Other than the NYC Studio the only studio of it's kind is in Tokyo, Japan.

Sooo, this is how the story goes:

I heard about the ubber-exclusive Nike iD Studio through a co-worker and thought it would be an amazing birthday gift for The Boy (aka my boyfriend,,,aka The One....aka you get the picture). I figured I had enough juice to produce an appointment, but I truly under estimated the gravity and exculsivity of the Nike iD Studio.

I tried everything! Not only is there no number listed for the Studio....but I even called the Nike Corporate office out in Oregon and they didn't even know the number (or they just didn't think I was important enough to have that info....baaaa humbug)!

But miracles NEVER cease and while standing in the line for the Spring 2007 fashion show for Baby Phat this past September with one of Rah's super fabulous friends, I found out that one of the many wonderful things that she does (which neither Rah or I knew) is..........schedule appointments at the Nike iD Studio!!!!!

So, needless to say I booked Rah an appointment, except this time for his X-mas gift. The Studio was closed in January so we just had our appointment this past friday...the optimal word being "WE!" I was fortunate enough to make a pair too!

The Studio features a different sneaker AND color palette every few months. This way you know you'll be rocking kicks that no one else will have. During our trip they were featuring low and high-top Dunks with varsity colors ( 8 colors that make up the university varsity sport teams in the country).

As you walk into the Studio you are warmly greeted and immediately asked "Do you have an appointment?" Bascially you can't stay if you don't have a schedule. Damn!

After we made it past the gates, we were taken into the design room. The layout was more like an expensive living room in an ultra modern house, complete with three LCD monitors built into the wall...plush low-to-the-ground furniture and shag rugs...and book shelves filled with hip-hop, and urban culture books for inspiration!

There are three working stations where the creation of your sneaker takes place. After being served complimentry beverages and comfortably relaxing onto the couch, Rah and I tinkered around on the computer for about an hour. It was sooooo much fun. You can literally change the color of everything on the shoe. I felt like an urban Manolo Blahnik! We even got to personalize our sneakers ( I put "Julee" on the side of each shoe).

Take a look at a computer generated image of the product...I know, it's a little WILD but I figured this may be a once in a lifetime opprotunity so I might as well do it B-I-G!

The sneakers will arrive in 4 weeks...I can't wait! I'll put up a NEW pic once they come in!

Check out these sites to customize your own sneakers on Nike.com AND to place your name on the list to be considered for the Nike iD Studio:

*Nike Website: http://nikeid.com

*Nike iD Studio Request: http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index.jhtml?_requestid=21642889

Love and Light,

Last day of Fashion Week...

2007-02-09T13:04:00.000-05:00

Fashion Week officially ends today (shed a few tears) and what a week it was! It looks like Fall/Winter 2007 is going to be a very stylish season!

After attending TWENTY FIVE shows and endless nights of reviewing collections on Style.com and NYT.com...I've compiled the following list of trends/looks that will be HOT HOT HOT this Fall. Take notes and be prepared to rock the most fabulous looks before everyone else.

1) SATIN: This luxurious fabric was flooding the runways and good thing...becasue I LOVE it. Satin is one of those fabrics that both make you look good and feel good. Start stocking up!

2) SEQUINS/RHINESTONES: Bling bling! You can shine too much this Fall.

3) SKINNY PANTS: I thought these would be long gone for Fall, but the voluminous top and super-skinny bottom were all over the runway. Now if I could just fit into a pair :o/

4) FUR: I know I know....it might not be the most politically correct fashion statement. However, it looks soo darn good (and will keep the chill out). I respect whatever choice an indivdual makes when it comes to wearing fur.

5) COLOR: Don't be afraid of bright colors this Fall. The deisgner added a bit of splash to the always somber Fall pallette. I saw a lot of cobalt blue, royal purple and electric pink.

6) PATENT LEATHER: Sleek and shiny, patent leather is making a resurgance into the fashion forefront. The trick is to wear it in moderation and with confidence.

Check out the slide show of these top trends....

If you love jeans, then I'm sure you've heard of the premium jean company ROCK AND REPUBLIC.
Well, apparently they make a lot more than just jeans. Here is a clip from the shoes finale...This was like no other show I've seen. What models walk down the runway drinking alcohol and spitting it on the ground? Crazy!

Here is the Rock and Republic invite...interesting, huh? The credit card comes off and was the pass to the Afterparty. I didn't attend the party, but I heard it was amazing!

One of my favorite shows this season came from a relatively unknown designer from Australia... TONI MATICEVSKI
The clothes don't really reflect my personal style, yet, I think the collection was interesting and actually made me think. Gotta love a designer that makes you think about their philosophy rather then just where you're going to wear the clothes.

If I did have to pick one thing I LOVED from his collection were these shoes/boots. They are actually heels with an attachment that make them look like boots. FIERCE!!!!!!

Here is a video from the FRONT ROW (thanks KK) of the Maticevski show:

Now for...

WHAT'S IN THAT SWAG BAG?-Part 2

Check out what the designers are giving out at their shows. And yes, I do share :o) Who's up for a wax??

Tracy Reese gift bag: A free max (so fresh and so clean:o), Hue by Tracy Reese tights, Mally makeup, Cingular cell phone bling kit, Sally Hansen nail polish, FHI heat hair serum, 10% off coupon to the Tracy Reese Boutique.

Vivienne Tam gift bag: A "YEAR OF THE PIG" t-shirt

Atil Kutoglu gift bag: A beautiful Atil scarf

Love and Light...

What's in that Swag Bag??

2007-02-08T00:38:00.000-05:00

No one LOVES a GIFT BAG more than me! If you're curious to know what the designers are giving out during the shows, then look no further....I've got the scoop!!!

Here are just a few of the gift bags that have been given out under the tents. I'll have more over the next few days!

The PEGAH ANVARIAN gift bag:
Hue over-the-knee socks, a free wax at Completely Bare and 25% off of a spa treatment at the ubber-chic Exhale spa on Central Park South!

The LACOSTE Gift:
Umbrella with cool golfball handle! (They usually give out a different tote bag each year...but this is nice too)

The BETSEY JOHNSON gift bag:
(clockwise from the center) Chambord liqueur, a perfume sample, Redken hair gel, Redken hair serum, lip balm, Eboost vitamin powder, and a very sexy thong!

Love and Light...

More Fashion Week: ODLR and Betsey Johnson

2007-02-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

(My friend Jennifer Chan (assistant editor@ Instyle.com) and I)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to The Little Black Girl That Could!!!!!!!

It was exactly ONE YEAR ago that I started this blog. It was immediately after my first Oscar de la Renta show. The beauty, the excitment and unforgetable experience of it all was so amazing that I just had to write it all down. Hence the birth of this blog.

I only hope that my stories inspire others to take a leap of faith and follow their dreams. I have done just that. I'm no where near where I aspire to be....but I'm having a great time on my way!

*****Enjoy and please share your own stories/thoughts under "comments." And THANK YOU so much for reading :o)****

WELL, back to the shows!!!!!!!! (This is where Fashion Week takes place...The Tent at Bryant Park)

OSCAR DE LA RENTA.....aka the Master!

The show was impeccable! Oscar makes everyone look like amatuers!

Celebrities are scarce at Oscar's show (Anderson Cooper, Barbara Walters and a few others). The real stars are those who 99.9% of the population don't know. These individuals make up high-society New York.

Tinsely Mortimer to Tory Burch...The Gettys to the Vanderbilts. Oscar's show is made of pure money! Many of the women who attend had mothers that wore ODLR, now they wear Oscar and so do their daugthers (three generations of fabulousity). It's a Park Avenue food chain made up of glitz, glam and green!

It's quite the honor to have the chance to attend. Each season I attend with a dear friend who is close with Oscar's family, so I get to sit in the friends and family seciton. This was my third ODLR show and yet again I was "The Little Black Girl That Could," standing out in a sea of porcelin skin and perfectly blowout manes. Hopefully I'll be catalyst that changes this homogenous atmosphere.

Here are some pics from ODLR expereince....Complete with videos and MS. WINTOUR!!!!!!!!!
*Check out my favorite ODLR looks in the slide show on the left side of the page

Here is Barbara Walters arriving at the tents:

Actress Camilla Belle and ME!!

Of course Andre Leon Talley (my imaginary God Father) was there...wearing a flashy Kimora Lee Simmons' jacket, She showed it at the Baby Phat show and personally delivered it (in her Bentely no less) to ALT the next morning.

Watch the finale of Oscar's masterpiece:

Here Oscar is speaking with Barabara Walters after the show:

BETSEY JOHNSON...Every girls' BFF

The school of charm is in session and Betsey Johnson is the teacher of the year! Betsey presented a collection centered around the idea of charm school and that's exactly what she did...charmed!

The dresses were positivley wonderful. The ruffles, frills and every other girly detail you can think of were not forgotten. Betsey knows how to dress a woman that wants attention and to be told how "cute" they look. Count me in!

Here are my favorite outfits (courtsey of www.Style.com):

Betsey's front rows were made up of tea tables with silver sets and all....how appropriate for Charm School:

Aubrey from Danity Kane was there....and she gladly posed for me (wearing Betsey of course)!

Video of the show's finale....AND Betsey's signature cartwheel! Special Guest: Betsey's granddaugther....TOO CUTE!

Love and Light....

Diane von Furstenberg does it again!

2007-02-05T23:40:00.000-05:00

I'm sure it comes as no surpirse that Diane von Furstenberg was one of the best shows I viewed this past weekend. Her impecable understanding of how a dress should be made and in turn how it should make you feel is what has kept her in the spotlight and in closets for so long.

DvF's fall 2007 collection was entirely made up of dresses....not one pair of pants was sent down the runway...and I loved it! What is easier than slipping on the perfect dress? Nothing....in my humble opinion. Dresses are an instant outfit and you look put together everytime...without the effort! DvF incorporated spanish influences and an electirc color palette to her signiture style. And, I don't know how she does it, but she manages to re-invent the wrap dress year after year. Genius!!!!!

Here are some of my favorite looks courtesy of Style.com:

My View (aka from my camera):

Video of the procession at the end of the show and the one...the only... DIANE:

On the Scene.......
This daper man is a permanent fixture at Fashion Week. Every season he comes out dressed to the 9's....and as you can see he is not playing around! Supposedly he is a tailor in the city, yet there is no soild proof. Regardless, he is quite the character! Enjoy...

I'll be back tomorrow with more!!

Love and Light...

Gotta love the black women designers!

2007-02-04T23:31:00.000-05:00

The weekend is finally over and I have managed to take in FIFTEEN fashion shows since Friday! Your girl has been BUSY. I'm exhausted!!!! BUT, it's all in the name of Fashion (and of course the Lord)!

Since it is Black history month, I decided to start my reviews with BABY PHAT and (my all time favorite) TRACY REESE! Gotta love the black women designers!

BABY PHAT:

I have to give Ms. Kimora an A for effort. This season she debuted her KLS line, which is a more "sophisticated" and "upscale" line compared to Baby Phat. If you know anything about my fashion asthetic, you would know that Baby Phat is the furthest thing from what my closet would hold. There are always too many bells and whistles on the clothing, aka: studs, chains, faux fur, feathers and whatever else she can find. I perfer clean lines, unique shilohettes and clothes you can actually breath in. However, with all that said I was kind of impressed by the KLS line. I think it has a lot of protential and I look forward to seeing how it does.

Here are some looks I love... courtesy of NYmag.com and my camera!
(also check on the video clip of the show in my last post...ah, walk it out):

The legendary...Alek Wek

Kimora and her girls at the closing of the show:

YIKES! Here are some of Kimora's front row occupants:

Brit Brit....looking a Mess Mess!

Ms. J.... Enough said.

Ice-T and Coco...cute (at least I think)

TRACY REESE:

LOVE...LOVE...LOVE!!! In my eyes Tracy Reese can do No wrong. This show is always beautiful, refined and classic. Tracy really knows how to make a woman feel like....well, a woman. For fall 2007 Tracy stuck to what she knows best....gorgeous dresses and fabulous coats. I would give my left arm for one of her coats, if not for the fact I wouldn't have it to put in the coat later! I also loved the color scheme presented: silver, black, pink, orange, dusty rose and chocolate brown. Gorgeous! You can't go wrong in head to toe Tracy Reese. Check out the pics below from NYmag.com and my camera. Also check out my backstage pics!

My View:

Video of the show:

Your BACKSTAGE PASS:

The fabulous Ms. Tracy Reese and The gorgeous Veronica Webb....

Veronica Webb....looking amazing as always....Smile!

Kelly Rowland....the paparazzi were all over her. You would think she was Beyonce!

Me and Lloyd Boston from Full Frontal Fashion...Love him!

Zandile....Alexander Allen (stylist to the stars and a very dear friend) and ME!

Me and Mama Reese (Tracy Reese's mom....we hit it off about three seasons ago and have been friends ever since. We are actually pen pals, and write each other often. She is too cute)!!!

Love and Light....

Baby Phat Fall 2007....Walk it out!

2007-02-03T08:55:00.001-05:00

HERE IS A LITTLE SOMETHING TO HOLD YOU OVER UNTIL MY SUNDAY NIGHT FASHION SHOW WEEKEND REVIEW....

VIDEO FROM THE BABY PHAT FALL 2007 COLLECTION! CHECK IT OUT:

MISS SIXTY... Rock 'n Roll 4ever!

2007-02-01T22:59:00.000-05:00

* Me in front of the catwalk after the show. (I'm wearing a vintage Dana Buchman dress)

It's Official. It's FASHION WEEK, and I'm off to a fabulous start with the MISS SIXTY show and AFTER-PARTY!

Here's the Scoop....

WHERE: The show took place at 7 World Trade Center (an amazing skyscraper in lower Manhattan) on the 52nd floor (the view was breathtaking). I took some pictures with a few new and old friends.

Me and Najwa of Styleaholics (she is a friend of mine who has been doing her thing reporting from behind the velvet ropes...check out her website: http://www.styleaholics.com) AND Wouri Vice (Alicia Keys' ubber-fabulous stylist).
*I know I know, should have taken off my hat....but we had just walked in. Next time!

FRONT ROW: Eve (looking fabulous...as always!) and Pink (loving the blonde mohawk). Here they are walking in:

THE SHOW: Miss Sixty is the queen of Rock! The clothes are strong and bold, yet you know that the girl wearing them still wants to be treated like a lady. I was impressed by how the collection was able to convey femininity without losing its undeniable edge. A great example of this idea was the floral print dresses shown. The color palette wasn't your average pink, yellow and greens. The colors shown were murky: grey, deep purple and black. However, the sexy shillohettes and muted colors created one of Miss Sixty's strongest looks for this coming fall. I also really liked all the lame....a gal likes to sparkles sometimes (or all the time :o) Loves it!

Here are some looks straight from my 2nd row seat:
* Sorry they are so fuzzy...my camera was running on a low battery and the shutter wasn't fast enough for these models. I'll put better ones up once the professional pictures hit the web. Note:Recharging camera now...won't happen again!

THE AFTER-PARTY: You've got to party after a show like that! And the party was great (with a fierce performance by Eve to boot! I even had an exclusive VIP wristband messengered to me at work today (gotta love the perks)! Here are some after-party shots:

The Bar

The VIP credentials

Eve with DJ Samantha Ronson....and ME and Eve

Jamila (a friend and the Assistant Fashion Editor @ Seventeen Magazine) and Jen (my beloved friend and apt-mate)

P.S. We rode the elevator to the show with Amy Astley...The Editor-in-Chief of TEEN VOGUE! I almost died....I wanted to jump into her arms and tell her how much I LOVE Teen Vogue (very true) and let her know that if she ever needs an out-going, determined, and accomplished fashion journalist (or just a shopping buddy) that I'm at her service! Maybe next time...hehehehe!

Stay tuned tomorrow for:
BCBG
MARC BOUWER
AKIKO OGAWA
NICOLE MILLER
BABY PHAT
and...
GREY ANT

Want more Miss Sixty? Visit: http://www.misssixty.com

Love and Light...

My Fashion Week AGENDA....The countdown begins

2007-01-31T21:41:00.000-05:00

There is no way of explaining how EXCITED I am that the start of Fashion Week is LESS THAN 24 hrs away!!!! It officially starts when I step foot into the Miss Sixty show @ 7pm tomorrow night :o) (and then the after-party @ 9pm..hehehehe!)

As I mentioned before, STAY TUNED because each night I will give you a rundown of all the fabulousness (and sometimes foolishness) that will be going on.

So far I have invites and have RSVPed to the following shows (hopefully I'll have the time and energy to see them all):

Thursday, February 1st
Miss Sixty

Friday, February 2nd
BCBG Max Azria
Marc Bouwer
Mara Hoffman
GenArt
Akiko Ogawa
Nicole Miller
Baby Phat
Grey Ant

Saturday, February 3rd
Chris Han
Maticevski
Atil Kutoglu
James Coviello
Gustavo Arango
Abaete
Venexiana

Sunday, February 4th
Araks
DKNY
Twinkle
Tracy Reese
Diane von Furstenberg
Matthew Williamson
Terexov

Monday, February 5th
Kaimilla
Reem Acra

Tuesday, February 6th
Tibi
Jason Wu

Wednesday, February 7th
Cynthia Vincent
Vivienne Tam

Thursday, February 8th
Badgley Mischka
VPL
Cynthia Rowley
Joanna Mastroianni

Friday, February 9th
Charles Nolan

So many EVENTS.... so little time

2007-01-31T19:38:00.000-05:00

(A pic of me and the fabulous Ionia Dunn-Lee at the Disney Store event. Ionia is the former fashion editor @ Essence Magazine, where she spent over 35 years! A True legend and dear friend/mentor of mine)

I have been running from event to event for the past two weeks. It's that time of year when designers are in a frenzy to get magazine folk to preview (and hopefully feature) all their spring must-haves.

Here are just 2 of the events I attended....

1) THE CHILDREN'S PLACE AND THE DISNEY STORE:I know, I know! ThIs wasn't a very high fashion event, however, it was very entertaining. They actually had little kids (and a few adults) modeling the outfits!

Take a look:

How cute!!!!!! She is suppose to be the Little Mermaid :o)

These kids are modeling the new Tiki line from Disney

The Princess Collection...beautiful! I would have killed for this dress when I was little.

This is for all those families who love to dress alike on vacations...

Drum roll please......This is the MOST FABULOUS gift I have ever recieved from an event...a digtial camera!!!! AND they even threw in a passport case and really nice travel tags! I knew Disney had money, but Wow!!!!

2) PATRICK ROBINSON FOR THE GO TARGET COLLECTION: We all know what amazing designers Target is able to snatch up and this is no exception. If you aren't familiar with Patrick Robinson...you should be! He attended Parsons School of Design and after graduating went on to designing for Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein, Perry Ellis and Paco Rabanne. Robinson is known for his amazing clothes that mix retro details with a modern outlook. A fabulous black man doing his thing! (Note: He's married to Virginia Smith... big-time Vogue editor)

P.S. The clothes hit in April and are out for a LIMITED TIME only...mark your calendars!

It looks like my entire spring wardrobe will be coming from Target boutique!

" The collection I designed for GO at Target captures bohemian chic with just the right dose of wit, color and lightness"
-Patrick Robinson

Check it out:

The terrific gift....looks like I'll have to go to the beach with this one!

Love and Light...

Let the games begin...

2007-01-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!!!! I'm going to really try and turn over a new leaf and write more. Rah was sweet enough to pimp my laptop for Christmas, so it will be much easier for me to post! No more taking my roommate's computer hostage :o)

So far 2007 has been very good to me...

I rang in the New Year with Rah at the Empire State Building....A completed my first feature fashion story for the March issue...I turned 25 on the 25th and celebrated with all my friends and loved ones at ubber-fab Level V...and I will be attending my fourth Fashion Week starting this Friday!!!!!! God is tooo good :o)

STAY TUNED, I will be updating you daily on all the Fashion Week Fabulousness!

In the meantime.....

I did attend a Sean John event this past week. Our ultra smooth man Diddy is trying his hand at accessories....Eyewear to be exact. I'm definitely not a fan of Sean John clothing and his now defunct women's line was WACK. However, these glasses and shades were fierce!!! The price point of $125-$200 is also pretty great, considering other designer shades (like Chanel) can run you about $400! The Sean John shades are made and designed really well. I might actually have to rock them!

Cool invite, huh? You have to hold it up to the light in order to really read it.

Check out the pics and you be the judge:

I thought this pair was sexy. The too-big-for-my-face look is actually in (go figure)...But I think it can work with confidence!

After you stop staring at the GORGEOUS model (hehehehe)....take a look at the fly glasses he is sporting. Hot, huh?

Of course there is always a goodie bag!!!!!!! Check out my score....

Love and Light....

Lights, Camera...FABULOUS!!

2006-12-04T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Julee and Beyonce Show.... The Final Cut

What an experience! I have officially infiltrated the national airwaves by conquering The Today Show! I smiled...posed....and winked (don't forget to catch the wink) into the hearts of Americans!

CHECK IT OUT: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16026285/

It was amazing! It all started at 4:45AM this morning. I was really concerned because no one is cute at 4:3o in the morning! Nevertheless, I woke...took a shower....tried to salvage my hair after tossing and turning all night out of nervousness...and made sure to read a few scriptures/throw up some prayers!

A private car (gotta love the perks) picked me up at 5:30am and I was on my way! After idle chat about the superior craftsmanship of Manolo Blahnik shoes with the driver ( I don't know why he was so interested), we arrived at the studio. There were already people with signs waiting for Beyonce to show up. Of course they thought for a second that might be her, since the driver opened the door for me....but they quickly realized that I wasn't her. I'd like to think it was ONLY the lack of weave that gave me away :o)~

Moving right along....I made my way to the Real Simple dressing room aka Maya Rudolph's SNL dressing room! Fabulous! If you don't know, Maya Rudolph is hilarious and she is also the daughter of Minnie Ripperton (and if you don't know who she is, log unto itunes immediately and download "Lovin You").

After a little food and relaxation it was time to start the star treatment. Jim from Elizabeth Arden Red Door salon tended to me tresses, which didn't need much of anything. Once he picked up the bottle of hair spray I knew I had to get out of his chair before he hit the trigger! I moved over to the makeup maven Mary. She was so nice....but as you can see from the clip, a little heavy handed with the eyebrow pencil! Between the hairspray and eyebrow pencil I was a little discouraged, BUT nothing was going to get me down....I was going to be a STAR (even if for only 30 seconds)!

The set was beautiful and it was surreal being around Matt Lauer and Ann Currie. As I prepared to shoot the "tease" (a shot about half an hour before the actual segment letting the audience know what's to come), I kept an eye out for Beyonce and managed to strike up a little convo with Matt. Well it was more like me telling him how "cute and fab" he was. I think he appreciated it...and I even made him blush a little. The "tease" went off without a hitch and as I left the studio to rejoin the Real Simple girls I was confronted by Matthew and Tina Knowles. You know I had to tell Mama Knowles that she looked fabulous! She just smiled and nodded (whatever)! She's lucky I didn't sue her daughter for nearly knocking me to the ground. OK, OK....she didn't hit me that hard. However, right before walking back on set for our segment, Beyonce was leaving with her entourage and she accidentally bumped into me (literally). She said "excuse me, I'm soooo sorry!" Of course it was ok, she iiiiisssss Beyonce. BUT, I think she just wanted to rub off some of my fabulousness...right?

Anyway, the segment was flawless.All of us ladies were on a super high for the rest of the day! I could not stop talking about how wonderful the experience was. I feel as though all I need more in life is to get married to the man of my dreams and have babies! LOL....ok, it wasn't that major! However, I did LOVE it and I asked our PR director if I could go through media training so that I can do it more often. The chemistry between me and the camera was real....you can't fake that type of magic :o)

Love and Light....

2006-11-30T21:48:00.000-05:00

Tis the season for Spring/Summer previews in the fashion world.

Meaning...that designers and clothing lines are pulling out all the stops and showing off their collections for the spring and summer. I don't go to many of these events, but I always jump at the chance to attend the ones that my coworkers don't have time for. Usually they aren't the most exciting ones like DKNY...Shin Choi...Rebecca Taylor...etc. However, I'm a humble gal and I'm thankful for every opportunity that I can gain. AND, there is always the possibility of a GIFT BAG!!!! Gotta love the free stuff :o)

Soooooo, last night I got the chance to attend the LANDS' END preview event. I know, I know...not fabulous at all. We all associate Lands' End with khaki pants, canvas totes, polo shirts and people who have the time/money to vacation all summer in Cape Cod. Yuck!

Well, I must say I was surprised! The clothing didn't deviate from my description above. HOWEVER, I was really surprised at how much detail was put into everything they presented. Lands' End is also coming out with intimates with the slogan: "The secret's out." Very cute:o)

My favorite innovation was the custom fit bathing suits. Listen to this....you can actually order the suit with your correct bra size! Amazing~! See some of the styles below...

I also really loved the new idea they have for their classic tote bags. You can send in your own art work and have it either transferred to your bag or have the image embroidered on to the bag. The one style looks more like the art was actually drawn onto the bag and other style is a cleaner version due to the threading. Either way, you will have a one-of-a-kind bag!

Last, but certainly not least....the GIFT BAG! I have to give it to Lands' End this was one of the best gifts I have seen. As one of the representatives walked me through different looks, a tote bag was being personalized for me! And they threw in a great towel! FABULOUS!

Love and Light...

2006-11-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

Tune in....TiVo...DVR....

I have exciting news! This coming Monday (December, 4th 2006) I will be appearing on the Today Show (NBC). My job is doing a segment on party dresses and I am going to be modeling one of the selections! (Note: I'll be the fabulous black girl in the red Banana Republic dress :o)~

The segment will be in the 8am-9am hour...Prime time!!!!!

Hopefully I don't fall flat on my face, so pleeeeease start praying for me now!

If you need more of an incentive? Beyonce will also be performing live on Monday's show :o)

JULEE and BEYONCE....who can top that?

Love and Light....

2006-11-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

Take a bite... CANDY APPLE MAGAZINE--- "Hard But Sweet"

Candy Apply magazine has launched! It's a fabulous new magazine for fierce and fabulous city dwelling ladies. I am the executive editor of the publication and I worked alongside a group of amazingly talented women.

Please check it out and remember to SIGN UP/REGISTER. And please let me know what you think...I would LOVE to hear your feedback!

Official Website: http://candyapplemag.com

MySpace Site: http://myspace.com/candyapplemag

Love and Light....

2006-11-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

You do the math...

7 beautiful BAPs + 7 table cloths + a whole bunch of Masons= 1 fabulous weekend in Philly!

This weekend Jen and I traveled down to Philly to help our college friend Erin celebrate her stepdad's promotion with the Masons organization. I don't know too much about the Masons, except that my grandfather is one, they are distinguished men of color in their communities and they know how to throw a party! Basically, all of us ladies dressed up in fabulously fashioned white table cloths and sprinkled rose petals as a makeshift tomb carrying Erin's stepdad was rolled in and presented to the crowd. Think..."Coming to America" meets the "Prince of Egypt" :o)

Here are some photos from the weekend. You never knew table cloth could look this good, huh?

Love and Light...

2006-11-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

More Patrick McMullen LOVE.....

I'm on a roll guys. I've been trying to attend more events these days and not only am I having a lot of fun but the flashbulbs are popping. Granted, I could work on my picture taking skills...however, the love is pouring down and there is no time to run inside and grab an umbrella. Sooooo, let it rain and I'll learn along the way!

This photo was taken at an American Legacy and Tracy Reese event @ the Tracy Reese Boutique. I wasn't entirely ready for it, or else I would have been beaming a smile since I LOVE T.Reese and she's my BFF (in my dreams).

The next two pics were taken at the White House Black Market NYC flagship store opening. My gril Nia came with me and we had a great time. We even got $50 gift certificates in the "thank-you-for-coming-to-our-fabulous-event" bags.

P.S. Sorry, I can't take off that PMC watermark. I would have to buy the print and a 4x6 print costs $10!!!!!!!!!! It's hard being fabulous but BROKE!

Love and Light...

2006-11-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

It's NOT a phone....

Or so they say!!!!!!!!!

Soooo, I attended at the launch party of Helio (the "phone") at Henri Bendel's the other night. I'm sure you've seen the commercials for this cell phone, which they are calling a non-phone. Whatever! You talk on it and does everything that most phones do (it takes pictures, videos, and all your money)!

Anyway, the party was pretty fun. I took my intern Elinor along with me. It was her first industry event! Here she is giving the "WTF-face" to the Heilo. My thoughts exactly...

We also bumped in the a few ex-coworkers of mine....Sarah and Jennifer. It's always great to see fabulous friends out and about. Especially these two girls....since they are both so wonderful and hard workers. We had a blast flirting with all the obviously gay waiters and doing the next new dance craze....the "Snwell"! I can't really explain it, so I'll have to videotape it and put it up on the site one day soon.

The highlight (and lowlight) was the event's celebrity guest....Oksana Baiul!!!!!!!!! Give me a break! She was hot about one hundred years ago, and no one really cared that she won the Olympic gold medal because we were too caught up in the Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding fiasco! Nevertheless, she was there and looking a hot-ghetto-mess in my opinion. You be the judge....

We had to show her some love though :o)

Love and Light....

2006-11-18T17:55:00.000-05:00

"Make new friends...but keep the old...one is silver and the other's gold

A few weeks ago my best friend from growing up, Autumn, came to visit me in the city. We had an awesome time! We had not seen each other since high school graduation... 6 1/2 years ago!!!! But, every time we get around each other it seems like only a few weeks have past. I'm so thankful for our friendship and overjoyed that we have continued to keep in touch over all these years. She reminds me of my childhood and what a great time I had growing up...that's a priceless feeling. We should always surround people like that around ourselves.

Love and Light...

2006-11-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

Euphoric, Amazing, Inspirational, Fun, Excellent, Hilarious, and completely Unforgettable… are all words that describe my evening last night. (This morning I literally had to ask myself: “did last night really happen?”)

I had the honor of dining with one of my idols…Robin Givhan (!!!!!!!!!!!)

Yes, it happened. I mentioned in my Fashion Week review that I had met the Pulitzer Prize winning fashion journalist (for the Washington Post) at the Jenni Kayne show. Being the fabulous woman that she is, Robin agreed that when she got back from the shows in Europe that she would schedule a dinner with Zandile and I.

I was skeptical. Someone of Robin’s status in the fashion industry are extremely busy and cannot always stick to their word and frolic with the common folk. However, after keeping her word and sharing a night filled with non-stop chatting, smiling and laughing… Robin has proven that kindness, humility and excellence can coexist in this industry! Amen.

We talked about everything from her woes and wows of becoming the writer she is today…to our common love for the Ali G Show! Don’t get me wrong; you know we HAD to talk about fashion and what she thought of the shows this season.

Surprisingly one of her favorite collections was Valentino. I say “surprisingly” because we haven’t really heard of anything super-fabulous coming from that house in several years. She mentioned that Valentino’s dedication to his vision was what won her over. Robin also noted that Phillip Lim, Derek Lam, and Jil Sander also topped her list of favs (you can check out all of their collections at www.style.com). (pics below in the following order: Valentino, Phillip Lim, Derek Lam and Jil Sander)

When asked what she looks for in a collection, Robin said that: a collection needs to support a clear vision and furthermore remain consistent in that overarching theme. The clothes also need to be intriguing and not just another old pair of pants or frilly top.

I love that word…”intriguing.” I have to agree with her. My favorite collections are the ones that make me wanna leap out of my seat and touch the pieces…and examine their structure…put them on…dance around in them…and ultimately cause me to temporarily lose my mind and believe that they are worth their ridiculous prices!

I love that fact Robin was so free with extending her wisdom. Another piece of advice that she offered us in regards to pursuing our careers was: “Don’t take everything so personally.” Fashion (along with many other fields) is an extremely difficult career to work in because of the strict deadlines, high stress, vanity, and competition. She says the best way to combat all of these issues is to stay focused and worry about your own individual responsiblities…and knock them out of the park!

This might seem obvious, but we often get caught up and don’t realize how sensitive we’re being. It’s about having thick-skin! However, being tough mentally isn’t an excuse for being unkind. The truly fabulous, are those who can balance being tough, successful and kind all at once.

I truly hope (and pray) that I will be able to enjoy even just an ounce (ok, maybe more) of the success that Robin has experienced. She truly is an amazing woman, writer, role model, and fashionista.

P.S. If you're anything like me, you'll want to know exactly what was worn to an event as monumental as this. Well, I was in head to toe black with vibrant accents... I had on a black cashmere short-sleeve Uniqlo top, a DKNY jersey knee-length skirt, black opaque tights and my black suede Miu Miu wedge heels. I added my fabulousness by wearing a pair of my rhinestone shoe clips, large antique rhinstone stud earrings and a heavy coat of red Chanel lipstick. Very classic chic!

If you aren't already reading Robin's work, I advise you to start immediately! No true fashion-mad person should got without her unique perspective on fashion, politics and art! Oh, and did I mention she won a Pulizter??

Check her out: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artsandliving/fashionandbeauty/index.html

Love and Light…

2006-10-23T14:50:00.000-04:00

Snap!

When it comes to New York society, being photographed by Patrick McMullen or one of his photogs is a must!!!

His photographs are taken at the most fabulous events and of the most fabulous people. The pics are then transfered to his webstie for all to see...and pray that they will someday be able to be snapped by him!

Well, I had the amazing opprotunity to be photographed by a Patrick McMullen photographer with my apt-mate Jen and my girl Zandile. We were attending a party held at the Chanel Boutique for the 80th Anniversary of the Little Black Dress!

Check it out: http://www.patrickmcmullen.com/website/pmc_screens/Event_selects.aspx?page=3&Event_ID=6836

I'm not quite a member of New York society.... but I must say it was a fabulous party and it's always nice to represent for all the fabulous BG's (black girls...which there were only five at the party counting the three of us)!

Love and Light....

2006-10-20T17:56:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhhh...I LOVE the Fall! It reminds me of my childhood. I can remember getting so excited for the Fall to arrive and school to start. I also appreciate the changing leaves and cozy clothes. If it wouldn't make me look like a complete crackhead...I would totally pile up some leaves on the corner of 121st and 8th Ave and jump in them. However, I'm sure I would quickly be deemed a lunatic! Which is exactly why I've been trying to travel home to PA as much as possible this season. With the rolling hills of Chester Springs, surrounded by horses and cows I can truly live out my country-bumpkin activities...

A few weeks ago Rahsaan and I traveled to Lititiz, PA for the 5th Annual Chocolate Walk. It's our second year in a row attending together and we never fail to have a great time. The Chocolate Walk consists of about 25 chocolatiers from around the area that setup in all the little shops in town...you buy a $10 ticket and travel from shop to shop and recieve samples of all the chocolate. It's heaven on earth!!! There is everything from chocolate covered potato chips to chocolate ristotto. Of course you can't eat it all in one sitting, so everyone brings a bag or tupperware to store some of the samples for later. One of the greatest parts of the trip is visiting the Wilbur Chocolate Factory. It's like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory (I love that book/movie) minus the Oompa Loompas and chocolate river!

You know a trip with me can't leave out a fashion moment...

While visiting small towns like Lititiz, I try to hit up all the thrift stores or Antique shops for vintage costume jewelry (I'm a HUGE collector, if you didn't know). I purchased some really amazing pieces that would have cost me a small fortune if I were in the city. Shopping beyond the walls of NYC is a rare and thrify treat that I would love to partake in more often. A pair of vintage sterling silver and rhinestone earrings in the city would have been close to or over $100. My find this past weekend were $8!!!!!! Enough said.

I LOVE MY MOM.....she surprised me and decided to come to the city for a quick weekend trip last week. It's so nice to know that our relationship has continued to grow throughout the years. I still manage to speak with her almost everyday...and that's a feat when you factor in being a hard-working fashionista, friend, girlfriend and a good daughter. Phew! It can be done.

Back to the weekend....Before I met up with my mom I headed down to SoHo for a fabulous traveling vintage sale called The Garment Room (check out the website www.garmentroom.com). It was AMAZING! I purchased a Dana Buchman dress ($68), a sparkly gorgette top ($88) and fabulous rhinstone shoe clips ($68). The sale travels around to several different places in the USA and the owner Tiffany even hosts private sales. Did I already mention that it's AMAZING!!!! Again.... www.thegarmentroom.com

From there I got to spend time with my lovely Soror and friend Diamond! She looked fabulous as ever and even had the most amazing accessory of the season on her arm....a new MAN! (Soooo cute!) We hit up Century 21 where I had to restrain myself, since I had just spent $200 on vintage...but Diamond bought the cutest little dress. It was nice hanging out and catching up with her. I hope she comes back up soon!

After meeting up with my mom we decided to do what the Wilson women do best....SHOP! And I still had some money left on a Bergdorf Goodman gift card, so we knew exactly what to do. We headed up to 57th and 5th after a quick brunch and entered the fashion mecca that is BG! I really need some black tall boots so we focused on that, but were unable to find a pair that I loved and were within my price range. I work with expensive clothes all day, but you never really realize how pricey things are until you want to purchase them for yourself. Plain black leather boots were averaging $800!! Just as we decided to leave my eye caught a pair of Miu Miu (a line owned by Prada) wedges and it was love at first sight....and they were afforadable. We snatched them up and the rest is history! (Here they are with the fabulous shoes clips I bought at The Garment Room vintage sale...)

Love and Light...

2006-10-02T00:20:00.000-04:00

Olympus Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007 has come and gone, however I’m still savoring the memories that I made during those seven glorious (and hectic) days.

As with every Fashion Week I’ve been involved with, Zandile aka my-partner-in-crime, was my companion througout. When it comes to anything having to do with fashion, we are unstoppable. Please believe, you will be seeing our names at the top of a masthead in the near future.

Believe it or not, I made it to 21 shows!

Spring 2007 is looking more fabulous than ever and I was able to witness it first hand. Below you will find a rundown of all the shows I attended and what I thought of them. Hopefully it will help in getting you ready for a truly stylish spring season. Enjoy!

THE SHOWS I ATTENDED (in chronological order):
*Note: All photos were taken by me

MISS SIXTY---Rahsaan was my date for this show, which was held at the beautiful Guggenheim Museum. Note: It looks like denim overalls are coming back. I don’t know how I feel about this, but if you do it right…I’m sure it could be cute. Use Caution.

MARC BOUWER---Think the TV show “Dynasty” filmed in Miami. Not my cup of tea, but if I ever move down to Miami I’ll make sure to pick up a few frocks from Mr. Bouwer.

BABY PHAT---Great show, Ok clothes. Instead of buyers, Kimora fills her seats with celebs (50 Cent: who got in a fight before the show started, Trina, Brandy, Tyson Beckford, Mya, etc). The best part of the show: the music and star gazing. Bonus: the models were sporting blinged out grills as they stomped down the catwalk.

ACADEMY ART UNIVERSITY--- These students from San Francisco killed it. I was impressed with their work more than some of the established designers.

SABYASACHI--- LOVED IT! This designer from India really knows what he is doing. The clothes had subtle elegance. Muted colors (more like a Fall palette) with luxurious fabrics and a touch of glamour with the shapes and the occasional use of metallics.

ALICE ROI--- Think: the rebellious boarding school girl. Roi speaks to the girl who wants to look clean but show she doesn’t mind getting dirty. Note: Pick up one of her fab super-sized belted change purses.

ATIL KUTOGLU--- Another solid collection for Kutoglu. I always feel like I should be lounging by the ocean in the south of France when I see his collection. Very clean and airy with great colors.

ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH--- An African militia was apparently the inspiration for this always over-the-top designer. Zandile loves his work and although I don’t really see myself wearing his super loud, statement making looks, I can appreciate the amazing craftsmanship.

JENNI KAYNE--- Fabulous!!! I was surprised by this semi-newcomer to the fashion industry. Her designs are amazing and I especially loved her leather jackets for the spring (That’s right, leather in the spring…get on it)!

SASS & BIDE--- The two Aussie ladies that make up this label always aim to please and they never fail. This collection was reminiscent of Norma Kamali at her best. The designers strayed away from their usual use of color, but that doesn’t mean it lacked sexiness.

LACOSTE--- A Classic. We all love that tiny alligator placed perfectly on the timelessly designed and executed clothing. This spring the label is showing off it’s versatility. The label covered everything from preppy looks of the 50's to street-ready wears of the 80's. You'll be ready for anything this spring in Lacoste.

TRACY REESE--- If you know anything about me, you know that Tracy Reese is absolutely one of my favorite designers. And after her spring 2007 presentation she has yet again claimed her place in my heart...and closet. A special surprise during the show were the latin dancers to uplift her spanish inspired clothing. One word: Dope!

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG---Adam is going to love Eve’s new duds this spring, especially since she is the inspiration behind DVF’s collection. We all know that Diane can make a helluva dress and she proved it once again. The colors, floral motifs and bold shapes are just a few of the reasons everyone should have a DVF in their wardrobe this spring.

ROSA CHA--- Itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny. There will be no squeezing any junk in these trunks. Rosa Cha is big on design, but small on fabric. I can appreciate the innovative way in which he sees the swimsuit (ex: adding suspenders…trust me, it looked amazing) but I can also recognize that I would look a hot-mess in one of this tiny numbers.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA--- I did it again! I sat in the friend-and-family section with one of my fabulous former editors for one of Fashion Week’s most anticipated and beautiful shows. Oscar never disappoints. The show was breathtaking and the only way I can describe it is: Flawless. If you need more explanation than that, go checkout the whole collection on Style.com.

NANETTE LEPORE--- The pinup girl is back and she’s more fabulous than ever. Nanette had the jet-setting fashionista in mind when designing this collection. I loved all the dresses and intend on taking them on my next trip to Italy (whenever that happens). The only thing that bothered me was her occasional use of exposed zippers. It looks just a little too juvenile to me.

HEATHERETTE--- This show is always a party and everyone wants to get in—Daisy and I accomplished the task and scored seats with no problem. It was so packed that even Patricia Fields didn’t have a seat and was sitting on the floor! Shame to the people around her that did offer her their seat….what an opportunity missed! Anyway, there surprises around every corner at the show. Strutting out first was Paris Hilton to her “Stars are Blind” song, and sprinkled throughout the show were Nicky Hilton, Tinsley Mortimer, Mya, Amanda Hearst, Amanda Lepore and the one-and-only Kelis (looking gorgeous as usual)!

MICHON SCHUR--- A pleasant surprise. This newish designer made a powerful statement with a collection of smart dresses, feminine blouses and the ever-present bubble-skirts that are flooding the runways. The paparazzi were also flooding the front row at this show….Misha Barton attended (is a friend of the designer).

CYNTHIA ROWLEY--- The first half of CR’s show was amazing. Angelic dresses with touches of colorful wicker details. The second half of the show was not in line with her initial looks and unfortunately weren’t as pretty. I’m hoping that the buyers in the audience feel the same way I do. Speaking of the audience…sitting front and center was the infamous Martha Stewart in all her pretentious glory. You gotta love her swagger though.

CUSTO BARCELONA--- Can someone say…A.D.H.D.? As always, this show had no real direction and was simply sensory overload. If you want to look like a gang of first graders attacked you with their arts and craft kit, then Custo is the collection for you.

DOO.RI--- Drop Dead Gorgeous! This woman knows how to drape fabric. Her jersey gowns and blouses have been the objects of my desire since seeing her show last fall. This spring she updating the legging trend by making them super long and detailed with a draped waist. Amazing! Did I mention that I love this designer! P.S. I totally want her to design my wedding dress.

HIGHLIGHTS:

*Meeting Robin Givhan (the amazing fashion journalist from the Washington Post that recently won the Pulitzer Prize for criticism—the first fashion journalist ever to win): Love her and her amazing hustle to the very tippity-top of the fashion journalism game! We are keeping in touch and when she gets back from the fashion shows in Europe, super-fab Zandile and I will be having dinner with her. God is too good!

*Chilling back stage at Heatherette: Thanks to my girl Zandile, who couldn’t even get into the show but managed to watch from backstage, Daisy and I were able to meet her back there after the show was over. Needless to say, we chatted up Travis Rains and Ritchie Rich (aka the geniuses behind Heatherette), complimented Tinsley Mortimer (socialite) about her amazing strut, watched Paris as she acted too good for all the hoopla and had a moment with Kelis. Another successful night at the tents!

Love and Light...

2006-08-09T09:06:00.000-04:00

Sooooooo I sprained my ankle playing Rugby and managed to get dissed in the process, which only means one thing....

RUGBY R.I.P
(you can never say I didn't try)

Love and Light...

2006-07-25T15:33:00.001-04:00

Julee's Stripping...well, not really!

Rememeber I told you guys a looong time ago that I wanted to try my hand at stripping???

Well, it happened...at least for two hours, in a controlled setting, and with NO men (good enough for me)! I enrolled myself in an S Factor striptease class and wrote about my expereince for Sirens Magazine online.

Check it out:
http://www.sirensmag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99&Itemid=12

Enjoy and happy stripping!

Love and Light...

2006-07-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

Normally RUGBY and the name JULEE would never be uttered in the same sentence. However, my life is anything but normal...

Last week I decided to take my self proclaimed girlie-girl, somewhat bougie, fashionista-self a little less seriously (or a little more seriously depending how you look at it) and start playing RUGBY!

I know, I know... I'm crazy right? I've heard it over and over again that Rugby is just football without pads, and that I just might end up killing myself. Pish posh people! I'm an athlete first and foremost. Last time I checked I am the same gal who dedicated four years to Division-I track and field. I think I can take a few over-grown women trying to tackle me...but they have to catch me first!

Anyway, I attended my first Rugby practice last Thursday and I'm thirsty for more! I must say that I was a tad bit nervous, but after meeting the team I felt really welcomed. The team is made up of both "amateurs" (like myself) and actual nationally ranked players.

The first practice went smoothly once I figured out that you can only throw the ball behind you and kick the ball forward. Talk about confusing! We jumped right into playing a 7 on 7 touch game and I managed to catch on fast. I even scored a "try" aka a "touchdown" for all the Rugby illiterate (like myself)!

Sooooooo everyone, I have decided that I will return to the field this Thursday and see if I survive another week. This week we start tackling, so I will make sure to report back. In the meantime, I will proudly strut up in down the streets of New York City in my fabulous Manolos and sundresses. Who knows, after Thursday I might not be able to wear them! Pray for me!

Love and Light...

2006-07-08T10:24:00.000-04:00

Kinky--Nappy--"Straight off the boat"....call it what you want, AND call it my hair!

For a longtime I was don't comfortable and especially not prepared to deal with my natural hair. I feel amazing blessed that I was able to grow up in the suburbs in beautiful homes, attending private schools, and being afforded all the little extras that my family was able to provide. I take NONE of that for granted...I hope one day I will be able to do the same for my family. However, there were several bad habits and traits that I picked up along the way. One being a sincere dislike for my hair. Shameful, I know!

However, when I'm surrounded by pretty little white girls that are jumping in and out of pools, running around field hockey and lacrosse fields and laying out on the beach in some of the worst humidity I've ever experienced, without thinking twice about the state of their hair....it starts to break you down.

So, it goes without saying that I went through my stint (only 3 years) of RELAXERS...which should change its name because all it did was end up making my hair break off and STRESS me out. I had a strong BRAID phase, which actually made my hair grow back healthier and longer, but it doesn't always give you the most professional, grown and sexy look. I also rocked the BUN for awhile...meaning I simply slicked back my hair and tried really hard to forget that it was there. Double shame! When school and most importanly track ended, I started really paying attention to pressing my hair. BUT that takes about 3 hours when you're doing it yourself or if you are me....having your father perform the duties on occassion. Yes, my father used to press my hair, and No he is not gay. He just grew up in the south and had three sisters.

Well everyone, as you can see from some of the pictures I have put up on this page I have now started to embrace the natural state of my hair that I tried so hard to mask. I have been RELAXER FREE for 12 YEARS, and I've become increasingly comfortable with it's super curly texture. Maybe of you have asked if I've cut it because it looks so short in the pictures, and the answer is NO. God has blessed black folk with the most amazingly versatile hair. I know think it's wonderful that I can press my hair one night and a few days later by simply adding water, my head turns into a cornucopia of curls! It sounds kind of like a Chia Pet....but don't be fooled, I now know my hair is FIERCE.

In conclusion, never take for granted all the wonderful gifts, talents, and traits you have!

Love and Light...

2006-07-07T14:36:00.000-04:00

I am so ashamed. Sometimes I can't believe I call myself a writer...

Life has been coming at me so fast these days. I can't even find the time to sit and reflect. However, God is good and he has kept me safe and sound as I make my way through life in the big city.

Thankfully I've been able to catch up with a few of the shining lights in my life....one being, Erin Bagley. I'm so excited to see that she has decided to start a blog! Her life is way too fabulous to be keeping to herself. Man I miss the times back in Richmond when we would buy Brie, French bread and caviar for a girls-night-in to watch Sex And The City. Such Ladies!

I now spend my nights slaving away in the fashion closet and dreaming that all the clothes were in my closet...or at least fit me (I haven't been sample size--a size 4-- since birth)! Alas, I must remind myself that this is what I've been dreaming of for a long time. With each day more and more responsibilities come...compiling credits, organizing the closet, writing sidebars, calling in clothes, and being a Fashionista all at the same time. Phew!

In other news...

1) I have been working on a book project, so stay tuned....you might be picking me up in your local Barnes and Nobles (man I love that store)!

2) Rahsaan and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary on July 11th.....Wow, times flies when your intoxicatingly in love!

3) Zandile...my Homegirl with a huge capital H and business partner.... was accepted into the Fashion Journalism masters program at Central St. Martin's in London. ONLY 6 people are accepted into the program each year. This girl is not playing around! I have already embraced the fact that I will have to be asking her for a job in the next five years.

That's all for now. I'm really going to try and update this page more often....sorry for the delay.

Love and Light...

2006-06-02T14:35:00.000-04:00

Thank GOD it's Friday!!!!

I had quite an eventful week...

I attended a runway show for Nine West. Apparently the chain is taking a book from the success that H&M has enjoyed through designer collaborations. Nine West has asked three designers: Vivienne Westwood, Tharoon and Sophia Kokosalaki to each design a line of accessories (and a few clothing items) to be sold at the store. How exciting! Now the everyone can spot designer footwear, handbags, gloves, etc for an affordable price.... YEA RIGHT!

After looking at the price list for the semi-cute selection that the designers churned out, I was flabbergasted! $425 for a pair of boots?????? Sure, they are cute and would look lovely on these beautiful mocha legs of mine...BUT there is no way I'm dropping that kind of money at NINE WEST! I can take my $425 right to Bergdorf's and (almost) buy a pair of Manolos or Choos for the same price. Let's face it, sure the shoes are wonderfully designed but they are still made at the Nine West factory....Whereas I could spend the same amount for a shoe from Italy.

Can't fool me Nine West, but thanks for the great show, food and music by DJ AM!

Love and Light...

2006-05-22T12:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a LOOOOOOOOONG time....

I'm sorry to have left all of you hanging. Life has been extremely BUSY. However, I have experienced a firestorm of blessings. Here they are...in no particular order:

1) I got Promoted to Fashion Assistant! I am now fully immersed in the field I adore. There is no stopping me now!

2) J+Z's Rolodex Party is successful yet again. Our second party was amazing. We were able to secure the beautiful venue of Tribal Spears Art Gallery and Cafe and about 150 of New York City's talented young movers and shakers attended. The third installment is coming in August. Get your hustle game up!

3) I'm going back to Cali! Ok, so I WENT back to Cali for the second time within a month... And this time I got to stay (free of charge) at the Montage Resort and Spa, where I luxuriated all day long. God is good!

4) "Wow, you look GREAT!" --A compliment given to me by the-one-the-only TOM FORD on May, 3rd, 2006...a day that will forever serve as a pivotal moment in my soon-to-be illustrious career in fashion. Mark my words!

5) Four words: MANOLO BLAHNIK SAMPLE SALE!! I was able to wrestle my way to three pairs of Manolos ( only $100 each), after waiting in line for 2 hours! I was even able to score the Holy Grail of Manolo Blahnik shoes: Patent leather Mary Janes! In the words of Carrie Bradshaw: "Mary Jane Manolo Blahniks? I thought these were an urban shoe myth!"

6) I have officially begun the process of working on my first publication...Stay tuned!

That should pretty much get you up to speed. Again, I'm sorry it took me so long....Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for! Wink, wink!

Love and Light...

2006-04-06T10:50:00.000-04:00

Guess who's back?

California was GLORIOUS!!!! I had such an amazing time. Here are some of the highlights...

1) It's a true test of your relationship when you have no urge to murder your significant other after SIX loooong hours on a jam-packed plane. Luckily, Rah and I both passed the test...Phew!

2) Never rent a car from the company Rent4Less!
The company is not forthright about its rates and is completely incompetent when it comes to running a customer friendly establishment. Although I tried to be a lady about the unfortunate situation, there is only so much disrespect a person can take. I had to full-on yell at this man ( aka Zak) and make a scene, which could have been avoided if proper customer service was in place. Bottomline: Stay away from RENT4LESS

3) After renting a car from a more accommodating company, Rah, the girls (his sister, and her roommates) and I drove to Coronado. The beach was beautiful and the Coronado Hotel is breathtaking (It has defintiely secured a place on my potential Honeymoon destinations).

4) The San Diego zoo was AMAZING! I was blown away by the shear number of animals that I had never seen before. Rah and I had a blast trekking around the massive zoo, and

5) Rah and I drove an hour to Corona, Ca. to visit the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa. I visited the spa about 4 years ago when I visited Cali with my family...and it's simply wonderful. All you have to do is pay on admissions fee and you're able to enjoy all the features of the spa (excluding personal massages, wraps, etc...they are purchased a la carte). The fee let's you enjoy: Roman baths, mineral whirlpools, the "Mud Club" (a grotto filled with mineral mud/clay that you put all over your body and wash off once it dries. Afterwards, your skin is like a baby's bottom), steam rooms, and so much more! www.glenivy.com

6) LA!!!!!! Although it rained half the time we were in LA, Rah and I had a great time staying with his gracious and wonderful friend Zach. We even got to go to an industry event....actually it was just a BBQ for the film company that Zach works for (Reason Films), but it was fabulous none the less. The owner of Reason Films has also launched a magazine....GOOD magazine's mission: "a new voice in media, embraces this generation's merger of capitalism and idealism.We provide an entertaining, thought-provoking, cultural platform for those who want to do well by doing good."I'm sold...and you should be too. The magazine even donates ALL subscription money to charity you choose from a list on the website. www.goodmagazine.com

7) My Uncle Dickey and family got a visit from Rah and I before we left LA. It's so good to see how well everyone is doing and how big the boys are getting! It was nice hearing all the stories Dickey had about my parents back when they met in college. I tried my hardest to get some dirt out of him about my dad, but the only thing he told me was that my dad was basically a "pimp." Obviously not in the literal meaning of the word, but he basically was a lady's man. Tell me something I don't know....He's a Wilson, of course he's got game, and he has most certainly passed it down to me...wink wink!

8) We finished up a trip back in San Diego with a dinner in Old Town...a section outside of downtown San Diego that looks like a little town in Mexico and offers a ton of restaurants that serve authentic Mexican cuisine. Muy bien!

9) Home Sweet Home! There's no where like New York City....back to the grind!

Love and Light...

2006-03-23T16:02:00.000-05:00

San Diego here I come.... WESTSIDE!

Tomorrow I am embarking on my first-ever, full-blown trip with a boy! Ok, in this case a MAN and a fine one at that! :o)

Rah and I are flying to San Diego tomorrow to luxuriate and visit his sister. I feel as though this is a milestone in my life as a bonafide adult. It sort of feels like the first time I had a boy in my unsupervised dorm room at college....oooooooo! That might not be so shocking now, but back then I thought I was a little naughty girl for simply having a boy sit on my bed. Oh, how the times have changed...I've now graduated from bed-sitting to flying across the country.

Besides the fact that I'll be traveling with the man I love, I will also be taking a much needed vacation from work! I need a good week to re-energize myself. I've been a little sluggish and unmotivated in my everyday tasks. This is not the Julee that we all know and love. I'm usually strutting up and down the halls and distracting people from their work with my tales of living in this fabulous city we call New York.

I'm positive a week in the sun will help lift my spirits and hopefully darken me up a bit (this winter has given me the worst case of Glow-Worm complexion I have ever had)! Don't miss me too much, I'll be back with tons of stories and interesting tid bits....Talk to you soon!

Love and Light...

2006-03-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: What happens when you add:
3 exceptional black women + a Spotted Pig + Jay-Z ????

ANSWER: a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S time!

Last night, I had just that... A fabulous time with two for the greatest gals I know. It's so wonderful to find people that you can truly be yourself around. We shared our woes and our wows, our dreams and our fears....it was exactly what I needed after a Terrible Tuesday.

So, let me break down the equation above....

* Three exceptional black women =
Me and my two ubber amazing friends Zandy and Toya

* The Spotted Pig =
A great little restaurant on West 11th and Greenwich (off the beaten path of all the other Meat Market District spots). Go immediately, if you are an experimental eater and you like good food.

* Jay-Z =
The One, The Only: Shawn Carter! He walked into the restaurant with one of his boys (no bodyguards) about 10mins after we arrived!!!! (I was just telling the girls that an article I read about the restaurant mentioned that Jay-Z is a frequent patron) P.S. Beyonce did not come with Jay (Darn!), BUT there were several Saturday Night Live actors that showed up.

No one was bothering or oogling Jay or the other celebs, which was really cool. Zandy, Toya and I decided that once we're big enough to be recognized by our adoring fans (give us about 5 years) we'll definitely make the Spotted Pig one of our regular spots.

Love and Light...

2006-03-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

Many of my conversations recently have been centered around STRIPPING...

Actually, the initial conversation is about money but it always seems to make it's way to stripping. Money has been on my mind a little too much lately. I'm guessing because I have none! Yes, I am living out my dream here in New York City, but the last time I checked that same dream included a nice cushion in the bank and a closet full of Chanel. Ok, ok...I know that's not realistic for a 24-year-old in her first full-time job ever, BUT like I've said before...you've got to dream BIG!

Back to stripping...
What's so wrong with some harmless dancing? I grew up being very comfortable in the nude thanks to my silly and carefree mother...quick changes during my 17 years of dance lessons and performances...running track and field in the tiniest outfits you can imagine...and boarding school where it seemed like I lived with professional exhibitionists.

When it comes to stripping, I could be a natural! :o)
Yet, I know better then to go that route...thanks to my wonderful, gracious and fabulous parents.

At times I want to curse my parents for instilling within me solid morals and values. If only I could convince them that I few shakes could get us that family vacation to Europe we've always wanted, or help pay off those never-ending student loans!

I'm sure they wouldn't go for it...but it's worth a try, right? :o)

Alas, after considerable contemplation I have decided against trying my hand at stripping. Although I would have been safe...only topless clubs (bottoms on) and it would have definitely been in North or South Dakota to ensure no one I knew (or black folk) would be around! In the end, I realize that I'm a little too bougie to be humping a pole for dollars...

HOWEVER, I can appreciate the art of stripping and maybe I have a little twinge (ok, big twinge) of curiousity. Soooooo, I have decided to enroll in an s Factor class.

S Factor is the new cardio workout that involves dropping-it-like-its-hot, bump-n-grinding, and swinging around a stripper pole. Sounds fun, huh? The creator was on Oprah...and you know if Oprah co-signs then I'm there! The two-hour intro class only costs $40. I know paying to strip is completely backwards...but when you've got an itch, you should attempt to scratch it in the most moral way possible! Hehehehe!

Love and Light..

2006-03-15T14:07:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling in a lovey dovey mood...

I have always heard that finding love in New York City is next to impossible. Well ladies, "Mission Impossible" CAN actually be completed...because I did it!

After finding myself heart broken over a long-term and long-distance relationship, I felt like I would never find someone to love or to love me. Sad, I know. I hate going to that self-pity, lonely woman place....BUT it's a real thing! I have watched the ENTIRE collection of Sex and The City episodes at least THREE times (NO joke). With that said, I assumed that being single and living in NYC could be great fun, BUT the Kiss-of-Death as far as finding love was concerned.

I was thankfully wrong...I found my Prince Charming (R.T.W), while still having fun in the Big Apple. It's so great to find someone that you can completely be yourself around. I have found a kindred spirit...friend...and an amazing man! ( I don't mean to brag) :0)

HOWEVER, I did have to kiss a few conceited frogs along the way, but it was worth the spit (hehehe)! Although I do have a few tips that could help in expediting the process of finding "the one"... or someone close to it.

***Julee's "LOVE HUSTLE" tips***

1) USE YOUR FRIENDS--We all know it's hard (and pretty stupid) to date someone you meet at a bar or the club. Therefore, stick to meeting people at parties thrown by friends. This way the introduction is more personal and you'll have someone to dish the dirt to you about your potential Boo.

2) ACCESS DENIED--Don't...I repeat don't, sleep with someone you meet on the first night ( for a while..or even until that walk down the isle)! Even if he looks like Morris Chestnut and makes you feel like you're Beyonce. I've seen way to many of my friends go down this path and find nothing but a non-ringing phone and a box of Kleenex.

3) LADIES FIRST--Always make sure you behave like a lady. This doesn't mean that you need to act submissive. It means that you should use your manners and demand the same from your potential "one." I have run across a few guys that felt as though they should be the ones having the door opened for them, or being consistently told how fine they are...NOT! Call me old fashion...or don't call me at all!

4) TAKE A CHILL-PILL--Ladies, gone are the days where we will sit in front of our phones and wait for that fine man to call us... that's why we have CELL PHONES. Get out and enjoy life! Don't stress about if he's going to call or not. While he's out having fun and deciding when he's going to call, you need to be out gettin low and hanging with your girls. Your cell phone will be right there when he quickly remembers how fabulous you are!

Stay tuned: More tips to come!

Love and Light...

2006-03-14T16:21:00.000-05:00

When I attended the Diane von Furstenberg fashion show, the song "She's Always a Woman to Me" played at the end. I immediately fell in love with the song (Download it ASAP)! Diane swayed and sauntered to the song as she made her way down the catwalk to graciously receive her standing ovation. Not only is the melody beautiful, but I LOVE the message of how women can be both strong and delicate at the same time...ain't that the truth!

SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME---> By, Billy Joel

She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes
And she can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child but she's always a woman to me.

She can lead you to love, she can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth, but she'll never believe it
And she'll take what you give her, as long as it's free
Yes she steals like a thief, but she's always a woman to me.

Oh, she takes care of herself, she can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out, and she never gives in
She just changes her mind.

And she'll promise you more than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you and laugh while you're bleedin'
But she'll bring out the best and the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself 'cause she's always a woman to me.

Hmm, hmm, hmmm.

Oh, she takes care of herself, she can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out, and she never gives in
She just changes her mind.

She is frequently kind, and she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases, she's nobody's fool
And she can't be convicted, she's earned her degree
And the most she will do is throw shadows at you but
She's always a woman to me.

Hmm, hmm, hmmm.

Love and Light...

2006-03-14T12:04:00.000-05:00

Apparently finessing runs in the family...

During my drive down to PA this weekend with my Uncle Mike, I learned that finessing is not only nurture but it's also nature. My Uncle might be one of the best finessers I know!I was in awe as he explained situation after situation of how he has used his education and skills to get where he is today...The assistant athletic administrator for the city of New Haven, CT. (He's also a history wiz). Not too shabby!

It's a relief to know that my children (Wilson and Josephine) will genetically inherit a portion of Mommy's finessing skills!

==================================================

I'm making strides in my mission to take over the publishing world! They might not be huge strides, but they are strides none the less. I have been lobbying for the advice and support of the fabulously successful black woman around me, and the results have been great. It's always important to bounce your ideas off the people whom you respect. I'm blessed enough to have a lot of those people in my life, and God willing the list will keep growing.

I guess I'm on a mentorship kick since I just came back from a breakfast introducing a mentoring program to breed diversity in the field of publishing. Of course this is something that I will definitely put a lot of energy towards. I would not be where I am today without the help and encouragement from my many mentors. In turn I need to "pay forward" the generosity I have been afforded.

WORD TO THE WISE: If you don't have a mentor...Get one!!

How? NEVER ask someone to be your mentor. Rather, find someone that you respect and look up to and present yourself a way in which they will want to encourage your development. A potential mentor needs to see that you are dedicated, reliable and passionate about the field in which you'd like to excel in. If you follow your heart and work hard, people are going to notice and will extend themselves and their time to you.

If you already have a mentor, hold on tight and make sure they know how much you appreciate them. There is nothing worst than using people to get where you want to be and then disregarding the people who helped you get there....shame! My mother always told me to "never burn your bridges" and that advice has served me well. Not only has that mantra helped in my professional life, it has more importantly aided in my development as a respectful human being. It all goes back to treating others how you want to be treated. Amen!

Love and Light...

2006-03-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

I finally built up the courage to try "threading" yesterday...

For all those who are unfamiliar with the practice, "threading" is the new craze in hair removal. People mostly get their eyebrows, upper lip and other facial areas threaded. I must say that even after all my girlfriends telling me that the procedure would be virtually pain-free, I still went in with some reservation.
I was right...OUCH!

OK, so it wasn't horrible, but it was a different kind of hurt. Whereas waxing takes one big shot to your nerves, threading is a more tedious pulling of the hairs. It can be closely related to the feeling of rug burn over a period of about 45 seconds per brow. Your Reward? Fabulously shaped and cleaned brows! No pain, no gain. I am now a believer in threading and would recommend it to others. I'm sure that after a few times the pain will subside, just as it does when waxing. BUT don't believe the hype...It WILL sting the first time.

On a heavier note....

My grandmother is back in the hospital. I think she is starting to give up. It's hard to see someone that has contributed so much to my upbringing slip away. I'm going to travel home to Pennsylvania this weekend to see her. I hope it's not the last time. Although I know death is inevitable, it's something I just can't except right now.

I never had pleasure of knowing my father's mother, so grandma Rosa is all I've got...And I'm not ready to let her go. I always imagined her watching me walk down the isle and at least seeing my first born child. I had my great grandmother around well into my teenage years. There are just so many milestones that I have to share with her still. She is one who is suppose to speak Italian to my children... and make sure that their feet are well taken care of (I have been a dancer and runner all my life and looking at my feet you could never tell)...and make them spaghetti sauce from scratch...and watch scary movies with them while eating chocolate covered raisins....and spoil them half to death!

I know MY mother will be there for all those things(minus the speaking in Italian), but it's hard to imagine life without her.

The good part is she is STILL here, so I need to take advantage of it. Thus, I will make the most of my time with her this weekend...and try to remember the time we shared. (Please keep her in your prayers)

Love and Light...

2006-03-07T11:48:00.000-05:00

Harlem on my mind....

Here's a little recap of my weekend in fabulous Harlem NYC (It's amazing that I can now find all the things I need and want in Harlem...Let's hope that I can afford to stay here):

1) My roommate and I spend Saturday afternoon at Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe (on 117th & FDB--the newest addition to all the fabulous black owned buildings springing up on Frederick Douglas Blvd) DREAMING and SCHEMING about our future and the ever-changing world around us...Harlem World, that is. Can you say "gentrification?"
We curled up on the comfy black leather couches with our individual pots of tea and a DVD of Sade's live concert playing on the flat screen TV in front of us. Now that's what I call relaxation!

2) Saturday night, we made our way uptown to The Den (131st & 5th) where our friend was celebrating his birthday. Again, it was nice to be in a minority owned establishment and grubbing on gourmet soul food. I had the "Gehtto Roll," which is a traditional sushi roll, in that the contents are rolled up with seaweed and rice. However, the true magic lies in the ghettofabulous fillings: sweet potato, pulled pork, collard greens, which is all topped with a zesty BBQ sauce! Is your mouth watering yet?

3) Sunday morning, I put on my most sensible black suit jacket (Robert Cavalli of course), my long and lean jeans from Gap, my vintage sterling silver and cubic zirconia stud earrings, my two Tiffany bacelets, my tweed and black patent pumps, and my alligator clutch....and walked 3 blocks to an open house for a $1.2 million duplex apartment. You didn't think I was going to walk up in there looking a mess did you? I walked around during the tour as if money was no object and if I really wanted to purchase the apartment it wouldn't be a problem. You gotta play the part if you want to be respected! Just another example of FINESSING!!!

Of course the place was amazing and WAY out of my price range, but I did learn a lot about real estate during my short 20 min tour. I will retire the information into my "Harlem Hustle: Real Estate" file and keep pressing forward.

4) Later in the day on Sunday, my roommate and I went out to Aaron Davis Hall at CUNY to see the last session of the Harlem Film Festival. One of my friends was showing her documentary on male "best dressed" pageants that go on in South Africa. The men are called "swankers" and they pull out their best suits (some with matching ties, socks, shoes and cuff links) and waltz/pose/flex/dance around the stage for the title of "best dressed." The prize money isn't even enough to buy them a new suit, yet, the men still find joy and pride in competing. Fashionistos after my own heart!

The other documentaries included:

-Harlem's changing land/skyscape

-The culture of white America (interesting, huh?)

-The life and times of Daisy Bates (a famous female civil rights activist for all those who are clueless like I was)

-A look at a policy that will require all corporations to disclose whether they have made money in the SLAVE TRADE. You heard it right....slave trade money is alive, well and is the foundation capital for many of the corporations we use today. Here are some companies that have already admitted to slave money: WACHOVIA, JP MORGAN and AETNA. I'll be moving my money ASAP!

5) After the film festival, we made our way down to Melba's (114th & FDB). What a great place! Melba's is yet another fairly new restaurant on Frederick Douglas Blvd and it's certainly worth visiting. The food was amazing! I have the short ribs, collard greens, a grit cake (kind of like a crab cake, but it's made with grits and is topped with melted cheese). Delicious! My roommate had the BBQ meatloaf and macaroni and cheese! Scrumptious! Run, don't walk to Melba's!

Sooooo, that's it! A productive, educational, and inspiring weekend in Harlem. I really feel like I'm becoming a local. I'm truly invested in the community and feel like that Harlem is not only the place where my apartment is located, but it's also becoming my HOME.

Love and Light...

2006-03-02T14:11:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been dreaming BIG! I have never been one to limit myself and the goals I have set for my life are a testament to that. All my dreams have not been realized, but not from lack of effort! If you aim high, you'll always land in some realm of fabulousness! Sooooo, I have constructed my biggest challenges to date:

1) Grad School (applying, getting in and paying for it)

2) Building Wealth (trying to stack my chips so that I can afford that Harlem brownstone...the one I'm currently looking at is $1.4 MILLION!!!!)

3) Clips (Freelance writing for ANYONE...I aint too proud to beg!)

That's it, plain as day.....Do you think I'm crazy? Ok, I admit I'm a little crazy! BUT, you gotta dream BIG!

So I had a conversation with my father about my current goals (especially the one about purchasing a $1.4 million house) and he feed ME the worst possible line:
"You gotta crawl before you walk Julee! You're SPRINTING!!!"

HA! He says that to someone who pretty much paid their way through college SPRINTING! You can't use that line on a Division I track and field athlete Dad! We're built for speed! Although, I'll give it to him...I do need to pump my breaks a little. It's just so easy to get carried away when you live in a city like New York and have friends like I do...

I am so blessed to have people around me that are so darn out-going. Not only does it inspire me to do great things, but it pushes me to action. I can't sit around and let the world live out its dreams, I GOTTA GET MINE TOO! (Ohhhhh, I got a little ghetto right there!) BUT, like my wise friend Z says:"you gotta wait on your blessings." If something doesn't turn out your way, then it wasn't for you in the first place. God is good, so He's going to take care of us regardless of what we might THINk we need. And it's so comforting to know that!

With all that said, I challenge everyone to start dreaming BIG! No one is going to do it for you. You'll thank me later....preferably with a big fat check (that way I can start furnishing my brownstone)!

Love and Light...

2006-02-28T14:31:00.000-05:00

One whole year! I can't believe I've been at my job for a year now. And what a fabulous year it has been. Not only do I have a great job, but I've met some truly amazing people too. Whoever said "time flies when you're having fun" wasn't kidding.

As I reflect upon my time at the magazine I remember:

1-The time I almost killed my editor's orchid while she was on vacation (also how I contemplated super-gluing the pedals back on the stem...LOL...I know I'm crazy!)

2-Our offsite to New Orleans (what goes on in NO stays in NO)

3-NABJ trip to ATL...enough said!

4-FASHION WEEK...Spring and Fall 2006 Collections

5-Nia/Daisy/Claire....My RS Gals

6- "Mission Possible: Fame in 2006--Hustle and Flow" (The RS girls' ongoing mission to succeed in this crazy world of publishing)

7-J + Z's Rolodex Party... bringing the young, black, movers and shakers of NYC together! Keyword: LOVE

8-Meeting Andre Leon Talley....my American Idol!(also meeting Marc Jacobs and Patricia Field)

9-My office fashion shoot after throwing bows at the Stella McCartney sale at H&M....the clothes were well worth the fight!

10-Gettin low at the X-mas party....don't ask!

11-Charlie....my office lover (shhhhh...don't tell Rah)

12-Knowing that the fun has only begun!!!!

Stay Tuned!

Love and Light....

2006-02-22T15:36:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about my future...

More often than not, these thought sessions are revolved around who I'm going to marry, how many kids I want to have and whether I want our family vehicle to be a Range Rover or Escalade.

My most recent session consisted of an indepth look at my job situation and Grad school. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. I just need to start thinking about my next step. I will have been at my job for one year next week, and I have learned so much. I just don't want to get complacent. This brings me back to the whole idea of "Finessing" every situation you are presented with. I don't want to seem ungrateful for my current position, but I also want to show that I can handle more responsibility. The word "Finesse" has sort of a negative, and sneaky conotation. My definition of the word is strictly a declaration of all the many blessings and skills we have and using them to propel ourselves through whatever glass (and in some cases, concrete) ceilings that are placed in our way! Amen!

Back to my thought-session:
Soooooo, I have been giving some real consideration to the idea of Grad school. Not that I wasn't before, but with the fast-paced life I live the subject kept getting pushed to the sideline. I know that as a BLACK WOMAN in the country that Grad School is something that is not only a smart thing to do...but pretty much necessary! I encourage all my fabulous black ladies out there to look into Grad School. I hate playing the race card, but I gotta keep it real.

So far I have been looking into programs at Columbia and NYU. Although I would love to look beyond New York City, it's just not something I can do financially and plus-- if I do enroll in grad school while keeping my current job, my company will help with tuition! That is..... if I even get excepted :o( Gone are the days of explaining your SAT grades by showing your exceptional report cards, or flowering my application with things like Senior Class President, Model UN Delegate, Student Council member, or Varisty track and field athlete! For someone that DOES NOT take a great standardized test....I'm going to run into a few problems!Pray for me!

Love and Light...

2006-02-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

So, Fashion Week is over...booo whooo! I would like to think it was sucessful, other than the fact I managed to get sick at the end of the week....forcing me to retire from the week's shows on Thursday. However, I did get to see many of my fashion heros present their overall fabulous Fall 2006 collections. Ladies, we will be looking LOVELY and quite FIERCE this Fall!

Rounding out my show-attendance list are:
-Joanna Mastroianni
&
-Custo Barcelona

I would have liked to attend Zac Posen, Sweetface (J.Lo's line), Cynthia Rowley, and Chado by Ralph Rucci.... but I was heavily under the influence of NyQuil (my drug of choice) and orange juice. I didn't even make it to work on Friday...so you know I was REALLY sick!

On another note....

Sooooooo it was Valentine's Day yesterday, a day that has consistantly sucked for me in the past....boyfriend or not! This year, I feel I have broken the curse! My loved-one and I spent a quiet night at home...nibbing on sushi...sipping Reisling...lip syncing one another classic R&B hits...and reciting why we care about each other so darn much. It was pure magic! My memories of last years' dinner with Mr. W (I'm not cruel enough to disclose his identity) melted away in the heat of my current loving situation. Sigh!

On another Valentine's Day 2006 channel....
It's a shame how some so-called men are treating women these days. Not that it hasn't been happening for awhile, but I would like to think my friends and I have choosen to surround ourselves with up-standing men. I have been proven wrong lately! This V-day was sadly depressing for one of my best friends....all because the man she has chosen to bless with her time has revealed himself as undeserving it. Here is a quick tip for all those guys out there that are trying to keep a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S woman: Trying calling at least once a day or every other day....return your text messages....and recognize what you have before the woman wises up and moves on! That will be enough male-bashing for me today.... Sorry, just had to get it out!

For all those hopeless romantics out there.....Chivalry is NOT dead! There is a knight out there looking for you, and just when you think you'll be trapped in that tower forever... he'll promptly rescue you and take you away to a fabulous newly renovated Harlem brownstone with a dance studio, hot tub, and cedar closet for your designer clothes and shoe collection....A girl's gotta dream sometimes!

Love and Light....

2006-02-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

I am waist deep into Fashion Week, and my dreams just keep coming true. Here is a run down of the shows I have already attended (in chronological order):

1)Akiko Ogawa
2)Baby Phat
3)Alexandre Herchovitch
4)Y & Kei
5)Tracey Reese
6)Diane vonFurstenberg
7)Naeem Khan
8)Palmer Jones
9)Oscar de la Renta
10)Nanette Lepore
11)Heatherette
...More to come!

It might not look like a lot, but with all the hustle and bustle the shows start to wear down on you. It takes a good 50 mins from standing in line to check in, to then being herded into the tent, to then finding a seat. It's a lot of work...and imagine doing it all in pumps! (You better believe everyone comes out looking their best). However, all of this work is done in the fabulous name of fashion! The crazy part is: The shows only last about 10mins!!!!!!! All that prep for just a few minutes...the story of my life!

Throughout the whole week I've been rubbing elbows with so many people I respect in the fashion industry. On Sunday, I sat across from Patricia Field at the Naeem Kahn show. First of all, the clothes were beautiful but the only reason I truly wanted to attend was because Beyonce, my sister friend (wishful thinking), was confirmed to attend. However, she called me about 5 mins before the show started and said she was stuck in traffic...Hahahaha...I wish! Basically, she was a no-show! But, I did get to meet Patricia AND take a picture with her.

For all of you who have been living under the most unfashionable-rock-in-the-world for the past 10 years, Patricia Field is a triple threat: Designer/Stylist/Fashionista! She was THE fashion stylist for one of the greatest shows ever created...drum roll please------------ SEX AND THE CITY! I believe, if not for the fashion on the show, SATC would not have been such monstrous hit. Patricia Field single handedly (although I'm sure she had some help) changed the way everyone looked at fashion. Her eye for style is incredible! Ok, I'll stop my love feast...

Last night I attended one of the most entertaining shows that fashion week has to offer....Heatherette!
All the glitz and glamour of NYC is incorporated into the Heatherette look. Traver Rains and Richie Rich (the designers of the label) are nothing less than fabulous and they aren't afraid to show it. All the stars, transsexuals, drag queens, socialites, journalists and even other designers make sure that they get to this show.

Not only did I get into the show....I got a seat (thanks to my friends at work)...I also sat two seats behind MARC JACOBS! It's a miracle that I even spotted him. He was dressed conservatively, as usual, sitting at the end of the front row and managing to avoid detection from all the photographers around him. There were a bevy of drag queens buzzing around the tent...so I'm sure man with boobs are a little more eye-catching then the cool demeanor of Marc Jacobs. Well, my first ever encounter with Marc Jacobs (I don't even feel right just calling him Marc) was not how I had always envisioned it....

MY VISION--

MJ: (Gasp) "You are absolutely fabulous!"

Me: "Who? Me?"

MJ: "Yes! You have impeccable style and I would love for you to become my muse. Sofia Coppola has been good to me....but you...you are one in a million."

Me: "Oh Marc! You're too much. I would love to be your muse and we'll be best friends forever!"

....We embrace and live fashionably ever after!...

===================================================================================

MY REALITY--

Me: (gasp) "Do you mind if I take your picture?"

MJ: "No."

Me: (Awkward silence---looking for closest exit)

MJ: (sensing that I didn't understand) "No....I don't mind if you take my picture"

Me: (relieved) "Thank you" (snap!) "Thank you again" (quick exit)

===================================================================================

Sometimes reality sucks....but I can always tell my children (dressed in Marc Jacobs no less) that Mommy met one of the greatest designers of her time!

Love and Light...

2006-02-08T14:11:00.000-05:00

This blog was born out of a moment I will never forget...My first Oscar de la Renta fashion show (Fall 2006 collection-- 2.6.06)

As I sat amongst the movers and shakers in the fashion world--Socialites, editors, stylists, divas, divos, glamazons, models, designers, and wannabes-- I suddenly realized just how blessed I am. By no means do I have a self-esteem problem (I know I am fabulous...wink wink), but I am surely not the type of person to be sitting (not standing) at an Oscar de la Renta show! As I sat and watched the prim and proper ladies-that-lunch greet one another and the fashion editors preparing to take notes, I said to myself.... "I'm like the little black girl that could!"

Alas, my blog!

Before I move on, I want to clarify a few things: Please see the points below...

1) I'm actually not that little. I'm 5'9" and 1?? lbs (a true lady never reveals her weight...and if she does, she never tells the truth)

2) Ok, so I didn't really have a seat assigned to me for the Oscar de la Renta show. How did I get in...and a seat? It's called "Finessing".... Either you've got it or you don't! Note: If you want to learn...visit this blog as much as possible!

3) There is a "little WHATEVER that could" in all of us. It takes GUTS, PASSION, RELENTLESSNESS and a whole lot of FINESSING to get what we want....BUT, we WILL get it! So, this blog is dedicated to all those that apply! F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S

Love and Light..