Together We Can Help Owen

Facebook can be good for many things, especially for raising attention to helping others. Last Night My good friend, Allan Avery, who owns a successful Art Company, brought to my attention his fundraiser for little Owen, who was diagnosed with Leukemia last year.

I share this and hope you too can help by donating to help Owen. 

Please click here to help...

Owen, you are a strong boy, and we all send our love to you!!


Antonio Gonzales and friends..

Posted by Unknown at 5:34 AM - 1 comments

We Will Miss You Phyllis Diller!!

After my previous I heard that we lost Phyllis Diller. When you have someone with a humor like that you know its a gift from the heavens. Can you imagine if your job is to make the world laugh? Here's Phyllis Diller doing a hilarious standup in the 1960's, pay attention to her fierce style!!

Posted by Unknown at 7:44 PM - 0 comments

Happy Birthday Issac Hayes!!

"Who's the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft, ya, damn right!"

No matter where I am or the mood I am in, when the theme song for the movie "Shaft" is played, it gets me going...

To me, this song is the sexiest, smoothest, kick ass taste of the 70's. There has not been another like it!

The theme song from Shaftwas recorded a year before I was born (1971) and when it was released it quickly went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Written by musical legend, Issac Hayes, 40 years on, he still leaves us tapping our feet and moving our hips, SHAFT!!  When he walked on stage, man, woman..even dogs would stop and start to groove. Then they would yell, "Shaft!"  Well...maybe not the dogs... :)

With his deep voice, full lips and beard, the man was in control of any crowd he performed in front of. His talent as a musician earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song, which included writing and singing it. Here's a link to learn more about the 1970s musical hero and get you going baby...Shaft!!

 We LOVE and miss you Issac Hayes!!!

Posted by Unknown at 11:59 AM - 0 comments

Taking a Look Back to Stay Ahead in Fashion

I am excited to report that I will be working at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September. It is such an honor to be a part of Orlando's team during one of fashion's most important weeks.  Looking back at New York's last fashion week, it will be interesting to see what women on the street will be doing with the new trends.  Living in New York City, I am intrigued by how many women from Union Square to Harlem have captured runway trends and made it their own.  From braids to buns...women see it, love it and own it.

Two trends to research right now are from Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera.  They gave us modern, big hair, with two distinct differences.

If you are the type of girl that doesn't want super-perfect hair, Oscar de la Renta delivers hair with a textured, faux bob using silk ribbon and an eye-catching brooch to pull it all together. 

This can work for practically any age group, giving the effect of a more fun, girly, messy vibe, perfect for both casual or black tie events. 

Carolina Herrera gave us voluminous hair, cascading down the back that was clean and structured. 

It is a sexy, elegant look that will set you apart in a crowd in the right way.  For ladies that love to wear their hair extensions, this is a great style to show off your length with some va-va-voom! 

Stay tuned for more articles on the hair you should be gearing up to wear with your own twist.

Remember, individuality is a woman's strongest asset.

So see it, try it and own it.  Heeyyyyyy.

Posted by Unknown at 6:41 PM - 0 comments

Don't Judge It Can Happen To Anyone

I know I'm not the only one that has noticed the amount of homeless people living in the street.  As I walk through NYC amidst the crowds, I can't help but observe how we interact with people living on the streets.  At what point did we, as a culture make a decision to tune out those genuinely in need?

The hard thing about life is that anyone could end up on the streets for countless reasons...whether it's having had a negative experience in the current recession or being caught up in the disease of addiction.  Even a nervous breakdown can spiral any one of our lives to the point where we feel we have no hope or control.  What we fail to realize is that these people who we ignore are someone's child, parent, brother, or sister.  Would we like our loved one to be ignored if they were calling out for help?

Personally speaking, I am willing to admit that I too was at the point emotionally where I could have been in this situation.  Luckily for me I have family and friends that I was able to turn to for support.  What if I wasn't so fortunate?  Where would I be today?

Reflecting on this, next time you see a homeless person...would you stop to help or would you judge these real-life stories by their covers? 

The important question though, isn't how they got to the streets, but since they are on the streets, how can you help them? I know some of us have had negative interactions when offering help, but it's only a small percentage.  Most of the time, we've had luck in extending a warm sandwich, a coat in the cold winter, or a hot coffee.  Sometimes just the act of concern can spark someone's trust in humanity once again. 

Posted by Unknown at 4:01 AM - 0 comments

My Boss And Mentor Orlando Pita Giving The World Major Hair!!

Peru is known for it's ancient Inca civilization and its beauty. Recently Mario Testino, Orlando Pita and Fashion editor Camilla Nickerson worked together on a shoot in Peru, and the results were…… Major!!!

                 

Posted by Unknown at 9:10 AM - 0 comments

You go Gabby Douglas!!

A hairstyle lasts a couple days, a gold medal lasts a life time!! :)

Posted by Unknown at 11:28 AM - 0 comments

Happy Birthday Madonna!!! Hair By Orlando Pita.

Madonna, I wish you a happy, happy birthday. Thank you for all your amazing music, fashion and fierceness!!

This is one of the best "hair" music videos ever!!!  Great hair by my hero, Orlando Pita.

More Madonna hair by Orlando Pita.

Posted by Unknown at 9:24 AM - 0 comments

We Love You Athaliah Samuel- Miss Trinidad And Tobago For World!

Out of difficult times, beautiful things can emerge. This seems to be the message from our stunning representative for the Miss World Contest. 

Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Athaliah Samuel is majestic, with a smile that shows determination and strength. She has captured my heart as well as the heart of many others all over the world.

Born in Laventille, Trinidad, Athaliah talks about her difficult childhood. She also talks about her hopes to help young men and women in her hometown follow their dreams to success.  Anyone who openly talks about their difficult childhood has my attention. I have had the same experience and I know it takes a lot of strength to share it with the world.

See her compete at the Miss World pageant on Sunday the 18th in Ordos, China.

Click here and lets support her.

Here some images of, my girl, our girl - Miss Athaliah Samuel.

Posted by Unknown at 7:30 AM - 0 comments

The NYC Launch of The Who's Who of in the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora

Last night Dr Michele Reis held her book signing at Billy Blacks restaurant in Harlem.

With the help of supporters and Trinidadian friends, Michele was able to bring together a wonderful group of people from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Caribbean. At 7pm Dr. Reis took to the stage and welcomed everyone. She went on to describe her journey of triumphs and challenges to get her book published.

She further explained that with this book she hopes to bring together Trinidadians and Tobagonians living abroad, to not only meet each other but most importantly, to form an alliance and help Trin-bagonians back home to reach their maximum potential.

Michele then invited people who had the pleasure of being published in her book to speak and share a little about themselves and their passion. For me, it was easily one if the most inspirational events I've been part of in a very, very long time.

When the event ended I was excited to introduce myself to my fellow expats. I saw familiar faces like actress Penelope Spencer and met some new people like Trinidadian-born Gordon Espinet, Senior Vice President for Global Training and Development for MAC Cosmetics. What an honor.

Another Person I met was Ashley Christmas, a designer and a man on a mission to bring home to Trinidad and Tobago a clear message. Lead by example and help others help themselves.

Then I was on a roll, I met and chatted with Designer Donna Dove, Chef Kaisha Cave, Fashion Editor Director Walter Greene and many more.

The evening ended with great food by Billy Blacks, great calypso music and a lot of excitement for us all as to what the future holds.

Great job Dr. Reis!!

Posted by Unknown at 9:33 AM - 2 comments

Lee And Marie's Cakery Company

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about the opening of Lee and Marie's Cakery Company in New York and Miami. 

I can say first hand, the love and support that went into this delectable establishment will keep you coming back for more!

When Lee and Marie's was just an idea, Andrea Travaglia expressed her desire to support adults with Autism Spectrum disorder. And her dream has come true.

  
Lee and Marie's Cakery company will be opening its doors in Miami on August 31st. It is located on 40 South Point Drive, which boasts breathtaking views of the waters.

So stay tuned as I bring you more on Lee and Marie's. In the meantime, please visit their Facebook page and hit the like button.

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Unknown at 7:57 AM - 1 comments

True Beauty Is A Child laughing

While walking in Chelsea today, I ran into the cutest group of children. They were in all their glory selling lemonade and cookies.

The proud mothers stood there with their babies, smiling and helping. It really warmed my heart to witness love in action.

I could not help but stop, and support God's gifts to the world;)

Children are magical beings. With the ability to make you laugh or cry with joy. It's hard to ignore a baby in passing. Their ability to be present and just "be" is a constant reminder that we were once that like that.

My great-niece and nephew:)

I can't recall seeing a baby in a stroller stressing about the future...hoping to find a relationship or a pair of heels to bring them happiness. A candy maybe, or a stroll in the park is all it takes to give a child peace.

Let's not forget that feeling. Why not make an effort daily to find that inner child?

Today I send my love to all the children, all over the world. Thank you for always making my day brighter.

Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 5:58 AM - 2 comments

Keshorn Walcott Wins Gold!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited that I can only express my joy in the dialect of Trinidad and Tobago:)

Ey!!! All yuh!!!! Buh wah de jail is dis!!! De man win ah gold yes!!!!! Gold in all yuh roo-kun-kah-toonks!!! 

Posted by Unknown at 3:23 PM - 0 comments

Orlando Pita: Viviscal Extra Strength Healthy Hair Supplement

Go to Opensky and get a great deal on this amazing supplement to help your hair grow. Here is Orlando Pita to tell you all about it!!

Posted by Unknown at 7:18 PM - 0 comments

The Who's Who In The Trinidad And Tobago Diaspora

A few years ago I received an email from Dr. Michele Reis regarding her book, The Who's Who in the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora. Michele has collected bio's and published the achievements of many Trinidadians, and Tobagonians  living abroad. From Sportsmen, musicians and actresses, they are all included. Over the years Michelle and I have stayed in touch as our relationship has grown thanks to the internet.

When I heard that Dr. Reis was in New York City to do a soft launch on Tuesday, August 14^th at 6pm, I was elated and just had to meet her.

I invited her to Orlo Salon for a haircut, which she happily accepted. She walked in with her daughter Natalie and we all started chatting and laughing from the get go!

It turns out that we grew up streets away from each other in St Joseph. We swapped stories about growing up in T&T and how lucky we were to have been influenced by such a diverse, colorful and creative island.

Congratulations Michele on your book! It’s great to see your hard work pay off. And thank you for including me in your book, its an honor.

If you would like to meet and enjoy an evening of Trinidadians celebrating with Dr. Michele Reis, followed by a book signing, here's where to go...

Posted by Unknown at 4:27 AM - 0 comments