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Fashion, MSM Online

From Desk to Drinks: 2016 Holiday Edition

By: Dana Lyons, General Manager at My Home Fashion Boutique Dashing off for drinks after your 9-to-5? Surviving the holiday party circuit requires some wardrobe strategy, especially when it comes to post-work soirées and the race against time (thanks Miami traffic). Since going home to change isn’t always an option, I’ve put together a list of My Home Fashion Boutique’s favorite style hacks to take the stress out of desk-to-drinks dressing. The last thing you need slowing you down is your wardrobe! Wide leg Pant Silhouette When running from work to your next holiday party you want to feel fabulous without giving up comfort. Having the perfect pair of pants solves half the battle. Wide leg trousers in black or winter white not only look sophisticated for your staff meeting, but also transition beautifully when paired with a silk cami or sequined tank for your night out. Take a cue from B.O.N.D. and try the Siena Wide Leg Trouser, in black or winter white, on for size. Ditch the Office Wear, and Rock the Outerwear                     A fitted blazer is the classiest way to go topless this season. Yes, you read that right! If you’re feeling bold, follow in the fashionable footsteps of Hollywood’s finest like Rosie Hungtinton-Whitely and Rihanna and lose the office undergarments for a sexy, no shirt blazer look. Dare to go bare with a buttoned leather moto jacket by Gimo or fitted crop suede jacket by SEN. Add an ivory beaded necklace by David Aubrey or sandstone bracelets by Cindy Zale, and your outfit is complete. This edgy update to a classic power suit is the ideal way to show off your avant-garde taste effortlessly. Cap Sleeve Meets Color                     To keep your day-to- night transition minimal, go with a silk blouse. The refined elegance of the blouse is a no-brainer for the office, but how about a blouse with the holiday twist of a cap sleeve? The shimmering material and angelic hue make it worthy of a champagne toast. Try on the B.O.N.D. cap sleeve shirt with delicate neckline for a put together and party-approved look. To complement any outfit quick-change, swipe on a vivid red or rich mulberry lipstick, and you’ll be ready for any holiday party photo op! Never Underestimate the Power of Heels               Shoes are the quintessential hero to dress up any day-to- night ensemble. Slip on a pair of striking, textured heels or opt for a stiletto heeled boot. Scarlet, evergreen and metallic tones lend a perfect pop of color to any outfit. Don’t underestimate the power of a pointed flat to make a statement for the holidays as well. My Home Fashion’s Bara column heel by Rudsak or the On – Point flat by Jaggar will have you standing out amongst the crowd. Shop these desk-to-drink looks at My Home Fashion Boutique located in the Biscayne Commons Plaza at 14681 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181!    

Entertainment, Film, MSM Online, Music, Traveler

10 Celebrity Vacation Hotspots

By Gisel Habibnejad With their fame and fortune running on surplus, celebrities know exactly where and how to vacation. If you want to know the hotspots to travel to, simply follow the footsteps of all the biggest celebrities—after all, they keep coming back for a reason. Here’s a list of the most popular worldwide destinations infested with familiar faces. 1. Saint Tropez Who you’ll see: Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Tom Cruise, Rihanna, P. Diddy, Jack Nicholson, Gigi Hadid, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sir Elton John, Beyonce, Jay-Z 2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Who you’ll see: Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Cameron Diaz, Ryan Seacrest, Julia Roberts, George & Amal Clooney, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith 3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia Who you’ll see: Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, Rob Lowe, Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Keith Urban 4. Maldives Who you’ll see: Eva Longoria, Penelope Cruz, Kate Moss, Jude Law, David & Victoria Beckham, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Katy Perry, Tom Cruise 5. South Beach, Florida Who you’ll see: Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, Amber Heard, Drake, Lenny Kravitz, Ellie Goulding 6. Lake Como, Italy Who you’ll see: George & Amal Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Madonna, Sir Richard Branson, Alred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger, Kylie Minogue, Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock 7. Maui, Hawaii Who you’ll see: Paris Hilton, Megan Fox, Owen Wilson, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jason Statham, Jack Osbourne, Charlize Theron, Sean Penn 8. Dubai Who you’ll see: Kim Kardashian West, Kanye West, David & Victoria Beckham, Rita Ora, Nicole Scherzinger, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Roger Federer, Selena Gomez, Paris Hilton 9. Aspen, Colorado Who you’ll see: Elle Macpherson, Jack Nicholson, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Nicole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton 10. Barbados Who you’ll see: Rihanna, Cara Delevigne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Simon Cowell, Sting, Hugh Grant, Tiger Woods, Naomi Watts, Katy Perry    

Fashion, Interviews, Luxury, The Issue

Jason of Beverly Hills Opens in the Miami Design District

By Katie Jackson Photography by World Red Eye Since 2002, Jason of Beverly Hills has become the go-to luxury jeweler among Hollywood’s elite. In providing diamond pieces that push limits while also maintaining opulent glamour, the brand has attracted high-profile clients including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey and MSM’s July/August cover model Joanna Krupa. Owner Jason Arasheben has expanded his popular brand from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, to upscale locations in major cities including the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, North Carolina, and now in the heart of the Miami Design District. What began as an appointment-only diamond jeweler quickly grew into a multi-billion dollar operation. “We would design something specific to somebody’s personal style and image, so the DNA of the brand is custom pieces,” said Arasheben. “Then we kind of transcended into building collections.” Drawing inspiration from nature, architecture, fashion, and even cars, the brand’s collections are anything but ordinary. “We like to think out of the box and we like to be eccentric,” said Arasheben. “I always say that this is not your grandmother’s jewelry. If I make a piece and my mother hates it, I say okay, this is perfect.” The brand recently drew attention with their ADDICTED collection, featuring pieces like diamond encrusted pill pendants and syringe rings. “Everyone has an addiction to something,” said Arasheben. “This is an addiction to diamonds.” Though controversial, the collection has become a favorite among notable celebrities. “Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lindsay Lohan have all purchased pieces from the ADDICTED collection,” said Arasheben. As for the fourth flagship location, Arasheben is thrilled to bring Jason of Beverly Hills to Miami. “The great thing about Miami is that the culture and vibe of the city is very much in line with the identity of our brand,” said Arasheben. “There’s a strong nightlife, people like to have fun, and there are a lot of South Americans who are big fans of our brand, so it was really the perfect alignment.” Jason of Beverly Hills is located at 140 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137 For more information on Jason of Beverly Hills, please visit www.jasonofbh.com Click here to view this post in our September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, The Issue

Christine Bullock: The Evolution of Fitness

By Angela Betancourt Photographed by Sarah Orbanic Christine Bullock is a triple threat. She is a fitness model, wellness expert, and fashion maven that has set a new standard in the industry and she is only getting started. She’s been voted “LA’s Hottest Trainer,” has been featured in dozens of national magazines and TV programs, and her Butt Lift DVD won top Pilates DVD of 2013. Perhaps the only things more impressive than her accolades are her credentials. She has a BA in Psychology and Education and was a ballet dancer with the Pittsburg Ballet Theatre. She also has certificates in Pilates, Yoga, Barre, TRX, HIIT, Pre and Postnatal fitness, and nutrition.   Christine recently developed a new fitness series called “Evolution 20” which is a 60 day workout program and nutritional plan that requires only 20 minutes a day. As a busy woman herself, Christine saw an opportunity to create a program that would be effective and wouldn’t demand too much of our already busy lives.   Christine believes that fitness and nutrition are the keys to living life to the fullest. Eating well, exercising, and feeling good about yourself will not only get you ready for summer, but will enhance your overall quality of life. “Fitness is about creating the strongest version of yourself.”   In January Christine came to Miami to do a photo shoot for the all-natural Champion Naturals and shared a few words of wisdom on getting ready for summer and building a healthier life.   Don’t diet. “Going on a diet is restrictive and it’s like a punishment. I eat more than the people around me but I eat healthy.” Instead, focus on eating healthier foods. The number one thing she would recommend everyone stop eating right now is sugar. Sugar is in everything including processed foods so it’s not the easiest thing to eliminate.   Mix up your workouts. Get off the treadmill and try something different. “A 20-minute hard core work out is more effective than spending two hours doing the same thing.” Even celebrities in Hollywood have caught on to variety in working out. Christine points out that some Victoria Secret models have incorporated boxing to tone the upper body. Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna also mix things up. “Changing up your workout and tricking the body is what helps improve your physical form.” Stick to it. Though eating well and increasing your fitness level will put you on the road to a healthier you, results will be minimal if you don’t stick to it. Finding the motivation to work out can sometimes be difficult. Christine suggests reaching out to a friend. Having someone workout with you makes you accountable for each other and can serve as extra motivation. Push through it. On particularly hard days when working out is the last thing you want to do, you just have to push through the feelings. “The first 10 minutes can be miserable,” describes Christine about her tough days. “But if you push past those 10 minutes eventually things get easier.” Make a plan. An effective way to commit to a workout plan, is to “schedule things into a calendar and make them nonnegotiable items on your to do list. When you schedule things into your day you are more likely to follow through.” This isn’t just true for workouts. On Sundays, Christine plans out all her meals and workouts for the week. She also prepares some of the ingredients beforehand; she makes hummus, salsas, and chops up vegetables so they’re ready to go. Get the latest look. Christine loves fashion and blogs about fashionable gear on her website. She believes that feeling confident while exercising is an important part in having a good workout and wearing the right outfit can make a big difference. One of her favorite places to shop is Carbon 38. They feature a massive variety of active wear for just about every activity. “They have 70-100 new arrivals every month and there is something for you no matter what your style.” Christine gravitates to their Michi and Alo Yoga collections and loves bright colored gym shorts and apparel for spring. Christine also recommends checking out Lorna Jane Active Living, which is also very hot right now.

Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Up and Coming Music Artist Veronica Vega

MSM: At what age did you start singing? I’ve been singing since I was about 3-4 years old but I started professionally doing it at the age of 13. MSM: What artists inspired you to start singing? I’m inspired by many artists not just one or two. Culture really intrigues me so any artist that offers talent and culture is inspiring. MSM: Pitbull is like family to you. How did you meet and what important role does he play presently in your life? I met Pitbull when I was 15 years old through doing music and recording in the studio. Pitbull and I have an awesome working relationship. He and I come from the same background as we are first generation Americans with Latin parents. He sees a lot of himself in me as I do in him. That makes our connection strong. MSM: Tell us what it was like to have Pitbull collaborate on your recent single “Wicked”? Collaborating with Pitbull on Wicked is of course nothing but an honor and a blessing. For me it was a great learning experience as well because I got to see the way he works as well as his attack on records and approach in business which is quite impressive. MSM: How would you describe your style of music? I would describe my style of music as a blend of cultures. Its a fusion of sounds and melodies found in different genres of music. I’ve mixed tropical music with hip-hop, dance, and reggae. It’s untapped so it’s refreshing. But a person who probably couldn’t describe it would say its pop music. MSM: What is your next single? Album? Is it in Spanish or English? When is it slated to be released? My next single will be announced very soon. Currently I’m recording a few more records for my album both in English and Spanish and collaborating with producers and artists from around the world. Greatness takes time! 😉 MSM: Legendary producer Polow Da Don who has worked with some of the big names in the music industry such as Usher, Chris Brown, Nelly, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, among many others, has been working with you… How did you both meet and how long have you been working with him? Working with Polow Da Don is a dream. Aside from being undeniably talented and recognized for his success in music, he’s been an incredible mentor for me. Working with him has motivated me and taught me hard work and dedication. He inspires me to be better everyday. He pushes me to the limit and his expectations for me keeps me on my toes. Musically, I can’t even explain how genius he is. What he’s done for me musically has no words. I can’t wait for the world to hear it. In short, working with Polow has been one of my greatest blessings. MSM: What is your sense of style and who are your favorite fashion designers? My sense of style ranges depending on my mood. For the most part, I like to be comfortable. I’m from Miami so anything that shows some skin is a winner to me! (laughs). I’m a girly girl but I do dabble in boy apparel as well. I like young, fresh, and colorful things. I have a bipolar style lol. MSM: What is in store for the future of Veronica Vega? New music and visuals for my fans. I pray to change peoples lives and inspire others like great artists have inspired me. Through music and culture I hope to represent a group of people like me (Young Latin Americans) and help create awareness about our culture throughout the world. Photography by IMANI OGDEN Hair by ESTHER JIMENEZ  Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Kevin Lyttle

By Craig K. Skilling “Turn me on” three simple yet provocative words and song lyrics that captured the heart of music lovers from across the globe ten years ago has hit the charts again! I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with the singer and song- writer of those lyrics along with his wife, the Barack and Michelle power couple of south Florida and the Caribbean, the engaging Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Lyttle. Kevin, born Lescott Kevin Lyttle Coombs from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is most known for his talented high pitch sound that universally blessed us in 2004 with that hit single “Turn me On” off of Atlantic Records. We met up for good food, drinks and conversation where everything was on the table including Kevin’s latest business ventures, philanthropic efforts, married/ family life, the early days of his music industry career and of course his new music! As Kevin and I began to catch up I was informed by Jackie that Kevin just returned from a long trip for a concert performance and philanthropic mission in the south pacific island of Papa New Guinea along with R&B singer, songwriter and actress Ms. Mya Harrison. The two plan to record a song together once their schedule permits in 2014. The reminder allowed for Kevin to open up on some of the amazing things that are currently happening in his life. “Man, it’s crazy “Turn me on” is back on the charts and is currently #7 on the local charts and #28 on the Amazon’s best-selling digital songs list,” says Kevin emphatically. As I looked across the table I noticed a few of Kevin’s gadgets including two cell phones and a dual phone/wristwatch device. Kevin recently struck a deal with Samsung to be an official brand ambassador and as part of the deal receives the latest in their mobile technology. Speaking of mobile technology Kevin has just inked a deal with a company called ‘Pack’ to build his personalized and branded “Fan Experience” celebrity app available in the iTunes, Amazon and Google app store. Kevin is a brand and what I found out is that the lovely lady sitting next to him, his wife and business manager has been extremely instrumental in helping to build that brand. “We actually met when we were both thirteen in third form” (the US equivalent of high school) says Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle who received her PhD in Engineering from the University of Miami. While both were thirteen Kevin said he was going to marry the Vincentian when he turned sixteen. It would take several years for their stars to align and for marriage to become a reality but Jackie mentions with a gleam and glow that Kevin would always inquire to see how she was doing and remained confident that he would marry his island beauty one day. Their bond seems to be unbreakable however Kevin would admit that that being an international touring artist and balancing being a husband and father would not be possible without the support of his multitalented wife and business manager. Although Kevin is not a casual consumer of alcohol he did mention that when he occasionally has a drink you better believe it will be Monte Carlo Vodka in his cup. Kevin signed a deal with Monte Carlo Vodka to represent their brand throughout the world. If that were not enough he and his wife Jackie are partners in a phenomenal startup company called Kidsville, currently located in Southland Mall with new Florida locations being confirmed. Kidsville is the ultimate experience for kids and a place where parents can safely consider dropping their children off while working or shopping at the mall. Just when I thought we were going to catch up on his music the entertainment mogul mentions another partnership with a company called Chill Shot. Chill Shot is the natural liquid version of what someone like Bob Marley would have truly appreci- ated. No it’s not a liquid version of marijuana but it is a legal FDA approved version and stimulating experience that will basically make an individual feel “chill” after taking the shot. We shifted our conversation to Kevin’s independent label Tarakon Records, co-founded by his wife Jackie. Tarakon has been instrumental in discovering and signing new talent as well as releasing Kevin’s latest music including a song titled “Anywhere” featuring south Florida homegrown, worldwide, music heavy- weight FloRida. “Anywhere” is one of Kevin’s most recent singles and has been licensed by Hollywood for a film titled “What about Love’ featuring Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia. The film will be released on February 15th, 2015 and will incorporate scenes from the film in an official Kevin Lyttle music video. Tarakon is a rising star in the independent music label space and has been able to secure several major deals for Kevin and their artists including a quickly approaching print, radio and television talk show campaign. As for new music I am told Kevin’s new LP will be titled the “Diplomat” partly titled after his world travels and his official appointment as ambassador of St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Kevin still tours throughout the world touching almost every continent. His upcoming single features another Caribbean star “Mr. Boombastic,” international recording artist Shaggy. Additional artists to be featured on the new LP include Yagay Mackie, King James out of Ruwanda, Medina in Sweden and many more to make up the international and diverse sound. I had the pleasure of listening to the various songs on his Samsung device and must say the diverse blend and world sound of dance, reggae, soca, pop and r & b is going to make the Diplomat a must get for sure! When asked what drives him to continue the hectic daily grind, Kevin mentions his family including his talented little man KJ, his wife and the Janice Lyttle Foundation named after his mom who passed away a few years ago. The foundation is really

Interviews, Swimwear

One On One With Red Carter

Swimwear designer Red Carter makes a giant splash in the fashion industry, and it’s only the beginning.  By Katie Jackson/Photo courtesy of Ken Pao In 2003, Miami gained a designing phenomenon when Red Carter left his native California to take his talents to the Magic City.  After working for major brands like Esprit, Guess, Victoria’s Secret, and Oscar de la Renta, Carter was finally ready to break out on his own. Inspired by Miami’s glamorous Art Deco style, Carter created and developed his swimwear brand out of his Miami Beach apartment. Now, Carter’s fashionable and sexy swimwear has catapulted him to the top, with numerous features in leading high fashion magazines and a large celebrity following.  Sadly for Miami, Carter recently relocated to New York City to continue growing his burgeoning brand, but will always have a special place for Miami in his swimwear and in his heart. For Carter, the desire to design clearly pulses through his veins. As a young child, Carter was already creating sketches for what would soon lead to a career in fashion. “I started drawing sketches of naked ladies, and my mom was like, ‘you can’t have all these pictures of naked ladies laying around!’ So she said, ‘why don’t you put clothes on them?’ So I started drawing dresses and watching vintage movies, and that sort of inspired me to see the art of fashion in movement,” says Carter.  He then went on to study at the prestigious Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. After his graduation, Carter gained extensive experience working for top fashion brands and designers. But after taking a job with a start up company and being let go soon after, Carter decided it was time to take control of his career. “I found myself without a job, and I decided that I wanted to have my own message. So, I started my own brand,” says Carter. After moving to Miami 11 years ago, Carter says he was given a rare opportunity to “set the tone for luxury living.” Carter capitalized on the growing niche for high-end swimwear, creating polished yet glamorous pieces with a fun Miami edge for the fashionista with a flexible budget. “My customer is looking for a getaway, and they want to stand out. They definitely don’t want to wear what everyone else has,” says Carter.  Carter began designing his brand on his own dime and started selling his pieces out of his apartment. “We would do little shows, sell them out of little stores. I just paid my dues.” But it wasn’t long until Carter’s designs starting receiving massive attention.  Popular retail stores started carrying his designs and magazines began giving him features. Then in 2004, Carter participated in the very first Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, launching him and his designs into an international spotlight. Today, Carter’s designs have been featured in multiple high fashion glossies, and have been spotted on notable celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, and the Kardashian sisters. One of his suits was even worn by Beyoncé in her music video “Grown Woman” off her mega-hit self-titled visual album “Beyoncé.” Upon finding out about the video, Carter said he was ecstatic. “I was like, are you kidding me? It was a great couple of minutes. I did the happy dance. It was kind of the most funny, anxious moment, but it was really great.” But even with the massive exposure, Carter stays humble. “I’ve never really taken it for granted. I’m always very flattered,” says Carter of the all the attention. “You’re only as good as your next design. So I’m very honored, but I always think to myself, what is possibly next? That was great, who else now? How else can I affect people?”  Carter has now relocated to New York City after joining the outerwear manufacturer Amerex Group. Joining Amerex Group has not only helped Carter grow his business, but also allowed him to be removed from the operations of the company and solely dedicate himself to what he truly loves: design. Carter is now able to work on multiple projects at once, including continuing to design suits for Jessica Simpson’s swimwear line, a project he was approached to do a few years ago.  As for when he’s back in Miami, you may catch Carter relaxing at The Standard or grabbing a bite to eat at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. “It’s so bad, but so good,” Carter says of the restaurant. While he’s not particularly into the party scene, Carter says he loves to people watch when in Miami. “I’ll definitely relax by the local pools and watch what people are wearing and what their lifestyles are all about. That’s my little secret weapon.”  Although Carter is no longer living in Miami, he will be returning this summer to participate in the MBFWS 10th anniversary, but will not be doing a show. “It’s kind of an honorary participation,” says Carter.  Instead, he will be showcasing one of his prints from one of the last runway shows he did for MBFWS, which happens to be the piece featured in Beyoncé’s video.  While it’s clearly evident that Carter has made an enormous indent in the fashion industry, he remains the perfect balance of humble, passionate, and determined.  “I’ve had a great journey. I’ve had great seasons and I’ve had seasons of struggle. I think in the end, persistence is a true reward. Persistence is what you have to focus on. And not being a flash, but being a constant. Just follow your dreams and don’t give up.”  You can find Red Carter designs at Nordstrom and online at Niemen Marcus, as well as shopbop.com, southbeachswimsuits.com, and Everything But Water Stores worldwide.  Photo by Imani Ogden Click here to view this post in the July/August 2014 issue.

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