Hey There!

Don’t let the fact that the summer is drawing to a close get you down. There are still so many HOT happenings going on! One of which was J&R Music World’s 2008 J&R Musicfest featuring Ashanti, Joe, Nicole Henry, Jo De la Rosa and Naturally Seven taking place in downtown New York City–it was simply to DIE FOR. We’re not kidding, the 2008 J&R Musicfest had both women and men alike swooning over the performances of former Destiny’s Child member turned solo artist Michelle Williams and Actor and Singer Terrence Howard…need we say more? Well OK, we suppose we should!

Our best source confirmed that the event was stellar, and that “the women LOVED Terrence Howard. Mr. Howard sang Will You Marry Me? It was over! All the women were hollering Yes, Yes, Yes! After all of the performances Solange and Terrence signed autographs inside of J&R Musicworld”...can you feel the love? We could and we greatly look forward to 2009 … til next year ….

*photos by Derick Salters

Hi!

Those who know well…know! So it goes for New York based designer extraordinaire B Michael who has announced when he will show this season’s collection–Spring 2009. The designer will show on the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Calendar scheduled for Friday, September 5th at 4:00 pm.

The venue and the theme for the invite-only show are being kept under wraps until the exclusive guests have received their invitations. Selected guests and press will be seated in a very exquisite venue for the runway presentation of B Michael’s advanced American Couture. Mystery, Intrigue and Romance will be the tone of the collection.

B Michael Couture is worn by high profile socialites and celebrities. The loyal following consider the designer a well-kept secret known to the very elite wearers of American Couture. The breadth of the following extends to the award winning recording/film artist Beyonce, to the legendary Cicely Tyson, and to Cate Blanchett.

*photo of Designer B Michael & San Francisco Socialite Pamela Joyner from New York Social Diary

Hello!

Mitzi Miller and Denene Millner, writers of the black teen series Hotlanta, just got nominated for an African American Literary Award in the Children Teen category-- and they need your VOTE! Yes, the Atlanta focused series, which allows our children to read about characters that look like us, and speak directly to our teens experiences, could use our support.

Do take the time to click on the link above & vote…you’ll be GLAD you did!

Hello,

By now everyone has heard of the very untimely passing of Comedic Actor Bernie Mac, he will be sorrily missed. This weekend his Chicago funeral turned out a bevy of celebs, longtime friends including comedic actor Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, payed their respects giving a bit of insight as to just how special Bernie Mac was.

Success for Bernice Mac came in the form of stand-up, alongside comedians Cedric the Entertainer, DL Hughley and TV/Radio Personality Steve Harvey–all of whom attended Bernie Mac’s August 16th funeral.

Audiences will forever remember him as Frank Catton in Ocean’s Eleven and subsequent sequels and as the star of the Bernie Mac Show for which he garnered two Emmy Award nominations.

Hi!

Suffice to say, quite a number of people made it out to this year’s Bikini Under the Bridge. Admittedly, we’d never heard of Bikini Under the Bridge until a photographer we’d met in passing suggested perhaps we should attend the open call for models (as a show hopeful)–AHHHHWWW shucks…what a compliment!

Seriously though, we knew a second photographer that attended the event offcially as press, took AMAZING photos of the latest and HOTTEST swimwear available locally here in New York, and then who lovingly presented said photos to The Quest for “it” here at UPTOWNlife.net. We now share the precious photos with you the readers. Need a little background first?

Here’s The Deal

Bikini Under the Bridge 2008, took place on Sunday, July 27th at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. Sister 2 Sister Fashion Editor Walter Greene hosted the event and WBLS Radio Personality Ann Tripp presided as co-host. The JRG produced event consisted of 2 shows, one at 5:00 pm and one at 7:00 pm. 2008 was year number four for the Bikini Under the Bridge project, and this year’s designers included: Yard Rock, Lexx Perry, Sa Shea, Look Down, Derrick Moore, Debonaire, and Chrystale Green. To follow are select shots from the show.

*photos by Derrick Salters

Hey There!

Yes, we were out East again this weekend and upon leaving a SUPER EXLCUSIVE Mane Event: A benefit for Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue taking place, at the private residence of photographer Steven Klein Bridgehampton, we stumbled upon longtime New York based African-American Anchor/Host/Reporter Lynne White formerly of Court TV.

When asked just who she was wearing the fashionable Ms.White exclaimed “Luca Luca“, admitting that Luca Orlandi was her “FAVORITE designer.” The Mane Event, which requested that guests wear all black found Ms. White looking STUNNING in a black tank with pearl beading and matching black pants all Luca Luca–of course!

Lynne White attends Mane Event: A benefit for Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue, Bridgehampton, NY, Copyright ©Manhattan Society.com 2008 by Christopher London

Hey There!

The August 7th White Party at Harlem’s N Boutique was just as ENTICING as we initially described. The relaxed atmosphere awaiting us was beyond a breath of fresh air as the sun began to set. Music filled the air upon entry and to our surprise nearly EVERYONE really was dressed in white! Near the front window of the the chicer than thou N Boutique was a small bar serving the evening’s sponsored spirit (Pour Moi cognac) as well a sexy sangria-oK well it made one feel sexy after just one sip…

SekouWrites (Editor of When Butterflies Kiss & Editor in Chief of UPTOWNlife.net) was on hand to greet guests and promote his book as was fellow blogger and Celebrity Hairstylist Diane Da Costa. Other attendees included UPTOWNlife.net General Manager Raymond O’Neal, UPTOWN Magazine Co-CEO Len Burnett, Regional Special Events Coordinator Macy’s East Christian Mackenzie, etc.

Copies of Sekou’s When Butterflies Kiss (Second Edition) were pre-ordered en masse, and several guests shopped for the latest N Boutique offerings. Co-Owner Nikoa Evans (see photo above left) was on hand ringing up more than a fair share of clothing sales setting the tone of the evening via her own stylish white frock. Picture snapping abound and networking between authors, UPTOWNlife.net bloggers and friends of Sekou carried the evening. Below are a few pics from OUR EXCLUSIVE GALLERY…………

Captions: N Boutique Co-Owner Nikoa Evans (above).

*photos by Abiose Massaquoi.

Celebrity Lifestyle Blogger Tia Walker, Regional Special Events Coordinator Macy’s East Christian Mackenzie & Sekou Writes

Earlecia Gibbs, SekouWrites & Celebrity Makeup Artist Diane Da Costa

UPTOWNlife.net General Manager Raymond O’Neal, Publicist Lindsay Wagner, Melissa Valle, & Earlecia Gibbs.

The N Boutique crew (Jamar Duggins, Lenn Shebar, Nikoa Evans, & Larry Ortiz) show off Sekou’s book.

Hi!

Recently we had the pleasure of meeting up with two exceptionally accomplished former pro athletes for what is easily New York City’s HOTTEST new cutting edge workout programs. Cut Fitness NYC is the new name of the game. Sean Wright and Curtis Williams who head up the SUPER body conditioning program are definitely ones to watch. Forget the professional “personal trainer” designations (although they have them) these are two former PRO athletes–emphasis on PRO, know the process of getting fit and staying fit with optimal results, inside and out. The Cut Fitness NYC promise is to motivate and inspire clients to discover their core both mentally and physically through unparalleled fitness expertise, around the clock support and sponsorship, and unique individualized training programs.

Sean Wright’s experience as a pro- runner, formerly specializing in the 400 meter and backed by a major overseas corporation, allows him to fine tune and customize conditioning programs for clients with ease. Curtis Williams, former Wide Receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, NY Giants, and NY Jets, and previous collegiate skill as a Special Team Captain via the University of Maryland brings the drill team element. Together they are an unstoppable force, garnering serious buzz for their boot camp training which runs from March through December in New York ’s famed Central Park.

2 Very Different Training Sessions Yield Amazing Results

Our Thursday afternoon July 24th visit with the men of Cut Fitness NYC meant that we were about to get a first hand look at their training styles and methods, and the ability to judge for ourselves just how effective Cut Fitness NYC really is. Two real women, both at different levels of fitness, spent 45 minutes each simultaneously pumping and pushing (via a total body workout) to the commanding voices of the Cut Fitness duo. To follow are a sampling of their prized techniques.

Strength & Endurance Workout (Sean Wright) - Real Person Model Michelle (advanced level of fitness)

Warm up of laps around studio

-One hand push ups on Bosu Balance Trainer (looks like a half ball or sphere)

-Squats from side to side left to right on half ball

-Superband wrapped around ankles (to work abs and outer thighs)

- Upper body/Lower Body Extension using a 5 lb weight (shoulders, abs, & thighs)

-Step and repeat lunges on platform (4 steppers)(works on glutes)

Cardiovascular Workout (Curtis Williams)-Real Person Model Gina (intermediate level of fitness)

Warm Up all various aerobic movements to raise heart rate

-Abdominal Crunch with a body bar

-Controlled lunge with 2.5 lb weights ( lots of reps at a slow tempo)

_Step & Reverse on a platform still using a 2.5 lb weights

- Isometric Chest Press using 2.5 lb weights (leaning against wall)

For the full routine try your own personal training session–available all year round of course. Interested in something demanding but not necessarily advanced? Try boot camp training, it meets 4 times a week ( Tuesdays & Thursdays) at 6:30 am & again at 6:30pm and involves the teaching of running form, weight resistance, athletic movements etc. Call (646) 541-6112 for further info.

Left to right: Cut Fitness Pros Sean Wright & Curtis Williams, Sean Wright demonstrates excercises, Curtis Williams in action.

*photos courtesy of Cut Fitness NYC

Hey There,

Just a quick note to say CONGRATS to K.Tyson Perez & his UNVogue webzine staff on the recent nod from New York Times Editor Ruth La Ferla. The New York based webzine for people of color UNVogue, just secured a little place in history as part of a feature in the Fashion & Style section of today’s New York Times.

The webzine, out less than a year focuses on people of color as fashionable, beautiful sources of inspiration.

Again CONGRATS!

Hi!

It’s not too late to get informed on this one! The 116th St boutique hotpsot will be throwing a Summer White Party TONIGHT as well as celebrating the pre-order book launch event for When Butterflies Kiss (Second Edition). We’ve been asked to break out our summer whites and head over to N Boutique at approximately 6:30 pm this evening. We are told there will be an an open cocktail bar and an opportunity to pre-order, the SekouWrites edited novel–When Butterflies Kiss!*** Sounds good to us.

Care to join? DON’T dwadle, DON’T miss out…DON’T rely on reading all about this event on the internet! Although I THANK YOU for your patronage & continued SUPPORT of this here blog…of course.

RSVP NOW while there is still time to at info@nharlemnewyork.com

NBoutique is located at 114 West 116th Steet ) between Lenox & Adam Clayton Powell Blvds.

***-a collaborative novel by 10 writers each contributing a chapter on their version of a character named Dante.