Want to support our young people and help promote a safer society? Want to learn more about bullying and the effect it has on our teens? There is a new show ready to support these desires. Attend a performance and get armed with the knowledge needed to help students in schools throughout the city and nation. Outwordly Fabolous was written by award winning spoken word artist Pandora Scooter and directed by Cedric Hill.

This new show was inspired by Pandora Scooter’s daughter. Scooter’s daughter kept coming home in tears after being bullied by her peers because Scooter is a lesbian and they thought she was different or weird. Scooter knew she had to do something about this situation; she could not bear to see her child suffer. She figured putting together a piece that would speak on bullying and the underlying homophobia that often accompanies it would be perfect. The suicide death of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi added fuel to the fire.

Director Cedric Hill says, “The show was designed to speak directly to teenagers, young adults and everyone who interacts with them—parents, teachers, principals, and school counselors. It’s an inside look at what goes on in the school yard. We want the show to lend a voice to countless students who suffer from bullying, while exploring some of the deep rooted issues associated with it, like homophobia.”

Get out, see the show, share your feelings with others and one day our sons and daughters will be able to come home happy and not in fear of others just because their home life/personal life does not fit the norm, whatever that word means.

Outwordly Fabulous will be performed at the Crossroads Theatre, located at 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick in New Jersey on Thursday March 10 at 3:15pm and 8:00pm and on Friday March 11 at 11:00am and 8:00pm. A pre-show reception replete with wine and hors d’oeuvres will be held at the theater on Friday March 11 from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Ticket prices for both matinees are $15 ($10 for students). Evening performances cost $25 ($20 for seniors; $15 for students). Tickets to the pre-show reception and performance cost $45. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.SmartTix.com or at the door the day of each performance.

Sorelle Firenze…the name may sound familiar if you were once a fashion mishap, looking to revamp your style, or just wanted to be dressed by the finest sisters in New York City. Barbara and Monica Abbatemaggio have been mavens in the fashion field for over ten years. In 1997 the sisters opened a shop in Tribeca and afforded their Italian sensibility to any woman who desired to be fabulous. The popular boutique provided scores of women with chic, eclectic fashions designed by the sisters and emerging brands like Florence favorites, Quelle Tre, Patafisic and Gorilla. As the years went by, Barbara and Monica made a great name for themselves and in 2005, home styling and event staging were added to their repertoire.

As things quickly began moving forward, the women decided to make a bold move. Inspired by the direction and success of the business, the sisters closed their shop in 2005. They wanted to focus primarily on personal styling and their maternal instincts by raising their young children. They wished to own and operate a fashion boutique in New York City ever since they came to America. That dream came true, plus more. But, they felt that they needed to stick to what they did best and focus on styling consultations and closet organization.

Clients flock to Barbara and Monica for their eye for great coordination and perfect presentation. They work their magic through a four step process. First, they assess their client’s closet by removing everything, sorting what should be donated to charity; highlighting the importance of body type, and keying in on undergarments. Next, they make over the closet and arrange items by color or category. Third, they create a shopping list and replace what was taken away and add more pieces. Lastly, the Abbatemaggio sisters put together outfits for different settings. That doesn’t sound too difficult right? The hard part will most likely be receiving criticism on clothing you thought were great.

Barbara and Monica style celebrities, socialites, and top executives. They are expanding their client base and are able to help everyone who desires their expertise, of course, if their schedule permits. Their usual clients are women ages 25-60 with full social calendars and men also. If you need a great way to start off 2011, seek the knowledgeable and gifted Sisters of Florence. Use them to your advantage and re-energize your wardrobe today. Visit www.SorelleFirenze.com for more information. They design wedding dresses too!

Need a quick last minute item for the Holiday Season? Need something different than what you saw in our gift guide since you bought everything on the list? Well, look no further. Women’s Mafia has two more quick additions that should help speed along your decision making. New jewelry line, Eden, created by Israeli-born designer Maytal Sharifi is the newest addition to Sine.

The collection mixes metals and Swarovski crystals in beautifully set rings, bracelets, and more. Check out these two items below to give to your sister, mother, girlfriend, best friend, or any woman in your life that you appreciate, because these pieces are sure to make them even happier during the Holidays.  They can be accessories for the next Holiday Party or New Year’s Eve bash!

Swarvoski Floating Crystal/Stud Bracelet. Retail Price: $105

EDEN Swarvoski Floating Crystal/Stud Bracelet

Lava Ring. Retail Price: $98.

EDEN Lava Ring

Enjoy 20% off these two items, or anything else on the site with this discount code: HOLIDAY20. Visit shopsineny.com

Fall Fashion is in full bloom. Thus far, we have experienced 80 degree temperature, tornado-like weather, and even hail. However, winter will roll around before we know it. But, while we still have time, boost up your closet with some hip clothing by Sine.

Laila, a feature line of Sine, has an inspiring collection of dresses that look better than what I have seen in a while. They are perfect for multiple events including cocktail parties, dinners, auctions, etc. The dark dresses work best for evening events, which makes at least one Laila dress an essential part of any Women’s Mafia reader’s closet. These dresses make you look hot and chic, yet classy, announcing that you know exactly what you want.

Sine, on the other hand, has more daily, ready to wear pieces. The collection is quite extensive and features a lot of texture, incorporates blending, and does a good job of playing up the common color, Black, of the busy New Yorker. Black is a flexible color and we see its versatility in this collection. There is a lot of ruffling, scrunching, and rippling, while colors splash across a blouse to show off designer, Micaela Ezra’s blending technique. If getting dressed in the morning is an issue, then you need to find your way to a Sine piece immediately. They make leather pants and skirts look oh so cool!!

Parameter, the line that was created to rejuvenate and take the company to another level will have you feeling and looking comfy and warm this fall/winter season. This cozy collection is great for our young readers who like to be bold, different, and seen. The line has a spunky feel without the grungy, dirty appeal. You will be a funky trendsetter. When wearing Parameter, you have to team up your outfit with a fantastic pair of shoes including combat boots and suede booties. It will, indeed, highlight your clothing.

As always, we here at Women’s Mafia want you to get a firsthand look at the fashion and get to know the designer behind the scene. Check out this interview with Micaela Ezra, designer at Sine. And find the coupon code below.

Women’s Mafia: First things first, the collections all look great and that is my honest opinion!!

Micaela Ezra and Maytal Sharifi Creative Director

Micaela Ezra: Thank you very much!

WM: How does this work? Have you designed all three lines?

ME: Yes, I am the designer for Sine (our anchor contemporary collection), Laila (evening wear gowns and cocktail dresses) and Parameter (a diffusion sportswear line).

WM: All three lines speak for themselves. Laila with great dresses for any event, Sine with its versatile pieces, and Parameter for the snazzy girl who speaks out loud. What helps you keep them all separate?

ME: Ultimately the three collections will appeal to the same woman–someone feminine, expressive, and spirited. Her choice between them will simply depend on the occasion she is dressing for. We differentiate the brands according to functionality, but I use the same approach to color and print with all of them, and there is an obvious synchronicity that results.

WM: How amazing will the Spring/Summer 2011 collection be? Give us a taste.

ME: We are very excited about the Sine Spring collection! There is a beautiful balance between ultra feminine dresses and skirts with more nonchalant soft jackets and blouses. For color there is a contrast between neon brights and more mellow neutral tones. We have a very unique approach to print–using it to evoke a strong mood. This season I have created digital placement prints on dresses and blouses from my hand drawing–they are very suggestive of butterfly skeletons and completely unique. We can’t wait to see them all on our customers!

WM: What can the Women’s Mafia do for Laila, Sine and Parameter?
ME: We would love Women’s Mafia to keep talking and writing about our collections! Ultimately we are making clothes in order to make a woman feel incredible when she gets dressed. We are very passionate about what we do and hope to share our product with your audience. Our loyal bloggers have created an incredible group of fans who we’re really grateful for.

For more, visit http://www.shopsineny.com/ The sales here are great. I guarantee that you will find something you like. Use discount code womensmafia15 for  15% off your next purchase!!

Looking for something to do this Thursday? Head over to the Copper Room at Comix to celebrate the release of Patti LuPone’s Memoir about being on the road, bad musicals, and the rest of life’s interesting wonders. Comedian Danny Leary, who has a brand new variety show, has put together this celebration to not only praise LuPone’s book, but to create a fun filled night.

Of course, there will be a review of the book, but also an interview with Ben Rimalower, and an“Official Danny Leary Spokesmodel” contest judged by Haasan Morse, founder of Morse Code PR. Comedians Jessimae Peluso and Selena Coppock will be strutting their stuff in this contest in swim and evening wear. There will also be celebrity appearances by  Kate Hodge (She-Wolf of London, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3, and national spokesperson for Citracal,) actress Erika Amato in a scene from Next to Normal, sports journalist Ted Rybka, comedian Brooke Van Poppelen (Comedy Central), and vocalists Karen Mack, Angela Shultz and Maureen Taylor.

Basically, it will be a great way to start your weekend if you did not have anything in mind. Come get a drink, laugh, and see what Patti LuPone’s new book has to offer and discover how much variety Danny Leary is coughing up.

Event Details:

The Danny Leary Variety Extravaganza
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
8:00 PM Show (Doors open at 7:30 PM)
$10 Cover. There is no food or beverage minimum.
The Copper Room at COMIX
353 W. 14th Street, NYC
www.comixny.com | 212.524.2500

We have all seen the insurmountable success of the Ed Hardy t-shirts. This line hit the worldwide market and made a killing. Remember seeing moms, dads,  kids, celebs, and everyone else donning the tees? I do! Co- creator Steven Hoel and Miguel Garcia, former professional skateboarder & the brains behind Los Angeles-based counter-culture brand De La Barracuda, have launched another success, Rogue Monk,  Open Source Fashion. Rogue Monk is pushing Open Source Fashion through a workshop program on their site by giving artists an opportunity to showcase their work, sell merchandise, and turn a profit.

It is an exciting way to present clothing to the masses. “The global marketplace decides what T-shirt designs are the most commercially viable,” then those lucky designs are on their way to making the cut. Here, the consumer plays a large part in the decision making of the clothing they buy, by actually choosing what they like. Not only do consumers win, but new, emerging artists win also. This gives them a chance to present their work all over the world and have people wear it on their chests.

Read more for interview with Steven Hoel and code to get a FREE t-shirt from Rogue Monk!!

Women’s Mafia: The Ed Hardy brand t-shirts were undeniably a huge hit throughout the world. Did this inspire the launch of another t-shirt line??

Steven Hoel: Rogue Monk certainly evolved from the Ed Hardy project, although it was not our master plan, it organically grew out of it.  Ed would refer artist friends to me who needed advice or help with licensing deals. And then I started receiving emails from artists who wanted our help monetizing their art archive as well, like we did with Ed. One thing lead to another…and the Rogue Monk was born.

WM: What makes this brand special??

SH: With our extremely talented pool of Rogue Monk artists we are able to sell the best fashion art available on the web to our customers. When people come across high quality, affordable products they want to tell their friends about it—that’s human nature. If people love our brand they will naturally want to tell their friends about it, so in turn we give them the opportunity to earn some serious cash, simply by building their Sales Tribe.

We give artists the opportunity to license their art through the proven Rogue Monk platform. This platform is unique because artists get paid for EVERY single piece sold, rather than the old way of simply receiving a couple hundred dollars per design selected by a fashion company.  We offer them good exposure through online marketing and an introduction to all of the major buyers worldwide.

WM: Have you considered going the eco-friendly route with this line??

SH: It’s funny you should ask that, because just this week, we decided to offer an option to the customer to have any design printed on an organic shirt for a small additional charge. This function will be available on the website in the upcoming weeks.

WM: Since this line requires the skill of varying artists, has selection been difficult??

SH: Yes and No. We accept art from anyone who submits  designs on the Rogue Monk website. However, there are 3 phases to the selection process. The first phase takes place when the design is first submitted. Our team does minimal edits (scale, color, formatting, etc.) before it goes live on the site so the public can give their opinion. We want the community to choose what they like, rather than deciding what we think is best for them. Phase two is the evaluation phase and finally for phase three we chose! THIS is incredibly difficult! There are a lot of talented people sharing their artwork with us.

WM: What can the Women’s Mafia do for Rogue Monk?

SH: Help us put out the Call for Artists who want to do business, to women and men, alike. Come to our parties! And as a special “thank you” to your readers we are offering a promo code for a FREE Rogue Monk T-shirt and other great offers like a chance to win a free iPad, simply by telling your friends about Rogue Monk. If the WM readers are interested in earning some extra money through the power of the Internet, sign up for a Rogue Monk profile and start telling your friends! Everyone loves a good deal, right?

Click here , chose your shirt and enter Promo Code “WMafiaReader” and the first 15 readers get a FREE Tee today. Don’t forget to refer your friends!!

Here is a treat for our readers, well, when it hits a theater near you it will be! New film, “16 to Life,” by Emmy-nominated director Becky Smith is sure to be a great family choice, or something to see with the girls. The movie is set in a burger and shake stand in a small town with actress Hallee Hirsh as our leading lady, Kate. We experience her very different 16^th birthday. She gets slapped by her older sister, misses out on a “budding” birthday gift, and finally, gets her first kiss.

This independent film, produced by Waterdog Films, has a twist, a surprise, and an unexpected occurrence. It began slow, but started to pick up once the characters became more expressive. I was shocked that Renee would dare to cook the girls’ cell phones. That would cause a ruckus with any teenager I know! Later on, Louise’s son actually arrests her in front of her old flame! How embarrassing. And, who knew Russian women were so direct, and actually funny. I laughed during Tatiana’s conversation with Kate in the back of the shop. Oo, and you are going to love Candi. I won’t spoil the surprise.

Women’s Mafia: What is the message that you sought to convey to your viewers??

Becky Smith: I grew up in a small Midwestern town. I wanted to portray people in a town like that, in all their complexity. I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about the way the Midwest is often portrayed in movies—and the way teenage girls are often portrayed on TV and in movies. I wanted to explore the story of a young woman with unconventional ideas who loves the place she’s from but yearns to see the larger world. And I wanted to explore the delight of first love.

WM: 2. Why is 16 that age??

BS: I think girls mature at widely differing ages. Some girls get very interested in romance at a young age; others when they are much older. I remember being 16 and in a panic that someone would find out I’d never been kissed and tease me. I lied about my sexual experience at a Girl Scout camp-over. My older sister was part of it and called me out for my “made up” sexual experience. I was a conflicted teenager at 16—wanting romance, and being a bit ashamed that I wanted romance.  So it seemed a subject ripe for investigation.
WM: What do you recall being the biggest issue for you at age 16??

BS: I wanted to be popular.  That was very important to me—to be liked and respected by other kids.  But I was bossy, opinionated, and my opinions were often radical for the place I grew up in.  So my desire to be popular was a bit of a losing battle.  I was pretty wrapped up in myself and pretty judgmental. Not a template for popularity!

WM: Why did you think it was important to present the “old love” / “rekindling of a flame” between Louise and Ronald even though Kate did not witness/learn from this experience??

BS: The ability to feel strongly for someone and to find that you are cared for in return is not limited to youth.  I thought it would be interesting to show two very different stages of life, and how basic human desires remain the same.  Older women friends of mine used to tell me that they felt very young inside, even though the mirror showed them wrinkles and age.  I didn’t really understand what they meant until I was in my mid forties. Although Kate doesn’t see Louise find romance with Ronald in the movie – my idea was that we would get to see this parallel.

WM: How can the Women’s Mafia help you??

BS: I believe that “16 to Life” is a movie a wide range of women will respond to. It’s a small, independent feature, and can only survive and be seen with rigorous word-of-mouth.  I think it portrays girls and women in their complexity- and with honesty and humor.  It’s worth taking the time to look for – and I hope Women’s Mafia feels the same way!

Be sure to check out the website to find out when 16 to Life will be playing in a city near you! www.16tolifethemovie.org

As usual, Betsey Johnson comes back season after season with eye popping fashion that is sure to turn heads and have you wanting more. But the underlying question is, where can you wear some of this clothing?

The Spring/Summer collection shouts out color, splash, and excitement. Themed parties that call for eccentricity, originality, and panache would be ideal.

While the line includes extreme fashion, there are also great pool side pieces, prom dresses, and a tad bit of transformable work wear.

Johnson’s line offers a wide ranging palette of colors and designs to choose from; therefore finding a special piece for yourself should not be of the utmost difficulty. For the pilot at attention, there is a uniform just for you inside the Betsey Johnson collection. Photo Credit: Style.com

Urban Outfitters is doing exceptional work with their retail brand, Leifsdottir, which is sold in Anthropologie. The new collection is quite earthy and natural.

Designer Johanna Uurasjavi says the influence for this season was her recent trip to the Amazon. One can see the presence of the Amazon in the snake skin skirts, butterfly patterned dresses, and pangolin-like blazers.

Uurasjavi also uses black and cream to her advantage to create professional and business attire. The sheer tops, short dresses, and beautifully balanced skirts make for the perfect summer outfits. The line is also putting out shoes for the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. One can make Anthropologie their one stop shop for great summer fashion.

Photo Credit: zimbio.com

What comes to mind when you think about hair care? I used to think expensive products, heat, and brushes. Now, I think expensive products, organic, and combs. Oh yeah, I am going natural. No more perms, excessive heat, and ingredients that I cannot even pronounce. As a young woman in New York City concerned with fashion, education, eating healthy and all that other good stuff, image is important. I cannot want to conquer the world in my lifetime with terrible hair! Hair is always a critical part of one’s image, and choosing the best products will get you one step closer to success.

Target, mega retail giant which stands at number 28 on the Fortune 500 list, is a great place to find great hair care products for reasonable prices. As of late, Target has expanded its hair care assortment to include African American salon products that have yet to be released with a mass-offering. The new products include The Jane Carter Solution, CURLS, and the Target exclusive SheaMoisture.

The Jane Carter Solution: Natural-based products that work effectively for every hair type, The Jane Carter Solution product line was specifically designed for dry hair including curly, wavy, straight, relaxed, natural hair, color treated and locked hair. The products feature ingredients derived from nature, such as natural butters and certified organic essential oils, and add vibrancy and shine to hair. Target now offers Scalp Serum, Nourish and Shine, and other Jane Carter Solution products. Prices range from $7.99-21.99.

CURLS is the first line of premium, ethnic hair care products created specifically for biracial/multiracial women and girls with naturally curly hair.  The products were uniquely created with this curly hair type in mind.  Target now offers the following CURLS cleansing, conditioning and styling products: Creamy Curl Cleanse, Coconut Curlada Conditioner, and more. Prices range from $7.99-10.99.

SheaMoisture, an exclusive at Target, with over 14 new natural and organic personal care solutions, SheaMoisture shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments will be offered, all priced at $9.99. Some products include: Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo, Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner, and Raw Shea Cuticle Bonding Elixir. A great addition to this line of products is Raw African Shea Butter. You can get a reasonably sized tub for $5 at almost any African/Islamic store in New York City. You can use shea butter in your hair to lock in moisture, or for your skin. I use it every day. I would recommend not using a lot in the summer; it melts easily in the sun.

Another exclusive line of products to look out for is Belegenza. Belegenza was created by hair extraordinaire Alan Eschenburg and structured for use on all hair types for all backgrounds. It is made with trusted ingredients that we could all read. This line of products is “soo natural it’s edible” says Women’s Mafia founder, Marcy Clark. Belegenza does fall in the expensive products category, but I have faith in its reliability since my mom always gives it great reviews after every use. The line includes ProTect Base treatment, Dramatic conditioner, Taffy style cream, and a whole lot more. Prices range from $5.00-72.00. Visit www.belegenza.com

Every woman who cares about her appearance knows that hair care is important. Whether you are concerned with which products to use, which salon is the best in the City, or the best way to preserve your curls at night, hair care is important. You know you can tell when your fellow sister is having a bad hair day, it is written all over her face. When you or a friend are looking for something new, or an easy way to change moods, simply look for hair care products like SheaMoisture or Belegenza that will uplift you and keep your hair looking radiant day after day of use.