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.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is always busy. If it is not their TGIF’s (Thank GLAAD it’s Friday), Media Awards, or OUT Auctions, then it is events like GLAAD’s New York Leadership Council Spa Night, or An Evening at La Cage Aux Folles.

On Tuesday May 18^th, 2010 from 6:30pm until 11:00pm GLAAD had its New York Leadership Council at Senses NY (138 5^th Avenue). It was an event for women and their friends. It was a spa night after work to benefit GLAAD’s initiatives, programs, and events. This event was specifically aimed at raising female awareness.

Women came out, including the Real House Wives of New York, and enjoyed a haven of relaxation and experienced a sampling of the very best services –— manicures, pedicures, reflexology, eyebrow shaping, hair coloring and cut consultation — by a diverse team of experts. There were cocktails, hor d’ oeuvres and music provided by DJ Stacy. The Leadership Council’s ambassadors who work side by side with GLAAD to improve the lives of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual & transgender people in NYC and across the country came out to meet and greet the supporters of GLAAD.

On Thursday June 24^th, 2010 at 8:00PM, GLAAD gears up for NYC PRIDE. La Cage Aux Folles will be performed at the Longacre Theater. For one night only, GLAAD supporters will enjoy significantly discounted prices with 10% of ticket sales benefiting GLAAD. Seats are LIMITED and advanced ticket purchase is required.

This musical is the Winner of three Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Musical Revival, Outstanding Actor in a Musical, and Outstanding Costume Design!! It has received 11 TONY AWARDS nominations, including BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL!!

The Longacre Theatre is located at 220 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036, (212) 239-6200

Seats & Prices: Orchestra and Mezzanine: $77.50, normally $132.50. All prices include a $1.50 facilities fee. Please purchase tickets online at: http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=LCGLAAD.

Be sure to enter the GLAAD discount code: LCGLAAD. This is a good deal folks, get out and enjoy a night out in the City.

Join GLAAD afterwards at Hurley’s Saloon for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Cast members will also be invited to attend. The after party starts at 11:00 pm, at 232 West 48th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

About GLAAD

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively.  By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.

I cannot even tell if it is summer in New York City yet. It officially is not, but when it gets warm, everyone takes that as a sign of summer. But, the weather these past two weeks have been an eclectic mixture. We have had stormy rain-filled days, humid, hot sticky days, and even extra breezy days. Global warming is becoming a true scare as indicated by the un-patterned weather we have been experiencing. With such uncertainty, how does one know how to dress in the morning when leaving home for work? I have the solution. Furi Light jackets.

The Spring/Summer 2010 collection of Furi Light features an array of light-weight, chic, and comfortable jackets for any well crafted woman. When the weather calls for rain, grab your Furi Light trench. Its light-weight nylon material enables the jacket to range from 11oz to 16oz in weight and allows for noise-less freedom. These jackets are stain resistant and water-repellant. This makes them perfect to fold up in your bag if the sun suddenly comes out and it gets hot!

Furi Design has been around for over 20 years; this makes them qualified to get the job done right. The S/S ’10 collection features the classically designed trench, a-line jacket with detachable hood, cropped jacket, and knee-length anorak with detachable hood. The colors include a soft lavender, steel blue, gun metal grey, light grey, lavender blend, natural, and blue blend. Light weight…great colors…virtually noise-less, what more could you ask for?  Oh yeah, the jackets are Teflon coated too. If this description does not prove these jackets to be extraordinary, who knows what will.

This collection has been getting such a great consumer response that it is going to be available all year-round. Ladies, if you cannot go and pick up your jacket today, no fear, you can get one in time for the Fall season. Price Range: $225-$325. Check out www.furidesign.com for more.

We all know that NYC is the place to be for fashion. This is confirmed everyday when you enter or hear about a new store with all of the “essential pieces” a woman needs to rock this city. The place that will satisfy your shopping craves is Eryn Brinié. I walked in the store recently and thought Wow. This is a really cool store. The architectural design speaks to me. It adds to the individuality of the clothing and allows a warm welcoming feel to overtake you as you explore clothing on racks.

“Eryn Brinié exemplifies European chic combined with New York’s youthful spirit and modern sensibility.” The line is built around accessible wardrobe essentials including, but not limited to blazers, blouses, pants, sweaters, tanks, and dresses. There are lots of loose fitting pieces that will be perfect for the impending summer heat. Hitting 90 degrees in April seems like a sign. Let’s prepare for the summer by checking out the Eryn Brinié’s website. Every day they offer a daily steal on select in season pieces with up to 50% off for 24 hours. Sunday’s skirt looks like a buy…

If you will be in Soho this Thursday (April 15th), make a trip to the flagship store (501 Broadway) and celebrate the launch of Eryn Brinié/Art of Style. After receiving thousands of student and alumni entries from top schools like the Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons The New School for Design and the Pratt Institute, the program recognizes photographer Marco Walker as the inaugural recipient, with a cocktail reception for members of the media, tastemakers and clientele. It appears that Tara Mulhare, US Brand Director for Eryn Brinié agrees with me when I said ‘NYC is the place to be for fashion,’ when she mentions that “New York City is not only an internationally recognized super-hub for fashion, but it is an epicenter for the art world as well. Eryn Brinié looks to meld these worlds and promote creativity in every facet.”

A platform developed for up-and-coming creative pioneers, the Eryn Brinié/Art of Style focus centers on a dedication to design encouragement. The brand welcomes Walker to showcase and sell his pieces in Eryn Brinié’s flagship boutique following his Art of Style debut, with 100 percent of sales proceeds going to Walker to further drive his collection and career. Additionally, a Walker-Eryn Brinié collaboration of screened t-shirts and tanks will be available in the upcoming weeks.

Tricia Williams of Food Matters NYC is a culinary nutritionist who has developed a new initiative called the Early Childhood Palate Development Program. This program is designed to metabolically program children on a cellular level to seek out healthy, whole foods. My youngest sibling is 13 and he still hates his vegetables. I wonder if it works on adolescent teens… I will have to see, because the program can start with children as young as six months. Through this program, Williams takes parents through the aisles of the market showcasing the benefits of locally grown, organic, and seasonal foods. She understands that exposing kids to fresh, organic foods will prevent obesity, disease and promote emotional, physical and intellectual health. Let’s pepper Williams with a few questions and better understand this program.

Women’s Mafia: What inspired you to cook?

Tricia Williams: I used to make pasta with my grandma. In my previous life I was a pastry and restaurant chef; now I’m a holistic chef and counselor. My current work with families was inspired by the birth of my first child.

WM: Was healthy eating and proper nutrition always a goal when cooking, or did you secretly put taste and customer satisfaction first, or was it the perfect combination?

TW: Sometimes it was about making food that wasn’t necessary healthy. Later in my career I combined my interest in healthy food with my work. Healthy food should just be perceived as food; often times healthy dishes are unapproachable to the average person, like a raw kale and carrot salad. Coming from a background and having the sensibilities of a traditional chef helped me bridge the gap to make healthy foods approachable, enjoyable, and delicious.

WM: I see your first child inspired the Early Childhood Palate Development Program. What then, did you specifically aim to achieve?

TW: Just to get kids off of unhealthy foods. I wanted to prevent the physical, emotional and behavioral issues kids with bad eating habits suffer. Just look at the childhood obesity rate! By the time a child reaches age 4 they have developed food patterns and issues. It’s much easier to train a child into maintaining healthy eating habits at an earlier age.

WM: If parents cannot afford your program, what would you say to them in order to help their children develop better eating habits?

TW: Always start with the thought, “Fresh is the best.”  Stay away from processed and packaged foods. Keep yourself and your family as close to whole, natural foods as possible.

WM: How do you see this program prominently affecting NYC children?

TW: I work with kids all the time. I have a child whose favorite food is Edamame (soybeans). He will put down chocolate for the healthy choice; it almost becomes ritual. If we push this type of healthy snacking over junk food, it will last. With childhood problems like asthma on the rise, it’s best for parents to shift their mindsets. I’ve noticed many parents slowly transitioning, which is great!

WM: If the City approached you about possibly becoming a part of School Food-New York City Department of Education, would you concede and help this large system rewire its mainframe?

TW: I absolutely would!!

WM: Have you ever considered doing that?

TW: I have, but within the private school system. I am slowly working my way into the public school system. It varies with each school and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) program.

WM: What about women?

TW: Recently my counseling and private chef services have been supporting women with fertility issues. It’s a unique experience to catch them at the right moment in their life. I also work with women throughout their pregnancies. As a culinary nutritionist I prepare health supportive meals. I get them on diets, such as Elimination Diets. This can remove dairy, sugar, soy, etc. I get them off of the bad stuff. It takes small steps. Less plastic, more glass. Changing small things in their environment impacts their fertility.

WM: What can the Women’s Mafia make happen for you?

TW: I would like to spread my message to a broader audience. I constantly hear that children are “picky eaters.” The choices from kids’ menus to packaged goods influence these choices. If children start the Early Childhood Palate Development Program at a young age they can become better eaters. It is about taking the right steps to get there. Think of the health problems we could prevent!

For More Information Visit www.FoodMattersNYC.com Get your children, yourself, and others on the smart track to eating right. With the issue of childhood obesity (and obesity in general) and the new sugar tax, signing up for the Palate Development Program may be a very good idea!

Meet Thalia Michel, one of our makeup artists for “Leather & Lace”. I have known her for years. She even showed me how to put on my make-up for prom. I think that was the first time I ever wore the stuff. Thalia is a woman who loves bright colors and is not afraid to show it. Her love for make-up began in high school and she has been freelancing for about ten years now. She is a MAC Certified Makeup Artist and Product Specialist. She has started her makeup artistry business and has been busy working on models, designers, and artists like Fantasia. Thalia believes in the three B’s: Everyone should have their face Beat with Brushes while enhancing their Beauty.

Women’s Mafia: You loved make-up in high school, but what specifically called you to do make-up professionally?

Thalia Michel: Well, I used to wear make-up and got so many compliments. I decided to try doing my friend’s faces and it all started from there.

WM: Ten years is a long time to be in the business, what do you think is the best part?

TM: The best part is the before and after. Sometimes I amaze myself. I love the feeling I get when a bride sees their face after I am finished. It makes my job so worthwhile.

WM: What are you favorite products to use, besides MAC of course?

TM: I love MAC but, Smashbox, Nars, and Urban Decay are some of my favorites.

WM: What type of client do you like to work with the most? Actor, artist, model, etc.

TM: Brides then models. With a bride I can be part of their special day and enhance their beauty. With a model I can be creative and edgy.

WM: Tell me a little about your makeup artistry business.

TM: Well, it is still in the works but so far I have been able to make a name for myself and get clients to keep coming back. I really love what I do.

WM: What was it like working backstage at the Women’s Mafia Leather & Lace Fashion Show?

TM: Working backstage at Women’s Mafia Leather & Lace Fashion Show was a wonderful experience. I loved the rush and working with all the gorgeous models.

WM: What can the Women’s Mafia make happen for you?

TM: I am hoping that Women’s Mafia can give me some exposure. I am ready to take over the world with my knowledge of make-up.

To reach Thalia, contact her at TMichel@khny.com or 917-673-1397

Leanne Marshall, winner of Project Runway Season 5 is back at it again at New York Fashion Week to present her Fall/Winter 2010 collection. The collection features big, loose, airy pieces. They are comfortable and relaxing; perfect ready-to-wear clothing. Taking a look at some of her older collections, the wide, Hershey kissed shaped skirt has been used before. This style is highlighted in the new collection and is working well for Marshall. Cream and blue seem to be the colors dominating this collection, which are perfect for the fall.

A piece to remember is the cream colored dress with the wide, bulging yellow and green bottom.

Marshall says this collection was inspired by topography. She wanted any excuse to apply dimensions and layers. This is apparent in the “piece to remember.” Marshall sought to make this line girly; these would be pieces she wants to see in her closet.

All photographs courtesy of Andre Werner Photography. Please visit www.andrewwernerphotography.com for more.

The Keith Lissner collection was reminiscent of the classical era. The color scheme included gold, silver, red, black, and blue. Other colors have made its way into the collection, but the gold has shone through. Shining through and displaying one’s acquisitions is definitely the theme for this collection. Most of the pieces will glisten in the afternoon sun of the upcoming fall season; sure to be a head turner.

The pieces spread across a wide spectrum featuring gowns, chic satin pants, and cropped jackets. Cocktail dresses galore. There were some with gold lace, strapless, ruby sequins, and much more. One will undoubtedly have something to wear for all occasions providing they shop Keith Lissner.

Make-up companies promise you flawless skin. They advertise about their quality ingredients, the beauty within that their product will bring to the surface and everything else in the book to get you to purchase their goods. We have all heard, seen, and read these advertisements. I had the opportunity to see about one specific brand for myself. This brand is FSL Cosmetics, a new all-natural line created by Chemical Engineer, Kimberly Riley. FSL wants you to “Feel Good. Smell Good. Look Good.”

Kimberly launched her line in January 2010, after having started research and developing formulas in June 2009. As you can see, Kimberly works fast and means business. As of right now, her line includes lipsticks and lip glosses. Some of the ingredients include avocado oil, acai extract, and cupuacu butter. And they don’t have any sulfates, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), and gluten.

I went to the launch party at Wink Eyelash in the Garment District. Lots of Pink! I asked her about acquiring this space to push her line, and she told me that they contacted her, “they wanted me to have this space.” I call that a Woman in Charge. During the launch, we saw demonstrations by make-up artists Karen E. Duncan and Priscilla. They told us which shades of lip color work best in the day or at night and what colors are better for work and going out. I was able to catch Kimberly while she was running around making sure everyone was doing well to ask her a couple quick questions. Here they are.

Women’s Mafia: What inspired you to start your own line?

Kimberly Riley: I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and work for myself. I am a chemical engineer. As a chemist, I interned at companies that produced hazardous materials. But I wanted to do something different. You do not always see chemical engineers who turn around and do what I do.

WM: What are your plans for the future?

KR: I want to expand the collection. I want to make a full color line for women and a men’s skin care collection.

WM: Do you have anything else to add?

KR: This is my dream. My advice for women is this: Don’t think because things do not go your way you cannot make it happen for yourself. You can. If you stay positive and determined, things will happen for you.

Check out FSL cosmetics at www.fslcosmetics.com and see what Ms. Riley has to offer. I was able to go home with Brown Butter lip gloss that smells like sweet cupcakes and Vino lipstick. Find what is best for you.

Guess who I saw displaying her Cupcakes? Tawny Ong.

B as in Beauty is a novel about self appreciation and uplifting one’s spirit. The novel informs the reader in subtle ways, that we can learn lessons in unimaginable ways. This is a cliché technique, but works every time. I think that is why many authors use it over and over. We see this happen with the main character B (Beauty Maria Zavala). She has very little self-confidence, but one day an encounter with a tax preparer changes her entire outlook on life.

The tax preparer, better known as Madame Natasha Sokolov offers B the opportunity to be a person who “provides comfort.” Not an “escort,” let us not confuse the two. If we were to confuse the two, then maybe we would think twice about how to classify her work. However, after getting to know B, I am sure we would be able to give her a designation. I personally think B is courageous, because not everyone has the cajones to do what she does, even if the benefits are amazing. This shows you how far some of us have to go in order to find ourselves, or to at least find our “true” selves. Perhaps it takes a life-altering experience to finally wake up.

To conclude the book, B learns many news things through the help of Madame, her nosy best friend Lillian, and the extraordinary men she meets through her new line of work. You have to read it in order to find out the specifics. This story could be applied to almost anyone of us. We all battle with issues that transform us into self-haters. These may be issues with our work or relationship abilities, having bad attitudes, and/or with our capabilities of being good parents to our children. We all deal with situations differently; there is no single, perfect coping mechanism. There is also no perfect way to finding the solution to your issues either. One quote that stood out to me was the transformative thinking that B took on. She went from “I am invisible,” to “I am stunning.” We can all apply this mentality and live a more beautiful life.

Ladies (and gentlemen), pick up this book and read it. It could add insight to your life, and possibly change your way of thinking if you give it a chance.