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.

Feel free to invite all your fabulous girl-friends to join us!

RSVP to marcy@womensmafia.com

The new SLIM by Cynthia Rowley collection of bodywear is the perfect combination of shapewear and lingerie. Not only is it colorful, it’s also sexy. (Keep reading)…

For women, shapewear is an embarrassing subject, because undergarments are so drab that we don’t want to be spotted wearing them. Yet these are adorable, the perfect undergarment that can almost be worn as an over garment!

Screen cap VOGUE

Check out the VOGUE Beauty Guide Fall 2010

One of these things is not like the other. V Magazine is out to prove that no matter what your size is, you can make it work.

Here are the advance photos by Terry Richardson from V Magazine (issue #63): “The Size Issue,” featuring top plus-size model and author of “Hungry” Crystal Renn alongside newcomer—and more traditional model body-type—Jacquelyn Jablonski.  V63 does not hit newsstands until January 14, 2010.

Appropriately titled “One Size Fits All,” Richardson’s photo spread showcases Renn and Jablonski side-by-side in identical looks, matching sample size outfits and similar poses. Still, the effect is a powerful one that proves fashion can flatter any figure. Most recently Renn—who has walked the runway for Jean-Paul Gaultier and graced the cover of American Vogue—famously penned her own weight and body image struggles within the model industry in a memoir entitled “Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves,” which was released this fall.

“ONE SIZE FITS ALL” by V Magazine

If it’s bright enough, tight enough or eye-poppingly printed enough, odds are it’ll work on any figure. Crystal Renn, model and author of Hungry, and Jacquelyn Jablonski, spring’s new star, show off the season’s most sizzling looks

Photography by Terry Richardson; Styling by Mel Ottenberg

In case you are interested, the models’ measurements are as follows:

Jacquelyn: 5 ft, 9 in; 32/24/34

Crystal Renn: 5 ft, 9 in; 36/31/41

LINK LOVE: www.vmagazine.com

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

This upcoming Saturday March 13th we are extremely proud to be hosting a Spa, Shopping and Charity event for History Starts Now at the luxurious Downtime Massage & Skincare Spa in Hells Kitchen.  From 4-8pm we will be relaxing, mingling with like-minded New Yorkers, shopping with Women’s Mafia endorsed designers (as seen in our Women’s Mafia Fashion Week Shows!) and supporting a great cause – fighting sexual trafficking with the passionate efforts of History Starts Now.

Please see below some of the luxurious packages and products that you can experience at Downtime, while supporting an extremely important cause. $10 of your ticket price goes towards a 30 minute treatment. As this event may sell out, we recommend that you buy your ticket now and then email mgt@downtimemassage.com to reserve your treatment time.

1. 10 minute “Mani Bianco” Acca Kappa seated hand massage
Using and including Acca Kappa Muschio Bianco Crema Mani/White Moss Hand Cream*-
10 min/$15 (*4.1 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $21.60)

2. 15 minute “Revive” Aromatherapy chair massage
Using Aromatherapy Associates Revive Gel on pressure and pulse points- 15 min/$20

3. 20 minute “Supplifying” Exfoliating foot treatment
A highly relaxing treatment using Sundari Body/Corps Supplifying Omega 3 & Flax Seed Exfoliating Scrub with warm water rinse/towel dry- 20 min/$25

4. 30 minute “Revive” foot reflexology
Using and including Aromatherapy Associates Revive* Gel-
30min/$55 (*6.8 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $60.00)

5. 30 minute “Renew, Repair, Protect” Minifacial and Eye treatment
Using Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Firming Eye Serum, Aromatherapy Rose Overnight Repair Eye Cream and including SkinCeuticals UV Defense* Transparent Moisturizer-
30min/$60 (*3 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $36)

6. 30 minute “Support” Aromatherapy Massage
Using and including Aromatherapy Associates Supersensitive* Body Oil-
30min/$75 (*4.18 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $53.00)

7. 30 minute “Supplifying” Exfoliating Treatment
With hot towel service for guest’s choice of legs and hands or back and shoulders -
using and including Sundari Body/Corps Supplifying* Omega 3 & Flax Seed Body Exfoliator-
30 min/$95 (*22.3 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $72.00)

8. 20 minute professional “Three Custom Color” Makeup Application and Color Consultation
Experience the customizable color that Allure, People, Lucky and InStyle have been raving about.
20 min /$10 (special deal on products at our event) www.threecustom.com

Visit www.downtimemassage.com to see pictures and more details about this delectable spa. Downtime Massage is a Women’s Mafia partner and Women’s Mafia members get 20% off treatments at the spa. Mention Women’s Mafia when booking.

Have you bought your ticket and reserved your treatments yet?

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.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, again, as it does every year. And every year when Valentine’s Day comes around people scramble to figure out what to get or where to go with their significant other, lover, current fling, or whatever title you want to give that person. Some sites post their Valentine’s Day shopping guides, companies give special rates or coupons, and small businesses give customers freebies outright – whether they want them or not. Well, look no further, the Women’s Mafia is going to sort through the mess of red & pink, and you can stop your search after checking out our suggestions.

1. Valentine Duo Services at Downtime
A day at the spa is always good. Ladies, we can make sure our man is taken cared of for once by someone else. Ha! You can pay someone else to smooth his feet, massage his back, and clean his nails. Or, she can treat you and you can enjoy the day relieving some much needed stress. Right now, Downtime is offering specially designed treatment plans for two. If you schedule now through February 14 you can enjoy discounted rates on luxurious products and relaxing experiences. Visit www.downtimemassage.com for more details.

2. Singles Party
Many of us are single on Valentine’s Day, including myself. Why not throw a pity party? Just kidding. But you can have a cool get together in your apartment and invite some of your good friends and enjoy this “holiday.” Have a good time by eating great home-cooked food (visit www.foodnetwork.com for some of the best recipes), sip super cold Vidal Peller Estates Ice Wine, and dancing your calories away.  A party is a different way to relish in this day. Be happy that you do not have someone nagging you; dying to know what you got them for February 14th. Surprise your friends with a gift of your voice and crank up the karaoke machine.

3. Shopping
If you want to put a twist on Valentine’s Day this year, take a look at www.skrapper.net The t-shirts available on this site are out of this world and one of a kind. I have seen many different companies go the eccentric route and try to have that extra cool look, but Skrapper is one of the few who pull it off successfully. Their quotes are hard-hitting and straight to the point. Besides their 100% cotton tees, they also have eco-friendly tees that are 15% bamboo and 5% organic. Shirt design 117-Love says, “I love her, live your life with love. Do not worry what others think or say about you. Be free. Show it.” I have been told that the Skrapper tee is the perfect way to say ‘”I Love You” for the first time, and it’s also great for someone that just doesn’t like the traditional gift.

4. Eats
Dining is a Valentine’s Day classic. If you go out on the 14th I can guarantee that it will be ridiculously crowded everywhere. But, if you do decide to join the masses, here are two of my faves. Sugar Cane in Park Slope, Brooklyn is the perfect intimate place for excellent Caribbean Cuisine. Their hefty portions of sweet plantains do the trick. Another warmly lit space is Tramonti on Restaurant Row in Manhattan. Their Moscato is the best I have had and they have amazing daily specials too. The cheapest entrée at Sugar Cane is $11.95 for their vegetarian plate. The most expensive listed price at Tramonti is $29.95 for Scattadito alla Tramonti (Baby Lambchops with Tramonti wine). I hear that Moustache (Mediterranean) in the Village is a decent spot for a good price, just in case you didn’t want to splurge.

Go have fun and enjoy this special day with someone special, a good friend, or kick back at home alone and watch the All-Star game in HD, while tweeting the best plays to your followers. Remember, regardless of your situation, there is no reason you can’t wake up to red roses on Valentines Day – even if you purchase them yourself.

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.