New Trend Alert: Reality TV...The New Soap Operas??

With the cancelation of longtime daytime soap operas such as "Guiding Light" and "As The World Turns", many viewers are wondering what to expect from daytime TV. Recently, it has been announced that "The Real HouseWives of Atlanta may be taking over the time slot once held by one of these popular soap operas. This leaves me asking the question, "Is Realty TV replacing Soap Operas as the new daytime trend?"
Although reality television is suppose to be real life events as it is happening, these television dramedies are more like soap operas than actual real life situations. I was just watching Chloe and Kourtney tales Miami yesterday and the question of authenticity arose. On this episode, an employee of the Dash store that the Kardashins own, was having a "private" conversation with one of the other employees about her possibly having Herpes and instructed the friend "not to tell anyone". Are you kidding? You are on national television announcing to the world that you have Herpes and you are telling your friend not to tell anyone?! I really don't believe that moving reality shows to daytime is a worth while strategy. Although they are entertaining and comical, I think that it is to brash and too much of an emotional overload in the morning! Soap Operas are filled with drama, intrigue and betrayal as well, however, it is something that is not suppose to be real and it allows you to live in another world temporary. The Real HouseWives, Chole and Kourtney, Jersey Shore etc.. have too much profanity and fighting for my taste for a morning program. Tell me what you think. Leave a comment below!

Chicago is on to something big...no huge! I recently visited the South Loop Hotel on 28th and State Street in Chicago Illinois because I heard that they were featuring a band that was totally hot! When I stepped into the venue, I was immediately captivated and mesmerized by the sultry sounds of the band and the crowd of women that evidently assembled to hear the music and to get the attention of the eye candy featured on stage! The band took me back to places where good music usually takes you. They played hits from The Police, Depche Mode, Rolling Stones, Little Wayne, and SADE but added their own flavor to these popular tunes. The Band is presently working on their album, "From the Basement to the Boulevard" which will be featured this Fall. But until then and before they blow up, you can get a front row seat twice a month at the South Loop Hotel beginning at 8:00pm. The band will be playing again om Friday, July 30, 2010. Come and join me!!!

While everyone is going GaGa over everything yellow, The nude shoe, has quietly and delicately emerged as my “must have” for the 2010 spring/summer season. Although nude clothing was cited as a necessary item in every fashionista’s closet, the nude shoe was understated in most mags but has become, for me a timeless classic like the little black dress and stilettos! Nude shoes are the perfect neutral so you can pair them with any color. The nude shoe is an affordable classic that you should definitely invest in!

2009 Style Events in Chicago: 2 Exclusive Invites!

Event:
StyleChicago.com presentsAn Evening of Modern Beauty:Beauty Night Out, Cocktails & Goodie BagsW Chicago - City Center
Date:Time:
8/26/2009Wed 6pm-9pm
Location:
172 W. Adams St.Chicago, IL 60603
order tickets via phone at 1-800-838-3006.
Join StyleChicago.com & W Hotels for "An Evening of Modern Beauty" at the W Chicago - City Center on Wednesday, August 26th from 6-9pm. Gather your friends or co-workers for this upscale Girls Night Out in a gorgeous downtown Chicago hotel! Event Highlights:
Complimentary spa & beauty treatments from 20+ top salons, spas, beauty & lifestyle brands
Cocktails by X-Rated Fusion Liqueurs (premium French vodka infusions)


Get your girlfriends together and get ready to say goodbye to summer in style! At our Girls Night Out events, you’ll be treated to the must-have fashions of the season, delicious cocktails and food pairings, fall-fabulous beauty treatments and much more. Best of fall, er—all, you’ll take home one of our famous goodie bags, filled to the brim with glamorous goodies and freebies!
Date: Tue.-Thu., Sep. 15th-17th, 2009Time: 5pm-10pmPlace: The Great Hall at Chicago Union Station210 S. Canal St. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.)

Fall 2009 Boots Fashionista's Vs. Recessionista's!

The fall season is right around the corner so I have scoured the internet for the best fall boots of the season. I will highlight some of the most expensive to the ultra cheap (Fashionista's Vs. Recessionista's) ...cheap price but expensive appearance. Here are my must-haves!

The shoes below will run you about $900.00-$2,000

Fashionista's

1. Yves Saint Laurent - $865.00
2. Stella McCartney - $1,095.00

3. Christian Louboutin - $1,995.00

The boots below are just as stylish as the fashionista boots. However, the price is right in these hard economic times!!!

Recessionista's

1. Nine West - $109.57
2. Victoria Secrets -$169.

3. Nine West- $69.00

Is Disolving a Relationship Ever appropriate via Facebook?

Technology has really altered the way society communicates with one another. In a century where people can globally communicate with each other in a blink of an eye, there is a misconception that people who use cyber communication are acting inappropriately and are not using proper etiquette. Unfortunately, I have to concur that I can't go anywhere without observing the improper use of modern technology and technology being used in inappropriate places. I see bus drivers and postal workers speaking on the phone while driving the bus or distributing the mail, people are twittering and using facebook during dinner and during class, and people are using facebook to complain about their bosses and friends who have angered them. Emily Post would burn her etiquette book if she witnessed these miscarriages of poise and decorum!

Now a new phenomenon has hit the cyber talk show, relationship break-ups have now become a continuous segment to facebook, and couples are now dissolving their relationship via facebook...Is this suitable? Will this form of communication now be a permanent staple in our now computer dominated society?
I do agree that people are using technology inappropriately but I also believe that sometimes an email or facebook can be used proactively in somewhat impossible situations. I know that I am going to get alot of opposition for saying this...but if used properly, I believe that facebook (sending a private email and not broadcasting your woes for the world to view) can be used, sometimes, in these situations. Before you start sending the hate comments, listen to my reasoning. Although Emily Post etiquette guide addresses the proper etiquette for breaking up with a person, the reality of this new etiquette singularity is not going to go away. Emily Post writes, "Someone you've been close to is owned a face-to-face meeting. Do not use anyone as an intermediary. Don't resort to a Dr. John or Dear Jane letter. Don't email or fax." I agree with her but I believe that there is away to use email and facebook properly without undermining your values. Here are ways to use technology appropriately in impossible situations:
Make sure that email and facebook are the last resort:
If the person that you want to resolve a relationship is unreachable and you have exhausted all other means of communication, I believe that an email is appropriate. I was recently in a situation where the person I wanted to end a relationship with wasn't responding to my repeated attempts to communicate with them. They were totally unresponsive, they were not returning my calls, I left messages for that person and I tried desperately to find out what went wrong. When I finally spoke with this person, I asked what was wrong and the person didn't give a viable explanation to what was happening between us. So I sent an email because I needed to speak what was on my heart and I needed that person to be a captive audience, so that no denials, interruptions or untruths could enter into the dialogue.
Don't bring up everything they ever did to you, get to the point.
Although this was done via email, I addressed the issue. I didn't bring up everything that went wrong in our relationship...because a lot of things went right. I just stuck to the issue at hand.

Avoid Name Calling or Inappropriate language.
Ending a relationship or even a friendship is hard and ending a relationship well is an oxymoron. However, it can be done in a respectful and considerate way. This can be achieved if you avoid any blaming, name calling or any other inappropriate language, Reassure the person, never devalued the relationship and acknowledged the good experiences and the growth that you received from being with them.
Use Discretion.
After you have dissolved the relationship, don't broadcast the break-up or forward the email to anyone else. Confidentiality is key. The last act of respect and kindness that you can show to that person is keeping everything that was said between the two of you.

Finally, breaking up with someone is always a difficult thing to do. However, always remember that you are responsible for delivering the news in a manner that is respectful and that displays a genuine concern for the persons well being. Although, It is always more appropriate to deliver such news in person, if email is your only viable option, if you follow the etiquette guidelines above, you can still maintain proper decorum and spare yourself any unforseen drama.

Fall Fashion Favorites for 2009!

Many stylists have predicted the essentials for your 2009 wardrobe ; but with all of the experts whispering fashion necessities in your ear, it is sometimes difficult to decipher who to listen to and what to wear. Although there are many experts who think they know best, please remember two important essentials: to always dress so that you will feel comfortable in your own skin and to dress age appropriate! It is vital, as fashion prodigies, to judiciously access and weed through the trends so that you can accumulate classics that you can wear for years to come.
So after researching and consulting various fashion websites, magazines, stylists and innumerable designer fall collections I have determined that the staples, for fall 2009 are: plaids, two toned shoes, over the knee boots, vintage jewelry, capes and the colors purple and green.
Plaids are not for everyone...especially if you are over the age of forty, so remember...everything should be done in moderation. The way that you wear your plaid and the type of clothing that you buy, will determine if this trend will be a classic. The key to this fashion conversion is to keep it simple...especially for middle aged women. A plaid coat, scarf, or even a plaid umbrella will keep you fashion forward without making you a fashion victim!
Two-tone shoes are another trend that can easily be converted into a classic. I have always loved two-tone shoes because it can add spice to an other-wise dull outfit. I consider them staples but again, it depends on the style and pattern of the shoe you are going to buy. Remember that if you buy loud colors and intricate patterns , you will probably be able to wear that pair of shoes for one season and then your
$89-$300 pair of shoes will end up in the back of your closet somewhere until the trend re-emerges. In this economy, most of us don't have disposable cash, so be wise in your fashion selections so that you can get as much wear out of your purchases as possible.
Accessories are quickly becoming a prerequisite for every recessionista! Vintage jewelry and capes are fashion must-haves this season. Vintage jewelry and capes, in my opinion, are timeless classics and apart of an era that personified fashion landmarks.

Over the knee boots must be wore tastefully because if not, you could easily be mistaken for a "working girl" if you go to far with this look. Over the knee boots should be wore with jeans, leggings and with a short skirt (with stockings) if they are high heels. Finally, the key to good style is to select things that you are comfortable wearing and things that are considered classics instead of "one hit wonders"! Make sure that you are making choices that are age appropriate and ultimately things that will make you look fabulous!