Boudoir Magazine Jan/Feb 2010

boudoirJan/Feb 2010 BoudoirMag.com

Model ManiaSix models from Charlotte striving to make it to the top

A RecessionProof WardrobeBest Buys for your money

Donelle MarieGetting to know thegirl next door

Top 10 New Years Resolutions

Closet PhobiaHelping you get organized

boudoirJan/Feb 2010 BoudoirMag.com

Design ManiaThe creative designs by Delise Ana Parker

A RecessionProof WardrobeUltimate deals at unbeatable prices

Donelle MarieGetting to know thegirl next door

Top 10 New Years Resolutions

Closet PhobiaHelping you get organized

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WWW.BOUDOIRMAG.COM - Jan 2010

On The CoverDonelle Marie

2

Chinahblacp. 17

Delise Anap. 27

Editorial StaffEditor in Chief- Naquette Porter-Burwell

Editorial Assistant- Ebony JonesIntern- Zabeth Chang

Marketing- Walida Edwards

Contributing WritersAnitra Terrell, Blake Hunt, Aris Dionne

Dee Ann Cowan, Tina Whittaker, Maggie Winterfeldt, Rebecca Subbiah,

Publisher- Naquette Porter -Burwell

For Boudoir Mediawww.boudoirmag.com

[email protected]

p. 24 p.29

http://www.boudoirmag.com/�

boudoirmag.com-Jan 20103

HollywoodGlamourp. 8

Dry Hair Days 15For help with unhealthy dry hair

hot topics

Top Ten New Years Resolutions 13Resolutions and how you can stick to them

Cardio Kickboxing 5Kick back into shape

Inside This Issuefashion

Black & Red Report 8Great styles for under $50

A Splash of Summer 16Sneak peak at swim wear

Stamatina Couture 20Innovative Designs

One Dress 3 ways P. 24

Daily Dose 34Know your coffee

Oyuki Miami 4Chic Miami Boutique

Closet Phobia 36


Oyuki is all about divine designs. This chic boutique will bring the girly girl out of any woman. The posh designer goodies will have any girl feeling as if she just stepped into wonderland. The high end boutique's racks are filled with soft flowy tops by Bella Jones and beautiful dresses by James Coviello just to name a few.Joyce Chehebar, Brazilian native and the boutiques owner has always been a fashionista, she has traveled to the fashion capitals of the world bringing back hand selected pieces from designers around the globe who's designs are carried in her boutique. For a wonderful selection of amazing designs stop by Oyuki.

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Oyuki-MiamiBy Naquette Porter


Cardio Kickboxing is an explosive workout!by Dee Ann Cowan

Are you getting bored with your regular cardio workout? Do you need variety, motivation, more energy? Then it’s time to try Cardio Kickboxing!Cardio Kickboxing is one of the biggest trends across the country and will definitely make you work up a sweat. Borrowing moves from the Thai sport of Kickboxing, these classes include specific kicks and punches set to up beat, high energy music for all fitness levels. The use of jabs, cross-punches, hooks and upper cuts will strengthen your upper body, tone your arms and shoulders and work your core. Adding kicks into the routine only ramps up your results. You’ll strengthen legs, especially the hamstrings and lift the butt. You’ll gain strength, power and see muscle definition all over your body. This approach will help you achieve greater total body weight loss in a shorter amount of time.

Cardio Kickboxing is a high intensity workout that will improve endurance, strength, muscle tone, coordination and flexibility while burning up to 800 calories in a single hour. Because this class blends elements of boxing, martial arts and traditional aerobics, it makes for a high impact, sweaty workout. Depending on your instructor and how intense the class, you’ll be bobbing, weaving, and jumping while throwing your punches and kicks, keeping the class more aerobic. Other instructors may have you focus more on proper form and technique with less moving around. Either class will give you the sweat session you’re looking for.

What to expect in a class?

Beginning with a cardio warm up and light stretching, you’ll typically move into a routine consisting of various kicks and punches, elbow strikes and other self defense moves mixed with a boxer’s shuffle set to upbeat music.

Some of the punches you’ll learn include:The Jab - a straight punch; if your right foot is forward, your right hand is jabbingThe Cross - a straight punch thrown from the rear hand, if your right foot is forward, your left hand does the crossThe Hook - punch in a circular motion, thrown with the lead handThe Uppercut - punch in an upward thrust with the fist pointing at the ceiling


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After your intense routine you’ll end with a slow cool down and more light stretching. Once you’re finished, you should feel amazing! This workout is also a great form of stress relief.Cardio Kickboxing is for all fitness levels, whether you’re in great shape or haven’t been in the gym for a while, this workout is for you. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), “ Well known as an excellent form of stress relief, martial arts inspired workouts also improve strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility. The variety of movements used in kickboxing can sharpen reflexes and improve coordination and balance. In addition, this type of exercise burns an average of 500-800 calories an hour as opposed to the 300-400 calories typically burned by the average step aerobics class.

Some of the kicks you’ll learn include:The Front Kick - a jab with the heel of the foot, can be done with either legThe Roundhouse Kick - a circular kick (your leg moves in an arc)The Side Kick - this kick is your strongest because the force comes from the glutes. Keep your foot flexed as you kick out

Workout at home

Cardio Kickboxing is for everyone! It’s also a great at home workout. It’s easy to create a home routine and still get the some of the same benefits as if you were in a class at the gym. Start slow, go at your own pace and drink lots of water throughout your workout to stay hydrated. The following combinations should be done with repetition to develop an automatic reflex and gain strength and power.

A few to try:Jab, cross, jab with a boxer’s shuffleJab, cross, front kick with lead legJab, cross, hook, upper cut while sitting in a standard squatFront kick with lead leg, back kick with rear legLead leg sidekick, feet together, cross with rear leg step back

These combinations can be repeated as often as you like or mixed to create a highly effective workout. Remember to devote equal time to right and left leg forward positions because you want to train both sides of your body evenly. Once you’re comfortable with your kicks and punches, try to create your own routine. Remember to set it to up beat music and have fun.

Basic Training tips:

- Drink plenty of water before, during and after class - stay hydrated- Take it easy in the first few classes as your body adapts to certain moves- When throwing your punches, never lock out your elbows - don’t fully extend your arm, keep a soft elbow- Beginners should avoid the high kicks until your body becomes used to the moves and more flexible- Don’t exercise beyond fatigue- Wear the right shoes - designed for pivots and lateral movements

Try Cardio Kickboxing the next time you want a total body workout. This rewarding workout will bring something new to your existing routine and lead you to your overall fitness goals. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your body will respond and how strong you will become. Make this workout part of your healthy lifestyle.

boudoirmag.com-Jan 2010 7

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Recession Proof Your Wardrobe


ClassicHollywood

Style

Zabeth Chang


Inspired by Billie Holiday

This beautiful inspired look is great for a romantic dinner. Billie Holiday’s signature was a flower in her hair.


Inspired by Vivienne Leigh

This inspired lookwould be great forthe opera or a charityGala. Vivienne Leighwas best known for her role in “Gone With The Wind” as Scarlet O'Hara


Inspired byDorothyDandridge

This inspired lookis great for a night out on the town or to attend a Hollywood party. Dorothy Dandridgewas one of Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses and singers. She is best know for her role in “Carmen Jones” in which she was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress.


Top Ten New Years Resolutions!

Sticking To Your

Resolutions

Every year we set goals and by February our resolutions fall off of our list one by one.

How can you set goals for yourself and stick to them? We will give you tips to get you on your

way.

We have researched the top ten resolutionsthat people set for themselves and never followthrough on.

1. Lose weight2. Change jobs3. Quite smoking4. Start going to church5. Quite drinking6. Get out of debt7. Help others8. Get organized9. Let go of bad relationships10.To be stress free

Think about what goals you want to accomplish. Start with

realistic goals.

by Dee Ann Cowan


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Setting realistic New Year’s resolutionsAs 2010 arrives, we find ourselves thinking about things to change. We look inward at our lives and what we’ve accomplished this year or what we’re not happy with and think about those changes. In the best tradition of the holiday season, we then set new year’s resolutions with the intention of changing ourselves for the better in the coming year. However, despite the best of intentions, somewhere around February things seem to fall apart. We give up on our resolutions and put them off again… until next year. But why? Why this turn of events? Are these resolutions realistic… are they smart… or are they beyond our expectations?

Resolution and Goal Achievement

The foundation on which we’re able to achieve our resolutions and ultimately our dreams, is goal setting. To best manage our expectations and successfully stick to these resolutions we need to make a clear plan of mini-goals that are set to reach the ultimate resolution. For most people, new year’s resolutions are centered around accomplishing something good and useful, such as losing weight, running a marathon, quitting smoking, spending more time with the family, etc. These resolutions are typically set to help you transform into a healthier, happier and more fulfilled you. The absence of a plan will keep you from reaching these self-improvement goals. Most of us are creatures of habit and it’s hard to change our habits without a solid plan.

A plan of mini-goals will help you reach your resolution. You can’t just run a marathon. For a resolution like this, you’d start a clear training program for running, then start with smaller races like 5Ks or 10Ks, then maybe a 15K. Once you’re comfortable with your longer runs, you’d be smart to try a half-marathon or two before attempting the full marathon. This takes practice, patience and dedication to the running and especially your training. If you make this resolution in January, you can’t expect to accomplish this very soon. So for some, February comes and if you aren’t committed to the training, the resolution falls off the list.

Achieve your dreams

Don’t let your resolutions fall to the wayside! Your resolutions are crucial to achieving your dreams… the weight loss, the marathon, more time with your family, no more smoking, etc. Goal setting and goal achievement are easier if you follow these 5 simple steps. These steps will help you successfully accomplish your resolutions.

Set a reasonable resolution. Not one of those grand, pie in the sky goals that are set so high that they become unattainable and unreasonable. A resolution should be tangible and setting specific goals to reach them is the first step to sticking to your resolution.

Take it step by step. Your resolution is important to you so make it easier to accomplish by breaking it down into more manageable goals, mini-goals. These mini-goals will allow you to make progress a little at a time and keep you motivated until the resolution is fulfilled.Write it down and remind yourself. The only way to focus on your resolutions and commit to your goals is to write them down… and often. Lee Iacocca said, “The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen.” Write it all down, the resolutions, the mini-goals and the critical path you want to take. Writing it down makes a deeper commitment to goal accomplishment and reminders keep you on the path.Be accountable and check your progress. Turn to friends, coworkers and your family for help. Tell them about your resolutions, keep them informed on your progress and ask for help if needed. Progress is important to staying motivated and on track towards your accomplishments.

For many, the new year is a beginning to new plans, new dreams and a new you. Following the steps outlined above will help you accomplish your goals and reach all the possibilities you have for yourself in 2010.

Happy new year and may this year be your best year ever!


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Aggressive Soul Song BirdChinah BlacWritten by Anitra TerrellPhotographs by Stevie

“She is the next Chaka Khan”Boudior Magazine


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A woman who epitomizes real is Jersey’s own ChinahBlac. She is changing the game bringing soul and emotion back to soul music. Not only has she sung back ground vocals for A-listers in the music industry for the past 15 years, most notably with the Dave Matthews Band, Kelis, Dave Hollister, Angie Stone, and Ne-Yo to name a few she’s also one of the most sought after vocal arrangers in the business. Chinah recently released her debut album, Introducing Eugenia Shata and describes her sound as aggressive soul. She broke it down further stating, “If Busta Rhymes and Chaka Khan had a child that is my sound.” So you can only image the high octane, grit and swagger her music embodies.

I chatted with her recently and was pleasantly surprised by her candidness and ability to keep it real. She was hanging out at a popular Atlanta spot, Café Istanbul enjoying Middle Eastern belly dancing and mellowing out with her own hookah pipe (that she always travels with). “I love the atmosphere hookah’s bring. It keeps me focused and on track.”

She’s well versed in the music industry having worked with a variety of artists but it was two key relationships one with Erykah Badu and with Jill Scott that brought her talents to the forefront. Chinah was a background vocalist for Erykah Badu touring with her for eight years and later becoming the tours vocal director. That opportunity led to her working with Jill Scott and her first solo performance as a background singer. “Erykah Badu gave me the opportunity to be viewed. Jill Scott gave me the position to shine.” Chinah explains. Her performance of the classic Tina Marie song, Portuguese Love, brought the house down and showed just how much range and emotion her voice contained.

The opera trained singer earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in music from Texas Southern University. So when it came time to create Introducing Eugenia Shata, she sought out studied musicians, new producers, as well as wrote and produced the album. Years in the making, the album began as journal entries she scribed during her days touring with Erykah Badu. Her first single off the album, Get Away, is a down tempo track which shows the introspective and posed side of Chinah with vocals reminiscent of Aretha Franklin. My favorite track on the album, Touch Me with Your Handz was produced by Philadelphia producer DJ Jazzy Jeff and rocks with you from beginning to end in the most sensual way. Her sound reminds us of what soul music is, taking us back to its roots of rawness and vigor.

Now Busta and Chaka Khan may describe her sound but Chinah also includes Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson Five on her list of soul artists who had a message in their music balanced with feel good tunes, a skill she prides herself in. Marvin Gaye in particular his album; What’s Going On is her favorite of all time.

When asked about the shift from soul to neo soul Chinah shared, “I don’t agree with the neo soul label because it implies that soul music has been reborn which isn’t true”. Soul music evolves and grows. It is not just natural hair, acoustic guitars and incense. I call my music aggressive soul because music is supposed to make you feel better, make you want to dance but also make you feel like you can accomplish something.”

ChinahBlac is a singer’s singer. She understands the music industry and credits her days as a background singer to giving her the discipline to succeed as an artist and the knowledge to create an experience during shows. The result, a stage show like no other often described as commanding and unrelenting and a sound that is just as unique. “Every time I open my mouth, I want whomever is listening to feel and connect with every word, I want to bring the fire back to music”.


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Her next project, Eargasmic out in January is a mix tape by DJ Conscience featuring Raheem De Vaughn, Musiq, Wes Felton, and Black Ice followed by her sophomore album, The Resurrection of ChinahBlac out next March. “It’s about the hustle and the grind. I live hard and love hard. My music goes straight to the gut. It’s all truth, no sugar.” She exclaims.

ChinahBlac also has plans that speak to her desire to give back and manifest her higher divine self. One is creating a nonprofit organization for struggling artists. Chinah describes it as, “a place where artists can learn the music business, take classes, live in a dormitory environment and be encouraged to pursue music.” The organization will be geared towards individuals from areas that typically have limited access to the music industry and don’t live in big cities like New York or Los Angeles.

As our conversation continued, Chinah updated me on things that were going on at the café she was at and we discussed the Chaka Khan tribute during the recent Soul Train Music Awards (which by the way I felt she should have been participated in). If I had to choose an artist she could be compared to it would be the fabulous Chaka Khan.

“I don’t agree with the neo soul label because it implies that soul music has been reborn which isn’t true.”

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Girl Next DoorDonelle Marie Elmasri/Written by Naquette Porter/Photos Courtesy of donellemarie.com

Who is Donelle Marie you ask? Well, Boudoir Found Out All About The Girl Next Door. We Asked The Rising Starlet Questions Her Fans Want To Know- On Love, Style, and The Entertainment Industry

Fitting inIf you could change anything about your appearance what would it be? I would change my arms! For some reason that's what I am concerned about and look at when I take pictures.

Do you watch what you eat? Or do you eat what you want?My Father has always been a health nut and I guess you can say it has rubbed off on me. I do watch what I eat. The secret is definitely everything in moderation.

How do you stay in shape?Fortunately, I love to run. It is a hobby of mine. Whenever I get the chance to come home, I always run outside with my Dad. We have been jogging together since I was 12 years old. I love to workout because I love the feeling you get afterwards. Even if I am tired I push myself because it's how I get my day started. It puts me in the right mood and give me the energy I need.

Are you a girlie girl?What can I say, looks are deceiving! I have 2 brothers and have grown up with mostly male cousins...so no. I absolutely LOVE sports. Not only watching, but actually playing. I don't think I ever owned a doll in my life, mostly footballs, baseballs and basketballs. But I have to admit I was an elite Gymnast, competitive dancer and cheerleader most if my life...that seems girlie girl I guess.


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With her current role on All My Children the Fordham University graduate is definitely taking her career into her own hands. The former gymnast and cheerleader have always felt at home in the spotlight. Reaching for the stars has always been familiar for the all American Girl. In fact the 22 year old credits her mom, dad and her supportive family for giving her the love and encouragement she needed to become the woman she is today. The beautiful actress, correspondent, model, and aspiring director has a figure to die for. Growing up in Chatham, NJ with a health conscious father plays a part in how Elmasri takes care of her figure. She has been an avid jogger since she was about 12 years old jogging along side her dad. Elmasri is well on her way to building a name for herself in the world of Entertainment. With her drive, big heart, and already impressive resume we will stay tuned for great things to come from the multi-talented personality of Donelle Marie Elmasri. We sat down with Donelle Marie and asked her everything from dating , her career, to her body image.

On DatingWhat is the worst pick up line you have ever heard from a guy?"Are you tired baby? Because you have been running through my mind all day".

Have you ever been on a blind date? No, not yet. Never done the whole blind date thing. Haven't really dated much period.

What qualities do you look for in a guy? You should always see how a guy treats his Mother. This will give you a good idea on how he will treat you. Also for me, personality is key!

Are you dating anyone right now? Yes, I am dating someone very special at the moment.

What advice would you give someone looking for love?Don't look! It will find you. The more you chase after love, the more frustrated and disheartened you will become. Know that you will date some losers either before or after you find the one. It will only make you appreciate what may be right in front of you.


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Rising StarI believe in following my heart. I want to be a host/correspondent, actress and model, so as long as I am in front of the camera I will be happy


Getting Cozy With Donelle Marie!Up close and Personal

At what age did you get started in the entertainment industry?When I was younger I would turn on the television, watch TRL and always knew that I was meant to be in front of the camera. Being a gymnast, dancer and cheerleader, the spotlight has always been the place I feel most comfortable. It has always been natural for me to hold conversations, and make even the shiest of people feel comfortable. When I started at Fordham, that’s when I realized how important it was to start networking in the entertainment industry. At the age of 19 I began interning with Entertainment Tonight.

Did you always know you were destined to be a star?Well, if you ask anybody in my family that question, it would be one big YES! I always have goals. To be a star is not my goal, to follow my heart and continue to do what makes me happy each and every day is my idea of having success in my life.

What are some of your accomplishments since entering into the entertainment world?While interning at Entertainment Tonight/Insider, MTV and Extra I have established great relationships as well as experience. Learning from the talent, celebrities as well as behind the scenes producers and directors has allowed for me the knowledge and practice to now add my own talents and capabilities to the industry. So anxious to get my career rolling, I graduated in three years. Right out of college I had already put together an amazing talent reel that ET assisted me with, landed a sports reporter role for Time Warner Cable and also managed to have some fun in the acting world, landing a recurring waitress role on “All My Children”. I have shocked myself with how much I have taken on in so little time. I can’t wait for more, bring it!

From what I know of her, my personality is the closest to hers. A sense of humor is one of my biggest attributes. For the ability to laugh at yourself, as well as make others laugh is a true gift. I really admire her and would love to work with her one day.

Who has been one of your favorite people to work with?I love the hosting world and the entertainment shows, but I have to say after working with the cast of “All My Children” I have never had so much fun! Everyone has such an amazing personality and so much to offer, it’s always a good time and a lot of laughs.

How do you remain grounded given your growing success?I am so blessed. I have had very high morals and values instilled in me from a young age. My faith plays a huge role in my life and helps me navigate through life’s obstacles. No matter how successful I become, I will always remain true to myself and my family.

Do you have any advice for aspiring stars?The best advice I can give aspiring stars is start networking ASAP! The sooner you get out there in the environment in which you one day want to be in, the better off you’ll be. From the get go, my first internship at ET anyone will tell you how hungry I was to learn and get out there. Any chance I got I would be take. Working late, coming in early, and even covering positions when needed. Always do everything with a smile! And no matter what stay true to yourself. You are going to be working with and surrounded by people who are nothing like you all the time. Learning to conform to your environment will always work to your benefit.

What can we expect from Donelle in the near future? As my mom always told me, “If you are not working the red carpet, you’ll be walking the red carpet!” Watch out for Donelle Marie!


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How does your family feel about your career choice?Well, not to be biased, but I do have the best family in the world! They are all by my side no matter what. I could not ask for more support. No matter my accomplishments the only thing that matters to them is that I am happy. For me however, it is extremely difficult to be traveling and away from them time and time again. I do carry some guilt. My mother is my best friend. And to be away from my grandparents’ when they are ill, eats me alive. But they are so encouraging and always tell me to “follow my dreams.”

Who are some of your influences, personally and professionally?My idol is my Mother. She is who I aspire to be like. There is no one like her. Her and my father always taught me the right way to be and how to treat people. It sounds cheesy, I know, but it is the dead honest truth. I was fortunate enough to have a great upbringing and that is one of the main reasons I have been able to stay focused and grounded. Knowing I have my family on my side helps me to strive even higher.

If you could work with anyone who would it be? In the female actress category, I feel as though Sandra Bullock is someone I can relate to.


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Delise Ana ParkerFabulousFierceFashion

Welcome To the WorldOf Delise Ana FashionWritten by Jimmy N. Guzman

Model: KaraMUA: Karin Barragato (913) 530-7864Photography: Micheal Roud


In the moments following your initial engagement with a Delise’ Ana Fashions design, you are immediately taken in by the astute detailing and sheer artistry required to produce it, and in describing it, you avoid the classification of "garment" and instead elect to describe it as a "sophisticated aesthetic manifestation." An archetypal piece that encapsulates this sensation is the robust ebony gown photographed below, constructed using polysynthetic fabric manipulated in varied forms, and detailed with bunched pleats across the bodice, and lower thighs. The piece astounds in its demonstration of how the designer chooses to style a material that has become iconic in her productions, as well as in the intricacies that seem to envelope, and possess, each aspect of it. The piece not only impresses, but it also seems to convey one to a realm where everything is possible and all things belong, thus providing the perfect introduction to an incomparable designer whose work transcends expectations of form, and permitting us to envision a world brimming with untrammeled innovation.

Delise Parker arrived in Los Angeles a recent college graduate from Beaufort, South Carolina, with the hope of realizing a “fashion empire I always dreamed about as a little girl.” As a child, Parker projected her creativity as a choir member at church and school, as a gymnast, and as a ballet dancer, but it was also fashion that offered the most inspiring of all artistic outlets. When asked to express the “aha’ moment that contained the assurance of knowing she wanted to be a designer, Parker responded:

“The Aha moment... When I was a little girl, I'd love to play dress up in my sisters' clothing. Years later, I didn’t know those clothes would be mine. The hand-me-downs weren't very trendy, fashionable, or fun anymore, so I began to alter the clothing to create my own style. By the reaction from my fellow junior high classmates, I knew this talent would soon be my hobby. (deep breath,smiles) Though I was only walking through the halls of my middle school, I envisioned walking to podium

to accept my award as Designer of the Year.”

Prior to her move and while she was still a student, Parker operated a small boutique that, had she chosen to, she could have continued to operate upon graduation. Instead, in January 2007, Parker applied and was accepted to a fashion school in LA, and though she had never traveled to California, packed her belongings, “stepped out on faith,” and relocated to the west coast.

Stepping out on faith proved to be one of the most (if not the most) significant decisions of her career, and Parker has proven that it was a move ordained by destiny. Parker has used her time in LA wisely, prudently deciding on which photographers, make-up artists, and hairstylists to work with, which shows to participate in, and how to market herself in the most optimal way possible. 2009 has been an especially promising one for the designer and one that, if indicative of Parker’s future progressions as an artist, foreshadows a beautiful unfolding to an exciting, and lasting, career.

Beginning in March with a photo shoot collaboration in Beverly Hills, Parker has attracted a dizzying repertoire of fashion shoots, shows, and artistic collaborations, that collectively attest to her continued rise towards prominence.

Following various shoots in April and June, one of which involved a collaboration with model/artist Dani Wright, Parker participated in a series of fashion shows that further established her in her mission to obtain wide-spread recognition. In June alone, Parker produced a strong showing at the Apollo Star Gallery Art Show and at a local show in Agoura Hills, CA, produced by Yara Estrada. Parker then traveled to New York City in September to present at the pre-NY Fashion Week event "Fashion Democracy" produced by Plitz Fashion Marketing, then to North Carolina to show at North Carolina Fashion Week, then she returned to NYC to collaborate with Make-Up Artist (MUA) Kathy of Kiss and Make-Up, and then back to LA to shoot with photographer Victor Rodriguez.


Parker finished September with a showing at iManFashion Group LLC’s "Fashion Evolution: Forever" during Boston Fashion Week, preceded by a shoot in Boston's renowned Newbury Street with television news anchor Frances Rivera. For a second time, the first time being in Oct 2009 at LA Fashion Week, Parker showcased one of her most remarkable designs: a multi-tiered carrot-tinted gown formed using her iconic polysynthetic fabric and pleated across the bodice with buoyant feathers lining the bottom. The gown, which perfectly contoured the model's slender physique above the waist and demonstrated her heightened skills as a couture designer, emanated a sense of inspired beauty that arose from the novelty, and expressiveness, of the piece, itself.

As the final piece to hit the runway, the gown engaged the crowd and permitted the audience to partake in the consummate satisfaction of her collection…and then to long for more.

October and November proved to be an especially fruitful time in Parker’s career and it was during those months that she showed at LA Fashion Week for a second time, landed a magazine interview with Niker Back Stage, shot with the talented Sharon Esther and Nate Hoffman, and customized a piece for Alisa Apps to wear at her musical presentation. A handful of fashion shoots followed, one of which included an auspicious collaboration with the marvelous model, actress, and radio VJ Ms. Devyn Ashley.

In late November, Parker produced a show at Club Boulevard 3 in Hollywood with Parris Harris and an excellent backstage team, among who was the talented, and gifted, Key MUA, Heith Chanel. Two additional shows followed, one in Panoma, CA, the following night, and the other at Club Cabana in Hollywood, where Parker once again teamed up with MUA Heith Chanel.

More recently, Parker participated in a well-received fashion show at the Staples Center in LA during a Clippers Game, a fabulous photo shoot with Nicole Brewer at the soon-to-be-opened W Hotel in Hollywood, and a charity fashion show entitled "A White Carpet Christmas” at The Hollywood Centre. With no sign of stopping, Parker is well on her way to realizing her dream of developing, and sustaining, the fashion empire she dreamed of as a child.

Photographer: Nate Hoffman (858) 414-4072Make-up and creative director: Heith ChanelModel: Vel Jones


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In classic Delise' Ana style, each component of the ensemble transitions to the next in an unexpected and visually satisfying way (from the ferocious tiger-print blouse to the bold hot pink band, and from the smooth softness of the band, to the eccentric tempestuousness of the ruffled petti skirt). The piece is complex in its approach and intriguing in the way it conjoins the seemingly disparate components into one harmonious rhythm. Its merit resides in the achievement of its artist to uphold structural intricacies while retaining avant sensibility. Simply put, the piece is divine.

Delise Parker is an artist who has quickly risen above our comprehension of nontraditional fabric use and is emerging as one of the most talented, and inspiring, designers of our time. In February 2010, Parker is “stepping out on faith” again, this time to travel to New York City to both plant her footprint in the Big Apple with the help of a publicist, and to research boutiques that could carry Delise’ Ana Fashions in their shops.

In her own words, “NY in February is definitely a dream I would like to make a reality. I plan to show and have my line shot by as many photographers as possible. One day Delise' Ana will be a household designer brand name.” Indeed, Ms. Parker. Indeed.

To learn more about Delise’ Ana Fashions, please visit: www.deliseana.carbonmade.com

Photographer: Nate Hoffman (858) 414-4072Make-up and creative director: Heith ChanelModel: Vel Jones

Astonishingly, Parker’s artistry continues to evolve and each piece seems to elevate her further, and further, into the realm of sophisticated design. Departing from her traditional use of polysynthetic material, Parker has begun experimenting with more conventional fabrics that she then canvasses with bold prints, patterns, and colors. This departure is evinced by the ensemble below, which features: a burnt-out, polyester, tiger-print blouse with oversized, ruffled cap-sleeves; a hot pink band around the waist; and a double-layered, ruffled, petti coat skirt, with the first layer, bustling like an effervescent New York City street, made using black tulle, and the bottom layer styled using silk chiffon.


As the New Year approaches we all scramble to make those New Years Resolutions. A lot of people want to get organized. It is said how you start the New Year is how you will end the year. So why not start 2010 off with a neat, organized closet? Your closet can easily be called the center point of your life. All the clothes in it represent the person that makes up you! When you go to work, on a date, to church, to a charity event, or out with friends the first place you go is to your closet to find something appropriate to wear.

For some, closet organizing may not be something to look forward to. In fact it may be the last thing on anyone’s list of thing’s to do. It’s easy to get off track and let clothes pile up. We’ve all been there—we hit the snooze button one or two too many times and we pray that there is an outfit available that doesn’t have to be ironed. We just hope that we can slip something nice on without ironing anything to avoid looking like a wrinkled mess! All of us have that friend that has that one secret room: “umm don’t go in that room it’s a mess my clothes are all over the place, sorry.” There is so much shame associated with an unorganized closet or room full of clothes. But rest assured I am here to help with tips to get your closet organized. I will give useful techniques to keep your closet organized all year round. As an Image Consultant and Personal Shopper I offer clients a service called a closet audit, which organizes the closet of my clients efficiently. Here are a few of my tips to keep the center point of your life as neat and organized as possible!

After setting aside at least 2 hours to organize your closet use the following tips to get the job done:

Tip #1

Through out the junk in 2010Tip number 1 simply means get rid of all the extra junk in your closet. The quickest way to get your closet organized is to first prepare and label boxes before starting. Boxes should be labeled: purge, donate, and out of season. Go through each item in your closet and decide which box every wardrobe item will go. Determine which clothes can be donated, or thrown away etc. Usually a good measure to know when it is time to get rid of a wardrobe item is if you have not worn that item in a year or more then you do not need it taking up space in your closet.


Tip # 3

Categorize your clothesSet up an on going organizational system. Organize your clothes by type, length then color. Now that you have all the clutter out it will be easy to align each item efficiently. Jeans should go together, skirts together, shirts together etc. Once you arrange each item by category start arranging each item by length. Lastly, organize from lightest color to darkest color. Align your items so that they are easily accessible. Some people are more particular than others. Use an organizational system that works best for you.

Tip # 4Spring into seasonal cleanupIn order to keep your closet neat throughout the year continue to do fine tuning each season. Make sure that your wardrobe is in season, if not store the out of season wardrobe pieces so that you have more valuable space for the current season’s wardrobe. At the start of each season is a great time to assess once again what items need to be donated or simply do not fit.

If you follow these tips you will have an organized closet in 2010! For more tips contact [email protected] or www.tinaeimaging.com

Tip #2

Invest in hangers to create less mess

No wires hangers!!! Throw away all wire hangers and invest in soft velvet hangers. These hangers not only look nice, they are very inexpensive as well. These hangers help your clothes to stay neatly organized on the hanger. Velvet hangers are available at discount stores such as TJMax or Target. It’s important to hang as many pieces in your wardrobe as possible. Visibility is important if you can’t see it, you don’t realize you own it. Store anything that you put in the box you labeled out of season in under bed storage bins. This may included shorts, skirts, summer dresses ECT. Consider purchasing an extra storage self to assemble sweaters. An extra closet rod to hang items like skirts and shorts might be an alternative option if space is limited. Depending on your budget you can also purchase a lot of closet organization tools on www.organize.com.

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We all can use a daily dose of pick me up, and if your one who is constantly on the go, working to wee hours of the night and back up at 5am to do it all over again, than nothing slaps you in the face and gives you that pep in your step like your favorite dose of espresso. It's hard to imagine that there is anyone out there who has not tried an espresso, but for you newbie's let me break it down for you. You have your:

Café Latte: equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The steamed milk is poured over the espresso. Remember, the order of building the drink is important.

Cappuccino: equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam (topped with cocoa powder or non-traditional cinnamon).

Macchiato: equal parts espresso and milk foam.

Latte Macchiato: essentially an inverted café latte with the espresso poured on top of the milk and topped with foam.

Caramel Latte Macchiato: The milk is vanilla flavored and caramel is drizzled over the top. This is the form of macchiato popularized by the U.S. specialty and boutique coffee shops.

Mochaccino: equal parts cappuccino and chocolate syrup.I know all of this can seem overwhelming if this is your first time, but think of it like a kiss on a first date. Ok maybe second date. You move in slowly and take your time. You never want to just rush in, it can ruin the mood. Once you get over that initial kiss, you enjoy it and life is grand. Soon you'll be comfortable at your spot in line, waiting to shout out your order like the rest of us crazed espresso lovers who just can't go with out our daily dose.

Daily Dose by Naquette Porter


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Boudoir Magazine Jan/Feb 2010