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Cell phone alarm goes off. You wake up, check your Twitter, MySpace, or Facebook, and then you head to the shower. Social media has managed to corner at least 25% of the average user’s time daily. We connect with others in our area code, zip code, and even trending dress codes. It makes you wonder, what are you doing with your bit of real estate on the World Wide Web? Is your social media profile the best representation of the person you are today, the person you want to be tomorrow? Moreover, if you ever to meet your online contacts offline would you be everything they expected you be.

For me, Social Media is an important part of my life. I set aside 3 time slots in my day just to maintain my visibility with my domestic, as well as, international contacts via the web. When you are building your brand, promoting a project, or attempting to reconnect with old friends or colleagues, your profile on popular social media should have a few key things to communicate to others the person you are today.

Side note: I always chuckle when some protest that they are a private person or they have a private profile, Obvious Family if you don’t own the domain, your information online is never completely private. Make the system work for r you, or simply remove yourself from the matrix:

My latest and greatest challenge has been offline encounters. It’s always a strange arrangement when interacting with various personalities in real-time that you’ve exchanged a note with, commented on a discussion thread, or co-sign on a status message.  When the interaction is impromptu, here’s a few tried and true ways to make sure your Social Media encounter isn’t a #FAIL.

1. Be confident! Don’t sidle over to them like a parking lot assailant. Make your approach purposeful and direct, so the introductions go smoothly.

2. Do more than just ask their name. Here’s an Example, “Excuse me, are you the program director for the last gallery event at the MET?” A professional advance to a new face that references something meaningful, is more flattering than yelling out their screen name.

3. Extend your business card, invite them to a cool event your hosting, or reverse the bullhorn and ask them about their organization, business, or current projects.

4. Continually say their name during your conversation, so that it sticks.  Politely exchange emails FIRST, and let them offer their number. Respect their personal space.

5. Last but not least, don’t be chatty. If the conversation is flowing, continue on. If there’s awkward silence, bid them adieu and carry on.

Overall, chance encounters with online friends shouldn’t be gauche.  If you represent yourself well on the web, be willing to further the connection offline.  You never know where an opportunity lies in simple conversation and friendly face time!

James Houston is a true visionary artist that understands what it means so capture beauty in its true art form; raw. The body of his work is photographer’s dream. His work embodies great lighting technique, lack of excessive retouching and use of space is breathing. The enclosed pictorial ‘Great Faces’ is breathtaking and speak volumes. If you are a new photographer, James is the perfect mentorship to help train your eye.

James Houston is recognized as one of the leading beauty/body photographers working in America and Europe for clients including Chanel, Clinique, Donna Karan, Gap, Givenchy Paris, HUGO BOSS, Neutrogena and Victoria’s Secret.

James’ Website

Bio

James Houston — Photographer: James Houston was born in 1965 in Sydney, Australia. At an early age, he began to study ceramic sculpture and design at school, where he was awarded first in the state of NSW for Art in the HSC (High School Certificate). At 19 years old, shortly after leaving school, Houston held his first solo exhibition of ceramic sculpture. He was awarded an AFA (Advertising Federation of Australia) scholarship and subsequently spent three years as an art director in Sydney and Los Angeles. While on a business trip to Tokyo in 1990, Houston bought a second-hand Nikon 35mm camera and took up photography as a hobby.

With his background in sculpture and design, Houston started photographing the naked form and developed the clean and graphic style that has become his signature. In 1993, his first photographic exhibition, “Black and Blue”, focused on the human form interacting with natural landscapes.

In 1995, the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) awarded Houston the prestigious “Highest Score Overall” in Print for his “Buried Nude” series. In subsequent years, Houston became one of Australia’s leading fashion photographers, contributing to magazines such as Australian Vogue, Italian Harper’s Bazaar, Wallpaper and Oyster. Houston also photographed the first-ever nude cover for Australian Vogue (January 1997)….read more

Social Capitalism created a platform to elect our 44th president, while seemingly standardizing the virtual channel on how we communicate with one another. From the 1988 invention of Internet Relay Chatting (IRC) by Jarkko Oikarinen to real time status updates via the web, viral dialogue reigns supreme on how we conduct our business, casual, and interpersonal relationships.

Then Whuffie Factor, in laments terms, is the “How To” source for effectively growing your brand through the phenomena of Social media. Tara’s “Whuffie Factor” is a collection of short stories where she recounts successes, as well as, failures as she worked to anchor her consulting and marketing firm in the disenchanting utopia of online businesses.

Tara’s success trek is passionately authentic.  Through and through, her book reveals that even with technology and all of its social graces; it should never be a road block for individuals to embrace the human connection, and that’s what Whuffie’s all about!

We all know that 60% of what is put on our skin is absorbed, but who knew chocolate was so good for you? Well, the Mayans and Aztecs did, as they learned early on about the hydrating and healing properties of cocoa butter. This balm became a staple remedy for healing chapped skin and easing sunburn. Studies show that cocoa powder has anti-oxidant activity more potent than red wine. Also Cocoa Butter’s mildly protective effects against heart disease are well known. Here’s a quick DIY Facial remedy you should try this month!

Homemade Chocolate Facials

Ingredients:

1 tsp cacao
½ tsp honey
1 tbsp sour cream or yogurt / kefir or 1 tbsp avocado
1 tsp oatmeal powder

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water. Thoroughly cleanse with a hot towel and extend a facial massage with warm cocoa butter. Now rest with a soothed spirit and fragrantly smooth skin.
Don’t forget to breathe, smile and be happy.

Source: Irina Wardas, Women’s Holistic Health, Nutrition and Relationship Expert

*For a twist, play Aesthetician and spoil your partner with this in home spa treatment!

Born in Brussels, Belgium, Diane von Furstenberg   first came into the fashion scene in 1972 where she introduced the wrap dress.  Her wardrobe dynamics stamped Furstenberg into the fashion industry where she went on to sell millions of dresses.  Furstenberg took a hiatus from the fashion industry in the 1980’s, and re-emerged in 1997 with the re-launch of the wrap dress.  This transformed Furstenberg’s line into a global company.

Furstenberg prides herself on issues such as diversity on the runway and underweight models.  She also believes in giving back and being active in her community. In 2005 she was awarded from the Council of Fashion Designers of America for her influence on fashion, and a year later she was dubbed president of the CFDA, a position she still holds. She also is on the board of Vital Voices, an organization that empowers rising women leaders and social entrepreneurs.
Furstenberg has taken her company and extended it into a luxurious brand that many women admire. Just like her wrap dress, she continues to create pieces that are classy, empowering and timeless. Her runway is always filled with sexy prints, denim, color and patterns. Over 20 years ago she designed a dress that symbolized freedom and power. With those themes, she has inspired a generation of young emerging designer’s ready to change the fashion world.

“I never wanted to become a fashion designer, but I understand it’s a never ending job and it is important to keep up with the changes in fashion. I see many young designers try to emulate what has already been done.” Yet, Furstenberg doesn’t have to keep up with the times; when you have an ingenious eye such as she, career longevity is guaranteed.

As a young Fashionista, I have always admired and respected her eye for style.  She loves uplifting women. Through her designs, she reminds us how strong and confident we are. Season after season, Furstenberg’s delivery is impeccable and effortless.  Whether it’s a night out on the town, or busy day at the office she captures the essence of what a woman is and what she wants to wear.

Words by Crystal Hardman

Dwele has come a long way since his debut with Slum Village on “Tainted.” With his fourth album hitting stores this past June 29, he has established himself as a vocalist, writer and producer.

Dwele did not land into music by accident. He has always been inspired by singers such as Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. However, Motown artists were only a fraction of his decision to become a vocalist. “A major thing that happened in my life that pushed me to go in the musical route was loosing my father. Before he passed he taught me about music. That’s a way to keep me with him.” Dwele used his loss as a way to channel feelings the studio. Dwele sold his demo The Rize, out of the trunk of his car which eventually landed him his first record deal. Since the music industry has changed over the years, he feels there are more advantages of getting your voice heard than when he first started. “Take advantage of the free promotion of the internet. It’s a whole new game. This is the time of the self made star.”

Dwele has been able to keep his personal life off the gossip sites, but he is not completely exempt from the media’s scrutiny. The crooner took a more comical approach when addressing certain rumors. Around his first album Dwele recalls hearing that he was gay. Instead of getting upset he took it as a sign that he finally made it.  “You know you’ve made it as a singer when they call you gay.”

When it comes to juggling his private and professional life, Dwele feels the two go hand in hand. “At the end of the day when you step off the stage, you have to go live a regular life. I want to be myself whether I’m on stage or not.”
Dwele is known for his mid-tempo and contemporary music. With every album he has been able to seductively sing his way into his fans hearts. The process of making an album can be tedious, and this time around, Dwele wanted to give fans something different. “I let the music dictate what I write. Really I just try to lock myself up. I grab inspiration from everyday living.” With each album the singer challenges himself by trying something new. Whether it’s an instrument or a concept, Dwele wants to keep growing as an artist. With W.ants W.orld W.oman he decided to express three different sides of him: the inner alter ego, his political awareness and his softer side (as he appropriately called it, baby making music). “I just really wanted to do something different and a little more creative. Its not saying I want worldly women, I’m just breaking it up into three different sections.”

Dwele has never been short of executing to his fans. From his first to his last, he has managed to deliver something new every time. With WWW hitting shelves next month, fans are sure to have a tasteful three-section album.

Words by Crystal Hardman

We knew this was going to happen sooner or later and we’re excited about it. Superstar David Beckham will be launching a line of evening wear and and suits for men under his wife’s label, Victoria Beckham. The collections are set for review in 2011. David will act as designing partner with his wife, Victoria Beckham for the menswear division. David is know for his keen sense of fashion and the world is eager to see what he comes up with. Bravo Beckham!

As we prepare our ‘Trend’ picks for F/W 2010, will want to give you a heads up on one of the key MUST-HAVE items for the fall…the trench. This key item continues to come back season after season because of its classic and timeless appeal. Every man big, tall or short should own a trench coat because they are like family heirlooms. Trench coats can be passed down from generation to generation if you properly take care of it. Featured trench by the late and forever talented Alexander McQueen.

“My accessories namesake came from one of many candid conversations with my daughter. As usual, she had a strange pet request.  But before I told her “NO,” I asked her to show me a picture of this animal. Sure enough it was a 1 ounce monkey that could fit on your finger! That was my AH-HAH moment. I knew then Finger Monkey was precisely the right moniker for my designs….” ~Traci Moore

By trade, Traci Moore is a Nail Artisan who in 2009 decided to explore the world of Make-Up artistry. With the release of her Finger Monkey accessory collection, Traci’s tear sheets and feature portfolio is growing exponentially.  With her adaptation of the most refined wardrobe essential, the leather glove, the Finger Monkey is a flirty finger tip adornment, stylized with jewels, beads, and baubles.  At first sight, I was floored with the detail and distinction that each Finger Monkey displayed. No two are alike, because she customizes each piece on whims of inspiration (as all creative minds do)!

Until the launch of her E-Boutique, you can find her on Facebook Fan Page: Finger Monkey Accessories

Jennifer JJ Smith has the best of both worlds. Her looks are sensibly sexy that women appreciate her beauty, and she can chime into the machismo of her metro male counterparts.  Yet for Jennifer, the confidence and candor is a fairly new existence of sorts, which is the mainstay of her popular dating journal “Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating”. Smith placed herself under the microscope in her personal case study to gain a better understanding of what works, what weirds men out, and simple, sensible advice on what women can do to really employ the Wow Factor when shopping the market for a new male suitor.

From exploring the idea of an “Open Relationship” to a step by step checklist on how to steer clear of the “Unavailable Men”, Jennifer is quintessential Queen on getting and keeping the man you want.

In 25 Segments and 220 pages, this dating playbook will coach any star player into the league of extraordinary women who score in the boardroom and in the bedroom!