Simmons Sisters Sizzle as Sneaker Pimps

Angela and Vanessa are constantly getting their Pastry creative on! The Simmons sisters are releasing a number of new kicks this summer. With their psychedelic, funky, fashion forward color scheme, the new line of Pastry’s are definitely for the woman who is not afraid to let her shoe game speak for her - loud and clear. Martini Pink got their hands on some polaroids of three of the new styles arriving in stores on the very first day of August. Take a look and tell us what you think!

Image 1: Glam Pie Lace

Image 2: Turnover

Image 3: Cake Box

Budget Friendly Fashion: Rachel Roy

Designer Rachel Roy is following the trend of many of today’s high-priced, high-end, haute couture designers by offering a more affordable line. Roy, who recently filed for divorce from hubby, Damon Dash, has plans to launch her economical line this summer with Macys. Rachel Roy’s offerings will consist of contemporary sportswear, shoes, and accessories. Prices are reported to be in the $50.00 to $300.00 range.

TLC’s Chilli Hosts Mother’s Day Gala

Dasani Water’s new spokesperson Chilli, from TLC, provided feel-good refreshment to African-American women through a Mother’s Day program that celebrates good work in the community. On April 24th, the Dasani Ultimate Style & Beauty Lounge offered women the opportunity to recharge in a relaxing atmosphere. Rejuvenating spa services included manicures, pedicures, massages and facials and to round out the spa experience. Hosted by Chilli, the event took place at Townhouse Spa in New York. In attendance, as seen below, was Chilli, Teyana Taylor, and VH1 personality Janell Snowden.

Lil Alis Speaks: Hair Highlights

Hey Lil Alis,

I know this may sound crazy but I have never colored my hair and I desperately want a new look. Can you walk me through all I need to do from finding the right colorist to how much I’m expected to pay? Thanks!

-In Need of Hueful Hair

Hi Hueful,

Don’t be embarrassed! Plenty of women have never colored their hair but now is a great time! Let me let you in on a few things from my experience. When I first started getting my hair colored, I paid attention to other women’s hair that I liked and asked them where they went. So window shop around and be bold! Most women will share their hair colorist and even the products they use without feeling threatened (for those that don’t - pooey on them!). Of course, there’s always the tried and true manner of searching through a magazine and pulling out the latest Beyonce or Jennifer Anniston picture to show your stylist what color you’re looking to slide on top of your dome.

Once you have picked out the perfect color and can accurately describe it, it’s time to find a colorist. I live by recommendation. If your regular stylist doesn’t do color, ask her or him for a recommendation. Also, check out that number the fly sister with the auburn locks on 5th Avenue gave you that day.  Call around, feel out the correspondence with the various salons and if you’re really diligent, go to the salon and see the ‘afters’ coming out. When you call ask a lot of questions. Are they responsive? Do they take time to explain the process? Do they answer all your questions with good customer service? And most importantly, how long before your new colorist can get you in? And lastly, because I’m gauging that this is a big thing for you, I suggest you get a couple of consultations first!

Now, for the big event. Be prepared to spend all day in the salon because coloring is a delicate process and you don’t want anyone to rush through it. As for the cash, I would have to say expect to pay no less than $200 at a good salon (and this is an east coast girl talking). It’s so worth it to get your hair colored right!

One last thing…bring extra cash for a manicure and lunch while you are there. Oh and a good book!

Have a lifestyle question for Lil Alis, hit her at LilAlis@MartiniPink.com. Also, check out more of Lil Alis at her very own website Lil Alis.

TopShop To Soho

Celebrities came out in droves for the opening of the London based boutique TopShop in lower Manhattan. The store finally made its grand opening stateside on April 2, 2009 after a year of  a marketing building buzz. Kate Moss was hosting the event alongside owner Sir Philip Green.

TopShop is tagged as similar to H&M in terms of the style and trend but a bit better in quality and the price point reflects that. The new TopShop is open from10:00am - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00am - 8:00pm on Sunday at Broadway and Broome Streets in Soho.

If you’re dying to get some TopShop hanging in your closet, but are not in London or New York, check out their website for free online shipping until April 9th.

Lil Alis Has Cure All For Spring Fever!

Hey Lil Alis,

Spring is here. What can I do to brighten up my bedroom? Currently the color scheme is warm with a lot of oranges and browns and my furniture is all dark wood. I want a radical change on a budget of course. Any suggestions?

-Brand New Please!

Hey Brand New Seeker,

So you’re feeling like brightening a space up??? I have one word for you…FLOWERS! With your color scheme, any type of beautiful white flower will lighten up the space and make you believe that even though it’s not feeling all the way spring outdoors, it is indoors. Secondly, I’d like to suggest that you use the power of *accent since you’re being mindful of your interior designing budget. Leave the dark wood- that is classic and works year around but look to make changes with curtains, bed linen, pillows and paint. I recently painted a room with a silver, grey hue and I am lucky enough to have forsythias growing in abundance in the yard. So of course, I have to go back to stressing the flowers! That addition of the yellow flittering about really made my room pop. I hope it does for yours.

Love,

Lil Alis

Lil Alis is your lifestyle expert. Feel free to email her your style, design, hosting, and relationship questions at LilAlis@MartiniPink.com and check her out at www.lilalis.wordpress.com.

Beyonce “I Am…” Tour Costumes!

We picked these sketches up over at our good friend Greasy Guide’s site. It appears that fashion designer Thierry Mugler has been tapped as Creative Director for Beyonce’s “I Am…” world tour. That means Thierry is responsible for the edgy, metallic, rock star, and clearly Grace Jones’ inspired wears. For more Beyonce dates click here.

Back to Back Brown Beauty

Things are certainly changing. For the first time Vogue magazine is featuring two Black women on the cover of the magazine on back to back issues. Michelle Obama graced the cover of the March issue wearing a Jason Wu getup and Beyonce Knowles is taking on the April issue which is the “Shape Issue.” Perhaps it won’t be taboo to see more women of color on the front of the fashion rag.

EcoFriendly Fashion Line by Jackie Christie

Thanks to the good girls over at Soul Pitch Hustle we found out that Jackie Christie, the mommy mogul and super committed wife of NBA player Doug Christie, is set to release her new clothing line, Colored Girl, on May 9, 2009, right before the release of her third book  “Proud to Be a Colored Girl”. The clothing line and the book are meant to instill the feelings of self worth, beauty and equality in all women.

Jackie’s line will launch with eco friendly organic cotton t-shirts and accessories only to be followed by a casual and fun denim collection. Her line will be available initially on-line and in stores located in her hometown of Seattle WA, Los Angeles CA, and Atlanta GA.

Sexy “Slumdog” Style: Frieda Pinto

Frieda Pinto, the beautiful siren star of Slumdog Millionaire is officially Bollywood’s new it girl. Following the acceptance of the Oscar for Best Picture, Frieda’s whirlwind of publicity shots have circulated.

Most notable stateside is the sexy layout for Complex magazine that has been met with both ogling eyes and a bit of backlash. Some women have found the pictures to be “typical” of what a breakout star is “reduced” to by American standards. Whatever your opinion, the layout is quite sizzling (see pictures below).

As well, Frieda is on the cover of Vogue India (thanks GreasyGuide) looking absolutely stunning and glamorous and tres Hollywood. And of course, we are loving the fuscia cover design.

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