Fashion for our ForceS
Wendy Lewis wearing
Many Hats
The Importance of
Family
ANGELICA TIMAS From Chic to... CHIKKE AUG/SEP 2015
Reversing and Caring for
Sun Damaged Skin
FROM THE EDITOR
A
ll too soon, another summer’s winding down to a close! We start this issue with our Talent Talks feature: Wendy Lewis, a model, advertising copywriter, performer, martial artist, dancer and much more. You name it, she probably does it. There’s lots of intrigue to this multi-faceted woman. By August, our skin has enjoyed a lot of sunshine, and the majority of us will soak it all up as much as we can. Of course, we know the importance of sunscreen, but not applying enough - or not reapplying often enough - can take its toll on our skin no matter how well we try to protect it. Olga Hawwa explains how to care for and reverse sun-damaged skin. In every culture, family plays a primary role. Our personal identities are closely tied to our perceptions, our philosophies and our natural purpose. Cinzia Antonelli talks about the importance of the family bond in the Italian household. StyleWeek Northeast returns for its eleventh season. For the first time at a new venue – the Ballroom at the Providence G in Providence Rhode Island, the Spring/ Summer 2016 collections will run from September 14th-18th at the Ballroom at the Providence G to present Spring/Summer 2016 collections. In August, Boston based fashion designer, Connie Diforo, presented her annual Fashion for our Forces charity event at the Emerald Lounge in Boston this year. The event featured designers Jenny French, Rimma Zaika, Valentina Oppezza and Diforo’s line, Mesese. It helped raise funds and awareness for the
needs of our armed forces veterans. The second event we covered in August was Boston Caribbean Fashion Week, produced by Althea Blackford. We attended the final night at Carson Place in Dorchester, M.A. and were treated to an entertaining night of dance performances, as well as several up and coming Boston based designers For the working mom, life can often feel like a hamster wheel, especially as summer vacations end and school gets back into full swing. Time management for some is easy, but for many it’s a constant battle. New contributor, Rachel Silva talks to some time management experts – other single moms like herself – to find out their best practices when it comes to keeping all the balls in the air. Meet Angelica Timas, an up and coming fashion designer with a keen sense of style and a unique take on ‘chic.’ With her new clothing line, Chikke, she is taking many a runway by storm and very quickly, making her mark. Enjoy our August/September issue!
Enjoy,!! Y
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wendy Lewis: Wearing Many Hats...................14
ANGELICA TIMAS From Chic to... 24.........................CHIKKE
Fashion for our ForceS...............30
36........ The Importance of
Family...............46 Essential Time Management Techniques & Ideas from
52............EXPERT WORKING MOMS! A New Venue for its Eleventh Season..............................8
Reversing and Caring for
10......Sun Damaged Skin
THE CREW
YEMI SEKONI, editor-in-chief, is the owner and director of Donahue
Models & Talent - Rhode Island’s oldest model and talent agency. Her company books some of New England’s top professional models and talent to work with many corporate giants across the region.With over 35 years of experience in various areas of the acting and modeling industry, including theater, TV, film, print and runway, Yemi also holds a Bachelor of Arts in education, a post-graduate diploma in marketing and an MBA. TRADE SECRETS magazine is the culminating outlet for all of her passions – education, performing, marketing and creative writing. tradesecretsmag.com
JACLYN PELOPIDA, entertainment, graduated from Iona College in 2007 with
a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in psychology. She was the arts and entertainment editor of her college newspaper, “The Ionian.” Throughout her college career, she was an editorial intern for “M Magazine,” a web editorial intern for “Seventeen” magazine, and a public relations intern for MTV Networks. She is in the midst of writing her first novel and currently resides in Cranston, Rhode Island. linkedin.com/pub/jaclyn-pelopida/33/155/54a
CINZIA ANTONELLI, international, resides with her husband, Gianfranco
DiMarco, and their 14-year-old daughter, Enrica, in the little town of Cassino, Italy. Inheriting her creative and artistic flair from her father, a painter, and her grandfather, a novelist, she grew up with a love for fashion, and a passion for creating costume jewelry. When she is not busy with her daughter or helping her husband with his business, she can be found designing and creating new lines of costume jewelry – inspired by the ancient royals of the world, primitive prints and nature. Through her craft, her goal is to express her unique personality, as she believes that creating an object for the body is also a universal form of communication and language. facebook.com/cinzia.antonelli.16
OLGA HAWWA, beauty writer, is licensed esthetician, and makeup artist offer-
ing facials, face/body waxing, eyebrow design, makeup artistry, and body treatments for women and men. She is located 1227 Main Street, West Warwick. Hours are by appointment: makeupandimage.com
ELIZABETH PHINNEY, health and wellness, is a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise. She also holds a certificate with the American Senior Fitness Association and is an affiliate of The American College of Sports Medicine. She was named Top Female Executive with Worldwide Who’s Who and VIP of the year in Health and Fitness for 2013 and 2014. In 2013, she co-authored “The Expert Success Solution,” an Amazon #1 international bestseller. Elizabeth’s passion is Fitness after Forty-Five and her mission is to inspire people to plan their physical future. Her flagship product is BodSpir®, a meditative strength training technique she created and has taught thousands of times in her classes. FitnessAfterFortyFive.com
LAURA ROSSI, lifestyle, loves accessorizing!
She regularly blogs for The Huffington Post Style section, SheKnows.com, and many other lifestyle sites. Laura is a published author, digital strategist, and runs her own public relations firm. LauraRossiPublicRelations.com.
VALERIE LANGLAIS, events, hails from Oxford, Massachusetts and has an Associates Degree in Account- ing from Quinsigamond Community College, as well as a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Kennedy-Western University. During the weekdays, she is a mild-mannered accountant with Charlton Furniture Co., Inc in Charlton, Mas- sachusetts. In the evenings and on weekends, the former model teaches the children’s program for Donahue Models in Cranston, RI; is on staff with the Boucher School of Dance in Oxford, MA and runs an online business selling vintage designer clothing.
RACHEL SILVA, columnist, graduated from Merrimack college with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology. She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Education with a professional certification as a reading specialist and Literacy Coach. Currently she is employed as a reading specialist in an elementary school. Over the past fifteen years she has strived to bring out the best in students and coworkers by helping them to discover who they are. She has trained teachers during professional workshops in various writing approaches and literacy programs. Educating individuals on topics that can improve and enrich their lives professionally and personally is a passion of hers. She currently resides with her two school aged children in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
VALENCIO Photography
DANIELLE DUBE,
Hair / Makeup Wardrobe Styling Assistant
SINNARITH VANN Hair / Maleup
FLAVIO TAVARES
Sales & Advertising
LAUREN CHIARINI Coordinator
IN THE GREEN ROOM
S
A New Venue for its Eleventh Season
tyleWeek Northeast returns for its’ eleventh season from September 14th-18th at the Ballroom at the Providence G to present Spring/Summer 2016 collections. Currently, the five-day event will feature collections from returning designers Jess Abernethy, Antwan Byrd, Carissa Frazier, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Amy Stetkiewicz, Samuel Vartan, Angelica Timas and Sarah Prost who took a season off. Season eleven will welcome Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Chaz Aracil, participants of StyleWeek’s student fashion designer competition Seed, Valentina Oppezzo and Jeffrey Dickerson, as well as Bianca Jones-Pearson, Susan Zemaitis and Angela Zampell. The Accessory Showcase and cocktail hour will return for the entire week in a location that is separate from the runway room. It will be at 82 Weybosset Street, the storefronts of Paolino Properties, which is adjacent to the Providence G. Joseph R. Paolino Jr., Owner of Paolino Properties is “…proud to partner with StyleWeek for its eleventh season, especially at such an eclectic location that combines downtown convenience with masterful architecture. This event will not
only maximize the exposure of StyleWeek and these talented designers, but shed light on Rhode Island as a premiere fashion destination.” The Accessory Showcase will still be open to the public and presently, Flaunt Boutique, Lotus Life Designs, Dylanium Knits, TINA Stephens and Wrentham Premium Outlets are participating. Hope & Main and several food partners will also provide food samplings. Check-in will be next door at 90 Weybosset Street, which is directly next door to the Accessory Showcase and there will be complimentary valet for all attendees. In addition to the aforementioned, StyleWeek is giving guests the ability to pick and purchase their seats through the Eventbrite system. President and CEO of StyleWeek, Rosanna Ortiz says, “The new venue has
opened up many opportunities for everyone that wants to attend StyleWeek Northeast. The general public can now for the first time purchase front row seats due to the extended runway we will have at the Ballroom at the Providence G. I’ve never been more excited for the new changes!� Sponsors for the event include Paolino Properties, The Ballroom at the Providence G, Cox Communications, Polar Beverage, Toni & Guy Academy, Coast 93.3, The Rhode Show, Providence Monthly, Benrus, MaidPro and RIMACT. Ticket sales will be available for purchase on August 10th on www.styleweeknortheast.com. All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will go to benefit the Seed student designer mentorship program that is launching in October 2015. For more information on the event, the de signers or tickets, please go to www.styleweeknortheast.com
THE COSMETIC COUNTER
Reversing and Caring for
Sun Damaged Skin By Olga Hawwa
B
y August, our skin has enjoyed a lot of sunshine! And those of us in the Northeast look forward to this time of year and soak it all up as much as we can.
Because no sunscreen protects the skin 100% and most people are guilty of not applying enough or not reapplying often enough, all that fun in the sun takes its toll on our skin no matter how well we try to protect it. And although many of us love the look of bronzed, sunkissed skin, a tan is actually the skin reacting to the injury the UV rays are causing the skin. Melanin is what gives us our skin, hair, and eye color and is formed by cells called melanocytes. Melanin is also what protects the skin from solar damage.
When we expose our skin to UV rays which can cause DNA damage to the skin, the melanocytes react by creating more melanin in the skin. This results in a tan. A tan is not the only result of damage caused by the sun. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation are common in sun exposed skin‌ and not to mention lines and wrinkles which is the result of the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Hypopigmentation is the loss of skin color which shows up as white spots on the skin. These white spots are permanent unless treated by a medical professional. The other issues.. hyper pigmentation and discoloration, lines, and wrinkles can be improved with salon level treatments and the proper home care. In the salon, chemical peels, which help stimulate cell renewal, can help smooth out lines and wrinkles and fade spots on the skin. A Ferulic Acid peel with Vitamin C is especially beneficial to reverse some of the sun damage on the skin and is gentle enough for most skin types. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that speeds up the skin’s natural repair process and helps inhibit further damage. A stronger level chemical peel offered in the salon is with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid which is found in sugar rapidly exfoliates the skin, increases cell turnover, gets rid of dead surface skin cells, helps brighten the skin and fade age spots, and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. Because it is a strong peel, a skin consultation with the esthetician is advised before getting this treatment to make sure your skin can tolerate it. To really jump start the skin repair process, a peel series of 8-10 peels 1-2 weeks apart is recommended to start followed by monthly facial peels for maintenance. At home, applying a Ferulic Acid serum, Retinol, or Glycolic Acid nightly will help continue the repair process. Dedication and consistency in the salon and at home are key for the best results! And sunscreen every single day is a MUST to protect the skin from further damage.
TALENT TALKS
Wendy Lewis:
Wearing Many Hats By Jaclyn Pelopida Photo//video by Valencio Hair/Makeup: Sinnarith Vann
W
endy Lewis will be the first to admit that she wears a lot of hats, and not just the fashionable kind. Along with being a model for Donahue Models, she is also an advertising copywriter. When she isn’t writing freelance pieces, personal essays, songs or modeling, Lewis is performing for TEN31 Productions, punching things in martial arts classes, dancing, sewing or cuddling her two house rabbits, Ruby and Marty; she is also currently working on her first novel.
“I was a huge tomboy as a kid – you couldn’t make me wear a dress! But as a grownup I totally work skirts and high heels. I’m just a more feminine tomboy now.”
To Lewis, writing isn’t just work, it is one of her many passions. “I write commercial copy for mascara, paper towels, incontinence products and more; chances are, you’ve heard my radio ads or read my signs. As a former freelance writer, I’ve interviewed everyone from brain surgeons and shipwreck archeologists to cancer survivors and African refugees,” said Lewis. TS: “Where did you grow up?” WL: “I grew up in Queens, New York. I didn’t know it at the time, but it’s the most ethnically-diverse urban area of the world. Most of my school friends were first-generation Americans whose families were from every other country but America. To this day, I feel most comfortable among a diverse mix of people.” TS: “What is your nationality?” WL: “I’m a very mixed breed – I have Scotch-Irish, English, Russian, French, Italian and Polish blood. But also, I apparently have some Native American and Spanish ancestors. One of these days I’ll do one of those ancestry tests and get a better idea.” TS: “How did you get started?” WL: “I got started in modeling in a strange way. I wanted to model as a teen but my parents wouldn’t let me. Years later, in my early 30s, I was working at an ad agency in New York City, and it happened to be in the same building as Elite Model Management. As much as I’d like to say I was “discovered” by one of their agents, I wasn’t. But I saw their fashion models in the elevator, without makeup, and thought they looked like pretty regular people, which kind of ‘demystified’ it for me and made it less intimidating. At the ad agency, we occasionally hired models for some campaigns, and I learned a little bit about the industry through talking to the project managers. Curious, I signed up for an adult education class about “real people modeling” and later landed a fantastic agent at the McDonald-Richards agency, which at the time was the leading commercial print agency In New York. They sent me on go-sees and I started landing jobs, though in New York it was extremely competitive. I moved to Rhode Island in 2003 and didn’t model for a while. I really missed it. Then I found Donahue Models and started working again. Then and now, I find that my experience in advertising really helps me relate to the client and deliver the kind of image they want to support their product. For me, modeling is just another way I work in advertising.”
TS: “Do you have a day job, and what is it?” WL: “I love my day job -- I’m an advertising copywriter for a well-known pharmacy chain. Chances are, you’ve probably heard my radio ads or read my in-store signs when you’ve shopped for toothpaste or deodorant!” TS: “What has been your most memorable modeling or acting job so far? What made it memorable?” WL: “My favorite job so far was a shoot I did for Providence Bootcamps. It was shot in the ‘Rhode Island Desert,’ a deserted patch of sand and dirt in Central Rhode Island where people ride their dirt bikes. The shoot involved running around in the sand, sweating, carrying a log and doing martial arts moves. It was low-glamour, high intensity, and very, very fun. When I got home and took a shower, the dirt from my body was in puddles at my feet! TS: “Who’s your favorite actor or model today, and what is it that you like about them?” WL: “I like several. Vin Diesel, because he’s multiracial and a self-made success. Also, I love actresses who aren’t afraid to challenge female stereotypes and tackle challenging roles; think of Hilary Swank in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry;’ Charlize Theron in ‘Monster’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road;’ Angelina Jolie in ‘Gia;’ and Halle Berry in ‘Monster’s Ball.’ Also, I have to mention Jamie Foxx in ‘Ray.’ Before I saw the movie, I had no idea Foxx was a classically trained pianist. He totally embodied Ray Charles; he just nailed it!” TS: “What has been your greatest achievement as a model/actor?” WL: “To start doing fitness modeling in my 40s. I’ll keep doing it until someone takes me aside and tells me I really should stop. At first, I wouldn’t share any of my pictures on Facebook because, let’s face it, social media is full of narcissists and I didn’t want to come across like one of those people. But lots of women have told me I inspire them, so I’m okay with it now, though I try not to overdo it. My martial arts instructor recently asked me to be one of the fitness models to promote his kickboxing program and I was very flattered he’d want me to represent his business. I guess I’m doing something right. Also, I have to give credit to Donahue Models for landing me a great shoot for Honeywell protective shooting and hunting equipment. I love target shooting so it was a ton of fun to
“I love target shooting, so it was a ton of fun to combine modeling with one of my interests.”
click on the picture to go behind the scenes at Wendy’s shoot
combine modeling with one of my interests. Donahue also got me my first speaking part in a TV commercial for Clinton Savings Bank. Someone I knew recognized me and asked about it, and I didn’t even realize it had been released yet. That was a surprise!” Besides modeling and writing, Lewis also loves meditation, yoga and dancing, especially dance as a spiritual practice. “Physicality and spirituality go hand-inhand for me; I guess that’s why I love the martial arts so much – there’s such an important spiritual aspect to most of them. I love trance dancing, and I’m one of the founders of SpiritDanceRI, a community ‘barefoot boogie’ event in Providence,” said Lewis. TS: “Describe your sense of style and what it says about yourself and your personality?” WL: “I’d call it classy, with a touch of eclectic bohemian. I find that clean lines look good on my body type, but I have to make it interesting with a funky color combination or unexpected, offbeat accessories. I was a huge tomboy as a kid – you couldn’t make me wear a dress! But as a grownup I totally work skirts and high heels. I’m just a more feminine tomboy now.” TS: “What article of clothing do you currently have in your closet that makes you look and feel your best?” WL: “Years ago, I bought a black leather vest online, totally on a whim, and I can’t believe how versatile a wardrobe piece it is! It adds an edge to any outfit and it’s really fun to mix this ‘tough’ piece with something feminine, like a floral skirt.” TS: “What fashion trends do you like/dislike the most?” WL: “I hate UGG winter boots – they’re overpriced and not flattering on anyone! And flip-flops in the office are a peeve of mine. Please, people, save moon boots for the moon and beachwear for the beach.” TS: “What is your go-to beauty product or fashion accessory/item?” WL: “Skagen watches with mesh metal bands. I have four! I splurge more on classic accessories because they last for years.” TS: “What clothing store do you love and find yourself going most when shopping?” WL: “Don’t laugh, but I’m a thrift store fanatic. I
practically live at Savers. I find like-new clothes for a fraction of regular prices, and it’s easier to splurge and try an unusual kind of item when it’s so inexpensive; I’ve discovered some great styles that way. Plus, I sew and alter my own clothes, so if I find something I really adore and it’s too big or doesn’t fit right off the rack, I can still buy it, and alter it to fit, and enjoy it. I’m a stickler for proper fit; it can make or break a look, and you carry yourself better when your clothes feel right.” TS: “What do you enjoy doing in your down time?” WL: “I have more interests and pastimes than I have time for! My biggest passion is the martial arts. I’ve trained for more than 20 years now in several different styles: Tae Kwon Do (in which I hold a second-degree black belt), Tai Chi, Capoeira, and I’ve also done some Kung Fu, stick fighting and realistic self-defense training. For the last few years I’ve been training in Muay Thai, the combat sport of Thailand, and I absolutely love it! It’s a tough, challenging workout and I like to push myself – somehow, nothing makes me feel more alive than feeling like I’m about to drop dead! Besides modeling, I also love performing. I’m a living art performer with TEN31 Productions, which has become a Rhode Island icon. You know those living statues you see at Waterfire? Yep, I’m one of those. I’ve performed as statues, trees, a Chinese opera doll and other characters. Not to sound corny, but performing is very spiritual for me; it feeds my soul. In character, I’ve connected with hundreds of people on a human level that really can’t be described. One of my greatest life experiences has been connecting people with a bit of art and magic, and seeing that sense of joy and wonder in their eyes.” TS: “Have you traveled anywhere exotic or wish to in the future?” WL: “Australia, and many places in the Caribbean. I adore tropical locales. I was married barefoot on a beach in St. John and I wouldn’t have had it any other way!” TS: “What is your best vacation/travel experience?” WL: “In my 20s, I took off solo to Australia to stay with someone I’d known for years only as a pen pal. It was a wonderful adventure, and she and I have been friends for close to 25 years now. Some people thought I was crazy, but it was a very important accomplishment for me at the time – I felt very indepen-
China Doll costume courtesy of TEN31 Productions/We Make Pretend
“My biggest passion is the martial arts. I’ve trained for more than 20 years now in several different styles: Tae Kwon Do (in which I hold a second-degree black belt), Tai Chi, Capoeira, and I’ve also done some Kung Fu, stick fighting and realistic self-defense training.”
dent. Plus, how many people can say they’ve stepped in kangaroo poo? I have.” TS: “If you were a character in a TV show or movie, who would you want to be and why?” WL: “I would love to be a strong female character in an action movie – something like ‘The Matrix.’ Michelle Yeoh was almost 40 when she appeared in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ and she was fantastic! If I got an offer, I’d do it in a second. If you hear of anyone looking for a 40-something auburn-haired white girl for an action flick, let me know.” TS: “Do you like to sing karaoke and what’s your favorite song to sing?” WL: “The closest I’ve come to karaoke was a weekend course called ‘The Natural Singer’ that I took at Kripalu Yoga Center two years ago. Since I failed miserably while auditioning for a grammar school play, I’d had a fear of public singing, but in that venue I felt confident enough to pull out the stops and sing ‘Natural Woman,’ Aretha Franklin-style, in front of 40 people! It was a major life breakthrough. I recently reconnected with someone on social media from that course, and she said she remembered my singing and how it moved her. I couldn’t believe it.” TS: “What is the biggest piece of advice you have for other up and coming models/ actors out there?” WL: “There are a ton of very unscrupulous characters out there in this industry, and they prey on young hopefuls. For young women especially, there are all sorts of people who will try to get you to take off your clothes for pictures. My advice is to get clear, early in your career, what you are willing to do and not do. In that moment when there is someone trying to sway you, remember your decision and stick by it. Stay true to yourself; if you don’t, the only person who will get hurt is you.”
PURSUITS
From Chic to...
By Danielle Dube
C
hic: a word used by countless writers, artists, designers to describe something you can’t quite explain; Elegance, class, modern lines, luxe fabrics, and a daring ability to do something completely new. None have taken that to heart quite as much as Angelica Timas, a dual-citizen of Portugal and the United States who has a keen sense of style and a unique take on ‘chic’ with her clothing line, Chikke.
As she explains, “Chikke is derived from the word Chic and the alterego Sheik from the Princess Zelda cartoons. The combination of both resulted in the alter-ego Chikke. She is high spirited, confident and versatile. She is a fun funky diamond in the rough with a style all her own.� Though born in the Cape Verde Islands, Timas grew up in Portugal, where her parents moved when she was just two months old. At age fifteen, she was moved to the United States where she finished her schooling and earned two Masters Degrees in Professional Studies in Informatics and Computer Science, though her plan of earning her PhD. in the same field was put on hold when she decided to pursue her dream of fashion design. Her dream has become reality as she is now the CEO of her own brand, designs for her own line, while being a full time mother, wife, and software developer. TS: How did you get started? AT: My decision launch Chikke by Angelica Timas came about my love for fashion and a desire to express my passion in my growing amount of sketches piled away in boxes. I have no formal training in fashion; everything I know, all skills acquired and
mastered was self-taught and a true passion for what I envisioned in my work. When I decided to learn about the craft, I purchased a sewing machine, a pattern and some fabric. Today, I make my own patterns and the learning continues to be an evolving process. TS: What type of woman do you design for? AT: I design primarily for the woman who shares the same traits as Chikke’s alter-ego, she is confident, she is high spirited, fun, strong, she is on the go but slows down to enjoy the night, she has a versatile yet a unique taste which makes her have a style all her own TS: Where do you draw your inspiration from to design your pieces? AT: My inspirations by default is based on Chikke’s alter-ego, the esthetics of each collection is very influenced by various passions: my culture, my history, nature and the simple things that life offers. Each collection is a fusion of asymmetry, minimalism and color, incorporating exotic fabrics and lambskin genuine leather. TS: What obstacles have you had to overcome in order to become recognized as a designer? AT: The fashion industry has become a very competitive industry; the competition is ever more intense as well as the challenges a new and emerging designer faces to become recognized. My biggest obstacle was time management, to make quality design, market, advertise and promote, requires a lot of effort and time. Working full time, managing my daughter’s career and keeping up with her demanding schedule in addition to jump starting my clothing line, time became of essence. TS: Do you do ready-to-wear as well as custom designs? AT: I do both ready-to-wear and custom designs, the custom designs the customer has to contact me directly to request it. Yes, a full time job, a daughter with a hectic schedule, and the pursuit of a dream in a demanding industry would make some buckle under the pressure. Timas has even bigger goals. TS: What is the goal that you hope to achieve for your career?
AT: The goal of every emerging designer is to become a household name, my goal for the moment is to work towards having a brand that is self-sufficient and loved by its customers, and slowly build Chikke’s customer base, by distributing to boutiques and ultimately opening my own store. TS: How do you plan to meet that goal? AT: Invest in public relations, marketing and distribution. This will increase connection with my target market, which, in turn, will increase the connection between my brand and customer. TS: What’s the biggest piece of advice you have for other up and coming entrepreneurs out there? AT: You are your biggest obstacle. It took me more than 15 years to realize that the only thing standing between me and my dream was my fear of failing, fear that people would not like my clothing, fear that I would not succeed. It’s okay to have those fears, we all do. What you need is determination and the willingness to work hard to achieve that dream. And for this hard working multi-faceted mother, wife and business professional and fashion designer, we don’t see her stopping till she fully achieves that dream.
ON THE TOWN
r u o r o f n o i h s a F
Forces
By Valerie Langlais Photo Credit courtesy of Dimonka Photography
A
young, hip crowd turned out for Fashion for our Forces at the Emerald Lounge in Boston this year. The annual event raises funds and awareness for the needs of our armed forces veterans; several were in attendance. An informal fashion show, coordinated by Connie Diforo, was the main draw for the night to an audience that included several veterans, industry professionals as well as supporters, friends and families. The lineup featured four desigers - Jenny French, Wearable Art by Rimma, Valentina Oppezza and Mesese Designs
Jenny French opened the show with her vision of a romantic sub culture. Vivid color and interesting combinations of patterns with lace characterized the looks. Male models in loose fit denim and T shirts with the sides cut out accompanied ladies in bustiers and sexy, midriff baring ensembles.
Rimma Zaika-Veksler combined 80’s inspired bohemian with Russian royalty. Crochet pieces were whimsical and feminine. Beautiful hair pieces crowned the models including Miss Bulgaria in USA. Also, the designer prides herself on using all natural fibers and dyes in her work – beautiful inside and out!
The vegan-friendly designs of Instilla by Valentina Oppezzo made the audience reminisce about happy times. Models donned geometrics, color blocking and beautifully mixed patterns while vintage Madonna played in the background. Saturated colors combined with chic Parisian prints looked fun and sophisticated.
Connie Diforo created an international peace summit with her line- Mesese Designs - by combining her Botswannan heritage with German prints. Gorgeous tailoring in delicate patterns and feminine touches formed modern, wearable looks...
Intricate detailing on the men’s blazers made the wardrobe staples fresh and interesting.
ON THE TOWN
Closing out...
By Yemi Sekoni Photos by Dimonika Photography
A
fter a full week of various events and activities that included fashion installations, exhibitions and a crafts and painting workshop, the final night of Boston Caribbean Fashion Week was held at Carson Place in Dorchester, M.A. on Saturday August 15. After an entertaining opening carnival presentation by IMAS, Da Illest Designs and Grimas Camp, the show began in earnest.
Nicole Saunders opened with a white bikini swimsuit and canary yellow string-tied harem pants and that set the tone for what was to come. Varying cover ups that keep you covered yet sexy. And with a mix of sheer and solids this promised light fun at the beach.
Shelbe Anderson offers dresses and two piece ensembles that featured bold prints, which appeared to be hand painted. This gave it a very tropical feel with a color palette of purples, dark pinks, and blacks, it included a beautifully structured bustier that was daring yet feminine.
Salvatore Gianni provided a singular focus on trendy menswear. It had an urban edge and consisted of a black, white and greyscale palette. Addressing the young hip guy, each model carried a bag, satchel or briefcase, showing ways to look and feel comfortable yet contemporary without going over the top. A line that with high appeal to the young male fashion forward professional.
As the name suggests Married to Art delivered a creative rendition. With hair pulled back in a slick clean single point tail, the models showed off a mix of sheer lace and solids, with nicely constructed pieces that included a range of labyrinth patterned dresses. The final piece of this lineup was an impressive fishtail skirt with a zipper to could be opened or closed to dictate the extent and flare the train.
The final designer for the night was 1Eighty2 Fashions. Starting with a long black hooded gown, it was fast paced and intense. Walking to the rapid beat of the song “Shake Bodi� by Skales, the looks were sassy, featuring a milieu of African prints and Kente fabrics that originate for the Ghana. The colors were bold, and unapologetic. It was undoubtedly a great way to end Boston Caribbean Fashion Week.
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A WINK FROM‌Italy
The Importance of
Family
By Cinzia Antonelli
F
rom ancient times, the family has always played a primary role in our society. Right from birth, it is the first maternal reality, where every person finds their natural purpose within their family dynamic. No one person is totally self-sufficient; we all need to complement one another, and so, the family is a reference point - a place where, every evening, when we return after suspending our daily activities, we face the serenity amongst us, and share our experiences at the end of the day. Family serves the specific function of helping each child grow and steering them towards their own personal independence, as an ethically balanced, free citizen. The new born child, requires precise care; the gentle hands of the parents as they feed the first meal; the sweet, loving voice to help sleep at night,
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and encouraging arms to guide through the first steps. Most especially, the parents will be there in those critical moments of growth, to comfort and encourage, through all fears and insecurities. To our children, we invest everything, with an intense passion and a commitment that is long-term. Even though our commitment as parents can sometimes be pushed to the limit, without a doubt, the family remains the most natural place where we can grow and flourish in the best way possible. In order to grow and develop our personalities, where we were born, the love we receive, and our experiences within our families, determine who we become, as well as the skills we acquire to help us in the future, and relate to other people in society. In the family with the patience of our parents, siblings, grandparents or other relatives, we learn the value of brotherhood, cooperation, solidarity and caring for others. All these values, if we learn them well, will make us become exemplary and responsible citizens. For parents, the presence of children in our lives, inspires us to design our future positively. In fact, we are responsible for teaching them the moral tenets that will take them through life and the world of work. In Italy, the traditional family has been transformed, even while it remains the focal point of our society. Aside from the traditional family with parents and children, there are now other variations of what that constitutes – single parent households, couples without children, as well as same sex couples and parents. Family also plays an economic rule and in many cases, we can say that it’s a societal safety net, able to bridge the economic gaps that a child or other family member, could be in their lives. In the past, family tended to be very large. Within the same household, you could find multiple generations living happily together - parents, children and grandchildren. When Italy transitioned from a purely agricultural to an industrial country, the family become more autonomous and each family group sought its own independence. Today, we Italians preserve some ways of thinking that bind us to the family traditions of the past. We often get together for, at least, one meal every day, usually for breakfast or dinner. This is a time of dialogue between parents and children. We are also very close to our family home, and we are
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always ready to help our relatives, through any difficulty of life. Often a grandparent, or a widower, may live with their family, as we still prefer to personally take care of our elderly parents. Even when the members of a family live far away, we always try to get together for Christmas and Easter, and if there is a wedding, baptism, communion or confirmation to celebrate, we are well known in the world for our great parties! My maternal grandparents had seven children, and around the 1950s nearly all of them emigrated abroad. When I was a little girl, I remember wonderful holidays in August spent with all my uncles and cousins from Venezuela, Canada and the towns of Northern Italy. We had a great time in my grandparents’ large country house. Last summer was particularly wonderful for me! All my cousins spent the holidays here in my town. I am proud to say that I have a really large and wonderful family: three generation still united in the name of family love!
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Finally I’d like to dedicate my article to my dear father-in-law Dante Di Marco, who passed away last May. To his all his children and his granddaughters, he was an exemplary man, devoted exclusively to his work and his family. He left a huge void with his passing and our hope for the future is that we share the fruits of his teachings of life. With love… Ciao from Italy. Cinzia Antonelli
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OPTIQUE
Essential Time Management Techniques & Ideas from
EXPERT WORKING MOMS!
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By Rachel Silva
et’s be honest, life can seem at times, for the working mom, to be nothing short of one big Rat Race some days. And with the summer time laissez faire attitude coming to an abrupt halt “that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility” mind set can make getting back into the September swing of things seem even more daunting. Being a single mother, and working full time as an Elementary Reading Specialist, has posed some additional time management challenges for me in the past. However, I have learned these critical time saving techniques that have drastically decreased my stress level.
The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is my mantra in life. Therefore, I have compiled advice from real life experts in this area, myself and seven of my most organized mom counterparts, REAL MOMS, my village, who successfully execute these tried and true practices daily, and who can make the intimidating trials and tribulations of motherhood seem…. Well....Easier. 1. MOM TIME. Wake up before the kids. Even if this means only thirty minutes before they are scheduled to get up. Get yourself ready, make some coffee, review your to do list for the day. Use this quiet time as needed to pay bills, throw in a load of laundry, check emails from the night before. You are now feeling slightly more prepared and tranquil before you undergo the morning shuffle. 2. THE NIGHT BEFORE. All clothing is laid out the night before school, everything from the underwear, to socks, to accessories, even mom’s outfit is laid out and ready to throw on. Eliminating the stress of finding that “ just right sweater” in the throws of the time crunched morning is essential. Backpacks are ready and eagerly awaiting at the door to be scooped up by little hands. Lunches and snacks prepared, packed up, and placed in the fridge. The table is set up with bowls and plates, and all non -refrigerated foods that are needed for the morning breakfast. A common theme amongst these organized moms is their beloved CROCK POT. Have some weekly meals prepared the night before in the crockpot. Stick them in the fridge the night before and VIOLA!!! With just a push of a button in the morning, a warm meal will be ready at your disposal when you arrive home. 3. THE CALENDAR. Everything is put on the calendar. It was actually referred by one mom to be her “BIBLE.” A combined work and personal calendar, as opposed to two separate calendars, seems to work best for me, and was the preferred choice amongst the moms I interviewed. This way work obligations and any personal obligation overlaps can be avoided. All of this information can be put on a large calendar and placed in a central location of the house. Or for those people who log everything into their smartphones, the Google calendar is a huge savior. This calendar will also allow you to share the schedule with all family members.
4. DELEGATE. We are doing this juggling act primarily for the kids. So why not make them take responsibility in helping with it? Put a laundry basket in every bedroom. One mom I interviewed folds all the laundry, and places it in each child’s basket. They are responsible for putting their own laundry away. Give each child a job and post the job in an area they can see. Hate making those school lunches? Ask one of your children if they would like this task. Use fifteen minutes of your night as scheduled task time. Explain to your children that you are a TEAM, you are all in this together, and teamwork is an essential part of success in all areas of life. 5. ORGANIZE. Have specific bags for each activity. All sports bags or activity bags are placed on hooks and ready to “grab and go.” Have one extra bag of essentials for items such as: soccer balls, shorts, socks, shin guards. Each child has a folder labeled with their name. This is where any important school and extracurricular information can be placed and readily available. 6. TIME SAVERS. Try and at least do your grocery shopping online. This will save a significant amount of your precious time. Also, cook at least double the amount you normally would for two nights of the week. This is helpful for those nights when you need to be at the baseball field for 5pm, or an unexpected event arrives. This will also avoid unnecessary trips through the fast food line.
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