The Music Issue Featuring: Pitbull Alcanza La Fama:
Searching for Tomorrow’s Stars
...and MORE! The Latino Side of G-Unit’s LLOYD BANKS
Navidad con cultura
Holiday Gift Guide!
IS S UE 74
www.LatinTRENDS.com
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Carissa Rosario:
Naughty...Or Nice?? LatinTRENDS.COM 1
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2 DECEMBER 2010
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CONTENTS LT 12.2010 Juan Guillén Publisher Bernadette Giacomazzo Associate Editor Dominika Bajuk Graphic Designer Hope Lawrence Administrative Assistant Javier Castano Translator / Writer
Writers
Lolita D’Souza, Ray M. Figueroa, Carl Lamarre, LeAura Luciano, Eddie Olmo, Zayda Rivera, Giselle Rodriguez, Gina Santi, Hedwin Salmen-Navarro
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11 ENTERTAINMENT Pitbull The Far East Movement Lloyd Banks 11 Fashion 12 Trendspotting 14 Reel to Real 16 Movies 18 Books 19
08 10 12
METROPOLIS
28
Los Roques: The Blue Archipelago
34 36
HEALTH & BEAUTY 20
Latino Trendsetter Awards
22
Vida Saludable: Fast Food Look to the Trees! US Health Dept. Goals
COVER STORY 24
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Photographers
Karla Ayala-Quervalu, Mogollan, Cathrine Westergaard
Interns
Carlos Charry, Yangqui Zheng To request media information and advertise with us, contact our advertising department at 1-800-313-1869.
ICONOMY The Sound Strike Alcanza La Fama!
On the Move: NYC
Carissa Rosario: Naughty...or Nice?
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40 42 44
Para anunciar su negocio, llame a nuestro departamento de anuncios al 1-800-313-1869. LatinTrends ™ 60 West 39th Street, Suite 2W New York, NY 10018 Tel. (212) 851-6164 Toll Free. 1-800-313-1869 www.latintrends.com Copyright © 2010 LatinTrends is published 10 times a year by Defining Trends Media Group L.P. Reproduction or use of the content in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited by law. LatinTrends reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication, and to edit all submitted materials for space and clarity. LatinTrends assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials being submitted for possible publication, and should they be published, no fee is due to the photographer, writer or model, unless otherwise agreed upon, in advance in writing. Printed in the USA. Defining Trends in Latino Culture, since 2001 DTM Group Delivers The Market TM
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS Eye Candy: Heather Perez Ask Judy: What is “Normal”? Trendscopes
46 48 51 On the Cover: Carissa Rosario See page 26 for credits.
4 DECEMBER 2010
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Publisher’s Column
PUBLISHER’S COLUMN
...from the desk of Juan Guillen
English
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Christmas Con Cultura
Publisher’s Photo Courtesy of: Juliet P. Aldana
Juan Guillén Publisher
It’s time for cheer, because Navidad is here! It is in this spirit that I present to you this month’s issue of LatinTRENDS -- we’ve made music the theme of our holiday issue...because if there’s one thing that unites people across cultures, across languages, and even across geographical lines, it’s music. Of course, the holidays are also about culture, entertainment, and cuisine – so, in that spirit, we’ve enclosed some of our favorite Navidad recipes (including a delicious Butifarra stuffing & a succulent Jalapeno-Glazed Ham) on pages 38 & 39, as well as a fun holiday gift guide!
visual...)
But, onto the music: first up is our exclusive interview with Armando Christian Perez, better known as Pitbull, about his new CD – entitled Armando – which will feature unique Spanish language songs from the CubanAmerican…a real departure from his better known, “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” days!
If that isn’t enough music to your ears, check out our story on The Sound Strike (page 32), our story on Time Warner Cable’s Alcanza La Fama – and its cover girl, Karen Rodriguez – on page 34, and our Latin GRAMMY photos in our Reel to Real section on page 14.
Next is our exclusive interview with G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks, whose latest album, Hunger for More 2, is receiving critical and commercial acclaim (at press time, it debuted at #25 on the Billboard charts; his European tour is sold out). Banks, whose mother is Puerto Rican, talks about his new album, his influences, and his desire to learn his mother’s lengua nativa! (FYI: he calls his grandmother “Abuelita.” I’ll allow you a moment to process that
Finally, I can’t forget to mention our sexy Santa cover girl, Maxim model Carissa Rosario. Though she’s probably best known for her traffic-stopping looks, and for wining the Miss Latina USA crown in 2009, the soon-to-be Mrs. Johnny Gill (of New Edition fame) is working on an album of original tunes, which she anticipates to release in 2011. The beautiful Boricua describes her music as a mixture of Gwen Stefani & Lady Gaga, and her story starts on page 24.
In closing, I’d like to remind you all that, no matter our color -- no matter our country of origin -- no matter our net worth, our level of education, or our personal style, we are all brothers & sisters under the sun, y en la union esta la fuerza. Remember to use love as a weapon of mass destruction this holiday – for it is only love that destroys fear, anger, & hatred, while shooting bullets of joy, hope, & prosperity.
Spanish
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6 DECEMBER 2010
Es el tiempo de disfrutar porque la Navidad ha llegado. Es con este espíritu que les presento ésta edición de latinTRENDS y hemos convertido a la música en nuestro tema central… porque si hay algo que une a la gente de diferentes culturas, idiomas y fronteras territoriales, es la música. Por supuesto que los días festivos son también de cultura, entretenimiento y comida. Así que con este espíritu hemos seleccionado nuestras recetas favoritas para esta Navidad (incluyendo la deliciosa butifarra rellena y el suculento jamón Jalapeño-Glazed) en nuestras páginas 38 & 39, además de nuestra guía de compras de fin de año.
visualmente…).
Con respecto a la música: ante todo está nuestra entrevista exclusiva con Armando Christian Pérez, mejor conocido como Pitbull, relacionada a su nuevo CD titulado Armando, con canciones en español de origen cubano americano… un verdadero distanciamiento de sus éxitos como “I Know You Want Me” (Calle Ocho).
Y como si esta música no fuera suficiente para sus oídos, lea nuestra historia de The Sound Strike en la página 32, y sobre Alcanza la Fama de Time Warner Cable y su modelo Karen Rodríguez en la página 34, y nuestra fotos de los Latin GRAMMY en la sección Reel To Real en la página 14.
Luego viene nuestra entrevista exclusiva con el rapero G-Unit, Lloyd Banks, cuyo más reciente álbum, Hunger for More 2, está recibiendo reconocimiento de la crítica y la industria (al cierre de edición se hallaba en la posición 25 de los Billboard, y su gira en Europa ya se vendió). Banks, cuya madre es puertorriqueña, habla de su nuevo álbum, sus influencias y sus deseos de aprender su idioma nativo. (Para su información: él llama a la mamá de su mamá “abuelita”. Les permito que se imaginen esto
Para cerrar, deseo recordarles que no importa nuestro color o nuestro país de origen, nuestras posesiones, el nivel de educación o nuestro estilo personal, todos somos hermanos y hermanas bajo un mismo sol y en la unión está la fuerza. No olvide usar el amor como el arma de destrucción masiva durante estas fiestas, porque el amor es el único que destruye el temor, la rabia y el odio, mientras disparas balas de alegría, esperanza & prosperidad.
Finalmente, no puedo dejar de mencionar a la sexy Santa en nuestra portada, la modelo Maxim cuyo nombre es Carissa Rosario. A pesar de que es probablemente mejor conocida por su escultural figura que detiene el tráfico y por ganar la corona de Miss Latina USA 2009, la próxima señora Johnny Gill (del famoso New Edition) está trabajando en su nuevo álbum que espera sacar al mercado en el 2011. La hermosa boricua describe su música como una mezcla de Gwen Stefani & Lady Gaga. Su historia comienza en la página 24.
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Pitbull: Just Call Him “Armando” By: Bernadette Giacomazzo While he may be best known for the kind of back-breaking beats that best served his hits, “M.I.A.M.I. (Money is a Major Issue)” and “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho),” Armando Christian Perez – better known to the world at large as “Pitbull” – is still very much in touch with his Cuban roots. Though he was born in the States, Perez is hoping that the Latino community that embraced his “hip hop side” will be equally as welcoming to his newly-found Hispano-centric side evidenced on his forthcoming CD, “Armando.” “The Spanish album is influenced, really, by the world,” said Perez in a phone interview from his Miami home, where he was recovering from a fractured hand that temporarily knocked him off the SoKODAK Tour (where he shared the stage with superstars Drake, Trey Songz, and Rihanna). “Many of the songs on the album came from beats rooted in mambo and AfroCubano. Yet, I still keep it somewhat “techno,” so I can’t really say that it’s a “traditional” Spanish-language album, even though the songs are all in Spanish. I tell people that it’s a fusion record, recorded in Spanish.” This trip back to his roots is nothing if not unique for the current host of Mun2’s hit show, La Esquina (“The Corner”). Most Latino artists – beginning in the early days of Ritchie Valens (Ricardo Valenzuela), continuing onto Selena, and even into today with the likes of Ricky Martin & Enrique Iglesias – begin their career with traditional Spanish songs, only to “break out” in the general market with their “English crossover” album. But this reversal, to Perez, is standard operating procedure. “My life was always in reverse,” he said. “When I was on TVT Records, I didn’t do it because I didn’t think they could handle a Spanish album.” (Armando is being released on Perez’s own Ultra Records, as TVT Records has gone out of business.) Now, however, he’s cognizant of the hurdles he faces in – for lack of a better word – “branding” as he goes forth in his career as simply “Armando.” Even though he has always identified as Latino, Perez says that he’s aware of the challenges intrinsic in his self-made repackaging. “There’s a difference between being Latino as “Pitbull,” and being Latino as “Armando,”” he said. “Being Latino means that you’re a mix of everything – you’re African, you’re European, you’re Caucasian. But no matter what, you’re deeply rooted to your culture. Even if you don’t speak the Spanish language, you’re still going to feel connected to the Latino culture, because you eat the food, and because you listen to the music.” Still, Perez has a great deal of hope that both his long-time fans – and, he hopes, the newcomers – will embrace his ever-evolving musical style. Perez notes that the word for “problem” in English is translated to the word “solution” in Cuba – and, he says, it’s this etymological difference that illustrates the spirit of brotherhood of his mother culture. “In Cuba, an oppressed mind is still a creative mind,” he said. “We always have our roots.” 8 DECEMBER 2010
Spanish
-----------------------------------------------Pitbull: Simplemente llámelo “Armando” A pesar de que es mejor conocido por sus éxitos como “M.I.A.M.I” (Money is a Major Issue) y “I know You Want Me” (Calle Ocho), Armando Christian Pérez, más reconocido en el mundo como “Pitbull”, aún está muy conectado a sus raíces cubanas. Pese a que nació en los Estados Unidos, Pérez anhela que la comunidad latina que apreció su lado “hip hop”, también le de la bienvenida a su nueva producción enfocada en lo latino, su CD “Armando”.
Pero este viaje al pasado, conforme a Pérez, es un estándar en la industria. “Mi vida siempre ha sido opuesta”, dijo él. “Cuando estaba en TVT Records, no lo hice porque consideré que no aceptarían un álbum en español”. (El CD Armando está siendo producido por Ultra Records, de propiedad de Pérez, pues TVT Records ha salido del mercado).
“Este álbum en español realmente está influenciado por el mundo”, dijo Pérez en conversación telefónica desde su casa de Miami en donde se recupera de una fractura en la mano que lo alejó de su gira SoKODAK Tour. “Muchos de los tonos de las canciones del álbum tienen sus raíces en el mambo y la música afrocubana. Aunque de alguna manera la mantuve ‘techno’ para poder decir que es un álbum de “tradición” del idioma español, teniendo en cuenta que las canciones son en español. Yo le digo a las personas que es una grabación de fusión que se grabó en español”.
Ahora, sin embargo, reconoce los obstáculos que enfrenta, por la ausencia de una palabra mejor que “branding” (marca), al haber escogido para avanzar su carrera el nombre de “Armando”. A pesar de que siempre se ha identificado como latino, Pérez dice que entiende los desafíos intrínsecos en esta manera de empaquetarse. “Hay una diferencia entre ser latino como ‘Pitbull’ y ser latino como ‘Armando’”, dice él. “Ser latino significa que eres una mezcla de todo, de Africa, de Europa y caucásico. Pero sin importar, tu estás compenetrado por tus raíces y cultura. Inclusive si no hablas español, aún te sientes conectado a la cultura latina porque comes alimentos latinos y porque escuchas su música”.
Este viaje de regreso a sus raíces es algo único para este presentador de La Esquina, el exitoso show de Mun2’s. La mayoría de los artistas latinos, comenzando por los lejanos días de Ritchie Valens (Ricardo Valenzuela), siguiendo con Selena e inclusive hasta hoy con Ricky Martin y Enrique Iglesias, hacen sus carreras con canciones tradicionales en español para luego ingresar en el mercado general con álbumes que tienen títulos en inglés.
Sin embargo, Pérez tiene la esperanza de que sus más viejos seguidores y los más nuevos, acepten su estilo de música que siempre evoluciona. Pérez reconoce que la palabra “problema” en inglés se traduce a “solución” en Cuba y dice que es ésta diferencia etimológica la que ilustra el espíritu de amistad de su cultura madre. “En Cuba una mente oprimida sigue siendo creativa”, dijo él. “Nosotros siempre tenemos nuestras raíces”. LatinTRENDS.COM 9
The Far East Movement consists of KevNish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman. In the span of their short career, they have performed with the likes of Lady Gaga, N.E.R.D., and Jay-Z.
The Far East Movement is #1 on the Billboard Charts, and Working with Grammy Award Winning Artists
“Lady Gaga invited us backstage into her recording studio on tour, and she gave our ‘mystery member’ a few style tips,” they said. In addition to their celebrity brushes with fame, rappers Snoop Dogg and Kanye West have both Tweeted about them to their millions of followers. “That was pretty sick!” they said. “[Snoop] said that he’d been bumping our album all day!” And the celebrity list of fans is ever-growing: Lil’Jon, One Republic, Quincy Jones, Will.I.Am., and a wide assortment of record label owners. Even the omnipresent 50 Cent has lent his voice to a “Like A G6” remix – which was nothing if not awe-inspiring for the band that used to dream about having lunch with G-Unit! All of this fame, however, hasn’t gone to their heads: “Our mentor is GOD, first and foremost, and all day!” they said. And the band shows no signs of slowing down: they’re set to perform at the Sundance Film Festival, and George Clooney counts himself as a fan! With all of the mountains they’ve already climbed, let’s see what other obstacles they will conquer! Lolita, www.myspace.com/senoritalolitaceleb101
“Even the omni-present 50 Cent has lent his voice to a “Like A G6” remix – which was nothing if not aweinspiring for the band that used to dream about having lunch with G-Unit!” 10 DECEMBER 2010
By: Ray Monell Throughout 2010, G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks has been making clubs bounce with the hit single, “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley.” On Nov. 23, the Queens native punctuated a successful year with the much-anticipated release of his third album, “The Hunger for More 2.” Leading up to the release, Banks and G-Unit Records signed a distribution deal with EMI. In talking to Banks (born Christopher Lloyd), 28, at EMI’s Manhattan offices to discuss the new album, and how he’s evolved as both an artist and person in eight years, Banks is both humble and reflective. “I’m in a win-win with this. Whatever I do from this point is overachieving, because they’ve already counted me out,” he said. “I’ve never experienced a 360 deal; I’ve never experienced shaving my percentages, as far as touring and things like that go. The other labels -- I don’t want to name specifically -- they were willing to meet half-way. In this new situation, we wanted to gradually get to that point where we’re comfortable. In my profit split, it just made sense for me.”
The G-Unit lyricist is certain that other labels’ loss will be EMI’s gain, as the nuances of his music are on full display in what he considers his best album yet. “Overall, I think I’ve grown, and that comfort level shows up in my music,” said Banks. “I was clear-minded this time: I’ve got records for the clubs, records that are dark that express my childhood and growing up and losing people.”
Lloyd Banks: On Albums, Rap Feuds, & Being Latino
If you’re even vaguely familiar with G-Unit’s music, you know that the group is as famous for their smash hits as for their feuds in rap music. Notably, two former members of G-Unit -- Young Buck and The Game -- each had a falling out with the group that led to Banks’ “dis tracks” which excoriated the competition. “I think that hip-hop is a vocal sport,” he said. “Therefore, it’s easier to pinpoint where it’s going to break. As an artist, you need to be more on point and be reaistic with it, because you don’t want to be sitting upin jail, 25-to-life, for another rapper.”
"A lot of people wouldn't know that I'm Latino even if I told them where my family is from -- part of them, anyway. I wouldn't want to speak Spanish until I get nice, dialect-wise. I think that would be the ultimate thing for me: to learn how to speak as fluently as someone who comes from there." Banks speaks the words of a man who is intimately familiar with great loss. As a kid, when he was simply “Chris,” Banks -who is Puerto Rican on his mother’s side -- remembers his multicultural background exposing him to salsa music when he’d be at his maternal grandparents’ home, and the works of iconic rap acts Run DMC and Rakim while visiting his father. Outside of music, Banks – like many Latinos – describes himself as “family oriented,” and often spends time with relatives -- including his abuela, whom he’s assisted in the kitchen during the holidays when she makes pasteles. On why his Hispanic side has gone largely unnoticed in spite of his fame, Banks said, “I think it’s because of my appearance, sometimes. A lot of people wouldn’t know that I’m Latino even if I told them where my family is from -- part of them, anyway. I actually was just talking about that: I wouldn’t want to speak Spanish until I get nice, dialectwise. I think that would be the ultimate thing for me: to learn how to speak as fluently as someone who comes from there.”
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Fashion
Cultures Clothing
Cultures Clothing was founded in the year 2000 by Alloyius McIlwaine. The line is representative of high fashion, urban wear, and everything in-between for men, women, and children. Cultures Clothing Company wants to show that all nationalities, cultures, or social groups have something interesting or beautiful about them.
For example, along with influences from different nationalities, you’ll see influences from everything from fine art & high fashion to hip-hop & graffiti culture. On the price tags for the clothing, Cultures Clothing includes little known or interesting facts about different cultures to inform people, and to help them to understand that we are all connected.
Your environment has just as much to do with who you are as your nationality, so Cultures Clothing wants to highlight aspects of society as well as the different nationalities around the world.
Along with doing pieces of clothing for mass production, many of the pieces from Cultures Clothing are hand-painted and can be customized, so that the fashionista can have a one of a kind piece of art to wear!
12 DECEMBER 2010
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Intergalactic
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Hangouts The WertzStevens ‘Death Star Theater’ looks as though it was designed with inspiration from the otherworldly. Originally built in Seattle, Washington, this nerd-tastic home theater was created by Vic Wertz and Lisa Stevens, and is the ultimate geeky hangout for the nerdy bachelor/ette.
It’s the little things that will set your home apart from others and these Kontextur Viktor Holders can help you do just that. Upgrade your bathroom decor with these toothbrush and razor holders for a more modern, sleek look.
TRENDSPOTTING! Hot…new…controversial trends from around the world
WTF?
Trend: Regretsy
Look, we think it’s great that people are doing DIY fashion projects. Not only does it save serious money, but it’s a great way to express your creativity. Unfortunately, some things should just be left on the floor of your closet, unless Regretsy gets a hold of it! From the folks that brought you People of Wal-Mart and Lamebook, Regretsy is your one-stop shop for embarrassing, self-made fashion disasters! Even their tagline is priceless: “Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF”! Visit www. regretsy.com for non-stop laughs.
14 DECEMBER 2010
om Décor Sleek Bathro
Spreads Vacay Packing
It seems that the model in this ‘Military Style’ photo series is getting ready to ship out to the army. This interesting set perfectly captures the fashion intended for the shoot, making it undeniable that the military look is coming back in full force. Photographed by Trong Duc, ‘Military Style’ is highly stylized thanks to the retouching by Duong Nguyen.
Lime Crime Makeup: Trend Follow-up Back when we were known as DTM, we introduced you to a makeup line called Lime Crime. The then-editor sniffed that it was “unoriginal” & “had no chance of succeeding.” Well, between the success of such style innovators as Ke$ha and M.I.A., and the plain old hard work ethic, the makeup line became wildly successful, and is now carried in such stores as SpaceNK and Urban Outfitters. In addition, it’s been featured in such magazines as Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, & Seventeen. Rather than say, “we told you so,” we invite you to check out www.limecrimemakeup.com and pick up your own innovative makeup!
ribs Minimalist C
Minimalist beds take on a new meaning with the Zip Bed from Florida Furniture. The bed helps create the ultimate clutter-free room by hiding everything under a zipped-up cover. When you are finished sleeping in it, the bed transforms into a modern lounger with clean lines.
Social Media Shortcuts
irth Control B c i t a r c o t s Ari The condoms (from Condom, France) “combine luxury with lifestyle” and come [ha!] in boxes lined in black velvet. “Condoms protect everyone from disease, but ours protect from tackiness,” states the Count Gil de Bizemont [excuse HIS beauty…], the VP of the company.
This Flashpoint iBoard Apple Bluetooth keyboard is an accessory that is in keeping with the technological times. Providing you with shortcuts to your favorite social media sites, this is a must-have item for both Twitter and Facebook junkies. Compatible with both the iPad and the iPod, the Flashpoint iBoard Bluetooth keyboard is priced at $64.99.
Delicate Cocoon Frocks In the Julia Krantz Shell Collection, translucent, soft and flowing garments are featured against metal frames. Julia Krantz was inspired by anatomical parts and inner organs for this collection’s designs, creating cocoon-shaped forms for each look. Comprising of white, lightweight and fluid fabrics, the Julia Krantz Shell Collection is a delicate line that is gorgeous to look at.
1800 Tequila 1800 Tequila is a tequila product from the distillery Casa Cuervo S.A. de C.V., which also produces Jose Cuervo Tequila. 1800 Tequila is made from 100 percent Blue Agave plants in Jalisco, Mexico, & makes silver, reposado and anejo tequilas. The bottle has a unique top that acts as a shot glass so that the alcohol can be poured with the lid on the bottle. LatinTRENDS.COM 15
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1. A model shows off the latest look from the Doralina clothing collection. Photo by Karla Ayala-Quervalu. 2. Latino Trendsetter Awards performer Carmelina Vargas shows off her fashion sense! 3. Charo shows all the young perras at the Latin Grammys how it’s really supposed to be done. 4. Ciara & Kim Kardashian on the streets of New York, promoting…something.
5. Singer Shaila Dúrcal keeps cool and confident at this year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards in Las Vegas. Shaila complemented her gown with “Sexy Intrigue” from the Degree Women Fine Fragrance Collection, a line of anti-perspirants and body mists.
8. Lucrecia, mami, please pick ONE color and stick to it next time…
6. Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, ABC contributor Mellody Hobson, attend the Governor’s Ball in Hollywood.
10. Inca Kola president Elizabeth Chalas Berman poses with Justin Beiber & his legion of fans during NYC’s Black Friday at Barnes & Noble.
7. Chris Brown and Marc Anthony laugh it up at a Miami Heat game
9. Latin Grammy presenter Ximena Navarrete stopped by the Degree Women station to sample the Fine Fragrance Collection.
for more pics go to latintrends.com 8
16 DECEMBER 2010
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