Essence Young Women Leadership Conference... PART III

A conversation with Vanessa and Angela Simmons

Moderator: Cori Murray 

Kenya introduces us to exactly what "The Simmons" Girls Had to say...

So this was a pretty interesting session, I was wondering what advice two young women who were born with silver spoons in their mouths were going to offer to hundreds of college students, recent college grads and professionals about how to obtain professional success. We've seen these two on Run's House, we've seen their home, their cars, the events they attend, their family life and their growing careers and we wonder how the hell they could possibly offer us advice about how to obtain what they have when in all actuality they did not work for it. Vanessa shared her stories of rejection within the field of acting and Angela shares her insight on dealing with negativity in the media. On this day, it became clear to me that their name "Simmons" definitely opened up many doors for them, but they are responsible for maintaining these opportunities. It's one thing to get the job, it's another to keep it!

Leah Janell: In my shoes

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

This weeks color of the week is SENSUELLE by: CHANEL

Sensuelle is warm enough for the Winter, and has a glitter content that will make any summer day simple glamorous. Sensuelle by Chanel is a must wear it can be found on the Chanel website www.chanel.com on sale right now for $20.00... Chanel also has a new collection titled ROBERSTON EXCLUSIVE with new hot electric colors inspired by L.A.'s style Mecca from L.A. Sunrise, to Rodeo Drive, from Melrose to L.A. Sunset, its certainly time to go shopping...

More Photos from Good Girls Gone Bad...

Just a taste of who was in the building..

Sammy J (The Fashionista)

They Say "You can't put Rims on a CADILLAC" 

Shante & Ena Which would you prefer a Ticket or a Needle

Ms. Jenn (The Teacher)                                                      

         

Anya J. (Polish by Essie) 

From Lincoln to Hampton "College Grads"

Old Friends Reunite "8B" Stand Up...

The Student & The Attorney

Jemi & Kenya on "ROCK STAR" Flow

Farrah Finally graced us with her presence...

Divine Intervention

Jere & Kenya with the College of Westbury Students

Love me some Saachi, Jemi and Lawerence...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes...

GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD... RECAP

JUST A FEW BAD GIRLS...

My GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD tattoo event was a success, so please allow me to back track... Mirrors on Grand Ave between Lafayette and Clifton in BROOKLYN (for Brandi & Taylor :) is owned and ran by young women, the theme fit well seeing as how I was surrounded by beautiful females, lots of drinks and tattoo artist. Girls and guys lined up highly anticipating being next to get inked up... 

From Shooting Stars...

 

To the young lady that is proud of her heritage...

This Off Duty Officer, got a tribute to his mother...

And this young lady, oh that's me...

This event wasn't just about art work, it was simply a good time... I would personally like to thank everyone (INCLUDING KENYA) that came out, I am looking forward to the next one...

Highlights of the night: Tyrone's entrance, and the Red Wine (Bogle a Petite Syrah)

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Jen and I are so hot, we made it MELT...

When my girlfriend Jennifer told me she would be escaping her hometown Philadelphia for the day and coming to N.Y. I immediately became excited, Jennifer and I attended Lincoln University together, but life after graduation sent us on our separate paths. It had been a year since we've last seen each other, so I wanted the night to be one to remember. She arrived at 34th street via the Bolt Bus, where I picked her up. I thought that brunch would be a perfect way to start our day. As I rode through Brooklyn I tried to find a place that would be a new experience for the both of us, I mean really I couldn't take her to IHOP. Driving down 5th ave in Brooklyn, we came across a cute restaurant named MELT. The atmosphere was nice and cozy, we were introduced to the special of the day Shrimp with Grits which came with a Mimosa. I must say that I would recommend this dish to anyone, it was absolutely Delicious. The Mimosas were chilled and only added to the delight of Melt.

 

The Shrimp & Grits MMMMM...           

  

Jen's Second Mimosa

Just In Case You'd like to visit...

Essence Young Women Leadership Conference... PART II

For those of you who were inspired by part I of Kenya's recap of the Essence Young Women Leadership Conference here is part II...

Set for Life: Your Fast Track to Financial Control

Moderator: Tanisha Sykes

Speakers: Jason Calhoun, Harrine Freeman, Ionnie McNeill, Lynn Richardson

Now for all those who don't know "We are in a frigging Recession for Christ sakes". We as young people need to get our finances in order. Yes you will be paying student loans, have a cell phone bill, car note, etc. But you know you did NOT need those $200 Tory Burch flats! That money could have been a payment on the interest that your loans are accruing. For those of us who are already in 9-5  jobs, I am sure we are all pretty familiar with living "check by check". Well Tanisha Sykes exposed a new financial phenomenon, well maybe its not new but no on has acknowledged it. Living "Check to Monday" Yeah that's right, you got paid on Friday, paid your bills, went grocery shopping, maybe got a mani & pedi and when Monday came around you didn't even have lunch money... You were broke! This is unacceptable. It's time to budget, invest and buy property, pay bills ON TIME and keep track of your credit score. We have to start being more conscious of our purchases; you DO NOT need to purchase a $5.00 latte on your way to work/class, Save some money and bring a lunch! Here's a little rule of thumb Ms. Sykes shared its the "10-30-60 Rule". When your payday rolls around, take 10% and invest/save, 30% goes to yourself cash only and 60% to bills/loans etc. If you tithe then break it down to 10%, 10%, 30%, and 50%. Now the reason she says cash only in your pockets, is because your are more inclined to spend if you have a debt or credit card. I.E. Your on line at the local grocery store, you have $110 for groceries but your total is $145. If you have cash you're going to start putting some items back but if you have that plastic you are going to swipe that card with the quickness. And as for student loans; it's okay to defer, if you can pay the interest down so when it's time to pay the payments won't be overwhelming.

WOW: Kenya all I can say is if this is the shorter version of the conference I wish I would have attended, the information they provided you with is so insightful, Thanks Lady...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

As I mentioned before, I have a thing for bad boys; and tattoos by all means make you bad. There is just something sexy about a mans arms; it shows his strength. Now take that same man and put Tattoos all over his arms and he instantly becomes this Ultimate Warrior. I love it. I think tattoos really add to the image that the individual wants to portray. Lets take Allen Iverson for example,

 

During his rookie year Allen did any and everything to be the NBA rebel- missing out on practice, butting heads with his coach, inviting his unruly entourage to attend games, but for some reason we couldn't be upset with Allen we understood that all of this was an example of the struggles he had to face growing up, he was not your typical Silver Spoon kid...

Artist Like Lil Wayne & Jim Jones are sporting so many tattoos that they don't even need to wear a shirt, some people may think this is way too much but for me its sexy. The only question I do have ask is "when is old too old" for Tattoos?... Take Skate board P for instance, I LOVE THIS GUY, he's like from another planet in his own little way.  

But now that this NERD is on the fashion scene he wants to clean up his act and the first thing to go are his TATTOOS, AAAAAHHHHHH (Kevin's Home Alone screaming voice)... Pharell has revealed that he is trying a new revolutionary removal procedure, which involves applying new skin over old body art. (OK THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH) It's said to be like a skin graft, you are not taking skin from your legs and reapplying it. These people actually grown the skin for you, first you give them a sample of your skin, which they replicate, then they seamlessly sew it on. OK I STILL THINK THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH. When asked about the cost Pharell stated That's Irrelevant "It's going to be pricey, but worth it." "I got fire on my arms! I'm a grown man!"

Which takes me back to my question, "When is old too old for tattoos?"

Leah Janell: In My Shoes 

GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD...

THIS SATURDAY NOV. 15TH @ 8PM

Join me and my Lady friends as we explore 

WHY GOOD GIRLS, LIKE TO BE BAD...

Mirror's on Grand 

284 Grand Avenue in Brooklyn

No Cover Charge 

Tattoo Artist will be present...

Essence Young Women Leadership Conference...

This past weekend my girlfriend Kenya and her cousin attended the Essence Young Women Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. The theme of the conference was to encourage and motivate young women to "Jump start Your Future" The conference was made up of several workshops, each included guest speakers whom offered insight into how to prepare for success, gain financial control and how to be your own boss...

Kenya is going fill us in on exactly what the conference had to offer...

You, Inc: Market Yourself for Success

Moderator: Candice Fredrick

Speakers:Amy DuBois Barnett, Rhonda McLean, Dee Marshall and Deanna Singelton

I thought this was an excellent opening of discussion; it is important for young women and men alike to know that its great to have a 4.0 GPA, the best internships, glowing recommendations and sophisticated attire, but it is equally important that your presence matches your credentials. Not only are employers looking for a well-qualified candidate for the job; they also want someone they can see themselves working with on a daily basis. The impression that you leave will weigh greatly on whether you get that call back. Ladies, "check yourself before you wreck yourself"; your presence, demeanor, image and energy are key to landing your job. The interview process can be pretty nerve-racking but loosen up. In other words, be yourself!

"Diversify Your Circle" Now this was some great information! I'm all about stepping out of my comfort zone so my ears really perked up when they touched on this subject. If everyone in your circle looks like you, thinks like you and has similar interest, professional etc. then you could be limiting your opportunities. It's important to fraternize with individuals from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, ages, professions etc. Networking is the newest way for people to get linked with people that may be able to offer you a job, or refer you to someone who may offer you a job. Diversifying and expanding your circle can be extremely beneficial to introducing opportunities that would have otherwise been unknown,

Tips for making yourself more marketable also include "Joining A Cause" which encourages you to seek opportunities to become apart of your desired field. Volunteer, intern or pursue board seats...

Amazing: I would like to thank Kenya for part I of the Essence Leadership Conference Review...

Written by: Kenya A.

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Sam's Closet

My girlfriend Samantha is one of the most fashion forward people I know. S he can always tell me where to find a hot dress, with the perfect shoe and just the right necklace to wear to top my outfit off. I admire her style because its simple and chic, no colorful high boots, no door knocker earrings, no over sized Gucci printed handbags for her... So today I decided to go to her for a bit of fashion advice I wanted to know what was in and what was out...

L. Janell: So Here's a list of things that I need to know whether they are in or out...

L. Janell: North Face Jackets

Sam: North Face jackets are IN as a functional ski jacket, you know like for a trip to Aspen, OUT as a fashion statement...

L. Janell If you want to make a fashion Statement I suggest you go for the Moncler Fox Collar Quilted Down Jacket on sale at Intermix right now for 1,798.00 (Yup it cost to be the boss)...

L. Janell: OK so what about High boots

Sam: IN. This is a fashion staple, I think the booties are somewhat of a trend; albeit a cute one...

L.Janell: I'm feeling high high boots this season, like these black leather boots by Report Signature for $400.00

L. Janell: Your thoughts on the Rhianna look, you know I went through my phase...

Sam: IN for Rhianna she owns it, OUT for everyone else. Stay in your own lane, create your own look...

L. Janell: So I take it that OUTS black nail polish

Sam: I actually love black nail polish, but you can always opt for other dark colors as well.

L. Janell: Marc Jacobs had a huge sale on rain boots, I mean they were practically giving them away which made me wonder were these boots an out and marc just wanted to get rid of them...

Sam: Rain boots are IN as a functional item, but I would say change into your shoes when you have reached your final destination. Unless your like me and you're really don't care in that case you'll rock them all day. Please leave the ones with the designs to the kids though.

L. Janell: Some people in red lipstick kills me, I get afraid to even speak to them out of fear that the lipstick will be smeared across their teeth.

Sam: Red Lipstick is IN, but its honestly not for everyone.

L. Janell: I have noticed that women are shying away from the traditional thin arched eye brow and going for a fuller look. Are thin eyebrows out?

Sam: Thin Eyebrows, I happen to hate this look but I guess it works for some people, its an OUT for me.

L. Janell: I am more of a simple girl, small earrings always suit me best, am I out of touch or are Chandelier earrings in.

Sam: It all depends on the outfit, chandelier earrings don't go with everything. But I will say this fad is an in.

L. Janell: I have my one pair of favorite jeans that I refuse to give up, my H&M skinny jeans that you actually bought me for my birthday...

Sam: Skinny jeans are still in, but it might be time for you to hang that pair up lol

L. Janell: I'm big on dining at the finest restaurants, so is Mr. Chows still in...

Sam: This one is borderline for me, there are just so many good upscale restaurants out there, that I wouldn't want to limit myself to Mr. Chows. Mr. Chows is more like a see or be seen thing. Give Morimoto a shot. The Morimoto Omakase is an experience in itself, I Love that place.

L. Janell: Morimoto is located at 88 10th Ave in NYC

L. Janell: What about drinks, I've always been a wine girl but when I want to step out of the box I always get a Mojito, in or out.

Sam: Mojito's are in during the summer or on vacation, but out for the Winter.

Interesting... I would like to thank my good friend Samantha for her fashion/lifestyle insight, and as most of you know I have an event coming up this Saturday and I think I have found just the perfect place to find an outfit at, where other than Sam's Closet...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's 

SUPER SWEET 16...

I am so glad I stayed up late last night, I wanted to catch the replay of Real Chance at Love but Instead I was glued to MTV's Super Sweet Sixteen, last nights episode featured a young lady name Christy the daughter of Salt & Pepa's D.J. Spinderella and NBA player Kenny Anderson.

In my honest opinion this episode was the best SUPER SWEET SIXTEEN episode by far, for starters Christy is your average sixteen year old. There was no disrespecting of the parents, belittling of schoolmates and NO FANCY CARS. I mean come on guys lets just admit, Barack is not giving Sasha a Bentley GT for her 16th birthday and he's the president so why in SAM hell are these celebs treating there children like royalty. Whatever happened to that good Ole fashion myth where your kids got cars for graduating college, or at least for going to college. 

At any rate Christy and her VIPs  hit up the Christian Audigier store on Melrose, where they were styled for her 80s theme bash... In the essence of it all Christy even got on the 1's and 2's to give her mom a taste of what DJ Christy could do... 

The Night Ended with Christy getting exactly what she asked for a GREEN VW Convertible bug, HOW CUTE... 

Christy was the first celeb kid that has ever shown sincere appreciation when receiving her gift, she actually shed tears...

Loved this episode, only negative was that I did not see much of her father and I would have loved to see that Father/Daughter connection...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Calling it a Night...

 Last week was my girlfriend Kenya's birthday, she wanted to do something fun yet simple, so I stopped on Dekalb Avenue at a cute little winery "Thirst" and purchased a bottle of Rose. My next stopped was Juniors Bakery on Flatbush Avenue for a Strawberry Short Cake. I arrived home in time to eat dinner, take a shower and iron my clothes. I decided to wear a pair of high waisted over sized wide leg pants by "KLS", a black bustier, and 4 inch studded peak toe pumps by BABY PHAT yes BABY PHAT trust they are not your average, the shoes are mean. When Kenya arrived we sipped on the champagne and laughed about our college days in reference to where we are today. This was said to be a throw your hands up and let your hair down kind of a night, so instead of driving we took a taxi. Outside of Sway Lounge we were greeted by a group of fellas whom of which needed female escorts to get into the Lounge. As our two girls Jemi and  Saachi arrived we kindly escorted the gents in and went on our way. We found a cozy little booth, ordered our drinks and we let the party begin. We danced to tones played by our favorite DJ The Fresh Prince who made us feel like every song was dedicated to us. The night was slowly approaching it ends, when some naughty patron pulled a show stopper as I went to grab my sweater, they grabbed my purse, leaving me and my friends to search frantically. But to avail, I must admit that the managers at Sway were not helpful AT ALL. I felt like I had just donated my most valuable possessions to charity, some lost soul is walking around swinging my Marc Jacobs bag, talking on my cell phone, showing my ID to get into clubs, and taking pics of the city on the digital camera that was also in the bag...

NOT COOL, NOT COOL...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

I have decieded to give this red hot color a new name, ALTER EGO... Forever Young is best worn by the Innocent Girl, who wants a chance to unleash her wild side. It allows Beyonce to let Sasha Fierce come out and Play. Sexy with all white and a must do with all black, Alter Ego will keep you FOREVER YOUNG.

Forever Young can be found on the Essie Website www.essie.com on sale right now for $8.00

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

To be WITH or to be WITHOUT.

There are a few things that Ms. Leah Janell can not live without, Nail Polish, The NBA Play offs, Jay- Zs Reasonable Doubt and Mozzarella Cheese... But just imagine having a partner in crime that without them your existence would be bleak, kind of like Tom without Jerry, Fred without Barney or Thelma without Louise...

Here's a few pairs that I question what would it be like if they stood apart.

Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union

While most may think that this new hot item makes a cute couple, I find something sexy about the man who stays with the mother of his child, the female who was there before the money and the fame, that good Ole ride or die chick. D-Wade some how lost his swag when he signed those divorce papers. I believe in MARRIAGE but I don't believe in DIVORCE, and I think good Ole Gabbey new exactly what she was doing when she snagged this one. Still I feel that D-Wade is better off WITHOUT  Ms. Union and I would kindly urge him to go HOME to his wife... Through Sickness and health FOR RICHER OR POORER...

Vanessa & Angela Simmons

These two cute sisters have some how become apart of house holds all over America, The pair share a business venture that has little girls around the world raving. There family proves that African American families like the Huxtables do exist. But with all the great things these girls have brewing they are just that, "a pair" there is no Angela without Vanessa. I have a sister whom of which I am extremely close too but when my Alma mater Lincoln University offered her a Scholarship she turned it down and paved her way through Howard University to be known as Shyah Dickerson and not Leah's little sister. There's just something sexy about creating your own lane and staying in it. Unfortunately I don't see these two successfully creating their own lanes Angela & Vanessa are better off WITH each other. 

Malinda & D Nice

After a bitter divorce with actor Mehki Phifer, actress Melinda Williams (a single mother) managed to balance out a successful career and find true love. While everyone wants to be a POWER COUPLE, Melinda and Derrick D-Nice, yes D-NICE of Boggie Down Production : ) prove that there is power in LOVE... The pair have known each other since they were 18 years old and I think these two are better WITH each other...

The Big three & The Boston Celtics

Did I fail to mention that the way to my heart is through my stomach, but if you want a faster route sunflowers, a care bear and a court side seat to an NBA game will do. That's why I know the Boston Celtics are nothing without the BIG THREE. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and my personal favorite Ray Allen, prove that their amazing talent can bring the Celtics back to the days of Larry Bird... The Boston Celtics are better WITH the big three...

Michelle & Barack Obama

There is a saying that beside every strong man there's a Phenomenal Woman and that woman is she "Our First Lady Michelle Obama. While this past year may have felt like a public separation Michelle has supported her husband all the way to Victory. The pair are the Epitome of BLACK LOVE, it's without a doubt that Michelle and Barack are better WITH each other... 

Leah Janell: In my shoe's