Thursday, March 1, 2012

Brazilian Invasion - All Signs Pointing South in Trends

Those ultra-straight long locks of hair and false eyelashes that were so popular in 2011? The mini dresses resurrected from the 1980s and the chunky platform heels? They're all a product of a fashion craze that's sweeping not just the U.S. but the entire world - Rio De Janiero!

From superstar-super models like Giselle Bunchen and Alessandra Ambrosio, to an entire Victoria's Secret catalog devoted entirely to Brazilian-inspired swimwear, it's clear the American population is quickly embracing the fun-loving, creative styles of Brazil, and there's no slowing down.

Go to any high-end hair salon, and browse their menu of services. Chances are, you'll see the "Brazilian Blowout" on the list. The curve-enhancing skinny jeans that were all the rage in 2011, and are still popular in 2012? Those are from Brazil too!

Go to any health or fitness club, and chances are, you'll find a line of Brazilian workout wear, workout classes, even workout DVDs catered to developing the infamous "Brazilian booty," American women are gravitating towards the looks and attitudes of Brazilian culture, as well as surrounding parts of South America.

So when it comes down to it, Brazilian fashion is much more than just fashion. It's an attitude, a way of embracing curves, independence, and sex appeal, but in a classy sophisticated way. Dress shirts are subtly low-cut with just a subtle hint of cleavage, and are paired with jeans, and heels. Mini skirts are worn with oversized, colorful tees and cinched in with a studded or leather belt.

Even at work, these types of fashions can be seen. Colorful, stylish ballet flats offer just the right amount of comfort and support, and spice up plain black slacks and a sweater. They come in plenty of styles, like leopard prints and glittery fabrics. For cold weather, you'll see leather or snakeskin high-heel boots or soft, suede clogs, which go great with colorful scarves and a chic coat.

Are you not a fan of high heels? Perhaps they hurt your feet or your back? Brazilian heels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, not just four and five-inch stilettos. You can try the Brazilian two-inch peep-toe shoe, which offers the right amount of style and sex appeal, pain-free. You can pair it with a nice skirt and colorful blouse and also with a blazer or cardigan.

For jewelry, which it comes to pairing with these types of shoes, the key is color, and also bold, geometric shapes for gold and silver pieces. Pair jewelry sparingly though, as it is easy to overdo this type of stuff, and nobody wants to look like they're wearing a Halloween costume. If you're going with a bold necklace, then pair it with a small pair of stud earrings. For big earrings, skip the necklace and wear a bold bracelet or ring with it, but not both. Stick to key fashion pieces that pop, and pair with subtle accessories, including a purse. The basic rule of thumb when it comes to accessories and today's trendy fashions - less is always more.

Looking for Womens Brazilian Designer Shoes? Heavenly Heels is an Online Brazilian Designer Shoe Store and St Petersburg Shoe Boutique offering fashion-forward footwear straight from Brazil!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laine_McKenna

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6813091

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Le Freak by Nile Rodgers

Odds are, you've heard the classic Pop and R& B tune, "We Are Family," by Sister Sledge, on the radio, at a wedding reception, or remember it as the anthem for the 1979 World Series Champion, Pittsburgh Pirates. The song was written by musicians Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, co-founders of the late 70s R&B/Disco group, Chic. While disco eventually died, Nile Rodgers' musical talents penetrate the music scene even today and his accomplishments are notable. Rodgers chronicles his life in his new memoir, Le Freak, named after Chic's 1978 monster hit.

Nile Rodgers is the son of Nile Rodgers Sr., a talented musician who, unfortunately, died penniless in New York City from his alcohol and drug addiction.

Rodgers' mother, Beverly (always on a first-name basis), met Niles Sr. at the age of 13 (he was 16). Their initial sexual encounter created Niles Jr.

Much of Rodgers' life involved alcohol and drugs before ever entering the music business. His mother and stepfather, Bobby were both heroin addicts; and Rodgers was introduced to sniffing glue at 13, for starters.

Growing up, Rodgers was shuffled between New York City and Los Angeles to be with family. He developed his musical talents early on, enjoying numerous opportunities to play with industry titans, including Screamin Jay Hawkins and Jimi Hendrix.

He met Bernard Edwards while playing the Chitlin' Circuit (a string of black nightclubs stretching from Buffalo, New York to South Florida). Musically, the two could read each other's mind. They would go on to create the R& B/Pop group, Chic.

Rodgers shares many intriguing behind-the-scenes stories about the music industry, including the origins of Chic's smash hit, Le Freak. Famous club performer, Grace Jones had invited Rodgers and Edwards to her show at Studio 54, the infamous Manhattan nightclub; and they were denied entrance.

The duo returned to a friend's nearby apartment. There, they drank Dom Perignon, snorted cocaine and jammed out their frustrations on bass and guitar. "Awww-f*** off Studio 54," morphed into "Awww, freak out," which became Le Freak's ear-catching refrain.

Le Freak was an international hit, giving Chic their first seven-figure check for their label's only triple platinum single. "The Zen of it was, by not getting what we wanted, we got more than we ever imagined," says Rodgers.

Rodgers narrates working with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including David Bowie, Madonna, and Diana Ross.

In 1980, superstar Diana Ross was looking to reinvent her career. Her record label, Motown, teamed her with Edwards and Rodgers for the project. Despite their best efforts, Motown didn't like the results and demanded the master tapes be returned for their own post-production arrangements.

Devastated, the duo steadfastly believed that they'd produced quality work. Ultimately, Motown released their original production with trepidation. "Diana" went on to become Diana Ross' biggest selling album of her career, yielding the No. 1 hit, "Upside Down," and top five pop single, "I'm Coming out."

Studio 54 became Rodgers' number one hangout during its day. He vividly describes its appeal to serious partygoers and A-list crowd, with sex and drugs aplenty. "It may seem highly unlikely today, but inside Studio there was a Dionysian sense of belonging and trust. Nothing was taboo."

Racism is no stranger to Rodgers, as he's experienced it periodically, including during Chic's ascent. He and Edwards visited a Manhattan Mercedes Benz dealership. "A salesman charged over to us to try and delicately shoo us out of the store. It was clear to him the likes of us couldn't afford his wares," he says. His post-Chic years found him accepting invitations to parties on Martha's Vineyard and being turned away at the door by bouncers, due to his dark hue.

The 9/11 roll call of victims brought Rodgers sad news, as he recognized the name of one the dead, a woman who had photographed him several times for Billboard magazine. Rodgers received numerous calls from family, friends and acquaintances suggesting he reinvent his classic tune "We Are Family" in tribute to our national tragedy. He obliged, gathering celebrities, singers and emergency workers in New York to re-record the tune, not unlike the "We Are The World" celebration of 1985. He also assembled a Los Angeles version.

The We Are Family Foundation originated from the bi-coastal project and today is a successful not-for-profit organization. It's dedicated to forming a global family that strives to solve some of the biggest global challenges.

Le Freak reads full circle, as Rodgers poignantly describes the circumstances surrounding his long-time friend and business partner, Bernard Edwards' death. Both were in Japan in 1996 where Rodgers was being honored for his musical accomplishments. During their lengthy performance, Edwards fell ill, yet defied doctor's orders to cancel the second part of the show.

After their performance, at 1:33 am, Rodgers was awakened from a nightmare believing he was experiencing an earthquake. He landed on the floor and eventually fell back to sleep. Hotel staff awakened him in the morning to inform him that Edwards (staying in a room across the hall), wasn't answering his wake-up call. Rodgers forcefully knocked on Edwards' door, but he never answered. Upon entering his room, he and the housekeeper found him dead.

Briefing the medical examiner on Edwards' last hours to determine his time of death, he described his earthquake dream. The medical examiner assured him that no earthquake had occurred. "That was your friend leaving you. The time of death is 1:33 a.m., just like you said. Thank you for this information."

Le Freak transcends being another story of a self-indulgent musician. Sober since 1994, Rodgers is busier than ever, and is currently working on a project with American Idol runner-up, Adam Lambert.

Rodgers reminds us of the resiliency of the human spirit, that, despite a turbulent childhood and periods of being a wandering adult, we can reinvent our lives.

To discover more about the We Are Family Foundation, visit: http://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Zaun

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6667106

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Lorem Ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.Epsum factorial non deposit quid pro quo hic escorol.Epsum factorial non deposit quid pro quo hic escorol. Marquee selectus non provisio incongruous feline nolo contendre Olypian quarrels et gorilla congolium sic ad nauseum. Souvlaki ignitus carborundum e pluribus unum.Li Europan lingues es membres del sam familie. Lor separat existentie es un myth. Por scientie, musica, sport etc, li tot Europa usa li sam vocabularium. Li lingues differe solmen in li grammatica, li pronunciation e li plu commun.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Lorem Ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.Epsum factorial non deposit quid pro quo hic escorol.Epsum factorial non deposit quid pro quo hic escorol. Marquee selectus non provisio incongruous feline nolo contendre Olypian quarrels et gorilla congolium sic ad nauseum. Souvlaki ignitus carborundum e pluribus unum.Li Europan lingues es membres del sam familie. Lor separat existentie es un myth. Por scientie, musica, sport etc, li tot Europa usa li sam vocabularium. Li lingues differe solmen in li grammatica, li pronunciation e li plu commun.