Tres Belle Gets Our Vote!

We love Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa in Brooklyn. It's owned by one of us. A fine upstanding LLady name Allison Tray. Tres Belle is up for a "Best of Citysearch" nomination. Please show some love & support!

They would like to be nominated in 2 categories - Best Facial and Best Laser Hair Removal.

Go here and VOTE!

Plus GET a Ladies Lotto discount on their site and when you book services - discount code is LLotto!

Behind the Beast Redux

NYC's finest packed themselves into the Chart Room at the SoHo Grand Hotel to hear hand-picked panelists from the worlds of streetwear, photography, publicity, branding and fitness dish on the fashion industry. Over the years fashion has evolved beyond the pages of glossy magazines and the runway. The fashion industry is more pervasive in the lives of women than ever before.

Panel moderator, Ruby Veridiano-Ching and guest

Panelist and photographer Lynnette Astaire, guest and former LLNY Organizer, Rene Abdo

Behind the Beast NYC was illuminating indeed. The focus was on fashion but it was also an exercise in branding, marketing and perseverance. A brand doesn't develop a following over night. It can take years for a brand to take off and less time for it to crash and burn in this supersaturated environment. New female entrepreneurs can learn a thing or two from streetwear maven, Leah McSweeny. She built Married to the Mob from the ground up; starting in her apartment and expanding to include investors when she felt the time was right and she trusted the people who were going to help her line get made.

Ladies Lotto founder, Natalie Blacker (center) and guests

A rich statement piece compliments the smooth taste of Marani Vodka

Panelists and HighSnobette founders, Samia Grand-Pierre and Lois Sakany

Once you're up and running it's important to maintain a foot hold. “Do your market research, go out into the streets, stay under the radar and have people find you — you want to be the desirable one,” said Farah Malik, Co-Founder & Designer of A Peace Treaty. “And whether it’s yoga, writing, going to museums, develop who you are as a person. Make sure you have something to offer on a deeper level,” urged Lois Sakany and McSweeny. “Build your personal relationships and socialize more. You are never going to succeed sitting at home, so go out and have some fun.”

Guests celebrate an illuminating event with Marani Vodka cocktails

Guest reads the latest issue of fashion, body and beauty magazine, Self

Here’s a list of Ladies Lotto approved resources to help you get ahead:

Accion - Microlending and microfinance source
NY Business Library - Science, industry and business library
HootSuite - Professional Twitter client
Kickstarter - Funding platform for entrepreneurs
Make Mine A Million $ Business - Business competition for women

Behind the Beast gift bag contents

After the panel guests were able to explore their gift bags filled with goodies from Steaz, POP Chips, StrangeCo, Blume, Olay Beauty, LIFEbeat and powerHouse Books. Later guests had the opportunity to mingle with panelists in the Grand Lounge, while enjoying cocktails courtesy of Marani Vodka.

Click here to see more photos from Behind The Beast. Follow Ladies Lotto on Twitter for live event tweets.

Guests in stylish ensembles delight in the taste of Marani Vodka

Still not in it to win it? Join Ladies Lotto now or keep an eye out for membership ambassadors such as Samantha E., and Mary P., at our events.

With reporting by Kristen Dolle

She's A LLady: Kizzy-Kay Graham

How did you get involved with Ladies Lotto?

I became involved through LL member Rachel Hill, about 2 years ago. She forwarded information about Ladies Lotto to a select few people who she thought would great additions to the organization. I was really active from the beginning and it's been an amazing experience so far. I've established some great networking connections and made life-long friends. It's also been useful to help further the LIFEbeat cause.

What's your background and how did you get involved with LIFEbeat?

I attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts as an Art Major. I then went to NYU as a film major. I began volunteering at LIFEbeat during college. After graduation, I worked at a dot com called Bolt.com, which was actually one of the first networking sites. Later on, while working at an accounting firm, I became burnt out and I quit. I realized that the corporate suit and tie thing just wasn't me. I did temporary work for a lot of companies like Coty, which I really enjoyed and I was with a merchandising company for a bit. But LIFEbeat and getting out the awareness about HIV and safer sex was something that I was still really passionate about. The opportunity to work with them arose again, and I took it.

LIFEbeat had a really strong presence in the 90's, with Salt N' Pepa ("Let's Talk About AIDS") and awareness about safer sex being at an all-time high. What's going on with LIFEbeat these days?

Right now, our focus is re-branding and getting back in touch with young people. Our thing has always been to partner with the music industry and recording artists in order to get the message across in a way that is relevant to the younger generations. We do most of our outreach at music venues. But with the music industry suffering the way it is and hip-hop artists not doing as well, live performances aren't as frequent. So, in addition to our tried and true methods, we're partnering with organizations that also have a focus on youth.

What happened to cause the shift in thinking and awareness in the country in just 10 or 12 years?

Ground was lost due to the Bush administration pushing abstinence only sex education. The main misconception is that we are pushing against abstinence and that we're promoting sex. Clearly abstaining is the only way to be completely protected (as far as sex is concerned). We just want people to be aware of their choices in how to protect themselves if they choose to have sex. Whether it's handing out condoms or reminding people of the importance of regular testing, we feel that that part of sex education is still necessary beyond simply telling people to abstain.

What kinds of outreach do you do at these venues and what kind of response do you get?

We typically set up a spot to speak to youths and their parents about how to be as safe as they can if they choose to be sexually active. The most important thing is that previously, the face of HIV/AIDS was gay white men, but now we need to include everyone. Not everyone is thrilled with our efforts, but the vast majority of people are positive in their reactions. We always have the most unexpected people share stories about family members who were affected by HIV/AIDS. It's an issue that has touched a lot of people and we're committed to spreading as much information to as much of the public as we can.

Other than the obvious, what else do you feel needs to be communicated to people so that the message stays with them?

Self-esteem should be discussed in conjunction with sex education. It's not simply about young people dealing with pressure to be sexually active. There are men and women in relationships with someone who they believe to be monogamous, or in situations where someone has cheated and measures aren't being to taken to ensure safety after this has happened. The take-home message is don't be afraid to express yourself or protect yourself. HIV/AIDS isn't selective. It's not a "gay persons disease". Anyone can be affected.

Do you want to stay at LIFEbeat or do you want to branch out to other outlets?

I'm really happy where I am. I'm passionate about this issue and I think this a great way to raise awareness to black and brown communities about HIV/AIDS. It's one of the most important issues in the world, and I'm committed to doing my part to keep the spotlight on prevention.

Aside from Ladies Lotto & LIFEbeat, what else are you involved in?

I've been doing marketing and development with former NYC Ladies Lotto organizer Sarah Pace for her catering company Rabbit Mafia. It's fun to be getting back into development and market research. In regards to Ladies Lotto, I blog under the handle "grahamatical", assist members with issues, wrangle volunteers and then some.

For more information or to become involved, visit http://www.lifebeat.org

The Uniform Project Anniversary Partayyyy!

Announcing U.P's 6 month Anniversary Party!

6 Down, 6 To Go. A grand ball marking the half way point in our year long adventure. This is an exclusive party for all of you, our darling supporters and friends! A very limited amount of tickets go on sale NOW and can be purchased at the link below.

See Party Details >
Buy Tickets >

This Wed in NYC - GO BEHIND THE BEAST!!!!

Behind The Beast is a unique panel some of the city's leading fashion industry experts including designers, forecasters, stylists, photographers, publicists and editors.

The night of cocktails and conversation will illuminate the road to this challenging industry for professionals, students and followers alike. Get the inside scoop on what exactly goes into the glamorous life from new product launches, magazine spreads, trend forecasting, fashion shows, and more.

Wednesday, October 28th
Soho Grand Hotel
310 West Broadway
NY NY 10013

Panel: 8-10 PM in the Chart Room / Gift bags featuring books by Powerhouse, Olay beauty, products, Friends with You, gift cards & MORE!

Cocktails on us!! 10 PM upstairs in the Grand Lounge / Open Bar By Marani Vodka

PANELISTS:

· Lindsay Taylor Huggins / Senior Fashion Market Editor, SELF Magazine
· Kathryn Finney / Founder, The Budget Fashionista
· Farah Malik / Co-Founder & Designer, A Peace Treaty
· Samia Grand-Pierre & Lois Sakany / Bloggers, High Snobette
· Sara McCormack-Bridgman / Publicist, Ghostown
· Jasmine Takanikos / Trendforecaster, JTC
· Leah McSweeney / Founder, Married To The MOB
· Luna Vega / Digital Producer, Sauvage Studios
· Lynnette Astaire / Fashion Photographer

Panel moderated by Ruby Veridiano-Ching / MYX VJ North America

RSVP: rsvpnyc@ladieslotto.com

Price: Pre-Pay Info: $15 Pre-Pay (By 10/27/09 or until tickets are available).
http://tinyurl.com/LLBTBPPnon
/ $20 Day of (cash only)

LL Members receive a discount. Info available on our private list.

Halloween Around the Way

With halloween around the way, I hope everyone will be out enjoying. Check out one of the latest events.

Join Helle_ephunk for their 6th Annual Halloween Costume Party

Saturday, Oct. 31st
gHosted by: Lovemade
Music by: noMSG, RoamZilla, J Logic
Performance by: The 87 Stick-Up Kids

Detroit Bar Costa Mesa
21+
$10 Cover
$5 w/RSVP and Costume
RSVP Email: heart@love-made.com

Let Loose Weekend

HELLO KITTY 35TH ANNIVERSARY & FAN PARTY
THREE APPLES EXHIBITION
CELEBRATING ALL THINGS HELLO KITTY

SATURDAY OCT. 24TH
5-7PM
= ( ^ . ^ ) =

HAPPY HOUR W/LOVEMADE
HELLO KITTY THEMED COCKTAILS

HOSTED BY: FLUX
MUSIC BY: WENDY CITY

21+

ROYAL T CAFÉ/SHOP/ART SPACE
8910 WASHINGTON BLVD.
CULVER CITY, 90232

SUNDAY OCT. 25TH

EAVESDROP

MUSIC BY:
WILL.I.AM
SPIDER
DESTRUCTO
JOSH ONE
WENDY CITY

SPONSORED BY:
GRASSROOTS PRODUCTIONS
WILL.I.AM
THE SERVICE COMPANY
LOVEMADE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LEWIS + VERONICA!!!

BARDOT
1737 N. VINE ST
9P-2AM
21+

RSVP ONLY EVENT
RSVP+ BOTTLE RESERVATIONS EMAIL: EYECANDY@LOVE-MADE.COM

Laeken Sample Sale by Mallyce Miller

MALLYCE MILLER invites you to:

ART WALK at The Brewery

Dates: Saturday Oct. 24th and Sunday Oct. 25th

Time: 11am-6pm

Location: 620 Moulton Ave. # 103 L.A. C.A. 90031

LAEKEN Sample Sale....with artist installation LETS PLAY DEAD by Ryan Patterson

No RSVP required. Bring your friends!!

The Brewery Art Walk is a twice annual open studio weekend at the worlds largest art complex. With over 100 participating resident artists, you will have the opportunity to see new works, discover new favorites, speak with the artists and purchase artwork directly from the artists at studio prices. Free parking...good grub and drinks.

Stop by and say hello.

Grand Champions Forever!

Shout out to Denise for this post. Late but not too late to check it out. Grand Champs Forever! Tonight at the Fresh Factory. This art exhibit was put together by John Breiner, curator of the exhibit, when he realized that "his peers had developed concise and mature bodies of work with draws to similar aesthetics. Check it out tonight.

Opening Friday October 23rd 7-10pm
At Factory Fresh
1053 Flushing Ave Brooklyn, NY
between Morgan and Knickerbocker, off the L train Morgan Stop
Open til Nov. 7th

Dont forget the after party- 10 pm till 2 am, @ Wreck Room, 940 Flushing ave, Bk ( right down the street) Get your dance & Drink on! DJ's: Sleptember and James (are the J.B.'s) and a set from Pete's a party.

Downtown Calling

Photo by Nick Taylor

Ring, ring. It's not London calling but Downtown NYC -- all the way from Austin, Texas. After the world premiere of Downtown Calling -- narrated by Ladies Lotto fave, Deborah Harry -- Austin denizens can check out the after party at Creekside Lounge. LL's Mina Rofeh helped throw this shindig together. Oh and, one of LL's most ardent non-XX supporters produced the film. Hey, we like to keep it in the family.

Saturday, October 24th
10:30pm-2:00am

Lure Productions Presents
DOWNTOWN CALLING
World Premiere After Party
A night of golden era New York loft, garage, no wave & hip hop classics

Creekside Lounge
600 East 7th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Featuring DJs
Prince Kla$$en (Fully Fitted)
Shan Boogie (Director, Downtown Calling)


Click that mouse:
www.downtowncalling.com
www.lureproductions.com

The Garment as Sculpture

Et Derive is inviting you to "In Praise of Costume, The Garment as Sculpture". An event celebrating what is fashion shown through the different aspects of art. Expressed through photography, paintings or through such well crafted dolls. 6 new york based artists to show the different worlds of fashion through their own eyes.

Nadav Benjamin, whose work marries elements of fine art, portraiture and fashion photography.

www.nadavbenjamin.com

Carissa Pelleteri, steeped in fond nostalgia, wherein, the past nurtures the present.

www.carissapelleteri.com

Ryan Michael Kelly, whose celebrity and fashion work amplifies any scenario.

www.ryanmichaelkelly.com

Peter Halasz, a painter living in New York City.

www.peterhalasz.com

Cricket Alexander, whose paintings begin with the construction of her models. Able to assume poses impossible for the human, the meticulously detailed dolls nevertheless become a metaphor for and extension of self.

www.cricketalexander.com

Check out each artist, because they definitely show the new york fashion in a grunge, bright, old school, and diverse way. Something worth going to. RSVP at rsvp@ghostownpress.com

masquerade opening

when: Saturday, October 31, 2009

where: 240 broadway, suite 204

brooklyn, ny 11211

time: 7 pm - midnight

closing reception

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009

Time: 6 pm - 9 pm

Location: 240 Broadway, Suite 204

Brooklyn, NY 11211

Speacial Guest DJ

Moon Mass

MOON MASS one night only art party and exhibition:

Moon Mass
Exhibition and one-night celebration
123 Baxter (between Hester and Canal)
October 22, 2009 6-9pm

Most of us will probably never get to the moon. For all we know, the substance, matter and atmospheric gases amount to a whole lot of nothing. This exhibition is like the moon. It assembles probe-worthy components but unless you delve into each one, it can really seem about nothing at all. It's alchemy. We've turned nothing into something. Something brilliant. Something like the moon.

We love the moon.

The artists participating in the show are Kip Frace, Gabrielle Mangeri, Javier Orcaray and Andrea Taormina.

Music by Chunis (Flor Z & Pol Medina). Drinks! Free!!!