What's The Real Price of a Banana?

Illustration/Design by Guerruntz

www.guerruntz.com

This event will provide new details regarding payments made to a Colombian terrorist organization by Chiquita and Dole. Enjoy a meet and greet; presentation by Dan Koeppel, author of Bananas; Terry Collingsworth, Jason Glaser, a spokesman from the NYC Colombian Community and a reading of the evidence garnered that refutes both Dole and Chiquita's claims regarding their payments to AUC. Free food and music provided by DJ Sambarella. For more information visit www.bananalandcampaign.org.

The Banana Land Campaign Launch Party
Sunday, December 6, 2009
6:30pm-9:30pm
The Harlem School of the Arts
645 Saint Nicholas Avenue near W. 141st Street
New York, NY 10030

December 1st events with Ladies Lotto in Chicago & NYC - FREE!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

The holidays are back and we're only half way! 2010 is around the corner, ready to take on. Are you prepared?

We've come up with a couple of key events in Chicago & New York on December 1st to help you along your way.

//////CHICAGO\\\\\\\

Key to success = setting goals or intentions.

SET YOUR INTENTIONS
An Evening of Goal Setting

Join us at lululemon athletica for a mix and mingle with Chicago's leading female experts in health and wellness (including Maya Henderson, blogger Chicago NOW "Breath, Body and Balance", and Jaclyn "JJ" Jones owner of Indigo Studio) followed by a goal setting workshop to prepare you for 2010.

When: Tuesday, December 1st
7:00 - 8:00 pm Mix & Mingle
8:00 - 9:00 pm Goal Setting Workshop

Where: lululemon athletica
900 North Michigan
3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60611

Cost: Free

Snacks provided by Lifeway Foods

This is a two part workshop. Join us on January 5, 2010 to revisit your goals to ensure you are setup for the most powerful year of your life.

RSVP at rsvpchicago@ladieslotto.com

//////NEW YORK\\\\\\\

RISE ABOVE THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Prepare yourself for a healthy and holistic holiday season

Join us for a double packed event kicking off with a yoga class led by Ladies Lotto's Agatha Wasilewska. Then, clear your mind for Chill Out & Get Healthy Author, licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, Aimee Raupp, who will share ways to stay healthy through the holidays and tips to prevent those “time of year” blues! Raupp will follow her discussion with a Q & A and book signing.

When: Tuesday, December 1st
6-7:15 pm Yoga Class*
7:30 pm Discussion / Q & A with Aimee Raup

Where: Reflections Yoga
250 West 49 Street, 2nd Floor
Between 8th Ave. and Broadway
New York, NY 10019

Free stuff from: Chelsea Market, Beckon Organics, Red Music, Spin Magazine, Dr. Watkins, Organic Pure Life and Luvalla Organics.

Cost: The event is free with RSVP – rsvpnyc@ladieslotto.com!

*Contributions for our yoga instructor will be accepted & are encouraged

Flashback: 1992 Lil Suzy

Welcome back to the world! Now a little freestyle video from 1992 to get your week started right. Take Me In Your Arms by Lil Suzy

Kerstin Zu Pan

Kerstin Zu Pans work is described as " Beauty in unusual circumstances", I rekon this sums it up...more on the website: http://kerstinzupan.com/

Follow me...@

'follow me' tattoo socks...! Available on Etsy.

The Entre Lineas Collection

These handmade paper lights are made by Mn*ls. The unique Entre Lineas collection are created from hand folded old books. For more visit: http://www.mnstarls.com/index.php

Donna, Anna & Ruby - Baby You're The Best

These ladies are SO CUTE! Check out singers Anna De Guzman (youtube.com/annacriselda), Donna Ibarra (youtube.com/sheselle) and their rapping/beatboxing cohort Ruby Ibarra (youtube.com/rubyibarra)* performing a cover of Best I Ever Had by Drake. They're giving him a run for his money!! Are they signed?

Highly recommend snooping their You Tube channels for more of their talent. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!

*anyone know if she speaking Tagalog with a lil Spanish?

Photographer Julia Galdo

Here is a photographer to add my ' inspired by...' list. I'm an aspiring photographer...I'm gonna try not to get technical...but damm, these shots are preety amazing! The goregous website has four sections...fashion, personal, editorial and ad work. I particuarly like her personal work, they remind me of film stills, perhaps because of it's moodiness and use of what looks like natural daylight. Each picture screams a story...worth checking out!

Visit the website : http://www.juliagaldo.com/

Baby Are You Down? Pink Glove Dance

Who knew Lil Wayne & Jay Sean could make Breast Cancer Awareness more appealing? These hospital employees from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon did when making this video to promote awareness at the hospital.



It doesn't have to be October to talk about Breast Cancer. Hearts out to all of those who are fighting for awareness & a cure; to those who have been effected by the disease and all of those who work in the field everyday. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU.

Here's a link to the Susan G Komen Foundation -
http://ww5.komen.org/

Happy Thanksgiving

This Just In

She's A LLady: Mitra Khayyam

You've been down with Ladies Lotto for a while. What appealed to you about LL and what kind of experience has it been for you?

I liked the idea of being able to network with my peers, ones who share the same interests, and comparable experiences in the industry. It's been wonderful, I've collaborated with several of the LLadies, and they always continue to inspire me!

Where did you come up with the name Blood is the New Black?

Blood has always symbolized familiar bonds for me. In that respect, the name is a play on the fashion industry and "such and such being the new black" that season. I felt as though our community of artists should set the trends, not the fashion industry.

What's your background and how did you get started in the fashion industry?

My background is in Design Management and Marketing. I applied for an internship at Chloe when I was 18, my 2nd week in NY, and it went form there. Since then I've worked with a range of designers and artists in many capacities.

As someone who may not have had the artistic skill to create, how did you carve a niche for yourself in the industry and where did the idea for Blood is the New Black come from?

The idea came from the thesis I had written in college the year before the business started. I carved a niche for us by not art directing the line. I did not and do not want to be a trend driven graphic t-shirt line. This has given our images longevity and made the line more original than others out there.

How would you describe Blood is the New Black's aesthetic and what message are you trying to convey with your line of T-shirts and the artists you choose to promote?

The line is not a sounding board for my ideas or opinions. As far an aesthetic, I think we are somewhat tongue in cheek about a lot of what we do, whether it's an inside joke, or an irreverent image. The most important thing we are trying to accomplish is to make art accessible in some way shape or form to everyone.

To build on that, do you get in on the creative process in terms of ideas or do you leave that designers and artists you work with?

I leave it up to them. I'm not an art director or a creative director. I trust their skill, and that is why they are part of our collection. With that said, if they need help with color pairings etc, I'm always there.

Your designs have been worn by American Idol alum Adam Lambert, the Gossip's Beth Ditto, and Lil' Wayne, and that's a pretty wide range of known figures. Did you think that you would reach that level of success so soon?

Soon? I've been doing this for 5 years, at times working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, so it's been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears behind the tees. I think it's great though! It's still very surreal to me to see the tees on celebrities! It's even fun to see them on people around town.

There are so many up and coming designers, artists and photographers. How do you decide who you want to work with?

There's no formula to it. I try to work with artists who's work doesn't resemble other artists that we're working with. We want to keep the line fresh and on the same token, I guess we have something for everybody considering we're working with close to 30 artists. Overall, if an artist has a good attitude and is fun to work with, it always makes the job much more enjoyable.

According to your bio, you were once told that you'd "never work in this town again". How did you manage to overcome that?

Hahahaha. Very easily, I just looked at the source.

You recently celebrated BITNB's 5th anniversary on November 7th with a reception and gallery show that is running until December 11th. What can visitors expect to experience?

Wow! It's just a awesome grouping of our artists. From every end of the art world, ranging from Skye Parrott from Dossier, to tattoo artist Jeff P, illustrator Hannah Stouffer, and more. It's a beautiful and inspiring show.

What's next up for BITNB and what direction do you see yourself moving in?

Wow! So much stuff! We're working on the 2nd edition of our 'zine, which is limited to 3000 newsprint issues, which won't be on the web. We're launching our new site within the next few weeks, we're now selling art, 'zines, Baggu's, and BITNB wallets too! It's all so exciting and makes us happy to go to work in the morning!

UK Hip Hoppin'

'Home grown' is an amazing exhibition taking place in the uk at the famous Urbis Gallery.

The show takes a look at the last three decades, almost like a back catolouge.It gives an insight of how hip hops infectious beats and rhythms...it's culture, has traveled all the way from the streets of the Bronx to the UK. The British have taken elements of it's original form and have created their own style.

The exhibition is a celebration of hip hop and it's British artists, it features the likes of Klashnekoff, Skinny man, Dizzy Rascal, and photographers Jake green, Michael Antonion, David Hawdon and many more.

You can also expect to see un seen video footage, photography, Graffiti art and original hip hop memorabilia.

This is the first Hip-Hop exhibition of it's kind, that documents the rise and impact of Hip-Hop in the Uk.

The exhibition runs until March 2010

Green Drink Baby!

Green drinks NYC is having an annual holiday party with special guest...Dr Sylvia Earle, critically acclaimed oceanographer, national geographic explorer in residence. And Ladies Lotto Community Relations sweetheart, Dylana Dillon is one of the geniuses behind this event.

When: 7-11pm on Tuesday December 8, 2009

Where:The Prince George Ballroom

15 East 27th Street, NYC

Please visit the following link for tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com /event/87118

WE-ARE-FAMILIA At Art Basel

The WE- ARE- FAMILIA exhibition will be taking place at Fountain Miami during Art Basel weekend!

When: December 3rd-6th 2009

Where: 2505 North Miami Avenue Miami, Florida 33137

LLNY'S very own Jennifer Garcia is the one of the great minds behind this amazing artistic interpretation of family.

This is defo one for your diaries ladies!

Check out...

Website: http://www.we-are-familia.com/

Blog: http://fountainexhibition.com/blog

Don't Take It Personal

You know this old skool jam is soooo how we feel once in a while. So don't take it personal...

Gorgeous and Green!

You are invited to the first ever Eco-Fashion Trunk Show Pre-Party for Gorgeous & Green. Meet the designers, enjoy organic wines, ogle fabulous eco-fashions, and more!

Find something unique and glamorous to wear to Gorgeous & Green

When:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Featuring:
Enjoy organic nibbles, champagne & wines from Organic Vintners
Meet top eco-fashion designers
Sneak peak at the latest in eco-fashion:

: Leila Hafzi
: Robin Brouillette
: Sara Shepherd
: Mr. Larkin
: Elena Garcia
: Bllack Noir
: Linda Loudermilk
: PACT
: Amber Marie Bently Jewelry
: Blank Verse
: J Fine Design

Ecofabulous raffle prizes and Torso vintage dresses
Mingle with fellow eco-fashionistas and eco-handsome gents

Where:
Torso Vintages
272 Sutter Street at Grant
San Francisco

Hosts:
Zem Joaquin, Gina Pell, Nadine Weil, Claudia Ross, Joslin Van Arsdale, Heidi Pettit, Deirdre Holbrook, Michele Llanos, Karen Tamblyn, Amber Marie Bently, Denise Bauer, Jessica Appelgren, Jason Kibbey, Jeff Denby, Lindsey Shook, Clarissa Nicosia, Lily Achatz, Moira Hanes, Julie Chaiken, Margaret Mitchell, Jennifer Fick, Lori Puccinelli, Jenevieve Randall, Alyssa Warnock

Special Thanks to Torso Vintages, Eco Citizen Boutique, Vie Bungalow Showroom, ecofabulous, Splendora, Popchips, 479 Popcorn, Repurpose Now, Organic Vintners, and Karen Tamblyn.

RSVP:
It is looking to be a full house!
Please rsvp to: aheartofgreen@gmail.com

20% of proceeds benefit Global Green USA.

Links:
For a taste of what’s in store, please see:
http://www.leila-hafzi.com
http://www.ecocitizenonline.com
http://www.torsovintages.com
http://www.viebungalow.com

Don’t be left wearing ivy leaves to the Gorgeous & Green Gala. Stop by the party, become inspired and marvel at how far eco-fashion has come. We look forward to seeing you!

Gorgeous & Green Gala on December 8
http://www.globalgreen.org/sf

This is Crazy - News Corp. Deal Would Change The Internet As We Know It

This is CRAZY! A News Corp. deal with Microsoft's BING could LITERALLY change the face of the internet & search engines as we know it. Check this:

"Microsoft has been in early discussions with the News Corporation, the media conglomerate controlled by Rupert Murdoch, about a pact to pay the News Corporation to remove links to its news content from Google’s search engine and display them exclusively on Bing, from Microsoft, according to a person briefed on the matter who spoke anonymously because of the confidential negotiations.

If such an arrangement came to pass, it would be a watershed moment in the history of the Internet, and set off a fierce debate over the future of content online." (via NY TIMES)

WHOAH. The Google / Microsoft war has only begun...Read the full-length article here.

Get Healthy

Join Ladies Lotto to prepare yourself for a healthy and holistic holiday season!

Rise above the holiday season with a double packed event kicking off with a yoga class led by ladies Lotto member Agatha Wasilewska.Then, clean your mind for 'Chill out & Get healthy' Author, licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, Aimee Raupp, who will share ways to stay healthy through the holidays and tips to prevent those "time of year" blues!

Raupp will follow her discussion with Q&A and book signing.

Date:

Tuesday, December 1st

Time:

Yoga Class -6:00 pm

Discussion/Q&A - 7:30 pm

Where: Reflections Yoga

250 West 49 Street, 2nd floor

Between 8th Ave.and Broadway

New york, NY 10019

The event is free with RSVP- rsvpnyc@ladielotto.com

LLNYC ladies who would like to contribute by donation for yoga class, are welcome to...

Support your fellow member Agatha in her teaching.

West Coastin' Tonight - SF TO LA

TONIGHT

San Francisco

STYLE WARS IS BACK! Our friend Roman & the House of Diehl's fast fashion phenomenon hits San Francisco as the last show on the 2009 US tour.

With PASE ROCK (Dim Mak) and RICHIE PANIC on decks!

When: TONIGHT! Sat 11/21
Where: MEZZANINE
Address: 444 Jessie St. San Francisco, CA Map

Supported by Surface magazine, MAC Cosmetics, Chillin'

8 of San Francisco's hottest designers go head to head in 5-minute knock-out rounds—working against the clock, on models, LIVE on stage. Cut, tape, burn, drape. You innovate to dominate the runway, using vintage garments and household objects to make the fierce fashion! The crowd and a panel of Style VIPs choose which battler bites the dust.

Official Site: http://www.houseofdiehl.com

Los Angeles



Block Party is a one-night tour of contemporary art exhibitions in non-traditional spaces, including apartments, studios, and storefronts. Organized by Daniel Ingroff and Paul Pescador, the event will occur TONIGHT! November 21, 2009 from 6-10 pm and will feature exhibitions in Highland Park, Lincoln Heights, and Mt. Washington. Block Party is bicycle friendly, and accessible via Metro Gold Line.

For more info/specifics, visit: http://blockpartyart.blogspot.com/

Lladies Love: YANA

Hot dress? Check. Kick ass boots? Check. Show stopping pieces and glossy mag worthy makeup? Check. Now that you've got that down, how are you going to seal the deal for tonight or tomorrow's party? Brooklyn-based designer Ayana Evans knows exactly what you need -- a killer handbag. If you've scoured the pages of Nylon or Lucky there is a chance you've come across the chic yet playful YANA handbags.

YANA handbags are eco-friendly (made from re-purposed leather and vegetable dyed skins -- they've got denim too!), ergonomic, provides support to charities and are fresh to death. Bamboo earrings, at least two pair? Check.

YANA is offering Ladies Lotto members and blog readers an exclusive 25% discount. Simply enter I AM A YANA FRIEND at checkout. Deals like this aren't going to last forever so get on it! Check out the latest collection here.

Follow YANA on Twitter or their blog if you want to keep up with them on the daily.

HELLZ x MISS WAX In-Store PARTY!

Tri-state and Long Island Lladies, beware...Saturday, November 21st marks the Hellz x Miss Wax release party at Special Sauce!

Come out and celebrate the Hellz "Midnight Riders" Collection and jewelry capsule release with Miss Wax. Get your war paint done by makeup artist Victoria Petrone (Ricky's NYC) and styling by Ness (R.A.W. Creative). Not to mention 10% off all day, drinks for those over 21, beats, and a free gift bag with the purchase Hellz x Miss Wax Capsule ring.




First come, first served so don't waste any time!

Saturday, November 21st, 2009
2:30pm - 7:30pm
Special Sauce
303 Main Street
Huntington Village, NY 11743

For more info visit: hellz-bellz.com, misswax.com, rawthentix.com or specialsauce.com

Lladies Love: Clutch Play

When it's chilly out, us Lladies like to add color to our dark coats and black boots with a cute clutch. Clearly beyond function and practicality, a bright funky bag is an instant mood shifter and conversation starter (if you're carrying the right one). Here are a few we love:

1. ASOS, $101 2. Forever21, $19 3. L.A.M.B., $245 4. WGACA Vintage Chanel, $4,180 5. Rachel Comey, $429 6. Alexander McQueen, $1895 7. Henri, $198 8. Judith Leiber, $5,995 9. Ecote, $38 10. TenOverSix, $145

Gnosis: Clean Yourself With Chocolate

Ummmmmm....chocolate!

Gnosis Chocolate Soaps are hand-crafted, 100% ORGANIC...and if thats not enough check out the different flavors...coconut almond, Vanilla hasel nut, lemon berry rose...(and thats just a taster)! Gnosis is brought to you by Vanessa Barg and LLNY'S Eva Stuglovics.

The website is definitely worth checking out!...www.gnosischocolate.squarespace.com

Get On Board

Get with your inner ice princess as Burton Snowboards and Teen Vogue host Girls Night Out, a shopping event at the Burton Flagship Store in NYC! While you're there, say 'sup to Burton and LLNY's Agatha W!

Five reasons to go to the Burton Girls Night Out party:

• See the new 2010 Burton Women’s collection, featuring their new outwear, apparel, bags and more!
• Free food, drinks & fun!
• You might win a $1,000 Burton shopping spree.
• Free goodies to the first 100 girls that show up.
• A portion of the events proceeds will benefit the CHILL Foundation.

Thursday, November 19th
6pm - 8pm

Burton Snowboard Flagship Store
106 Spring Street (at Mercer)
New York, NY 10012

RSVP is a must: NYC@burtonsnowboards.com

Need more info? Holla! 212-966-8070

Call For Artists:: Clandestino Festival

Just got this from friends at Clandestino -

CALL FOR ARTISTS :: CLANDESTINO FESTIVAL

We have initiated the booking of artists for the 8th edition of Clandestino Festival. The dates are set to 11-13 June 2010 in Göteborg, Sweden.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any recommendations of artists you would like too see in the line-up or have other ideas of collaborations you want to share with us. For artists there is no specific application form, just send us a request with all necessary information and we will do our best to try to answer.

However note that it is impossible for us to actually answer all requests, invitations to concerts and proposals for collaborations. We do our best but if we have not been able to answer you within a month it is likley we have drown in the work to make it all happen.

Thanks for your attention. For further info, galleries and much more check out: www.clandestinofestival.org | www.bwanaclub.org

Email: info@clandestinofestival.org

Do I Look Like A Slut?

“Girls think I’m a slut, and I’ve been in the same relationship since I was 18. The problem is, if they think you’re attractive, you’re either stupid or a whore or a dumb whore. The instinct among girls is to attack the jugular.” - Megan Fox in T Mag. Read the complete article in here.

Do you agree or disagree?

Speaking of sluts...Last Live Performance of "Do I Look Like a Slut" by Avenue D (shout out to LLNY's Daphne Gomez-Mena). Best slut song ever.

Astragalus: Immune System Booster

It's that season - time for colds & the flu. Everywhere you turn you're scared shitless about catching it. You hear horror stories and spray antibacterial products on everything. You're afraid to kiss your mother because you heard one of her co-workers' sons had the flu. You get it. One of the key herbs in boosting immunity is called Astragalus. It's used in traditional Chinese Herbal medicine to also help with intestinal illnesses, night sweats, improving overall energy, cardiovascular disease and blood pressure issues. But it's mostly about improving immunity function as it has antibacterial properties that ward against illness. Might not be a bad supplement to invest in this season. More about Astralagus here.

Money Matters: How to Finance your Business during a downturn

If It were only that simple

We all know that trying to start your own business is no joke. No one ever said it was going to be easy, sure it will be fun to see it come to life, then be rich and famous on top of that would be the best thing ever. But before we start to get ahead of ourselves, question. Where the hell is that money coming from? While you are still trying to pay for rent, transportation, get your food going (i.e. top ramen) and look good while doing it all. Here is something that will help you pull it all together.

Tuesday November 17th 6 - 7:30pm

Hear from various lenders about the different loans and financing alternatives they offer and how you can qualify.

-Accion USA
-BOC Capital Corporation
-NYC Financial Network Action Consortium
-Project Enterprise
-The Local Development Corporation of East New York

Register Online at www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/business or call 718-623-7000 option 4



Check it out ladies. Can't look like this guy right here. We don't need a job, when we are running the business.

Boots We LOVE!

Rainy days are notorious for reckless online shopping. We love boots and this season is chock full of reasons to break out the wallet. In the spirit of "window shopping"and the unfortunate circumstance of knowing credit card numbers by heart, here's our little round-up:

1. CO-OP Barney's, $395 2. Alexander Wang "Frankie Creeper", $480 3. Sam Edelman "Zoe", $350 4. Chloé, $695 (if you have $$$) 5. J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes, $128 (if you don't have $$$) 6. Modern Vintage, $275 7. Ash "Implus", $217 8. A.P.C., $363 9. ASOS Black "Bella", $183 10. Shellys, $210

Love them all!

Damn Good Pizza!

Being a Native New Yorker and raised on the authentic makings of a pizza, I know what the aroma of a pizza pie is. Even though New York has some of the best pizzas you can’t just get it anywhere.

Photo by Tony Stamolis

Don’t think you can go to the Meat Packing District because their pizza has such a hard crust that you might as well be eating cardboard. You can go Uptown and get some great pizza, however it's so greasy there's no need to order a drink. We all know the saying, the best pizza comes from Brooklyn, well I am still waiting for someone to prove it to me.

Now there is one place where you can NOT go wrong - Downtown - to L’asso.

From the space, to the music to the food…the food. There's pizza, pasta, bruschette, zuppe, antipasta, paste, and insalatas. I ended up with the whole wheat pasta with chicken; the pizza pie known as Alla Roba which had mozzarella, gorgonzola, and pears; and the insanely good Mascarpone Tartufata with the mascarpone, portobello mushrooms, gorgonzola, and truffle oil. So so soooo good. Plus the wait staff is amazing (& very easy on the eyes).

Best part about L'asso is that they have been supporting Ladies Lotto since it's inception, holding numerous dinners, sponsoring events such as 31 Under 31 and Planned Parenthood Benefit and just all around providing LLadies with a little something extra or a few bucks off when you dine in.

Check them out for yourself.

L’asso
192 Mott st (at Kenmare)
New York, NY 10012
212.219.2353

Angel of the Morning: Juice Newton

Just touch my cheek before you leave me...

Essential - Evening Primrose Oil

The oil from the Evening Primrose plant is used as a natural remedy for a wide variety of skin conditions (such as eczema), female reproductive health (PMS to breast pain) as well as stomach dysfunction, diabetes, MS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and more.

The oil of evening primrose is very rich in polysaturated comega-6 fatty acids, which are necessary fatty acids that body needs to complete numerous functions including insulin absorption, regulating the heart, and regulating mood (via naturalherbsguide.com).

It usually comes in pill form and can be found at any health food and vitamin outlet.

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