News (Noticias) for Style

Mary Kay Inc., one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world, will commemorate the start of its 20th year of enriching women’s lives in Mexico with ribbon-cuttings at its brand new headquarters and distribution center today, the anniversary of the Monterrey-based subsidiary’s establishment.

The approximately 49,000-square-foot headquarters and 144,000-square-foot distribution center, both located in the Nuevo Leon region of Northern Mexico, replace and are nearly double the size of the Company’s previous headquarters and distribution facilities located in Monterrey. Mary Kay’s $20 million combined investment in the two sites reflects its steadfast commitment to Mexico, which has consistently ranked as one of the Company’s top-performing subsidiaries.

The new distribution center will focus on serving the needs of some 200,000 Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants throughout Mexico. The center features new technology designed to reduce operational time, verify the accuracy of orders and ensure safe delivery of products. Mary Kay Mexico is among just three companies in Mexico who currently utilize this progressive technology for order fulfillment. Approximately 75 million units are expected to be shipped from the distribution center annually, increasing the Company’s business capacity by 50 percent and enhancing its longstanding reputation for providing excellent customer service.

Among the highlights of today’s festivities is the presentation of the famous pink Cadillac for the first time in Mexico. Seventeen Independent National Sales Directors in Mexico – who have earned the use of the most coveted incentive awarded by the Company and one of the most recognized brand symbols in the world — will receive their car keys during a ceremony preceding the ribbon-cuttings. Independent National Sales Directors are an elite set of business owners, ranking among the top one percentile in terms of sales and recruitment of the entire Mary Kay independent sales force globally. Throughout Mary Kay Inc.’s 44-year history, approximately 500 women worldwide have attained the position of Independent National Sales Director.

“For nearly 20 years, Mary Kay Mexico has been a great success story in the Latin America Region — proof that Mary Kay’s core philosophies continue to resonate strongly with the women of Mexico,” said David Holl, president and CEO of Mary Kay Inc. “These new, larger and technically sophisticated facilities will further strengthen Mary Kay Mexico’s ability to serve the needs of its rapidly growing independent sales force.”

“Mary Kay Mexico has distinguished itself as a Company committed to enriching women’s lives both professionally and personally,” said Jose Smeke, president of Mary Kay’s Latin America Region. “Mary Kay Ash often said that the way to achieve success was by helping others become successful. Today is a significant step forward in our ability to help Independent Beauty Consultants throughout Mexico exceed their customers’ expectations and deliver the service that continues to attract so many women to both our products and our business opportunity.”

Mary Kay Mexico opened its doors December 13, 1988, and has since made an indelible mark on the country’s corporate and philanthropic landscape. In addition to offering more than 250 high-quality skin care and color cosmetics products and an unparalleled business opportunity for women, Mary Kay Mexico has made significant inroads toward drawing national attention to the epidemic of domestic violence. The DAR (Give) Program, established in 2001, has raised nearly 8.5 million pesos for the opening of 40 women’s shelters throughout Mexico.

Mary Kay Mexico is not the only subsidiary to expand into new and larger facilities in 2007; subsidiaries in China and the Czech Republic have also expanded their office space this year. Mary Kay China celebrated the opening of its new 89,022-square-foot headquarters facility in a brand-new office tower in Shanghai’s Jing’an District in February, and Mary Kay Czech Republic relocated to a new 6,555-square-foot office in Prague in October. Occupancy for Mary Kay India, the Company’s newest subsidiary which launched in September 2007, is planned this month in a 7,144 square-foot office space in Gurgaon, near New Delhi.

Mary Kay Inc., one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world, achieved another year of record results in 2006 with $2.25 billion in wholesale sales. The independent sales force exceeds 1.7 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in more than 30 markets worldwide. To learn more about the Company or to find an Independent Beauty Consultant, log on to www.marykay.com or call 1-800-MARY KAY (627-9529).”*

A national cable television show is producing a one-hour special about a magical and royal experience at Disney World! We are looking to cast a young girl who dreams of having her traditional coming-of-age celebration in a spectacular setting. It will be a contemporary event with some traditional moments including a dinner for 40-50 people, dancing and a photographer to capture all the special highlights! Disney¹s special event team¹s will assist in planning a memorable party for the special guest and her friends and family.

If you know anyone who might be interested with an energetic and enthusiastic personality who would fit the bill, please have them contact me by the end of this week. The show will be produced and shot on location at Disney World in Orlando, FL on January 12th, 2008. All submissions should be emailed with recent photos of the young girl, her immediate family and a few photos of friends or others along with a brief description of who you are, if you have attended a Quinceanera before or your knowledge of them and why you think you would be a good fit for our show. We look forward to hearing from you. atom@edelmanproductions.com

Is fifteen too young to begin planning for college? Probably not, and it’s just one of the important decisions you’ll find yourself making in the years to come. Here’s straight talk and helpful answers to some of the big ones.

quinceanera tiara place card holderThe Quinceanera is your fifteenth birthday celebration, and a wonderful time to celebrate. The world moves so fast, however, that not long after your quince anos celebration you’ll begin making decisions that, as strange as it may seem, will play a big part in the rest of you life.

Because it’s not too long after your Quinceanera – only a couple of years or so – that you’ll be finishing high school and heading off into your adult life. And there are a lot of choices to make in that department, too. It sometimes feels like your early twenties are all about making important decisions.

But you’ve got plenty of time yet. And like planning a party, the decisions are easier to make if you meet them on your own terms.”*

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta received a special award at a dinner on Saturday, in The Great Hall of The City College of New York to celebrate the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute’s (CUNY-DSI) 15th Anniversary. Approximately 500 CUNY graduates of Dominican descent attended the event, which is also a salute to CUNY’s Dominican alumni, whose numbers exceed 35,000.

Dominican-born Mr. de la Renta was honored for his extraordinary achievements and contributions to the Dominican people and the world at large. The famed designer, who designs and licenses products ranging from men and women’s apparel to fragrances to furniture and other home furnishings, has given back to his native land, building two schools that incorporate orphanages and day care centers. He also serves on the boards of The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Thirteen/WNET, UNICEF, The Americas Society and The Spanish Institute.”*

The prestigious French couture house Emanuel Ungaro announced yesterday that Esteban Cortázar is their new head designer. The 23-year-old will be in charge of the company’s Prét-à-Porter (Ready-to-Wear) line, headquartered in Paris. “*

New York fashion designer Marisol Deluna isn’t fond of bitterly cold weather. In fact, the 40-year-old San Antonio native admits she’s kind of like a bird, migrating to warm areas as often as possible.

“It’s cold outside and warm in here. I’m just hibernating right now,” Deluna said during a phone call earlier this week from her design studio in midtown Manhattan. “Of course, I do have to leave at some point.”

Indeed. She’s in San Antonio today to unveil the scarf and tie she was commissioned to design for the Museo Alameda.”*

Like most people, Christmastime was probably your favorite time of the year when you were growing up. If your Quinceanera falls around the holiday season (which these days means anytime from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve), making your quince fiesta themed to coincide with Christmas decorations is a fantastic way to stay both stylishly chic and also save a little money in the bargain.”*

The looks, fresh off the green carpet at this year’s grand event, the Latin GRAMMYs(R), are setting the stage for holiday style. Leonardo Rocco, internationally renowned stylist to the stars was backstage at this year’s Latin GRAMMYs(R) styling the tresses of GRAMMY(R)-nominated Mexican singer/actress Belinda. Now, he shares exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on www.pasalabelleza.com/dove so Latinas everywhere will get the inside scoop on how to care and style their hair according to this year’s hottest trends.

“Belinda wanted a natural and beautiful look for the Latin GRAMMYs(R),” says Leonardo Rocco. “However, obtaining camera-ready looks throughout the year had taken a toll on Belinda’s hair. To style it for this special occasion I used Dove(R) Hair Care products to protect and repair her hair, giving it soft, smooth radiance.” Following are some behind-the-scenes beauty tips to make your holiday hair style a hit:

Breathe New Life Into Hair. Weather elements, chemical processes and heat-styling tools can damage hair. Leonardo recommends using Dove(R) Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo, Conditioner and Repairing Treatment to repair severely damaged hair for more body, shine and strength in just five days. Latinas have distinct hair types and the Dove(R) Hair Care product line provides individualized solutions so that they can have the hair they crave.

Top Trends. This year’s Latin GRAMMYs(R) featured some of the season’s hottest hair trends, many of which will be donned for the holidays. Styles included hair parted to the side or down the middle, falling straight or in sleek layers. Several stars wore their hair in either old-Hollywood style waves or with defined curls worn loosely down or pinned back. Latinas should turn to these looks as a starting point for ideas, but play with their hair texture to create a distinct look that is true to their real, beautiful hair.

Set and Hold the Look. To achieve any style start with a smoothing product to prevent frizz and keep the hair cuticle smooth. A wide-tooth comb helps to evenly distribute product throughout hair. Keep hair pins handy to hold stray hairs in place. Jeweled hair pins can serve a dual purpose of holding and decorating hair. Complete any look with finishing spray. Fast-drying Aerosol and non-aerosol hairsprays are ideal for increased manageability that lend to a beautiful style, helping hair feel soft and natural.

Event-Ready. With many upcoming holiday functions, it is essential to know how to get ready within minutes. On www.pasalabelleza.com/dove, Leonardo shares tips that will leave your hair event-ready in only 20 minutes. Leonardo recommends Dove(R) Body and Lift Volumizing Mousse on the roots to pump up the volume and Dove(R) Advanced Care Leave-In Glossing Mist on hair ends for extra shine. To create loose, cascading waves he separates hair into sections and wraps them around the barrel of a curling iron. Lastly, Leonardo completes the look by keeping the waves in place with a finishing spray.

Latinas can have beautiful hair everyday with Dove. Visit www.pasalabelleza.com/dove to request FREE Dove Hair Care samples and for additional exclusive beauty tips from behind-the-scenes with Leonardo.
“*

The Southern United States has one of the fastest growing Latino communities in the world. In states such as Louisiana and Georgia especially, more and more Latin American families are building new lives for themselves in the prosperity and growth these new destinations offer. Many population experts believe this trend will continue and even build over the next few years.

But the modern Latino family isn’t leaving their traditions and heritage behind - far from it! Especially among the young, classic customs and traditions are finding a new life and a new voice when merged with American culture and wealth.

If you’re a Quince anos girl planning her celebration in the “New South,” you might be thinking about combining some old Southern hospitality with your fiesta events and cuisine. Presented below are some ways to make this very natural combination an even bigger success:”*

The invitations to your Quinceanera are the official opening event of your quince anos celebration. Sending the best invitations gets your guests ready to enjoy your upcoming fiesta. Many of your Quinceanera guests know the day is coming – some have probably looked forward to it for years! Just the same, the invitations you send out are an important gesture of courtesy and grace as the fiesta draws closer. They’re also like a “coming attractions” notice for the celebration, letting your guests know that your Quinceanera is “official” and that it’s just around the corner.

The invitations you send will also set the mood for your festivities, letting every guest know what to expect. So, you want them to perfectly express your feelings, your fiesta’s design scheme, and of course the details about place, time, et cetera.”*

Latinas everywhere in the U.S. and Puerto Rico now have access at their fingertips to expert hairstyling secrets from home through pantene.com/español.

Designed to help Hispanic women learn about basic hair care for different hair types, the new Pantene website in Spanish offers the latest hair styling trends, detailed information about the different Pantene lines, as well as fun and everyday beauty information to help women shine.

According to research, Latinas spend more time and money in beauty than their peers. They also tend to experiment with their hair, straightening, curling, coloring and cutting frequently. According to Forrester Research, 51 percent of online Hispanics in the US prefer to be offered Spanish-language websites, and 23 percent must have Spanish online. 49 percent of Hispanic adults are online at least monthly, up from 45 percent in 2006. In addition, they seem to be more likely to trust companies that have a Spanish-language website.

“After extensive research, we have found that Hispanic women are hungry for haircare information in culture and language,” said Carolina Varela, brand manager for Pantene. “This website is an extension of our empowering message to Latinas “Nunca dejes de brillar” (Never stop shinning) and we hope it becomes an essential part of their beauty routine.”

The hair care brand is building on its commitment and the quality of its products to help women make the most of their hair routines. Pantene.com/español will be constantly updated to keep up with the latest trends and information women want. Some of the key website features include: downloadable videos featuring well-known Hispanic hairstylists such as Douglas and Albert, who will provide tips and advice; monthly e-blast articles discussing topics such as hair styling for special occasions, everyday looks, and basic hair care tips using the different Pantene lines for different hair types. In addition, users will be allowed to submit comments and questions to featured hair stylists and participate in online promotions such as the opportunity to win personal makeovers and other prizes.

“It is very exciting to be able to help Latinas make the most of the beautiful, diverse hair in our culture. We can show them how to do a professional-looking blow dry and how to keep hair looking healthy and shiny,” said Albert, a professional stylist.

The site is one of many websites developed by P&G Beauty to address the specific beauty needs of women around the world.

About P&G Beauty
P&G Beauty products help make beauty dreams real and grooming enjoyable everyday for millions of women and men worldwide. With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G Beauty delivered sales of more than $22 billion in fiscal year 2006/07, making it a leading global beauty company. P&G Beauty offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs, including Pantene(R), Olay(R), Head and Shoulders(R), Max Factor(R), Cover Girl(R), DDF(R), Sassoon Professional(R), Wellaflex(R), Rejoice(R), Sebastian Professional(R), Herbal Essences(R), Koleston(R), Clairol Professional(R), Nice ’n Easy(R), Venus(R), Gillette(R), SK-II(R), Wella Professionals(R), Christina Aguilera fragrance, Escada(R), Hugo(R), Boss(R) and Lacoste(R) fragrances. Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G (NYSE: PG) and its brands.

Since the early 1960s, P&G has developed and supported programs to enrich the lives of Hispanics in the United States. Local P&G programs and partnerships have had a positive impact – fulfilling aspirations, providing opportunity, and preserving the rich culture of Hispanics. For more information on P&G’s longstanding and committed relationship to the Hispanic community and for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands, please visit

Modern Salon Learning, a Vance Publishing Corp. venture that provides online educational programs to salon professionals, has launched a Spanish version of the educational program. The link is available at www.ModernSalonLearning.com.

“Our goal is to promote the growth of all beauty professionals at every stage of their careers,” says Mary Atherton, Editor-in-Chief of Modern Salon. “The United States is now the fifth largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with over 46 million Hispanics; worldwide, Spanish is spoken by over 325 million people. With the introduction of our Spanish-language version of the program, we are recognizing the importance of that culture to our industry. We’re extremely excited about these new career developments opportunities for Hispanics to increase their involvement in the beauty field.

“Our first offering is a Spanish version of our popular Updo Styling course, with translation of other courses in the pipeline,” Atherton promises. “This is a very dynamic website with new postings and enhancements on a regular basis. We encourage people to check our website periodically for important updates.”

The courses are user-driven and available in an “on-demand” format over the Internet, allowing participants to access the lessons at any time and from any computer, an important consideration for working stylists everywhere. Other value-added benefits include:

* Timing: Each course is divided into three lessons for a total of 50-60 minutes of education.
* Real-world value: Courses are designed for the working professional and utilize practical, salon-tested techniques.
* Convenience: Participants can start, stop and finish on their own schedules.
* Affordability: Each course costs only $15.00!
* Recognition: Upon completion of the “self-quiz” at the end of each course, participants receive a personalized certificate.

Vance Publishing Corp. is headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, with offices in Lenexa, KS and St. Louis, MO. Since its founding in 1937, Vance Publishing has been a recognized leader in business information and communications. The company serves select business-to-business markets with 20 magazines, a host of newsletters, web offerings, events, data and custom media products.”*

The latest styles for the modern Quince girl aren’t all about wearing your hair up or down. Like the fashions of our times, the way you style your hair is whatever you like.

Modern style is changing with the times
In keeping with a formal style that’s increasingly stressing the down to earth, hairstyles are becoming less structured – no more elaborate piles of hair – and more about meeting an individual look.

“Credit the makeover show with making hairstyles more about the individual,” says Brooke Johnson, an Atlanta-area Quinceañera party expert. “Young girls see that their own look should apply just to them.””*

The black power movement of the 1960s and 1970s inspired people to wear Afros and “natural” hairstyles to work, to concerts, to the grocery store, anywhere. The hairdos were a political statement that declared “Black is beautiful.” Then, gradually, as popular culture grew more accepting of individual tastes; as workplaces allowed people to dress less uniformly; as black artists, singers, musicians, actors, writers and sports stars grew more visible, then Afros, dreadlocks and cornrows returned to their original purpose – a way to wear hair.

A woman’s hairstyle is her choice, just as a man’s is his. One reason the black community was shocked by the Glamour employee’s statements was that she was basically saying black women’s hair is unfashionable or wrong. From that it is not a far leap to think she was implying “unattractive.” And that, in order to be presentable at work, black women have exactly one hairstyle choice — straightened. Which means the only way to be professionally successful is to follow a certain white ideal of beauty and professionalism.”*

Do you know your birthstone? Birthstones are ancient symbols of good luck and good health the world over. As you might already know, there’s at least one birthstone for every month of the year –and some months have three or four!As you plan your Quinceañera design scheme and motif, you may wish to base your color scheme around your particular birthstone. For your convenience, a list of birthstones by month appears at the end of this article.

The history of birthstones

Some historians believe birthstones originated in ancient times. The Book of Exodus speaks of a special piece of armor that united all the tribes of Israel during their wanderings. Others believe that using stones to represent astrology or spirituality goes back even farther, possibly to our earliest beginnings.

Over time, birthstones came to be given as gifts, to celebrate milestones or as tokens of affection. Because most birthstones have different colors, they’re easily identified with their corresponding months.

Bringing your birthstone into your Quinceañera gown

Once you’ve found your birthstone, you can use its color as a guideline for making your gown a true part of your Quince años observance. If you’re born in January, for example, the dark red of your garnet birthstone will make a sumptuous and elegant color choice that shows your deep respect for the occasion. For Quince girls born in May, the deep green of the emerald can demonstrate the new wealth of maturity you have and your hopes for your youth (the springtime of your life).

You can also plan your damas’ gowns to complement your birthstone color, by coordinating their dresses to offset yours. Or, you can take the traditional “rainbow line” approach in a new direction, by having each of your court damas wear a gown representing their birthstone.”*

Dads play a vital role in the Quinceañera celebration, just like they always have in their daughter’s life. A young girl’s Quinceañera is a time to celebrate, but for the quince anos girl’s father it’s also a time for bittersweet reflection. Your little girl is just beginning to grow up, and there’s a few tumultuous years left to cross before she emerges as a fully-grown woman, ready for the world. The Quinceañera really just celebrates the end of the beginning of your daughter’s life.

But you’ll be her father no matter what age she becomes, and you’ll always be there to help her. For the present, however, here are a few ways to make her Quinceañera a little easier.

Put your foot down only when absolutely necessary”*

Carmen Amengual, a single mom living in Jamaica, Queens, did not have a quinceanera, the Hispanic rite of passage for girls that’s generally celebrated when they turn 15.

But when it came to her only child, Crystal Martinez, now 16, there was never any question Amengual would throw a big party.

Amengual, who works in the billing department at New York Presbyterian Hospital, booked the Charisma Ballroom in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, for $5,000, hired a limo for $585 and spent $500 on a “quince dress package” from Tatianasbridal.com that included a pink dress, tiara and long gloves. Three dozen friends attended the party in July”*

Are MTV & Hollywood trivializing the traditional Latina Coming-Of-Age, Quinceanera Ceremony for young Latina women and minimizing the celebration’s real purpose? Author Priscilla Mills says so in her new book; ”Quinceanera Connection (www.quinceaneraconnect.com/quince/104711.html): Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget.”

The origin of the beautiful Hispanic tradition dates back to the Aztecs. In 1521, when the Spanish invaded Mexico they brought their own European traditions associated with a young woman’s transition from childhood. That’s when both customs were integrated and gala European balls became part of what is today’s Quinceanera celebration.

”Today’s Latina teen and her family have different choices and challenges than her ancestors,” said Mills: a life coach, business consultant and graduate of Harvard Business School - Entrepreneurial Program.

Approximately 400,000 Hispanic girls turn fifteen each year. Their families are ending up deep in-debt spending from $6,000 to $250,000 for the celebration. The Quinceanera and her family have lost focus of the Real American Dream; where today’s young Latina woman has the opportunity for freedom of choice: higher education, good career and a purposeful life.

Sandra Torres, a CA high school honor student says. “When a Quinceanera makes her journey from a girl to a young woman, her father wants her to have a better life than he had. It’s so sad; many families are having lavish Beverly Hills-type, Quince parties they can’t afford. The Quinceanera wears an expensive ball-gown and rides in a stretch limo. When the party’s over, the memories fade, but the debt’s still there.”

“Quinceanera Connection,” provides stories and tips for having a dream celebration on a reasonable budget and still having money left over for her higher education fund. It’s a helpful guide for the Quinceanera and her family. It’s filled with heart-warming stores from other Latina teens. She also outlines the importance of planning and organization in order for a dream party to happen without stress and costly mistakes. Included is a simple step-by-step process on how to negotiate to get the best deal with a vendor.

In Girl Talk. Mills covers what’s next after the Quinceanera celebration is over. Offering motivating tips for the reader to realize it’s her life and her choices. And by making the right choices she gets the opportunity to live the Real American Dream. That’s freedom to choose a career, a life style and a chance to make a difference in her community and beyond.

There is a special section called, Parent Talk. It includes; The Seven Ways to Make a Difference In Your Daughter’s Life: with a list of, The Seven Commitments of Being a Great Parent.

Priscilla Mills has just launched her website: QuinceaneraConnect (www.quinceaneraconnect.com). The site follows her philosophy for the Latina teen of having it all on a budget while planning for a life with a purpose. The web site also features blogs by teens that are planning their Quinceanera’s (www.quinceaneraconnect.com/ilene). They share girl talk about their everyday challenges and planning their special celebration with a focus on the budget.

Priscilla has her own blog- Ask Priscilla: she shares the basic principles of theReal American Dream: It’s Your Life - Make the Right Choices - And Go For It.

For additional information and to set up an interview with author, Priscilla Mills: to discuss the importance of the Quinceanera and her family as they celebrate her Coming-Of-Age, to refocus and not go into deep debt.

The best gift her family can give her is the loving support on her special day and every other day. As she takes the opportunity to benefit from the Real American Dream- Latina Style: of having the freedom of choice for higher education, a good career and a purposeful life.

Contact:

Brenda Block, director of public relations

Quinceanera Connect

(310) 459-0121

Palomita™, the new junior and girls fashion brand, with a focus on the Hispanic market, was featured in a successful pageant promoting cultural, civic and educational welfare of Latin girls within the Washington State community. While the contestants worked hard to prepare for the pageants opening dance number, they could rest easy that they would look stunning in their Lulu and De La Rosa t-shirts provided by Palomita™.

Each contestant brought a different exotic look to the Palomita tee she wore at the event. The Palomita Brand is best described by its motto: “Por fin una marca para ti” (Finally a brand for you). Palomita founder and Mexico City native Molly Robbins, secured exclusive rights to use trademarks and vintage art from an array of Latino companies and translated the colorful logos and characters to junior and girls apparel. Palomita features designs from fruit drinks of Pascual Boing®, clothing detergents such as Zote® and Roma®, Topo Gigio® the iconic puppet mouse, and pastries from Bimbo®.

The 2007 Queen and Court pageant that took place in Washington was held by Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce in support of providing opportunity for contestants to further their education and display their talents. The contestants will be fashioning the Palomita tees at events and activities throughout the upcoming year. “I was thrilled at the opportunity to support the girls by providing the performance tees,” Robbins said. The Tri-Cities pageant, held on Mexico’s Independence Day, celebrated Hispanic Heritage, which hits close to home for Robbins, a Mexico City native. “I loved the fact that I could be a part of this event and share the excitement and vibrancy of Mexican culture.” Palomita is manufactured by Wish Licensing, and is available at JCPenney and on www.ropapalomita.com. Chucho®, the “hermano” brand to Palomita, will be launched in Spring 2008. Chucho® will focus on more masculine designs and feature products ranging from cement companies and tire manufacturers to beverages and confections.

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce focuses on providing opportunity and improving the lives of Hispanic women within the community. After the pageant, contestants are encouraged to develop professional relations as they participate in various activities and events. All the girls will act as positive role models as they work towards personal and professional development.”*

Latino designers including Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera and Narciso Rodriguez have made lasting contributions to the fashion world. Now the work of up and coming Latino and Caribbean designers will be showcased during the First Chicago Latino Fashion Week, October 29 through November 4. The seven-day festival will include educational seminars, individual trunk shows, celebrity appearances, and VIP parties at some of Chicago’s hottest venues.”*

“Once again, Paulina Rubio has proven just how multifaceted she is. Even amidst her world tour Amor, luz y sonido, the Mexican singer hasn’t put other projects on hold, including the publication of a book and the launch of her own fragrance. “*

“Actress of Mexican descent Eva Longoria arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday to act as the image of the event Fashion Mexico Spring-Summer 2008.
“*

“Bodas USA La Revista(TM) will hit the newsstands and retail stores on January 2008 throughout California with a cover price of $4.99 and via subscriptions on its website www.bodasusa.com. The initial circulation is slated for 15,000 copies for its premiere issue and 30,000 copies for the June and December 2008 issues. Thereafter the 104 plus pages magazine, gloss cover and perfect bound will circulate biannually.

“For the first-time brides and grooms to be that are monolingual or that are bilingual will have access to a Spanish-language brides magazine that is relevant to their culture and their language, and that is our motto: Your Wedding, Your Culture, Your Language,” said publisher Lilian de la Torre-Jimenez, a former senior newspaper reporter, editor and magazine writer.

Each edition will also be available as a digital magazine via Nxtbook Media. To view the 16 page demo please go to www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/jimenez/bodasusa-nxtd/ “We invite everybody to view our digital demo, where we provide the line-up of our talented contributors, a preview of our content pages and four sample stories,” said De La Torre-Jimenez.

“Our cover story reflects that of many Latinos, a true love story and two successful individuals,” added De La Torre-Jimenez about Univision host Argelia Atilano and husband Omar Velasco, both lead the popular morning radio show “El Show de Omar & Argelia” on Univision Radio K-LOVE 107.5 FM.

“The Latino weddings featured in our premiere issue will definitely shed a light on the bride and groom as an important consumer, it will showcase that Latinos “Tiran la Casa por la Ventana” or the equivalent of “no expense spared” when celebrating a wedding. We want to guide the couple in planning their wedding but we also want to empower them with columns on relationships, nutrition and finance so they can plan a successful life together and with their families,” said De La Torre-Jimenez.

“Our editorial team is made up of Latino professionals who are experts in wedding planning, cuisine, travel, relationships, nutrition, entertainment, photography and in many more areas, but most importantly our stories are not translations but rather written in Spanish with a cultural touch that only Latinos can relate to,” said Bodas USA La Revista(TM) editor Katia Ramirez-Blankley, former editor of La Opinión, the largest Spanish-language in the nation. “We are happy to be part of the Latino wedding celebration.”

Jimenez Communications Inc. is the parent company of Bodas USA La Revista(TM). Jimenez Communications Inc. is a new public relations, consulting and publishing company based in California. Bodas USA La Revista(TM) has applied for membership with ABC to provide its advertisers accountability. “It was the right thing to do, applying for membership with the Audit Bureau of Circulations. ABC provides assurance to our advertisers and sponsors that we are committed to this publication for the long run,” said De La Torre-Jimenez, who just days ago was awarded the Business Person of the Year by Bizcon 2007 in Anaheim, California, upon being nominated by the National Hispanic Business Women Association (NHBWA).

Bodas USA La Revista(TM) was selected by the University of Redlands School of Business as the start-up company that will receive assistance for the implementation of GIS mapping technology into its business data as part of an SBA grant.

To download the media kit in Spanish or English please visit www.bodasusa.com. For advertising questions you can e-mail advertising@bodasusa.com or call (909) 231-5499. “*

“Eco-friendly fashion and trends have gained a good deal of public attention with the media having played its part well. Bangledox Eco-Friendly Clothing is grounded in the concept that the clothing industry and environment can co-exist.

With fashion and clothing having procured undisputed attention of people, the garment industries are expanding to cater to the needs of customers and survive the competition.

Meanwhile, Bangledox, a Latino owned T-shirt company takes a brave step towards introducing environmentally friendly T-shirts, by incorporating organic cottons and earth friendly inks and dyes in their clothing line.

They started off with stalls at flea markets of St.Roberts,Mo and now have extended into launching an online store to the public.

The idea is to make aware of the harmfulness of chemicals and synthetic dyes to the environment and thus the importance of resorting to eco-friendly clothing. In addition, the website also provides with helpful tips on saving energy as well as other useful environmental information that its visitors can use to help do their part.

Eco-friendly fashion and trends have gained a good deal of public attention with the media having played its part well. Bangledox is grounded in the concept that the clothing industry and environment can co-exist, all of their clothing is sweat-shop free and produced in U.S.

Certainly, Bangledox producing ideal clothes for planet Earth is an idealistic company.

Latina Entrepreneur Creates Her Own Opportunities With A New Business Venture

On June 21st, Entrepreneur Marta Soto-Martines had always dreamed of starting her own company, after losing her job in the beginning of 2007 she turned that moment in her life into an opportunity for herself.

What started out as a way to earn extra cash selling organic t-shirts from a booth several years ago quickly became the foundation of her plan to starting her own business, with her natural concern for the environment Ms. Martines set off to create her new green fashion company.

Introducing Bangledox Eco-Friendly Clothing, a new Latino owned t-shirt company thats helping set the standard for green fashion while incorporating environmentally safe materials in their clothing line.

Organic clothing and green eco friendly fashion have entered mainstream consumer consciousness with a slew of media attention, and for good reason. Its great for the environment and it helps draw attention to a very important topic.

After a humble start at local flea markets in St. Roberts, MO back in 2003, and seeing that the t-shirts received a good response still at local Chicago events, the company recently decided to launch its first online store to the public.

“I originally started with just a few t-shirts selling at local events in my hometown” says Marta, I’m having a great time, and I enjoy what I’m doing..that’s what’s important when starting a venture”

The owner hopes to open stores in cities nationwide in the future, as well as help encourage consumers to purchase more eco-friendly products, and to hopefully encourage other companies to use more organic practices.

The site includes helpful tips on saving energy as well as an Eco Links page that list other great organic companies for anyone looking to help the environment as well as seek out other great eco-friendly companies.

Bangledox is grounded in the concept that the clothing industry and environment can co-exist, all of their clothing is sweat-shop free and produced in U.S.

The clothing line continues to gain fans and is hopeful in opening a flagship store in Chicago,IL next Fall.

Ms. Martines is currently featured in the October 2007 issue of Image Magazine at Imagechicago.com.

The company has also been mentioned on Keetsa.com eco friendly Blog, My Hispanic Network at GoMHN.com, and the Latino radio show Nic[.]Nine.”*

“Montalvo, 35, of East Lansing has taken one of the most universal items, the T-shirt, and given it his own meaning.

The face on his T-shirts is not just any face. It’s the face of the sun god that’s the center of the Aztec calendar. The skull on his T-shirts is not just any skull. It’s the skull of the skeleton used during the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. The baller is not just a, well, you get it. It’s a Mayan ballplayer, tricked out in hot pink.

The Mayan and Aztec-inspired graphics link Montalvo, who is Mexican-American, to the legendary indigenous civilizations of Mexico. The shirts surprise with unexpected color combinations, like Day-Glo orange on top of military green. To those who love streetwear, they look hot.”*