Latin Grammy Winners and Losers: 2005-2006 Hot Dresses and Fashion Trends
Topic: OurSpaceMusic

"The Latin Grammys have returned home," said Mexican actor Eduardo Santamarina who was co-hosting the ceremony with Mexican TV personality Rebecca de Alba at the Shrine Auditorium. That is, the 6th Annual Latin Grammys. Those were the words of the two announcers at the opening of the Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles. All the luminaries came out for this event.

Based on the response from the audience, we can safely say that CBS lost a good show. CBS rejected the broadcasting of the show after ratings failed. And Univision, the top Spanish channel, picked it up. Just like Soccer and most of its programming, the Grammy ceremony was in Spanish. It's true that the announcers said a few words in English, Portuguese and maybe Italian, but the whole ceremony was in Spanish. This is to show the rising importance of the Latino or Hispanic sector in the American music space.

It's been said that ratings may go up again with the broadcasting of the Grammy awards on the country's number one's Spanish-language network. On the red carpet (alfombra) were mingling artists from Brasil, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and all other Spanish-speaking countries.

Who Were the winners and losers?

Italian vocalist Laura Pausini beat favorite Bebe for female pop vocal album with her album "Escucha." Based on Bebe's lashing out and gum-chewing tirade which was blocked by Univision, Laura did not expect to win. She even admitted that she did not prepare anything because she thought Bebe was going to win. Felicitaciones at Laura! Bebe did not leave empty-handed. She got the award for best new artist.

Another favorite of mine is Columbian rocker Juanes who became the big winner of the night. He grabbed three awards for rock son, music video and rock solo vocal album. Juanes now has a grand total of 12 grammys. One of my favorite singer-songwriters is Alejandro Sanz. He appeared with Shakira on her video. Last night, his song "Tu no Tienes Alma" won song and record of the year awards.

Get the whole list of winners and losers in the 6th Annual Latin Grammys

How to Buy A Unique Prom Dress: Dress Retailers are Personalizing The Shopping Experience for prom gilrs
Topic: SweetSixteenDresses

Prom Dresses Retailers are creating trust

If you are a woman, you know how embarrassing it is to purchase the perfect dress, wear it to your cocktail party, prom or other gala only to find out that the next trashy styled woman is wearing the same dress. It's a big downer. No woman would like this to happen. This is why there is a concerted effort by high-end dress boutiques to build and manage their databases in such a way they can advise the next shopper on the likelihood of this specific dress being worn in the same town, same event etc. In one word, companies are restricting how many prom dresses can be sold to the same school. They don't want the disappointed look on their young customers' face when they get to the prom site. After all, they want to return business. They want to create trust with these young customers. They want to make sure that their consumers' needs are personalized and customized.

What's the current Trend in Dress Shopping?

It all depends on the season. Which season formal are you shopping for? If you are shopping for your Summer formal, it's a different thing. Shopping for Winter formals and holiday dresses will make you think differnently. If you want to go retro, go back to the classy, feminine and glitzy styles of yesteryear, you will want to choose the right stores or boutiques first. You want to find a company or boutique that carries the goods you want. As a woman, I can tell you that is very important depending on whether you want to enhance the sassy, ultra feminine look. If you are living far from a major city, you want to check online retailers. If you live in town, go around and shop around with a friend in tow. It's good to receive your best friend's advice. Well, I know you will not bring your mother around. Actually, some mothers are good shoppers and advice givers. They stay up to date on what's hot and chic. They won't hesitate to give you their piece of mind. You ask for it, you will get it. Any way, you want to purchase a one-of-a-kind dress that you won't find at other shops. Shop at specialized boutiques that offer one style per school.

Dress designers such as Jovani, Sue Wong, and Vera Wang's Creations are always hot.

Prom Dress Shopping Has Already Started at eBay.com
Topic: Shopallpromdresses

Those who want to get a head start on this year's prom shopping have already started scouring thousands of web sites for prom dress deals. eBay stands to get a lot of this traffic. With sites serving various parts of the world, it stands to offer a cornucopia of dress inventories. No matter how many people are interested in shopping for clothes, buying prom dresses is mostly an American phenomenon. Teens have been saving for the perfect prom ceremony for months or even years. They have already enlisted the deep pockets of their parents and grand parents.

Since it's a clear rite of passage, all of the family members expect to chip in their contributions and time to make this year's prom season the best it can be for their loved ones.

There are many things they will be shopping for. From making reservations on limo, hair salons to buying the elusive perfect dress, they will be out en force to shop. I have talked to quite a few students who already have their gowns. The guys who usually procrastinate have already made reservations on the limo and tuxedos.

ShopnowShopping for shoes and other prom accessories is facilitated by the Web. From the comfort of their room, parents and celebrants can shop. Yes, they will also go to the shops, the local malls and specialized dress boutiques. The dresses will come in all sizes and shapes. Plus-size prom dresses have been a hit for the past few years. Designers who design for this group have had brisk business.

Fashion, Style, Class and Sophistication
Topic: HotFashionDesigners

Usher's Classic, Sophisticated Sense of Fashion, Style and Sex Appeal

Usher's Fashion Tips for the Guy accompanying the promgirl

He is only known by Usher. His full name is Usher Raymond. His album, Confessions, brought him fame, name recognition and a budding mini-empire. He has lots fans and a huge fortune. He appears to be an earthy young man who knows about breakups and other sentimental issues. His album, Confessions, is now at more than 4 million in the U.S. alone. Solo artists are making a great comeback with him. So far, he has three hits "yeah!," "Burn" and "Confessions Part II."

Usher is also known for his classic, soft, sophisticated sense of fashion and style. On Oprah, Today, MTV and various other events where he appears, we can see what he is wearing.

Here is a list of the clothes, gear, jewellery, Usher wears and designers who are behind them:

Yves Saint Laurent Coat, Armani Collezioni Trousers, Sol Rafael earrings, silk tuxedo shirt, black armani slacks and tank. Gucci belt. Gucci underwear. Paul Stuart outfits. Valentino wraparounds. Some of the best tailors want to dress him. "Armani wants to dress me. So does Cavalli," he said during an interview.

Usher is an artist whose clothing must celebrate his sex appeal. He talks about style and sophisticated swagger all the time.

Usher likes the following designers: Gucci. I love Dsquared2. Ozwald Boateng. Paul Smith. Paul Frank. J. Crew Abercombie & Fitch. He likes his boxer-briefs which hold his goods closer to the body.

Usher also wears jeans. Paper Denim & Cloth, Sacred Blue, Seven. He wears Vuitton sneakers which come in various colors. He also had some Adidas

Now let's talk about his jewels. He wears solid gold, 18-karat matte yellow gold, Rolex.

He loves ties and suits. He thinks they empower a man. His ties come in hundreds of colors. His mother helps him collect them.

Usher could be on a dance floor in any prom ceremony.

Celebrities' Fashion Can Inspire Prom, Homecoming & Quincenera
Topic: Prom-inthe-Hamptons

www.promdressesrock.com

Well-known Taylors and Fashion Designers Who Dress Stars Can Also Inspire Promgirls, Homecomingqueens, and Quinceneras Girls

This year's designers of prom dresses and gowns don't need to look far. They can get inspired by the fashion designers whose designs are worn by the Golden Gloves and Oscar stars. Homecoming queens and promgirls can walk down their own red carpet in glorious chiffon gowns too. They need to keep in mind that brown is the new black this year. For example, at the recent Golden Gloves awards, there were a lot of subtle colors, lots of cuts on the red carpet.

You too can turn heads at your ceremony. It's just a matter of taking the time to look for what fits you. If it does not fit with your silhouette, your body's contours and profile, don't buy it! That's what most fashionistas will advise you right off the bat. Now to help you, take a look at some of the dresses and gowns that may inspire you. Remember that trends will pass. They will soon be obsolete. Fashion-savvy people tend to move on to the next hot thing. If you are looking for a classic design for your prom night, if you want to distinguish yourself, separate yourself from the rest of the crowd, then you will want to go with the classic cuts offered by the likes of Jovani Classic Prom dresses, Alyce, Riva, Mori Lee etc.

Promgilrs and homecoming queens can't go wrong with a silk satin gown with spaghetti straps that hug their shoulders. How about a beautiful tailored ballgown with a satin shawl? You can also find dresses that can be worn for prom, special parties and bridesmaids. Feel elegant and sexy with these affordable dresses! Feel like a princess or a queen for the night!

The beautiful dresses and gowns worn by stars and the Hot Designers who Design Them:

1. Hilary Swank looked great in a simple Calvin Klein gown. 2. Check out Teri Hatcher wearing a stretch Donna Karan gown. 3. Eva Longoria looked superb in an Oscar de la Renta dress. 4. Check out the long train of Cate Blachett's Jean-Paul Gaultier gown. It's the kind of dress for a carefree party, an easy Spring afternoon. 5. Diane Lane's wore a Monique Lhuillier jade chiffon gown. 6. Nicole Kidman went with a Gucci dress with a blue peachock feather detail on it. 7. John Galliano dressed Charlize Theron for Christian Dior. 8. Emmy Rossum wore a sophisticated Ralph Lauren dress. 9. Vintage Valentino for Jennifer Garner who also had a 12-carat diamond crescent by Harry Winston. 10. Kate Hudson wore a chocolate brown gown by Versace. 11. Vera Wang dressed Mariska Hargitay in a pink, dusty-rose satin gown. 12. Renee Zellweger went with a black dress by Carolina Herrera. 13. Minnie Drive had a Randoph Duke, V-neck gown with floral embroidery. 14. Star Jones Reynolds wore a $7 million diamond brooch from Chopard. That's enough to turn a few heads and attract attention to E! Entertainment. The mother-daughter duo, TV Guide Channel's Joan and Melissa Rivers only wore black. Now that's enough for a good competition between the two programs on the red carpet. 15.

Now are you ready the Oscars? The Golden Globes Awards ceremony is like a dress rehearsal for the Oscars. The dresses worn tonight will also influence many prom girls, quincenera girls and homecoming queens to shop for the same dresses and gowns. Who does not like to appreciate a well-designed dress worn by an elegant woman?

Classic Formal Prom, Upscale and Sophisticated Urbanites: Prom Dresses & Prom Planning
Topic: Wishlistshopping

AllPromDresses: a Fashion Blog for Prom Designers, Rich Prom Teens, Teen Fashion Enthusiasts, Sophisticated Urbanites
Who Search For and Appreciate Fine Clothing Designs, Beautiful Dresses, and Classic Formal Wear

Fashion, Hip Hop Music and Design: What are designers saying about sexiness, style?
What are you most likely to find in an upscale Home, Mansion, Manhattan Loft?

www.details.com magazine (December 2004 issue) published the comments of Hedi Slimane on what's sexy. The following is an excerpt of what he said. He is the Christian Dior menswear designer. In this column, he takes on Hollywood stylists and the French's misguided fashion sense. He is definitely not a French style and couture sympathizer. Is there anyone out there who will give him a few lessons in French couture and culture? "French men can be a little contrived and stiff, and so conservative," he siad. "I think English men have incredible style. Forget the French." Wow! Forget the French!

You may wonder what he'd say about the sex appeal and swagger of Usher Raymond. Would he even appreciate the blingbling master jeweller to the rap artists, NFL players, NBA players? "Sexiness" sounds a little dodgy to me, trying hard with low tricks. It's not about cheap cruising in a cheap outfit but about authentic sexuality. you have it or you don't. No need to dress like a bunny to advertise it.

Furthermore, he added that fashion is totally connected to street culture and has been under the influence of rock since the fifties. "I truly believe the most interesting phenomenon to emerge is this new generation of bands, like the Libertines and Franz Ferdinand. It will, without any doubt, be the most influential movement in men's fashion for the next couple of years.

Hedi has some advice for men. "Every man should own a black jacket that is very well tailored, a white shirt or simple T-shirt, a good pair of jeans, simple black shoes or boots..."

What did he have to say about thin and big, like in thin and big guys? "Thin is better with clothes. Big, in terms of shape, is better without clothes," he said. He soon realized he can't legislate people's taste and choice. He corrected himself soon. "It's a matter of choice and taste. Diets are available for men, too." A question for Hedi could be the following one: How many men have you seen suffering with anorexia nervosa?

He had some good observations about American men. "There is an ease with American men. They have a really particular, casual way to wear sophisticated clothes, which I love." How come he did not say much about American women's high sense of style, fashion and sexiness? All he needs to do to be inspired is to look out through the windows and peer down from the skyscraper? Maybe he can't see these beautiful women of all shapes wearing the best designer clothes on the streets of New York, Chicago, Manhattan Financial district, San Francisco, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara?

The American professionals can be seen wearing designs by Ralph Lauren, Energie, Abercombie & Fitch, Y-3, Hermes, Paul Smith accessories, Ermenegildo Zegna, Banana republic, Barbour, Jean Paul Gaultier.

Fashion is on the street. It starts on the runways but ultimately finds validity on the streets by pedestrians and passersby who are shocked to notice it.

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Get prom jewelry, pearls, diamond and more at www.Promdressesrock.com

Designers Who Dress Hot Stars
Topic: AllpromSeason
The star of Michael Jackson is on trial. His persona is being looked into by the judge, sheriff, district attorney and jurors. But his sartorial style continues to turn heads.

On day 1 of his trial, he wore a white three-piece suit with lots of jeweled baubles at the waist and a gold armband.

What does he wear on Day 2? Being the king of Pop, Michael may think he is not a common man before the law. There is no white shirt and black suit for him. he wears a black suit and a red shirt with a choker pendant, a brocade vest and a royal crest.

What Michael Jackson will find out is that the court is not a music video scene. Jurors will look at his clothes to get a peak at his personality. Will his theatrical clothing affect jurors' perceptions?

Maybe not. Everyone who sits on the jury may have known about Michael Jackson before. The guy just likes weird outfits. They may not determine his guilt or innocence either. Jurors will have to consider the evidence presented by the prosecutor.

www.promdressesrock.com

Grammy Awards Fashion Fit for Prom, Quincenera and Homecoming
Mood:  bright
Topic: SouthBeachpromDresses
Grammy Awards Fashion Fit for Prom, Quincenera and Homecoming Who Wore What by Whom

In my opinion, Alicia Keys wore the most glamorous dress at the 2005 Grammys. She wore a satin gown. Christina Milian wore a wrap-style dance dress accented with white beads. Ashanti wore a dress by Gucci. It has gold discs. Jennifer Lopez wore a green gown with a gold-and-silver sparkling halter strap and beaded sash around her hips. Gwen Stefani first wore a black minidress then changed to a white outfit to perform. What other remarkable dresses have we seen lately?

Obviously, somebody made a comment about Eva Longoria, the Desperate Houseife. She wore a violet Zang Toi Satin with H. Stern multicolored-stone earrings and stacked 18-karat-gold bangles. What did Teri Hatcher say about her dress? "It's pretty fun to be princess for a night." She was the winner of dare to bare in a beaded Loris Azzaro.

At the recent Screen aCtors Guild Awards, Charlize Theron wore duchess silk by Giorgio Armani Prive which is the designer's new couture collection. Hilary Swank wore a Versace silk-chiffon with Chopard jewels. Kate Banchett had a strapless satin Valentino gown on.

Among the females, Alicia Keys stole the show. How about the men? Obviously Usher's white spectator shoes had a lot of comments. Kanye West was all in white, white diamond earring, white shoes.

Quinceanera is the Young Latina?s Rite of Passage: Lots of Celebration, Fun, Foods and Dancing.
Topic: QuinceneraDress-Shop

If the Jews have Bat Mitzvah for girls reaching 12 years and one day, the Caucasians/English have debutante balls for girls of marriageable age (16-18), the Filipinos have debut (for Filipinas age 18), the Koreans have Gwallye for girls and boys 15 to 20 years, the Hispanics have Quinceanera, but every group lavishly celebrates and knows prom as the rite of passage in high school.

As in cumpleanera, we have quinceanera to refer to the latina woman’s celebration of her fifteenth birthday. It’s a transition from childhood to the womanhood of the quinceanera.

Even when Hispanic/Latino parents leave the motherland, they are still attached to its tradition. One of these traditions they celebrate on their daughter’s 15th birthday is called Quinceanera. A part of them that follows them everywhere, this celebration marks a cultural bond. It’s a special occasion for any Hispanic girls. They get to invite lots of friends to their parties. It’s more than a birthday party in that they get to wear fancier clothes, dance and share foods and beverages with their friends and family friends.

We must say that a lot of expenses are also involved. That’s why most parents find padrinos or madrinas. Despite the family link that relates padrinos and madrinas to the quinceanera girl, the parents have known them either through church, work and other social functions. The padrinos are the sponsors. But more and more families residing in metropolitan areas and countries such as the USA, France, Belgium, Great Britain, and western parts of the US such as California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and more and more Virginia, Florida, go out to find commercial sponsors who pay for some major expenses. We have long had Cinco de Mayo as one of the major commercialized holidays on this side of the border. What a good way for these companies to place their products!

The most important thing to remember is that tradition plays a huge role in this ceremony. Tios, tias, abuelitas, abuelitas, compadres, comadres (uncles, aunts, grandparents) must receive invitation. They contribute to the festivities too.

If they are not invited, they will feel disrespected. It’s a big no no. The quinceanera girl and her parents must take many months if not years to plan this ceremony. Being unable to honor their daughter this way would bring affront to them. That’s why some families are known to start saving for a long time to be able to meet the demands of the occasion. Especially in the USA where parents work two to three jobs to be able to go ahead, they save for the occasion. Besides having to send remittances back to family members in Mexico, they invest in their kids’ education and cultural festivities. That’s why Mexican music has flourished so well in this country.

What do the Quinceanera girls do on the day of Quinceanera day?

Since it's also a religious ceremony, they go to church to receive the priest’s blessings. The priest addresses these young women and talks to them about important life lessons and experiences. He tells them about becoming a woman. Besides catechism, communions, quinceanera is a great occasion for the Church to plant its doctrine. After all, women are the bearers and keepers of traditions. When these girls become parents, they will make sure to have their daughter go through the same process. The ceremony allows for a renewal of the baptismal vows.

The celebration of the Quinceanera dates back to the Aztecs, about 500 B.C. Hispanics have long been celebrating God’s gifts of love and life this way. Most guests bring presents when they arrive at the ceremony. The celebrated girl greets them and dances with anybody who asks for a dance. Some guests usually give plain cash too.

We will call the following “Quinceanera Celebration: The Young Woman’s Quinceanera Planning Guide.”

Here's a list of services and businesses that benefit from the celebration of the quinceanera: 1. Beauty salons 2. Bakeries 3. Caterers for catered food 4. Churches 5. Dance halls 6. Decorators 7. Florists 8. Limo services 9. Dj’s and Bands or Trios 10. Photographers 11. Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns Shops or Retailers 12. Shoes Stores and some aspects of bridal shops 13. Jewelry companies 14. Beauty, makeup, hair products and quinceanera accessories 15. Men’s wear companies for tuxedos 16. Beverages 17. Music, CDs and videos and videographer 18. Engraved invitations

If you want to know more about this celebration and how you can save money and time, request or purchase a copy of our best-selling “Quinceanera Celebration: The Young Woman’s Quinceanera Planning Guide.” This quinceanera planner will help most first-time parents and celebrants become knowledgeable about the dos and don’ts of the fiesta. It will refresh their memories. E-mail:REMOVEconsignedclothes@gmail.com

With good cause, some cultural observers and connoisseurs say that the preparation for a fiesta de los quince is similar to a wedding preparation. In some milieus, some quinceaneras are very elaborate and can rival any lavish wedding. Who can compete with some proud parents? Some of these girls stand to have two major celebrations in their lives, the quinceanera and the wedding. After all, Latin/Hispanic parents are known for their family ties. That’s the way it’s supposed to be: Family first. In their case, it rings true during such celebrations.

Farewell to Coke, Pepsi, Soda and Snickers Bars
Topic: Amerikakankare

Coke, Pepsi Soda, and Snickers Bar Funeral Services Planned to Be Held in Most California High Schools

Sugar-laden,high-fat edibles and other junk food items will be banned from California school campuses in 2007. Let's all hope they are also banned from families' tables. Students and teachers are getting ready to conduct mock funeral services. Under two new laws that are set to take effect in 2007, sodas, chocolate bars, candy and a large variety of food items readily available on campuses will have to be carted away. Creative students are writing poems, plays and composing songs to be performed during the services.

Healthy eating and drinking as in fruit juice and water make a comeback with these laws. Junk food ban will be new to California. That's good music to the ears of parents and citizens concerned by the epidemic of obesity that is spread all over the country. More space will be created by the removal of vending machines. Already, Pepsi and other beverage companies are pushing their drinks to foreign markets such as India and Africa. Pepsi and Coke may have have fallen under the scrutinity of the public who becomes more health-conscious.

At a publich high school in California, I observed that the students were walking behind a hearse carrying a casket filled with a large cardboard image of a soda bottle. The students were wearing their best funeral outfits. They wore black netting that covered their faces. Lots of mascara covered their cheecks. They took a very solemn stance against fast food and soda. The students paid their respects to the cardboard in the coffin. Eulogies were pronounced. Other passersby nodded and laughed.

Here's a sample of some of the eulogies, poems and speeches.

To Cheeto, Snickers, Chips, Natcho, Cheese, Candy and Soda

I am saying farewell to a few companions I thought Were out there to watch my back. I thought we were tight Ever since I can remember, they were always around Never once did I have the courage to question them Their masters have been pushing them down my throat Ever since I became interested in watching TV and cartoons They made me salivate and summon the courage to ask my parents to purchase them. Without them seeing, I placed them in the shopping cart

I am saying farewell to you, tasty, zesty companions! I am saying farewell to you because you made me stop Eating and enjoying dinners with my parents I am saying bye bye to you because you become too cheap You are everywhere, at gas stations, vending machines at school It's time for you to go to the ether world, the abyss I am saying farewell because you were not true companions You shoved your way into my life with large marketing tricks And very deceitful ads that pop up and pop under on the TV and computer screens I am saying farewell because you took advantage of my innocence You abused me. You betrayed the trust I had in you. You only cared about profits

I am saying farewell because you started distancing yourself from me first Over the years, I gained weight. You did not care about my silent suffering You did not care about my health. You made me tune out my parents and their advice You stole my early years of adolescence. You cared less about my shame I dragged my unhealthy body everywhere I went. Never did you ask me to stop indulging! You made me believe I was part of the "in crowd," the hip set when I had you in my hands I am saying farewell because your bright neons and sleek bottles Are just trompe-oeil, traps that will enslave my soul. You are so fake! I want my freedom back. I want to be free from substances that destroy my fitness.

Bye bye Soda Bye bye Snickers Bye bye Cheeto Bye bye Natcho Bye bye Cheese Bye bye Candy

Candy and Chocolate

I must say farewell even when I remember the good times I must say farewell even when I remember How nice Candy was to me when I was dejected and sad Candy, I will never stop looking at you, but I won't touch you any longer I will continue to savor the good times. Memories will last a long time Candy and Chocolate, you both were fantastic friends But I must get rid of you. You did not have the courage to tell me How addictive you can be.

Farewell to you, beautiful and sweet Candy Farewell to you, obsessive chocolate. We must part ways. Go your separate ways Farewell. Farewell. Farewell.