The news reports from North Carolina and into Virginia were unbelievable but here in Rhode Island we just had a lot of rain and wind. My father was so anxious to fire up his generator I think he was actually hoping to lose power… but we didn’t. Then by Sundayafternoon Hurricane Irene was Tropical Storm Irene and we decided to spend Sunday in our own home since it seemed like all systems were a go.

We couldn’t have been more wrong.

Apparently, there were literally millions of people without power on the East Coast and Little Rhody was no exception. Considering that I live in the smallest state in the union with approximately 1 million residents, it was hard to believe that nearly 400,000 people were without power on Sunday… including me.

If it were only Sunday we were out of power it wouldn’t have been such a big deal but by the third day of no electricity and water and discovering that we could potentially not have power for another 5 days was a little exhausting. Traveling to my parents house for our basic needs, plugging in our computers and phones anywhere that would let us, and just the general fatigue that comes with your life getting surprisingly thrown out of whack really began to take its toll.  People likened it to camping but when you camp you are prepared to go camping… I was not prepared for three days of darkness.

On the afternoon of Day 4 we finally got our power back. I longed to listen to the toilet flush by simply pressing the lever not heaving a gallon of water into the back of the tank. I couldn’t wait to take a long, hot shower in my house. I wanted to make a cup of coffee and just exist as I was so used to existing.

It wasn’t until the following evening when we were clean and clear that I discovered something beautiful in the eye of the storm. It was the fact that Jeff and I had an opportunity to talk by candlelight for four nights. We had restful sleep night after night without the distraction of television. We got to spend time with our family and got to truly appreciate the little things in life that we take for granted every single day.

As I type this there are a few hundred families in Rhode Island that are still without power or water. I welcome anyone to my house for a hot meal, a hotter shower, and outlets to charge your connection to the world. I hope even more that people took this time to realize just how many blessings we have… especially when it seems like we have nothing at all.

The best part is that YOU get to the a part of this amazing event. Tickets are still available for the show being held at the prestigious Providence Performing Arts Center. For additional details on the event and StyleWeek Providence click the picture below. See you on the RUNWAY!

Darienne took her first flight when she was only 4 weeks old. She was strapped into front carrier on my chest and didn’t even flinch on the trip to Virginia. We were actually bumped to first class because I was nursing her wrenched between an elderly man and a wide eyed 12 year old boy.

When she was 7 she started to fly alone and she never had a problem with it. I remember picking her up from the airport and thestewardess said that Darienne was like a reporter in the air. She asked her countless questions about flying, why she became a stewardess, what she studied in college, etc.

One year, a small girl was getting on her first flight by herself and she was hysterically crying. Darienne walked over to the girl took her hand and said “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I do this all the time.” The girl’s mother had a look of calm come over her and when the flight crew came to get the unaccompanied minors they were laughing like they knew each other for years.

When the trip to Germany came up in conversation a few months ago we knew that we were presented with an opportunity that doesn’t come up every day. Despite being knee deep in wedding planning, we knew that we would be doing her a disservice if we didn’t at least try to make it happen.

Needless to say that by the time we got to JFK yesterday I was a mess inside but she was just as calm as she ever was. With the insane traffic into NY and the minor flight issue at the counter by the time they suggested we get them to the gate we only had 10 minutes. Then the weirdest thing happened.

I was struck with the craziest sense of calm. I thought back to our first trip, then that first flight alone, and now here in one the largest and busiest airports on the planet… and I was okay with letting her go.

I hugged her again, gave her a kiss, and watched she and Natalie find their way to the correct gate and I knew that she would be just fine. After all, she’s been preparing for this flight since she was barely a month old.

I was shocked. I know a bit about history but I couldn’t believe that the same state that boasts the oldest schoolhouse in America (Portsmouth, 1716) still had one room schools well into the 20th Century. When I was asked if I wanted to write about the restoration of one such school I literally jumped at the chance. The article will appear in my local paper the July 14, 2011, Standard-Times.

The Woody Hill School served Exeter’s District 1 and was fully operational until they lost their teacher and the school had to close in 1942. There were several attempts to restore the school but after a time the building would fall victim to the perils of all buildings that sit too long without use or purpose.  Although the article isn’t online you can see elements of the paper serving the North Kingstown, Exeter, and Jamestown communities by clicking  HERE. The link will bring you to a cover snapshot of the paper and on the lower left you can actually see one of my pictures!

More information about the restoration can be found at the website and blog run by the Exeter Historical Association. Do you know anyone who went to a one room school? Are there any schools like that left in your neighborhood? Do you have an organization working to keep the school alive?  Post some  pictures and tell your story! If you came here after seeing the article in the Standard-Times be sure to let me know in the comments! Thank you!

Adding to the show was the voice over of each survivor’s story in their own words as they walked the runway. It was so moving to watch the reactions of the friends and family in the audience. The stories were amazing and ranged from one woman suffering a stroke while pregnant to another woman having a heart attack and not even realizing it!

As for the designs they were just as wonderful as the models and gorgeous accented with a generous donation from Swarovski Elements. My favorites were the exquisite one shouldered gown designed by Maria Del Carmen Mercado, the stunning number by Jonathan Joseph Peters, and the beautiful dress Daniela Corte made for her survivor who was her mother. Jessica Abernethy’s outstanding and creative design won the challenge but every single participant was a winner.

Thank you Daniel Gagnon for allowing me to use your amazing photos. To see more of his pictures including the wonderful work he did for Style Week click HERE.

I reviewed Karen Beebe’s line Lucille last year and what I remember most was that her line was a bit hurried. It just lacked thefinished quality of some of the other designers. She also had the unfortunate abillity of following Sarah Prost’s Yellow Clover show that was a show stopper. When I spoke to her after the show she mentioned that she had just moved both her home and her shop in the weeks leading up to Style Week and I was shocked that anyone would take on so much right before a huge opportunity like Style Week. When I saw her on the Style Week agenda again I remember thinking that she has a shot at redemption.

Walking into the L’Apogee salon at the Providence Biltmore I instantly saw that Karen Beebe was ready to take on Style Week. She had carefully prepared show lists at the seats complete with order information as well as drawn images of what we’re going to see. When her first model took to the runway I saw the beginning of the redemption that I hoped for.

The Lucille line is flirty and fun with bright colors, short hems, and a little sparkle. The models walked with a bounce in their step and the music carried the soul of the show all the way through. The styling looked like an updated 70′s feel and my favorite outfit of the night was the black and white polka dot dress with the open sleeve detail and white hems. She also had a one of a kind one shouldered navy striped dress that was just amazing.

Samuel Vartan was next to show his highly anticipated Dark City runway show. From the Style Week Providence page: Dark City gets it’s name from the designer’s love of the big, eclectic cities such as Montreal, New York, London, Prague and Berlin which all have a strong underground sub cultures. His past collections featured bright, bold color on simple yet sexy designs. I was very much looking forward to seeing this show.

The tone was set with the two minute intro of monks chanting to a nearly all dark theatre. Oh, the drama! When the lights raised and the models began, it was apparent right away that this was definitely different from his previous collections. Dark City was definitely dark, damn near Gothic, but sexy as hell and stayed true to his minimalist style. I LOVED the Matrix-length trench coats with incredible seam details and his fur piece was gorgeous (although I really wanted to hate the fur).

I was happy to see that the weather didn’t ruin a great night of fashion! Thanks to Daniel Gagnon for taking some amazing pictures and letting me hook it up for you here! Check out his Style Week Galleries HERE. Were you at the cocktail party? Pictures will be uploaded this afternoon. I will see you at this afternoon’s Accessory Showcase and at tonight’s American Heart Association’s Go Red Challenge!

Jeff Lahens was in attendance with his gorgeous wife and new addition baby Sidney as well as the CEO of ECC Style, Shawn Harris. It was great to see their menswear that truly rocked the runway at Style Week in June in presentation style this season. The runway show was so impressive but seeing the clothes on the models so up close and personal and in everyday movement really showcases the quality of their garments. You could easily pick out the gentlemen wearing the collection and that speaks volumes for a designer.

The first runway show of the evening was the much anticipated collection Oui from designer Kara Wickman. I met Kara last season at many of the Style Week events and she incredibly kind and was just as excited as I was to see fashion of this caliber here in Providence. What I didn’t know was that she had a degree in Textile Design and that she’s even designed jewelry. When I found out that she was showing at Style Week I couldn’t wait to see what she was going to produce. What I saw took my breath away.

It would be tough to distinguish Kara’s debut from that of a truly seasoned professional. Her work was meticulous and gorgeously styled by Christina Pierce. She was striving for a look of the Parisian woman on the go who doesn’t sacrifice style and she nailed it. Kara’s designs were sexy, wearable, and she chose the most incredible fabrics to bring her designs to life. Her collection was pure luxury and definitely conveyed her vision. She also received the very first full standing ovation of Style Week January.

Her family told me in the cocktail hour that she’s been working on the collection since September and that makes this grand debut even more impressive. Kara has not only worked on her collection tirelessly for three months she’s also at the very end of her pregnancy! When I was pregnant I could only create complaints so I’m even more in love with what she produced.

The next designer on the runway was Maria Del Carmen Mercado. I actually met Maria last season as well and she showed me a scarf that she hand dyed and I was thrilled to see that she had made it into Style Week. Maria’s collection was showing the different sides of fashion through the different seasons while showcasing her incredible dye work and women’s wear.

Maria’s scarves have made their place in Providence fashion and it was time to show her collection. Her work flowed beautifully and the colors absolutely evoked the seasons. I absolutely loved the quilted jackets that were dyed in nearly electric colors and she really paid attention to how the garments would move. She may have had some slight fit issues but her models were very strong and confident. I think that Maria has a definite future in Providence.

Overall, it was an incredible day and I look forward to seeing the next shows!

TODAY’S SCHEDULE:

5:30-7pm – Check-in & Cocktail Hour hosted by Rockstar Limo
7pm – Karen Beebe Runway Show
8pm – Samuel Vartan “Dark City” Runway Show
9-11:30pm -After Event Soiree at Nara Lounge – hosted by Redken

Still championed by founder Rosanna Ortiz Sinel and Miamore Communications Style Week January is looking to be a twice yearly affair which will model closely to popular fashion weeks in New York, Milan, and Paris. On the 17th floor of the Providence Biltmore Hotel’s L’Apogee salons models took to the runway featuring work from returning designers Sam Mendoza and Sarah Prost as well as Style Week newcomer Avni Trivedi.

Sam Mendoza opened the show with his Untouched collection. The designs were all very romantic biased cut dresses with flowing trains of silk chiffon. His classic untouched hems were still present in this collection but what was different from his first showing was the bold color choices. Untouched was a solid start to the show.

Avni Trividi showed her collection Warrior Queen from her Avni line next and it was beautifully styled by the incomparable Christina Pierce. You can definitely see the influences of her native India in her color choices and hand dyed silks but you also see her edgy style with the modern elements in her design. It was a stunning show that blended old world with new tradition.

The final show of the night was Yellow Clover by Sarah Elizabeth and just like her jaw dropping collection in June she did not disappoint. Designer Sarah Prost has such a keen eye with details and her collection is truly a feast to the eyes a full 360 degrees. From every angle there was no stone left unturned. Her creative uses of WOOD, yes WOOD was my favorite and trust me the Yellow Clover wood belts are going to be a hit. Her models were also gorgeously styled by Christina Pierce. 

The first night of Style Week January was outstanding. According to the Providence Journal the attendance was up slightly and that proves that Style Week can defend itself against the Golden Globes, a highly anticipated Jets/Pats game as well as an always fickle New England winter.

NEXT EVENTS: Tuesday January 17

5:30-7pm – Check-in & Cocktail Hour presented by Regina’s Universe <– yours truly!
6-7pm – ECC Style Special Presentation
7pm – Kara Wickman “Oui” debut Runway Show
8pm – Maria Del Carmen Mercado Runway Show
9-11:30pm – After Event Soiree at Bravo Brasserie – hosted by Rockstar Limo

For the rest of the schedule go here: Style Week Providence

It takes something to go from reality to star to legitimate star. It takes even more to take your 15 minutes of fame and parlay it into something of substance, something with staying power, something truly memorable.

I think that’s why I really like Bethenny Frankel. She started out doing bit parts on television and then when on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. She didn’t win… but do you remember who did? She took her moment of second place glory and capitalized on her fame. If you ask someone about her I don’t even think they’d even mention The Apprentice.

Bethenny’s really made a name for herself and she’s done it in a positive way. Not too many reality stars have done that. How many people remember that The Doctor’s Travis Stork was a Bachelor? He took his moment in the sun and did something positive. Even Elizabeth Hasselbeck – as much as I’m not a fan – is most widely known for being on The View and not for being on Survivor.

I think it was a risk for Bethenny to go on a show like The Real Housewives of New York. She could have been portrayed in many ways but she ended up being the Queen of the One Liner, the sole voice of reason, and the voice of women in their late thirties who are just now finding themselves, their true love, and beginning a family. She’s created more than just a moment on a show… she’s started a revolution… a Skinnygirl Revolution!

when I found out that Bethenny was taking her tour to Providence and with VIP tickets I could meet her I knew I had to go.I want to hear about her crazy childhood, the really messed up relationship with her parents, the fear of commitment, and the celebrity. I want to know how she got to where she is despite all she’s had going on in her life.

I truly hope she’s the same way that I’ve seen on television. I’m ready for some Bethenny-isms!

I totally understand how that feels. I remember making $12.00 with two small children living alone and being told I made way too much money for any type of assistance. Yet it cost me nearly half my salary for day care and once that was paid I was making less money than my staff but I could get nothing. It made everything so difficult.

One woman wrote “not to sound nasty,but if your any race besides white u will get it in illinois! its pathetic! be a druggy,baby popper,teen,etccc..u will get it easily! pisses me off!”

I was stunned. Really? One need only be non-white and you can get assistance from social services? I apparently never got the memo to move to Illinois for the free welfare solely for being black!  I started to write a thousand different things and deleted them all. I didn’t want to cause a fight on my friend’s page.

All day I thought about that comment. It was like it seeped into my skin and then it hit my subconscious. I swear I had a dream about that comment. It wasn’t even what she wrote that bothered me since she’s entitled to her opinion, but my concern was that I did nothing to defend myself, my race, my position. I couldn’t let it go.

When I woke up this morning I knew that I had to right the situation in my mind. I had to do something… but I didn’t want to sound combative or start anything negative but I needed to be heard. I immediately went to Google and searched for percentage of welfare recipients by race in Illinois and posted my results:

From the Illinois Department of Human Services – This report examined the racial/ethnic and foreign-born status of recipients of welfare programs managed by the state of Illinois. Selected findings of the report include:

Racial/Ethnic Analysis

• African Americans form the largest number of welfare recipients, at 745,237, followed by 724,267 Whites and 345,685 Latinos.

There it was in black and white… pun graphically intended. There are plenty of white people on the public assistance docket in Illinois, but everyone already knows that. I really needed her to know that, to see it and hopefully recant her foolish statement. I posted it on my friend’s wall and waited.

What she posted next she cowardly deleted but I got the email notification. I will share it here:

“im not even going to go there! i see what i see regardless of statistics! im talking more about the people that abuse the system! they collect a check and go get there nails done,there hair did,pick up a dime bag while rolling in their caddies! pop out babies just to be on welfare and then bitch ,bitch,bitch about everythingggg! “

This took me back to one afternoon in 1998, when I ran to the bank to get a money order for my rent and I was coming from work. I was in a business suit, heels and I looked quite professional. When I asked the bank teller for the money order she said that if I showed her my welfare card she could waive the money order fee.

Some people will only see whatever they want to see. They will hold on to whatever narrow view they have of the world despite what could plainly change it.  How sad…

How do you see the world?