The Perfect Wine to Celebrate the Summer

 

As America’s number one wine with fruit brand, Arbor Mist Wines, introduced a fresh new flavor to usher in the summer: White Pear Pinot Grigio. Juicy white pear blended with crisp Pinot Grigio delivers a delightfully sweet, aromatic and flavorful wine for any social occasion. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party, planning a wedding shower, packing a picnic, or need a refreshing respite from the heat, the new White Pear Pinot Grigio has a light, clean and refreshing taste to please all palates.

 

At just $3.99 a (750ml) bottle ($7.49 for 1.5L), it offers value and quality for those packing in a summer schedule full of events and get-togethers. 

Introducing the King of Bachata Pop

by LeAura Luciano

The newest bachata sensation Anthony Espinal, best known as J’ Martin, was born in Queens, New York from Dominican parents. When he was a teenager he moved with his family to Santiago, Dominican Republic. While living in Dominican Republic, J’ Martin discovered sounds that are native of this culture like “Perico Ripiao”, balads and a style of bachata called “Cabaret”, and that have influenced him a lot in his career.

J’ Martin’s career started in 1994 with Baby Band as a composer and leading vocals. After leaving this band, J’ Martin was part of “Oro Solido”, “Banda Soberbia”, amongst other bands. It is not until 2010 that J’ Martin debuts as a solo artist with his album “Para Ti”, where he incorporates bachata and R&B to pop music, therefore creating “Bachata Pop.”

“Para ti” contains 13 songs, many of them penned by the artist, including “Me Voy Triste,” “No soy su tipo,” and his first single “Intentalo,” which hit the #1 spot on the Billboard charts.

J’ Martin cannot believe everything that he has accomplished, and said “I have no words to express what I am feeling right now, I am really surprised. I wrote this song under a mango tree back in the Dominican Republic and I never thought that it would reach this level. I feel like I am floating in the air.”

For more information about J’ Martin visit:

www.jmartinmusica.com

www.twitter.com/jmartinmusica

www.myspace.com/jmartinmusica

Gossip Girl Style With A Rock & Roll Twist

Blake Lively rocked Affliction Black Premium to Rihanna's concert at NYC's Madison Square Garden last night. The Gossip Girl was spotted looking sexy and chic in Affliction Black Premium Lizzie shorts, $128; http://www.afflictionclothingstore.com/.

Time for Dress Up

With fall creeping up, trust me it will be here before you know it, you will want to be prepared. Dresses are an easy way to transition into autumn. I recently previewed the Shumaq Fall 2010 Collection by Peruvian designer, Vanessa Barrantes, and saw beautiful dresses with romantic ruffles and vintage inspired pieces in deep, jewel tones.

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Available at Lola y Maria in LES www.lolaymaria.com and www.Shumaq.com 

FYI Look out for these dresses on Zooey Deschannel in her upcoming film with Paul Rudd, My Idiot Brother, debuting early next year.

Peek-a-boo Lace

From taboo to must do, let your lacy bra show through a silky top or peep through a low cut tee for a mysterious and flirtatious feel. With a hint of playfulness and a touch of naughtiness, what better way to dress for a summer occasion than by wearing your underwear as an accessory?

Lula Lu Petite Lingerie caters to smaller-busted women of all heights and sizes, carrying sizes as small as 32AAA and 30AA.

Lula Lu offers a collection of petite lingerie that not only flatters the petite figure, but more importantly, fits.

Collection ranges in price $46-$90 for bras and corsets and $26-$30 for bottoms. Most styles are available at www.lulalu.com.

Christina Hendricks Gets Kissed

Esteemed celebrity nail technician Jenna Hipp recently used Kiss 100 Count Active Oval nails for Christina Hendricks cover shoot with the LA Times Magazine.  Hipp chose to apply the opaque nails with press-on adhesive tabs then painted them with a sultry burgundy polish to match Christina’s retro look for a flawless manicure. 

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Kiss 100 Count Nails, $6.99, come in many shapes and lengths to fit nails perfectly. Just apply with glue or adhesive tabs, file to any desired length and shape, and then polish for a long-lasting manicure (polish adheres longer to plastic over natural nail).  

The best part, they’re easy to apply and remove!
Kiss products are sold at all major drugstores nationwide and online via www.beautyonlinesupply.com

For more information, please visit www.kissusa.com

Green Your Cleaning

by LeAura Luciano

Not a fan of smelly cleaners? Me neither. I recently became a fan of Eco Clean, an indigenous Denmark cleaning product range made from local Danish ingredients. Its the perfect way to go green with your clean. 

The entire line is child friendly and even features a special foaming option nozzle which minimizes the exposure of vapors, making it particularly useful for people with allergies.  Made from  plant and sugar based surfactants, no toxic gases or fumes are released upon contact with water.  The fragrances in the hand soap are also allergy friendly.

All Eco Clean products retail for $4.49 at www.Alice.com and Duane Reade. 

Celeb Spotting: Step Lively

 

Spotted in NY: Blake Lively

While strolling through NYC with beau, Penn Badgley, the Gossip Girl star was spotted hiding behind a paper bag in a black & white Kate tank, $64; http://www.joesjeans.com.

From the pulled back paparazzi shots we see the that actress also wore THE GIRLS Tummy Control Capri Pants, style #7079, $30;  http://www.thegirlsapparel.com.

At EverSoPopular we know other celeb fans of THE GIRLS include Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, Whitney Port, Ashley Tisdale, Amanda Seyfried and Emma Roberts.

Me Gusta Bailar!

ITS TIME TO DANCE so here are summertime party songs to wind down the Summer of 2010! Once that K-Town version of Jersey Shore gets picked up I hope 'Like a G6" is the theme song. Who doesnt want to dance in the desert! Super exited about Step Up 3D! We've seen action, adventure, cartoons in 3D its time to add pop lockin to the list. Love a catchy hook & upbeat attitude!

Viva Burlesque: The Lalas Burlesque Show

Breaking walls, pushing limits and taking it off, The Lalas Burlesque Show is headed for big time status recognition. Last week The Lalas packed a standing room only show at Bardot Hollywood.

The burgeoning fresh and naughty burlesque dance troupe is created and choreographed by Erin Lamont. Lamont has been working professionally as a choreographer/dancer/model. We were able to get her to share a few of her secrets to success as well as some behind-the-scenes insight.

EverSoPopular: Hi Erin. The Lalas Burlesque is one of the hottest acts on the Hollywood scene right now. What prompted you to create The Lalas Burlesque show?

Erin Lamont: I lived right up the street from a lounge that had a burlesque group perform – I saw their show – then directly called the owner and told him that I had girls that were hotter – better bodies – more technically trained – and that I could bring a crowd. He signed us on for 7 months after our first performance!

ESP: How did you get into dance and the entertainment business?

EL: It’s that age old stereotypical story. I took my first tap class at 7 years of age and fell in love. I started choreographing in college, where I studied dance and business and promptly, 7 days after graduating from college, I received my first dance contract working on a cruise ship. I hopped right into that gig and have been working ever since!

ESP: Reactions have been strong and positive from The Lalas’ audiences. What is your secret to standing out and wowing the crowds?

EL: Honestly, it’s my girls. They are freakishly phenomenal. They have a quality that just makes people stop and stare. The choreography and concepts are extremely important, don’t get me wrong – but just having a Lala stand in front of a crowd of hundreds and maybe just unbuttoning a shirt for 3 minutes – makes the crowd CRAZY! I love watching my show come to life.

ESP: The girls in the show are all dynamic, beautiful and talented. What are some of the traits that you look for when you hold auditions for The Lalas Burlesque troupe?

EL: This might not be the sexiest answer – but I look for that dancer that is punctual, and really pulled up for the audition. She takes care of herself. And equally as important, I just have to like them . There are so many talented girls working in this business but 3/4 of them I would never even consider – just because they have the wrong attitude. SO the bottom line: on time, prepared, and cool as hell. That’s why I have only 8 Lalas.

ESP: Is being a part of such a competitive dance genre anything like the cult classic movie “Showgirls?”

EL: Absolutely – that catty sh#t happens on a daily basis. One-upping a girl at a show or at an audition. But, my point of view is that there is enough work for everyone. I know that we are not the only burlesque show going on in LA, but we are sure as hell the best one. The dancers that are usually complaining are the ones that aren’t working, so I like to stay away from that.

ESP: An evolution like the Pussycat Dolls is what comes to my mind. What can The Lalas’ fans expect to see in the future from your troupe?

EL: The business model I have laid out for the Lalas is similar to that of the Pussycat Dolls – before they “made it big.” We are a burlesque group – and I plan on keeping it that way. The Lalas will be an international brand – we will have a reality show – we will have live shows performing simultaneously throughout the industry, whether it be in a casino , on a cruise ship, or private parties and events. Our shows will continue to WOW! I intend on keeping quality the forefront of our name.

For more information about Erin Lamont, please visit: http://www.erinlamont.com

The Lalas Burlesque Show continues at Bardot Hollywood, 1737 North Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028, Located upstairs of Avalon. (323) 462-1307, www.bardothollywood.com. $10 Admission Fee for General Public.
Friday, August 6th at 10:00 PM
Friday, August 20th at 10:00 PM
JUST ADDED: Special Date: Saturday, August 14th, Foundation Room at the House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069, (323) 848–5100

Repair Summer Damage

by LeAura Luciano

Now that summer is winding down its time to evaluate the impact the sun has had on us.

Hopefully you have been engaging in safe sun! That means making sure to apply SPF and wearing your sunnies all summer long. Whether you’ve been diligent or not, its time to check in and evaluate summer sun damage. Here are some products you need to remedy common dilemmas:

Hair Highlights Causing Breakage:
Try Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs System which regrows and thickens weak, thinning hair. 

Retails: $20-38

Sweaty Feet:
Stop slipping out of sandals with Avalon Organics Deodorant Spray.  This refreshing mist is perfect for sweat soles.

 

Retails: $8.95

Itchy, Peeling Skin:
Help the planet and your post-sun burn with Alba Botanica Rainforest Andiroba Exfoliating Body Wash.  This shower gel gives back proceeds to the rainforest and sloughs off dead skin with essential rainforest oils! 

Retails: $9.95

New Shopping Find: Jalapeño Shopper

Jalapeño Shopper, a new online boutique, www.Jalapenoshopper.com, offers style seekers top-quality jewelry and accessories for those tired of the same boring, over-priced accessories typically found at the mall. Putting a global spin on current trends, items found on www.JalapenoShopper.com are either inspired by or made in different parts of the world and prices do not exceed $100, the majority is under $75.

Pedro, The Jalapeño Shopper, is the site mascot. He searches the world for unique and interesting styles that look like they came from markets and bazaars common in other countries. Whether it’s a sterling silver ring from Thailand, a necklace from Mexico, or a cuff bracelet from a hip designer in New York City, the jewelry selections inspire a simple question, “WOW! Where did you find that?” And now you know!

For more news follow them @jalapenoshopper and Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwjalapenoshoppercom/110725735620961?ref=search

Summer in NYC: Lincoln Center Out of Doors

Marking its 40th anniversary, Lincoln Center Out of Doors celebrates with three weeks of FREE music and dance on the plazas of Lincoln Center. Kicking off on July 28th it will run through August 15th. The 40th annual edition of the festival will present a wide range of music and dance events by dozens of international, U.S. and local artists, including Latino and Latina artists representing a wide range of backgrounds, and music and dance styles and traditions.

Por ejemplo, Larry Harlow’s La Raza Latina: A Salsa Suite conducted by Larry Harlow, starring Ruben Blades, with guest vocalist Adonis Puentes, plus orchestra and chorus on a double bill with Bobby Sanabria Big Band in their New York premiere.

The best part is all the events are free and take place on Lincoln Center’s Plazas between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues, from West 62nd Street to West 65th Street (except where noted).         Visit www.LCOutofDoors.org for complete schedule.

Juan Luis Guerra: Bachata en Fukuoka

Necessito practicar espanol! Pues, the best way is through repetition.

That’s why I am playing Juan Luis Guerra’s “Bachata En Fukuoka” on a loop!

GOLD RUSH

Accessories come in a variety of styles but the big trend that will take you from summer to fall is the statement necklace. This season the golder, bolder, edgier the better it is! For the meek try one statement piece, styled conservatively, the one piece will be the standout of your outfit.  Check out my faves from a range of price points.

 

 

Mixit Flower Statement Necklace, $34 available at www.JCPenney.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Beads Necklace, $132.11 available at www.pret-a-beaute.com

Amrita Singh Reversible Resin Necklace, $300 available at www.couturecandy.com

  
Lia Sophia Red Carpet Collection Lanaya Zipper Necklace with Black Diamond Crystals in Matte Gold, $700, available at www.liasophia.com

Vintage Givenchy 1980's Gold Tone Multi Strand Heavy Medallion Diamante Charm Necklace, $926.48 available at www.asos.com

Dos Equis & The Most Interesting Night Out

 

Last night, New York City’s Hudson Hotel held a top secret event: The Dos Equis CARGO HUNT Launch Party. There were food, drinks, performances, a variety of entertainment and for those adventurous folks a few Cargo Hunt competitions such as digging through a bug pit and trekking through quick-sand. Oh yeah and there were prizes, much like the online hunt!

   
As legend has it, during a routine circumnavigation of the world, the Most Interesting Man's personal aircraft malfunctioned, and he was forced to parachute much of his priceless artifacts mid-flight across North America. Many were recovered. Many were not. He is calling upon his loyal friends to use all their vast talents to help recover his private collection in the Dos Equis Cargo Hunt.

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By signing up for the Dos Equis Cargo Hunt players become “Cargo Hunters” and collect virtual treasures in several ways: through the Cargo Hunter’s map on the website, through codes on specially marked Dos Equis packaging, and at special promotional events this summer. Various prizes are given out along the way and at the end the players with the most artifacts qualify for a Cargo Hunt grand prize – an all-expenses-paid trip to Mexico. For more info check out the Cargo Hunt website, http://dosequis.com/cargohunt

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Favorite Old New Store: Now With More Mango!

 

JCPenney recently transformed its contemporary shopping experience with the launch of its dedicated MNG by Mango shop-within-a-shop. The partnership brings high quality, affordable European chic runway fast fashion directly to its customers, making them the exclusive U.S. department store retailer for MNG by Mango.

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Check out the full contemporary offering of career and casual women’s sportswear as well as handbags, accessories and footwear all which fall under JCPenney’s “better” and “best” pricing tiers retailing from $9.90-$19.90 for a tee to $59.90-$159.90 for a jacket.

For additional MNG by Mango trends and chic Fall styles visit your local JCPenney retail location or www.jcp.com.

Summerize Your Workout!

No Gym, no problem! I asked the experts at New York Sports Clubs to share their top workout that you can do at a gym, at home, in the park or anywhere you workout.

Mix these 8 exercises into your regimen:

Core
Straight leg hold – lie on your back, legs straight and hands behind your head. Lift shoulder blades off the floor using your core. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower. For a more challenging move, while your shoulder blades are off the ground, lift your legs, keeping them straight. Hold both for 5 seconds before returning to the start position. Work your way up to 3 sets of 20.

Plank taps – On your elbows and toes, keeping your back flat, tap one leg at a time out to the side. Try to do it for 30-45 seconds, working your way up to 60 seconds.

Arms
Double-stop pushup – Assume the pushup position with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders. Keep your back straight and your neck in line with your spine. Lower yourself halfway and hold for 2 seconds. Then, continue to lower yourself until your chest is about 4-6 inches from the floor. Hold for 2 seconds. Push back up to the halfway point and pause again for 2 seconds before pushing back up to the start position. Try for 3 sets of 10. Start on your knees if necessary.

Glutes
Bum lifts – Lie facedown with legs spread into a v-shape, and knees bent to 90 degrees. Keep your feet flexed and hands out to each side in a goal post position, elbows bent at 90 degrees, palms flat. Lift your quads (front of legs) off the ground a few inches, pressing your feet straight up while you squeeze your glutes. Lower legs and repeat for 3 sets of 15.

Burn fat
Clap squats – These are tough, but very effective. Place feet about 3-6 inches wider than your hips. Keeping your feet flat on the floor, bend at the knees and hips to a 90 degree angle without letting your knees extend beyond your toes. Hold that position for 3 seconds. Using an explosive move, pushing up from your legs, jump up in the air from the squat position and clap your feet together. Try to land in the start position. Try for 3 sets of 10.

Double/One-leg hops
Starting with both feet together, jump about 6 inches off the ground 30 times. You can then switch to one-leg hops, 20 on each side. To make things more challenging, hop on one leg and jump side-to-side and front and back. Work your way up to jumping for 3-5 minutes at a time.

Jump Rope
Just like on the playground, this exercise is still a lot of fun. Grab a jump rope and try to keep it going for 40-50 repetitions, working your way up to 100.

Legs
Curtsy squats
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides. Cross your right leg behind your left, just past your left heel. Rest your toe about two feet behind you. Keeping your right heel up, squat down as far as you can without letting your left knee extend past your toes. Push off your right glute back to starting position and continue on the other leg. Alternate legs and work your way up to three sets of 20.

Inspiring!