TB Exclusive: The Fabulous Michelle Obama will Visit Gainesville This Week

It has come to my attention that Michelle Obama is coming to speak in Gainesville on Wednesday, October 22 at 2:30 pm, at the Hippodrome Theatre (25 SE 2nd Place Gainesville, FL 32601).

The purpose of her visit is to inspire people, but especially the large student population, to vote early and vote for the change America needs. The first day of early voting in Florida is Monday, October 20th.

People can begin to arrive at the Hippodrome starting at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

TB Exclusive: Bath & Body Works Sexy, New Fragrance + Some New Old Favorites

Bath and Body Works has long since been a favorite at-home-spa destination of women all over the world, and a go-to store when looking to buy somebody a nice gift on the cheap. Nowhere else can you find such a broad assortment of lotions, body washes and everything else you could possibly ever need in your favorite fragrances! Lately, I've been trying to tear myself away from Sweet Pea and Moonlight Path and try something fresh and new.

I was pleasantly surprised by my two new favorite B&BW scents! I decided to try Sensual Amber and Enchanted Orchid.
Sensual Amber is a lovely "oriental" and "woody" fragrance. The top notes are: Bergamot, Wild Berries and Succulent Plum. The mid-notes are: White Rose, Orange Flower, Lotus Petals and Iris. Finally, the base notes consist of Amber, Creamy Sandalwood, Vanilla, Patchouli, Praline and Musk Captive. Basically, it is an extremely seductive scent because it has such a deep, sexy base scent but fades into floral and fruity delight. Luckily, I recently received the entire collection as a gift! I was soooo overjoyed. I love this fragrance!
My other fave is Enchanted Orchid. I love all things floral and exotic and the orchid is one of my favorite flowers. Now, it has turned out to be one of my fave scents. You will love it too if you love subtle, floral and citrusy fragrances that aren't too overbearing. The fragrance top notes are: Pink Grapefruit, Wet Greens, Waterlily and Crisp Apple. The mid-notes are: Calypso Orchid, Fresh Gardenia, Delicate Iris and Violet Petals. The base notes include Vanilla Orchid, Heliotrope, Creamy Amber and Skin Musk. Like Sensual Amber, Enchanted Orchid has a deep base, but is softened up even more with an abundance of floral extracts and fragrances.

The moral of the story is... try something new and you may just be pleasantly surprised!

P.S. Speaking of new, B&BW is revealing its "sexiest fragrance ever," dubbed Black Amethyst. Sounds sexy, right? The name reminds me of Black Orchid by Tom Ford. Anyway, the new line drops into stores on September 3rd or you can order it online NOW at "BOGO 50% off." It is "a hypnotic scent inspired by chic, sensual and confident women."


Fragrance top notes: Bergamot Italian Oprur, Juicy Mandarin, Sparkling Tangerine, Zesty Orange, Waterfruits, Crisp Melon
Fragrance mid notes: Lily of the Valley, Magnolia Blossom, Sheer Gardenia, Tuberose, Freesia, Peony Petals, Camellia
Fragrance base notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, Musk

[TB Exclusive]: Rihanna's NEW Disturbia Video

Check out the new Rihanna video for the song, "Disturbia," off of the Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded CD. It was released exclusively by iTunes yesterday for a short 48 hour period. The video, directed by the force behind Christina Aguilera's infamous bad-girl video transformation (Dirrrtaaayyyy!), will premiere on BET's 106&Park and on MTV's TRL today.

I'm not sure what I think. This is definitely a different spin on the bad girl theme. I'm not sure if it's different good or different bad. What do you think?



A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Disturbia"

[TB Exclusive]: Backstage @ Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami

On Friday, July 18, 2008, South Beach witnessed one of the first star-studded events during the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim - the Shay Todd 2009 Swim Collection Fashion Show, held at the luxurious Setai Hotel.

It was one of the most humid and steamy nights I have ever experienced in my 21 years in Miami. If I was wearing my glasses, they would have fogged up! However, the Miami heat was extremely appropriate for the blazing hot swimwear that was strutted down the pool-turned-runway.

This event was my first time backstage or anywhere near a real fashion show (I'm not counting college fashion shows). There was that little board that celebs take pics in front of and everything (check out my pic below)!

I was sooo excited, but had to tone it down to keep up appearances and try to blend in as a fashionista who was accustomed to such glamorous events. This was an extremely hard task because it seemed like the glamourous life, which I previously only lived vicariously through The Fabulous Life and America's Next Top Model, was unveiled before my very eyes. I was on a keen alert for things to report back to you!

Read more for the scoop, fashions and celeb sightings at the Shay Todd show!

Shay Todd is an up-and-coming swimwear designer who has shown her work on several runway shows, the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Issue and several other publications. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan and more are fans of her sexy, modern designs.

I got to work with Shay and see her amazing designs up close. Her swimwear and cover-ups are not for the shy and probably not meant for swimming! They are perfect for lounging and looking fab by the pool. It screams Miami. Everything I saw was perfect for the glamourous side of SOBE.

Backstage at the show was a crowded and hectic scene! I stood there like a sponge, taking in everything that was going on, trying to pick up some exclusive backstage info.

Ridiculously tall models, publicists, event staff, hairstylists, Smashbox makeup artists and dressers milled around making final preparations for the event. Cameras from Entertainment show, Extra, were there interviewing the designer herself.

As the fashion show was about to begin, it was very hectic. Final touches were done to hair and makeup and we all helped the models get into their first looks. They rocked long ponytail extensions and glamorous bronze makeup, courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics. As the music began to pulse, the show began. It went by very quickly. It was probably only 20-30 minutes long, but it was worth the wait. I'm sure the audience was wowed by the utter fabulousness of the clothing.

After the show, all kinds of people ran backstage to congratulate Shay. I spotted several celebs, including Richie Rich (of design duo Heatherette), Kristin Cavallari (from Laguna Beach) and Meagan Goode.

Overall, it was a great time! I hope I can go to some more events! Fashion shows are amazing and I can see why they are frequented by celebs! Even the gift bags are awesome. I got one filled with Nivea and Smashbox products! Look out for some reviews on those coming soon!

Since this is the collection for next Resort & Cruise season, I got the heads up on swimwear trends for 2009!

• Cut-outs still rule for one-pieces



• Swimwear with grown-up ruffles are in



• Bikinis with lots of hardware are also in



• Get away from plain beach bags, and look for one that is embellished and glamorous



• Look for cover-ups in sheer, gauzy cotton material with cute details



• Simple rules! - Plain colors such as green, lavender, white and black are classics that are coming back



• Go for big, gold accessories!
  

Look out for exclusive backstage beauty tips coming VERY soon to TB. Also, I'll be adding more pics from the show soon!