Essie Opens Flagship Salon

Before this week, mega nail polish brand Essie could be found at over 100,000 salons across the country or at your local drug store. Now, Essie’s iconic shades have some where they can call home.

Essie now has a flagship salon and it seems like a dream come true for founder Essie Weingarten. “It’s really an out-of-bottle experience,” says Weingarten, who founded the brand in 1981. “For years, it was ‘I hope I can get my polishes into this nail bar or that salon,’ and they would call and place an order. Now when I drive down Sixty-fifth Street and see my name on the awning, I can’t believe it.” [SOURCE]

At this super clean and modern girl’s haven, a manicure will start at $32 and a pedicure at $65. The Essie Flagship Salon at Samuel Shriqui is located at 35 East Sixty-fifth Street in New York City. Although I expected a NYC location, it will be nice to see locations pop up all around the country. In the meantime, let me know how your NY Essie experience is after your first visit!

Zebra Katz Feat. Njena Redd Foxxx – “Ima Read”

If you haven’t had your daily dose of something different today, I give you “Ima Read” by Zebra Cats featuring Njena Redd Foxxx. I came across the “Ima Read” video today and though I thought after 30 seconds I would keep it moving, I couldn’t bring myself to pause it. The lyric and video combination is weirdly and shockingly catchy. I almost don’t want to admit that I like it but I would bump it on the low and slowly work my way up to blasting it as I fly down the NJ Turnpike. What can I say. I am a Jersey Girl and I love house music.

Watch it for yourself below and let me know what you think!

McDonald’s Marketing Director Reveals Advertising Secrets

Ever wonder why what you ordered in the fast food line doesn’t look anything like what you saw in the commercial. I think it’s safe to say that we have all wondered this after we feel slighted by sad-looking burger.

After a Twitter follower questioned the disappointing difference, Director of Marketing for McDonald’s Canada Hope Bagozzi bravely took us behind the scenes of their advertising shoots equipped with a food stylist and re-touching.

Watch below for a mini class on McDonald’s advertising.

Angela Simmons “BIKINI” Hair Just In Time for Summer

You may remember back in May when Angela Simmons announced her partnership with Indiqué Hair to launch her own extension line. Well, the day has come! Angela’s “BIKINI” line is now available.

“To me, hair is a statement and an extension of your wardrobe and I’ve always been drawn to fashion and being able to change up my look,” said Angela. She continued, “This partnership seemed natural, much like the naming of BIKINI. A BIKINI is the staple piece during the hot summer months or while on vacation, and the name perfectly describes the beachy texture of my first hair line.”

BIKINI from Angela Simmons by Indiqué Hair is retailing for $210 – $305  per 4oz tube. Indiqué Hair will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of BIKINI to CancerCare, a national organization whose mission is to provide free professional help to people will all types of cancers through counseling, education, information and referral, and direct financial assistance.

For more information, head to www.indiquehair.com. Check out promo pics and a behind-the-scenes video below!

Iggy Azalea Joins Wilhelmina International, Inc.

The “blonde-bombshell” is officially apart of the Wilhelmina family! It seems like the industry was practically begging for rapper Iggy Azalea to add modeling to her resume and she listened.

Wilhelmina International, Inc. is one of the most prominent model agencies in the world and their Artist Management team will be working on endorsement, editorial, and licensing opportunities for Azalea.

“I’m very excited to be a part of Wilhelmina,” said the 5’10” Australian rapper. “I’ve always had an interest in fashion, so it’s an honor to be able to expand my brand further with the very best in the industry.”

Azalea’s career is growing fast. Aside from her new deal with Wilhelmina, she has been working hard at Grand Hustle Records. Azalea will be a releasing her second EP Glory later this month prior to the release of her debut album The New Classic.

Nene Leakes’ Partners with Beanstalk for Fashion Line

Nene Leakes is busy building her empire. The highest paid BRAVO Housewife announced that she has signed with global brand licensing agency Beanstalk for her very own line of affordable apparel and accessories.

“While the fame of reality television characters is often short-lived and fleeting, NeNe Leakes has displayed versatility that has enabled her to transition from being a Real Housewives personality to a featured television star on Glee. NeNe’s multifaceted personality and aspirational style will translate well into products that will emotionally connect with her fans,” said Beanstalk’s President and CEO Michael Stone.

Transgender Model & Former “ANTM” Contestant Isis King Books American Apparel Campaign

Recently, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) announced a partnership with American Apparel for a release of an equality t-shirt line to celebrate Pride month.

Although the “Legalize Gay” tees have been one of American Apparel top sellers, it is the first time the company will feature an openly transgender model for a campaign. Former America Next Top Model contestant Isis King is the face of their Pride 2012 ad campaign.

American Apparel is no stranger to controversy but this time around people are applauding rather than giving them the side eye. In a GLAAD press release organization president Henron Graddick says, “American Apparel is showing bold leadership by being among just a few companies to include transgender people in its national ads. Additionally, the company’s statement that ‘Gay is OK’ will reach millions and send an important message in support of equality.”

You will not only be supporting equality by purchasing a t-shirt and wearing it proudly but 15% of all proceeds from the t-shirts will go towards benefiting  GLAAD’s work. American Apparel employees will march along side GLAAD staff in LGBT Pride parades across the country in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Way to go American Apparel for being bold and daring!

Muhammad Ali and Grandson Photographed for Louis Vuitton Ad

70 year-old former Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali shared the spotlight with a $1,525 Louis Vuitton “Keepall 50″ bag and his grandson for a new Louis Vuitton campaign ad. At three years old, Laila Ali’s son Curtis Conway stood firmly for the cutest photo shoot photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

Print ads will launch June 14th and will run in magazines and newspapers in 60 countries. This ad  should be framed and put on the mantle and not just live in magazines. I love it!

Lil Wayne to Launch NEW Website

Lil Wayne will be launching his very own website in four days called BreadOverBed.com. Wayne has partnered with his friend DJ Scoob Doo for a video based site that will feature exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage into his lifestyle as the President of Young Money.You wanted a peek into Wayne’s working environment? Well, you got it!

“This Bread Over Bed thing is more like a lifestyle, it’s more like a way of life,” said DJ Scoob Doo who is not only a veteran DJ but an accomplished video director. [SOURCE]

“There’s no quit, there’s no stopping, there’s no such thing as a break, and the best part about it is there’s no reason why — the reason is you,” Weezy told MTV News in an exclusive clip announcing his involvement with the new site. “The reason why I don’t stop is because of me, the reason why I don’t sleep is because of me, the reason why I don’t take breaks is because of me. I don’t have to. It’s natural.” [SOURCE]

Solange Knowles for Carol’s Daughter NEW Transitioning Kit

Singer, dj and model Solange Knowles has been a spokespersonl for Carol’s Daughter for some time now. Since then, she has a become iconic in the natural hair world which made her the perfect person to represent the brand’s new Relaxed-to-Natural Transitioning Kit.

The transitioning kit is the first hair care treatment kit to assist women with their journey from relaxed to natural. The 1-2-3 kit aims to help with product build-up, shedding, damage to the scalp and dry hair. Some are calling it the “miracle” kit and it can be purchased at carolsdaughter.com for $40.

Knowles graced the kit’s campaign video. Watch below.