Celebrate National Dog Day with Zulily

No one can resist a puppy - even if he's just on a t-shirt! The folks at Zulily are pooch-passionate people and they have a number of dog-inspired apparel that will make the dog lover in you howl. For men, women and kids, Zulily has something for everyone. Zulily is a discovery-based online retailer so browse through their website and celebrate your dog today (and who knows what else you'll find!)

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MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL

Pictured (L. to R.): Anastacia McCleskey, Anthony Wayne and Jacqueline B. Arnold

Photo: Nathan Johnson

"Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical"Now playing Off-Broadway at Theatre at St. Clement’s

Pictured: Anthony WaynePhoto Photo: Joan Marcus

Pictured (L. to R.): Jacqueline B. Arnold, Anastacia McCleskey, DeAnne Stewart, Rahmel McDade, and Anthony Wayne.

Photo: Joan Marcus

Pictured (L. to R.): Anastacia McCleskey and Jacqueline B. Arnold

Photo: Joan Marcus

Pictured (L. to R.): Anastacia McCleskey, Anthony Wayne and Jacqueline B. Arnold

Photo: Joan Marcus

Pictured: Martha Wash and Anthony Wayne as Sylvester, from the Off-Broadway musical MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL.

Photo Credit: Matthew Rettenmund

Anthony Wayne as Sylvester

Photo: Nathan Johnson

MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL, the hit musical celebration of the life and music of the original 1970s “Queen of Disco,” Sylvester, continues to spread “DISCO HEAT” across America, and will next play a special one-night-only performance on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM) at The Variety Playhouse (1099 Euclid Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307).  

Produced by AnthonyKen LLC and Sheryl Lee Ralph/The DIVA Foundation, MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL is written by and stars Anthony Wayne (Pippin, Anything Goes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) and is co-directed by Mr. Wayne and Kendrell Bowman, who also serves as the show’s costume designer.  

Sylvester James, Jr. (September 6, 1947 – December 16, 1988), better known as Sylvester, was an American disco and soul singer-songwriter. Known for his flamboyant, androgynous appearance, he became known in the United States as the "Queen of Disco."  Born in Watts, LA, Sylvester developed a love of singing through the gospel choirs of his Pentecostal church, which he left after being persecuted for his homosexuality.  His career started as an early founder of a group of black cross-dressers and trans women known as The Disquotays. After that group disbanded, he moved to San Francisco and embraced the counterculture, joining a drag troupe, The Cockettes, and he eventually produced solo shows heavily influenced by female blues and jazz singers like Billie Holiday and Josephine Baker. Sylvester left the Cockettes to focus on his solo career, and by 1978, his acclaimed album Step II spawned the disco classics "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and "Dance (Disco Heat).”  He released 12 albums in his career, and had several more hits, including “Do Ya Wanna Funk,” and “Can’t Stop Dancing.” An activist who campaigned against the spread of HIV/AIDS, Sylvester died from complications arising from the virus in 1988.  In 2004, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame, and one year later in 2005, Sylvester himself was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame for his achievement as an artist.

Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman were inspired to create the musical after seeing the “Unsung” documentary about the artist on TV One in 2010.  Moved by his story – by Sylvester’s bravery to openly be who he was in an era in which that was not supported or encouraged by society - Mr. Wayne sought out his music.  Hooked, he discussed Sylvester's music and influence with Mr. Bowman and they both put their talents together with determination to bring the icon's story to the stage. 

*For Tickets ($65.00 - $75.00) Visit www.FabulousSylvester.com for tickets and information.

Get to know Sylvester a little bit better:

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My "Aspire Stylish" Eyewear

Do you like my new glasses?! I am obsessed with them! I recently introduced you to Aspire Eyewear, a fashion-worthy, lightweight brand exclusively distributed by ClearVision Optical. These glasses- my glasses - sport a subtle grey-green fade, weigh next to nothing but are extremely sturdy. Aspire offers many styles to choose from and colors, but mine will work well with my wardrobe and silvered hair. Hey, these are things to consider when choosing eyewear. Form and function, as I've said many times, go hand-in-hand when establishing style.

Can you can see the translucency of the frames? I've never handled more lightweight glasses than Aspire's. They use a specially designed nylon material that makes Aspire Eyewear 50% lighter and thinner than regular frames. The designers of Aspire have achieved the perfect balance between style and technology. Make sure to visit their website for more information and to find a location near you!

Aspire Eyewear is a must have: vintage vibes with a modern twist. Classic, sophisticated but edgy.

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London Tube Commuters are Greeted with Colorless Figures

Earlier this year, Tube commuters in London were greeted by the strange sight of a group of 'colorless' passengers, as they set off to work in white Morphsuits and white, nondescript clothing.

The slightly creepy sight of a group of people dressed head-to-toe in white morphsuits was part of a study which suggests people in the city are shying away from using bright colors in their everyday lives.

The stunt was arranged by Dulux, who claim Brits have been ditching bright colors for sand, grey and black since the 1990s.

A study found color is draining out of all elements of life from fashion and beauty, to technology, architecture and interiors.

The pictures depict a colorless future in London, with commuters donning all white to show no individual personality.

The faceless commuters are seen flagging down a bus, while bland city workers are snapped leaving tower blocks.

Marianne Shillingford, Dulux creative director said: "We add more color when we are off duty as a celebration of freedom and an expression of individuality.

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What's Old Is New Again: Modern Designs With an Eye on the Past

Whether it’s a quirky cocktail bar, a vintage-inspired car or a throwback fashion trend, modern design tends to have one eye in the future and one in the past. Make no mistake, designers are artists who strive to push their craft in exciting, new directions. But you can’t know where you're going until you know where you’ve been. Every new design innovation is a culmination of what has come before it. The key is to know when to borrow from history and when to push away from it. With that being said, here are three forward-thinking, modern designs that definitely paid attention in history class:

The Broken Shaker

Located in the heart of the River North district in Chicago, The Broken Shaker is undoubtedly on the list for the greatest cocktail bars in the United States. The cocktail menu constantly evolves to reflect the whims of the bartenders, who prepare each drink with such a high degree of care that you almost feel bad taking a drink. That feeling quickly dissipates, though, because each cocktail is completely out of this world. Think of the bar itself as a surreal reimagining of the last tiki bar on earth. With its palm tree wall paper and tchotchke-heavy decor, The Broken Shaker embraces the tackiness of late '60s, early '70s style. This bar is the epitome of modern design: You’ve never seen anything quite like it, and yet, you feel like you’ve been there your entire life.

The Volkswagen Beetle

The original 1933 Volkswagen Beetle was designed to be a cheap car that anyone could afford. This was also true (to some extent) of the New Beetle, which was released in 1997 to widespread acclaim and even wider sales. Since then, the Beetle has maintained a steady but enthusiastic following. It remains a prime example of a truly modern car that stands firmly on the shoulders of its forebears. Taken as a whole, the 2015 model looks almost unchanged from the 1933 model. It’s not until you focus on a specific detail that the modern flourish starts to reveal itself.

Grunge Fashion

In the early '90s, grunge fashion was often characterized by (and criticized for) its lack of design. Unlike the very deliberate fashion trends of the 1980s, grunge was defined by a lack of intention. It could be composed of whatever was lying around, such as an unwashed T-shirt or one of your father’s old, plaid work shirts. Back then, grunge meant that you weren’t trying very hard, and that was cool. Now, grunge means you’re trying to look like you aren’t trying very hard. Modern fashion design takes this oxymoron into account. That oversized, red-and-black plaid work shirt has transformed into a dress, complete with belt loops so you can create contrast by way of an accessory. How’s that for intentional?

There are plenty of other examples of current fads that borrow from the past. From the revival of records and books to antique furniture in a modern house, most designs straddle the line between past and present. Some just do it more successfully than others.

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The Discovery Trekking Extreme Ultralite Travel Towel

You may be wondering why you should bring along your own towel if you plan to stay in hotels this summer. Simple! The Discovery Trekking Extreme Ultralite towel is different. Its a towel, a travel blanket, a sun-protective sarong, and much more!

This silky towel takes almost no room, but provides a lot of use.  Going to the beach and the pool? No problem! Your towel will dry FAST so it’s ready to go when you are. The Extreme Ultralite towel also functions as a sarong or swimsuit cover, so you can bring it along in style and then use it to dry off after your swim.

If your fun in the sun includes sand this summer, the Extreme Ultralite towel is the perfect choice. Since it doesn’t attract sand like other towels, you don’t have to worry about trekking grains through your hotel room or vacation rental. Whether your travel plans include workouts, running, or just hanging by the pool your Extreme Ultralite towel is the perfect companion. While you travel, it makes a lovely blanket to keep you or your kids comfortable as you head to your fun destination. 

With so many uses for your Discover Trekking Exteme Ultralite towel, the real question is why wouldn’t you bring it along? For more information, please visit www.discoverytrekking.com

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Grey Goose and UrbanDaddy Welcome the Summer Season with Summer Soirée Series

Host Mandy Kellog Rye of Waiting on Martha Welcomed Guests to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for a Night of Cocktails, Mingling and Games...

On Thursday June 25, UrbanDaddy continued the Grey Goose Summer Soirée series in Atlanta at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Host Mandy Kellog Rye of Waiting on Martha welcomed Atlanta’s elite to a French-summer inspired evening with cocktails and backyard games.

Attendees were greeted with a choice of six refreshing citrus-infused cocktails provided by Grey Goose and bites provided by the Mandarin Oriental hotel.  Guests socialized and played life-sized chess and Jenga, while enjoying the Mandarin’s picturesque English Garden. DJ Pat O'Brien set the mood for the evening with chilled out electronic beats while guests ordered cocktails from bartenders and waitresses wearing French-inspired blue and white stripes. To enter for a chance to win a trip to France, guests were encouraged to create their own Summer Soirée videos at the GIF booths.

Continuing the series throughout the summer, UrbanDaddy is taking the event cross-country in four other markets for the Summer Soirée Campaign: Los Angeles (7/8), Washington, DC (7/14), Chicago (7/17) and New York City (8/5). These exclusive parties will be invite-only from the sites most socially, influential subscribers as well as influencers from each city. In addition, UrbanDaddy will also host the Ultimate Soirée Contest for four fans to visit Le Logis by highlighting their Summer Soirée in 5- 15 seconds using #SummerSoiree. For more information, visit: http://soiree.urbandaddy.com/ultimate-soiree.

Slideshow Photos by Ben Rose.

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