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New York Fashion Week 2012 is approaching and everyone has their radar on for whats hot in these streets. For this reason I was honored when Billuko, “The Working Socialite”, of Hanging Out with Bill.com reached out to interview me. HangingOutWithBill.com is a commentary on life, pop culture & fashion seen through the experiences of the author. Please click the link to check out my interview & more photos. LUXE! >>> People of Style Interview
This weekend after an early dinner at TAO NYC I was able to have a few after dinner drinks with my lady at cool spot called Beauty & Essex. B&E is located on Essex St. on the Lower East Side of Manhattan not far from Katz Deli. The place is set up like a speakeasy. The store front is an old furniture store turned pawn shop with all types of gaudy artifacts and fancy jewels. Look close enough and you can see the hip hop influence like the Notorious B.I.G. figurine. Walk into the Pawn Shop. Admire the inventory for a few seconds. Then head for the back door where the burly,but polite security keep watch of the entry into opulence.
Leaving the pawn shop and entering Beauty & Essex is part of what makes it cool & NY. Inside is swanky and laid out very nicely. Long hanging chandeliers, winding staircases, fur walls,2 bars & seating for dining. There is a bar in the ladies room & complimentary champagne. I did not use the men’s room, but it trust it was up to standards. Drink menu include creative cocktails like the Emerald Gimlet, Beauty Elixir,the O.D.B. or the Woodford Wilson. Women have a nice selection of trendy drinks to sample. I am not into fruity drinks, but the Woodford Wilson which is, Woodford Reserve bourbon, pineapple, lime, ginger beer, brandied vanilla cherry, is more masculine than it sounds. A small selection of impressive beers like Stella, New Castle, Negra Modelo & yeah even Hieneken Light. Red & white wine by glass or bottle.
I did not eat, but I will return to have dinner. A woman seated next to us at the bar had a pizza appetizer thing called a, “Sweet Roasted Tomato Pizzeta”. It smelled delicious. The menu includes gourmet versions of burgers,onion rings, ribs , steak & seafood. Also known as the Beauty & Essex burger, Vidalia Onion Ring Tempura,Heritage Baby Back Ribs, Bone in Rib-eye & Pearls of the Sea. Remember, a Bentley isn’t white,it’s moonbeam!
Beauty & Essex is a cool place to take a young lady(or two)hang out have some drinks, appetizers & a meal. This is where you go when Fridays wont do. When she deserves more and you need a different element. Good place for date,groups, a sexy night out for the ladies, celebrations & good times. For a guys night out on the town not so much. For more pics and full menu check the website >>> Beauty&Essex.com
Beauty & Essex
146 Essex Street
New York,N.Y. 10002
Greetings everyone I hope 2012 is beginning on a good note. I would like to thank everyone for all the continued support. Thanks to everyone who bought my Winter B&L shirts they sold out quick fast. More Luxe things to come this year. More posts,more fashion,more LUXE, more love, more hate, more positive energy & more surprises. I do a lot and I am as busy as all of you are,but I make time. I know how it is out here.
In the mean time when you are in the mood for some LUXE style please check out my Tumblr. I update as much as possible with quality visuals of luxuriousness & sexy images for your viewing pleasure. >>>>> Serious Bok Luxe Museum
Christmas is in 7 days & most likely we have that major thing thing our loved ones want, but how about that little extra. That other unexpected thing that says,”I take the extra step.” Here are a few do-able item gift ideas for the ladies that go beyond the norm. Fellas listen if you want. Ladies drop hints and they will have to.
Bond #9 High Line is described as ,”The scent of wildflowers, green grasses & urban renewal.” Listen it smells fresh and no one will smell like her. She may be a Beyonce fan and I know its easy to go to CVS and get that Beyonce Heat… but don’t. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores. 100ml $220
Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf. Why because it’s tough and the skulls are mean, but she will smell all feminine and intimidate. Also at Saks or online $295
Balenciaga Shades. I like shades so if I’m fly she fly. These are popular not not common. Very fly. Find these at Solstice Sunglasses. $375
A camera upgrade is always nice. I know most phones especially iphones have great cameras. Nothing better than an official camera during vacation time or especially at concerts. Disposable cameras are useless at concerts.
Neiman Marcus Jewelry Box. Her jewelry box should be just as Luxe as your humidor. If your cigars are in imported Spanish cedar with golden handles her diamonds and baubles should be just as comfortable. $285
Speaking of cigars get her some. If your lucky and she smokes cigars hit up your local Cigar Shop like Barrister Cigars for some Drew Estate Acid Blondies or whatever she likes.
The only thing better than happy hour prices is a free happy hour. Throw some gift cards to her & her girls friends favorite watering hole in a stocking. Fridays, Cheesecake Factory, Legal Seafood , Nobu..etc,.The place she likes not you! Remember it’s the thought not how much the gift cost..usually. Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa all that from Serious Bok!
I stay on top of the sunglasses,shades,eyewear, face jewels,hater blockers or whatever you call them. Shades are a good year round and aviators are timeless. The sun always shines. Instead of walking around squinting welcome the sun the shine its rays on you in these Alexander McQueen eyewear pieces. Looks great with a cigar, expensive watch & inexpensive t-shirt.
I like the red ones they just have Serious Bok all over them. LUXE. Pick these up at Alexander McQueen.com or Neiman Marcus.
Last night I attended the WTT TOUR at the Izod Arena in Jersey! Here Jay-Z & Kanye West performed for me. I know first hand people who do not attend concerts. They feel as if paying a price to watch some “people” on a stage perform is a waste. I don’t see it this way. Especially if you like an artists music so much that you play it often and know the words. The least these artists can do is come out and perform for the people. When the performance is phenomenal that makes it even better. And yes you must pay! This is a job. Jay and Yeezy did a damn good job.
The concert was as straight forward as the “Watch The Throne” album. No pre-show DJ, opening acts or intermissions. The show started when the show started. Almost 3 hours of non-stops classics from both artists catalogs. The pyrotechnics, lasers, lights, rising image displaying platforms & unforgettable lyrics were a creative spectacle. At one point both these men sat down and watched the screens with the audience. That was not a problem. Its like we grew up with these two icons. We’ve worn sports jerseys together. We bought button ups together. We went through the car crashes & 9/11 together. The sit down was cool.
At the end of the show Jay & Kanye performed “N***@s IN Paris” ….3 times!!! Back to back to back. If it was up to me they could have done that song 3 more times. Every time Jay said,”One more time?, Bring it back! Ball So Hard!” you had to be there to feel that energy. A bootleg concert vid does no justice. Very good time and worth every penny. Thanks to Kanye & Jay for performing for me.
“NO CHURCH IN THE WILD”
After concert cigar is a must. I am B&L, Serious Bok.
For future events visit B&L and check http://www.livenation.com/
This week I attended the opening reception for the, “Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity” exhibit at the Aljira Center for Contemporary Art in Newark, N.J. The Dandy Lion exhibition is, “a collection of photography by 10 artists exploring the phenomenon of Black Dandyism throughout the African Diaspora.” If you’re unaware of the Dandy Movement check the video & brief description by curator Shantrelle P. Lewis.
“A refreshing exhibition, guest curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis, Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity takes a glance at urban Black Dandies who like their continental African counterparts, Le Sapeur of Brazzaville, Congo, embody style, sophistication and a commitment to culture via dramatized masculinity. This exhibition is an examination and approbation of the contemporary dandy in Diasporan settings. Dandy Lion is an homage to the fashionable urban gentleman – an African Diasporan man of style, an urban connoisseur of sophistication and a contemporary man of extraordinary swagger.”
Dandy Lion Exhibit Video Flyer – Opening Reception 10.27.11 from Shantrelle Lewis on Vimeo.
I had a good time here at this exhibition. Good to meet the photographers/artists & Curator of this great work. If you missed the opening ceremony event with live D.J., meet and greet,white wine & refeshments don’t worry.The exhibit will be on display until December 22nd, 2011. I did not take any pics of the artists work because this is something that you should go out, support & see for yourself. LUXE.
For more info and all artist participants visit http://www.aljira.org/
Aljira Gallery
591 Broad Street
Newark, N.J. 07102
Sometimes Super Models are not so super. Besides a photo in a high fashion ad, very little is often known about their personality. A few up and comers actually have a beautiful personality along with a great look and are utilizing social networks to broaden their exposure. The Lovely Chanel is one of the latest models who is following this path to fame. I’m always on the look out for a new restaurant, hip hop act and yes even new models. Hopefully my interview with Lovely Chanel will offer you some insight on the life of an aspiring model.
Serious Bok: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from how did you get started modeling? How long have you been doing this?
Lovely Chanel: WELL I’M 24YRS OLD FROM DALLAS TEXAS. I GOT INTO MODELING AROUND 2006 AFTER MY MOM STARTED TAKING ME TO CASTING CALLS. MY CAREER DIDN’T START HITTING HARD UNTIL 2009. I’VE BEEN IN SOME OF THE DALLAS LOCAL ARTIST VIDEOS SUCH AS YOUNG BLACK- BALLING ALL WEEK DIRECTED BY KANG BEAR, D.A. SQUAD-TROUBLE, (VIDEO SHOULD BE RELEASE SOME TIME NEXT WEEK), G-SQUAD-STUPID FLY, BUSTDOWN CLICC- PARTY HARD, GUAP -THROWING SINGLES & LAST BUT NOT LEAST MR. WIDE FRAME-PULL OUT THE MAGNUM. I’M STILL WORKING HARD TO REACH THE TOP. I ENJOY MODELING BUT FAMILY & MY COLLEGE DEGREE COMES FIRST. I LIVE EVERY DAY AS IF IT’S MY LAST I CHERISH EVERYTHING I LEARN IN THIS INDUSTRY.
Seems like everyone who takes pictures is calling themselves a model. What separates you from the pack?
MODELING IS NOT ABOUT HAIR & MAKEUP IT’S AN ART. IT TELLS A BOOK & EACH POSE HAS A CHAPTER THAT’S YOUR STORY. IT’S ABOUT HARD WORK & IF YOU CAN REALLY STAND OUT FROM BEING JUST “A MODEL”. YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SEE YOUR WORK & SAY OK I WANT HER EVERY TIME. PEOPLE SEE MY TWEETS I’M AT PHOTO SHOOTS, NETWORKING OR CONNECTING WITH MY FANS KNOWING WHAT DIRECTION YOUR GOING IN SUCH AS FASHION,VIDEOS,PROMO ETC,. MOST IMPORTANTLY CAN YOU TAKE GOOD/BAD CRITICISM? NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO THINK YOUR SO BEAUTIFUL. WHEN YOU DECIDED TO PURSUE THAT MODELING INDUSTRY YOU HAVE TO WATCH WHAT YOU DO, SAY AND CARRY YOURSELF BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO MESS UP SO THEY CAN PUT YOU DOWN.
The photos I have seen of you have been of high quality,sexy, but not trashy booty pics. What keeps you from portraying a scandalous image for attention?
WELL MY PHOTOGRAPHER IS DERRICK D. BROWN. HIS PHOTOS ARE IMAGES OF WHAT IS SEXY,NUDE ART,BASICALLY HOW A WOMAN STARTS & END HER DAY ETC BUT IT’S DONE TASTEFULLY. I’M A MOM SO AT THE END OF DAY I HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT ONE DAY MY KIDS WILL SEE THOSE PHOTOS. I JUST FEEL LIKE I DON’T HAVE TO SHOW MY ASS OFF TO SELL MY PHOTOS. TO BE HONEST I’M VERY DIFFERENT I’M 6’0 & I GET SO MANY DM’S & COMMENTS ON HOW MEN LOVE MY HEIGHT & MY LONG LEGS JUST TO SEE ME IN SEXY HEELS MAKES THEIR DAY. I EVEN HAVE FEMALES THAT GIVE ME COMPLIMENTS AS WELL. SO YEAH SEX MAY SELL BUT MY WHOLE BODY IS MY PACKAGE THAT’S SELLING. YES I’M TALL BUT I’M CURVED IN THE RIGHT PLACES THAT GIVES MY BODY THAT ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
If you could do a photo shoot on location anywhere in the world where would that be?
I WOULD HAVE TO SAY DISNEY WORLD BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS TOLD MY KIDS THAT IF I ACCOMPLISH MY GOALS THAT’S MY DREAM VACATION FOR ME & MY FAMILY. I WOULD WANT THAT SHOOT TO CAPTURE ME FOR WHO I AM AS A MOM,DAUGHTER,SISTER,MODEL. A WOMAN WHO LIKES TO LIVE LIFE TO FULLEST.
Besides modeling what is on the agenda?
BEING A MOTHER,NURSING SCHOOL FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT
I see your not all tattooed up. No judging I don’t have any either. Not my thing. Why no ink?
ACTUALLY I HAVE ONE ON MY LOWER BACK BUT IT’S MY MIDDLE NAME. IT’S NOT HUGE AT ALL I DID THAT TO GET OVER THE FEAR OF GETTING INKED BUT I DON’T HAVE ANY PLANS FOR MORE.
When people think cigars they usually think old republican in a expensive suit. What do you think when you see a modern young cigar smoking wine sipping gentleman?
I NEVER BEEN A BIG FAN OF THAT BUT IF HE DOES IT I JUST WANT HIM TO RESPECT ME & NOT SMOKE AROUND ME. NOW WHILE I’M NOT AROUND THEN WE ARE OKAY BECAUSE HE IS IN HIS FREE TIME. THE WINE DOESN’T BOTHER ME LONG AS HE’S NOT A HEAVY WINE DRINKER LOL
In your bio on OneShotPromo.com you describe yourself as relaxed,upscale & 1stclass. I sum that up as Luxe. So I’m going to ask some Luxe questions to see how you handle a few situations. This is not a test. LoL
OKAY I’M READY LET’S GO 
You and friends plan to book a vacation 3 months from now. When the day arrives some people are not ready to book. What do you do?
I WOULD UNDERSTAND EVERYONE’S MONEY ISSUES & I WOULD JUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ME,MY KIDS,& FAMILY TO TRAVEL. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED TO TRAVEL & A FAMILY VACATION IS ALWAYS AWESOME IN MY BOOK.
Your allergic to seafood but a guy takes you to a seafood restaurant anyway.
I WOULD JUST TELL HIM WE COULD DO DESSERT & DRINKS NO BIG DEAL. I’M REAL LAID BACK NOT PICKY & IF HE PAYING I’M NOT COMPLAINING. THAT’S A GENTLEMEN. BUT I DO LOVE SEAFOOD. LOL
A world famous photographer promises fame ,but asks you to pose nude. How do you handle that?
WELL I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN DALLAS TEXAS “DERRICK D. BROWN SINCE JANUARY 2011 AND I HAVE POSE NUDE BEFORE. AT FIRST IT WAS A BIRTHDAY PIC FOR MYSELF I WAS JUST HAVING FUN BUT THEN I BECAME VERY COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN & EVERY SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN OK.
Your going to dinner you come out the house dressed to go to Nobu & the guy pulls up to Applebees. Now what?
WELL LIKE I STATED BEFORE I’M NOT PICKY. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO RESPECT A MAN’S BUDGET. THAT DOESN’T MEAN HE CHEAP AT ALL I JUST WANT HIM TO RESPECTFUL & SHOW ME A GOOD TIME. TO BE HONEST I NEVER BEEN TO APPLEBEE’S, BUT I LOVE CHEDDARS FOOD PLACE.
Would you prefer one pair of Red Bottoms or 15 pair of Payless shoes?
WOW NOW THAT’S A TRICK QUESTION LOL I WOULD HAVE TO SAY RED BOTTOMS BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE THEM DESIGNED IN A WAY THAT DESCRIBES ME VERY FUN SPIRIT.
Quality over quantity! It appears you are upscale and 1st class. You are a lot nicer than I. You’re such a lady. I feel mean now. Thank you for making time for Broad and Luxe. Any words for your fans?”
I JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS TO ALL OF MY FANS & SUPPORTERS I READ ALL YOUR COMMENTS,EMAILS, ETC,. ALL OF THAT IS MY MOTIVATION. I LOVE EACH & EVERY ONE. CONTINUE TO FOLLOW ME ON MY JOURNEY & A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MOKIE (D.A.SQUAD) HE PUSHES ME TO STAY FOCUS WHEN EVER I HAVE BEEN OFF TRACK HE CONTACTS ME FOR THAT SERIOUS TALK & I LOVE HIM FOR THAT!!!!!!
-SIGNED WITH LOVE MISS LOVELY CHANEL-
Follow Lovely Chanel on Twitter at @Chanel_LoveSyOu She doesn’t like cigars, but she wont embarrass you when you pull up to the drive through. Still Broad&Luxe.
Also follow Photographer @DBrownphotos and see more at Whatissexydbrown.com
Last week I made reservations at Harlem,NY hot spot “Red Rooster”. Lately I have been more into fine dining lunch than late evening dinner. It was the personality of renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson that made my visit a must. I have seen Mr. Samuelsson on tv and read magazine interviews of his passion for food. That and one look at the menu makes riding into Manhattan not far at all for a nice lunch.
Our reservation was for 12 noon. I recommend making reservations. We arrived maybe 5 minutes early,(which is late to me) and were seated immediately. There is indoor, outdoor & bar seating. Some tables are shared seating with other small parties. We sat next to a very nice woman from Arkansas and her mom. This was their first time here as well. Very nice people and atmosphere. Sharing a table was not a problem.
The menu boasts comfort food & classic American Cuisine. Fried chicken, greens,fish & more than you might expect, but prepared not just cooked. We enjoyed the corn bread for starters. Soft,buttery, toasted edges with a seasoned tomato sauce was just great. The blackened catfish with black eyed peas was fresh and blackened not burned spicy and called cajun. The black eyed peas were actually yellow and my woman who doesn’t eat black eyed peas loved them. I had the Fried Yard Bird. This was a large portion chicken breast & leg fried with some of the best seasoned skin I’ve ever tasted. The menu says it is dark meat, but it was white and not dry. There was a side of hot sauce which was really more thick paste instead of watery like red hot and better. Both meals came with collard greens. The Mac & Greens is listed as a meal by itself, but can be shared as we did. The mac & cheese was made with my favorite cheese, gouda, so I especially loved this.
She enjoyed cabernet while I had 2 glasses of a great beer new to me. Keegans Mothers Milk is an ale described as charred wood, vanilla & cocoa. I sipped this ale and wanted to light up a cigar right there in the restaurant. I need this ale it is a must have. For dessert we tried the Whiskey Fudge with macadamia nuts. Yes I tried this just because it said whiskey. These were three bite sized but very rich portions. Good dessert portions for lunch. I would have eaten two more if on the table. Overall the food and service was excellent.
Our experience here surpassed just eating. The Chef, owner & creator of the menu Marcus Samuelsson greated us and just about all guests. With his apron on in between duties(yes he was working) he made sure we were ok and that I shared the mac & greens. The First Lady Michelle Obama also stopped by for lunch with friends. She sat a few tables away & I was honored to be in here presence. Red Rooster Harlem is a must visit right in the heart of Harlem.
Red Rooster Harlem
310 Lenox Avenue
New York,NY 10027
http://redroosterharlem.com
OK so summer is over and its getting cold on the North East. Just like every year it gets cold and most bring out the same Timbs and ACG’s. I try my best not to. Now Supra, one of my favorite sneaker/footwear lines has boots for the winter 2011/2012 season. Check them out or stare at mine. LUXE.
Supra Douglas Boot
Supra Skyboot
Supra Henry
Supra’s are very comfortable, many different styles, colors and affordable. And lots of people still not up on these yet. Check more out at SupraFootwear.com
