DECEMBER 2009
HOLIDAY ICE
Inaugural Edition
STYLE | CULTURE | CONSCIENCE
URBAN LUX MAGAZINE
“Luxury is what YOU make it”
CONTENTS
| CONTENTS STYLE 8 ICED LOOKS The perfect Holiday Makeup Guide
11 ICED TOYS 2010 Auto Review
CULTURE 14 HOLIDAY CHEER 5 questions to ask your cater
URBAN LUX APPROVED 16 THE MUST HAVES LUX gift ideas
CONSCIENCE 18 BALLETHNIC Increasing artistic opportunities
ON THE LUX SCENE 20 OUT AND ABOUT The Urban Lux mix and mingle
On the cover: Photography by John “Jas” Stephens; Styling by Lentheus Chaney; Hair and Makeup by Scoobie West, Model: Kinnik Sky; Clothing: TriBeCa
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THE LUX TEAM
| EDITORS NOTE The Holidays are upon us and it seems that the year has passed at lightning speed. If you had the pleasure to experience the snow Atlanta received earlier this year, you’ll remember the streets, homes, cars and trees all cover by the beautiful blanket of white snow. Being a Floridian, I am not very used to snow and always amazed at how it gives the comforting feeling of the holidays. The theme of this December issue was derived from those same thoughts and feelings of snow and the holidays. This issue, in sorts, is the inaugural edition of Urban Lux Magazine. The format has changed; however, you can always expect our mission to stay the same and that being to deliver STYLE, CLUTURE, and CONSCIENCE from an Urban Lux point of view. When I started on this journey several months ago, I had no clue that it would grow faster than I could keep up with. Fortunately, with great words of advice and motivation from colleges, I present to you “Holiday Ice”. Enjoy! - Lentheus Chaney ‘09 URBAN LUX MAGAZINE OPPORTUNITIES We are currently looking for telented, motivated individuals to join THE LUX TEAM in the following areas: • Account Executive/Business Development • Editors • Contributing Writers • Graphic Design • Photographer / Videographer For more information please send a letter of interest to: UrbanLuxMag@UrbanLuxMagazine.com URBAN LUX MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS James Brashears, Carlton Brown, Michael Bryant, Ivory Conley, Briian Dargon, Darcy Harris, Lee Jones, Faith Murphy Knight, Yolanda Owens, Scoobie West, Steve Wells, Carla Williams, Ty Wilson, Abby Smith, John “Jas” Stephens, William Sumrall III
© 2009, STRONG PUBLISHING. All rights reserved | UrbanLuxMag@UrbanLuxMagazine.com
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STYLE | ICED LOOKS
STYLE | ICED LOOKS ecember will indeed cause a collision of D engagements upon your overbooked social calendar. As
you transition into the season, it is important to have the right holiday look even when pressed for time. Opt for a fresh face approach to achieve that desired “Iced Look”
FRESH AND FREE LIGHT EYES; LIGHT LIPS
SIMPLE CHIC LIGHT EYES, LIGHT LIPS Re-create at home by using a mat velvet foundation by Makeup Forever, then set with a translucent powder. Eyes, Kitschmas eye pigment and carbon, both by MAC. For a healthy glow, on the cheeks, use Sin blush by NARS. Lips, a touch of lilac lip glace by Laura Mercier.
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Re-create at home by using a sheer glow foundation by NARS cosmetics, set with translucent powder. Eyes, MAC pigment Deckchair with a touch of embark on the outside corners for contrast. Cheeks, Laguna Bronzer by NARS. Complete with a sheer gloss in Blossom by Big Girl Cosmetics.
If you dare, take that “Iced Look” up a notch with severe lips and eyes, a guaranteed show stopper.
STYLE | ICED LOOKS
| ICED LOOKS
SMOKEY DARK EYES, LIGHT LIPS
FRESH AND BOLD LIGHT EYES; BOLD LIPS Re-create at home by using a sheer glow foundation by NARS cosmetics, set with translucent powder. Eyes, MAC pigment Deckchair with a touch of embark on the outside corners for contrast. Cheeks, Laguna Bronzer by NARS. Complete bold lips with deep cherry lip liner (filling in the entire lip) topping it with MAC’s dazzleglass creme in Amorous.
Re-create at home using mat velvet foundation by Makeup Forever, then set it with a translucent powder. Eyes, layer young punk, a mineral eye shadow, and parfait amour eye shadow, both by MAC. For a healthy glow, on cheeks, use Sin blush by NARS. Lips, use Viva Glam II, topped with Viva Glam VI special edition gloss, both by MAC.
Photography: John “Jas” Stephens (dapphotography.com) Models: Kinnik Sky, Ivory Conley Hair and Makeup: Scoobie West (scoobiewest.com) Styling: Lentheus Chaney for TriBeCa (tribeca-fashions.com) UrbanLuxMagazine.com dec|09
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2010 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS For those who remember Clark Kent stepping into a phone booth to become SUPERMAN, Now all you need to transform to a Superhero is about $259,000.00 and you can Fly in a this ultra exclusive Supercar. Bentley is known for coddling it’s occupants with refined luxury beyond compare, visual appeal that is not missed by the least interested viewer. Its elegance is unmistakable.
STYLE | ICED TOYS
STYLE | ICED TOYS
Now, over two hundred pounds lighter, this Ultra Luxury coupe has added extreme power worthy to be called a “Supercar”. The Bentley Continental GT coupe has turned into the Bentley Continental Supersports. Marked with Supersports badging, this replaces the S on your chest. Functional air vents on the hood to help this powerhouse breath better. Black Chrome wheels aggressively dress up all four angles and rear fenders two inches wider to accommodate the staggered stance. The rear is finished in tinted taillights, black trim on the rear valence housing the wider tailpipes. Inside, the rear seat removed to lighten and make it more personal is now lined with diamond quilted alcantera and a carbon fiber bar to keep your parcels in place. The alcantera continues onto the roof liner, door panel, and seat inserts that can be ordered to contrast with the array of leather colors available. Carbon fiber trim carried on throughout the interior, carefully placed on the dash and the rear shell of the front seats. Keeping you in control is a velvety neoprene steering wheel. We did call it a Supercar, right? Not forgotten is what makes this aggressive but still elegant piece of art move. A 6.0liter W12 engine that produces 621horsepower that will take you from 0-60 in 3.7seconds. Enjoy this Toy, it’s hot enough to melt the HOLIDAY ICE.
- William Sumrall III UrbanLuxMagazine.com dec|09
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STYLE | ICED TOYS
ICED TOYS | 2010 Mercedes Benz E350
Toys make us think of various types of Fun, Playful Teasing, Childlike even adventures. Not much concern about any of our responsibilities. Well Mercedes Benz, a staple in the automotive industry admired by many, trusted by those who own them, and setting standards for the competitors to keep up has brought you a new Toy. It’ll tease those wanting to ride, just know who you are, or have one of there own. Only enhanced by some not-so childlike traits….. It’s responsible, safe, and takes care of some of your business before you do. It is the 2010 Mercedes Benz E350 and E550 Coupe. The E Class 4-door sedans have been totally redesigned for 2010 and in the process have resurrected a 2-door E Class not made for 15 years; borrowing a style technique from 1955 classic Mercedes design. The frontal view has a precision cut that would make any diamond jealous. With the option of very focused fog lights or enticing L.E.D. running lights make its presence known and not letting you forget it’s a Mercedes. The practical L.E.D. light design is repeated in the turn signal markers on the side view mirrors and finish up at the rear in wrap around tail lights. The L.E.D.’s give you brighter light, that last longer, and use less energy. The edgy front end fluidly leads into graceful lines that flow to the rear with a pillar less profile that says it’s moving even when it’s standing still. The interior as inviting as it is will tell your friends, four is cozy, but five just won’t fit. There are 4 contoured buckets and a console for the front and rear passengers.
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The front seats have an option to please with you a massage option. There is an optional 40GB hard drive multimedia system with iPod integration and an in dash memory card reader. Neither you or your 3 other passengers will feel confined thanks to the B-Pillar missing in between the 4 retractable power side windows and standard panoramic glass roof with sunroof will give you the open air driving experience closely related to that of a convertible. We’ve talked about Beauty, now on to the Brains. Blind spot assistance to keep you aware of your surroundings. Distronic Plus that will slow the car and resume speed while driving with cruise set. Night vision to help you to avoid any undesired mishaps while driving down not so lit roads or the unexpected person or animal approaching or in the road. Another intelligent feature is a 70 point monitoring system that will give you various alerts if this vehicles sensing your are falling asleep from that busy work-day or the event that lasted a little later than expected. And much more. Is that not enough toys in your mobile playground? This Brainy Beauty has Brawn too. E350 coupe starting at $48,000.00 is equipped with a 3.5 liter V-6 with 268 Horsepower while the E550 coupe starting at $54,000.00 is equipped with 5.5 liter V-8 with 382 Horsepower. This child prodigy would have finished high school early and went off to college while doing an internship and running track.
- William Sumrall III
CULTURE | HOLIDAY CHEER
CULTURE | HOLIDAY CHEER
I recently spoke to a very good friend of mine, whose sister
recently celebrated her nuptials. He shared the details of the reception. That blissful anticipation of what should have been a memorable day was all but that. Even I was astounded from what I heard. PEOPLE….PLEASE LISTEN…Can you hear the words that are coming out of my mouth. There are anumber of incredibly and talented caterers in Atlanta, as well as in your city. But there are those chosen few, rogue bandits out there determined to deliver as little as possible, while attempting to get away with as much as possible. Don’t get me wrong… the bride and groom had great intentions, paying champagne prices, but ultimately receiving a draft beer reception. That is why when planning your Holiday Cheer this season, you need to know the:
5 Questions to Ask Your Caterer
Finding a local catering company is easy, but finding one that understands your particular needs and meets those needs, is another matter altogether. Catering is a deceptively subtle art that, when done well, looks effortless and meant to be, but if it’s done poorly...well it can be an unmitigated mess. While most people have trouble remembering what they had for dinner yesterday, we all remember our best and worst meals. It’s also important to understand that great catering extends beyond the taste of the food, and includes everything from the presentation of the food and accompanying décor, to the efficiency and demeanor of service staff. So, with this in mind here are the top five things to look for from your prospective caterer.
Track Record
Make sure the catering company you’ve chosen is comfortable with, and has experience in handling the particulars of you’re event. While it’s not necessary that the company being considered has worked in the venue you’ve picked, they must do a site inspection with you. A detailed site inspection well in advance of the day will give you a chance to draft a floor plan laying out food stations and bar placement. It also helps to look at the little things like the adequacy of power supply and the proximity of electrical plugs. Coffee urns and portable convection ovens draw a huge amount of power, so make sure there is access to the electrical panel, incase a breaker is accidentally tripped.
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Make sure your chosen catering company has adequate insurance for any mishap. Chances are, if something does go wrong, it’ll be something relatively small like a burnt countertop, but will your caterer be willing and able to fix it? A good catering company should carry insurance coverage between 2 million and 5 million dollars.
All in one house
Unless you’ve hired an event planner (or you’re one yourself) it’s best to work with a caterer that does it all, or one that works closely with an event planner. From the obvious menu planning, to things like organizing rental contracts, liquor licenses, decor, staffing and entertainment, a lot of details are involved. Having one responsible point of contact for the aforementioned insures that nothing gets missed and there is someone assuming total responsibility.
You get what you pay for
Having an accurate budget for your event can save you a lot of headache. While it goes without saying that everyone wants the best for the least, you really DO get what you pay for. If, for instance, you’ve asked four companies to bid on your job and one quote is a lot lower than the others, a bell should go off. What are they not promising and what corners are being cut for them to deliver their service that still allows for them to make a profit?
CULTURE | HOLIDAY CHEER
Insurance
| HOLIDAY CHEER
Flexibility
How much time will your caterer devote to your event? If you’re planning a large event like a wedding, the correspondence could fill a book. Everything changes, guests list go up and down, weather might affect rental lists, so is you’re caterer prepared to work with you? Needless to say, due diligence is of the utmost importance here. Ask for references, and CALL THEM. Also don’t hesitate to ask to visit one of their upcoming events so that you can see for yourself, their presentation skills, and the efficiency of their staff. A tasting can go well, but that may not tell you much about their presentation and how they are equipped to handle a crowd. Make sure that you meet your caterer face to face, ask questions, and listen. This may be a one day event, but without the feeling of, somewhat of a personal relationship with your caterer, you’re leaving a lot to chance. So final lesson here…. due diligence, due diligence, due diligence. It will pay off in the end. - Carlton Brown
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TOP PICKS | URBAN LUX APPROVED
TOP PICKS | URBAN LUX APPROVED Koe Dogg
This Koe Dogg sport casual shoe from Shane and Shawn offers a hip and different look without losing any level of sophistication. It has a paneled leather upper in a low profile silhouette, a gored tongue for a secured, yet flexible fit, and a quilted insole for nonstop, long-lasting comfort. Dust bag included for storage. $155.00 - shaneandshawnstore.com
Rovio™ Robotic Home Security System
Don’t even consider taking a vacation, contracting a home improvement project or even leaving your dog in the house while you work without having ROVIO™ to keep an Internet-enabled eye on things for you. $299.99 - wowwee.com
Gem Bib Necklace The Don Duffel
Side cluster and gems bib necklace Antique gold plated steel chain Brass clasp Gems $334.80 - thewalkingboutique.com Youngblood Timepieces
STX Collection - $195.00 - ybtimepieces.net
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Travel this holiday in style with your very own Don Duffel bag. Men and women alike will enjoy the feel of the durable, breathable leather with ostrich print. Its smart business design consist of top zipper closure, four front pockets for personal or business items, and a shoulder strap for carrying convenience. Small back pocket is ideal for tickets, ID, credit cards, and or passports. The detachable handles and strap make it easy for overhead storage for any airline. (25 lbs weight limit) $250.00 - duffelbags.donniewellz.com
CONSCIENCE | BALLENTHNIC
CONSCIENCE | BALLETHNIC Increasing artistic opportunities and outlets for the community, Ballethnic \bal-eth-nik\ Dance Company, Inc. is enhancing cultural diversity. The organization is comprised of two components, Ballethnic Dance Company and Ballethnic Academy of Dance. The Company is a classically trained, culturally diverse performing company, while the Academy provides professional training for children and adults. Ballethnic involves the community, especially youth and those who are financially disadvantaged, in an appreciation of their unique art form. Through their unique programming they instill in children an interest in the culture of dance and offer them new outlets for expression and enjoyment. Founded in 1990 by Nena Gilreath and Waverly T. Lucas II, both former members of Dance Theatre of Harlem and Atlanta Ballet, Ballethnic’s goal is to inform, educate, and entertain through dance. Ballethnic Academy of Dance (BAD), is the official school of Ballethnic Dance Company, Inc. Providing a unique education through the art and discipline of dance, training is provided through a variety of dance techniques including Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Pas De Deux, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, African, and Ballethnicize (an original style of dance developed by Co-Founder Waverly Lucas). As a family oriented school, BAD’s educational approach stresses disciplined lives, sound bodies, and focused minds for both children and adults. Students keep journals to enhance their craft and concentrate on learning dance terminology as part of their training through reading, writing, and spelling skills. In addition to instruction, the Academy focuses on the full development of each student.
Learn more about and support Ballethnic by visiting their website at ballethnic.org. 18
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ON THE LUX SCENE
ON THE LUX SCENE FAME FASHION & MUSIC @ THE W
FRIEND RAISER @ HAGEDORN GALLERY
COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE
MANNA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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KASIM REED FOR MAYOR FUND RAISER