Out & About

When you live in NYC, and often times when you visit, everything can turn into a fast-forward blur.  Here are some parties and events that Street Walkers NYC attended.  Enjoy some moments from Logo's The A-List: NYC's Rodiney Santiago's calendar release party at Boxers NYC, fashion designer Edwing D'Angelo's trunk show (held at Ryan Nickulas's amazing Penthouse), and Lady Fag's Clubber Down Disco at The Chelsea Hotel.

Features: Nick Alan

Since the late nineties Nick Alan has been crafting a style and aesthetic all his own, centered on a modern appeal, classic lines and a clean tailored fit. A self-trained artist, Nick Alan single-handedly designs his line with patience and an eye for detail passed down through generations.
In the past decade he has fine-tuned his ideas and techniques by listening to his inner thought process, making him a more self-aware artist. Nick Alan is very careful not to study current trends or other designers, so that his intentions and ideas are solely his. He designs for the sheer joy of creating, exploring his thoughts and dreams while designing clothing and jewelry that make his clients feel comfortable and attractive.

Here's the Q&A we had with Nick Alan...enjoy!

SWNYC: What got you into designing?

NICK: I started sewing at a young age. My parents owned an upholstery shop, so at the age of 7 I started learning how to sew. Later I helped out by sewing "piping" for furniture. It was an old cast iron "Singer" sewing machine with a leather belt and foot peddle. I started pretty raw. But it made me the skilled craftsman I am today!

SWNYC: What was your first official piece?

NICK: I used to make all of my own clothes that I would wear to school. I had a pretty crazy wardrobe and I used my school like a runway. (i wasn't getting anything else out of it, so I made the best of it!)

SWNYC: What moves you to create?

NICK: My dreams and visions drive me. I see things in my head that I can only express by physically creating them and wearing them. Once I create something and put it out in the universe, it's overwhelming, the reaction and positive feedback that I get. That drives me even more. It makes me realize that this is what I was meant to do.
SWNYC: Where do you see Nick Alan International in the future?

NICK: Everywhere! My main goal with my company is to branch out eventually, opening stores all over the world, that I can run as I see fit. I want to build a company where the employees actually feel appreciated and respected. I know it seems like a side step away from actual fashion design, but customer service and the proper treatment of people is very high on my list. Working retail for so many years made me really see how ridiculous company policies can be. I won't mention names... but I have worked for my fare share of huge companies, where all the decisions are made by someone who has never once stepped foot in a retail workers shoes. It's a very sensitive topic for me. I just don't feel that it is right to put so much pressure on an employee who is severely underpaid, and forced to walk around on hard concrete floors for 8 hours a day in 3" heels. It's inhumane. I'm going to change that.

SWNYC: Name some people that you've worked with (or that have worn your pieces) and what it was like...

NICK: My first little burst of "is this is really happening," was when I saw Crystal Rose Truhart on the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency in my clothing on national tv. It was a pretty amazing feeling. I remember calling my team and freaking out over the phone. It was a great feeling of accomplishment, as well as some great exposure on 5 consecutive episodes of the show!

SWNYC: So we spot Nick on the street, what would we see him wearing?

NICK: Skinny Jeans, white loose t-shirt, black boots and my leather "Claw" coat. I like to keep it fairly simple... I don't wear labels. (Not that everyone else shouldn't... I depend on those people!) Dressing is such an anxiety attack for me. I know, odd considering I could make and wear anything in the world I wanted to, but It can be stressful to have all that pressure on you! So I keep it basic and I always feel ready for any situation. I guess I'm just overly sensitive to what I wear.

SWNYC: Are you from NYC?

NICK: Nope. I have lived in NY state and parts of PA my whole life but it wasnt until I last year in June that I moved to NYC. I had great success with my previous collections and I decided it was time to take on NYC! A decision I will never regret!

SWNYC: What's your stomping ground here in NYC?

NICK: Honestly, I love to be home. Working my butt off. I don't feel good unless I'm being productive! Work work work! But, on occasion I do get out. I go to see my good friend (personal friend plug!) Artem, "DJ Mess Kid" spin at Greenhouse on Monday nights. It makes me feel alive and one with the city. Seeing these great people so affected by light and sound, and all of us just letting go of the daily anxieties. No one judges, no one cares, everyone feels connected. It's a great feeling, and a good way to remember why I'm happy to be alive, in NYC, living out my dreams while I'm awake.

Be sure to check out Nick's website and get your shop on!

 www.nickalan.com

And here's a little teaser of his upcoming Collection:

Concrete Loop's 5th Anniversary Relaunch Party

One of our favorite blogs, Concreteloop.com, celebrated its Fifth year anniversary with a relaunch party sponsored by Kodak.  It was a star studded affair and Street Walkers NYC were in the house!  We had a fantastic time celebrating with Concrete Loop creator/editor, Angel Laws, contributor Brian Patrick Davis, the rest of the staff and a beautiful looking crowd!  There were two memorable performances by Goapele and blond bombshell Keri Hilson!   

Some notables in attendance were Dawn Richards, Que, Omarion, Wynter Gordon, Terrence from 106th and Park, one of our Fashion Week Features: Ugo Mozie, and many more...

Check out the pics for a glimpse into a great night had by all!

Click 'Read More...' for LOTS more pictures!

Robyn at Terminal 5

Street Walkers NYC attended Robyn's concert at Terminal 5...and it was AMAZING!!!  This makes it THREE times that we have seen her, and she never EVER lets us down!!!  Although security took my camera at the door, I was able to retrieve it during the last few songs and took a few good pictures.  I was able to pull up video from somebody who was recording right beside me as well.  So please enjoy a little piece of heaven as you breeze through the pictures and watch her musical magic!

New York loves you Robyn!!!

Features: JenniFDB (From Da Bronx)

Meet Jenni From Da Bronx y'all! Radio Talk Show Host/Comedian/Certified Fresh Air Inspector/Freelance Freelancer/Shet Talker lol! That's what you'll read on her business card if she happens to hand you one at a networking event. I first met JenniFDB on Cinco de Mayo at a house party thrown by a mutual friend of ours. Since then we have shared a ton of good laughs, attended many press and networking events together, and she has even had me as a guest on her 2chix1mic radio show. She is probably one of the funniest people I've met in the city thus far and is yet another multi-faceted person like so many others that us street walkers have been fortunate to meet. With that being said, I wanted to get a little off the cuff for part of our Q&A so I won't ramble on anymore and just let you get into it...

SWNYC: What was your life like before you started doing comedy and radio?

JenniFDB: I'm just a small town girl...living in a lonely world. Before comedy and radio, I was a marketing maven traveling the world producing events for clients like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nikon, Panasonic, and Novartis. I did voice over for radio commercials and hosted many private parties and gatherings. I also created a website dedicated to all things funny, petty and fabulous which I still write for: www.pettyfabulous.com check it out and don't forget to hang with me every Tuesday at 9pm. Go to www.2chix1mic.com for more info.

SWNYC: How did you get started?

JenniFDB: I started out doing stand up comedy in NYC as a way to deal with a devastating break up, actually it wasn't that devastating but the stories I told about my ex were really funny and after several cocktails I was able to get onstage. Then I started meeting a few comedians, which lead to making guest appearances on their radio shows.  Soon after, I developed the concept for 2chix1mic and have been doing the radio since November 2009.

SWNYC: What are your biggest fears?

JenniFDB: My biggest fear is wasting my time with either projects, jobs or people. I know my time is finite and valuable, so I am always trying to make the most out of it and I despise people and things that try to steal that from me. Hopefully one day I could meet a sexy vamp like Eric from True Blood and all that can change.

SWNYC: How do you motivate yourself everyday?

JenniFDB: I am my biggest critic, so my motivation is mostly internal. I have standards and goals that I set for myself weekly and lord help me if I don't measure up, I am one tough cookie. Other than that, I do it for my family.

SWNYC: Do you find people coming to you for advice more since you started doing radio? If so, what kinds?

JenniFDB: Before radio, I was always the go-to person for my friends, family and colleagues for advice. Maybe its because I have lived the lives of ten men but people always call and ask me questions, for directions, and advice on anything from relationships to sex to dating etcetera. Now that the show has a solid following, I get more people seeking my counsel on work and relationship related advice but it's all normal for me either way.

SWNYC: What is your favorite part and least favorite part of doing radio?

JenniFDB: I love entertaining and my show is just that to say the least. Each week we dissect a new topic, and because my co host and I are completely different we cover all bases and ultimately let the audience decide which chick they side with. 2chix1mic is my playground, I get to say what I want while connecting with all types of people and providing an interesting, and sometimes controversial, time for all. My least favorite part is the preperation, sourcing the topic, doing the research, finding the guests, etc. Don't confuse me, I still love it, but sometimes its two jobs and overall very hard work to manage both the talent and production roles. So email me if you have an interesting story or want to help me do my job! lol 

SWNYC: Now for some off the cuff questions! If you had the power to fire someone from life in general, anyone, who would it be?

JenniFDB: Gary Coleman's ex wife. I know that crooked hoe ruined his little life. Don't let me catch her on the street! And Street Walkers, you better call me if you ever catch her on the street! 

SWNYC: Name one behavior you have that plays into a stereotype?

JenniFDB: I'm black and I love chicken. Nuff said. I am also half Jewish, but I wont go there...

SWNYC: Tell us about your last confrontation...

JenniFDB: I know this sounds bad, but hear me out. The other day I was riding in a cab and he over charged me. When he didn't give me my change, I threw a bag of chips at him and ran off.

SWNYC: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JenniFDB: Wow, you sure you got enough space for this? lol. I'm very independent, but we all need help sometimes. So I guess my biggest pet peeve is unreliable fake ass flakey people. If I need you and you say you are going to help me or do something and then you don't because of some asinine reason, I will crotch punch you. If you are a friend be a friend, and if you're a foe be a foe. Don't sit in my face and pretend to be something you are not. Fakes and flakes should steer clear cause I will read a bitch.

SWNYC: LOL okay, Now back to seriousness, Being from here what's your favorite spot(s) in New York City?

JenniFDB: Wow, that's a tough one. Besides Staten Island I love Harlem. Not new and bourgeois Harlem, but the old-school-Langston-Hughes-black-panther-Showtime-at-the-Apollo-and-full-of-cluture areas of Harlem. I just love that grass roots entrepreneur community feel. I love that I can buy a Starbucks latte and buy some incense and oils at the same address! Also, The Lenox Lounge is a great place to hang for live jazz and some of the bestest chicken wangs.

SWNYC: Being such a multi-talented individual, is there anything else coming up that we should know about or keep an eye out for?

JenniFDB: Most definitely!!! In addition to the 2chix1mic radio show and video posts I am currently writing a comical series of relationship/break-up guides. I am also developing a website for the pocket savvy New Yorker. I've also written/produced for a comedy sketch series entitled "Pull The Plug On Grandma," and those videos are being released soon. All the people invovled are extrememly talented and hilarious, so stay tuned!

Don't forget to check out Jenni From Da Bronx's websites!

To get info and listen in on the show go to:

http://www.2chix1mic.com/

and to follow her comedy blog go to:

http://www.pettyfabulous.com/

Dance Strong!

On Saturday, Street Walkers NYC attended Joe Buffa's Dance Strong event.  Not only did we take pictures, we participated!  Harvey Champagne and I, are still sore from the killer classes.  For 5 dollars, everybody was able to participate in 3 classes.  The first class was Zumba, taught by Vanessa Aguedelo, the second class was Hotboxology, taught by Jewel Elizabeth and the third class was Hip-Hop, taught by Joe Buffa.  The event was such a success, Joe will be putting together another one next month!

We will keep you updated (and you can go to buffaboy.com)!  Until then, here are some pics and videos:

The ING New York City Marathon

This Sunday was the ING New York City Marathon which runs through all 5 boroughs!  As the runners came through Brooklyn, I was able to stroll out of bed and enjoy the contagious energy that consumed the streets.  Lots of smiles, cheers and support poured from the sidewalks onto the runners on the street.