Trade Secrets

THE CREW
YEMI SEKONI, editor-in-chief, is the owner and director of Donahue Models
& Talent - Rhode Island’s oldest model and talent agency. Her company books
some of New England’s top professional models and talent to work with many
corporate giants across the region.With over 35 years of experience in various areas
of the acting and modeling industry, including theater, TV, film, print and runway,
Yemi also holds a Bachelor of Arts in education, a post-graduate diploma in
marketing and an MBA. TRADE SECRETS magazine is the culminating outlet
for all of her passions – education, performing, marketing and creative writing.
tradesecretsmag.com
JACLYN PELOPIDA, entertainment, graduated from Iona College in
2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a concentration in
journalism and a minor in psychology. She was the arts and entertainment editor
of her college newspaper, “The Ionian.” Throughout her college career, she
was an editorial intern for “M Magazine,” a web editorial intern for “Seventeen”
magazine, and a public relations intern for MTV Networks. She is in the midst of
writing her first novel and currently resides in Cranston, Rhode Island.
linkedin.com/pub/jaclyn-pelopida/33/155/54a
CINZIA ANTONELLI, international, resides with her husband, Gianfranco
DiMarco, and their 14-year-old daughter, Enrica, in the little town of Cassino, Italy.
Inheriting her creative and artistic flair from her father, a painter, and her grandfather,
a novelist, she grew up with a love for fashion, and a passion for creating costume
jewelry. When she is not busy with her daughter or helping her husband with his
business, she can be found designing and creating new lines of costume jewelry
– inspired by the ancient royals of the world, primitive prints and nature. Through her
craft, her goal is to express her unique personality, as she believes that creating an
object for the body is also a universal form of communication and language.
facebook.com/cinzia.antonelli.16
OLGA HAWWA, beauty writer, is licensed esthetician, and makeup artist offering
facials, face/body waxing, eyebrow design, makeup artistry, and body treatments
for women and men. She is located 1227 Main Street, West Warwick. Hours
are by appointment:
makeupandimage.com
LAURA ROSSI, lifestyle, loves accessorizing! She regularly blogs for The Huffington
Post Style section, SheKnows.com, and many other lifestyle sites. Laura is a
published author, digital strategist, and runs her own public relations firm.
LauraRossiPublicRelations.com.

ELIZABETH PHINNEY, health and wellness, is a Certified Personal Trainer
with the American Council on Exercise. She also holds a certificate with the American
Senior Fitness Association and is an affiliate of The American College of Sports
Medicine. She was named Top Female Executive with Worldwide Who’s Who and
VIP of the year in Health and Fitness for 2013 and 2014. In 2013, she co-authored
“The Expert Success Solution,” an Amazon #1 international bestseller. Elizabeth’s
passion is Fitness after Forty-Five and her mission is to inspire people to plan their
physical future. Her flagship product is BodSpir®, a meditative strength training
technique she created and has taught thousands of times in her classes.
FitnessAfterFortyFive.com
VALERIE LANGLAIS, events, hails from Oxford, Massachusetts and
has an Associates Degree in Account- ing from Quinsigamond Community College,
as well as a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Kennedy-Western
University. During the weekdays, she is a mild-mannered accountant with
Charlton Furniture Co., Inc in Charlton, Mas- sachusetts. In the evenings and on
weekends, the former model teaches the children’s program for Donahue Models
in Cranston, RI; is on staff with the Boucher School of Dance in Oxford, MA and
runs an online business selling vintage designer clothing.
RACHEL SILVA, writer, graduated from Merrimack college with a
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology. She went
on to obtain her Master’s degree in Education with a professional certification
as a reading specialist and Literacy Coach. Currently she is employed as
a reading specialist in an elementary school. Over the past fifteen years she
has strived to bring out the best in students and coworkers by helping them to
discover who they are. She has trained teachers during professional workshops
in various writing approaches and literacy programs. Educating individuals on
topics that can improve and enrich their lives professionally and personally is
a passion of hers. She currently resides with her two school aged children in
North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
LYNELL MASTERSON, writer, founder of Nell, develops individual
and group wellness programs integrating mind, body, spirit methods.
Lynell uses coaching, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Expressive
Arts, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, and other practices to create the most
effective life-changing programs. Life experience required her to develop
these tools to address adversity, hardship and coping skills. Lynell recognizes
and honors the challenges and difficulties that we all may encounter and that
is why she has created individual and group programs to heal and empower
others.

NATASHA MALONE, writer, is a twelve-year-old girl who lives
in Massachusetts. She is a 7th grader and in her 2nd year at middle school.
She loves playing with her dogs, chickens, and bunny. She enjoys going to
fashion shows, such as Style Week which she’s been going to for about four
years. Reading is one of her favorite hobbies as well as writing, drawing,
hanging out with friends, and listening to music. Her favorite book series are
“The Hunger Games ”and “Harry Potter”. She loves the color purple and she
loves mint chocolate chip ice cream. Her idea of a perfect outfit is jeans, Converse,
and a shirt with lace. One of her hopes is to be able to publish a book
someday.
PRINCE SEFA-BOAKYE (Say-fah Bo-ah-chi), writer, is what
people in Boston refer to as a ‘Renaissance Man by Trade,’ ‘Entrepreneur
by Day, and ‘Law Student by Night.’ Prince describes himself as a studententrepreneur
blogger; providing daily blogs to students on how to start their
own online business while balancing school. He also, from time-to-time,
blogs about politics. Currently he is a 2L evening student at Suffolk University
Law School, located in Downtown Boston, where he is studying to be
a Copyright and Trademark attorney specializing in fields like social media,
start-ups, entertainment, and fashion.
You can often find Prince at four star restaurants in Boston, having morning
breakfast at either the Ritz, Langham Hotel, Omni Park Hotel, or Kimpton
Hotel— or at weekly fashion shows at Liberty Hotel. Prince’s favorite Friday
hangout spot is the Bond Lounge. For questions on his student-blogging
business go to www.livelikeanenterpreneur.com. For his political blogs, go
to www.princesdailyjournal.com
DIANE CAPOZZI
Writer

VALENCIO
Photography
DANIELLE DUBE,
Hair / Makeup
Wardrobe Styling Assistant
SINNARITH VANN
Hair / Maleup
FLAVIO TAVARES
Sales & Advertising
AUDRA HUDSON
Sales & Advertising
LAUREN CHIARINI
Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS
NINA DE MARTINO:
Full Figured and Fierce!...26
36... Shopping at Studio15
46…Boston Fashion Awards
56…Christmas, A Time for Gifts
64…Holiday Gifts for That New
Special Person
14…Dressing for the Holidays
A Night with DVF…44
Tis The Season to Be…52
Healthy Holiday Habits…60
Don’t Look So Tired This Holiday Season… 8

THE COSMETIC COUNTER
Don’t Look So Tired This
Holiday Season...
It is often said the eyes are
the mirror to the soul. Yet
one thing many of us deal
with at one time or another
are under eye bags and circles, which
can make us look older and tired.
Not exactly the reflection we want to
project to the world!

Get Rid of Those Under Eye Bags
By Olga Hawwa

Some of it can be attributed to ethnicity and
genetics, especially if your skin is olive toned,
while other contributors are lifestyle and skin
care habits. By adjusting some of our lifestyle
routines and using eye products with cuttingedge
ingredients, under eye circles and puffiness
can be managed and minimized.
Some lifestyle tips for younger, more youthful
looking eyes include:
• Cut down on salt intake. Salt is responsible
for a lot of our bodily fluid retention. In the
eye area, this shows up as bags.
• Drink lots of water to flush out excess salt
from your system.
• Sleep on back with head elevated to help
drain excess fluid retention.
• Get enough sleep! Tired eyes are often
baggy eyes.
• Manage your allergies to reduce inflammation and
swelling around the eyes.
• Remove all eye makeup before bed to avoid residue
from seeping into the eye and causing irritation while
you sleep.
• Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol dehydrates
the skin.
• Avoid sun exposure by wearing sunscreen specifically
made for eyes, sunglasses, and hats. Some of the
darkening under the eyes can be attributed to the “tanning”
of the area.
• Kick the smoking habit. Smoking breaks down the
collagen in the skin and makes blood vessels more
apparent.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the vitamins
and nutrients you need for healthy looking skin all
over!
In addition to modifying some of our lifestyle habits,
using eye products with the most advanced ingredients
can also help the eye area look more youthful and
firmer.
• Retinol - the gold standard in skin repair. Retinol, a
Vitamin A derivative, increases cell turnover, renews
skin cells, reduces the appearance of fine line and
wrinkles, and helps brighten the skin.
• Haloxyl - a synthetic combination of active ingredients
which stimulate the natural elements of the skin
and help reduce the colored blood pigments in the skin
• Microcrystalline Matrix - often found in firming
creams. This ingredient tightens the skin’s appearance
and reduces the appearance of bags under the eyes.
• Green Microalgae Extract improves skin’s firmness.
• Caffeine decreases swelling and protects the skin
from sun damage.
By committing to a healthier lifestyle and an effective
skin care program, under eye circles and darkness can
be definitely be minimized!

OUT OF THE CLOSET
Dressing for the
HOLIDAYS!
By Diane Capozzi
Dressing for the Holiday Season is so exciting,
but always comes with the ultimate
question: “What Should I Wear?” Everything
from office parties to glamorous soirées,
we have eight styling tips that will take the guesswork
out of what to wear.

1. Eye-catching Outerwear
It will most likely be freezing when
you head out to your holiday gatherings
& parties, so proper outerwear
is a MUST! It is the first
thing people will see, so it should
fit perfectly! Play with texture & I
say take a fashion-forward risk with
a fierce faux fur coat. It will show
your confidence & attitude.

2. Inject Color
Black is a staple in any girl’s
closet, so this year go big &
incorporate some rich, jewel
tones like forest green, wine,
cobalt, velvety purples, &
yes, RED! It might be a predictable
color of the season,
but red looks sexy &
dazzling!!!

3. Heavy Metal
You will nail the glam factor with
a slinky metallic or sequined mini
dress. Silver, gold or bronze are
all stunning choices. Feeling a
little shy with a head-to-toe look,
start with metallic accessories,
shoes or clutch.

4. Super girly
Great for an office or cocktail-party
style. Channel your best “Mad
Men” with an off-the-shoulder top,
voluminous midi skirt & pointy
pumps.

5. Romantic
An all-lace dress
is so demure,
make the outfit
more interesting
in a striking color
of course!

6. Unexpected
Maybe an understated holiday attire
choice, the pant suit has never
been more party-appropriate. Make
a statement by adding gorgeous drop
earrings, gigantic bib necklace or
massive cocktail ring.

7. Play with Texture
This creates an outfit that is so luxurious and rich.
Mix a fuzzy sweater & sparkling skirt, feathermeets-lace
mini dress, sheer top with leather jacket,
sequin dress with velvet blazer; the options are
endless.

8. Have fun, know your style,
most importantly, be comfortable!
There is nothing more annoying
than watching a woman spends the
entire night hiking her sleeveless
top up or yanking her dress down
& painfully walking in heels. The
Holiday Season is the most sociable
time of the year, so this is a chance
to go all out & rock your look!

TALENT TALKS
NINA DE MARTINO
FULL-FIGURED and FIERCE!
By Jaclyn Pelopida | Photography & Videography by Valencio Small
Makeup by Sinn Vann | Hair by Danielle Dube
Nina De Martino is a force to
be reckoned with. Not only is
she a full-figure model and a
special education teacher, but
she’s also one of the fiercest Zumba instructors
I’ve ever met. This Talent Talks
article is especially important for me as
DeMartino is not only my regular Zumba
instructor, but I’m personally lucky enough
to call her a friend. If you need a great
workout with high energy and moves to
keep you shaking all night, De Martino’s
Zumba class is the place to be.

CLICK HERE TO GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT NINA’S PHOTO SHOOT

“I love the Christmas Holiday
season. Actually from Thanksgiving
to New Year’s Day is the
best time of year. It is filled with
decorating, laughter, food, fun
creative beverages (wink wink)
shopping...”

Of course when I ask De Martino what her favorite
form of exercise is, I already knew the answer would
be “ZUMBA ZUMBA ZUMBA! This is my third year
as an instructor and before I became certified, I attended
my Zumba partner’s class. He motivated me
and encouraged me to teach. We now teach together
at a local dance studio,” De Martino told me.
TS: “How long have you been acting/modeling?”
ND: “This is my second year as a full-figured model
with Donahue Model and Talents. I signed with Donahue
Model and Talents in October of 2014. Previous to
that I walked for one designer as a freelance model at
Style Week in Providence, Rhode Island. As a child, I
participated in numerous pageants throughout Rhode
Island and Massachusetts.”
TS: “How did you get started?”
ND: “I was advised by a photographer to follow
‘MODEL FAIR’ on Instagram. That same day a local
designer from Boston, Mass. named Amanda Koker
asked me to send my measurements and a recent
photo. She then emailed me back and said ‘I need you
to walk in Style Week, Providence Rhode Island.’ At
Style Week, I knew that several agencies were sitting
in the crowd. At the end of the show, I was introduced
to the owner of Donahue Model and Talents. We then
scheduled an interview and here I am as one of their
full-figured models.”
TS: “What made you want to become a model/actor/actress
& why?”
ND: “As cliché as it sounds, I believe that beauty
comes in all shapes and sizes. I have always had
curves and fluctuate with my weight. As a teenager,
I skipped the Juniors department and went straight to
misses. I had to alter everything and still do. I would
look at magazines and constantly think I was fat and
couldn’t wear something because my arms are too fat
or my butt would look too big. When I was 15, Emmy
had just made her appearance as a top, plus size
model. My mother and I would see her on interviews,
and read her articles in magazines. I remember in high
school, my senior year we had a fundraiser to raise
money for our competition team and we organized a
fashion show. I, of course, modeled for the plus department
of Dress Barn. I remember the feeling when
I walked down the runway and the looks on people’s
faces. I also vividly remember the comments and compliments
I received. To me it was easy to walk down
the runway proudly wearing the outfit I chose from the
plus size department of Dress Barn.”
TS: “What was your first modeling/acting experience
like?”
ND: “I was beyond nervous and thought I did great.
People smiled at me and I was so proud that I actually
got to walk in a fashion show modeling a dress
someone created. As I look back at the video, I say to
myself ‘Omg what was I thinking?’ I’m sure my agent
must laugh at this point. I ran down the runway with
my arms swaying back and forth like a school girl
skipping to school. It amazes me how you truly need
to be trained to walk in a show. There are four different
types of walks that I have learned this past year.
Thank god for my agency.”
TS: “Who’s your favorite actor or model today,
and what is it that you like about them?”
ND: “The stunning model, motivational speaker and
designer Ashley Graham. She is my idol and motivator.
She eludes beauty and confidence when she
talks, walks and takes pictures. Her TED TALKS are
amazing. She is proud to be a size 14 and isn’t afraid
to show it.”
TS: “What obstacles have you had to overcome in
order to become successful?”
ND: “The biggest obstacle for me is that there is not a
high need for full-figured models in Rhode Island. The
opportunity is in New York, where I will be able to
purse this dream eventually.”
TS: “What’s your biggest turn off?”
ND: “The term ‘Plus Size Model.’ Plus in the fashion
industry can tend to have a negative connotation. I
prefer full-figured model. When I see Plus Size signs
they infuriate me. We are plus just because our bodies
are built differently. Even at my thinnest weight I was
still a size 12 and refused to get into a 10; it wouldn’t
compliment my body. I like my curves and it took me
until I was 24 years old to actually accept that they
aren’t going anywhere.”
Born on December 3rd and raised in North Providence,
Nina De Martino is 100% Italian and proud as
the nationality runs deep in her family’s blood. “My
father was born in Mondragone, Caserta region located
in southern Italy near Naples. My mother was born
in Providence, Rhode Island, however my grandpar-

“Giraffes are my favorite
animal. They are tall and walk
with grace throughout the zoo.
What’s the first animal you
see at the zoo? A giraffe of
course! And they have long
eyelashes, which every girl
loves.”

ents are from a region called Pico, located near Rome
in the mountains,” De Martino said.
Before I ask De Martino what her favorite fashion
and/or accessory item is, I can already guess the answer.
“My fashion accessory that I must have on at all
times is earrings. I have over 55 pairs organized in two
drawers. I never leave the house without a pair on and
if I were to, I have a back up pair in my wallet. (Small
generic cubic zirconia studs),” she said. Want to know
how I already knew earrings would be the answer? De
Martino shakes her hips, butt and hoop earrings unlike
anyone I’ve ever seen before in every single Zumba
class. True to her statement, I’ve never seen her without
earrings.
TS: “What is your best memory as a child?”
ND: “I had a yellow, blue, green and red Fisher Price
kitchen set that I would pretend I was a waitress for all
my costumers. I played with this kitchen set throughout
middle school. It’s amazing how times have
changed. Cell phones and Facebook were nonexistent
and I am grateful for that. I cherish the memories of
going outside to play and actually playing with toys
and board games. My cabbage patch dolls, of course,
were my favorite. I still have them and hope to pass
them down to my daughter one day.”
TS: “Where did you attend school/college? Do you
plan to continue your education?”
ND: “I attended Rhode Island College located in
Providence, Rhode Island. I studied for four years and
earned a bachelor’s of science. My degree includes elementary
education 1-6 with a concentration in special
education K-8. I wasn’t a fan of the college years at
all. I had to work nights at a bank and I was constantly
tired and had to study long hours, as test-taking is not
an area of strength for me. However, I did graduate in
2006 with honors. I am currently working towards a
Masters degree in education.”
TS: “Tell me more about being a special education
teacher.”
ND: “I am a special education educator in the public
school system. I have been teaching for 10 years. It is
the most challenging job each year. You never know
what the school year will bring. However, at the end of
the year you can see the accomplishments you made
with your students. It’s also really nice when those
that come back to visit you tell you that you were their
favorite teacher.”
TS: “What was your best vacation/travel experience?”
ND: “The best vacation was in 2006 when I traveled
to Greece with two male friends and my best friend
that I was able to reconnect with after two years of
not speaking. Although she hadn’t spoken to me in
two years, we ran into each other and she asked me to
travel with her to Greece. I was confused and hesitant
but knew there had to be a reason for me running into
her at the market. I was graduating college and felt
that I deserved this trip. The trip brought us together
again and for 14 days we hopped around the islands of
Greece.”
TS: “What’s your favorite animal and why?”
ND: “Giraffes are my favorite animal. They are tall
and walk with grace throughout the zoo. What’s the
first animal you see at the zoo? A giraffe of course!
And they have long eyelashes, which every girl
loves.”
TS: “What is your favorite holiday and why?”
ND: “I love the Christmas Holiday season. Actually
from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is the best time
of year. It is filled with decorating, laughter, food,
fun creative beverages (wink wink) shopping, wrapping
and giving to those less fortunate, always. Yes, of
course it’s stressful and we are all running around but
that moment when you make someone a little less fortunate
smile, or visit children at a hospital and deliver
toys gathered from a Zumbathon fundraiser, the stress
fades away. It is also the one time of year when you
can wear all the glitter and jewels you want and no
one can judge.”
TS: “What the biggest piece of advice you have for
other up and coming models/actors out there?”
ND: “Just keep going! Never give up! Listen to your
heart and your biggest cheerleader, they will always
help you. Ask the Universe to guide you when you are
hesitant with a decision.”

“The stunning model, motivational
speaker and designer
Ashley Graham. She is my
idol and motivator. She eludes
beauty and confidence when
she talks, walks and takes
pictures....”

PURSUITS
Shopping at...
By Prince Sefa-Boakye
Jia Wertz’s inspiration behind
Studio 15 was just to
be able to spend days doing
something she loved while
helping others who needed it. She has always
loved fashion, but had also seen the
frivolous side of the industry. She wanted
to do it differently, and so Studio 15 puts
an emphasis on giving back to those who
need it, creating a very positive working
environment for her team, hosting fashion
events wherever they meet customers, and
making sure that they have a great time.
We first met Jia at the NY Fashion Week
February 2015.

“Studio 15 is a women’s
dress boutique, headquartered
in NYC with pop
up shops in Manhattan
and San Francisco.”

TS: How would you describe yourself
JW: This is always a tough question to answer. But
here it goes...I am a very dedicated and passionate
person. I keep a small but awesome circle of people
around me. And I’m definitely a perfectionist, which
can be good and bad at times.
TS: How did you kick start your career?
JW: One of my first jobs in retail was working for
two partners who owned a denim company in Canada,
called “Below The Belt.” At the time, it was the hottest
store to shop at; they carried over 50 of the most
popular brands from DKNY, Diesel, to Fubu and so
much more. I had the amazing opportunity to work
with the owners directly, for over six years. They not
only taught me everything I know, but set a great example
on how to run my own fashion business.
TS: What is Studio 15?
JW: Studio 15 is a women’s dress boutique, headquartered
in NYC with pop up shops in Manhattan and
San Francisco. The company is based on the belief
that high quality products don’t have to be astronomically
priced and woman from all walks of life should
have access to great quality fashion. We also donate
proceeds from every sale to a non-profit organization,
Kleos MFG (www.kleosmfg.org), that gives micro-finance
loans to women in developing countries, so they
can start their own small businesses.
TS: What would you say makes you stand out from
other women entrepreneurs?
JW: I don’t know personally if I stand out among
other women entrepreneurs; I have met so many
amazing women since I started Studio 15. One of the
things I love most about being an entrepreneur is that I
am always surrounded by so many innovative people,
especially women, who are all doing such inspiring
things.
TS: Tell us your typical day at work?
JW: I always start my day by checking emails and
social media—before even getting out of bed or answering
anything urgent. Recently, I have been trying
to squeeze in 10 minutes for meditation as a morning
routine. After that, my day always consists of many
meetings with our team and companies that are partnering
with us, from videographers, manufacturers,
to seamstresses, etc. I typically finish my meetings
around 7:00 pm and then get back to my computer
to catch up on all the afternoon emails, projects, or
anything else that needs deadlines to be met. I usually
finish my whole day around 2:00 am, but I almost
always take a break to have dinner with my husband
and watch Shark Tank!
TS: Was there a time when you thought you were
failing, and were about to give up on your dream,
but didn’t? And if so, what did you do to keep your
dream alive?
JW: In the start-up world, most entrepreneurs will tell
you that there are numerous times of when you think
you are failing. That happens almost every other week
for me. With all the extreme ups and downs, with any
startup, you are never ready for all the “highs” and
“lows” that come your way. However the “highs” are
wonderful and the “lows” do pass. You just have to
keep going, make tough decisions, and take calculated
risks.
TS: What are three words that your friends can
best describe you as?
JW: I have no idea. You would have to ask them.
(laughing)
TS: What are three things that a woman entrepreneur
should carry in her purse at all times
JW: A tablet or pen and paper; a phone; and business
cards. I don’t think it differs from gender to gender.
TS: What is one piece of advice would like to give
to young women entrepreneurs who want to do
what you are doing today?
JW: When you have a great idea, it’s better to start
early than to wait and try—and perfect everything.
TS: What are your future endeavors?
JW: For now, to keep growing Studio 15; the company
is only two years old! So there is a lot of work to
do to get where we want to be.

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ON THE TOWN
A Night with...
By Valerie Langlais | Photos couretsy of David Josef
If you ask your favorite image consultant about
“investment dressing,” inevitably the brand of
Diane Von Furstenburg will come up.
Von Furstenburg, the woman, has been a fashion icon
for decades and her brand, known affectionately as
“DVF” has been dressing stylish women for nearly as
long.

ant Newbury Street boutique in Boston combined its
nt line launch with holiday spirit on December 3rd; A
th DVF to Mix and Mingle. Attendees were asked to
onation to “The Women’s Lunch Place,” a local day
iding local women in need. Champagne and sweet
the evening a festive vibe.
The intimate crowd listened
intently as a brief history of the
house, and an overview of the new
line, was given. Watch for innovative
new fabrics and designs
that appeal to current devotees of
the brand and to the new, younger
customers. The audience audibly
“ooh-ed” and “aah-ed” when the
new “Secret Agent” bag was demonstrated
(a gorgeous leather bag
with detachable, mix and match
clutch!)
To learn more about Diane Von Furstenburg;
both the designer and the brand, visit
www.DVF.com or read one of her books
including “The Woman I Wanted to Be.”
And to help less fortunate women in Boston,
visit www.womenslunchplace.org

ON THE TOWN
By Yemi Sekoni | Photos courtesy of AGAPEpiece Photography
The annual 2015 Boston Fashion Awards was
held this year at the Stage Night Club in
downtown Boston, M.A., to recognize the efforts
and hard work of some of Boston’s most
accomplished industry professionals ranging from fashion
designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and models.
Also billed as a fund raiser to benefit The Great American
Foundation, this fast paced, high-energy event featured
several fashion shows, a VIP reception and an after
party.

Interspersed between the award announcements, the
audience was treated to various performances by Cheryl
D’Love, DJ Joe Bermudez, Louie Bello, Maverik,
MB Padfield, Natalie Joly and Stage Performers;
and a line-up of mini fashion shows by several of the
nominated designers including Ashley Rose Couture,
Claude Michelle, DH Studios, Isabel original International,
Joe Malaika and Kinda Touma.
And the winners of the night were:
HAIR SALON
Marc Harris Salon
MAKEUP ARTIST
Heather Schofield (HS-Artistry)
DESIGNER: SWIMWEAR/INTIMATE
Karla Medina (KM Swimwear)
WARDROBE STYLIST
Christina Pierce (Christina K. Pierce)
DESIGNER: ACCESSORIES
Jennifer Rose (Alpha Jewelry)
DESIGNER: CASUAL/SPORTSWEAR
Joe Malaika (Joe Malaika)
DESIGNER: EVENING/CLUBWEAR
Isabel Lopez (Isabel Original International)
DESIGNER: COUTURE/FORMAL
Luke Aaron (Luke Aaron)
MALE MODEL
Peihu Wang (Maggie Inc.)
FEMALE MODEL: PRINT
Ashley Wiggins (Maggie Inc.)
FEMALE MODEL: RUNWAY
Danielle Fortin (Maggie Inc.)
PHOTOGRAPHER
Dawn Kingston (439 Photography)
RETAILER
Benrus

FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Tis The Season to B
*It’s YO
Ahhhh, the holidays, aren’t
they wonderful? All the
added work, to do’s, overstimulation
of events and
to top it off, a diet laced with alcohol,
sugar, carbs and heaviness, contributing
to sluggishness in our bodies.
It’s no wonder I look around at folks
during this time of year and see their
faces all scrunched up from anxiety.
Our cocktail of choice being stress.
That’s right, I said it was our choice.
These choices we make on who we
want to be while living life may not
be aligned with who we truly long to
be while living our life. How about if
we check in with that? Does your way
of living match what is actually happening
for you now?

e…
UR Choice, (Fill in the Blank)*
By Lynell Masterson

“The only difference between a good day and a bad
day is your attitude.
The choice is always yours.”
-Dennis Brown
Taking inventory is the first step in noticing the choices
you are making in your life. We are not victims to
our circumstances, we are responsible for handling our
stuff in a way that matches what we truly long for in
life. Meaning, it is not as much about what is happening
to you as it is HOW you are responding to what is
happening to you. This is where your choice comes in
and where you can begin to change your life to create
what you want. Take a moment to allow that in.
If you’ve actually found time to read this article in the
midst of this season, BRAVO, you are already making
choices to create peace in your life that lifts the spirit
and guides the heart.
Now let’s try something here, a little mindfulness
practice, right between the pages of fashion and fun.
You’ve got nothing to lose except maybe some stress,
aggravation and resistance. AND nothing to gain as
peace tranquility and happiness only lightens our load,
eliminates the burdens in our life and lifts us to freedom
from negative thoughts and chatter.
Guided Holiday Practice:
• Sink in to your body, noticing where you may be
holding any tightness or constriction and just breathe.
• Taking long, deep belly breaths and letting out all
that is not serving you, taking in another deep breath
allowing yourself a huge exhale noticing how that
simple breath and connecting with you, makes you
feel.
• You are doing wonderfully and now along with your
breath, pay attention to how you are sitting.
• Getting yourself comfortable where you can allow
the air in easily and with flow.
• And with each deep inhalation and exhalation you
are letting go and lightening the load of all that you
have been carrying.
• Giving yourself permission to sink into all that you
are, a beautiful being, full of many different intricacies
that make you special. Continuing with your breath as
you read.
• Pausing between the in and out breaths, knowing you
are taking this time for you because you matter more
than anything, your health, happiness and life is priority
here.
• Let’s create this space for you to put aside your
concerns and time constraints and just be without the
chatter of the outside world, meeting yourself again,
whatever that means to you.
• There is no right or wrong here, only you, showing
up exactly as you are. GOOD now I’d like you to
imagine this holiday season different for you, imagine
this time filled with peace and serenity.
• You are moving through the holidays with grace and
ease, doing and being all that you know you are. In
and out with the breath, breathing and reading.
• Who are you when you have peace? Breathing and
being. How do you handle the outside world? Taking
deep breaths and feeling calm and serene as you move
through this imagery.
• Excellent. Allowing yourself to receive this gift of
peace and tranquility knowing that you can create this
for yourself whenever you so choose. AND NOW continuing
with conscious breath, knowing that you are
about to close this exercise, take this relaxation you
have created for yourself into your body.
• Realizing you can access this whenever you want.
Pausing for a moment to soak in all that has shifted for
you, whether big or small. As small shifts create big
changes!
And now dear one, you are ready to go back out there,
into the holiday season choosing who you want to be,
deciding what you want to say and how you want to
treat yourself and others. And what if you lose that
alignment? You go back to your breath again, remembering
who it is that you want to say yes to, continuing
this every day until that practice becomes habit and
before you know it, you are living the life you have so
chosen.

A WINK FROM…Italy
Christmas,
A Time for Gifts
By Cinzia Antonelli
And Christmas is finally here, and
with it the desire to buy gifts!
The art of the gift is that we practice
what is deeply rooted and ancient, but in our
society, with the increasingly rampant consumerism,
this noble gesture has become a “rite of
consumption.”

to express in words, a good feeling; with a
simple gift coming straight from our heart,
we can not fail to express our true feelings
or what we really want to communicate to
the other person.
Giving gifts is a way to get to know one
another, a real moment of introspection,
soul searching - trying to understand what
they really want to communicate: a feeling
of esteem, friendship, and love.
But it is also a detailed analysis of the
person you want to make a present to,
remembering or discovering their interests,
the things they love, what you have in
common and what will be better appreciated.
The scents, the magical atmosphere, with
the desire to be together, remind us that
Christmas is coming, and exchanging gifts
is really an indispensable habit even when,
for us adults, there is no longer the belief
in the legend of Santa Claus.
During this time our cities are all decorated
for the holiday, the streets are full of
perfumes and magically illuminated, as we
all anticipate December 25, along with our
children, eager to see if Santa Claus, has
brought us many gifts, under the Christmas
tree.
Also this year, it goes without saying that
the tech gifts are the ones that are on top
of our wish list.
The object of worship that surely all of
us would like to receive as a Christmas
present, is the smartphone, including the
best sellers here in Italy - the iPhone and
Samsung Galaxy, both of which are now
Today, in our modern era often stands just the appearance
of gift buying, without reiterating and highlighting
the true meaning of giving, an act of true generosity
and altruism, because exchanging gifts means to
receive and give attention to each other. It could be
called a real means of communication: if we’re unable
an integral part of our life.
Another object much desired is the smart watch, with
functions similar to a smartphone for the wrist, just
like a clothing accessory.

For those who love reading, technology is still very
popular with such gifts as an eReader - a real digital
book reader, giving the option to purchase thousands
of books.
Of course, we cannot do without our beloved tablet;
most notably the iPad, the GalaxyTab and the Kindle
Fire, a cross between a laptop and a smartphone.
It’s a great gift idea to start the New Year, leaving
behind all the stress that we have accumulated! So we
have to buy access to some spa or health club in their
city, or give the gift of a nice trip in our beautiful Italy.
The variety of items to give is really rich: from a
basket full of culinary delights for our neighboring
homes, to a bag or clutch for our fashionable friend or
beloved aunt.
Thinking of our dear fathers and beloved husbands,
how about a nice sweater or a classy watch? Or, perhaps,
a beautiful super puffy parka for our sons? And
for that wise old friend, what could be more satisfactory
than with a signed original print or painting, to
hang in their study that smells of old books and ancient
wisdom, like those of Ciociara, our artist painter
Filomena Milos!
Thinking of the most important women in our lives,
such as mother, wife, girlfriend and beautiful daughters,
December 25th is the most suitable day for a
piece of parure Bulgari jewelry, or jewels from Bijou
designer Cesare Paciotti, or a beautiful Gucci bag and
Firminio, all made in Italy.
The real stars of Christmas, however, remain children.
Every year, kids everywhere write a letter to Santa
Claus, asking him to bring them lots of toys: trains,
toy cars, dolls, bicycles and stuffed animals of all
kinds.
Lastly, as I did when I was a kid, I would like to write
a little letter to Santa Claus:

“Dear Santa Claus in the world today there is so much
sadness, and for this Christmas 2015, what I want you
give to all of us, is much joy and serenity. But if you
have some change left in your pocket, you could add
to my wish list: a sweet perfume, a pair of red high
pumps, a faux coat fur, and a beautiful bag, I think I
was good! See you on Christmas eve...!”
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
Ciao from Italy
Cinzia Antonelli

PRIME CUT
Healthy Holiday Habits
By Elizabeth Phinney
First of all, gaining weight over the holidays is not
a “normal” thing to do. It, actually, is an abnormal
thing we do in our eating and exercise behavior
which causes us to gain the weight. What has
happened over the years is a victimization of our better
habits. We pretty much throw up our hands in surrender
when it comes to all those delicious holiday meals
and goodies. And, so we indulge…and indulge…and
indulge…

But, why not, it’s the holidays, right? After the holidays,
everything will go back to normal and we will
lose the weight. But here’s the catch, we typically
don’t. According to a study posted in the New England
Journal of Medicine, we do not gain an average
of 5 pounds over the holidays – that’s the good news.
The bad news is that we gain an average of one pound,
but it NEVER goes away!! That pound combined
with lack of exercise can easily turn into 2 – 3 pounds
each year. Multiply that by 10 years (which goes by
in a blink) and you have your extra 20 pounds aging
from 50 to 60!
The best thing to do around the holidays is to consider
them to be like all other times of the year. The festivities
may be more plentiful, but the eating does not
have to be. When a tray of hors d’ouevres is passed,
have one sample of each kind of hors d’ouevres and
spread it out through the evening. That way you do
get to try everything, but the overindulgence has not
controlled you. When it comes to desserts, if you are
a sugar junkie (which most of us are,) HAVE ONE
BITE, savor it and push the rest away. And, when you
stop laughing, I can tell you that this truly does work.
By having the bite, you have satisfied your indulgence
urge and not deprived yourself or insulted the
host/ess. By pushing it out of your way at the table,
your ego will easily take over and not allow you to
embarrass yourself by bringing it back in front of you.
Show your restraint and your friends will not only be
impressed with your willpower, but envious of your
strength.
Another trick is to start the evening with a tall glass
of water – 8 – 12 ounces, no ice if you can. That will
“fill” your stomach right away. Do this, also, 30 minutes
before you sit down to a meal as it tends to make
you feel sated before you begin. If you are a guest at

someone’s home, and someone else is serving up your
plate, cut each portion in half and just eat that. (Push
the other food around so the split is not so obvious.)
Oftentimes when I am in a restaurant, I do this right
away, get my ToGo box and load it up so I am not
tempted to eat the other half.
If you drink alcohol, try to intersperse your cocktails
with glasses of water: have a drink, have a glass of
water, have a drink, have a glass of water. This not
only helps lower your calorie consumption, it helps
you not overindulge in alcohol which is a huge trigger
for overeating.
One very simple action you can take to control stuffing
yourself is to make a fist and look at it, seriously
look at it. Think about how much you have eaten and
drunk so far in the day/evening and look at your fist.
That is the size of your stomach. Have you been kind
to your stomach so far today? Or, are you stretching it
out to accommodate your binging?
A critical piece during the holiday time is your exercise
regimen. This time of year because of the availability
of overindulgence, it is so important to stick
with your exercise routine. And if you are thinking
about waiting until the first of the year to start exercising,
you are making a HUGE mistake. The best way
to combat holiday eating is to practice giving back
to your body in the form of exercise and you will not
have as much inclination to the plethora of food available
to you. Exercise feeds the body with the natural
rejection of doing bad things to it. In other words,
when you exercise, you have far less tendency to put
bad food or too much food in your body. The brain
naturally reacts to the exercise with all those feel good
hormones that are produced and the need for food
for overindulgence and spoiling yourself simply goes
away. You don’t need it for that any more.
So, for the holiday season, consider giving the best gift
of all to your body: healthy foods in healthy quantities
with healthy activity!

OPTIQUE
Holiday
By Rachel Silva
Gifts
for that...

So you are recently dating and the holidays
are now suddenly here. What to do…. What
to do…??? After all, “you never get a second
chance to make a first impression.” No pressure
at all though…right? A safe and seemingly obvious
rule of thumb is DO NOT dish out a paycheck on a gift
for this fairly new person in your life. That could be a
sure fire way to send your new significant other running
for the hills. And yes, you will most likely come across
as needy, and possibly even placed in the “Fatal Attraction”
category. However, on the flip side you also fear
that if you get them something too small without much
substance, you could come across as apathetic.
New Special
Person!

Yes, it’s a tough one for sure. Gift giving can cause
insecurity and sheer panic, especially if it’s the beginning
of a new relationship, or the even worse… the
dreadful… are we ever going to amount to something,
or aren’t we stage of dating. Therefore, I felt compelled
to help with this delicate situation and reach out
for some first hand advice on this topic. Most importantly
make it personal, pay attention to the intricate
details of their lives, and lastly keep it fairly simple
and affordable.
Make it Personal
Cheryl knew her recent significant other’s favorite
pastime was grilling, even in the winter. She decided
to buy him a light for his grille from Brookstone, “it
was inexpensive but thoughtful and personal. To go
along with the grilling theme, I purchased a cedar
plank for him to cook his salmon on.”

Ed would make it personal by cuing in to his significant
others’ hobbies and interests. “My new girlfriend
really loves cooking and actually wanted a food
processor. I made it personal by putting it in a stocking
for her with her name on it. “These gifts are simple,
not too expensive, they show your significant other
that you pay attention to them, and this is an indication
you do actually…. CARE.
Pay Attention to Details
Kim starting dating her boyfriend this time last year,
a month before the holidays. She knew he enjoyed
micro -brewed beers, and trying different stouts. She
bought him an assorted six - pack of beers. “I had
to take the time to browse the internet and do some
research, so it was thoughtful, but not over the top. He
loved them!”
Does your recent significant other enjoy wine? Go to
a wine tasting together before the holidays, buy her a
bottle of her new favorite wine from the night, give it
to her for the holidays… and VOILA! … you just won
the… I pay attention and actually remember details
Gold Star!
Give an Experience
Tim had been dating a girl for about two months.
He knew she had been under a lot of stress at home
so he decided to get her a spa gift certificate. “I’m
not really into giving gifts, I think it’s more about
an experience. I knew she loved massages, and she
could definitely have used one. In the card I told her
the reason why I picked a spa certificate for her, and
then she knew it wasn’t just a random gift card. She
ended up using it a few days after I gave it to her,

she was definitely psyched to get it.”
Enjoy watching sports together? Get
tickets to your favorite team to watch
together. If you can’t afford tickets
to a professional team, get tickets to a
semi-pro team instead like the Providence
Bruins. Or your guy can go
with a friend, just give him two tickets
and he can enjoy a night out with the
guys. He will be sure to appreciate
that gesture, too.
The Best Things in Life Are Free
Lillian said, “It feels so special when
someone takes the time to make me
a gift. I recently started dating a guy,
and we often sat outside and listened
to music on his deck. He made me a
cd of all the songs that reminded him
of our time together, and songs he
knew I loved. I have been smitten on
him ever since.” Steve is an avid fisherman.
“One girlfriend hand painted
a huge glass jar for me. She filled it
with inexpensive fishing bait. I knew
she didn’t have a ton of money. It was
a really cool thought. “
“Gift giving can cause
insecurity and sheer
panic, especially if it’s
the beginning of a
new relationship, or
even worse… the dreadful…
‘are we ever going
to amount to something,
or aren’t we’ stage of
dating. “