Hey Peeps! There was definitely something special about today! Something was different from Memorial Days of the past. The weather was stunning, I had the girls over and my good friend Nicole was having everyone over for a outdoor barbecue. We headed over to Nicole’s house and spent the entire day totally chillin. The food was amazing (Hassan grilled), we told stories, drank Champagne, the kids played with dog and the adults enjoyed the sunshine and amazing company.

I think the thing that made this Memorial Day different from any other in the past was today, I had a strong and very proud feeling about being an American. It’s great that although we are all different (old, young, gay, straight, black, white, monied or working on it) we are all free. And when you are truly free, every day is sunny and fabulous! xx

DC is absolutely full of fabulous women. Some are stunningly beautiful, others have a flair for style, some are quite popular on the social scene. And then every once in a very long while a women that has all of that and more(and the goods to back it all up) emerges from the crowd. In this instance, that woman is Erika Paola Gutierrez, one of my closest and most adored friends. From her cover on Washington Life Magazine’s YGL edition to her emerging career as a political journalist, Erika just keeps getting better with age. And at the ripe, young age of 25, she is pressed and primed to take over all scenes fabulous (political, social and otherwise).

It was her birthday and we decided to meet at one of my new, favorite lounge spots Coco Sala on F Street in Chinatown. Coco Sala is hot. No actually it’s HOT. Combine the relaxed feel of Miami, the sceney feel of LA and the stylish edge of New York and you’ll discover the perfect combination of all things gorgeous at Coco Sala. Pop over and tell them Paul sent you! If you go to Coco Sala, write me back in the comment section and let me know what you thought. Maybe we’ll head over there after our screening of Sex and The City the Movie on Wednesday (VERY SEXY)!

The party on Saturday night was a smashing success thanks to all of Erika’s friends and family that came out to toast the woman of the night. A very special thank you has to go out to Omar for hosting the party. The women were hot and the men were handsome. I think I’ve just talked myself into visiting Coco again tomorrow evening! Care to join me? Ciao

Today was the day that Holly and I decided to finally start looking through the mounds of resumes we’ve received for our Summer Internship Program. Young people ask me all throughout the school year if they can apply for an intership at my company and I usually tell them to get in touch once school is out. Well my friends, as usual, my mouth wrote a check my a** didn’t want to cash! School is out and they came a-callin!

Among her other 13 jobs, my friend Aba Kwawu, the owner of The Aba Agency is a Professor at Howard University in the Fashion Merchandising Program. She asked me to go in and give a lecture to the students in the program during their last week of class. I learned two things that day. 1) Howard University is turning out the next wave of outrageously creative and talented fashion stylists and designers (somebody’s about to be famous ya’ll)!! And 2) I sure can talk a lot about myself! Do you guys remember those TV shows where someone really doesn’t want to get up in front of a large group and speak and then the screen flips around and they are up in front singing show tunes and telling jokes?? That was totally me! Now that all of those students are out for the summer, they want internships and they are not playing! The only thing fiercer (is that a word) than them is my sister Holly, the person that decides who we hire and who we, well you know, FIRE!! She also doesn’t play! Love you Holly!!

My sis and I were chatting and we came up with something that my CW viewers and blog readers might find interesting. If you are 18+, have an interest in Fashion, PR or Television and Print Media and you want to be considered as an intern for my company over the summer, send your resume to holly@evolutionlook.com. We need people for our CW Washington projects, Evolution Look Modeling Agency, Evolution Look Online and various Marketing, Fashion and Public Relations tasks. Can’t wait to hear from you!

A little true story for you; My dog Oscar ran up to another today in the dog park today and the dogs owner came running over to ask if Oscar was friendly. We chatted each other up like two proud Papas that were watching over their kids at the park. The man looked me over a few times and said, “It’s the strangest thing.. Did you know there’s a guy that’s really into fashion on tv that looks just like you? I’ve seen him on a few shows and recently on The CW in some commercials, oh and take it as a compliment, he’s very good looking and stylish”.. So naturally I say thank you (and before I could say, well acutally, that’s me) he said, “but he’s really into fashion and I don’t think he’d dress like you and I”.. And I’m sure he wouldn’t be hangin in the dog park in the middle of the day, haa haa”! My response “well, you never know”.. Only in DC people, only in DC.

P.S. - What’s up for Memorial Day??

My day started early with a very early morning news segment on a local news channel. I was due to arrive at 7am and as always, 7am came and I was still blow drying my hair! It is so important to be on time and prepared in this business and that is something I definitely have to work on. My Mother and Sister joined me for the early morning adventure. We laughed and had lots of fun with the people on the show and on the streets of Washington.. I love this city!

Later in the evening, I had the pleasure of attending one of the last fabulous events of Spring 2008. The ‘Spring Fling’ was sponsored by Capitol File Magazine and it was at the ultra chic and designer laden boutique Intermix in Georgetown. All of the who’s who of the young fashion set was in attendance. My friend Veronica Tynes and I popped in to see some of the latest fashions and say hi to our friends that love to shop just as much as we do.

We knew we didn’t have long to enjoy the Champagne and the fabulous clothes before we had to head out to another event at Ozio on 18th St. The first magnificent face I saw at Intermix was Farrah Pampillonia of Pampillonia Jewelers in Mazza Gallery. We’ve been friends for a long time and I have to say, to be such a fabulous woman with quite a personal jewelry collection, she certainly is a kind soul! Big kiss to you Farrah!!

We looked through the racks of clothes for Veronica but didn’t see anything she couldn’t live without. We double kissed all of our friends, threw back a glass of champagne and headed off to the final event, a birthday party for my dear friend Lisa Bolden at Ozio.

All and all, it was a day full of adventure and spectacular experiences! Isn’t is wonderful to love what you do? I mean really, if anyone ever told me I’d be paid for living so authentically, I would never have believed them. Thanks to all of you, I am truly living my dream. More in a bit.. Ciao!

Since I lost most of my day yesterday, I knew I had some serious hustlin’ to do today! Do you know what I realized makes me feel better? Really pulling my look together. Now, no one can be a Beauty Queen (or King) every day, but sometimes when we feel a little off, pulling out that perfect pair of jeans, spraying on that magnetic scent or taking a little extra time in front of the mirror will definitely put some PEP-IN-YOUR-STEP!

So I picked a cool pair of my Habitual jeans, my blue suede Prada shoes and matching Prada belt (of course), a button down shirt by D Squared, my favorite White Gold Gucci necklace, my Rock star Gold Dior shades, a jean jacket and a hipster hat and hit the streets.

My sister Holly works with me everyday. From the time I leave my house in the morning she is usually by my side. She spends her day keeping track of my schedule, coming up with innovative projects for my company, booking models for the clients at my Evolution Look modeling agency and basically being my right arm. Holly and I first hit Starbucks for her daily iced tea and my piping hot latte. Then we pulled clothes for a TV styling gig I have tomorrow, popped into the agency to check on things and book more than a few jobs for my models and finally looked all over town for doggy gates to keep Oscar (my dog) from eating up all of my wordly possessions!

After all of that we discovered two things, we could use a bite to eat and it was Happy Hour! We were around the corner from The Hotel Monaco’s Poste Restaurant. We enjoyed some yummy appetizers and a fruity martini! Before we knew it, it was time to head across town to attend a special fashion show that featured my close friend and Evolution Look’s Creative Director turned Fashion Designer Aidah Fontenot. The show was a smashing success. Tony Cord and Richard Johns were the hosts of the event and it was truly a magnificent showing. Aidah’s designs were gorgeous and so were the models.

I named my company Evolution Look because I truly believe that we all must continue to evolve our thinking, our careers, our relationships and our lives in order to be fulfilled individuals. I felt a great sense of pride knowing that Aidah started working for me just two years back and over that time she continued to grow on every level. Now, I am a front row spectator at her very own high fashion runway show.

This is what it’s all about. Do you have big dreams to work in fashion or media? If you want some input onhow to move things along, I’d love to help.. Hit me up in the comment section of my blog! Later Gorgeous!

Wow. Monday really did a number on me! I’m very sad to say my friends and I lost a very special person, very unexpectedly. His name was Dave Jenks and he was an amazing guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave’s family and everyone that he has touched. To celebrate his life, I pulled together a candle light cocktail party at my home in his honor. In true Dave style, it was filled with music, laughter, good friends and really nice Champagne!

As a person that always tries to find the meaning or lesson from most of his tough experiences, I’ll tell you what I came up with after making it through the day. Life is precious and uncertain. You never know what is going happen from day. Be sure to tell all of the people that mean a lot to you, how you feel while you have them in your life.

As you all know, life can be fabulous and a whole lot of fun. However, fabulousness is only a piece in the puzzle of life. We have to have substance, build strong relationships and be accountable for our actions and choices. I am choosing to be a better friend to those in my life that I allow to slip through the cracks. There are always circumstances in the day to day grind that seem to be really important, take a lot of time and make us feel we are stretched to limit. The next time you feel that way, take a moment out and reach out to someone that might need a word of encouragement, a shoulder to lean on or an ear for a quick 5 minute chat!

Let’s be fabulous and real together. Tomorrow will be a better day because I know I’ll always have all of you! Holla at me! Peace.

Hey People! No, I’m not talking about getting my thighs in shape with the help of the Three Company’s Alum turned Shopping Network Tycoon, Suzanne Sommers. I’m talking about the ritual we all need to do when we realize the beautiful weather is just around the corner. At the beginning of the season, I’m sure get the urge to ‘Summer-ize your look, your wardrobe or your home.

Yesterday I felt like my crib could use a little summerizing so I jumped in the truck and headed out for a little home shopping of my own. I hit Home Plus in Rockville, Pier One Imports up in Chevy Chase and ole’ faithful Ikea in College Park!

I know it seems like it could never be done but believe me I managed to do it. I totally overspend at Ikea. Some lovely and stylish fans of my work were in line just behind me and they probably thought I was giving them the brush off when I rather quickly responded to their hello. It wasn’t that at all!! I love people and especially the people that love me! The issue was, I had four carts packed full of items and I was trying to manuever all of them to a self check-out all by myself. My stylish Sunday outfit was shot to hell after I tore my Cavalli sweater and proceeded to break into a nervous sweat. Another note to self (and ya’ll) take a friend with you when you go to Ikea!

I got all of packages big and small back home and called my neighor and good friend Brock to come down and help me get it all into the loft. He’s awesome! Thanks Brock for helpin’ a brotha out!

If you guys haven’t done anything to spice up your pad lately, hop to it! For the summer, you should try to simplify your decor. Keep your place as clean and fuss free as possible. One thing I was missing in my house was live plants! I am usually very into plants but I’ve traveling so much recently that all of my plants died, one after the other. Ikea has a great plant department, so I picked up about 8 trees and spread them out around my place. It totally changes the look and feel of a place. Just by adding a few plants, I am already getting a very South Beach Miami feel and vibe in my home.

My way of simplifying is to switch out some pieces that I love in the Spring and replace them with others that will feel better to me as I battle the summer heat (hence the four carts). I also like to buy lots of fresh fruit and have it around, candles with a lighter, fresher scent and choose a selection of music that I don’t normally play. I’m going to check out i-Tunes for new ‘Cafe Del Mar’ style mixes to pipe through my space. I’ll let you know what I find. More tips, have lots of bottled water, ice tea and lemonade around for guests that swing by. More on how to have a fabulous home later..

The weekend was great but now it’s time to get to work. What did you guys think about the Top Model Finale (write me a comment)? Also, what about Gossip Girl ending for the season?? I caught a bit of Desperate Housewives but I have to tell you, I just couldn’t relate! I’m sorry, I love me some Eva Longoria but I just don’t understand why that show is so popular. When it was over and after I finished setting up everything that I bought, I had just enough to catch up with Mary and Veronica for a quick bite and chat before we called it a night.

Since the week is getting started, I’m going to treat myself to a little Microderm abrassion and ‘Mesoglow’ (translation - A nice facial) from Dr. Wanda Minnis-Dyson. She is a woman that will get your skin looking flawless and I love her more than a play cousin with red hair and freckles (I’ll explain that one later as well).

More on people, places and parties in a bit.. Until then, ‘Do the Dang Thang!’

The nieces and I headed out for a long day of shopping and walking around Georgetown. I picked up some great pieces, a new pair of Prada shoes, a watch, Dior sunglasses, a new bag, a few bracelets, I’m very pleased! I was in Barney’s Co-op and I just happened to run into my best friend Mary and my God daughter Miliana. I gathered all of my girls and we headed over to Cady’s Alley for a nice lunch at Leopold’s Cafe. There’s nothing better than a sunny Saturday afternoon, kicking back and enjoying the people that really mean a lot to you! I couldn’t chill to much because I had a big night ahead of me.

After several weeks of planning, a few extra days at the gym, some careful wardrobe selection, script memorization and a trip to Virginia horse country, our original show “Where the Elite Meet” debuted on The CW Washington last night. It was a great success for all of us. I want to thank Fran, Jim, Candice, Eric, Janelle, Kelly, Charlie, the production crew, editors and everyone else that was involved in getting this show on the air.

Sometimes in life when given the opportunity you have to challenge yourself. Like most people, I knew nothing about Polo and naturally felt my niche was hosting shows about Fashion and Beauty. I went into the project with an open mind and loved every minute of making this show. The feedback I received was amazing.

In preparation for the big night several people were working on pulling together a big premiere with a dj, fine food, fancy cocktails, you know the works! I was all for it until I felt the stress of pulling something that big together in a few short days was going to dampen the joy and sense of accomplishment we were all due for creating such a great piece of work. So, instead I chose to spend the evening with a small group of family and close friends.

In life we sometimes have to look at the big picture and not get caught up in trying so hard to be fabulous (you will miss the real good stuff)!

More Eastern Market shopping for me today kids.. If you missed “Where the Elite Meet”, catch it Sunday morning, May 18th @ 10:30am on The CW Washington. And I’d love to hear your comments about what you thought! Rest up, we have a big week of hard work and fashionable fun ahead of us. Cheers!!

After a long week of work I decided Friday night was my time to turn my phone on silent and have a night in with two of my three nieces, Nadia and Seanna. My oldest niece Anasia (my own little mini me) was already booked at a slumber party at her best friend Mia’s house. So the two little ones and I popped in the movie Narnia and chilled out with my dog Oscar. Once the girls fell asleep I had time to finish up some work, send out a few emails letting people know to watch my show “Where the Elite Meet” on The CW on Saturday night @ 8pm (Shameless Plug Alert), give myself a Glycolic Mask and a Deep Conditioner and go through my invites and media requests for the next few weeks. I found a nice Spring Fling party at The Intermix Store thrown by Capital File Magazine, the birthday party of a promiment politician, a request to present at an awards show, a screening for Sex and The City, the movie and finally an invite to attend a party at Prince’s house in LA! Oh yes people, you will be hearing a lot about this one over the coming weeks… More on that later!

I wrapped up my plan for Danielle Green, the host of ” Let’s Talk Gossip” on TrenDC. Danielle is fabulous, that girl was born to be in front of the camera. She can literally take 5 pages of script and memorize it in a few hours. Amazing.. Check out Danielle’s Let’s Talk Gossip from the homepage of TrenDC.

Do you ever just feel like getting your ‘Shop On’? I’ve been so busy working I haven’t had a chance to do my part to boost the local economy. So I’ll get to bed at a reasonable time, have a nice hot bath and get up early to check out Eastern Market’s outdoor shopping. My nieces love taking the dog through the market and chatting up my Cap Hill neighbors! Afterwards, we’ll hit one of our favorite lunch spots, Belga Cafe on 8th St. SE. We love to walk over with the dog, sit outside, drink Shirley Temples and let the sun give us a little healthy glow. Have a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, hit me up on the comments section and tell me what you did to get your fabulous on today.. Be back soon. Peace!

When Aba Kwawu, DC’s Power Publicist told me a month ago to reserve May 15th on my calendar for a very special De Beers Diamond Event, featuring the couture designer David Tlale from Rosebank South Africa, I knew to prepare myself for a night of Glamour and Fabulousness. Like clockwork, my faithful driver Ahmed was waiting outside of my place at 6:15 with the town car clean and ready to roll. Also like clockwork, I didn’t come out of the house until almost 7:00 for an event that started at 6:30. We jumped on Pennsylvania Ave, picked up my friend Amir and met my best friend Mary Barth outside the National African Art Museum.

The cocktail reception was DC Glamor personified. The crowd was a tasteful mix of Politicians, Art Collectors, Models, Business and Media Executives and of coarse Fashionistas. After an hour or so of passed hors d’oeuvres and Champagne, we were ushered upstairs to another area of the museum where the most fabulous couture runway show that I have ever attended in DC would take place. The clothes, the hair, the make-up, the choreography.. My friends and I were all sitting right up in the front row, literally clamoring for more. Everyone’s talking about it today and I’m actually about to run over to The Ritz Carlton to check out what David has at his trunk show… The say a picture is worth a thousand words.. Well the event was worth a million. Check out the pictures of the clothes and just how magical last night really was.
Cheers!