THE BLACKOUT hosted by LeBron James With Special Guest Jay-Z

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Jay-Z may be performing at the United Center but the after-party is definitely at The Shrine!

Hennessy Black & Rich Paul Presents  THE BLACKOUT Thursday March 18th, at The Shrine (2109 South Wabash).  Celebrities expected to attend THE BLACKOUT including LeBron James will be Jay – Z, Trey Songz, Young Jeezy, Michael Jordan, Memphis Bleek, Shaquille O’Neal, Donte Whitner (Buffalo Bills), Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins), Jerry Azumah, Hustle Simmons, Mark Anderson, Fred Carter (Minnesota Vikings), Devin Hester and WGCI’s Leon Rogers.

This is don’t miss party people so come and enjoy The Blackout!

The Blackout Teaser from MCM on Vimeo.

March 18th
The Shrine
2109 South Wabash
9pm-2am

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Ten Fab Glamorama Facts!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Macy’s 2009 Glamorama is right around the corner! And for the first time Glamorama will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas. So it’s fashion plus music for a fantastic cause! So in preparation for the BIG event here are Ten Fab Glamorama facts!

1. It takes 40 model dressers, six wardrobe stylists, two alterations specialists, three model senders, 13 hair stylists and 13 makeup artists to get the models ready for Glamorama

2. About 140 pairs of shoes go down the runway.

3. Every year, more than 2,000 people attend the Glamorama post-party

4. More than 400 pounds of candy were distributed to guests at the post-party last year!

5. The post-party uses approximately 7,000 lbs. of ice

6. Past celebrity attendees include: Ellen Degeneres, Brooke Shields, David Schwimmer, Lauren Holly, Pamela Anderson, Ryan Seacrest and Queen Latifa.

7. Past performers include: Cyndi Lauper, MC Hammer, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Beyoncé, B-52’s, the Pussycat Dolls and Wayne Newton .

8. Money raised from this year’s event will help build the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House – a 100,000-square-foot House with 14 floors and 86 guest rooms

9.One $50 Macy’s Glamorama ticket pays for a family to stay one night at a Ronald McDonald House

10. Glamorama ROCKS!

Macy’s 2009 Glamaorama takes place Friday, August 21st, at the Chicago Theatre. Headlined by Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Ne-Yo and jazz trio The New Standards. To purchase tickets
CLICK HERE

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Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami: Q&A With Khloe Kardashian

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Single and ready to take on the world, sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian leave behind their family to take a chance and launch DASH Boutique in Miami and experience all that South Beach has to offer. “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami” is a sneak peak inside the lives of two highly driven sisters as they live and work together and figure things out for the first time on their own.  Most noticeably it’s the chance for the two sisters to define their own image in the spotlight without their more well-known sister (Kim). I recently caught up with Kourtney and Khloe and they discussed their new show, men, and the pressures of living in the spotlight.

 

 Q: So please tell me about the new show Kourtney and Khloe take Miami.

A: This is probably one of the most fun times Kourtney and I have ever had. We were just in a totally different city. We were in Miami where it’s beaches and it’s sexiness! We were opening a new clothing store (DASH) which was really stressful but a memorable experience.

 

Q: What was it like living in Miami?

A: I never went to college so doing this show was kind of like my college years.  I was away from my family and where my comfort zone was; doing everything new and out of the ordinary. The only comfort I had was Kourtney.

 

Q: You’re very outspoken; do you feel as if sometimes people can’t handle that?

A: Definitely! You know I’m pretty free spirited and I don’t really hold back what I have to say. Either you love it or you hate it. It depends on the individual but I do know a LOT of people especially people that I work with where sometimes, I have to baby them. I don’t like changing myself for other people. But I definitely try to be appropriate in certain environments. But if I’m in my own environment or if I’m at my own store doing my own thing, I’m definitely going to talk how I talk. That is just who I am and I can’t apologize for that.

 

Q: We all love the strong and confident Khloe but are you insecure about anything?

A: I get insecure more about body image, but not over huge things. I’ve always had weight issues and I recently lost a little over 20lbs. I’ve been at both extremes, literally anorexic when I was about 15 years old and 35lbs overweight when my father died. And I’ve been in the middle where I’ve been 100% happy with myself- I just didn’t stay there.  How I deal with my issues is I tend to eat and so I do get insecure about my body. But at the end of the day, I’m also proud of myself because in the media I always get scrutinized for being like the heavy one or fat one out of my sisters. And I love that I decided to lose weight on my own. And I did it not to please other people but because I wanted to please myself.

 

Q: You personal love life has been in the spotlight with recent rumors of you being engaged to Shaun Phillips and having an affair with Jay-Z? So what is exactly the status of your love life?

A: My status is single. Shaun Phillips (SP) is one of my really good friends. I actually know him because one of my best friends dated one of his best friends. I’ve never dated him; I have known him for about three years.  But we’ve never dated and he has a girlfriend right now.  Also, I’ve never had an affair with Jay-Z because I love Beyonce way too much.

 

 Q: Do you think that some of the previous guys you dated did it for the TV or to really be with you?

A: Well I’ve realized at the end of at least one of my relationships that it was all for cameras, but I didn’t know that going into it. Learning that his intentions weren’t really for me was much more hurtful because my intentions never had anything to do for the cameras. I live my life and be true to myself because these cameras aren’t going to be here my entire life. I learned all this once I got out of that relationship and that’s not fun. I don’t like putting my relationships on camera. It took me three seasons to do that, it was very uncomfortable for me and I also think the man can tell when it’s uncomfortable. That’s why I choose not too anymore.

“Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami” premieres August 16 at 10 pm ET/PT only on E!

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It’s Great To Be Jake!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Just because the economy stinks, that doesn’t mean your fashion has to as well.

On Friday, fashion-forward Gold Coast boutique Jake (939 N. Rush St.) will launch a new budget-friendly store-in-store promotion called “It’s Great To Be Jake.”

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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Home Is Where The Suitcase Is!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Always on the go? Or maybe you just hate those extended stays hotels.

Well here’s a chic and cost effective alternative, rent a corporate apartment!

When your job takes you everywhere and home is where your suitcase is, you DO have a choice.

Corporate apartments offer most of the same amenities at those luxury hotels but sometimes at a fraction of the cost plus with additional space.

Now, this isn’t for everyone especially if you love to pick out place-mats. But if you’re a busy traveling professional, need a home styled vacation rental or a one-stop shop short/long-term lease this may be a great idea!

Personally, I don’t have time to worry about the small stuff and with my career taking me from city to city every few years this is the perfect solution.

Why spend time towel shopping, buying dishes or moving bulky furniture up and down endless flights of stairs when it could all be there waiting for you with maid service?!

Chicago has several  very reputable corporate housing companies that offer a wide range of prices and accommodations to suite almost anyone’s needs. From modest studios to luxury 4 bedrooms town homes they have it all! Listed below are my personal favorites. And as they say home is where the suitcase is!

CHECK IT OUT!

http://www.spsuites.com/
http://stanproperties.com/
http://www.thewaltonresidence.com
www.athomeinnchicago.com

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Chrisette Michele Dishes On Epiphany

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chrisette Michele is taking a different approach with her sophomore album, Epiphany.

The Grammy award winning singer isn’t stressing anymore about what people think about her and her music. Instead, Chrisette now says, “If they don’t like me or my music –that’s ok and thanks!”

Chrisette sat down with me for a private dinner with a select group of friends on Tuesday (April 21st) at Hyde Park hot-spot Park 52. The fabulous dinner was a four-course taster and also served as a intimate listening session.

Sporting a blue and gold trimmed Polo Rugby jacket with matching gold bracelets by Scoop NYC, Chrisette discussed everything from how Ne-Yo made her have a epiphany to stress and bleeding vocal cords.

The fabulous intimate event was sponsored and hosted by Bleu Magazine and editor in chief extraordinaire Lenox Magee. (Thanks!) Also, specials thanks to Mega LLC -Dr. Renee Matthews!

Epiphany is the follow-up to Chrisette Michele’s critically acclaimed gold selling debut, I AM. Epiphany will hit stores on May 5th.

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Entertainment News for March 20, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

SEEING RED!
Anne Hathaway begged Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani to autograph her dress – after he accidentally spilt red wine all over the gown. The Devil Wears Prada star was at a private dinner for the 76-year-old fashion icon in New York on Tuesday (March 17th) night, which saw Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna turn out for the style mogul.

An eyewitness tells the New York Daily News, “Anne was covered in wine, but she laughed about it. She told him, ‘I want you to autograph this dress and sign it right now.’”

AND HERE COMES THE RIHANNA & CHRIS BROWN SEX TAPE…
We’ve already had the engagement rumors, wedding rumors, baby rumors, so at this point why not throw in a sex tape rumor?

Star Magazine claims that Chris Brown has a graphic video featuring him and Rihanna being very intimate in (how should I put this) “various ways”. Sources are saying that Rihanna is terribly afraid that Chris is going to leak the video if things continue on the current path and they eventually break up. The source went on to say, “Rihanna has no issues with her sexuality. But she’d be mortified if her friends and family found this out! This whole beating incident is terribly humiliating for her. She’s already traumatized and will do anything to make it all go away as quickly as possible.“

CHICAGO GOSSIP:
Tom Brokaw, former “NBC Nightly News” anchor and NBC special correspondent, speaks at the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. tonight at The Field Museum.

NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant will be sharing footwear designs with students today at Walsh Elementary. The star will also do a youth basketball clinic later this evening.

And if you want to know where the celebs like Kobe and others are partying tonight then click on my TWITTER account for all the latest scandal and gossip!

SIGHTINGS:
Actress Sandra Bullock stuck in 6pm rush hour traffic with her security detail on Michigan Avenue…. Billy Dec running from B-96 in Prudential Plaza next door to 103.5 KISS-FM for his second on-air appearance Thursday morning.

WEEKEND HOT SPOTS!
FRIDAY: Stay Lounge. The official after-party spot and best of all everyone is V.I.P.! Stay Lounge- 111 West Erie.
SATURDAY: Bon V hosts Image Magazine party and to get in free just mention IMAGE at the door! Bon V – 1100 W Randolph St

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Entertainment News for March 13, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Not Acceptable!                                                       

 Social workers inspected the home of octuplets mother Nadya Sulemanin La Habra, CA yesterday (March 12).  As they deemed her future home unacceptable and decided her babies should remain at a Bellflower Hospital for several more days, Nadya had a team of cameras following her every move — possibly for a new reality TV show??

Howard K. Stern is Busted!

The longtime companion and attorney of Anna Nicole Smith was charged March 12th, for conspiring to furnish drugs to the Playboy pin-up in the years leading up to her 2007 death from a prescription medication overdose. Stern and one of the doctors charged voluntarily turned themselves in to police Thursday night (March 12th) and were immediately arrested and booked. Another doctor who is facing the same charges is reportedly expected to turn himself into police on Monday.

Chirs Brown  Says…  

Don’t believe everything you read.  Contrary to a New York Post report claiming that Chris Brown had fired all his staff — including the manager who allegedly sent the text message that caused this mess in the first place — his mom/co-manager Joyce Hawkins has issued a statement saying it’s all – “unequivocally” – not true

She says: “Reports that Chris is looking to replace his team, including Mark Geragos, Tina Davis and Mike Sitrick, are false. There are only two people who could make a change at that level on Chris’ behalf: his business attorney Kenny Meiselas and me — and neither of us were the source of this information. To the contrary, Kenny told the media outlet that broke this item, that the information they had was false. So there is no room for doubt or misunderstanding, let me state unequivocally, that no change is planned or being made with respect to Mark Geragos, Tina Davis or Mike Sitrick. We are very pleased with the work they are doing.”

WEEKEND HOT SPOTS!                                                                                   FRIDAY: Social Twenty-Five opening tonight! It’s being called the perfect blend of sports and style—sort of the Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen of River North watering holes. Social Twenty-Five 25 W. Hubbard St (between Dearborn and Wabash)

SATURDAY DAY: Dye The River Green Party at Fulton’s On The River! Green beer, prime viewing spot and Kegs N’ Eggs ?! Fulton’s On The River 315 North LaSalle 9am-4pm

SATURDAY NIGHT:                                                                                                JBAR-  Sexy drinks, hot music, the A-list crowd and DJ Rock City! What more could a girl want?! J BAR – 600 N. Rush Street – Chicago, IL 60611

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Michelle Obama & Desiree Rogers Fashion Problems!

 LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team
Of all the issues surrounding the White House these days, believe it or not, fashion is causing an uproar.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s green, sleeveless, tea-length dress was a hit Feb. 25 when she presented the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize to Stevie Wonder. And with all eyes on the First Lady, Obama choose another unknown designer for the high profile event, Wonder’s wife Kai Milla.

But the First Lady’s affinity for unknown designers and modern taste has come with its share of criticism. And her main love for all things sleeveless seems to be the source of the controversy.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Desiree Rogers, A Fashion No-No At Fashion Week?

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is in full gear in New York, and CHICAGO is definitely in the HOUSE! But the buzz from the fashion world Monday wasn’t on the runway, instead it was reserved for Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour sitting with her “special guest“, White House Social Secretary and Chicago native Desiree Rogers.

Ms. Rogers attended three shows alongside the fabulous Ms. Wintour but noticeably after attending only the first show by designer Carolina Herrera, The Huffington Post reported that Desiree made a quick change of wardrobe from her slight above the knee skirt to a pair of more of conservative black slacks.

Desiree was spotted later Monday afternoon at the Donna Karan’s Collection Show wearing the same jacket, knit top and slacks. When asked about her morning change of attire, she said,  “It’s really chilly here.”

But my inside source tells me that’s not the true reason for the change of wardrobe. My source states that Desiree’s beautifully toned bare legs were the real cause for the fashion switch-up, making quite a bit of a stir that morning at the Carolina Herrera show.  Leaving some fashion attendees questioning whether Ms. Rogers’ fabulous attire was a little too revealing for her high profile status. 

Rogers, who wore a Carolina Herrera gown to the inaugural balls, has always preferred the classic silhouettes of Herrera’s designs and was featured in the February issue of Vogue Magazine.

Also, spotted among the fashion elite was none other than Ikram Goldman, owner of  the now famous Ikram boutique, who is considered by many to be First Lady Michelle Obama’s unofficial stylist!

 

Click here to see more pictures from Desiree’s day in NY.

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Celebs, Parties And More!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Oprah approved celebrity chef and owner of Table 52 restaurant Art Smith knows more than great food, he knows great fashion! Store director Tessa Gillenwater of Louis Vuitton on Michigan Avenue is throwing Art a V.I.P. cocktail reception and book signing tonight (Sept. 18th) inside LV. Can you say WOW!

Michigan Avenue magazine, the most talked-about launch in Chicago officially hit shelves Sept. 15th. The 360-page premier-issue cover, featuring Chicago’s hometown supermodel Cindy Crawford, will be followed by a holiday issue, and then 10 issues in 2009. Now, if I can just get my hands on one…. SUSANNA !

Sunset Tan‘s Olly twins were all the rage on Friday, Sept. 12th, at Bon V nightclub. The twins keep the party hot and looked beautiful!

And big congrats to my favorite spa for men HALO!! They were featured on Fox Chicago Thursday morning!

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Celebs, Parties And More!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

On Thursday night, restaurant owner of Avenue M-Lew Langer threw one hell of a birthday party for Chicago Bears player Adewale Ogunleye. With half the team showing up and jamming to the tunes of my new favorite deejay Timbuck Two, is was the kind of laid back party that you didn’t want to miss!

Robin Thicke made a private appearance at Blu47 resturant & lounge Monday night, singing new songs from his upcoming album “Something Else” out Sept 30th.

Glamorama was a hit! And Glossed and Found host D. Graham Kostic  was on the scene getting the scoop!

The Backstreet Boys partied at the Blackberry Luxe Club party at Enclave on Thursday night

Lindsay Lohan was back in town and stood by Samantha Ronson’s side Friday night as she spun in the DJ booth at Crimson Lounge

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Parties, Celebs, Gossip And More!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

Socialite and Ralph Lauren fashion ambassador Bunky Cushing is featured in this month’s CHICAGO Magazine!! Congrats!

The “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour” will star rapper Lupe Fiasco at a private event Sunday (8/17) at the Park West .

Designer Maria Pinto (Ste 300 2211 N Elston Ave) celebrated the grand opening of her first boutique on Tuesday night. The store features designer originals, fine jewelry and the latest must have items for any true fashionista! And Maria being the wonderful person that she is already giving back! The boutique will donate 15% of all proceeds to the Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art through August 16th. True fashion with a cause!!  

N.E.R.D will be at the HOB on Sept. 2nd presented by Converse with a special guest…get tickets NOW!

Rapper/Actor Ice Cube will be in town on Monday premiering his new movie “The Longshots“  with star KeKe Palmer at the ICE Chatham Theater on the South-Side.

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