Elongation Nation

The theme of episode 3 was elongation. Being petite models, the ladies are forced to bring their A game every time - - always having to appear longer than they actually are in print and in person. After practicing their walks with Ms. Jay Alexander and the fiercest 9 yo strutting runways around the world, Diva Davanna, the girls appeared in their first show for designer Kevan Hall. The challenge of appearing in the show with 5'10" models made some perform average, but Brittney rose to the top. On the flip side, Lulu scraped the bottom of the barrel. During their practice, Lulu had been adamant that her walk needed no help because it was her "signature walk" she'd been doing "forever".... Ummmm......

Newsflash: To all aspiring models - - you don't have a signature walk until you make it and folks know who you are. Being a contestant on ANTM and refusing to change your "signature walk" is absolutely ridiculous to me. Obviously, your "walk" has gotten you nowhere as of now so maybe you should keep an open-mind and try to soak up all the knowledge you stand to gain by being a part of the show.

When the photoshoot rolled around the ladies worked with a scaled down set to help make them appear bigger. A surprise front runner was Kara who seemed to finally master her face angles and have her jaw line photograph softer. Two of my favorites, Nicole and Erin, didn't disappoint this week and were able to deliver pictures that made their bodies seem very long - - Nicole looking like she was over 6'0".

Elimination time rolled around and Ms. Lulu "my signature walk will never be changed" was the contestant sent packing her bags. After having a sub par walk and producing a lackluster photo, the judges decided she no longer had what it took to be be America's next top model.

Nicole

Kara

Erin

'The Hills' Season 6 kick-off party

The 6th season of The Hills will premiere on MTV Sept. 29th @ 10p... but if you'd like to get an early dose of all the drama, resident bad boy Justin Bobby will be hosting the kickoff screening party this Friday (9/25) at Lumen. The cover is $20 but you can RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com for no cover before 11p.

I've always been a fan of The Hills and Justin Bobby. He still has that sexy, bad boy, "kinda dirty and needs a shower to get the grease out of his hair" swag that I love!!


What: The Hills Season 6 Screening Party

Where: Lumen Chicago - 839 W. Fulton Market

Time: 9p

Cost: $20 (no cover with RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com)

Heineken & GQ Magazine party

Heineken & GQ Magazine will be hosting their "Give Yourself a Good Name" party on 10/8/09 @ Crimson Lounge. The party will feature complimentary drinks and no cover (need we say more?) as well as music by DJ Clinton Sparks.

The "Give Yourself a Good Name" campaign was launched in March and targeted towards giving consumers the opportunity to "give themselves a good name" through their actions, words and choices. Heineken USA Chief Marketing Officer Christian McMahan said that the campaign is urging people to "be the person your grandparents think you are" while driving home the message that "character glows in the dark". If you're looking to have a good time while supporting a good cause, come out to Crimson Lounge on 10/8/09 for the party.

What: Heineken & GQ Magazine "Give yourself a Good Name" party

Where: Crimson Lounge - inside of Hotel Sax 333 N. Dearborn St.

Time: 8p-11p

Cost: No cover - RSVP to GQ@zapwater.com

2009 Essence Empowerment Conference

Fall is officially here and along with the beautiful sights of the changing seasons we too can shed old things and prepare ourselves for the new. Friday, October 30th Essence magazine will host their 2009 Empowerment Conference: A Day of Transformation.

The $50 ticket will give you access to speakers such as Mellody Hobson (President of Ariel Investments), Kenetta Bailey (Sr. VP of WE tv), Robin Robinson (Fox Chicago Anchor), Angela Ingram (VP of Communications - Clear Channel Chicago), Carole Brown (Chairman of the CTA board), and Michelle McKinney Hammond (author and motivational speaker) just to name a few.

Topics to be covered include:

- Transform your finances
- Transition to a new career
- Create your personal brand
- Network effectively
- Launch, nurture and grow your business

Despite being during a weekday, I urge everyone to use a day of PTO and invest in yourself. The conference is aiming to not only empower women, but offer key strategies to help attendees attain a higher level of success. This is sure to be a must attend event for women in Chicago. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here.

When: Friday, October 30th, 2009
Where: Hyatt Regency Chicago - 151 E. Wacker Dr.
Time: 9am -330pm
Cost: $50

Friday Night Fun

Looking for something to do tomorrow night? Sprite Green will be hosting their Satellite Installation One party at the Harris Theatre Rooftop in Millennium Park. The event will feature the RSVP Gallery in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood (specializing in pop art from around the world), as well as performances from various G.O.O.D. Music recording artists.

This has undoubtedly been the summer of the "rooftop party" so come out and celebrate the end of summer with the best of Chicago's funky art scene. To RSVP click the flyer.

When: Friday 9/18/09
Where: Harris Theatre Rooftop in Millennium Park 205 E. Randolph St.
Time: 8p
Cost: RSVP Needed

Smile with your Eyes

The 2nd episode started off with the ladies meeting with Wilhelmina Models President Sean Patterson. Along with Photographer and Judge Nigel Barker, the ladies were given the opportunity to make a lasting impression on Patterson (the season winner will be calling him boss) in an interview setting. Some did well while a few struggled to come across charismatic and memorable. A surprise elimination sent home 1 girl, Ashley, who aside from her large eyes was not that noticeable.

The ladies then went to "smize" training with Tyra who drilled them on her signature "smile with your eyes" technique. They had a competition and the winners were awarded a 5-star dinner with Patterson.

The photoshoot featured the girls topless and donning long wigs while posing with horses and their jockeys. A few of the top performers were Erin, Brittany and Nicole who managed to exude tons of emotion in their photos and impress the judges.

I liked the surprise elimination though I wish Bianca would be sent home. She is quickly emerging as the bitchy, whiner of the house constantly complaining about everything on photo shoots and causing discord among the ladies in the house.

Erin

Brittany