How to do Fergie's Sexy Fishtail Braid Look

Fishtail braids are hot right now! And there are so many different ways to wear them! You can do a tight one, for a sleek elegant look as shown on this beautiful model in the photo above, or a wispy one for a bohemian chic look shown above featured in Seventeen Magazine tied with a Di Manno Designs black leather ponytail holder, or a loose one for sexy effortless look like Fergie has in the photo above.

Fergie wears her fishtail braid loose and to the side with her bangs hanging down for a soft flowy look, which matches well with her flowy top.

Here are instructions on how to do a fishtail braid:

1. Tie hair in a ponytail and part it into 2 equal sections.

2.Pull a 1/2 inch section of hair from the right section and add it to the left section.

3.Repeat with a piece from the left section adding it to the right section.

4.Continue adding 1/2 inch pieces to sections until you reach the end of the hair and then tie with a Di Manno Designs ponytail holder to hold it secure in place. (Di Manno Designs can custom make ponytail holders shorter for pigtail or braid looks to hold the ends of the hair)

Have fun trying your fishtail braid to get the look that matches your mood!:)

Dakota Fanning is a Fan of Di Manno Designs Accessories

I was excited when I received a personally hand written letter in the mail from Dakota Fanning thanking me for the accessories I sent her. I sent her a

Di Manno Designs denim bow, red leather wrist cuff and a white crystal covered headband made with Crystallized Swarovski Elements. In the letter she said, "Thank you so much for the wristband, headband and hair tie from Di Manno Designs. Each accessory is SO cute and I love them...!

After sending out quite a few celebrity packages and hearing no response, it was a great feeling to hear a response from a celeb and a positive one in a hand written letter!:) I've watched Dakota in movies over the years and always admired her acting skills. Not only is she growing to be a beautiful young woman/actress, but she is kind and humble too! I respect her even more now!

Christian City Church, C3, Another Place to be Inspired

About 2 years ago, my friend Adam (in the picture with me) brought me to C3 church. Ever since then, I have continued to go to their service because every time I do I am inspired. I was raised Catholic, of course, from 2 Italian immigrants, and I enjoy the Catholic Church, but always got the most out of the homily, so when I was introduced to C3, besides the music and offering, it is like one long homily. I get so much out of the messages! I am not concerned with denominations, I just want to go where ever I feel good and getting the most out of the messages, which will in turn, make me a better person.:)

This event, in the pictures, was to celebrate C3's 10th anniversary in Manhattan with a live painting show by Phil Pringle, who is the pastor of the C3 Church in Australia. It was exciting, the first time I have ever seen someone paint a whole painting live! It was quite amazing!

Stephen Hickson (in the picture above) is our pastor at C3 Manhattan, he is great! A native Australian, he is funny, charismatic and one of the best guys I know AND his messages are so powerful. There are 2 Sunday services, 11:00am and 6:00pm held at 242 West 41st in the Times Center in the auditorium.

I always walk away from service feeling good. And that's a beautiful thing!:)

In the picture above I have on a Di Manno Designs red patent leather wrist cuff.

Peter Shankman's (with HARO) Speech at New York Entrepreneur Week

This week is New York Entrepreneur Week, which is a week long event filled with different influential speakers and panel discussions every day. This morning I attended Peter Shankman's speech. It was amazing and he is HILARIOUS!!! Love a guy who can make you laugh at 9:00am! And the whole room was laughing with me! Peter Shankman is the founder of HARO (Help a Reporter Out), which he formed to connect journalists to entrepreneurs and designers, by using a system of sending 3 emails out a day that lists different categories such as; Urgent, Business and Finance, General, Health and Fitness, Lifestyle, Technology and Travel. So as you can see there are many different categories from where many different types of reporters, bloggers, editors and designers, experts and all different types of entrepreneurs can benefit from, simply by being connected! If you fit the bill for the story, you apply and you have the potential to get press. And it's free! I was introduced to HARO months ago and since then read every email he sends out and have gotten a few different write ups on Di Manno Designs from it! It works! Peter has been successful in building HARO. What he built for fun in the beginning, now has over 100,000 members. Congrats Peter!

In his speech he shared 4 rules which he lives and operates HARO by:

#1 Transparency

This is the idea that you shouldn't be afraid to let your audience know when you screw up. If you really listen to your audience, your customers, you can make valuable changes when needed to help your company grow in a positive way.

#2"Ask Them"

Don't be hesitant to ask your audience HOW they would like to receive their information. This is effective because they will get your information in a form they are most comfortable receiving it and it could save you money. For example, if someone prefers email over mail, you save yourself postage that would be wasted since that item would be tossed out if it went to a customer who doesn't read his/her mail.

#Learn to Write

This is key because in today's world everyone is so busy and getting information from so many different mediums, it is important when trying to get a person's attention to be concise and clear with what you write. If you have a question, don't beat around the bush, ask it, or maybe it is a clever title to use in the subject line of your email to assure that that person will not only open it, but read it. Peter says, "Brevity equals good writing."

#4 Be Present in People's Minds

This concept is to stay in touch with people through Facebook and Twitter etc, but not just when you want or need something. This can turn a person off, who may be someone you could potentially be doing business with. Make it a point to reach out to them JUST BECAUSE and it will build your relationship with them in a way that just by staying in touch, you will be remembered, which is key, because being memorable can definitely bring more business to you!

I loved what he said in the beginning, "If you strive for mediocracy, you become just like everyone else." So inspiring, because I think behind every great company, is a strong leader, a risk taker who likes to go against the norm, and by doing so, he or she can be very well rewarded. And hopefully that person is also a good person, with a good heart to also touch and inspire the lives of those around him or her through their journey.

Fashion Group International's Presentation and Panel Discussion with Donna Karan as Moderator

Today I attended Fashion Group International's presentation and panel discussion on Spring/Summer 2010 Trend Overview with Sabina Les, (a fabulous silk scarf designer), my new buddy, who is my neighbor and also a member of Collective-E. Donna Karan was the special guest moderator and on the panel was Lincoln Moore, VP of Handbags and Accessories at Saks Fifth Avenue, Linda Fargo, SVP of Bergdorf Goodman, Jane Larkworthy, Beauty Director at W Magazine, Ikram Goldman of Ikram boutique in Chicago, (who also dresses Michelle Obama) and Candy Pratts Price, Executive Fashion Director of Style.com.

To start, Donna asked the question, "What is the designer's role in retail stores?" Lincoln said that what helps his Saks customers are designers that are active and go to the store and speak to their customers. It makes the customer feel better when he/she has that personal relationship with the designer and also understands the value of what he/she is buying.

Ikram also added that it is important when the designer (if they are present) and sales staff talk about the fabrics and the cost and help the customer understand and learn why he/she is spending the money they are on one outfit and to also remind them it is a "buy now, wear forever!"

Donna also addressed the problems designers are facing with all the mark downs at the stores and the impact it is having on the luxury goods market. Linda said that what they have been doing at Bergdorf is buying less of each item, "less is more," she said. This helps to put the value back into luxury, if there aren't so many items, it makes the item appear more special and it will cut down the mark downs. Candy also agreed that less is more and she also added that it helps when the stores "entertain their customers." Customers want to hear the story and want that personal relationship. I completely agree with this. I am more likely to buy at places where I either know the designer, or believe and/or admire his/her story or have a relationship with a salesperson at a store. It is pleasant and it feels good, I think everyone wants to do what makes them feel good... Why not?

Donna also touched base on how there is too much information out there and how it is affecting the customers and the stores. Ikram agreed with Donna that there is a downside to "too much information" because an item loses it's luster when it is spoken about and seen too much in the press and in turn, the customer doesn't want to buy it, because he/she is over the item!

She says she gives her customers "surprises" to combat this problem. Surprises like offering items that weren't shown on the runway. She also mentions she has been very fortunate in this aspect because designers have been willing to work with her to create these pieces for her customers. Lincoln added that he agrees with Ikram and it is harder for Saks to have that kind of relationship with their customer because they are bigger and have a wider range of customers. Lincoln said "it is a double-edged sword because customers want what is on the runway that second and they can't get it." So this can be troublesome with sales because the customer wants what they saw in the fashion show and not what is out on the floor. He combats this problem by "re training" his staff to speak to customers on the value of the product rather than focusing on the brand.

Linda pointed out one advantage of having "too much information" is that it has brought in people globally all over the world to her store. Linda also said she doesn't think it is going to change, but on a positive note said that about 70% of their business is done on pre collections, meaning that they buy and sell pieces from designers that are not in the fashion shows. She says these items have a natural sell through, don't have to go on sale and she is happy that the designers don't have the pressure of performance on the pre collection items, as they do with the runway pieces. Donna, of course, mentioned she loved selling pre collection for this very reason! Donna said the pre collection items have a longer shelf life and sell more because people aren't sick of it!

The overall consensus for the Spring/Summer 2010 lines is that they are going to do very well. Linda felt there were enough compelling trends to discuss with customers, Lincoln was thrilled with it and Ikram feels that there is a "notion of a dream with the lines, no longer dressing to kill, but dressing to be beautiful."

One key point that Jane Lankworthy mentioned, (when Donna asked about how are "we" supposed to feel good about wearing these clothes we see on the runway, when we are not those models on the runway) is that beauty comes from within, no matter what outfit we have on. It is the way we feel about ourselves. I completely agree with this, I think WE wear the outfit. No matter what fabric, style or designer you may be wearing, if your attitude and energy isn't exuding goodness, the outfit alone doesn't have the power to make you shine.

So, as you can see, I learned a lot today from this panel discussion, which was very insightful!

Great presentation by FGI and great questions from Donna and candid answers from everyone on the panel. Thanks to everyone for another educational and inspiring day!:)

Saks Fifth Avenue Event, Live the Life You Love

Yesterday evening I went to the Live the Life You Love Event at Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC, presented by SingleEdition.com and Spark Networks. It was fun, complimentary cocktails (even though the wait staff did not know what liquor it was, they were tasty and refreshing! lol), manicures, makeup applications by Estee Lauder, seaweed soap and coupons to Vitamin Shoppe and gift bags!

Beth Schoenfeldt, one of the owners of Collective-E spoke as the business and start up advisor, hence the reason I was there! The other speakers were Alyson D'Anna as a career coach, Karine Bakhoum as the entertaining and food expert and Brad Berkowitz as the love and relationship expert.

The theme was for single women , encouraging them that they can start up a business alone, they can cook gourmet meals for themselves, a reminder of what to be careful of in the work place as a single woman and advice on where to go if you are single to meet a guy.

Beth spoke about taking advantage of the extra time you have when you are single, because once you have children, if you intend to do so, your life changes and you will not have the extra time off to get more work in. She also reminded us to "start with the end in mind," meaning to know where you want your business to end up, even if you don't have a a business plan, and to start thinking of whether selling your business may or may not be an option, but just knowing gives you peace of mind and will help you to grow your business effectively with that strategy, whatever that may be. She also said it helps when an entrepreneur is "hungry," which translates to not waiting or depending on a man to come along and start or support your business. We women can do it on our own! And from what she has seen, entrepreneurs end up being more successful when they are "hungry!"

Alyson spoke about being single in the workplace and being conscious of the consequences of getting romantically involved with your boss and/or co workers. She also spoke about the importance of having a mentor. She sees that men tend to have mentors more than women and she encourages women to go out and find a mentor because they can be very instrumental in the success of your business.

Karine spoke about a few different delicious recipes that don't take long to make, but reminded us that frozen dinners aren't the best thing for us to be putting into our bodies! She encouraged us to treat our self and that we can buy single portions at the grocery store, so if we feel like a filet mignon, buy a filet mignon, stick a potato in the oven, make a simple salad on the side and have a gourmet meal, even if it is only you eating! We should be cooking gourmet for ourselves while single, because we are number one! She also commented, if you have a dinner party, maybe you will not want to go with the filet mignon for a party of 8!

Brad spoke about trying new things, not to become creature of habits, because that sometimes is the reason of why single women are not meeting men. Don't always go to the same restaurant and if a guy doesn't call within a few days, he is not interested, move on, don't dwell and analyze! He reminded us, if there is a game in the evening, good guess that a lot of men will be there watching the game, find a friend, go to a bar to watch the game and your chances of meeting Mr. Right will be better than you just staying in watching TV by yourself!

In the picture above is Sherri Langburt, founder of Single Edition, Beth Schoenfeldt, owner of Collective-E, Sabina Ptacin, also owner of Collective-E and Red Branch PR and me. By the way, I am wearing a Black Brass Studded Di Manno Designs Wrist Cuff with the outfit, even though you can't see it in the picture, it is on the other wrist!

Di Manno Designs Wrist Cuffs Featured on WPIX 11 Morning News

Today Di Manno Designs Black Silver Studded and Black Large Crystal and White Brass Studded Wrist Cuff and Black Silver Studded Headband were featured on WPIX 11 Morning News! To think that not even 2 years ago I was just thinking of the concept and today I was watching them on TV. What a great feeling! The segment, hosted by Michelle Madhok, founder of She Finds.com and Tamsen Fadal of WPIX 11, was about vampire-inspired items for Halloween. Tamsen pointed out that Di Manno Designs cuffs are not only for women, they are for men too. "Vampy" accessories are in this season with shows and movies out like Twilight and Vampire Diaries. Michelle mentions that "Vamp" is probably in due to the history of Vampires and the romanticism associated with them.

Other items featured were: Just Bubbly soap, Michele Baratta necklace, Jules Smith necklace, Luna Twilight makeup, 2Enlight10 clutch and DayNa Decker candle. Congrats to all the companies that appeared on TV and to Sabina Ptacin of Collective-E who worked hard to help make this happen. You rock Sabina!

Di Manno Designs Accessories Are Not Only for the Young

My mom and dad came to NYC to visit my sister and I (mom, Ange and dad are in the picture shown above) in October. I was surprised when my mom asked me if she could wear a headband! Of course I said yes:) One day she wore a Di Manno Designs Black Leather basic headband (shown in the picture above) when we went for a stroll around Herald Square to do some shopping. Another night, she put on a nice top and wanted to wear an accessory to jazz up her outfit, so she chose the Black Crystal Covered Headband made with Crystallized Swarovski Elements. (shown in the picture above)

This is a prime example that shows that these accessories are for all age groups, from little girls who adore the Canvas Bows, teenagers and young women who love the Patent, Exotic, Studded and Crystal collections to the older woman who will wear both basic Leather and Crystal collections! My mom has already put in her request for a dark brown leather headband, which will be custom made. She mentioned she would like it to match more with her hair color. She will get it when I visit them for Thanksgiving. Thanks for your support mom, and I didn't even have to ask!:)

Interview with Justin Brown with AArrow Advertising

Stefany: How long have you been at AArrow Advertising, and what is your title?

Justin: My name is Justin Brown, I'm 24 years old, and I am the director of training for AArrow Advertising. I've been spinning signs for about 5 years now.

Stefany: What types of services do you offer companies and what are the rates?

Justin: We're a guerrilla marketing company that specializes in a new form of interactive advertising that uses street performance to attract attention. AArrow Sign Spinners are an hourly service, which ranges from $30 to $40 per hour.

Stefany: What companies have you worked with?

Justin: We've worked in every industry including McDonald's, State Farm, Paramount Pictures, Vitamin Water, Snoop Dogg and even Di Manno Designs! (Just to name a few)

Stefany: Have you seen this form of advertising successful with any of your past clients?

Justin: We've gotten great results in driving traffic and increasing sales because of our engaging energy. We find and reach out to our clients target market, to create the most adaptive and efficient form of advertising available.

Stefany: What do you like most about working with AArrow?

Justin: The thing I most like about AArrow is the opportunity to going around the world and perform a skill to millions of people, to spend my time performing for people and making them smile..that is the best part about this job!

Stefany: Check out more about AArrow Sign Spinning at: http://www.aarrowads.com/

Di Manno Designs White Large Crystal Wristband Appears on America's Got Talent

Justin Brown with Aarrow Advertising auditioned for America's Got Talent. In these pictures, he is wearing his favorite Di Manno Designs accessory, the White Large Crystal Wristband made with Crystallized Swarovski Elements.

Great job Justin and great outfit!

I love a guy who has some style and is not afraid to stand out in a crowd!

Seize Sur Vingt Store Opening party at Their New 78 Greene Street Location in Soho Sponsored by Rolling Stone

Yesterday evening I attended Seize Sur Vingt's store opening party at 78 Greene Street in Soho sponsored by Rolling Stone. James and Gwendolyn Jurney founded Seize Sur Vingt in 1998, which is a finely tailored clothing company for men and women. They are known for their premium quality shirts and suits made with blends using Egyptian cottons, wool, cashmere and linen. You can also find shoes, sportswear and accessories at their store. It's no wonder that their production comes from family-owned and operated workshops in Italy, Portugal and England! If you need a suit custom tailored, they have a tailor who works on site to get the job done! Everything is high scale in this shop from the top quality fabrics they use to their impeccable customer service.

They relocated from their Nolita posts at 243 and 267 Elizabeth street, which they were at for years. They wanted a larger space to combine both of their concepts: Groupe and Seize Sur Vingt. Party was very fun with a cool mix of creative people and the drinks were yummy. Chopin Vodka was offered and a rum that they were mixing with cider to make cocktails. Food was being passed and James and Gwen were busy talking with all the guests in between interviews with TV stations. Happy for them that they can now sit back, relax and celebrate their new home for Seize Sur Vingt and Groupe!:) They also have a store in the Plaza Hotel.

In the picture above, I am with James and Gwen Jurney wearing a Di Manno Designs Black Crystal Headband with the matching wrist cuff.

Justin Brown with Aarrow Advertising Spinning Di Manno Designs sign, NYC Fashion Week

Justin Brown with Aarrow Advertising was seen spinning this Di Manno Designs sign in front of the Mercedes Benz fashion tent in Bryant Park during Sept fashion week in NYC.
This type of marketing is known as guerilla marketing and can be very effective to market a company, especially in a heavily populated location like this one in NYC with a fashion event going on at the same time! On one side of the sign was a Di Manno Designs ponytail holder picture and on the other side was a Di Manno Designs headband and wrist cuff shot with my logo on both sides. I am wearing a Di Manno Designs black brass studded headband and matching wristband in this picture and Justin is wearing his favorite Di Manno Designs accessory, the white large crystal wristband.
Aarrow Advertising is the world's largest guerilla marketing franchise, which was launched in 2002. The famous "Aarrow Sign Spinners" perform in many different US cities as well as different countries around the world. Justin Brown in this picture and video was Di Manno Designs sign spinner. At every red traffic light, he would run out into the street and spin the sign, showing us all his tricks he has learned over the years. He is great!:)
I like the fact that this form of advertising reaches so many people in such a short period of time.
I also like that it immediately grabs peoples' attention and is unique and memorable. I think people tend to remember this type of marketing, because it is so visual and different than the traditional flier hand outs in the streets. Be sure to watch the video clip below and stay tuned for an interview with Justin....

Renaissance Hotel Launch Party, NYC

Thursday Sept 17th Renaissance Hotel had their launch party at their new spot at 130 East 57th Street in NYC. The decor is very cozy and chic at the same time, which I really like. I remember when this building was the Habitat Hotel a few years ago, which was a hotel with discounted rates, where you shared a communal bathroom on each floor! I stayed there before I even lived in NYC when I was looking for apartments here. It has come a long way since those days! The party had different floors, the 2nd floor had an Absolut party room and separate lounge/bar, which later in the evening held a spectacular piano performance. After the crowd mingled for awhile on the 2nd floor, they made their way to the 17th floor where there were a couple of penthouses with balconies/terraces, one which held an auction and a VIP/dessert and champagne room, which always makes everyone happy.:) For musical entertainment, Mr Hudson performed outside on the terrace on the 17th floor. Relevant produced the event and Soza Models had models working the event.

As far as celebrity spottings, Brooke Shields, Chace Crawford and Penn Badgley hung out for awhile at the party among other actors and actresses.

The charity was linked to KIVA.org, which is a philanthropy organization that enables individuals to make loans to low income entrepreneurs around the globe. Proceeds from the silent auction are going towards empowering women entrepreneurs in honor of Renaissance Hotel 57's beginnings as a hotel for women and later as a shelter for women. What a beautiful purpose! :)

Everyone was dressed to impressed, and I must say I really felt the urge to hand out Di Manno Designs ponytail holders to the elegant ladies I saw in their beautiful evening wear with their hair back in a ponytail with an elastic band! I couldn't help but envision how much better their dresses would look with a chic pony covering up that elastic band in their hair! There was one woman with a tan lace tailored dress, in which I thought the tan patent ponytail holder would have polished off her slicked back ponytail look and another woman in a silk black flowy short dress, in which I thought the black patent, python, zebra or the black crystal covered ponytail holder would have given the outfit that finishing touch!

Plaza Too and Prada Party, NYC Fashion Week

It is September again in NYC, which in the fashion world means everyone is gearing up for Sept fashion week in NYC! On Thursday, Sept 10th, my first stop was at the Plaza Too retail store in the West Village at 571 Hudson Street. Thomas Mendes, founder of Plaza Too hosted "Another Fashion Night Out Party." My friend Walt met me there and I enjoyed complimentary champagne as well as meeting some cool people. If you are looking for sexy shoes and handbags head here!

After Plaza Too, we made a pit stop at a Chinese restaurant to eat and then headed to another fashion party at the Prada store in Soho. We got there perfect timing, right before the group Rapture performed! This was my first time seeing them live. I was impressed, they are great live and their music is upbeat and fun! Lots of people in the front row were dancing including me.:)

In the picture above I am wearing a Di Manno Designs Black Croc Wrist Cuff with a Ralph Lauren Black Croc belt.

Di Manno Designs Accessory Idea for Audrina Patridge and AnnaLynne McCord Shows that Studded Wrist Cuffs Are In

Photos from People.com show celebrities are wearing their hair back more and more on the red carpet and studded wrist cuffs are in!

To the far left, Audrina Patridge has her hair done in a sexy low side ponytail. Even if the ponytail holder could only be seen from the back, why not look good from the back too! I think a Di Manno Designs White Patent Leather Narrow Pony (retail price $25) would go perfect with this look!

AnnaLynne McCord is wearing a very feminine dress in this picture paired with very rock and roll accessories; a studded belt and a studded wrist cuff. Blending these 2 different looks works for her and gives this ultra girly dress a little edge. Love it! Perfect example of how accessories can create a look, feel and mood. I think a Di Manno Designs Black Brass Studded Wrist Cuff (retail price $33) would look hot with this look.

In Style Says: Keep Your Summer Ponytail

InSyle.com says Keep Your Summer Ponytail.

No longer are ponytails just for the gym!

The article talks about the versatility of a ponytail; the fact that you can wear it casually with just a tank top on or in formal attire with a tux. In this pic to the left, Jennifer Aniston is wearing a tux with her hair back in a ponytail. Her hair stylist, Chris McMillan explains to achieve this look, sleek at the sides with volume at the top, you start with a low ponytail, tighten with an elastic, split the tail in two and pull both ends to tighten the sides and loosten the roots.

What I would have done differently is replaced the plain old elastic with a Di Manno Designs black patent pony narrow with this look.

In Sept 2009 issue of In Style Magazine, there is an article on ponytail hairstyles: Hair and Now Tighten Your Tie. They show pics of Megan Fox, Lucy Liu, Molly Sims and Christina Ricci in sleek ponytail looks, saying "Messy, undone ponytails are so 2007." They say to achieve the sleek ponytail look, like Megan Fox has in the pic above, gather your hair back at ear height, secure with an elastic, and smooth the sides. NYC stylist, Yusef Williams was also quoted with his tip: "Use a bit of hairspray on a toothbrush to sleek down the fuzz along the hairline."

Again, instead of just using an elastic band as they suggested, I would use a Di Manno Designs ponytail holder to polish off Megan's outfit. With this hot black dress she is rocking, I think she could finish the look with a number of different Di Manno Designs ponytail holders, my top picks would be: a basic black leather ponytail holder (standard or narrow size) or a python ponytail holder (standard or narrow size).

So ladies, hope this inspires you to play around with different ponytail looks! And remember, you don't have to be on the red carpet to sport these ponytail looks, try them with your business attire for the office. Whether you want a sleek, slicked-back look or a voluminous ponytail look there's a Di Manno Designs ponytail holder waiting to be wrapped around your tail!

Headbands are in for Fall says She Finds

She Finds wrote an article about how headbands are in for fall, all different types from sequence hippie-chic to braided classic-chic to nature inspired headbands. No more are headbands considered just for the school girl look. Headbands are creating looks for every type of girl. Di Manno Designs offers headbands in four different collections: Leather, Exotic, Studded and Crystal made with Crystallized ™-Swarovski Elements. All headbands are made with genuine leather (except the Python, which is real python skin) and are $35-$99 depending on the style. So whether you are feeling a bit bold and would like to throw on a Zebra headband to spice up your outfit or feeling a little edgy and want to rock the studded headbands or just feel like being basic in a simple black genuine leather headband or feel like being classic-chic, add an elegant shine with the crystal headbands. With Di Manno Designs headbands there is a LOOK for all of your moods!

JC Penney Store Opening Event in NYC

Friday, July 31, 2009 JC Penney made a big splash in NYC unveiling their new and first flagship store in Greeley Square. All day there was a runway set up outside across the street from the store, where they had fashion shows of their latest trends, trivia and give aways.

Brenda Versoza of Soza Models co-hosted the accessories give aways on the stage. She modeled bags, hats and sunglasses and then cheered on various audience members who came up to strut their stuff on stage and win the prize! Way to go Brenda!

Jorge Ramon, NYC celebrity stylist hosted the fashion shows on the runway. He styled all the models that were in the fashion show and announced all the outfits on the models who walked the runway showing all the latest styles from JC Penney and designers. Great job Jorge! You can currently check out Jorge on a show called The Look on mun2 network and also as a judge on SiTV's Model Latina.

In the top left hand picture is Jorge Ramon and I. I am wearing a Di Manno Designs Zebra headband and Zebra wristband. Next to that picture, is Jorge, Brenda and I. The one right below is Brenda on stage with host and the bottom picture is Jorge hosting one of the fashion shows.

What a fun day!:)

How to Wear a Fishtail Braid Style

Di Manno Designs red and black leather ponytail holders are featured in August's issue of Seventeen Magazine. (2009)

In this "Flirty Fishtail" pic the model is wearing a black leather narrow Di Manno Designs ponytail holder.

This hair style is known as a fishtail braid. It's fun, whispy and sexy all at the same time and looks great polished off with a

Di Manno Designs narrow size ponytail holder!

In the other pic, I have a fishtail braid as well, a bit of a cleaner fishtail look, not so whispy!

I am wearing the Di Manno Designs Black Croc ponytail holder standard to hold the ponytail and then a Di Manno Designs Black Croc ponytail holder narrow to hold the fishtail at the end.

Try other braids as well like pigtail braids, a french braid or a high back braid with a Di Manno Designs ponytail holder holding the ponytail, then a simple braid with another ponytail holder to hold the braid at the end of it. (Similar to the fishtail pic in the upper left hand corner, but with a regular braid, instead of a fishtail braid)

Di Manno Designs can also do custom orders, so if you are a pigtail girl or would like to use the ponytail holders at the end of your braids and need the leather strap to fit a bit more snug, email me and we can custom make you a smaller ponytail holder.

Di Manno Designs in the very begginning...

Just wanted to share the "behind the scenes" with you before Di Manno Designs was launched.
My mother, Carmela Di Manno (in this pic) played a big role in helping me make my first few samples to give to my manufacturer. My aunt, Giuseppina Capraro also helped out, as she was spending Easter 2008 with us at my mom and dad's new home in South Carolina. I brought the leathers and python skin home with the strongest elastic bands I could find and they helped me to make samples.

A little history:
They both came to America from Cassino Italy when they were in their mid 20's. My mom worked for Dittrich Furs in Detroit MI for over 30 years managing a shop of seamstresses, who were all mostly Sicilian with a couple of Greeks thrown in there! lol I actually worked at Dittrich's for a little bit one summer when I was home from school. I helped out in the Shipping Department, packing boxes and storing fur coats. My sister and I used to go visit my mom at work sometimes when we were little. I used to love hopping on the rolling racks, going for little rides around the shop. I also used to like hiding in the long fur coats! lol Seems so silly, but looking back, I realize that without even knowing it then, my time spent there helped me to distinguish between different fabrics and furs, which I never expected to use, but the knowledge now is appreciated with my company! Also, I think with my trips to visit family in Rome and growing up with 2 full blooded Italians, (My dad is from Rome, Italy), I was always around good quality Italian clothing, leather and fabrics which made me appreciate good quality clothing and accessories from an early age. Being 100% Italian, I think "good fashion" tends to be instilled in you! I always loved wearing my mom's old outfits and my dad's old hats. I actually still enjoy wearing them! I always look forward going to Italy to check out the new fashions!

My aunt cooked at an elementary school in Woodhaven and on the side would make dresses for people. She actually made many of my dresses for parties and graduation. It was fun, I was able to design my own dress and she would make it exactly how I asked. She is great! I was so proud of my high school graduation outfit because it was unique, exactly what I wanted and I knew I wouldn't have the problem of showing up to a party with the same dress on as someone else since this was not sold in the stores! It was a creme silk half top that crossed in a V in the front and flowy creme silk pants to match. I paired it with a gold belt. Thanks Zia Giuseppina for all of my dresses growing up!:)

So with the both of them who are blessed in the sewing department, we cut and stitched the samples together, some by hand and some with the help of a sewing machine. Thanks ladies! :) I felt lucky to have them to help because I would not have been able to do it on my own. Of course I could have paid someone, but it is special to know that my family played an important role in the making of the Di Manno Designs prototype.

I am so thankful to have my mom and dad in my life. They are the greatest, most generous and loving parents I know. They have supported me unconditionally in all of my endeavors. My mom is the first person I call when I want advice or an opinion on making a business decision. She is wise and I am thankful she is here to help me with my company. She has never given bad advice so I value what she says very strongly. Everyone who knows me personally, knows I am a "daddy's girl" so Giuseppe (my dad in this pic) and I do not have the serious talks too much, but I absolutely love him to pieces and adore just being around him to hang and to laugh. They do say laughing is good for the soul:)

My mom is right...my ambition comes from her and my silly goofy side comes from my dad. I wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for the wisdom and strength mom and dad thanks for the laughs and all the joy!
Love them!

Kristen Winnicki, friend and also part of Di Manno Designs support team

Hi,

Just wanted to write a blog post about a close friend of mine, Kristen Winnicki who has been in my life for a few years now on a weekly basis. I wanted her in my Di Manno Designs group shot, but unfortunately, she wasn't able to make my shoot date, she was on vacation.

Kristen and I met working a trade show together years ago for Tru Fitness. We bonded over 3 days, 8 hours a day, switching every 15 minutes either on a tread mill or in a stretch cage where we had to demonstrate different types of stretches with guys crowding around the cage trying to see if they could look up our work out shorts! lol We had no idea what we signed up for! We thought we were just going to have to demonstrate the equipment, but after 3 full days of working out, we were both about to fall over!

We kept in touch after the show and started to hang out. We are known as the Thursday happy hour girls. We love going out early and getting home early! Kristen has offered me valuable advice on Di Manno Designs. I always look for her thoughts and opinions on decisions I make because she is an entrepreneur herself. She used to co own a hat company that had celebrity clientele and now she does work as a spokesmodel and is looking to start another company soon.

She is a breath of fresh air to talk to with her positive nature and intelligent mind. She has offered me great insight on all my marketing materials and web site. She also stopped by Henri Bendel when I was doing a trunk show there to help me out for a little while for free! That's a great friend! Kristen is also the person who introduced me to Collective-E, the entrepreneur group that I am part of, which has been so inspiring and so helpful. She took me to their launch party, where I joined the group! Thanks Kristen for all your support. Love you:)

PS Kristen's favorite pony is the Python Pony

The Meaning Behind the Di Manno Designs Group Shot

Just in case you were wondering who all these people are in this shot, I wanted to fill you in.

When I decided to do a photo shoot, after launching my wristband and headband collection, I wanted to do a group shot of everyone wearing my accessories and I wanted to do it with friends. Hiring models was an option, but I wanted there to be meaning to it. I wanted the people who have been my support system, my closest friends, who have been here with me from the start of me launching Di Manno Designs in the shot. These are the people in my life who have been here for me on a weekly basis seeing the progress of my company, all of it, the ups and the downs! They have all offered me great advice and have been tremendously helpful in assisting me with great ideas for Di Manno Designs.

(From left to right)

Yonit Miller and I became close a couple years ago, I think mainly because we had the same needs, we loved to hang out, go out and meet new people, so we pretty much did just that every weekend. We bonded when I went to spend the weekend with her, her mom and her dad in the Poconos. We would talk ourselves to sleep, which is a wonder for me, because I usually have to watch TV before bed! lol We also spent a weekend in Miami together at her brothers where we celebrated her b day. She has been a school teacher for 8 years in NYC and recently just moved to San Francisco to start a new chapter of her life with a guy she met and fell in love with in Cabo when we went last summer together! Goes to show you never know when or where you will find love:) I will miss her dearly, but am planning on going to visit her soon! Thanks for all your helpful advice with DD:) In the picture, Yonit has on the Black Crystal Covered Headband and matching Black Crystal Covered Wristband.

Angela Di Manno, right next to her is my sister who I live with in NYC. We have been living together for about 8 years now! She is the person who knows me the most since she is family so I always know I can count on her for honest, real advice. She works at Mt Sinai in the psych unit and also sees clients privately on the side for therapy sessions. She is great at what she does. Anyone need a therapist, let me know, I will give you her number! This was her first photo shoot! Angela is wearing the Black Patent Wristband in this shot.

Tori Famuyiwa and I have been close friends for a few years now. We met because we were always at the same parties and just started a friendship from there. We were roommates on a Royal Carribean cruise we took with some friends and have fond memories of all of our times together. We always seem to laugh and enjoy ourselves wherever we are. Tori is a stylist who styles shoots here in NYC. He also does beautiful unique, handcrafted memory/scrap books. If you are looking for something like this for a special occasion, let me know, they are wonderful. I already told him he is doing mine for my wedding when ever that is! lol He was the stylist for this shoot. For those of you that don't know what a stylist does, he picked out everyone's outfits and paired my accessories with them. Good job Tori! Tori is wearing the Red Patent Wristband in this shot.

Walt is a close friend I have known for a long time, since my University of Miami college days, where we hung out and even went on a road trip to Mardi Gras together with some friends. When I moved to NYC, he was one of the only people I knew here. He is completely genuine, laid back and has been helpful no matter which industry I am in! He does consulting work for companies in NYC. We actually had the photo shoot at his loft in Soho. Thanks Walt for hooking it up!:) He is wearing the Black Leather Wristband in this shot.

Zivile Rezgyte and I became friends a couple of years ago. We actually met at a Soho loft party that I went to with Walt. She knew him as well, he introduced us and we talked all night, realizing we had a lot of the same values. She is from Lithuania, used to be a professional gymnast, lives in NYC and works in residential real estate. If you need a house in Queens, let me know! We have been hanging out every week since we met. Just was with her this past weekend in the hamptons for July 4th. Thanks for hooking it up Z:) Zivile is wearing the White Brass Studded Headband and matching White Brass Studded Wristband.

Juan Castro I have known since University of Miami as well. We lived in the same dormitory together freshman year. We spent a lot of time together then and have been inseparable ever since he moved to NYC about 4 years together. We have even managed to live in the same buildings in NYC! lol We love to laugh together a lot, so we pretty much have fun doing that wherever we are. Juan has assisted with booking at companies like Wilhelmina, has been in the financial industry as well as sales. He also loves dogs, so if you need a dog walker, let me know! He invented "the snappy that makes your hair happy" on my site. Thanks Juan:)

Juan is wearing the Black Silver Studded Wristband.

Brenda Versoza and I met years ago while I was doing a liquor promotion at a bar with a friend of hers. She started a model staffing company at that time, which I did some work for and then awhile after she launched Soza Models, a model staffing company with her partner Rich. We have had many good times together, including a trip to Miami, which was her b day gift to me a few years back. She moved to Tampa, FL with her love and has been there for 2 years now. She visits NY a lot, since her main office is here, so we get to see each other quite often. She is the one who inspired me to come up with the concept of Di Manno Designs. I was helping her move out of her apartment in West Village, over a bottle of wine, I told her I wanted to have my own company, she suggested I think of my daily routine and see if there was anything I wanted or needed...I did that one day while getting an acupuncture treatment and it was then that I came up with an idea for a leather covered ponytail holder because I was so sick of wearing my hair back in an elastic band! Thanks B:)

Brenda is wearing the Red Leather Wristband and Red Leather Ponytail Holder (standard).

So this probably gives you a better idea of why there is so much meaning in this picture and who the people are and what they represent in my life. It is never a one man show in any company, so I just wanted to share with you a great source of my support system, who are my friends who have helped me, each in their own way with Di Manno Designs. Thanks guys!

PS I have on the Python Wristband in the shot.

Ponytail Hairstyles

Hi,

Just wanted to give you some ideas of how Di Manno Designs ponytail holders can be used.

The most popular ponytail hairstyle I see is the low ponytail, which is a basic, clean and classic look. You can also do a high ponytail, which gives a very cutting-edge, sleek look or a low side ponytail which gives a soft and sexy look. You can also do pigtails which is both fun and sexy or do a low braid ponytail, or pigtail braids. Pigtail ponytail holders have to be custom ordered.
That's it for now. Feel free to suggest any other ideas!

Mojito Monday at Avenue sponsored by Bacardi

So this Monday I brought some of my friends to the new hot spot Avenue on 10th Avenue and 17th St. There was a complimentary bar at a private event. Lester Carter, Nightlife Marketing Manager of Empire Merchants invited me and asked me to also invite my friends, so I did!

Mondays are a tough night to go out, but it was an early event, so we all went and enjoyed the drinks and the beautiful lounge. There were a few drink options on the menu some of which included: Martini & Rossi Rose champagne, the Mojitos made with Bacardi Bacardi Superior and Bacardi Dragonberry and a pineapple mixed drink made with Grey Goose La Poire Vodka.

I am wearing a Red Leather Di Manno Designs Wrist Cuff with my mom's old hand-me-down dress that she used to wear back in the day! Love the clothes I got from mom! :)