knocked up stoner turned screenwriter.

It needs to be set in stone somewhere that the entertainment industry is just that: a melting pot of talented and for the most part, ridiculously good-looking people. Models become actors. Actors become models. Singers become models. Actresses try to sing. And, the pattern goes on. We are starting to even see a lot of crossover from athletes to the entertainment industry. Derek Jeter has become the face of Gillette, Lebron James appears in numerous Nike commercials, among others (did I mention he was on the cover of Vogue? True Story), and Terrell Owens just landed his own television show (following the very large footsteps of Shaq.) "Paper Heart", is a documentary-style film starring Charlyne Yi and longtime fan-favorite Michael Cera. The film is a perfect example of an actress successfully trying out other aspects of the industry... all at once! Charlyne not only stars in the film, but she also co-wrote the script and executively produced it as well. Talk about a multi-talented young woman! The 23-year-old Los Angeles native is also an accomplished musician, writer, painter and comedian. Her career began in Fontana, California, where she performed stand up at the Ontario Improv Comedy Club, but unfortunately this was not her audience. The crowd didn't understand her quirky sense of humor and bizarre skit that included a baffling collaboration of music, magic and games. Yi then began performing at slightly odd locations like hookah bars and AA meetings! But, hey! Whatever works? This was where she found her niche. Fans raved about Charlyne's one-of-a-kind show and she eventually began booking several shows, at comedy clubs this time, in Los Angeles, New York and she even appeared on HBO's 2007 US Comedy Arts Festival. As of just last year, she began taking her jokes outside of the country and attended Montreal's Just For Laugh's Festival, where she was a sensational hit. Some of you may remember her from 2007's comedy "Knocked Up", where she plays Seth Rogen's roommate's stoner girlfriend Jody. Or possibly as "Wheelchair Jody" alongside fellow funny man Will Ferrell in "Semi-Pro". Charlyne will return to the bigscreen with her first starring performance August 7th in "Paper Heart". The "mocumentary" follows the curious young Yi as she travels across America in search of an answer to that mind-boggling question of what exactly love is. Both Cera and Yi play fictionalized versions of themselves. The film provides a fresh, modern spin to the classic over-played love story. Throughout the process of finding her answer Charlyne interviews all kinds of people from ministers to happily married couples, chemists, romance novelists, divorce lawyers and even children. She will stop at no end until she reaches the proper definition or explanation that she is looking for. As far as the previews go, it looks like she may even get to experience the emotion for herself? Charlyne received a Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival for all of her hard, honorable work on the phenomenal script. For being only in her early twenties, she has achieved a large amount of success and praise in various areas. Charlyne is part of the band "The Glass Beef", has done solo music for "Chandelier Teeth", and even written music for the project "Music Scientist". She has also appeared on the small screen in guest-starring appearances on Cold Case, Miss. Guided, Help Me Help You, and the Emmy-award-winning comedy 30 Rock. For someone who is dangerously shy, it's hard to believe she has achieved such a fabulous amount of spotlighted fame. Charlyne said it herself, "My parents used to ground me to play outside because I was afraid of people." Although she admits that she is still super nervous talking to people, even if it's on the phone, she still manages to maintain an incredibly accomplished career.

danghomie.

talk about revvin' our engines<333

model, mom, humanitarian, role model

Some models make a name for themselves for their wild antics, crazy partying lifestyle, or dysfunctional relationships with other A-listers, but every once in a while there comes along a woman who really has the entire package: beauty & brains.

Liya Kebede fits this stature and more. She’s elegant, ambitious, driven and incredibly kind.

The 29-year-old was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While attending college at the French school Lycee Guebre Mariam, Kebede was spotted out of a large crowd by a film director who then introduced her to an agent in Paris. She moved there full-time after completing school and ultimately relocated to the nation’s fashion capital, New York City, where she was able to take on modeling from a global stand point. In no time Liya became a top model at IMG, as well as a hot commodity in both the runway and print high-fashion divisions.

After moving to Manhattan, Liya married fellow Ethiopian, hedge fund manager Kassy Kebede in 2000. Nine years later, they still live in New York City with their two children Suhul and Raee.


So when did Liya receive that so-called “big break” that all aspiring models strive to achieve? Well, that came back in 2000 when fashion extraordinaire Tom Ford asked her to be an exclusive for his Fall/Winter Gucci shows. At that time, she knew this was the real deal.

Kebede went from living a small, sheltered life in the slums of Ethiopia to traveling the world and working in fashion’s big four cities: Milan, London, Paris, and New York.

The regal beauty began appearing on covers for French Vogue, directly followed by other leading fashion magazines such as Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and American Vogue, Numero, V, French Flair, i-D, South African Elle, Harpers & Queen, Essence and Time’s Style & Design issue, just to name a few.

In fact, French Vogue featured Liya on the cover and in four of their six stories that ran back in their May 2002 issue. The headline ran: “All About Liya”, because it really was!

The world instantly became fixated on the stunning, mysterious face that seemingly became an overnight fascination.

One of her past bookers at Elite Modeling Agency stated it perfectly, “It’s like there’s only room for one very successful black model at a time. For the past years, it’s been Kebede.”

In 2003, she achieved perhaps her most riveting accomplishment thus far, when she was named the newest face of the high-class beauty and cosmetic brand, Estee Lauder. Liya was not only the first Ethiopian, but the first African American woman to receive a contract with company. This was a major breakthrough not only for Liya, but for black women everywhere to show that they are every bit as beautiful as any other race.

Other major names followed Estee Lauder’s footsteps by having Liya star in their campaigns. She was gorgeous. She was unique. She was perfect!

Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Emanuel Ungaro, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Victoria’s Secret, Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Fendi, Marni, Chanel, Balenciaga, Baby Phat, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Christian Dior, Gap, Ann Taylor, Givenchy, Derek Lam, Aquascutu, all used Kebede on their runways and in their ad campaigns!

So what sets Liya apart from the rest of the models in the industry? Well, there are a lot of people in the entertainment industry who commit their time and donate large amounts of money to both charities and causes of their choice, and Liya is a prime example of that.

Not only is she the founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, but Liya is actually the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She received the title after her countless efforts to help raise awareness for the difficulties women and children face in undeveloped third world countries. The Liya Kebede foundation was set up to reduce mortality rates among women and children and to improve the overall healthcare and well-being of both groups around the world.

“I grew up in Ethiopia, where it was very common to hear about women losing their lives during childbirth—to the point where, when I was pregnant with my son in the U.S., I worried, because I thought it was sort of normal for a woman to die while giving birth,” Kebede said.

When giving a speech to the United Nations, Kebede stated, “Every day we hear about the dangers of cancer, heart disease and aids. But how many of us realize that, in much of the world, the act of giving life to a child is still the biggest killer of women of child-bearing age? That over half a million die every year? Or that 3 million babies are stillborn? Or that another 4 million die during the first days and weeks of life?”

Kebede brought the crowd to a silence and opened up their eyes as they saw the statuesque pin-thin 5 foot 10 model standing before them revealing her heart that was made of solid gold. Here was a woman who had all the money in the world and could easily be spending her time off jet-setting and frolicking on islands or attending the hottest parties, but she chose to dedicate herself and put forth effort into a cause where she could really make a difference.

Although she is notorious for her cold personality, Vogue’s legendary director in chief, Anna Wintour, had nothing but exceptional things to say about Kebede.

“It’s very gratifying that Kebede, who has been a model of the highest rank, should come into her own this way. This is her moment, and it has not arrived by virtue of outsize fabulousness. She is beautiful, professional, and substantial, which makes her not just a model but a role model.”

Although it may be a lot of work, Liya doesn’t expect any credit or praise for what she does. “It’s wonderful to be able to donate and help people,” she said.

She is a mother, a model, an actress, a humanitarian, a goodwill ambassador, and designer. It’s a wonder when she ever finds the time to sleep? Kebede has appeared in films such as The Good Shepherd and Lord of Wars, where she had small roles.

Another, recent project of hers is designing for her children’s line LEMLEM, which is based out of Ethiopia.

In 2008 Liya was featured on one of the four covers made for Vogue Italia’s “All Black Issue”.
According to Forbes, Liya is currently the world’s eleventh highest paid model. She has also been named a leading face on the forefront of “The Return of the Supermodel.” She even told Vogue, “Honestly, I wish I could’ve lived in their time. They had so much fun!”

my size treehouse

Who didn't have the magical childhood dream of living in a treehouse? I know I did. Heck, at 20-years-old, that still sounds pretty freakin' cool. Leave it to contemporary, cutting-edge companies, that were created with the essence of the environment in mind to bring such a fun, adolescent idea to life for all ages.

Eco-friendly companies such as o2 Sustainability and Sybarite have constructed their own one-of-a-kind versions of adult-sized tree houses for the varying purposes of residential, meditation and meeting space.

Many of these masterpieces have been formulated from minimal materials, that have little to no negative impact on our planet! How awesome is that? Now the tree-huggers can truly live among the trees!

Some houses are built directly amidst the trees while others are suspended from cables, rather than having any direct contact with nature.

In the past many die-hard economists and devoted lovers of Mama Earth have chained or handcuffed themselves to buildings to display their dedication and passion to a specific cause, but has anyone ever actually lived somewhere that is generally considered "impractical" to prove a point and save their environment? The answer is, yes!

In fact, many have taken up residence up to 100-feet from the ground in small tree houses that are connected to 400-year-old at-risk trees. Without taking such drastic measures, these last surviving ancient trees would have been torn down already.

More and more companies continue to market their own individual designs that cater to their customers specific taste in terms of tree type, capabilities and of course environmental impact.

Baumraum was a company formed not only to develop visionary, adventure-seeking hideaways for children, but also relaxing sanctuaries for adults, that can also act as a romantic secret date spot, that exists right in the mix of nature. It doesn't get better than that!

A company based out of the United Kingdom, Sybarite, has transformed the idea of a typical tree house, by giving it a full-blown makeover influenced by the luxuries of the new millennium, and came up with a final product that has a far more futuristic outlook. The ready-made formations can be installed in whatever the desired location may be in as little as two weeks. The structures are surprisingly light in weight, made of mostly recycled products, part self-sustainable and easy to maintain.

Another, remarkably groundbreaking advance in sustainable technology are tree house hotels, or as they call them in scenic Vancouver, "spheres"!

Free Spirit Spheres, are surrounded by the beautiful trees of the west coast rainforest on Vancouver Island. The engineering that goes into these handcrafted structures is truly astonishing and provides the everyday city resident with the option to escape the craze of their everyday lives and relax among the stars for a night or as long as you please! If you happen to fall in love with the sphere and don't want to leave... there is good news. You may purchase a sphere of your very own!

Look for some of the world's best Treehouse Hotels in exotic, lavish locations worldwide including: Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa; Cedar Creek Treehouse in Ashford, Washington; Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel in the Brazilian Amazon; Tranquil Resort in Wayanad, Kerala, India (which, just so happens to have the trunk of a flowering Royal Poinciana growing through the bedroom!); Tree House Lodge in Limon, Costa Rica (the sustainable house is built from fallen trees, uses solar heating, and has a shower built around the roots of a massive 100-year-old Sangrillo Tree); and Playa Viva in Juluchuca, Mexico!

Zoe Project is Back For Round Two

Controversy swarmed around the pint-sized stylist when a past client of hers, Nicole Ricci, blamed Rachel Zoe for encouraging her shrinking frame, even after her weight plummeted below the triple-digit healthy zone. After this issue bounced into the public eye, Zoe denied the claims and instead of slashing back she continued to put her best foot (probably dressed in a decadent 4 inch Marc Jacobs pump) forward and make a positive name for herself as the signature stylist to top stars like Joy Bryant, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner and Debra Messing.

The sensational pop-culture based cable television channel Bravo even decided to dedicate a reality show to the fashion tycoon called “The Rachel Zoe Project”, which channeled her daily life, work, anxieties of award season and being responsible for dressing some of the biggest stars on the planet from head to toe. The series, follows both Zoe, her two assistants Brad and Taylor, and her husband Roger around Los Angeles, New York, and wherever else in the world is in need of Rachel's prevailing taste, and ingenious creations.

Aside from her incomparable styling, Zoe has also made a name for herself as an author for her New York Times Best Seller "A to Zoe", a contributing editor and consultant for Piperlime.com, on top of her work with celebrities, fashion houses, beauty firms, advertisement agencies, and magazine editors.

Her notable styling skills do not end at just dressing up starlets for parties; however, Zoe also is chosen as a top stylist of choice to help design many editorial shoots and runway shows. Throughout her years in the industry, she has developed strong, lasting relationships with top designers and boutiques throughout the world.

She may be one of the only stylists in the world who not only has her own representation through popular agency TSA (Todd Shemarya Agency), but also attends all of the major fabulous red carpet events dressed just as glamorous as her clients.

Respectable publications including both the Los Angeles Times and Women's Wear Daily have credited Zoe for single-handedly transforming Hollywood glamour. Not only do journalists praise her for her work, but she has even managed to collect an impressive amount of awards including Fashion Group International’s 2006 Fashion Oracle Award, the Accessories Council 2006 Fashion Influencer Ace Award and Hollywood Life Magazine’s 2006 Star Stylist Award. MSN also named Zoe one of the “10 Most Influential Women” of back in 2006, which was undoubtably her breakout year.

The fashion guru turned mogul is set to design her own line of vintage inspired pieces that will be every bit as stylish and one-of-a-kind as they are affordable. Although the collection is not yet completed Zoe has said that it will consist of a combination of clothes, jewelry, handbags and a fragrance!

the mod squad

this is a pretty sweet representation of fashion's head honchos. look over to the right and you'll see the saviiest two of all. why of course, the ice queen herself anna wintour and her gay right hand man.

Looka Like a Man

You really really gotta look closely at Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall ad campaign.

The line really mixed things up this season opting for a more "transgender look", perhaps?

Still.. not sure what I'm talking about?

That is definitely supermodel Raquel ZimmerMANN

posing as both the chick... and the dude.

Awkward, but cool.

Disturbing, but fashion forward?

Just please don't start stuffing your panties girl.

Thaaat would cross the line.