Line in the Sand Premieres in Newport Beach CA

James O’Keefe’s first feature film produced with Tucker Carlson productions and entitled “Line in the Sand” details the corruption and helplessness that has spread throughout the border patrol system in the US. I attended the premiere in Newport Beach CA last week where I spoke to a variety of celebrities and members of the conservative movement about the border issue. One consensus was clear, information about how bad the border crisis has really gotten was suppressed or non-existent. Many people were drawn to the film for its real life footage and O’Keefe’s hidden camera interviews because they simply felt at a loss to find reliable facts about the border crisis anywhere else. 

I also spoke to several women who attended the event, about the increased safety concerns women across the country are facing due to the open border and the thousands of undocumented criminals the Bide-Harris administration has lost track of in the US. Women and children are the main victims in many cases of these disastrous border policies and the film pointed out the inhumanity of allowing the open border to continue. Women in America who have been victims of horrendous crimes as well as women on the other side of the border who are taken advantage of by traffickers and cartels are both powerful examples of the true consequences of the open border.

The film received rave reviews from the audience, and the expose on the corrupt NGO’s who profit off of this border crisis seemed to resonate the most with the people I spoke to after watching. The film also covered the heartbreaking story of the 325,000 undocumented children who have come across the border and have since been lost by the US Government.

HHS Whistleblower Tara Rodas stated, “This isn’t anything new it’s just something that’s not talked about…The most recent DHS report and this is from the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) Office of Inspector General that 320,00 kids they’re not able to know where they are. This is unacceptable. How is that possible that a multi-billion-dollar government program has lost children? This is a failure of policy. We need to fix this problem…We need a strong executive who is going to stand up and be a voice for the voiceless.”

This film highlights not only the border crisis that is tearing so many communities across the US apart but, also the suppression this story has received from mainstream media. The film demonstrates how corruption, crime, and harmful policies are evident in every part of the border patrol process yet, we have been told by the Biden admin and the media time and time again that what we as Americans are experiencing is not real.

Dan Ball of OANN summed up the frustration people feel when they try to search for facts about the border crisis saying, “Let’s be real, the Biden Harris regime created this epidemic at the border. Period…When you’re saying I can’t get straight information, I’m online googling I don’t see-somebody says 8 million have come in, somebody said 15 million, Trump said 20 million.”

Real Housewife of Orange Country star Taylor Armstrong said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing the behind the scenes of what’s going on because all the media is so confusing and not really knowing what to believe especially leading into the election everything is so hyped I’m not sure what’s real and which direction to look in to get the facts and so I know that he (James O’Keefe) is going to provide that for us and I’m excited about that.”

Conservative influencer Xaviaer DuRousseau told me, “I don’t think enough people understand how out of control the border crisis is getting…Anything that is highlighting this I am so in favor of because we know mainstream media is not going to do it. Mainstream media is protecting these people.”

This film premier gave me the chance to see how widespread the hunger for true facts and information is across America. Our fake news problem in America spans race, class, and political divides. One thing Americans can agree on is that we need more facts and on the ground reporting. Journalists who are willing to take risks and put in the hard work in order to write a real story rather than stay comfy 30 floors removed from the everyday challenges American citizens are facing.

This powerful film is worth watching to inform yourself of the true nature and sinister motivations behind the open border crisis. You can also check out all my red carpet footage on Instagram and YT! 

https://www.youtube.com/@cerisesdumatin6167

Stagecoach Announces Palomino Stage LineUp for Sold Out 2024 Festival

 The fan favorite Palomino stage will be returning with an all star lineup for fans of traditional country music at the sold out 2024 Stagecoach festival. This year California's country music festival will be featuring country superstars Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen as headliners but the fun doesn't stop there. The Palomino stage will have a superstar lineup of its own from all types of country subgenres. Top names to look forward to include Dwight Yoakam, Leon Bridges, The Beach Boys, Luke Grimes, Charles Wesley Godwin, Clint Black, Carin León, Charley Crockett, Wyatt Flores and more to Play the Iconic Stage. You can see the full lineup for the Palomino stage below! 

Friday, April 26

• Dwight Yoakam
• Carin León
• Paul Cauthen
• Shane Smith & The Saints
• Vincent Neil Emerson
• Wyatt Flores
• Zach Top
• Lola Kirke

 

Saturday, April 27 

• Leon Bridges
• Charley Crockett
• Luke Grimes
• Trampled by Turtles
• Asleep at the Wheel
• Drayton Farley
• Stephen Wilson Jr.
• Kassi Valazza

 

Sunday, April 28 

• The Beach Boys
• Clint Black
• Pam Tillis
• Charles Wesley Godwin
• Sam Barber
• Brittney Spencer
• Katie Pruitt
• Miko Marks

Stagecoach 2024 LineUp Features The Hottest in Country Right Now!

This year, Stagecoach music festival sold out in record time due to the lineup of Country Music superstars set to headline the event. California's country music festival is going big this year and there will be many awesome stage moments you won't want to miss with this set of performers. 

According to the festival," Superstars Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen W
ill Headline California’s Country Music Festival. Lineup Also Includes Post Malone (Performing a Special Set of Country Covers), Jelly Roll, HARDY, Willie Nelson & Family, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Leon Bridges, Diplo, Dwight Yoakam, Wiz Khalifa, The Beach Boys, Elle King, and More! Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA" 

The event will surely draw a huge crowd of country music lovers who are dying to see their favorite new artists as well as classic favorites such as Miranda Lambert at the beloved festival. Besides headliner Morgan Wallen who has drawn the most attention to the festival lineup, there are several other names on the country music scene to take note of this year. Elle King, songwriter turned singer girl group Maddie and Tae, and Hailey Whitters are all performances I am looking forward to in addition to the headliners this year. 

The festival will also feature a late night show with Nickelback, Diplo, and Wiz Khalifa giving festival goers a variety of performances to choose from this year. Stay tuned for more coverage as the festival gets closer! 

A Very Fashionable Holiday at East Kennedy Newport Beach

The East Kennedy Boutique in Newport Beach celebrated the Holiday season in style last Friday night with a black and white party complete with a fashion show and charity auction held at the boutique. Local OC celebs came out to support the event including bloggers, fashion designers, models and more. Everyone showed up in their best holiday attire featuring sparkles, fur, fringe, and more all in black and white of course. Check out some of the outfits here. 

The event also featured a fashion show displaying the latest styles available at the shop including men's women's and vintage looks. Boutique founder and owner Hailey Aurelio herself was there and starred in the fashion show wearing a glamourous floor length dress and having a ball on the runway. 

I spoke to the visionary who told me about her journey from interior designer to fashion designer and boutique owner. After starting her career in the bay area she has decided to bring her signature sense of girly yet empowering style to the OC with the opening of her second boutique. She told me that it was an easy transition into the fashion world since as an interior designer she already had a good understanding of colors, and how design can reflect a customer's personality. She said that whether it's walking into someone's house or looking at their outfit you can always learn a little bit about their personality and what they are all about from the design they choose. After founding her boutique she began focusing on empowering her female customers and her motto for the store is #BuildHer and she was able to put her interior design skills to good use creating a welcoming environment where customers can feel comfortable trying risky styles and embracing their unique selves. Every area of the store is thoughtfully curated resulting in a warm but chic atmosphere that feels like hanging out in your best friend's bedroom! 

The event featured sips and bites as well as mini doughnuts which were a huge hit with the crowd. The night kicked off with the fashion show and then finished up with a charity auction to support United Way Orange County children's services. Guests had a great time shopping the boutique, mingling, and gathering for a good cause in the midst of the festive season. All in all the event was truly a success and we can't wait to see more from this new OC address serving up style and fun in Newport Beach! 

LAFW Returns with a Standout LineUp of Designers in Hollywood

This season LAFW returned for the second time under new ownership by N4XT with a standout lineup of designers and additional programming as well as experiences open to the public. The fashion week incorporated similar elements from New York fashion week such as the designer discovery shopping area open to the public while adding programming that was specific to LA such as a film screening and panels highlighting LA talent and sustainability. For NYFW veterans the event felt familiar while also adding a signature LA vibe to the week with a more relaxed and open vibe for networking and mingling. According to designer Maxwell Osborne of An Only Child, LA brought a unique perspective to the fashion week experience. He said, "I think LAFW is different from New York or Paris or London because it's its own thing and its people based and less editorial based. It's a community and a vibe and its a great place to hang out and that's why its great to di it here berceuse its an all day thing with panels and shows and everything's is very intimate and intertwined and it has a space in entertainment and it feels like it should be entertaining. Like they are doing movie screenings panel talks, shows, and presentations so that's what I think LAFW brings to it that's different."

Designer Sergio Hudson echoed this sentiment backstage at his show later in the evening telling me, "It's relaxing very much more relaxing than New York I mean but that's LA it's relaxed you don't really have to have all the extra I really love the feeling of it and I had a great time." 

The week kicked off with the IMITATION OF CHRIST show which brought out fashion lovers form all over as well as influencers and celebs based in LA. The iconic brand showed their collection against the backdrop of the Hole Gallery on La Brea in West Hollywood. The crowd dressed accordingly with denim, rhinestones, and vintage LA inspired looks taking center stage amongst the street style. One of my favorite looks was this vintage DIORANGELES jacket worn by one of the guests. 

Even the art was on the theme of LAFW with the gallery featuring California inspired pieces such as a photograph of JUICY sweatpants set against a vibrant sunset. 

The show featured live musical performances as well as dancing from the models and at the end the audience was encouraged to join in and everyone got a chance to participate in the show. The show featured rituals from religions around the world and according to the designer behind the brand Tara Subkoff the collection was meant to represent the need for community and connection in today's digital world. The collection started off with dark colors using veils of tulle and draped fabrics to represent how we can be pulled into darker thoughts while alone with too much media, and then slowly morphed into lighter tones featuring bright floral prints, light pinks, and delicate ruffles as well as long silk maxi dresses in neutral tones. The evolution represented how being out in the world and part of a community can brighten our thoughts and feelings according to the designer. The poignant theme of the collection resonated with the audience especially during a time saturated with bad news and tensions in the media that we get delivered directly to our phones and personal devices all day long. 

After the show fashion's in crowd gathered for a cocktail hour to officially open the LAFW campus in Hollywood. On Thursday the first official day of the campus, guests could experience the Lancome Beauty Days and the SAP shopping experiences that were open to the public starting at noon. In addition to the brand moments there were also tons of photo ops and free coffee sponsored by Arabica coffee where attendees could relax in between events. The Lancome beaty days experience offered a futuristic photo shoot as well as a complimentary skin test. There was also a nail bar sponsored by dazzledry nails and giveaways from Khalifa Kush. 

Thursday's opening events included several panels as well as a film screening. The Ice Cold: A History of Jewelry in Hip Hop panel was especially popular as it brought together music and fashion lovers to hear from the hottest trendsetters in the jewelery industry as well as music journalist and hip hop historian Vikki Tobak. The panel featured Maxwell Osborne who also spoke on an earlier panel in the day about design, jewelry designers David Tamargo of Alligator Jesus, Lillian Shalom jewelry designer to the stars, and Essence Ventures stylist Corey Stokes. 

The panelists spoke about the evolution of hip hop jewelry as well as the personal meaning and identity aspects that artists represent using jewelry choices. Afterwards there was also a cocktail hour for mingling where guests could buy the newly released book directly. 

Shortly following the panel was the film screening of fashion film "Fashion Reimagined" presented by Otis College of Art and Deisgn. The film's creator Becky as well as the star of the film Amy welcomed the audience and introduced the sustainability focused film which featured the British brand Mother of Pearl. Sustainability is still a thorny topic for the fashion industry and this film aptly described the production chain issues that brands face when trying to implement sustainability initiatives. LA has always been a hub for sustainably minded designers but in recent years Otis and other fashion colleges have been working diligently to make sustainable design a core part of the design curriculum. 

Finally, it was time for the highlight of the evening with the Sergio Hudson presentation that drew the biggest crowd of the day. The designer who regularly shows at NYFW created a special presentation experience showcasing his Spring/Summer 2024 collection in an ethereal candlelit backdrop featuring signature Sergio Hudson cocktails as well as upbeat jazz music and decadent floral centerpieces. The presentation had an intimate feel to it that was distinct from the NYFW shows. After the show, I spoke to the designer about the all white and neutral colored spring collection. He told me, "The inkwell black society wealthy black people that was my first point of inspiration and then it was my client and my customer what would they need in the summertime what would they need when it's really hot and you know they still wanna wear their suits but they can't wear heavy suits." He also told me about his process for creating the collection saying, "The simplicity of it and the smallness of it, it was very concise and very short and very enjoyable. I think the lightness of it and the airiness of it is where I am going next." 

And that's a wrap for Day 1 of LAFW! Check out my recap video on Instagram or visit the LAFW to find out more about the rest of the programming! 

Beauty Fans Unite! BeautyCon Los Angeles Returns After 3 Years

 This year BeautyCon LA the festival that celebrates beauty content creators and the latest trends in makeup returned with a new look after 3 years. The festival which was put on by Essence, came back with a stellar line-up of celebrity guest speakers and brands who came to show off how the beauty industry has evolved. 

While the festival was smaller than in years past, it still drew new and old fans alike who came to try out the free product giveaways and meet their favorite beauty content creators and business owners. This year the brands were more inclusive than ever featuring small female owned businesses and inclusive brands such as Good Weird that make makeup for all genders. The festival kicked off on Saturday with giveaways from Wal Mart, Palmers, As I Am, Black Radiance, and more. Female owned brand Keep it Classy nails, which was founded by Real Housewives star Moneytta Shaw-Carter made a special appearance with founder and influencer Moneytta working the booth and greeting fans. 

Other celebrity appearances throughout the weekend included Peyton List who promoted her new brand Play Cosmetics, Kelly Rowland, Tia Mowry and more. The programming featured several panels that went in depth on hot topics in the beauty industry such as finding balance in motherhood, diversity and representation in the beauty industry, turning your passions into profit, and sustainability in the beauty industry. Fans got to see their favorite creators on stage discussing the latest on everything makeup, hair, and business. 

The event also featured tons of fun photo ops where guests enjoyed creating content and grabbing pics of their best beauty looks and outfits. 

The pink carpet featured several stunning fashion and beauty moments as well. Check out my best dressed video below to see the top looks from the beautycon pink carpet. 

Summer Style at the Hamptons Garden Party for Diabetes Research Hosted by Patricia and Roger Silverstein

This past Saturday evening celebrities and socialites came out to a lovely sunset soiree to raise money for Diabetes research to find a cure. The event was hosted by Patricia and Roger Silverstein who were both in attendance. Patricia wore a bright pink two piece Alice and Olivia dress and several other guests also sported the hot pink look for the event. She is actively involved in the cause to raise awareness since she has relatives who suffer from diabetes. The event featured dinner, dancing, and drinks. The wine was sponsored by SipChanne wines founded by entrepreneur Kavita Channe who was also in attendance wearing a fabulous pink slip dress. The founder spoke with guests about her signature Rose wine and gave out fans so guests could stay cool on the hot evening. 

The event also featured a silent auction and many creators donated pieces for the auction. The auction raised money for research and guests were also entertained by a speed painter who painted auction items live during the event. Kimberly Pucci, luxury accessories designer attended the event and donated her weekender bag to the auction. It was a huge hit with guests and she even brought an artist to sketch the guests with the bag. Check out my very own sketch below! 

I spoke with Kimberly about her brand as well as the event. Check out our interview below with the quiet luxury designer who is set to debut at NYFW this fall!

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Other notable guests in attendance included Doug Donaldson, Abigail Pollak, Susan Shin, Lauren Smart, Matthias von Herrath, M.D., Natalie von Herrath, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Luann de Lesseps, Revel, Seth Herzog, Michael Burton, Jean Shafiroff, Carrie Packin, Brian Packin, Noreen Donovan, Jim Donovan, Kavita Channe, Valerie Greenberg, Maximilian Eicke, Irina Eicke, Viktoria von Siemens, Andrea Greeven Douzet, Laura Nicklas, and more.

Luann de Lesseps star of the Real Housewives of New York, wore an attention grabbing outfit styled by her daughter Victoria. 

Irina Eicke also wore a very stylish look for the event sporting a Simon Miller look. Other guests showed up in Dolce and Gabbana summer dresses, Valentino shoes and more! Everyone had a great time raising awareness for this important cause and showing off their best summer style as the Hamptons season winds down. 

Luisa Diaz Hosts Kindness Gala at the Plaza Hotel

 This past week Luisa Diaz founder of the MAG Gala decided to bring her "Making kindness cool" movement to NYC in style. There were several important red carpet guests in attendance including Peter Roth founder of Peter Roth Skincare who sponsored the event, Jean Shafiroff philanthropist, and many other celebs. Luisa Diaz spoke to me about her movement which was supporting domestic violence survivors for the night. She talked about how fashion can help women feel empowered as well as shared details of her amazing dress. Check out the video below to see her full interview.

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Guests enjoyed musical performances, dancing, and more. The gala also honored several domestic abuse survivors with the runway of hope where survivors were honored in custom created outfits to symbolize empowerment. The Gala was a huge success and everyone was excited to raise money for a great cause as well as spread kindness in style. 

Fashion, Diplomacy, and Dancing Come Together for Charity at the 67th Viennese Opera Ball

On Friday night the annual 67th Viennese Opera Ball returned to NYC where socialites and tastemakers from the NYC fashion scene as well as the Austrian community in NYC and some special musical guests came together to celebrate the 67th year of this special tradition as well as raise money for Gabriel's Angels Foundation a cancer charity founded by Denise Rich. The Austrian Ambassador to the US Dr. Scheenbauer also attended as well as several other members from the Austrian delegation including Peter Hanke the Executive City Councillor for Vienna. Other notable guests included Nicole Miller NYC fashion designer, Sasha Prendas pop singer, and Jean Shafiroff who co-chaired the gala with Denise Rich.

 The night also featured a special treat for guests with performances from Met Opera stars Stephen Costello, Joyce El-Khoury, and Nathalie Pena Comas. Stephen Costello performed his solo from La Boheme which he stars in at the Met Opera and then the trio performed an amazing song together.

 Afterwards guests enjoyed a live auction to raise money for Gabriel's Angels and and then ballroom dancing started.

A beautiful choreography to the Carmen Quadrille by Eduard Strauss was designed for the opening performance of the debutantes and escorts by Vienna Dance School Svabek, headed by Sandra Stockmayer and Roman Svabek. Later guests participated in a group lesson of the midnight Quadrille and then the live orchestra played waltz music “A Night inspired by ‘Carmen’”, from the opera Carmen by Bizet led under the artistic direction of Daniel Serafin with Austrian conductor, Maestro Vinicius Kattah until the afterparty where guests enjoyed traditional Austrian treats and more dancing! 

The event brought together fashion and diplomacy to highlight the strong ties between the two cities of NYC and Vienna and guests got to experience much cultural exchange during the galmourous affair. Everyone came dressed in their most fashionable formal eveningwear as the dress code was white tie. Many guests opted for fun accessories such as elbow length gloves, capes, and even tiaras. Sequins, and princess dress cuts were definitely trending. Both Austrian and New York design influences and tastemakers came together on the red carpet Friday night when designer Nicole Miller wore a dress she designed herself and Austrian fashion designer Carolin Sinemus also attended in a fabulous outfit inspired by Austrian design influences. 

The night ended with a great DJ and afterparty as well as a champagne toast to another successful Viennese Opera Ball. 

Cocktails for Canines: Celebs Come Out to Raise Money for Rescue Dogs Rock NYC

On Tuesday night NYC celebs and style icons came out to raise money for Rescue Dogs Rock NYC charity that rescues abandoned dogs and provides them with housing and medical care. The charity is currently planning to open a new shelter in Long Island that will allow them to care for even more furry friends. Guests came out to support the cause and enjoyed drinks, bites, and a raffle at Versa Lounge in the garment district. Some NYC style scene regulars attended including Jean Shafiroff, Olga Ferrera, Georgina Bloomberg, Leesa Rowland and more.

 Everyone stepped out in their best looks to support the cause. Local businesses also donated prizes to the raffle and donated proceeds from their sales to Rescue Dogs Rock. Brooklyn based LolaHemp founded by Joey DiFrancesco was giving out free samples to guests who had pets at home and donated proceeds the the charity. 

The event brough together style and dog lovers for a night of fun and raised awareness for a great cause. The charities co-founders Jackie O'Sullivan and Stacy Silverstein spoke to the audience about their journey founding the charity and the idea for the rescue center. Their inspiring speech was full of anecdotes about the adopted dogs they have been able to rescue. 

They thanked the audience for their support before introducing the youth co chair Marin Gellar was also honored and gave a speech to talk about volunteering and the importance of involving youth in community initiatives. 

The night was definitely a success and raised over $150,000 to open their new center. Check out my reel to see all the best styles of the night on Instagram here! 

Country Star Drake Milligan Checks Stagecoach 2023 Off His Bucket List

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This weekend rising country star and America's Got Talent finalist Drake Milligan made his debut on the Stagecoach Main stage for an enthusiastic crowd. Last year, Milligan performed on the marketplace stage and attended the festival for the first time. You can check out my interview with him from Stagecoach 2022 on YT here! This year he returned as a star after releasing his album Dallas/Ft. Worth and finishing America's Got Talent as a top 3 finalist. The music video for his hit single "Sounds like something I'd do" was also nominated at the CMT Awards this year for Male Breakthrough Video of the Year category. I caught up with him before his show to talk about what it was like coming back for the 15th anniversary festival, his plans for a new album, and more! 

Milligan told me that "Last year feels like a long time ago compared to this year and we've really turned a corner with the tour and playing so many live shows." He was looking forward to playing on the main stage at the festival and planned to hang out and enjoy the rest of the weekend as well. He told me "I hope to be able to see Chris Stapleton's show. He's an absolute legend and one of my hero's Paul Franklin will be playing in his band." Milligan said, "Stagecoach is just magical and there is nothing else like it anywhere in the world. Last year I played on the marketplace stage but I was looking over at the main stage thinking about what it would be like to be up there. It's definitely a check off the old bucket list for me to be playing at the 15th anniversary this year." 

The past 12 months has been full of bucket list achievements for Milligan as he had a full circle moment attending the CMT Awards after launching his career as Elvis on the CMT show Sun Records back in 2017. He also played in Europe for the first time at C2C festival in London. made his Ole Opry debut and got to play his own music at the legendary Billy Bob's Saloon in his hometown in Texas. Milligan recounted growing up in Texas and told me what it was like playing at Billy Bob's as a native Texan saying, "It never feels real to be there. Billy Bob's is a country music staple and so many of my hero's have played there like George Strait, Merle Haggard and more. I grew up 15 minutes from there and used to sneak in there in high school and get kicked out. They have really good security. It was nice to be kicked in instead of kicked out this time. It was pretty special. I love getting to see family and friends in the crowd." 

The 24 year old singer shared what it was like releasing his own album and what he hopes fans will get from his music. He said, "It feels really good. I've been working on the album since 2017 so it's just great to see people reacting to the songs and see people relating to the stories. Seeing things people do like playing the songs at a wedding or something and being able to uplift their life with country music is so rewarding. I've never been one to make grand statements but I want people to experience a story. I think that's what country music is all about. I want my fans to feel that they can relate to the songs and help people feel understood whether its a sad song about drinking a beer alone or amplifying the good times like drinking a beer with friends on a Friday night." 

As for what's next, Milligan said he is focusing on having fun on the road for now. He told me, "I am always writing and I've been in Nashville pretty consistently. I'm definitely thinking about the next record. We're about to start looking for outside writers so it's a really exciting time."