BeChicMag.com

THE BRITISH ARE COMING, THE BRITISH ARE COMING!
By SHELIKA BAEZ

2006 ushered in the new generation of British musical revolutionaries with James Blunt. His song, You’re beautiful, captured the #1 spot on the billboard charts following the footsteps of Sir Elton John’s earlier accomplishment.

Younger act, Corinne Bailey Rae has since joined in with her self-titled album debuting at #17 on the Billboard chart, making it the highest any British artist has accomplished. Her song, “Put your records on” captures the soulful and optimistic sound that is Corinne Bailey Rae. Read the rest of this entry »

Jennifer Hudson fans, this one’s for you:

In honor of the Oscar-award winning actress, E.D.E. Studio and designer Ellen Eichel introduces the Hudson Clutch into her Spring 2007 line in classic colors such as navy, white and black. Eichel designed Jennifer’s Hudson Clutch in a soft, Italian leather with leopard skin suede trim exclusively for her.

E.D.E. Studio’s day-to-night clutches are a Hollywood staple. Carmen Electra, Mya, Sandra Bullock and Lucy Liu are all fabulous fans. The Hudson Clutch retails for $352. There is also the Hudson Carryall, soft and oversized but stylish for on the go. (Retails $649, available in soft tan suede leather, white, black and navy). Read the rest of this entry »

ONLY IN NEW YORK

At a blink of an eye cab drivers can become anything you need them to be: A psychiatrist; a friend; heck, even a midwife! But all Ellsworth Forrester wants to be is a rising star.

The Upper West Side has its own creative cabbie who has personalized the interior of his yellow automobile with inspiring buttons inscribed with civil rights quotes and get this- copies of cd’s he sells and promotes right from the cab! Forrester reminds me of David Chappelle’s character in the 1999 flick “200 Cigarettes” who drove the disco cab on New Year’s Eve in Alphabet City- except for the whole pimp thing. Read the rest of this entry »

Well well… look what’s hitting the Lower East Side in just a couple of weeks. Whole Foods, the upscale supermarket for organic eating enthusiasts in the newly gentrified neighborhood, has begun promoting its upcoming grand opening while teasing passers-by to “take a peek at what’s coming.” With the Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. monopoly which has conquered the downtown vicinity- Avalon Chrystie on Houston and Avalon Bowery on First Street- along comes the popular, over-priced food chain to satisfy the habits of health junkies starting on March 29.

In a press release, the folks at Whole Foods Market state: “Get ready Lower East Side… Whole Foods Market is Coming! Inspired by our new neighborhood, an area known for its historical and present-day connection to food, we’re creating a dual level food mecca devoted to the foods and goods of New York City and beyond.” Your new neighborhood, huh? Well, I guess it is. Read the rest of this entry »