BeChicMag.com

WHAT WOMEN WANT

If you’re looking for the perfect summer dress, Iodice will get your attention! Actresses like Garcelle are already wearing the Brazilian label on the red carpet. This yellow sultry summer Alline Dress only runs for $400. But you don’t have to wear this frock to a high-end function. Iodice offers a variety of colors including a navy blue dress that you can just wear around town.

Iodice’s gowns are available at Saks and boutiques nationwide.

To see more of their collection, visit Iodice online.

Bros Who Are Too Close
I recently told a guy friend of mine that he should get over his “bromances” and settle down with a female partner.

He wasn’t sure what the term meant, so I broke it down for him…

There have been recent articles, including Gawker’s “Over Analyzing the Bromance” that speak on this topic. The gossip-based Web site describes Bromance as “close friendships between hetero dudes.” Pretty simple, right?

There’s nothing wrong with guys hanging out. Happy hours or watching sports from a living room is normal behavior and for the most part, acceptable. But apparently today’s men are over-exceeding the time spent together, and many women might think that’s a problem.

No two relationships are the same, but with studies showing that the average marrying age for a man is now 27 as opposed to 23 in 1960, more women are waiting a little longer for these bromances to end. For the men involved in a bromance, I advise that you find the love of your life, get hitched, love your mate and see your boys every other weekend.

I agree that life is short and big decisions should be made carefully…but still I included some fun tips on getting serious:

Three Advantages to Getting
Over The Bromance and Settling Down:
1. Moving In Together: You can split the rent with your lady friend. Let’s face it, most couples (‘couples’ can have various definitions) spend a lot of time in each other’s home. Moving in together can mean dividing cable costs, rent, groceries, utilities…The list is endless.
2. Marriage: Think about it as a business proposal. In addition to the aforementioned, you can combine your incomes, claim each other in your tax return and get loads of money back from the government.
3. Love: As corny as it sounds, everyone needs some lovin’ including tough guys who have a problem showing emotions. *mercedes sanchez

One of the toughest parts about relocating is finding a new entourage to help you look good. Back at home, I had two go-to hair stylists. I got my chic haircuts from whom I consider the best hair-cutter ever! And that’s Nelson from Lotus, a swanky but laid back salon on Prince Street. Or when I needed an emergency wash and dry, my cousin Cristal always had my back. Now I’m in a new city and have no one I trust to handle me. There are some women who can do their own hair, nails and eyebrows. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

Before leaving for Central New York, I realized I had to stack up in basic beauty products. After all, I was moving to a chic-challenged city. So I asked my crafty cousin to show me where I can get the best supplies for cheap. We walked to a beauty supply store on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side. She showed me a collection of hair driers. I took my time selecting mine, especially since I haven’t straightened my own hair in over four years. She also suggested which velcro rollers will add volume to my hair. Thanks to her I got the Turbo 1500! This baby is so powerful there’s an over-sized disclaimer on the box that reads “Not For the Home. Professional Use Only.” I haven’t caused a blackout so far. Until I find a new talented group of folks to make me look pretty, I’ll stick to my own blow drier and tweezers.

The Turbo 1500 runs for $60 in beauty stores.
Nelson is by appointment only. Haircuts start at $80.
Lotus*. 7 Prince Street. 212.219.3293
You can also check out his Web site @ ChairCut.com.
*And if you want a super-chic hairdo, ask for Kelly! *mercedes sanchez

While the nation discusses immigration through raging sound bytes, a new film, starring a number of telenovela stars – puts a face to the controversial issue. “La Misma Luna” (Under the Same Moon) tells the story between a mother and son separated by the Mexico and US border.

Director Patricia Riggen deftly explores the fictional family’s sacrifices which she says is not far moved from everyday reality.

“There are four million women going through this situation in the U.S. today,” says Riggen. “It’s something that every one of them has to evaluate. And if they leave a child behind, they do it because they don’t have another option. They do it for love.”

“La Misma Luna” was filmed in only five weeks in both Mexico and Los Angeles where the two protagonists only shot one scene together. Riggen does a phenomenal job as she examines the daily lives of Rosario and Carlitos played by Mexican superstar Kate del Castillo and Adrián Alonso, respectively. While Rosario begins her mornings with a soothing shower followed by a toasty Pop-Tart in her East L.A. apartment, her son Carlitos bathes with a bucket of water behind his grandmother’s house. And as for breakfast, he makes himself a hot chocolate by steaming milk on the stove and literally churning the chocolate.

America Ferrera also makes a short appearance as Martha, a young woman who tries to help her brother pay for college by smuggling babies across the border.

“I feel a part of it because I am one of those immigrants who left their families to come here in search of something,” says 35-year-old Del Castillo who left her native Mexico City for Hollywood. “What I liked most about the storyline is that it touches upon this topic in the most human way possible.”

Del Castillo, who on her time off likes to write and participate in extreme sports like sky diving and car racing, recently returned from the 2008 Berlin Film Festival for the premiere of “Julia” with Academy Award winning actress Tilda Swinton. The single actress also just finished filming “Por Vida” alongside Danny Glover.

When the Guadalajara-born director first started working on the film five years ago she was still living in Mexico. And at the time, immigration wasn’t as hot a topic as it is today. “The question shouldn’t be what is the United States to do about immigration,” says Riggen. “It’s the Mexican government and Mexican society that should work hard to resolve the poverty problem. That’s where we should focus our energy because if there isn’t poverty, there isn’t a need to migrate.”

“La Misma Luna” is in theaters now. *mercedes sanchez

You can also read my article in the New York Post.

If Richard Williams can do for Giancarlo Cavallero what he did for his daughters, Serena and Venus, there’s no doubt that the Long Island 8-year old is destined for tennis greatness.

Cavallero is one of the youngest players recruited to Team Williams last year and already he’s winning praise.

“I saw his talent three years ago,” says tennis instructor George Henry, who also coached the superstar sisters and is currently working with Papa Williams to establish a team of a dozen young players.

“We’ll focus on non-traditional training, and encourage kids to be well rounded in other activities, not only tennis,” he says.

The Argentinean-Dominican kid is a multiple threat. Not only does he rank 48 out of 800 junior-league players in the eastern division of the US Tennis Association and possess a phenomenal backhand, but he also models, acts and plays soccer.

He started playing when he was four years old with his dad, George, a tennis enthusiast.

“The first game he won was a father-and-son tournament [when he was six] in 2006,” says the proud papa, who still helps train his son.

“The following day he played another game and won. I was so surprised. Two trophies in one weekend!”

Despite the time he spends preparing for matches, Giancarlo already acknowledges the difference between playing for fun and playing to win.

“I like to play tennis with my friends, and when I feel like it, I like to play tournaments,” says the blond, green-eyed athlete who resembles a young Macaulay Culkin.

On his down time, the phenom reads about his favorite players and admits to studying Serena’s aces on TV.

“One day I would really like to play with the Williams sisters because it’ll be an experience,” he says. “And then I can really copy their moves.” *mercedes sanchez

You can also read my article in the New York Post.