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A few weeks later, we’re still stuck on Miami Fashion Week! So cut off the Cosmos, avoid the Amaretto Sours and move over the Margaritas… South Beach Raleigh Hotel’s Mitch Magera teaches us five chic cocktails bound to become your next signature drinks!

Cucumber Gimlet

This spa staple used to cool puffy eyes also makes a refreshing cocktail on hot summer days. Magera muddles freshly sliced cucumbers and mixes in lime, Hendrick’s cucumber gin and sugar to sweeten. “You can also use vodka instead of gin if you prefer,” suggests Magera.

St-Germain Cocktail

Want to impress your friends with a unique drink? Order a St-Germain cocktail. Made with St-Germain Elderflower liquor, some champagne, club soda and a twist of lemon it is far from your average white wine spritzer.

Blackberry Caipirinha

This Brazilian import has been making a big impact in the cocktail scene. Switch up the traditional Caipirinha recipe, which calls for Brazilian Cazacha rum and fresh limes with different types of fruit.  “Anything with fresh fruit is always chic- blackberries, blueberries and  strawberries,” says Magera.  “I always try to keep bowls of fresh fruit at the bar to add to my drinks.”

Ginger Mojitos

Like Mojitos? Then you’ll love Ginger Mojitos: White rum, Lime juice, mint and an unexpected sprinkle of minced ginger for the perfect collaboration- healthy too!

Lychee Martini

Lychee fruit is often overlooked as a great cocktail mixer. The fleshy fruit has a light taste that doesn’t overpower any recipe. Use Lychee Liquor in your traditional martini recipe to add an Asian feel to your happy hour.

Whether you’ve never outgrown your Long Island Ice Teas from your college days or can’t quit ordering trendy appletinis, now is the time to add some new alternatives to your happy hour choices. -Shelika Baez

By Camlyn V.

In light of the Pride Parade in NYC, contributing writer Camlyn shares her observation on the Gay Community.

There is nothing I love watching more than men in heels and heart thumping pelvic thrusts and this is what Lady Gaga is all about! The reigning pop culture icon recently discussed her latest single “Alejandro” during a Larry King Live interview. The lady described her newest video as a “celebration of my love and appreciation for the gay community, my admiration of their bravery and their love for one another, their courage and their relationships….” Gaga proves that she is a strong activist inside and outside her recording studio, combating homophobia in her music pieces. In her interview, Gaga also discussed the music industry’s issues and problems concerning homosexuals and how her music embraces them. Lady Gaga (aka Stefani Germanotta) could not have chosen a better time to arrive. She has revolutionized the music industry with her intense visions, outspoken ideas, and daring style. Not only is Gaga an amazing artist but she’s also a great equal rights supporter.

Showing up to Washington, D.C. in October of last year, Lady Gaga, along with other stars like Cynthia Nixon, attended the Human Rights Campaign and the National Equality March where the crowd went “gaga” for Gaga. She captured the attention and gained the admiration of many as she proclaimed to our own President Obama: “ARE YOU LISTENING? We will continue to push your administration to bring your promise of equality,” witnessed the Washington Post.

However, what does the Latino community think of gay issues? We have never heard more talk about homosexuality, than when the beautiful Ricky Martin announced his sexuality claiming he is a “fortunate homosexual,” as if we didn’t already think so! Other Spanish star Christian Chavez, singer from popular Mexican sensation RBD, came out to the world last year. However, we don’t see anyone’s face more than Perez Hilton. The gossip king openly speaks about his coming out experience to CNN: “At the beginning, when I came out to my mom, she reacted with a sigh and said, ‘You’re my son and I have to love you,’ ” Hilton says. “But now she says, ‘You’re the best son in the world, and we need to find you a man.’ ” These men are extremely proud of their sexuality but what about the non celebrities who are dying to “come out” to their parents, their friends and the world? The courage that celebrities have is not the same as regular people, especially young adults.

Latino families have been perceived as families that will never accept a homosexual or transsexual child but this is a stigma that Latino celebrities like Ricky Martin, Christian Chavez, and Perez Hilton are fighting to change.

Along with many others, celebs have made a great effort to raise awareness and do a fantastic job supporting the Gay/LGBT Community. The gay community is one that has been struggling for acceptance and continues to fight for their rights today. You would figure that with all this democracy and equal rights for the people talk would apply to everyone. Currently the gay couples are only allowed to marry in a few selected states- giving homosexual couples some freedom rather than all the freedom they deserve. These celebrities are fighting for all LGBT rights and urge everyone to accept people as they are. They urge families especially to try and support this brave outing of their own personal decision and what their heart desires.

“It isn’t equal if it’s sometimes. I want real democracy. Imagine all the people could love equally.” -Lady Gaga

By Jennifer Eberhart

Beading, flowing gowns, navy bathing suits, lace, sequins, cotton suits, high heels. Sound a bit like your wardrobe? You may (or might not) be surprised to know that all of today’s fashions have been inspired by styles of earlier generations.

In an exquisitely designed new exhibit, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting a show entitled “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity”. The show delves into styles from the 1890s to 1940, focusing on the strength and passions of six different women and her influences in gaining the independence that we females are able to enjoy today.

The heiress, the Gibson Girl, the bohemian, the patriot / suffragist, the flapper and the screen siren are all highlighted throughout the 7-room gallery.

With 80 mannequins decked out in House of Worth, Chanel, Valentina and Callot Soeurs, this exhibit is a fashion-lover’s dream.

“American Woman” also boasts hand-painted backdrops, period music, hand-crafted headpieces, archival footage and film clips that take the viewer back in time. As an added bonus, if you pick up the audio guide at the gallery entrance, you’ll hear New York’s very own fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker introducing you to each accomplished woman in the gallery.

The exhibit is made possible through an historic collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum, which is hosting its own display of covetable clothing in “American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection”, on display until August 1.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “American Woman” is this summer’s must-see show for any art and fashion lover. The exhibit continues through August 15.

Las Comadres at East Harlem Cafe

Quilt making has been a tradition in many families throughout the world. Who doesn’t like telling a story through a fun form of art?

Last week, a group of women from the national organization Las Comadres shared their own stories through a collaboration with Downy as they sought to distribute handmade quilts to hospitalized children in New York.

Downy’s “Touch of Comfort” pledged to deliver 10,000 quilts! To find out how you can contribute, visit Downy.com

By MERCEDES

Waking up early on a Saturday morning never felt so good, especially for a private Pilates class in Greenwich Village with fitness expert Ana Caban.

Besides being one of the top instructors in the country (there’s talk about Ana having her own show), she’s also a successful businesswoman. Caban has sold more than $25 Million from her programs and merchandise which include exercise videos.

Watch below for simple at-home moves Ana Caban gives exclusively to our BeChic readers, plus find out where you can get organic fitness apparel.