OJ&B In The Press: Schipul's Boss Blog Of The Month!

I was thrilled when my friend Courtney Pemberton said that Schipul was interested in featuring me on their Boss Blog of the Month! It is such an honor to be featured by another company, especially when one of the things they specialize in is social media.

In the blog Courtney talks about what makes OJ&B unique. I was very impressed with the write up and was touched by the kind words. Here is one of my favorite quotes:

"I believe any successful blog tells a story, and OJ&B does just that through the eyes of Jonathan Valdez – a hilarious, dapper young fellow who writes with such enthusiasm, he could make a 76 yr. old nun pumped about Gaga’s latest music video."

Check out the feature below!

Boss Blog of the Month: Orange Juice & Biscuits

By Courtney Pemberton
Posted on Dec. 29, 2010

Boss [baw, bos]
-adjective
1. exemplifies a unique quality; awesome; incredible
2. An expression from the mid 1950s, which fell from favor by early 1960s…until now.
Used in a sentence: Orange Juice is great, but Orange Juice and Biscuits is boss.

What is the most important meal of the day? Some classic folk might say Cocoa Puffs, a few dieters will admit to cold pizza, but pop culture, fashion fanatics will declare in unison, Orange Juice & Biscuits is where it’s at.

No, this does not mean there is a new organic orange that will guarantee weight loss nor does it anticipate an advanced biscuit that will combat frizz. It means that if you love a humorous take on front row fashion, “Livin’ La Vida Lohan” and all things sexy in the NYC, then you must suppress your appetite with Decemeber’s Boss Blog of the Month, Orange Juice & Biscuits.

I believe any successful blog tells a story, and OJ&B does just that through the eyes of Jonathan Valdez – a hilarious, dapper young fellow who writes with such enthusiasm, he could make a 76 yr. old nun pumped about Gaga’s latest music video. In 2009, Jonathan was named Mashable’s Top 5 Best Bloggers to Follow and for good reason; it’s not just about writing for him, it’s about sharing an amazing experience with amazing people.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with creator of OJ&B, and close friend, Jonathan Valdez about the incredible growth of OJ&B and what sets it apart from all the other fashion and celebrity blogs.

“I believe OJ&B is funny without being snarky or mean. Yes, it’s fashion, yes, it’s celebrities but it’s also about supporting the great people I have met in New York. You never know who you are going to meet and where they are going…OJ&B has enabled me to show how much I value these relationships and I believe people respect that.”

Jonathan doesn’t just sit and watch from afar, he writes about Whitney Port’s new fashion line because he was there. He gives shout outs to Models of the Runway Winner, Kalyn Hemphill because they truly are friends. He provides live media coverage of events, like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week because, well…they thought OJ&B was awesome too. People enjoy Jonathan as a person because he genuinely enjoys them, the difference is he writes about it. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like to see their name in print? Guilty.

There is just not enough great things to say about OJ&B. I love this blog, I love the guy behind the blog and I love that we can agree on one thing…

“Everyone loves a good Lohan mention.” – Jonathan Valdez

You can check out the original post on by clicking here. Once again, thanks so much to Courtney Pemberton and Schipul for the amazing feature!

Rugby By Ralph Lauren: Things I Need Slash Want!

I have been OBSESSED with Rugby by Ralph Lauren for a good while now. The looks keep me melting and are 100% ME! I LOVE the late 50's early 60's prep school look with an edge. There is nothing I love more than being vintage preppy on the top and making it modern at the bottom with an edgy exposed zipper boot or other fun footwear.

From the cardigans seen in the opening picture that you can customize with patches and embroidering to attention stealing blazers and bow ties, Rugby by Ralph Lauren had me from the first time I clicked onto their website a year or two ago. Check out the things that I need slash want slash am obsessed with from their website right now!

Above: How good is this blazer?! There are so many little things that you can do to make this bold piece your own. Note the boots. Changing the shirts and bow ties is an easy fix. Rolling up the sleeves are adding a subtle flower is an easy way to personalize this blazer.

Above: You have to have a smoldering velvet blazer for a fancy night in the city. This piece can instantly dress up so many things. Perfect for parties and special events but you know I would probably wear it all the time because I love feeling fancy and feeling fierce.

Above: A military pea coat. You need it for day wear and it can totally upgrade your weekend look in 2 seconds. A good pea coat situation will take you places. This is my personal idea of casual wear.

Above: I don't know about the sweat pant shorts but this shaw cardigan is something that makes me melt everytime I look at it. I am a sucker for letterman patches. Make me look like I just got out of 5th period at Rydell High School and I am a happy camper.

Above: Again, GO RYDELL! I need a good letterman sweater in my life. Look how nice yet casual the model looks. Throw a blazer on and I bet you a mimosa that you will be the best dressed man at the brunch table!


Above: I have always loved a good mini patch pattern on a pant. I think it says a lot about the guy who would wear these pants. It says they are daring with their wardrobe and they like to have fun. Life is too short not to have mallard ducks on your cords!

Above: A big trend in the revival of the 90's is a good fitted cargo pant. I love the uniqueness of this pant with the pockets in the front. It is bold but not tacky.

Above: Who doesn't need an emerald green dress slipper with an Indian chief on them? I would say these are essential in your shoe collection but my basics tend to be different from other people's basics. Either way I need slash want them!

You can find all of these phenomenal looks on Rugby by Ralph Lauren's website by clicking here!

Orange Juice and Biscuits' Guide To NYE In NYC!

FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It is time to wave farewell to 2010 and say "HEY BOO" to 2011! I love New Year's Eve because you can dress in really fun and fab clothes and prepare for a fresh start! For me, it is really important to ring in the new year with a lot of fun, friends and fierceness. This means that you have to pick the perfect venue that is just right for you and your crew. There are thousands of events in NYC so how does one choose? Never fear OJ&B is here!

I have taken the liberty of choosing 3 events for December 31st that I think are going to be the hotness! The prices and atmosphere range from high end to affordable so there is something for everyone. Always remember that no matter where you go you must follow OJ&B's #1 rule, "Be fierce all the time and all the time be fierce!" Here is where I would go in NYC for NYE!

1. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle
Welcome the new year in true New York City style at Manhattan’s celebration destination at the first annual New Year’s Eve Gala at the Mandarin Oriental, New York. The elegant New Year’s Eve of bygone days is being brought back to life in the hotel’s stunning ballroom overlooking Central Park and the glittering lights of Manhattan. This black-tie evening begins at 7:00 pm with butler passed hors d’oeuvres and a premium open bar. The Gala includes a four course gourmet dinner with delicacies including Kumanmoto Oysters, Iranian Caviar, Foie Gras, Maine Lobster, Filet Mignon and an array of indulgent desserts. After dinner, live music form the Harris Lane Orchestra will keep guests dancing into the new year.

Tickets to Mandarin Oriental, New York’s New Year’s Eve Gala are priced at USD 1,000 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For gala tickets please call +1 (212) 805 8858 or email NewYearsEveNYC@mohg.com.

For $200 you can attend the Mandarin Oriental's annual New Year’s Eve party in their MObar and Lobby Lounge. Ring in the new year in style with Lobby Lounge’s stunning city skyline views, dancing to music spun by DJ Jackson Lee, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tables in MObar are also available for $100 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, midnight champagne toast, party favors and access to the Lobby Lounge’s DJ and dancing. Tables are reserved from 10 p.m. onward for December 31, 2010 with one seating only. All other food and beverages are additional. Reservations are required. To book, please call Shayan Pandole at 212 805 8800 ext. 8571.


Above: The lobby lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC.

2. Two E Lounge at The Pierre Hotel


Ring in 2011 with skillfully prepared hors d’oeuvres and drink with merriment as you ring in the New Year at Two E in the Pierre Hotel. The packages are $215 per person at a reserved table and $155 per person for standing room. This includes a full open bar, music by DJ Brian Christopher, passed hors d’oeuvres such as foie gras and sauternes jelly on toast, tuna and beef tartar, blackened shrimp martini with avocado salsa, quail egg on broiche with caviar and more from 10pm-2am.

For reservations go to http://www.twoeny.com/

3. Chat Noir Presents Moulin Rouge

The tickets are already sold out for the dinner at Chat Noir but you can still get your hands on tickets for the Moulin Rouge themed after party just in time for the stike of midnight! Tickets to this intimate party hosted by pop singer Official Hank are $60 dollars in advance at $75 dollars at the door and include a four hour open bar, a live DJ, can can dancers and performances by Official Hank, Broadway's Jennifer Sanchez from Women on the Verge of A Nervous Breakdown and Dina Fanal from the Transiberian Orchestra.

For tickets please call (212)-794-2458

I am loving the idea of a NYE black tie gala at the Mandy and I love a good Moulin Rouge theme! All of the parties sound amazing so let me know which one you pick and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Get it 2011!

Tingle & Jingle: Holiday Cocktail Recipes From The Madarin Oriental!

In my previous post I talked about the delicious holiday cocktails served at the Mandarin Oriental's Holiday Soiree in New York City. I thought that the perfect present to my readers would be to share with all of you how to make the amazing drinks! The Mandarin Oriental, or the Mandy as I like to call it, was kind enough to give the recipes to OJ&B exclusively for all of my fab readers. So get out those shakers and 'tini glasses and start serving up some tangle and jangle with Santa's Nightcap and Madam Peppercorn!

Santa's NightCap:



2 oz. Goslings Black Seal Rum
1/2 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Monin Chocolate Chip Cookie Syrup
3/4 oz. Half and Half
Served straight up in a Martini glass with a Chocolate and sugar rim Garnished with chocolate pearls

Madam Peppercorn (OJ&B's Choice):


Muddled Pink Peppercorns (approx. 30)
1 1/2 oz. Patron Anejo
1/2 oz. Maple Syrup
1 1/4 oz. Grapefruit Juice
1/2 oz. Lime Juice
2 dashes of Bittermans Grapefruit Bitters Served in a rocks glass with a Cayenne pepper and sugar rim

If you don't fancy yourself a person who can tend bar very well, then you can head on over to the Mandy and have the professionals mix you up some merriment. Santa's nightcap is only available on December 24th and 25th (perfect name for the bev) and Madam Peppercorn is an ongoing addition to the winter menu. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

The Mandarin Oriental Holiday Soiree: Ho Ho Haute!

The always luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel held it's annual holiday soiree on Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 in the hotel's MObar. The party took place on the night before I headed to Texas for the holidays. I can't think of a better place or event to close out my amazing first year in NYC. The theme of the night was imbibe and be merry and that is exactly what guests did as they noshed on the Mandarin Oriental's amazing food and sipped on delicious holiday themed cocktails.


Above: Guest sipped on yummy holiday themed cocktails like Santa's Nightcaps and Madam Peppercorns (my favorite)! Check back soon for the recipes on OJ&B soon.

The Mandarin Oriental's Mobar is the perfect setting for an intimate party. Guest can feel cozy without feeling crowded and the room makes it easy to mix and mingle. Let's take a look at some of the fabulous people who stopped by to spread some holiday cheer.


Above: From L to R- Sabrina Chapman PR's Sabrina Chapman and Lucky Magazine's Maura Lynch and Rachel Siegel.


Above: Designer Vivienne Tam who also has a gorgeous fan that she designed for the Mandarin Oriental on permanent display in the hotel's lobby.


Above: From L to R- The Mandarin Oriental's Tammy Peters with Model Carmen Dell'Orefice and guest.


Above: From L to R- Mac Joseph, Kristen Rubel and guest.


Above: From L to R- OJ&B's Jonathan Valdez with the Mandarin Oriental's Jessica Seasholtz and Chad Belisario.


Above: Ralph Lauren's Ben Eskridge with Ralph Laruen model Oriole Elcacho. Loving that Ralph Lauren Rugby blazer!

I had a wonderful time at the Mandarin Oriental's (or as I like to call it the Mandy) annual holiday soiree. You never know who you will see or bump into each time you visit the Mandarin Oriental. Combine that with the view of Central Park and the city, along with delicious food and cocktails and you have one of the most magical places in New York City!

Above: A view of the MObar as people mix, mingle, tingle and jingle at the Mandarin Oriental's Annual Holiday Soiree.

*Photo Credit: All photos that do not have the OJ&B logo are courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental and were taken by photographer Zach Hyman.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A FAB 2011 FROM OJ&B!

This year has been crazy! From my move to NYC to OJ&B's First Birthday Bash to being official media at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, 2010 was one AMAZING RIDE! I wanted to take time out to thank all of my readers and supporters! It means so much to me that you guys enjoy the blog! I PROMISE that 2011 is going to be even better so get ready!

I hope that you have all been good all year and that you get everything you want from Santa. They say that Old Saint Nick watches you allllll year to see if you have been a good boy or girl. If that is true then I dunno how many presents YOU will get. He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you dropped it like it was hot at the club, and he saw you wearing yo hoochie boots and booty shorts that one night when you went home with that rando at the club...

DANG SANTA! It must be fun watching all the hot messes all year long. Then again, I guess it would be like having your T.V. stuck on Maury all year long.

Besides the hot messes of the world, I know there are PLENTY of people who make the world a better place. There are parents, volunteers, soldiers, and just nice people in general who make life so much better. Thanks for that!

I hope that everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and that you are surrounded by the people that you love this holiday season. If you don't celebrate Christmas then Happy your holiday too!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A FAB 2011 - Jonathan Valdez, Creator/Editor/Writer of OJ&B

*Special thanks to Caitlin Cannon for making the official OJ&B holiday greeting card for 2010! She can be reached at Cscannon86@yahoo.com.

When Fashion & Music Collide: Karl Lagerfeld Meets Janelle Monae

Fashion and Music go together like Lohan and Crazy! I love sitting at the shows during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and feeling the bass from the speakers under the stands as the music sets the tone for the amazing shows.

Recently two of my favorite people met in Russia. The legendary Karl Lagerfeld and the talented Janelle Monae. I first discovered Janelle at the Levi's Fader Fort during SXSW 2009. I was with friends on the other end of the fort when I heard this magically dreamy voice coming from across the way. I raced over to see who it was and there was Janelle in all her glory. It was love at first listen!

Check out the video of when the designer and singer met. Karl and Janelle talk about their love for wearing black and white. "I'm a black and white person," states Lagerfeld. I LOVE how Karl talks about enjoying music by not sitting down at a concert. He talks about how you have to be standing to really get into it (I was once asked by some awful hoochies to sit down at a BRITNEY concert, I said no of course)! Seems like Karl and I would get along great!

Ports 1961 Pre-Fall 2011!

As soon as I received the email containing the look book for Ports 1961's pre-fall collection for 2011 I opened it with the speed of 10 bloggers live Tweeting at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. What I saw was very simple yet elegant gowns that remind me a bit of the lines used in the mid to late 90's and the wide leg trend continuing. The most exciting thing for me was the orange that was used in the collection like the burnt orange gown in the opening picture. It seems OJ&B has really been influencing the fashion scene recently! Let's check out the looks that I picked as my favorites.


Above: Loving this draped column dress. The down accessory her hair and that is used in this collection reminds me of the feather on Cher Horowitz's pen in Clueless.


Above: I think this makes a huge impact. I have always loved orange and blue together and people used to say I was crazy. Note the flare legged trouser keeping with the wide leg trend of Spring/Summer 2011.


Above: This asymmetrical draped dress adds a pop of color to fall and you know I am always down for color year round!


Above: Love this look for pre fall. Note how everything is matching though. Below: I just really love deep blues. Notice how this is also matchy matchy. Matching like this is hardcore 1990's although in the 90's the shoes would be the same color as the clothes.




Above: I leave you with this picture because all of the pieces are great separate and can be paired with lots of things. Also because the knit cardigan with tie is OJ+B orange!

I cannot wait to see the full Fall/Winter 2011 collection on the runway in February! Stay tuned!

VIDEO: OJ&B Has Love For Shocantelle Brown Okrrr!

About a month or so ago some friends of mine started quoting hilarious things and saying "Okrrr" after every sentence. I HAD to know what was going on and their only explanation was "YOU HAVE NOT SEEN SHOCANTELLE BROWN FROM COOTER COUNTY?!" I had not but as soon as I could I looked her up and she basically made my year.

Shocantelle Brown is one of many (and maybe most popular) "residence" that live in the fictional county of Cooter on YouTube. Most of the characters or "residence" are played by the talented Broadway actress slash recently turned country music singer Laura Belle Bundy. Bundy is well know for originating Elle Woods in Broadway's Legally Blonde The Musical and she was also Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray The Musical (my favorite)! These Cooter County characters truly show how diverse and talented Bundy is.

Recently, Shocantelle Brown had a contest where she asked her fans to make a holiday themed video where they imitate the Cooter County Holiday Inn Express resident. I could not pass up the opportunity to enter because Shocantelle is a lot like a character that I would always do during acting competitions in high school named Bonquisha. Bonquisha was known throughout the H.S. acting competition circuit and had a petty big following including an entourage at one tournament (word had gotten out that she was in the building and yes I did win 1st place).

Check out the rules for the holiday video below and then watch my entry! We will know who won tomorrow!!

THE RULES:

My Entry:


To check out more of Shocantelle Brown and other residence of Cooter County click here.

Also please check out all of the fab videos on OJ&B's official YouTube channel here!

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Makes Me Smile!

As soon as I walked into Radio City Music Hall for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular it felt like Christmas Day! The beautiful lobby had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. You could take pictures with Santa, buy ornaments and buy candy from the candy shop to enjoy while watching the show. Christmas was officially here!

After stocking up on candy and drinks, my friend and I found our seats and waited for the show to begin. From the very second that the spectacular begins you can feel the excitement of the show. Fun holiday lights fill Radio City, the live orchestra lifts from below the stage and then the legendary Radio City Rockettes hit the stage in fabulous sequined reindeer costumes complete with reindeer boot tap shoes! The show had officially started!!

I have always wanted to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City! The fact that I was sitting in the legendary Radio City Music Hall watching the iconic Rockettes do their thing had me feeling like I had finally made it to NYC even though I have been here for almost a year. The show is such a NYC staple. I am not exaggerating when I say that I was smiling the entire time! The costumes and the sets where brilliant but of course the phenomenal dancing that the Rockettes are world famous for is what makes the show!

I am a sucker for Broadway shows of the olden days that had huge productions and where full of tapping. I think that is why I was smiling the entire time because I felt like I was taken back to the golden days of Broadway shows with elaborate dance numbers and costumes. It was so cool to see the Rockettes do their eye high kicks as the were spread out across the massive stage. Their precision is beyond impressive. These gals look gorgeous and make it look effortless but they are some of the hardest working athletes out there. I read on the Rockettes' Twitter page that after each show the ladies take ice baths to help with sore muscles. Now that is intense!

Flying through the sky with Santa on a 3-D experience, amazing costumes and dancing, real live camels, a flying Santa, singing and the most adorable version of The Nutcracker ever (seriously I could hardly take the amount of cuteness coming from the stage for that number), The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has something for the entire family! If you are lucky enough to visit the city for the holidays, the Christmas Spectacular is a must! It will make you feel merry and like you are a part of NYC history.

If you are planning on seeing the show then OJ&B has a special holiday present for just for you! OJ&B is giving it's readers access to a special offer on tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! All you have to do is go to the promo site and enter the promotional code "KPACK" when you have selected your tickets! I hope that you have as much fun as I did when you see the show and that it makes you smile the entire time!

Click here to access the promo page for the special offer.

Exclusive Video: Meet The Brand New American Idol Judges!

FOX unveiled some of the first promo shots and videos of brand new American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler with Idol vet Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest (see above) for their 10th season of the talent discovering television show.

From what I saw the trio seems to give a much needed breath of fresh air to the show. J. Lo and Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler, have not see a trillion auditions year after year so they seem fresh and excited to help make people's dreams come true. Randy Jackson never really seemed like he wanted to be mean either so hopefully they will influence him to keep being positive.

I think it would be nice to see them not make fun of people like the show is infamous for. It's just mean and I NEVER liked watching the early auditions. It was annoying for them to say "Who told you you can sing?" I just wanted one contestant to say, "Well your producers did when I had to go through 5 auditions to get on T.V. and in front of the judges." I feel like people are getting tired of MEAN and need a bit of inspiration. I hope Idol will stick with the stories of hope and stiff competition with amazing singers rather than waste people's time and embarrass them.

All I am saying is that if J.Lo told me I reminded her of herself when she was singing in the Bronx I would be perfectly fine not winning (as long as I made top 12 and could go on tour)! Let's be honest, every time I ride the 6 train I think I am her going to an audition or something.

Check out clips of the new judges in action and what some of the new contestants have to offer.

The new judges in action:

The new contestants give us what they've got:

American Idol moves to Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning with a two-night premiere event Wednesday, January 19, 2011 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, January 20, 2011(8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Guys' Night Out At Lord & Taylor: Shop Like A Man!

On Thursday, December 9, 2010, Lord & Taylor will host Guys Night Out from 6 to 9 pm at their 5th ave location in NYC. This shopping event for men will feature appearances by professional athletes, celebs and video games! Also, ESPN will be doing a live broadcast of the Micheal Kay Show (Basically all sorts of things I never thought I would blog about but honestly I think it is a really awesome idea). If awesome video games and sports stars still are not cutting it for you then how about a free ipad as a gift with puchase and the NY Jets' cheerleaders?

Ladies, this is your chance to actually get your man to go shopping with you, so show them this post ASAP! You can have fun with him at the event or you can leave him there like a kid a Chuck E. Cheese and head on over to do some holiday shopping (for yourself)!

Check out this video for all of the deets and get ready to SHOP LIKE A MAN!

OJ&B FLASHBACK: I Love You Man Red Carpet Interviews!

I am SO EXCITED to finally have a way to share with you my exclusive red carpet interviews with the stars of I Love You Man from SXSW Film 2009. As you know, OJ&B was a successful, award winning morning show for 3 years! I have been looking up and down for ways to share audio on the blog and I finally did! I plan on posting and archiving so many more amazing interviews as OJ&B flashbacks as well as doing some fresh recordings! I had so much fun interviewing the cast of I Love You Man and am glad I can finally share a great memory with all of you! Check out Paul Rudd's reaction when I tell him how much I loved Clueless!

OJ&B does I LOVE YOU MAN Red Carpet Interviews by OrangeJuiceandBiscuits


Above: Jonathan Valdez interviews Rashida Jones on the Red Carpet for I Love You Man at SXSW Film 2009.


Above: Jonathan Valdez interviews Jamie Pressly on the Red Carpet for I Love You Man at SXSW Film 2009. We Talk Not Another Teen Movie!

O’Quinn: The Perfect Tee For Under The Tree!

I recently stumbled upon some amazingly fun tees from O'Quinn that I think would make a fab and perfect gift for your guys friend and/or man slash gentleman lover (whatever you want to call him). I instantly fell in love with these tees from O'Quinn because I love how they are simple yet smart. The contrast of colors and play with design make them unique and fun with out being overly crazy or douchey looking.


Above: Men can show they have good taste and style while being comfortable. They are a fun way to play up dressing casual with out too much extra needed.

Dean Quinn serves as co-founder, creative director and CEO of O’Quinn Clothing. Dean is a champion surfer who is dedicated to high quality and authenticity. He is deeply rooted in the surf, skate, fashion, art and music culture of Southern California and has propelled its iconic board shorts, tees and denim far beyond the west coast and into premium department stores and boutiques throughout the U.S.


Above: O'Quinn Tees are available in short sleeve to long, v-necks to crew, in a plethora of styles and colors for both women and men.

It is crazy how much you can do with a good tee. you can dress them up or down, use them to layer over and under shirts, pair them with vests, jackets, necklaces and more! The best thing about the O'Quinn tees is that they range from $19 to $24 dollars so they are at a great price for holiday giving!

I am really glad that I stumbled upon these tees and I hope that I have helped someone out there find a great gift for someone!


Above: I love that O'Quinn has cool patterns that are not too much. You don't need rhinestones and tattoo designs on a tee to stand out!

Zayra: Baby Likes To Bang in ATX!

My friend Mairin has been telling me all year about singer Zayra. Zayra a contestant on the reality show Rockstar Supernova. Since then, she has transformed into a fierce pop maven with an energetic live show and dance-club following. Her latest single, 'Baby Likes to Bang' hit #1 Best Seller on Masterbeat, following the success of her first single “V.I.P” that charted #5 on the Billboard Dance Chart(get it).

One of the things I miss most about Texas is Austin which is famous for being the live music capital of the world. The great thing about Austin is that you can find almost any kind of music that you want on any give night. Like tonight, Zayra will be performing at The Phoenix for the Official 'Baby Likes To Bang' Video Release Party. Entry is free and doors open at 10 p.m. so go have fun in ATX for me (OJ&B lets you know where the fun in all over the U.S.A.)!

Check out Zayra's latest single 'Baby Likes To Bang' below!

For more info on Zayra click here!

OJ&B Gets Regal With Houbigant's Fougere Royale!

I am so excited to share with you, Fougere Royale, a fragrance that has an amazing true story and smells phenomenal! It was worn by some MAJOR names in history. If bloggers existed in the 1700's we would have totally blogged about these notable names wearing the scent!

Fougere Royale come from the House of Houbigant which has operated since 1775 and is the only fragrance house that has existed through four centuries of history. Through these centuries, the perfumers of the House of Houbigant have made groundbreaking discoveries in the formulation of perfumes that have revolutionized forever the way perfumes are constructed.

Jean-Francois Houbigant's fragrances found favour with royalty and the nobility. Houbigant taught the titled women at the Court of Versailles how to perfume their fans so that just a fragrant flutter would send out a romantic message. In 1793 Marie-Antoinette carried 3 vials of Houbigant perfume in her corsage to give her strength when she was executed by guillotine. Over the centuries, the House of Houbigant became perfumer to the royal courts of Europe. Josephine, the future Empress of France, belonged to a group of stylish young men and women called “The Muscadins” because of their craze for musk which was Josephine’s favourite essence. Houbigant fragrances travelled in Napoleon’s campaign chest during the years when he was conquering Europe. In the spring of 1815 Napoleon was only in Paris for three months, a period that history calls “The Hundred Days”. In those brief months he raised an army and found time to shop at Houbigant. Napolean's bill of sales is actually framed at Houbigant. Other royals who wore Houbigant include Her Royal Highness, the Princess Adelaide d’Orleans, mother of King Louis-Philippe, Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of England, Czar Alexander and many more.

Above: I went back in time to visit Marie-Antoinette.

First introduced in 1882, Fougère Royale completely revolutionized the world of perfumes and established modern perfumery as it exists today. Fougère Royale was the first “fougère” (or fern-like) perfume ever created, establishing a completely new fragrance family which still remains today the most popular family in men’s fragrances: Brut by Fabergé, Paco Rabanne, Azzarro, Boss by Hugo Boss and Prada by Prada for Men belong to this family. But even more important Houbigant was also the first perfume house to discover how to isolate particular molecules from natural raw materials and more specifically the coumarin, which is isolated from the tonka beans.

I was blown away with how amazing this luxury scent smells. It has so many amazing notes and I could not believe how it magically changes from fresh spritz to it remaining on you skin for a very long time. It is like a fragrance kaleidoscope that continually changes until it finally settles leaving you smelling fresh and luxurious.

I was so honored to have met the House of Houbigant's Executive Vice President, Gian Lucca Perris and Creative Director, Elisabetta Perris along with the head perfumer at Giavaudan, Rodrigo Flores-Roux. I spoke with Gian and Elisabetta about the history of the fragrances and they told me how many of the original and older bottles of the fragrances are very sought after all over the world. I asked Gian about the proper way to apply a fragrance and he told that fragrances can be applied anywhere on the skin except for the sensitive areas. The most common places would be the neck and wrist and that many people rub the skin after applying a fragrance but that is the wrong thing to do! I was surprised to find out that that actually breaks the molecules in the skin and the fragrance causing it to change the way the fragrance smells.

OJ&B EXCLUSIVE TIP! DO NOT RUB YOUR WRISTS TOGETHER AFTER APPLYING A FRAGRANCE. ALSO If YOU HAVE LOTION WITH THE FRAGRANCE, APPLY THE FRAGRANCE AND THEN THE LOTION AS THE LOTION WILL SEAL IN THE FRAGRANCE AND THE SCENT WILL STAY WITH YOU LONGER.


Above: The House of Houbigant's Executive Vice President, Gian Lucca Perris and Creative Director, Elisabetta Perris.

There is no surprise that I LOVE this scent as the creator, Rodrigo Flores-Roux, also made scents for John Varvatos! “I am absolutely thrilled, and feel extremely privileged, to have been summoned by the House of Houbigant to participate in this part of the Fougère Royale being reborn. As a perfumer, I can say this is a one-in-a-life-time gift,” says Flores-Roux of his work.

Congrats to the entire team for making a truly phenomenal product! I am so honored to have been able to experience Fougere Royale and the House of Houbigant with the scents creator, EVP and Creative Director. Best of luck to the entire team!

Above: All the details present on the original design have been incorporated but the over all look has been revisited to make it more masculine and modern.