OJ&B In The Press: TexPatSeries Makes OJ&B Texpat Of The Week!

When a person leaves a country, he or she becomes an “expatriate” or “expat.” When a Texan leaves Texas, he or she becomes a “Texas expatriate” or “Texpat.”  This is the idea behind the latest web series to hit the online world, Texpats, a web series created by three fellow Texans, Jenny Joslin, Curt Humphries and Annette Flores about a group of friends that leave Texas to follow their dreams in the Big Apple. 

As you may or may not know, I hail from Texas and by the definition above I am a Texpat.  I am also a Texan who came to the Big Apple to follow my dreams and I was honored and thrilled to be featured as their "Texpat of the week."  Check out the interview below!
  
Texpat Jonathan Valdez, Creator of Orangejuiceandbiscuits.com, and three-time Official Press at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week sat down to tea with the Texpats to talk about New York Adventures and what he misses about Texas.

Where are you from in Texas?

Bay City, Texas near Houston. My background is Mexican-American so we had quinceaneras and there were high school football victory parties. These sassy black girls taught me how to dance to hip-hop and I would go two stepping at dance halls. I realized I was only going to be in High School once so I milked that shit up.

How was Orange Juice and Biscuits conceived?

I went to Texas State University and pitched Orange Juice and Biscuits as a show to the college radio station, who at first didn’t think anyone would be interested in celebrity interviews. We ended up being the first radio show to get press at Austin 360 and South by Southwest, eventually becoming one of the most popular shows and interviewing David Arquette, Paul Rudd, Jamie Presley, Rashida Jones among others. After College, instead of pursuing radio, I began blogging and came to New York in September 2009 where OJ&B began to evolve into fashion.

Did you expect this kind of response?

I’ve always stayed true to myself. A comedian told me you have to do what makes you laugh and other people will laugh. That hit a cord with me and I’ve always done things my own way: with my fedoras and bow ties as well as my writing. I’m doing something I really love and it’s been such a huge honor to work at fashion week.

What was it like to be new to New York?

There’s nothing like your first year in New York City. Even from the second year it changes and you have to remember all the strides and how it felt the first time it happened to you.

What do you miss about home?

Mostly it’s the people there. I was very fortunate to grow up in an area with a lot of culture. It takes until you leave a place to realize how special it is.

Most surreal NYC adventure?
 

Just having things happen that I know would not have happened if I wasn’t here. The most surreal thing is when I get to go to events because they are inviting me! It’s crazy.

What makes someone a real New Yorker?

I think a real New Yorker is someone who knows where to go on a certain night in their neighborhood. A real New Yorker is someone who is excited to share their city with their friends. I think a New Yorker will explore their city and not be snobby. If you never go above 14th St. you’re really limiting yourself.

How many bow ties do you own?

I’m going to say in the 20's. About 25. I’m working on my collection right now because some have been lost. I hope (they’ve) found good homes. If I’m going to an interview or event, I usually just throw a bow tie on just because it’s my thing now.

Where can we find you on a normal day in NYC?

On a normal day, I’m probably at my apartment because of my blog. I live in Harlem. I first asked myself, “Is that chic?” and to me, it’s very up and coming, like the new Brooklyn. During the day I go to showrooms, and then in the evenings, I go to events.

You’re hosting a dinner party with five of your favorite New Yorkers (living or dead). Who’s in attendance?

1. Anna Wintour
2. Sarah Jessica Parker
3. Andy Warhol
4. The Olsens
5. 80′s Madonna

One piece of advice for someone new to the city?

Don’t rush things because they will work out. Enjoy being in the city; enjoy being lost, or scared, and broke. Don’t be afraid to let it happen. The first year is all about adventure. Just be, and let New York take you on a journey.

Listen to the full interview:



Also, Watch www.texpats.net

Special Thanks to the Texpats for featuring me as the Texpat of the week and putting together the awesome video!  For those of you who have always wanted to know the real story of OJ&B be sure to listen and watch the video for some super exclusive information about myself and Orange Juice and Biscuits!!

VOTE: Girls Gone Grey- Yay or Nay?

Grey hair has been the nemesis of women everywhere since the dawn of hair products.  Millions of women have gone through great lengths to hide those pesky taboo hairs especially in Hollywood... until now!

Young Hollywood is making premature grey hair the hottest new trend.  Celebs such as Lady Gaga were seen twerking in the "grey area" as early as last year.  The Olsen Twins seem to have always been a strong believer in old things on young bodies being chic and haute but is this taking things too far?

Above: Lady Gaga looking like Granny from Looney Tunes (as seen in the first pic of this post). She betta SIP FOR HER LIFE!

Former punk princess, Kelly Osbourne, seems to be going back to her "roots" and playing around with crazy hair color again.  Her latest choice?  Grey!  

Above: Kelly Osbourne (another Granny from Looney Tunes clone) hosting the Thanksgiving Fashion Police show on E!.  You KNOW if Joan Rivers was not her co-host slash friend she would be all up on this like Lohan on a photo opp!  Below: Kelly recently Tweeted a pic of her grey hair stating has always wanted to do grey at a young age. She blames Dame Edna. 

I have seen grey hair recently on models in runway shows and even on really pretty girls in Soho and the East Village.  This trend is getting bigger and bigger but let's not forget those who have been doing grey since before it was trendy (I was grey in high school for The Grapes of Wrath so I was ahead of the curve like whoa)!

 

Above: Jay Manuel of America's Next Top Model has been grey from putting up with Tyra for years (joking as we know it is silver dye and we still don't know why he does it)!  Below: Let's not forget about America's fave silver fox, Anderson Cooper.  I wonder what he thinks about the gals going grey.

And of course we can't forget one of the fiercest celebs with grey hair ever... I don't even have to say her name:

Now it it YOUR TURN to tell OJ&B what you think about this celeb trend.  Is it "Grey-Z" or "Grey-T?"  Cast your vote below!!

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OJ&B In The Press: GoTryItOn.com Features OJ&B As Friday Focus!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jessie Goldberg and Amanda Hunter from GoTryItOn.com to learn more about their fab site!  GoTryItOn.com is a website that allows fashionistas to upload photos of their outfits and get opinions from fellow fashion lovers that are "helpful not hurtful."

I fell in love with the concept of the site and I was so thrilled to know that the comments on GTIO are about being supportive and not catty and mean.  The GTIO team understands that putting together outfits and then uploading them to a site can be a very scary and personal thing.  They make sure that no one is being a hater by monitoring posts and making sure that the users are being constructive and supportive.

OJ&B loves it when people promote positivity!  I was thrilled when they asked if they could feature me as their Friday Focus.  Check out the interview below and be cute to check out GoTryItOn.com.  You can ad me as your personal stylist and I can help you look fierce for a big night out or just day to day!

Friday Focus: Jonathan Valdez of Orange Juice and Biscuits!

Today’s Friday Focus is a bow-tie wearing, suspender loving Texan who blogs his way around NYC: Jonathan Valdez of OrangeJuiceandBiscuits! We were introdcued to this fashionist-O by Mairin Heard (you may know her as Mad Hatter), our 2011 Halloween Costume Contest winner! When we connected with Jonathan we were blown away by his ability to grow in the NYC blogosphere and by his down to earth southern ways.


Read on to learn how fashion in Texas cities relate to NYC hoods, how you can never be overdressed, Jonathan’s first fashion moment (8th grade dance, think She’s All That) and his go-to site for accessories (FineandDandyshop.com).

To stay connected with Jonathan, make him your Personal Stylist, follow him on Twitter @JonathanValdez and read his blog. Ok! Enough of our chatter…

GO TRY IT ON: How did a Texas native like yourself become so interested in fashion?

JONATHAN:  I have always had some form of appreciation for fashion—my Grandparents had great style. But the first time I recall really caring about why myself or others were wearing was my 8th grade Valentine’s Day dance. I was in student council and wanted to look nice so went out and bought a white dress shirt, khakis and suede boots. When I walked in, people’s faces were noticeably surprised by my new look…It was a very teen movie moment—like She’s All That minus the bet and Freddy Prince Jr, Lil’ Kim and Usher as the DJ.

GO TRY IT ON: What is Texas Fashion like?

JONATHAN: Texas fashion can be all over the board. Some people get it and some don’t. In comparison to NYC, Houston is the Financial District, Dallas is the Upper East Side and Austin is like Williamsburg/Soho/East Village. I am in love with Austin and have been known to turn a head or two there with some of my outfits (but then again, I get looks in NYC sometimes too!) I’ve always turned to fashion for self expression which is why I never think anyone is over dressed! If you feel like being fancy then do it!

GO TRY IT ON: Tell us a little bit about the secret that made your college radio show a hit!

JONATHAN: When I produced my shows I discussed what excited me rather than worry about what others would think because that’s how you set yourself up for failure.

GO TRY IT ON: What is your absolute favorite thing about what you do? 

JONATHAN: BLOGGING FOR SURE! I would love to focus on my blog and have it grow to where I could have a staff. I dream of being a media outlet (Oprah is my idol) because I love interviewing and being on camera.

GO TRY IT ON:  How would you describe your style? Do you stay true to it or experiment with different fashions?

JONATHAN: Both! I stay true because I know what works for me but do LOVE mixing it up and experimenting with new looks. When you step out of your box and try new things, it adds an element of surprise to your look. If I go out sans bow-tie or hat, a person often notices which shows they’re paying attention to my look. It’s great to have a trademark but I also think it is good to let your fashion evolve.

GO TRY IT ON: Where do you shop? What are some underground boutiques that we must know about?

JONATHAN: I love to shop offline in person so I can feel what I am buying (and I’m too impatient to wait for the mail!) As far as underground boutiques go, I really love FineandDandyshop.com.  It is an online store for dapper men to find dapper accessories.

GO TRY IT ON: What is one blog that we must read (besides yours!)

JONATHAN: Chicityfashion.com. My friend Jena always has the best clothes and she knows what she is talking about!  

GO TRY IT ON: Your blog OrangeJuiceandBiscuits is really great and relatable. How did you come up with the name, concept and design?

JONATHAN: The name originated with my morning radio talk show in Texas called Orange Juice and Biscuits, Morning Talk Worth Waking For. When I graduated I had to stop the show because it was a Texas State University radio station. People continued to reach out, asking me for more. In 2009, I began blogging about celeb news! When I came to NYC and found myself at two fashion shows, which covered the content of the next posts. I began to receive invitations to other shows and showrooms. Regarding my logo, I owe it to my my friend, Tyler Wallach who said, “If you are going to be a top bloginisata you are going to have to have a fierce logo.” So thanks to him, I do!

GO TRY IT ON: It’s safe to say there are millions of bloggers out there and so many are in NYC with you. How did you set yourself and blog apart and have people read it?

JONATHAN:  It is all about doing what you feel is right.  I blog about what interests me and have been told by those who know me, that the voice of my blog is how I talk. I also am a firm believer in being nice to people and not only building but maintaining relationships. Social media is a huge factor in driving readers. I always says that Twitter keeps me afloat because I get to constantly post what I am doing or who I am meeting for my Twitter “Guys and Gals.”  I try to respond to everyone who Tweets me and I think that being real and having a regular dialogue with people who find you interesting enough to follow is key!

GO TRY IT ON:  What piece of advice would you offer to someone trying to make it as a blogger?

JONATHAN: Write about what you love and what you know!  Be authentic and you will attract people who want to hear what you have to say. Also, filter out any negativity and always focus on the positive.  
GO TRY IT ON:  Who is the most amazing person you have interviewed and why?

JONATHAN: This sounds really cheesy but to me they are all amazing. I love having the opportunity to dig into someones life and to connect with them over their journey and/or current projects.  When people take time out of their lives to sit and talk with you it is something that for me is unique and special.

GO TRY IT ON: What is the most interesting takeaway from an interview that you implemented in your real life?

JONATHAN: A comedian once told me that the key to comedic success was to be your own funny and to things that make you laugh. They said not to think about what would makes others laugh and that doing your own thing would attract people who really get you.  I translate that into everything I do and try to stay true to myself and to my goals and visions. So far, it’s working.


To find out more about GoTryItOn.com and to read the original article click here. 

The 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Every year growing up I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on T.V. from my home in Texas with stars in my eyes dreaming of what it would be like to see it live.  This year was the very first year that I was in NYC for the Thanksgiving holiday and I knew what I had to do!  I woke up early and took myself and my inner child to see this magical parade happen right before my eyes on Central Park West!!

I met a few of my friends who were also first time parade goers and we headed on down to claim our spot.  We found a great viewing area on Central Park West and 62nd Street where we were met with hundreds of eager parade watchers.  Across the street from us was an apartment building where some super lucky people had huge windows and could see the parade via their living rooms.  That was great for them but when they started waving from said window everyone in the crowd outside started hating in true human nature form but I was thankful that I was there!

Above: The building where people were all "Ooo look at me I have warm coffee and I am in my PJ's!"  I mean... good for them! HAHA!

As the parade began the first band went by and I knew things were getting serious.  The first major float that passed was the Sesame Street float and I got ridiculously excited to see Big Bird chilling with all of his Sesame Street pals at a replica of Mr. Hooper's store.  It was pure magic!  My inner child got so excited that I almost teared up.  You know I love celebrities and well, let's be honest, the Sesame Street gang were totally celebrities to me when I was a child.   Seeing them made my Thanksgiving!

Above: Big Bird and the gang from Sesame Street just making my dreams come true.  I flipped when I saw the Count and Oscar the Grouch in the back of Mr. Hooper's Store in a huge trash 
can.

After that came the first big balloon which was Sonic the Hedgehog.  It was so cool to see these iconic balloons in person and be a part of the tradition!

 

Above: My first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon sighting Sonic the Hedgehog. We go way back!

As the parade continued we had the chance to see more and more of the balloons and floats that make this parade such a spectacular one.  It was something that I had wanted to do for years and I was finally doing it!  We also had the chance to see celebs like Mary J. Blige and Neil Diamond. Mary J. Blige looked stunning standing and waving to the crowd on her big apple float but the coolest moment of the parade had to have been when we got to party with Neil Diamond.  

Being the old school super star that he is, Neil was jamming out to his music the entire time standing in front of a replica of Mount Rushmore.  I shouted out the classic line from the movie Saving Silverman, "I just wanna party with you Neil," as he sang 'Sweet Caroline' and we joined him with the traditional "Bomp bomp bomp" and "So good! So good!"  It was a really fun moment! 

Above: Mary J. Blige giving us some classic Mary J. beauty as she waves to her cheering fans.  Below: Neil Diamond rocking out with all of us to his hit 'Sweet Caroline' and making our dreams of just wanting to party with him come true! Photos of Mary J. Blige and Neil Diamond courtesy of Amy Davis, AmyDavisPhotography.com

I had a blast experiencing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and I am glad that I could be a part of the crowd for the 85th anniversary!  It was cool to see how people cheer on the balloons like the mega stars that they are and to see so many people happy at the same place and time. I would highly recommend that everyone go at least once in their lives if you are able to.  The memories and smiles are worth the crowds and the waking up early (trust me I am not a morning person)!

Check out more photos from the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade below!

Help for the Holidays: Buy her Bag, Not Her Body Gift Ideas!

By Jessica Downer- OJ&B Intern Writer

The holidays are right around the corner, which means holiday shopping will be in full effect quite soon! We all know that it’s better to give than receive, so why not give to the people you love AND give to a great cause?  You can do just that with the Nomi Network.

The Nomi Network is named after a young Cambodian sex trafficking survivor, who became mentally disabled because of her experiences in sexual slavery.  This non-profit organization empowers and protects surviving and at-risk women of sex trafficking in Cambodia by leveraging the marketplace to create sustainable job and educational opportunities that otherwise don't exist. The Nomi Network gives a voice to women who would otherwise not have one and makes people aware of it's cause through the products for sale on buyherbagnotherbody.com.

Buy Her Bag Not Her Body is a line of fair-trade handbags and accessories (laptop sleeves, wallets, cosmetic bags, etc), handmade from recycled rice and fish feed bags by the women in Nomi Network's Global Initiative. 100% of the funds profited from Buy Her Bag Not Her Body go right back into training and development programs.

Here are my top gift picks for the upcoming holiday season:

For your Mom who caries EVERYTHING: 

Large Fish Tote $45.00

Does your mom carry everything and look fab doing so? Then get her the Large Fish Tote. This fun tote is made from recycled rice bags and cotton. So she can walk around proudly carrying all
her “necessities” and for a great cause.

For your Out-On-The-Town Friend:

Sokha Wristlet $30.00

Who says that recycling can’t be sexy? Give this Sokha Wristlet to the friend that goes from swanky dinner engagements to poppin’ clubs downtown. This wristlet is made with a lace exterior and a rice bag interior. She can hold all her nightlife essentials by the wrist.

For your Techie, Studious Sister:

Quilted Laptop Sleeve 35.00

You love your sis. Even when she’s is stressed out and snapping at you over a 12-page paper due in a week, on top of all the test she needs to study for. Show her you understand and appreciate her hard work with the Quilted Laptop Sleeve. This quilted sleeve will protect her 13” or 15” inch laptop and
comes in many colors including white with pink trim, orange with white trim, pink with light blue
trim, and blue with pink trim. She will cart her laptop around from class to class like a high fashion, tech savvy model.

For your Health Conscious Aunt:

Yoga Bag $45.00

From boot camp class, to Zumba, to Yoga and Pilates, your aunt is always in a health conscious fitness mood. Show her you care by getting her The Yoga Bag. This bag not only holds her yoga mat. It holds your keys, electronics, cards, and anything else you need to bring to class. The outside has Vietnamese printing on its recycled rice bag exterior, which makes each bag one of a kind, just like your loved ones.

For your beauty queen cousin:

Quilted Cosmetic Case $25.00

This girl rolls out of bed looking spectacular and you know she carries her beauty essentials on her. The Quilted Cosmetic Case is the perfect gift for her. It has horizontal quilting in contrasting colors, which is just as fab as your style star cousin.

Do something for the environment, for humanity, and for someone you love and
buy a “Buy her Bag, Not her Body” accessory this holiday season!

For more information and to purchase these unique and fab gifts check out the official Nomi Network site at NomiNetwork.org 

OJ&B Sample Sale Alert: Diesel Men, Women and Kids!

ATTENTION GUYS AND GALS!!! Diesel is having their sample sale just in time for the gift giving season! You can score fierce Diesel clothes for men women and kids at some seriously discounted prices!  Check out the deets:

Where: 220 W. 19th Street / 7th Ave

When: November 29th - December 2nd 11AM - 6PM

Why: Creative Holiday Shopping

How: SHOP IT 'TIL YOU DROP IT!!

I LURVE the last part about shopping it till you drop it!  Story of my life when there are amazing deals around me!

This sample sale is CREDIT CARD ONLY!  Save your cash for the places in NYC that think they are being cute by not having a credit card machine (guess what you are not cute or nostalgic, get you life together)!

Have fun and do not to drop kick anyone over a the last pair of discounted high tops! 

VOTE: Are You Team Nene or Team Sheree? You Betta Call Tyrone!

OJ&B Key Terms To Know: Grown Lady Conversation- A conversation that takes place in the afternoon in the middle of a wine bar consisting of two cell phones, a four-way conversation, plenty of yelling and a plethora of calling out a person's physical features and financial troubles.  Said "Grown Lady Conversations" usually end with one party storming out while the other party yells and chases them outside.



Last night was the season 4 premiere of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta entitled, "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained." The ladies of Atlanta waste no time at all by bringing full frontal drama into the very first episode when Nene Leaks and Sheree Whitfeild sit down to have a "grown lady conversation" about a business deal gone bad.

Both ladies agree that they are "not going to get out of character" with each other and the following happened:


Apparently Nene was trying to take money from Sheree and Nene was very offended that Sheree did not trust her as a friend and as someone that she has known for longer than Tyrone, who Sheree has been working with.  We also learn that apparently Nene had rotting teeth but has since turned that situation into a $50,000 smile (she better work) and that Nene does NOT have to sit down!

All I know is that these ladies know how to bring the heat!  Maybe that is why they call Atlanta "Hotlanta."  ALT must be filled with so many sassy ladies that are not afraid to tell you what time it is and put you in your place in the middle of a wine bar and afternoon.  What did the owner think?

Now that you have all of the facts it is time for you to tell OJ&B one thing... Are you on Team Nene or Team Sheree?  VOTE NOW!!!

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Citi Pond At Bryant Park Celebrates 7th Season Grand Opening And OJ&B Sings In A Freezer!

Bryant Park really is one of NYC's most magical places. It plays hosts to thousands of people everyday, movies in the park, concerts, sunbathers, snackers and so much more. For years it was the go to place twice a year for the fashion elite during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week but the most magical time of all at Bryant Park seems to be holiday time.  This is when the iconic park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a family fun ice skating rink!

Last Friday Citi Pond at Bryant Park celebrated its 7th season grand opening with a night of family fun! The special night was kicked off with Broadway musical performances by the cast of “Sister Act The Musical” and the cast of “Rock of Ages The Musical," (soon to be a celeb filled major motion picture). The night also included ice skating performances by U.S. National synchronized skating champions the Haydenettes, former World and U.S. National Champion Figure Skater, Kimmie Meissner and American Figure Skater Isabella Tobias with Deividas Stagniūnas who are both currently representing Lithuania. The entertainment portion of the night ended with a fun drum line Performance by Hillside Elementary School’s “Drums of Thunder.”

Above: I loved the crisp, white step and repeat with blue carpet for the opening of Citi Pond.  I just had to take a photo as I LOVE winter! 

After the ice rink events were over I headed to the Columbia Omni-Heat tent for to do some deep freezer karaoke! The jacket and skiing clothing company let press try out its newest line of Omni-Heat jackets and hats (we got to keep the hats yay). To proove the gear can really keep people warm, Columbia had us go into a deep freezer that was about 10 to 15 degrees to sing some karaoke. The songs that you could pick from included songs like, 'Hot in Here' by Nelly, 'Warm It Up' by Kriss Kross, 'Hot For Teacher' by Van Halen and 'Drop It Like It's Hot' by Snoop Dog. Natually I chose Hot In Here by Nelly!

Above: My friend Christian and Me busting out 'Hot in Here' by Nelly in a 10 to 15 degree karaoke booth slash deep freezer. It was a photo shoot slash music video shoot slash recording session. Tyra would have been so proud! Check out the awesomely bad video by clicking here. Try not to be jeally of my sweet dance moves.

Citi Pond features Manhattan’s only free-admission ice skating rink, The Holiday Shops and Celsius Restaurant Lounge & Event Space (my fave). The celebrated winter destination will be open through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 and offer visitors and local residents the chance to skate, shop, eat and people watch.  For more information visit the official site for Citi Pond at Bryant Park by clicking here.

Above: The Empire State Building was an event-matching beautiful blue as it watched over the Grand Opening of Citi Pond at Bryant Park.