Fashion Forward in 2019 with Gail Rayford-Ambeau

Well hello everyone.  Welcome to 2019!

Let’s get this party started!  It’s 2019 and everyone has someplace to be.  Let’s do it being fashion forward.
The New Year brings bold fun colors, patterns and prints and texture. Glamour and romance are on the rise for this season.
So let’s start with Colors.
 Cherry red: a “full-bodied” color, ideal to enhance velvet, tulle and satin. Ideal for elegant, retro-feel looks.
 Digital blue: the color of almost all social networks. A color that evokes technology, and the future. If you are into cyber these may be just right for you.
 Fuchsia pink: it’s still one of the favorite hues with designers. Exuberant if worn from head to toe, or as a creative pop of color.
 Lavender: also called “lilac”, it’s a pastel tone that, unlike pink or baby blue can add character to a statement or intricate outfit.
 Orange: Fall’s symbolic hue, it will stand out with its “effervescent” effect. Dare to wear an orange suit to fight the dark dreary days of winter.
 Sapphire yellow: to uplift classic patterns, like florals or checks.

Now this is where I get excited! Patterns and prints I LOVE animal prints! Leopard prints are Haute’ this season.  Whichever animal print you fancy they are in. The season trend is to wear an allover print.  They can be worn in natural tones or vibrant colors. Whatever you pick wear it with confidence.

Checks have made a big comeback this season. You can find them in all multiplicities and styles.
Scarf prints are all the rage this season and can be worn in a multitude of ways. From bandana to artsy or designer logo prints. Adding a scarf print adds a little glamour to any outfit.
We all know a floral dress is perfect for spring and summer. This season florals of all kinds were given an update. Black background florals add a dramatic twist to your winter fashion stock. And all over prints are just on the right side of fabulously chic.

Textures are essential this season.  Feathers in almost any shape and form are hot! Feathers add the right amount of detail and drama to bring a jacket or dress to life! You might even want to consider up-cycling a jacket, dress or pants by adding a feather trim (for my DIY group we’ll discuss that at a later date).
Other textures to consider are silky tops and dress.
Leather of course will always be a permanent fixture in the fashion world.
Velvet adds a pop of surprise and glamour.  It can be used in just about any silhouette. Try out a pair of velvet booties to add a kick to any dress.

Glamour and romance are on the rise for this season.
Ahead scarf can add a touch movie star glamour to your daily look. Long capes worn over billowing gowns or wide leg trousers can add a bit of glamour to any outfit. Use a cape as a way to either camouflage and showcase your body at the same time.  If, you like the look of a cape but don’t think you can handle all of the extra fabric try a cape sleeve instead.  A cape sleeve will allow you to pull off the look without the extra burden of fabric. Add a long glove and there you have it, instant glamour.
If you are the romantic type this seasons long flowing dresses are just for you.  Long and flowing dresses and tops with flowing bell sleeves, lace and a few ruffles are right on point this season for the romantic type.
It is time to break the so called rules. Mix it up and have a little fun in the New Year.  There’s No need to worry about conforming. Define your own individuality.

As always remember the first thing you should to put on everyday day is your confidences because it is the first thing everyone will see. Wear it and wear it well.
Until next time, keep it fabulous.

Gail Rayford-Ambeau

www.facebook.com/gail.ambeau

www.instagram.com/gailambeau 

Conversations' 20 Indie Artists You Should Know

Conversations' Cyrus Webb has interviewed over 300 recording artists over the past year through Conversations LIVE radio show and Conversations Magazine. As the year is coming to an end he is excited to share 20 Indie Artists that he was introduced to through Conversations that he knows audiences will want to pay attention to headed into a new year.

CONVERSATIONS' 20 Indie Artists You Should Know (listed in no particular order)

1. Ali Caldwell
2.  Jason Little
3. Arika Kane
4. Jeremy Parsons
5. Chelsea Crites
6. Jahna Sebastian
7. Sarra
8. Eryn Woods
9. James "Mississippi" Marshall
10. Troy Petty
11. Gracie and Joey
12. Jason Pure
13. DJ Prince Hakim
14. Amber Sauer
15. Kwadi
16. Michelle Brooke
17. Rai
18. Iyse Gibson
19. Michael Egleton
20. Izzy Escobar

Author Lisa W. Beckwith: Choosing to Enjoy L.I.F.E. Fearlessly

by Cyrus Webb

FOOD FOR L.I.F.E. (Lasting Impressions Forever Enjoyed) by author and speaker Lisa W. Beckwith was chosen as one of Conversations' Top Non-Fiction Books of 2018 and for good reason. It takes us into the "courses" of the author's journey and how what she has learned can help the reader to enjoy as they are going through their own daily life.

Talking with the author about the book, however, reveals that she had no plan of being as open when she began writing it. "I wasn't expecting all of the attention that is coming with the book," she admitted, but then added "I now that it is time for me to share my story and hope that it inspires others."

That is the encouraging thing about FOOD FOR L.I.F.E. Yes it shares a part of the author's story, but it is really a reminder for the reader of what they can achieve. "Sitting down and just reflecting is powerful," Lisa says. "I know that being transparent is important for people to feel comfortable. I needed to be as open about who I am and things that I was challenged with as possible. Moving from one stage of life to another can be scary. My transition happened through my children. In those transitional moments you are shifting into a newer person than you once were. You learn the stages as you go along."

Yes difficulties can happen to all of us, but Lisa wants you to know that they don't have to stop you. "Life can get out of whack," she says, but she has learned the importance of "moving forward in spite of the challenges.

"My strength comes from my Creator,"she told me. "Life is a journey. Through it all you have to tap into what will give you the strength to get through it." Part of that for her has been surrounding herself with what she calls "effective, powerful energy". That good association, she says, is key.

"When storms of life come you are able to stand," Lisa says. "The hardest part is letting your children go. We are not alone.We are here to share. When we share then the fear of not being able to move forward vanishes. At the end of the day we all are human and go through things, and we're here to support each other."

The truth is that no matter how much faith you have fear can still come. How has Lisa dealt with it? "Fear will stop you from doing anything," she says. "You have to face that and know that it is real. It's not always a bad thing to have fear. It just means that it's something new that you're tapping into. I had to just trust and have faith in my journey, in my Creator and myself. We have to break through some chains and some barriers. It's okay to be afraid. You can figure it out and be an encourager for somebody else."

Looking at fear that way brought freedom for Lisa. "I felt there was liberty out there for me. I could get ready for what's new and explore. God is unlimited. Why am I limiting myself?" This is true even when it comes to people trying to tell her how she should walk on her path. "I'm respectful of other's opinions, but not depending on other's thoughts and ways. I have to trust my inner ways. If I do make a mistake it's okay. All I can do is learn from it."

At the end of the day Lisa sees FOOD FOR L.I.F.E. as a book less about her world and more about it being a resource for others to see how they can get the most out of life. If it does that, she says, then it was worth the vulnerability of writing it.

Get Lisa's book on Amazon.com. Stay connected with her at www.lisabeckwith.com.

Author Vicky Nelson: Enjoying Life without Limits

by Cyrus Webb

Author Vicky Nelson and I connected thanks to Facebook. She is the author of WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING, a book that takes us into the experiences of the main character Michelle and her having to come to grips with deception and the possibility of love after hurt.

"This is a dream come true," Vicky told me about the writing of the book and getting to share it with the world. "I wanted to write a book for some time and didn't have the courage to do it. Now that it's completed I'm so excited."

In an exclusive interview with Vicky on Conversations LIVE radio show I told her that even though the main character is a woman that is dealing with deception and lies the book speaks to men who also find themselves in that situation. "I wrote this book in the mind of single women initially," she told me. "As I was writing it I realized it was something that I wanted men to get into as well to have a takeaway and for them to understand what it does to a woman when you come into a relationship with lives and deception."

When asked when she first knew she had a story she wanted to tell Vicky says that it began just by her living life. "I had female friends and relatives who were talking about being deceived and hearts being broken because of it. I said to myself 'This is a story that everyone needs to hear.' I wanted people to know that just because you go through things (in relationships) there is still love out there."

In WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING the main character WAS deceived, but it's obvious there were signs there that could have avoided some of the heartache. I asked Vicky if that is something she wanted readers to think about as well, how we sometimes contribute to our heartache. "She made some bad decisions," she said, speaking about her character Michelle. "As humans we make bad decisions. We know there's something not quite right there, but because we are looking for love we overlook things."

As Michelle has to deal with the fear of getting hurt, Vicky and I discussed how she got over the fear of what people would think about her writing a book. She says "Having someone in your corner...a mentor, is very helpful." She was able to join a writer's group and hear from others about their experiences. She also had someone rooting her own right in her family. "My daughter is such an inspiration to me," she says. "She told me this is a story that people need to hear. Just write it. You never know. Stop limiting yourself. That helped me a whole lot."

Though Vicky wants the reader to be entertained through her book there is a message. "We have a responsibility to the truth," she says. "Acknowledge the truth and know that (if you choose to ignore the warning signs) you're getting into something that is probably not going to work out for your good."

Get WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING on Amazon.com. Stay connected with Vicky on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vicky.s.bonner.

IYSE GIBSON: Creating Music While "Keeping It King"

by Cyrus Webb

As a musician and recording artist Iyse Gibson has been able to take his passion for music and share it literally around the world.

In 2018 he was stepping things up a notch, preparing new music for his fans while still enjoying the success of his latest single KEEP IT KING.

"It's a blessing," Iyse told me during his recent visit to Conversations LIVE radio show. "I just take everything day by day." He quickly added: "Anything I accomplish I attribute it to God. I couldn't do anything without Him."

His faith has helped him to enjoy his success by garnering fans around the globe. "I appreciate all of the support," he says. Talking about his fans and what's in store for them he says "I'm excited about what's to come."

As we discussed what it's like to do something that he loves, Iyse says, "It's really special. You have to love what you do, anything that you do. For me that thing is music. For you it might be something else. If it's something you love and is dear to your heart you have to do it."

Though it is something that he loves, Iyse acknowledges that the love doesn't make it easy. I asked him what keeps it fun in what could be a competitive market. "I don't look at it as me competing against other artists," he explained. "I'm trying to be better than I was yesterday. My biggest competition is me. If that helps me to be better than that's cool. My main goal is just to be better day by day."

By being better than he was yesterday that is also the way Iyse has been able to diversify what he does musically. "I started off as a musician first," he told me. "My father taught me the piano and keyboard. I grew up around musicians." So it's more than just words for him. It's about the entire feel of a project. "When it comes to music that was always something that kept me going," he says. "I love to create in all genres. I've studied it all. Music is a journey just like your life. That's what I like to talk about, the things we all actually go through."

Going back to his single KEEP IT KING, Iyse says the great thing about the song is that it can mean a lot of different things. "If I told you I'm going to keep it king with you it can mean I'm going to tell you the truth, what's really going on. It's not just keeping it real," he adds. "It's how you take charge of your life, how you go after what you want. As a king I go after what I want. I fight for it. A king takes care of his throne and his people. My pride is my family, not my ego."

Iyse has come to appreciate the life he's living, realizing the gift that it is. "I had a dream and live that dream," he says. "It's a blessing to be able to do it. It's not always easy to do it either. Like I said you have to fight for what you want."

Part of what keeps him focused is he company he keeps. "That's like one of the most important parts of it all. I've always heard you want to be around like-minded individuals, and that's why I watch my circle and protect it."

Reflecting on his path and what's ahead Iyse knows that others can look at him as an example. "I believe that even my mistakes were meant to happen," he says. "They are all just making me who I am and who God wants for me to be."

Stay connected with Iyse through social media at www.facebook.com/IyseGibson, www.twitter.com/iysegibson and www.instagram.com/iysegibson.

Carrie Anne Hunt: Using Creativity to Feed Her Love of Life

by Cyrus Webb

I was first introduced to actress and producer Carrie Anne Hunt in 2015. At the time she was promoting her film MAGIC MIKE XXL, and it was clear after that chat in Atlanta, GA that we would stay connected and become friends.

Fast forward to 2018 Carrie Anne has continued to make moves for herself, both in front of the camera and behind it. As an actress and producer she is able to not just be a part of projects that she believes in but create those projects as well.

When we met up again this summer we talks about the process, the journey and why in spite of the challenges the creative process is still what feeds her love of life.


CARRIE ANNE ON THE PROCESS:
"When you have a clear idea of what you want then things start lining up. If you're open to it. It takes a lot of faith. It's like walking in the dark in a way and just knowing there's a light ahead of you. You're making this decision where there's more risk, but it keeps me open to the things I need to be open to. It's trusting that if you put the work in and you're hustling like you should be then everything is conspiring to help you continue to move forward.

"Enjoy the process. It's something that should be stated and can't be stated enough. If you're not enjoying it it's time to step back and see how you can find the joy again. There are days you're sitting on the kitchen floor and saying 'It's hard'. If you have that big picture, if you have an overall positive attitude, then you kind of know you can have that day. Don't run from that moment. Say 'I'm going to take this time and let it move through me.' Then you have another day and you keep going."

CARRIE ANNE ON NEW CHALLENGES:
"It's hard, but it's worth it. You just sort of do it. When you have the right thing and the right intention then the doors start opening up, and the people start showing up."

CARRIE ANNE ON EMPOWERING OTHERS:
"I'm glad it's happening. As artists of any kind we have a unique position that people are watching us to be inspired or have their hearts changed. It's a way that people can go watch a movie, read a book or listen to a song and it helps them not feel so alone. It's a way that people can be reached on their own terms. They take [it] in and carry [it] with them on their journey. It's important for me in everything that I do. it's important to be a light in the world for other people saying 'You can be happy. You can be a positive force for change in the world'. It doesn't have to be all dark and closing in on you. The more you do that, you get what you put out."

One of the big takeaways from me from Carrie Anne was that you have to be willing to be stubborn when it comes to your goals and dreams. Don't be afraid to learn. Don't be afraid to change. Learn from the process and never stop moving forward.

Stay connected with Carrie Anne on Instagram at www.instagram.com/carrieannehunt.

EXCLUSIVE: Actress Renee Lawless: Sharing What It Means to 'Have'

by Cyrus Webb

She may have become known to many through her work on stage, but 2013 solidified actress Renee Lawless as one of the unforgettable stars of the runaway hit by Tyler Perry The Haves and the Have Nots on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

In the first 10 minutes of the first episode we saw her character Katheryn Cryer as the strong matriarch of her family, however, the show has also revealed another side of the woman whose cutting retorts and strength masks a world of hurt and pain. Millions have made the show must-see television and Renee couldn't be happier.

I have had he pleasure over the past 5 years to have her as a guest on Conversations LIVE the radio show, but in April 2018 we met in Los Angeles for the first time for a taping of my web-series Cyrus Webb Presents---and it was like being reunited with an old friend.

I asked about her thoughts of the first episode and the response to it. Her answer? "This is going to be a hit, and I'm a part of it." Renee went on to tell me that they expected high numbers on the first one and as we have continued to grow that's what has really been more overwhelming. The importance of that moment is not lost. "Not too many people get to be at the start of something great," Renee said to me.

Renee Lawless' place in the spotlight is something that has been in the works for quite some time. "Even as a young child I was singing the loudest in church plays," she told me. "I always dreamed of being a movie star." When she began in theater, it just felt right to her. "This is my home," she said of the experience. "This is where I want to be." She knew in high school that no matter where she went that performing would be a part of her life. "I've been on stage many years, but my ultimate goal was always TV and eventually film." The Haves and the Have Nots has made that dream come true. She said that to not only have achieved her ultimate goal of being a series regular and a star of a series is an experience she is loving.

It was really intriguing to talk with Renee about how she has brought Katheryn to life. "I knew all these layers before you all did," she told me. "With any new television drama everyone is brought in in the middle. It's up to the characters to bring you in. The one thing that I love about Katheryn is that she's a very multi-layered person, it's like peeling back layers of an onion. She's like a hollow oak tree: outside she's a strong pillar of strength but on the inside she's rotting and hollow. What her husband and children and life have given her has made her a very lonely person. It's basically what it means to have and to have not."

Renee then gave an example that I think resonates with everyone. "Even though she's worth 50 million dollars she's a woman who's over a certain age, who doesn't like getting old, who is dealing with cancer and problems with her kids. Not many can relate to being worth 50 million dollars, but 50 million people can relate to what she's going through. She in many ways is one of the most relatable characters because she has all of these layers. She's just like me."

Though things are going well for Renee and she is doing what she loves, it hasn't happened without a real commitment to her craft. "I worked very hard and long and got many more rejections than I've had successes," she told me. "I do this because I love it, not for the award or the paycheck that it affords me." Speaking of the world that actors live in she adds: "Our career is very unsure. If you're just doing it for the fame and glory you're not going to go very far or last." Her next words are great reminders for all of us with a dream. "You have to love what you do in order to truly be successful at it."

May those words resonate with us as we identify our passion in life and vow to pursue it.

Renee's website is www.reneelawless.com and you can follow her online at www.twitter.com/msreneelawless and www.instagram.com/reneelawless.