Vixen Online Shoe Store & Elle Bené Collab to Form SHOEGASM ONLINE SHOE GALLERY!!

ShoeGasm Gallery will host its OFFICIAL Launch Party

Sat. May 14, 2011 

At the Ultra Chic, Uber Trendy Aloft Hotel

Come enjoy the chance to view, try on and purchase styles

from their collection!

Shoe Freak? Footwear Fetish?

This is GUARANTEED to be the ONLY one night stand

you won't regret the next day!

Bennika J. Lockley was born in Richmond, Va on December 4, 1978 and raised in the historic Highland Park District of the city. She graduated from John F. Kennedy high school where her desire began in fashion as she dabbled in designing clothes for herself and her peers. In line with her desire, she attended J. Sargent Reynolds Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), majoring in Fashion Merchandising. Always having an eye for couture and the unusual, she designed and developed a clothing line, “Elle Bene’”, consisting of Women’s Apparel and Swimsuits. Over the past five years, Elle Bene’ has been featured in several Fashion Expos such as Richmond’s “Rip the Runway” and others in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. While pursuing her career in fashion, philanthropy was always a driving force for her future endeavors. Bennika, a mother of two boys, began working closely with charitable foundations empowering her to start a non-profit organization of her own called S.I.S.T.E.R.S. (X). With the success of Elle Bene’ and the rapid growth of S.I.S.T.E.R.S. (X), she’s expanding her ventures with the launch of the new “Shoe-Gasm Gallery”.
Nicole Tyler (born Nicole Judge) was born in Livingston, NJ on June 11, 1980. She moved to Richmond, VA when she was five years old and has lived there ever since. She graduated from John Marshall High School and attended Virginia Commonwealth University for a short time, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Nicole has held the title of Entrepreneur, Project Manager, Recruiter, Stylist and Creative Designer, among others, but her most important role has been that of mother to her two beautiful daughters and wife to her loving husband.
Nicole’s flair for fashion began at an early age and was perfected by serving as a stylist / fashion consultant to her close friends and family. Nicole understood that no matter what your budget is, accessories are the wardrobe essential that can make a huge impact on your overall look. She had always been infatuated with shoes and wanted to open a shoe store, but was hesitant due to start up costs and the risk involved. At the end of December 2009, after the birth of her second daughter, Nicole also gave birth to Vixen Shoe Store, an online shoe store. Nicole built and maintained the site herself, researched several distributors to ensure her customers were getting an assortment of the latest shoe styles, and networked via every mode available including face to face and social networking. She eventually expanded her brand by offering couture shoe customizations.
Although she was pleased with the success of Vixen Shoes, Nicole aspired to take her venture to another level. She wanted the shoes she offered to be a combination of classic, timeless, cutting edge, chic, trendy, all while complementing the fashion choices of today’s woman. Always the opportunist, Nicole connected with local fashion designers and retailers, where she partnered with Bennika Lockley. The two minds collaborated and the vision for ShoeGasm Gallery was manifested.

Women In Business

VA Vixen Diaries will strive to feature local business owners at least twice a month.  Since I've been slacking, let's go ahead and get a head start on April!

The Dollhouse and founder Leslie specializes in spa quality products without the EXTRAS!!! -  Meaning, they are FREE of preservatives.  The Dollhouse has found an innovative way of marketing their products by using desserts as their inspiration.  Check them out at http://www.thedollhousebody.com/. Order now and receive free shipping off orders $50 and up!

VIBE'S APRIL/MAY 2010 ISSUE WITH TREY SONGS!!!!

........and it is HOOOOOOOOT!
VA's own Trey Songz is featured on the cover of Vibe's newest issue.  Who knew Trey looked so good wet!

Erykah Badu's - "Window Seat"

 Erykah Badu is getting criticism from citizens of Dallas for her new video.  It's been said that she did the video with no permit - with one take.  Citizens are saying that her choice to film her video, which shows her getting assassinated feet away from where President Kennedy was assasinated was insensitive. They haven't made much noise about her chose to shed clothing as she walks through downtown!  What they can't deny is Badu's genius!  In the words of Badu, people are quick to assasinate what they don't understand!

RAPPER J'KWON FOUND ALIVE

Rapper J-Kwon was reported missing by his record label after family and friends hadn't heard from him in over a month. Gracie Promotions, Kwon's record label, set up a Twitter account so people could write in any information they may have. Business associates of Kwon also went door to door in hopes of locating the rapper.


Apparently the search worked out just fine because J-Kwon's manager and publicist Dorian Washington says he's been located, and released the following statement:

"I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is OK. He'd like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realizing that people would start to worry after a while. A few days out of touch versus a month is quite a difference. Right now, he just wants to keep doing what he's doing and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he'll be all right."

So where was he? Was it all a publicity stunt?  I guess we'll have to see how this story unfolds!!

LOVE HURTS

Nivea's fun and humble personality makes her one of my favorite artists even if she isn't one of the best vocalists.....and even if this video isn't spectacular...I love how she and Weezy show their love for each other in a TAKE THAT kind of way!

2010 FASHION TRENDS FOR SPRING!

If you're anything like the 80% of American's who make resolutions every year to get fit for the Spring/Summer, image is everything.  But why sacrifice to get your body right if you're gonna continue to drape it in the same frumpy, ill fitting clothes.  VA Vixen Diaries wanted to offer some basic help that would help EVERY woman regardless of budget. Here are some of our top picks for the Spring/Summer of 2010!

HOT PANTS & BOY SHORTS

If ever there was a time to hit the gym, it's this Spring. Hemlines have crept up to shorter than short; in fact reaching the negative. Hot pants, boy shorts, and tap pants are all variations on this shorter-than-short style, which in many cases reveal more than just one's legs.

KNEE HIGH AND OVER THE KNEE SOCKS

Knee high socks - as well as over-the-knee and thigh high socks - are back as a trend, and the options on how to wear them are many. From the sporty to the sparkly, to layerings of socks over tights; a great pair of socks can add volumes to an outfit.

JUMPSUITS & PLAYSUITS

Every so often, one-piece styles of clothing have a revival. What started with bodysuits and leotards is now becoming a fully-fledged trend towards jumpsuits, playsuits, and rompers. As a unique style for Spring 2010, they won't be for everyone, but they will offer more options than you'd think.

BOW HEADBANDS

Oversized and attention grabbing, bows in 2010 come in many styles and forms. They can be cutesy or pretty, without a doubt - but there's also room for attitude and quirkiness too. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Luella, and Temperley all sported bows on their Spring 2010 runways.

RIPPED JEANS

Just when you thought they would never return... ripped jeans are back. Starting in 2008 with a horde of sexed-up editorial shoots and celebrity sightings, those torn denim shorts and shredded jeans are hitting the streets. Ripped denim in 2009 is certainly sexy and revealing - possibly more than ever.