Ladies and Queens, there is finally a manicure that lasts for two to three weeks, is sure proof, and will not fail!  The new OPI Axxium Gel Manicure is all the rage and can be found at a nail salon near you.  Instead of regular nail polish, OPI Axxium Gel Manicure uses a substance that I could only describe as colored gel that is brushed on your nails and then hardened under a UV lamp.  My manicurist explained that the gel would last approximately 2-3 weeks without chipping or smudging.  My reaction?  Sign me up immediately please!  I thought for sure that this would cost approximately $50, but it was only $28.  It is still a bit steep considering a regular manicure is around $10-$12 but, how many times have you gotten a regular manicure and felt cheated when only two days later your nails look like a 3 year old painted them?  Exactly my point!  The OPI Axxium Gel Manicure is well worth the extra money.  Plus as an added bonus, you would not have to go in for a manicure every week.  I have had the gel manicure done three times since and the longest lasted me a little more than two weeks each time.

The process takes about 45 minutes.  Your nails will be filed, clipped, and buffed like they normally would with a manicure, but then the magic comes!  First a coat of a clear OPI Axxium base was applied to my nails.  After each coat, my hands would sit under a UV lamp device.  After the clear coat dried, then came my base coat.  Unfortunately for now, OPI Axxium doesn’t come in the full range of colors like their regular line.  The colors they do have come in a good range though.  I chose OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark probably because I am still obsessed with Chanel's Black Satin or Noir Ceramic.  It didn’t take very long for my nails to dry and when it came time for me to dig in my bag for my wallet to pay -- not a single smudge!  Perfection finally! When it’s time to take them off, you go back to your manicurist who will buff your nails a bit, apply some remover, and then wrap your nails with foil until the remaining gel slides off.  Your nails will not suffer like they would with acrylics so no worries there, my friends.  I cannot stop ranting and raving about OPI Axxium Manicures!

Armande Milhouse, the front man of the music group Audio McSwagger is on fire, better yet he and his crew are taking over the world several hits at a time.  What inspired me most to do a story on this young, vivacious, extremely talented rapper, entrepreneur, snowboarder, multiple business owner (including his own record label and recording studio Castle Entertainment), bad boy, high styled, hopeless romantic, over the top rebel, sensitive, creative, ambitious, fashion connoisseur, charismatic, overly energetic gentlemen is his incredible ability to pull off all of his ventures yet still stay humble and true to his roots all at the same time.

Armande can work a room, and I mean really work a room like no one I have ever seen before and he carries that same exact presence with him while performing on stage.  He is fearless and an incredible performer.  His friends jokingly call him the mayor of Providence, RI, where he has resided for several years now.  While out and about with Armande (also called Milz by close friends and his rap name as well) it is next to impossible to talk to him for more than two minutes without being interrupted by an eager fan, friend, acquaintance or even a pure stranger.  Everyone wants his attention and they come in herds...  Especially the ladies!  Armande is notoriously known for being the life of the party yet he still hustles everyday to make his dreams come true and that dream is starting to unveil as we speak...  Hitting it big within the music industry.

Armande's music is self-described from his very own lyrics as a cross between Tupac and the Rolling Stones.  Audio McSwagger's website www.audiomcswagger.com classifies them as, "We call this transformed genre: ROCK & FLOW!"  They are an extremely versatile, unique and talented group and I am extremely proud to say that I am a huge fan of Armande Milhouse and Audio McSwagger!  I would personally classify their music as being a mix between rock, rap, hip-hop, house, alternative and many other genres of music.  Audio McSwagger's debut album, "The Rapture" can be purchased on iTunes now.  Check it out and then you'll understand what I bob my head to while fashion blogging!  I have been following Armande's work and progression as an artist for over twelve years now.  I still remember him excitingly giving me mix tapes he had recorded in his basement, which was of horrible quality, but I was instantly hooked.  I can say that I have watched him grow as a musician and genuinely believe in all of his abilities as an artist.

Armande in his recording studio Castle Entertainment

The primary reason I wanted to write this article is that Armande is by far one of the most resilient individuals that I have ever known in my life.  He has had an extremely difficult life growing up in some of the most impoverished parts of Boston, MA and tragically losing his mother at an incredibly young age.  Armande never met his father.  After his mother's passing, he then moved to Cape Cod, MA to live with his brother and his wife, where he lived amongst several other young children.  Armande has faced a great deal of adversity in his life but you could never tell by his contagious smile, extremely outgoing and confident personality.  The only time you will hear him speak of these hardships is in his music, and may I add that it is about as raw as it gets.  He candidly talks about his life in his lyrics and raps about such travesties as surviving gun violence numerous times, being forced to sell drugs at a young age due to his own personal situation and to feed himself, losing several close friends to the harsh realities of the streets through senseless acts of violence, doing long terms in jail and being constantly harassed by the police for no reason.  His lyrics are very heavy but Armande has a special gift and talent that most rappers do not possess, he is extremely sensitive especially to women.  He would never openly admit this to anyone but in his songs you can hear him pouring out his heart and soul to women, wanting to treat them with the utmost respect and spoil them rotten!

Armande in the booth

When I was attempting to compile this piece, I had to email Armande in order to interview him.  We could have done it over the phone or in person but this man is on a mission and he is not stopping anytime soon.  He has one of the most chaotic and overbooked schedules I have ever seen.  Usually if you can get him on the phone, he is in the recording studio working on one of his many projects.  He also is a producer, directs and edits his own music videos, and works with several different performers from a wide variety of genres of music.  He and Audio McSwagger have collaborated with individuals such as superstars The Dream, Jim Jones, opened up for the Roots and they have worked with many other big act names yet Milz still does not let any of this phase him.  He is as cool as can be and works harder than anyone I know.  Armande has never lost that hunger, that will to succeed and he has never let success go to his head.

Armande on the video shoot for his collaboration with Jim Jones

Another major reason why I wrote this article is because Armande has an incredible gift when it comes to fashion and how could it be a Smashion post without discussing some element of fashion right?  When he was younger he actually opened his own luxury-clothing boutique in Providence, RI called Castle on Wickendon.  The store features a wide variety of upscale, cutting edge men's and women's clothing.  He has always had an eye for style and is an extreme risk taker but always pulls it all off ever so well.  Armande is notoriously known for his one true love Louis Vuitton, from sneakers to luggage to jackets to a plethora of belts, scarves and hats amongst other things.  His other signature must have is anything from music legend Pherell's fashion line Billionaire Boys Club.  He is always accessorizing with the hottest shades out at the time and has quite the collection of jewelry, from diamond dog tags, diamond earrings and super tricked-out watches.  Armande is not your cliché rapper though, he is fashion forward and in my opinion has excellent taste!

Here is my personal interview with Armande Milhouse:

1. What and who is the inspiration for your music?

The majority of my inspiration comes from the two different environments in which I was raised. One being Boston during my youth and the other being Cape Cod during my high school years. The combination of those two very different settings, driven by polar opposites in the musical spectrum, is the foundation for the broad span of my influences. From Anita Baker to Led Zeppelin.

2. What is it like performing in front of tons of people?  Do you ever get nervous?

The largest crowd I have taken the stage for was a little over 2000 people. The crowd is never the intimidating factor so much as some of the legends I have shared the stage with. When you share a stage with an artist or band that has sold millions of albums world wide, you begin to see how large the shows are that you looking to fill one day if you have aspirations of stardom. Opening for The Dream was massive but playing with The Roots was a dream come true. Next month I will perform with Gym Class Heroes.

3. You've collaborated with some pretty big names. Do you still get
 star struck?

I have collaborated most recently and notably with rapper and reality celeb Jim Jones, and I wasn’t star struck…better described as awed by his business sense. Turning a rap into a full time reality television show (Love & Hip Hop) is a task to be admired.

4. What or who was your favorite collaboration or individual or group
 to work with?

I was recently in a position to work with an up and coming artist named The Kid Daytona, and that was the most seamless transition between two artists on a track. He and I were able to chill for like a full day and I believe that made the experience more than just work. Others on my list of collaborators are Jim Jones, Killah Priest (Wu-Tang) and a lot of local superstars...as well as producers.

5. How do you find the time to run several businesses and still get 
your music out there?

My music will always be my first priority as far as all things business are involved. I find the time to handle multiple ventures by prioritizing them and then dedicating the amount of time to the task that each necessitates by order of importance to me...not by order of importance.

6. What is your favorite song of yours?

I don’t have a favorite song like most, but what I do have are songs that mean more to me at times than others. Today is Wed Feb 29th and it’s snowing…so my favorite song would have to elevate me above this dreary weather. I think I would say “LOUD” ft. Sisco Kennedy. I shot a video for it, check it out on YouTube.

7. What's it like working with a band?  Do you ever wish you were solo?

I love performing with my band. If I had to explain it in a way you could understand I would say this...performing is like walking a tight ripe or a high wire act. Things can go wrong, drop the mic, trip, and forget the words, anything. My band is like my safety net that catches me if I fall, but I’m not going to fall anytime soon. Its just nice to know they’re there. All together we bring something you can’t get any other way than from the live act!

8. What's the romantic thing you've ever done for a girl?

Oh boy…it depends on what your idea of romance might be. I’ve written music for some who have held a very special place near and dear to my heart. I have taken a special lady to Rome and toured the countryside by chauffeur. The Vatican for lunch and the Piazza di Santa Maria for dinner. I never really thought about it. I guess it depends of which of the objects of my affection, past and present are reading this.

9. What do you find sexy in a woman?

I’m a Libra so there is balance. A woman must be both parts equally ,brains and beauty. I guess a woman is knowledgeable of the things she is passionate about is my biggest turn on.

10. What is your favorite piece of clothing and why?

I am a HUGE Louis Vuitton fan. I have a very large collection of pieces from that house. They have cornered the market on style and exclusivity.

11. How would you describe your personal sense of style?

My style comes from an understanding of what works for me as well as understated extravagance. I may be wearing $1000 Japanese denim with an American Apparel hooded sweatshirt with limited edition air max kicks. I usually tie my outfits together with at least one showpiece, whether it is a LV shawl or a Gucci backpack.

12. I know you have quite the shoe collection, approximately how many
 pairs of shoes do you own?

Honestly I’ve lost count. Collecting shoes is like a monster under your bed that if not fed will consume you. I do have a pair of shoes that no one in New England possesses. The Louis Vuitton Minstrel Sneaker. Gotta look those up to know.

13. This may come as a surprise to some but you enjoy snowboarding and
 skateboarding, what got you into those sports? And what do you like
 about them?

I grew up very poor in Boston and when I moved to Cape Cod all my classmates were into all these sports that cost money we didn’t have. When I came to the point in my life when I could afford these luxuries, snowboarding especially, I threw myself into them full time. I recently shot my first video on a mountain. I was rapping while snowboarding. The first video of its kind might I add.

14. What would be your dream music collaboration?

I would love to do a song with John Legend and a producer named Flying Lotus. I can’t forget Raphael Saddiq.

15. You had a pretty rough childhood, can you tell me how that has
 shaped who you are today?

I lived in a neighborhood called Academy Holmes in the 80’s, arguably one of the most violent areas in the city at the time. One day my mother decided that we had to get out of there. People were being killed in front of our door weekly. Add to that the infestations and community far below the poverty line…we were undeniably in a lose-lose situation. I will always love her for having the strength to uproot us from what we’ve always known to seek a better way for ourselves.

16. You've lived in Providence for years but you’re from Boston and Cape
 Cod...  What do you identify as your hometown and why?

I will always love The Cape because of the people there who helped me become who I am today. I have friends there who are truly family but Providence is my home for now. Rhode Island accepted me as a transplant and fostered my business sense and helped my career grow to a level that I can say may not have blossomed anywhere else but here.

17. This article is titled "The Almighty King of Swagger Armande Milhouse of Audio McSwagger." How do you feel about that?

I love the idea of being a King. Every man is a King. Every woman is a Queen. When it’s all said and done you have to have to decide of what. Are you the King of your household? Your neighborhood? Your city?

18. You clearly have the gift of swagger. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?

My favorite piece of jewelry right now is a wooden macramé bracelet by one of my good friends and a successful designer from a line called Vicky by Victoria. Its says “SWAG” on the front of it.

19. If you could give advice to a new artist just starting out what would it be?

You can do whatever you want with your music, so do just that. I have released tracks form all genres. Hip Hop, Rock n Roll, Dub Step, House/Electronic, RnB.

20. What's the most difficult thing in your life you've been through
 and how has it made you stronger today?

The most difficult thing I have ever been through would have to be the loss of my mother at the age of 12 to respiratory complications. Not having met my father would be the coupling tragedy to that scenario. I have learned to be independent to a fault. I currently write my own music, book my shows, own a recording studio, which I record myself, mix and co produce my own music. I have recently started directing my own videos and editing them as well. I closely monitor all media that pertains to my career right down to the design of my logo and the fonts used on my album art.

21. What are you personal rules for dressing in the morning?

I don’t have any rules to dressing in the morning. I usually leave the house in my Abercrombie pajamas or sweat pants. Hoodie? Sometimes even my house shoes and scarf...depending the weather. I can usually pull this off because when I leave the house I’m headed to the studio and I like to be comfortable when I’m working on my music or a client's.

22. You've traveled an awful lot. What was your favorite destination and why?

I have been to Barcelona, Ibiza, Rome, London, Jamaica, Bahamas, St Johns, Aruba and all over the US and back. For relaxing I would say Aruba and for the party you’ll never beat that little Island off the coast of Spain. IBIZA!

23. If you could give someone a reason to listen to your music that 
never has done so what would it be?

If ever you want to take an unprotected look into the life of a person who has lead a life that most will never truly experience….just listen to my music. I currently have an album on iTunes right now, “The Rapture” by Audio McSwagger. I named it after Anita Bakers hit album ,which was one of my mothers favorites. Strangely enough it just came on my playlist during this interview.

Armande Milhouse and Audio McSwagger can be found at www.audiomcswagger.com or he can personally be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcswaggermusic.  Their debut album "The Rapture" can also be purchased at iTunes.

It is a very scary time to be an American woman right now.  I have always been a staunch supporter of women's rights and have worked with a wide variety of women's groups since the age of eighteen.  However what is currently happening with our lawmakers is far beyond a travesty to all of womankind.  The far right is attempting to make it impossible for President Obama's Healthcare Policy, which provides free birth-control to all women at no cost (including co-pays) to go into effect.  On the morning of February 16th, Republican Darrell Issa held a Congressional hearing about access to birth control.  Not one woman was invited to testify.  How is this appropriate or even slightly ethically or morally correct?  When President Obama consulted with several top-notch medical doctors about this issue, they decided as a team it would be far more cost efficient to provide all women in the United States of America with free birth-control with no co-pays.  The Republicans in Congress and the far right are attempting to put an end to this policy and they are going to wild extremes make sure this is executed.

The facts are out and the truth is 1 in 3 American women struggles with the high cost of birth control at some point in their lives.  I personally used a women's rights group website to calculate how much I would save if birth-control were to be free and it was almost $600 per year!  It would definitely be nice to have the extra money, however the most important piece of this social issue is that this policy especially affects women of lower socioeconomic statuses.  It is time that we take action as strong women and demand that politicians stop the war on all women immediately!  This is not a debate on pro-life or pro-choice standpoints, (all though providing free birth-control to all women would eliminate many unwanted pregnancies and abortions every year) it is a bare minimum requirement for the implementation of a fair and balanced women's reproductive health program.

You may think that you are just one person and that your voice will never be heard but you should and can take action today!  There are several ways you can get involved in this cause that affects all of us and help to be the voice of American women.  First, The Coalition To Protect Women's Health is currently running a campaign where all you have to do is sign a pledge.  It takes less than twenty seconds and sends a powerful message to lawmakers.  According to their website "All women should have access to birth control -- without a co-pay, no matter where they work. Don’t let opponents of birth control decide that only certain women deserve this important new health care benefit. Stand up with the Coalition to Protect Women’s Health and let your voice be heard today. Tell your friends, post on Facebook, and tweet your support."  You can get involved today and take this simple pledge at www.coalitiontoprotectwomenshealth.org.

Second, if you are slightly more daring, you can film your own Youtube video sharing why you think it is important for all women to have free birth-control.  The Coalition To Protect Women's Health has an arsenal of information to get you prepared to do this and they are featuring all of the videos that they receive publicly.  The link for this is here and I myself found it very rewarding to participate in this particular campaign.  I finally felt a bit of empowerment in an otherwise extremely frustrating situation.

Third, are you a woman who has struggled to afford her birth control?  Or do you know someone who has?  Now, ThinkProgress brings us this quote from Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.).  Naturally, Rep. Price opposes President Obama's policy ensuring that all women can get contraceptive coverage without a copay. He also voted to defund Planned Parenthood and eliminate funding for contraception three times in 2011, so his anti-contraception record is consistently sad.  But that's no big deal, he says, because there's "not one" woman in America without access to birth control.  If you disagree then tweet @RepTomPrice to let him know the truth about the struggles women face attempting to obtain birth control! Or, give Rep. Price a call at his office in Marietta, Ga. to introduce yourself: (770) 565-4990.  I am sure he would absolutely love to hear from you!  There is a lot of work to be done but if we all work together as women and stand together as an alliance we can be the voice of change!

I’ve been an extreme admirer of Marc Jacobs and his work for the majority of my life.  I even psychotically have his self-portrait from a Vogue article matted and framed on my bedroom wall!  I have quite the Marc Jacobs collection but I am gaga for his new accessories for our everyday tech products.  The line was launched from his MARC by Marc Jacobs line which is great news for all the recessionistas out there!  I literally purchased a new Mac Book Pro for one simple fact.  While in the Apple store, I saw a Marc Jacob’s hot pink laptop case and absolutely had to have it!  Did I need a new laptop?  No, but I needed the Marc Jacob's computer case!  My reasoning skills while shopping are not always so keen.  I get a certain euphoria from all things Marc Jacobs that is difficult for me to explain in words.  Retail therapy or retail crack perhaps?

For those of you who do not know or who have been living under a rock for the last thirty years Marc Jacobs was born on April 9, 1963 and is an American fashion designer.  He is the head designer for Marc Jacobs, as well as MARC by Marc Jacobs, a diffusion line, with more than 200 retail stores in 80 countries. He has been the creative director of the French design house Louis Vuitton since 1997.  Jacobs is on Time Magazine's  "2010 Time 100" list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and ranked 12th on Out Magazine's 2011 list of "50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America."  Marc Jacobs is one of my personal heroes and the inspiration for many of my fashion collaborations.  I adore watching his runway shows and incorporating his looks into my everyday wardrobe.

So back to Marc Jacob's amazing tech accessory line!  Not only does he carry laptop cases for both 13’ and 15’ laptop computers but also has iPad cases, iPhone covers (for both 3G and 4G, which I obviously had to pick up a pink one), headphones, USB Key Fobs, and star embellished ear buds!  He has a plethera of computer cases with an amazing selection that will adhere to all preferences in taste.  The best part about all of this is that these items can be purchased for a mere $38-$128.  So simply check out his website and accessorize your tech life in high style!  NOTHING and I mean NOTHING makes a statement like Marc Jacobs!  These items can be found at www.marcjacobs.com or www.bloomingdales.com.  Enjoy fashionistas!

Marc Jacobs

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Stardust Neoprene Computer Case, 13", bloomingdales.com, $52

MARC BY MARC JACOBS' neoprene computer case looks cool while it keeps your laptop safe. Get it to be a designer dork.

- Polyester.
- Zip closure.
- Logo embossed, fits 13" laptops.
- Polyester. Lined. Spot clean. Imported.
- 13 1/2"W X 10"H X 3/4"D

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pretty Nylon 13" Laptop Commuter Case, bloomingdales.com, $118

Tote your laptop in style with this logo-stitched laptop case from MARC BY MARC JACOBS.

- Double handles, longer adjustable shoulder strap, front logo plaque.
- Zip-around closure.
- Nylon. Imported.
- 13.5"W x 10.5"H x 1"D, 5" drop and 21" drop

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pretty Nylon Tablet Case, bloomingdales.com, $68

Outfit your tablet in MARC BY MARC JACOBS' signature quirky-cute style. Slip this logo-decked case inside your purse to be plugged in and pretty.

- Zip around closure.
- Faux fur lining-Nylon.
- Lined. Imported.
- 9"W x 11 1/2"H x 1 1/4"D

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Stardust Logo 4G iPhone Cover, bloomingdales.com, $38

MARC BY MARC JACOBS' logo-dusted iPhone cover is a must for any MARC loving miss. Slip it on to talk pretty.

- 4G compatible iPhone case.
- 2 3/4"W X 4 3/4"H X 1/4"D

Okay so you may be thinking that bangs are so 2008 but I promise you they are back in style!  My younger sister Amy is 23 and although we may look alike, our styles are polar opposite and could not be any more different!  She is beyond gorgeous and has the most flawless skin I have ever seen (probably because she wears sunscreen and does not believe in tanning).  She has several piercings (which I made her take out for the picture below), over ten tattoos and is one badass chic!  Amy competes in snowboarding competitions and can put most men on the slopes to shame while riding!  I was once snowboarding with her or better yet attempting to keep up with her, and looked up the mountain to see her coming down grinding on a metal rail and doing a 360 degree spin and flip in the air!  I was in complete awe of her and her natural aptitude and skill on a snowboard.  Amy is an extremely talented artist and by far one of the most creative people I know.  She uses her artistry to her advantage by always pulling off modelesque make-up looks and styles.  To my advantage when Amy does my make-up for me it looks like I had it professionally done.  She is notoriously known to shop at the Salvation Army, Good Will or Savers but always puts together the coolest outfits!  Amy often to my surprise predicts trends far before celebrities start rocking them or fashion designers launch cult-like followings.  For example, she got her cheek pierced about four years before everyone and their mother did.  She also rocked black nail polish years before Chanel Black Satin hit runways!  Amy is a unique individual who does not care what people think of her and sometimes I wish I had a little more of that in me.

Her sense of style is punk, rebel, skater/snowboarder, art student, a little bit Gwen Stefani, but at the end of the day it's absolutely rockstar and she's the only one I know that can pull it all off ever so amazingly!  She recently cut her bangs by herself (while I would never let anyone except my hair stylist ever touch my hair) and they came out amazing!  Amy has many face framing layers which helps her to pull off the look!  She is featured below with a loose messy side bun.  So if you are a little on the edgy side or are looking for a new hair style that requires very little maintenance go with the punk styled fringe bangs!  They are definitely an emerging trend and Amy the forever fashion predictor is right on point.  A warning to the wise though: DO NOT DO THIS POST BREAK-UP!  I once cut blunt bangs post break-up and it took me almost three years to grow them out!  P.S. Amy, please stop stealing my clothes and pretending that you did not take them!  I would give you the shirt off my back but please next time just ask or at the very least return them!

My sister Amy with punk-styled fringe bangs.

Check out the celebs who have rocked similar styles!

Heidi Klum featured with fringe bangs!

Ashlee Simpson with fringe bangs

Taylor Swift with curled fringe bangs