#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: #GMSUMMERSERIES AT @WOLF_TRAP FEATURING LIONEL RICHIE AND CEELO GREEN

What do you get when you mix good people, social media, live music ...Oh and whips?! A fabulously intimate and exclusive affair which is exactly how I would describe last week's General Motors Summer Series at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA which featured a live Lionel Richie concert with guest, CeeLo Green.

I'm always down to mingle. Click here for tips from a previous post. And mingle I did amongst some of my fave Blogger buds like Julia Coney from All About the Pretty and Richeen Ariel from The District Insider. 

Unlike the above pic, Julia and I kept it tame.

We dined on cocktails and hors d'oevures while dishing all about the latest Cadillac models which included the 2015 Cadillac Escalade. A beast of a luxury utility vehicle and the next generation in the Escalade model. The design, craftsmanship, bells and whistles elevate this model to another level. Although I might've initially been a tad intimidated, as you can see I clearly got comfy with it and had fun exploring the spacious interior of one particular model in a beautiful candy apple red color. It's safe to say that I look forward to putting #heelstothewheels and getting to know the 2015 Cadillac Escalade better.

Plush Interior

That Escalade grille had a nice smile

I saved the "cookie."

And to think, the night didn't even end there. To top it off after gabbing it up with General Motors executives and representatives from the always especially accommodating MSLGroup, myself and the other attendees were escorted to our "orchestra" seats for the show. I had my Mom in tow which made the night that much more fun. One, she gained a whole new perspective into that which I do and she got to see one of her fave artists. I thought I knew all of Lionel Richie's songs. I didn't have anything on my Mom and to look over and see her on her feet, waving her hands in the air, was the best. This show was one of the best I've ever seen and mind you, I've seen Michael Jackson live. Lionel took it all the way back to the Commodores and hit everything from Brick House to Dancing on The Ceiling which my Mom almost was. For a split second, I felt really old knowing every song word for word until I realized that it was just my Parent's good taste in music. Mixing the nostalgia of good music with modern automotive luxury, can't be beat and when placed against the backdrop of the fabulous venue that is Wolf Trap ...And on that note. Be sure to visit WolfTrap.org for upcoming shows and if Lionel Richie is coming to your neck of the woods, take it from me, don't miss it.

Whoa-Whoa Zooooom!

Nail swagging on show tix 

Prep for the event featuring an Asos print bodycon dress and Forever21 Vest

Myself and the crowd were mostly on our feet the entire show

My Mom practically dancing on the ceiling 

My Mom and I

 Follow my automotive chronicles and excursions on Instagram and Twitter at @bagladies via hashtag #heelstothewheels.

What's your fave Lionel Richie song? Mine is surely Zoom ...

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: ESCAPE TO SIMPLICITY WITH FORD & #BEAUTYTALK AT NEIMAN MARCUS ....

Streaming via USB

MyFord Touch Navigation

I've taken on some new projects so the last couple of weeks have been jam packed. I had to stand down for a sec on publishing posts but I'm picking up right where I left off with the latest edition of #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend which included putting #HeelsToTheWheels and escaping to simplicity with Ford. My latest curbside delivery is the 2014 Escape SE. You know the statement, "keep it simple stupid"? Well Ford does that very well when it comes to the functionality and technology of the Ford Escape. As much as I love luxury (parting recently with the Audi SQ5 and Volvo V60 was such sweet sorrow), automotive brands tend to tow the line between either not enough bells and whistles or so many bells and whistles, learning all the functionality of a vehicle can be overwhelming. Ford does a good job of finding a happy medium with the Escape SE. It is extremely user friendly witH MyFord touch screen and MyFord voice activated communications and entertainment system. As busy as I've been as of late, the 2014 Ford Escape SE has literally become my mobile office. I can make and take calls totally handsfree and without missing a beat. I can connect my iPhone via the USB and stream ... And the metallic blue is easy on the eyes. Stay tuned for the full review ...In the meantime, follow my #heelstothewheels chronicles on Instagram @bagladies.

So ya'll know I'm an admitted beauty junkie. "Beauty Talk" is still my most popular recurring on-air segment. And did you know although I'm not live on air, all previously aired Bag Ladies episodes including "Beauty Talk" episodes can be accessed via iTunes as as free podcast? Just search Bag Ladies Radio. But moving on ...What happens when a bunch of dolls descend on Neiman Marcus to be catered to by renowned beauty brand ambassadors in celebration of one's birth? A fab affair! The set-up was gorgeous and myself and the rest of the attendees were treated to some great dish on the latest trends in colors, techniques and products by Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone. Friend and Blogger, Yvonne Pearson was the "hostess with the mostess" as we kicked off her birthday celebration. And how much more fabulous can an affair be when hosted against the backdrop that is Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus Pulled Out All The Stops ...

I'm a candle fiend and this scent had me at hello. It enveloped our table.

Which color should I choose? I love getting touchy feely with product. 

I mean c'mon ...I'm in Neiman Marcus. Of course I spied a Chanel bag that I was swooning over. The shopaholic in me wanted to come out.

Where there's a mirror, there's a selfie ...This dress which I got so many questions about, was a 12.99 Marshalls score purchased a year ago and never worn. My shoes, JustFab.

We had a blast!

My two fave takeaways, Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Electric Pink. And that's not even all the goodies!!

How was your weekend?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: NAPPY HOUR, #WAGONSPOTTING, #FFM. OH, AND I GOT TESTED ...

This weekend was jam packed with activities which has kinda been the trend for the last couple of few months. The good thing is that I'm rarely bored. The bad, I'm always busy. But I also realized because of all the activity particularly this weekend, the timing is perfect to resume my #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend posts. This weekly theme provides a snapshot of what went down. Like to see and read about it? 

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of hosting yet again the 2nd edition Nappy Hour presented by Loc Lov Styles in Silver Spring, MD. And just like the 1st, a ball was had by all. My fave part, getting my face "beat" to the gawds by friend and MUA, Stephanie McKenzie. I will post a full recap this week. In the meantime, click here for the scoop on the 1st edition.

No sooner did I return the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4, then I received a curbside delivery of the Volvo V60 T5. The wagon is back! And although I'm only just putting #HeelsToTheWheels, I'm swooning all over this wagon that totally breaks the mold of a traditional wagon. A friend remarked upon pulling up, that I'm now a full blown soccer mom. But the reality is, I am! My 8 yr old son plays soccer and if a Volvo makes me a soccer mom, I'll take that and be the sexiest, wagon driving, soccer mom eva! How can I not in this sexy whip? Oh ...The life of an Auto Blogger. And did I tell you the color is "power blue?" The pic doesn't do it justice. Stay tuned for a full review.

I finally had a chance to check out good friend, Blogger, Bizness woman and so much more, Monica Byrd's twice-monthly, Fashionista Flea Market located in Bowie, MD. I had a great time perusing some fab vendors with great deals. The shopaholic in me wanted to shop till I dropped but my small window of time, wouldn't let me be great. Thank goodness it's a twice-monthly event. For details, visit www.fashionistafleamarket.com.

Swoon worthy white jumper, Hannah Monet

Cute tank, Boutique Pulse

So Friday was National HIV Testing Day. Do I hear crickets? Did you know? Of all the images I posted recently, this one generated the least number of likes and/or responses. I was unfortunately not surprised. Last year on the same day, I posted a pic of my negative results after having been tested and you could hear a pin drop. And I do it to draw attention. One of my very first events upon launching Bag Ladies, my online radio show, was an event to draw attention to the increase in infection rates amongst African American women yet statistics show that many of us don't get tested simply out of fear of the unknown. And for me the fear of not knowing is twice as scary. For me, it's annual. The same as I see my Gynecologist or get a mammogram. I dropped my kids at camp Friday morning, hit the clinic and I'm out. And the notion of you don't need to be tested or it doesn't apply to me is so not a gauge. If you are or have been sexually active, get tested! If you are in a relationship, committed or otherwise, get tested! The test is FREE and it only takes 15 minutes at most. Visit www.whitman-walker.org. #KnowYourStatus

How was your weekend?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

#HeelsToTheWheels: Kia Ride & Drive at #Blogalicious5

Did you know? I'm a bit of an automotive enthusiast. And you better not be thinking, "but you're just a girl." I had a monthly automotive column in the print edition of Sister2Sister for 3 + years. I loved and still love putting my "heels to the wheels" of new cars. I'm not a grease monkey by any stretch but I do love keeping in the know about what automotive brands are doing. How brands are incorporating technology and making vehicles more functional and amongst Bag Ladies Radio listeners, the style of a vehicle is big topic of dish. You know, the aesthetics. The same as I want my heels to make me look good, I want my vehicle to do so also. 

One of the most popular events held during #Blogalicious5 was Kia's Ride and Drive. Kia was this year's Blogalicious 2013 Title Sponsor. And for the entirety of the 3-day Blogalicious weekend, Kia made three of their models available. Attendees could literally take their pick and cruise the streets of downtown ATL accompanied by a Kia Motors rep who offered tidbits about the functionality and pointed out key features.

I put #HeelsToTheWheels of the 2014 Kia Sorento. I literally had to ditch my responsibilities as this year's Blogalicious 2013 Social Media Partner for just a bit ...Shhhh. A 2013 Top Safety Pick, the Kia Sorento is extremely spacious with third row seating yet from the exterior, amazingly compact. It definitely has a distinct look and feel that dispels the notion you might otherwise have of Kia. As I navigated the streets of downtown Atlanta with my assigned Kia rep and my backseat driver and friend Dorothy Redmond (an auto enthusiast also), the ride was smooth. The features, fuel economy and size make the 2014 Kia Sorento a world-class crossover.

I particularly loved the Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade which allowed me to open and close with the push of a button. It was a gorgeous day (see the blue sky and the view was gorgeous. The audio system had me at the first jazz tune. I hadn't gotten my fix while at Blogalicious so to relax to the sounds of some good jazz was heaven for me and come to find out, the accompanying Kia rep was a jazz fiend also and we had good dish regarding some of our fave artists. The Bluetooth, Back-Up Warning System and Push-button start were just a few of the other features which caught my eye. I am always on the go and never not busy so a vehicle which allows me to stay mobile yet not miss a beat and look good too, always lends appeal. And even better at a preferable price point. The 2014 Kia Sorento starts at $24,100.00

I won't name names. But I wasn't the only attendee swooning over Kia

Kia got much love as you can see upon closing out the 2013 Blogalicious weekend with a cocktail reception. I wasn't the only one swooning over their 2014 lineup.

What do you think of Kia? Which Kia vehicle do you like most? Could you see yourself putting #HeelsToTheWheels in the Sorento?

P.S. - Thanks to Kia for the goodie bags. Upon Social Media Manager, Marissa Lorenzo's insistence, I grabbed three bags for my kids. They most love the stuffed animal and the pen/stylus.

All new fall lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies.

Whipping It Back and Forth In The 2011 Cadillac SRX

Heated seats, a place to hide shopaholic paraphernalia, Dual Screen DVD and did I say, heated seats? At first glance, the 2011 Cadillac SRX will certainly draw your attention but even if it doesn’t, what may be lacking on the outside is certainly made up for, on the inside. The Cadillac brand does itself great justice because the newly designed 2011 SRX provides sleek, visual appeal and although classified as an SUV, the 2011 SRX embodies a luxury only matched by Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK but at a much more cost effective price. It’s no longer the disappointing 2010 version which more closely resembled a station wagon and left consumers very much disenchanted. Once behind the wheel you will fastly realize why the 2011 Cadillac SRX is the best-selling vehicle amongst luxury crossover SUV’s.

Although you don’t necessarily associate an SUV with compactness, the SRX doesn’t weigh as heavy as the cargo volume, height and width might suggest. I know because during a Holiday shopping spree which I embarked on with full intent to shop for everyone but myself, I deterred and was surprised by the cargo space of which I utilized to hide certain items. The SRX has a rear cargo shade which can be used to separate items as needed…”all the better to hide my dear”, and a floor cargo area as per the hidden cargo management system. Cadillac uses the word “hidden” in the term so how can one expect it to be used for any other purpose? I (an admitted “shopaholic”), actually forgot about the items I placed in that floor cargo space but thankfully remembered before the scheduled pick-up time.

Cadillac is a recognizable brand and the grille with the Cadillac crest garners attention. I received quite a few thumbs up while in transit and engaging in the life that is me, Lady Erin for the week that I had the pleasure of whipping the 2011 Cadillac SRX back and forth. The presentation which is what I’m most immediately drawn to in a vehicle, is such that it’s a pleasure every time you put the SRX on the road and even moreso because the keyless access and remote start ensures that it’s ready to go. For those not familiar, per DMV.org, “A remote starter allows you to start your car or truck using a key-fob remote control―without going outside. If you left the heat or A/C on, it turns on when the engine does. Your car can warm up cool down, so it's nice and comfortable when you get in.” But as much as a remote starter is great, when I first see heated seats as per any vehicle’s specs, I’m in love. And trust, if you’ve never rested your "cold as ice" bottom on heated seats on a winter morning, you don’t know what you are missing.

The SRX is high-tech luxury and includes fabulous features so every time I left the office and stepped up (I’m only 4’11”), and into the SRX, I didn’t miss a beat. Everything from the standard touch screen and easy to use OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (rises out of the dashboard), which allows you to specify the details of where you need to be and results in voice led Turn-by-Turn instructions on how to get there along with real time weather and traffic data. And although I primarily listened to El Debarge’s newest release, Second Chance during my time spent with the 2011 Cadillac SRX, the AM/FM/XM/CD radio with MP3 capability and 8-speaker Bose audio is not to be overlooked.

The Bluetooth for Phone allowed me to maintain constant and safe hands free contact with Madame Myra and handle all Bag Ladies Radio bizness while traveling to and fro. The rearview camera is a luxury that I absolutely love. It lessens the work required when it comes to backing up or parking. It’s like another set of eyes and combined with the alert which notifies you if too close to another vehicle or curb, you can park quickly, safely and with virtually no effort …it may even afford you bragging rights because you simply can’t park poorly with this feature.

The SRX comfortably seats five and includes luxuries some of which are standard, others of which are optional such as leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Ultra View panoramic sunroof (like having a skylight in your car), and iPod integration port.

As I am a “Bag Mommy”, the rear Dual Screen DVD’s lessened the “don’t touch me”, “you’re too close to me”, “stop looking at me” arguments because it was suppressed by, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, “Daddy Daycare” and “Toy Story 3”. As a Parent, this feature perhaps outweighs all others because nothing can compare to the comfort and peace of quiet kids. Can I get an Amen!!

The walnut matte interior made for great “eye candy”. And various compartments from the doors to the seats, ensure you ain’t driving around with junk everywhere. You can stash stuff everywhere and out of the way. The front cup holder provided a perfect base for my Febreeze Pomegranate Reed Diffuser …you know I’m all about aesthetics ;-). Cup holders don’t have to be just for beverages. The smooth handling further complimented by front-wheel drive with traction control and StabiliTrack electronic stability control made for, to put it simply, a great ride. Turns and cuts were effortless. Handling was light. And the 3.0L, V6 Direct Injection provides robust power and allows you to go from 0 to 60mph in just 8.2 seconds with 265hp.

Although it’s been argued that the 2011 Cadillac SRX versus the 2010 model, is slightly heavier and affords less mileage, regardless of the specs and numerous design changes, it’s all about how you feel as a consumer and driver behind the wheel and as long as your preferences are met which definitely can and will be either by way of standard features or optional add-on’s, the 2011 Cadillac SRX is definitely worthy of consideration. The 2011 Cadillac SRX is rugged yet fabulously classy whereas I felt just as comfortable kicking it in my Add Down “Gloss Puffer” Jacket and UGG “Cassady” boots as I did in my Lanvin for H&M dress and Badgley Mischka “Humbie 2” pumps.

Sometimes our love of automobiles is discounted simply because we are women but we love to whip it back and forth in a fabulous ride, just as much as the next ...man. I enjoyed doing so in the 2011 Cadillac SRX. The starting MSRP is $34k.

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Lady Erin

Producer/Host, Bag Ladies Reality Radio

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Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk!

LIVE, 7:30p EST every Wednesday ...

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Up next, 2011 Buick Regal CXL Sedan

Bag Ladies putting the pedal to the metal ...

This Bag Lady scurried about this week from event to event in the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 Hatchback ...Introduced about four years ago. You know Bag Ladies keeps a whip and we are going to start bringing you more when it comes to putting those Emilio Pucci leather ballet flats to the pedal and that pedal to the metal and this is perfect timing because as we approach the end of the month, this is the best time to buy a car not only because of the economy but also because of the Holiday and because dealers are looking to rid their lots of excess inventory. Sometimes men underestimate just how much of an interest us Bag Ladies have in automobiles ...automobiles are such a reflection of our style and our personality and we look for distinct and specific features.

At first glance, you might not look twice at the Aveo 5 Hatchback although it has a cute kinda putt-putt mobile style. It’s comparable to the Kia Rio5, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. But the compactness of the Aveo5 actually provides a level of comfort that you sometimes don’t get in a large, voluptuous ride and it handles well unlike some small rides that leave you all over the road. You just jump in, grab that Mulberry Mitzy Tote and go.

All buttons, knobs and controls are visible and within easy reach. I was particularly surprised when I first opened the door and the leather seats and wood paneling were revealed

and although faux, it’s a nice look nonetheless and for a split second, you forget that you are in a more cost-effective vehicle.

But compact cars are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and luxurious as consumers are demanding smaller more fuel-efficient automobiles with the same amenities as higher priced automobiles. Not only that but you get OnStar for emergency assistance and at an additional cost, you can add on the concierge service should you need directions or need to make a reservation. Of course concierge is a must have for us Bag Ladies. You also get XM and an auxiliary input so for all of you that can’t live without your iPod, you're straight and for me it was particularly pleasing because mainstream radio offers no jazz so for this Bag Lady, XM is a requirement and one of the first features I look for when sliding into a new ride. Although ours was a 5-door Hatchback, the Aveo is also offered in a 4-door. One thing I immediately noticed upon settling in for the first time, which could’ve just been the vain in me, is that the vanity mirrors weren’t lit so after daylight there’s no performing any quick makeup checks. Are those violins I hear in the background? There could’ve been a little more pep but nevertheless, the Aveo5 got me to and fro and safely with dual front and side impact airbags and you can’t expect but so much from 106 horsepower.

Although it looks tiny, the Aveo5 affords a lot more space than you might think. The little ones and their social lives required that I cart them around to a couple of parties and I was able to do so with no problem and no squishing and stop touching me bouts and although all the car seats fit, I did struggle a bit and almost broke a sweat which was a tad discouraging. But as a friend said, "this whip has a lot of heart," and in an array of colors such as yellow, red and turquoise you will surely find a color preference that fits your fashion sense. The Aveo5 is at the very least, a fun, sporty ride and if you’re in the market for a small whip, consider. If you’re looking for luxury and style, perhaps your search should continue. Some might argue whether it is indeed as it was created to be, a “premium small car.” But with 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the hwy, you get some bang for your buck.

I would definitely opt for the 2LT, leather seating/wood paneling which has an attached starting MSRP of $15,5k. Yet it doesn’t feel cheap so expect quality bang for your buck and standards to be met and possibly exceeded. I was pleasantly surprised at the Aveo. This Bag Lady wouldn’t rest her Emilio Pucci’s on the pedal of just any whip!

-- Lady Erin