BE-Style: When did you know that you wanted to start designing events for people? 

DT: Growing up I worked with my grandfather in his floral shop which is where my love of arranging flowers began. Eventually, I started my own retail shop and it was my window displays that got people talking about my ability to transform a space. I was hired at first to do the décor for smaller parties, which led to larger parties and weddings and naturally evolved into the planning and production end of both as well...it really was an evolution into an industry that I absolutely love.

BE-Style: What was your first major job or celebrity client? 

DT: I would say that being asked to do the annual NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) party for fortieth annual Grammy Awards was the first time I felt that I had truly “made it”! It was an amazing party and a special night for me - a memory I still cherish to this day. 

BE-Style: Who were your mentors in the industry? 

DT: When I started, there really were no “celebrity party planners” as there are now. The industry itself was just starting. I learned much about floral from my grandfather, and the rest really was just self-taught.

BE-Style: When should someone planning an event call a professional? 

DT: As with anything, hiring a professional means you are also hiring experience and a long list of trusted resources. If you decide to hire an event planner or designer for your wedding or party, I recommend doing so right away so that you make the most of their services. 

BE-Style: What is your most requested type of event?

DT: Nowadays...I do more weddings than anything else, but I still do my fair share of Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, corporate events and other special occasions as well.  

BE-Style: What are 5 easy steps to planning and entertaining? 

DT: A few tips to ensure smooth and easy planning and entertaining include; a solid, well-planned timeline, having a feasible budget, hiring vendors you can count on, making sure that all of the design elements fall under an umbrella theme or style, and remembering that at the end of the day, people won’t remember the small little details, so work on painting a great overall picture and then relax and enjoy your day!

BE-Style: How do you find a way to translate a client's dream into a spectacular event? 

DT: The easiest way to do this is to really learn about the client. Learn about their personalities, hobbies, heritages and so on. It is also important to ask what their vision is for their wedding or event. From there, I find ways to incorporate those traits into everything from the menu to the color scheme to the entertainment...

BE-Style: How do you stay informed on the newest/latest trends of the industry? 

DT: Besides technological advances, like new lighting methods, or a great new chair design or floral species, I don’t get too involved in trends because I want my brides to have weddings that will reflect their personalities and timelessly preserve them, not weddings that reflect a certain fad.

BE-Style: Is it ok to cut corners with respect to cost, (i.e.) mixing the highs and lows? 

DT: Absolutely and I recommend this! Spend the money where it counts (lighting, venue, floral, and catering for example) but don’t waste money on things if you don’t have to! For example, if your caterer’s china is attractive, why rent your own? By mixing in more expensive items, like opulent overlays over a less expensive cotton underlay, or mixing the caterer’s china with a decorative charger plate with a colorful single goblet, you can spread your budget further!

BE-Style: What can readers expect to get from your new book? 

DT: My new book, “The Big White Book of Weddings” by David Tutera literally is a how-to guide for the savvy, stylish bride. This book covers everything from fashion to timelines but presents it in fun-to-read text, not a dull educational format. I also don’t hold back on my own tips and opinions, so it’s really like I am speaking to my readers personally!

DT: Technically, the first couture wedding at Disney was in 2007, but the collaboration between Disney and David Tutera had been in the works for a long time. Disney is known for making magic, and that is exactly what I try to do for my couples, so the partnership is perfect! 

BE-Style: What other entities are you affiliated? 

DT: One of my newest ventures is my David Tutera by Faviana line of wedding gowns! This collection was drawn from celebrity fashions, but turned into wearable, and flattering wedding day designs. The line includes designs that suit all body styles and all wedding styles so any bride can find a perfect gown for her own look. Its tagline is, “Inspired by the red carpet, worn on the white” because I want all of my brides to feel like a celebrity on their big day!

BE-Style: What does the future hold for the brand - David Tutera?

DT: Hopefully more of the same! I look forward to more avenues and opportunities to give bride(s) and groom(s) a perfect wedding.

For more information: {www.davidtutera.com}

Special thanks to Eda Kalkay PR!

Tysha Ampadu, a born and bred Brooklyn girl, she is the 1^st daughter of 2 Ghanaian parents. Influence by her mom’s passion for fashion and her dad’s George Jefferson swagger, it was inevitable she’d walk the path of fashion. Her first intersection began with a small tee shirt line called Society Seventy-7. Shortly after she’d be ask to dress upcoming acts and solo artist, which lead to the career in fashion styling. Tysha has a unique sense of style and artistry along with an amazing ability to communicate and inspire. Since beginning her career as a freelance fashion stylist, Tysha Ampadu is quickly rising to prominence, in doing so she has contributed to magazines, videos, commercials and short film.

Ms. Ampadu has worked with notable celebrities like hip hop recording artist Lil Flip, iconic rap group Naughty By Nature, Ray J, 36 Mafia, Lyfe Jennings, Lloyd, Lil Mama, and R&B recording Joe, Tristian Wilds, Angel Taylor of Trin-i-tee 5:7 and notable Top Model contestant Toccarra Jones. She’s also work on various television projects such as MTV's TRL, and Late Night with Carson Daily, NBC’s Las Vegas, Showtime at The Apollo, and Starz Network On The B-Side. As head stylist of the BET Network for 4 years, (2005-2009) she’s also work with TV personalities Free, AJ, Big Tigger, Julissa Bermudez, Jeff Johnson, Rocsi, Terrence J, Melyssa Ford and Sharon Carpenter. Her resume boosts list of notable BET productions, some which include The BET Awards, Spring Bling, 106& Park, Rap City, 106&Gospel and BET Hip Hop Awards to name a few. 

  A love for the commercials and film, Ms. Ampadu has recently crossed over to the world of costume design, providing wardrobe for commercials like Mountain Dew Democracy and an MTV public service announcement. She also worked on short films Green St. and Jackpot. As a wardrobe stylist and costumer, Ms.Ampadu is dedicated to providing the perfect look for each client and lives by the motto It’s not what you rock... but how you rock it. 

Ms Ampadu is also the founder of the successful blog Worldofflygirls, and online accessory boutique ChicsrockCharms. In the near future she hopes to inspire beautiful young girls through her non-profit organization called BrunchWithTy.

BE-Style: What are some tips for couples merging wardrobes and closet space?

TA:  My suggestion for couples merging wardrobe/closet space is DON’T. (Just joking)

It can totally be done. Besides keeping their closet up-to-date from season to season, couples should consider purging their wardrobe by realistically disposing of unwanted items and donating them to they’re local Salvation Army, Shelter/Mission, or reselling to a consignment stores. I’ve always liked the idea of incorporating unisex items into the closets for example hats, scarves, turtlenecks, cardigans (depending on the sizes of the couple). Which works out for the ladies because the "boyfriend look" is still in, so we can throw on his button ups, tees, and sweatshirts. The most important suggestion to a unisex closet I can offer is organization. Try purchasing wardrobe bins and hanger units, which will provide the maximum amount of space for denims and bulky sweaters.  If that doesn’t work just give us (the ladies) the closet.

BE-Style: Name some staples/wardrobe items to reduce clutter in closet?  

TA:  Some staples items that should be considered when attempting to reduce clutter are the essentials. I suggest items like a blazer for multiple pairs of slacks or trousers, a classic trench, denim jeans, a crisp white button up (fitted for the ladies), tee(s) in basic colors like black, grey, cream and of course white, a sexy black dress for the ladies, a great tailored black suit for the men, and a great dress coat.

BE-Style: What made you decide to go into the fashion industry?

TA:  I’ve always loved fashion, looking back at my earlier years my whole world revolved around fashion and entertainment but I didn’t realize it. It wasn’t until a moment in the 90’s that I realized I had a “passion for fashion”. I had the biggest high school party to go to and couldn’t find the outfit that I pictured in my head in any of the stores. So, I didn’t go and the boy I was checking for ended up with my best friend. From that point on I began getting pieces made and designing my own tee shirts.

BE-Style: What’s your take on couples that wear matching outfits?  

TA:  There’s nothing sexier then a stylish couple but couples that wear matching outfits are an extreme measure, taken to prove that they are an item. If it’s not a sporting event nor are you working out then try your best to avoid this one.  When dressing or attending an event together, couples should complement each while maintaining their individual identity.  

Let’s stick to his and her robes, towels, and watches.

BE-Style: When a single woman dresses sexy, do you believe that she should change their style of dressing after “catching” their new partner?  

TA:  Not necessarily, it’s matter of where and when. While I do believe a woman with a partner should dress in a respectful manner, she should still always maintain a level of sexiness. The great thing about fashion is there’s a look for every moment and if it’s done the right way, you can execute the same message. So, I would leave the freak'em dress for the night out with the girls in the city or a romantic night with your man.

BE-Style: What made you decide to start the fashion blog? 

TA:  As a fashion stylist and nosey person, I found myself constantly privy to the coolest information. In a celebrity driven world, I believe we focus too much on the celebrity not the things that make celebrity. For example, instead of looking at pictures of JayZ and Beyonce walking out of their favorite restaurant, why not inform yourself as to why that restaurant is chosen. Is the food good? What type of cuisine are they serving? What's the price point of the menu? The same goes for fashion as well, why not know what Rihanna is wearing before she wears it - paying attention to the ad campaigns, runways, and stories on the brightest new designers will always keep you in the know. There are a culmination of ideas, reasons, and by design moments that make things the way they are. And through my online presence, I attempt to reveal just that. Worldofflygirls focuses on making the common person the celebrity by giving them information to things celebrities know.

For more information: {WWW.CHICSROCKCHARMS.COM , WWW.WORLDOFFLYGIRLS.COM , Twitter/worldofflygirls.com }

Let me start by saying, Happy Holidays to all of our devoted followers and to the new members of the fold. I pray that this time of year brings you great joy and a since of fulfillment. This annual Christian holiday gives many a reason to travel to visit with family, some to reevaluate their lives as the year comes to an end, and others cause to shop. I know many of our female readers are waiting to see what Santa has stuffed in their stockings this year. Is there a little blue box under tree? And guys are wondering if they will get the new gaming system, tool-set, or maybe Santa was really generous and brought that new Cadillac EXT. Well ladies and gents, this might have been true two to three years ago. I know many of you are happy to just have this time to share with family and blessed to know that you made it another year without loosing everything you hold dear. Many have lost jobs and had to downsize over the last year. For this reason, I didn’t want to give you another guide with shopping advice or repeat tips on the hottest sales. I have taken BE-Style in a different direction. Staying with last years theme, I am calling this issue - HOLIDAY HEARTS! I felt the need to let you all know that in spite of your current situation, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. I wanted to celebrate the efforts of celebrity, international, and community organizations that continuously work to change the lives of others. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Atlanta’s on-air personality and philanthropist, Mr. Frank Ski, also the co-founder and creator of the Frank Ski Kids Foundation. My eyes were opened to the difference experience and exposure can make in the life of a student with drive, passion and talent. Just a few hundred miles up the eastcoast, the fashionably conscious are gifting while shopping on Madison Avenue. Kathy de Meij revealed to me, the importance of  The Children’s Aid Society of New York City amazing day of shopping. The organization is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year with the Miracle on Madison Avenue shopping event. The combination of countless volunteers, supportive retailers, and holiday shoppers flood the pavement of Madison Avenue where 20% of the day’s sales are donated to help the Children’s Aid Society provide health care to families throughout the communities and schools of New York City. Lastly, UNICEF has done it again this year. "Several of U.S. Fund for UNICEF's corporate partners have created special product offerings or other creative options to help UNICEF in its mission to reduce the number of preventable childhood deaths from 24,000 per day to zero.” I personally found it a privilege to know that persons are helping those in dire situations through selfless acts of charity. So regardless of your current state, there is always someone doing worse.  "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalms 30:5) Be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon and remember that we all can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.