All That's FAB » Harlem Heights

Brooke Jasmyn of Harlem Heights = Style Star

Ian Jarrell — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:49 +0000

Our girl Brooke Jasmyn of Harlem Heights recently hit up Singersroom.com to talk about her personal style and give some style tips to her fellow fashionistas.

Brooke prides herself in standing out from the crowd, and is inspired by the 80’s swag. If you run into her out shopping you will most likely find her at a vintage store or looking through a sale rack. We love a simple, but chic, fashionista.

“I’m bringing back the mullet! I am more about hair and make-up. So my clothes are usually simple” says Brooke Jasmyn

You can check out her video interview here

In case you missed it, Brooke also covers last month’s Urban Ink magazine with Busta Rhymes. Check it out below.

ATF Interviews Fab Female: Briana Marie

Ian Jarrell — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:57:44 +0000

We are always supporters of strong, independent, dynamic females. We are constantly showcasing up & coming men in the entertainment industry, but now we are bringing you some women that are doing their thing in the big city. “Fab Females” will give you the chance to get to know some ladies that are taking charge and making moves in a male dominated world.

Our first ATF Fab Female is none other than Briana Marie of Harlem Heights. She is a fashion designer who is making her own lanes. Briana is not just a reality star, she is a woman with goals and aspirations. After reading this interview, you’ll see why Briana was chosen to be one of NYC’s fab females..

Name: Briana Marie
Age: 28
Location: New York City by way of Atlanta, GA
Zodiac Sign: Taurus (In every way from what I was told…lol)

ATF: So tell me what inspires you to do what you do?

Briana Marie: I think when you’ve wanted to do a certain thing as long as you can remember, that dream wakes you up every day. You push more and climb higher to reach it.

ATF: Now I know there are a few people you have to admire, Who are some of your fashion icons?

BM: Icon is a word a lot of people use loosely for the wrong reasons.

ATF: Agreed (laughs)

BM: (laughs) But for me there are a few:

Diana Ross. She transcending the defined the word ‘Diva’ by making breakthroughs for Black Women in music, film, and fashion. Mahogany has always been an inspiring movie for me, because like me she left her home and the Man she loved to pursue her ultimate dream. And that is one of the biggest sacrifice you can make.

Karl Lagerfeld. He rebuilt the House of Chanel and elevated Fendi. He has the world in his hands but is not jaded and leads a very simplistic life. True genius!

My Parents. They started dating at 20 and were an extremely fabulous power couple. In the 80’s they took fashion to another level. With matching Burberry trench coats, and scarves, YSL suits, and family photos with Lacoste Polos. I thought everyone’s mother wore a Louis Vuitton bag. They loved to experiment with looks and taught me about trends at a very young age.

ATF: What made you jump into designing bags?

BM: From a young age bags were my thing. For some girls it’s shoes or make up. For me I’ve always been a fiend for designer bags. In middle school I rocked Dooney & Burke and Coach. High school my Mothers vintage Gucci that she wore in her college days. Then when I got to college, I went nuts with a designer bag collection today up to almost 80. One month 3-1/2 years ago I bought 3 Fendi bags and Bridget (Harlem Heights cast member and cousin) gave me an intervention. She said with my eye and design talent I needed to quit wasting money and make my own bags. That’s where the Signature Tassel Hobo was born. It was entered in a bag design contest on Glam.com for Marie Claire Magazine. I was chosen as a finalist so I knew I was on to something.

ATF: This is a question I have to ask you, how has Harlem Heights effected your life thus far?

BM: I still wake up and put on my clothes and get on my grind like every other day before the show. It’s just now a lot of people know my face. It has been extremely humbling when people say I inspire them. Since day one my main goal was to give a face to a part of the fashion industry no one sees. There are so many who work tirelessly without so much as a thank you to bring the world beautiful clothes for someone else’s vision. If that inspires another person to go for their dream then my sacrifice was worth it.

ATF: Tell us some of your background in fashion.

BM: I moved to New York in 2002, and graduated with a Fashion Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I came straight out of college and became an outerwear designer for ESPRIT and Laundry by Shelli Segal. During my time there I won some industry awards and spreads in magazines like In Style and Outerwear Magazine. I left there to become a Technical Designer for Victoria’s Secret Pink. Now I have started to develop my own brand B. Marie.

ATF: I see you are very accomplished female, you have been around the block haven’t you?

BM: Yes I have paid my dues (laughs)

ATF: So what celebrities would you love to see wearing one of your bags?

BM: Kelis is one of my all time favorite style mavens, and Nicole Richie’s Bohemian look works for my denim bags. Taylor Momson (Jenny from Gossip Girl), and love Dawn Richard from Dirty Money’s new punk look. There are many more that’s just a few. I think it’s more than celebrities; I just want a fab girl who has carefree style to enjoy my line.

ATF: Has being on reality television made people lose respect for you?

BM: Not at all! The people that know me and have been truly down for me since day one have always respected my honesty and hustle. If anything I think I gained more respect from them by opening my world to everyone and staying grounded.

ATF: So Briana what made you want to move to the Big Apple?

BM: Fashion. I left a very comfortable, fun, and glamorous life behind to start from the bottom. Any move you make to accomplish a goal is emotionally challenging. There were plenty of times I could have given up. But I ate the battle wounds and kept fighting. New York is the hardest city to make it in the world. And I respect those that at least try. It’s not a place for everyone, only the strongest survive.

ATF: That is such a true statement about New York. So describe your personal style for us?

BM: That question is always hard to answer because I never stay in the same lane. My style changes with the weather, so I guess it’s how I feel when I wake up.

ATF: What bag do you love the most out of your line?

BM: The Signature bag for sure because it was my first. I have reworked it at least 50 times to get it just right. And will probably change the design some more in seasons to come.

ATF: Now here is your chance to squash any rumor that is floating out there about you…?

BM: That I’m a self proclaimed ‘bitch’, that back stabs her friends. That might be what others want people to think of me. But it’s as far from the truth as possible. I am a loving daughter, big sister to two girls Tiffany and Carolyn. I have strong southern morals, and I’m an extremely loyal person to the people I call friends. In a way that trait might be my biggest weakness, because I take that term serious. When it comes to meeting new people I am very nice but cautious. I’m cool with you until you give me a reason not to. I never let a person disrespect or run me over. The major mistakes I’ve made living here were trusting people without doing my complete homework. I also have a very cool demeanor, and at times an emotionless face. I’m always thinking, so it’s not that I look mean, I’m focused.

ATF: Tell us about your brand new web site, and what was the inspiration for it?

BM: My website B. Marie has been up since April with my collection displayed, a few articles, and a video on me. I have given it some more interactive sections to dig into the fashion side of me. I wrote a blog on bet.com for my show. Now I have added a blog called ‘Southern Girl and the City Style’ that chronicles some of the events of my life in the city. There are funny stories, pictures, and sketches of my work.

I also added a style section that highlights the upcoming trends, how to wear, and buy them online. I have lived in KC, Dallas, and Seattle. When a new trend hits NYC, it takes another year and a half to two years to make it to that city. This gives places like the Midwest an outlet to keep up with what’s hot now.

ATF: Who is Briana Marie?

BM: Real and hard working.

ATF: What made you want to do Harlem Heights instead of a show like Project Runway?

BM: Project Runway is a competition, Harlem Heights was my life. It’s hard enough grinding in my daily life than trying to do it with 14 other people. I just want to be me, and launch my line around my supporters.

Favorite Things:

Favorite NYC Club: I don’t have a favorite club, I love fab events.

Favorite NYC borough: Manhattan of course

Favorite NYC designers: Durant, 3rd Floor, Jerome Lamaar, Atumn Adegibo, Matthew Deasia. Young Black NY

Favorite Blogs: Any blog that is about building up people rather than tearing them down (like AllThatsFab.com)

Favorite Bag Designer: Fendi

For More Info on Briana Marie:

Twitter: @BMarieStyle

Website: BmarieStyle.com

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

Grey Goose & BET Presents Rising Icons – The Dream

Ian Jarrell — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:44:15 +0000

Last night, AllThatsFab.com attended the event Rising Icons featuring The Dream @ Hiro Ballroom presented by BET & Grey Goos. The show was incredibly dope, The Dream is a great entertainer. He may not dance around the stage, but he sure had us out of our seats. You can catch more pics and exclusive video footage after the jump…

(Martine C., Ian Jarrell, Randi of AllThatsFab.com)

Rising Icons is a concert series that spotlights the future icons of black music. Its good to see some other artists getting some shine from BET. The Dream may have took forever to finally perform, but it was awell worth the wait. But we must say Hiro Ballroom needs to invest in some AC, because it was beyond hot.

The Dream (and his FABULOUS female dancers) performed a lot of hits such as Falsetto, Rockin That Thang, Fast Car, Walking On The Moon, etc. Overall the event was a lot of fun and entertaining…

(Martine C. & Denrick Romain)

(Briana Bingham of Harlem Heights & Ian Jarrell)

Notable Attendees: Briana Bingham of Harlem Heights, Brandon Hines, Hal Linton, DJ Boy Wonda, Denrick Romain, Rae Holliday & Gabe of StuffFlyPeopleLike.com, Monee Perry of Roc4Life.com

Special Thanks: The Bloc Group

Event Recap: Terrence J’s Birthday Party

Aura — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:08:09 +0000

The birthday boy, Terrence J (106 & Park) celebrated his special day last night at Retreat. Hit the jump to see who all showed up and how it went down.

We headed over to Retreat last night to support Terrence J and our girl, Amber Ravenel, the organizer of the event. As we walked in, we were immediately greeted by cocktail waitresses dressed as Vegas showgirls and were passed complimentary drinks, courtesy of Rhythm. (Not a fan of the drink, but it was free, so I was happy.) The casino theme was also a very nice touch, as party goers seemed to be having fun getting their gamble on at the Black Jack table and winning prizes.

The event started at 9pm, and we were surprised that the venue was already packed to the brim when we arrived around 9:30. It was especially packed by scantily clad females, who seemed anxious to get a piece of the birthday boy.

Shortly after we arrived, we spotted Rocsi in the building. (She doesn’t look too amused here)

We left before Day 26 arrived, but all damn night I kept hearing females say “I THOUGHT DAY 26 WAS SUPPOSED TO COME. WHERE ARE THEY?” (See what I mean? Groupies lol)

Lil’ Cease was in the building to support. He was definitely not much taller than me, but he seemed chill and laid back.

What’s a party without Stephen Hill??? You know he was there.

Kevin Liles and Debra Lee showed up as well. Yes, there was a lot of power in the room.

Grand Puba of Brand Nubian showed up as well, Incredible Hulk in hand. Random. We later saw him perform with The Roots at Highline Ballroom. (More on that later.)

Of course the cast of “Harlem Heights” was there.

D. Woods came through as well. She’s in town for the “Making the Band” finale tomorrow.

The Black Jack table was definitely a hit, and made up for the DJ, who was all over the place with the music, and the sketchy sound system.

Overall, it was a good time, as we got to attend a memorable event and party with a lot of our friends.

Shout out to Amber J!

Pics: Wireimage

Harlem Heights Season Finale Screening

Aura — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:02:48 +0000

*Where is Jason in this picture?*

The “Harlem Heights” kids had their last “hurrah” last night at a screening party at Helen Mills. The event was laid back and intimate, the complete opposite of how the premiere party went down. Highlights of the event included the Q & A session after the screening where the cast opened up and shared their personal experiences on the show, and Briana, arguably the show’s most outspoken cast member, shutting this girl down in the audience. (I wanted to pick the poor woman’s face up for her.)

After its all said and done, (For those that follow the show) Brooke and Christian finally got together, (just like we said months ago), and Briana launched her bag line.

View Results Discussions

In case you missed it, check out a clip of the season finale:

No M’aam!

Ian Jarrell — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:47:59 +0000

This NO M’aam was spotted over the weekend at Club Touch. I get the whole paint outfits…but sweetheart where is your pastie? She is a brave woman, I give her that. I just pray she was paid to go out like this LOL. You can check out who else was spotted at Club Touch over the weekend

Kelly & Ashlie of BET’s Harlem Heights (why does Kelly always have that blank expression on her face?)

Dine Out: Harlem Heights Edition

Aura — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:54:10 +0000

In a recent interview with GiantMag.com, Briana, an outspoken cast member from BET’s new Harlem based reality series “Harlem Heights“, defends the show’s sometimes criticized depiction of “The Real Harlem”:

“I’m not sure how you can represent the ‘real Harlem.’ I am Harlem. I stay in Harlem, I pay taxes in Harlem, I hang out in Harlem, my friends live in Harlem…No, I’m not from Harlem but New York is full of people that are not from here. And that’s what makes it so diverse and that’s what makes it different from the rest of the world. It’s not where you’re from and it’s where you’re at, and I’m in Harlem.”

Me, being a NYC transplant from Atlanta, GA myself, I couldn’t agree more. One of the things that I do like the most about the show is that it focuses on all of the hot spots in Harlem, and gives us the scoop on where to visit if we do venture uptown.

We’re greedy bloggers, so of course, we’re always looking for the best places to eat in the city. With that being said, these Harlem Heights folks laid out a cool site that showcases all of their favorite spots, and tell why they like these places. This way, if you’re ever in Harlem, you have no excuse not to know where to visit. Some of the spots highlighted include Harlem Lanes, Body nightclub, Covo (love Italian food!), Rack and Soul, and more.

Check out their “Harlem Spots” HERE

Events: Harlem Heights Screening @ Johnny Utah’s

Ian Jarrell — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:10:11 +0000

The other night ATF attended the Harlem Heights Screening @ Johnny Utah’s in NYC. The screening was pretty dope, I ran into a lot of familiar faces. Three of our fab men were in the building, Chavis, Lamar, and Christian. It always good to see the fellas out and about. I didn’t know if I was going to enjoy the show, with so many people around, but watching the cast reactions was actually the best part of the night. You can catch more of the recap after the jumpI have grown to become a fan of the show “Harlem Heights”. Its very interesting to watch them, most likely because I have met most of the cast and always see them out and about at events. This was, hands down, one of the best episodes, as they definitely turned up the drama; however, I am still mad Aura and I didn’t get our camera time during the Open Mic scene. All you fab readers should definitely catch the show Monday nights on BET, as it’s becoming a lot juicer. Brooke & Briana are just bringing it, and they keep me so entertained. Those are some real best-friends, and its definitely not just for TV.

I have to say this, it was so funny seeing how hype Jason got once he heard a Jim Jones record pay up in there. That was truly pure comedy, he is so Harlem. The screening was held at Johnny Utah’s in Midtown. I didn’t know what to expect, but I sure didn’t expect to see a mechanical bull in the center of the bar/restaurant/club, and yes it was all of them in one. It was funny seeing people fall on their face off the bull, especially Pierre. I just knew he was going to get on the damn bull.

Overall it was a pretty good event, and I really enjoyed being around good people and having a good time. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has to bring. I also have to mention Ally Love from the cast performing DIVA in the middle of the VIP, that was priceless. I am going to have to check out Johnny Utah’s again, and try the bull.

Shout to Pierre of Harlem Heights for the invite.

All photos courtesy of Taj Washington

Harlem Heights Episode Viewing Party @ Johnny Utah’s

Aura — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:49:25 +0000

Party with the cast of BET’s “Harlem Heights” TONIGHT at Johnny Utah’s. That place is kind of random, but hey, whatever works! Looks like its going to be good times. Don’t be surprised if you see me trying to ride the bull.

Johnny Utah’s is located at:

25 W. 51st Street
New York, NY

Couple Alert: Harlem Heights Edition

Ian Jarrell — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:27:30 +0000

Word on the street is that Brooke Jasmyn & Christian of “Harlem Heights” are a couple! I am glad to see that Brooke has bounced back from Kanye West, I guess Christian is her “Knight In Shining Armor”. When I first saw the two together, you could so tell that they had chemistry. I am waiting for the episode when they hook up, that is going to be very interesting. I wonder how Ashlie & Pierre feel about all this? The season is just going to get better from here…Catch Harlem Heights on BET @ 10pm Mondays

*Update* If you don’t know who Christian is, check him out after the jump.

Meet Christian – BET's "Harlem Heights"
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