I love a good drink in a nice bar, but you know what I really enjoy? A restaurant with the foresight to install those lovely purse hooks underneath their bar. Unfortunately, not all of my fave resty’s do this – and I’m forced to figure where to put my Louis Vuitton that isn’t:

1) on the floor – bad karma and it’s dirty…

2) back of my chair – where I’m waiting to be robbed…

Thankfully, I’ve found The Hookup, a sexy purse hook that comes in both platinum and gold to save your Louis Vuitton (or Marc, or Chanel or____) from the floor or that table of shifty dinners next to you. And to make sure this do-hickey works, we’re sending two Parlouristas out on the town with the Hookup to see it in action.

Don’t worry, we’re not having all of the fun — we’ve got a stash of Hookups to give out to you ladies beginning Dec. 9-18, so click the link below and sign up to win! C’mon…you know you want one!

Click here to sign up!

Tattoos, like beauty, are singular to each woman and Jaz, owner of Brooklyn’s Black Lotus Tattoo Parlour, believes in your originality as much as the ladies of Parlour. That said, J. Bakes, Mahogs and I invite you to “In Celebration of Her Skin” this Saturday, November 14. It will be a day of manicures, tattoos, photography and, of course, wine. Make your appointment now and get 10% off along with a free manicure!

+ This Thursday, look out for a conversation between J. Bakes, who has a fab tattoo from Black Lotus on her back, and Jaz about what first timers should look for in a tattoo shop, how to avoid scarring, and what colors work best for which skin types.

As promised, here the conversation between J. Bakes, who has a fab back tattoo from Black Lotus, and Jaz about what first timers should look for in a tattoo shop, how to avoid scarring, and what colors work best for which skin types. Enjoy!

“…As a tattoo artist, you have to be delicate, especially with women”
True story. I’m alone, laying on a table basically topless, with at 250lb+ man moving a needle up in down my back—and i’m the most calm and comfortable I’ve been in some time. I’m chilling in the private studio of master tattoo artist, Jaz Toeque, owner of Jaz Tattoo/Black Lotus Gallery in Brooklyn, NYC talking all types of smack, listening to a mix of Nine Inch Nails and Burning Spear and generally enjoying time to myself. Of course, tattooing isn’t for everyone, but when it comes time to get some ink, think of it with the same care as choosing a doctor—after all this is your skin and once it’s done…it’s done. With over 15 years of experience, i’m in good hands and my back piece is looking awesome, so much that I thought I’d share—Jaz took some time to answer some common questions about our purrty skin, tattooing, as well as how not to end up with “Mookie Forever” on your thigh.

Parlour: Jaz, your resume and network stretches across the globe, yet you have chosen to open your studio in Brooklyn as opposed to Manhattan? What made you stay close to home? Jaz: I think Brooklyn needs me. Black Lotus is a high profile shop, the things that we offer here are not the usual that you have in Brooklyn.

I’ve heard you stress that Black Lotus, and you especially, don’t really engage in any “flash work” and focus on custom artwork. What was to motive behind that decision?
Well I’m tired of people going to tattoo parlors and picking something off the wall and seeing someone else walking behind them that picks the same tattoo. I believe tattoos are a personal thing so everyone should have their own image – something that fits them, to show who they are. So I believe I came back to NY, to Brooklyn, to do that.

What should any woman take into consideration before getting a tattoo?
Location, location, location! (more…)

Ebone was the winner of our contest and  lucky recipient of two tickets to see Anthony Hamilton, as well as a chance to parlay backstage. Congratulations! If you want to get a chance to experience the Parlour life, become a Parlourista today!

Anthony Hamilton’s concert was an amazing, unforgettable experience; I heard orgasmic reactions behind my friend Kisha and I, watched an over-the-top attention seeker in front of us, and noticed one very excited mother, Mrs. Hamilton, two seats down from us (yes, our seats were that amazing, Parlour outdid themselves), singing, clapping, and shouting like a fan (aw!).

Up first was the beautiful Chrisette Michele, working her soulful voice and putting us all in a grown and sexy mood. Next came Musiq with his all-girl band—HOTNESS!—tossing out teddy bears and roses to the women. (more…)

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a music journalist? Dying to see your name in a byline? Well here’s your chance. We are offering one lucky winner a chance to go to next Thursday’s Anthony Hamilton concert at NYC’s WAMU Theater at Madison Square Garden and write about your experience on Parlourmagazine.com. The winner will be awarded two tickets to the show (you plus one guest) and a platform to write your own review.

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