A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Last night, Ant and I got the chance to experience a full concert with his diva Janet Jackson (www.janet-xone.com/) at The Madison Square Garden (www.thegarden.com/). This was a milestone for us as he's accompanied me to see Miss Ross a handful of times. And he and I have been an audience with Janet Jackson inside a couple of parties and TV appearances she's done. But this is the first Janet concert as she has not toured in a bit. Though oddly-paced-and-conceived in some spots, it still proved to be a GREAT SHOW. And I was SO EXCITED to see Miss Jackson perform a pre-"Control" medley of "Young Love"; "Say You Do"; and "Don't Stand Another Chance" - excerpts from the repertoire that first made me fall in love with Miss Jackson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96AsdVThjXY). And Janet's career challenges-of-late have made her no less popular in the eyes and hearts of her fans - many of whom are our friends. It was Labelle last week, but this week Nathan Hale Williams (www.nathanhalewilliams.com/); "Noah's Arc" creator Patrik-Ian Polk (www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/noahs_arc_jumping_broom/series.jhtml); and I were in place for Miss Jackson. My friend from MTV Luther Burke was there as well as good buddy Quincy Ballon (www.galleryqb.com). We got to enjoy listening to Janet's "Discipline" when it first came out earlier this year. Also, there was my "Theo" Perry; Mr. Diaz; Kareem; etc. --- all in the arena to see Miss Jackson. She brought BIG SMILES to our faces!!! As I've shared excerpts from my best friend Michael K. Watts' "LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW" e-newsletter (soon to be a full-fledged website that is currently under construction), I send you to the following link to see his review of Janet's show via my MYSPACE: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=122389377.

As you folks know, I am excited to be doing more on-camera work as a TV personality and pop culture analyst. CN8's "Your Morning" (www.cn8.tv) has called on me before to share my take on satirical comedy "Tropic Thunder" (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/CN8YourMorning.wmv) via satellite from CNN's studios in New York City. My NABJ friend and CN8 "Your Morning" anchor Greg Coy originally asked me to do the show back in August when we attended UNITY '08 in Chicago. The next request that came my way from the show's producers was for me to put together a FIRST LADY FASHION SHOW SEGMENT that we shot LIVE! last Wednesday morning out of CN8's Philadelphia studio, which runs out of the Loew's Philadelphia hotel lobby (www.LoewsHotels.com/Philadelphia).

THE GOAL: I was to pull together looks inspired by: Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Cindy McCain, Hillary Clinton, and a moment (during Michelle Obama's style segment) in which 'the first First lady of style' Jackie Kennedy was homaged.

THE CHALLENGES: There was NO PAY but assured exposure (as CN8's 'Your Morning' reaches upwards of 9 million COMCAST subscribers up the Eastern seaboard from Virginia to Maine). With that, I had to identify designers, models, style consultants, etc. --- all of whom I needed to agree to this effort FOR FREE! And one-day-at-a-time, it all came together. My good friends at MB and Associates Public Relations out of Haddonfield, NJ (www.mbandassociatespr.com) hooked me up with their clients Leehe Fai (www.leehefai.com/) and Knit Wit (www.knitwitonline.com), both stellar boutiques in the heart of Downtown Philly. Then, to achieve my eyewear look for Sarah Palin, Omega Optical (www.omegaoptical.net) stepped in and not only provided that look, but a pair of Jackie Kennedy-inspired eyewear. And of course, we need fab footwear. Enter my brother friend Ron Donovan and his great heels (www.rondonfoot.com/).

THE SUPPORT: I sent out a query far-and-wide for models who would be willing to work with us on this segment. It would require that they not only be available bright-and-early on the morning of the segment, but that they meet us the day prior for their fittings. And for no pay or per diem, that's a bit of a huge commitment to make. But I apparently sent my requests to the right people. My Philadelphia friends like Cheryl Wadlington, who is the exemplar of all things fashion and style, made sure all of her folks knew about my project and so many of them responded on the strength of her endorsement (www.evoleurconsultants.com). She not only led me to some great models who were willing to work with me for free, but she led me to other style consultants who supported this project. Also, my NABJ sister Elizabeth Wellington, fashion writer at "The Philadelphia Inquirer" (www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/elizabeth_wellington/), hipped many folks to me - several of whom I outreached to work with Ant and me. (I knew I wasn't doing this without Ant who you recall worked with me as style consultant on "The Hugh Thompson Show" from AT&T's Technical Station - http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickHughThompsonShow.wmv): Celebrity Fashion Stylist Debra Ginyard called and said she wanted to work with us. She boasts Robin Givens as a client. We were happy to have her on-board. She and Ant's advisement made the process run smoothly (and kept my sanity in place).  Also, Carla Clarkson brought her brilliant hair expertise to the table (www.markistarr.com). And though she got a paid gig that I insisted she take, we almost had our own make-up sponsor Ursula Augustine with whom I'm sure I'll work sometime soon. "Ursula's About Phace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio" is in Philly and for said services, you should check her out: www.aboutphace201.com.

THE MODELS & THE SEGMENT:

Under the supervision of Emmy-award-winning CN8 "Your Morning" producer Traci Benjamin, we pulled it off. As everyone is abuzz about the Presidential election, we too have been talking about fashion and style as it relates to this women newsmakers.

CINDY MCCAIN

Cindy McCain is known for her couture by the likes of Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Escada. Here well-tailored power suits fit her in true-first-lady style. We styled our model Cathy with a great look (By the way, Ant found Cathy during his summer with ‘The Wendy Williams Show'. He booked and produced her for one of the show's opens. He thought she'd be perfect for this segment... and she was!).

Care of Knit Wit (www.knitwitonline.com), we styled Cathy in:

• a beige, short cardigan with jeweled décor along the neckline by Schumacher (www.fschumacher.com/collections/designer.aspx) - $400
• black dress with a cowl neck by Piazza Sempione (www.piazzasempione.com/)- $800
• shoes by Ron Donovan (www.rondonfoot.com/) - $580

This may read pricy but you can find versions of Cindy McCain's looks at Ann Taylor.

MICHELLE OBAMA

Now Michelle Obama's style is best defined by its fit and - from time-to-time - she likes color if not just bold touches. To capture the essence of Michelle Obama's style, we have beautiful model Charisse.

• We chose a fitted, two-tone, black & gray Mandalay dress with bejeweled waist line. (http://www.zenysboutique.com/Mandalay_Dresses_Corsets_s/8.htm) - $1,000.

• Too, Michelle Obama is often compared to the epitome of first lady fashion, Jackie Kennedy. We let Charisse sport a pair of Chanel 2008 sunglasses (www.chanel.com/) - $375.

Leehe Fai (www.leehefai.com/) provided these looks.

HILLARY CLINTON

Though Hillary Clinton is not a style exemplar per se, she does have a style. "The sisterhood of pant suits" must not be ignored. We found our model Valerie at Temple University (www.temple.edu/) where she is the director of Development and Alumni Affairs at the College of Education.

• Back to Knit Wit (www.knitwitonline.com), "Only Hearts" (www.ABriefAffair.com/OnlyHearts) honored the pant suit but with a softer silhouette and rayon/polyester blend that has stretch. The pants are high-waisted and have a wide leg. $289 (for two-piece) and the black jacket that has some fringed-detailing along the lower back.
• A pale pink, silk Diane Von Furstenburg blouse with an asymmetrical neckline (www.dvf.com/dvf) - $155

SARAH PALIN:

We booked the stunning Marie Antoinette to represent this look. And though non-traditionally cast, Marie Antoinette shares something in common with Sarah Palin: 5 kids.

We went back to Leehe Fai (www.leehefai.com/) to pull Sarah Palin's reported six-figure look which some describe as "sexy librarian" or "hot for teacher".

There's:

• the dressy, black and bejeweled, short, wool-mix jacket by Nanette Lepore

(www.nanettelepore.com/) - $460.

• a fitted black skirt by Robert Rodriguez (www.robertrodriguezcollection.com/) - $227

• a sheer pink top by Rebecca Taylor (www.rebeccataylor.com/) - $218

• shoes by Jessica Simpson (www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/) - $89

• signature Palin frames by Kazuo Kawasaki (www.italee.com/kawa/main.htm) - $375

The LIVE segment went VERY WELL as feedback goes. Connie, the co-host, was really into the looks. (My buddy Greg was in DC on assignment). When I get a copy of the segment, I'll be sure to share it with you in an upcoming blog entry! Thanks to each and everyone of the amazing folks who believed in me and this idea to see it come to fruition.

During these economically challenged times, I - myself - have been focused on solutions, a way to push out of debt and into the zone of prosperity and abundance. The aforementioned shoot with CN8 required many a stretch on Ant's and my part to make it work. Since this particular client didn't have a budget to send for me or put me up, I had to get creative - even foregoing a good night's sleep in Philly to return home from our busy day of fittings; get dressed (Ant styling me and cutting my hair to save money); and back on the road to Philly (with little to no sleep). It was quite a chore, but one I stood inside of powerfully as I know this is a part of what I need to be doing towards taking my brand to the next level.

Last year this time, I seemed to have all my ducks in a row: a bit of a savings (not an optimum amount but enough for a rainy day); a regular freelance gig on which I was assured from where my next check was coming; and freedom to look into the next chapter of my career - doing more on-camera personality work in the realm of pop culture and entertainment... and that had begun to pick-up - even at that time.

If I did an end-of-the-year review, I can favorably check off my list of successes:

* CN8's 'Your Morning' (for which I did a recent live shot on 'Tropic Thunder'- http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/CN8YourMorning.wmv);

* BET's "The Truth" w/Jeff Johnson - http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/TheTruth.wmv

* 'NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams' -http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#24974371(or via YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw

*'The Hugh Thompson Show' (AT&T's Technical Station) -http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickHughThompsonShow.wmv

A host of other work, including a money-winning appearance on "Million Dollar Password" with Regis Philbin:

* GENERAL TALENT REEL:http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv

And as evidenced in my blog, there has been an endless stream of blessings and opportunities that have come my way.

That said, I too got phased out of that lucrative contract that allowed me to make ends meet, though work continues to come my way from that client... and more. It just requires a bit more of a song-and-dance with creditors and my modest lifestyle. Bottom line: There's less work and piling bills. And both Ant and I are pursuing any applicable work we can attract our way to manage it all. (This, as his work with "The Wendy Williams Show" doesn't pick up until Summer 2009 - so he is applying a slew of places from production companies to part-time work. For me, it's freelance field producing work; voice work; auditions for some holiday singing gigs; etc.) One friend recommended I look into waiting tables or bartending to make ends meet. I have never done such, but maybe this is the reality now. Not sure. I do know something has to change quickly as things are tighter than ever right now.

And I know it's not just me nor just Ant and me. We are clear that we are not alone in our respective plights. Sharing with friends has proven to be healing and has made a heavy situation lighter. This, as we all represent a range of socio-economic levels and professions. But we are ALL impacted and HUMBLED by the LESSONS we are all continuing to learn through our ONE-DAY-AT-A-TIME struggle that we are optimistic will soon pass. But boy! Howthis ECONOMIC CRUNCH has taken a bite out of our lifestyles that only in America we are all privileged to have(and will hopefully have again).

*There's a good girlfriend of mine who just called me. She's inside of a new pattern of chasing checks as she aims to put pennies together to pay rent, etc. One client alerted her they would put the check in the mail to her. She said 'No!!!! I'll come and get it!' This, as she needed the money NOW! She picked up the check and went straight to the bank to deposit it - begging the teller to put the money in as cash instead of waiting to approve the funds. The teller declined her request. She spent the rest of that weekend trying to figure out how she was going to make it through as those funds weren't available until the following Monday.

* Another girlfriend called us recently to be consoled. She is an accountant at a luxury condo (and everybody knows real estate is an industry not immune to these current economic straits). Well, this particular buddy is well-known in our circles as a fashionista. It's probably a bit of a sickness that she has so many great designer shoes and bags, etc. And up to the point where the market took a downturn, she could afford them at a price point of $600-a-pair (though there may be an argument as to why she didn't put some away). With that, she had to return a pair of Gucci stilettoes. She says she was crying as she approached the clerk who wondered 'What is wrong?' She said 'I have never returned a pair of shoes in my life. But I need the money!' Sad, but - like the friends we are (in part because we so understand her plight) - we laughed. In fact, we howled!!!

* In my own household, suddenly a dime is like 'gold' for us. Once scoffed at snottily, the 'change bucket' in the kitchen has proven to be a saving grace on many fronts as we sometimes find ourselves waiting on the next check for freelance work we've done (with no reserves to boot right now). When the food delivery guy comes, we end up going to that 'change bucket' for his tip (That used to be a few dollar bills that these days we sometimes can't access). The other day, a clerk at our neighborhood store must have thought that my partner Ant was'crazed' as he paid for a handful of groceries with 'dimes'. This, because he needed the quarters from the 'change bucket' for laundry (which we normally would send out to the wash/dry/fold but can't afford these days). Oh! How the mighty have fallen... SMILE!

DESPERATE? YES... and DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES! But through it all, there is LAUGHTER!

I got a recent assignment in Atlanta. It was a tough one to accept as I had little to no funds to front the trip. As a freelancer, I have to pay for things like car service to and from the airport; meals; any other incidentals and then I submit for reimbursement. (Fortunately, the flights and hotels are taken care of.) This particular dispatch came as several checks were processed (for previous work) but none had arrived. Moreover, I had little cash on me. With that, I couldn't afford to say NO to the work. But I too couldn't really afford to do the work. I remember hearing often in the church "If you take one step, HE'll take two". And through some very dear friends, God showed up and showed out! My good girlfriend Audrey, who heads up an assignment team at CNN (www.cnn.com) and has been a dear friend for years (I've blogged about her endlessly in this blog.). I hipped her to my financial conundrum and she stepped in and made sure I had some money to get by. "No need to be humble and grateful," Audrey pointed out. "I know that you have always been so good to me. It is the least I can do for you. I love you and always will." We enjoyed this transaction over "Spice Market" at midtown Atlanta's "W" Hotel (www.starwoodhotels.com). My ‘original Amazing Grace' Natalie and several other Amazing Graces (Chandra, Tata, and my sister Janice) and dear friends (Ern, Michael, Mario, etc.) also stepped in and helped ‘cause de Patrick' - ensuring I had some slush to hold me together during this temporary lull. Natalie pointedly assisted me to hold back a seemingly endless stream of tears (READ: frustration) and focus on the blinding light ahead of me that promises a tide turn. Speaking of Atlanta and a world that is far away from what I'm experiencing right now, have you seen "Real Housewives of Atlanta" (www.bravotv.com/Real_Housewives_Of_Atlanta/season/1/index.php)? Though overtly materialistic and shallow and grossly extravagant, I want not to like it. But I LOVE IT! It's a GUILTY PLEASURE, I guess. It's an ASPIRATIONAL piece to which I would ADD HUMILITY and mix in my own world, God willing such riches will be mine one day. One of the housewives Nene is a hoot and I was excited to see her "Big Willie" Dwight who is a good friend of my platonic boo (I call him) Carl Nelson. Ant thinks I would make a good host for the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion. I reached out to my Morehouse brother and fab event planner Jamahl King (www.stepsevents.com/jamal.html) - gleaning that he must know some (if not all) of these ladies from the socialite scene of Atlanta. And he was helpful to get me some contacts inside that world. Next stop: ABUNDANCE!

Upon my return to New York City, I rushed up to the Red Eye Grill (www.redeyegrill.com) where my long-standing industry buddy (and Chandra's former boss from years ago), publicist Juanita Stephens, threw an intimate set for neo-soul Ashford-and-Simpson ‘Kindred' (www.hiddenbeach.com or www.kindredthefamilysoul.com or www.myspace.com/kindredthefamilysoulspace). Food and wine were abundant as the impressive group of journalists gathered and caught up on Fatin and Aja's highly-anticipated third release "The Arrival" (due October 23, 2008). The hip and humble parents of five made time for everyone. Plus, those of us fellow journalists got the chance to catch up. All of these pictures were taken by my date Charlie T (www.charlietphotography.net/) who graciously filled in for Ant who needed to be in Brooklyn by the side of his "Amazing Grace" Manivone. She was celebrating a birthday (during my astrological sign of Scorpio). Charlie T made sure to get pix of me with everyone. Publisher of my favorite monthly mag "Sister 2 Sister" Jamie Foster Brown (www.s2smagazine.com) was in the house and I finally got the chance to connect to her. Kenya Byrd (www.essence.com); David Nathan (www.davidnathan.com/); my Michael and Nichole; and a host of others were in the house. As things grow a hair more challenging for all involved in our varied industries, it is nice to see everybody and know what support and suggestions you can bring to the table.

Even though there are challenges in the job market, the parties continue. As long as Ant and I can be creative to get to these sets, it's cool to take our minds off of our troubles and to network accordingly. More than a cocktail, we truly are spinning our wheels to attract some more work our way... in our industry of choice. And a photo-op with legendary supermodel Iman (www.imancosmetics.com) doesn't hurt. Though she tried not to get caught up in a web of endless pix, she couldn't deny me as I have interviewed her several times and we've worked together blissfully on a couple of occasions. Nathan Hale Williams (www.nathanhalewilliams.com/) and Crystal McCreary Anthony co-Executive Produce along with BET-J exec Sean Johnson (www.bet.com/ontv/betjshows) "Real Life Divas" (www.bet.com/OnTV/BETJShows/reallifedivas/), which is celebrating its 2^nd season on BETJ at Merkato 55 (www.merkato55nyc.com/) with an array of industry players - including Bethann Hardison - and other dear friends - including my Terri Bowles and her husband Alvin who is a BET exec as well. It's always a pleasure to see The Bowles. You'll recall, Terri and I are a part of a dinner group that we call The Pentavaurate.  Remember Taimak from ‘Berry Gordy's "The Last Dragon"'? Well, he was there. Also, Jeff Johnson of BET's "The Truth with Jeff Johnson" (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/TheTruth.wmv). Author and TV producer Adrienne Lopez was in the house along with my good girlfriend Z100 radio personality Shelley Wade with whom I've done an "American Idol" DIVA Chat or two over the last year (http://zzone.z100.com/shelley/blog/2008/05/14/jason_castro__idol_chat or

http://z100.com/cc-common/common-nyc/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=americanidol6chats

or

http://zzone.z100.com/shelley/blog/2008/04/30/idol_diva_chat). She was gracious to get Ant and me home to Jersey as she lives in our parts as well. EBONY Creative Director Harriette Cole (www.ebony.com/) was there. And Ern's good friend Anne Marie Stripling who heads up video promotions at Zomba (www.zombalabelgroup.com/) was there and got the chance to finally meet  Ant and ‘my Theo' as they all have Denver roots in common.

Also, my buddies Karu Daniels (www.blackvoices.com/blogs/bloggers/karu-f-daniels) and Kevin-Anthony (www.b2productions.xbuild.com or www.myspace.com/b2bookings or www.myspacec.om/sambucca18) were there. Kevin-Anthony is hosting the return of his "Black 2: Broadway" franchise tomorrow. It's an exclusive event celebrating the contributions of performers of color in the arts. Celebrting the life and work of Broadway Veterans BJ Crosby & Adrian Bailey, this beautiful evening will feature performances by Broadway's Chuck Cooper, Marva Hicks, Ebony Jo-Ann, Tina Fabrique, Alyson Williams, The Broadway Boys, Victor Trent Cook, and many more at The Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture located in Harlem (www.nypl.org).