Ladies Night Out: Girls, Gossip, & Grey

On Wednesday February 8th I attended the exclusive advanced screening of Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to the box office hit, Fifty Shades of Grey. The private screening which was held at the private Dolby 88 Screening Room in NYC was hosted by the powerhouse women of The Latina Connect, a bilingual, bicultural company that serves as the portal to “where dope Latinas of influence & power connect”. In attendance were some of the most influential Latinas in NYC. Celebrity guests included plus size model Denise Bidot, and singers Christina Milian and Kat DeLuna along with well known Fashion and Beauty Instagram influencers.

The movie, which officially hits theaters today was every bit as sexy and intense as the book. In the sequel we see the complicated relationship of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele develop. Ana is very much guided by her heart when it comes to Christian and though she can never fully become the submissive that Christian tried so hard to make her be in the first movie, they manage to find some middle ground. Though at times the movie lends itself to being a psychological thriller, this film delves a little deeper into Christian’s past and sheds some light on some of the demons he carries with him. It was really much more than the BDSM reputation the book is known for. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and would recommend it for a date night or just a night out with the girls. And though attending a private screening before the movie is actually out is exciting in itself, what I really looked forward to was the after party that took place at swanky beauty salon Bar Beaute in midtown. If you’ve ever been to a Latina Connect event then you know they epitomize class and no detail is overlooked. If you haven’t then just know they put on some of the best events in NYC.

Following the movie I, along with Dreemkacher app CEO Raygrid Calderon and a bevy of other Latina influencers headed over to the swanky beauty salon Bar Beaute NYC . The salon in its all white décor, and beautiful wall to wall window overlooking 6th avenue was decorated with quotes from the movie as well as Fifty Shades Darker posters. There were Giusseppe Zanotti shoes on display along with masquerade masks adding to the Fifty Shades Darker theme. In one corner of the room was a Phhhoto booth to capture the mood of the evening. Needless to say there were many great moments captured. I have to say the photo booth has become one of my favorite parts of The Latina Connect events. The instant moving pictures are always so much fun. With unlimited miniature bottles of champagne sponsored by Moet USA, we had our choice of Moet & Moet Rosé to sip on while the hors d'oeuvres provided by @nicelook_nic ensured our bellies were full and happy.

As the ladies mingled and networked it was nice to see so many influential Latinas from diverse backgrounds connect and celebrate. It was a clear reminder of the collective power and influence we have as Latinas and as women. The night was an incredible success and I thank The Latina Connect for always curating events and campaigns that directly resonate with the authenticity and unique lifestyle of Latinas. If you’re looking for something to get into this weekend go check out Fifty Shades of Darker. You won’t be disappointed.