CL PHOTOSHOOT with Lady La...

Check out the behind the scenes video for the CL Holiday Calle Ocho Ring that will soon be available at Karmaloop.com on Dec 15th. (CL site will drop it in January). CL invited Lady La from The Fresh Fiends all the way from Arizona to rock the hell out of the Calle Ocho Ring. She did an amazing job!

Shout to photographer Ray Tamarra, Lena Naomi on Hair & Make-Up for Beauty is Global, Nails by Me (Annie Basulto) for 'Cure Beauty Bar and a special thanks to Elsie Quintero from 1980's group Left Lane for letting CL use her song "Bam Bam". Enjoy!

Alicia on Oprah 11.30.09...

Yesterday was very exiting...Alicia Keys performed on Oprahs Holiday Extravaganza with Tim McGraw. For a mili-second that the CL bracelet was apart of a Alicia Keys Oprah sandwich! LOL! Alicia spoke about her Holiday traditions and her favorite Christmas gift! It was dope!

Alicia Keys on the Today Show...

Alicia Keys in the exclusive gold metal mesh neck scarf today for her performance on the Today Show.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

EZO Magazine

Issue #3 of EZO is out now with FeFe Dobson on the cover reppin some CL. Shout to stylist Chanda Renee for the love.

XXL DEC | JAN 2010 issue...

CL was all over the new XXL Mag Holiday double issue. Shout to stylist Rose Garcia for using the collection on the eye candy of the year. And of course shout to Coffey for getting me a modeling gig and featuring CL in the fashion story, the gift guide and the Remy Martin advidtorial. Click image to enlarge.

CL LOOKBOOK VIDEO...

PEEP THE CL LOOKBOOK VIDEO PROVIDED BY THE TALENTED TWITCH AND RAWTHENTIX CREATIVE. THANKS TO DANA LAROCK FOR LETTING US USE "CRUSHER".

Gold Money Nov 12...

Come through to the heavily ovulating femme event featuring 3 dope DJ's, Radio Rose, Bonnie Danger & Jasmine Solano. Gold Money features a shiny gold filled party with the industries most shiny stars!
Cubannie Links will be providing $5 Minx on site! Minx & Links is a collaborative effort between jewelry designer Annie Basulto of Cubannie Links and Cure Beauty Bar owner Lashunda Davis. Minx & Linx integrates an upscale environment at Cure's Clinton Hill location, and Annie's jewelry savvy skills, to create a special recipe for each individual client. Providing Minx, nail art, swarovski crystals, chain art and many more creative options. www.curebk.com www.cubannielinks.com

Alicia Keys Latin Grammy's 2009

Check out Alicia Keys on the green carpet at the Latin Grammy's yesterday in Vegas in the Cubannie Links Coco Knocker Silver bracelet. Her stylist has great taste! LOL!

Alicia performed “Looking for Paradise” with Latin singer Alejandro Sanz.

Lady La 2010 Calendar for Autism

Arizona morning show radio personality Lady La has been doing some amazing charitable work this year, hosting events to fund raise money for charities and now she has funded her very own 2010 Calendar that is on sale now. The cause is autism, something that is very close to home, her younger brother is autistic.

All money raised from the Lady La calendar will be donated to Act Today!, an organization that provides grant money for families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need. From protective helmets, to social skills groups, to ABA and biomedical treatments, ACT Today! does everything they can to help autistic children achieve their highest potential.

I am proud to say I was the very 1st person to order the calendar. You too can purchase one and know YOUR money is going to an amazing cause that will benefit amazing and brilliant children just like La's brother Derrick .

Click here if you're down for the cause!

Arizona news Station 3TV covered her contribution to Autism research:

I am very proud that Cubannie Links was apart of this calendar by donating some jewels for the shoot, which of course look gorgeous on her!

Fall | Winter 10 Inner Goddess Collection

ERThe CL Fall | Winter '10 Inner Goddess Collection features a gang of NYC grinders and talent to bring you an eye pleasing collection. This collection amplifies the independence of NYC femmes behind the camera as well as featured.
Using the production skills of R.A.W. Creative Agencys own Ness, who has a background in just about everything fashion & dance along with her partner in business Pete, helped to make magic!
CL models include...NYC DJ Miranda and dancers Irmak & Blaze, bringing their attitude and presence so many already respect.
Behind the scenes we teamed up with Elixabet photography, Twitch who freaked lookbook graphics and video, female brands like Hellz and of course the amazing talent of RARE studios including Alana and Fatima who killed it with hair, make-up faux tattoos and props. We shot at RARE studios amazing Tribeca location thanks to owner Ruth Roche.
The efforts of all involved make my heart skip a beat! The CL collection is now available online as well as at R.A.W. Creatives boutique Special Sauce in Long Island.
Click here to read the complete CL press release...

PEEP THE CL LOOKBOOK VIDEO PROVIDED BY THE TALENTED TWITCH AND RAWTHENTIX CREATIVE. THANKS TO DANA LAROCK FOR LETTING US USE "CRUSHER".

A letter...

When I didn't know the time or the day of the week, she told me. She was always in my ear about getting to work on time. Or when my girl from out of town would visit. She had my back like that.

When I have something on my mind, ideas, thoughts, she's usually there open arms ready to listen.

Matter of fact, I was with her before she got into shape and got all skinny. I loved her for what who she was, not her size.

Sometimes, I write to Miami to tell them I miss them and ask Moms how the family is doing. And you personally hand delivery it. That's a friend.

Remember that time I was stuck in the airport in Atlanta on my birthday night cause the weather? You called me up and we played games all night to help me pass the time. That was so selfless of you.

You were the middle man during all my sly conversations with my guy so I can sneak an "I love you" in there, a "What do you wanna eat for dinner?" and sometimes even a "why did u hang up on me?"...you made that happen and never complained.

Please get your mind right so we can work it out. I miss you.

Annie

T-boz at The Mo'Nique Show

Aside from T-boz wearing my Matanzas bracelets...this was a really good interview!

Tahiry in Complex.com

Shout to stylist Rose Garcia for repping CL in the Complex.com interview with Joe Buddens ex, Tahiry! CL got so much love in the behind the scene video, be sure to watch!

Check out the CL site!

New Season, New Pieces, Same Eff'ed up attitude!

T-boz in Freedom Tri-Rings...

CL is a huge fan of T-boz and all the amazing things she doing in her music career and as the spokesperson of The Sickel Cell Disease organization. Happy to know she finds the time to be such a supporter of the CL collection! You gooooooooooo Tionne!

Tionne in CL Freedom Tri-rings September 11, 2009 Baltimore Ravens event.

CL in Mademe Fall 09 Lookbook...

The CL & MadeMe crew has gotten together on a few lookbooks and I appreciate the love. For MadeMe's Fall 09 Collection, she featured minimal jewelry for a tough girl look. I love when the inspiration boards are all Madonna 80's images, hence the final product...

The Official CL Event, hosted by Mephi & FF...

This weekend was a trip! Hanging out in Phoenix / Scottsdale has been pretty Magical.

Friday Night we hung out at Silver in Downtown Phoenix...aside from the girl fight...It was pretty awesome.

Saturday was the Me-Phi Event, filled with Raffles, BBQ and Cake! Thanks to Derek & Mazeratie for being the most amazing hosts! The Fresh Fiends ladies are like the most gorgeous set of super heros ever, giving Arizona their dose of the new new in the world. They are gorgeous, smart and love to wear my jewelry... Then to Stoudemires where we were treated really well. I dared to try some Jack in the Box that night and I was disappointed. I'm willing to give it another one-more-gain...

Sunday spent the entire day at the W in Scottsdale chillin with La, Joey and all the cool folks I got to meet!

More Pics to come! I am devistated that I'm out Tuesday!

FFxCLxMePhi from Shew on Vimeo.

Cubannie's Annual Thank you's!

Hi Friends, Fam & Supporters!

The CL Cubannie-versary officially kicked off on July 15th. There will be a month long of ways to get your hands on some CL product either Free or at discount. Check out the breakdown. Hope you can help me celebrate!
1) Cubannielinks.com. All online purchase July 15-August 15th are a buy 1 get 1 free.
2) Twitter contest. July 15th-August 20th, every 50th "new follower" will win an exclusive CL (over $50 retail). Starting from follower #548 which was announce on Wednesday. Next winner will be #598. I'll be giving away current and new pieces from the upcoming collection.
3) Arizona here I come. The official anniversary celebration will be in Arizona hosted by the Mephi Store and The Fresh Fiends Blog. Music, food and MEEEEEE!

THANKS TO MY RETAILERS...CL is extremely thankful to all of the retailers who continue to support and believe in the brand. Wishing you the most success and growth as you have always wished for me! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

http://www.curebk.com
http://www.supernovaboutique.com
http://solemateschicago.blogspot.com
http://www.rawthentix-nyc.blogspot.com
http://stylelabmiami.com
http://www.karmaloop.com
http://specialsauceny.blogspot.com
http://www.me-phi.blogspot.com/
http://www.princeandspring.com/
http://www.missfamousstore.com/
http://www.citystoppers.com
http://www.sqheads.com
http://www.exclusive-hawaii.com/
http://xlargestore.blogspot.com/

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

• My family who see no limits for my future (Mom, Dad, Reggie, Angie, Alexis, KB, Ana Marie. Elsie, my nieces and nephews & brother in laws), My love, Coffey and Thryston, thanks for the critiques, the financing and your help, I LOVE YOU!!! MY North Carolina Family, can't wait to visit you (Miss Dot, Melissa & Alicia, Patrick and Pooh fam, all the uncles, anuties, cousins, neices and nephews!. My Miami people who have been there since I was wearing a training bra: Jessica, Manuela, Mio, Erica...Love you guys!
  
• I have to take a moment of course to think of my Abuela Borja who passed on June 30, 2009. Miss you, I've been wearing your ring every day!
  
• Thanks to my special NY/worldwide family, Lauren Schaefer, Carlos Hulick, Shenieke Peru, Chris (Favela Chic), Natalie Smith, Kai & JJ Brown, Serci & Mayor, Radio Rose & Sure Shot, Ray Tamara, Paridee Kosichirinant, Nina Sky & Mike (thanks for the support, the amazing Shop & Drops and for rocking CL so much this year) Erin (MadeMe, for the lookbook love), Laura Stylez (AlistRadio.net), T-Boz, Frase, Lady La (The Fresh Fiends Blog and 98.3fm), J Medina (Hot 97), Kelly & Pistol (P.O.P.) Waury V., Alicia Key, Chanda Renee, Michelle Ten, Dihan Fields- Coard, Lady Loch Ness, M.I.A., Liz & Gab (MISS), Renatta, Dina, Jasmine, Tript (Karmaloop), Bonnita, Divya (Akademiks) thanks for letting CL be apart of your Spr 09 Ad campaign, XXL Magazine, Vibe & Memsor, Bust Magazine, Blackbeat Magazine, Sophia Fresh, Radar Magazine, The Source Will Rawls & Jerome, Complex.com & Anoma, King Magazine, Dorcia Kelly, Mariam Sternoff., Acclaim Magazine & Alex Weiland (AU), Carlene Ferguson, Daniela Frasca, Lashunda Davis, Crumb & Brooklynn, Susana Cardona, Yaniece, AK, Liza Montoya, Mariel Haenn, Habana Outpost & Elvis, The Epiphany Media Crew, Giant Magazine (Aixa & Emil), Sari Baez, Gabby, Trudy, Ocean Drive Magazine, Frenchi I., Jared Ryder, Erskin Felix, Sally Berman, Samantha & Missbehave Mag, Autumn & Brian (Solemates), Fruition & Samantha, Providence & Branch Crew, John Flath & John Lynaugh of GM for the ill rides, Rhianna, Duane Cummings & Gabrielle Union, Kim Snow, Tracy Royal, Sabel at GWC, Angie & Naeshawn Kearse, Ana J., Author of The Cheating Curve Paula T. Renfroe, Hawaii Mike & Steph, Digit, Radhika, Arthi, Ida, Sapphira & Ariadne Molina, Kenni, Tasheena, Kwana & Freddy, Marley Kate, Sam, India & Astrid, Too Fly, Alice M (AM), Skinz (for the birth of the CL logo), Lay-knee (Hellz) LOL, Seneca, Javier S. Mel Peralta and Flud Watches lookbook love, Sharon Lawrence! The list goes on cause I know I forgot someone!

WITHOUT THE BLOGS...the word on the street wouldn't have spread so fast...my supporters wouldn't know what inspired me to start my own business or what my favorite color is...I wouldn't have met so many people who appreciate what I've been doing! I have gained an extremely large group of friends I have never met in person, but have gotten to know them just because of the posts, interview, write-ups and vlogs you guys have taken the time to write! Thank you for making that happen for me! I would name you by name, but I'd rather promote your site, as you have so graciously promoted mine!

www.aroundthewaygirls.blogspot.com/
http://www.thefreshfiends.com/
http://msnotoriouslyaddictive.wordpress.com
http://www.missomnimedia.com/
http://www.latina.com
http://www.missbehavemag.com
http://www.funkyfannys.com/about.html
http://stylisticallyspeaking.blogspot.com
http://worththeweightingold.blogspot.com/
http://bubblegumponys.blogspot.com/
www.gangstarrgirl.com/
http://www.the-fashion-bomb.com/
http://the305.com/
http://www.pozerscene.nl/
http://concreteloop.com
http://www.nitrolicious.com
http://thinkgold.blogspot.com/search
http://dont-trip-yet.blogspot.com
http://clutchmagonline.com
http://www.thisisniki.blogspot.com/
http://beautyandthestreet.blogspot.com
http://www.randumbmiami.blogspot.com/
http://angelaseye.com
http://lipsticklacebrassknuckles.wordpress.com
http://retrogurl.com
http://www.femmething.com
http://urrandomid.blogspot.com
http://fashionista101.com
http://teawithcrumbs.blogspot.com
http://theflist.blogspot.com
http://glammlifestyle.blogspot.com
http://www.frizzifrizzi.it
http://bedstuydoordiaries.tumblr.com/
http://necolebitchie.com
http://www.setyourstyle.com
http://www.thextravaganzashow.com
http://www.inthecompanyofsistas.com
http://www.ellegirl.nl
http://loislanevintage.com
http://www.gottagetthegoods.com/blog/
http://www.thecarrotbox.com
http://www.assatasays.com
http://glassfiction.blogspot.com
http://dirtydebevents.blogspot.com
http://fashion.pocketfullofgold.com/
http://whattheforks.wordpress.com
http://missfitstyles.info/
http://hellz-bellz.com
http://a-morir.com
http://whatsgoodinnyc.blogspot.com/
http://www.cocastyle.blogspot.com
http://www.sickathanaverage.com/
http://www.chicanduntroubled.com/
http://www.5pointmagazine.com/
http://theurbancouture.com/
http://www.tooflynyc.com/
http://www.fludwatches.com/catalog/

Happy 2 year Cubannie-versary!!!

(Click image to enlarge for better preview)

Happy Anniversary Cubannie Links!!! This is my 2nd year in business. Although this anniversary came at not the best time, I just had to pull myself together and appreciate the hard work I put into my collection and celebrate.

I am so excited for this years celebration! Last year a cute free pair of bullets earrings were free with purchase. That was sweet, but I had to step it up.

This year, CL will offer a Buy 1 Get 1 free for any order on the site. As many pieces you buy, that's as many pieces you get to choose from for free (item must be equal to or lesser cost to purchase). When you're checking out, indicate the style # and color info you would like for your free gift. Please use the instructions section at the bottom of the shopping cart. The more info the better.
Then the Twitter community can fight for every 50th slot after follower #448 beginning at 6pm (EST) tonight, Wednesday July 15th. Every 50th new follower will get a Direct message from me, Annie Cubannie, for further instructions to get your free gift for being so loyal! This contest will go on for over a month so there are multiple chances to win. Lastly, CL will celebrate its 2 year Cubannie-versary in Arizona, hosted by Me-Phi and the gorgeous ladies of The Fresh fiends Blog. Event will take place at the Me-phi store located in Scottsdale. For more info & flier please email: 2 years@cubannielinks.com.

Thanks to all for giving me another amazing year of working for myself, having no boss and waking up whenever I want. I may not work a 9-5 but I do work on weekend and holidays...I couldn't be happier doing what I do. This is for the people who at the end, enjoy the fruits of my labor and for that I continue to be motivated. That's family, friends, clients, stylist, celebs, retailers, blogger (I love you guys) and everyone who I have connected with either personally or through my work. Thank you thank you thank you!

Dedicated to my Abuela Borja, who once wanted me to give her the CL bracelets I was wearing one visit. She was so cute!

Welcoming Miss Famous Store

I want to personally introduce Miss Famous. Miss Famous store is an independently owned and operated boutique located in Chicago, Illinois. Carrying high quality jewelry and accessories, as well as select apparel, all at affordable prices! Owner Victoria Sanders keeps busy by stockin' up the freshest and being the proud mommy of two. I love her hustle and wish her all the best!

Shop online at Miss Famous
Keep up with the MFS blog
Follow Miss Famous Store on Twitter

CL summer accessories...

Check out Summer accessories story by 5 Point Magazine. Shout to Dihan!

Fresh Fiends feat. CL...

My girls at the The Fresh Fiends Blog in AZ are always shooting some crazy photoshoot concept! Click here to check it! Models are the bomb and so was the amazing editing job by Xina! Feeling it??? Thanks for giving some rosary love!

Abuela Borja...October 1918 - June 30, 2009

On June 30th 2009 my grandmother passed away. Referred to as "Abuela Borja" by family & friends, Angeles Borja Basulto was a special type of grandmother. She wasn't the "I love you" kissy type, but she made up for that in other ways. From photos and stories, I heard she had a great life as a young adult then started working as a supervisor at Pan Am. Pan Am defined most of her life because she worked for them for over 40 years.

(Abuela Borja at her job pre-Pan Am. probably in late teens, early 20's)

(My Father and his parents. 1940's)

She traveled the world...Germany, Buenos Aires, Italy. I even got a hold of her vintage Fendi Make-up bag that she bought in her travels. I think I'm gonna sport it for a few months in her honor. She had tiny feet so I could never fit into her shoes and amazing vintage clothes from the 60's and 70's...again, very tiny, probably an extra small or a small. The colors and prints in her closet were magical.

(Her original name tag)

At Pan Am she had the opportunity to meet celebrities. She told me she saw and/or met tons of celebrities at one point or another including the Presidents, Recording Artists & Actors. I was always intrigued by that.

(Autographed signature of the Cast of Miami Vice)

Abuela Borja enjoyed cocktails and cigarettes. Do you blame her? She was always the life of the party. She was probably about 5 ft tall and drove a Bonneville (like this one), the longest car on the planet but perfect for a feisty little fire cracker like my grandmother. We called it the banana boat, long and yellow. I used to be so embarrassed when she picked me up from middle school. I regret that...What was I thinking? That was a classic. She was so petite she probably needed a booster seat to see over the steering wheel.

Dancing was something I still got her to do just until May. I have some amazing clips of her dancing with me. These will be cherished forever. There would be no music, just me singing "Lets Dance" by David Bowie. That did the job!

(Above, Abuela Borja is always in the front row for group photos, cause she was always the tiniest.)

PAN AM Advertisement 1975 - MIAMI HERALD

(Pan Am ad in the Miami Herald that ran on Feb 12, 1975. Guess who is front and center...Awww Abuela Borja! She had connections I guess.)

Abuela Borja was infamous for cutting the grass with scissors. She squatted down and cut all day long with a cigarette or cigar hanging between her lips on the side of her mouth. She can out squat anyone, young and old. She was the most flexible old lady I have ever seen! She managed to find a few pets to keep her company in the yard including cats and roosters.

(Abuela Borja 2006 -2007)

Thankfully I visited my family twice in May 2009 to spend a little quality time with Abuela Borja since I knew she wasn't doing well! Those trips, she was very touchy and pet my arms and back. She never was really that affectionate when I was a kid. All those days of yearning for that type of grandmother, I got in 2 weeks. She caressed me, gave me kisses and told me she loved me after I told her I loved her. It was a new relationship and a new dynamic that I really enjoyed. We chilled pretty hard. I guess that's what makes it so hard. She suffered from of Alzheimer's and really hasn't recognized any of us in a couple of years. I was still determined to create a new relationship with her and it was amazing.

Something told me to take some "extra" photos, some new videos of her, and I did. These last two photos were taken 4 weeks ago. When I was headed to the airport I remember I just wanted a few more extra kisses than usual from my Abuela Borja. I think I told her I'll be back soon, but I just can't remember. I teared up a bit and headed off. I was supposed to visit her next week. Well looks like I am still going to be visiting her. I miss her allot and have a lot of regrets. I wish I spent more time with her. I wish I chose to stay home with her instead of going out years ago. I wish she recognized me. Even so, I'm happy to have been with her, her last days on earth!
We love you and miss you and will never forget all the great memories we had... those that were good, the bad & the hilarious ones! All I have now is memories and video of my grandmother.

I Love you Abuela Borja!

CL in Bust Mag June/July Issue...

Vibe | June 2009