Kim and Kris who? If you, like my reality show-loving roommate, just haven't been the same since Rob Kardashian and Adrienne Bailon broke up, The Style Network’s Empire Girls certainly helps ease the pain.
Baillon is back, this time joined by best friend Julissa Bermudez, for a show chronicling the ladies' luck with boys, jobs, and the city that doesn't sleep. Between Baillon's Cheetah Girls days and the on-air flair Julissa sports on 106 & Park, it's no surprise these ladies are dressed to the nines throughout each and every episode.
Julie Bensman: Congrats on the show’s success! Give us the scoop...
Julissa Bermudez: The show is something we thought would be a breath of fresh air in an oversaturated market like Reality TV. We like to think of ourselves (as Adrienne likes to say) as 'Feel Good TV' because we're not afraid to be silly, crazy, emotional, etc.
Adrienne Bailon: Juli and I have been best friends for almost ten years now and have gone through SO much together — from career ups and downs to old and new boyfriends (or currently lack thereof!). We call ourselves the Latina Laverne & Shirley...crazy and hilarious things are always happening in our lives. For a while, the ongoing joke was, 'Where are the cameras?!'
JB: What do you love about filming in NYC?
AB: It's home! There is NOTHING like coming home. So many memories...
JB: ...and the infectious energy! The vibe is contagious. Plus, they do say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere (fingers crossed). We're definitely in an Empire State of mind.
JB: How do you think your heritage plays into your sense of style?
JB: I think my style is a little more vibrant and sassy because of my upbringing. I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, so my Caribbean influence along with my urban Queens setting adds a unique flair to my style.
AB: I love being Latina and I love being feminine... I love feeling sexy! I refer to my style as Cha-Cha Queen.
JB: How would you describe each other’s style?
AB: Juli is bohemian/classic chic! She loves effortless pieces yet always looks like a classic timeless beauty.
JB: Adrienne is tough girl, edgy with a chic twist. I love that she's unpredictable — she'll rock something that most wouldn't even think of putting together and make it work in a cool, funky way.
JB: Who are some of your own favorite designers?
AB: Alexander Wang, McQueen, and Zac Posen...and anything from Topshop!
JB: I love classic designers like my DR native Oscar de la Renta, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana because they fit women with curves amazingly. I also love Carven, Opening Ceremony, and Balmain (if money were no object!).
JB: What/who inspires you?
JB: Strong independent women like Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Ripa, and Tyra Banks.
AB: LIFE! The good and the bad... My mood and feelings inspire me...getting dressed is always a reflection of how I feel!
Check out Empire Girls on The Style Network, Sundays at 9-10 PM EST.
Xoxo,
Julie
images: Starbux/WENN.com; JLN Photography/WENN.com
Via: Adrienne Bailon and Julissa Bermudez are the Empire Girls: Closed Set with Julie Bensman