‘True Blood’ fans, HBO has something for you

Very early on I had decided I wouldn’t contribute the entire Vampire fad that’s going on—Re: Twilight and now True Blood.

I know I’m the one in a million that has yet to catch an episode of True Blood, let alone see the movie Twilight.  However, I came across something that I know if I were a ‘True Blood’ fan, I would appreciate. 

HBO has just released the “Fangtasia” t-shirt that was seen on the last episode. You can purchase it for 24.99 at www.HBO.com/store or visit the HBO store on Times Square 1100 6thAvenue at 42nd Street.

Events at Saks: Beauty Bazaar, Pink Tartan, Monique Lhullier and Vera Wang Bridal Trunk Shows

Saks Beauty Bazaar: Brushes with Greatness

Saks Fifth Avenue invites you to their beauty bazaar, BRUSHES WITH GREATNESS, featuring islands of beauty, premier beauty artists, stunning makeovers, countless beauty exclusives and total pampering.

Receive an exclusive Stephanie Johnson cosmetics bag filled with deluxe samples and gifts with your $150 purchase.

Meet and get summer beauty tips from:

CHANEL National Makeup Artist, Osvaldo Perez
Estee Lauder Global Premier Artist, Blair Patterson
Giorgio Armani Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn
La Prairie Color Ambassador, Raychel Wade
Lancome National Makeup Artist, Tarek Abbas
Laura Mercier National Makeup Artist, Pamela Massi
Nars National Makeup Artist, Jake Broullard
Yves Saint Laurent Makeup Artist, Dell Ashley

Book spa appointments with:

• Canyon Ranch
• Cellcosmet, Clarins
• Dior
• Guerlain
• ReVive
• Sisley Paris

Enjoy complimentary indulgences:

Hand massages, polish changes, eyebrow threading and waxing, eyelash bars, facials and hair consultations.

Click here for more info on the event.

Pink Tartan Event

Meet creative designer, Kimberley Newport-Mimran, as she presents the Fall 2009 collection and offers personalized styling advice.

Enjoy live jazz, complimentary coffee bar sponsored by Illy, and complimentary monogramming on your Pink Tartan purchase.

Thursday, July 23, 3 to 7

For more information please call 212.940.2382.

Bridal Trunk Shows

Monique Lhullier Bridal Trunk Show
Allow their bridal specialists to assist you in selecting the perfect dress for your special day.
Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, July 11
For more information or to schedule a private appointment, please call 212.940.2269

Vera Wang Bridal Trunk Show
Allow their bridal specialists to assist you in selecting the perfect dress for your special day.
Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25
For more information or to schedule a private appointment, please call 212.940.2269

ideeli: Laundry, Cosabella, Just Cavalli, Kelsie, Raw 7, Jill Stuart, Nicole Miller, Escada + Pucci

Laundry Sale

Starts Tuesday, June 30th
Save up to 60% off
Prices start at $112
Laundry by Shelli Segal doesn't shy away from sex appeal or bold design. Body-conscious silhouettes, sassy details, and stunning prints are just the beginning. From diaphanous maxidresses to fembot minidresses, the hemlines vary, but the theme doesn't. These pieces are for confident, contemporary women who want to make a statement.

Just Cavalli Sunglasses Sale

Starts Tuesday, June 30th
Save up to 60% off
Prices start at $59
Accessories can make or break an outfit, and Just Cavalli makes accessories that break the barrier between feminine and fierce. Created by Roberto Cavalli as a younger, sassier version of his self-titled collection, Just Cavalli channels the designer's passion for all things beautiful. "It's grinta," he explains. "Stong, edgy, forceful, charismatic, like me.

Raw 7 Sale

Starts Tuesday, June 30th
Save up to 74% off
Prices start at $25
Raw 7 has come to epitomize the high expectations and low pretense lifestyle of established L.A. fashionistas. Since its inception, the label has grown to include fine leathers, silks and other materials of equally, unparalleled standards. Not surprisingly, it has also become a staple in the wardrobes of Hollywood's most discriminating starlets.

Cosabella Lingerie Sale

Starts Wednesday, July 1
Save up to 45% off
Prices start at $38
Always on-trend, Cosabella is designed in Miami and made in Italy, resulting in a seamless fusion of American style and Italian craftsmanship. Candy colors and daring prints reflect Miami's nonstop energy, while a perfect fit and unsurpassed comfort echo Italy's traditional production techniques. Fun, flirty, and fierce, Cosabella's collections celebrate a sexy, modern lifestyle, and prove that fairytales can be part of your everyday reality.

Kelsie Dagger
Starts Wednesday, July 1

Jill Stuart Watches
Starts Wednesday, July 1

Lucca
Starts Wednesday, July 1

*ideeli Red Sale*

Starts Thurs, July 2nd
Save up to 90% off
Prices start at $10
When the temperature rises and the hair comes down, it's time to rev up your summer style with heart-pounding pieces. From ready-to-wear, to handbags, to accessories and more, this season offers a treasure trove of designs that stand out for their feminine charm and casual sophistication. So be playful and prim, or modern and chic. 

The good life starts now, with these dazzling creations from some of the world's leading designers like Nicole Miller, Escada and Pucci to start: they're sure to keep the heat turned up on your look through the summer and beyond!

Need an invite to join ideeli? Here, I’ll invite you!  I ideeli is a private upscale shopping site and you can only shop if you’re invited.  Click here to join with my invite.

Caresse d'orchidees par Cartier at OPTYX by Gruen: the ultimate in accessory indulgence

OPTYX by Gruen is known for the finest quality lenses found anywhere, offering customers an extensive luxury eyewear collection. Romantic and modern, the Caresse d’orchidees par Cartier rimless eyewear collection features an alluring flower decorated with sumptuous details, ranging from pink sapphires and diamonds to hand-laid black lacquer. Cartier’s stylized orchid rests delicately on the sides of these exceptional eyewear creations. The elegant solid gold frames are available in white, rose or yellow gold.

I had the opportunity to preview them before they were even made available to the public and what a visual delight it was! The images below of the collection do these frames no justice. A representative from Cartier tells me that the frames do not only function as eyeglasses, but you can also order them to serve as sunglasses. The shapes of the lenses can be ordered to your liking, and the service you receive is the ultimate in fine eyewear. Prices range from $44,500- 31,200 for the High Jewelry Collection and $7,000-4,500 for the Jewelry Collection.

Both collections are debuting in United States at OPTYX by Gruen here in New York.

Caresse d’orchidées par Cartier precious eyewear , jewelry collection
18 carat solid white gold frame
Rimless prescription lenses
Black lacquer and 2 diamonds

Panseri © Cartier 2008

Caresse d’orchidées par Cartier precious eyewear , jewelry collection
18 carat solid white gold frame
Rimless prescription lenses
Black lacquer and 2 diamonds

Panseri © Cartier 2008

Caresse d’orchidées par Cartier precious eyewear , of the high jewelry collection
18 carat solid pink gold frame
Rimless prescription lenses
Paved with diamonds and pink sapphires

Panseri © Cartier 2008

Caresse d’orchidées par Cartier precious eyewear, high jewelry collection

18 carat solid white gold frame
Rimless prescription lenses
Black lacquer and diamonds

18 carat solid white gold frame
Rimless prescription lenses
Paved with diamonds, black lacquer

18 carat solid pink gold frame
Rimless prescription lenses
Paved with diamonds and pink sapphires

Panseri © Cartier 2008

You can visit www.grueneyes.com for locations near you. I visited the one on Madison Avenue.

Sachin + Babi: Dynamic Duo Brings Back Shabby Chic

My favorite in the collection. The BIANCA dress. Lamee crew-neck dress with sequin embroidery at hem and adjustable tie at shoulder. $435

And you thought Shabby Chic was yesteryear’s trend. Well, design team / husband and wife Sachin and Babi have brought back the Shabby Chic chick in a more posh manner.  Their latest collection for Ankasa (known as the “most unique and highly designed home stores”), does not have your granny written over it. However it does have a rather radiant confident woman that likes ultra feminine garments. 

Sachin and Babi held a private viewing last week at the penthouse of the Cooper Square Hotel.  There we got to view the entire collection both on mannequins and models.  I got a chance to speak with Babi and I asked her who is really the mind behind the design and she totally admits “ I have to give full credit to Sachin, he is the genius behind the line.  I’ll tell him if, as a woman, whether I’d buy it or not.”  I’m sure Sachin had a major role in the design, however judging from Babi’s beauty and  taste in style, I would venture to guess that she also had significant input.

The price points are very wallet friendly and after viewing the entire collection and realizing the fabulous quality I was rather amazed.  Price tags range from $190 to over $600.

Here is the beautiful collection:

     My next two favorites. The HAYDEN dress ($425) with the Anglais Necklace $325). And The CORNELIA dress ($505).

Visit www.Ankasa.com for more info on the Sachin + Babi Ready to Wear Collection.

New Shop on the Block: Second Time Around opening hosted by Bravo’s Real Housewife Alex McCord

Photography by Will Raggazino/Patrick McMullan.com & Jerritt Clark/Wire Image

The Grand Opening of New York’s first Second Time Around store was kicked off in style thanks to host, Alex McCord of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City along with co-hosts Tracy Stern of Tracy Stern Salon Tea and Celebrity Blogger Tia Walker.

Second Time Around is a chain of contemporary, designer, consignment clothing & furniture stores. The boutique is appropriately located at 262 Mott Street, in the heart of Nolita and in the middle of some Manhattan’s most unique boutiques.

This is a fabulously updated consignment shop.  Some of the customer benefits include include a Frequent Buyer Card, a wish-list membership to assist customers in finding their perfect purchase, automatic check payments for consignors, and rewards to current consignors who refer new consignors.  Consignors may log on to their secure online account at any time 24/7 to monitor their items, and can elect to receive text messages when items are sold.  Proceeds from consigned items may also be donated to a charity should the consignor desire.

While other companies strive to go green, Second Time Around has long been a leader in eco-savvy, sustainable fashion.  “Second Time Around is beyond excited to expand to New York. As a leader in consignment shopping and the eco-luxury movement, we think Second Time Around will add a unique experience for customers,” said President, Jeffrey Casler. “We look forward to seeing the store take shape in this new location and are excited to be part of this great retail neighborhood.” The idea of recycling clothing particularly appealed to the newest member of the team, Alex McCord of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York and Director of Creative Operations for STA.  “This is the right idea at the right time,” said McCord.  “Given the turns the economy has taken recently, the expansion of designer resale is good for both the economic and environmental climate.”

The items at the store ranged from your ultimate splurge (Cashmere Chanel Coat) to your little indulgences (semi-precious stoned jewelry only you will don).

Alex McCord hosted the event with elegance and style in a pink Carlos Miele dress which she acquired from the store. Co-host Tia Walker was dressed in Leigh Bantivoglio, also a product of the store. Second Time Around was full of Manhattan’s most beautiful people as they sipped refreshing VOGA Champagne, replenished their thirst with Jana Water, and ate delicious cupcakes from the Cupcake Stop—I had the red velvet, super yummy! Guests of the event included Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York City, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Jill Zarin’s daughter Ally Zarin, Designer John Bartlett, Bravo’s Project Runway Kevin Christiano, America’s Next Top Model Kimberly Leemans, Actress Annabel Vartanjan, Art Consultant David Chines, Jeweler John Magzalciogu, founder of the on-line invite only party site YouAreOntheList, Robin Ross, and Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton.

I wish Second Time Around nothing but success.  It’s truly an awesome addition to NYC’s list of hidden treasures.

I visited The Green Room showroom: Amanda Parenti is the latest Superwoman

A week ago I visited The Green Room. The “green” referring to VIP status—as in the room where celebs wait before going on a talk show.

I’ve been meaning to stop by for a while and I was so glad I finally made it there!  The absolute friendly and inviting, yet posh atmosphere was a delight.  Amanda Parenti, which I was thrilled to meet is the sole owner of the showroom.  And yes, she is the latest superwoman I’ve encountered.  The philosophy behind The Green Room involves more than just a showroom where buyers get to checkout collections of clothing or accessories.  It really is a comprehensive experience for both clients and buyers alike.  Their site www.TheGreenRoomNYC.com, explains that in order to understand what they do: “…one must understand what fashion really is. It creates a public persona, wearable art, individualism and so much more....”

Right now the showroom is filled with a superbly eclectic mix of collection, of which Amanda handles not only getting them into our favorite stores (Barney’s, Berdorf’s, Henri Bendel, Intermix, among others), but she also handles some of the labels’ PR, marketing, among other services.  The unbelievable part is that she does it well.  She talks the talk and walks the walk.

The showroom in made up of labels in all price ranges and all reflect the style of the contemporary man and woman.

Here are the current labels at The Green Room:

Keith by Keith Lissner & Keith Lissner Couture (Keith Lissner of Bravo’s The Fashion Show)

Bryna Nicole from San Francisco

Yana K of Russia

Derek Loves Shopping of New York and the internet show Derek Loves Shopping

House of Spy of Toronto

213 Industry of Los Angeles, CA

CMARCHUSKA, The Green Room’s latest eco-friendly line

Visit www.thegreenroomnyc.com for more info.

Fashion Gives Back Event at Stone Rose Lounge

Professionals from all industries in New York City came together for History Start Now’s Fashion Gives Back on June 22nd at The Stone Rose Lounge to enjoy Suzanne Rae’s latest fashions and learn more about the crime of child sex trafficking in our society.

History Starts Now’s mission is to raise consciousness and funds to end domestic child trafficking with our generation. This unique and admirable mission was echoed by sponsored artist, Nathan Morris from Nashville, TN.

“If you don’t know, child trafficking is actually a multi-billion dollar industry. Over 300,000 children are enslaved and trafficked in the United States alone. We need a call to action – a movement.”

Nathan Morris’ statement shared the limelight with Suzanne Rae’s line that showcased dresses for all seasons. The fashion line was sophisticated yet contemporary, as each dress had exceptional and meticulous design that highlighted the female figure. Suzanne Rae’s line will also be featured at the upcoming Fashion Week in Bryant Park.

Over 200 people attended Fashion Gives Back, which made The Stone Rose Lounge come alive with chatter about the hard facts of child sex trafficking. Over 2.5 million children are trafficked worldwide each year, and wherever drugs are being sold, children are being sold. On average, 12-13 year olds are trapped in this crime. Predators attract these young girls by offering gifts, but instead, enslaving them with drugs. These predators are so adept, that they are able to identify children that would be susceptible to child slavery.

The event was hosted by History Starts Now. Currently, they are operating on 5 initiatives, which are: (1) hosting events in major U.S. cities, (2) growing the ambassador program, (3) speaking at educational institutions, (4) influencing legislature in New York City, and (5) growing the online crusade.

“Our hope for this evening is that people will walk away with an understanding of what child trafficking is and take the leap to make history by ending child trafficking with our generation,” said Rachael Ann Lechliter and Kristina Lee Grandstaff, Co-Founders of History Starts Now .

Here’s an interview with the co- founders:

History Starts Now includes 10 driven and devoted team members that provide the literature, connections, and platform to plant a seed about the realities of child sex trafficking. It was founded in 2008 by Kristina Lee Grandstaff and Rachael Ann Lechliter. The past few months, History Starts Now has had countless meeting with various industry professionals, hosted 4 charity events and most importantly, obtained partnerships and advice for the development of their organization.

For more information, visit their website at www.historystartsnow.info

Socially Superlative One Year Anniversary at Inc Lounge: Woohoo!

This was a super shin-ding! The oh-so-fab blog, Socially Superlative just celebrated their 1st year anniversary at the Inc Lounge of the Time Hotel.  Socially Superlative brings you up-to-date with what’s happening in NYC—from events, to parties, concert, art exhibits, etc…

We were indulged with some of Brooklyn’s finest cupcakes from Ivy Bakery—you actually got to build your own cupcake! Drinks by Cuca Fresca helped you refresh and schmooze.  The place was packed out!  Simply Chic PR and Hamptons Undercover through the birthday bash for Socially Superlative.

There was a $20 suggested admission of which a portion was donated to City Harvest and for those measly 20 bucks you got a gift bag worth over $500 to some of NY’s best spas, boutiques, gyms and more.

Karen Biehl was there with the celeb pup Eli the Dog, Derek Warburton of Derek Loves Shopping , Sally Shan the nightlife promoter, Tia Walker of the The Quest for It, Plumm TV, Allison Parris the deisgner and Melissa Meyers of askMelissa, among others.

View more images from the Socially Superlative 1 Year Anniversary Soiree on www.sociallysuperlative.com

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

Nightlife Preservation Community Launches: Imagine your favorite club closing at 2am?

Image courtesy of Nightlife Preservation Community

The Nightlife Preservation Community celebrated it’s launch on Monday June 22, 2009 (I’m still recovering).  It was truly a celebration of NYC’s incredible nightlife which is being threatened by politicians who lack the understanding of the importance of New York City’s nightlife to the New York economy. 

Promoters, club owners, politicians, industry royalty, DJs, your regular nightlife scene fiends, wannabes all came together to tell the New York City politicos that it’s impossible to maintain our rep on an international level by sending us to bed by 2am.  Imagine???  Clubs and lounges closing at 2am?  Well, this is one of the biggest threats.  Now, why politicians believe that closing down nightlife establishments a mere 2 hours earlier will make a difference, I have no idea.  What I do know is that it will hurt NYC’s economy, that’s a given.  

During the launch event at M2 Ultra Lounge, the NPC had an awesome ongoing slideshow of statistics involving the NYC night scene and how it’s the catalyst to New York City’s small businesses after 12am. The reality is….there is a fabulous chain reaction that occurs just by deciding to out at night.

Here it is simply put:

You decide you want to go out (for simplicity) with your significant other (who may or may not be simple) this Friday.

1. You HAVE to by a dress or new shoes, etc... $$$
2. You get on a train or grab a cab to go buy these garments or accessories. $$$
3. Friday night comes and you want to pre-game so you head to your liquor store. $$$
4. You head home, get dressed, and you out!  You jump in a cab or hop on the train. $$$
5. You get to the club and mention joey-joe’s name at the door for your free entrance. You enter, dance the night away, and indulge on your favorite spirits and $10 water bottles. $$$
6. Because clubs close LATER THAN 2am you’ve drank and danced yourself silly until 3am and need to refuel that tummy at either a pizzeria, deli, etc… $$$
7. You hop in a cab or jump on the jump train to stumble yourself back home. $$$
8. And why are you able to afford these expenses?  Because you’ve worked your butt off all day and even night at a business who’s running and fueling our New York’s economy. $$$
9. Your entire night was spent at a club or lounge that hires tons of staff to check your coat, pour you drinks, clean up your vomit, pass you towels, play good music, throw out the jerk, design the building, cook you food, and say goodnight on the way out.  $$$
10. All of whom are either putting themselves through school, raising a family, or starting a business of their own. $$$

So to the politicians who tend to not understand the ripple effect of closing down nightlife entertainment earlier in New York here you have it….over $100 of expenses for just one couple to go out and have a good time.

I didn’t run into or see any, but one thing I would’ve like to have seen at the event were the politicians who needed convincing.

A few sort of first time experiences happened:

• I finally got the cojones to go up to Malik So Chic…for quite sometime, something about him made me nervous about going up to him.  He’s as fabulous as I thought!
• Finally wore my hair down (wish I had pics!).
• Everyone was drinking and I mean EVERYONE…I mean with a Grey Goose open bar who wouldn’t hehe.  I’ve gone to events, even at clubs, where you can spot a few sobers….I think this event turned even the sobers.  If they weren’t drinking…they sure LOOKED like they were.
• Non-stop great music. Yes this is a first. What else can you expect when at the same event you have DJ Berrie, Junior Vasquez, Funk Master Flex, among other honchos DJ’ing
• I saw politicians dancing in person…they should seriously just stick to reading speeches.
• I saw Steve Lewis up close. He’s aged wonderfully, could never guess he was in nightlife for all of these years. However, I wasn’t poised enough to introduce myself.  He was at the door and said hi to David.
• David and I christened our elevator.  (I’m sure this woke you up)

As the song goes… “Oh what a night!”

Stay fabulous!

xoxo