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CULT DIVAS Abby and Tori



So I was excited to return to the Cooper Square Hotel Rooftop Penthouse as it's my new 'hot shit' place and I was even more elated to attend "THIS IS A HOLD UP!" Hosted by slapstick/improv dramatic diva's Abby Pope and Tori who are raising money and awareness for their film, 'The Hunt for Good Americans'(www.indiegogo.com/TheHuntForGoodAmericans ). They are aiming to travel around America this summer searching for adventure, comedy, and the message of living a life luxury without spending a grand. In this hunt they hope to encounter, witness, and play with eccentric famous and quasi famous Americans all the while catching the magic on camera in the format of little skits.
These girls are hilarious and have the right CAN DO attitude so please if you can contribute to their cause because they are going to Sundance! I can feel it. Just based on their creative 'outfits' made solely of dishtowels, vintage baubles and song and dance about sporting 'crate and barrel' and williams sonoma. A cult classic in the making. See more silliness at:
www.abbyandtori.com

A fab fresh face


I get so many compliments on my skin that I've decided to post my face secrets. This is dedicated to you SJ!
I've always been into organic products for my face. Here is a list of my favorites. After much label reading I break it down.

Kiss my face makes a wonderful exfoliating cleanser from rickys
Avalon organics has a pretty good cleaner and moisturizer sunscreen
ilike whole line is incredible-buy from donna chazen dlcskinhealthbeauty@msn.co
m. She is an all around face guru. ask her anything!
eminence skin care line is also very organic and uses alot of fruits-I love the maise exfoliant
onurth at shopsimpleskin.com makes an amazing mask, serums, and hydrolats
pangeaorganics.com has a blood orange cleanser that is wonderful
lush is the best for so many things. i love their fresh masks, mask of magnaminty, imperialis creme
sunscreen is a must!
I like aveda tourmaline charged lotion spf 15
soukenberi.com is brand new company. I love their body lotions lavender/jasmine
Facial from Magnolia in williamsburg brooklyn can't be beat. Ask for their organic facial. Last time I was there it was $75
I don't clog my skin with foundation. I just dap concealer when needed.
There you go!

officially over old skool


I love an old skool DJ. In fact my friend Paulie who is a member of the band Leigh-Ra is an amazing vinyl 80's DJ in his spare time and graces us with his presence at the PH in the sky. Madonna, Belinda Carlyle, Stereo MC's, Michael Jackson, and even Tiffany. Hello he's like amazing (dj paulie palljames@gmail.com)
But I am over old skool hipsters. And I was never into Marc Jacobs 80's neon revival this season on the runway. Top shop can pack up and go back to London. Especially overpriced over curated old skool. I was invited to a 'BBQ' at the store Operations in Soho. I love my friend in pr Huilan who invited me but really it's not my scene anymore. It felt like Williamsburg creeping into Soho, creepy being the operative word. The clothing overpriced and unflattering (over 900 for a dress on sale!) and the crowd...not my peeps. Entertaining yes! unfriendly yes! And I wondered why I was single in Williamsburg. (see it onstage Williamsburg the Musical) Everyone's too shy and socially awkward to make new friends. They're too hip to talk to strangers. Don't look like you're trying too hard.
The prize goes to the tall lanky fellow in large black/white/pink plaid jacket, skinny jeans rolled up, black bowtie, saddle shoes, and 50's jfk sunglasses. However my stylist friend said I just described HIS outfit so I guess it's cool.
So as a party with a pr team behind it I would expect a little more provisions but I guess the economy is hitting us all. The bar served only 1 beverage (gin and tonics) and sign on the bar said ,'tipping isn't a city in china' and the BBQ options were a hot dog or a hot dog. Elbowing and self service for the bun and catsup required. Excess of the 90's where are you now???

Hot shit in the sky


Anyone who lives in New York City knows the value of outdoor drinking during the summer months. I'm over the Empire Roof deck hotel even though they are promoting the hell out of it. Can't say I was impressed by the 'terrace' at the Rivington Hotel (really just a sidewalk). Totally non-plused about the 'BBQ' at Operations store which turned out to be hot dogs on weber on the sidewalk. Naturally loved the Spring Party on my terrace.
Last night I found my new favorite hotspot the Cooper Square Hotel. I was delighted to accept an invitation to attend a summer kick off party. The hotel opened this winter but the penthouse with wrap around terrace is a mere month old. The sun was still out and I was lucky enough to see the sunset from the space on the 20th floor. I taken by the views and found the glass railing so frightening/borderline moments of vertigo/exhilerating I almost didn't know what to do with myself. Except stay till the bitter end. Someone said the place made them feel like 'hot shit'. In some ways it reminded me of LA except none of the building surrounding are very tall, hence a new god complex creeping up. The crowd-a convergence of several house shares in the hamptons filled the space in the sky. My favorite quote of the evening overheard, "the last thing the hamptons need is another lawyer" might be trumped by the guy who explained that this party was merely a shopping party. Shopping for girlfriends that wouldn't be 'purchased' till August. There was no reason to 'settle' at the beginning of the summer before any of the real action. There was so much mingling and over the shoulder glances that the 'shopping' memo must have been twittered. I was also surprised to meet a fair number of shakers who were not signed up for summer shares. They were going to 'travel, guest in share houses, bop around'. Here I thought committment was something that only men had a problem with...now I am proved wrong. It seems to be a new york challenge-committment to anything-drinks, a party, a partner, a cell phone (so many have more than one), a vacation. New Yorkers like to keep their options open. Myself included. What's in store for my summer? Stay tuned..

Golf and Scotch



Two years ago I was going to Fashion events about 3-4 times a week. I met photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, publicists, gay fabulous fashionistas, And I wondered why I was single? So since moving into the city I wanted to go into a new direction socially. My favorite hobbies are very girly/independent-horseback riding, swimming, dancing, and film so socially I try to find events that attract men. So imagine my reaction when I was invited to 'Golf and Scotch' hosted by my friend Nikki of Bon Vivant (www.bon-vivantllc.com). Golf and Scotch together? My reply??? ABSOLUTELY YES PLEASE! So I attended the first event and met a really lovely smattering of men for both work and flirting possibilities. The big crowd pleaser upstairs at Drive 495 was the McCallan ice sphere maker. It formed perfect massive globes of ice on demand. I guess square ice cubes are now....well square! I went home skipping and last week attended the 2nd Golf and Scotch event that was bigger, better, and badder. Most of the men were in suits and the ladies had to slip off their heels to chip some balls on the driving range. I was confused by the branded take away swag from Bon Vivant. It was a black logoed plastic thingy that resembled a large tweezers with no gripping capacities. I later found out from Nikki (who is a real golfer unlike myself who is driving range only golfer) that it's for flipping the divets. (It's a nice change from the random/offensive fashion swag-hello wrinkle cream?) Maybe I can use it as a male prodder?
A total hole in one.

have bridal hair, need groom

One of my best girlfriends is infinitely talented in the hair/makeup department (michikoboorberg.com) and I have been lucky enough to know her from my williamsburg days. She occasionally needs a hair model as she has been hunting for the right bridal avenue to offer her services. I always offer with glee-free fabulous hairdo-YES PLEASE! It's been a bit of a goldie locks and the 3 beds..The first salon Once Upon a Bride we were offput by the extremely rude and bitchy owner who thought she was the end all be all to wedding hair design (WE DON'T SPRAY OUR BRIDES!') I won't name names. The second place The Wedding Atelier was a great fit. Gabrielle who runs the bridal hair and makeup couldn't be sweeter and she's already had several bridal trials. Today I'm off to be her model again at BLOW..hopefully it won't blow. So far I've gotten amazing hair out of the deal. But leaves me wondering since I'm attracting all this wedding hair, is marriage on its way? Prince Charmant ou est vous?

A sexy apron?


Ok Ladies and those who want to be Ladies, do not forget the s after smock or you will get a blog dedicated to kittens..I discovered this amazing company by Kelley Culp who makes stylish aprons (www.smocksdesign.com) They are o so affordable $35-$45 and have the potential to spice up your love life in the kitchen. So kitchy it hurts!

Mad Madonna


I was one of those girls who worshiped Madonna in junior high. I played dress up with lace leggings and she was my icon every single day. I'm also one of those who loved her so much could recite her lines from the Will & Grace episode but that's another blogpost...I am so sad to say that I have lost faith in Madonna as a style compass. Clearly she's fallen off her style wagon and needs a new stylist (I'm available but honest Madge). Who let her out of the house in this get up? I'm all for hats but blue horns? Judging from other online reviews that rip her to shreds seems I'm not alone in this. I'm just sad to see her fall off her pedestal and go down this Alice and Wonderland rabbit hole. At least she still has good taste men!
check out what the fug girls said
http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/go_fug_yourself/cat_621/
see another madonna blog post at
http://imeanwhat.com/blog/madonna-will-not-go-gently-into-that-good-night

Part 2 of Water Logged in SF


Stop #2 on my water tripping was Friday afternoon in Japantown San Francisco. I treated my Mom and I to an afternoon at the Kabuki Springs Spa. The Spa is open for women on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for $22 a person. We hit the timing right and didn’t have to wait to enter. They control the number of guests to keep the experience a serene one. The locker rooms were well equipped with all sorts of lotions, potions, hair dryers, cotton balls, hair combs, hair sprays, and accoutrements. Once in the bathing area we were shown the drill. For communal bathing they ask guest to shower or rinse off first. They had a line of bathing stations where one could sit on a little stool and use a pan to pour water over your body or use shower head. I felt very tall at one of these stations. They also offered regular shower stalls standing up. After the shower they suggest:
1.steam or sauna for 10-15 minutes
2.dunk in the cold plunge (wusses can take a cold shower)
3. back in steam or sauna
4. Dunk in cold plunge
5. Rest period
6. Hot pool at 104 degrees
I ended up doing shorter but extra sessions in the steam room, forgoing the sauna and loving the salts on hand for exfoliation. I drank plenty of water and used up several iced wash clothes for my face. Half way through the process my Mom said, ‘this is just as good as a massage’. The atmosphere in the spa is close to a yoga meditation retreat. The best part was the gong with a sign that invited you observe silence when you heard the gong and to ring it if you wished. Once floating in the final hot mineral pool I thought to myself ‘this is even better than a massage’. Now I just wish I could be able to ring a gong on the subway and have others fall silent into meditation.

The Rack Trap?


'Racktrap™
What I find so funny about this product is that someone thought to dream it up (my mother would totally buy this just for shopping at the farmers market) and then I found out about it by Peter Shankman of HARO who was having a hard time pimping it out (because he's a boy). His comments were dead on:
'The Racktrap holds your small everyday
essentials including license, cash, credit cards, Metrocard and key
in one safe place, close to your heart and far from mugger's hands.
(Or anyone's hands, I suppose.) Go tweet about it and have fun.'
http://www.theracktrap.com
I can just imagine..."honey is that a key in your bra or are you just happy to see me?"

The Philip Treacy of New York

If you love hats and know Philip Treacy (who made Isabella Blow looks so stylish) you will appreciate Heather Huey Couture Hats. She is located in China Town and let me tell you she knows how to sculpt a hat. Her hats were in 4 runway shows this past season at Bryant Park. Check out her work at her revamped site
www.heatherhuey.com

I love Mommie jeans thank you


So, I'm not a big fan of Jessica Simpson but I am a big fan of Mommie jeans and I really don't understand what all the fuss is about. We all have different body shapes and sizes and sorry the low rider jean is not for everyone. More specifically the low rider jean is not for ME. I have a long torso so that equals fashion disaster. High or mid waisted jeans look great on me so last week when I went on the hunt I was sent to the upstairs section at Bloomingdales. Yes, I was sent to the Mom section. There I discovered what is my new favorite jean company. Not Your Daughters Jeans. No, I'm not being paid to say this although with all the good press I've been giving them lately I should be. I bought a pair with the built in tummy tuck and I am now a convert. They are not for everyone. For example those with short waists should stick to low rise but hey that means more for ME!
ps. Nordstroms online has a big selection

Shoes...shoes...shoes...let's get some SHOES!




Very Cool spread on shoes that came out today in WSA today
It's so nice to be quoted. Thanks HARO
Pick up a copy today to enjoy the pics.
Here is the text from the article in this months WSA Today

Translating The Trends
A Handmade Tale
Craft-inspired textures add an artisan element to fall footwear
By Meaghan Kerins


Urban Mosaic
A new twist on the color block trend, patchwork-inspired constructions embody recessionista style with a “waste not, want not” vibe. Sure to be the statement piece of any ensemble, these funky styles attract attention with alluring color combinations while overlapping fabrics and materials add depth. Isaac Mizrahi strikes the perfect balance of bold and subtle with this carefully pieced-together dress. Blitz by Fergie ($99.95), 015330 by Dionella ($175), Cognac Patchwork Hobo Stud by Julie Lindsay ($490), Bangle by Sacha London ($225), Tremor by Calilla T. ($290) and Iliad by CL by Laundry ($50).

How To Wear It: The ideal choice for a hip cocktail party or funky gallery opening, these fun, colorful styles are not for the faint of heart. “It’s for the person that’s a little bit more adventurous and loves color,” says stylist Alexandra Greenawalt. “If you’re going to wear a really daring shoe, go for a simpler color scheme with your outfit; the easiest thing to do is pick one of the colors in the shoe and then use that for your clothing.”


Laced Up
From the Victorian era to Victoria’s Secret, lace overlay runs the gamut from prim and proper to racy and rebellious. Perfect paired with a basic black dress, lacy pumps can also soften up rock-inspired looks like sharkskin leggings or leather pants. Take a cue from Anna Sui, who draws attention to this whimsical and feminine fabric by placing it atop black and layering on leather accessories. Terra by Pazzo ($89), Conte by Sergio Zelcer ($150), Martha Lace by Salpy ($380), Palado by Nina ($89.95), Jeannie Clouds by This Ilk ($25), Sonnet by J. Reneé Luxe ($132) and Gracie by Rampage ($50).

How To Wear It: Greenawalt recommends saving this flirtatious footwear for nighttime. “It’s very sexy; it’s a date shoe 100 percent.” Pair these lacy pumps with black, nude or red, and don’t be too shy to show some leg. “I would definitely wear this with a dress or a skirt—use this shoe to vamp it up!”


Take Cover
From ancient Egypt to modern sewing circles, quilted constructions have found their way from the family room sofa to high-fashion runways. D&G takes this homespun trend couture with an ivory mini-dress, and a tasseled belt gives a nod to home décor. Emanating uptown chic, quilted flats add buttoned-up elegance to any ensemble. Harriet by London Sole ($210), two-tone shoe by Outono and B7529 by Rodo ($920).

How To Wear It: “While this is a more sophisticated look, the nice thing about these flats is that you can wear them with jeans and they look adorable, you can wear them with black pants and look pulled together; but you can also pair them with girly dresses.” Despite their versatility, Greenawalt adds one warning for multi-color styles: “I would be careful of having too many colors added into the mix.”


Curtain Call
Opulent, damask-inspired fabrics add a regal air to fall, as seen in this richly patterned jacquard jacket by Prada. While floral and paisley elements create a strikingly feminine design, monochromatic color schemes keep these styles wearable. Bistro by Ann Roth ($345), Babs by Diba ($79) and Cadele by Taryn Rose ($295).

How To Wear It: “You can thank the Tudors for this season’s tapestry-printed boots and booties,” says Greenawalt, who suggests pairing the shorter boot with skinny jeans and the higher style with a gray pencil skirt. “Be careful about mixing too many prints, patterns and textures. If you are going to make a statement, do it with the shoe and build the outfit around the shoe—think supporting role, not competing.”


Basket Case
Woven leather details add interest to this season’s basic ballet flat. Though the casual silhouette will keep her looking polished from 9 to 5, the artisan elements will set her apart. Marni adds sheen to this two-piece look with a woven design in metallic gold and royal purple. Bella by Paul Mayer ($270), Ribbonella by Bloch ($160), Flat Maria by Carolina Pagano ($550), PA-7096 by Chocolat Blu ($370), bronze flat by Schutz and Sam by Lust4Luxe ($460).

How To Wear It: “I see this as a daytime shoe,” says Greenawalt, who cautions that flats, if worn incorrectly, can take inches off your height. “For those under 5’7” flats look best with pants, but if you do choose a skirt keep the hemline above the knee. If you are over 5’7”, a printed dress or skirt, something with some movement to it, will add a feminine touch.”


Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt
Under the moniker AlexandrA, Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt has styled in New York City for the past eight years. It is AlexandrA’s experience as a stylist working on-set with renowned fashion photographers, entertainers and designers that has led to a well-connected knowledge of how to look fabulous in every situation. Learn more at www.alexandrastylist.com.


Side Note. I'm crazy for the 'shoes' video by Liam at www.liamshow.com
direct link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCF3ywukQYA&feature=channel_page

Beyond Birkenstocks


So I've been asked a to comment on comfy shoes. As a New Yorker who sees clients all over town being in comfortable/attractive shoes in absolutely necessary. As a comfy shoe wearer I can attest that it really makes a difference in mood. If I was in heels I would be 100% b%$*# while in comfy shoes I'm only 60%. No in all seriousness let me share with you my shoe wisdom.
1. Just because the shoe is flat does NOT mean you will save your feet. Totally flat shoes will no support can also injure your feet especially on pavement.
2. High heels like Manolos and Louboutins may be good for your sex life but not for your back life.
3. Everyone's foot is unique so try many different brands to find one that you personally find comfy. I personally have a pair of dkny boots, and kitten heel sandals from elie tahari that I just love!
4. Look for arch support and rubber soles for pavement pounding
5. Companies worth checking out:
Merrell-buy a pair that matches your pants so they blend in
Arche have milk in their soles
Cole Han in partnership with nike air
Me Too
Gentle Souls
Geox lets your feet breathe
Kenneth Cole Reaction
Mephisto
Keen
Born
Dansko
Naturalizer
Softwalk
6. I personally like to buy my shoes at Nordstroms because they are so customer service oriented and truly want you to be happy.
7. Try to avoid shoes with ankle straps as they will shorten the look of your leg. Toe clevage styles will elongate your leg the best.
8. In these tight times go with a metallic color that looks best on you. It will go with many more outfits and then you won't need a shoe for every outfit.
9. Featured shoe is on nordstroms site and is by soft.
10. It's good to wear varied heel heights. Keeps you on your toes!
happy searching..

Red hot in the Redwood Room?!


Nothing gets me more frustrated when establishments try to fake a hot scene and create demand. As a guest of the Clift Hotel in San Francisco I finally visited the famous Redwood Room on my last night there. The hostess informed me on arrival that I would have to wait at least a half an hour for a table despite there being 4 open tables. I informed her that I was a guest of the hotel but she said that I was welcome to hang out in the lobby living room and order drinks and snacks from out there. The ‘living room’ was quieter and more peaceful but I soon discovered that service was spotty. After sitting there for about 10 minutes without a welcome a tall man in a suit asked if I had been helped yet. I said no and then he introduced himself as the manager. So I turned on the charm and introduced myself and explained that I had wanted to sit in the Redwood room since it was my last night and had limited time but was not granted a table. He offered to look into the wait for me. He came right back and escorted me to a nice table for two. 10 minutes later he told me that the table he seated me at was reserved for another party and that I would have to relinquish it in about an hour citing that he has to offer all guests an opportunity to experience the Redwood Room. Oh, you mean the snobbery? It was raining out and I suspect that many wouldn’t show up for their tables. My guest arrived, we had a great time despite the super hot (spicy) noodle box that on the second try was delivered with sliced hot peppers and the attitude. I am told that San Francisco just doesn’t have that many sophisticated establishments and when I suggested to the manager that they might think of opening another cool spot he remarked, ‘then it would be oversaturated!’ We never did get kicked out of our table so ‘don’t believe the hype’.

size wars

Overhead at parallel universe jimmy’s on u avenue in Brooklyn. ‘ do you make dresses for fat people?’ my friend and talented fashion designer Sergio of Celestino answers, ‘like a size 20? We accommodate all women.’
‘No like 8’ The claws on the cougar have come out!