Thursday Night Crawl

Thursday night is once again the "New Friday." I met up with David at the Edison Ballroom for the cocktail party hosted by The James Beard Foundation: Dumplings and Dynasties. 

We were welcomed to the cocktail party and enjoyed the festive decor along with some dumplings and good conversation.

The Edison Ballroom truly seems to be THE in spot right now.

Afterwards, we had several choices to either go Uptown or to Chelsea for the Aspen Anniversary Party.

Aspen is the perfect restaurant to dine at on a chilly winter night. The ski-lodge feel complete with charming fireplaces and a fashion-forward crowd is a definite must-do during the holidays.

Housing Works also hosted a fancy affair with many recognized designers including Marc Jacobs and Doo-ri.

The evening ended on a fabulous note.

We were treated like royalty at the Hugo Boss event at the Guggenheim.  Julianne Moore along with all sorts of glamorous individuals sipped champagne and indulged in this gorgeous affair.

Just another Thursday night in the Big Apple!

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NYC's Latest Events

There are always so many different events to choose from on any given night.

Recently, I attended the Blanc de Chine Fashion Show held upstairs in the Madison Avenue store. This Hong Kong retailer offers men and women simple, chic elegance by designing just the right outfit for upcoming holiday events.

I'd also like to mention the new show, "Spectacle" with Elvis Costello on the Sundance Channel.

The launch party was held at the Edison Ballroom, it was a grand and festive evening had by all. Spectacle premieres on December 3rd at 9 pm.

Two charity events I attended last night included, the La Perla store party benefiting the Gilda Radner charity and The Cool vs. Cruel awards at the Bowery Hotel with special guests: Loris Diran, Richie Rich and Jay McCarroll of Project Runway fame.

These organizations remind us the importance of the holidays, to gather together with friends and family as well as to make a difference in the world we live in..

Charity Events and Product Launches

I realize it's been a while since I've written. No excuse is a good excuse, therefore, I will spare the plea for sympathy other than the fact my hotmail account was hacked earlier this week. I'm glad I made it back from Nigeria in one piece..Life goes on.. Charity begins at home as they say. The most recent charity events I'd like to highlight include The Plate by Plate event and Autism Speaks Events. Celebrity chefs prepared savory dishes for all to enjoy with proceeds donated those truly in need.

One of my favorites was also the Wildlife Fund.org benefit dinner at the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park City. Guests were introduced to rare and exotic breeds of animals mainly found in the Amazon Rain Forest. Seeing and touching these creatures reinforced the urgency in me to share with everyone how important it is and will be in the future to protect endangered species, our future really and truly does depend on it and for generations to come.

The  Kiss My Face Product launch held in glamorous Penthouse apartment on the Upper West Side was a real treat too. The KMF line has always been a brand I support: the soaps, lip balms and this time, holiday launch with face products was a really fantastic way to enhance health and beauty while being socially responsible.

Last night was an unexpected evening of fun and a great way to kick off the holidays.

Wolmann Ice Skating Rink was so much fun. My ankles were hurting since it had been a while since I had gone on the ice and really let loose...Skating to dance music is the ultimate high--I recommend it to everyone, before it gets to cold. On that note, time to bundle up and brave the elements..

Have a great week everyone...

Best wishes

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Holiday Product Launch

Christmas in September?  Editors are as busy, scrambling to find what the most sought-after gifts for the Holiday season are going to be.

A Fellow Journalist invited me to the "Lush" launch, not to be confused with "Happy Hour" as many might be thinking..

Lush cosmetics introduced new products just in time for Christmas, Hannakuah and Kwanza.

There was something to be found for everyone on your shopping list.

My favorites:  The Rub, Rub, Rub shower gel and the Angel's Delight Soap, I'm going to try, "Back for Breakfast Juicy Shower Gel" later and the "Let Them Eat Cake" vegan lip balm is going to be a real treat--I'm sure!

All of the Lush products are vegan, eco-friendly and from Canada (eh)..What's not to love?

Packaging is minimal, but the benefits are monumental.

Check out your favorite LUSH store today!

Merry Christmas!

xoxo-

Adena

The Chelsea Hotel: Atlantic City, NJ

Room 1708, this was where I stayed on Friday night at one of the hottest, newest, non-gaming hotels in Atlantic City, this boutique hotel is called The Chelsea.

This summer I spent a few weekends away from NYC and other popular destinations to focus on this one-of-a-kind town. There is something about Atlantic City that appeals to my traveling companions and me. It’s safe to say this is a place destined to be the next Hamptons and Vegas.  I almost feel like a local now, discovering new places to frequent away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is the boardwalk and beautiful beach with calm waves and warm water. The vendors along the boardwalk sell t-shirts with something along the lines of: “I don’t need an encyclopedia, my wife knows everything.” Besides the obvious campy, Venice Beach meets Coney Island appeal of Altantic City, visitors can enjoy some of the best live entertainment with musical acts: The Black Crowes, Madonna and Alice Cooper touring there this fall. There are plenty of casinos around if you have gambling fever as well as a taste for fine dining and casual dining too.

The Chelsea Hotel opened during July 4^th weekend and officially opened its doors on August 1^st. 

The façade of the hotel has a fifties feel complete with the hip diner, Teplitzky’s. 

Teplitzky’s reminded me of Swingers in West Los Angeles and also the original Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake.  Guests are able to dine overlooking the saltwater pool (due to open on November 1^st of this year).

Inside the lobby of The Chelsea, I got a kick out of the ceramic mushroom sculptures and gold seashell lighting fixtures. The library really grabbed our attention too.

The halls ways are sort of a seventies brown with lighter beige flowers and striped carpeting.  Guest rooms are complete with table lamps in the shape of a Toucan parrot.

Our beds were soft and luxurious with ample amounts of down pillows accompanied by a down comforter too.  I felt so at home in our guest room, I spent most of our time in bed feeling warm and snuggly watching “Sex and The City” reruns and the Travel Channel while sipping mango mimosas and nibbling on fresh fruit.

Kiehl’s products were a real treat to have in my room along with an honor bar complete with: Chewing gum, beef   jerky, a disposable camera and the most unexpected, a sealed box from Kiki De Montparnasse (oh, how I wanted to open up this box to find out what was inside!). There was also soda, bottles of wine and mixers available. I woke up in the morning and was greeted with “The New York Post” just outside my door.

The Fifth floor features sprawling spaces: both indoor and outside.  The indoor spaces include a glamorous fireplace, a pool-table and plenty of retro board games.  “It’s a beautiful morning” was the song playing when I woke up and ventured upstairs at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and I enjoyed lounging about while checking out this incredible space.

Outdoors, you will find a very inviting swimming pool and bar, along with a spacious terrace facing the ocean.

The Chelsea Prime restaurant also boasts one of the best water views and guests will be impressed with the rare collection of black and white photos of some very recognizable subjects: Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles and of course, the bathing beauties from the Mermaid Parade are just some of the images that caught my eye.

My time was well-spent and very relaxing at The Chelsea. The staff was warm and friendly. They made us feel welcomed and we would go back and be repeat guests because we loved our experience so much there.  The spa is due to open in November. Rooms at The Chelsea for Spring/Summer 2009 are anticipated to be booked up in advance, so call and make your reservations at 800.548.3030. The Chelsea Hotel is located at 111 So. Chelsea Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Midweek rates start at $129 and weekend rates at $279.00. Special packages are available and also, there is a Penthouse Suite complete with a solid gold loveseat, bar and tub-for-two (prices are available upon request).

 The Chelsea Hotel is a legendary spot in the making, be sure and ask to stay in Room 1708, you will be glad you did…

Fashion Week Wrap-up 2009

It's hard to believe it's over. For everyone's liver and state of mind, perhaps it's a good thing. Friday night ended on  an uber-chic note with Chado Ralph Rucci. Robert Verdi from "Full Frontal Fashion" and Miss Jay from "America's Next Top Model" walked in right before my friend and me did.

Each model stopped to make a dramatic pause for all guests in the tent. It was a fantastic way to depart Bryant Park's shows until February.

Afterwards it was very "Rock and Roll High School" over at Arena.

The evening was topped off at the Mark Bouwer after-party on 14th Street. The guests were friendly and it was a good vibe overall.

This weekend has been spent regrouping from all the wonderful, wackiness of Fashion Week!

Dazed and Confused At Fashion Week!

As I've mentioned before, the beginning Fashion Week can be overwhelming. So much has gone on, I have difficulty remembering which shows I've actually seen. My favorite this season was by Iodice, (which I have yet to pronounce correctly).

The Housing Works benefit party was better than expected. Guests were treated to complimentary manicures and free blue jeans too.  The Nigel Barker event at Bloomindale's downtown was a bit crazed. We waited on each floor the department store before taking the escalator to the fifth floor, but enjoyed the experience just the same. 

Yesterday at lunch, Richard Chai's show was filld with your usual favorites: Anna Wintour and the handsome, blonde man, nicely dressed, the buyer from Neiman Marcus--I forget his name, but he was front row center as pleasant as ever.

Milly took a different direction by showing a high-class hippie look. Lots of vibrant patterns, lace and bo-ho chic.

The Wren presentation was off-site in midtown followed by a rooftop party at the Empire Hotel with Constantine from Amercian Idol.

Today is a somber, September 11th, it is difficult to think about Fashion today, but we should take a moment to reflect on this day in history and not let it become just a blur or another day on the calendar. 

Day 2 and Day 3 of Fashion Week: Spring 2009

By days two and three most editors and staff are exhausted during Fashion Week. It's a fun, crazy world inside the tents of Bryant Park and the outside shows as well.

Saturday afternoon I missed the Abaete show and went over to the Westin for the Couture Shows for Prince Edward III (a real prince from Africa and a regular plaid-clad regular during Fashion Week) Our friend Pearl even modeled in his show!

The Karen Walker Spring 2009 collection show was over at The Altman Building and we bumped into Mickey Boardman from Paper Magazine, he was seated in the same row a few people down from us.

It started to pour--Hurricane Hannah was hitting the east coast! The next show was over at The Exchange--way over near 12th Avenue in Chelsea for James Coviello.

We were getting soaked after the show and luckily found a car service to take us and two new friends down to Bond Street for the next fashion event.

Then it was back to the tents for Alexandre Herchcoovitch followed by the crazy/coolness of Rock and Republic. One of the Olsen sisters (Mary-Kate was it Ashley) was front and center. I was (gasp) in the standing section for R and R until one of the volunteers graciously offered me a seat.

Day Two:

Lela Rose was a big hit even at 10:00 a.m. My friend and yours truly sat in the second row (not bad after scoring front row seats for most shows thus far.

The DKNY show was getting really crowded. We decided to leave the insanity for a couple of hours to regroup.

I went back to the tents and picked up a pair of Haviannas, then shared a cab over to the Milk Gallery rooftop for the Tim Hamilton presentation filled with gorgeous, pretty-boy models throughout.

Harlan Bell at the Altman Building was crazed as was House of Cassette around the corner at the Met Pavillion.

Aloha Rag celebrated their store opening followed by a festive cocktail party at Don Hills--yes, Don Hills!

The last show of the evening was Carlos Campos, our friend and designer Loris Doran was all smiles as usual--then you guessed it--home to rest and start all over again today!

Day One of Fashion Week-Friday, 9.5.08

Since I have become a "Fashion Junkie" not to be confused with a "Fashion Victim" mind you, even though I have my "ugh" days most of the time, I decided to break free from my office and get a bit more of my addiction kick on by attending the "Steinunn" presentation" during my lunch break.

On stage, models posed alongside mannequins.  Some of them (the models) really got into character and made it a fun experience.

After work, I stopped by the Westin for the Couture Fashion Week shows and it was really crowded and ended up going downtown to the Iris Loeffler show on East Broadway. 

While I was taking pictures, I heard someone behind me whisper to his friend, "She thinks she's a photographer." I turned around and said to him politely, yet firmly, "EXCUSE ME?" I contiuned in a sing-songy tone, "Did you get some nice shots? I think I did."  Normally, I avoid confrontation, but Fashion Week does not always translate into bitchy. On second thought, maybe it does! Nonetheless, it was a great show and I love my Stila lipstick from the goodie bag.

At close to 7, I went over to the tents and it was elbow-to-elbow inside.  I waited for a friend and fellow journalist to go to an after-party in Tribeca. We then came back up to Bryant Park (the hotel) for the Ottavia et Emma collection and you guessed it--another mobscene. Luckily, my friend knew the publicist and we were whisked right in.

I headed home close to ten as my feet hurt and it was only the beginning of...FASHION WEEK.

Surprise, Surprise! Today is the First Official Day

Fashion Week! I know sometimes everyday might seem like it is to the party posse' or those restless nightlife folks, but really and truly it does begin today at Bryant Park in the tents!

Last night, there must have been about fifty pre-fashion week parties all racing to be the first ones to get there name out to press, buyers and celebs.

We started of mellow over at a studio near the West side Highway for an art show, afterwards we sat in a cab grid-locked in traffic for about about ten minutes making us run behind schedule (see, that's what life is like for my group of friends; we take living in New York very seriously by working hard and playing hard; because we are always, always, always working--but no complaints here, I wouldn't have it any other way, except of course, if a car and driver were included, life would be even better).

The Lorick presentation turned out to be a hit, we almost didn't make it. All of the scenes created were very innovative indeed.

Afterwards, it was a mad dash over to The Empire Hotel roofdeck for the La Perla presentation. It was a great party, but very, very crowded. 

Since there were now four of us, we split a cab over to the Natural History Museum for the Eco-chic party. This was also very popular! We were treated to a huge bag of skincare products and then made our way over to Gen-Art.

We arrived late and could not get-in, so we had dinner at the Tick Tock Diner and stopped by the  Gen-Art after-party and called it a night.

Stay tuned for more F.W. coverage!

The Red Thread: Valentino and The Samsung Experience Party

At about 3:00 p.m. yesterday I opened up my email and realized I was confirmed for the Valentino Red Thread/Samsung Experience party!  I raced over to Williamsburg and bought a dress and went back to city because the invite read: formal.  There was a huge, I'm talking hundreds of people huddled around the red carpet (we had to run through all of these spectators just to check-in).  One of the security guys asked us to wait because Christian, last season's Project Runway winner was being -photographed and filmed--it was over-the-top fabulousness. Inside the Grace Building, select- evening gowns were displayed, almost museum-like. As we walked through each room, we made our way to the private garden area and ended up in the VIP section where Liv Tyler, Alan Cumming and Valentino were holding court. The Housewives of New York also made an appearance. Gotta love the build-up for Fashion Week beginning tomorrow--officially!

Shear Genius Party at The Tribeca Grand

THE BRAVO SHEAR GENIUS FINALE PARTY AT THE TRIBECA GRAND

A friend of mine invited me to the finale party for “Shear Genius,” the BRAVO show at the Tribeca Grand last night.

On our way over, we stopped by the Adam store on Hudson, then into Manhattan Motors before arriving at the event. The weather has been especially pleasant this week with a hint of fall in the air, this is why we walked about twenty blocks and my feet were starting to hurt.

Down in the screening room of the Tribeca Grand, we noticed all of the contestants from the show and Malan from Project Runway was there too. He also knows my friend (the one that invited me) and we shared some laughs and enjoyed the open bar. We were beginning to feel a bit woozy and luckily crab-cakes, macaroni and cheese as well as other treats were being served. Something caught my eye as were sitting in front of the screening room entrance. It was Jaclyn Smith! I don’t usually get too star-struck, (growing up in LA and all) however, I must admit I loved Charlie Angels (and still do when the reruns are on) and always secretly wanted to be Jill Monroe (Farrah Fawcett’s character), but loved the calm and coolness of Kelly Garret! She was the ultimate girl-next door turned private detective!

Another friend of mine (a stylist) turned to me and whispered, “She looks like she has only aged about ten years at the most…SHE LOOKS GREAT!” I had to agree.

The Shear Genius contestants also competed in a cutting challenge and are donating the hair to the “Locks of Love” charity.

In the theater, I was treated to the experience of seeing the Shear Genius show for the first time. The three finalists: Dee Adames, Charlie Price and Nicole Obert had four hair models ranging in ages from: 21 up to 65. There was a group of blonde, brunettes and redheads. The contestants had to cut, color and style the hair of these women giving them the most flattering look for that particular age. You’ll have to watch Shear Genius on Bravo to find out who won! Okay, it was Dee Adames and the looks she created on the redheads made her the winner of the $100,000!  It was a wonderful, smart and sheer genius evening overall and everyone left with a bag filled with Nexxus Hair Products...