The Future of Fashion hosted by Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory: the ultimate New York Fashion Week retreat

Believe it or not, fashion week can be uber-stressful so any and all opportunities to take relaxing breaks are very much-welcomed. So I was thrilled to be invited to the exclusive New York Fashion Week retreat: The Future of Fashion hosted by Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory. Verdi organizes these fashion Week retreats with a specially curated group of partner brands in fashion, beauty and lifestylen to offer ‘exclusive services, little indulgences and innovative ideas that are shaping the future of fashion & the way we live’.

The Luxe Laboratory is set up in an intimate, studio-style setting, and if I could live in the cozy space, I absolutely would! I visited the lounge on Valentine’s Day, and upon entering, was greeted with a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere of food, drink, fashion, beauty, artwork (from Jen Bekman gallery), and fellow fashion bloggers milling about. I was served yummy Absolut Berri Açai champagne cocktails (sadly I just missed the healthy brunch from BluePrint Cleanse!) and gnoshed on my favorite kettle corn popcorn from Popcorn Indiana. On one end of the Luxe Laboratory was a Rock & Republic denim bar so we could take a peek at the hottest new styles from the brand, alongside custom fittings from Maidenform and ShāToBu™ shapewear, Carrera sunglasses and a furnishings by Modern Dose.

On the other side of the main room was a spa-like lounge area where we could get all dolled up! Ginger + Liz, two ladies who started their own line of fab nail colors, were there providing manicures using their haute collection. My fave was ‘Swagger’. Makeup was provided by Neil for Jouer Cosmetics. He did such a fab job on my face that I sorta hired him to duplicate the look for my upcoming wedding! A professional hair stylist from PHYTO was also there to provide blow-outs. Yes, I felt spoiled for the day!

The Robert Verdi Luxe Laboratory event was amazing! It was such a great space to relax, mingle with other fashion bloggers and editors and get up close and personal with the brands I already write about.

Thanks Robert Verdi! Hope to pay another visit to the Luxe Laboratory very soon!

Barbie Basics LBD Collection - event recap

Yesterday I told you about the Barbie Basics LBD collection of dolls. Well, I had the chance to preview the one-of-a-kind designer dolls last night at Openhouse Gallery. The Kir Royale cocktails were flowing, the hors d’oeuvres were being passed and I got a chance to catch up with some of my favorite fashion bloggers. Then came the unveiling. Oh boy! If only I could have Barbie’s one-of-a-kind outfits for myself! The looks were everything you’d expect – and more! All of the dolls were styled amazingly, but my faves had to be the Betsey Johnson Barbie with the wide sheer skirt, the Devi Kroell Barbie with mirrored pants and an ‘exotic’ handbag, the Lorraine Schwartz Barbie with $10,000 of real diamonds on it, and the Subversive Barbie with a chunky, layered pearl necklace! Icing on the cake – designer Justin Giunta (Subversive) was there and told me about his inspiration for accessorizing Barbie, his jewelry line and his upcoming jewelry collaboration with Tory Burch!

Overall, all of the dolls were nothing short of fabulous! And as promised, bidding has begun on the dolls so if you want to get your hands on these one-of-a-kind designer dolls, whip out your credit cards and snap up one – or a few! Proceeds will benefit CFDA education and scholarship programs.

Make sure to follow Barbie on Twitter (@BarbieStyle) and check out her blog, where CFDA designer Justin Giunta has a guest blog about his designer doll.

Special thanks to Attention PR, Steven Kolb - Executive Director, CFDA, and Stephanie Cota - SVP, Barbie for hosting this event!

Photos via Racked and TrendHunter

Fall shopping at Marshall’s

Several weeks ago, What’s Haute Magazine was invited to a red carpet fall shopping event at Marshall’s. We joined a very small, hand-selected group of fellow bloggers, including Eye 4 Style, Style IT, Felicia Sullivan, I’m Not Obsessed and Nanodism with host, Alison Deyette, to get a behind the scenes look at off-price shopping and “shopportunity”.

I’ve always been a fan of both Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. Though off-price shopping is not for all, it’s great for those like me who love the thrill of the hunt. In my lifetime I’ve found tons of amazing authentic designer picks at both stores, including everything from Dior and Gucci sunglasses, to Valentino dresses, Emilio Pucci accessories, Katherine Kwei and Michael Kors handbags - you get the picture. And this instance was no different. We saw everything from Calvin Klein dresses, to Coach bags, to Diane von Furstenburg shoes gracing the racks.

In case you thought off-price meant “last season”, you’d be surprised to know that Marshall’s provides clothes that are in season. They have buyers that visit manufacturers all over the country looking for stylish finds. When designers have an excess of shirts, shoes, bags, etc. from their designs not selling out in department stores or boutiques, the clothes are returned to them and they need to figure out an alternative to selling it. This is where Marshall’s comes in.

After department store or boutique buyers place their orders, Marshall’s buyers purchase the excess and put them in stores right away. (Marshall’s and TJ Maxx get 10,000 pieces of new merchandise each week, spread out among their 1,600 stores.) That means that you can get the same pricey department store or boutique clothes in Marshall’s at the exact same time and for a much lower price! And they don’t return any clothing to the designer - they just mark it down until it’s sold and if it doesn’t sell, they eventually donate it.

And a great little shopping tip we learned is that you can always ask Marshall’s salespeople if they have your size back in the storeroom. Alison took us on a tour around and in the back of the store and we saw tons of recent deliveries, and more to come that day! With all that merchandise, they couldn’t put everything on the shelves so some of it stays in the back, just waiting for you to ask!

Speaking of merchandise, I picked up some gold DvF strappy sandals, an awesome black designer jumpsuit and a purple and black print dress – totaling only 120 bucks!

What “shopportunities” have you discovered at Marshall’s?

Self Salon Brooklyn - Blogger Beauty Night

You know the questions “If you were running out of a burning house, what three things would you grab?” and “If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?”. Well, in both instances for me, at least one of those things would be a bag of hair care products, including shampoo and conditioner, some sort of hair treatment, a blowdryer and a flat iron. I’m a little obsessed with my hair (I try my hardest not to have bad hair days), so when I was invited to check out Self Salon and get a hair glossing and blowout, I jumped at the chance.

I trekked over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn and immediately felt relaxed when I entered the fresh and airy, all-white space. The space was like a large art studio and the atmosphere was so calming. It was just what I needed after a long, stressful week! I chatted with some fellow bloggers, nibbled on Greek food and had a few glasses of wine before Jeffrey started my hair glossing process. The process was simple – he put the gloss in and just let it sit for about 20 minutes. Once it was rinsed out, Jeffrey was working on another blogger so the adorable owner, Maria Barca, took care of me.

Maria was nothing short of fabulous. To begin with, she was a sweetheart and super nice – a quality that seems to miss many stylists – at least most of the ones I have encountered. She explained everything that she was doing to my hair, and asked me many questions like what I wanted in terms of styling, what types of products I used and/or preferred, etc. This was all in an effort to get to know her client’s (my) needs well so she could provide the best service.

In addition to the amazing service, she is also an amazing stylist! She gave me a blowout which was very relaxing (I kept dozing off!) and fairly quick (no all-nighters here) which turned out beautiful. Then she offered to give me one of her signature “dry cuts” – I graciously accepted. I liked that she offered but didn’t push it, and even gave me a mirror and spun my chair around to show me exactly how much she was going to cut. No stylist has EVER done that before – they usually just start cutting away and you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. When she was done, my hair had that shine, bounce and swing that you typically only see in hair commercials.

If you want awesome service, and ‘commercial-quality’ hair, hop on a train to Brooklyn and grab yourself a seat at Self Salon. It’s only $45 for a blowout and you’ll be in and out in a flash. A hair glossing goes for an affordable $75, and lasts for approximately 10 washes. They also have a ton of other services (like coloring, highlights and hair treatments) hair and beauty products that you’ll want to check out. And Self is currently running a 20% off special until October 31st, in case you needed another reason to check them out. They also provide other services like acupuncture and makeup. I’m heading back soon to get a bridal makeup consultation so check back soon for photos of that! Learn more by visiting their website at SelfSalonBrooklyn.com.

Self Salon
147 Grand Street (between Bedford and Berry)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Telephone: 718.599.1449
Email: selfsalon@verizon.net

Directions: L train to Bedford Avenue, walk south on Bedford to Grand and turn right
J, M or Z trains to Marcy stop, walk north on Bedford Avenue to Grand and turn left

Click here for more specials at Self Salon.

Fashion’s Night Out #FNO09: Anna Sui for Target pop-up shop

I recently reviewed the Anna Sui for Target collection so I knew what to expect upon entering the store. The store was cutely decorated in newspapers covering the walls with the headline “Anna Sui for Target”. It was laid out like a closet, with each Gossip Girl character the collection was based on, grouped in separate areas. Models lounged in chairs and sofas throughout. My favorites were the “Blair Waldorf” dresses. I tried on the blue belted mini dress but it was way too big. Unfortunately by the time I arrived, all of the selection had been picked over and only mostly extra large sizes were left. So I guess I’ll be picking up my pieces in Target when the collection rolls out in stores on September 13th!

In New York? Visit the store:
Anna Sui for Target pop-up store:
54 Crosby St.
Thursday, September 10th, 11 pm - 11 pm
Friday, September 11th, 11 pm - 11 pm
Saturday, September 12th, 11 pm - 8 pm

Stay tuned to What’s Haute for New York Fashion Week coverage!

Fashion’s Night Out #FNO09: RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store

I headed over to the RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store and the line was down the block! Not surprising since this collection has been buzzworthy for months. And once inside, I saw that it was worth all the fuss. Usually designer diffusion lines are poorly constructed or cheap fabrics are used, but this collection was very well-made and just lovely. I wanted to grab just about every piece in the store but only left with the ‘Love’ script necklace and Peace Sign earrings.

The store was like one big party - in the front there was an area filled with graffiti panels designed by renowned tag artist SenOne. Guests could leave their own tags too. Drag queen/DJ Lady Bunny put on his/her own outrageous show, twirling around the store and dancing like a madwoman….or madman.

I chatted with a few celebs - RACHEL Rachel Roy model Karen Blanchard. I adored her bag, which I initially assumed was some couture designer creation but was actually scored on the cheap at a vintage store. And she studded it herself! Fabulous and resourceful - my kind of girl! I also ran into Malvin Vien of the current season of Project Runway. We chatted about what he’s been up to since the show - he’s designing his own line and also involved in non-profit work. I also spotted Renee Neufville of former R&B group Zhané. I gushed over her music as well as her style. She looked amazing in a brown and white zebra print hooded jumpsuit (vintage Diane von Furstenburg), a gold belt from her mom’s closet and a red leather clutch by Alexander Terekhov (Terexov). Loved her throwback wide fingerwaves, blue nails and neutral makeup. She revealed that she’s working on a solo album that may drop in December. I for one can’t wait! She was at the event to see her friend Estelle, who was scheduled to perform but I took off before she got there - had to finish my shopping rounds.

 

 

 

 

 

In New York? Visit the store:
RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store:
111 Spring Street (between Mercer and Greene)
September 9th through September 16th
Open 11am-8pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday

Next up: the Anna Sui for Target pop-up store.

Stay tuned to What’s Haute for New York Fashion Week coverage!

Fashion’s Night Out #FNO09: Tory Burch, Catherine Malandrino and more

Fashion. Shopping. Celebrities. Entertainment. Cocktails. Giveaways. Those are just some of the words to describe Fashion’s Night Out #FNO09! I ventured out to visit a few of my favorite shops as well as some pop-up stores tonight and had a blast. Check out my coverage below:

My first stop was at Tory Burch (Meatpacking). I went over to pick up a pair of Reva flats - my hands-down FAVORITE piece of footwear - along with my free camouflage bag. The scene outside of the store was crazy! There was a vendor giving out seasoned corn on the cob to the fashionistas mixing and mingling. The atmosphere inside the store was just as vibrant; the water, wine and Corona’s were flowing, hors d’oeuvres from La Esquina were being served and DJ Cassidy was on the turntables in the center of the store. I also spotted Tory’s main squeeze - Def Jam exec Lyor Cohen. It was more of a social scene than a shopping scene - fashionably haute dressed men and women showed up to hang out but there were a few shoppers in the mix, myself included. I browsed the fall shoes and bags which I first saw at her fall presentation last spring. Fell in love again with the Tory Burch Studded Satchel - it looks great online but even more amazing in person.

I snagged a pair of black Tory Burch Leather Logo Reva Flats (while trying to control my urge to splurge on a few spring bags on sale and some full-priced fall bags too). I also got my complimentary camouflage tote, which is super cute, and was the theme of the night. Waiters and waitresses were dressed in camouflage tops; and even the designer herself wore a sequined top with camouflage leggings.

Next, I cruised through the Meatpacking district, stopping briefly to enjoy a five-piece band outside of Ports 1961 and then onto Catherine Malandrino. There I sipped ‘Lady Liberty’ cocktails consisting of Cointreau, champagne and juice. Yummy! I also grabbed some grapeseed-infused skincare goodies from Caudalie Paris and haute haircare products by Carita Paris. MarieBelle fine chocolates were on the scene too.

Next stop: RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up shop in SoHo.

Stay tuned to What’s Haute for New York Fashion Week coverage!

Fashion Fights Cancer

Earning power = real power. Power is often thought of as a negative word but it’s not it is a neutral, or in other words it’s all what you do with it. Fashion makes money, so therefore fashion has power, this coming Tuesday night at the Audi Forum on Park Avenue in New York City, Fashion Fights Cancer puts the power of healing on the runway. This five year old marriage of charity and designers raises money in honor of the memory of Cindi Solomon and this year’s proceeds go exclusively to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This exemplary event is the creation of Hope Meredith Ham who lost her mother to cancer and has beautifully turned her grief and loss into this powerhouse for good. Tickets are $35 and are available through the website. I will be there with my friend photographer Markus Lokvist covering the event for What’s Haute and I hope to see you there.

Fashion Fights Cancer flyer

My ‘It’ Things - ‘It’ Designer Runway Show

Coincidentally, on the eve of the Project Runway Season 5 finale, I attended another fashion show competition/finale at Lotus Space in New York. While Project Runway searches for the next great American designer, last night’s design contest, sponsored by My’It’Things, was on the search for America’s next ‘It’ designer.

The three finalists, Nora Del Busto, Wakana Koike, and Adolfo Sanchez, were previously selected by voters and a panel of industry judges. Armed with $1,500 and a few months, they each created a 5-piece capsule collection, while blogging about the design process. They presented their final collections last night.

Sanchez’s collection was ’soft and angelic’; dedicated to a relative who recently passed away. The color palette consisted of earth tones like caramel brown and light pink. Silhouettes included fitted dresses and separates, like high-waisted pencil pants and corseted tops (modeled by Jaslene Gonzalez of America’s Next Top Model). The collection had a vintage-’40’s feel.

Nora Del Busto’s collection was inspired by a recent trip to Peru and based on Peruvian costumes and colors. The vibrant looks consisted of fuschia, turquoise and purple colors, set against jet black, and silhouettes were very feminine. Ruffled skirts dominated the looks, along with fitted separates like pleated shorts and halter tops.

Wakana Koike presented a nautical-inspired collection, with marine touches like rope cords and printed fabrics full of oceanic motifs. Blue skies, puffy white clouds and colorful sailboats dominated the fabrics and the silhouettes were breezy and airy. Sailor uniforms were incorporated into the designs and full tops and dresses were cinched with sailing ropes and cords, and detailed with sailor-style buttons and cuffs.

Wakana Koike was ultimately named the winner by the panel of judges, including fashion designers Malan Breton, Keither Lissner and other industry experts Greg Littley, Kathlin Argiro, Hitha Prabhakar, Nathan Cooper, Sheryl Berk and My’It’Things Editor-in-chief Yuli Ziv. Koike was awarded $5,000 toward the production of her Spring 2009 line which will be sold on MyItThings.com.

Lokah’s The Ivy Ceiling CD Launch Party

Much of life in New York City is spent waiting. Waiting for the train, waiting for a table, or waiting in some sort of line. Last night was no different. Even though I was on the guest list for Lokah’s The Ivy Ceiling CD Launch Party, I had to wait. And wait. And wait! But once inside, it was well worth it.

Held at the ultra-chic Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club, guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and champagne, while mingling and listening to the laid-back sounds of Lokah. VIP’s included everyone from Russell Simmons and Sting, (and moi), and of course, the guests of honor. Lokah is the collective creation of two artists– Sri Michael Shlofmitz and Uma Nanda Saraswati. The duo’s debut release, The Ivy Ceiling, fuses Indian Kirtan with modern music, resulting in smooth yet heavily textured beats and sounds. The album features the vocals of Sting on the track, “Ma Durga”, and a spoken word introduction by Russell Simmons. Also on the album are Roderick and Anisa Romero of the Seattle based underground band, Sky Cries Mary, are featured on backing vocals.

For sample tracks of The Ivy Ceiling, or to learn more about Lokah, visit LokahMusic.com and to purchase The Ivy Ceiling click here.

Wireimage/Mark Von Holden

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