Saturday, July 6, 2019

14th Annual Central Park Conservatory Benefit


I recently attended the Central Park Conservatory Benefit which was held outside in the park's magical garden. 

Beneath a canopy of wisteria overlooking six acres of gorgeous fountains, blooms and lush landscapes guests enjoyed summer fare from Italian steak house Davio's, Latin and Caribbean inspired Angel of Harlem, seafood favorite Ocean Prime, Peruvian street food stand Mission Ceviche and Mexico City style taqueria La Chula. Desserts from Insomnia Cookies and speciality cocktails from New York heritage distillers Coppersea and artisanal mezcal tres papalote.

The Conservatory Garden is Central Park's six-acre formal garden. It is divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French, and English. The Garden's main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate, on Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets. This magnificent iron gate, made in Paris in 1894, originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street.

Frankly I didn't even know this place existed so it was quite the treat to be able to see the garden in this private soiree. 

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Featured in the New York Times Style Section - My Grand Masquerade Ball Look!



What an awesome surprise it was to wake up to being featured in the New York Times Style section today for the look I wore to the Grand Masquerade Ball at the Plaza Hotel! Check out the feature in both print (on top) and the website mention on the bottom.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Zang Toi Spring 2019 "Vive Le Yves" Fashion Show


I had the absolute pleasure of attending world renowned designer Zang Toi's Spring 2019 "Vive Le Yves" Fashion Show that paid homage to his favorite designer Yves Saint Laurent. This collection was very personal and very special to Zang as all 29 looks were a fan letter to the iconic Yves Saint Laurent. 

Zang traveled to Marrakech, Morocco to visit the Saint Laurent museum for inspiration before starting on the journey of creating these Yves Saint Laurent inspired looks. Zang Toi, "I was always inspired by his works and this season I decided to pay tribute to the master himself."

Every season Zang completely outdoes himself in his work and this collection was no exception. You could literally see how much love and devotion he put into the details of every piece. It was as if Yves Saint Laurent's work came back to life but with Zang's personal twist. 

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Dinner With Fashion Designer Dan Liu At Bergdorf Goodman


I had the unique opportunity to be invited to meet and have dinner with Fashion Designer Dan Liu at Bergdorf's in New York. Award-winning Canadian designer, Dan Liu, draws his inspirations for DAN LIU and TATSUAKI designs from his Chinese and Japanese heritage. 

With emphasis on beauty and practicality, his debut knitwear collection was so unique that numerous Hollywood celebrities frequented his first Yorkville store in Toronto. The TATSUAKI women’s line has since evolved into ‟Funky Couture” while “Elegant Couture” is the perfect characterization of DAN LIU’s line.

A bevy of New York influencers were also invited to attend the dinner like Nata (Nata_allbuenothings) and Chris (NYC Lavish). 

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Breakfast at Tiffany's - Blue Box Cafe Birthday Experience


I didn't know that Breakfast at Tiffany's (apart from the movie) was an actual thing until my best friend Robyn managed to get us some pretty hard to get reservations for her Birthday. In the 1960's classic 'Breakfast at Tiffany's, Holly Golightly’s breakfast outside of Tiffany’s included a bodega croissant and coffee while she window shopped the jewels. The real life version of the moment (albeit a more high-end) sit-down dining experience can now be found at The Blue Box Cafe, located on the 4th floor of the Tiffany's flagship store on 5th avenue.

The Blue Box Cafe serves American classics made with the highest quality, regionally sourced ingredients. The menu is expected to evolve through the
seasons for a refined take on signature New York dishes reinvented to be uniquely Tiffany.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Hello March, Hello New Blonde Ombre Hair



I get bored easily in almost every aspect of my life and hairstyles are definitely not an exception. Almost every season I usually update my style to match my mood and of course the season. After a stressful past few months I'm finally feeling free, happy and ready to accomplish so much more this year. 

I wanted a style to match my new reality so I went to my longtime hairstylist Kylie Fritz at Hair Dynamics Salon in Fort Lee, NJ. I've been going to Kylie for the past year and I will absolutely not go to anyone else. Finding a good stylist is hard, but especially one that really understands your vision and maintaining healthy hair even when coloring. This time Kylie did a single process, balayage ombre, olaplex treatment and haircut. The results were nothing short of amazing. Ombre is a tricky art in not having a hard line between dark and light colors and Kylie was certainly a talented artist in ensuring a smooth transition of shades. Further, the olaplex treatment Kylie put on made my hair look and feel healthy even after coloring.

Thanks Kylie for making me look like a million $ again! Check out more of her work on her Instagram page

Sunday, February 11, 2018

The 63rd Viennese Opera Ball at the Ziegfeld Ballroom - Royals, Ball Gowns and Dancing until 3am with Prince Charming from West Point

West Point Cadets, Nora Kobrenik, Me, Sissy Sakvarlishvili and More West Point Cadets

I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of attending the 63rd Viennese Opera Ball for the 3rd time last Friday. The ball was held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom under the gracious patronage of H.E. Alexander Van der Bellen, President of the Republic of Austria, and The Honorable Michael Häupl, Governor and Mayor of Vienna.

The Viennese Opera Ball is the oldest white tie charity gala in New York. Since 1955, the Ball in New York has been a representative of Vienna’s cultural legacy, elegance, and glamour in the Big Apple. The Ball operates as a cultural platform and builds bridges to connect present day New York City with 19th Century Vienna, and people of varying heritages, continents and generations, to bring traditional glamour to the city that never sleeps.

Every year the Ball has included a charity to benefit and this year’s patronage went to the music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with support from Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

Led by Silvia Frieser, President and Executive Director, and Daniel Serafin, Artistic Director, with the support of platinum sponsor Silhouette, an Austrian eyewear company, the ball celebrated 12 debutantes and their escorts including Archduchess Isabella von Habsburg of Austria, escorted by Daniel Bak, Eugenia Bullock of New York escorted by Ryan Thomas Roth, son of skin care mogul Peter Thomas Roth, Meredith Baker Schott of New York, escorted by Gerard William Ford III, grandson of Eileen Ford, as they made their formal debut to international society. Miss Bullock wore a Peter Thomas Roth tiara with diamonds from William Goldberg, and a custom gown by Nicole Miller, while Miss Schott wore a tiara by JFINE Diamonds and a gown by Maggie Norris, and Archduchess von Habsburg wore an heirloom gown and tiara.

The event hosted nearly 400 guests including Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Peter Thomas Roth, CEO, Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care, Nicole Miller, Atıl Kutoğlu, The Official Fashion Designer of the 63rd Viennese Opera Ball, A.E. Köechert, the event’s fine jewelry sponsor, Orange Is the New Black’s Selenis Leyva, Nick Burch, son of Tory Burch, Emma Waldron, Miss Ireland 2010, Janna Bullock, Jean Shafiroff, Christine Schott, Laine Siklos and Emir Bahadir.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Golden Fleece Gala at the Neue Galerie


I was so excited to attend the Golden Fleece Gala with my lovely friend Nora. The gala was held by the international friends of the Kunsthistorisches Museum for a special fundraising reception to benefit the major renovation project of the Imperial Treasury of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. The Golden Fleece gala was a dejavu of sorts as we saw some of the same German society guests at the Vienesse Opera Ball back in February. 

For this special occasion I also wore a Kristi Vosbeck black leather dress with the most divine dropping neckline. There is something so special and magical about each of Kristi’s gowns, and this one especially was so befitting for this gala at the Neue Galerie. The Neue Galerie is a museum of early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and design located in the William Starr Miller House at 86th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City. 

The gala started with opening remarks by Sabine Haag, Director General of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and continued with a cocktail hour, dinner and a silent auction.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

New York Fashion Week Adventures SS18


Another September, another New York Fashion Week. Can't believe it's been over 10 years since I've been to the NYFW shows. My very first one was at Bryant Park, just when Fashion Week was starting out. As the seasons progressed, the shows moved to Lincoln Center, where the grandeur of fashion continued. Now New York Fashion Week has been sporadically split across town, from shows by downtown Washington St, to Chelsea Piers and more. The feeling is absolutely different without a central hub, but being the ever optimist I tried to make the best of the day at NYFW. I had only one day this season to attend shows as the rest of my week was too filled with meetings and such. Of course, I tried to cram as much as possible into the 7+ hours I had to myself that Sunday. 

My look was an easy effort this time as the outfit I had in mind was originally thought for last September Fashion Week, but I never had a chance to wear it, until now. 

My look was inspired by Zombie Model Rick Genest meets Italian chic Chiara Ferragni, with the spiked sunglasses, Italian yellow gown and spiked booties. 

Happy to say I pulled it off, and all my fashion friends at NYFW loved the look! I was so excited to spend the day with my good friend Nora Kobrenik, Editor of Tartarus magazine (pictured far right) and run into our friend Leckie Roberts (West Village Wasp) pictured in the black hat and her equally fabulous friend. 

Monday, September 4, 2017

Miami Vacation Reflections and New Beginnings



It’s been a while since I’ve written as I took off some time to focus on myself this Summer, and generally this past year. I was teetering on the brink of not writing at all until I went on vacation to Miami earlier this Summer. The ocean, especially in Miami had this magical way of sucking all the stress out of me and clearing my mind. It’s as if I became a blank slate again, letting ago of everything and thinking more clearly of what I wanted in life. It’s probably a good idea to go on one vacation at least once a year, but I haven’t had a chance to really get away until now. 

As I sat on the beach reflecting on this past year, and thinking of things that made me happy I realized how much I missed going on fashion adventures, red carpets, paparazzi, dressing up in glamorous looks and chronicling my life as ‘The Style Socialite’. This blog opened so many cool doors for me and gave me an opportunity to live this crazy, amazingly epic and so not normal life. Taking a break to focus on other things made me realize that as much as I tried I could never really settle for a normal life. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s just soooo not me. I was meant to accomplish more, much more… So here we go, after taking care of what I needed to this year I’m back, better than ever and this time inline with my life moto, #liveepically, I will never stop

Here’s a look at my much needed vacation that opened my eyes and gave me the blank slate I needed to start over...

Monday, May 29, 2017

VINO 2017 Gala Presented by the Italian Trade Commission


I was so excited to attend this year’s VINO Italiano gala hosted by the Italian Trade Commission at the stunning Spring Studios in downtown Manhattan. The luxurious event was attended by select media, socialites, models and the who’s who of the Italian world.

One of my absolute favorite things to do is drink fine wine and network with the best of each industry, and this event certainly hit the spot for that!

About the Italian Trade Commission 
Since 1926, the Italian Trade Commission, with offices worldwide, has been the Italian government agency entrusted with the mission of promoting trade between Italian companies and foreign markets. The Food and Wine department, based in New York City, works on increasing the awareness of the Italian products in the U.S. by being the point of reference for trade and press and promoting the wines through educational events, informational materials, special events and promotions. 

Saturday, February 18, 2017

62nd Viennese Opera Ball at the Waldorf Hotel Grand Ballroom


I was incredibly excited to attend the annual 62nd Viennese Opera Ball for the second time in a row this past week. For this momentous, special occasion I wore a Kristi Vosbeck red gown that had officially made me the 'lady in red' that evening.

The Viennese Opera Ball is the oldest white tie charity gala in New York and is held every year at the Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Ballroom under the auspices of the U.S. Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

Every year the ball raises money for deserving charities in New York and Vienna, and this year’s donation went to a special project of the Jewish Museum Vienna in cooperation with the U.S. Friends of the Jewish Museum of Vienna.

The Opera Ball is led by Silvia Frieser – Executive Director, President and Co-Chair, Michael Pecnik, Co-Chair, Director and Treasurer, Eva Chickering – Director and Board Secretary, and Dr. Stefan Eder – Co-Chair with Artistic Director Daniel Serafin.

In attendance were 16 debutantes including Miss Kiera Rumbough from New York, Miss Marie-Sophie Höfer from Austria, Miss Zhiqiao Cui and Miss Emily Christina Mohr from China, and Miss Milana Guseinzade from Russia made their official debut into iinternational society.

Additional notable guests included the Austrian Ambassador to the United States Wolfgang Waldner and the Former U.S. Ambassador to Austria H.E. Alexa L. Wesner, Kiera Chaplin – Granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, Former Today Show anchor Tamron Hall, Johnny Wright, Jean Shafiroff, Gary Keszler, Carl and Renee Landegger, Ursula Stenzl, Dr. Christine Frissora, Harald & Inge Serafin, Guenther Greiner, Albert & Judy Kurpis, Irena Holiat, Jane Scher, and R. Couri Hay.

Friday, December 9, 2016

John Paul Ataker Showroom Visit + Preview of New S/S17 Collection Inspired by Ancient Assyrian Culture


I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to meet the team behind famed luxury fashion house, John Paul Ataker. My grand tour included a preview of John Paul Ataker’s new S/S17 collection, which I’ll go into detail about a bit later in the post and a chance to play dress up in my favorite John Paul Ataker gowns.

First, let me introduce you to Turkish born designer Numan Ataker, a fashion legend who really doesn’t need an introduction, as he’s been a leading force in fashion for the past few decades and the creative mind behind John Paul Ataker’s luxury gown empire.

John Paul Ataker designs for an independent and sensual woman who exuberates self-confidence. Numan's view of a woman is one of respect and appreciation for the role they’ve played in his life. He expresses this through the integrity of the fit, attention to intricate detail, quality and craftsmanship of each piece. From start to finish, his attention to utmost quality is a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly and every sample is fit and refit to a specific model until it is absolutely perfect.

John Paul Ataker has been featured in a bevy of influential and celebrity publications like Italian Vogue, W Magazine, InStyle MagazinePeople magazine and worn by celebrities like Carrie Underwood and Taraji Hensen.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Baldinini S/S17 Luxury Italian Shoes Presentation



Italian luxury shoe brand Baldinini invited me to preview their newest S/S17 collection and the whole experience made me feel like Carrie Bradshow from Sex and the City.

Baldinini is an Italian luxury fashion company that includes an exciting selection of made in Italy handcrafted shoes that are sophisticated in design and truly make a statement. It was far back in 1910 when the family, of which Gimmi Baldinini is the third generation, took its first steps in footwear, making bespoke shoes entirely by hand. Today those craft skills are still as important as ever and are interwoven with creative expertise inspired by world culture. Now, 100 years later and with millions of pairs of shoes under its belt, the company has more than 100 flagship stores around the world in the most exciting fashion locations.

The Baldinini collection for spring summer 2017 presents high-end artisan shoes that are made from glossy, metallic and matt leathers and other superior-quality materials.

Baldinini has recently entered the US Market with a store in the Mall at Short Hills and soon to be-opened stores in Roosevelt Field, Long Island & Brickell City Centre in Miami.

Baldinini is a long-established footwear company, producing over 400,000 styles a year and has a worldwide network of 150 own-brand stores located from Paris to Hong Kong to New Jersey.

Visit Baldinini.com to see more of their super chic collections of luxury Italian shoes.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

American Museum of Natural History Gala Benefiting K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers


I had the immense pleasure of being invited to the prestigious American Museum of Natural History gala, benefitting K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers.

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers is the charity of choice for new product donations made by companies in the fashion, home and children’s industries. This year’s gala raised over $1.73 millions dollars to benefit children and families in need.

The charity’s annual gala honored the support of Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Merchandising Officer at Toys“R”Us, Inc. and Marc Heller, President of CIT Commercial Services and K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers Executive Board Member.

The honorees’ commitment to K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers over the years has impacted millions of children, families and individuals in need, both nationally and internationally.

In addition to the two honorees, K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers also recognized three top product donors, highlighting their contributions to the organization and how they have helped improve the lives of millions of people in need every year. Together, Global Brands Group, PVH Corp., and Skechers USA have given K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers over $113 million in useful, new product.

“Every year, it is an honor to come together to support K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers with leaders in the fashion, home, and children’s industries,” said Gala Co-Chairman Rick Darling of Li & Fung Trading, Inc. “K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers makes a profound impact in the lives of those challenged by poverty and natural disasters.”

“The K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers gala is an amazing celebration that helps support people in need.” said Gala Co-Chairman Howard Kahn of Kahn Lucas. “This year, we have the pleasure of also honoring top product donors who provide new product for people challenged by poverty, who would otherwise have to make hard choices between food, housing or new clothes.”

This year’s gala highlighted the theme of #DeliveringGood, and the need for new product is immensely important – today one out of every six Americans face poverty. Throughout the year, our product donors help us provide hope, dignity and self-esteem to people in need.

ABOUT K.I.D.S./FASHION DELIVERS, Inc.
Founded 30 years ago, K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support people affected by poverty and tragedy. K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers is an extremely efficient charity, with more than 97% of revenue dedicated to its charitable program of distributing apparel, accessories, shoes, home furnishings, toys, books and other useful items. Since 1985, over $1.2 billion of donated products have been distributed through our network of community partners, serving the poor and disadvantaged worldwide.


Check out donateproduct.com to learn more and donate.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Yellowstone Park Foundation's 2nd Annual Young Patrons Benefit


Yellowstone Park Foundation held it’s second annual young patron’s benefit at Avenue this past Thursday. I had the pleasure of being invited again by my lovely friend, and trailblazing young philanthropist, Arielle Patrick. The benefit also marked the launch of Yellowstone National Park’s Young Patron program as part of a broader effort to engage millennial communities in its conservation efforts.

Jacqueline Rooney, a longtime member of YPF’s Advisory Council and corporate communications manager at Facebook, Inc. spearheaded the initiative to create a Young Patrons Board.

Rooney, along with new board members Arielle Patrick, a Group Manager at Weber Shandwick, and Alice Ryan, a Director at KBS (kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners) hosted the gala.

“It is so fitting that we announce this exciting new initiative just as the National Park Service turned 100 last month,” said Heather White, President and CEO of the merged Yellowstone Park Foundation and Yellowstone Association. “This group of accomplished young professionals will bring their corporate and nonprofit expertise to our team to propel the organization’s mission to protect the park for future generations. Our Board would like to thank them in advance for donating their time and energy to preserving the world’s first national park and engaging new stewards.”

I wore an Italian vintage yellow gown which included built in shorts in the front. This was one of my chosen looks from New York Fashion Week that I didn’t have a chance to wear, so it was really nice to finally get the opportunity to wear this baby. Looking back now I realize how befitting this ‘yellow’ gown was for the Yellowstone National Park theme! I usually match my looks to the theme of a gala, but this time was a completely unintentional coincidence.

The evening’s sponsors included: TAO Group, Stella Artois, Punzoné Organic Vodka, Archer Roose, Dorrian’s, Wyoming Whiskey, Whispering Angel and Lenny Emery


About the Yellowstone Park Foundation

The Yellowstone Park Foundation (YPF) has served as Yellowstone National Park's official fundraising partner since 1996. Its mission is to fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, and the visitor experience of the Park. YPF has raised more than $100 million, and funded more than 325 important projects and initiatives since 1996 that include wildlife research, cutthroat trout restoration, trail maintenance, and youth education. For more information, please go to www.ypf.org.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Volkswagen #PinkBeetle Cocktail Reception


Volkswagen USA, in collaboration with Giuliana Rancic and The Pink Agenda held a special cocktail party to showcase the NEW limited-edition 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle. It's currently being auctioned off for charity at www.charitybuzz.com/vwpinkbeetle, where bidders will have the opportunity to become the first owner of the new model in the United States before it hits dealer showrooms in October.

Proceeds from the winning bid will support Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda to raise money for breast cancer research and care, granting wishes to women undergoing breast cancer treatment, and to increase awareness of the disease among young professionals. The winning bidder will also have the exclusive opportunity to fly to New York City to attend The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala on October 13, 2016 and meet Giuliana Rancic.

“The timing of the launch of #PinkBeetle makes it a natural tie-in to support the fight against breast cancer. We are proud to team with The Pink Agenda, FAB-U-WISH and Giuliana Rancic for this cause,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president, Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “Volkswagen is committed to being an active member of the communities where we sell and service products; we hope that auctioning the #PinkBeetle will not only raise awareness for the cause, but also provide much needed funds to help find a cure.”

I had the immense pleasure of being invited by Volkswagen USA to cover this special evening, and as always it turned out to be quite a fun story.

One of my favorite things about themed events is the opportunity to pick out the right outfit for the occasion, and ambience. I’ve become very keen on selecting the right looks that fit within the context of all of the above, and this time was no exception when I chose a matching pink Eliza J dress to match the #PinkBeetle!

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Holiday Lookbook Preview With 3d Public Relations & Marketing at Eventi Hotel

Wearing a faux fur vest from Belldini's new collection!

3d Public Relations & Marketing invited me to preview their fabulous holiday product offerings from their robust list of brands. The preview was held at one of my favorite hotels in NYC, the Eventi. This year’s featured brands included: 
Belldini, Dr. Carmen & Alexandra Harra, American Hearst Assocaiton, Ace and Everett, Dry Divas, Fabulous Gifts, Hawaiian Tropic Apparel, Happiest Tee, Healing Saint by Dr. Jane 360, Keep Healthy, Millianna, Modern Vice, Oxygentix, Shout Out Clothing, Simone I. Smith, Slimware, Woosh Beauty, Niall, Everly, Strikefroce, Tribute, Teapigs, True Eagle and Oliver. 

I almost didn't make it that day as my schedule filled up quite fast, and I had another social obligation right after, but I'm so happy that I did! I had the opportunity to be introduced to so many incredible new brands, and have a chance to meet a lot of the great people behind them. 

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Seventeen Magazine Fall Preview of The Edit Fashion Capsule Collection


This Summer was full of epic fashion adventures, but one of my favorites was definitely being invited to visit Seventeen magazine HQ to celebrate the launch of The Edit by Seventeen capsule collection. Executive Fashion Director Aya Kanai hosted this memorable event at Hearst Tower.


I wore my favorite Michael Kors dress, and teal heels for the occasion. I absolutely love planning my looks for events, and constructing a well thought combination. Although to be completely candid I didn't have much time that morning, so this look took me around 5 minutes. Luckily, I've developed an innate sense of what works to quickly pull something together!  

Saturday, August 6, 2016

My Best Friend Robyn's Wanderlust Themed Birthday: Caravan Stylist Studio with World Famous Mentor Doron Libshtein, Le Marais and Venetian Mask Party


This year for my best friend Robyn’s Birthday I threw a Wanderlust themed Birthday, creating destinations for her to visit throughout the day. 

This included a trip to New York City, Paris, and finally Italy for a Venetian themed after party. Deep within Robyn’s soul there is always an urge to get up and go, an innate fondness to journey, and not be mundane. She’s constantly seeking new adventures, and has an acquiesce desire to visit and explore new places like journeying all over Europe, living in Miami, and many other far away places.

Every year we always create special themes for each others Birthdays. It was a challenge to top the epic selfie themed Birthday she threw me last year, but I think I did a pretty good job this year. :) 

Sunday, July 24, 2016

TWELV Magazine "Tanabata" Soiree: Kimonos, Star-Crossed Lovers & Wishes!


Twelv Magazine hosted an outdoor ‘Tanabata” party at Laduree Garden in Soho. Tanabata is the Japanese traditional star festival to celebrate the meeting of the stars Vega and Altair. 

According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the 7th day of July. 

Guests were encouraged to wear a Yukata (Kimono) or border stripe clothing.
My last minute quest to find a Yukata (Kimono) was almost in vain, until my lovely friend Hiromi offered to lend me one that her grandmother had brought for her sister from Japan. 


It was such an honor to wear it and I couldn’t have been more thankful for the opportunity. It was definitely up there with those rare, special moments in life that make for one epic story!