KiraKira & Alysia Reiner of Orange is the New Black Shopping Party for the Women's Prison Association

Alysia Reiner from the hit Netflix show Orange is the New Black hosted a shopping party with jewelry designer Suz Somersall from KiraKira to benefit the Women’s Prison Association. The event took place at one of my favorites places in NYC, the Carlton Hotel. 

I met Alysia and some of her fellow castmates from Orange is the New Black a few days earlier at the Eiji Salon event. Alysia plays corrupt prison administrator Natalie "Fig" Figueroa on the show. 

The next day Alysia emailed me about this great upcoming event she was hosting with accessories label KiraKira. 

Alysia and KiraKira’s designer Suz teamed up to a create a special WPA locket with 100% of the proceeds going towards the organization. The idea behind the locket was to create a piece that would embody the aspiring and courageous attitudes of the women of the Women’s Prison Association.

The Women's Prison Association works to create change in the lives of women and their families impacted by incarceration. Their programs make it possible for for women to obtain work, housing, health care, rebuild their families and participate fully in civic life.

Check out www.wpaonline.org to learn more about their work.

Alysia Reiner and me

Alysia came over to say hello and we chatted for a bit about her collaboration with designer Suz Somersall for KiraKira.

“We are so excited to share this limited edition piece with women and raise awareness for the WPA," said Alysia.

The WPA locket’s celestial design includes an engraving of the organization’s motto, “Strengthen. Empower. Connect.” Retailing at a price point of $98 for gold and silver versions, and $800 for solid gold with diamonds, all proceeds from the locket will be donated to the WPA. 

Click here to buy the necklace. 

Piper Kerman and me

Piper Kerman, the Author of Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison was at the event to support the cause. It was fascinating to meet Piper in person as her memoir and subsequent show are based about her one year stay in prison. 

Piper wore the golden WPA necklace which shined brightly around her neck. You could truly tell how proud she was to be there and lend her support for the Women's Prison Association for which she currently serves as a board member on. 

Erica Gianchetti and me 

I was so excited to see my new friend Erica Gianchetti from Pivotal PR at the event. After many email correspondences we finally had a chance to meet a week before at the Eiji Salon party that Erica and her team from Pivotal put together. Erica is literally the coolest powerhouse publicist you’ll ever meet. Her outgoing personality reminds me of Guliana Rancic from E! News and her fashion sense is definitely equitable to Rachel Zoe. How amazing is the green fur vest she wore that night?! As Rachel Zoe would say, "I die"! 

Jessica Pimentel and me 

I had a chance to meet the lovely Jessica Pimentel who plays Maria Ruiz on Orange is the New Black. Jessica wore a stylish black pantsuit by Designer Nadia Tarr. 

Dascha Polanco and me

One of the highlights of my evening was hanging out with Dascha Polanco who plays Dayanara Diaz on Orange is the New Black. I met Dascha a few months ago at the THEIA Spring 2014 presentation. It was so much fun to re-connect with her again. Dascha suggested we do silly poses on the red carpet and so a mini photo-shoot ensued with our favorite silly poses!

Dascha was also one of my favorite dressed celebs at the event. She rocked such an interesting outfit and the best part was definitely her shoes! 

Claudine DeSola and me

I loved catching up with Claudine DeSola, owner of Caravan Stylist Studio. Back in March Claudine invited me to experience the star treatment at Caravan Stylist Studio where they gave me an unforgettable Brigitte Bardot makeover. 

Claudine wore a gorgeous black Eliza J cape dress which she paired with cheetah print rimmed heels.

Caravan Stylist Studio is an innovative wardrobe and beauty concept that pairs actresses, tastemakers and media influencers with top fashion designers and beauty experts. Designers are not charged to be a part of the studio. Nor are the guests. The goal is to connect talent with fashion designers and to build relationships between the two parties. 

Each week, Ms. DeSola partners with more than two-dozen designers to select clothing and accessories for Caravan’s esteemed guests. In addition, a full-time beauty expert provides clients with a host of other complimentary services, including hair styling, makeup application, mini skincare-spa treatments and nail design. 

Thank you so much Alysia for inviting me to be a part of your fabulous event to benefit the Women's Prison Association!