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.

Chanukah with the Stars Benefit for Chabad North Haven in The Hamptons

Chabad North Haven in The Hamptons held their second annual Chanukah with the Stars benefit at the historic Van Alen Mansion on the Upper East Side of New York. The picturesque 1900’s mansion certainly set the mood for a magical Chanukah party.

The memorable evening included an open bar, delicious food, a holiday musical ensemble, menorah lighting and awards ceremony.

Event co-chairs were Devorah Rose, Randy B. Fields and Michael Heller.

Host Committee members included myself, Jonathan Frenkel, Lisa Brandes, Charles Glatter, Gilli Glatter, Sharona Hakimian, Joseph Krutel, Rachel Heller, Yehuda M Neuman, Denise V Wohl, Bradford Rand, Tovah Feldshuh, Isaac Reshad, Breanna Schultz, Jordan Schultz, Shira Sky and Jill Zarin.

I was so honored to be on the host committee and participate in the festivities.

Chabad North Haven in The Hamptons was just launched this past summer by Rabbi Berel Lerman and his wife Brocha Lerman. It’s the newest Chabad branch in the Hamptons, in addition to the other centers: Chabad of The Hamptons in East Hampton, Chabad of Southampton and Chabad of Watermill.

Chabad is the fastest growing and largest Jewish organization in the world today. The goal of Chabad North Haven is to create an environment where there are no labels and everyone is free to express their “Jewishness” and spirituality. Through their programming they offer a very relevant and meaningful experience to adult and children audiences alike.

In addition, they also offer Spirituality For All, which is an educational organization that holds workshops and classes teaching mystical Kabbalah. Their programming both in person and online empowers people to reach within their core and shine in all areas of their lives.

Visit spiritualityforall.org to learn more or donate.

Big Drop NYC Upper West Side Store Opening Soiree

Eleonora Quizmolli from Sensation of House Production (right)

Big Drop NYC, a hot boutique threw a stylish soiree to celebrate their grand opening on the Upper West Side of New York.

My friend Eleonora Quizmolli from Sensation of House Production produced and hosted this fabulous event. She was joined by hosts, Nora Kobrenik Uptempo Magazine Creative Director and David Katzav, owner of the Big Drop franchise.

I was suppose to attend that evening but unfortunately couldn't make it last minute. Luckily Eleonora sent over some of the fun party shots from the grand opening celebration!

Guests were invited to listen to music sets by DJ Juli-Lee, strike a pose for a fun photo booth Instagram contest, and snack on desserts. One lucky attendee was also awarded a $250 gift card.

Synonymous with chic avant-garde women's fashion, Big Drop offers a unique assortment of clothing and accessories by cutting edge brands. They continue to differentiate themselves in the retail landscape with their distinct point of view. Loyal followers connect online, via The Spotlight blog. Insiders keep up with fashion influences in-store, and in the scene, for the latest trends, obsessions, and celebrity style, while referencing all of their styling needs.

Visit www.bigdropnyc.com to check out their stylish selections!

Wand for Eiji Salon Holiday Party + Exclusive Interview With Host Jackie Cruz from Orange is the New Black

Jackie Cruz from Orange is the New Black hosted Eiji Salon’s fabulous holiday party to help celebrate the launch of Wand for Eiji. Accompanying Jackie were her co-stars from the show, Alysia Reiner, Jackie Cruz, Vicky Jeudy and Diane Guerrero.

Eiji Salon, New York City's elite hair salon on Madison Avenue and home of the “Dry-Cut” technique, collaborated with Wand, an exclusive custom cut natural wig and hair accessories company, to create the industry's first ever hair rental service.

Wand for Eiji is the first renting model to hit the beauty space, offering a chance to own various hair looks, in a renting format. Wand blends the best of Japanese design and aesthetics with highest quality youthful hair in the world in a multitude of lengths, styles and hue tones. As the name suggests, Wand is the transformation of a new and temporary look without the long term commitment and for a fraction of the price. 

Wand for Eiji Salon stems from Eiji’s creativity and keen eye for design. With 99% imagination and 1% technique, all of Wand wigs are cut, styled and individualized by Eiji Yamane, founder of Eiji Salon. Much like other renting models that currently exist in the fashion and accessories spaces, women are able to rent hair for a certain amount of time and return the item(s) when finished. Once returned, the hair is treated in specialty formula to ensure the wig is sanitary for the next client. Wand hair will initially launch with 4 wigs, each with different styles and colors, at different lengths and will eventually branch out with hair extension rentals.

Wand will be the first and only destination for renting wigs, available at Eiji Salon on Madison Avenue in New York City and online.

Holiday Giveaway: TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup Kit

Happy Holidays! I’m so excited to announce my special giveaway with TEMPTU, a popular celebrity airbrush makeup system. 

TEMPTU’s Airbrush Makeup Kit and patented AIRpod makeup is the first easy-to-use, professional-quality, home airbrush makeup system. Finally, every woman can easily achieve flawless makeup application like her favorite celebrities, every time.

From Hollywood to Fashion runways, TEMPTU is the perfect at-home solution for women who want to look Red Carpet ready, but don’t have access to a professional makeup artist.  

TEMPTU is the go-to makeup for some of the biggest names in music, movies, and television as well as some of the top names in fashion: MUSIC - Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Madonna and Beyonce TELEVISION- The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, and Mad Men FILM- Stars including Rooney Mara, Scarlett Johansson and Nicole Kidman FASHION- On the runway for Prada, Christian Dior, BCBG Max Azria, Helmut Lang, and Herve Leger

I absolutely adore my TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup system. It's my must use beauty tool in preparation for big events and parties. It's very simple to use and extremely effective. All I have to do is insert the foundation shade and move the applicator 4-6 inches away from my face in a circular motion. It usually takes me under 10 min to achieve a flawless porcelain skin look.