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. 

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...

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.

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!

Euro Optix Photo Shoot On The Upper East Side

Taxi please! What better way to hail a cab on the upper east side, than in my favorite Euro Optix sunnies, and a Cynthia Rowley hot pink dress! Summer just started, and I couldn’t be more excited to do a special photo shoot for Euro Optix, a fabulous new venture from my friend and Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Lauren Rae Levy! Euro Optix has a wide array of sunnies/optics, but my favorites were these gold-rimmed aviators. 

Euro Optix are the most advanced aviator sunglasses available. The light weight, carbon fiber glasses have transitional lenses adapt in sunlight, making them the perfect shades to sport day to night! The universal aviator style looks great on any face shape (male or female). Euro Optix are available in readers with an invisible bi-focal as well as non-readers.

Check out EuroOptix.com to see more styles. Congrats Lauren on your awesome new venture! xx

The 61st Viennese Opera Ball at the Waldorf Hotel

I had the grand pleasure of covering the 61st Viennese Opera Ball at the Waldorf Hotel in New York. The words “Viennese Opera Ball” have long been synonymous with international glamour, romantic elegance and prestige. The earliest Viennese Opera Balls can be traced to the late 18th century and reached their zenith in the brilliant balls and receptions held during the 1814 Congress of Vienna. They were commemorated in history with the observation that “The Congress didn’t sit, it danced.” 

The Austrian court hosted international leaders and crowned heads of state at Viennese Opera Balls. In 1854, the young Emperor Franz Joseph decreed that Vienna, the seat of his court, would be newly laid out; he added the proviso: “…the new opera house should be used for the performance of operas and ballets as well as for the celebrations of opera balls..” 

Until the early 19th century, the waltz, a dance in which the partners touch and swirl together- was considered too erotic and exciting to include in events where propriety was in order. But when the great composer and orchestra director Johann Strauss was named Dance Music Director of the Imperior Court in 1835, the waltz received formal approval as an official dance in Vienna. 

Johann Strauss went on to compose over 150 waltzes and did concert tours with his orchestra, introducing Viennese music to Europe. His son, Johann Strauss, Jr. became known as the “Waltz King,” as he wrote over 400 waltzes, including “Tales of the Vienna Woods,” Songs of Spring, and “Emperor Waltz.” 

The waltz and the Viennese Opera all became an important Austrian Cultural phenomenon. Over time, the concept of the ball was refined to ensure that the ambiance remained true to the tradition. Thus, in 1877, the first of the “court opera soirees” (known as the “Hofopern- Soireen”) was staged. The Strauss orchestra performed under the direction of Edward Strauss (Johann, Jr.’s younger brother). 

Today, the Viennese Opera Ball remains an international social landmark. The February 28, 2016, Ball in New York marked the 61st consecutive Viennese Opera Ball held under the auspices of the U.S.-Austrian Chamber of Commerce. It has become the perfect way for transplanted Austrians to celebrate their culture with their many international friends. This year’s charity beneficiaries included: Ronald McDonald House of New York and New York Rotary Foundation. To learn more visit: vienneseoperaball.us

My Incredibly Epic Selfie Themed Birthday Party!

My 29th Birthday was quite literally the best Birthday I’ve had so far. Split into two parts, the first included a nice sit down dinner with my family at my favorite restaurant. My best friend Robyn coordinated the second part of my Birthday which she hysterically themed “Selfie” because of my insatiable knack to take every possible kind of selfie picture. 

For the second part of my Birthday I wore the above THEIA ivory beaded art nouveau cocktail dress, which I chose because it reminded me of something Daisy from the Great Gatsby would wear. 

My incredibly sweet friends coordinated such a thoughtful evening full of surprises for me that I can’t wait to tell you about the rest of this story. It made me realize just how lucky I am to have them in my life. This past year hasn’t been the easiest, but they’ve stood by my side through everything. Celebrating my Birthday with almost every single person I love meant the world to me, and was in itself the best Birthday gift I could possibly ask for. 

New York Fashion Week Diary Day 4 cont.: Art Hearts Fashion Gala + Dinner at Lavo

The rest of my day 4 of New York Fashion Week was spent at the Art Hearts Fashion Gala midtown, followed by a nice dinner at Lavo restaurant on the Upper East Side. 

I wore a THEIA Spring 2014 sequin cocktail dress for my last look of fashion week. It was an absolutely stunning piece that sparkled 10x more in person with white and black sequins.

My hair was done earlier that day at the Angela Roi event, and it was the perfect match to my more formal evening look.

New York Fashion Week Diary Day 2: Pink Swan Makeover at Caravan Stylist Studio + Zang Toi Spring 2016 Fashion Show!

Day 2 of New York Fashion Week was probably one of my favorites for so many reasons! The first being that I was invited to see my friend and designer Zang Toi’s fashion show that day. I look forward to Zang’s show each season as he’s one of the most innovative, brilliant and indescribably talented designers I know! 

The second reason was that I had a chance to wear a THEIA custom pink dress with feathers straight off their runway! The dress was invaluable and of course I needed the right hair and makeup to complete the look. I was so lucky that the Caravan Stylist Studio team could squeeze me in for a last minute makeover. The look they created for me was nothing short of brilliant as they molded me into the ‘Pink Swan’ for New York Fashion Week.

New York Fashion Week Diary Day 1: Malan Breton Spring 2016 Fashion Show + Visit To Caravan Stylist Studio

Day one of New York Fashion Week was a little hectic, but so exciting! It was probably one of the most anticipated fashion weeks in New York as it no longer was going to be held at Lincoln Center, but in various new venues around the city.

I was incredibly excited to catch up with old fashion friends who I mostly see during the fashion season. 

Of course, I was also equally thrilled to have a chance to dress up! Being the queen of last minute planning, I managed to pick out my 5 looks for the week in just a few hours before my first fashion show of the day. 

Luckily being so last minute usually works in my favor as I managed to pull everything off in record time!

New York Fashion Week Diary F/W15 Day 5: Wearing Kevin V. Thai and CHUCHU NY

My Day 5 of New York Fashion Week was the very last day of shows at Lincoln Center. I wore another lovely Kevin V. Thai dress and CHUCHU NY fascinator for my last look. I was very much inspired by Venice and artists when putting together this outfit. The dress looks like Kevin literally took a brush and painted the whole thing by hand. It was so artsy and chic! 

New York Fashion Week Diary F/W15 Day 4: Wearing Kevin V. Thai and CHUCHU NY

I went with a royal theme for day 4 of New York Fashion Week, wearing another cool CHUCHU NY fascinator, Kevin V. Thai sheer strip top and flared royal lace skirt. 

I finished the look with a Natori golden cuff and my favorite spiked boots. The look was very 1940’s meets Asian fusion royalty. I like to mix things up! ;)

Everything went together very well, but I seriously miss my long blonde ombre hair. Out of all the hairstyles I've tried over the years this was by far my favorite. Unfortunately, I had to cut it all off as it became too damaged and my last stylist couldn’t fix it. I'm really looking forward to growing out my hair in the coming months and hopefully going back to a similar hairstyle!

New York Fashion Week Diary F/W15 Day 3: Wearing Kevin V. Thai and CHUCHU NY

Day 3 of New York Fashion Week was my favorite for a multitude of reasons that included seeing Zang Toi's fashion show, wearing a fun outfit and meeting new fashion friends. 

I wore a Kevin V. Thai dress, CHUCHU NY fascinator and BCBG heels. This was a super last minute outfit composition, and by last minute I mean 30 minutes before my shows at fashion week! My friends at Kevin V. Thai brought me this incredible piece and it just happened to go perfectly with the red CHUCHU NY fascinator I was planning to wear that evening. I'm almost always last minute but this was definitely pushing it. Luckily the look came together even better than the ones I had actually planned!

I was absolutely in love with the dress the second I put it on. Kevin V. Thai is known for the most exquisitely structured and designed pieces for both men and women. The dress I wore that night made me feel powerful, sexy and sophisticated. These three words I think are an adequate description of Kevin’s brilliant work. 

Notice the awesome zipper on the side of my dress. As the night progressed I couldn’t help to adjust it a little bit higher! ;) I was such a lucky girl to have a chance to wear this awesome piece. 

The CHUCHU NY red fascinator gave this look the fun element I always try to infuse into the outfits I put together. I love pushing the limits and creating unconventional, fun looks. Fascinators have always been something I wanted to incorporate into my fashion week style and this season I was very lucky to have found fabulous CHUCHU NY pieces. My ultimate dream is to wear fascinators to the fashion week shows in London, where they’re a bit more popular than here in New York.

New York Fashion Week Diary F/W15 Day 2: Wearing Natori

My day two look for New York Fashion Week was all about subtle glamour. I wore a Natori dress, my favorite big sunnies and heels. The outfit was composed of all black and white so I wore red lipstick to bring a pop of color to the look. 

If I could choose only one lipstick color red would definitely be it. There is something so sexy and glamorous about red lipstick and it can easily adorn any outfit. 

Betsey Johnson's Epic Baubles and Bubbly Party

A week or so ago I received an email from Betsey Johnson’s team inviting me to her Baubles & Bubbly Cocktail party in NYC to celebrate her SS15 and FW15 jewelry collections. If you’re lucky enough to attend anything Betsey Johnson related then you know it’s going to be an over-the-top, unforgettable experience. I still remember going to her phenomenal 70^th Birthday party/fashion show/concert by Cyndi Lauper. Yes, it was all three things at once!

Fast forward to last Thursday and it was finally the day of Betsey’s party. I rummaged through my closet to find something Betsey would approve of. Luckily, I just got a new velvet blue dress with ruffled shoulders. I immediately thought it was SO Betsey! (I was right, Betsey did love my dress!). I paired the look with black tights, classic heels and a golden Natori cuff.

While en route to the party I re-read my invitation which mentioned champagne, treats and a sneak peek of Betsey’s new jewelry collection. I couldn’t wait to see what fun surprises were in-store this time!