FSB On the Scene: The Glam Network Aveeno Ageless Vitality Rooftop Luncheon

Every once in a while I receive invitations that are just too hard to pass up (actually, let’s be real here – MOST of them are hard to pass up) but when my fabulous Glam Network and Aveeno invited a select group of us to preview their newest products atop the Gramercy Park Hotel over lunch, I jumped at the chance (no, seriously, I jumped when I got the invite). As a matter of fact, I called Contributing Fashion Editor Bryn Taylor to come with me because, let’s face it: sometimes you just need some fun in the sun with your girlfriends and soothing face products to recharge your attitude and your look.

I would first of all like to thank whoever ordered what we shall now refer to as The World’s Most Perfect Spring Weather for this luncheon. Bright sunshine, almost 90 degrees and there we were, nestled among the foliage on elegant outdoor furniture for cocktails with the scientists from Aveeno and each other. It’s always fun to attend a Glam event where we can share ideas, talk about our favorite products and brainstorm over social media.

Lunch was exquisite as well.  Sea bass, chicken, roasted veggies and a whole tray of mini desserts arrived over wine and coffee. Is this how bloggers spend every afternoon? No. But we really love it when we do. ☺

But you want to hear about the products, right? Well, after over a week of experience with them, I’m happy to tell you that they’re pretty fantastic. The Aveeno Ageless Vitality Elasticity Recharging System products work by using bioelectric energy to heal your skin.  Here’s a quick way to explain it: when you burn or cut yourself, your body sends that same energy to the area to tell the cells to regenerate and heal the wound. This product works the same way: you apply the first serum to wrinkles and fine lines, then smooth on the activating moisturizing cream and it activates your body’s own energy to regenerate youthful, smoother skin. Used over a four-week time period, you can see smoother, healthier skin. I’ve been using it for a week and I can already see some gentle changes in my forehead.

The treatment systems come in Day, Night and Eye-specific formulas and retail for $39.99 at your local drugstore, Target or Wal-Mart. Considering costly chemical treatments and laser treatments cost in the thousands, I think we can safely say this is a cost-effective way to handle the wrinkle/fine line situation, don’t you?

A little fun in the sun to introduce amazing skin care? What a glam way to spend the day.

FTC Disclosure: Products received for review at paid luncheon

FSB On the Scene: Alice + Olivia By Stacey Bendet Shop Opening at Saks Fifth Avenue New York

Who doesn't love a fabulous party, especially when you get to party and shop at the same time? Everyone knows I love a good soiree, so when I got an invitation to celebrate the launch of the new Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet store at Saks Fifth Avenue, you know I was there to check out the scene. I mean, when the designer who does the cutest party clothes on Earth invites you to a party, you go.

This was an amazing evening. The Fifth Floor at Saks' New York flagship was transformed with a DJ station, a bar and a step-and-repeat where celebrities galore posed for photos in support of Stacey and her amazing store launch. The drinks were flowing and we were treated to one of the coolest things I've ever seen or heard in my life: DJ duo Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe turned the party into the hottest nightspot in town with their live DJ / electric violin hybrid performance.  Seriously, everyone at the party gathered around to check out this amazing scene. It sounded absolutely fabulous and you could hear all of us saying, "This is a department store? This is AMAZING!” They added such a vibrant accent to the party and the clothes.

Celebrities galore arrived in style as well. Melissa Joan Hart, Shiri Appleby,Tinsley Mortimer, Shontelle, Richie Rich, Fabiola Beracasa, Byrdie Bell, Becca Diamond, Cory Kennedy, and so many others arrived in - what else? gorgeous Alice + Olivia clothes.

 Designer Stacey Bendet with Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle

 Hold onto your hats, Gossip Girl fans: Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle arrived for a cocktail and with all the mixing and mingling, I wound up chatting with Matthew. See photo evidence of how gorgeous and nice he is in person here.

Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle

 But what would an Alice + Olivia party be without the stunning clothes! The shop at Saks is truly gorgeous, with rows of the Spring collection just ripe for the picking. I personally have my eye on just about everything, but some personal picks for everyone's wardrobe would be the Sequined Crochet Shrug ($484) for instant glamour and this Cowlneck Silk Dress ($242) for day-to-night glamour. I personally have my eye on about twelve things from the collection, but that shrug and I have to become friends very soon. So amazing.

The hilarious and very sweet Richie Rich, formerly of Heatherette

Even though you couldn't make it to this fabulous evening with Alice + Olivia and my beloved Saks Fifth Avenue, I definitely encourage you to slip into some of designer Stacey Bendet's gorgeous clothes. After all, life's really a party if you think about it. Dress accordingly.

Legendary Style: The CFDA Barbie Basics Tweet-Up and Doll Collection

We get a lot of invitations as fashion and beauty bloggers but there are some that make you giddy for days. Especially when they involve the world's most famous doll. I received a pretty pink invite for one of fashion's legends and dropped everything to be there. Oh yes, folks, we're talking about original style icon: Barbie.

The CFDA had twelve designers create their version of the eponymous LBD (Little Black Dress) as part of the Barbie Basics collection in collaboration with Mattel. In order to mark the occasion, fashion and beauty's bloggerati arrived dressed in Little Black Dresses to honor our favorite doll. We had a chance to view the swoon-worthy dolls in person and if you're a lifelong fan of the Barbie like me, you'll pass out. Let's take a look, shall we?

 

Kate Spade's Barbie has her legendary uptown chic style and it comes with a fabulous necklace.

 

The Lorraine Schwartz Barbie is covered in almost $10,000 worth of diamonds, including the insignia "B" pendant and diamond insteps on her shoes? And you thought your shoe collection was expensive.

 

The Devi Kroell Barbie comes with sequined leggings and a signature bag by the designer. As a HUGE Devi Kroell fan, I came close to passing out.

 

My favorite Barbie of the night was from one of my all-time favorite accessories designers, Justin Guinta, who happened to be on-hand at the event to discuss the doll he designed for his line, Subversive. I even had a chance to speak with him briefly about his Barbie and he essentially translated his mixed material luxe style into something that his customer, Barbie, would wear. It was a dream come true for the designer and, of course, if you buy his Barbie, it comes with one of his signature necklaces. More from Justin coming soon. I feel you need to know more about this designer and his magical confections.

So many other designers, so little time! Betsey Johnson, Phillip Crangi, Alexis Bittar, Isaac Mizrahi and others donated time and efforts to design these amazing dolls. Unfortunately,the auction has ended but it's not too late to get your hands on a Barbie Basics doll for yourself or a budding fashionista you might know for just $21.99, available at Toys-R-Us locations around the country. The dolls are amazing and come in different skin hues, hair lengths and cute LBDs. 

What a night: LBDs, Barbies and my fellow fashion and beauty lovers. It was an occasion that was worth getting all dolled up for.

FSB on the Scene: M•A•C Pro-to-Pro Body Painting Networking Event at the Pro Store in NYC

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce FSB's new Contributing Beauty Editor, the fabulous Eileen Dautruche from the fabulous site, Miss Whoever You Are!  Eileen hit the scene for FSB last Friday night and here's her report from the fabulous M.A.C party:

Last Friday, Manhattan's boldest (and myself) stepped into the colorful world of M•A•C Cosmetics to witness the art of body painting done right. With bubbly in hand, I "oohed" and "ahhhed" my way around the M•A•C Pro store where 12 models stood in nothing but body paint (defintiely not a job for the meek!) This year's showcase was a typography theme.

Nothing short of amazing, each model was styled in such a way that the writing covered them head to toe. According to M•A•C Senior Makeup Artist Keri B (MAC_Keri_B on Twitter), it took several hours to perfect each model and many days of practice.

It was in this setting that one sees why M•A•C is the often preferred brand for makeup artists and consumers alike. Below are some more snaps of the evening's festivities (and my personal faves)...

On The Scene: The Fine Art of Family Blogger Party with Monica Rich Kosann

I recently attended a party for Monica Rich Kosann's project, The Fine Art of Family, and it just warmed me to the core. Monica, a fine-art portrait photographer and fine jewelry designer, has launched a project that explores the memories that are most precious to us and the unique stories behind how these memories are expressed and celebrated through prized heirlooms, photographs and collections. The event was held at the gorgeous Town and Country Showcase Apartment in Soho and was co-hosted by actor/director Tony Goldwyn (one of my favorites of all time). It was a glamorous, lovely evening.

Each of us was asked to bring an heirloom and we shared the memories around our treasured items. Many people had such lovely stories and it was so nice to see how inspired so many of us become when speaking about these photos and treasures that are so near and dear to our hearts. And talk about lucky, my friend Dina from eye4style won a locket. Check it out!

If you want to learn more about The Fine Art of Family, you can discover more about the project here. Monica has also published a book based on the project, The Fine Art of Family (MRK Fine Arts, 2004), which contains her amazing photography and thoughts and is a fabulous coffee table book for yourself or a loved one. You should also peruse Monica's brilliant name-brand fine jewelry, which is sold in more than seventy select stores across the country, including Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, and Neiman Marcus. This gorgeous Large Vine Image Case Pendant ($465) is an amazing way to start an heirloom jewelry collection.

A lovely night was had by all and has inspired me to make a toast: here's to the making, capturing and treasuring of many more good memories to come for us all. Cheers.

The Cure For Everything Skin: Amore Pacific

About once a week I go through what has now come to be a bit of a comedy routine. Someone asks me how old I am. I tell them. They don't believe me. I repeat my age and without fail, I get asked about my skincare routine. Really, other than some powerful genetics, my philosophy is really simple: I generally leave my skin alone and I use the absolute best skincare products I can.

Which is why since I love you, I'll tell you where I go and what I do to keep my decrepit self looking young and youthful. Outside of pagan rituals that can only be performed on a full moon under a willow tree...

No, I'm just kidding. I head to Soho and get facials and skincare products from Amore Pacific, the genius skincare company from Korea. I'll be honest with you: I had good skin before I started getting treatments and using their skincare regimen, but now I can honestly say that I have some of the best skin I've ever had in my life. The company is setting a whole new standard in skincare using some ancient remedies (such as food-grade botanicals from Asia) in mixtures that are some of the most potent and effective skincare products on the market today. The line started 60+ years ago when founder Sung-Hwan Suh discovered that indigenous Asian botanicals (green tea, Korean red ginseng, bamboo sap) were key to good health and longevity and a great effect of this was youthful skin.

The company still follows many of his ideals today, including the practice of harvesting their plants at optimum times to ensure maximum efficacy. I'm a big fan of Amore Pacific products because the products are built to nourish your skin. Yes, please consider the fact that your skin is an organ. Whatever you do to your skin, you're doing to an organ of the body. Your skin "eats" whatever you use on it, so if you wouldn't want to ingest the product in any way, why would you place it on the largest organ of your body? Makes sense, doesn't it? You buy the best food you can afford to eat, right? For my argument, same goes for my skin

If you're here in NYC, I highly recommend heading over to their spa in Soho to experience their mind-blowing therapies. My sensitive and quite dry skin loves the Vitalizing Recovery Facial, which is 60 minutes of massage, cleaning and hydrating that makes me purr like a kitten while it's happening (trust me, they're used to it) but just stop by and get a skin consultation. They'll personalize the experience and your products so you walk out with a youthful glow and the products and instructions to help you keep it that way. My weapons of choice against time marching across my face are the Moisture Bound collection but whatever products and services you choose from this company, you won't regret it. Half of the dewy red carpet skin in Hollywood knows my secret and we can't all be wrong.

See? I just told you about my very favorite, sacred space for amazing skin, so the least you could do is check it out. If you're not in NYC, head to your local Neiman Marcus or Sephora to experience these skin-altering products. Just don't try taking my appointment time, okay?

On the Scene: MAC Viva Glam VI Launch Party with Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga

Last night, I attended the announcement of M•A•C Cosmetics’ new spokeswomen for the next Viva Glam campaign and guess who it is? Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga! LOVE IT!

The fabulous ladies will be the faces of the newest campaign, entitled “From Our Lips,” and it will come out on Feb. 25. Each star will have their own lipstick and M•A•C Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick and Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick ($14 each) will be available at your friendly neighborhood MAC counter here in the states on March 18, then globally throughout the month. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the M•A•C AIDS Fund, which has invested an amazing $150 million since its inception in 1994.

More information closer to the launch but get excited about this launch for 2010 because these fabulous colors are definitely for girls who wanna have fun, especially when they wear it on their poker face. :)

On The Scene: Inside the YSL Parisienne Launch Masquerade Ball

Last week I crawled off my post-flu recovery bed to don a mask and hang out in style with the Pretty People at the YSL Parisienne Masquerade Ball/ Perfume Launch Party. Held at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the venue was sexy sweet, complete with blush pink backlighting, antique-looking chandeliers with glowing candles and hundreds of vases of blush roses.



Models, editors and other industry types (and those who hang with them) came out to dance to Leigh Lezark and The Misshapes throwing down on the turntables while Alexandra Richard played consummate host. The "mask required" mandate on the invite didn't keep anyone from showing up; the line to get in was around the block and security kept some latecomers at bay for what seemed like hours.



My crew was inside right as the party began and amid macaroons, freely flowing champagne and videos of Kate's seductive commercial playing all around the venue, we partied well into the night to celebrate the launch of this seductive fragrance. Have you seen this commercial? The video is below but let's me warn you: it's steamy. Get the kiddies out of the room.





I have to say, it was quite the celebration and the perfume is to die for. Go check it out at your local Sephora. You might be inspired to give someone a little French kiss. Yes, like the party inspired by the fragrance, it's just that sexy.

Fashionable Cause: Hey Guys, Throw Away the Razor and Sign Up For MOVEMBER!

Just so you know, we're not all about the ladies here on FSB. We love the guys as well so when we got an invitation to attend the kick-off party for MOVEMBER at the Openhouse Gallery in NoLita, we jumped at the chance. Tons of cute guys, cocktails and a silent art auction for a great cause? Sign us up!

What is MOVEMBER? Ok, a little backstory here. Once upon a time (2003 to be exact), some guys were hanging around a bar in Australia talking about how it was time to bring the moustache back. Looking for a reason to explain the facial hair revolution, this lovely group of gents decided to grow their mos (Australian for "moustache") as part of a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. What started as a little initiative between friends has now turned into a worldwide movement to raise money for all cancers affecting men.

How does it work? Well, first of all your favorite man (and that could be you, dude) should register on their website. Then it's really simple: you start the month of November off completely clean-shaven and work on your masterful facial hair all through the month as part of a fundraiser. At the end of the month, there's always a huge gala and all of the Tom Selleck/Joaquin Phoenix look-alikes posture in a costume that best suits his moustache style for the ultimate prize, Man of Movember. The money raised as part of the initiative is split between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.



So, gents, sign up to raise money (and finally cultivate that fine Tom Selleck moustache you've been wanting all this time) and ladies, you can participate by sending this post along to your guy friends and recruiting participants. It's for a great cause, folks. Sign up to participate in MOVEMBER and let's kick prostate cancer where it really hurts.

Top Five Reasons You Need to Visit The Limited Pop-Up Boutique Right Now

Remember I was telling you that The Limited has created a pop-up boutique in Manhattan for a limited (ha!) time only (as in, through this weekend ONLY)? Well, after attending the press preview last night, I'm basically telling you, nay COMMANDING you to go and shop. Here are my top five reasons you need to visit this amazing pop-up boutique right this minute:



1) Forenza sweaters! Hello! The first 84 people each day to purchase a Forenza sweater will get them at 1984 prices, which is something like $29.50 a sweater! That's INSANE, people! I got one last night and I might go back for more because I'm retro like that.



2) It's chock full of goodies. The boutique is a full store full of amazing merchandise. Basics lining the walls, full racks of clothing, fabulous window displays. It might be the most fun you can have with your clothes on through the weekend. Well, wait a minute...no, I stand by that statement since this boutique is available for a short period of time.



3) Accessories! The Limited has always been my fabulous "cheat" when it comes to awe-inspiring jewelry and at their prices, pile it on and look amazing, ladies! So much fun and they're everywhere. The accessories for fall are just to die for, like these necklaces and a faux fur stole. You gotta love it.




4) You need evening wear. Admit it. Seriously, their dresses and After Five separates are really, really great. This black ruffled dress? You'll see me wearing it at some point soon with some sick designer shoes. The holiday season is fast approaching and don't get caught in the oh-damn-I-have-something-tonight-and-nothing-to-wear dilemma. Get those outfits now and save yourself the drama.



5) Because I said so (Kidding. Not really.) Because if you don't buy these amazing outfits, I will be forced to do so. From career separates to just good basics, The Limited is where it's at!

The pop-up is located at 134 Spring Street in Soho. Head there now and commence shopping!

Shoppers Delight: Tommy Hilfiger Flagship Store Launches on Fifth Avenue

Recently, I arose very early to get a sneak peek at the brand-new Tommy Hilfiger flagship store on New York's tony Fifth Avenue. Before entering, I was thinking how optimistic it was to open such a large retail space during our current economic times but after viewing the store, I share the brand's optimism and vision. This is an amazing retail experience that brings Tommy's love of American style together with some truly innovative touches. Each floor is designed to function as its own separate, unique boutique experience and it's flawlessly designed. Here's a view inside the brand new home of one of America's iconic lifestyle brands:



Bottom Level: Tommy Jeans
Designed to be the coolest nightspot in town, between the chandelier that changes hues with the music, a killer soundsystem and wall-to-wall denim displayed on fur and Lucite, this is one of the hippest denim venues around.



Main Level: Menswear Basics
With vintage motorcycles and masculine wood furnishings, the selection of menswear on this floor draws the Tommy Hilfiger man into a world all his own. A leather-bound lounge area completes the experience for the man who likes to take his time selecting a look.


Second Level: Mens Suits and Evening Wear
With touches of English tailor mixed with American installations that are all Tommy (note the active collage art on the stairs on the way to this level), menswear takes on a whole new charm when it's in space this charming.



Third Level: Women's Sportswear
Charming and very feminine, the eclectic mixture of vintage fixtures, gorgeous chandeliers and genius Tommy clothes makes this a fun, fabulous shopping experience for fans of the Tommy brand.


Fourth Level: Women's Eveningwear, Couture and Vintage
My personal favorite, this upscale boutique level is a glamour lover's paradise. Beautiful fixtures, butterfly artwork made from old vinyl albums, plush carpeting and a spectacular roofdeck with a one-of-a-kind view of Fifth Avenue makes this a shopper's destination!

If you live here, I must insist you head to Fifth Avenue right this minute and check it out. For those of you who are coming to visit, put this on your to-do list: go see (and shop!) the Tommy Hilfiger Flagship Store!