Letter from The Editor: The Thing About My Birthday Party (And You're Invited)

Next Wednesday is my birthday. For years, I've made an elaborate show out of this day, declaring it a national holiday whereby everyone deserved to make merry and have a good time basically because I cried into the world. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, maybe it's because my mom made a HUGE deal out of my birthday every year, but it's never occurred to me NOT to make a big deal out of the day. As my mom is fond of saying, "The alternative to a birthday is death, so why not celebrate it?"

This year, however, I fell into a bit of a funk. Not necessarily at turning a year older, but at turning a year close to one that ends with a zero. What is it about those birthdays that end in fives and zeros that cause us to pause and either reflect or freak out (or perhaps a little bit of both)? It started to occur to me how close I am to an age where the backchatter of the media starts to permeate my brain and those comments about not having kids, being single "at my age", professional challenges, etc. start to wear on your sense of accomplishment.

I even canceled my own birthday party because I didn't want to add stress to my life this year...I'm not sure I have it in me to worry about the guest list, people being upset they weren't invited, people being upset because I invited someone they don't like, boyfriends showing up and making me leave my own party because they were too stupid to book their flights properly, party crashers, comped drinks, gift bags, etc. I'm just kind of over it.

Then it occurred to me that it's not about the party and about the people I was throwing these massive parties for: it's about ME. My birthday is a celebration of being alive, about the life in my years, about living an extraordinary existence. I, like everyone else in the world, deserve to celebrate my hard work, my successes and for one day stop focusing on emails and the needs of anyone but myself. It's a day all about ME. I never thought that would be a hard concept to accept, but the more I think about it, I like it. I'm fabulous and I deserve to celebrate being fabulous. Haters, step aside.

So, this year, instead of throwing some massive party here in NYC and worrying about the gift bags and the guest list, I've decided to keep it small and invite a select few people to celebrate with me for the next week. That would be YOU, dear readers of FSB. Because, let's face it, if anyone deserves to get the goodie bag at the end of the night and party like rock stars, it's you lovely people out there who click on those links every day and respond to my musings about fashion, style and beauty.

Beginning this afternoon and for the next week, I'm going to be doing a Birthday Giveaway Of The Day of gifts that I would personally LOVE to have in my gift bag, and every day you have a chance to win something. Think of it as my way of saying "thank you" and your virtual invitation to celebrate with me. So, for the next week, keep it tuned here for some pretty fabulous giveaways and look for a HUGE gift bag opportunity for one lucky reader on my actual birthday, June 9th. Oh, and if you want to celebrate with me on my actual birthday, I like champagne, red wine and dirty vodka martinis straight up with blue cheese olives. Feel free to select one (don't mix those - not pretty) and raise a glass somewhere around 7 pm, which is EXACTLY what I'll be doing.

Oh, and for my birthday party? I decided to have just a few girlfriends out on the town, the ones that make me feel forever fabulous and loved. It means that my birthday party won't be big, but I rest assured that it will be incredibly happy.

FSB On the Scene: The FEED Guatemala Bag 3 Event at Lord &Taylor

Editor's Note: While I was away last week, our new fabulous writer, Tabitha St. Bernard, covered a fabulous event for me. Here is her account of the FEED Guatemala 3 event at Lord & Taylor:

I attended the preview of the FEED Guatemala 3 Bags at the tony Lord & Taylor flagship store and I admit: I'm inspired. Spokeswoman Lauren Bush is known as much for her modeling career (Tommy Hilfiger and Isaac Mizrahi among others) as for her charity work with UNICEF and the FEED projects, which is the perfect marriage of the lovely celebrity's passion for fashion and dedication to make the world a better place.

The event was to launch one of her new designs for the collection of signature burlap bags, a wristlet ($19) to join the large tote silhouette ($39) seen previously. These fabulous bags are hand-crafted in Guatemala by female artisans, using traditional Ikat fabrics in colors that celebrate their culture, and the proceeds benefit the impoverished children of that nation.

The vibrant colors are perfect for summer and I'm in love with the wristlet, not only because it carries such a positive message, but it's also super cute and large enough to fit a lady's necessities.

The event was relaxing fun. While traditional Guatemalan music played, Lauren and Ellen Gustafson, director of the FEED projects, talked about their inspiration for the bags and their trips to Guatemala. "Kids that you see...you think they're about seven when they're actually ten or eleven years old. The effects of hunger are very visible and real there", said Lauren. Ellen explained that malnutrition is the underlying cause of many child deaths. It's a powerful lesson and something to consider when such a small fashion purchase can make such an impact on the lives of others.

These bags are available exclusively at Lord & Taylor and for every bag sold, FEED Guatemala will donate $10.50 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support younger children's nutrition programs in Guatemala. The purchase of each bag funds enough nutritional supplements for three children for an entire year! Knowing that I can help save a child's life by simply buying one of these bags makes shopping that much more worthwhile.

To read more about the FEED projects and merchandise (or to see how you can get involved), go to www.feedprojects.com.

Beauty Directory Special Entry: A Sex and the City 2 Blow Out Party at Ted Gibson Salon

I interrupt this deluge of Earth Day coverage to inform you of a fabulous beauty party offering that's a don't miss.

We're all kind of crazed over the upcoming Sex and the City movie sequel, yes? I mean, I've only posted the trailer three times (but, really, who's counting?) and I've already got my shoes planned out. Well, someone else is pretty excited about the forthcoming cinematic release and he wants to celebrate with the ladies of NYC and DC. Oh yes, I'm talking about my friend and yours, Ted Gibson.

From May 14th through the 29th, Ted is offering the opportunity for you to book a SATC Salon Blow Out Party! This special discount is valid for a party of four or more and includes fabulous blowouts for premiere-worthy hair at 15% off for each guest of your party, a free glass of champagne, AND you can walk out with his miracle Ted Gibson Styling Sheets for just $10! Look, for a salon that charges the most expensive haircut around (it's $950 to get a haircut from Ted, people), this is quite a bargain and honestly, who wants to greet Carrie and the girls looking anything less than fabulous? 

When booking the party, make sure you mention “Sex and the City” to get this discount. It's a fun and fabulous way to get your girls together for a bit of beauty, some champagne and a girls night out. Salon information is below. I think I might book one of my own for the movie's release on May 27th. I might need a little red carpet hair to go with my movie ticket.

New York
184 Fifth Avenue - 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10010
212.633.6333

DC
5481 Wisconsin Avenue- Level 2
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
301.951.4445

Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet. Launched in 2002, the whole thing started with the designer's quest for the perfect pair of pants. As most enterprising creatives do, she decided one day to stop looking for them and make them on her own.  Nicknamed "Staceypants", Bendet could often be found rollerblading through the city in that first pair of bold striped bell bottoms. Shortly afterward, the line launched at Barneys New York and Andrew Rosen, the founder of Theory, came calling. They became partners and the brand was born.

What was originally a quest for the perfect pair of pants is now a lifestyle collection offering everything from party dresses and coats to embellished t-shirts and sweaters, menswear, even children's clothing (coinciding with the birth of the designer's daughter, Eloise). Celebrity fans of the brand include Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dakota Fanning. Shoes will follow next year. In a word, Stacey Bendet is busy.

Which is why when the quirky designer agreed to sit still and answer questions from me, I jumped at the chance. I give you the hilarious, funny, witty and talented Stacey Bendet in all her glory:

FSB: First off, the spring base collection and runway show are just fabulous. What were your inspirations for this collection? What was on the mood board?
Stacey Bendet: Pretty! I wanted everything to be pretty. The colors, the shapes. Pretty and sexy. The base palette was really light, natural and chic, and the bodies were developed in a way to make you feel fashionable while remaining casual. I don’t remember the mood board. It was like seventeen collections ago. Ok, maybe not that many but it was a while ago!

FSB: Who is the Alice + Olivia woman? How do you describe your client?
Stacey: Porn star? Dentist? LES Hipster? I try to think of all different women when I design. Maybe not the dentist.

FSB: Describe a day in your life and which pieces of your collection you wear to each occasion. How do your clothes fit into your own personal life?
Stacey: This morning I woke up at 4:30 and I put on an old Doors t-shirt and our leggings and did my yoga practice (ashtanga). I showered and got dressed, I went with our bell bottom jeans, one of our torn tanks, a pair of green lizard platform shoes that I made in Hong Kong and a light cashmere grey shrug over my shoulders. Eloise woke up at 6:45 and we made smoothies and pancakes together (banana pancakes without eggs because we are vegetarian.)I got to the office around 7:45 am and went through my sketches and spent some time on my spring color stories. Then I had my morning fittings, my morning design meeting and a meeting about our website redesign. I took Eloise to the zoo in the afternoon, the green lizard platforms weren’t the best idea for Tiger Mountain.:) Dinner will be later with my friend Kelly and her boyfriend Austin Powers at a little Asian place we like. I think I will wear something sparkly.

FSB: The photos of the fall collection were positively effervescent. We went backstage to cover the makeup, hair and nails used for your show. What can you tell us about the clothing collection and what’s coming for fall?
Stacey: Glam Rock! Fur, leather, color! The fall clothes make me smile every time I look in the showroom! I am loving our suit looks, the new pant bodies, and the outerwear pieces!

FSB: What has been your greatest moment so far as a designer? Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Stacey: I don’t know! I never really feel accomplished, I just like making pretty things. Pictures, pants…I sort of feel you are only as good as your last collection and it's all so subjective!

FSB: What are five fun things that people don’t know about you?
Stacey: I love margaritas. I got kicked out of the Soho House for rollerblading in a tutu and throwing bang snaps (I think I got thrown out for the bang snaps not the tutu, though.) I can do a handstand and put my feet on my shoulders. I throw crazy fun dinner parties. My sister is my best friend in the whole wide world. Oh, I also like to email in haiku or semi-haiku. I think that's more than five things. :)

FSB: What’s the next move in the Alice + Olivia empire? What can we expect from the line as it moves forward?
Stacey: Shoes. I love shoes. I am obsessed with shoes. And I am going to make some incredibly sexy shoes.

See? As fun and effervescent as her clothes. Now you know why I adore Stacey and the fabulous Alice + Olivia line. You MUST check it out if you haven't already. Adore!

You're Invited: DKNY Invites You to The Book Launch of Bump It Up

As you know, I recently tried my hand at a pregnancy style post. Well, honestly, there's someone out there with a lot more knowledge about the subject (first-hand, might I add). Her name is Amy Tara Koch and her book, Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy Into the Ultimate Style Statement is having a launch party at the DKNY Madison store TONIGHT from 6-8. Mix and mingle with the author, ask pregnancy style questions while you enjoy libations and cupcakes, and one lucky attendee will win some great prizes: a copy of the book, a DKNY Cozy (or "The Miracle Garment", as it is referred to in Amy's book), the Donna Karan Body Perfect mid-thigh body shaping masterpiece, AND a $500 DKNY gift card! I mean, pregnant or not, I would get in on this, ladies! Details are contained in the invitation above. Go have fun and if you win that gift card, remember who told you about this fabulous little event!

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.

Stylish Beverages: Oscar-Worthy Cocktails for Tonight's Ceremonies

Tonight is the Academy Awards and most of you are heading out to Oscar parties. If you're not, what are you waiting for? Order some takeout, run to the liquor store and have an impromptu party for your besties! Tonight is the night we wait for all year. It's the Fashion Olympics, people!

Before I head out to get my hair done for my friend Dina's Oscar bash, I thought I'd share a fun little cocktail recipe with you lovelies. The Oscars come but once a year and, as I've said, fashion fans consider it a high holiday. This means that only two things can really be served a la skinny fashion people: vodka or champagne.  You gotta bring your A-game with the fabulous new Absolut Berri Acai (a vodka containing a berry found to be helpful in weight loss) and Here are two recipes for must-have cocktails for tonight's red carpet viewing:

ABSOLUT Berri Honey
3 parts ABSOLUT BERRI AÇAÍ
3 parts lemon juice
2 parts honey syrup

Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

As for sparking wines, if you want excellent taste at an excellent price, I suggest Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee, which is lovely by itself or mixed in a fabulous concoction like this:

Champagne Celebration
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
1/2 oz Presidente® brandy
1 sugar cube
Peychaud® bitters
4 oz Champagne

Add Cointreau, brandy and a sugar cube saturated with Peychaud bitters to a champagne flute. Fill with your favorite champagne. Garnish with an orange twist.

I'll be live tweeting from Dina's Oscar party so don't forget to follow me on Twitter tonight at @fashionstbeauty. Meanwhile, make some phone calls and make plans to throw a fabulous Oscar bash with these savvy cocktails!

The Glamorous Life: A Private Viewing of Natori Essentials

I have to say, I get a chance to do some pretty incredible things so when Karen Robinovitz, Creatrix of Purple Lab and marketing genius extraordinaire, invited me to a party she was throwing for Josie Natori, I jumped at the chance. I've been a lifelong fan of Ms.Natori's work and when I learned that it was a private viewing of her new collection, Natori Essentials, at her private Upper East Side residence, I almost fainted. I mean, meeting a designer is one thing but previewing the collection in their own home is something altogether different. I raced over from work to meet Josie and view the collection.

Now, before I get into the collection, I have to say that her apartment is everything you would have ever thought and the woman herself is lovely and amazing. A musical prodigy as a child, she's been everything: a Carnegie Hall-playing pianist, an investment banker and then a world-famous designer. Ever the consummate host, she invited us to listen to her play the piano and then something kind of amazing happened: she asked me to sing with her. Yes, I can sing and yes, I got to sing with one of my favorite designers playing the piano. I can die happy now.

The collection is a wardrobe of all black basics that every woman should own. Effortlessly glamourous and incredibly easy, the Natori Essentials clothing line is full of clothes that Josie believes every woman should own and that look amazing on every BODY.

Available in a wide array of sizes, we're talking wide-legged flowing pants, lace-covered tanks with considerable stretch, a gorgeous cocoon sweater, one-shoulder tops and beautifully-cut dresses. These are the clothes that make getting dressed quick and easy and have you walking out the door looking impossibly chic.

Natori Essentials will be available at retailers nationwide soon so there are three ways to get in on these sleek and sexy basics. You can check out the website, follow them on Twitter at @NatoriEssentials or become a fan on Facebook for all the updates fit to print.

As for me, look for me to start rocking some of these sleek and sexy pieces as I work on my own personal style upgrade. After meeting the designer, I'm personally inspired to add more glamour and ease into my life. I encourage all of you to do the same.

Edtior's Note: Happy Birthday to Fashion.Style.Beauty!

Last night I went out for a glass of champagne to celebrate one of the greatest accomplishments of my life so far: Fashion.Style.Beauty turned one on March 5th!

When I basically sold everything I owned to move to NYC in April 2007, I had only one goal: to become a fashion and beauty writer in the worlds of fashion and beauty in New York City. I kept my "day job" in corporate America until the downturn of the economy sent me another message when I lost my job at a major financial firm. I took that as a sign to go into publishing full-time and prayed I'd never have to look back. After starting this site on March 5th of 2009, it's my belief and constant prayer that I never have to do anything other than what I love ever again.

One year after its start date, Fashion.Style.Beauty is a labor of love of over 460 posts, countless events and tireless work hours. It's a seven-day-a-week job. What I hope I've built is an indulgence not only for the mind but for the soul as well. If you find any comfort and joy in reading even the smallest sales announcement on this site, I feel I've done well by you.

As I'm spending the weekend loading a tremendous amount of information into the system and planning the direction of the site moving forward, I write this note to all of you, the readers of Fashion.Style.Beauty. I owe every single one of you a huge debt of gratitude for spending time with me almost every day, reading what I have to say. I wish I could throw a huge party and invite all of you and lavish you with gifts, but for now I can only offer my sincerest gratitude and a promise that the site will continue to get better every day. I've got some huge things planned and I hope you'll be as excited about them as I am.

I know people tend to disregard blogs and the seriousness of what we do. If they only knew the amount of blood, sweat and tears that go into maintaining a site, they might think a little differently. Most of us are an army of one, working until late into the night and on weekends to deliver smart, thoughtful content. To my fellow bloggers out there working hard, I raise a glass to you.

Happy Birthday to my baby, Fashion.Style.Beauty. Mama is so proud!

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.

Style Points: The Badass Anti-Valentine's Day Chick Flick Movie Festival

Before we begin, let’s make sure that we understand my standpoint on Valentine’s Day. I am neutral when it comes to this holiday. I could care less about whether or not I find someone to mac on before the end of Valentine’s night. My standpoint on Valentine’s Day is that it’s kind of like the observance of another religion’s holidays: feel free to participate or just go on about your business as best you can.

But let’s say that this year, you're just not feeling the red dress thing. You don’t have a sweetheart and you’re contemplating small acts of sabotage on all the women in your office who will be getting flowers the Friday before. What’s one to do when you’re inundated with ads for romantic movies and dinners for two?

Bitter and Jaded, your table is now available because I’ve got the best solution EVER for your anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration. It’s called the Anti-Valentine's Badass Chick Flick Festival and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits. Chock full of female action heros and good-mood-inspiring maladjusted behavior, it’ll raise your spirits. Throw away that Whitman’s sampler and sink your teeth into these goodies:

The Last Seduction: Linda Fiorentino is basically one of the baddest chicks EVER TO WALK THE EARTH in this fabulous film. Stuck in a bad marriage with a crooked Bill Pullman, she embezzles money from her criminal husband, takes off for parts unknown and proceeds to wreak havoc on a small town. She also turns Peter Berg into her personal sex slave. It’s inspiring and genius, folks.

The Long Kiss Goodnight: Geena Davis at her quirky best, she plays a soccer mom who starts to recover a memory of a life where she was, hello, a black ops operative spy! Samuel L. Jackson and Craig Bierko add colorful characters but it’s Davis’ show and she throws down some purely James Bond-level whoopass in this movie. So much fun.

Black Widow: This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Debra Winger plays a CIA desk jockey who starts an obsession with the mysterious deaths of wealthy men. The common thread? They were all married to what appears to be the same woman. This cat-and-mouse game culminates with a great ending and Theresa Russell is amazing at the cause of Winger’s obsession.

Diabolique: Two women, a wife and a mistress, murder their shared love/hate interest and everything's fine until a detective comes snooping around (men..ugh). For those with a desire for foreign film, this is a must-watch movie.

Basic Instinct: Yes, it’s campy and yes, it’s kind of dated but really, what kind of warm fuzzies are you going to get from a sociopathic woman who plots out ritualistic murders in her novels and then acts them out in real life? The part that basically made Sharon Stone who she is today, it’s got sex, drugs and an ice pick.

Heathers: Classic Winona Ryder and co-starring my all-time first crush, Christian Slater, a teenage girl falls for the wrong guy in this movie and people start to die. Some of the best lines ever uttered in any teen movie, including “My teen angst now has a body count” and “Heather, my love, there’s a new sheriff in town.”

Kill Bill, Vol.1 and 2: My final selection, Uma Thurman plays “The Bride”, a woman who awakes from a coma to remember that her assassin past followed her to her wedding day and killed everyone she loved. Determined to murder her entire posse one by one, the movie follows her warpath as she murders her way to her final goal of killing Bill, the ringleader. Quentin Tarantino at his best, it’s violent, brilliantly done and with some of the best dialog ever written.

I suggest heavily-buttered popcorn with these selections, along with a good dry Chardonnay (better get a few bottles) and mind-blowing cheese and charcuterie platter. Invite your girls (and guys) and settle in for the most kick-ass movie festival since Kurasawa made mad films.

Of course, I just adore suggestions. Any others you'd like to add to the list? Let me know in the comments section below.

Tune In Tonight on Twitter for Robert Verdi's Valentine's Day Tweet-Up

It's that time again! He's given his favorite things AND some fabulous Holiday gift ideas and tonight it's on like Donkey Kong: I'm going back for another Tweet-Up! This time Robert has partnered with The Accessories Council for Valentine's Day ideas. Oh yes, befuddled lovers and people who demand baubles from you at that Special Day in February: this one's just for you.  So be at a computer or a PDA and watch the magic unfold starting at 6:45 pm tonight where my fellow bloggers and I will be tweeting Robert's selections, photos from inside the event and chances for you to ask Robert questions and WIN SOME SWAG!

So, again, 6:45 PM EST, people. 'Cause there ain't no party like a Robert Verdi party 'cause a Robert Verdi party is FABULOUS!

Need a Holiday Dress Fast? It's Time to Rent the Runway

Look at your calendar. Seriously, just look at it. With a circuit of holiday parties coming up, New Year's Eve, your cousin's wedding and some mysterious party that calls for "festive attire," your poor closet just threw up its hands in disgust because, well, it just can't handle the truth. Plus, you want to walk in and leave them wanting more. What's a girl to do when you can't go out and possibly purchase all the amazing couture you see on the runway for all these functions?

Sit back and relax because two fabulous women have come up with a business that's about to save your proverbial fashion bacon. Ladies, meet Rent The Runway.

Think of this service like Netflix for couture. They have all the major designers that anyone would ever want (Brian Reyes, Badgley Mischka, Proenza Schouler, ADAM, Alice + Olivia and Diane von Furstenberg, just to name a few) and you can shop by designer or by occasion (black tie, meet the parents, holiday party, date night, New Year's Eve) and rent designer duds for your event. They'll even send you the next size up or down for free just in case of sizing (how genius is that?). Each rental comes with a stylist kit in case of emergency (double stick tape, breath mints, etc). Select your dress(es) and this little stylist in a bag is shipped direct to your front door for a four-night loan. When you're done dazzling everyone at your event, just put the dress into the prepaid shipping envelope and drop it in the mail. Yep, it's just that easy.

I mean, renting the look is roughly one-tenth the price of retail and best of all, you can almost rest assured that NO ONE will have this dress at your party because you're ordering something that might not even be available in your market. I mean, in what other situation would you be able to wear this stunning Brian Reyes Beaded Racerback Dress (at top), which originally retails for $995 for a mere $100? You'd better bring a body guard if you show up on New Year's Eve in this Yigal Azrouel Draped Gold Lame Dress that retails for $915 but you secretly rented for $100. Don't be surprised if you see photos of me in this Badgley Mischka Satin Draped Bodice Dress, which originally retails for $615. Want to know the rental price? $50, people. I know!

Rent the Runway is a subscriber-only service so really, what are you waiting for? You have holiday parties to attend and you have amazing couture to rent. Get on the list right this minute to ensure you'll be the best dressed this season. Get yourself some front row style right now, ladies! It's time to Rent the Runway!

Parties with Style: The Lips Karaoke Video Game

I get invited to do a lot of really fun things writing for FSB and when someone says "karaoke" and "snacks," my frustrated inner rock star starts planning her arrival. I recently attended an event where I was offered a chance to check out the video game Lips (available for Xbox 360 and Wii) and let me just go ahead and say it: you need it. I don't care if you can sing, if you can't sing or if you're secretly planning your stadium tour in your head: this video game is a party in a box. Invite a couple of friends over and show off your insanely fabulous shower singing skills while serving beverages and snacks and you'll see exactly what I mean.

This ain't your mama's karaoke experience with song and a bouncing ball on plain lyric screens. Oh no, we've got the ability to sing over the real MTV quality video, create an avatar and get scored based on how well you sing the song. The song list includes Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Kayne West, Tokio Hotel and some good classic favorites from Marvin Gaye, LL Cool J, The Cardigans and Tears for Fears. You can sing Rihanna and your grandmother can sing a Beach Boys song. This is fun for the whole group and there's something in it for everyone.

Lips comes with two microphones and the video included. I'm telling you right now that if you get this for your holiday party (or even as a gift for someone), it is guaranteed to please. Head to your local GameStop or hit Amazon.com now and buy yours today.

A warning if you invite me, though: I'm a little too competitive when it comes to things like this and I might wreck your hotel room in true rock star style. I'm just kidding...kind of.

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.