To Do List: Try Organic Sake On Tap at Pure Food and Wine

As it is most likely obvious, I love to eat. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't call myself a "foodie," but I am dangerously close to it. I'm easy company to eat with because when I eat out, I try only to eat at the best places (until a dive craving hit, but even then the food is damn good.)

One of my favorite restaurants in the entire Manhattan area is Pure Food and Wine. The restaurant is based on raw food principles, which means there's nothing cooked over approximately 118 degrees and the ingredients are all vegan: no meat, no dairy, no preservatives, nothing. Everything you love to eat on a non-raw diet is translated into dishes that are not only incredibly delicious, they're good for you. It's like the adult version of baking brownies with spinach: you're eating healthy without really being cognizant of such a thing. I adore it.

The food is one thing, the desserts are spectacular (ask for the ice cream sampler - to die for), but, of course you know I'm going to talk about the drinks. Pure Food and Wine is now the first restaurant in Manhattan to offer saké on tap, especially premium saké from the organic, domestic (made in Oregon and America's only) sakery, SakeOne. Saké on tap is earth-friendly; it costs less to ship and minimizes waste because it eliminates glass bottles.

The cocktails at Pure are simply amazing because they only use saké to craft them, in lieu of liquor. Everything is made from housemade organic pressed juices and created by in-house sommelier Joey Repice and even though saké isn't exactly raw, it's full of nutrients, rich in amino acids and is considered to be a bit of a love potion in its native country of Japan. Add to that the low-to-no-hangover factor and you can understand the mass appeal. When booking a table, go for the back garden: it's spectacular and a great place to curl up for drinks with friends or a romantic hideaway for a cozy date. Order my favorite, the Master Cleanse Tini. You won't be disappointed.

Links to the menu and the restaurant information are below. Make a reservation the next time you're in the area and maybe I'll stop by. I plan on spending A LOT of time here in the future and for those who want to live and drink as healthy as possible, it's kind of a must.


Pure Food and Wine
54 Irving Place, New York, NY  10003
phone | 212-477-1010
hours | lunch 12-4pm  dinner 5:30-11pm

Link Love: Essential Reading from Around The Web

It's Memorial Day weekend and you're either chilling out inside watching Bravo marathons, setting up the grill with loved ones, or hanging somewhere warm and inviting. Either way, it's a good time to catch up on your reading, so here's what I'd suggest curling up with over the weekend:

Fashionista has compiled a rather extensive (and well-curated) list of Required Reading for People Who Work In Fashion, Want to Work in Fashion or Simply Love Fashion. Most of it is already loaded into my Amazon Wish List.


Betty Confidential wants to explain the top five reasons guys stop calling. If you're wondering if he's just not into you or your phone is broken, read this.

Speaking of which, if you're mystified as to why men do a lot of things, YourTango explains why men do at least ten of the things that have us scratching our heads.

Second City Style explains how everything old is new again when it comes to It Girls recycling time-tested patterns and clothes.

Eye4Style explains the concept of a Fashion Bucket List (everyone should have one with you AT ALL TIMES) and one of the items on hers: a Chanel J12 Marine Watch. All I can say is "Wow."

My lovely girls at The Luxury Spot give an essential list of how to wear your bitchy attitude right out there for everyone to see it.

Refinery 29 has some great ideas for summer sun hats to shield your face and create some rather fashionable SPF (Sun Protection Fashion.)

I'm working on loading a WHOLE LOT of coverage into the site in addition to taking some very well-deserved naps in the sun, so enjoy this fabulous weekend and we'll see you next week!

Memorial Day Beauty: It's a Shopping and Makeover Party at Tanger Outlets at The Arches This Saturday!

Some of my favorite people in the beauty and fashion world are converging on Tanger Outlets at The Arches this weekend (hello, outlet mall shopping! one of my favorite activities!) and I feel you should know about it.  You can see all the amazing activities that are going on but I mean, makeovers by Cutler Salon and Cargo Cosmetics, Alexandra Richards DJing a live set, Gossip Girl's stylist Eric Daman giving a style lab and signing books? The party starts at 12 so get there early and be one of the first 50 to spend $200 and receive a makeover and photo shoot with Nigel Barker (yes, he of America's Next Top Model), Cutler Salon and Cargo. Looks like fun! Details are in the invite above, so have fun, fashion and beauty fans!

Spa Directory: Halo/Air Salt Rooms

Can taking a nap really help you with allergies, skin distress and other ailments? It definitely can if you're taking a break in a fabulous salt room at Halo//Air Salt Rooms.

This super-sophisticated spa is designed to mimic the health benefits of the salt caves of Israel, where the extraordinary health of the miners has led to legendary reports of the healing powers of the cool, salty rooms. The treatment rooms at Halo are much less arcane and come with luxurious chaises, fuzzy blankets and flat screen televisions. You simply wrap up and watch a little television, read, relax or take a nap (which is what I did.) The rooms are covered in dead sea salt floor-to-ceiling and they pump a special mixture into the air while you relax for an hour. These treatments are perfect for those who suffer from allergies (hello, we're in the worst allergy season in decades right now) and skin issues. There's even a room for children where they can play while their parents relax and enjoy the healing benefits of the room with them.

Packages are available (and recommended), but if you're tired of watery allergy eyes and respiratory distress, I recommend even just one hour-long session to see improvement (I slept better that night than I have in years, which is unusual for allergy season.)

You might not want too much salt in your diet, but I think adding a little salt to your spa therapy regimen is fabulous for your health.

Halo/Air Salt Rooms
$100 per hour, packages available
133 west 22nd street (btw 6th and 7th)
646.666.0554

Stylish Living: New York City Picks from Purple Lab NYC's Karen Robinovitz

  Karen Robinovitz inside of one of NYC's most enviable locations, her West Village closet.

Last time we got the hottest picks from Alice + Olivia's Stacey Bendet. I figured it was time to ask another girl about town for her favorite hotspots in NYC. I give you where to go, what to see and what to do from Purple Lab NYC's Creatrix, the lovely and amazing Karen Robinovitz. Hey, Karen, where do you:

(l-r) Virayoga, Clay Fitness and Spa

Do yoga/workout/exercise - Virayoga for Anusara yoga and Clay is my gym, though I need to get to Tracy Anderson's studio!

Dell'Anima

 

Eat - Nobu, Dell'Anima, Little Owl for amazing brunch, Aquagrill for oysters, Murray's for a cheese fest.

 

Lobby of NYC's Standard Hotel

Have a cocktail - I don't really drink so I never go out for cocktails (shhhhh, I'm secretly no fun.) If I had to pick, it would definitely be The Standard Hotel.

Hang out with your girlfriends - Home! I love having friends over and entertaining.

Kirna Zabete

 

Shop - Kirna Zabete, Curve, Resurrection Vintage, Jeffrey, Alexander McQueen, Barneys New York, Moss for home design.

Relax and unwind - Vital Ki Energy of Jungshim to get the chakras lined up and maintain balance. There's a great healing treatment for just $60 and afterward you'll feel like a million. 39 W. 14th St. The best place for a quick energy tune up.

Devachan Salon and Spa

 

Have a day of beauty - A facial with Nina at Paul Labrecque (the Upper East Side location). No one cleans skin like her. She has changed my life. And then hop down to Soho for curl love at Devachan, the only place I will let touch my hair! They have a beautiful spa as well. I have an amazing massage therapist named Eli. Having him over for late night deep tissue action would just make the day complete.

The sculpture garden at the Museum of Modern Art

 

Have a little peace and quiet - The garden of the MOMA. Nothing like sitting outside, next to a Richard Serra and journaling. There are also hidden nooks in my neighborhood (the West Village) with little gardens and benches where it's so nice to have a quiet lunch and read.

Party until dawn - I wouldn't know personally, but right now it's all about Boom Boom Room, top floor of the Standard Hotel.

 A scenic view of New Paltz

Spend time with your husband - Gallery hopping in Chelsea (we are super passionate about contemporary art and used to collect pre-Purple Lab - we can't wait to be able to collect again!) and getting on his motorcycle to jet to the DIA Center upstate. Speaking of upstate, we love weekends hiking in New Paltz.

Head out this weekend and check out some of Karen's picks for chic living and keep it here to FSB for more fabulous fashion, style and beauty news!

Style Icon: Joan Jett

I am a rock and roll fan through and through, so it's no surprise that I adore this week's Style Icon, the fabulous and amazing Joan Jett. Beginning as a teen with The Runaways (I haven't seen the movie yet - yeah, I know) and then breaking out on her own before becoming the lead of the famous Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Joan is a rock pioneer, a chick that performs as hard as she plays. Influenced by the glam rock scene and her own muse, Suzy Quatro, Jett's music has stood the test of time, with her famous remake of "I Love Rock and Roll" landing on Billboard's Top 100 Songs of All Time. Jett continues to produce records and sign artists to her label, Blackheart Records, now over 25 years old. She still rocks out and is one of my favorite glam rock/punk ladies out there.

Joan's style is borrowed from the boys who rock but it doesn't mean that it doesn't have her own feminine twist. Thinking of making an impact this weekend? Try her sporty rocker chic look from a concert where she wore then New York Jets Joe Namath's number during a concert in Norway during her band's heyday in the 80's. Let's go with an Alloy Baseball Tee ($24.90) and a pair of fabulous True Religion "Disco Billy" Black Straight Leg jeans in Homestead Wash ($295).

Let's put a new feminine twist on the item with a Fenton Fallon for J. Crew Necklace ($195) and some glam rocker-approved heels, like these Alexander McQueen Zipper and Skull Sandals ($795). They add just the right feminine touch for a current day homage.

Instead of playing the anthem we all know her for, I'm playing my personal favorite from the rocker, my personal anthem, "Bad Reputation." Joan, wherever you are, thanks for blazing the trail for all of us to be as bad ass as we wanna be.

Stylish Home: Spring Cleaning Picks from Robert Verdi

Remember I told you I attended Robert Verdi's tweet-up last week? Well, the topic was Spring Cleaning and the celebrity stylist and tastemaker was chock full of amazing tips and tricks for all of us. Here's what Robert recommends:

Did you know that Robert cleans the toilets around his house and office? As someone who is also a tad ACD about the cleanliness of the bathroom, I share his love of Dow Scrubbing Bubbles products, especially the Toilet Cleaning Gel (punch one in and it cleans every time you flush until it eventually just wears away) and the Fresh Brush 2-in-1 (amazing for cleaning hard water stains or other grossness).

Speaking of bathrooms, we got a chance to discover a new little item of magic from the same line, the Extend-A-Clean Power Sprayer, which has a battery-operated nozzle to deliver a continuous stream of scrubbing bubbles over every surface in the bathroom. What's even cooler? The bubbles continue to clean for FOUR DAYS AFTERWARD. As someone who literally has about five minutes to ever clean the bathroom, these products are my new best buddies. Women with kids (or men in your lives), these products are must-haves.

There are more stylish ways to store your cleaning items than keeping them scrammed in a shelf or jumbled under a sink. How about a gorgeous, eco-chic tote that allows you to carry them wherever they're needed? This gorgeous printed neoprene market tote from Built NYC is a great storage solution that wipes clean and holds a ton of items. You can also use it for grocery shopping or a picnic in the park.

Cleaning your makeup brushes is really important. Not only does bacteria and build up start to grow on your brushes (ew!), but lack of care can cause damage and shorten the life of your favorite beauty tools. Robert introduced us to Jane Iredale Truly Pure Shampoo and Conditioner, an all-in-one gentle cleanser that's not only safe for brushes but is also safe for use on your own hair. Cleanse those brushes and then let them air dry. Like, do it now.

You've heard of reduce, reuse and recycle, right? Same goes for your clothes, folks. As Robert says, anything you haven't worn in about a year or so needs to go but then peruse some items that look damaged. Take them to a reputable dry cleaner in your area, like NYC's legendary Madame Paulette, and refurbish them. You'll save yourself some money and rediscover an old favorite for a fraction of the cost of replacing it.

I am a huge home fragrance fanatic, so Robert's next tips was a personal favorite: home and sheet sprays from the Good Home Company. These light, airy sprays evoke memories of beloved scents like a Beach House (it really smells like a beach house, not kidding!), Italian Citrus (great for the kitchen), Village Lavender (amazing for sheets at bedtime to aid in restful sleep) and Summer Grass (again, it really smells clean like fresh grass). After cleaning a room, spray your linens and room with these sprays and marvel at the genius scents.

This is an easy tip but very important: get some Tide To Go Pens. Keep them in your handbag, your briefcase, your desk, your car, everywhere. They erase stains quickly and easily when you're on the go and aid in removing the stain when you launder the item. You can always pick them up while you're in the checkout line at Target. Done and done.

Bobby Berk Home makes some of the cutest home goods items based on high fashion prints. A dust pan and whisk broom have never looked so chic.

Kim Seybert makes gorgeous linen hand towels that almost look too beautiful to use. Brighten up your own bathroom and then put them in the guest bathroom (or half bath when you're entertaining) to impress any visitors to your home.

Last but not least, you cannot truly have a clean house without an amazing vacuum cleaner and the best one out there right now is the Dyson. With powerful suction that pulls dirt, hair, dust and other debris into their patented filter at 150,000g, the air that comes out is way cleaner than what's pulled in. The roller ball technology even helps it maneuver around furniture and, best of all? It's QUIET. A must for allergy and asthma suffers and for those of us in homes that have pets.

Look for more amazing tips from the lifestyle guru tonight! We're heading back for a Mother's Day Tweet-Up that's bound to give you some amazing ideas for dear old Mom. Follow us on Twitter at @fashionstbeauty and follow Robert as well to win amazing items at @RobertVerdi and/or the hashtag #rvtips. Enjoy these items and get to spring cleaning, folks!

FTC Full Disclosure: samples received for review

Celebrity NYC: New York City Favorites From Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia

When you live in New York, you tend to get recommendations of what's new, hot and fabulous from your friend, coworkers, colleagues or from the magazines and blogs we rely upon regularly. I thought it might be fun to ask designers, stylists and other tastemakers where they hang out in NYC. You saw the interview a couple of weeks ago with Alice + Olivia designer, Stacey Bendet. Here, the designer gives us her picks on what to do, see, eat and experience in her New York City. Hey Stacey, what are your favorite places to:

Eat? Sushi, or vegan food from Blossom.

Have a cocktail? Kenmare (in Nolita) or random LES margarita spots.

Shop?  Online, vintage, DEAR on the LES

Do yoga/workout? Ashtanga yoga with Eddie Stern

Relax and unwind? My apartment!

Have a day of beauty? Omg, who has time?!? I get a facial from Eloise’s banana-covered palms.

Have a little peace and quiet? Malibu!

Party until dawn? Kenmare followed by Boom Boom Room at The Standard.

Spend time with your daughter? She is my buddy! I take her everywhere! We love to go to Sundaes and Cones for ice cream for a treat!

Get out there and check out some of Stacey's picks from the city! And, of course, keep it tuned here for more fabulous NYC picks from amazing talent from around the worlds of fashion, style and beauty!

Stylish Snacking: Starbucks Ice Cream Releases New Flavors for Summer and a Fab Recipe!

There are certain rites of spring that we all live for: trips to the park, blooms on the trees and (most important) weather warm enough to eat ice cream. I was recently invited to a fabulous event where I got a chance to try  new ice cream flavors from Starbucks Ice Cream before they hit the market and I'm here to tell you: these are must-haves for the season.

The three new flavors, Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, Signature Hot Chocolate and Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino, are based on popular flavors of beverages available at their many locations. Let me just tell you right now that based on personal experience that if you are fans of these beverages, these ice creams taste like the real thing. They use real vanilla beans, chocolate and strawberries in them (respectively) and honestly, the taste is not to be believed. As someone who doesn't really have a sweet tooth (I know, I know - don't start), these are flavors that I will be purchasing and keeping in my own home. They're THAT GOOD. 

At the launch event, we were treated to some amazing recipes using the ice cream from chef Kristina Vanni, culinary expert and author of Kristina The Budget Diva. Here's a mind-blowing dessert recipe for a Mixed Berry Sundae: melt butter in a skillet, then toast two slices of pound cake until golden brown. Toss in some mixed berries until everything is nice and warm and buttery. Plate your pound cake and add a scoop of the Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino, (or Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, for those of us who like vanilla). Top with the mixed berries and serve. Mind-blowing and for those of you looking to entertain, a total crowd pleaser!

The new flavors are available by the pint (Vanilla Bean Frappuccino® is also available as a single-serve cup.) Prices range from $3.89 - $4.39 (single-serve cups have a suggested retail price of $1.29 - $1.39) and are available NOW at your favorite grocery store. Check their website for more information and locations.

Because it's that time of the season and you know how that goes: I'm screaming, you're screaming, we're all screaming for ICE CREAM. Starbucks has heard our cries and delivered what's bound to the treat of the season. Bon appetit!

Technology Style: New Cases and Accessories for the iPad

If you're not spending time with family right now during this holiday weekend, chances are you're in line for the new iPad. With reports of lines around the block and Twitter blowing up with "sold out" messages, I'm pretty sure more than a few of you are getting your hands on Apple's new step in world domination. As a matter of fact, you might be reading this message on an iPad right now. If so, how do I look? ;)

Everyone who has an Apple device knows part of the fun is accessorizing it. Skins, cases, juice packs - there's a little something out there to make your new device as cute as it is functional. In which case, InCase has you covered with some stylish solutions for your new device:

The Grip Protective Cover ($39.95) is a durable silicone rubber case with two molded rails on the back that allow you grip your iPad with two hands in the landscape position. For those not looking to two-hand the device, the Protective Cover ($39.95) features the same silicone rubber protective casing but with a flat back panel. Both come with cutouts to allow users full access to the iPad controls and a viewing stand.

The Neoprene Slip Sleeve Plus ($39.95) is a cool sleeve for the iPad that features a slip entry opening for easy device access, reinforced seams to protect the device, and InCase's signature faux-fur lining for scratch protection. It also comes with a viewing stand.

For those of you on the go or traveling quite a bit, the company has created the Convertible Book Jacket ($59.95), a portfolio-style case that secures the device during travel and allows for easy display in landscape position. The design turns the case from a closed portfolio to a viewing stand when opened. Pretty genius, no?

You'll also want to pick up some chargers while you're at it. Both their Combo Charger ($34.95) and Car Charger ($24.95) work with iPad and feature a powerful 2-amp output USB port. Because a powerless Apple devices renders you, well, powerless. We all know how much THAT can suck.

InCase products are available via any Apple store or feel free to log onto your iPad (iPhone, iPod Touch, MacBook, etc) and order via their website. Either way, if you're going to get the hottest device in technology, you need to make sure it looks that way. Accessorize accordingly.

New on FSB! Got a Fashion, Style or Beauty Question? Ask The Experts!

I was sitting there thinking, you know, I know a lot of really amazing experts in the field of fashion, beauty, styling, fitness and the like. You all have questions that I'm sure you'd like to have answered. You also love FREE stuff. After a glass of wine it hit me: why not combine all three of these into a new feature for the site!

Hence, I'm creating a new feature on the site called Ask The Experts. Burning hair question? Styling advice? Should you deep condition before or after highlights? What's the best fragrance to wear on a date? How do you grow out your hair? Are sweatpants really in for spring? How do you mix the perfect martini? What kind of flowers are in for spring? I've got major experts and celebrity gurus that will answer them ALL!

You ask the questions and I will make sure some serious industry heavy-hitter will answer it for you. Even better, if your question is chosen, you'll win one, some or ALL of the products listed as the solution to your dilemma. You get your question answered AND you get swag from an industry expert?!? I mean, really, who's gonna turn THIS down?

Even better, guess who's the first expert? None other than the lovely, amazing and fabulous Ted Gibson. You know, celebrity hairstylist and hair guru from TLC's What Not To Wear? Ted is excited about the situation, so ask away in the comments box! I'll send one question along and the winner will get their question answered as well as win products from Ted's fabulous line. We'll post the answer and the name of the winner at the beginning of next week!

Who loves you? ME, that's who. Ask away!