Check me out at a Gossip Girl Party (And They Were Filming MTV's "The City"!)

Ok, so as far as awesome nights go, yesterday was pretty up there. It was quintessentially NYC, in a way that only NYC can be. If you talk to any NYer, they will throw out the statement, "Only in New York" quite a bit. This just refers to how ridiculous things are always happening here and you should just learn to expect the unexpected....

Here is the run down: My BF Courtney asked if I would be interested in attending a party for the book launch of the costume designer from Gossip Girl, Eric Daman. The handsome fashionista that we are posing with (promoting his book very prominently, thanks Court). We contacted a mutual acquaintance who just happens to be the head of marketing for Henri Bendel's where the red carpet event was being held. Yes, we are that cool. It was invite only so she had to put us on a very special list. Again, so cool.

I put on a skirt that you have all seen before, but who cares, I look hot in it. Of course I always feel skinny until I get to these hoity toity fashion events. It is like you imagine. Everyone is rail thin and has on the most amazing ensembles. Of course there is always one or two crazies that really believes their outfit is the bomb, when really it is just an actual bomb.

Any slight insecurity (I just drink and pretend I am the hottest one there:) went away once I saw my friend from high school across the gigantic room. What are the chances? I attacked him, per my usual style, and gave him a huge hug. He is familiar with my crazy antics and I believe he truly appreciates them. His outfit was bananas (ode to Rachel Zoe). I was seriously impressed. Just check John out! When I asked what he was up to he let me know he works in the wardrobe department at Gossip Girl and is allowed to borrow whatever he wants. Um, come again? I think my jaw hit the floor. Not only did I run into my old friend, but he works in the wardrobe department at the hottest show on television and can borrow anything??? As I said, "Only in New York". I will be bothering him:)


















So here comes some more crazy.... After I was done hounding my dear friend John, I realized there was T.V. camera's filming everywhere. Where they there for me? No, not quite. Apparently MTV's, "The City" was filming. Now I knew I must have been at the coolest party in town. This level of fabulous is not usually my life so I was sucking it in as much as possible (both literally and figuratively:).

Now, I am not a stalker (at least of celebrities), but once they were done filming God made it apparent that I was suppose to take a picture with Olivia Polmero. I was off in a corner looking at accessories and talking to Courtney when Olivia very quietly was also checking out the goodies. I jumped into stalker mode and asked if she would mind taking a picture with me. As loud as I am, this is truly out of character. I hate bothering people that constantly get hounded and being "that girl". So readers, this celebrity stalking was strictly for you to enjoy how ridiculous this party was. You want me to tell you she was a bitch. You are hoping for some juicy story. Well folks, I just can't give it to you! Not only did she graciously take a picture with me, but she offered to take another one if it didn't come out! What I will tell you is that I am a size 4 and I look like a heffer next to this girl. Refer to the picture if you don't believe me. Courtney would not stop talking about how Olivia's thigh was the size of her own arm.






And now for my sidebar shout out to a favorite outfit of mine from the night! This is Biz (short for Elizabeth, love it!) from the marketing department at Henri Bendel's. She was not only totally stylish, but she was lovely as well. You work that chic preppy look! Blair Waldorf would be soooooooooo jealous.









Here is my finale moment on the red carpet. Most people make their way down this paparazzi filled experience at the beginning of the party, but obviously I am NOT as cool as I previously thought... They were actually taking down the set as Courtney was taking this shot. Oh whatever! This is my first red carpet moment with many more to come...... Look for my big debut in the background of "The City". They even made me sign a waiver:)

Belstaff: The Original Coat for the Guy's Guy

Everybody's doing it. Brad Pitt did it in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Will Smith saved the world in it. Hell, even guys hating middle age (yes, that's you John Travolta) have done it. And let's not forget our little Shia, he looked pretty cute doing it too. What is it that they are all doing? Trying on their guy's guy look by rocking a Belstaff coat. A very simple way for a man to get in touch with his rugged biker side.

Founded in 1924 in Staffordshire, England, Belstaff has remained the "it" coat for men who are looking to invest in a piece that really doesn't lose it's value. Not to mention that it seriously is pretty studly. I didn't learn about this little gem of a brand until my boyfriend threw his Belstaff on and I almost hit the floor. Now I must admit that he is pretty damn cute standing alone, but wearing his Belstaff did wonders for his "hot" quotient. I suggest all women promote their man buying anything that will make them look even hotter.

The original Belstaff gansta, or at least the first movie star to make it popular, was Steve McQueen. He would wear the very popular Trailmaster while biking. In 2007, Belstaff released a new and improved Trailmaster in honor of Steve Mcqueen. He must have really loved his Belstaff.








Why all of this talk about Belstaff? Well, I wish they were paying me, but that is hardly true. I was in J. Crew over the weekend and they are now selling Belstaff! I don't regularly walk into J. Crew (although I do like it), so I had no idea! As the price point of J. Crew goes up (thank you Michelle Obama for wearing it), so do the brands that they carry. Belstaff is definitely an investment with this particular coat being $795. But as I mentioned, it is definitely a worthy investment and does not lose it's value! It is meant to look rugged and worn in. The one my boyfriend has is actually waxed cotton, which means every 2 years he has to re-wax it for $50 and it looks brand new. Pause for sexual joke.

So invest boys and buy yourself some manliness.

J. Crew Belstaff Trailmaster Jacket: $795

Pretty Pregnancy: The Wedding Bee Photoshoot

I have been working with the lovely and talented Bee Kim for a little while now. She is the founder of The Wedding Bee blog which features everything and anything wedding related. Having conquered her own wedding, she has recently become a mother. These lovely shots are from a shoot she did during pregnancy (obviously!) in Central Park. I was lucky enough to help her out with the styling for the shoot. Knowing where she was shooting, I wanted it to be ethereal and colorful. Kind of "earth mama" like. I think the shots turned out pretty perfect if I do say so myself..... Take a look!

S & M Jewelry: Spike You!

Watch out boys! You better not step out of line, because us ladies now have more than just our big mouths to fight back!! We have spiked accessories.

I am loving this new trend. It is not only sexy and tough, but is is damn cool. I have always secretly been a fan of punk rock, but the only way that realistically looked good on me was a studded belt. A mohawk was just never in the cards.

Well now I have every option in the world to rock out with my spike out. I've got shoes, I've got headbands, I've got bracelets, I could go on and on and on.... But you already know that:)

If only Rhianna had been wearing her spike ring when Chris Brown decided to wig out, I think things would have gone very differently..... See what I mean about how important the spikes can be! They double as an amazing accessory as well as a weapon of destruction.


I mean seriously, look at this thing! I would probably hurt myself. Wearing this on a date basically says, "Stay at least ten feet away from me". So if you don't want a man (or woman), pick this ring as the jazz for your ensemble.







And what about this spiked wonder? It scares the crap out of me in the best possible way. It is fashionably fabulous. I mean, I am probably not wearing this to the grocery store (unless it is 24 hours and it is 3 in the morning), but as far as looking high fashion, this is an instant pick-me-up. And it helps out on a bad hair day. NO ONE is looking at your hair with this thing on.

So spikes it is for the new year. It may be a bit crazy for you, but try out something more simple, like a bracelet. I have a feeling you won't have trouble talking to anyone at the bar once they see your fantastic conversation piece.

Photo courtesy of a1988.com
Photo courtesy of coolspotters.com
Spike ring: $50
Jennifer Behr spike headband: $498

Fashionista University: Learn to Be a Designer!!

My wonderful designer friends, Kathlin and Courtney, are offering an amazing opportunity for girls looking to learn about everything fashion! Their Fashionista University is the chance for any young lady to learn the ropes about being the next big fashion designer. Since I have a big mouth (and I love them), I am sharing this opportunity with the world! If you know someone who is in or around NYC, this is a fabulous chance....

Have you dreamed of being a part of the Fabulous World of Fashion?

Fashionista Universtiy is for anyone who wants to be a future fashionista!

Go beyond "Project Runway" and the latest issue of "Teen Vogue" to the heart of the Garment District in NYC and experience fashion in the real world! Fashionista University is the first program of its kind to offer a new type of "hands on" fashion experience that offers a multitude of programs and classes taught by real live fashion experts including nationally known Fashion Designers Kathlin Argiro and Courtney Zellmer and Public Relations Guru Gwen Wunderlich!

The program is offered to junior high through college-aged students - leaving no Fashionista behind. This is an opportunity unlike any other that will help students lay the foundation for their futures. With unforgettable experiences - only made possible by industry insiders - students will learn things that they never imagined possible from the BEST in the business. Students will emerge from these classes with a sense of confidence that will give them the edge they need to make it in uber-competitive world of Fashion.

A GREAT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!

Sign-up starting now at

www.fashionistauniversity.com or call 212-268-8774.

Sat., Jan. 16th-March 6th 11am-2pm Fashion Design 101 Session

Sat., Jan. 16th- March 6th 2:30pm-5:30pm PR Prep101 Session

REGISTRATION: $600 a session (or $500 each if signed up for both)

Each Session limited to 25 students- Supplies Extra Registration Ending Jan. 8th, 2010
***Please note no class on Feb. 13th, 2010 due to President's Day

FASHION DESIGN 101: Hosted by designers Kathlin Argiro and Courtney Zellmer (www.kathlinargiro.com) founders of Kathlin Argiro a womens special ocassion company since 1997. Learn first-hand what it takes to design a collection from start to finish, from getting inspired to sketching a fashion model, students will learning about fabrics and how to use them, merchandising and styling a collection, and presenting it. The designers will even give you the inside scoop on where designers go for all their fashion finds!! Get ready for Glamour, Glitz and Red Carpet Couture.

PR PREP 101: Hosted by Gwen Wunderlich of Wunderlich Inc.(www.wunderlichinc.com) can help you begin your journey here! Her expertise, based upon her years of experience working in Public Relations and even starting her own public relations company from the ground up, will give you an inside look into how to become an "it" publicist-where celebrities not only want you, but they need you! Gwen's class will be focused on the necessity of being connected-where you can meet the needs of your client, and often times, go above and beyond.

www.FashionistaUniversity.com

Help Me Pick My New Headshot!!!!

I was lucky enough to work with Amy Fletcher last week and have some new headshots taken. Since I have had my "long hair" (I fully admit they are extensions) for a year now, I think it is about time! I walk into auditions and hand them a headshot with my chopped 'do and they always look thoroughly confused. Usually they have already seen my website and webseries and my hair is completely different in everything you look at! The greatest part is I am about to make my hair shoulder length after the new year.....:) As a final note, I know that some of these look very similar, but the differences are enough that I need your help!!!








PHOTO ONE: I am so accessible, stylish and fun:)

PHOTO TWO: Ah, this is my sexy look and mischievous look. Is it working?:)

PHOTO THREE: I am a bit more business up front, yet there has to be a party following me in the back......






















PHOTO FOUR: A proper headshot, I am sweet (at least I appear to be:) and "the girl next door".















PHOTO FIVE: Another "sexy" shot, I little bit of cleavage never hurt anyone's chances. My only fear is I kind of look like I have a pole up my tush.

Hanukah Party Fashion Show!

I love going to my friend's Michael and Red's annual Hanukah party. While everyone is busy throwing Christmas or holiday soirees, Michael and Red just go straight for Hanukah Harry and whip up some FABULOUS latkes (that is potato pancake for those of you that don't speak Hanukah).

In addition to knowing how to throw a lovely cocktail party, Michael and Red are also some of my most fantastically fashionable friends. This comes along with having other fantastically fashionable friends. All of this combined means that we ended up having a fashion show while we ate large quantities of latkes and drank champagne. As Adam Sandler says, "8 crazy nights!". Well, our fashion show Hanukah party was a good example.

For those of you that are unfamiliar, this is a latke. It is fried heaven. Literally you fry up shredded potatoes into yummy pancakes. Adding apple sauce or sour cream is the most traditional way to eat it. I added a side of lox (smoked salmon) just to make it extra Jewish:)


Michael and Red even went all out and had Pixie sticks and Dr. Brown's soda! This is a big deal to me. Pixie sticks are a happy memory from childhood and are not just hanging around at any old store. They had to search for these. I think it was worth the struggle. And Dr. Brown's is a staple of any Jewish deli. The funny part is you really cannot find this brand anywhere else. If you have never tried it, today is your lucky day because I am introducing it to you! Try the cream soda, you will just die.


Now back to the fashion show.... How much do you love this picture? This is Red's best photo shoot pose... I think she has a new career in her future:) This is the top of a vintage suit that she picked up. We all loved it so much because it reminded us of what was cool back when we had our respective bar/bat-mitzvah's. This is around 12 or 13 and represents you becoming an adult. So much Jewish knowledge for you today! The point is that all of us had our lovely bar and bat-mitzvah's in the early 90's and this is exactly what was cool. Lots of big puffy shoulders. Oy, you should see my crazy bat-mitzvah dress. The best part is that this is cool again. I love it.




I know I look kind of scary in this picture, but the sweater is to die for. Rachel started pulling out her Bubby's (grandma's) vintage clothing and we all went nuts. This is her cardigan with pink motif's. It is grandma chic.
















This is Dom, one of our other fabulous friends. I was in love with her ruffled green dress and earthy necklace (a gift from Rachel). She topped it all off with her Chanel boots and brown tights. Who knew earthy chic could work so well at a Hanukah party?!?

The finale of the night's fashion show was this awesome holiday sweater. She was suppose to be going to an "Ugly Christmas sweater" party following our Hanukah party, but the recession proof side of her would not actually buy an ugly sweater. Instead, she purchased a cute vintage sweater at a thrift store and added her own version of ugly. Jingle bells strategically placed on her nipples. Classic.

Overall, Michael and Red's Hanukah party fashion show was a smashing success! I always knew I looked forward to this time of year for a reason.....