Indie Beauty Expo: An impressive showcase of innovative brands

by citychickstyle // August 31, 2016 // 396 Comments

Last week, I attended the Indie Beauty Expo at Metropolitan Pavilion. I had a great time speaking with a number of people representing innovative skin care, hair care, nail care, wellness, and lifestyle brands. The vast amount of insightful information and products truly impressed me. I liked the assorted range of beauty supplements from Hum Nutrition, the pH-based skincare line from PHACE Bioactive, and the anti-aging skin care line from Trufora. The aloe-based hair care line from HydroHair and the plant-based makeup line from Saint Cosmetics also impressed me. Other cool brands included Bottega Organica, Emmqus, Ciro Cell, True Horinga, Nugg, Raw Spirit, Goldfadden MD, OY-L, Lift Lab, Vertere, Dome Beauty, 12 Benefits, and Amika.

I love that this is an annual event where innovative and eco-friendly brands come together to showcase emerging beauty trends. Each of the brands has a unique story and beneficial purpose to cater to and fit different needs and lifestyles. I’m so excited to try out all of the products that I received at the expo. I’ll definitely be sharing product reviews in the coming months!

The 11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party: A vibrant ode to the ’20s

by citychickstyle // August 17, 2016 // 452 Comments

This past Sunday, I checked out the 11^th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party at Governor’s Island. I was blown away by this vibrant ’20s Gatsby-inspired soiree! It featured live music by Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, performances by Queen Esther and Peter Mintun, dancing, vintage merchandise, gourmet eats, and fancy cocktails. St-Germain French elderflower liqueur, one of my favorite liqueurs, presented the event and featured three different specialty cocktails. They included The St. Germain Cocktail, Strike Up The Band, and Flapper’s Delight. The VIP area featured food by Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet and ice cream delights prepared by Ice & Vice.

Additionally, there was an array of contests and activities throughout the day. They included Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promenade, vintage portraits, a kid’s carnival, the Annual “High Court of Pie” Contest, and a 1920’s motor car exhibit. Bloom That participated in the activities as well by making custom boutonnieres.

I loved seeing the event’s guests dressed up in ’20s attire, with flapper dresses, long strands of pearls, dapper suits, and slick hats. And the sun umbrellas were perfect for getting some shade during this time of unbearable heat! The lively music kept everyone smiling throughout the day. The scene was beautiful and a fabulous recreation of a golden era!

Ciderfeast: Great ciders take the spotlight

by citychickstyle // August 15, 2016 // 172 Comments

A week ago, I checked out Ciderfeast that took place at Solar One on the East River. It was the perfect event for the cider aficionado. Jimmy Carbone, owner of Jimmy’s No. 43 and founder of Food Karma Projects hosted the annual event. Over a dozen cider producers poured more than 30 varieties at the feast. Some of the brands included Downeast from Maine, Original Sin from New York, Shacksbury from Vermont, E.Z. Orchards from Oregon, Doc’s Draft Ciders from New York, Le Brun from France, Aspall from England, Austin Eastsiders from Texas, and Big Apple Cider from NY. There was a great mix of dry, semi-dry, and sweet cider blends.

In addition, the event included a variety of entertaining elements. EscapeMaker had a table onsite to share information about their fascinating agritourism destinations. The band Shockwaves entertained guests with a splendid performance. The event also featured a variety of food selections from Jimmy’s No. 43 and Harry Hawk’s Schnack Burgers. I got to try watermelon salad, Mexican street style corn on the cob, chicken tacos, burgers, and sautéed vegetables with sour cream. The food paired really well with the cider selections. What an entertaining and informative event about ciders!

StyleWatch x Charming Charlie: A stylish accessories collab

by citychickstyle // August 15, 2016 // 127 Comments

I recently attended the launch party for the StyleWatch x Charming Charlie limited edition accessories collection at Charming Charlie’s store NY Flagship. StyleWatch editors and Charming Charlie designers developed the collection to bring to life runway-inspired trends at affordable prices. Andi Dorfman, Miriam Morales, and Haylie Duff stopped by the launch event as well. The new collection of jewelry, shoes, handbags, and sunglasses has a bold mix of red, black, tan, and leopard prints. All of the items range from $5-39 and are super stylish!

Although I love the entire collection, here are my favorite items. The Clover Turnlock Crossover Wallet is so chic, and is available in black, red, or a leopard print. I also really like the Delicate Locks Necklace that goes perfectly with a daytime or nighttime outfit. The Tassel Booties are faux suede beauties with high-shine hardware, available in black, light grey, and red. Lastly, I fell in love with the Edgartown Horsebit Satchel that comes in red faux leather with horsebit hardware and zipper pockets. The collection will continue to launch new styles with 20 new ones dropping at the beginning of both September and October. What a stylish lineup!

An informative breakfast chat on psoraisis and Sernivo

by citychickstyle // August 10, 2016 // 404 Comments

Last week, I went to an intimate breakfast to learn about Sernivo, a topical treatment for psoriasis. According to the Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education, 2-3% of the U.S. population suffers from psoriasis. I learned from Eric Shenloogian, Director of Marketing at Promius Pharma, that the disease can show up anywhere from the hands and nails to eyelids and ears. I also heard personal psoriasis stories from Jonathan Montemarano and Sarah Kuska. Although the disease is not curable, it is treatable and signs of the disease can certainly be reduced. Sernivo is one of these treatments that just launched in August, which happens to be National Psoriasis Awareness Month. I was fascinated by all of this information and wanted to know more.

Sernivo is an emulsion spray used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, an advocate for Sernivo, mentioned that you can consistently use the medication twice daily for a month. You can apply it directly to your skin and use it on areas such as your scalp, your elbows, and your knees. Sernivo absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any messy residue. The spray is compact and you can carry it with you easily. You’ll begin to see initial results in as little as 2 weeks. This disease is frustrating and painful so it’s great to see a product that quickly and effectively treats these symptoms. In the spirit of National Psoriasis Awareness Month, let’s keep staying informed about this disease and be supportive of those who suffer from it. We can all make a difference!

Eric Shenloogian

Dr. Joshua Zeichner

Sarah Kuska

Jonathan Montemarano

Sernivo banner at the event

The Sernivo bottle (Photo credit: Promius Pharma)

The McCarren Rooftop Bar: A scenic venue with a unique menu

by citychickstyle // August 3, 2016 // 112 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect rooftop venue with a delightfully flavorful menu, the McCarren Rooftop Bar is the place to check out. I sampled the menu last Sunday, while enjoying panoramic views of the McCarren Park and the NYC skyline. My friend and I ordered some tropical-inspired cocktails: the Brazilian Mango Cooler and the Bahia. The first drink had a refreshing taste, with cachaça and mango as the dominant flavors. The second drink was a bit sweeter with pineapple and caffe amaretto taking the lead. Two perfect summer cocktails!

Next, we ordered some food from the Bites to Share menu. We tried the Marinated Olives, Shisito Peppers, Hand Cut Fries, and Crispy Lamb Ribs. I especially liked the Shisito Peppers that had just the right amount of sea salt and a crispy texture. The Hand Cut Fries had a great mix of parmesan and parsley. I also enjoyed the tasty mix of Marinated Olives dipped in olive oil. Lastly, the Crispy Lamb Ribs were thick and flavorful with a spiced honey glaze and black pepper crème-fraiche.

I finished off the evening with a cocktail from the Lets Dub It Up Reggae Sundays Special Menu: the Junglebird. The Blackwell Rum-based drink was mildly sweet with pineapple and hints of bitters and lime. The themed menu is part of the Sunday programming that the McCarren Rooftop Bar has been hosting since May. It’s paired with various talented DJs. We had the pleasure of enjoying reggae-style music sets by Kieran Meadows and DJ Prince.

I like that there is a vibrant fashion element at the venue. The rooftop staff wears an indigo floral shirt and navy slim-fit chinos, both designed by Slate & Stone. It’s a classic look with a modern twist. Definitely check out this stylish, scenic, and entertaining venue!

Chefs and Champagne: Culinary delights take the spotlight

by citychickstyle // August 2, 2016 // 404 Comments

I had the pleasure of attending the James Beard Foundation’s 26^th Annual Chefs and Champagne at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack. The benefit honored acclaimed chef and restauranteur John Besh for his culinary achievements. It also showcased tastings from a select group of more than 40 chefs. Some of the chefs were Andrea Bucciarelli from Saint Ambroeus, Kerry Heffernan from Grand Banks, Anita Lo from Annis, and Julian Medina, from Toloache. I was thrilled to try culinary delights such as a goat cheese and fig tartlette , red beets and goat cheese on flatbread, a tofu salad, and a mixed berries tart. We also enjoyed Champagne Barons de Rothschild, and wines and ciders from Wölffer Estate. Everything was absolutely delicious!

There also was a silent auction with fine-dining experiences, wines and spirits, cookware, and culinary travel packages. It raised over $75,000 to support the Foundation’s mission, educational and Impact Programs.

Another notable aspect at the event was James Beard Foundation’s announcement of Evelyn Q. Grant as the recipient of the 2016 Christian Wölffer Scholarship and the ICC Intensive Sommelier Course tuition waiver. It was great to see JBF continuing its financial support for culinary education. The event proved to be a wonderful combination of philanthropy and culinary talent!

Frederic Mairesse, John Besh, and Susan Ungaro. Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for James Beard Foundation/AP Images.

Group photo of all of the chefs. Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for James Beard Foundation/AP Images.

Event atmosphere. Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for James Beard Foundation/AP Images.

REVOLVE in the Hamptons: A cute party with lots of style

by citychickstyle // August 2, 2016 // 505 Comments

A week and a half ago, I checked out the grand finale of the REVOLVE Hamptons House in Water Mill. This house had hosted a number of activations during July. Nicole Richie hosted this event and celebrated the exclusive launch of House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE collection in style. She wore a super cute jumpsuit from the new collection. Other guests included Olivia Palermo, Chiara Ferragni, Rocky Barnes, Danielle Bernstein, Rumi Neely, and Jonathan Simkhai. The party also toasted to the official NY launch of Moët Ice Imperial Rosé – the first rosé Champagne that’s meant to be enjoyed over ice.

I had such a great time at the event exploring all of its engaging elements. There was a secret Moët Rosé garden that featured bottles of Moët Rosé as well as some cute signage. My friends and I loved the cool REVOLVE sign on the lawn and made sure to get lots of pics. We later sat poolside as we enjoyed glasses of Moët Ice Imperial Rosé and admiring everyone’s style. It was definitely a party to remember and I can’t wait till next year’s REVOLVE Hamptons House celebrations!

Jill Zarin’s 4th Annual Luxury Luncheon: A luxury event for a cause

by citychickstyle // July 27, 2016 // 1114 Comments

I recently attended Jill Zarin’s 4th Annual Luxury Luncheon at her Southampton estate. It mainly benefited the Eric Trump Foundation for St. Jude’s Hospital. Notable attendees included Phillip Bloch, Kelly Bensimon, Ramona Singer, Cynthia Bailey, and Jonathan Cheban. The event sponsored by Jill Zarin Fabrics and NERVANA, was a mix of a lunch cocktail soiree with a vendor showcase. Some gorgeous Jill Zarin Fabrics were showcased within tents poolside.

I spoke with reps from a number of brands such as Super Detoxme, Discover Palm Beaches, Radha Beauty, Mumsie, Alkamind, Grande Naturals, Lyla Renai, Soul 36 shoes, KISS Products, Insulated Wine Clutch, LOVEThirteen, and Juvly. I also enjoyed the event’s beauty bar by getting a Pop of Color by Kristen Taekman manicure courtesy of PRIV, and I enjoyed sandwiches by Antico Noe.

As guests took in the event’s atmosphere, Jill Zarin spoke briefly, thanking her sponsors and guests for their support. She was also grateful to her team who helped put the event together. Luxury and charity came together in a big way!

Hour Children’s exclusive soiree with Romona Keveža

by citychickstyle // July 25, 2016 // 193 Comments

Last Wednesday, I attended an intimate champagne reception for Hour Children and its 7^th Annual Dream Extreme. International fashion designer Romona Keveža hosted it at her elegant penthouse flagship at Rockefeller Center. Janna Bullock, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Dorinda Medley, John Mahdessian, Jane Pontarelli, Oley Van Vlodrop, Anna Kulinova, and Dr. Stacy Silvers attended the event as well. I had a chance to check out some of Keveža’s Spring 2016 pieces as well as some red carpet styles worn by actresses such as Sofia Vergara, Angelina Jolie, and Kate Hudson. Her gowns and cocktail dresses are gorgeous, sophisticated, intricately detailed, and made with luxurious fabrics.

I also learned about Hour Children, which offers programs for women and their children who are challenged with life during and after incarceration. The organization offers childcare, supportive housing, mentoring programs, and more. Its 7^th Annual Dream Extreme will take place in the Hamptons on September 16-18 and it will include a kiteboarding clinic, a gala, and an auction. Sounds like an engaging event for a worthy cause!