Celebrating Wyclef Jean’s electrifying new album

A few weeks ago, Wyclef Jean and his label Heads Music, hosted an exclusive listening party at a private Southampton estate for his close friends and members of the media. I was thrilled to be there! We were there to celebrate Wyclef’s upcoming album Carnival III, coming out this fall and his first one in nearly seven years. We received an exclusive temporary web link to visit where we could listen to the entire album. This album is filled with catchy dance tunes as well as some profoundly insightful lyrics.  Like a carnival, it looks at the joyful moments that people experience yet also at the dangerous ones.

In addition to the listening sessions, Wyclef entertained us with a special live performance. He performed one of his newest singles “My Girl,” along with classic hits that included “No Woman No Cry,” “Gone Till November,” and “Ready Or Not.” We all danced the night away enjoying Wyclef’s energy and his charismatic personality. Wyclef definitely knows how to throw a stellar celebration. His new album is sure to get some positive attention. What a memorable evening!

A view of the Southampton estate

A view of the Southampton estate

So cool spending the day with Wyclef Jean!!

So cool spending the day with Wyclef Jean!!

Wyclef Jean and Nick Petricca from Walk The Moon

Wyclef Jean and Nick Petricca from Walk The Moon

Sunset at the Southampton estate

Sunset at the Southampton estate

 

A revolutionary cosmetic solution for glowing skin

With summer’s arrival, I decided that it was time to give my facial skin a boost and to get a glowing, age-defying look. I’ve been curious about cosmetic treatments for a while, but since I have sensitive, combination skin, I was worried about which treatment would work best for me. After talking with my friend Brigitte Segura, I discovered that Dr. Gary Goldenberg, Medical Director of the Dermatology Faculty Practice at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, offers a laser treatment called Clear + Brilliant. It’s non-surgical, reduces hyperpigmentation and age spots, decreases pore size, and leaves your skin glowing. The recovery time is only a few days, which makes this treatment such an effective solution for reversing the signs of aging. I figured, why not check it out?

Dr. Gary Goldenberg

Dr. Gary Goldenberg

I had my appointment a couple of weeks ago, and the whole process impressed me. Dr. Goldenberg was very friendly, informative, and attentive to my skin concerns. He’s an expert when it comes to dermatology and cosmetic procedures, and so I saw that I was in good hands. He explained that my face would have to be numbed first to keep the pain level at a minimum. Then, that the treatment would take 10-15 minutes. At first, I was nervous  about having a laser circulate my face, but I quickly saw that it wasn’t so bad. The numbing cream definitely helped, and the only area that had more sensitivity was my skin closest to my hairline. It was a very efficient, practically painless procedure.

My skin was pretty red right after the procedure, which is normal. However, within a day, the redness was gone. Over the course of the week, I had some mild peeling, but nothing excessive. After that first week, I started noticing results. My skin felt tighter, smoother, and had a lower number of spots. After the 2nd week, my skin started to get that dewy, radiant look, with smaller pores and a more evened tone. I even looked less tired! Here are my before and after photos:

During NYFW, February 2016

During NYFW, February 2016

In Iceland, March 2016

In Iceland, March 2016

At an event at the Lightbox, June 2016 (after the procedure)

At an event at the Lightbox, June 2016 (after the procedure)

At an event in Williamsburg, June 2016

At an event in Williamsburg, June 2016 (After the procedure)

Clear + Brilliant has truly made a difference on my facial skin, and I definitely recommend it to anyone searching for an effective way to get an improved, refreshed look. Check out Brigitte Segura’s article here for even more background on Clear + Brilliant. I’m so grateful to Dr. Goldenberg and thrilled about my glowing skin!

beautypress Spotlight Day: Unique beauty brands shine

A couple of weeks ago, beautypress invited me to its annual beautypress Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft and Terrace. I had the chance to learn about some great beauty brands at the event. I learned about Curl Keeper, which creates products for curly hair solutions; Pura D’or, which makes organic products for hair loss prevention; Jouviance, an anti-aging line from Canada; Elke Von Freudenberg, a line exclusively designed for brows by a celebrity brow expert; and Youth Corridor, a physician-developed skincare line for damage prevention and skin health. Primp and Polish also gave me a fabulous gel manicure and I stayed hydrated with beverages by Daily Greens.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see a vintage perfume bottle collection at the event. Collector Sudhir Gupta of Eau De Luxe showcased a vast collection of beautiful antique bottles. He talked about his passion for perfumes and the impressive way they’ve been packaged over the years. Gupta plans on opening a fragrance museum in New York, hopefully in Fall 2016.

I’m so glad that I connected with these brands and look forward to trying some of their products out. They’re definitely innovative and have inspired me to switch up my beauty routine. Stay tuned for product reviews in the coming months!

 

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BossNotes: An inspirational look at influential bloggers

A few weeks ago, I was invited to BossNotes, an influential fashion and leadership summit, at Westfield Garden State Plaza. The event kicked off with a VIP reception where I had the chance to connect with other bloggers and talk to a group of FIT graduating seniors about their ensembles that were on display for Neiman Marcus. Each one of these students had different inspirations for their designs but some themes included space, time, intrigue with details, and the current state of our society. I enjoyed chatting with them and could see that they’re very passionate about the creative process. The showcase gave these students great exposure, and will hopefully lead to more opportunities for them in the upcoming future.

 I then had the fantastic opportunity to listen in on panel that was moderated by Hillary Kerr from Who What Wear featuring influential bloggers Arielle Charnas from Something Navy, Danielle Bernstein from We Wore What, and Natalie Suarez from Natalie Off Duty. They talked about how they first got into blogging, and each of their stories was very different and intriguing. Arielle started her blog to get back at an ex-boyfriend, but loved blogging so much that she turned it into a serious career. Danielle started off as a street style photographer and would document outfit inspirations on her blog, but again it became so much more. Natalie started off as a model (and continues to be one) and would chronicle her adventures in fashion- the blog expanded to other areas as well.

I was really inspired by the insights that these ladies shared and by the advice they offered to the audience. They’ve all achieved success before the age of 30. I love that they’re fearless, aggressive yet approachable, passionate, and creative. They answered a number of questions both from the audience and their followers on social media. I had the awesome opportunity to meet and briefly chat with all 3 of them. What a motivational event with intelligent, inspirational women!

 

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MSX by Michael Strahan: Athleisure style in the spotlight

I was recently invited to check out the MSX by Michael Strahan collection at the brand’s launch event at MEET. The men’s athleisure collection is exclusively available at JCPenney, and it features a variety of staple pieces that are perfect for everyday wear. My favorite pieces include the Short Sleeve Polos, the Tech Knit Bombers, the Stretch Chino Pants, and the Tech Knit Shorts. The Tech Knit Jogger Pants also look comfortable and perfect for traveling on flights. I love that all of the materials are super soft and that every piece is under $100!

It was great to see Michael Strahan and Stuart Billingham, Creative Director, Men’s Private Label at JCPenney at the event. They discussed how the collection is inspired by Strahan’s easygoing style, and is meant to represent “Everywear for Everywhere.”  They also showcased some of the pieces by presenting a few models wearing the collection. The pieces are definitely versatile, functional, breathable, and comfortable. I’m thrilled about this new athleisure collection!

 

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Coppertone: The suncare game changing expert

Coppertone, a leading suncare brand, recently invited me to an exclusive fitness and beauty event at Midtown Terrace to celebrate the launch of its reformulated SPORTS line. When the summer season starts, my skin burns easily if I don’t wear sunblock- especially when I run outdoors- so I was excited to learn more at the launch. The event started off with a rooftop workout with Kelley O’Hara, US Women’s National Team Defender, led by Keoni Hudoba, creator of Cyc Fitness. It was an intense yet thrilling full-body workout with an incredible view of the city’s skyline! Everyone at the event had the chance to test out and be sun-protected with Coppertone’s new fast-absorbing lotion and spray formulas in SPF 15, 30 and 50.

I love that the new suncare products feel light yet they deliver the ultimate high-performance sun protection. They also refuel your skin with antioxidants and increase hydration, giving your skin the replenishment it needs when you’re active outdoors. It’s also great that they don’t clog your pores.  They’re complimented by COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer® AfterSun Moisturizer and COPPERTONE® SPORT® AfterSun Moisturizer, new formulas that revitalize your skin when you head indoors.

On top of learning about Coppertone’s new products at the event, Kelley O’hara and Dr. Elizabeth Hale, dermatologist and consultant to Coppertone shared insightful beauty tips when it comes to sun protection. We all had the opportunity to meet and chat with Kelley as well. It was such a great event for getting ready for an active summer!

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CVS Health: Innovative wellness products

CVS Pharmacy recently invited me to a press preview that showcased CVS Health, its new flagship product line of health and wellness products. I’m a frequent CVS shopper so I was excited to get an exclusive first look! The line includes over 2500 products covering 19 categories such as allergies, cold and flu, digestive health, first aid, vitamins, diet and nutrition, eye care, sun care, nicotine replacement therapy, home diagnostics, women’s wellness, and much more. CVS Health products focus on 3 key standards: innovation, quality, and efficacy. They’re sold at prices that are 20 to 40 percent less than other comparable brands.

I’m impressed by the new packaging and all of the innovations that CVS is bringing to the market. I definitely have some favorite products such as the Instant Cooling Itch Spray, which has hydrocortisone for a touchless application, the Manuka Honey Adhesive Pads to help with wound healing, Ibuprofen which has an easy-to-open bottle cap, and Fiber Gummies, a tasty way to get the recommended daily dose of fiber. These high quality products truly support wellness and showcase CVS Pharmacy’s commitment to embracing its stores as premier health and beauty destinations. I’m thrilled about this new product line and hope you’ll all check it out!

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A London Experience: A mini guide of highlights

Not long ago, I visited London and had an amazing time. From visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum, to watching the Changing of the Guards, to enjoying tea time in the afternoon, I just couldn’t get enough of the city! There were some venues in London that made my experience particularly captivating and unforgettable. When you visit London, be sure to check out these phenomenal places:

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Plaza Hotel London

The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Plaza Hotel London is a contemporary hotel in the heart of central London opposite from the Big Ben. I love its lobby which is spacious with modernly designed chairs and a happening bar. I was also impressed with the design-centric guestrooms that have plush beds, comfortable sofa beds, 37-inch LCD flat-screen televisions, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views of Big Ben or London Eye. I definitely enjoyed the hotel’s assorted selection of English and Continental breakfast options as well as its modern facilities such as the pool and fitness center. With its prime location and range of amenities, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Plaza is definitely the ideal hotel to stay at in London.

Andy’s Taverna

Andy’s Taverna is a charming Greek restaurant in London’s Camden Town neighborhood. It has a great crowd of locals and tourists alike. The beautiful décor is inspired by Greek design and architecture where blue and white are the dominant colors in the restaurant. Dishes are freshly prepared and my favorites included the Spanokopita, the Grilled and Fried Halloumi, the Greek Salad, the Chicken Kebab, and the Baklava. There is a large selection of Greek wines to choose from, and the staff has expert knowledge of what wines will go best with the authentic dishes. The staff is animated, friendly, and passionate about the restaurant’s cuisine. This Greek gem is not to be missed!

Cicchetti London

Cicchetti London is a stunning Italian restaurant located in London’s Piccadilly neighborhood. It was named after the Venetian culinary tradition “Cicchetti:” delicious small plates. I loved the restaurant’s elegant interior with marble tables and plush banquettes. The menu is extensive and my favorite dishes included the Mozzarella di Bufala, Truffle and Pecorino Ravioli, and the Fried Zucchini. For dessert, I enjoyed sampling an Italian-style ice cream sundae and a selection of Italian pastries. The managers and waiters are very attentive, accommodating, and pleasant. Cicchetti London is a must-visit where you’ll truly have an unforgettable experience!

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Prince Street: Culinary Innovation Soars

I was recently invited to the launch party for Prince Street, a culinary podcast presented by Dean & Deluca. The monthly podcast is by, for, and about people who love food. It features interviews with chefs, field reports and celebrity profiles, all with a creative mix of comedy and the charm of cooking. The podcast has recurring correspondents that include novelist and wine columnist Jay McInerney, actor and director Griffin Dunne, TV personality Eden Grinshpan, Mile End Deli’s Noah Bernamoff, Fathom co-founder and CEO Pavia Rosati, and Sierra Tishgart, a multi-platform writer and reporter. Scarlett Johannson, is the podcast’s narrator, and she is also slated to appear on one of the episodes as is Francis Ford Coppolla.

At the launch event, I enjoyed assorted small bites such as asparagus, pita with baba ganoush, pea soup, and avocado canapes. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the madeleines, salted caramel pops, and chocolate truffles! I also enjoyed the music that was provided by the Frank Vignola Quartet. I had the opportunity to meet Eden Grinshpan who was smart, energetic, and delightful. She’s very excited to see how the podcast resonates with people. I’m looking forward to hearing the podcast throughout the season!

 

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Tani: A brand that blends luxurious style and functionality

 I was recently introduced to Tani, a cutting-edge line of luxury underwear, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed. The brand started off with solely a men’s collection of underwear, loungewear and thermal clothing, but it just launched its first women’s Spring/Summer 2016 line called the SilkCut collection. The brand uses innovative, rare fabrics from around the world to create the softest, most comfortable undergarments possible. The SilkCut collection is the only line of undergarments made with Micro Modal Air Fabric, which is softer and thinner than the finest silk. It’s also very durable and pulls moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry.  

Tani graciously sent me the SilkCut Long Sleeve Shirt, the HipHugger Panty with Sheer Waist Band, and the SilkCut Slip. I must say that the pieces truly are luxurious, soft, and comfortable. I’m amazed by how the fabric stretches and recovers to provide the perfect fit and level of comfort. I’m in such a good mood when I wear the items because I love the quality, smoothness, and style. I’ve even washed the pieces a couple of times already, and not only have they not faded, but they continue to retain the softness and perfect fit. Definitely check Tani out…the design, quality, and performance is unparalleled!

SilkCut Long Sleeve Shirt (Photo credit: Tani)

SilkCut Long Sleeve Shirt (Photo credit: Tani)

HipHugger panty with Sheer Waist Band (Photo credit: Tani)

HipHugger Panty with Sheer Waist Band
(Photo credit: Tani)

SilkCut slip (Photo credit: Tani)

SilkCut Slip (Photo credit: Tani)