Haute & Hydrated

Are you are running around the tents at the Met this year?

Whether you are racing from show to show at Fashion Week or just facing a serious travel schedule ahead, Vichy Thermal Spa Water (1.69 oz, $7.50) is the perfect item to throw in your bag to look refreshed!

Vichy Thermal Spa Water is a highly concentrated water with 15 mineral salts, straight from the mountains of France, to soothe the skin and reinforce the skin’s natural protective function. Recognized by the French Academy of Medicine for its soothing properties, it will leave you with a glowing complexion and a refreshed face, even if you are running on steam. Below are just a few of the many skin benefits you can garner from this incredible mist:

· Acts as an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory

· Sets makeup, refreshes skin during day

· Enhances the effectiveness of your skincare regimen

· Fights aging by stimulating the skin’s anti free-radical enzyme activity

· Helps maintain the skin’s pH balance

· Reinforces the skins own natural protection

Vichy Thermal Spa Water is available nationwide at CVS/pharmacy and Duane Reade as well as www.vichyusa.com.

Just Add Shoes! Transitioning Your Favorite Summer Looks for the Fall Season

 

Making the transition from summer to fall can be as easy as switching up the look of a summer maxi dress or cargo shorts by adding a pair of fall shoes. Below, our style experts share some suggestions on how to make the move from the hot summer days to the brisk fall mornings:

• Embellished flats replace gladiators and can be paired with a summer skirt or sundress
• Miniskirts get an updated look with a pair of platform booties instead of strappy sandals
• Fall footwear colors like gray, plum or navy blue bring a neutral hue to summer styles
• The romper is perfect with platform heels or knee high motorcycle boots
• The basic black summer sheath dress transitions with a pair of red patent leather pumps
• Over the knee boots and a blazer can make any dress ready to wear this fall season
• Oxford flats are perfect with jeans, a summer tank and an oversized cardigan
• The three essentials to take the simple summer dress into fall include open toe booties, tights and a wool cardigan

New York Fashion’s Night Out: The Hot Hotel

New York Fashion Week is an enormous international event and since last year Fashion’s Night Out has been the kick-off!. Fashion’s Night Out, which was first introduced last year, is a citywide event to support retail and fashion industry in New York City in which 955 retailers across the five boroughs will stay open until 11:00 PM on Friday, September 10th and offer an array of in-store celebrations and promotions. New Yorkers and visitors are fans of the festivities! Those visiting New York have their share of hotels to choose from. 

Enter the iconic Paramount Hotel, a living timeline of New York’s style evolution and one of Manhattan’s most fashionable yet affordable boutique hotels.

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Centrally located in the heart of bustling Times Square with easy access to upscale Madison and Fifth Avenue shopping, Broadway Theater District, Restaurant Row and Chelsea’s hottest lounges, the Paramount Hotel is the perfect place to begin your unforgettable New York experience and celebrate Fashion’s Night Out!

The Paramount Hotel just announced an exclusive package in honor of New York’s Fashion’s Night Out.

Fashion’s Night Out Package, Staring at $249 from September 6, 2010 – September 20, 2010
§ Deluxe accommodations
§ Exclusive access to Fashion’s Night Out and Fashion Week events such as the annual
New York Fashion Week Style360 show hosted with media partners ELLE and ELLE.com
§ Paramount canvas tote bag
§ GREY GOOSE Le Citron Couture cocktail at Paramount’s Library Bar (one per guest per day)

For more information or reservations please visit nycparamount.com or call 212.764.5500.

Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and for the third consecutive year, Payless ShoeSource has partnered with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) to launch the Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Program, which helps raise money to establish scholarships and support higher-education among Hispanic youth.
During the month of September Payless will sell two limited edition
bracelets for $2.00 each and will donate 100% of the net profits to the Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Program established with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF).  Pick up a new fall accessory while demonstrating solidarity towards the cause of increasing the number of Hispanics that attain a university education. The bilingual bracelets features an elastic multi-band and three engraved dangling charms with inspirational words engraved on each side: Dream/Soñar, Believe/Creer and Inspire/Inspirar.  Plus, Payless will reward you with a $5 off $25 coupon with every purchase.
For more information on the bracelets and the Payless Inspiring
Possibilities Scholarship Program, please visit www.payless.com/hhm.

Just for Coffee Aficionados

Caffeine enthusiasts are buzzing about the new Starbucks Reserve coffee line which will be offering the world’s rarest, most exotic and flavorful coffees. Starbucks is now offering customers a special opportunity to experience some of the most sophisticated coffees the world has to offer with the introduction of a premium, single-origin coffee line.
Galápagos San Cristóbal, the first coffee to debut under the Starbucks Reserve coffee line, is a rare coffee from the unique subtropical climate in the Galápagos Islands that produces a limited amount of coffee each year.

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Galápagos San Cristóbal
For more than a century, coffee has been cultivated on the Galápagos Islands where the nuances of the unique microclimate, rich volcanic soil and equatorial sun create conditions that produce a truly extraordinary coffee. Influenced by its environment, Galápagos San Cristóbal is a medium-bodied coffee that features fresh flavors and highlights of green herbs balanced by soft cocoa and spice.   

Limited Availability
Beginning August 31, Starbucks Reserve coffee is available at select stores in the following markets: New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Boston, Seattle, Portland, Ore., Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami. Starbucks Reserve coffees, will be available for sale as whole bean, half-pound packages and in select markets will be available brewed by the cup through either the Clover brewing machine or pour-over method.  The suggested retail price for a half-pound of whole bean starts at $12.50 and a tall (12 fl. oz.) cup of Galápagos San Cristóbal  brewed by the cup coffee starts at $2.95.    

For customers looking to secure the first Starbucks Reserve coffee before its August 31 in-store debut, Galápagos San Cristóbal will be available for purchase on starbucks.com starting August 17.
Starbucks Reserve  coffees are available for a limited time only while the supply lasts.

Join Starbucks for a special tasting on 8/28 in New York. For locations visit www.starbucks.com

Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget: Crossroads Trading Company

 

Is it possible to look fashionably amazing, keep a budget, and be environmentally friendly? Living green has never been so important and Crossroads Trading Company not only recognizes that, but has also been providing socially responsible fashion hunters the opportunity to give back and stand out since 1991.

The Berkeley-based retailer has 25 stores along the West Coast and in Chicago where customers can sell their gently used clothing for on-the-spot cash or store credit. No matter how low their budget may be, shoppers can browse the racks and trade their store credit for a full outfit—including accessories—for less than the cost of one item at its original retail price. What’s better than buying designer clothes at a discount?

 

Unlike a thrift store where gems are sometimes buried within loads of run-of-the-mill items, the selection at Crossroads Trading Company is all on trend. Customers can score pieces from designer brands like Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson and Coach at incredible prices, in the ultimate win-win situation for the environment and fashion. In fact, Crossroads Trading Company has been recognized for its high quality of merchandise with 80 “Best-Of” awards.

Most merchandise at Crossroads Trading Company is bought directly from customers, so each store directly reflects the neighborhood it’s in. This makes every store unique to its market and packed with variety.

The Answer to Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget

Back-to-school shopping at Crossroads eliminates the stress of spending too much at other retailers.

“This is an exciting option for parents and students,” says Erin Wallace, Marketing Manager for Crossroads. “Students love our trendy, designer merchandise and parents love our prices. Plus, everyone benefits when we extend the lifecycle of clothing by keeping it out of landfill.”

Crossroads Trading Company’s eco-friendly approach is apparent in every aspect of its business. Customers who skip taking their purchase in a shopping bag are given the option to donate 5 cents to a local or national charity. In 2009, this program alone resulted in the company keeping over 222,000 bags out of landfill and donating over $11,000 to charity.

For more information visit www.crossroadstrading.com

Sofia Vergara Gets Red Carpet Ready

Known for stealing the spotlight with her glamorous style and beautiful locks, Sofia Vergara is teaming up with hair care brand Suave Professionals, known for salon-quality performance, to let America choose her red carpet hairstyle for the upcoming award show honoring television’s hottest stars– and is taking one lucky person along for the ride.

Sofia is asking America to vote for the hairstyle that Suave Professionals Celebrity Hairstylist, Jenny Cho, should create for her to strut down the red carpet (and possibly the award show stage!).

Fans can visit www.Facebook.com/SuaveBeauty  to review the three hairstyles in the running for the superstar’s exciting night and “Like the Look” that is their favorite.

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Fans can also learn how to recreate Sofia’s fabulous styles by checking out step-by-step videos featuring “the making” of each look created by Jenny Cho with the Suave Professionals hair care line. After voting on their favorite, visitors can enter to win a red carpet “swag bag” – and the chance to attend this year’s television awards show for a day of VIP pampering, glitz and glam, just like Sofia herself.

“One of my secrets for gorgeous hair on the red carpet is the Suave Professionals line – it’s trusted by professional hairstylists because the products provide true salon-quality performance,” says Sofia. “In fact, I have so much confidence in the products that I know any of the three looks America chooses will be fabulous!” Sofia’s entire award show look – the dress and the Suave Professionals products used to create the winning look – will be auctioned by the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation www.clothesoffourback.org/suave to benefit children’s charities across the globe. Be sure to tune in for the big night on Sunday, August 29 where Sofia will reveal America’s winning hairstyle as she walks the red carpet.

Plus, visit Facebook.com/SuaveBeauty for photos of the winning look along with post-award show commentary on the red carpet hairstyles from The Suave Professionals hairstylists.

Springing Ahead: Amber Sakai S/S 2011 Collection

Amber Sakai, known for sophisticated, sexy, yet everyday women’s wear, knocks it out of the park once again for the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.

One part Brigitte Bardot, two parts pirate Anne Bonny—these are the ingredients that went into Amber Sakai’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Taking a swatch of toile emblazoned with seafaring adventurers as her starting point, the designer presents a range of sweet, yet salty pieces that combine flounces and frills with traditionally masculine fabrics and silhouettes.

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Once again, Sakai’s signature bodysuits form the basis of her collection, but this season, they’re given a distinct girl-meets-boy twist. Some are made from provocatively weightless fabric with subtle pinstripes. Others, in draped jersey, are edged in bright piping that gives a sporty spin to their sultry, plunging V-necklines.

This borrowed-from-the-boys motif isn’t restricted to the bodysuits. By using a crisp men’s shirt fabric, Sakai adds a tomboyish touch to pieces such as a romantic, puff-sleeved blouse and a convertible dress. One of the key pieces in the collection, this unfussy frock can be worn in a number of different iterations, including strapless, one-shouldered, halter-style, or folded over as a skirt.

Elements of lingerie design—another Sakai staple—also take on a more masculine air for spring. A slouchy boyfriend blazer is rendered in sheer black lace. The flirt factor continues with a series of tailored shorts—cheeky ruffles add a coy finish to the pockets of one pair, garter ties adjust the length of another, while corset-style hooks and eyes fasten the side seam of a pair of short denim bloomers. And for the first time, Sakai—a former lingerie designer—is introducing undergarments to her namesake line. Keeping with the spirit of the collection, each bralette and matching panty is uncomplicated, yet still sexy thanks to its ultra-soft, tactile fabric. Clean and classic as most of this season’s pieces may be, that hasn’t stopped Sakai from adding a little bit of whimsy to the mix.

The toile that inspired the whole spring collection was used to create everything from a boned hoop skirt to a wasp-waisted wrap coat to a pair of slouchy breeches—bold showpieces that are best suited for adventurers of the sartorial sort.

For stores visit www.ambersakai.com

The Perfect Wine to Celebrate the Summer

 

As America’s number one wine with fruit brand, Arbor Mist Wines, introduced a fresh new flavor to usher in the summer: White Pear Pinot Grigio. Juicy white pear blended with crisp Pinot Grigio delivers a delightfully sweet, aromatic and flavorful wine for any social occasion. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party, planning a wedding shower, packing a picnic, or need a refreshing respite from the heat, the new White Pear Pinot Grigio has a light, clean and refreshing taste to please all palates.

 

At just $3.99 a (750ml) bottle ($7.49 for 1.5L), it offers value and quality for those packing in a summer schedule full of events and get-togethers. 

Introducing the King of Bachata Pop

by LeAura Luciano

The newest bachata sensation Anthony Espinal, best known as J’ Martin, was born in Queens, New York from Dominican parents. When he was a teenager he moved with his family to Santiago, Dominican Republic. While living in Dominican Republic, J’ Martin discovered sounds that are native of this culture like “Perico Ripiao”, balads and a style of bachata called “Cabaret”, and that have influenced him a lot in his career.

J’ Martin’s career started in 1994 with Baby Band as a composer and leading vocals. After leaving this band, J’ Martin was part of “Oro Solido”, “Banda Soberbia”, amongst other bands. It is not until 2010 that J’ Martin debuts as a solo artist with his album “Para Ti”, where he incorporates bachata and R&B to pop music, therefore creating “Bachata Pop.”

“Para ti” contains 13 songs, many of them penned by the artist, including “Me Voy Triste,” “No soy su tipo,” and his first single “Intentalo,” which hit the #1 spot on the Billboard charts.

J’ Martin cannot believe everything that he has accomplished, and said “I have no words to express what I am feeling right now, I am really surprised. I wrote this song under a mango tree back in the Dominican Republic and I never thought that it would reach this level. I feel like I am floating in the air.”

For more information about J’ Martin visit:

www.jmartinmusica.com

www.twitter.com/jmartinmusica

www.myspace.com/jmartinmusica

Gossip Girl Style With A Rock & Roll Twist

Blake Lively rocked Affliction Black Premium to Rihanna's concert at NYC's Madison Square Garden last night. The Gossip Girl was spotted looking sexy and chic in Affliction Black Premium Lizzie shorts, $128; http://www.afflictionclothingstore.com/.

Time for Dress Up

With fall creeping up, trust me it will be here before you know it, you will want to be prepared. Dresses are an easy way to transition into autumn. I recently previewed the Shumaq Fall 2010 Collection by Peruvian designer, Vanessa Barrantes, and saw beautiful dresses with romantic ruffles and vintage inspired pieces in deep, jewel tones.

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Available at Lola y Maria in LES www.lolaymaria.com and www.Shumaq.com 

FYI Look out for these dresses on Zooey Deschannel in her upcoming film with Paul Rudd, My Idiot Brother, debuting early next year.