Style icon Gwen Stefani can make the most casual ensemble look like the hottest runway trend, as she did yesterday by donning ‘The T’ by Joe's while taking a stroll with a friend in NYC.
There's No Doubt this iconic rockstar turned designer looked comfy-chic in her Brielle Tee, $118; http://www.joesjeans.com.
To kick off this year's Fall Fashion AND Broadway seasons, HUE Leggings will present Broadway on Broadway, the annual free outdoor concert in Times Square this Sunday, September 12th! Hosted by Kelsey Grammer, the event celebrates the spectacular of Broadway with star performances from the hottest new shows, as well as long running favorites. Musical numbers featured will include those by casts of American Idiot, Wicked, Promises Promises, Memphis, Chicago, Billy Elliot, Rock of Ages, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera, and more!
HUE Leggings will have a tent on-site between 46th & 47th Streets where HUE will give away over 800 pairs of colorful corduroy leggings to consumers who pose with cardboard cutouts of HUE's hottest fall leggings styles. Also being given away will be HUE's free Leggings Style Guide, as well as thousands of 25% off cards for use on hue.com.
The event will also feature a HUE surprise performance at 12:20pm. And for the grand finale, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights) and Karen Olivo (West Side Story, In The Heights) will perform "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
New York City's Fashion's Night Out was created by Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the City of New York and NYC & Company to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion in NYC. Fashion’s Night Out, affectionately known as #FNO, now in its sophomore year has grown tremendously. What that means for fashionistas and fashionista spectators is even more stores and more fabulous events. Here is are some of the best bets for tonight.
BEST CHANCE OF GETTING PHOTO’D WITH A FASHION DESIGNER: PAYLESS
The Payless program will include late-night shopping events, from 8-10 p.m., hosted by Payless Guest Designers Christian Siriano, Lela Rose and Patricia Field at three New York City stores: 716 Lexington Ave., 437 Fifth Ave. and 513 Broadway in Soho, respectively. The events are unique to each store and each designer. As part of Fashion's Night Out, on September 10 various retailers throughout the five boroughs will stay open until 11 p.m. including these three Payless stores.
Payless is also proud to support The National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center with a charity tote that sports the official cityscape graphic originally created for the Fashion's Night Out T-Shirts. The limited-edition Payless Fashion's Night Out Totes will be sold for $10 in about 50 stores throughout the city, while supplies last, beginning September 10 with $5 per tote sold donated to The National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
Additionally, Payless is supporting the evening as the exclusive sponsor of the Official Ride of Fashion's Night Out -- four Gray Line double-decker buses that will provide free shuttle service for shoppers to travel to the range of retail events in various neighborhoods in Manhattan. The buses will pick-up and drop-off at key shopping locations throughout the city including in front of the three Payless stores offering the late-night events.
BEST FOR TV JUNKIES: BLOOMINGDALES 59TH STREET
To celebrate NYC’s Fashion’s Night Out, the 20’s inspired fall men’s collection, and the premiere of “Boardwalk Empire,” HBO has partnered with Bloomingdale’s bring a taste of 1920’s Atlantic City to the streets of New York City at the iconic department store’s FNO event.
HBO and Bloomingdale’s will unveil a series of ornate Prohibition-themed window scenes, inspired by Boardwalk Empire and featuring performances by live actors. Actors will be styled by makeup artists Giulia Heiman, Liam Carey, Sara Glick and Jeff Chastain. Functioning as the centerpiece of the experience, an authentic 115ft. “boardwalk” will span the length of the sidewalk on 3rd Ave at the 59th St flagship store.
During the FNO event, the Men’s Store will be transformed into a “Boardwalk Empire” inspired shopping experience. Guests, including cast members, will be entertained in a festive atmosphere with 20’s inspired activities including gaming tables (provided by Caesars Atlantic City), whisky tasting (provided by Canadian Club), and cigar rolling presented in a 20’s speakeasy environment.
Boardwalk Empire premieres Sunday, September 19th at 9PM ET on HBO.
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCES: LEVI’S
The Original Denim Brand Celebrates the Evening with Special Events Citywide. The blue-jean inventing leader also unveils limited edition collections with Billy Reid and Opening Ceremony to coincide with the night’s festivities.
The Levi’s Store SOHO, 536 Broadway (between Prince & Spring Streets), invites you to enjoy food and drink while exploring our new fit system, Levi’s® Curve ID for women and the Fall Workwear collection for men. Receive a complimentary exclusive, tote bag with each purchase of $100.00 or more (while supplies last). Indie songster, Sondre Lerche will mark the occasion with a special performance at the store!
The Levi’s® Store TIMES SQUARE, 1501 Broadway (at the corner of 44th Street), asks you to join the cast members from Broadway’s ‘American Idiot’ and celebrate the night with an in-store special appearance!
MOST COMMUTER FRIENDLY: FASHION CENTRAL
Fashion Central is designed as a Pop-Up environment in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The Hall will be transformed into “Fashion Central”, an interactive environment where consumers can experience the excitement of fashion week without an invitation!
Brands like Conair, Match.com, Amrita Singh and Silhouette Eyewear will be promoting their latest products and features and offering exciting promotional opportunities. The Accessories Council will host a variety of accessory brands including Clare Handbags, Ice-Watch, Cinzia Designs, Vanessa Montiel jewelry and eenamaria Handbags. Consumers will receive complimentary makeovers and beauty touch ups, mingle with VIP guests making special appearances including; America’s Next Top Model’s Nole` Marin, receive product samples and enter to win fabulous gift bags and prizes.
BEST FOR THE FRANCOPHILE: REALM BOUTIQUE
Realm Boutique, 98 Greene St btwn Prince & Spring, the new luxury specialty shop in Soho, cordially invites guests to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out with a Parisian-inspired evening with special guest, French designer Alexis Mabille. Shoppers are invited to preview the boutique and meet Alexis, who will be on hand to discuss his newest collection, exclusive in New York to Realm Boutique, and to sign the official FNO collection t-shirts for consumers who purchase them that evening. Additionally, guests will enjoy a live DJ, champagne, pastries and a cake designed in the form of the Eiffel Tower.
BEST FOR ACCESSORY LOVERS: CIRCLE OF STYLE LOUNGE
Fashion’s Night Out, meet Vanessa Lee, Fashion Director at montmartre. Vanessa will kick off the Circle of Style Lounge with an introduction to her exclusive Lionette accessory line and a roundup of fall fashion trends and tips. For more on Lionette, visit www.lionetteny.com
Usually when you think of Fashion Week food is not the first thing to come to mind. With cupcakes being the trend they are this season they seem to be the latest edible accessory! 
During the non-stop party that is Fashion’s Night Out I will be checking out CRUMBS limited edition Fashion’s Night Out cupcake. A yummy looking vanilla cupcake, filled with chocolate cream cheese frosting adorned with pink and white hearts around the edge and a heart shaped sugar cookie decorated with pink sanding sugar under light green frosting. The FNO cupcake available in NYC only will be sold for $4 and 20% of proceeds will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund in the New York Community Trust.
Visit www.crumbs.com for locations.
Are you are running around the tents at the Met this year?
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: 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.
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.
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. .jpg)
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.
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.
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
