Creative Drinking

As cool as having a disposable flask may be it's still bad for the planet and mother earth is one too many mothers coming down on you while your trying to get your drink on. But reading the bible while drinking is totally okay. 

A Time for Growth

I've always believed that every good man should have a good suit. Too many guys schlep through the day in a suit that was taken straight from the rack without any tailoring, making them look more like a child playing dress up instead of a guy that cares about his appearance and his job. In a time when jobs a scarce this is one expense that I feel men can not slack on. Marc Ecko has came out with a stylish solution to this baggy problem by offering Made to Measure suit from his Cut & Sew line. The suits are not only todays trends but they are affordable too, and the best part is that they commute well making it the perfect transition suit from college grad to professional lad. The growing up is left up to you.

The Ever Never Enough Syndrome

Let's face it, NYC is not known for it's closet space, forcing this city's fashionistas to either stop shopping and purge their clothes or to get creative and make walkways, corner and even bathrooms into closets, essentially displaying clothes like works of art.

This is defiantly the case in my upper west side pre-war apartment. When I moved in I thought that I had more than enough space to store my goodies but quickly I learned that living in a city with nearly 4,500 clothing stores of the 12,953 buildings total (facts taken from google and ask.com), my need for shopping grew as well as my need for more space. Slowly over time my threads and accessories have crept out of the shadows of my wall closet and onto desks, beds, hooks and book shelves. I have learned to become very organized on my quest for more space but it seems as soon as my apartment is clean and all is in order, Barney's is having another amazing seasonal sale and there I am, bags in hand thinking, "where am I going to put this stuff!" Eventually I find another empty wall to showcase my finds but the cycle still continues. Will I ever get to a point where I will not buy another pair of shoes because I simply have no more room for them? Maybe I have to move to a 2 bedroom and make one room a walk-in closet until that's not enough and before long my bed is just one large pile of clothes and I'm using my Dior dress as a duvet and Channel bags as my sleeping pillows! How did Carrie Bradshaw do it?!

Or maybe the answer to this shopping/space madness is this blog. Being able to explore fashion through the eyes of others has made me appreciate the value of clothes already. They are not something the be hoarded and cramped into tiny spaces but instead shared with others who can appreciate them with their own values and sense of style, making the garment into something totally different than before. This is how fashion survives and I want to do my part, starting with the bag of items I packed to take to Housing Works. I know it's only a little but at least its a start. Will I ever stop shopping? Never! I love to look at trends and fabrics and my curiosity for these things will always be apart of me, but I will no long buy everything I try on....that is until I move to the country and have a custom built closet in my 5000 square foot home!

A lady can always dream :-)

Yesterday I met with Stephanie Remige at Effy's Cafe on the Upper East Side. Stephanie is a former writer for magazines and web sites such as New York Women Newspaper, Shiftdrink.com, Ins & Outs magazine, Social Life magazine, and AXIS in Florida (her home state). Currently, she is working on her latest venture, HerHattan NYC, an online forum dedicated to talented fabulous women working, shopping and living in the big apple.

"I got the idea when I was working as the fashion editor at In's & Outs magazine. One morning while I was getting ready for work, Meredith Vieira from the Today show was on with a segment about about women still being paid less then men even in today's society when women are in the workplace more than ever. This surprised me and I thought about it all day. I wasn't making that much of an income at the magazine even though I considered myself successful. I started thinking about the other women in the city and world that are in the same position and knew I had to do something to make a difference. As a joke in talking to my fiancée Mark later that day I called Manhattan, HerHattan instead. He loved the name and started to push me to make something out of it. That's when I got the idea to create an online forum/ magazine that celebrates emerging women designers and entrepreneurs, sell their items and tell there stories."

Stephanie has divided the city into 6 sections and in each section the reader will follow the life of a women writer through her everyday journeys; life, career, shopping and dating. It will also highlight stores, boutiques, shops, and designers who live and work in that section as well. There also will be an online store where the reader can purchase items featured on the site. Even though the site is new and expects to officially launch this fall, HerHattan has already received an overwhelming number of subscribers and everyday the numbers are growing.

"I am still looking for writers, even though it is based in NYC

Maybe with the help of women like Stephanie more women can take their rightful place in the working world and not only be compensated but respected in the industry.

What do you consider the most stylish drink?

"Wine is classy but I consider style to be your own I never drink the same thing. To each their own."

Any Beauty Secrets?

"No But I'm open to anyone else's!"

Who's your favorite designers?

Patricia Field, Betsey Johnson, and LanVy Nguyen.

Best Bar in the city?

"The bar at the Carlyle even though I can never go but a couple times a year. It's very expensive but worth ever bit of it and the live Jazz makes you feel like your in New Orleans but a really clean one. I love hotel bars it seems like your on a vacation when your in them. Some other favs. The Waldorf Astoria and the Roosevelt."

Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

"My mood. I like miss-matched clothes but really it depends on what I feel like wearing."

Best Accessory?

"Shoes! I feel I can wear anything as long as I have a good pair of heels on I pull it off and it will look good."

Favorite place to shop in the city?

"Patricia Field but I love wondering around and finding vintage shops in the city. There's so many tucked away."

Heels or flats?

"Heels! I hate flats!"

Fashion Icon?

"Gwen Stefani. If I were a rock star I would dress like her everyday!"

Most read magazines?

"I hate to say it but I love reading OK and Life and Style when I'm stressed out. It's my guilty pleasure. I also love books by Paulo Coelho . He knows a women like no other author!"

Most stylish part of the city?

"Upper East Side! I am such an upper east sider. I just love it, it's such a neighborhood."

Worst fashion trend ever?

"Baggy jeans on guys. I think it should be illegel to have your underwear showing... disgusting"

If you could only wear one color everyday for the rest of your life it would be...?

"Hate to say it, Black."

One fashion product you can't live without?

"Red lipstick. I have been wearing it since I was 3. I love the feeling of it give you."

Sun Shinnin'

Over the weekend I was in florida enjoying some much needed relaxation time. I wanted to share a couple of photos from my trip to St. Augustine and Jacksonville. If you ever want to take a trip and stay in the US but feel like your in another country then St. Augustine is the place. It's the oldest city in America and feels like your in Spain! Great Outlet shops too so you can find deals on the brands you love!

White Button Down Blouse: H&M

Blue Strip Shorts: Forever 21

Shoes: Aldo

Watch: Guess

Belt: J Crew

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Bracelet: Vintage

Swimsuit: Betsey Johnson

Hat: K Mart

On the road again

Through the years of modeling I have racked up quite a few frequent flyer miles, averaging around 200 travel days per year. During that time I have traveled to every kind of climate and condition and sometimes 3 totally different destinations at one time, forcing me to become a self-taught expert on travel packing.Yesterday I packed my bags and caught a

flight to Florida for a little beach time and while I was laying out my clothes and products to pack I thought I could share some of my travel tips with you.

Starting with the complete carryon beauty products. These things area must have for me to freshen up after a long flight and they are small enough not to make my shoulder bag/tote feel like I'm carrying a small child in it. A website I also suggest you check out is 3floz.com. This NYC based company list all TSA approved beauty products from luxury brands to drugstore favorites and they only list products that they try. They have a list for babies and men as well.

(In photo; Jacket: French Connection, Jeans: Vintage 1, Shirt: J Crew, Shoes: Jack Purcell)

Giovanni Refresh Towelettes:

They are organic and antibacterial but the hidden gem is that they come in awakening Peppermint oil, soothing lavender and energizing grapefruit oil. Smells and feels amazing.

La Fresh Sunscreen Wipes:

It’s your skin and you need to protect it, but carrying around bulky bottles of sunscreen is just not convenient, that’s why I love La Fresh SPF Wipes. They block the sun and they are biodegradable so you don’t have to worry about damaging mother earth either. The only thing is that when using a SPF wipe; make sure you apply evenly, like you would a cream. Most people just wipe it on and then later at home they notice all the places they missed are burnt. Wipes are a great way to protect your skin but they should not replace cream sunscreen completely.

MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel- Travel Packs:

I like peeling my face and trying my best to repair the damage I did as a sun-loving child and these wipes are perfect for me! Formulated to improve skin firmness, tone and texture, Alpha Beta diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosts skin density and vitality, and reduces pore size and breakouts, as it gently restores radiance to the skin, with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acid. It really is a miracle in a nice little travel pack. Just because you’re away doesn’t mean you can slack on your skincare.

Benefit's Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain:

Add just the right amount of color to your cheeks and lips with this stain. It looks dark but really ends up being more of a roy blush color that you can layer on to make darker if you want.

CO Bigelow Lemon Hand Treatment:

This hand lotion smells great, adds moisture without being greasy and even has a skin-brightening formula so your hands stay looking young. Most people are only concerned with youthful products for their faces but you hands will always tell on you, so take care of those paws too.

Kate Somerville Somer 360 Tanning Towelette:

I don’t go in the sun so this little wipe is great if I need that sunkissed look on the go.

Revlon One Step Nail Prep:

It’s nail remover and I love it! If my nails are painted these wipes are great for touch ups or last minute polish changes.

Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Powder SPF45:

This instant mineral SPF powder starts to work immediately. It’s small so you can pack it in your beach bag or your purse for the day and it’s dry so you don’t have to worry about any gooey sun-cream leeks or oily faces!

Tweezerman PetiteManicure Set:

How many times have you needed a nail file or hangnail clipper. Invest wisely and get this kit. It’s small enough to carry anywhere and it’s all you need to keep those hands looking fabulous. Includes: Nail File, Cuticle and Hangnail Clipper and nail cleaner in a cute little carrying case.

Dior Hydraction Eye Cream SPF 20 and DiorShow Mascara:

One thing a girl should never be without is good mascara. A bare face can be transformed with just a little swoop of this ultra glam black polish for your eyes. And it’s not harsh on your pupils like most department store mascara’s are. Come on, it’s your eyes people…don’t just put anything on them.

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo to Go:

This dry shampoo absorbs oil and build up that can happen on a long flight. To avoid looking like I haven’t showered I just simply apply a little to my roots and gently rub in and presto, full body hair that smells like I just walked out of a shower. And the best thing is not only is it small in size but that it’s powder, so no worrying about it passing airport screenings.

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist To Go:

After applying the Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo I need a little shine and Fekkai’s Sheer Shine does just the trick.

It delivers the right amount of encapsulated olive oil to leave my hair looking shinny and healthy, not flat with build up.

Evian Mineral Water Spray To Go:

To refresh my complexion after a long flight a spritz of this neutral pH moisturizing spray will not only set your makeup but also revitalize your skin. It’s also TSA approved!

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit:

This kit is great! It has everything you need to do either touch ups or apply an entire face. The kit includes Foundation Primer, Tinted Moisturizer, Undercover Pot with 2 shades of concealer and translucent powder, 2 brushes (concealer and powder), a velour puff and egg shaped sponge. And everything is only 1 oz. each.

Sephora Foldable Hair Brush:

I use this brush all of the time. It starts as a small compact but then opens and folds out into a small brush with a mirror. Perfect for touching up windblown hair and taming fly-aways.

Pacifica Lotus Garden Travel Solid Perfume:

I love, love, love this perfume!! It’s so small that I can carry it even in the smallest clutch and it smells like a floral paradise! The best perk of this perfume is that it’s all natural, no chemicals to absorb into your body, and it last all day (even though I’m totally addicted to it and apply it several times a day).

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm:

This is the one thing I can’t live without. In fact I have 10 of these little tins placed all over my home, car, purse and office so I never have to go without it. It is the only lip balm that doesn’t dry my lips out and the rose mint nourishes as well as smell amazing!

Packing Tips:

1) Shoes: If you want to make sure everything in your bag stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside a tube sock. It not only protects your clothes but it keeps the outside of your shoes safe too by keeping them from banging against each other and scuffing the leather. And if you really want to go the extra mile, stuff the toes of your shoes with socks to help keep the shape and form of the shoes.

2) Roll it up! Keep clothes from getting wrinkled by rolling them before you pack them. It also allows you to pack more since rolled clothes take up less space.

3) Don’t forget to keep all the important things with you in your carry-on bag, medications and important papers especially. If it’s a long flight a change of clothes is a good idea too.

4) If you really want to get organized by separating certain clothes from others than use a piece of cardboard by placing it in between the layers or upright to use as a divider.

5) If your going to the beach on your trip than pack you beach bag with all the things you need before you pack it in your luggage. It’s a timesaver!

6) I love to pack in plastic (zip lock bags). They are clear and let me see what’s in them, no more rummaging! It’s great for small items like underwear, bras and tights.

7) Split up your valuables. Carry some of them on you and keep a little money in your luggage. That a way incase you get robbed you wont be completely broke. Also make copies of your drivers license and passports incase they get lost and you need to go to the US Embassy.

Following Quality

I got the chance to sit down and talk to aspiring event planner and retired account executive for Wathne, Jessica Millspaugh. Wathne for those of you who don’t know is a private luggage and purse manufacture company in NYC, designing bags for Ralph Lauren and Oscar De La Renta.

Jessica graduated with a degree in Merchandising Management and after a few intern jobs found herself working for one of NYC’s top purse manufacturer. She was surrounded by a handbag lover’s paradise whose job titles included shopping for new purses and creating new styles. Jessica invited me into her home to talk and take a look at her collection of bags. Most of the 60 clutches, handbags, beach bags, and shoulder bags are a one of a kind, never being made after the sample was produced. She even sent me off in style after giving me a Ralph Lauren Blue Label Leather shoulder bag, making this the best interview and the nicest person in fashion I've met.

Pros and Cons of the fashion industry: “The fact that it’s always changing is both a pro and a con. Every week, every month and every season trends come and go faster than apple invents a new I Pod. It keeps your job interesting but at the same time it doesn’t let many people to keep up. Another plus side is that it allows people to express themselves and be who they are by creating stories with fabric."

Barneys, Saks or Bergdorf? “I would spend most of my time at Bergdorf’s if I had the money but I defiantly love Saks, they have a wider price range. I go wherever my card will take me!”

What is your dream job?

“Throwing and planning parties”

Do you think fashion can be taught or is it something your born with? “I think it can be taught, I grew up wearing only t shits and shorts but the older I got and the more I traveled and exposed myself to different thing the more I learn about style. It’s the more you know that makes you in the now.”

What do you think is the most stylish drink: "Taittinger Rose Champagne. I don’t think a girl has to carry a martini to say she’s classy."

Beauty Secret: “Don’t Pick”

Favorite Designers: "Oscar De La Renta, Christian Louboutin Shoes, Hermes accessories."

Best Bar in the city: "I love hotel bars. Jane, Hudson and the Standard are some of my favorites."

Where do you get your fashion inspiration? “I’m not to big of a trend person, I want to look timeless and eloquent for the rest of my life. My mom defiantly had an influence on me growing up, she was New England without being Vineyard Vines. I like form fitting, sleek and fun without being trashy. I am more about Quality than following a fad.”

Best fashion accessory? “A man’s watch. That or diamond studs.”

Favorite place to shop in the city? “I’m a department store whore. I can get what I’m looking for in one place. From sweat pants to a gown for my next black tie event, department stores have it all and in every price range too.”

Heels or flats? "Heels"

Fashion Icons? “Julia Roberts. I also love Faith Hill, she always dressed just right, sexy without being revealing. And Victoria Beckham. VB looks like a Barbie doll but in a good non- fake way, I love her clothes.”

Favorite magazine: “Women’s Health and all wedding magazines, that’s the event planner side of me, I love getting new and innovative ideas on throwing the party of a lifetime.”

Most stylish part of the city? “Chelsea. You can see anything and everything there. Good and bad.”

Worst fashion trend? “There is so many! Dickies should have never been invented. Anything neon is a no-on for me. Overalls with one strap button, and anything mustard colored….yellow should be happy.”

If you had to wear one color everyday for the rest of your life what would it be? “White”

One thing (fashion) you can’t live without? “J Crews tank tops.” (She has over 40 by the way)

Below:

Pink and Black Ralph Lauren (benefitting Breast Cancer) Yoga Mat with matching bag.

The RL clutch / shoulder bag is a one of a kind crocodile with the RL logo as a folding closer.

The Black shoulder RL bag is also a one of a kind made with Calf skin and tortuous shell. Jessica was once offered 10,000USD for this bag.