Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The 37th International Emmy Awards


Angel Locsin (The Philippines), nominated for
Best Performance By An Actress, The Wolf


Emma De Caunes (France), nominated for
Best Performance By An Actress, Night Birds


Rachel Roy


Mar Saura in Oscar de la Renta



Matthew Rhys




Julia Outson


Juliana Paes




The 37th International Emmy Awards, hosted by Graham Norton, took place at the New York Hilton Hotel on November 23, 2009. It was a cold night to stand outside for an hour, waiting for celebrity nominees, presenters and attendees to arrive on the red carpet, but I did get some great photos. I had been anticipating Ed Westwick's arrival, but he showed up close to last for the red carpet, so no time for photos or interviews. Ed kicked off the first award for Best Drama Series with The Protectors (Denmark) taking the win. Other presenters included Alexa Chung, Juliana Paes, Keke Palmer, Mar Saura, Matthew Rhys, Moby, Paula Zahn, Rachel Roy, Robert Joy and Stephanie March. At the press lounge we enjoyed our buffet dinner and waited for the winners and presenters to enter the lounge for some more photo ops.

Henry Kissinger presented The Directorate Award to Prof. Markus Schachter, Director General, ZDF and Barbara Walters presented The Founders Award to Sir David Frost, Journalist/Producer.

Here's a list of the 37th International Emmy Award Winners:

Drama Series: The Protectors (Denmark)

Best Performance by an Actress:
Julie Walters in A Short Stay in Switzerland (United Kingdom)

Comedy: Hoshi Shinichi's Short Shorts (Japan)

Arts Programming: The Mona Lisa Curse (United Kingdom)

Children & Young People: Dustbin Baby (United Kingdom)

Non-Scripted Entertainment: The Phone (The Netherlands)

Documentary: The Ascent of Money (United Kingdom)

Telenovela:
India - A Love Story (Brazil)

Best Performance by an Actor: Ben Whishaw in Criminal Justice (United Kingdom)

TV Movie/Mini-Series: The Wolves of Berlin (Germany)

- Kim Weling

Monday, November 16, 2009

Thymes for Gift-Giving

If you haven't thought about it already, it's time to start making your gift-giving lists and shopping for the upcoming holiday. From now until December 25th, I hope to share with you my favorite gifts this season.


Moonflower candle and home fragrance mist

At the top of my list, are bath & body and home fragrance products from Thymes, which I've had the pleasure of trying out, in an assortment of refreshing scents. The newest fragrance is Moonflower, with a rich combination of cinnamon, clove, sugared quince, myrtle leaves, mahogany, amber and cognac. I love the packaging and moonflower design on the candle ($25 retail). The candle would be a great gift paired with the home fragrance mist ($16 retail).


Frasier Fir candles

If your feeling festive or want to get someone into the holiday cheer, I highly recommend the Frasier Fir collection. At first I had planned on giving the Frasier Fir aromatic candle set as a gift, but now I am tempted to keep it for myself. I left the set sitting in my living room and the aroma of a fresh cut Christmas tree filled the air. The scent of the dual candle set ($32 retail) is strong but not overbearing. The hand wash $14 retail) and lotion ($14 retail) would be perfect to display in your guest bathroom during the holidays.


Eucalyptus body wash


Eucalyptus hand wash and lotion

If you are looking for something refreshing and invigorating, try the Eucalyptus collection with the fragrance of eucalyptus, Italian lemon, lime and petitgrain, including soothing aloe, moisturizing jojoba oil and honey. The body wash ($20 retail) will be sure to get you going and energized.



My ultimate favorite Thymes scent is Red Chérie, a mixture of red fruits and flowers, pomegranate, ripe red cherries, passion flower and jasmine, with a twist of lychee and fruity musk. The body lotion ($25 retail) is perfect for me. I love the sweet, fruity aroma. It's hard to find a lotion that is not overbearing or too sweet smelling.

What I love about all these collections is that it would be so easy to put a gift set together as a gift - body wash/body scrub, bath powder/body lotion and candle/home fragrance mist. Skin care and makeup can be so specific to one's preference and needs, yet bath & body and home fragrance products are items everyone can use.

- Kim Weling

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Jimmy Choo for H&M Launch


Michelle Trachtenberg













The Jimmy Choo for H&M launch at the 5th Avenue store was the place to be on Friday night. Guests were lined up down the block waiting to rush in and shop the shoes, bags, jewelry and apparel by Jimmy Choo for H&M, which was not made available to the public until Saturday morning. As soon as the doors opened, it felt like a shopping spree - attendees were running in grabbing everything they wanted in their size. I quickly perused the displays and then headed to the shoe department before my size was all gone.

The shoe department was something you would expect to see in Sex & The City. The area was roped off, and by the time I got into the shoe pit there was a long line that had formed to get into the area. There was one particular shoe I was looking for - the suede open toe ankle boots in dark grey ($149). I got the last size 5 in my size. I haven't worn them out yet but they were extremely comfortable when I tried them on. I thought someone stole my box of shoes twice as I continued to look around - I was getting so paranoid. There are other shoes I really like, including a few patent leather ankle strap heels but since the heels were even higher than on the open toe ankle boot, I decided to pass.

As I was asking the sales associate to see one of the leather bags, I noticed Michelle Trachtenberg standing right next to me. She seemed to be having a good time shopping. As guests left the launch party, they received a chain bracelet ($24.95) value.
Aside from shoes there are so many pieces that I like from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection -a leather belt ($59.95), small zebra print suede clutch ($99), sequin tank ($69.95), bracelet ($39.95) and cobalt blue and cheetah-print scarves ($49.95). There were some really nice dresses - suede, beaded and leather, but I don't think it would have looked good for my petite frame. All the suede and studded details were reminding me of 80s fashion. The collection is very edgy and glamorous, appropriate for party attire. It's luxe for less, with real soft, leather and suede at affordable pricing.

I heard that the lines at the select H&M stores on Saturday morning were crazy. I'm glad I was able to take advantage of shopping during the launch. It's a shame the pieces are not available for purchase online. Only select stores in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, West Hollywood and Chicago are carrying the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. If you want some pieces from this collection you better get to one of these stores quickly before they are sold out!

- Kim Weling

Lucky Shops 2009


Hayden-Harnett Jackson clutch wallet

If you missed Lucky Shops 2009 this year, be sure to stash some cash and plan to go next November. Last Saturday, November 7th, I attended the anticipated annual event, at the Metropolitan Pavilion. For the past two years, I've not been able to get there until around 3:30, only giving me an hour and a half to shop. That means no time for drinks, just quick shopping for designer favorites. The upside to coming late in the day is that by this time, prices get dropped and reduced even further.

Instead of using the shopping map, I resorted to hitting each row. I first saw a Theory burnout rib tank that I wanted, with a retail price at $75 and 60% off, I decided to wait. I found myself at the denim bar and couldn't believe my eyes. Written on a chalk board I saw that several denim brands, including Miss Sixty and Genetic Denim were marked at $15! I had to ask "are they really $15 a pair?" When that was confirmed I immediately asked the sales associate to pull what she had in my size. I ended up trying 3 pairs of genetic denim jeans (two flare, one straight leg) and ended up buying the two flare jeans. Definitely the best deal of the day! Genetic Denim jeans run from $154 - $253. That's not all - I was able to get them both tailored for free! There are several sewing machine stations with on-hand tailors, so my jeans were being hemmed as I shopped (I am very lucky, I just made the cutoff at 4pm!).

Next I passed by Splendid and bought a fitted motorcycle hoodie in grey for $50, and then a Charlotte Ronson brown silk blouse with sequin details at the shoulder. After quickly grabbing a cup of raspberry gelato from Gelato Giuliana, I made my way back to Theory as I heard more reductions have been taken. Theory was now up to 70% off, yet tanks were now $20! So instead of $30 I ended up getting the tank for even less! As I waited for my jeans to be done at the tailoring station, I made my way back to the Hayden-Harnett booth and decided to buy the black leather wallet I had been eyeing. The retail price was $160 and I got it for $64!

So all together I spent $254. Any more time there and I could have done some more damage at seriously deep discounted prices! Lucky Shops is the ultimate sample sale at up to 75% off, with top designers participating. My only regret is that I completely missed the "Shop for Success" boutique, featuring nearly-new and one-of-a-kind items from Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg and more. 100% of the proceeds benefited Dress for Success.

I really wish that Lucky Shops was twice a year instead of once a year! Here is my advice to any of you that decide to attend next year:
  • Make sure you are still shopping from 3-5 pm when designers discount their merchandise even further. If you can wait, come back around this time frame, but note that if you wait it may not be there later.
  • Be sure to visit the "Shop for Success" boutique or whatever it may be the next time around. I remember getting a Prada brocade skirt last year for $40, and the year before getting a Jil Sander white button down shirt for $25 and Pedro Garcia open toe sandals for $30.
  • Make a note of all the items you want from your favorite designer's fall season ahead of time, so you can visit those booths first and see if they have your items available.
  • If you plan on buying jeans from the denim bar, either wear the shoes you'd want to wear with your jeans, or bring your shoes with you (boots, heels, flats) with you - that way when you get your jeans tailored you can try the jeans on with your shoes (I was wearing flat boots at the time, so I had to stand on my tippy toes when getting my jeans tailored).
  • Buy your denim jeans before 4pm so you can still get them tailored for free! If you have any other shopping tips you'd like to share for the next Lucky Shops event, feel free to share!

- Kim Weling

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

30% Off Friends + Family for Calvin Klein Underwear + Calvin Klein Jeans + Speedo

The 30% Off Friends + Family Event starts today for Calvin Klein Underwear, Calvin Klein Jeans and Speedo! The 30% off is both regular and sale-priced merchandise, through November 17th!




Monday, November 9, 2009

Juicy Couture and Harper's Bazaar Celebrate Bird by Juicy Couture













On November 5th, I attended a party at the Juicy Couture Bleecker Street store, in collaboration with Harper's Bazaar, to take a look at the Bird by Juicy Couture fall collection. Guests enjoyed champagne, chocolate and shopping.

Bird by Juicy Couture is priced 30% higher than Juicy's store line. It is currently only available at juicycouture.com, select Juicy stores and Bergdorf Goodman. Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor refer to Bird as the "older sister to the Juicy girl". This line is definitely more my style. Not only is it edgy and mature, but the fall palette consists of black, grey and a touch of cream (I always welcome black and grey into my wardrobe). The line consists of a lot of layering pieces, including cashmere sweaters, a screen printed dress, leather motorcycle jacket, cropped leather jacket and blazer with ruffles.

Enjoy 30% off for the Juicy Friends & Family sale! November 11-18, 2009. Print this out to shop in-store or use promo code JCFFNOV to shop online (Flyer attached - sorry this excludes Bird).

- Kim Weling


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Get To Origins For Free illy Espresso and GinZing Eye Cream Sample



Origins has partnered with illy caffé for a 3-day in-store event in select cities, featuring the new GinZing Refreshing Eye cream. The eye cream is made with Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and is supposed to brighten, depuff and reduce dark circles.

You are entitled to the following (with no purchase necessary!)

· FREE shot of illy espresso
· FREE sample of Origins new GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream (with Caffeine)
· FREE “Eye-Opening” Mini-Facial
· FREE makeup application
· Chance to win the Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes

After work today I headed over to the Origins store at Grand Central. I was in a bit if a rush and didn't book an appointment in advance so I didn't get the free makeup application and mini-facial, but I did get my shot of espresso. I was also given a gift bag including a 3 week supply of the GinZing Refreshing eye cream and a 4.4 oz. tin of illy espresso.

The event is only going on during November 2, 3 and 4th so be sure to stop by on the last day!

Also, be sure to enter the Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes through November 30th at www.origins.com/wakeupandwinsweeps. One lucky winner will receive a 3-month supply of Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream ($29.50 retail value), a $250 Origins gift certificate and the illy X7 espresso machine and illy coffee ($500 retail value). Nine additional lucky winners will receive a 3-month supply of Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream, a $250 Origins certificate and illy coffee.

Here are the Origins locations participating in this event:

New York, NY
Flatiron: 175 Fifth Avenue
SoHo: 402 West Broadway
Upper West Side: 2327 Broadway
Grand Central: 62 Grand Central Terminal

Los Angeles, CA
South Coast Plaza: 3333 Bristol Street

San Francisco, CA
Embarcadero Center: One Embarcadero Center
San Francisco Centre: 865 Market Street

Boca Raton, FL
Town Center at Boca Raton: 6000 Glades Road

Dallas, TX
Southlake Town Square: 1426 Civic Place

- Kim Weling