Guess Soho Boutique Re-Launch Party

Lydia Hearst on the scene with a BYSOG clutch


Michelle Trachtenberg

Lydia Hearst and Michelle Trachtenberg

Amber Rose

Kelly Bensimon

Selita Banks

Phillip Bloch

On July 22nd, Marie Claire and Michelle Trachtenberg hosted the re-launch of the Guess flagship store on Broadway between Prince and Spring. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefited Trachtenberg’s charity, Oxfam America, an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and injustice.

With a $5 donation to Oxfam America, guests were entitled to 20% off their purchases. Even if guests didn’t make a purchase that evening, they received a gift bag with a $5 donation to Oxfam America. The gift bags were so worth it, containing Bumble and Bumble grooming crème, Buxom mascara, Demeter Fragrance Library bath and shower gel, Decleor moisturizer, philosophy cleanser, ESSIE nail polish, Marie Claire magazine, $20 Guess gift card, magnets, perfume samples, wristband and Loyalty Program card, Godiva chocoiste and completely bare gift card. Bare Escentuals was also supposed to be included but they must have run out since I didn’t get my bag until the end of the night.

Celebrity attendees included model-actress-socialite Lydia Hearst, models Amber Rose and Selita Ebanks, Real Housewives of New York's Kelly Bensimon and celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch. DJ Harley Viera-Newton was spinning the beats.

As I wandered around the store, I did see a charcoal heather cardigan that I liked with stud details at the wrist, and two pairs of jeans in particular, one with studded leather cross back pockets ($158) and the other with rhinestone cross back pockets ($108). Cute selection of shoes too! It’s been a long time since I’ve shopped anything by Guess. I think Phillip Bloch said it best when he said people should ‘stay true to their own style’. Guess may not be for everyone but I was able to find a few pieces there to add to my shopping list.

- Kim Weling

Charlotte Russe Fall 2009 Preview Party

Jessica Szhor and Michelle Trachtenberg


Jessica Szhor and Eric Daman


Jessica Szhor and Rumer Willis


From Left: Rumer Willis, Michelle Trachtenberg, Joanna Garcia and Jessica Szhor

People*s Liberation at Charlotte Russe

Photos courtesy of Harrison & Shriftman

I attended the Charlotte Russe Fall 2009 preview at Openhouse on July 15th. Shortly after I made a once-round walk-through, I ran into Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szhor, right before she was about to leave for a birthday dinner. It’s always a pleasure running into Jessica – she is not only gorgeous but very down-to-earth and genuinely sweet. It’s nice to have contact with celebrities that aren’t so guarded or surrounded by their publicists. Other celebrities in attendance included Rumer Willis, Michelle Trachtenberg and Joanna Garcia (just got word that she will be joining the Gossip Girl cast this fall as Nate's new love interest!). Also, Charlotte Russe Stylist and Gossip Girl Costume Designer Eric Daman.

As I walked around, models were styled and staged in different looks, as seen in Charlotte Russe's fall look book.

QUIRKY – an eclectic style, with a schoolgirl look – argyle prints and novelty plaids. I like the grey jeans paired with a black blazer and black heels.

TOTEM – a Native American influence, consisting of blanket patterns, fringe details and frontier attitude. I definitely can’t pull off the feathery headbands or fringe detail, as I come off looking like Pocahontas, but it may be the right look for you. I like the layering of different necklaces, short and long – red beaded, brushed metal and a turq, red white and gold necklace and worn with a brown leather jacket. Also a printed dress paired with leggings, boots and leather belt.

OH SO CHIC – the Uptown Girl look, with satin fabrications, rompers, sequins and studs, embroidery and embellishment.

There are so many other looks you can find at Charlotte Russe, including 70s hippie chic (psychedelic prints), 90s grunge (boyish silhouettes and feminine details, plaid prints and flannels, distressed and destroyed details), heirloom (cardigans, tweed and boucle, pretty pearls).

Kitson LA for Charlotte Russe has a sporty/street style, including leggings, sweatpants, printed tops and jeans.

Let’s not forget the People*s Liberation line exclusively at Charlotte Russe. The collection is very street, with a rocker’s edge. You’ll find sleek looking leggings, tanks and tees with logo prints and denim. Colors include black, grey, white and red. I especially like the Tanya Ultra Skinny “Concrete Jungle” grey jeans.

Attendees took away a fabulous gift bag. Mine included a Kitson LA tank, ribbed leggings, pink/black print scarf, silver earrings, embroidered necklace and matching cuff with magnetic closure, lip gloss, People*s Liberation pins, Young Love CD and a card for 20% off at Charlotte Russe.

If you find yourself near a Charlotte Russe store, take a peek, see what’s your style and pick-up the Fall look book, which outlines pricing and in-store delivery dates as a useful shopping guide.