Birchbox + Color Club Gala's Gems Collection Preview

On February 13th, Birchbox invited NYC Birchbloggers to preview the Color Club Gala's Gems Collection with prosecco, hot chocolate and manicures at the Mondrian Soho. This event was the perfect way to close out New York Fashion Week, arriving just in time for Q&A with Birchbox co-founder Katia Beauchamp and fashion blogger, Gala Gonzalez of amlul.com. This was the first time I met Gala, who is incredibly sweet, originally from Spain and now resides in London. She took us through her upcoming Gala's Gems nail polish collaboration with Color Club, which features four colors: Heirloom Pearls, Breafast At..., Aquamarine Azulino and Gold Struck. Gala also talked about how she started her blog, how it has evolved into a full-time passion and gave some sound advice to bloggers looking to transition their blog into a career. Congratulations Gala on the launch and look forward to seeing the nail lacquer collection on birchbox.com this Spring! 

Color Club Gala's Gems in Heirloom Pearls on Gala Gonzalez

- Kim Weling

CARRERA Sunglasses Escape NYC 2011

This marks the second year I have attended the CARRERA Sunglasses Escape and it's become one of my favorite events of the summer! There's just nothing like lounging on a rooftop in NYC, while taking in some sun and enjoying a gorgeous view of the city.

The CARRERA Sunglasses Escape took place on July 9th and 10th, at the newly opened Mondrian Soho hotel.

I was heading up to VT for a few days but made sure I stopped by the CARRERA Sunglasses Escape as soon as it opened Saturday morning! Equinox provided a yoga session, as well as chair massages (Thank you Mas for a great massage!).

I got a first look at the CARRERA sunglass collection and Venroy Australia's stylish line of men's board shorts.

Attendees enjoyed sandwiches and specialty cocktails and beverages such as DonQ Mojitos, Blackbeard Rum & Ginger Ale, UV High Tea (UV Sweet Green Tea and Lemonade) and Asahi Beer.

Since it was early in the day when I was there, I opted to add Mango Peach MiO to my water. MiO is a portable liquid enhancer available in six different flavors - Berry Pomegranate, Strawberry Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Mango Peach, Sweet Tea and Peach Tea. I look forward to trying the other flavors!



The rooftop view at the Mondrian Soho hotel






Venroy Australia's line of board shorts - some of the shorts even have a contrast print pocket lining! Definitely fashionable and functional!




So many great pairs of CARRERA Sunglasses! I had fun trying them on!




Mad about MiO! MiO has no artificial flavors, contains zero calories (per 8 oz. serving), and is sugar, caffeine and gluten free! All you do is squeeze 1-2 drops (based on your preference) of MiO into your water and it self-mixes - no stirring or shaking required.


Guests were also able to check out the SOUL by Ludacris listening stations or grab a bag of Pop Chips.


The UV Vodka Bar




Chair massages compliments of Equinox


Below images provided by LFB Media Group

Celebrity guests included Gossip Girl's Penn Badgley, Glee's Dianna Agron and Samantha Ronson.





Thank you to the CARRERA Sunglasses Escape team! I had a great time and hope to see you again next summer!

- Kim Weling

Pat McGrath for LeSportsac 2011 Collection Launch

On June 1st, I stopped by the penthouse at the Mondrian Soho for the launch of the PatMcGrath for LeSportsac 2011 Collection. The eight-piece pro cosmetic bag collection is inspired by the shade pallete and sleek bullet of COVERGIRL LipPerfection™ lipcolor.

The collection includes different sizes, ranging from the small “Kiss Case,” ($25) to the large “Professional Carry All” tote ($120), which can fit the seven other pieces for convenient, pro-inspired makeup travel.

Lookout for the “Pat McGrath for LeSportsac” label and COVERGIRL hangtag featuring custom beauty looks and application tips from Pat.

This is the second year that LeSportsac has teamed up with COVERGIRL and Pat. Last year's collaboration was inspired by COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara.

The Pat McGrath LeSportsac 2011 Collection hits LeSportsac boutiques and LeSportsac.com on June 15th so check it out!





I absolutely love the lipstick/lip print!






During the launch party, guests enjoyed a candy station, cocktails and hors d'eouvres. It was a hot and humid evening but the Penthouse at the Mondrian had an amazing view and the breeze coming in was just perfect. Out on the rooftop with the DJ was the place to be!

Celebrity guests included Tiki Sumpter, Shanae Grimes and Olivia Munn.

Below Images courtesy of LeSportsac

Tiki Sumpter and Pat McGrath


Shanae Grimes


Olivia Munn

- Kim Weling