Kohler Celebrates the Numi Launch at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory

Last Tuesday, April 26th, KOHLER unveiled the space-saving Numi toilet at the Kitchen and Bath Show Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas.

Numi is Kohler's most advanced toilet, with a sleek design and cutting-edge technology and engineering.

I got a sneek peak during the Numi cocktail party launch on April 14th at the Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory. The $6,000 toilet does everything except talk to you and ask you how your day was. Numi features a motion-activated open & close seat and seat cover, heated seat, stainless steel bidet wand with integrated dryer, water efficient flushing technology, an air vent to warm your feet and my favorite - it plays music! You can hook up your MP3 player, iphone or ipod! There's even a touch-screen remote that can be docked and mounted to the wall.

You can watch the video here and learn more at kohler.com/numi.


Above images courtesy of Kohler

Here are some images I took at the Numi launch, with a demonstration of how Numi opens and closes.










Here is the Numi in it's new home - the bathroom at the Luxe Laboratory.


I really enjoyed the hors d'oeuvres, including Scotch Smoked Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi and Prime Sirloin Tartare. Bite did an amazing job on the catering.


I could not stop eating the dessert - Bite Mallomars that consisted of Ancho Caramel Ganaches with Cocoa Macaroons and Dark Chocolate. The Champagne Bombs were my favorite - Champagne Sabayon filled with Strawberries Brulee.




- Kim Weling

Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory, February 2011 Fashion Week Retreat

It was another fun and fabulous season at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory Fashion Week Retreat! Every time I visit during fashion week I find it hard to make it to the afternoon shows - I completely skipped out! A few hours or lounging and relaxing is always a must during fashion week!

FoodParc provided an assortment of muffins, bagels, cream cheese, sliced Scottish smoked salmon, sliced meats and fruit.

For dessert I indulged in single serve layered pie and cheesecake snacks from Temptations by Jell-O, which comes in 6 flavors for 150 calories or less! I think Double Chocolate Pie and Raspberry Cheesecake are my favorites. There are also French Silk Pie, Apple Custard Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Lemon Meringue Pie.

I couldn't lounge without enjoying a drink from Perrier-Jouët Champagne, celebrating their 200th anniversary this year!

I took a closer look at NOOK Color by Barnes & Noble - the first full-color touch Reader’s Tablet. It’s an easy way to read books and your favorite magazines. It has a 7-inch color touchscreen and a thin, portable design that easily fits into your purse or bag! I love the fashionable new NOOK covers by JACKSPADE, kate spade, Dalton and Dessin.

Vintage Revolution Jeans were back with new fits and washes! I heard a new fitted boyfriend jean is coming soon - can't wait!

Body Wrap Shapewear's new Sheer Iridesscent collection is sexy and stylish, with an innovative paneling system. The differing levels of control slims and enhances to your needs.

Chelsea Taylor, the sterling silver and Swarovski™ crystal jewelry line, offers three different collections, Classics, Semi-Precious Stones and Dynasty, which reflect upcoming Spring 2011 trends featuring 70’s and 80’s glamour, animal prints, furs and leathers. Prices range from $50.00-$2,000.00.

Lifetherapy allows you to "Choose Your Mood" with five body lotions, body cremes, handcremes and pulse point oils - flirt, chill, vacation, escape, and play. It was fun to sit down and choose my mood with Lifetherapy founder Lynette Lovelace. My moods were a cross between escape and play.

Lynette Lovelace

SOLSTICEsunglasses.com just launched their e-commerce site in November 2010 with over 40 luxury, designer and sport sunglass brands available online, including Gucci, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Carrera among others.

Okabashi eco-friendly sandals and flip flops for men and women are 100% recyclable and made from 30% recycled material. These sandals and flip flops are made with MicroplastTM, which provide support, stability, cushioning and durability. These retail for under $20!

Make-up touch-ups by Mally

Manicures from Incoco

- Kim Weling

Robert Verdi's Holiday 2010 Gift Guide

Robert Verdi always has great gift ideas and tips! Check out his Holiday 2010 Gift Guide video.

I'm supposed to be picking out gifts for other people and instead I think I've added a few to my list! Here are my favorites!

Champagne Perrier-Jouët, $139 - you can't go wrong with champagne!

Fujifilm Instax 7S Instant Film Camera, $64 - I actually have this and need to start using it! (the holidays are the perfect time to bust out this point and shoot!)

HP Envy 100 E-All-In-One Printer, $249 - I am in need to a new printer and this touch- screen one is definitely calling my name!

Babycakes Cupcake Maker, $29.99 - I have to have this! 8 cupcakes in 5 minutes?? I can make time to bake with this!

Robert Verdi's RV/FW10 Fashion Week Retreat

Robert Verdi's Fashion Week Retreat is one of my favorite stopovers during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. I had such a great time at RV/FW10 in February, I couldn't wait to preview the brands and products being showcased this season. So many exciting launches!

Jee Vice offers a fashionable, luxurious collection of sunglasses. Some of the sunglasses styles even have a heel on the temple.

Vintage Revolution Jeans is debuting this fall at stores including Bloomingdale's and Fred Segal, retailing between $118-$148. I tried on the Black Overdye Bell Flare in a size 24, which has a sexy, snug fit through the leg. I can't wait to try the legging in the rinse wash, which also comes in a faded grey wash. I've been looking for the perfect denim legging for awhile now!

I'm really excited about Tulle's women's clothing line - sweaters, jackets, skirts, dresses, shorts, pants and accessories. They carry XS/0, but also carry a selection that appeals to all body types, so there's definitely something for everyone. I love this double breasted vintage wool coat that I got from Tulle in black, XS. The sleeves are a little long so I'll have to get that hemmed but getting a fall coat was on my shopping list.

Coca-Cola created Fashion Pops, fashion-forward accessory pairings matching each of the aluminum bottles with a limited edition custom ring inspired by it's own unique personality and flavor. A limited number of Fashion Pops have been created exclusively for Robert Verdi's RV/FW10 Fashion Week Retreat this season. Guests were tweeting the pairing that best reflected their own personal style to #rvfw at a chance to win a full set of Fashion Pops.

I am definitely in need of a new iron and I think I have found it - the lightweight, Panasonic 360-Degree Freestyle Cordless Iron. I love the sleek design of the slightly convex, multidirectional soleplate. The iron also makes it easier to smooth out collars, cuffs and difficult areas around buttons. The iron is set to launch in October and will retail for $99.95.

Other features include:

• Detachable water tank makes refilling safe & easy
• Electronic Temperature Control sets precise heat for all fabrics
• Pushbutton steam feature removes stubborn wrinkles from delicate garments
• Anti-drip feature protects fabrics
• Auto shut-off after 10 minutes helps eliminate worry
• Convenient case with handle

Another amazing product is the Panasonic Massage Sofa Chair. I wish I could replace this with my regular sofa chair! It's available in avocado green or latte washable fabric. The massage Sofa Chair delivers a full body massage, mimics the movements of a massage therapist's hands and automatically adjusts to the height of the user.

I sat in the chair for about 15 minutes and just melted away, feeling the stress and tension leave my body. I really felt the difference than regular massage chairs I've experienced while getting a pedicure. This really did customize to my height, and even pinpointed where my head rested to hit every spot on my head, back, shoulders - you name it.

The sophisticated massage-head mechanism that accurately simulates kneading with the palm of the hand (Swedish massage), soft shiatsu with the thumbs, and gentle tapping with the fist. The hidden Air Ottoman System delivers a more complete, contoured lower body massage of the shin and calf muscles and the feet. The massage Sofa Chair retails for $2495.00. Maybe someday I will get one!

I love Linea Pelle's handbags and accessories. The Italian leather is so soft, and the pieces are so versatile and functional, especially the Dylan Folding Tote, which comes which also comes with a messenger strap. I love that it can be worn folded or unfolded, and has multiple pockets.

Dylan Long Zip Wallet, $135


Left and middle: Alex Zipper Speedy, $455


Alex Zipper Cross Body, $225


Dylan Folding Tote (folded), $535


Dylan Folding Tote (unfolded), $535


Left: Dylan Medium Tote, $435

Guests enjoyed getting primped with hairstyling, manicures and makeovers




I enjoyed a soothing cup of mochachino with the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto™ single-serve coffee machine, lauching in October. I was amazed at how quick and easy it is to make a mochachino! I love the space-saving design of the Piccolo. There are four designs total - Piccolo, Melody™ 2, Circolo and Creativa™.

Left and Right: Circolo™
Middle: Piccolo

Let's not forget to stay hydrated with Glaceau Smartwater, Vitamin Water and Vitamin Water Zero with all the running around.


- Kim Weling

Summer Soiree Hosted by Robert Verdi and BACARDI® Classic Cocktails

On June 22nd I celebrated the start of summer at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory, sipping on BACARDI® Classic Cocktail Piña Colada and BACARDI® Classic Cocktail Strawberry Daiquiri and enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres.

Robert shared his exclusive home-entertaining tips so you can be the perfect host this season. I love the idea of placing brown craft paper underneath your hors d'oeuvres and writing the menu beside each plate so your guests know exactly what you are serving.

Another useful tip is using items such as starfish, sand and seashells to create a beachy party atmosphere.




Here's a fun way to personalize drink glasses, using chalkboard paint. Paint a mini-chalkboard square on each glass and have your guests write their name on them. This ways everyone can keep track of their own glass.


Keep bottles chilled with a large galvanized steel bucket filled with ice and bottles of BACARDI® Classic Cocktail Piña Colada and BACARDI® Classic Cocktail Strawberry Daiquiri.


Another fun activity is to setup a marshmallow roasting station with a hibachi grill, skewers, marshmallows and dipping sauces for guests to cook their own sweet treats at the event.

Snacks are a must at any party. Popcorn, Indiana offers delicious flavors to mix & match. Displaying the popcorn in glass jars and using scoops is an easy way for guests to load up on snacks.

All these hosting tips created the perfect summer party environment! Thanks Robert!

As I left, I was excited to receive a party hosting kit, including a 750-ml bottle of ready-to-serve BACARDI® Classic Cocktail Piña Colada, which I plan on opening this weekend. Hope you get to utilize some of these summer hosting tips!

- Kim Weling

Robert Verdi's hosts The Future of Fashion at the Luxe Lab

Drinks from Blueprint Cleanse

Absolut Berry Acai

Maidenform LIKE MAGIC bra

Rock & Republic jeans (left) and ShaToBu shapers (right)

Popcorn, Indiana popcorn

Carrera racing sunglasses


Ginger + Liz nail polish

After attending back to back morning shows at Lela Rose, Luca Luca and Binetti, I made my way to Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab for a much needed indulgent, retreat. This was the first time I have visited Robert's Luxe Lab and I had an amazing time. The week-long retreat during fashion week welcomed celebrities and media to experience brands that are shaping the future of fashion in new and innovative ways.

The first thing I did was try the healthy, tasty food and drinks from Blueprint Cleanse. With different juices available, I tried the spicy lemonade (water, lemon, cayenne and agave), which reminded me of one of my favorite drinks, the basil lemonade at Union Square's Republic. Then I tried a cosmo made with the new Absolut Berri Acai.

Nicole from Maidenform was on hand helping with bra fittings and introducing the new LIKE MAGIC bra, which adds 2 cup sizes!

Then Ashley took me through some of the partners at the lounge, including Rock & Republic jeans, which is one of my favorite denim brands. I can't wait to try one of their new dark washes in a skinny fit! I wasn't familiar with ShaToBu but I think it's the next big thing in shapewear - who can't love a shaper that helps you burn up to 12% more calories daily, just by wearing it and walking or climbing stairs?

I am now addicted to Popcorn, Indiana's kettle corn. I tried the original kettle corn but there are a few flavors, including aged white cheddar kettle corn, smoked cheddar cheese kettle corn, sea salt and movie theater.

Ashley also took me through the Carrera racing sunglasses and then to the beauty/spa area - Phyto, who was providing blowouts, nail polish and manicures by Ginger + Liz and makeovers by Jouer cosmetics. Jouer's products are stackable and lock into place - this is perfect for keeping your eyeshadow, bronzer and lip gloss all together, especially if your makeup bag is full or don't carry one around.

I had a fabulous time at the Future of Fashion lounge and will be sure to enjoy testing out all the goodies I left with. I also can't wait to get my Maidenform push up bra and Rock & Republic jeans!

- full bottle of Absolut Berri Acai

- Popcorn, Indiana movie theater popcorn and basket

- Maidenform camisole, boy short and regular-rise thong

- Jouer Instant Chic Kit - Suntan bronzer, Fawn tint, Peach eyeshadow and Starfish lip gloss

- Ginger + Liz polish in Swagger

- Phyto sample packets of intense hydrating shampoo, intense hydrating mask and daily hydrating botanical cream

- ShaToBu high waist to knee shaper

- L.L. Bean tote

Thank you to Robert, Ashley, Patrick and team for all your hospitality and introducing me to all these amazing brands! I can't wait to watch more episodes of The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi this season! Absolutely hilarious!

- Kim Weling

I interviewed Robert Verdi while at the Luxe Lab. See what Robert had to say about The Future of Fashion, his new hit show on Logo TV, styling tips for a petite frame and his biggest fashion pet peeve. I momentarily ran out of filming space so I had to break up the interview into two parts.