Vogue Holiday Affair 2014

Photo credit: Sean Sime

If it's one thing I try to never miss, it's any of Vogue's Blogger Network events. I love networking with the select group of bloggers Vogue works with, as well as being introduced to and reunited with sponsoring brands. The Vogue team is such a friendly and personable group to be around, so it's always a fun, fashionable reunion during these events!

The latest event was Vogue's Holiday Affair, which was held on December 8th at Bouley Botanical at 218 Church Street. Chef David Bouley's event space features a test kitchen and fresh herbs grown on site, resulting in an amazing aroma of food. Of the small plates being served, some of my favorites were the Chatham Day Boat Lobster, Slow Braised Kobe Style Beef Cheeks and Grilled Marinated Duck. 

Among the featured brands were Hudson Jeans, previewing their Spring 2015 collection, including chambray tops and jeans in super skinny and flair styles. 

Garnier Fructis hosted a braid bar, in which I opted for a voluminous, braided chignon. The two new products Garnier Fructis introduced to me is perfect for my hair and this winter weather: the new De-Constructed Texture Tease dry touch finish spray and Marvelous Oil Deep Nourish hair elixir. 

Vera Bradley showcased their new quilted leather collection, available in magenta, taupe and black in tote, satchel, backpack and crossbody styles, as well as wallets and wristlets. This collection is perfect for going from the office to an evening out. 

Simon featured holiday gift picks, gifting blogger attendees with a Rebecca Minkoff pouch and Simon gift card. Some of the Simon Malls in the NYC area include Roosevelt Field, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and The Westchester. 

Desert Rose by Ne'emah quickly became my favorite new fragrance for the season, with a mix of citrus /fruity, floral and woody notes. Lookout for it when it becomes available in the U.S. this spring!

Before the evening ended I indulged in trying on Blackglama's luxurious black mink fur coats. 

Thank you to the Vogue team and all the sponsored brands! 

Photo credit: Sean Sime

Photo credit: Sean Sime

- Kim Weling

Start Your New Year's Resolutions with these Must-Have Items

Have you set some New Year's resolutions for 2012? Here are some resolutions on my list with some must-have products I intend to use!

1) Exercise

Whether you are going for a jog or hitting the gym, Yurbuds sport earphones are guaranteed not to fall out, with a TwistLock technology to stay put in your ear. The 3-Button Dry Mic is water-resistant and sweatproof and allows you to navigate through music with a touch of a button, control volume or take hands-free-calls. Yurbuds earphones range from $29.99 - $59.99.

Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Pro - Dry Mic, $59.99

After those tough workouts, soothe your achy muscles with Brookstone's Body Bean Cordless Heating Pad. Charging it up for 15 minutes supplies soothing warmth for up to four hours. Was $34.99, now $24.99.

2) Stop Running Late

I'm always frantic because I'm constantly running late. Keep better track of time with these colorful and fun, stylish RumbaTime snap watches. These silicone watches are ultra-light and water-resistant, offered in nine styles from feminine to sporty and available in 32 colors and prints such as Red or Seafoam. Prices range from $14 - $175.

Broadway HEX Digital, $25

3) Recycle, Reinvent and Reuse

Don't let your lipsticks go to waste! Whether you get to the bottom of your lipstick or your lipstick breaks or melts, customize and create your favorite lipstick with Lipstix Remix. All you do is mix - melt and mold! The LipStix Remix kit comes with everything you need - lipstick mold, tubes, mixing/measuring cups and more. Retails for $19.95 at lipstixremix.com. This will also save you from having to buy a new lipstick!

4) Travel more

I'm determined to do more traveling this year to resorts, spas and beaches! Never worry about losing your luggage with the Okoban® Global Luggage Tracker Tag ($9.99) or Okoban® Global Luggage Tracker Stickers - Set of 4 ($19.99), which provides free lost and found protection for life. The Okoban system is the only property registration system linked to the airline industry tracing system, used by more than 300 airlines in 2,000 airports worldwide. Each Okoban Global Luggage Tracker Tag or Sticker has a unique Okoban identifier enabling it to be traced to the owner. Just affix the tracker sticker to also protect cell phones, handbags and laptop bags. Available at brookstone.com.

This Vera Bradley Large Duffel is great to bring on road trips or use as a carry-on. It's easy and comfortable to carry with padded shoulder straps. I love the vibrant and colorful patterns! Retails for $84.

Mocha Rouge Large Duffel

- Kim Weling