VMA Pre-Party and Celebrity Gifting Suite

Fashion Week may have come and gone, but I am still digesting the 20+ shows, events and parties and going through gift bags that have taken over my bedroom floor. After attending a full day of shows on September 12th, I’m glad I decided to end the night with the VMA Pre-Party to celebrate the Video Music Awards, held at the MTV Building at 1515 Broadway. It was a madhouse getting in, but was well worth it, as I made my way through the celebrity gift suite.

As I made my way through the maze of rooms and crowds of people, I did happen to come across some great jewelry and t-shirt designers:







Photos courtesy of www.mypoparazzi.com

I absolutely loved the vintage bottle cap jewelry from POParazzi, by Designer/CEO Stephanie Reilly and Creative Director Michelle Reilly. The necklace is lightweight, with an adjustable stainless steel chain, perfect for my petite neck! The bling around the cap is made with Swarovski crystals. The Birch Beer necklace is one of my favorites, which looks great with dark denim and a tank top or button down shirt. It’s one of the best sellers, along with some of my other favorites – Pepsi and Coke Classic and Cherry Crush. Most of the bottle cap necklaces are in the $40-$50 range, but for the month of October some of the necklaces and bracelets are as low as $30 on POParazzi’s website! I am thinking the necklaces would even make an excellent gift for my nieces. They are only 8 and 9 years old, but I can totally see them sporting these fun pieces.

This Friday, October 16th, join POParazzi at the Hamptons Trunk Show at Ava’s Boutique: 6-9 pm, 71 Jobs Lane. RSVP at 631-377-3102.

Wine bow tie and black and gold stripe tie necklaces

Chain shades
Photos courtesy of www.accessoryremix.bigcartel.com

I met with Enovia Bedford, President and Head Designer of Accessory Remix*, offering jewelry and sunglasses on her website. When I asked Enovia what she had that was fashionably petite, she presented me with a wine-colored bow tie necklace, which I think would look great with a black tank or a black jersey dress. Accessory Remix* also offers link chain ties, in yellow, red, white, black, hot pink and black and gold stripe. I love the chain shades – sunglasses with jewelry attached to the frames, eliminating the need for earrings or necklaces.

Photos courtesy of www.stoneycloverlane.com

Stoney Clover Lane was started by 2 sisters, Kendall + Libby Glazer. Their bracelets are custom made with charms and beads from all over the country. I like the fact that these wood or colored bracelets are custom made, allowing you to reference designs from their photo gallery or specify which colors/charms are of interest to you. I think these bracelets are wearable with a dress or jeans. You can wear one bracelet or multiple. I like the look of wearing multiple bracelets in various colors. Stoney Clover Lane dedicates 25% of each sale to Dream Foundation, an organization that enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families at the end of life’s journey, by helping them find peace and closure with the realization of a final wish.

SYC FUK Limited Edition Tank

Photos courtesy of http://www.sycfuk.com/

When I met up with SYC FUK by Bucky Bakes, I was really drawn to the skull design on the back of the girls’ SYC FUK limited edition tank top. SYC FUK stands for Street Youth Couture From Unwanted Kids. SYC FUK makes guys and girls apparel, including tees, tanks, shirts and hoodies, worn by many celebrities and bands. SYC FUK definitely has that LA, punk rock, edgy and rebellious feel. The smallest size available in the SYC FUK tank is a S but since it’s fitted it fits me like an XS. It seems really tiny but stretches nicely when you put it on, so that it is longer than expected. I absolutely love the soft, luxurious feel of the tank and the contrast “X” side stitching.

- Kim Weling

Juicy Couture 5th Avenue 1st Birthday Party

On Saturday, October 10th, I stopped by the Juicy Couture 5th Avenue location to celebrate the store's first birthday. The first 100 guests received a free "Choose Juicy New York" t-shirt in XS, which I was lucky to get.

Associates encouraged guests to shop by handing out discount cards of $25 off $100 or more.

I absolutely loved the raspberry macaroons and the Juicy Couture chocolate bars from Dylan's Candy Bar being handed out.

I recommend checking out the 5th Avenue store if you haven't already. It's filled with a ton of tempting pieces - jackets, sweaters, handbags, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry.

- Kim Weling

Pretty City Beauty Sample Sale NYC 2009

On October 7th, I attended the 3rd annual Pretty City Beauty Sample Sale in NYC, in partnership with Shape magazine. This year's event was held at R Bar at the Bowery. I'm sure there were attendees that preferred the bar atmosphere more, but I like the West Side Loft location better, where it has been held previously. The $10 admission only included one drink ticket for a complimentary drink, less vendors and a smaller space. I hope they go back to it being a bigger event next year. This year's gift bag included products from Sundari, Whish and Pencil Me In.

Because there were several events going on that night, I caught the tail end of the event, and got to spin the Shape prize wheel right before they ran out of prizes. Everyone was a winner as they gave away Shape tote bags and full size products. I ended up with some lip balm. As the event winded down, I was able to get a mini facial and shoulder massage from Spa JA. Other vendors included Salon Santa Cruz, Bright Pink, Laser Cosmetica, American Laser Centers and Apple & Bee Cosmetics.

- Kim Weling

BagTrends Fall 2009 Arm Candy Party

Adriana Castro bags


Rebecca Lawlor bags in collaboration with Emre New York

Zara Terez clutches with feathery details

Zara Terez '14th Precinct' Holster bag

The evening of October 7th was a busy one for me, but I did manage to stop over at the BagTrends party. My advice is to be sure to get to this event early next time! By the time I got there the line was incredibly long, press gift bags and regular gift bags were long gone, the spa room was beyond capacity and there were tons of guests swarming around Phyto Universe!

Since I had two more events to get to, I quickly looked around to see what bags were being showcased. Some of my favorites are Lena Erziak's luxurious leather bags in different shapes and sizes, Adriana Castro's croc totes and python clutches in fuchsia, magenta, green and vivid blue and Emre New York in collaboration with Rebecca Lawlor, mixing fashion and philanthropy. I love Lawlor's patented hand-blown glass heart logo on her bags, promoting awareness for the Hearts of Hope Foundation. Zara Terez makes an on-the-go snap-closure holster bag with a back pocket, available in suede or leather.

- Kim Weling

KMR Girl's Night Out at Bruno Jamais Featuring Votre Vu

Votre Vu luxury skin care products

Snapdragon beauty beverage by Votre Vu

On October 6th, KMR Communications, Inc. held their second annual Girl's Night Out at Bruno Jamois Restaurant Club. I come across new and popular beauty, accessories and fashion companies all the time, so out of the dozen + companies that were present, I found a few that really caught my attention.

The one company I really took an interest in is Votre Vu, a French luxury skin care brand. There are several Votre Vu products I can't wait to try out, including the Antioxidant Eye Gel ($49). The crystal blue moisturing gel seems very cool and refreshing to the touch, so I can't imagine how this would feel once I refrigerate it and then apply.

I love the practical and convenient packaging of duette, combining two products in one - Luxe Lips moisturizing balm and Luxe Hand Creme. The balm is made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax with a hint of natural tropical flavor and the hand creme includes sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with aloe and wheat proteins with sweet aromas of almond and coconut. I love the built-in mirror that you see when you open up the lip balm. This is a great travel product, whether you want to carry it in your purse, gym bag or pack it for a weekend trip.

But the product I really fell in love with was the Snapdragon beauty beverage, blended with anti-aging super-fruits and botanicals. Mango, pomegranate and acai berry juices are mixed with green, white and red teas. The beverage includes seven daily vitamins plus collagen, aloe vera, foti, ginkgo biloba and baobab fiber.

Hard to believe there are no preservatives or sugars because it is tasteful and refreshing - I find myself wanting more than one glass. There are only 70 calories per 8 fl. oz (240 ml) serving. You have the option of ordering a 2-pack for $23 or a 4-pack for $39. I've never associated a healthy drink with tasting well until I tried this one. I don't really like powdery drinks because I feel like the powder doesn't dissolve all the way and ends up at the bottom of the glass. Trust me when I say this tastes amazing. Votre Vu skincare is available at www.votrevu.com.

Another product I can't wait to try is the odorless, organic Reiki-charged nail polish remover from G2 Organics. What does this mean that it is Reiki-charged? There's a quartz crystal at the bottom of the bottle that helps to amplify the Reiki energy, representing overall well being. No more smelling those harsh fumes after using nail polish remover. All we need now is odorless nail polish (stay tuned....G2 Organics say they have this in the works!)The nail polish remover is available in a 4 fl. oz. plastic bottle ($9.95) or in 4 fl. oz. glass bottle ($15.95) at http://www.g2organics.com/

Kelo-cote Spray is supposed to reduce the appearance of old and new hypertrophic and keloid scars resulting from surgical procedures, trauma, wounds and burns. It's supposed to be used two times a day for 6 weeks. I haven't had a reason yet to apply the spray but I am definitely curious to give it a try. The spray is odorless and colorless and dries within 5 minutes to form a Silicone Gel Sheet. It's effective for both old and new scars. The spray is available in a 50 ml size ($59.95) and a 100 ml size ($89.95). A gel is also available in tubes of 6g, 15g and 60g ($21.95 to $129.95). Kelo-cote is available through your doctor's office, select pharmacies, www.kelocote.com or calling

1-800-240-8227.

- Kim Weling

Ricky's NYC 20th Anniversary Party

Right after the Spa Week Media Party, I headed down to Ricky's NYC 20th Anniversary / Pre-Halloween Party at Hotel Rivington. It was crowded so I didn't stay that long but definitely worth checking out and seeing people in costume.

If you are not familiar with Ricky's, they carry everything beauty - hair care, cosmetics, unique fashion accessories - you name it.

I ended up with more beauty products at the end of the night, with an incredible swag bag from Ricky's including stellar products from Warren Tricomi, Murad, Peter Thomas Roth, Mattese Elite and fun Temptu temporary tattoos, mini Ugly Doll and more.

- Kim Weling

Spa Week Media Party October 2009

Caudalie Paris station


Pevonia gift basket for one lucky winner


Hand massages at Pevonia Botanica

At the Spa Week Media Party, I got to check out the latest spa week sponsors, sample spa services and gear up for the week long spa week, in which consumers can receive $50 spa treatments from participating spas. October 12th-18th marks the 11th edition of Spa Week for New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Denver Detroit, Florida, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Houston, Atlanta, San Antonio, Virginia Beach, Connecticut, Nashville, Austin, Dallas, North Carolina and Toronto, Canada. West Coast Spa Week took place on September 14th-20th, including Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas and Chicago.

During the media party I received a makeover from 2009 title sponsor jane iredale. I’ve received makeovers from jane iredale before and they never disappoint, whether I am looking for a dramatic eye for a night out or just a natural glow for the office. I was introduced to new fall colors Silver Lining eyeshadow and Hazelnut lip gloss.

I also received a massage from Elizabeth Arden red door spas, which really relaxed my neck, shoulders and back. Next I received an eyebrow shaping from Spa Chicks on the Go and then ended my night of spa services with an amazing scalp massage at Caudalie Paris. I haven’t been yet, but I will definitely have to check out the Caudalie Vinotherapie SPA at The Plaza. Feline Day Spa and Homme Spa were also on hand offering complimentary spa services.

One of my close friends is getting married in May, so I was sure to pick up some beauty stats from WeddingChannel.com that I’m sure she’ll find interesting. Pevonia Botanica is the Exclusive Skin Care Sponsor. They were offering hand massages but were all booked, so I opted for a skin care analysis and was happy to hear that I have healthy skin of a 20-year old. The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa is the Exclusive Destination Sponsor, Rioja the Exclusive Wine Sponsor and Allure Magazine the Exclusive National Media Sponsor.

Upon leaving, I was happy to receive my Spa Week swag bag, filled with tons of beauty and skincare products including Dr. Michelle Copeland’s rewind revitalizing shampoo, DS Laboratories Nia helio hydrating shampoo and conditioner, Redken thermal resist, Ecru silk nourishing spray, Ole Henriksen perfecting mask and natural hair hydrator, Herban Essentials orange towelettes, Nad’s facial wax strips, Jane Iredale eye highlighter, Pevonia spa-at-home essentials kit and more!

- Kim Weling