Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian Book Launch Hosted by Shiseido

Last month on September 7th, 2010, I attended the launch for makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian's newest book, Style Eyes, hosted by Shiseido. Just at first glance looking through the book I can see that it is very detailed, walking you through step by step on how to create a smoky or dramatic eye. I love the photos - the closeups of the eye are intriguing because you can see the eye makeup and even showcases some interesting colors I wouldn't have considered before.

I can't wait to really start delving into this book, taking in Taylor's beauty secrets and just learning tricks of the trade. I have more makeup than I know what to do with, and that's also the problem - I'm just sticking to what I know and using shades that I am used to using. It would be nice to try a new look or go with a bold color I would tend to shy away from.

The book includes everything from eyeshadow layering and eyeliner techniques to steps on how to apply false lashes.

Along with the book, I received Shiseido's Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio and Accentuating Creamy Eyeliner. I haven't tried the eye color trio yet but I absolutely love the eyeliner. It goes on smoothly and stays on all day! Can't wait to see what Shiseido has in store for Spring 2011!

- Kim Weling

Grand Re-Opening of H&M Soho I and H&M Soho II Locations on October 21

Today, October 21st, H&M, Hennes & Mauritz, will unveil its two newly renovated stores in Soho at 10:00 a.m. Both H&M stores have been rebuilt with all new interior and fixtures, giving them a fresh new look.

The H&M Soho II location expands its store by adding an entire new level. This location will now feature the young trend department, an exclusive lingerie section, and the casual sportswear collections for both men and women in addition to the Ladies' and Men's collections!

In celebration of both grand re-openings, H&M Soho I and H&M Soho II will offer the first 200 shoppers in line at each location an H&M T-shirt and Access to Fashion Pass, valued from $10 to $300. One luckywinner at each location will receive an All Access Fashion Pass, allowing them early entry to the store to shop before doors open to the public.

H&M Soho I

558 Broadway bet Prince and Spring streets

New York, NY 10012

(212) 343-2722

H&M Soho II

515 Broadway bet Spring and Broome streets

New York, NY 10015

(212) 965-8975

H&M Soho Grand Re-Opening Party

My last stop of the night was to attend the H&M Soho re-opening party, at 515 Broadway. Guests enjoyed music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and received 25% off their entire purchase.

H&M throws incredibly fun launch parties and I never seem to leave their store empty-handed. I think that's due to the fact that I always find my size on the rack since everything is new and in stock! I ended up buying a blouse and this beautiful strapless dress. It retails for $59.99 and I got 25% off - what a steal!



I was eyeing this coat on the way out. I didn't even tempt myself with trying it on. Last thing I need is another black coat! But I do love the collar. Cute belt too!


So if you are in the New York area, be sure to check out this newly re-launched location!

- Kim Weling

QVC Presents "FFANY Shoes on Sale"

On Wednesday October 13th Ivanka Trump, actress Angie Harmon, Doris Roberts, the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Linda Dano, Johnny Weir and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg celebrated with QVC and the Fashionable Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) as they hosted the 17th annual QVC Presents "FFANY Shoes on Sale,"a benefit for breast cancer research and education at the Frederick P. Rose Hall - Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Thanks to the extraordinary network of donors and the unwavering support of the footwear industry, FFANY and QVC have donated more than $32 million to leadingbreast cancer research and education institutions. This is the only endeavor of its kind that raises significant monies to exclusively fund innovative breast cancer research at specialized facilities coast-to-coast.

Photo credit: Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images

Left: Ivanka Trump


Angie Harmon


Johnny Weir

Chaka Khan

Here are some pictures I took on the red carpet

Left: Linda Dano

Right: Joan London


Here is a shot of Ivanka Trump's gorgeous shoes, from her own shoe collection

LOFT Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month!‏

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LOFT hosted an in-store shopping event on October 12th at the LOFT Times Square store. Jewelry designers – Anna Sheffield, Kara Ross and Robin Renzi of Me&Ro, who collaborated with LOFT in creating limited edition jewelry pieces to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® were also at the event.

Guests enjoyed a live DJ, cocktails, photo station and sweet treats, while mingling with the designers. Actress Kelsey Chow, star of Disney XD Series’ Pair of Kings, was there to show her support for the cause.

I ended up stopping by toward the end of the shopping event and found a great 3/4 sleeve black/white tweed jacket for 40% off! LOFT has a lot of great deals at 40% off marked down prices. I absolutely love their petite inky blue wash denim legging. Highly recommend a pair if you are petite. The fit is great!




From left: Kara Ross, Robin Renzi of Me&Ro and Anna Sheffield

For the occasion, Kelsey wore LOFT’s flirty statement-making rosette halter cami in rose cloud ($54.50), anchored by LOFT’s striped merino wool blazer in navy and white ($98) with a pair of modern skinny jeans ($59.50).

Showing off her support for the cause, Kelsey also wore Me&Ro for LOFT’s lush bracelet of dark pink beads and golden leaves ($34.50). Five dollars from each Me&Ro for LOFT bracelet sold will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

Kelsey Chow

Divine Chocolate Celebrates Fair Trade Month

On October 12th, I joined Divine Chocolate for Chocolate, Cocktails & Beauty, as they celebrated Fair Trade Month at Provocateur at Hotel Gansevoort, on Hudson Street between 13th and Gansevoort.

I happily indulged in Divine Chocolate's chocolate tasting and quickly identified my favorites. At the top of my list is the limited edition Milk Chocolate with Spiced Cookies. It is perfect for the holiday season and tastes like gingerbread cookies! I've never had a chocolate bar like this so I find it to be very unique! My second favorite was the 70% Dark Chocolate Covered Salted Fudge.

To go along with the Divine chocolate tasting was a Divine chocolate martini, which included FAIR, Quinoa Vodka, Divine chocolate syrup, white curacao, 2 slices of orange skin and grated Divine dark chocolate - Yum!

I then checked out the mark. body care that cares line. All four products in the line - crème, lotion, cleanser and balm are formulated with Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients, which promote fair prices, safe working conditions and funds for community development for the millions of farmers who grow and source products like Mexican honey, Indian white tea, Peruvian cocoa butter and Egyptian hibiscus.

The gift bag included mark. The Big Fix 15-in-1 Benefits Balm (can't wait to try it!), along with mark. Lipclick Full Color Lipstick in shade Baby Luv and Divine Chocolate's 70% Dark Chocolate with Ginger & Orange bar.

What a great event! Thank you for inviting me!

- Kim Weling

Divine Chocolate is a pioneering Fair Trade chocolate company, owned in part by the farmers of Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana. Since 1998 Divine has delighted chocolate lovers with quality chocolate made from the 'best of the best' 100% Fair Trade cocoa from Ghana.

The farmers of Kuapa Kokoo, a farmers' cooperative of 45,000 members, supply the cocoa for each bar of Divine. They get paid a Fair Trade price for their beans and receive a social premium that the cooperative invests in schools, clean drinking water, medical clinics, and women's entrepreneurship projects such as batik and soap making. Plus, as owners they get share of the profits, a say in the company, and a voice in the global marketplace.

Maritime Parc Opening Reception

On October 6th, I attended the Maritime Parc opening reception, located in Liberty State Park at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City.

The restaurant has a total of 18,000 sq. ft. of event space with wraparound terraces spanning two floors that showcase incredible views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Hudson River.

The menu features new American cuisine with seasonal signature restaurant dishes by Executive Chef/Owner Chris Siversen.

The first thing I had to do upon arriving was say hi to Pastry Chef John Sauchelli. John has been a friend of mine for years, and I have always been a fan of his creative and unique desserts. I knew he would have some amazing desserts lined up at Maritime Parc.

Pastry Chef John Sauchelli preparing fabulous desserts in the kitchen

Mini apple crumb

Salty chocolate caramel souffle

Sticky toffee cake with ale poached pears

Fresh fruit tartlets with vanilla custard

Citrus cheesecake with pistachio dust

As I explored the restaurant and event space, the 2nd floor was more relaxed and quiet, perfect for dining. The third floor was more lively, with music pumping and guests trying out the different food stations. I didn't get to sample everything, but I found everything I did get to try, incredibly tasty, especially the fish and grilled octopus. I definitely plan on coming back to the restaurant for dinner.

Here's the staircase leading up to the 3rd floor. Stephanie Goto, renowned designer of Buddakan, Morimoto, Aldea & Corton, is the visionary behind Maritime Parc’s modern & elegant design.

2nd floor dining area


VIP Room

3rd Floor

Here are some of the spectacular views from the 3rd floor terrace

I see this restaurant and event space as a popular place for weddings and corporate events and holiday parties. I'm sure this will be a popular hotspot during the summer, with these amazing views.

Maritime Parc is very accessible from Manhattan, with a 7 minute ferry ride to the marina from World Financial Center. It's also accessible via PATH and locally via Light Rail. If you are driving, it's just 2 miles off New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14B. I recommend Maritime Parc as one of new favorite dining/event destinations in NJ!

Maritime Parc

84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ

201-413-0060

http://www.maritimeparc.com/

- Kim Weling