DSW Presents Step Up & Step Out - A Designer Shoe Sale For the Mind, Body & Sole

join us as

Presents:

Step Up & Step Out

a designer shoe sale for the mind, body and sole

Saturday, September 26

10:00 a.m. Champagne Brunch & Preview Sale

1:00-4:00 p.m. Shoe Sale

541 Lexington Avenue, New York

RSVP NOW

The day features:

• A star-studded Champagne Brunch and private preview sale
• Designer shoes from top brands offered at 50% off retail prices with proceeds supporting Step Up's charitable programs
• Activity lounges offering interactive experiences and benefits

Host Committee

Christine Beauchamp, president, Ann Taylor Stores

Stacey Bendet, founder & designer, Alice + Olivia

Monica Botkier, creative director, Botkier

Wendy Chang, creator, Pantina Cosmetics, Inc.

Lauren DeCarlo, senior editor, MANHATTAN Magazine

Tinamarie Feil, president, client services, BMC Group, Inc.

Sara Holoubek, consultant & columnist, SaraHoloubek.com

Lida Orzeck, CEO & co-founder, Hanky Panky

Taryn Rose, M.D., founder, Taryn Rose International

Anne Russell, editor-in-chief, VIVmag

Bobbie Thomas, DSW style expert

Presenting Sponsor

Premier Sponsor

Media Partners

Fashion Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Diller von Furstenberg Family Foundation

Silver Sponsor

Hanky Panky

Featuring Shoes From...

Bally

Botkier

Chinese Laundry

Decadestwo

DSW

Manolo Blahnik

Sergio Rossi

Stella McCartney

Valentino

And Activity Lounges Including...

Strike a pose at Shoe Are You? With DSW

Fall 2009 collection from the new design team at Ann Taylor

Group Fitness Classes by Equinox Fitness Clubs

Revitalizing foot massages with Orna Skincare

Accommodations

Stay in the city as W Hotels' VIP guest. Your experience includes:

• 2 shoe sale tickets
• Bliss Softening Sock Salve to keep your feet designer shoe-ready
• 2 cool cocktails for post-shopping fun
• And a wonderful room you'll love starting from $269

Book your hotel stay now or call 1.877.822.0000 and reference rate plan STEPUP to make your reservation.

Ticket Sales

• Step Up Member: Shoe Sale Ticket - $25
• Step Up Non-Member: Shoe Sale Ticket - $50
• Step Up Member: Champagne Brunch, Preview Sale & VIP Gift Bag - $325
• Step Up Non-Member: Champagne Brunch, Preview Sale & VIP Gift Bag - $375

Become a member of Step Up to enjoy all of our member benefits, including these special rates.

RSVP NOW

Ensure your company is involved: For information on corporate exposure opportunities, please contact Alissa Zito, director of marketing & communications.

Questions? Please contact Step Up at newyork@suwn.org or 646.833.3021.

The Purple Event - A Night of Fashion, Food & Wine

On September 10, 2009, join us for an evening of wine, food and designer fashion at the SONY Plaza Atrium in NYC to benefit The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and its groundbreaking 5th grade educational program for epilepsy awareness.

Over 60 designers will showcase pieces from their collections including: Nicole Miller, Nanette Lepore, David Meister, Elie Tahari, MaxMara, Maria Pinto, and Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall. Swarovski is providing the bling. Make-up by MAC Cosmetics. Shoes by Nine West.

The event is being co-chaired by Alan Faneca of the New York Jets and his wife, Julie. Only 500 tickets are available to the public for this high fashion fundraiser.

Hosted by The Bachlorette's Jillian Harris

Special appearances by:

Ana Ortiz and Mark Indelicato of Ugly Betty

Alex McCord of the Real Housewives of NYC

Devin Harris of the New Jersey Nets

Musical performance by Elliott Yamin of American Idol!

Reshma Shetty of Royal Pains

Kelly Falk of America's Next Top Model

Model/activist Summer Rayne Oakes

All proceeds go toward expanding the reach of the 5th grade epilepsy and seizure first aid educational program offered for free to schools across the United States.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!!!! They are $100 in advance. Go to http://www.akfus.org/purple-event.php.

The Limited Holiday Preview 2009

Infinity scarf

Dog sweater

Long dark teal gloves

Jeweled belt

Clutch with ruffle zipper detail

Faux leather clutch with metal studs and ruffled rose design

I recently got a preview of The Limited’s holiday collection and found the looks to be modern and versatile for day to night. I absolutely loved the color palette including vibrant red, dark raspberry, dark teal, neon yellow, bright magenta and ballgown blue, easily mixed amongst black and grey, the black and white print dresses and the ruffle and rose details that add a touch of femininity.

A big holiday focus for The Limited is the re-launch of the iconic forenza sweater. These shaker stitch knit sweaters are similar to the 80s original style but updated in a variety of colors and available in the traditional cowl, topper style for a cardigan option and the infinity scarf.

Here are some of the holiday trends that I have added to my must-have list:

- soft-collared pea coat
- cowl-neck sweater – one of my favorite winter silhouettes
- fur

- tweed trouser
- black and white tuxedo separates – especially the white tuxedo jacket
- toggle coat
- asymmetrical or halter style blouses and dresses
- pleated strapless tops and dresses for a sexy evening look
- infinity scarf - adds more volume and warmth in accessorizing your look.
- the obi belt – fits any size waist and can be worn with a dress or longer length top, forenza sweater
- color legwear - livens up that black or grey dress or skirt
- bold jeweled cuffs and multi-layered necklaces
- jeweled belt
- leather clutch with metal studs and ruffled rose design
- clutch with ruffle zipper detail

The Limited carries sizes XS and 0, the perfect fit for petite women, so you bet I’ll be shopping for these must-have items when they pop up in The Limited stores this October.

- Kim Weling

Charlotte Russe Denim After Dark Shopping Event

Charlotte Russe celebrates fall fashion with a denim after dark event. On Thursday, August 13th from 6-8pm, Charlotte Russe will present new looks from the Fall Refuge denim Collection with styling tips from denim fit experts across 300 select Charlotte Russe stores nationwide. Shoppers can buy one pair of jeans and receive the second pair at 50% off. The chic fashion retailer will also showcase the new denim collaborations with Kitson and People’s Liberation. The event will feature music and refreshments while shopping and a free gift with every purchase.

- Kim Weling

Free Lavishly Sized Aveda Hand Relief Sample - Redeem In-Store

Stop at an Aveda store near you and score a lavishly sized sample* of Aveda Hand Relief. Just redeem and print out the coupon on this link - click here.

The Aveda Stimulus Coupon includes:

• Free Aroma Sensory
• Free Cup of Comforting Tea
• Free Stress-Relieving Hand Ritual
• Free 5-minute Stress-Relieving Neck and Shoulder Massage
• Free Makeup Finishing Touch

- Kim Weling

Sephora Times Square Opening with Lauren Luke

Lauren Luke (left) during an interview

Sephora bag given to attendees on

July 30th and shoppers on July 31st

with any Sephora purchase

With the opening of a new Sephora location in Times Square (42nd at 7th Ave) on July 31st, Lauren Luke hosted a Pre-Party the night before to showcase her first make-up collection: By Lauren Luke.

When I arrived, the usual mirrors that line Sephora shops were covered with empowering words from Luke. The new Sephora followed suit with a friendly, helpful staff that smiled and complimented visitors. Lauren Luke’s goal that her make-up line would help women feel beautiful every day meshed well with the vibe of the new location. Luke’s line is composed of several palettes (violets, blues, greens, vintage glams, and smokey classics) that include shadow primers, eye shadows, lip colors, eyeliner and a blush. The palettes are wonderful because they take the guesswork out of creating looks women love to wear by supplying the perfect colors. Lauren even posted tutorials using the palettes on her site so you can feel (if possible) more confident about applying one of her looks.

During the party, there was a drawing to award two friends $500 shopping sprees each to Sephora and then another drawing was held to choose the 14 contestants for the Lauren Luke Challenge the next day, eligible to win a full set of Lauren Luke kits, a new Sony VAIO lap top and dinner with Luke and her team members.

Lauren Luke made a name for herself by posting make-up tutorials on YouTube™. So how did a make-up addict like myself find out about the British beauty-blogger? Well, I used to abuse Google images to find photos of my favorite actresses and singers from various angles so I could re-create their looks for a night out with my girlfriends. I know, it might sound a little bit crazy (& tedious) but for me, applying make-up is an enjoyment –almost as feel-good as shoe shopping, and absolutely as energizing in the morning as my two cups of coffee. One day I decided that I wanted to learn how to re-create Taylor Swift’s gorgeous eye make-up in the video for her song Teardrops On My Guitar. Google images was not cutting it this time, so I searched for the music video on YouTube™. This is when I stumbled on Lauren Luke’s video “TAYLOR SWIFT ~TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR inspired make up look”. The video was perfect for me because I could pause while I caught up, skip over simple stuff, and see the look from various angles. I tried toned down versions of the look a few times before following Lauren’s exact tips before going out one night. I was so excited when I got so many compliments! The sweet Brit’s tips were easy to follow and she (and her many fans) made me feel more confident to experiment with my make-up looks and to wear them day or night.

Next time I’m in Times Square I will definitely pick up one of Lauren Luke’s palettes… I’m thinking “My Sultry Blues”.

Don't forget the other Times Square Sephora location at Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets.

- Alyssa D'Alessandro

Neunique Jewelry Launch

Neunique founder/designer Sophie Blake



Isabella Cuff (left) and Athena Silver and Copper Cuff (right)

On August 3, 2009, I attended the Neunique jewelry launch held at Savore restaurant in Soho, located at 200 Spring Street.

Jewelry designer Sophie Blake founded Neunique in 2008, offering limited edition, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in 14 carat gold and sterling silver. Blake’s favorite stones to work with are lapis and smoky quartz, creating pieces in earthy tones of browns, blacks and greens. She quotes, "My style is organic and classic in one." Neunique is currently available in select boutiques in New York and Miami.

Neunique held a clothing drive in partnership with Bottomless Closet NYC, an organization that helps disadvantage women dress and prepare for job interviews. Neunique will continue partnering with different charities to increase awareness of women’s causes, from fighting social injustice to women’s health issues.

Attendees were given a raffle ticket for each clothing or accessory business attire item donated. Prizes included packages from CeleBritAy NY, Lipstick Queen and a cuff from Neunique.

CelebritAy NY, a Brooklyn-based environmentally friendly collection of natural health and beauty products, was on hand to showcase lotions, soaps and scrubs. I really liked the unique scent of the Organic Olive body cream and

the pumpkin pie soap is perfect for fall.

The hors d’oeuvres were tasty and appetizing, including fried eggplant, potato puffs, prosciutto with melon, prosciutto with goat cheese and thin crust pizza with mushrooms. I was getting quite full very easily, from the all the different hors d’oeuvres being served. I will definitely have to come back to Savore for dinner.

I was really impressed with the drink sponsor at the launch, figenza, a new Mediterranean fig flavored Vodka. I really enjoyed the refreshing fig and tonic and also tried the figtini. Figenza is not available in the U.S yet but look out for very soon!

- Kim Weling