Fashion's Night Out Freebies 2010

Fashion's Night Out is almost here, bigger and better than last year! My inbox has been flooded with different events for days. Where do you plan on going? Here are some of my top picks, including fabulous gifts!

BCBGMAXAZRIA

120 Wooster Street

8-10pm

Guests can enjoy complimentary champagne while BCBGMAXAZRIA stylists help them shop the new Fall 2010 collection. The first 50 guests in attendance will receive a Runway Survival Kit, featuring BCBGMAXAZRIA accessories and beauty essentials. Attendees can also enter for the chance to win a handbag from the current Fall collection.

Catherine Malandrino

652 Hudson Street

Enjoy a Rock & Roll thematic presentation with a live DJ & Cocktails. Catherine has designed an exclusive FNO Eco Tote, which will be given out to all guests. There will also be a raffle held at the end of the night for a $1,000 Gift Card - no purchase necessary.

NARS Cosmetics at 3.1 phillip lim

115 Mercer Street

Customers will receive the new NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in the 3.1 phillip lim store gift bag. NARS National Makeup Artist, Francelle, will be using Pure Matte Lipstick when she creates the makeup look for Gretta Rochelle (the lead singer of the band My Gold Mask). The band will be performing at the 3.1 phillip lim store. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick launched September 1st exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Patricia Field

302 Bowery

If you are looking for somewhere to go after 11pm, be sure to head over to Patricia Field, which will stay open until 1am! Fabulous gifts, gorgeous people, beauty makeovers for everyone at our special eyelash bar, cocktails, refreshments by Cafe Bustelo and more.

POP 58 Lounge/Burger

14 East 58th Street NY, NY 10022

If all the shopping and drinking make you hungry, head over to POP 58 Lounge and Burger Bar as they host complimentary food during the evening as well as signature cocktail tastings.

Space NK
99 Greene Street

Space NK will be treating guests to: - A fashion show featuring models wearing Adam Lippes jeans and the new Lipstick Queen Jean Queen Lipstick and Lip Gloss - Lip readings with Lipstick Queen creator Poppy King - Hair styling with Bumble and bumble stylists recreating the prettiest Fall runway looks - Makeup applications from Nars and By Terry makeup artists, who will be recreating the hottest Fall runway looks - One of Space NK's legendary beauty gift bags This event will be held from 7pm onward.

Call It Spring Store Launch at Manhattan Mall

On Wednesday September 1st, I was excited to attend the launch of the Call It Spring shoe store at Manhattan Mall at 33rd & Broadway.

Call It Spring, formerly called Transit, is owned by Aldo, and more affordable at a lower price point. Call It Spring in Manhattan Mall is the first freestanding Manhattan location, with plans to open several more around the city. Aldo has partnered with JCPenney, with future plans to launch Call It Spring shop-in-shops at select JCPenney stores in 2011.

I found out there are several store locations in New Jersey such as Willowbrook Mall and Garden State Plaza, yet in NJ the store is just called Spring. There are also Spring stores on the east coast - CT, MA, MD, PA and as far as Chicago.

It was a crowded frenzy during the store launch party, with fashion and shoe bloggers flagging salespeople for their size, trying on shoes and holding onto shoes for purchase. Upon arrival, bloggers were given a $150 gift card, which you can bet they were eager to use. Upon leaving, attendees received a brown, mini cross-body bag, packaged in a round Call it Spring storage box.

I found that there are limited styles offered in a size 5 (my shoe size). Most of their shoes range from sizes 6-11. Even though I was told their sizing runs small, the size 6 t-strap style was still a little big on me. I may have better luck with the size 6 booties. But it was too chaotic for me to want to try on more shoes so I figured I'd come back and shop another time. I did read on myspringshoes.com that gift cards can only be used for in-store purchases, so I guess I won't be shopping online.

Just a quick look around the store, I noticed that the shoes were modern and trendy, appealing to a young demographic than Aldo. Call It Spring carries all different types of shoes - pumps, platforms, sandals, wedges, flats and booties, with a prices ranging from $29.99 to $69.99.

Call It Spring also carries handbags and accessories such as sunglasses and jewelry, and men's shoes.




T-strap shoes for only $49.99

Spring Shoes PR Director, Effie Giannou

I decided to stop at Garden State Plaza in NJ to checkout the selection at the Spring store. I ended up purchasing these two shoes featured below. These peep toe pumps with side and front cutouts are a size 6, but actually fit pretty snug. There were some other size 6 styles I tried on that were just too big. I loved these grey booties, but they didn't have the light grey in my size so it's being directly shipped to me for free, and should arrive within 3-6 days.

Although Spring carries leather shoes, the pairs I got are made of synthetic materials, so I am not sure how long they will last in my closet but as long as I get one season out of them I'll be happy. I still have a balanced on my gift card so I'll definitely be back to shop!

Thank you to Call It Spring, Shine Media PR and John Simon Daily for hosting a great event and having me attend!

Left: Keliikoa, $49.99 and right: Lynch, $69.99

- Kim Weling

SWAGG VIP Lounge at the Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge

DJ Solange Knowles at the SWAGG VIP Lounge

Last Saturday, August 28th, I had the opportunity to participate in a fun adventure to the SWAGG VIP Lounge at the Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge, with a group of VIP media attendees.

Since it's about a 2-hour drive up to the Hamptons (my first trip there!), we traveled via the #swaggHamptons luxury party bus, where we were privy to mimosas, champagne, wine, beer - you name it, plus muffins, croissants, bagels, sandwiches and chocolate covered pineapples and strawberries. It was so much fun getting to know everyone, as we were busy Twittering and Facebooking the whole way there.

The trip was sponsored by SWAGG and Sarah Evans, SWAGG correspondent and owner of Sevans Strategy, a public relations and new media consultancy. SWAGG is a mobile app launching this fall, allowing consumers to purchase, personalize and exchange gift cards directly from a mobile device.

At the SWAGG VIP Lounge we enjoyed cocktails and previewed the SWAGG application, while DJ Solange Knowles mixed up the music.

Special guests included Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Jeff Gordon, Alex McCord, and Wilmer Valderama.

I was having such a good time, that before I knew it, the afternoon was over! The bus ride back took about two and a half hours, but we sure made the best of it with more champagne, wine, beer, shots (not for me!) and more sandwiches, plus cupcakes, cookies and brownies.

I am glad I was able to make it for the closing weekend, and definitely look forward to attending next summer! Thank you to SWAGG and Sarah Evans for having me on this trip! Day getaways are so much fun! I look forward to the SWAGG app launch this fall!

Photos of Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union and Solange Knowles

A glimpse of the polo match

- Kim Weling

Votre Vu New Product Launch at the VuBAR Airstream

Last month I visited the VuBAR Airstream to take a sneak peek at five new products for fall:

Nouveau Glow Bilberry Bergamot Peel - bergamot, omni-healing bilberry, AHA loaded citrus fruits of lemon, grapefruit and orange, and sugar cane gently peels away the damages of fun and sun. Vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil feed your skin with deeply moisturizing antioxidants and vitamins that soothe and protect your skin from any potential irritants and congestion.

SpecialEyes Intensive Eye Treatment - decreases and removes puffiness and dark circles. When used daily, curative nutrients like evening primrose oil provide both instant and long-term benefits that can result in firmer and brighter skin around the eyes.

Oh Lighten Up! Intensif Treatment Spot Creme - focuses on diminishing the appearance of age spots. Natural ingredients like licorice, bearberry and daisy flowers work to retextures and smooth out skin tone while defending it from present environmental damage.

Tres Magni-Feet Magnificent Exfoliating Treatment for the Feet - this foot scrub includes very tiny particles of benevolent bamboo which gently eliminate roughness and banish excess dead cells. Exfoliation eliminates microorganisms that cause infection and odor and the massage process improves blood circulation through the foot and toes. Invigoratingly pure peppermint, health-bolstering alpha bisabolol and refining citrus extracts effectively deep cleanse, repair and hydrate, leaving feet refreshed and soft.

Tres Magni-Feet Magnificent Energizing Crème for the Feet - This ultra-rich foot crème includes bright green verbena leaves, arnica and chamomile, leaving your feet feeling fresh and energized. Blended with nourishing, hydrating and healing shea butter plus refreshingly light and pure menthol for its mild analgesic benefits, will restore and invigorate your feet.

I love these new Votre Vu products! They smell incredible and are so gentle on the skin. I especially love the Tres Magni-Feet exfoliating treatment and crème. After a stressful day,these products leave my feet feeling refreshed and relaxed, especially after wearing heels for hours.

While checking out the new products, I enjoyed a glass of the Snapdragon Beauty Beverage and some delicious macaroons.

The Votre Vu Airstream is touring the country, currently at the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY until September 5th, followed by the Meatpacking District for Fashion's Night Out on September 10th. During Fashion's Night Out, you'll have the opportunity to test Vu's French-made, botanically based skin care with a Party Primer beauty regimen, have your photograph taken on the VuBAR's red carpet and download them for free online. To finish off your VIP Vu experience, you can sample refreshing Votre Vu SnapDragon and enjoy custom Votre Vu pastries from an on-site pastry chef! Checkout the list of upcoming VuBAR tour dates here.

The VuBAR stocked with Votre Vu favorites

- Kim Weling

Lanvin to Design Exclusive Collection For H&M This Autumn

H&M is proud to announce that its next designer collaboration will be with Lanvin, one of the most influential brands of the 21st century. Designed by Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz, and mens­wear designer Lucas Ossendrijver the collection will go on sale in around 200 H&M stores. It will be launched November 20th in North America and on November 23rd in the rest of the world. The col­lection of both womenswear and menswear will be revealed to the world on November 2, just three weeks before the clothes hit the store, making the launch of Lanvin for H&M among the most antici­pated fashion events of the year.

“H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

“We are thrilled about Lanvin’s collection for H&M, it is such an exciting moment. Lanvin will bring to H&M a luxurious French tradition that is also modern and playful. It is very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men. The launch in November is go­ing to be full of wonderful surprises.” Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

Since joining Lanvin as artistic director in 2001, Alber Elbaz has transformed the Paris-based label, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, into a fashion powerhouse bursting with ideas and creativity. Alber Elbaz has pioneered there some of the biggest trends of the past decade - ribbon, bows, pearls, raw edges, sumptuous color and metallic embellishment among many others. Alber Elbaz has a mastery of cut and an instinct for cloth which leaves a very personal signature on his work, ensuring that all Lanvin clothes are instantly recog­nizable. Since the introduction of a new menswear line in 2006, Alber Elbaz has also transformed the male wardrobe, bringing a relaxed elegance to men’s clothing which is as special as the womenswear.

Lanvin is the latest brand to collaborate with H&M, with previous collections designed by the likes of Karl La­gerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel. In a new twist, the Lanvin for H&M collec­tion will be revealed to the world through a special film which will be launched on November 2. The film will be available for all to see online at www.hm.com. Following the film’s debut, it will be just three weeks before customers have the chance to get their hands on a covetable piece of Lanvin for H&M.

Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese Spring 2011 Designer Inspirations

Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese are two of my favorite designers. I'm really excited to see what the spring trends are and what the designers have in store! Here's a look at the Spring 2011 inspirations for both Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese.

The Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011 Collection girl is the modern juxtaposition between her bohemian roots and her love of what is slick and urban. Distressed, belted trench coats in bright colors are the perfect pairing with Rebecca’s signature silk printed dresses. Perforated eyelet pieces are combined with sleek scalloped-edge leather jackets to provide a worn, downtown look that still remains elegant. Kelly Green, Highlighter Yellow, and Equestrian Orange are the perfect complement to earthy neutrals, integrating her love of both the countryside and the city. Spring 2011 brings us all back to fresh, feel good, American fashion.

“Spring 2011 evokes effortlessly chic dressing, redefining favorite silhouettes and offering women simple yet sexy looks with a classic TR touch. Sultry elements animate a minimalist approach, like this nude silk blouse and pleat pocket flare pant, creating a sleek, monochromatic moment of confidence and sensuality,” designer Tracy Reese.

Introducing The New LOFT Petites Collection - Petite Sizes. Major Style.

Are you 5’4” and under? Do you love a fit that actually fits? The newly redesigned LOFT petites collection is perfectly proportioned for you. Anyone who finds a regular size top or bottom too long in the sleeve, torso, rise, hem or leg is petite. Petite is all about height and proportion – not weight.

LOFT, best known for fashionable finds at affordable prices has improved the fit and added even with more styles to the already popular existing petites collection. While many petite collections only offer basics, LOFT offers all of their favorite fashion novelty pieces every season allowing you to stay on trend and fashionable, regardless of your size. The new Fall collection introduces flattering new architectural silhouettes, unexpected new fabrications, layers of luscious tweeds and texture, and gorgeous floral prints. Fall 2010 features bold colors and endless possibilities to mix and match LOFT’s versatile pieces to create a countless number of looks.

The new petites collection is now available in all 511 LOFT stores nationwide allowing you to find your perfect size in store. An extended collection of petite styles can be found online at LOFTonline.com with sizes ranging from 00P-16P.



Even celebrities are buzzing about the LOFT petites collection. The petite actress, Kristen Bell created her own signature LOFT look from the new Fall collection. The starlet wore LOFT’s multi-tier shell in autumn spots ($49.50) paired with their denim legging ($69.50) recently at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. Find Kristen’s look or create your own at LOFTonline.com.