Must-Have iPad Accessory: iLuv Executive Slim Folio Cover

I got my first glimpse of the iLuv Executive slim folio cover with detachable bluetooth keyboard at CES in January, and knew that it was exactly what I needed for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this past February. The Executive is heavier than my ultrathin keyboard cover, so I bring it to the city on days where I do less running around or don't have too much to carry with me. It is also great for travel, as I'd rather bring my iPad and folio cover than my laptop. When I'm at home, I like to keep my iPad 4 in the Executive since I prefer to use a keyboard with my iPad, especially when working on emails or blog posts. It's both functionable and fashionable, making my iPad more accessible as a laptop. The folio cover and velvet interior also protect my iPad from scratches and scrapes. 

In addition to the detachable keyboard, the iLuv Executive also has a magnetic closure to keep the iPad securely in place, scissor-type keypad for more responsive typing, dedicated keys for iPad-specific functions and long battery life that lasts up to 30 days on standby. It also comes equipped with a USB port for fast, convenient charging. The iLuv Executive is available at iluv.com for $79.99.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013 at Lincoln Center

STYLE360, New York Fashion Week Fall 2013

- Kim Weling

Accessories Council Mother's Day Gift Picks

Here's a look at my favorite Accessories Council Mother's Day picks for those last-minute gift options for spring/summer:

1. John Wind Maximal Art Pop of Neon Pearl Necklaces, $128 - These pearls with a neon twist are made of glass based beads and can also be layered as a bracelet.

2. Armitron 3689 Watch Series, sale price: $50 - Add a little bling with gold accents, genuine Swarovski crystals and mother of pearl dials. 

3. Roman & Sunstone Python Buckle Bracelet, $20 - This textured python print bracelet will fit even the tiniest of wrists, with a buckle closure and back hinge for an adjustable fit. 

4. Sprout Eco-Friendly Watch, $65 - These environmentally friendly watches use biodegradable corn resin, genuine mother of pearl and mercury-free batteries. 

5. Echo Design Group Geo Circles Plastic Beach Set, $42 - No need to worry about sand with these two zippered cases - one for your iPad and one for your iPhone, in a bright geo circles pattern.

6. Eric Javits Mini Squishee Star Handbag, $335 - This lightweight and durable handbag is perfect for summer, with a starfish logo emblem and gold tone chain.

7. BCBGeneration Striped Fedora, $32 - Hit the city streets and events this season with a fresh pop striped fedora. Available at Macy's.

- Kim Weling

G-Shock x SUPRA "It's About Time" Collaboration / G-Shock 30th Anniversary

"It's About Time" G-Shock Watch and SUPRA Vaider Lite High Top

On Wednesday,  May 1st, G-Shock and SUPRA Footwear hosted an event at Skylight West to celebrate the release of their anticipated limited-edition sneaker and watch collaboration and G-Shock's 30th anniversary. Guests partied all night with cocktails, hord d'oeuvres and DJ sets by FLying Lotus and special guest DJ Mirandom. 

Notable guests included Stevie Williams, Jennifer Missoni, Eve, Keenyah Hill, French Montana and Nigel Sylvester.

  

Below images courtesy of G-Shock

Tadashi Shibuya (G-Shock) and Stevie Williams

Jennifer Missoni

Eve

Keenyah Hill

French Montana and Nigel Sylvester

  

Flying Lotus 

- Kim Weling

Furla Sample Sale - Final Day - May 7th

 

 

Recap: Gilt City Warehouse Sale VIP Night - May 2013

On Friday, May 3rd, I attended the VIP kick off of the Gilt City Warehouse Sale - one of my favorite shopping events that I make sure I never miss! I got some amazing deals at this season's sale, including the James Jeans Twiggy Legging Jean in Scarlet for $39 (regularly $145), Catherine Malandrino Pleated Boatneck Dress for $79 (regularly $325) and Charlotte Ronson skirt in Military for $69 (regularly $295).

New at the sale was Closets for Causes - celebrity closets for auction, benefiting various charities. For the Gilt City sale, Closet for Causes included clothes from the closets of Sophia Bush and Carmen Electra with proceeds benefitting Pencils of Promise. Lucky for me, since Carmen Electra is petite I knew I'd find a few pieces from her closet, like a pair of Rich & Skinny wax coated jeans for $49.99 (regularly $198) and Another vest for $19.99. Sam also got some great men's deals, including a BLK DNM leather bomber jacket in Camel for $300 (regularly $1190), Fred Perry bag for $49 and New Balance sneakers for $20. There were other great deals that guests were snatching up, like 2 bottles of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for $10 and Marvis toothpaste for $5. 

While shopping I also enjoyed some La Marca Prosecco and New Amsterdam Vodka mixed with Vita Coco Coconut Water, while snacking on Pretzel Crisps and Nutella. 

Here's a look at the items I got at the sale:

Left: James Jeans Twiggy Legging Jean in Scarlet

Right: Catherine Malandrino Pleated Jersey Boatneck Dress

Closet for Causes benefiting Pencils of Promise - from Carmen Electra's closet:

Another vest and Rich & Skinny wax coated jeans

Charlotte Ronson skirt in Military

- Kim Weling

Review: Valmont Pop-Up Spa Cabin at Osswald Parfumerie & Luxury Skin Care Boutique

Last Thursday, I had a luxurious facial experience at the Valmont Pop-Up Spa Cabin at the Osswald Parfumerie and Skin Care Boutique at 311 West Broadway, between canal and Grand Street in Soho. This was my first trip to Osswald, which opened its US flagship location last August. The original boutique is located in Zurich, where the family-operated  Osswald Parfumerie was founded in 1921.

Osswald exclusively sells premium Swiss skin care and a wide selection of coveted perfumes. Clement Pinard, Osswald's Store Manager, took me on an informative fragrance tour. I was introduced to some unique and exquisite fragrances and sampled some of my favorites, including Lace by M. Micallef. I am really impressed with the brands that Osswald carries, and the stories behind each parfume. It really makes me feel like I have been transported to a European parfumerie with its distinctly curated products. 

After my fragrance tour, Valmont Skin Expert, Catherine Naisbett, took me through Valmont's Swiss cellular skin care line and new "Body Time Control" body care. Valmont combines active molecules, DNA, premium plant extracts, Glacial Spring Water and RNA to create amazing anti-aging skin care products. 

After introducing me to the line, Catherine took me through my skin care analysis, going over everything from wrinkle depth to my hydration levels. My skin is in pretty good shape, but my hydration levels are only at 50% so I need to work on that as well as keeping up with a routine regimen. 

My "Vitality of the Glaciers" facial experience incorporated a butterfly movement massaging technique, as I felt my skin soak in the nutrients and ingredients of the creams, masks and primers. Since I had my facial in the late afternoon, my Valmont Beauty Ritual was centered around a nighttime prep. My facial left my skin feeling hydrated and moisturized, with a glowing radiance and firmness.

I've been continuing to use a sampling of Valmont skin care based on my customized beauty prescription:

For AM:

1.  Instant Radiance Biological Enhancer

2.  Instant Beauty Primer

3.  Anti-aging Prevention Serum

4.  Anti-Sagging Corrective Neck Cream

5.  Lip Corrective Emulsion

6.  Eye and Lip Contour Corrective Treatment

7.  Multi-Active Energizing Cream

For PM:

1.  Fluid Cleansing Cream

1B.Instant Thirst Quenching Mask (1-2 times/week) and Instant Rebalancing Mask (2-3 times/week)

2.  Instant Beauty Primer

3.  Hydration Activator Concentrate

4.  Anti-Sagging Corrective Neck Cream

5.  Lip Corrective Emulsion

6.  Eye and Lip Contour Corrective Treatment

7.  Prolonged Hydration Cream

There are a lot of skin care steps here, but it's definitely worth it. Valmont's luxe line and skin care treatments are available in high end spa institutes and 4 and 5 star hotels. You can learn more about Valmont at evalmont.ca and the Osswald boutique at osswaldnyc.com.

A big thank you to Catherine and Valmont for such an indulging facial treatment, samples and jewelry box (love it!), and to the incredibly friendly Osswald team - Clement, Nik and Claudia. This was a great way to kick off my birthday! 

Valmont's l'Elixir des Glaciers, Valmont and Nature by Valmont lines 

Here are some images I took of the Osswald boutique

  

The incredible wall of miniature fragrance bottles. Can you believe this is only 15% of the collection? The remaining collection resides in Zurich

Lace (exclusive edition) by M. Micallef

Maison Francis Kurkdijian

Maison Francis Kurkdijian Les Bulles d'Agathe scented bubbles

Parfumerie Generale

Pro Fvmvm Roma

'C' by Clive Christian - the world's most expensive perfume

La Belle Helene

- Kim Weling

May Sample Sales - Jimmy Choo / Elizabeth and James / Rebecca Minkoff / Creatures of Comfort / Nest Fragrances