Elle Decor Announces 2011 A-List

Congratulations to friend and fabulous designer Ernest de la Torre on being named one of the Top 25 Interior Designers by Elle Decor magazine. The article is in the June issue on newsstands now for the next week or online!

Project Lipstick Sunset Soiree

Clothes may make the man, but every lady knows a great outfit is never done without equally fabulous hair and makeup. Project Lipstick is an organization that understands the importance that this final touch has for the confidence of any woman, be she a supermodel or a mom trying to make a place in the world for her and her children. We have been fans and supporters of Project Lipstick since its founding by Breanna Marie Sage and hope that you will consider supporting this Sunset Soiree at Hudson Terrace. If you can't make it up to New York but want to help the cause, contact Project Lipstick directly and see how you can help their ever growing mission!

About Project Lipstick:
Founded in 2007, Project Lipstick, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides total mind and body make-overs for residents of women's shelters to assist in self-esteem development and career placement in conjunction with collecting and distributing beauty products.

A message about the Sunset Soiree:
Hundreds of thousands of women and their children across the country are currently homeless living in shelters. According to New York's Voices of Women, most of these women and their children are fleeing traumatic situations such as domestic violence. These women are left feeling helpless and hungry for a way to get back on their feet. Project Lipstick's mission is to aid in the transformation of these women's lives by providing the necessary tools to enter the work force, bringing the confidence that comes from feeling and looking good, and simply reminding them that there are people who care. The Sunset Soiree will benefit the continuation and growth of Project Lipstick's goals, helping us to reach more women with hopes and dreams.

To find out more go to: http://www.projectlipstick.org/



And check back for photos of the fabulous event!

Whiskey Tasting at Commonwealth Propper

From Derby Drinks to Rye Whiskey, May is turning out to be a great month... On Wednesday, May 11, from 5:30-7:00 PM, Commonwealth Proper's Rittenhouse Showroom (1732 Spruce St.) will host a tasting event introducing WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey. The whiskey label's founder, Raj Peter Bhakta, will be in attendance to introduce his new brand of award-winning American Whiskey. WhistlePig is aged 10 years, is 100 proof and is made of 100% Rye found on the label's farm in Vermont.

RSVP to events@commonwealthproper.com as space is limited.

SSMAC 2nd Annual Ketucky Derby Champagne Brunch

Hats and Horsies, what better way to spend a Saturday morning. The Junior Committee of the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard, and Airemen's Club, headed by Rachel Kirwin and John Vricella, couldn't agree more. From a bottomless champagne brunch at Harry's, 1 Hanover Square, to the races watched live at the 283 Lexington Ave Clubhouse, this was an excellent day. Friends gathered in their preppy finest, with hats donned by the gentlemen as well as the ladies. After a three course brunch and plenty of champagne a huge crowd migrated uptown and gathered 'round to root on their favorite horses. After two years of successful brunches, we hope that this is a tradition that will continue for a while longer.

For more information on the SSMAC check out their website at http://www.ssmaclub.org/ or head to their next event - The SSMAC Fleet Week Happy Hour on May 26th at Hurley's!

Nino Brand Sample Sale

If you are in Philly and looking for some discount shopping while discount drinking, check out Bela Shehu's innovative new clothing collection that exudes unassuming classic sophistication with a forward thinking, modern twist. 6-9 pm on the 11th, at The Corner.

Little bit Country, Little bit Rock'n'Roll

Country singer Tim McGraw brought down the house last night in his sold-out show at New York's Beacon Theater. Spotted on Tim were some beautiful necklaces by Lazaro, as well as some one-of-a-kind Lazaro charms hanging on a large sterling silver safety pin through his jeans. Seems like Tim is taking a bit of city-slicker style away from his recent visit to NYC. Lazaro jewelry isn't just for men, their Soho showroom has an excellent selection of pieces for men and women in a variety of styles ranging from rock and roll, to bohemian chic, and bold statement pieces for those interested in Big Chunky Gems!

Love Brigade “Defends Their Neighborhood”

In a bid to raise awareness of all locally-owned businesses, Brooklyn-based fashion label Love Brigade is launching its “Defend Your Neighborhood” campaign next week, to include campaigns for each of the three surrounding neighborhoods, “Defend Williamsburg”, “Defend Greenpoint”, and “Defend Bushwick”. Specific custom designs have been issued, with each neighborhood getting its own iconic battle ship graphic to remind us all to put our money where our house is and “Support Our Local Everything”.

In a city filled with corporate-owned chains, locally owned businesses are struggling for survival, and the recent opening of Duane Reade directly across from locally owned 9-year old King’s Pharmacy on Bedford Avenue had an emotional impact on the Owner and Senior Designer of Love Brigade, Alyssa Key. “I have seen this type of thing happen before, in my hometown neighborhood. First it was a Subway, then a Starbucks. Every local competitor had to shut their doors within two years. Our hopes are that we can remind locals to revolt the giants.” Love Brigade is committed and passionate about promoting their community and preserving the integrity of their at-risk neighborhood. Starting April 1st, Love Brigade began offering t-shirts to all local businesses with the messages printed on the front. To truly help their neighboring businesses, Love Brigade will be providing these t-shirts to fellow locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clothing boutiques, music stores, and pharmacies at cost and will be encouraging up-sell to the community at large by advertising the items all throughout the three neighborhoods. The Williamsburg community thrives on its originality and unique enterprises, so what better way to remind everyone to support local business than through wearing something with pride? The T-shirts will be available online as well as Love Brigade’s self-branded retail store at 230 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Rad Hourani - The Future of Cool

Rad Hourani's Unisex Collection for Fall 2011 has an amazing structural and architectural edge to it. The six amazing and transformable garmets can be combined and contorted to make 22 fabulous and futuristic looks (ALL 22 shown here - after the jump). The garment construction gives off a downy feel that makes you want to snuggle in these simultaneously sharp edged yet pillowy soft looks reminiscient of Japanese geishas. Although these modern day obis are a bit more minimalistic - with a multitude of uses.

Fashion Happy Hour at Commonwealth Proper

Commonwealth Proper, a men's bespoke suit and shirt-marker based in Philadelphia, is opening its Rittenhouse Showroom doors (1732 Spruce) for Happy Hours starting Wednesday, April 6 from 5-7PM. Come to socialize, view their new space, and see the awesome Spring collection.

Commonwealth Proper makes suits and shirts, from scratch, for the contemporary gentleman. Ther garments are designed to strike a balance between being modern and at the same time remaining appropriate for any setting, be it business or after hours, so how appropriate is it for you to purchase next week's happy hour attire at a happy hour this week.

Anne Valerie Hash E-Boutique

Amazing French designer and artist Anne Valerie Hash launches her e-boutique tomorrow, and the first 100 customers are going to get a special gift. March 2nd might not be Black Friday, but I am sure that there will be some fashionistas lining up (on-line) in order to be one of the few to take home that extra prize.

Check it out at www.a-v-h.com, and if you get the prize and we don't, at least let us know what it is!