Tokidoki for Sephora Launch

Images courtesy of Sephora

Tokidoki, a line inspired by the work of celebrated Italian artist Simone Legno, is exclusively launching at Sephora in May. The line includes pop pigment shades for eyes, lips and face as well as fun nail files, key chains and makeup bags.

"The creation of these tokidoki cosmetics have given me a completely new way to express my characters and their universe," says creator Simone Legno. "And doing it as a Sephora exclusive made perfect sense - they understand the relationship between fun, creativity, self-expression and color unlike any other retailer."

I have a few favorite tokidoki characters, like Latte, Mozarella, SANDy and Bastardino. I love how each piece of the tokidoki collection incorporates the different characters. Within the Prisma Lip Gloss cap is a criminally cute tokidoki character inside a snow globe and the Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette is character-themed with its own collectible charm. Learn more about the tokidoki characters here.

Jerry Hutchinson from the Sephora PRO Beauty Team applied some shades to my eyes, including Soya, a vivid yellow green pearl. It is a color I never would think to try, but really stood out. The iconic compaact design features tokidoki's signature skull and crossbones. I can't wait to try out the Skeletrina Cromatico Eyeshadow that I got, in bright cobalt pearl. Another sampling of pieces I can't wait to try is the Inferno Bronzer, and SANDy Nail File.

Jerry applied the black Punk Lash Mascara on me, but I saw how vivid the blue was on one of my blogger friends. I have the cobalt blue Dior mascara shade which appears as a dark blue and more noticeable in the sunlight, compared to this one which is very bright and makes your eyelashes pop.

If you can't wait a few days for the official launch in May, the collection is already available at sephora.com and select Sephora stores so definitely look out for it the next time you are at Sephora. The pieces included in the collection are great collectible items for tokidoki fans and fun, affordable standout makeup for any age.

- Kim Weling

Here's a list of all the tokidoki for Sephora pieces in the collection that you can check out at sephora.com:

For Eyes:

• Cromatico Eyeshadow Singles, $15
• Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette, $25
• Perfetto Eyeliner, $16
• Brillante Glitter Eyeliner, $14
• Punk Lash Mascara, $18

For Lips:

• Prisma Gloss, $15
• Fantastico Lip Stain, $15

For Face and Body:

• Inferno Bronzer, $22
• Kabuki Luminosa Powder, $22
• Kabuki Brush, $28

For Nails:

• Galleria Nail Files, $10
• SANDy Nail File & Cactus Pup Buffers, $5-8

For Fun:

• Skull Burger, Devil Girl & Melodia key chains, $16
• Mints, $5
• Bellissima Makeup Bags, $20-42
• tokidoki tank top, $29.50

Cromatico Eyeshadow, $15

Punk Lash Mascara, $18 - blue, purple, black and green

Cactus Pup Buffers, $5-8

Here's a video from Highsnobette.com of Simone Legno talking about the launch.

Train Wine Club Wine Tasting Event

How excited was I when I heard that my favorite band from my college days was hosting their first wine tasting event at Angels & Kings? I caught the tail end of the event, featuring wines from Mendocino County, California. The featured wine of the month is an organic 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from Paul Dolan Vineyards (enter promo code TRAINSB for 15% off on the 07 Sauvignon Blanc at pauldolanwine.com). Unfortunately, I didn't get to do that much wine tasting. I decided to try the Petite Sirah and was absolutely hooked! I need to find out how I can get that wine!

Unfortunately I didn't see Jimmy but I did get to speak to Scott briefly, as he mentioned there are plans to hold future wine tastings.

If you aren't familiar with Train (not sure how you can't be) the band is originally from San Francisco and includes Patrick Monahan (lead singer), Jimmy Stafford (lead guitarist) and Scott Underwood (drummer). I remember seeing Train in concert almost 10 years ago at Town Point Park in Norfolk, VA. "Meet Virginia" was one of my favorite songs while in college in VA, and my love for their music continued on with "Tell Me" from the Drops of Jupiter album. I am so glad they are back stronger than ever with "Hey, Soul Sister" (3 million singles sold - congrats!).

If you'd like to learn more about the Train Wine Club and their favorite wines, check it out at trainwineclub.com.

- Kim Weling


Pat Monahan and Kim Weling

Scott Underwood and Kim Weling

Zac Posen for Target Launch Party

Mena Suvari in Zac Posen for Target lipstick tee,

sporting BYSOG "Liz" clutch in aqua

Photo by Glasgow Skinner

Here are a few celebrity photos from zimbio.com by Photo Agency

Selma Blair in Zac Posen for Target navy/black two-piece ruffled dress

Claire Daines in Zac Posen for Target safety-pin print gown and black braided belt

Ginnifer Goodwin in Zac Posen for Target black tuxedo jacket

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Parker Posey in Zac Posen for Target tie-dye print Zac tee

The Like in Zac Posen for Target

I had been waiting all week to attend the Zac Posen for Target Launch Party at the New Yorker Hotel. The party from 8-11pm kicked off the 24-hour shopping event, in which doors opened to the public from 11pm on April 15th to 11pm April 16th. Upon arrival, attendees were given feathered masks and a polaroid of themselves during a quick photo opp. Racks of clothes were spread out on both sides of the venue on the first and 2nd floor.

Since I was too busy shopping and trying on clothes before the dressing rooms filled up, I missed Zac Posen's arrival and the influx of celebrities including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Claire Danes, Selma Blair, Ginnifer Goodwin, Parker Posey, Mena Suvari, Michelle Trachtenberg, Olivia Palermo and Kelly Bensimon. Also spotted were Coco Rocha, Alek Wek, Joe Zee, Patricia Fields, Theodora and Alexandra Richards.

I absolutely love Zac Posen for Target! The XS fits me well, but what looks like a cute and flirty mini dress or skirt on a model, looks more conservative on me because it turns out to be a longer in length. Which is why I didn't buy the convertible dress, or bother to try on the floral print brocade dress which I absolutely loved. I did end up buying the pink sailor dress, pink/tie-dye pleated tie top and multi colored and black braided belts. Too bad I wasn't taller. The safety-pin print gown was gorgeous.

Even though I had gotten there early, everyone was making a mad dash to grab everything they wanted to try on in their size. It felt like I was at a sample sale - shoppers reaching for the same item and or waiting for you to put it down.

It's amazing that the clothes on the racks managed to stay intact while guests enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The Like put on a great performance and DJ Kid America spun some great tunes upstairs.

As I left at about 10:30, the public line to get in and shop at 11pm was well down the block. I couldn't even see the end of the line. Zac Posen for Target launches on Sunday, April 25th at Target stores and at target.com. I definitely am considering buying more of the collection so I may find myself at Target next Sunday morning!

- Kim Weling

Here are some images I took of the atmoshpere and Zac Posen for Target collection.

Posed for a pic as soon as I got in

The Like performing

Multi colored braided belt, $24.99

Black braided belt, $24.99

Pink sailor dress, $39.99

Tiger print sailor dress, $39.99

Low-v tie-dye print one-piece swimsuit, $34.99

Tie-dye print tank dress, $29.99 (left)

Blue snap tape dress, $69.99 (right)

Navy/black two-piece ruffled dress, $79.99

Floral print brocade tie dress, $74.99

Black/gold one-piece halter swimsuit, $39.99 (left)

Floral print brocade tie dress, $74.99 (right)

Black cardigan, $49.99, black/gold ruched bikini top, $19.99, floral print brocade skirt, $49.99 (left)

Yellow raincoat, $44.99, black ruched skirt, $34.99 (right)

Tie-dye print Zac tee, $19.99, black Tuxedo skirt, $39.99 (left)

Black tuxedo jacket, $49.99 (right)

Low-v red one piece swimsuit, $34.99 (left)

Pink tie-dye print pleated tie top, $34.99, black ruched skirt, $34.99 (right)

Sebastian and NYLON at the Antonio Prieto Salon

On Thursday, April 15th, I stopped over at the Sebastian and NYLON event at the Antonio Prieto Salon. With my cocktail dress attire on and makeup done, I was almost ready to attend the Zac Posen for Target launch party except for my hair which was tied back in a ponytail. Nick Antiaris, Principal Stylist, saved my hair for the night - thank you Nick! He curled and styled my hair, making it look amazing. I was so impressed - the curls lasted all night, and I got a ton of compliments on it. If you are looking for a stylist - definitely see Nick! Take a look at my post on the Zac Posen for Target Launch Party to see how my hair turned out!

I really liked the Sebastian Trilliant Nick used on my hair, for heat protection, body and shine and Sebastian Shaper Zero Gravity ultra-lightweight hairspray.

Next up, Nick blowed out my friend Lisa's (BeautybyBenz) hair. While Lisa was getting her hair done, I enjoyed some appetizers - mini baked potatoes topped with caviar, salami with olives and fruit kebabs. The gift bag included Sebastian Volupt volume boosting shampoo and conditioner samples, which I'll have to try (I'm all for volume-boosting on my hair) and $30 off my next salon visit to Antonio Prieto Salon. I am definitely going to have to try a haircut with Nick next!

- Kim Weling

Sebastian haircare products

Blow Out Spray Launch

Great hairstyles for spring.

Earlier this week, on April 13th, I attended the blow out spray launch at blow downtown located at 342 West 14th Street. The blow out spray was developed by the award-winning New York blow dry bar. It's a non stick hair spray with pure protein blend, long lasting moveable hold, that dries instantly, sets in a flash and resists humidity. It retails for $19.75 and can be purchased at blow or at blowny.com.

Stylists were on hand to provide tips, touch ups and spring styling tricks. I got to try the spray first hand, when blow dry stylist Evelia Godinez curled my hair. I love the smell of the spray, and it was very lightweight, still leaving my hair feeling soft and natural. I do have a hard time getting my hair to stay curly, so the curls didn't seem to last that long. I received a full and mini size blow out spray, so I look forward to continued use!

- Kim Weling

Check out what David has to say about the new blow out spray:

Exchange Bar & Grill Opening

Co-owners Damon Bae (left) and Levent Cakar (right)

Sampling the menu

MARKET CRASH!!! $2 beers, $3 well drinks, $4 top shelf

On April 8th, I stopped over at Exchange Bar & Grill for the opening party. The new Gramercy bar and restaurant is located at 356 Third Avenue between 20th and 21st St. It seemed like several of us came from the Spa Week Media party, so after some quick spa treatments, we certainly brought our appetites. I didn't have any drinks but I definitely sampled their menu.

By the time I got there the calamari and mozarella sticks were nowhere to be seen but I heard they were really good. I tried the salad, hot wings, onion rings and burger. I couldn't ask for better bar food. I enjoyed everything I sampled, especially the wings and onion rings.

I was curious to find out what the relevance of the stock market ticker was to the bar. Here's how it works - patrons are asked to take a gamble, with prices of food and drink that fluctuate based on demand, on Exchange’s own in-house ‘stock market’. Prices are broadcast on a giant ticker screen that runs the 35-foot length of the bar, posting which items are running below (-) or above (+) market price.

If everyone is drinking Guinness, the price of Guinness is going to go up—but consequently, all of Guinness’ competitors (like Killian’s) will go down. The opening bell rings at 8pm after Happy Hour prices come to a close, and if you play your cards right, you may just end up at the bar during an impromptu ‘Market Crash!!!!’—where drinks temporarily drop to $2 for all beers, $3 for all well drinks, and $4 for top shelf, after which point, the market resets itself. Customers can also have fun by posting personal messages to the ticker screen, like: ‘happy birthday’ or ‘hey you at the end of the bar, can I buy you a drink!?’

The bar’s unique concept is the brainchild of friends and co-owners Damon Bae (a former stock trader turned real estate mogul) and Levent Cakar (an economist with 11 years+ in the restaurant industry). Of the concept, Cakar says: “When you think about it, it’s a really smart way to run a restaurant. If an item isn’t selling, it becomes really cheap and then we’re able to move the product. It also keeps the hot ticket items from selling out and draws attention to cheaper products. It’s all about supply and demand—and it’s an organic way to manage our inventory.”

I wish this concept would apply to clothing boutiques! I really like this bar for the unique concept. I will have to come back for happy hour to experience it all!

The lounge-like space features both a bar and full dinner menu, with special lunch & brunch menus expected to be introduced at a later date. So even if you don't plan on drinking, check out the food!

- Kim Weling