Upcoming Sample Sales - Borghese, Diesel, Rachel Comey

Get ready for some pre-4th of July shopping! Check out these upcoming samples sales from Borghese, Diesel and Rachel Comey.

ONE DAY ONLY

Rachel Comey Spring 2010 Sample Sale - 50 - 60% off all merchandise

Date: Wednesday, June 30th

Location: 335 W. 35th St., 7th Floor (between 8th and 9th Ave)

Nearest Subway: Penn Station stops on the A, C & E

Time: 12 - 8pm

Payment Accepted: Cash and Credit Cards

Offerings: Womens Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, and Mens Shoes

COVERGIRL for LeSportsac Launch Party

Makeup Artist Pat McGrath

On June 15th, I attended the COVERGIRL for LeSportsac launch party at the LeSportsac Soho store at 118 Greene Street. The launch celebrated the COVERGIRL for LeSportsac cosmetic bags, designed in collaboration with legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath.

These limited edition accessory bags come in black patent/yellow, inspired by the slender tube of COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara.

Guests enjoyed drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a photo booth for taking fun, individual or group shots with friends. Upon leaving, guests received a gift bag with goodies from COVERGIRL and LeSportsac.

- Kim Weling

Shecky's Girl's Night Out NYC June 2010

This season's Shecky's Girl's Night Out took place from June 15th-18th at 82 Mercer Street. I was going out of town but I did get to drop by on the 15th to check it out. Here are a few highlights from the event. Shecky's Girl's Night Out is all about shopping and enjoying drinks with friends and picking up one of those fabulous gift bags.

I just wanted to say thank you to REMBRANDT® for having me attend as one of their guests. REMBRANDT® Intense Stain™ Whitening Mint Toothpaste was in the gift bag so I'll definitely be using it! That will be my first REMBRANDT® product I'll be trying out, but another popular item of theirs is the 2 Hour Whitening Kit, which is supposed to give you whiter teeth in just 2 hours!

- Kim Weling

Maybelline Makeovers




Fertility Life Lines engaged attendees to test their knowledge with a short infertility quiz. In return, they were given a mini cupcake by Baked by Melissa. This was the first time I ever had a Baked by Melissa cupcake. They were amazing, including peanut butter & jelly and red velvet cupcakes.


Midori Bar


Lots of bargains and discount shopping going on!

Columbia Sportswear Introduces Omni-Heat® for Fall 2010

I recently attended the Columbia Sportswear’s Fall 2010 preview, focusing on the launch of Omni-Heat®, a family of technology solutions designed to keep outdoor consumers warm. The Omni-Heat® suite delivers warmth and superior regulation of body temperature without added bulk using a combination of the following innovations:

• Omni-Heat® Thermal Reflective regulates body temperature using a patent pending dot-matrix application of reflective material on a moisture-wicking, air permeable base layer, working together to reflect and retain body warmth while dissipating moisture heat.
• Omni-Heat® Thermal Insulation achieves the industry’s highest heat retention per gram using a new proprietary insulation that employs 50% recycled materials.
• Omni-Heat® Thermal Electric allows consumer to keep their feet warm at the push of a button by activating a patent-pending, battery-powered array of heating elements located strategically throughout the footbed in select Columbia winter boot styles.

This winter I’m really looking forward to trying out a pair of Omni-Heat® Thermal Electric boots. I don’t snowboard or ski, but I may have more motivation to try with the right products to keep me warm. The gloves or boots would even be great for staying warm while cleaning snow off of my car in the winter. The Omni-Heat® line will range from $90 to $200 at Columbia Sportswear stores and at columbia.com coming this fall. Learn more about Omni-Heat® here.

Along with the new Omni-Heat® product lineup, I got a sneak peek at some other fall pieces. I was really impressed with how lightweight the down jackets are, and I hear they are incredibly warm. They would be easy to pack without being bulky. I definitely want the long zip-up tunic, to pair with leggings. I was really pleased to hear that Columbia Sportswear has XS sizing!

During the preview I received the Columbia Titanium Mobex Sprint Backpack, Majik Wands® Gloves and Peruvian Hat – can’t wait to try these out!

- Kim Weling

Dermalogica UltraCalming™ Launch

Left to right: UltraCalming™ Cleanser, UltraCalming™ Mist, UltraCalming™ Serum Concentrate, UltraCalming™ Barrier Repair and UltraCalming™ Relief Masque

On May 19th, I attended the launch of Dermalogica’s Ultracalming™ system at the Soho store at 110 Grand Street. The Ultracalming™ system, which launched this month, helps manage the multiple causes behind sensitive, inflamed skin, which can stem from genetic predisposition towards sensitivity or as a result from environmental conditions. Symptoms of sensitive skin can include itching, redness, heat, stinging or dryness. If sensitive skin is left untreated, it can result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to serious skin conditions and premature aging.

All five UltraCalming™ products consist of:

· Boerhavia Diffusa (Red Hogweed) root extract: Targets neurogenic inflammation by limiting the production of pro-inflammatory agents as well as promoting the production of natural anti-inflammatory agents in the skin.
· Avena Sativa (oat kernel) extracts: Rich inavenanthramides, the activecomponents of the Avena Sativa plant which have been widely studied and proven to have natural anti-irritant and anti-redness properties.
· Zingiber officinate (Ginger) and Bisabolol (derived from Chamomile): Work synergistically to help reduce redness and irritation.

The five products include UltraCalming™ Cleanser, UltraCalming™ Mist, UltraCalming™ Serum Concentrate, UltraCalming™ Barrier Repair and UltraCalming™ Relief Masque.

I found the best way to learn about the line was to try it out for myself with a mini facial. It’s been too long since my last facial, but I was not told anything I already didn’t know - I have normal, healthy skin, except for the lack of hydration. So this line is not something I would need to use on a regular basis. This line would be good to incorporate when I have skin irritations that randomly pop up, mainly due to stress, lack of sleep or poor diet. Or I can incorporate some of the products into my skincare routine, but no need to use all of them.

The mini facial was so refreshing – I loved all the products that were used. My recommended products and samples consisted of the Special Cleansing Gel, Sheer Moisture SPF 15, Skin Smoothing Cream, Daily Resurfacer, Intensive Eye Repair and MultiVitamin Power Firm. Can’t wait to try them out! Check out the line at dermalogica.com.

- Kim Weling

Sunday Brunch at the Hilton Short Hills Featuring Tory Burch

Polenta Sliders with Heirloom Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

Last Sunday, June 6th, the Hilton Short Hills held their second Specialty Sunday Brunch event, this time featuring Tory Burch at The Mall at Short Hills, located directly across the street from the Hilton Short Hills.

The brunch took place in the Terrace Restaurant from 10am - 2pm. Executive Chef Richard Kennedy and his team of chefs created brunch favorites along with serving stations of carved meats, fresh seafood and homemade desserts. I tried as much as I could, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, smoked salmon and caviar, shrimp cocktail and desserts. There was a lot of food I wish I still had room for, including the eggs benedict, pasta station, cheese and mushroom quiche, seafood paella and fondue and ice cream bar.

I didn't get to try the cannellini beans enveloped in a roasted red pepper tapenade with sage & walnuts shown here, but one of my favorites was definitely the mandarin & passion fruit infused stone fruit, cherry goat cheese and toasted almonds.


Upon leaving, guests received a special Tory Burch gift bag containing a Tory Burch mini candle and $25 gift card to use at the Tory Burch store at The Mall at Short Hills.

The first of the Sunday Brunch series had kicked off on May 2nd, with the Hilton Short Hills featuring LaMer and Bobbi Brown from Saks Fifth Avenue. The next brunch will actually be a Special Father's Day event, taking place on June 20th and featuring Allen Edmonds and Molten Brown.

The Specialty Sunday Brunches will continue throughout the year, so stay tuned! It is the perfect Sunday get-together, with friends or relatives. I think it's a perfect partnership between Hilton Short Hills and the boutiques at The Mall at Short Hills. A gourmet brunch followed by an afternoon of shopping sounds like the perfect Sunday to me!

The pricing for the brunch is $42 for adults and $21 per child (children under four years old are free), excluding all taxes and gratuities. Complimentary valet parking is available for all brunch patrons. Reservations are recommended; please contact the Hilton Short Hills at 973.912.4757.

- Kim Weling

Fresh seafood station


Meat carving station


Belgian waffles, pancakes or omelettes


Dessert bar

My second plate of food, consisting of belgian waffles, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, caviar, pita bread with hummus and some tasty desserts.

The atmosphere at the Terrace Restaurant

Tory Burch gift bags

Tory Burch store at The Mall at Short Hills

Skinny Cow Bra & Ice Cream Event

Veronica Webb

Last Saturday I attended the Skinny Cow bra and ice cream event at 82 Mercer Street, hosted by Veronica Webb. Skinny Cow partnered with Warner's, who offered free professional bra fittings, and a voucher to select and receive a free Warner's or Olga bra by mail. During the fitting, guests were able to try on different Warner's or Olga bras to see which style suited them best. The bras seemed to be more full coverage style. I preferred Warner's Sleek Underneath underwire bra.

Before and after the the bra fitting, guests were able to relax in the lounge while sipping on champagne cocktails or try one of Skinny Cow's lowfat ice cream cups. I've never tried Skinny Cow ice cream, so I really enjoyed and indulged on the Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor. Other flavors to choose from included Caramel Cone,Cookies 'N Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake and Dulce de Leche.

Veronica Webb announced contest winners, who had their choice of receiving a beauty makeover or gift bag.

Upon leaving, guests were given a fun gift bag filled with fun giveaways such as a Skinny Cow ice cream coupon, mesh lingerie wash bag, iphone decal skin stickers and a deluxe sample of Borghese Tono Body Creme.

- Kim Weling

Skinny Cow ice cream bar


Cocktail Bar

Sassy City Chicks Media Preview and Fashion Bash

On June 3rd I attended the Sassy City Chicks media preview at 7 W 34th Street, allowing me early access to the discount shopping event with jewelry, apparel and accessories up to 80% off. This was the first Sassy City Chicks sample sale I've been to, and I look forward to going again the next time it's held in New York!

Upon check-in, I received a gift bag filled with goodies from Eve Pearl, Xtreme Lashes, Pixi, Talika, Frederick's of Hollywood and more.

I wasn't expecting to find anything for myself, but I ending up buying a few great pieces! At istylelist.com, I found a green/white paisley XS/S tunic for $35 by Classique, perfect to wear poolside for my upcoming spa and resort trip.


istylelist.com's Monica Phromsavanh, sporting the tunic I purchased (left) with colleague (right)

Since I had to go back to work after the media preview, I had no choice but to settle for non-alcoholic drinks until later in the evening. I love the Vita Coco - 100% pure coconut water, especially the acai & pomegranate and peach & mango flavors. I also enjoyed the OOBA sparkling hibiscus drinks,which come in a variety of flavors, including hibiscus, blackberry, lime, kiwi, orange and pineapple.

I spotted some cute tanks by Sabo, in floral prints and swirly and damask burn-outs, with a 28" length.


Here are some rings by Desideri Design


Here's a look at a few more jewelry lines






Jené Luciani signing copies of The Bra Book


I can't wait to try Pixi's Flawless & Poreless lightweight primer, $28. Pixi is available online at pixibeauty.com, target.com and Target stores nationwide.

Makeovers at Eve Pearl

Rani Spa

When I came back in the evening during the fashion bash, I also found a cobalt blue halter dress by Double Zero for $30 at Hidden Treasures Boutique and a beaded handbag at Laugoa for only $20! I can even remove the strap off and use the bag as a clutch!

The beaded bag I bought is the one shown here in the bottom right corner. They had a bunch of different, fun colorful bags. The bag right next to the beaded one was so Twinkle-esque - I love it!

Crowd shot


I saw a great maxi dress at Volang Boutique but unfortunately they didn't have my size. They have a shop at 290 Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. I don't ever make it out to Brooklyn but I'm going to have to start - I know there's a ton of great boutiques and restaurants there.

As for alcoholic beverages, Offley White Port and Fox Barrel hard apple and pear ciders were being served. They were all light and refreshing.

- Kim Weling