What the Chairs Wear: Bette Midler’s “Day of the Dead” Hulaween 2011

Posted By: KK on 10/24/11 1:57 PM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

Each Halloween, the fabulously divine Bette Midler throws the most fantastic Hulaween party-of-the-year to benefit, The New York Restoration Project, the organization that Bette founded to promote a cleaner and greener New York. NYRP helps to restore, revitalize and develop under-resourced parks and community gardens throughout the city’s five boroughs. On Friday October 28, at The Waldorf Astoria, the outrageous celebration will honor Douglas Durst & Benjamin F. Needell, Esq, features a special performance by the one and only, Stevie Wonder, and costume judging by the American fashion icon, Michael Kors. Don’t miss the raucous after-party for the younger set and the young-at-heart, that will rock the Waldorf til the wee hours! For tickets and further information please visit NYRP’s Hullween site.

The theme this year is Dia de los Muertos, celebrated in Mexico on November 2nd, The Day of the Dead is a time for celebration, when people gather to remember and honor those friends and family who have passed on to the other side. We assembled all of the ghastly elements to make your costume otherworldly. You might not go as far as our eerie beauty on the left, but we included the Tatoo Liner from and Temporary Tatoos from Sephora to complete your phantom fantasy. This is one of the most festive, over-the-top party of the year and we chose this provocative frock with sexy lace and tulle accessories, to rock until you drop!

Left to Right: BCBMAXAZRIA Black Evening Gown ($398), Paperself Peacock Eyelashes ($19), Lace Fan ($7), Day of the Dead Bone Corset ($22), Skeleton Glove and Wrist Bone ($15), Sephora Blasted Nail Colour ($10), Lace Parasol ($10), Gothic Bride Veil ($19), Funtasma by Pleaser women’s Xray Pump ($45), Temptu Temporary Tattoo ($8), Tattoo Liner ($18)

View the video from last year’s extraordinary celebration!

Huge thanks to Bette Midler for all of the beauty you have brought to the city!

Last week, NYRP joined the Mayor and the Parks Commissioner to plant a major milestone in the MillionTreesNYC initiative – the 500,000th tree, the official halfway mark!

Costumes: Guest of a Guest Moulin Rouge

Posted By: KK on 10/24/11 11:35 AM | Categories: Costumes

DC’s Guest of a Guest Great Gatsby Theme Party was such a blast that they’re doing it again, and kicking it up this time with a Can-Can! On Friday, November 4th the exclusive L2 Lounge will be turned into Moulin Rouge at the Burlesque Ball for a night with lights, hot music, scenes from the movie, and fantastic costumes. Don’t wait to get tickets – this event is selling out at a feverish pace. Our sultry friend Sophie was wondering what to wear to this seductive event. We went a little naughty and nice with this red bustier dress from Bloomingdale’s is the perfect piece to layer on some black lace and feathered accessories and strut your stuff. Oh La La!

Left to Right: Madison Marcus Triumph Bustier Dress ($315), Paper Magic Black and Red Hair Clip ($14), Sexy Black Lace Elbow Length Gloves ($4), Avance Mordor Drawstring Pouch ($11), Double Layer Petticoat ($19), b. tempt’d by Wacoal Garter Thong ($22), Red/Black Boa ($17), Levante Fishnet Stockings ($8)

What to Wear: Jack Rogers and Group for the East End

Posted By: KK on 10/23/11 3:33 PM | Categories: What to Wear

Have fun while shopping for a cause! Please support the environment and shop Jack Rogers fabulous collection to benefit Group for the East End, by joining Jennifer James and Katherine Birch at the Madison Avenue boutique on Tuesday, October 25. Group for the East End protects and restores the environment of eastern Long Island and inspires people to embrace a conservation ethic.

See all the stylish new designs online.

In 1961 in Palm Beach, Jack Rogers’ most well known luxury sandal –the Navajo – stepped into its rightful place as an American classic on the feet of a famed fashion icon and swiftly became the footwear of choice for resort-chic dressing.

What the Chairs Wear: Alzheimers Association Rita Hayworth Gala

Posted By: KK on 10/21/11 3:47 PM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

The 2011 Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala will be be a stunning affair with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Founder & General Chair, Anne Hearst McInerney & Jay McInerney as Chairs and this year’s Gala Honorees, Somers Farkas and HSNi CEO, Mindy Grossman adding to the shimmer of this resplendent event. Hollywood Glamour is held on Tuesday, October 25 at the The Waldorf Astoria where Patti Smyth will take to the stage of the Grand Ballroom, a destination for countless movie stars and moguls.

The title says it all for this is the most glamorous event of the season and we went shopping at Bergdorf Goodman to find these dresses dripping with star power. Whether your costume designer chooses long or short, you will be ready for your close-up in either of these gorgeously gilded gowns.

Left to Right: Carmen Marc Valvo Pleated Metallic Halter Gown ($1190), Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Drop Earrings ($225), Kenneth Jay Lane Gold & Crystal Cuff ($550), Alexander Wang Lydia Fur-Detail Clutch ($525), Jimmy Choo Mirrored Strapped Sandal ($795), Jimmy Choo Glitter Sandal ($595), Carmen Marc Valvo Metallic Dress ($485)

To see all of the Archival Photos of The Waldorf Astoria, CLICK HERE.

Costumes: Daphne Guinness

Posted By: KK on 10/19/11 2:32 PM | Categories: Costumes

We were inspired and awestruck by the exhibit at the Museum at FIT, DAPHNE GUINNESS. “From her platinum-and-black striped hair to her towering 10-inch heels, from her to-die-for couture collection to her amazing jewelry, Daphne Guinness completely embodies the rarefied personal style of a fashion icon. “She is one of the – if not the – most stylish women living,” says designer and film director Tom Ford.” The exhibit is on view through January, 2012 and it features approximately 100 garments and accessories from Guinness’s personal collection, plus films, videos, and images, of and by her. Known throughout the world, for her unique style, Daphne Guinness is one of today’s most original and extraordinary fashion icons. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which is why we have tried to capture the spirit and style of our iconic heroine. CLICK HERE for our video interview and peak at the exhibition – Fashion Editor Hilary Dick interviews Valerie Steele, Director of the Museum at FIT who so skillfully styled and curated with Daphne herself.

Left to Right: DVF Anais Silk-Chifon and Organza Bodysuit ($390), Tinsel Stripe Trousers by Unique ($220), Flower and Stone Earring ($50), Smokey Eye Shadow Collection ($36), Revlon Chateau Marmont Booby Pin ($7), Temporary Bright Color Hairspray ($5), Carolee Ornate Crystal Necklace ($95), Bobble Trim Sleeve Jacket by Rare ($84) , Sonar Lace UP Boots ($156)

You have to see the back of this DVF blouse!

DVF Anais Silk-Chifon and Organza Bodysuit ($390)

Costumes: Queen of the Mardi Gras

Posted By: KK on 10/19/11 2:03 PM | Categories: Costumes

A certain rakishly fabulous party-giver we know is hosting a Mardi Gras Themed Halloween Bash this year. For what to wear we went shopping at Net-a-Porter for this stylish column of purple – one of the season’s must-have shades. This dress is lined which makes it really smooth and flattering and it falls really well, so Spanks are optional. This would be a sultry look with a little bling for a formal event or dresses down for a dinner party at home. For the Mardi Gras theme, we played with purple, green and gold, the traditional colors of the fete - purple represents justice; green, faith; and gold, power. We jazzed it up with feathers to strut and beads to toss! Just don’t miss the shoes!

Left to Right: Mardi Gras Feather Couples Mask ($13), Gold Bangles ($4), Renaissance Pouch ($15), Gold Roll On Glitter ($4), Halston Heritage Draped Matte-jersey Gown ($420), Black and Gold Eyelashes ($7), 33″ Round Mardi Gras Beads ($17), Mardi Gras Boa ($15), Mardi Gras Adult Shoes ($57)

Or if Queenie deigns to wear short, another great Halston Heritage from Net-a-Porter!

Halston Heritage Pleated Chiffon $475.

For more great dresses go to Net-a-Porter

Costumes: White Mischief

Posted By: KK on 10/19/11 1:56 PM | Categories: Costumes

To fully understand the extravagantly excessive culture of White Mischief, you must read The Bolter, Frances Osborne’s loving exploration of her great, grandmother, the fabulously scandalous Idina Sackville and her outrageous antics in Kenya at the turn of the century. The Wall Street Journal reported, “Ms. Osborne had succeeded in her stated aim, to write a book that ‘has in a way brought Idina back to life.’ And what a life it was.” It is a fascinating page turner that we couldn’t put down, and it inspired two of our provacative costumes for the season. Here are two looks that can take you from stalking the swales in a safari get up, to attending a hedonistic dinner party held by high-priestess of the “Happy Valley” herself. Chocolate covered lobster anyone?!

Left to Right: Rachel Pally Braden Long Dress ($233), Betmar Ethel Turban ($19), Cigarette Holder ($6), Dom Perignon 2002 ($160), Carolee Multi-Row Bibi Necklace ($75), Ralph Lauren “Tinah” Evening Sandal ($89), Judith Ripka Coin Pearl Earrings ($325), Cara Accessories Large Hair Comb ($58), Charriol White Topaz Cuff ($495), YSL Lip Color ($30), Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer ($22), White Mischief - the Murder of Lord Erroll ($50)

Left to Right: Rimbaud French Pith Helmet ($40), Multistrand Pearl Necklace ($190), b.tempt’d by Wacoal Leopard Bra ($40), b.tempt’d by Wacoal Leopard Panty ($19), J. Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt ($55), J Crew Chino Shorts ($33), J. Crew Persol Sunglasses ($310), Women Bush Jacket ($200), Hunter Lapins Rubber Heels ($225), Skinny Calf Hair Belt ($60), White Mischief - the Murder of Lord Erroll ($50)

What the Chairs Wear: The Horticultural Society Fall Luncheon

Posted By: KK on 10/19/11 12:59 PM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

What a wonderful occasion to dress for – The Horticultural Society of New York is holding this year’s bountiful Annual Fall Luncheon on October 25th at the Metropolitan Club. Elizabeth Barlow Rogers will be signing her new book, Writing the Garden. The annual Fall Luncheon is always one of The Hort’s most visible and well-attended special events, and a popular tradition in New York’s community of cultural supporters. Every year they honor influential individuals in the fields of gardening, landscaping and design and this year’s deserved honorees are  Ethne Clarke, Elizabeth Barlow Rogers and Thomas Woltz. For tickets and information please contact Stephanie Chin at The Hort, 212-757-0915 X101 or schin@thehort.org.

For what to wear to a seasonal luncheon, with the evening chill starting to lay frost on the gardens, we went shopping at Tory Burch to find a great two great looks, perfect for now and right through the holiday season. We love the warm fall hues of both the dress and the jacket and the fringe details gives them a retro-chic air of sophistication. We are always impressed with the attention to detail that go into Tory’s timely and timeless designs. You can mix and match the accessories – they are all the must-haves of the fall season.

Left to Right: Tory Burch Ackley Dress ($575), Split Plate Long Chain Necklace ($225), Multi Jeweled Leather Cuff ($295), Christal High Heel Boot ($550), Oversized Squared Sunglasses ($175), Bond East/West Shoulder Bag ($495), Elbow Length Leather Glove ($185), Felicity High Heel Slingback ($295), Kington Boucle Tweed Jacket ($525), Cecilia Tropical Wool Skirt ($250)

These are just some of the wonderful upcoming events at The Hort.

Shop to Give: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Posted By: KK on 10/19/11 12:57 PM | Categories: Shop to Give

We ran into our friends from UNICEF at their booth during New York Fashion Week in September. UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) is a global organization that saves kids’ lives in over 150 countries by providing clean water, nutrition, medicines, education and aid in emergencies. For more than 60 years kids in the U.S. have made a difference in the lives of children around the world through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the original Kids Helping Kids campaign. This year, join Heidi Klum in the first ever Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Costume Party! This Halloween, you can collect treats and help provide life-saving nutrition for children around the world! The FEED Trick-or-Treat bag to benefit UNICEF was designed by Lauren Bush and launched in 2010 in partnership with HSN to support Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the FEED Trick-or-Treat bag is the must-have fashion accessory of the Halloween season. We fell in love with them and couldn’t help purchasing a few of our own!

How cute are these bags!

Purchase your FEED Trick-or-Treat bag here…only 12 days to Halloween!

For each FEED Trick-or-Treat bag purchased from feedprojects.com or at a FEED authorized retailer in the U.S., FEED will donate $3.50 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF’s nutrition programs. For more information visit www.unicefusa.org.

Costumes: GLEE Coach Sylvester

Posted By: KK on 10/19/11 8:19 AM | Categories: Costumes

Who can resist the cool, calm and crazed Glee Coach, Susan “Sue” Sylvester of the Fox TV musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character as portrayed by actress Jane Lynch, is the coach of the William McKinley High School cheerleading squad, and a ruthless bully full of devious schemes and underhanded antics aimed at her nemisis, Will Schuester. Watch the video below to see Coach Sue’s endearing personal style. Love this costume for it’s chic comfort – don’t forget to zip it down!