The Best of Fashion Week

With the end of fashion week nearly approaching, here our top 5 picks of the season so far...not counting Mr. Posen who shows later this evening...



1. Derek Lam - This unapologetically sexy metallic minidress has all the right details. High neck, high hem and just enough gunmetal glam to keep under wraps of your new fall coat.






2. Peter Som – Ok, so it’s another gunmetal metallic piece, but I don’t care, I’m obsessed! Especially with the 1940s loose tie-front style covered by a subdued nubby cardigan. Perfection.







3. Thakoon – External stitching reminiscent of piping is a big trend we’ve seen on all the runways. It looks great here with the light gray and black contrast. I’ve seen a lot of coats as dresses this season, and I appreciate that concept a lot.










4. Marc Jacobs – So we all know we will be peeling off our layers to dress according to Marc and this is one standout look out of the star-studded collection. Tuxedo dressing was rampant on the runways, as was acidic doses of color.













5. Proenza Schouler – There was so much to choose from these boys but the best may be these wide-leg trousers paired with a fitted top in their signature corset tradition.










Final Word: Although my opaque stockings haven’t been knocked off, I’m pleased to see New York designers are making a concerted effort to push the boundaries a little. As the Times’ fashion editor Cathy Horyn said today, “Misguided though it may be, American fashion is not complacent.” You’re up Mr. Posen.

Doucette Duval Makes their Mark

Stephanie Doucette and Annabet Duvall are the epitome of girls‚ girls. The moment I walked onto the 8th floor of the ever-eccentric Chelsea Hotel, I was greeted by a giddy energy of a slumber party. After getting a goody bag of organic cookies and hairspray, I was guided into a petite pink suite where the designer duo was gabbing with society girl Annabel Tollman and sipping what appeared to be tea (It was Maker's Mark.)

The collection oozed the same deliberate nonchalance, radiating Courtney Love‚s punk rebellion and Sandra Dee‚s 1950s lady-like femininity. Indeed, Grease Lightening seemed to be a big reference with strong retro glam connotations- after all, these girls‚ first love was vintage couture (They launched their label on Valentine's Day!).



The rockabilly theme remained consistent in the form of nubby tweed car coats of fine Italian wool, frilly taffeta frocks and sweet sundresses all styled with brightly colored knee socks. But perhaps the most memorable was the unique optimism of the entire collection, a rare trait when other young contemporaries feign austere self-doubt.



Final Word: These girls have officially arrived. Look out for their new collection at select Intermix!

Much Love for Abaete and Sass & Bide

Yesterday afternoon at Bryant Park I had a chance to check out the Fall/Winter 2007 Collections for both Abaete and Sass & Bide.

In viewing the collections one after the other, these ready-to-wear labels proved one valid point: this season’s trends are not going anywhere.

Although each collection had their own theme and personality, both labels continued to put dark stockings and leggings down the runway with short skirts, tight dresses and loose-fitting tops paired with the ever-present skinny jean.

Sequins, gold, pailettes and jeweled embellishments were everywhere.

Abaete referenced 60’s mod glamour with shortened geometric designs and exposed, over-sized zippers. A futuristic element also appeared in the patent bubble dress and belted trench.

Abaete took risks, but nailed them all. Of the 30 dresses and jackets shown, I wanted to wear them all.

Sass & Bide sexed it up a bit with gold mini-dresses, draped and gathered on the top and short and fitted on the bottom. They showed some prints in similar silhouettes and brought back their super sexy skinny jean.

My favorite look included a black sequined racer-back tank worn over a grey Henley dress with black leggings.

Final Word: Both Abaete and Sass & Bide have proved they know what girls want and these sleek, chic sexy collections are giving them exactly that. Insider tip: Buy white stockings. Tres chic. Who knew?

Alexander The Great

Earlier today, in an abandoned factory on the way west side industry it-boy Alexander Wang debuted Fall/Winter 2007, his second complete collection.

Young Wang, a Parson’s alum with Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam on his short but sweet resume, displayed a mature sophistication with a collection heavy on wools, tweeds and menswear inspired separates.

As a nod to the decade of his birth, he showed some 80's love with gaudy gold chains and grommeted hats, tops and jackets a la old school hip-hop.

Wide-legged, high-waisted herringbone trousers walked the runway with suspender-ed loose-fitting black wool shorts. Leather motorcycle pants and sequined tops and dresses added a flirty, youthful edge.

His signature graphic cashmere appears in an over-sized cardigan of tiger motif. It was worn backwards with opaque anthracite stockings, styled by Wang muse Victoria Traina

My favorite pieces include the Chevron Aviator Dress, a racer-back mini of graphic black and grey wool, and the Members Only cape, which is exactly what it sounds like, but cooler.

Final Word: This promising protégée continues to perform. Alexander Wang is the next big thing, if he isn’t so already. The collection, all completely wearable and bound for commerical success, hits stores late summer. Pick it up Alchemist, Miami Beach.

Sneak Peak: Proenza Schouler for Target

Last night Proenza Schouler launched their Spring 2007 Target collection at Opening Ceremony. Fashionistas congregated to shop the designer duo’s capsule collection as hosts/designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez worked the room of editors, it-girls and industry insiders.

Their signature pieces—two-toned bustiers and sexy, satin dresses—filled the racks alongside an extensive collection of casual cottons. With navy and white striped cabanas for dressing rooms and yellow tarring ropes hung floor to ceiling, the usually avant-garde boutique was transformed into an urban yacht club of sorts.

The collection followed the same aesthetic. Cropped canvas jackets, full bodied trenches and preppy cardigans complimented colorful incarnations of nautical stripes and bold Hawaiian prints appearing on halters, dresses and handbags.

My favorites include a fitted, hooded, school bus yellow windbreaker and smartly cut striped cotton tees in red, navy and granny apple green.

If J. Crew and H&M had a love-child, raised it in Brooklyn and vacationed in Maui—that is Proenza Schouler for Target.

And it works. All the good sizes were gone when I got there.

Final Word: They replenish daily and are open to the public all weekend. The collection hits Target stores throughout the country next week. Until then, Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard Street between Broadway and Lafayette.

Divine Designs at DoucetteDuvall

Two autumns ago, DoucetteDuvall launched their first collection. It included two dresses and two jackets in two prints.

Since, the ladies behind the line—Stephanie Ann Doucette and Annebet Duvall—have been keeping quite busy. They have been featured in Lucky, shot for Elle and quadrupled their retail exposure.

When they preview their Fall/Winter collection this Monday at Hotel Chelsea, the ladies will debut their most extensive endeavor to date.

With over two dozen dresses and a well-edited handful of jackets, they uphold their commitment to fine-tailored, feminine silhouettes. They continued to show their signature silk-charmeuse prints and introduce hints of fine Italian wool.

In a time when girls are finally starting to dress up again, DoucetteDuvall’s vintage-inspired collection is as impossibility chic and it is timely. A level of sophistication has returned to daily fashion, and DD has been advocating this nostalgic notion since their start.

From sweet, simple sundresses (Sammy Jo) to dramatic cocktail couture (Zsa Zsa), DoucetteDuvall will take you from summer soirees to holiday hedonism with an effortless, elegant ease.

But if you still feel you need a reason to get dressed up, DoucetteDuvall is as good as any.

Final Word: The Blackberrie officially invites you to preview the Fall/Winter collection. Monday, February 5th, 2-4 p.m. Hotel Chelsea, 222 W 23rd Street, Suite 822. RSVP to Meredith@doucetteduvall.com

Blackberrie on TV!

We’re proud to announce that one of The Blackberrie’s founders/co-writers Eazy-E (also style editor of Florida International Magazine) will be featured on CBS’s The Early Show on Friday, February 2 at 8:17 a.m. co-hosting a live segment showing the hottest trends in swimwear and fashion for Spring! The segment is part of CBS’s Miami coverage of Super Bowl XLI so all you fashionable jet-setters will have something to wear to Dophin Stadium.

But no need to fret, one need not squander Jet Blue points to take advantage of Spring’s sporty trends. Here are our top 3 looks for Spring that embody the Super Bowl spirit while hitting on arguably the most important trend of the season- athletic chic.



Marni was at the forefront of the collections showing simple belted shifts over Adidas-style leggings and cat suits shown under tent dresses. Be sure to accessorize with bold bangles and even bolder platforms to avoid looking like you came to dinner directly from your Powerstrike class. Deodorant never hurt anyone either.








Albert Elbaz of Lanvin brought a touch of luxury to the sporty look creating cocktail dresses that recalled real scuba suits- only instead of neoprene he used sumptuous materials such as satin and leather. The strongest point was the racerback tank dress- a must-have for every girl’s Spring wardrobe.


Finally, newcomer Maria Cornjeo of Zero by Maria Cornjeo made smart cuts her signature working with architectural silhouettes, a dusty color palette and asymmetrical necklines, perfect for a post-ballet workout, or happy hour at Beatrice Inn.

Final Word: It’s true, sports are universal. While your male compatriots will be content slugging beer and devouring wings, you can enjoy the game to, by wearing it. For those of you who will be in the City of Vision and Vice this weekend, you may want to hit up Mansion Sunday night for P-Diddy’s party with DJ Berrie on the wheels of steel…we’ll be there.

Folles Aux Kage

As we all diddle away at our day jobs—The Blackberrie, unfortunately, not being mine—we dream about what we want to be doing. What we could be doing. What we would be being if we weren’t held captive of our own cubicle. Okay, so I don’t actually sit in a cubicle—that was purely for dramatic affect—but you catch my drift.

This is exactly why we would like to salute Creations by Kage. After spending several years working in advertising and art buying, USC alum turned New Yorker, Kristin Holstein, decided she wanted to do something she truly enjoyed. So took some design classes at FIT and shortly after, Kage, a line of handbags reflecting her personal style, was born.

Her debut season, Spring/Summer 2007, is available now. The line is simple and compact, offering two styles; the Stormy tote for day, and the Jackson clutch for evening. Each style is available in five classic colors from saddle to midnight.

These bags are useful, wearable and still reasonably affordable. And the subtle preppy details—embossed Kage monogram and horseshoe charm—set them apart from the pack.

Final Word: With the alarming amount of wannabe fashionistas and the increasing ubiquity of Canal Street knock-offs, I have developed an aversion to any type of "It" bag. Buy these under-the-radar totes direct from the designer and maintain your personal panache. Contact Kristin at kage@creationsbykage.com.

Trend Alert! Return of the Flare???

We don’t normally document the everyday wardrobe choices of celebrities; plenty of other websites do such frivolity just fine. But it is our undeniable duty to announce when a trend so dear to our hearts has reappeared on the stems of tabloid princesses Lindsay, Ashley and Nicole in the span of one week.

Yes, these scandalous starlets have given up their skinny silhouettes and have emerged wearing not Superfines, not J Brands, not even Sass and Bides but (gasp) flared jeans!!! Did they discover these bygone blues under the heap of their (stylists’) bottomless closets? I for one sold my mounds of Mudds, Sevens and True Religions on Ebay years ago. Yes I owned Mudds. Or even more bewildering, did they actually purchase these in a modern day retail store?



From wherever these bell-bottoms have arisen, they are unmistakably here for all brilliant paprazzi flashbulbs to behold. And I have to admit, I’m intrigued. I didn’t think I was ready to give up my sea of skinny jeans, but perhaps I’m ready for a change.

Take note- if you dare to bring boot cuts back, think glam hippie. None of these modern day muses opted for low-rise mishaps a la 90s Britney. The look is reimagined in a slouchy fit with simple tops, platform shoes and a statement bag. But most important is attitude- chic nonchalance is a must to pull off the flared leg.



Final Word: Perhaps we underestimated the power of Rachel Zoe and without her sorceress stylist powers Miss Richie is truly lost. Perhaps this is simply a sartorial smack on fashion lemmings worldwide. Or perhaps these it-girls are onto something ingenious. Either way I’m into it. Now if only I could find that pair of Paris Blues…

Contradictory Caravan Parks it on the UES

What started as a quirky retail concept, Caravan created some mild buzz in Spring 2005 when it launched the city’s first mobile boutique. Inspired by the pop-up stores saturating Soho retail, creator and owner Claudine Gumbel—one of the founders of Think PR—figured if retail could be temporary, it could also be mobile.

So she and her husband took a Winnebago, covered it in logos, added an AC and some contemporary clothing lines and just like that, Caravan was created.

The idea was that Caravan “brings the boutique to you,” parking in different neighborhoods throughout the city, or even, upon request, right outside your apartment.

Every Friday after work Caravan would be parked outside my office in Meatpacking, but I was never once tempted to crawl in. Maybe it’s because I get car-sick and suffer from slight claustrophobia, or maybe it’s because shopping in a trailer is just weird.

Either way, a year after the concept store’s inception, the Gumbels threw down some cash on actual rent and opened a second location in a storefront on Great Jones Street. Mobile no more, Caravan kept its name but lost its concept.

Just to make things even more blatantly amusing, Caravan recently opened a second stationary location on the Upper East Side. As if cross-over clientele from Great Jones Street to 91st & Lex wasn’t a contradiction enough, this outpost is attempting to capture the exclusivity of the neighborhood—or rather, the exclusivity that lives 20 blocks south and two avenues closer to the park—by setting up an “appointment only” shopping experience.

Wait, it gets better. You get an appointment by calling a secret phone number.

Are their Nieves Lavi or Rachel Pally dresses—which you can get at any Scoop or Intermix on any corner in this city—really so sought after? Even if they’re served up with complimentary Moet champagne and chocolates from Boule (that’s what they’ve listed as incentive to flock)?

I think not.

Note to self Claudine Gumbel, we know you were groomed in the world of PR where fickle fads rule supreme. But you can’t start with trailer trash chic is 2005 and decide you’re The Saks Club two years later.

Final Word: Caravan, 128 E. 91st Street. Secret phone number yet to be uncovered. And if you want a Shoshanna dress delivered to your doorstep, I hope you can wait til Spring since the orignal Caravan is in "hibernation" for the winter. Dang!

Fashion Week Kick Off…From the Horses’ Mouths

Today, WWD revealed the inspiration behind many of the designer’s upcoming Fall 2007 collections that will show during Fashion week starting next Friday. It’s game time! And I’m not referring to the Colts-Bears match that inconveniently conflicts with Phillip Lim. (Fashionistas like football too!)

Here are a few sound bytes from New York designers and our interpretation of what the hell they’re talking about:

-Rachel Roy: “The strength of femininity through strong lines, soft touches and restrained finishings.” I predict this means more of her 1940s cuts, big shoulders, tiny waists with enough sex appeal to satisfy her Rocawear husband Damon Dash. Very Dita Von Teese meets Kimora Lee Simmons is what I’m picturing.


-Alexander Wang: “The volume and richness of Eighties hip-hop references (Run DMC and Public Enemy) meets Seventies Parisian Chic (Bianca Jagger in le smoking).” Yes!!!!! When has a designer EVER referenced Public Enemy?? I am very intrigued to see what this will bring. Perhaps an answer to our previous Urban Girl post? Is Mr. Wang trying to bring Flava Flav’s clock chain back?? Only time will tell. Ha.






-Derek Lam: “I drive past the Frank Gehry building on the West Side Highway every day on the way to work, which has all the hallmarks of Gehry’s work: a perfect combination of fluidity and structure and beautiful asymmetry.” Derek Lam drives?? Who knew anyone in this town did let alone a fashion desiger, sculptural lines and a modern crisp color palette. Hopefully sweet and feminine has had its day.




-Prouenza Schouler: “The psychology of dress is explored through handmade Rorschachs that leave the idea of “central motif” up to the viewer. Layering of sheer, diaphanous layers paired with layers of tailored suitings propose an idea of fashion on more cerebral and less frivolous grounds.” Bravo. Not counting their painful feeling of self-importance (Psychology of dress? Please.) I always applaud the push for cerebral fashion over frivolity. Especially when I feel if I see another babydoll or trapeze dress I may cry. Very excited for this one.

Final Word: Sure this is all speculation, with designers you never know what they’re going to pull out of that magic couture hat, but based on these few tidbits I have a feeling that New York wants to wow us this season, and based on the last few collections we’ve seen stateside, I hope they do.

Idol Worship

It Girl of The Week: Jennifer Hudson

After months of Oscar buzz, the nod is finally official. Jennifer Hudson is going to the Academy Awards, and we’ve been following her every step of the way. For those of you who may have missed her ascent to superstardom, here are the reasons Ms. Hudson is our girl:

-Girl can sang.

-She lost to Fantasia Barrino on the third season of American Idol and then beat her out for the part of Effie in “Dreamgirls.”

-Now she’s making movies with Jamie Foxx, not headlines (BET lip-lock? Yea, that’s you Fantasia).

-Her Oscar news conveniently coincided with the second week of Idol auditions. Perhaps a coincidence or perhaps just the marketing machine that IS American Idol. Either way I don’t care. Either way I like it.

-She’s not Beyonce.

-“I’m Telling You Am I Not Going” actually outshines Abigail Breslin’s “Super Freak” in “Little Miss Sunshine.”

Final Word: Watch out, Cate Blanchette. This girl's gonna give you a run for your money.

The Puppet Master

Paris, FRANCE - Yesterday in a vivid act of dazzling drama, John Galliano created a fierce fantasy on the stage of his Spring 2007 couture show with characters plucked straight out of Puccini’s masterpiece Madame Butterfly. Set against the backdrop of a winter wonderland worthy of the Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, these striking creatures clad in kimonos, obis and other fanciful designs teetered out on towering platforms with the grace a geisha would envy.

Everyone knows, John Galliano does couture best. For over a decade, he has designed spectacular creations for Christian Dior under Bernard Arnault’s watchful eye. Having once said, “my role is to seduce,” he most definitely accomplished that here. Even French VOGUE was so seduced to dedicate an entire issue to the man, the designer, the legend. And this season he went above and beyond playing with Eastern techniques of clothing design and even origami. But instead of folding squarely cut colorful paper; he used tulle, chiffon and silk.



Yet it wasn’t all Asian inspiration. Mr. Galliano deftly combined the east with western silhouettes from the turn of the century including tight pencil skirts, padded jackets cinched at the waist and platform heels. With the precision of any Kabuki specialist, he created remarkable characters in geisha makeup masks, making American beauty Angela Lindvall a dead ringer for Cho-Cho-San.



At the end of the spectacle, the master revealed himself dressed as Napoleon- a not so subtle allusion to himself as leader of this insane battle that is haute couture.

Final Word: No matter what you call him- designer, genius, emperor, Mr. Galliano is no doubt the king of all things theatrical, and he has wowed us yet again.

Urban Girl Where Art Thou?

As I sat in Recon, an uber-trendy sneaker store on Lafayette Street, waiting for my boyfriend to pick out a new pair of kicks, I noticed I wasn’t the only forlorn girlfriend abandoned for Air Force Ones. I was in fact surrounded by a handful of chic chicks waiting for their male counterparts as they scrolled through their blackberries, reapplied lip-gloss and looked idly out the window. None seemed to notice the shelf of girls’ baby tees or feminine footwear screaming to be seen but woefully ignored.

I wondered, who buys that stuff? Indeed, beyond this boutique, there seems to be an entire industry marketing to a streetwise urban girl who knows the difference between Billionaire Boys Club and Bathing Ape- but I have yet to meet her. And the handful of ladies who do know the aforementioned subtleties aren’t wearing sweats. Like the girls around me, these PYTs are an eclectic mix of cool and couture. One part vintage, one part designer and all part fashion forward, they appreciate the smell of fresh Air Max 97s but opt for their Louboutins. And do you blame them?



For some reason the cult status of a sneaker or T-shirt loses its covetable charm when it crosses the gender line. Perhaps we just have expensive taste? Perhaps we love our brothers and boyfriends but don’t necessarily want to dress like them? Or perhaps we’re just slow on the take.

Kid Robot will launch a women’s clothing line in Barneys this spring and apparently skater thug-chic is all the rage in Tokyo. No doubt the Japanese are always the first for anything. But the trend still feels a long way off. Perhaps we need a muse, a true icon that will pave the way to make these chic sweats au courant. Kelis anyone?



The truth is, history has shown men’s street trends have always begot a similar feminine likeness, but one entirely different than the original. Run DMC had TLC, Nirvana had Hole and Pharell has … The running theme is the girls made it their own. Perhaps the execs that are churning out hoodie after hoodie should realize a key point. Girls will always be girls, and will want to dress like it too. Pre-shrinking, cropping or pinkifying is just not going to cut it.

Final Word: I guess the rest of us will have to wait until Nas' missus reveals her own namesake line of frilly fancies with street cred- until then, I’ll stick to my lip-gloss and Louboutins.

Miami Vice

While spending my holidays in Miami as I do every year, I noticed a striking difference this year and one certainly not for the better. Almost overnight, the sunny city has become the new Acapulco- as in anyone who’s been born and bred in an exit off the LIE has made a mass exodus to South Beach to flaunt their Fake Bake tans and Fendi aviators in hopes of attracting a likeminded lost soul.

Sure Miami has always prided itself on a fair amount of cheese- but at least it was local. Imported Swiss is a little too much to handle. When the calendar strikes December 26, each hotel dutifully converts itself into a circus-like spectacle of the beautiful, bodacious and bourgeois looking to party. Quelle horreur.

And The Shore Club is the worst. What used to be Miami’s answer to St. Tropez’s Club 55, the aforementioned pool is now MTV Spring Break on steroids and Rachel Zoe horse tranquilizers. I spent about 20 minutes there in awe. There really are no words unfortunately, just pure disgust. Who knew thong bikinis and combat boots were making a comeback- or were they ever there in the first place?

There is hope, however, for a new Miami that is surprisingly simultaneously arising as the antithesis of the “scene”. This Miami is worth checking out. Not only has South Beach become the new Mecca for raw foodists and yogis, the same is true for art enthusiasts and fashionistas. Not that I’m advocating a sin-free lifestyle- au contraire. You can have your Mojito and drink it too, just without a side of cheese induced vomit.

Final Word: It’s true Miami isn’t what it used to be- it’s a bi-polar city of vice and vision- maybe that’s why I love it so much. Here’s a list of what insiders and you will be checking out:

In / Out

Pool at the Setai / Pool at the Shore Club
The Standard / The Shore Club
Juice and Java / News Café
Alchemist (Review to come!) / Intermix
Arrive / Scoop for Men
The New Mynt / The Old Mynt
Mokai / Mansion
Social at Sagamore / Sushi Samba
Yoga Shala / David Barton Gym
Woody Allen in board shorts andbucket hat / Jessica Alba in a bikini

Courteney Is Ridin' Dirt-y

Last night, FX debuted the much-anticipated premier of "Dirt,” a new celebrity-centered drama starring Courteney Cox as editrix of the glossies, Lucy Spiller.

Although all of the components of guilty pleasure were in place—promising leading lady, racy subject matter, and free use of all things inappropriate (this is FX)—the show served up little more than its title.

Cox, whom I neither love nor dislike, fell short in the role. I was expecting the brilliant bitchiness she brought to her character in the "Scream" trilogy. Instead, she delivered a flat performance, falling victim to bad writing and contrived born-to-be-bitchy situations.

Does she fire a junior writer when she calls a “bitch” over BBM (that's Blackberry Messanger, btw)? Yes. Does she zap her date with a stun gun when he tries to get intimate? Without hesitation. But did she frighten or intimidate me while doing it? Not in the slightest. She's dull as a butter knife, not razor sharp.

But Cox is the least of the show’s problems. The real trouble lies in completely unoriginal story lines and poor casting. Rick Fox as a philandering NBA star? Shannyn Sossamon—who I used to like, "Rules of Attraction," "40 Days and 40 Nights"—as a suicidal coke-whore starlet with baby’s mama drama?

These story lines are far more interesting when they happen in real life, and since Hollywood keeps fucking up and giving us more to read about, why should we care to watch the faux version on TV?

The show’s one saving grace, and the part a find the most disturbing and surprising, is British actor Ian Hart’s portrayal of the schizophrenic paparazzi Don Konkey. You can feel, touch and almost taste his complete and utter insanity.

And although the character makes you completely uncomfortable, the depiction of his craziness as an illness humanizes the paparazzi rather than vilifying them. On a show made by Hollywood people about Hollywood people, I would think the opposite would be true. Hmm.

Final Word: “Dirt” definately keeps it dirty, but that’s about it. If I want to watch a juicy FX series based in LA, I will have to wait for McNamara/Troy to set up shop in Beverly Hills on the next season of “Nip/Tuck.” Talk about anticipation.

Another Post, Another Year...

An email from one B-berrie to another, we thought we'd share our New Year's with you...

Dear N-Bizzle,

Currently, I am sitting by eazy-e's pool by myself (not that I am complaining its actually quite lovely, perfect day) but I thought I would take the time to tell you what you have missed.

New year's we went to the "same" party as last year, but similar only in the fact that it was thrown by the same people. This time the house was crazy, right on the bay, it was fully catered with awesome food by this chef that eazy-e knew, there were bottles of champagne for everyone at midnight with huge plasma screens showing the times square celebration. Very fun. The music totally sucked, but we're groovies, so what can you do. Oh, and there were animals again this time, but not random ones like last year's lama but cool ones, like a crocodile in the pool (crazy!) And this beautiful baby leopard names francesca, she loved us.

We left there around one am and eazy-e dropped lindsay and I off at the shore club (they went home). That same door girl s* that I know from ny was working the door so she left us right in. We got a drink and walked around for about 45 minutes. The place was still packed but the crowd was kind of beat and we didn't ran into really anyone we knew (apart from tarek leaving red room) so we left around 2 and headed to mokai. We did not see your brother spinning at the shore club so we figured he was already there.

When we got there they said the fire marshal was there and they could not let anyone in. We ran into dj outside and they even giving him a major problem so lindsay and I just left. We ended up meeting a2 for a drink, I was wasted by this point and I don't remember details, but I do recall it being incredibly awkward. Him being incredibly awkward. I think you might be onto something with the creepiness factor. Hmm.

Then we (obviously) hit up jerry's deli for the most digusting meal of all time and got home at 6am. Whew.

The following night eazy -e and I convinced lindsay that we HAD to go to red room because it was the best party of the week. We got there on the early side, around 11 or 11:30, because we thought we would have a problem getting in, but s* was at the door again so thankfully it was a non-issue. It started packing out around midnight and your brother was spinning so we were grooving in the back. It was definately a good party again, but nothing compared to last year. Some celebs rolled in, but they were the tabloid fixtures like kristin cavallari and brody jenner or random peeps like adrien grenier, who btw, deserves an emmy for playing cool guy vincent chase on entourage because he is the biggest dweeb on the planet. I actually saw him pick up his leg and wiggle it in a completely serious attempt to dance with a crowd of cheesy, busted girls. A-listers like leo were nowhere in sight. Boo.
I'm sure the party went on all night but we got kind of over it and left by 1:3O, so needless to say we did not re-create the magic of last year, not that I actually thought that we would.

Now that the craziness of over we are just chilling out, maybe we'll see the truth one of these nights. As for right now I am quite enjoying my time by the pool, even though I am trying to occupy my time (do you know how long this took me to write on my blackberry?).

Well I hope you and charlie m'man enjoyed your new years, we wished you could have stayed. See you in a few days....

Dmoney is out.

Final Word: Looking forward to more crazy/overhyped nights in 07...in the meantime happy holidays y'all!

Basel Mania

There was a mass exodus last week from Chelsea to South Beach for the annual Art Basel conference in Miami, Florida. Artists, dealers, collectors and hangers-on flocked south to buy, see and be seen at the largest art shows in the world. Bred in the fashion industry, I had difficulty transitioning from fashionista to art connoisseur ogling more outfits than oeuvres d’art.

The men's uniform ranged from candy-colored khakis to psychadelic printed 3-piece suits. The girls were far more muted, clad in charcoal grays and blacks with ubiquitous blunt bangs and torn Converse. Skinny jeans were a must for both sexes, as was the snotty indifference only someone from the art world has perfected.



Basel is a never ending buffet of delicacies from Picasso to Basquiat, but one cannot gorge with price tags starting at $5M. Much easier on the portefeuille was the Scope fair in the design district. The Rubell Family Collection (of Studio 54 fame) also located in the trendy design district housed controversial works including genius Barbara Kruger and a less controversial outdoor space that would be perfect for private soirees.

Final Word: Personal Art Discoveries? Julian Opie and Kyung Jeon. Best party? Jalouse @ Mynt. Worst Party? NADA Rave @ Sagamore. Best dinner? Tapas @ Social. Best drinks? Setai lobby. Best Club? Fridays at Mokai with DJ Berrie, of course.

Dakota Does Marc

Known for his rockabilly aesthetic coupled with grainy, voyeuristic ad campaigns shot by the slightly disturbing Juregen Teller, Marc Jacobs has constructed a public image famous for its hipster persona- paradoxically tied to a mainstream fashion customer. With muses like Sofia Coppola, Parker Posey and Meg White, these social outcasts were considered brilliant and beautiful by Mr. Jacobs. In his eyes, we yearned to dress like them. Suddenly we were in ballerina flats, opaque tights and baby dolls before you could say Mia Farrow mania.

So why has Mr. Jacobs set his sights on Miss Fanning, the sweetheart of America, for his Spring 2007 campaign? Perhaps he sees something beyond the fair-skinned, blue eyed “I Am Sam” outspoken little girl. In Marc’s eyes, and in Mr. Teller’s, she is an adult, a woman. Dressed in lace, minks and turbans, she is a sophisticate. Still animated as ever, we see a different Dakota beyond the kid genius that has made more movies than the years she’s been alive (12 to be exact), we see a girl that is chillingly not her age.


It’s not Jon Benet, but there remains something a bit creepy about the photos. Perhaps Mr. Teller wanted us to feel uncomfortable, as if we were peering into the life of a child with lost innocence. Or perhaps it’s just another cute girl selling clothes.

Final Word: Either way, Mr. Jacobs continues to push the envelope, makes us question conventions and always look for what’s new. They're right to say that Dakota is one smart cookie, she’ll be decked in Marc duds for life!

Lady In Red (Or Citrine and Amythest)

Yes the holidays are upon us and stores are selling out of ubiquitous glitzy gowns that shine and sparkle, but for the girl who wishes to beat to a different bass, there is the option to go matte in jewel tones such as scarlet, aubergine and emerald. This way she won’t be confused with the disco ball at Pink Elephant.


My personal picks? A sweet shift from Miu Miu that exudes peasant-chic in an unexpected urbane way, Marc Jacobs’ violet vision of a sexy slip or Development’s jade charmeuse camisole perfect paired with skinny black jeans.



Final Word: Whichever way you go, plan to wear your opaque Wolfords with those ankle booties…you wouldn’t want to make a slip a la Britney, Paris or Lindsay. Overexposure is and never will be au courant.

Modernity at the Met: Madame Butterfly

Vive la revolution! This Saturday evening, I witnessed history in the making in the most visually breathtaking rendition of Madame Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera since, well since I can remember. Anthony Minghella, director of brilliant oeuvres such as The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, has created a modern violently vibrant vision of Puccini’s tragic story of young Cio-Cio-San and Lieutenant Pinkerton.

Butterfly has always been a beautiful opera for me; the costumes have always been colorful, the set always pretty and straightforward with its ubiquitous dojo on a hill and cherry blossom tree that expectedly shook in Part 1 of Act II. However, the innovative-mirrored black set of Michael Levine, contemporary choreography of Carolyn Choa with designer Han Feng’s breathtaking costumes made for a modern-day dream that shook the retinas of the audience to experience eye candy at the highest saccharine-soaked level.

It was Kabuki Theater meets Japanimation with symbolic props and lighting as sliding paper doors for a house and a cascade of rose petals for the tree coupled with ninja-like dancers and brilliant lifelike puppetry. Too bad for the “technical difficulties” that prolonged the 1st intermission followed by soprano Cristina Gallardo-Domas falling ill just in time for Part II of the second act. Very strange incidents, yet even these hiccups did not take away from the startling image branded into my mind.

In fact everyone who is anyone surfaced for the occasion- including fashion A-listers Julie Gilhart of Barney’s New Hork, Grace Coddington of Vogue and Mr. Valentino himself. Even star du jour Sacha Baron Cohen and fiancé Isla Fisher sat a few rows behind the orchestra, canoodling and whispering sweet nothings before sneaking out after the second intermission.

Final Word: Perhaps this marks a new movement at the Met where modern day rules and tradition is played out. Either way, it seems the audience is ready for the change.

Tuscany in Tribeca

I’ve made a new discovery in the culinary word and it goes by the name of Bread. No, I’m not talking about the starchy glob of mass that tastes so good going down and not so good going directly to your hips and other undesirable places; I’m talking about the restaurant Bread that has taken Tribeca by storm with its super chic crowd, sexy lighting and melt in your mouth meals thanks to the newly revamped menu by chef Sara Jenkins of Il Buco fame.

Bread Tribeca, the much larger sister of Bread in Nolita, is a true restaurant by all definitions of the word. The loft-like space is minimally decorated with frosted plexiglass booths and concrete seating. From amuse bouches of ricotta on toasted peasant bread to a powder room the size of my bedroom, this contemporary lofty space was meant for fine dining, and drinking. While its sibling offers more of a “lunch” atmosphere with a menu of sandwich and soups for the shopping crowd, this Tribeca outpost is all grown up.

We were 15 minutes late for our reservation, but we were led by warm, German hostess (vive la contradiction) to the packed bar where we were given gallon-sized glasses of Gavi di Gavi and were content to people watch, who were an eclectic mix of arties, stylish couples and the young and beautiful.

Everything we tasted was comforting and delicious from the fried calamari to the whole grilled shrimp served on a wooden butcher block with rustic grilled vegetables. The fresh mozzarella risotto compliment of a very flirtatious chef wasn’t bad either.

Final Word: If dinner was this good, I cannot wait to go to brunch, which I hear is their specialty. Bread Tribeca, the corner of Church and Walker Streets, (212) 334-8282.

Walk This Way

Ray-Ban to Re-Lauch The Wayfarer.

This Wednesday, Ray-Ban will officially re-launch the most iconic sunglass frame of all time; The Wayfarer.

For the past forty-five years, The Wayfarer has been hooked on Hollywood, with a dirty little mistress in rock n’ roll.

In 1961, it made its silver screen debut in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Audrey Hepburn donned a pair with Holly Golightly’s pearls and little black dress. At around the same time, JFK wore them on weekends.

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd re-introduced them in 1980’s “The Blues Brothers.” And Tom Cruise became a household name three years later when he wore nothing but his shades, a button-down and tube socks in “Risky Business.”

Musicians from Mick Jagger to Debbie Harry, and Elvis Costello to Madonna have all been photographed wearing them. And I think Pete Doherty is hiding behind a pair right now.

They are iconic, effortless and cool. And prior to this re-release, absolutely impossible to find.

In true Wayfarer fashion, the release party will be a little Hollywood, a little rock and roll.

Taking place Wednesday at Irving Plaza, famed music photographer Mick Rock will exhibit his work as the Eagles of Death Metal find time away from their tour with Gun N’ Roses to perform for a crowd of 700.

Final Word: The Wayfarer makes its official debut in Europe next month and hits the American market in January. No word on whether they’ll be in the goody bag. Maybe I’ll party crash and try to find out.

Balmain in Beantown? The MFA Does Fashion.

This month, two years after I've graduated, my alma mater's hometown, Boston, has decided to host one of the hottest fashion exhibitions of late. Ummm....beer and baseball, yes. But fashion?

Regardless of the strange venue choice, this winter, industry insiders are sure to be migrating north on I-95 to take in the show, "Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006," opening next week at the MFA. A warning for those on the road: Manhattanites aren't exactly known for their adept driving skills or sense of direction outside of a grid. But anything in the name of fashion, right?

The show promises to highlight French designers such as Azzedine Alaia, Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano among others. The focus will also be on the City of Lights and why, in a world of instant global communication, Paris remains the fashion capital of the world.

For jet-setters looking for a chic place to stay (other than Hotel Commonwealth, which despite the charming name exudes wannabe hotel hostel), try XV Beacon and dine at their eccentric restaurant The Federalist.

Final Word: I haven't been back since my graduation in '04 but perhaps it's time I visited my old haunt for a taste of culture and couture...and of course a couple keg stands for good measure. It is Boston.

"Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006", November 12-March 18 2007. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts.

Paris Haute Spots - Black Calvados and Neo

If you happen to find yourself in Paris and if you happen to find yourself looking for the newest, chicest place to have a Kir Royale (or whatever your poison du jour), there two new boites that have all of Paris buzzing. After all, when something nouvelle opens in the City of Lights, it's quite the occasion.

Black Calvados (a.k.a. BC) - Tucked away on a quiet street in the 8th among the ultra-luxe hotels George V and Pershing Hall, this lounge-cum-club only accepts la creme de la creme. Lindsay and Fergie sauntered in last month and last weekend Lenny (Kravitz) and Lawrence (Fishburne) stopped in for a boisson. In fact I saw 2 very fashionable French girls denied before my eyes (pas moi bien sur!). Claustrophobics beware- this pint-size discotheque is walled with mirrors making you Alice in Wonderland...if Alice was an incredibly chic Parisienne with a penchant for hard liquor and table dancing. Tip: Be sure to book a table, since unless you like things below freezing in Siberia (the bar), this is a private party place.



Neo- The old Tangia in the 1st has gotten a brand new makeover. The infamous door brigade from Maison Blanche (think Bungalow 8 with a most severe French attitude. Quelle horreur!) have set up shop here where models and the men who love them flock to hear the Killers and Kelis while smoking cigarettes on banquettes. If ever you want to see the newest fashion trends, this is the place to take notes. It was here where I learned stockings are the new leggings. You heard it here first. The closest thing to a U.S. club, they even have kitschy glow in the dark stirrers - too bad the crowd's too chic to appreciate it.

Final Word: If you get in, we highly reccomend the grey goose and perries...otherwise known as the "bitch 'mince'".
BC, 40 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie ; Neo, 23 rue du Ponthieu.

For more insider information on Paris check out our new favorite blog Eye Prefer Paris (eyepreferparis.com). It's like The Blackberrie with a certain je ne sais quoi, tres chic!