Go Green

I have not discussed chlorophyll since my seventh grade Life Science class, but as it turns out, I probably should have paid better attention.

Chlorophyll, for those of you who may or may not remember, is the common ingredient in all green food and plants. It is an essential to all life forms in that it purifies the air and raises oxygen levels.

But eating your greens may no longer be enough. Chlorophyll—when ingested regularly in its purest, most potent form—could potentially be the secret behind a healthy metabolism and glowing skin.

We know for a fact that the flawless Julianne Moore is hooked on the stuff, so that’s reason enough for me.

One tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll, 16 ounces of water, once a day (twice if you're hardcore).

It’s pretty painless going down, but due to its color and taste I’ll coin it a Seaweed Cocktail. Hopefully it will help reverse the effects of all those other cocktails, those that have nothing to do with seaweed.

Final Word: Movie star beauty secret for less than ten bucks? I think it’s worth a try. Sunny Green Liquid Chlorophyll.

We Didn't Start The Fire

There’s nothing worse than seeing a five-year-old with a cell phone. I was at least sixteen before I went mobile. That Nokia brick....anyone, anyone? Well, times they are a-changing and little guys need to stay connected too, I guess.

Firefly has made mobile devices designed specifically for the under-ten set (the tween market is already downloading Hannah Montana ring tones onto their Sidekicks). These junior gadgets have only five keys—which means no texting—and incoming and outgoing calls are limited to only the numbers stored in their phone books (holds up to 20).

I don’t have any third-graders in my life right now, but I was thinking about distributing these phones to my friends as “going out” phones. With enough Skinny Bitches in our systems we can easily become the social equivalent of third-graders.

So much damage can be done—to former, current and future relationships—in those drunken wee hours of the morning.

Imagine being able to stay connected to your few close friends without running the risk of simultaneously ruining the rapport with your man-candy? Genius. Oh, and it glows. I believe the Firefly peeps secretly had this market in mind.

Final Word: The attached-to-the-face Blackberry as accessory du jour is becoming so passé. Get hooked up with a Firefly. You’ll thank me later.

There are other things to worry about, BUT….

I am pretty sure Herve Leger is stalking me. I don’t want to jump to conclusions or anything, but everywhere I go, he is there.

I open a magazine, he’s in every one. I skim party pictures, he’s at every soiree. And every time I walk into an Intermix—which has been quite frequently lately—he is literally shouting my name.

I finally gave into his flirtation and tried on one of those bandage dresses of his, thinking it would be totally wrong for me. But on the contrary, it was quite fantastic.

If we thought those D&G bustier numbers did wonders for our physiques, these babies are an on-the-spot nip & tuck. Talk about non-invasive! And they literally look awesome on everyone.

The only problem here is the price tag. At just under four figures, this is the last attack I need on my (practically non-existent) checking account. I could make it work, but I shouldn’t. It’s bad for my overall health. Kind of like when you’re dating a guy you know is wrong for you, but you still want to go back for more. Oh wait, I do that too.

So now that Herve has gotten my attention and is totally in my head, my friends are only making it worse. They won’t stop talking about how wonderful he is just as I am trying to forget. Bitches.

Not to mention, we have this event coming up on Wednesday (Art Rocks! hope everyone bought their ticket) and I just got word that the dress I was planning to wear is sold out in my size. And the Herve that I wanted—which is obviously sold out in every other size and color—is just hanging there on the rack. As if it were waiting for me.

Final Word: I told you he was stalking me. Now I just need to decide if it’s worth it to really indulge his advances.

Another Shot at Six-cess

It’s week three of the new NY Post’s Page Six Magazine and we can officially declare that we're into it.

We never read The Post for anything more than Page Six itself (does anyone?), so this glossy little guy gives us everything we need.

It also helps that it arrives on our doorstep every Sunday morning free of charge, but then again, who’s keeping score?

Although I am not going to go out on a limb and call this publication “smart,” it is definitely far less dumb than the salacious paper from which it sprung and most other glossies on the market.

For example, this week's cover girl is writer/actress/director, Jennifer Westfeldt. Most of us have not heard much from her since Jessica Kissing Stein appeared on DVD (for those of us who were mainstream/indie enough to catch it).

She’s beautiful, talented and intelligent (a Yale alumi). And she’s certainly not Heidi Montag, so she’s got that going for her. The inside reads weren't half bad either.

Final Word: For as long as it appears on our doorstep, we'll continue to read it. But for a mag with a troubled past, who knows how long that will be.

If Ever You Feel Your Apt is Small…

Be reminded of our friends Stephanie and Mark, who live together—with a baby on the way—in a 400 sq ft loft on West 21st Street.

Their apartment is featured in today’s Home & Garden section of the New York Times.

I’ve hung out in these digs and surprisingly, it doesn’t even feel that small. I was never quite sure how they did it, but thanks to the NY Times, now I know and I am thoroughly impressed.

My favorite quote comes from the Times asking Mark what will happen when the baby is born in December, “We’re actively looking for square footage for this apartment.” Ha, love it.

Final Word: We can’t all be this thrifty, creative or handy (do NOT forget handy). But at least it gives us something to aspire.

Add This to Your Wrist

We love nothing more right now than stacking bunches of bangles all over our wrists. We’re happy to announce that we can now create our favorite look while supporting a worthy cause with CAROLEE 35th Anniversary "Words to Live By" celebrity bangle collection to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Seven celebrity women including Beyonce Knowles, Julianna Marguiles and Mena Suvari worked with CAROLEE to design a “Words to Live By” bangle that includes an inspirational quote significant to each woman.

Beyonce encourages women to “Be Inspired! Love Can Conquer All,” while Olympian Amanda Beard tells us to “Laugh till you cry, cry till you laugh.”

The sterling silver bangles are $100 each and 100% of the profits go toward the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Final Word: Charitable and stackable. We love that. Available at Bloomingdale’s and carolee.com through December.

Something to Talk About: Gossip Girl

Yes, I may be 25-years-old. And yes, I do live in Manhattan and maintain a somewhat active social life. But that doesn’t mean I can’t long to live vicariously through scandalous Upper East Side prep school kids, does it?

I’m talking about Gossip Girl, the saucy new teenage drama that debuted last night on the CW. Brought to us by the people behind The O.C., creator Josh Schwartz has found another group of dreadfully good-looking, privileged, screwed-up teenagers to tap.

In the first episode alone we’ve already watched the main character getting busy with her best friend’s boyfriend, two 16-year-olds slamming martinis like a true addict at the Palace Hotel bar, pre-gaming with joints and champagne in the back of a limo, and as a cornerstone to televised teenage drama, a date-rape scene.

We especially love Blake Lively as main character Serena van der Woodsen, who has just returned from boarding school to reclaim her title as social queen bee and curb her hard partying ways (so far, not much luck with either). The actress achieves a perfect balance between the bitch you want to hate and the girl you want to be (well, if you were seventeen).

But we truly love the show because it’s real. Teenagers in this city are certainly like this, if not worse.

So now being in my mid (ouch!) twenties, we can posthumously thank Aaron Spelling for our addiction to all this adolescent angst-ridden glory. We’ve been hooked on this shit since we were ten, do you honest believe we’re going to give it up now? I would call it a guilty pleasure, but I don’t even feel guilty about it.

Final Word: Gossip Girl, every Wednesday at 9pm on the CW11.

Probably the worst job move....ever.

"Holly Doran is leaving the special events department at Vogue. She will be joining aSmallWorld, where she will be global director of special events."
-Fashionweekdaily.com

Final Word: Smallworld? Really? Smallworld?

It-Boy of The Week: Kanye West

We’ve been enormous Kanye West fans since basically the moment “College Dropout” dropped. It served as the soundtrack to our last semester of college and it will forever be synonymous with being complete f-ups and having a great time. We can easily recite every word of that album and pull it off without a hitch.

While we’ve personally approached his later albums with less devotional zeal, he continues to out-do himself and we continue to love it.

Now that his third album “Graduation” has debuted not only at #1, but is also the top selling album of the year thus far (take that, Fiddy), Kanye is riding high. Not to mention his debut single, “Stronger” just topped the singles charts for a double whammy. Bawler.

While we don’t necessarily agree with his September 11th marketing ploy (while promoting the album in New York), we still support our boy. And since we’re never officially endorsed him, now seems like a better time than ever.

Final Word: You may have been robbed at the VMAs, but look on the brightside. You’re a Blackberrie “It-Boy of The Week,” you can brag about that.

We're Baaaack......And Better

Ok, so it’s been a while. Probably the longest hiatus we’ve taken since the inception of the B-Berrie. August we can blame on our European work ethic, we usually take the month off (we were guilty of this last year as well).

But September does not have as obvious a scapegoat. We even missed Fashion Week, shame on us. Perhaps our personal lives have thrown us a couple curve balls lately, or perhaps we’ve just been lazy.

We could also say that our philanthropic efforts have been taking up so much of our time we just have not had a moment to write. I like that excuse.

Having said that, all of our readers must attend Art Rocks! The first event organized by the young friends committee of the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Hospital.

The event—which will be held aboard the SeaFair, the world’s first fine arts yacht, and hosted by Elliot Yamin from American Idol—is fully created, organized and endorsed by The Blackberrie and friends. So you’d be silly to miss it!

Final Word: Art Rocks! October 10, 2007. Space is limited so buy your tickets today! Visit www.nbdiabetes.org

Something Old, Something New

Lord & Taylor, America’s oldest department store, is freshening things up a bit. If effort to celebrate their 181-year heritage and modernize their image, the retail company will launch a $10 million re-branding campaign in mid-August.

Most often identified by the signature hand-written logo, the new campaign will feature an impressive roster of famous faces. The ads, shot by famed fashion photographer Mario Testino, will feature models Carolyn Murphy, Lauren Hutton and Jacquetta Wheeler, as well as artist Ed Ruscha and socialites Lauren Davis and Lydia Hearst, just to name a few.

The campaign will demonstrate the four-year re-positioning efforts of Lord & Taylor President and CEO, Jane Elfers. ‘The stunning images depicted in this campaign will signify Lord & Taylor’s relevance in the specialty department store arena.”

Final Word: Look out for a multi-page spreads in the September issues of Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair and others.

Moutains out of Mole Hills

The last time I wrote about The Hills I covered the series premier. I called Lauren Conrad "the Kelly Taylor to Kristin Cavallari's beautifully bitchy Brenda Walsh," and predicted that LC was far too boring to carry a spin-off of her own.

Clearly, I was dead wrong.

The Hills have swept the nation, myself included. And as the third season premiered earlier this evening, LC, Heidi, and even that pig Spencer have become household names (in large part to their self-driven media debacles, but that's beside the point).

In watching the first two episodes, several variables have changed:

Lauren has discovered booze, Heidi has discovered cocaine, and the entire cast have apparently discovered that there are cameras documenting their every move (we're not exactly sure what took them so long).

The result can be described in one word: awkward. In watching these episodes my feelings of discomfort nearly rivaled the overwhelming sense of physical disgust that I am subjected to each time I'm forced to look at Spencer.

Final Word: I hated it. But I'll still tune in every Monday at 10pm, or at least my TiVo will. My guilty pleasure just got slightly less pleasurable. But then again, was it ever?

Super Saturday All Week Long....

Tomorrow the tenth annual Super Saturday will take over the Noah’s Ark Project in Watermill. Presented by Donna Karan, this “designer garage sale” gathers an impressive list of designers, clothing and accessories companies all whom sell their goods to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc. (OCRF).

Last year the event raised over 2.4 million dollars and it continues to attract quite the roster of celebrities, socialites, fashionistas and Hamponites.

But for those not willing to fork over $600 for an admissions ticket (if you can even get one) or sit in hours of traffic on 27 (Polo is bound to clog it up too) there is now a way for everyone to get their hands on the same discounted designer duds and contribute to the cause.

This year, Bluefly has paired up with the event to organize the first ever Super Saturday Aftersale, allowing their online devotees to score the same designer merchandise at 30-50% off.

“Shoppers across the country can finally experience the same thrill and excitement as if they attended Super Saturday, while knowing everything they purchase will be instrumental in the fight against ovarian cancer,” says Bluefly President and CEO Melissa Payner.

Final Word: Hit the beach, skip the sale, and contribute to the cause free from heat-stroke and Patrick McMullan from your desktop on Monday.

Time to Make the Donuts, Biotch!!

Apparently Naomi Campbell has begun listening to her publicist. After several bitch-slapping/ phone-tossing incidents, this infamous elitist’s public persona was calling for some serious damage control.

The result, I must say, is an interesting one.

Clad in a bright pink Giambattista Valli dress and Prada heels, the former supermodel will appear in a multi-million dollar television ad campaign for Dunkin’ Donuts.

Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts.

While the ad is said to have Campbell poking fun at herself and her recent “bad” behavior, I highly doubt the idea was driven by her cunning sense of humor. She is clearly trying to rectify her mass-market image and make a quick mil.

But a supermodel endorsing Dunkin’ Donuts? I mean, honestly, is nothing sacred? This “fashion for the masses” movement is getting out of hand.

Final Word: If Naomi Campbell can’t physically abuse her help and walk away unscathed, who can? F-it. We’re bringing bitchy back.

Torn, Not Tattered

If staying in the city in the summer is good for anything, it’s shopping. But forget sifting through sales racks with all the tourists, smart shoppers know this is the best time for sample sale-ing.

Designers and clothing companies are trying to unload their extra goods from spring/summer while willing to let go of a few yet-to-be-released samples for fall.

Torn—one our favorite NY-based casual chic clothing companies—is having a sample sale this Thursday and Friday. Here you can pick up those adorably easy dog-walking sweats or the perfect “movie night” waffle tee.

Casual comfort never looked this good. Just look at the invitation.

Final Word: Torn Sample Sale, Thursday July 19th & Friday July 20th, 11 a.m.-5p.m. 156 Fifth Avenue, at 20th Street, Suite 834.

"They Try to Make Me Go to Rehab....."

Why aren’t American fashion magazines this cool? I am loving this sneak-peak of Steven Meisel “rehab” photo-shoot for Italian Vogue, which hits newsstands this week.

WWD is calling it a “tongue-in-cheek fashion story inspired by the antics of Britney Spears.” I think “inspired” is a bit of an understatement, but who cares.

Other shots promise models such as Agnyess Deyn and Lara Stone flashing their nakedness and yelling at paparazzi.

This is a great follow-up to last month’s ironically timed Harper’s Bazaar shoot putting Paris and Nicole behind bars. Ooooh, celebrity crack-head culture. Gotta love it.

Final Word: The issue’s debut also conveniently coincides with La Lohan’s big 2-1 this week. The Blackberrie wishes her the very best on her road to relapse.

Made in The Shade

The Blackberrie has adopted a new mantra this summer; Light. Up. Happy. We’ve abridged it to LUH and we’re aggressively attempting to apply it to all aspects of life. Although it’s a bit of a self-help strategy, all this “Summer of Love” hoopla is making our new philosophy seem tres hippie-chic.

Since we’re being LUH, I thought we should share some love, in the form of sunglasses of course. These shades were recently released in London by Biba, the great-great grandmama of psychedelic fashion. Even Anna Wintour logged some time there as a shopgirl in the swingin’ sixties.

These sixties-inspired heart-shaped frames are the first foray into eyewear by the London-based retailer. They are available in a kaleidoscope of colors like tortoise, black, red and turquoise just to name a few. I don’t yet know if they’ll hit stateside, but you can buy them direct from Biba for 135 pounds. With our bangin’ economy that’s only like $300! Wait, that’s not LUH. Shame on me.

Final Word: Peace, love and sunglasses for all.

Philosophe de Voltaire

Blackberrie-philes are well aware of our devout adoration for Parisian basics brand Zadig et Voltaire. The chain store that stole our hearts on every rue in the City of Lights made us fall for a second time when they opened on Sunset Boulevard in LA.

As we wait with bated breath for the NY opening, here's the next best thing- sale!

Final Word: Call quick before the LA store runs out and score a cashmere pullover- we already did. www.zadig-et-voltaire.com

Wanted: Crash Test Models

What better time to touch up those roots than right before that Independence Day clambake? Ted Gibson who is responsible for the luscious locks of Keira Knightley, Jessica Alba and not to mention a slew of editorial spreads, is offering, wait for it, free coloring sessions! Yes, it sounds like a dream come true, but wait, the catch is- the color is at the dyer's discretion, which means you may leave the salon looking like Britney circa right now, or right then, or, well you get the point.

Final Word: Those faint of hair trauma should steer clear, but with Mr. Gibson's A-plus resume, we say it's worth the gamble.
www.tedgibsonbeauty.com

Devi Does Target

It-designer creates line for mass retailer. We get it. Style icon adds name to cool clothes at low prices. Ok. Target, H&M, Wal-Mart and even Steve & Barry’s. Got it, got it, got it, good.

Yes, we are just as sick of this angle as you are, but we couldn’t help but mildly endorse Devi Kroell for Target. We got a sneak peak of these styles and they’re looking pretty sick.

Kroell is offering a limited edition collection of hobos, clutches, shoppers and totes priced from $19.99-$49.99. And these faux materials actually resemble the designer’s signature exotic skins (well, in the jpeg at least).

If the python version wasn’t so pimp, I may actually pity the people who bought the real thing.

Final Word: Luxury is still luxury. But there’s nothing wrong with faking it every now and again. Bags hit Target stores July 15th.

My Love Don’t Cost A Thing (Well maybe something.)

Cartier has just made next Valentines’ Day extra excruciating for married men, adulterers and the like by launching the new Love Cuff (priced at a mere $40K) as an addition to their growing Love collection of white and yellow gold bracelets, lockets and rings- all representing the supposed un-priceable l’amour. This 4-inch, solid gold cuff complete with three iconic screws gleams with such gilded perfection it would make King Midas green with envy.

The brilliant bauble originally was sold with a miniature gold screwdriver giving a new meaning to prisoner of love. The semi-permanent object immediately earned cult status - flashing the bracelet meant you were somebody who was willing to sacrifice ease and utilitarianism for hardship and opulence (anyone who’s anyone has spent their fair share lecturing airport security why TSA regulations do not apply to Cartier.)

But today, the Love bracelet has reached mainstream status by becoming, well easy. The bangle now comes in an un-screwable version like a high-end snap bracelet and worse, even allowed a mention on HBO’s Entourage. Was executive producer Doug Ellin’s wife pining for a cuff of her own? Or is it that this band of gold has become such a common symbol of our material culture that trendster-du-jour Adrien Grenier must wear one to prove his it-ness. One can't be sure, but it is certain that this will be the next cause celebre for those wishing to prove the authenticity of their heart's obsession- if they can afford it, that is.

Final Word: Cartier’s ad for the new Love cuff aptly reads, “How far would you go for love?” Well everyone has his or her limits, but in this case, I'd say pretty damn far.

Why Didn't We Think of That?

I can never seem to find time for a manicure before I travel. Nor can I seem to find the time—or an appointment—for a manicure once I arrive to my destination.

This has led me to gather some valuable information. For example, if you're in South Beach and you wait too long to land an appointment at Browne’s, Tootsie’s on Washington has a fierce divas-live-in-concert DVD selection.

But for those of you who can’t exactly stomach Ricky Martin on a plasma, there is now an alternate solution.

Three mothers from Florida have launched the 10 Minute Manicure, a chain of airport-based nail and beauty salons that offer quick beauty fixes while you're killing time in the airport. The eponymous 10 Minute Manicure is only the beginning of their offerings.

Their beauty menu includes spa-quality manicures and pedicures, massages and reflexology. They also sell a range of beauty products that meet the 3 oz. travel restrictions.

Quite clever. In addition, they have now launched a line of aptly named private label polish colors including sheer pink "Rain Delay" and "Red Eye" red.

The Blackberrie and friends have also come up with a few nail polish colors on our travels. But we don’t know if “Bitch, I Want My Money Back” or “Lay Me Lavender” really have the same commercial appeal. Hmm.

Final Word: The 10 Minute Manicure just opened in JKF, Terminal 8, Concourse B. We are also accepting submissions for polish colors if we ever get it together to launch a label of our own.

Pinkberry is Bananas

Last night, I decided to take a nice summer stroll to my local Pinkberry on 19th & 8th. Even though the Pinkberry craze is sweeping the nation, I must say, I have yet to become a convert.

But for some reason, I was craving it. And apparently, so was everyone else.

As I walked down 8th Avenue I noticed a crowd of people in the street. What I thought must be the smoking section of a boys’ bar was actually a line to get into Pinkberry! Flooding the store, down the street and practically around the corner. It was crazy.

Since I possess zero patience and a complete aversion to waiting in lines, I just walked away. Normally I would employ the blatant cut tactic, but that usually only works when there’s alcohol involved. This Fro-Yo crowd was looking tres serious, so I didn’t even attempt.

Rather than waiting, I decided I would hit up Tasti-D a few blocks up. But when walking away, I couldn’t help but feel like I had missed out on something. Like I couldn’t get into the exclusive club so I had to settle for the egalitarian one down the street. Ugh.

When I got to Tasti D-Lite the patrons were middle-aged and mildly overweight, where the Pinkberry kids were good-looking, well-dressed, young and hip. This was the frozen dessert equivalent of trying to get into Bungalow and having to settle for Home. So needless to say, I was thoroughly disappointed.

Final Word: I got the Tasti-D Double Berry with rainbow sprinkles, but it just didn’t do it for me. Pinkberry isn’t that good. Or is it? Tell me, I want to know.

Don't be Silly, Call on Lily

As the summer season descends upon us, the New York club scene similarly descends upon Southampton.

Tenjune, Pink Elephant, Stereo “By The Shore,” there's pretty much something for any scenster.

But there's one thing this sub-scene fails to offer us: the convenience of New York City taxis safely taking our inebriated selves home.

There are cabs in the Hamptons, but no one really takes them. I mean, what would Pink Elephant be if club kids couldn't valet their parent's flashy cars up front? The parking lot is half the scene.

Now there's a brilliant new service that allows you make your entrance and make it home without a DUI: Lilybug.

Lilybug is a scooter service operating exclusively in the Hamptons. Simply call on Lilybug and one of their sober, scooter drivers will be happy to escort you home (or wherever you’re crashing).

The compact scooter folds up into a small, sealable bag measuring about 2 square feet. As the scooter slips into your trunk, the Lilybug driver will bring you, your car, and most likely your entourage, home safely.

Final Word: Lilybug, 866.678.LILY(5459). Store the digits now, thank me later.

Harajuku Lover

Although I missed the critically-acclaimed cultural epic Babel, I have witnessed the fashion frenzy surrounding its breakout star Rinko Kikuchi whose acting caught the eye of Brad Pitt but more notably, whose chic ensembles have been garnering praise from industry insiders and the like- one in particular, Karl Lagerfeld.

Miss Kikuchi, who does not speak much English, speaks style – fluently. The slight actress is a genius, if not in her supporting role performance, then in her calculated decision to wear only Chanel to all her press appearances (Read: Cotton candy confection at the Golden Globes, vampy sequin gown at the Oscars, and a snow white frock at a cocktail party in the Valley.) thus catching the eye of the man behind the leather gloves.

It worked. Kikuchi’s next role will be as muse for Mr. Lagerfeld in Chanel’s upcoming ad campaign for the 2008 cruise collection.


Final Word: Although Diane Kruger worked last season’s resort bags to the fullest, I’m looking forward to an edgier interpretation by the petite Japonaise. Now if only I had time to rent Babel…

Candy Crashes

Alas, even fashion editors get it wrong sometimes...Candy Pratts Price of Style.com had an inexplicably off night at the CFDA awards on Monday.

Clearly forgoing Coco Chanel's expert advice ("Always take off one accessory before leaving the house."), Miss Price took the other route, piling on as many trendy pieces as possible. Headband, check. Chunky necklace, check. Dated ankle booties, check. Quelle misfortune.

Final Word: This is the definition of fashion victim - when one works in the industry for so long, they feel it is permissible to go out looking like this. Sorry for the haterade, but this is just appalling.

The Best Cover Ever

Final Word: Need we say more?

Grab Bag

I was watching Oprah yesterday (as is my nightly ritual) and it was one of those maniacal episodes where she gives away free loot in exchange for blood-curdling screams from the audience. The theme for this giveaway was the perfect summer beach bag and everything that goes in it.

It got me thinking, over Memorial Day weekend, beach bag-less, I lugged my YSL white patent Downtown tote to the beach only to come back with my prized accessory loaded with bits of seaweed and sand that resulted in an extra crunchy Orbit this morning- delicious. Towel-less, my friends and I hit up the Rite Aid for some super-trendy neon throws but were feeling a bit "out" amidst a sea of Missoni zig zags.


It dawned on me, I need the perfect beach bag! But what would I put in it?

Final Word: Here's my shoreside it-list- sorry, we're not giving anything away:
1. Foolproof Terry: Chanel Towel, chanel.com
2. Beach bum's Secret Weapon: Banana Boat Tanning Spray, SPF 4, CVS
3. Ever-in Shades: Ray-Ban Aviators, saks.com
4. Salvation Salve: Dr. Hauschka's Sunscreen Stick: drhauschka.com
5. Summer Reading: Eat, Pray, Love; amazon.com
6. The Bag: Vanessa Bruno, Ludivine NYC

Head Case

Panama hats, turbans, oversized jewels...this season has been all about dramatic head wear.

Personally, I'm keen on the hippie head wraps sported by almost every Lagerfeld lady in Chanel's 2007 Cruise Collection.

Final Word: With the Whitney's Summer of Love Art Party nearing, this gives us all the more reason to wrap it up and spread the love.

Eastern Philosophy

Its only Monday and my friends and I are already emailing possible Friday afternoon Midtown Tunnel exit strategies. This can mean one thing and one thing only: summer is here!

Well, almost. Even though the weather won’t necessarily cooperate until at least mid-June, Memorial Day weekend is still dubbed the official kick-off for any dwellers of this city.

So for those of you who will also be heading out East this weekend, here’s what is new and noteworthy:

Regardless of expansion rumors for both companies, Scoop and Intermix are still holding it down for the pretty, young thang-set in East Hampton and Southampton, respectively. But an East End double dose of both are already on the radar.

Wasps and wannabe’s will unite as Tory Burch makes what is probably the most obvious retail expansion opening a store on East Hampton’s Newtown Lane. Now her emblem t-strap sandal is about to become as annoyingly ubiquitous as the ever-present logo-happy ballet flat.

John Varvatos will join her there, while both Ralph Lauren and Elie Tahari are working on new stores.

Southampton is following on the path to complete commercialization as they welcome Sephora and Brooks Brothers to Main Street.

New restaurant openings include Prime 103 in the old JL East spot. Staying open til 4am on the weekends, it will serve as a steak house, sushi bar and lounge. Why not cover all the bases, right?

Sag Harbor will most likely continue to dominate the restaurant scene as former Conde Nast CEO Steve Florio opens Italian eatery Tutto Il Giorno. And Muse, a small nouveau American spot, comes to Watermill with executive chef Matt Guiffrida, as former local club king Mark Zucchero, backs it up.

Scensters will be happy to hear that Pink Elephant will still hold court at that claustrophobic roadside hotbox, The Capri. But the Tenjune crew will take it over on Fridays. And while The Blackberrie more often endorses the latter, I would imagine the parties will be impossible to distinguish.

The former Jet East, which was Cain last summer, will become Dune. We hate the name and the spot is plagued, but maybe we’ll give it a shot.

Final Word: Even though I know I will be participating in all of the above, I am really only looking forward to working on my tan and my surf skills. Either way, see you out there!

Goot Taste

Oh Target, will your style scouts ever cease to amaze? The latest endeavor of the mass retailer turned indie designer advocate is its Australian cousin’s collaboration with fellow Aussie and new it-couturier Josh Goot. This summer the superstore down under will feature a capsule collection by Mr. Goot.







Already an industry darling, Goot’s fall collection revealed the future of fashion, or something like it- slim-fitting blazers, narrow tunics and skinny pants, so skinny, you would mistaken them for leggings. Textures ranged from dark jersey, metallic brocade and gunmetal wool. (Helmut Lang anyone?)

The designer’s sleek silhouettes, laser cuts, and somber attitude make him an easy target for fall’s sophisticated, wearable tone.

Final Word: For those of us who can’t make it to the Southern Hemisphere (Read: everyone.), we’ll have to settle for his signature line available at Alchemist in Miami (Open Fall 2007) on Lincoln Road.

Color Me Bad

I have to admit when I first saw the color block trend surfacing on Spring 07 runways, I glossed over it, more keen on the flirty frocks of Erin Fetherson and Anna Sui. These frothy concoctions are familiar, easy, if even a bit mundane, while the former supplied by the likes of Emanuel Ungaro, D-Squared and Costume National (see images) were harsher to the eye, scandalous and extremely daunting. But after some consideration and a little help from my fearless fashion friends, I’m ready to change my color palette.

This weekend in Miami, I learned half way does not count with this look- a lady must rock her rainbow to the fullest with equally brilliant accessories like my girl Hope did with a pair of vibrant violet platforms by new it-shoe architect Brian Atwood (Available at Intermix).


So, with high color theory in mind, each of us took our hues to the streets. One in a zig-zagged Missoni shift with neon pink Manolos; one in an electric blue Yigal dress; and me in a sunny yellow Thread number with sun ray pleats. The Crayola kids meets NYC girls- a scary yet potent combo. Granted we got plenty of stares looking like a bag of Skittles strutting down Collins, but it was fierce.






Final Word: Beware- rocking the RGB is not easy- it requires meticulous thought in accessory pairings, restraint in multiple colors and wise choice in the appropriate hue- after all, you don’t want to be described as “neon vomit,” an apt term coined by the ever-genius Blue States Lose…chromatic regurgitation is never a pretty look.

Mis-Mused

I'm having a bit of a problem with designer Giambattista Valli taking up with commercial starlet Mischa Barton as his current muse. With corporate collaborators like Keds and Bebe, isn't Mischa used goods? I was particularly surprised to see the OC-expat on the red carpet arm in arm with the somber designer at the Costume Institute Gala, and even more underwhelmed to see the twosome at a post-work cocktail last night.




In my humble opinion (which does not mean much), Mr. Valli's work merits much more of a sophisticated, interesting girl who can work his nearly perfect frocks.










Final Word: Even the Olsen twins (pictured here) are not a perfect marriage for Mr. Valli, but at least they seem to be of the same mind as the the beautiful yet dark designer. Regardless, this designer needs a face, stat. Any thoughts as to who would be the best match?

Extreme Makeover - Tinsley Edition

Not that I want to add any more fuel to the feeding frenzy that is New York Socialite Obsession, but I must comment on the look that Miss Mortimer worked last night at the Met.

Va va voom hair, a tight neck-plunging Versace number and stunning gold accessories. Do my eyes deceive me? Where is the mop of sweet ringlets, sweetheart bustier and princess skirt? Could it be Tinsley Mortimer is testing a new look?

This actually may be a well-played move by the petite Park Avenue Princess. After all the hoopla surrounding heiress-in-waiting Olivia Palermo, it's time the neo-original debutante gave Post and Observer readers something else to talk about besides her declining rank on the social ladder.

Final Word: Brava to Tinsley for turning it up a notch and doing the unexpected. I just hope she keeps it up until the next big party at the CFDA awards. We'll be watching....

The Best...

It was an evening of extreme measures at the Costume Institute gala at the Met, where fashion and celebrity come together to celebrate the joy of dressing. What I did not understand was the carte blanche stylists and actors took in their outfits. I was truly appalled at some points, but at others I applauded creativity.

Final Word: One thing the red carpet was not, was boring. Here are my picks for the best.

Remembering A True Style Icon

Today we lost one of fashion's modern day muses- Isabella Blow. The former fashion director of UK's Tatler magazine was part of a dying breed of style trailblazers who strut to a different drum, enamoring everyone who were graced by her presence - and her hats.

Her iconic Philip Treacy headpieces from a vibrant feathered headdress to Warhol's Marilyn Monroe atop her ever-short dark bob were endless inspiration to fashion magazines, designers and Plain Janes round the globe. Rarely without her perfected public persona, Mademoiselle Blow, a front-row regular, taught us that we need not be reed thin carbon copies of straightened hair, tanned legs and styled-outfits (albeit with zero personal style) and that individuality is not only a virtue, but a trait of true beauty.

Final Word: We will miss Isabella's wit, vision and most of all her endless collection of chapeaus...she truly was one of a kind, and these days, that's hard to find.

Garden Fresh

It was only a matter of time before the fashion industry's favorite florist profited on their name and reputation. Launching scented candles, Belle Fleur, the haute urban flower shop now offers their signature beautiful bouquets in a minimalist brown glass container, packaged in a chic, lizard-skin baby blue box. Clean classic scents like Mayan Tuberose, White Orchid Tea and Jasmine Verbena remind me of vineyards in the South of France and my friend's home in South Hampton, sans the 3-hour Jitney ride.

Final Word: There's nothing worse than an overpowering Yankee Candle (Whoever created the scent Canary Island Banana should be shot.) But these subtle scents happen to be restrained, tasteful and lovely- just like their flowers. I plan to get each kind. www.bellefleurny.com