Luxe Life NYC - Part 12

Zavo: Chic Yet Casual Mediterranean Fare On The Upper East Side

December 13, 2018

I walked by Zavo many times when visiting their neighbor Dylan's Candy Bar on the Upper East Side, peering in the large windows and being wowed at the magnificent interior with chic white leather chairs and super elegant ceiling lamps. I wondered if the food could be as good as the decor, which is truly awe inspiring and sophisticated--and sure…read more

Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide 2018: Unique Choices, Best Buys & All Out Luxury!

November 18, 2018

I am big on picking out the quirky as well as the practical around the holidays! If someone wants alpaca socks, I will get them but probably add a little special something! Luxury food items are something few people can resist and always make for great holiday host gifts or for anyone who can't resist a treat! Health and beauty-oriented…read more

Lifestyle

Chowin’ Down And Playing Around At The Classic Car Club Manhattan!

November 18, 2018

I was truly excited to visit the Classic Car Club Manhattan this last Friday night with my longtime friend and frequent dining partner Gail Worley. This type of venue was a change of pace for us. We both love cars but neither of us ever drive since we have both lived in Manhattan for 30 plus years. It is truly…read more

Food, Travel

Checking Out The Royally Good New Wine List And Fine Cuisine On Princess Cruise Lines

November 5, 2018

I have never been on a Princess Cruise Lines ship before today so I was really excited when I got added to the guest list for a special press preview introducing Princess Cruises' new wine offerings, curated by Ivy League educated Master Sommelier and Master Of Wine, Doug Frost--a leading expert on the intersection of wine and travel. This guy is…read more

Fashion

Saks Holiday ’18 Preview: Glitz And Glamour In A “Theater Of Dreams” Setting!

November 2, 2018

When I attended the recent Saks Fifth Avenue holiday preview, my eyes lit up like (you guessed it) holiday lights and I started to drool. The event was held at the Daytonian style Hudson Theater, the oldest theater on Broadway, in a quiet upstairs room usually used for private receptions and meet and greets. The official theme of the event…read more

Food

BarBacon: There’s Never Enough Bacon (Even At Dessert Time)!

October 31, 2018

I recently headed to the new BarBacon branch in Union Square in high anticipation a bacon fest of the hugest proportions! I instantly fell in love with the casual open atmosphere that included wood floors, large front windows, dim lighting and large screen TVs. I noticed a huge after work bar crowd as well as people coming in for dinner…read more

Food

Madonia Brothers Bakery: 100 Years Of World Class Bread—And Other Heavenly Baked Goods!

October 30, 2018

I was honored to recently be able to visit the legendary Madonia Brothers Bakery on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and actually get taken into the back room by owner Peter Madonia to see where all the baking magic happens. I was thoroughly amazed not only by the interesting bread making and other large bakery equipment but the intense level…read more

Food

Bon Appétit’s Hot 10: Fun Eats, Fun People!

October 19, 2018

I enjoyed my recent trip out to 99 Scott Avenue in Williamsburg to check out the legendary Bon Appetit Hot 10 party. I was surprised that the guests were mainly young hipster foodies--but they were nice ones without attitude. The event was about what were voted the 10 hottest restos in the country but there were 10 or 15 other…read more

Fashion

Super September: Shopping For A Great Cause!

September 29, 2018

I am a huge fan of Super September (formerly known as Super Saturday for over 20 years). Officials from OCFRA--the ovarian cancer research foundation that Super September benefits--told me that there was no good reason for the change of date and venue except that they just wanted to try something new. When this event was called Super September and held…read more

Beauty

Oasis Day Spa’s 20th Anniversary Party: Yes, I’ll Have A Massage!

September 28, 2018

I was thrilled to be invited to the 20th anniversary party for Oasis Day Spa on the lower level of One Park Avenue. It regularly pops up on the various media lists of Top 20 Best Spas In NYC and for good reason--they are like an oasis in the middle of a busy neighborhood and are actually found in a…read more

Beauty, Fashion

The Best Part Of New York Fashion Week: Getting Glammed At Caravan Stylist Studio!

September 13, 2018

Forget the NYFW shows—they have became pretty unpredictable and I am so tired of getting “standing room” all the time! I do not think that Fashion Week will ever become what it once was when all the shows were under one roof at Bryant Park or Lincoln Center. These days you have to wear hiking boots instead of high heels…read more

Food

Baby Brasa: This West Village Stellar Peruvian Eatery Will Be Your New “Go-To” Place!

September 2, 2018

Baby Brasa at 173 Seventh Avenue South is a stunning example of classic Peruvian cooking with some Modern American and Asian flourishes thrown in here and there. While you can get some of the finest organic Peruvian rotisserie chicken in town, you can also get gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan cuisine. The accommodating kitchen staff are able to alter their…read more

Fashion

Getting Uber-Excited About Semi-Precious Jewelry With UBERKATE!

August 26, 2018

I was thrilled to be able to attend the “speakeasy” US launch party for UBERKATE Jewelry’s fabulous new Everyday Cocktail Ring collection! And yes, it really did take place in a speakeasy called The Back Room at 102 Norfolk Street that has remained untouched except for the fixtures for over 90 years. Back in the day, it was known as…read more

Fashion

Welcoming Champion’s Second NYC Store In Soho!

August 23, 2018

If you love Champion's legendary athletic wear, then you had better head down to their new store at 434 Broadway in Soho this coming Saturday, August 25th at 10 AM--that is because the first 500 people in the store will be getting a beautiful limited edition tote bag with exclusive art by Bronx artist Andre Trenier. His very "painterly" version…read more

Beauty

L’Occitane’s New Concept Store: An Oasis On Fifth Avenue!

August 22, 2018

I was thrilled to be able to preview the new L’Occitane store that just opened up at 555 Fifth Avenue at 46th Street, right next to Barnes & Noble. The store is uncluttered, simple and like a breath of fresh air. You literally feel like you are breathing fresh air when you stop at their little “bicyling in Provence” display.…read more

Food

Oscar Wilde: A Wild And Delicious Ride Into The Past

August 14, 2018

The over-the-top Victorian look of Oscar Wilde on 27th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues is a marvel to behold. There are marble fireplaces, the longest bar in New York (at an incredible 118 feet), elaborate Victorian ceiling lamps, randomly placed oddball vintage furniture and portraits of the man himself, Oscar Wilde. I swear that I even stumbled upon a…read more

Beauty

Going For The Gold At SkinSpoke: Experiencing A 24 Karat Gold Ultra Therapy Facial!

August 12, 2018

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to try the 24 Karat Gold Ultra Therapy Facial by one of New York City’s most trusted estheticians, Carol Chan. At SkinSpoke, her new West Village spa, Carol is responsible for the luminous skin you see on actresses like Christine Evangelista and models like Hannah Donker, both who adore the 24K…read more

Lifestyle

YO1 Luxury Nature Cure: A Tranquil Retreat In The Catskills That Will Become Your Second Home

August 10, 2018

The first Nature Cure destination of its kind in America, YO1 Luxury Nature Cure is a brand new luxury wellness retreat created to awaken the body’s ability to self-heal (it opened in Monticello, NY on the former site of Kutcher's Resort on June 21). Surrounded by 1,310 acres of natural beauty, including two lakes and lush green forests in the…read more

Food

Trattoria Italienne: Where The Best European Flavors Mingle!

August 4, 2018

I was thrilled to be able to visit Trattoria Italienne at 19 West 24th Street in the Flatiron District last night--several food blogger pals have raved about their experiences there to me in the past month! While it is billed as Northern Italian with Southern French fusion style food, I noticed a lot of Spanish influences on the menu items.…read more

Food, Travel

Booking.com’s Taste Of Travel Townhouse Event: Innovative Tastes With Marcus Samuelsson!

August 1, 2018

I headed over to the posh yet classic stooped 1891 townhouse at 118 West 76th Street yesterday for booking.com’s Taste Of Travel event. Set up outside was the Taste Of Travel food truck, which lucky passersby were able to sample food from gratis (plus they got to press the flesh with legendary chef Marcus Samuelsson, the host of the event…read more

Lifestyle

Jill Zarin’s Sixth Annual Luxury Luncheon: Fun In The Hamptons Sun With Reality Stars And Unique Luxury Brands!

July 29, 2018

I always have a lot of fun at Jill Zarin’s Luxury Luncheon--yesterday’s event was my fourth time meeting and mingling with housewives and other Bravo reality stars, chowing down on some great burgers and steak, and interacting with the fabulous brands who set up shop. This year Luann De Lesseps was not able to make the luncheon (you might have…read more

Travel

The Inn On Fifth: Chic Yet Laid Back Living On The Other Fifth Avenue!

July 27, 2018

I was lucky enough to do a quick jaunt to the privately owned Four Star Diamond Award Naples hotel The Inn On Fifth this past week. The hotel is located smack dab in the center of all the action, but don’t expect much noise. Naples has strict anti-noise ordinances and the locals like having the reputation of the being the…read more

Beauty

Jane Iredale’s Triple Luxe Long Lasting Lipstick: 15 Perfect Colors That Feel As Good As They Look!

July 24, 2018

It’s always a pleasure to catch up with beauty guru Jane Iredale—who has been on top of her game for 20 years—and find out what’s new. She believes that natural is best and that makeup should feel as good as it looks. To celebrate the launch of the 15-color Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick, Jane and her pr…read more

Fashion, Lifestyle

Lividini & Company’s Holiday 2018 Preview: Viewing Vera Bradley, MCM, Sperry and more!

July 24, 2018

I always love to see what the Lividini & Company staff has up their sleeves during their previews. During the year they do seasonal previews for all their clients but in mid-July, influencers get to see all the clients in one place displaying their holiday goods. There was something for everyone from the most conservative to the most cutting edge.…read more

Lifestyle

The First Annual Hamptons Interactive Influencer Brunch At Topping Rose House: Sipping ‘N Sampling In The Sun!

July 23, 2018

I was thrilled to be able to attend the First Annual Interactive Influencers Brunch at the Topping Rose House this past Saturday, July 21st. There were a great mix of bloggers, cable TV personalities, YouTubers, luxury and natural lifestyle brand owners and fun people who simply like to party in the Hamptons. The first step to any great Hamptons party…read more

Food

Perrine: Why It’s New York Restaurant Week’s “Go To”!

July 19, 2018

It’s no secret that I love to dine at Perrine inside the Upper East Side’s tony and legendary Pierre Hotel and I recently took in a preview of their Summer 2018 New York Restaurant Week Lunch deal which costs just under $30 for three courses. Chef Ashfer Biju does a highly creative mix of Modern American and French cuisines with…read more