The only thing I don’t like about giveaways is actually having to choose the winner. I loved all the comments and wish I could choose everyone. I’m going to be doing lots of giveaways so please check back and keep entering. Thanks so much for all your lovely comments!! Congrats to our winner, Michelle!
Archive for the ‘Other Stuff’ Category
The Wynn Giveaway Winner
Thursday, February 18th, 2010Great Scents!
Thursday, February 4th, 2010I wish I could say that from a young age I was dabbing Chanel #5 on my wrists, but unfortunately as a child my tastes were not that sophisticated. The other night at dinner I noticed a tray of perfume in the ladies room. One of the bottles was of Exclamation perfume. Do you remember the black and white exclamation point bottle sold at most drugstores and heavily advertised on the last page of magazines in the 80′s? Well, that was the first perfume I ever wore and smelling it again brought back a flood of memories. It’s amazing how a certain scent can bring long forgotten memories back. Most scents I wore for at least a year and each time I smell one, I go back to that time in my mind. After this experience with Exclamation I began to think of the fragrances I’ve worn throughout the years…
In 7th grade, I wore a cheap drugstore fragrance called La’Fleaur something, which at the time I could not pronounce. Everyone commented on it and always asked me where to get it; after I told them, they would then run out to the drugstore looking for it. I wish I could find it today, but I haven’t seen it in over 10 years. Then it was Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamonds and Sapphires in 8th grade, followed by Givenchy’s Amarige in 9th grade, Betsey Johnson in 10th and 11th grade (got a million comments on that), and senior year…hmm I can’t recall that one.
In college it was Chanel Coco Mademoiselle and my first summer in the Hamptons, it was Christiane Celle’s Calypso Mimosa scent, which will always remind me of the most carefree summer of my life. Then there was a spell where I wore no perfume. I remember cleaning out an old beach bag on a freezing New York winter’s day, that was full of tanning oils, swimwear, beach cover-ups, ect., when I noticed that great “beach smell” and only wished they could bottle it. Six months later, I found that scent!! Bottled! It’s by Bobbi Brown and is simply called “Beach“. It is truly the beach in a bottle! I LOVE it and always have a bottle. Today I alternate Penhaligon’s Ellenisia for night (which I bought on a trip to Vegas after too many stops in the gift shop to spray it on) and Hermes Ambre Narguile’ for day, which was a gift and is a great warm scent perfect for Winter.
Remarkable Creatures Book Review
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
When I read that Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier (author of Girl with a Pearl Earring) had been chosen by Elle Magazine readers as one of their “fiction picks for the month (of January)“, I had to check it out. I’m always in search of a book that will move me the way The Great Gatsby or To Kill a Mockingbird did, so after reading book after book, I decided to start reviewing all of them for my blog.
Remarkable Creatures is set in the 1800′s and centers around the true story of Mary Anning, an uneducated young girl from a poor family living in a small seaside town. Her friendship with a middle class spinster (shocking that at age 25 you can be considered a spinster!? Glad things have changed bit), Elizabeth Philpot. Mary is struck by lightning as a baby and seems to possess a gift for spotting creatures (fossils); Elizabeth recognizes this gift and forms a friendship with her based on their mutual interest in fossil finding. Mary uses her fossil finds as a way to bring in money for the family, while Elizabeth collects and archives her finds. I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t appreciate it fully, until I read the postscript and realized how “real” the characters and their discoveries actually were.
Win a 2 night stay at The Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas!
Thursday, January 28th, 2010I have had a lot of great memories at The Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas; I even got married there! The hotel is beautifully decorated and has the most wonderful, relaxing spa. I recently even had the pleasure of seeing Garth Brooks in concert there! I’m not a big country music fan, but it was an experience I will never forget! The winner will receive credit for 2 nights in a deluxe room at the hotel. Just sign up your email and comment on this blog as to why you would like to win this trip. Winner will be announced Feb 14! Good Luck!
Will announce winner of two nights at Wynn in Las Vegas Monday. Having a hard time picking a winner!
Update: And the winner is…Michelle!! Congratulations! It certainly sounds like you deserve a vacation. Enjoy!
The Happiness Project Book Review
Sunday, January 24th, 2010
Author Gretchen Rubin decided to start The Happiness Project, when after examining her life realized that although things are very good she isn’t as content and happy as she should be. She decided she needed to take a step back and learn how to appreciate life, and to define what happiness is to her. She wanted to let go of anxiety, guilt, and the never-ending “to do” list, so she embarked on this experiment and made a list of twelve “happiness projects”. She devoted one month to each of the twelve projects, which ranged from “Boost Energy” and getting more sleep to eating better and exercising to “Contemplating the Heavens” and becoming more spiritual by keeping a Gratitude Journal. She wrote her discoveries during each project and how they effected her happiness level. During one of the twelve projects she started a blog about her project.
While reading this book, I did a few of of the tasks the author does in search her “happiest self”. One project is devoted to organizing her life and getting rid of clutter, which seems to weigh her down. I love any excuse to de-clutter, so I got rid of 100 or so DVD and CD covers and put all the discs in a cd book, recycled 100 or so old mags/papers, organized all of my kitchen cupboards and drawers, and will begin the gigantic task of organizing my clothes (that could take a month). I have always appreciated order and organization in the home and believe it is a key to feeling less stressed. If the whole task seems too daunting try and do one drawer or area per day or week. I also was already in the habit of keeping a gratitude journal, which I downloaded right to my iPhone. Keeping a gratitude journal is so simple but helps you realize all the little things (like my sons laughter) that can be such a big source of happiness. One of my favorite things in the book were the quotes. Two of my particular favorites was this one by Samuel Johnson, “As the Spanish Proverb says, He, who would bring home the wealth of the Indies, must carry the wealth of the Indies with him.” And this quote written by Epicurus, which I believe sums up the quest for happiness very well, “We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and if that be absent, all of our actions are directed toward attaining it.”
While Elizabeth Gilbert’s quest for happiness in East Pray Love is more “me”, I think this book’s practical approach on finding happiness through a series of little projects will resonate with readers and help them in their own quest for happiness.
Runway Music
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Going to the shows at Bryant Park was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had working in fashion. It’s really one of the only glamorous parts of this business, despite what most people think. After a few shows, I asked someone from the line if I could have a playlist or a CD of the music they used. Sometimes I knew the songs, other times they were songs I’d never heard, but loved! When I saw “WWD’s Top 10 Runway Music Picks”, I went on to iTunes and listened to the ones I didn’t already have downloaded. I immediately loved “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun, which I think was a perfect choice by Charlotte Ronson for her show. I also listed to “Temptation” by New Order. I love New Order, which shouldn’t shock anyone who knows me as I am a little obsessed with the 80′s. I finally just finished the 9th season of Dynasty reruns that I’ve been watching late at night over the last 6 months. I can’t believe how much of today’s fashion was taken straight out of episodes of Dynasty. I also downloaded the lovely song “Elle et Moi” by Max Berlin that Dries Van Noten wisely chose for their show. All in all, it is a really great playlist! Thanks WWD!
A Single Man by Tom Ford
Monday, January 18th, 2010
I first became in awe of Tom Ford six years ago. I accompanied my new neighbor, who quickly became a great friend, to the Gucci store on Madison to pick up a few things he had ordered. (Funny side note about my neighbor: I first thought he was gay, and even referred to him as “my gay neighbor” when guys I would date would comment on how much time I spent with him. I was wayyyy off! One year later he’d be my finance, who is now my current husband of almost 4 years!) Back to the Gucci store – I stopped at a long white gown and just stood there. I wanted it. BAD. Price Tag: close to $3K. I just stood there imaging how I’d wear my hair (60′s style updo) and my makeup (nude with black cat eye liner); I was in love and in awe. I just stood there. My neighbor looked at me, then the dress, then back at me and said, “Do you want it ?” I replied, “No.” I did not want to be indebted $3,000 to my new friend for a dress – no matter how fabulous it was.
After Tom Ford left Gucci and opened his mens store, I went in and was blown away by the store’s exquisite interior and the clothes were, of course, spectacular. I don’t often get as excited about mens clothes as womens, but this was just extroardinary.
Because I am such a big fan of Tom Ford, when I heard that he had directed a film, which was based on Christopher Isherwood’s novel A Single Man, I was extremely curious to see it and was hoping it would be as visually pleasing as his other ventures, like a beautiful dream. It was. While I don’t think this movie is for everyone, I enjoyed it. It’s about a professor, George (the central character), who is devastated by the loss of his partner, Jim, and is searching for any meaning in life. He takes you back through their beautiful memories together and through the struggle of just getting through the days now. Julianne Moore plays his lifelong friend and looks stunning in the movie. In fact, everything looks beautiful and the movie is set to an unforgettable soundtrack.
Book Review
Monday, December 21st, 2009I LOVE to read! I like escaping from my life every now and then, and disappear into someone else’s life, love, happiness and drama. I like to see things through their eyes and come away from the book feeling an understanding about something I may not have known anything about, even if it’s just a different point of view. I recently finished Eat Pray Love. I loved Elizabeth Gilbert‘s style of writing and the humor she mixes in with just about everything she experiences. When she realizes the life she has chosen is not the one she wants to be living, she decides she must walk away from everything in search of happiness (don’t we all sometimes?). She takes a spiritual journey through three countries exploring a life based solely on pleasure in Italy, spirituality in India at an Ashram (The experiences she has during meditation are almost too good to believe. It inspired me to take up Kundalini Yoga.), and in the 3rd country, Bali, she wants to see if one can live a life filled with both pleasure and spirituality. Elizabeth brings the characters she meets along the way to life beautifully and seems to have a gift for getting to really know people. I never wanted this book to end. I even checked up on her on her website to see how she was doing. Can’t wait for the movie!
Rob and Kristen in Bazaar
Sunday, December 20th, 2009I recently picked up the new Vanity Fair with Robert Pattinson on the cover, as well as, the new Bazaar mag with Rob and Kristen on the cover. I’m a big Twilight fan and eagerly anticipate lining up with hundreds, maybe thousands of teenage twilight fans for New Moon this Thursday (technically Friday) at 12:01 AM with the chickdowntown staff. We will be sure to tweet pics! I love the chemistry between Bella and Edward’s characters in Twilight and it seems equally as strong between Kristen and Rob judging by these Bazaar pics. They both look amazing and these shots are just breathtaking. Enjoy!
First written November 17, 2009
South Beach
Sunday, December 20th, 2009A few weeks ago I went to Miami for the weekend. It was an inpromptu trip that we decided to take on a Friday night. I couldn’t stay long because I had to fly back to spend a day at the office and spend time with my son before flying to DC for TWTRCON. On the last trip we stayed at the Fountainbleau. This trip we stayed at The W. While the Fountainbleau Hotel was nice and had a cool club, shops, restaurants, ect. (its like its own city),for this trip we decided to stay at The W in South Beach this time. It’s only been open a few months so I didn’t know what to expect. I had read the reviews online and the only complaint people had was about the expensive drinks (I have to agree). Despite the drink prices, the room was spectacular and like all W’s it had a bathroom stocked with Bliss products and a great mini bar, which included candy from Dylans in NY. It also has a Mr. Chow (one of my fav NYC restaurants), a great bar, and a W hotel store filled with fun cool things. I bought myself a beachy W candle to burn in the room and my son a few great t-shirts including one with Abe Lincoln with pink spray paint hair and the newest mint green shade of Essie nail polish.
The trip was wonderful. I used to spend a lot of time in the winter in Miami before starting chickdowntown.com, so I got to go back to all of my favorite spots including Prime One Twelve (great scene and good comfort food) and Nobu (in the Shore Club Hotel), good Sushi but not quite as good as Nobu in NYC and it was REALLY expensive. We also had dinner at Mr. Chow, which was one of the best scenes I’ve seen in a while (stunnng crowd, great music, too good to be true food); it couldn’t have been better. During the day we hung out by the pool and on the beach and I even got in a vintage shopping trip to one of my favorite vintage stores “Fly Boutique” on Lincoln Road. The store had incense burning and had such a 70′s vibe. I loved it! I also got deep into the book I’m reading Eat, Pray, Love and I’m now dying to go to an Ashram?! Is that wierd? It’s such a great book!! Anyways, check out pics from trip below.
First written November 13, 2009
