September 1, 2012

AMERICAN BISTRO AT THE STRAND HOTEL NYC

DEBUTS ‘FOOD IS FASHION’ MENU CELEBRATING BELOVED DESIGNERS AND COLLECTIONS AND HONORING STYLE ICONS HELEN GURLEY-BROWN, ZELDA KAPLAN

-Fashion forward menu offers a tasteful celebration of the connection between food and fashion –

The Strand Hotel NYC’s Strand American Bistro Restaurant will unveil its Fashion Week menu celebrating iconic fashion collections and designers along with specialty cocktail tributes to the late stylish magazine maven Helen Gurley-Brown and fashion icon Zelda Kaplan, September 8 – 30, 2012. The three-course menu, created by wunderkind Executive Chef Kelvin Fernandez, is complimented by specialty cocktails served in both American Bistro Restaurant and Top of the Strand rooftop bar and lounge. ‘Food is Fashion’ menu pays tribute to notable designers and fashion houses with a pairing of appetizers, entrees and desserts in the signature hues of noted designers and fashion houses: Christopher Kane, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermés, Max Mara, Robert Rodriguez and Valentino. The menu is priced at just $38 per person and will be served daily Monday through Sunday 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. for dinner. Price excludes tax and gratuities. Reservations are required and can be made by calling restaurant 646-368-6395.

The popular Top of the Strand rooftop bar and lounge will also feature fashion-inspired cocktails, available for $15 each, celebrating the long and storied lives of two of New York’s beloved fashion icons Helen Gurley-Brown and Zelda Kaplan. Zelda Kaplan and Helen Gurley Brown were revered for their storied careers and trendsetting styles. Ms. Kaplan passed away during fashion week in February 2012 and Ms. Gurley-Brown passed away this August.

FOOD IS FASHION

First

Cauliflower Soup

Parmesan Crisp, White Truffle Essence, Chive Oil

Valentinoʼs 1960 White Collection

Butternut Squash Risotto

Squash Puree, Sage Butter, Maple Smoked Bacon

Hermès Fall 2012 Collection

Second

Seared Diver Scallop

Crispy Spiced Florets, Cauliflower Puree, Orange Brown Butter

Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

Braised Beef Angus Short Rib

Spinach Custard, Parsnip Trio

Robert Rodriguez Collection

Third

Crispy Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Streusel, Caramel, Tahitian Vanilla

Max Mara Fall 2012 Collection

Chefʼs Chocolate Molten

Crème Anglaise, Dulce de Leche

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012 Collection

* * * * *

Top of the Strand – Fashion Week Cocktails – $15

The Five Point Cut

Bulldog Gin, Lillet Rouge, Solerno Blood Orange

Liqueur, Absinthe Rinse

The Gurley-Brown Show

Prosecco, Rhubarb Bitters, Sugar, Rose Petal

The Legend of Zelda

Jalapeno-infused Avion Silver Tequila, Fresh

Cilantro, Ginger & Lime

* * * *

Located in the heart of New York’s fashion district on West 37th Street off 5th Avenue, The Strand American Bistro Restaurant in the Strand Hotel NYC is a favorite haunt in the fashion district. New York Fashion Week is among the busiest periods for both the hotel and restaurant. Since its opening nearly three years ago the Strand Hotel NYC and restaurant American Bistro have hosted Fashion Week events. The Strand American Bistro is a 115-seat venue with a signature alabaster bar and lounge featuring classic American cuisine. The restaurant features original artwork and fashion photographs throughout; including a stunning backdrop in the main dining room is a 6 x 28 foot masterpiece entitled Hemaspora by San Francisco-based artist Rex Ray.

Top of the Strand rooftop bar and lounge is a hip urban retreat; Manhattan meets Nikki Beach, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. An intimate glass-enclosed bar lounge designed by Sex and the City”, “Devil Wears Prada” set designer, Lydia Marks, Top of the Strand features unobstructed views of historic New York City buildings, landmarks including the Empire State Building. Live entertainment is featured weekly along with an extensive selection of custom drinks.

Opened in 2009 as New York’s first fashion hotel, The Strand Hotel is considered an homage to the iconic fashion figures, décor and style that defined a generation and an industry. Throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms are black and white vintage prints from the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair, taken by photographers Clifford Collin, Richard Rutledge, Eduard Steichen, John Rawlings, Toni Frissel and Lusha Nelson and others. The fashion theme is continued through the guestrooms, each capturing the glamour and elegance of Old Hollywood with Bogart-style furnishings, art-deco style boudoir chairs, decadent color schemes, luxurious baths outfitted in imported slate and marble; high-end bedding and linens, and plush bathrobes and slippers. The piece de resistance is the New York City views from all 177 guestrooms; views of true New York City-scapes including legendary water towers and the Empire State building.

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August 21, 2012

Summer Splurges…

It’s a Glam Thing Kathy Hodge interviews Lifestyle Expert Merilee Kern – “Summer Splurges”

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August 20, 2012

Eva Chen of Teen Vogue!

“Back to school” Saturday is over but Eva’s expert “Back to School” Style tips and suggestions are still a go! Thank you Eva Chen. It is always a pleasure to see you.

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August 6, 2012

More hair news…

Color Formulations for the Movie Moonrise Kingdom by Frank Barbosa 

    

Kara Hayward (Suzy) ~ Moonrise Kingdom

Celebrity hairstylist Frank Barbosa (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2467937/) shares his color formulations from behind the scenes of Moonrise Kingdom with actress Kara Hayward. According to Frank, “Hair color plays an important role in portraying the actresses’ character”.

About Moonrise Kingdom: The movie is set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s. A young boy and girl fall in love and decide to run away together and the town is turned upside down looking for them.

Frank Barbosa transformed Kara Hayward (Suzy) the lead actress’s hair into a naturally sun kissed look. The director for the film wanted warm tones with golden highlights that you find summer hair achieves naturally with the sun. To achieve, he took her level 5 to a level 7 using IT&LY HAIRFASHION‘s Aquarly 8D (Light Gold Blonde) with 20 Volume Aquarly Developer on the roots and 30 Volume on the mid-shaft to the ends. Next, he painted Easily Blonde highlights to appear like the hair had been naturally weathered by the sun. To maintain her color during filming, Frank Barbosa used IT&LY’s Delyton demi-permanent hair color system.

Kara Hayward with Frank Barbosa

 After the film wrapped, Frank Barbosa transformed Kara’s hair to her natural level 5 by using IT&LY’s Aquarly 5N (Light Brown) mixed with a little with 5C (Light Ash Brown) to the mid-shaft and ends leaving some of the golden highlights out by applying IT&LY’s Pure Conditioner to them and wrapping them in foils. To create a more ombre result he applied 5C (Light Ash Brown) at the root area for more depth. After processing Frank applied IT&LY’s Delyton 4N to add additional depth and intensive shine. According to Frank Barbosa, “We were both so happy!”

 Kara Hayward w Frank Barbosa

 Kara Hayward with Frank Barbosa
 

About IT&LY Hairfashion: In 1989, IT&LY Hairfashion N.A., Inc. began its mission and commitment to creating an eco-friendly corporate environment as well as the use of emerging green technologies in the production of its extensive line of environmentally friendly products.

 

 

 

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July 29, 2012

The Art of the Perfect Blow-out

With another heat wave looming, I am resigned to looking at a summer of bad hair days. As it is, I have all I can do to co-ordinate using a blow drier and a brush, add in the humidity and it won’t be pretty! While I may not have mastered the artistry of hair, I am thankful that I have friends that have!  I have always been amazed at what they can get my hair to do that I can’t!

Surely I can’t be alone in my lack of hair styling skills. There have to be some secrets that stylists aren’t telling us! I begged one of my hair gods, Australian Lazarus Douvos to let me in on his secrets………..and he was more than happy to share his tips for the perfect blow-dry!

First a little background on Lazarus….he’s has a roster full of the “who’s who” in the celebrity and fashion world. Beginning as a stylist for some of Melbourne Australia’s most successful salons, he soon found his niche in designing hair for high-end fashion photography shoots, demonstrations, seminars and creative directing. Europe beckoned as he continued to dazzle the world of high fashion hair styling for Iconic designers Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence, Italy.

American celebrities and fashionista’s soon begged him to re-locate to the states where he currently works with major New York Fashion Week designers, celebrities and New York socialites. He is frequently sought after by publicists and members of the press as an expert of hairstyle tips and trends for national news sources, fashion and entertainment magazines, film and television, red carpet appearances, photo shoots and more.

One of my favorite things about Lazarus is his innate ability to find the muse in each of his clients. He easily brings out their individual and natural beauty. And he is a joy to work with! You can read more about Lazarus and stay up to date with him at www.lazarusdouvosinnewyork.blogspot.com.

Here now are Lazarus’s tips for the perfect blow-dry!

1)     Towel drying most of moisture out of hair

2)     Use an all-natural bore bristle round brush and start drying small sections beginning at the nape of the neck

3)     The tip is to have setting on hot  and repeatedly dry each section,  removing all moisture out of hair, leaving it very shinny and frizz free

No finishing serum is needed

Who knew it was that easy??? While I still can’t make my hair do what he can, I must admit, now that I know the secret tip, I am doing a better job! Thank you Lazarus for helping us conquer the humidity frizzies!

 

 

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July 25, 2012

PROJECT

After three successful days of uniting both emerging and established designers with fashion’s most influential personalities, PROJECT New York was a huge success! PROJECT Las Vegas is next! ABOUT PROJECT: Launched in 2003, PROJECT is the world’s preeminent advanced contemporary fashion event. Held bi-annually in New York and Las Vegas, PROJECT features the most innovative and creative brands and attracts the most significant retailers in the global marketplace by connecting them in a vibrant and community-focused environment. For more information,  visit www.projectshow.com.
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July 18, 2012

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!

Nelson Mandela Day

A friend of mine from South Africa reminded me that today was Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday. It is a happy, festive day in South Africa. It is the day the South African people celebrate the birthday of their beloved former President and anti-apartheid hero, by doing good works in his honor.  South Africa is not the only nation inspired by Mandela. The United Nations General Assembly in November 2009 proclaimed July 18th as “Nelson Mandela International Day”. It is the first time that the UN has dedicated an International Day to an individual.

“Nelson Mandela International Day” is not only a day to honor Mandela, but it is a day to celebrate his achievements in freedom, justice and democracy. He has spent his life serving humanity. He spent 67 years from 1942 until his retirement from public life in 2009, working for equality in the African nation. He has been instrumental in creating a democracy towards a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. After spending 27 years in prison, he became President where he gave priority to conflict resolution and race relations. He promoted and protected human rights, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. He strived to uplift and aid poor and underdeveloped communities. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that “Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations…..He is an exemplary global citizen.”

It is a day when people in South Africa try a little kindness-67 minutes worth-to reflect the 67 years Mandela worked for equality. Whether it is 67minutes to a humanitarian cause, or simply by just doing a good deed, regardless of whether the action is big or small, isn’t it a wonderful idea to change the world for better? Here’s hoping it becomes more than a once a year event!

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July 17, 2012

WAI Hope

WAI Hope Organic Skincare

 

Knowledge is power. We as a culture have become more aware of what we put into our bodies. We have become more conscious of reading labels and looking for pure ingredients. Reading labels is important not only in our foods, but in our cosmetics. “Everything placed on the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream in just 37 seconds.  It is vital that we use the best products made with organic, genuine ingredients to help our skin and overall well-being. Not just for ourselves, but for others that we care about.” Says WAI Hope Organic Skincare founder Vincene Parrinello.

 

A cancer survivor, with nurses training, Parrinello began creating a line of skincare products for herself and people like her whose skin changed after taking medications, having a serious illness or experiencing quite a bit of stress. All of these factors age the skin by damaging the chromosomal DNA telomeres and disrupt the cells ability to repair itself. These products are made with certified organic ingredients here in the USA manufactured in FDA compliant facilities.

 

The result is a cyclic skin care regime, for all skin types, where organic ingredients and holistic, authentic formulations can help transform your complexion or just help it look healthy and vibrant. The first part of the cycle begins with the skin care line offers resistance to damage from environmental factors such as UVA/UVB radiation and pollutants as well as free radicals, poor diet, medications, lack of sleep and improper exercise. Impurities are released from the skin with proper balanced cleansing. The skin’s appearance gets renewed by exfoliation and stimulating cell turnover, optimizing skin renewal. Cell damage is then repaired and offset by nourishing the skin with essential vital nutrients from genuine ingredients masterfully developed to replenish compromised skin. Skin is provided critical hydration to enable better resiliency and “rebound behavior” associated with more youthful complexions.

 

From an ex-scientist point of view, I love the process and ingredients that WAI Hope uses. The raw materials and ingredients are protected and” cleaned” with a special oxygenation process that kills all microbes and microorganisms while enhancing the natural antioxidant properties of the actual ingredients. Ingredients include blend of organic melons that stimulate collagen and elastin, cactus extracts which help trap moisture and release oxygen, and rare Red Fijian Seaweed which has clinical findings that it possesses anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

 
I have seriously started looking at labels on everything! We are exposed to enough environmental toxins and radicals…..putting more in or on your body doesn’t make sense! Finding organic and holistic products that renew repair and protect skin……well worth a try! I am loving them!

 

For more information on WAI Hope see www.waihope.com

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July 12, 2012

Anti-aging secrets you want to know…

Here are five anti-aging secrets to help you to decrease lines wrinkles and crow’s feet this summer and from now on:

IPL Laser

If your skin is in bad condition, learn more about IPL laser and be on your way to a brighter complexion. This non-surgical procedure can successfully treat acne, rosacea, sun-damage, fine lines and wrinkles, broken capillaries, age spots, blemishes, birthmarks and port wine stains and can reduce the signs of ageing.

Exfoliation

Dull, dry skin can make you look older than you are, so why not exfoliate on a regular basis? Simply rub a quality exfoliating cream over your body and wash off with lukewarm water. The small abrasives will unblock your pores and should increase your circulation – leaving you with a beautiful glow. If your complexion’s in need of a little extra TLC, you could also book a chemical peel as this polishes the top layer of skin.

Moisturize

There are many ways to look glamorous throughout 2012, but the right moisturizer can make a real difference. Find out what skin type you have from a dermatologist and ask them to recommend a decent age-busting product. There are many creams on the market, but if you know what you need it’ll make shopping easier.

Wear the right foundation

A decent foundation can hide a number of sins, so it’s essential to buy quality beauty products. Test each cream on the back of your hand to see if it matches your skin tone – before making a purchase. If you’ve got frown lines or creases, opt of a cream blusher rather than a powder as it’s less likely to settle in the ridges of your face.

Add radiance

To achieve a fresh, ‘I haven’t done a day’s work in my life’ glow, opt for a peachy blusher. Apply sparingly to your cheekbones in a natural light and use a quality makeup brush to blend the product correctly. Less is definitely more here, so don’t plaster it all over your face. If you’re on the go and have forgotten your makeup bag, rub your cheeks to stimulate blood flow and hey presto – you should look fabulous in no time.

Look great for your age and feel wonderful this summer – you know you are worth it!

(Guest post by: Isabella Franklin)

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July 12, 2012

Have you checked this out? – Summer Style with Celebrity Hairstylist Dean Banowetz

http://itsaglamthing.com/video/summer-style

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