Dejavu

Tonight was the grand opening celebration of Dejavu's East Village store located at 309 East 9th Street, New York, NY. All weekend the store has been hosting premier in-store fashion events. My friend, CJ and I made our way down to the East Village on Saturday. I was really impressed with the store and their customer service. Dejavu's fashion is unique and mainly European influenced. The prices are a bit up there, however worth it. I found a few pieces I absolutely fell in love with and knew I could not find them anywhere else. Once you have made a purchase, Dejavu treats you like royalty. You are the first to know about new arrivals, sample sales and discounts. If your ever in the neighborhood or not, Dejavu is worth checking out.

A Dedication to MJ

The Tribeca Film Festival has been in full swing since April 23rd. On Thursday, the cast of Step It Up and Dance performed Michael Jackson's legendary "Thriller". This year marks the 25th anniversary of "Thriller". It just so happens, Vincent (a judge on Step It Up) was in the original "Thriller" video.

Of course I was there to support Adri and her cast. It was a great performance, along with the amazing makeup and costumes. It drew quite the crowd and everyone LOVED it. An encore was performed shortly after! Don't get upset if you missed it, keep watching Step It Up and Dance and you might just catch this dedicated performance to MJ.

I heart being GREEN

I must say I am taking a liking to this new leaf I have turned over. I hope I have inspired the rest of you to do the same. Together we can make a difference...haha, ok that was cheesy but I am serious about the issue!


And so is MACY'S, take a look at their current window displays.

Go Green, Live Rich

Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village, NY)

On my conquest to learning how to live a "greener" life, I stumbled upon another book...Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach. Yes, I am a total book-junkie. David Bach was at Borders in Columbus Circle last night for a book signing. This is how I happen to stumble upon his book. Anyways, it's amazing to read how much you would save if you lived a "greener" lifestyle.

-$94 a year on electric bills by buying a $35 power strip and eliminating the energy drain known as “phantom load” that accounts for 5 to 15 percent of your monthly electricity bill

- $798 a year in gas by keeping your car well maintained (while keeping 5,800 pounds of CO2 out of the air each year)

- $50 per year on your energy bill by buying an EPA “Energy Star”-rated washing machine—and cutting your water use by 7,000 gallons a year at the same time

The list goes on and on! So have you decided what you are going to do to reduce your environmental "footprint"??

Going "GREEN" 101

Central Park (New York, NY)

I am on a going "green" frenzie! I picked up Green This! Greening Your Cleaning by Deirdre Imus at the library. This is an easy and you can read it within a day or two. I was shocked to read how harsh the cleaning products we use effect our everyday lives. Imus starts the book off by mentioning how cleaning products are loaded with chemicals we don't even know about and their effects can be deadly. Cleaning products that make your hands dry and itch are NOT healthy!! You do not have to scarfice yourself to get your tub sparkling. Think of all those chemicals we inhale -- yeah, not good!

Throughout the book, she addresses all the areas of the house and what natural products you can use instead. I was surprised to read that all you basically need is an all-purpose cleaner, lemon juice, distilled white vinger and baking soda to clean.

For instance, to clean your toilet bowl try pouring a half cup of distilled white vinegar into the back of your toilet bowl, scrub around the whole inside the toilet and let it sit for about a half hour before flushing. If you have any stains or odor - use vinger, lemon juice and baking soda.

Not only does going "green" save the environment, but it also saves you $$$. Think about how much you spend on those fancy cleaning products for each area of your house. When in fact, they can be harming your health! Instead you can pick up all of the above at the grocery store for reasonable prices. There is no excuse why everyone shouldn't be going "green".

Go GREEN or Go Home!

Today is offically EARTH DAY. I'm dedicating today's post to going "green". While I was browsing through the aisles of Borders I found a book just screaming my name - Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style. If you have been tuning into the TODAY Show or Oprah, they are all about going green.

I think it's time we all get on the ball and start going green. It's obvious our planet is in shambles when we have 60 degree weather in February!

April 21-27th is Earth Week. I am celebrating Earth Week by educating myself about going green. Stayed tuned this week for information on how you can go green too!

Autism: The Musical

On Wednesday night, I was totally moved. The JCC in Manhattan had a showing of the HBO Documentary Autism: The Musical by Tricia Regan. Tricia Regan was there to talk about her experience and answer questions.

Autism: The Musical is a call to arms, bringing attention to a modern-day epidemic while celebrating the value of the human spirit in overcoming any challenge. The film introduces Neal, Lexi, Henry, Adam and Wyatt - five autistic kids who, along with their parents, take part in a groundbreaking theatrical workshop. The Miracle Project was started by Neal's mother Elaine Hall with an eye towards helping children with autism express themselves while learning to socialize with other kids. Over the course of six months, we experience the frustrations, challenges and triumphs of the families both on stage and in their home lives as they prepare for the show. The creative process provides a key to unlocking the children's inner worlds. We also see how patience, understanding, love and community can be used to help children with autism better adapt to the world at large.

Autism is a developmental disability resulting from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. However, autism affects each individual differently and at varying degrees.

I was blown away by this film. As a special educator, I am aware of the hardships these children and families face in our society. Tricia Regan did an excellent job portraying this. Regan did a great job of letting each child have a voice about their autism in the film. In the end, you walk away with a sense of how aware these children are about how society views them and their disability. Everyone in America needs to watch this film!! People need to realize living with a disability does not classify who you are as a person.

You can watch Autism: The Musical on HBO or online at HBO.com.

If you are in the New York area, The Artistic Spectrum is on view at The Laurie M. Tisch Gallery (lobby) at the JCC in Manhattan. The Artistic Spectrum is an exhibition which showcases the range of talents and abilities of a very wide group - a spectrum - of young people ages 10-21 who look at the world in a different, distinctive and fascinating way. In a life where limitations are often the standard rule, this exhibition aims to focus on the extraordinary capabilities of this community. The Artistic Spectrum honors these young people as unique individuals and, most importantly, as artists.

WWD's Beauty Save & Splurge

Save on...

Hair Dryers

Ball works with a pricey SuperSolano dryer, but he promised that a drugstore version is a sufficient choice for us non-professionals. However, one thing to insist on is a model that comes with an “airflow concentrator” or nozzle tip, like on the Revlon Chrome Travel Hair Dryer ($14.99) shown above. “You should always have that tip on your dryer because it forces the air into a smaller area and makes it hotter,” he explains. “The concentrated heat gives you better control.” If you have curly hair, Ball also recommends getting an additional diffuser attachment, like Vidal Sassoon’s 1875W Professional Full-Size Ionic Dryer ($17.99).

Brushes

It’s easy to covet a Mason Pearson boar bristle brush but Ball says it’s not worth blowing your budget for one. “It’s much more important to find a brush that’s comfortable in your hand and, in the case of round brushes, one with bristles that have some give,” Ball says. “If the bristles are too hard and don’t bend when you press on them, they’re going to break your hair.” He pointed out the Conair Performers 100% Boar Bristle Round Brush ($9.49) and an Umberto Paddle Brush ($8.99) on our drugstore visit as good options.

Hair Serum

We get very frustrated when our hair frizzes, and, like many women, tend to buy expensive serums thinking they might have better technology or smoothing powers. Ball broke the news that our assessment is way off! “Just check the ingredients list for cyclomethicone or dimethiconol,” Ball says. “If either one is the first ingredient, the product will work as well as the $35 version.” In addition to the ubiquitous John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula ($9.09), Ball liked Silk Drops Sheer Liquid Silk Hair Serum ($5.99) and Zero Frizz Hair Serum ($7.99).

Shampoo

When it comes to getting clean, Ball swears that drugstore shampoos suds up just as well as pricey versions. “I tell my clients to use a clarifying shampoo once a week, and while I like Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo, something like Herbal Essences DeGunkify Tingly Deep Cleaning Shampoo ($3.78) is great too,” Ball says. His other favorites include Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo ($3.19) for everyday use and L’Oreal Vive Pro Color Vive Shampoo ($3.74) for highlighted or colored hair.

Splurge on...

Conditioner and Masks

While there are many excellent drugstore conditioners and deep repair masks, Ball thinks it’s worth upgrading to salon quality products in this area. “The way Kerastase Paris Masquintense for Fine Hair ($53) or Thick Hair ($53) fills in the hair cuticle is impressive and it really makes a noticeable difference,” he says. Ball also recommends Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Conditioner ($19.99) for daily use and Davines Love Lovely Smoothing Conditioner ($22.99) as another excellent hair mask.

Hairspray

If you really need to make an updo stay—and don’t need your hair to be touchable—Ball concedes that good old Aqua Net will keep things stationary. In less extreme situations, he prefers the hair stylist favorite, L’Oreal Elnett Satin Supreme Hold Hairspray ($17). “This is what the stylists at fashion shows use, because it works but can be brushed out very easily,” he says. “In the real world, the flexibility is great because you’re not forced into one look, but you still have hold.” Ball’s other favorite is Kerastase Double Force Hair Spray ($34).

Curling and Flat Irons

It’s okay to splurge on professional quality heated hair appliances like curling irons and flat irons—hooray! “Generally speaking, the professional tools go to higher temperatures than drugstore brands, which means you can achieve the desired style quickly and efficiently,” Ball says. The Hot Tools 1-inch Professional Ceramic and Titanium Spring Curling Iron ($34.95) is an excellent purchase. Ball also swears by the FHI Platform Flat Iron Ceramic Nano Tourmaline Professional Iron ($185.95).

Happy Anniversary Jill & Nick!

It seems like it was yesterday we were celebrating this glorious day.

Watching the newlyweds walk into the reception hall to

"Now That We Found Love",

dismantling the centerpieces and wearing aviators at night while

dancing the night away to "G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S"

Today's post is dedicated to the chicest couple we know

Mr. & Mrs. Masters

Love Always,

Tiffani, Cece, Adri, Tiffany and Ashlee

What I am reading...

Despite the cheesy cover, this book is actually a good read. I picked up Tim Gunn's A Guide To Quality, Taste & Style at my library. The book is a good read for those with fashion sense and those without. I thought the book was going to be a bit redundant but Gunn talks about the history of fashion and how style has emerged. He talks about how important it is to spend on QUALITY items, such as your basics. I agree completely with this. It's about quality, not quantity people!

NYU Chic

Last night I paid a visit to my old stomping grounds. NYU's Fashion Business Association presented their 2008 Spring Fashion Show. They showcased 14 student designers from NYU, F.I.T and Parsons. I was fairly impressed and enjoyed the quality of each designers work.

At last night's event, the Fashion Business Association launched their first issue of NYChic, which is a magazine devoted to the chicness of New York - it's right up my alley! The publication does not have their own site yet, however you can visit the Fashion Business Association site to download their newsletter Catwalk to Kimmel.

Here are some of the designers looks...

(click image to view full size)

Sophisticated, but not too serious

Over the weekend I decided to purchase the DAISY by Marc Jacobs solid perfume ring. It was definetly worth the $30 investment as the ring serves dual purpose. It is a fun, playful cocktail ring and allows you to freshen up anytime on the go!

While daisys have no scent, Marc Jacobs Daisy does a pretty good job of evoking a sunny, breezy meadow of random flowers. The scent is combination between fruitlike and vanilla. If such things appeal to you, you can play around at the daisymarcjacobs site and grow virtual daisies and win prizes and what not. There is also a form to request a free sample.

I'm (still) a Barbie Girl

A blast from the past! All of those 1980's babies out there remember this one - Peaches and Cream Barbie's dress. What an oldie, but goodie.

Etsy :: Michelle Brusegaard is a site where you can find this 8 x 10 digital photo along with other amazing works of art. Brusegaard's work includes prints, paintings, cards, personalized stationary, scarves, etc. The prices are definetly reasonable. The digital prints are $15. I recommend these very chic prints if you are looking to jazz up your wall space or shelves.

Bangles, Bangles, Bangles

Bangles are definitely a HOT accessory for spring. I came across some fun bangles at Henri Bendel. This is one of my favorite luxury stores, it's like a candy store for women. The bangles come in different sizes and colors. Prices range from $68-$175.

Step It Up & DANCE...with Adri!

Ok people, get excited! Tonight my good friend, Adri, is making her TV debut on Bravo's Step It Up & DANCE. The show airs tonight at 10pm. It is a reality series about 12 dancers going "toe-to-toe". Sorry I have to keep this blog short as I am about to head out to the exclusive premiere party at Adri's place.

I hope you will join us in supporting her and watch the show!


...that's my girl. To learn more about Adri, check out her bio at BravoTV

Lauren Conrad Collection @ L.A. Fashion Week

Last month, LC (from The Hills) launched her fashion line at L.A.'s Fashion Week. I am an avid fan of Ms. Conrad. I would describe her clothing line as a replica of her own personal style - simple and chic. I browsed her website : shoplaurenconrad.com : and found the clothing to be a bit on the pricey side. Dresses range from $100-150. I am all about supporting my girl LC, however I would have to see the clothing in person to determine if the quality of clothing matches the price tag.

On another note, did you hear about Heidi creating her own clothing line? She is naming it HEIDIwood (as in Hollywood) - SPARE ME! That trash will not be shown on this blog!

ELLE Contemporary Collection @ Kohl's

Who knew ELLE Magazine had a Contemporary Collection at Kohl's!? Now that's what I call affordable chic!

To my amazement I found the line impressive, as well as the prices. If you go to the Kohl's website you will found most of the items all ready on sale. Here are a few of my favorites...