Around Town-11th Annual (Auto) Gala Preview

In the interest of full disclosure, I shall  let you know that I know little to nothing about cars. In fact, I don’t even have a license.  Though, my knowledge of cars is limited, I was thrilled to attend the 11th Annual Gala Preview hosted by the East Side House Settlement and held at the Jacob Javits Center.  The ticketed event ($150 for cocktails – $1,000 for dinner) allowed, car-loving guests and me, to preview a series of rare cars from NYC’s most exclusive and privately-owned cars collections along with 2010 automobiles and motorcycles models.  Additionally,  proceeds from the event support college scholarships and technology education for the residents of the South Bronx.

While guests studied and took pictures of the mind-blowing selection of cars, including the new Ashton Martin Radide, they sipped on wine from the many bars placed throughout the venue; and sampled hors d’oeuvres from Abigail Kirsh who also catered the dinner.

Like the other guests, I wandered around,  drink in hand, camera in other and attempted to learn about cars.  Sadly, with little success.  Though, I know (and learned) nothing about cars, I was impressed with what I saw.  The new Aston Martin for instance is one sexy car and for a moment I wished I was a rich-license holder to get my hands on it.  Until, I was bumped and returned to reality.

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aerie Launches Its First-Ever Makeup Collection

aerie for the affordable line for the young, fabulous lady and on a budget is getting even better with their recent addition of their first ever make-up line — aerie Color.   The collection which we recently previewed is now officially in stores and to commemorate the occasion the  company held a celebration at their flagship in New York City.   During the special celebration  customers enjoyed free makeovers and tips from celebrity makeup artists, Searon McGratten and Pascale Poma, who have worked with stars such as Michelle Trachtenberg, Katharine McPhee and Nikki Hilton, among others.   Following their makeovers, the women posed in the “15 Seconds of Fame” mini photo studio and had their portraits projected onto the 15,000-square-feet Times Square LED screen.

aerie Color includes Botanical Volugloss in eight shades, Superfruit Vitamin Gloss in nine shades, Vast Lash Mascara, which features industry’s first spiral rubber brush technology, four radiant eye shadow palettes with five shades in each and Forever Liner eyeliner, available in four shades. ($8.50 – $14.50)

Macy Gray Performs at Esprit Flagship Store Opening

The 34th Street Partnership can add another store to their retail row with the recent addition of the Esprit Store in the busy shopping location. The 18,000-square-foot flagship store joins Gap, Victoria Secret,  Banana Republic, Macy’s and other retailers; and it features a three-level shopping center packed with everything from evening wear to activewear, as well as the United States’ first selection of the urban line de.corp and serves both men and women.

Esprit, which briefly closed in 2002 and relaunched in 2004 by the Memphis Group who modernize the brand and re-established their success from their high days.  John Gunn, president of Esprit president of the Americas is understandably enthusiastic with the recent changes and has said “we wanted to introduce the new, grown-up Esprit to an important crowd.”  And, if in the opening party is any indication of what’s to come, the Store has indeed grown up.

To mark the opening the store held a party with notable names such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Robert Verdi, Emmy Rossum, Erin Lucas and a special performance from Macy Gray dressed in head-to-toe Esprit.  In addition to the performance and shopping there was a special raffle were guests pick a card from a bowl and picked a gift card valued anywhere from $10 to $100, I got a $25 card.

(unless otherwise noted images via Racked and MonsterandCritics)

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West 3rd Common Restaurant Open For Business

West 3rd Common Bar & Restaurant

By: Lori Richardson

Dan Warren, owner of Common Ground in the East Village, has done it again with his offer of an upscale take on traditional bar food delivered by a chef with southern roots at West 3rd Common, located at 1 West 3rd St. With the combined ambiance of a plush, relaxing lounge with the fun of a bar, this is the perfect spot for dates, after work get-togethers, or to just chill with friends. West 3rd Common brings the fun with its on-demand jukebox, a wall full of board games you can bring to your table, and several flat screens placed throughout the space.

The specials at West 3rd Common add even more fun to your experience because they are so reasonable! Happy hour is everyday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and includes $3 draft beers, $4 well drinks & wine, and $5 Cosmopolitans & Appletinis. Not to mention they’re great brunch deal: $20 includes your entrée and all you can drink mimosas, screwdrivers and bloody mary’s. The menu items are delicious and wonderfully priced.  We were invited to attend and sample the food.  Two favorites are the steamed burgers, best you’ll ever find, and create your own grilled cheese sandwiches. With a great location, delicious food, and exceptional specials, West 3rd Common will be the place to be for years to come.  Don’t just take my word for it, check it out for yourself. Visit the website at www.West3rdCommon.com or go experience the fun at 1 West 3rd St. between Broadway and Mercer.  See you there!

Packed House at Patrick McMullan’s First Bloom Party

What do you think when you think about a party at a gym? Some type of membership prospecting, people in spandex and midriffs trying to sell nutrition bars and giving testimonials of how exercise changed their life.  But boy did Patrick McMullan put that theory to rest at Thursday night’s silent art auction at Equinox to benefit Friends of the Highline.

As I walked through the doorsI was immediately greeted with coolness and I’m not talking about the temperature.  It was an eclectic eccentric crowd that was undoubtedly filled with the who’s who in fashion and art. Visually bombarded by walls filled with paintings, sketches and photographs. Sadly trying to take a closer look proved to be quite difficult as the space was filled wall to wall with guests.

At every turn I found myself constantly saying  ’pardon me,”  “excuse me,” and ‘I’m sorry I didn’t see you there.”

My first attempts were unsuccessful, so in order to put myself in better spirits I got myself a drink!  Opted for a white rose cocktail made with Voli vodka, a low-calorie electrolyte-enhanced spirit. Perfect, a drink that packs a punch but doesn’t make me pack on the pounds.

The main level was a madhouse so I ventured upstairs to check out the rest of the scene.  And while it was less crowded an easier to breathe, it was dull.  There were a few uninspiring pieces on display in a private room but the terribly dark lighting made it depressing.  I took another swig of my drink and took another go for downstairs.  I was for a moment feeling optimistic that I possibly could browse more than people’s outfits, the unthinkable happened.  Some jerk spilled Voli and cranberry all over my shoes.  And, without any form of recognition or apology just walked away.  With no intentions on bidding on any art items and with a sticky foot, I made my way for the door.

Cheers, Jenaya Singleton