Custo Barcelona Spring/Summer 2011 Sneak Peek

Look what we have here! Yes, that’s right, sneak peek images of Custo Barcelona’s Spring/Summer Collection or the “Custo Summer Festival.” Founded in the ’80′s by Spanish brothers Custo and David Dalmau, Custo Barcelona has amassed a loyal following that’s surely the envy of budding designers. In 1997, the sibling design duo presented their collection in New York’s Spring/Summer Fashion Week and have to continued to do so.

Known for their bright, bold, vibrant colors, this collection is classic Custo and will include the brands current staples collections – Custo Everyday, Custo Lets Party and Low + Luxury. Custo Everyday is the brands comfortable easywear, with lots of personality and colors; while Custo Lets Party presents the brands ready-to-wear collection – expect shoulder pads (yes), fabulous necklines, along with knee-length pieces with slightly oversized pieces. Lastly, Low+Luxury is their collection of evening and special occasions dresses and pieces.

Custo Barcelona will show their international spring 2011 collection at Fashion Week in New York City on September 12, 2010. Stay tuned.

Spotlight on Food: Loving Penthouse808

Far off the beaten path, in Long Island city, lies a seemingly quaint hotel, the Ravel Hotel, that is anything but old-fashioned. The hotel is the first luxury boutique hotel in the area and its rooftop is home to the Penthouse808. This dinning location, which seems out-of-place in this industrial yet quite neighborhood, contains a 6,000-square-foot outdoor garden terrace with a spacious 40-feet-long bar. The restaurant, with strategically adorned tropical plants, plush seating, sleek décor, lively music and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline is clearly a welcome oasis to city dwellers and out-of-town visitors alike. Indeed, even notable personalities like Lamar Odom, Al Pacino, DJ Clue, to name a few, have been spotted enjoying the delicious bites and amazing ambiance that Penthouse 808 has to offer.

Come, eat, and enjoy this wonderful place. The food is – Asian fusion with some traditional American inspired dishes; so choices are great. Don’t leave without trying the Parmesan Truffle Fries – they are delicious and don’t seem to create guilt; want something healthier? Then, try the Mixed Green California Salad, it’s a surprisingly filling salad that is sweet and hearty at the same time. Greens or fries not your thing? Then try the Japanese BBQ’d Salmon – it has subtle hints of ginger accompanied with mushroom stir-fried rice that is simple yet quenches the appetite. Want something meatier? Try the Sesame-Ginger Churrasco Steak, a take on the traditional meat and potatoes dish, this creation will surely leave you satisfied (I saw the effects first hand).

While the food is impressive the true beauty of Penthouse808 is the vibe it offers. Whether you want to impress a date, relax, or party, this little place offers you the option to do so in style. Now, who doesn’t like that?

Penthouse808
8-08 Queens Plaza South
Queens, NY
Long Island City
718.289.6101

Must Have: United Nude Women’s Fold Hi Boot

It was love at first sight with this United Nude “Fold Hi” Boot ($185). You see, I fell in love with this  luxurious piece of art at the United Nude opening party several months ago.  And, I have lusted after them since that spotting.  Luckily for me, the Shoe God (yes, she exists) was looking out for me and made sure the United Nude designer himself gifted me a pair.  Thank You shoe God.

With the unique use of colors, lovely texture and funky architectural designs, the “Fold Hi” Bootie truly makes a statement. The four inch bootie comes in a series of colors (such as black, lipstick red, etc.) but my favorites are fruit punch (pictured above) and cotton candy.  The shoe features a round toe stretchy elastic frame that is easy to slip on and is so comfortable.  I think its perfect for pairing with jeans, crop shirts, and a fancy dress.

The shoe is available at the United Nude store and their website and Endless.com.  Save yourself some money and buy it at Endless.com

Ray Ban’s Newest Contest Rare Finds

Ray-Ban, a leader in fashionable eye-wear, is quietly changing the advertising landscape with their latest innovative campaign/contest – “Rarefinds.” This campaign attempts to bridge the gap between traditional print media and online media.

The “Rare finds” is an interactive contest “that incorporates a hidden layer in all Ray-Ban Rare Prints advertisements that allows consumers, with the help of RayBan.com/RareFinds to unlock unique video content, including behind-the-scenes footage of music festivals and exclusive concerts clips among other highlights.

Once the content is unveiled and the rarefinds is identified, an access code is provided, the person then will receive a token which can be used towards winning exclusive prizes that include:

* Trip for 2 and tickets to see HOT CHIP at SUMMER STAGE in NYC
* Trip for 2 and  tickets to the MAXIM Summer Music Experience in Chicago
* Trip for 2 to the SPIN Magazine FLY-AWAY Experience in NYC
* Custom Ray-Ban guitar and lessons with a rock star
* Custom Ray-Ban ELLE tote bag
* Custom Ray-Ban IPod Nano 8G

Intrigued here’s an instructional video to help you…

… Continue Reading

Get Ready for the Target Kaleidoscopic Fashion Spectacular

Get your beach blankets and lawn-chairs ready because Target is taking The Standard Hotel and creating a one of a kinda fashion exhibition. The “Target Kaleidoscopic Fashion Spectacular,” scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday 18), promises a Broadway type show with dazzling neon lights, and a score of dancers performing a routine to an original music score. If that’s wasn’t enough, Target, is will use 155 (yes 155) rooms at The Standard hotel – so that 66 dancers adorned in the latest styles and hippest fashion can perform the synchronized routine along with fast-paced lighting patterns that matches the original music score.

The VIP invited guests including, Nina Garcia, Olivia Palermo, Tinsley Mortimer, Simon Doonan, Emma Snowdon-Jones, Ally Hilfiger, and Hayley Bloomingdale, will enjoy the show from inside the hotel. Don’t have an invitation?  Do not worry because Target will also create a simultaneous presentation that will take place at the street level of the hotel where models wearing 25 of the hottest looks from the fall Target lineup will appear in a nine-room replica stage that mirrors the windows of the hotel.

Can’t make it to either celebration? Don’t worry because Target will live-stream the entire event on its Facebook page And, even more the company also will have a toll-free number where anyone can call to listen to the musical score live (866-500-5046).

Get read for the show tomorrow  and See Target’s Kaleidoscope Fashion Spectacular from the High Line Park on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 9:00 PM.