Nanette Lepore Outfits Thompson Hotel Staff with Chic Uniforms

The Thompson Hotels have gotten a lot hipper;  for the first time ever the company worked with a designer to outfit the staff of their outdoor venues for the summer.  For their first foray into stylish wear the Thompson Hotels collaborated with famed designer Nanette Lepore.

The Ms. Lepore,  created a slick LBD inspired uniform (pictured above) that some of the staffers will now wear.  The stylish black ensemble is sadly not available for purchase but will be worn on the three Thompson properties nationwide – Donovan House in D.C. (Above D.C. lounge) and The Hollywood Roosevelt in LA (Tropicana pool bar) and local hotspot Thompson LES in NYC (Above Allen lounge).

Product: Hillhouse Naturals Linen Mist

It was my pleasure to experience the Hillhouse Naturals Linen Mist ($20) from their new Bloom collection.  A floral bouquet of water lily, lotus flower and jasmine with undertones of refreshing bamboo and vetiver makes this scent burst through the air wherever it is sprayed.  I tried the scent for two weeks, spraying it on my sheets, bath towel, and clothes before and after ironing and without ironing.  I thoroughly enjoyed the scent at night as I went to bed.  It was like sleeping in a meadow of spring flowers.  The floral aroma engulfed me as I happily relaxed completely before drifting to sleep.  I felt invigorated after showering with the scent on my bath towel.  I noticed an extra pep in my step in the morning when I am normally sluggish.  It was a definite mood booster.  I enjoyed the scent on my clothes, although it didn’t blend well with some body fragrances I love to wear.  Spraying the scent before and after ironing without the use of a body fragrance was wonderful.  I was cheerful and vibrant all day and the scent lasted until it was time to wash clothes.  Whenever a down feeling arose, the smell of the Bloom scent rejuvenated me.  I especially enjoyed the scent on my gym clothes while working out.  I sweated like a dog yet still smelled lovely and feminine.

Hillhouse Naturals has numerous delightfully fragrant collections that are captured in candles, body washes, body creams, linen mists, house fragrances, and more.  The Bloom Collection is their newest fragrance and I am in love!  With their competitive prices, why not envelope your home with an original and rich fragrance.  Check out Hillhouse Naturals at www.hillhousestore.com.  Once you experience the luxuriousness of their scents, there is no turning back!

Cheers,

Lori Richardson

Vogue Celebrates Express with a Star-Studded Party

Vogue has done the unthinkable and teamed up with the very commercial brand Express, to commemorate Express’ 30th anniversary in fashion. Vogue celebrated the milestone with a swanky affair at Eye Beam studios this past Thursday.

The celebration which was hosted by Chanel Iman, Caroline Trentini, Elettra Weidemann and Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick sans girlfriend Jessica Szhor included fashion show previewing their fall 2010 collection styled by Vogue peeps.   The show demonstrated the many iconic styles from the past three decades, re-interpreted to suit today’s fashionable gal on the go. This collection is unsurprisingly trendy, cute and best of all affordable. Of particular interest is the black cocktail dress with black shinny ruffles.

The presentation was followed by a rousing performance from VV Brown who had the crowd jumping up and down with excitement. The British singer was so full of energy that I couldn’t help to dance to her tune and it seemed she also got to Ed Westwick because he spotted grooving to her tunes.

Other notables attendees include Chanel Iman was caught snuggling with boyfriend, Alex Wek who looked flawless as usual, stylists Robert Verdi and Phillip Bloch. Sadly, no Anna spotting- maybe Express is not fast enough for her?

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Vena Cava Hosts Online Garage Sale (June 1)

Fashion lovers, on June 1, 2010, designers Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai will give the public a glimpse into their world when they host a their first ever garage sale ONLINE.  Items on sale include some really bizzare treasures that both designers have thoughtfully acquired.

Interest item include – Bad Dates (a 1980’s paperback), a 1970’s coffee mill and nut grinder with unique graphic design, vintage cream suede YSL safari jacket, a misspelled Vena Cava friendship bracelet, a 1982 Volvo station wagon, Vena Cava mixed CD, biker jacket from Contempo, a 1960’s yellow circular phone, Vena Cava clothing and other one-of-a-kind oddities.  Though, of particular interest is Lisa Mayock’s birth certificate, social security card and self esteem (sold as a set)– because its down right crazy.

Mark those calendars.

Matthew Williamson, Bevy Smith, More, Celebrate the Launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit

Belvedere, recently added - Pink Grapefruit flavored Vodka to their ever increasing roster of flavors.  The launch of the Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka was a great cause for celebration and was done in true fashionable style.  Belvedere, teamed up with designer Matthew Williamson – who created a vibrant pink grapefruit print kaftan ($1,540) in honor of the new flavor; and, of course no vodka launch would be complete without a proper party, so Belvedere staged a temporary pop-up shop in the meatpacking district that attracted many famous faces and other fashionable guests during its short run.

The official launch party attracted over 1,000 guests.  The smart guests who avoided the massive crowd, arrived early and enjoyed the sounds of the Misshapes and of course the various specialty drinks created for the occasion. The packed house of invited guests mingled with notable names such as Matthew Williamson, Chelsea Handler, Estelle, Bar Refaeli, Kelly Osbourne, Estelle, and Kelly Choi.  Most of whom were clearly visible to the public.

Kelly Osbourne, was spotted having a blast with “BFF” Leigh Lezark of the Misshapes; while Bar Refeali, was spotted having a low-key night with drink on hand and dancing with friends; TFR favorite Estelle was spotted mingling in the VIP area with Chelsea Handler and publicist Marvet Brito.

The fun festivities continued the following day with a special celebration honoring Bevy Smith that attracted the likes of Sessilee Lopez, Keri Hilson (dressed in Matthew Williamson), Rosie Perez, DJ Kiss and DJ M.O.S.  The guests partied the night away with the fun sounds of DJ ?uestlove who had the packed VIP room dancing to wee hours of the mornings as they toasted the woman of hour.  Keri Hilson, was overheard praising the icon saying “I am humbled to be in the presence of such great women!”  Keri, we are too.
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