Friday Happy Hour Drink from InStyle.com

I thought I would introduce a new column Friday Happy Hour Drink. Enjoy

Drink: Rapberry Cheesecake

Served at: Cherry, Las Vegas

Recipe:

2 oz. vodka

2 oz. raspberry-flavored liqueur

2 oz. heavy cream

1 oz. sour mix

Mint sprig for garnish

In a shaker half filled with ice cubes, combine vodka, raspberry-flavored liqueur, heavy cream and sour mix. Shake well. Strain into glass. Garnish with mint sprig.

Remember: Drink Responsibly. Don't Drink and Drive.

Gucci Spring/Summer 2007 Launch

Information adapted from Vogue Australia
Photos by Ronald Gillard

Gucci showcased their Spring/Summer 2007 collection in Sydney to over 300 VIPs. The 54 piece collection by Frida gianni has a sixities-inspired look. The collection included layered micro mini dresses in bright hues and bold graphic prints, beaded silk shift dresses, solid metallic heels and sky-high lace up platforms.

Some of the VIPs sitting in the front row were Vogue Australia editor Kirstie Clements, Melissa Hoyer, David Jones' Collette Garnsey and Gucci's Marketing Director Helen Koo. Also sitting in the front row are A-listers Terry Biviano, Justin Hemmes, Laura Csortan and Mink Sadowsky.

The VIPs had the honor of an up-close viewing of the collection after the show in the lounge/after party.





Mink Sadowsky and
Laura Csortan









Models at the
after party











Jayga McMullen, Justin Hemmes
and Sneaky Sound System's
Connie Mitchell





David Jones' Collette Garnsey
and Vogue Aust. editor
Kirstie Clements












Model on runway

Models at the after party

Model on Runway

Top 10 Spring Destinations

Now that spring is here, traveling is on almost everyone's mind. Here is a list of the top 10 spring travel spots from ShermansTravel.com:

1. ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao)

2. Amsterdam

3. Arizona

4. Budapest

5. Cape Town

6. Istanbul

7. Malta

8. Paris

9. Tokyo

10. Washington, D.C.

For more information about travel locations, please visit ShermansTravel.com.

Style and Focus News Bites

** Study finds TV feeds children plenty of junk. Fast food and sweets are widely pushed during children shows. (LA Times)

** Circuit City cuts 3,400 employees, those employees were top earners. The irony is that those employees can reapply for their old position but will recieve lower pay.

** Miami's Art Center in desperate need of funds. The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts will run out of cash by mid-May if cost overruns and low ticket sales continue, and the center likely will need supplemental funding. (Miami Herald)

For more information about the Carnival Center visit the official website.

** Nicky O Hotels files for bankruptcy. Condo-hotel converter Robert Falor is asking for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize the Breakwater and Edison hotels -- adjoining properties that were to be renamed ''Nicky O'' after the celebrity socialite.

** Wolfgang Puck moves to organic humane catering. He announced that he will serve food that avoids cruelty to animals in his culinary empire of 43 catering venues, 14 fine-dining restaurants and 80-plus cafes.

** The Lower East Side rock club Sin-é will close for good on Sunday (4/1). The close is due to the ever expanding gentrification in the neighborhood and encroaching city and state regulations.

** Samsonite has tapped Christina Ricci as the face of its new Fashionaire line under the Samsonite Black Label brand. (WWD)

Tote Bags for the PR Girl on the Go

While walking downtown the other day I noticed a lot of business women carrying totes and briefcases that were either torn or worn. That's not very professional. I have also noticed a few PR girls carrying unprofessional bags to meetings. No matter what your budget is you can find something professional.

Here are a few suggestions (more in a later post):





















US Luggage Business Cases
Delux Computer Tote
$39.99
Ebags.com





















Coach Hamptons Pebbled
Leather Business Tote
$458
Coach.com























Ellinston Leather Goods
The Hepburn Laptop Tote
$210.00
Ebags.com























Case Logic Exotic London
$60.00
Ebags.com






















Coach Hamptons Leather
Draft Tote
$448.00
Coach.com

Tori & Dean: The Best Reality Show on TV

The best reality show on TV right now is Tori & Dean: Inn Love. The show follows the couple as they prepare for the birth of their first child and the planning and opening of a Bed & Breakfast outside of Hollywood. It's light-hearted and shows what the couple is going through. Tori and Dean are both delightful to watch because there are no hollywood airs being displayed. It's funny but not embarrasing for the stars.

It kind of reminds me of the newlywed before all the success and media attention.

As a marketer, I think it's a smart idea that they came up with to start a hip B&B for the 20 and 30 something generation. Most B&B's are geared towards an older target market and they are taping into a younger generation and giving them a unique experience.

Tori & Dean: Inn Love airs on Oxygen TV, Tuesday nights at 10:30pm but is shown throughout the week at different times.

Life & Style Weekly Fashion News

These are some of the fashion news and info from the current issue of Life & Style Weekly.

* Style Week: Stars Sparkle in Sequined Minis!

* Trend of the Week: Purple Eye Shadow!

* This Week’s Best-Selling Bracelets

* Hot Right Now: Ruffles!

* 7 Trends in 7 Days!

* Fashion Face-Off: Who Got It Right?

Life & Style Weekly is the fastest growing magazine in the industry, delivering the biggest celebrity news stories and the hottest celebrity fashion, beauty and lifestyle news.

Press Release: Urban Bloom Jewelry the best for Spring

Urban Bloom is a jewelry collection based in NYC. Since the pieces are all made by hand with high craftmanship, there is a strong artistry and unique quality unlike anything else you have ever seen. Urban Bloom is dedicated to bringing each customer what she needs to feel beautiful and stylish.

Below is a small collection of braclets, necklaces and earrings. Please visit our website for more selections.

Braclets

Social circle bracelet $15.00

Necklaces

Luce's necklace $22.00

Soaring necklace $35.00

Claire's necklace $35.00

Earrings







Gramercy Park earrings $28.00










Ange earrings in purple

Coming Soon














Slender earrings $28.00

Cause: Girlstart Empowering Girls in Math, Science and Technology

Instead of promoting a celebrity or fashion I wanted to promote Girlstart, a non-profit organization founded to empower girls in math, science, engineering and technology.

Girlstart provides hands-on learning in math, science, technology and engineering concepts to a diverse group of girls and their parents. Girlstart has served over 10,000 girls and families with after-school clubs, free Saturday camps, science nights, family math nights, summer camps and more!

Girlstart also has website geared to young girls. Girlstart.com is a wonderful website where young girls can learn about the topics mentioned above but can also read profiles of successful women, links to educational sites and much more.

If you would like for information about the organization or to make a donation, please visit Girlstart.org.

Press Release: Moe Bags: Spring's Must-Have Celeb Accessory

Moë

Spring 2007 C.L.I.C.K Bag collection

This celeb fave is the new must-have as the weather starts to change and it’s time to hit the town for cocktails and dancing! It just sits on your wrist, but is SO much more glam than a wristlet.

It’s available online now at CoutureCandy.com as well as many stores nationwide.
Retail starts at $132.00

Moë’s CLICK bag is named for its intended contents:
your cell phone, lip gloss, ID, cash and keys, the nightly essentials!

CLICK bags are also a very popular bridesmaid gifts and the silk styles can be customized to your dress color!

Some of the celebrities seen carrying the CLICK bag are: Jessica Alba, E!'s Samantha Harris, Kristen Bell, socialite Lydia Hearst, Jessica Biel, singer Cassie, Rosario Dawson and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon.

Below is only a small sample of the Moe CLICK bags now available at CoutureCandy.com:




Tiffany in Pale Gold Rouged Silk $187.00

Christy Bag in Green $143.00

Ali in Gracious Gold $132.00














For more information visit the Moe official website, CoutureCandy.com or contact:
Janna Meyrowitz
Style House PR
212.444.8177
janna@stylehousepr.com

Celeb's Gone Wild?

When did disclosing Rehab become the in thing? Remember when celebrity didn't want to disclose the fact that they were going to rehab. They would go on "vacation" and quietly slip away to some overseas facility and get the help that they were looking for.

I remember an episode of Sex and the City the one where Carrie's old high school boyfriend came to visit her and he told her, he had checked himself into a mental health facility. But the scene that comes to mind was when the four ladies and Stanford were at a posh health club sitting around the roof top pool. They were discussing the asylum that Carrie's old boyfriend was staying. Samatha say's something like "that place is good I've had cliently stay there" and Stanford say's "why haven't we heard about that". Samatha say's "I'm good at my job."

Why are their so many celebs getting charged with DUI? With all the money they have they could easily call for a taxi or have a driver, so that when they want to overindulge they can have a safe way home. You don't always have to drink when you go out either. I like to have a cranberry spritzer, which is just cranberry juice and sparkling water. The DUI's are just bad PR because there is really no way to put those in a good light. No matter who you are.

The craziness that is my life

I got a call from a friend last night and he wanted to know if I could help him plan a CSI/Clue/Scooby Doo birthday party for his 7-yr-old son. His son loves mysteries.

Even though I'm a little busy, I think it would be fun to plan a party like this. Kids want something fun and special too. Must have prizes for the winner(s). Will also need something for the parents to do.

What else have I been up to? I am searching for a MKTG/PR position where I can work with clients in the Lifestyle market such as beauty, fashion, food and beverage, entertainment, etc. Providing Marketing, Public Relations and Special Events. Hopefully I will find something. I would like to find something in NYC or LA.

Tonight I'm going to a spa party. It should be fun and a great way for me to relax. I'll Tivo a few shows: Ugly Betty, Smallville, CSI and Supernatural.

Press Release: Grecian Looks for Spring

Who says you have to be a man to be a gladiator? One of the hottest trends this spring is the Grecian look. Amazon.com accessories offers rings with intricate leaf and flower designs in silver and gold. Elegant bracelets with scrolls that wrap up your wrist, add a sultry twist for spring. What better way to accentuate dangling, chandelier earrings that are adorned with beading and cystals than with an ancient Greece inspired colorful, woven headband? Amazon.com accessories offers the styles that will add that special flair to any outfit.

And to finish your look, Amazon's newest site for shoes, Endless.com has all the latest Grecian styles. Sandals with woven leather and metalic golds and silvers in thongs or straps that run high around your ankles will spice up any toga. Best of all, Endless.com offers free overnight shipping to anywhere in the continental United States.

So grab your own Russell Crowe and fight the crowds at your next party with the latest in Grecian wear from Amazon.com accessories and Endless.com.

Below is only a small sample of the great Grecian selection now available at Amazon.com and Endless.com:




J Renee Women's Glimmer Evening Sandal
$49.79
Endless.com







Beverly Feldman Women's Bold Thong Sandal
$221.95
Endless.com









L. Erickson Glitterati Headband
$36.00
Amazon.com










France Luxe Ultra
Comfort Chain Headband with Elastic - Classic
$24.00 each
Amazon.com








24K Gold Over Sterling Silver
Filigree Border Clicktop Hoop Earrings
$21.99
Amazon.com







14k Yellow Elegant
Triple Circle Drop Earrings
$82.50
Amazon.com








Sterling Silver Seven Layer Wire Drop Earrings
$28.00
Amazon.com








Elegant Sterling Silver Antique Scroll Ring
$32.00
Amazon.com










Emma's Marquise Flower Wrap Ring
$44.00
Amazon.com







For more information visit Amazon.com, Endless.com or contact:

Katie Schroeder
Rubenstein Communications, Inc
212-843-8036
kschroeder@rubenstein.com

Green-Tea Foot Treatment To Try At Home

The popularity of Green tea in the beauty industry has not slowed down. You can get green tea facials, manicures, pedicures, body soaks, shower gels, shampoos, etc.

A green tea foot soak I like to do at home (when I don't have time for a professional spa visit or just feel like indulging at home):

1. Fill a stain proof bowl or basin with enough warm water to cover feet.

2. Sprinkle the contents of two to three green tea bags to the water. You can also add epsom salt for extra soothing comfort for your feet.

3. Soak you feet for 10-15 minutes, then use a foot scrub or pumic stone. Followed with a moisturizer.

Your feet should feel revived especially if you have been on them all day. Plus it feel great to pamper yourself.

Style and Focus News Bites

** According to WWD.com, Ann Taylor Taps Robin Burns to Develop Collection. AnnTaylor Stores Corp. is developing an exclusive beauty business and has partnered with a heavy hitter for the project — Robin Burns.

** John Varvatos Threw a Kid-Friendly Block-Party Benefiting the Stuart House. The fund-raiser was held at the Melrose boutique in Los Angeles, March 11th and brought lots of activities for children, and a Macy Gray concert for parents. It's an annual event launched to help sexually abused children.

** Isaiah Washington has donated $25,000 to to Gondobay Manga Foundation, a nonprofit he created last year to benefit the impoverished people of Sierra Leone, the country to which he recently traced back his ancestry. The West African computer-animation project will attempt to bring to pixilated life the plight of Sierra Leone natives at the height of the 18th-century slave trade.

** Rose McGowan is the April cover model for Maxim magazine. The cover picture is a reprise of her role from the Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez Grindhouse film.

** Chris Brown and Ciara were the hosts for BET's Rip the Runway. The show will encore throughout the month.

** Cadbury to Separate Drinks and Candy Businesses. The company, facing pressure from shareholders, including the billionaire Nelson Peltz, said a split would help it focus on expanding its confectionary unit (New York Times).

10 Spring 2007 Trends to Look For

by Lifestyle Guru

These are some of the many trends that will be out for Spring and a few examples I found:

1. Crop Jackets

MARC by Marc Jacobs Crop Jacket available at Bergdorf Goodman

2. The Nautical look

Tunic Halter and Sailor-Style Jeans from Newport News

3. A great pair of Flats

Bettye Muller 'Frame' Flate available at Nordstrom

4. Mod inspired dresses

Nick & Mo 'Gidget' Floral Dress available at Nordstrom

5. Platform and wedge shoes

Top: Chloé Ankle Strap Platform Sandal

Bottom: Christian Louboutin Ribbon Platform Espadrilles
Both available at Saks Fifth Avenu

6. White clothing and accessories

Amber Dress Ruffles by Lilly Pulitzer

7. Mini dresses and skirts

Nieves Lavi Tunic Mini Dress available at Bergdorf Goodman

8. Tote bags

American Eagle Signature Everyday Tote

9. Headbands. Thin or thick this preppy accessory will be out for spring

Banana Republic Faux Patent Wide Headband

10. Wide-leg pants

The Marissa Fit Wide Leg Pants available at Victoria's Secret

Sarah Jessica Parker's New Clothing Line

(Photo Credit: VH1.com)
by LifeStyle Guru

Sarah Jessica Parker's new clothing line Bitten will be sold exclusively at Steve & Barry's and will be reasonably priced. Tuesday, she gave a private viewing of her line to a group of VIP editors during a luncheon.

In 2005, Mrs. Parker received so much flak for being cast as the spokemodel for GAP, because many critics couldn't understand why she was cast in the position. However, she said that she doesn't dress up in growns and designer clothes everyday that was the character she played on Sex and the City. For her real life she wears jeans and t-shirts.

I think her clothing line will be a hit because she has an eye for design and a genuine interest in fashion.

Are Anti-Aging Products being over Marketed?

by Lifestyle Guru

You flip through any current fashion and beauty magazine you see ads for various anti-aging products. There are commercials promoting new products daily. Why are we pushing so hard to erase aging? No one can stop the effects of aging, It's something that we will all go through.

This brings to mind an incident, I was standing in a aisle looking for a regular facial moisturizer (hard to find one of those). As I was searching for the moisturizer, I noticed a teenage girl holding an anti-aging serum and her mother (I assumed), told the girl to she doesn't need that she's only 15. The girl proceeded to tell her mom, that's she's the only girl on the cheerleading team not using anything.

At this point, I found a moisturizer around the same time as the mother is telling her daughter that she's too young to be worrying about aging and again telling her she only 15. The girl put the product down and left the aisle with her mother.

As a marketer, I wonder are these types of products being over marketed, because what would make a group of young girls start worrying about the effects of aging? If everyone including marketers and the media pushed that there is nothing wrong with aging. That you don't fall off the planet once you pass the 18-35 age bracket. Maybe scale back on over promoting anti-aging to the masses then and hopefully young girls will not feel like they have to start worrying about aging.

Trend: Is NYC still a Hot spot for 20-somethings tourist?

by Lifestyle Guru

Are 20-something still traveling to NYC for vacations? NYC is starting to get an "old" persons feel, not my words, but someone that I spoke with via phone. Yes there are new restaurant and new nightclubs opening but it feels like the excitement has worn off for many 20-somethings.

If not NYC then where are they going? The 20-somethings are heading to Las Vegas and Miami. They are the new hot spots for fun, shopping, entertaining and relaxing. Both cities are relativity new with all of the remodeling and construction of new hotels, restaurants, luxury spa, nightclubs. Miami's appeal is the sun and the beautiful beaches for day and the hot bars and nightclubs for the night. Las Vegas is now considered the Adult Playground by some because you can find almost anything to do there.

According to USA Today, 38.9 million tourist visited Las Vegas in 2006 and a projected 39.3 million in 2007. These figures are very close to the estimated $40 million visitors a year to NYC.

I have a friend who is traveling to Miami in April and a group of friends are planning a girl's trip to Las Vegas at the end of the month. A national sorority recently had their alumni convention in Las Vegas last December. Many 20-somethings are planing weekend trips to Las Vegas and Miami for stress relief.

Style Network recently featured two special Star Style shows on Miami and Las Vegas. E! news has the Vegas report reporting on the what happening in Las Vegas for the weekend and a new show reality show, Paradise City.