The check presentation! In this picture: Justine Koons, Jeff Koons, Cheryl Vitali (General Manager, Kiehl's Worldwide), Chris Salgardo (President, Kiehl's USA)
Earlier this week I joined Kiehl’sfor their holiday party and benefit, hosted by contemporary artist, Jeff Koons. Back in October (you may remember me posting about this), Kiehl’s and Koons had launched a limited edition Creme de Corps collection with all the net proceeds benefiting The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC). The theme of the collection and party was a Wonderland of Merry. And the evening was just that, complete with a special check presentation by Kiehl’s President, Chris Salgardo to Mr. Koons for the amount of $225,000 for his charity.
Kiehl's + Jeff Koons Limited Edition Creme de Crops Collection
With ribbon surrounding the store, treats provided by Momofuku, music by DJ Paul Sevigny (yes, Chloe’s brother), a room filled with artists, models, designers and celebrities all celebrating a great accomplishment by Mr. Koons and Kiehl’s –it was
Wednesday evening, I joined the Dior team for the launch of Dior.com. Hosted at SL (aka Simyone Lounge) in the Meatpacking District, guests enjoyed makeovers and the opportunity to explore the new Dior.com site.
My Dior makeup artist, Aliyah was amazing. Anxious to play with the Rouge Dior range, she introduced me to the perfect holiday red lipstick –Rouge Blossom. I have some difficulty finding
Today is World AIDS Day, the international movement celebrated annually to help raise awareness, tackle prejudice, and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Campaigners are uniting around the world to commemorate this day and build momentum to defeat this virus. So break out your red ribbons, get involved (even if it’s just by educating yourself) and show your support. Do not underestimate the power of your education and prevention efforts.
Hairdressers Against AIDS Symposium @ The United Nations
Yesterday, I attended the Hairdressers Against AIDS U.S. Symposium at the United Nations. Five Hundred hairdressers from across the country united to kick off the HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign ‘USE YOUR VOICE, USE YOUR POWER, FOR A BEAUTIFUL WORLD WITHOUT AIDS’. Sponsored by
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Britain’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, Boots for an evening of pampering, complete with manicures, skincare consultants and cosmetic advisors. Hosted at the Norwood Club in NYC, Steve Llyod, (CEO of Boots) and Sandra Gabriele (their VP of Marketing & Communications) introduced myself and fellow beauty bloggers to the UK brand and their No7 collection.
Here’s some fun facts I found out.
1 in 7 UK women owns a Boots No7 product.
Boots is the original creator of ibuprofin in 1969.
Boots and No7 specifically is Britain’s #1 skincare and cosmetic brand (bigger then L’Oreal, Olay..).
The No. 7 Protect & Perfect Serum ($23) is their best seller in the US and abroad! One is sold every 8 seconds at Target.
Studies show the No. 7 Protect & Perfect Serum actually visible reduces the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles and as you continue to use it the more effective it becomes. And won the Good Housekeeping Anti-Aging award for Best Anti-Aging Serum .
Target carries 6 Boots brands: No7, Botanics, Destination Brand, Boots Original Beauty Formula, Expert, Time Dimensions and Hawaiian Islands/Mediterranean/Amazon Forest Bath & Body.
Lara with Steve Llyod, CEO of Boots
After the speeches, I took some time out with Steve Llyod, CEO of Boots to ask a few more question:
The UK is obviously your largest market. Where does the US rank?
The thing about the US is that it’s a huge market so one of the advantages of being in Target and going national is you can have access to a lot of people. The US is the 3rd biggest in terms of beauty sales. We’re Thailand’s largest pharmacy chain and they rank just above the US, but we’ve been there for 15 years. Boots has only been national in the US since 2007. And the US market has nearly caught up to Thailand so it will likely overtake them next year.
Any plans to expand in the US beyond Target?
Yes, in the 1st qtr calendar we will have an additional retail partner. I just can’t tell you which one it is; but it’s a national chain.
Will you be in all of their locations or select ones? Can I guess the retailer?
Lara (right) with fellow bloggers Christine and Erika at Dots Style & Beats Launch Party
On Wednesday, November 7th, Dots Fashion and The King Collective held the launch party for Styles & Beats. Hosted by Rocco Leo Gaglioti from Fashion News Live, and beats provided by DJ Reni Lane, the fashion and music event featured “fashion face-offs”, where guests put their styling skills to the test using Dots apparel and accessories.
Style & Beats host Rocco with Gen Art Co-founder, Ian Gerard
Held at 2 Great Jones, the store carried a mix of fashionable finds and labels at all different price points (Dots winning the most affordable vote). I stumbled upon the below (non-Dots) vintage, orange necklace ($79). Guest of a Guest extensively covered the event (check out more of their pictures HERE) and I woke up to
Sabon is taking over Soho (no literally they are). Last night we celebrated the opening of their new store at 532 Broadway (at Spring), their 3rd location in the neighborhood.
If you’re walking by, stop in and check it out! And don’t forget to wash your hands! They have those great, large rustic sinks where you can sample their products. I recommend indulging in their body scrubs, you’re hands
Armani Exchange Spring 2011 Collection previewed at Milk Studios. Photo Credit: Startraks
Last night, I attended a special preview of A|X Armani Exchange Spring 2011 collection at Milk Studios. The theme for the line is ‘Travelista’ merging together fashion and travel. The collection was built around sophisticated utilitarian style, modern influence of season-less dressing, flexibility and the functional luxury of streamlined urban-chic.
The navy number below really caught my eye! And I love how it’s accessorized with a red purse.
A|X Spring 2011 Collection. Photo Credit: Startraks
I consider myself a Beatles fan; correction, I am a Beatles fan. Growing up, it was a musical compromise between my parents and myself and would often be played in my house. I remember going to my friend’s 9th Beatles-themed birthday, and being envious I didn’t think of that first –although I didn’t know nearly as many of the words or songs that she did so only fair. That and everyone really got into dancing around to Yellow Submarine, which always made me feel like a traitor –I confess, I do not like that song.
One of the many perks of having a friend that works in television is seeing his name show up on my caller ID and upon picking up, hearing ‘Lar- what are you doing at tonight at 7pm, I have an extra ticket to…’. That’s generally the part where I say I’m free and then try to weasel out of an event. In the case of an extra ticket to ‘Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles On Broadway’, I have to say I was pretty excited.
Here’s What to Expect: 3 generations of audience members, with a crowd of embarrassed (but equally enthusiastic) 14yr olds watching their parents let loose, to the single man in his mid-50s watching the show as if he was back in the 60s, using his program to drum along; and inevitably
It’s true, the savvy shoppers discount site Gilt Groupe turns 3 years old today! Gilt is a true pioneer in the world of online sample sales and luxury creating their own niche with their 24-hour sales. They continue to expand and stay afloat of the industry with new innovative sites for the luxury market with the launches of Gilt City, and Jetsetter.
To commemorate the big day Gilt is taking advantage of their three sites (Gilt Groupe, Jetsetter and Gilt City) to pamper one lucky winner and two friends for the ultimate A-list treatment. The winner of the all-inclusive “Surprise and Delight Package” will receive:
A trip to New York with two friends
Hotel room for three nights
$300 dollars of spending per person
Dinner for three at Le Cirque
A photo shoot (one-hour per person) at Brooklyn studios
Styling session by Gilt Groupe stylists and a free outfit
Massage treatments for all three guests at Great Jones Spa
Three tickets to the Metropolitan Opera
Transportation, including a “Gilt Ride” limo to dinners and the Gilt warehouse.
To enter visit any of Gilt Groupe’s Facebook pages (Home, Women, Men, or Kids) or Gilt.com. Then, click on the promotion tab. The “Surprise and Delight” sweepstakes will
They say all good things start and end in the Kitchen, and in the case of the new event space Apt. 2E at the Andaz 5th Avenue, I would have to agree. Spacious and welcoming (6,500 square feet), the event circuit is set up around several cooking stations that will make you want to go home and renovate your kitchen. Stationed on the 2nd floor of the Andaz, the elevator opens into the space; and carries the feel of an elaborate penthouse party, inviting guests to mingle (and put their food and drinks down) around the kitchen islands as opposed to secluded tables or worse having to hold everything while trying to network. Nestled in the
