What we love from New Zealand's Alexandra Owen

I'm so excited to share with you my top picks from Alexandra Owen's line. It's rare that a new talent emerges on the New York scene that blows me out of the water (and even before the official Amex Mercedes Benz Fashion starts). The fabulous Syl Tang of Hip Guide who has seen it all fashion wise (the good, the so so, and the BAAAD) invited us to the private showing in Hotel 41.

I'm not one to fall in love with a black dress but...If you were going to buy one this would be it. So versatile, sophisticated, and perfect for a wide range of ages.

What's stopping you from being drop dead gorgeous in this rusty bronze sequin necklace/shawl? Now that glittery things are being shown am and pm it's a must.

Showing you both the front and the back of this reversible dress so that means once you want a new dress flip it and voila a new look. Washable silk that goes in the washing machine? Perfect for these times. Brilliant and perfect for day to night. I would live in it and love every silky sec.

I'm loving her draping details. Also very flattering to the bust.
An a-line architectural coat 'the elizabeth' with asymmetrical seam details juxtaposed with the soft curls of the neck is unique mix. (shown with another jacket underneath)

So if you want to be able to buy this line in the US, send a tweet to @bergdorfs. Tell them we sent you!

have designer bag...will travel

So living and working in New York City means riding the subway is a reality of my daily existence. Although I consider myself professionably successful, I prefer to be fashionally frugal, which means opting to to walk most of the time from my very convenient 5th Avenue crib.

I suspect most New Yorkers have the prototypical cab addiction — as necessary to survival as their Grande-Skinny-Caramel-Macch-Double-Shot-Espresso running through their veins. Those who have really made it (think: expense account) have personal drivers or, at minimum, a car service ride to cruise around town.

Being content as a subway sojourner, I’m left to observe my fellow travelers, specifically the real vs. fake designer bag toters. The reality of the real designer bag market is that they are essentially ‘affordable luxury’ starting at a tempting $300. My personal definition of luxury is to have something unique that is not on the arms of a thousand others. But seriously, if you can afford to spend $2,000 on a bag, shouldn’t you be able to afford to be above ground in a towncar? I’m of the old-school philosophy that you do not spend what you do not have. So, are they dropping $2K on credit? Are they scraping every last dime to have a Speedy? Are they gifts of ‘benefit boyfriends’?

As for the fly girls who are carrying fake louis vuitton bags dressed in H&M…who do you think you are kidding? Go buy yourself something unique this weekend — that reflects who you really are or aspire to be. It can be a vintage, it can be new…. but if it’s fake, ask yourself: "Why Am I Buying This?" And if your current purse doesn’t allow for expenditures , trade a former fave with a close friend. Won’t cost you a dime but you’ll appreciate it so much more!

Beautiful People & Football Don't Mix they Fish;-)

So, the “Gatsby” Superbowl Party was equipped - movie screen, surround sound, champagne, sangria, delicious appetizers- mini lobster blts, kobe burgers and on a sweeter side - milkshakes and mango sweezable sorbet (kindof like a sweet toothpaste) all served by adorable models dressed in “football attire”. Yes, the beautiful people showed… Only there may have been some confusion, were we there for football or fishing? – not sure if anyone watched the game;-).

Party Temperature Tester Babe

Are you guilty of running late to every party so that you can text your girlfriends to tell you how it is? One of my girlfriends pulled this on me for the best party of the season. Penthouse, free drinks, full buffet of hot apps, wonderful people, and the biggest private roof deck in Manhattan. Who would want to miss this triple threat?? What a nice change from last weeks party in honor of a pet photographer that was held at Taj-bizarro people, the only free drinks were sex on the beach (weren't those trumped by cosmos like 10 years ago) and the only food was frozen appetizers. We know it's a recession but please. If I wanted a Trader Joe spanikopita I can stay home.

Anywhooo...all parties are a risk and a gamble because it's your time. I always say, if you don't like it you can always leave and make up some gracious excuse.

Alexandra and Maureen do Superbowl XLIV - NYC Style!

Alexandra and I are looking forward to a fabulous PH Superbowl Party which I was informed I am only allowed to invite the beautiful people – i.e. only HOT girls or I should just come myself. Well ok, I guess I will overlook female objectification and only invite my hot friends because the host, like the Great Gatsby (minus the tragic ending) is a good guy and known for his parties which I have always enjoyed – they are embroidered with creativity and endless entertainment, Veuve Clicquot and fountains of chocolates. We will report on just how beautiful the people are and just how sensational it is!! Now - that is So 5th Avenue.

Just a Sidenote - beyond style and uniforms - pay our cheerleaders

Sidenote- beyond style and uniforms - According to NFL team history website. The job title of a New Orleans Saints and Colts Cheerleader is “to be a lady at all times, to be gracious and kind to those she comes into contact with and to support and uphold the impeccable image of the New Orleans Saints or Colts organization.” (when did this occur, I assume in the 50s) Come on old school!!! Equality!!!!! Their job is more than that- it is about promoting the team, rallying the fans, athletism, dance, ability, know-how, strength in character, and beyond. But pay them they BARELY get paid MINIMUM WAGE!!! I found that according to Yahoo answers http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060906052328AAz6kui Cheerleaders get paid approximately $50 per home game NET OF EXPENSES PRACTICALLY nothing. I do not know the exact wages earned in particular for the Colts and Saints’ cheerleaders but through my findings it is in the same ballpark. According to Wiki http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_average_salary_of_an_NFL_football_player the median salary in the NFL in 2009 is roughly $770,000 for12.5 minutes X 16 games that is about $48K per hour ~ way above even the best sports agent’s billable hours!. Sure the other argument may be that these ladies get exposure but let’s be honest – isn’t that the other bottom line of any sports endeavourer to make money!! Time to start rooting for our cheerleaders and let them share the wealth! According to Wiki the NFL makes anywhere from 11.5 billion dollars to 14.7 billion dollars depending on which team goes to the Superbowl. Let’s face it models and even beauty pageant contestants get some return on their female objectification!

Superbowl XLIV- it is all about the Cheerleaders!

Superbowl XLIV! The New Orleans Saints versus the Indianapolis Colts. That’s right Guys and Gals, I don’t care too much about the game this time around so let talk about the cheerleaders’ fashion, shall we. Bring it on Girls! Battle of the Saintsations and the Colts Cheerleaders. Hmm, two very different sources of stylistic inspiration. However, really if it wasn’t for the cheerleaders who would fill the time at the big game ~ during the commercials. According to Wiki( http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_actual_minutes_are_played_in_an_NFL_football_game .)The actual amount of pure playing time is incredibly only about 12.5 minutes on average! So in the end, the only continuous entertainment is by the ladies outside the stripes. Who would really bring them to the finish line in style in the end. As a former Vera Wang girl, I know that Vera in the past designed the Eagles cheerleaders outfits (better luck next year, Eagles you know I will always be your # 1 cheerleader!) But I am not sure who designed those in today’s game. I digress, my initial feeling when writing this was to determine who wears it better? And - I am curious on your thoughts:

Being a Saintsation is about commitment and intense training. There are 10 routines, as well as, choreographed moves to the music that will play in the Superdome. According to www.saintsations.org - The women also have more than 10 uniforms - it is said, the Saintsations set the precedent of wardrobe change at halftime in order to create a different look. Nice Work Ladies! id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435552645325340882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 145px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl2zO-jwV22YCU9Y9miFWN5mvWgINDE9_1P8SIX36xcUxMqpV2kHb_O756JZ8IEMCHIqTwQoEEPb2xYxnRDP3cvs-DQ1j8BV1sAmn_U2Q9Ws9aKGHRUbRjx4I2NyLS3unRC0kGiU4j6s/s320/new_orleans_saints.jpg" border="0" />

The Colts Cheerleaders share the same commitment. The Colts became the FIRST NFL TEAM TO HAVE CHEERLEADERS, however this claim is disputed by Pittsburgh Steelers cheerleaders from 1961-69. The Colts jumped from Baltimore to Indianapolis but they kept their blue and white colors.

TOP NOTABLES IN FASHION IN NYC

1. Harold Koda-Head of Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Brilliant, talented, and down to earth despite working with the most difficult ones in fashion-hello Karl, Iris, Anna, Madonna, I could go on..
2. Chado Ralph Rucci-New York's only designer who has Couture Status from Paris. Don’t throw that word around ladies as it means nothing. Every time I see his show I cry it’s so beautiful. Works of art really.
3. Patrick Macdonald-Dandy and muse, editor and gentleman about town. And he’s nice!! Odd fact he’s a twin.

Who inspires you??

Maureen Schreyer & Alexandra Greenawalt Brainstorm about which shows to Cover during Mercedes-Benz New York Fall 2010 Fashion Wk

Shot in Soho

What a wild ride. I've got a cameo in this short film shot by my very talented friend Abigail Shagwell Pope who is currently filming her cult film to be The Hunt for the Good Americans. I can't wait to see it. But meanwhile you can enjoy this short film which shows a slice of my life-inside my red closet (a bit messy) Vespa rides (super sleek), Donut Plant donuts (amazing), Temperley, and noodling around Soho.
Solstice Swimming

LeadTOGold
Eating artisanal chocolate coconut milk ice cream at the Brooklyn flea market
Stay tuned for the release of their docu in which I have a cameo. They just wrapped up a trip of filming.

life in the fast lane of online society

(no photo posted because it would be boring...just someone staring at a computer screen so use your imagination)
Myspace is lame.
What is linkedin linked to?
Friendster is so 2007
Is craigslist murdered?
Have you couchsurfed using WAYN?
Did facebook really trounce ASW?
Is twitter the new facebook?
What happened to an old fashioned phone call?
Should I turn my blog into a book on blurb.com?

Star Gemma Redux

Here's what I'm currently jonesing for:
Gemma Redux the Jac Necklace on sale at shopbop.com
Why?
Rachel Dooley is a super cool jewelry designer who I'm proud to know (thanks LWL)
It's a great investment as she was just chosen to be part of the CFDA Fashion Incubator starting in March-SNAP!
She also invented/started that messy jumble chain necklace thing that everyone else picked up and 'interpreted' months later.
It's a great mix of materials in a rock star way (I'm a big fan of rose gold, pyrite and gray is on trend)
Shorter necklaces are more versatile than long lariats-great under a button down or with a dress
I love anything Gossip Girl-esque and Rachel supplied oodles of fabulous baubles worn on the show by Serena.
Get one while supplies last..
SHOP BOP LINK
Want to know more about Rachel and see her other creations?
Here's more INFO

Sit tight!
We're brand spankin new but soon will be bringing you fresh video content and blog posts.
All that we deam fashionable and fabulous.
So what is 'So 5th Avenue' in your books?
Tell us!

Erin Fetherston's Creations

As a lover of fashion designers who are a bit indie, or under the radar I was ecstatic to learn that our own Erin Fetherston's Birds of a "Fether" is nominated with other big wigs such as Chanel in Best Online Video by a Fashion designer. (Ideeli and the Style Coalition have partnered to bring you The Fashion 2.0 Social Media awards.) Not that I don't consider Erin a big fish, there are just still many who haven't heard of her-despite a major partnership with TARGET as the 9th GO designer three years ago. Hello all you people living under a rock, that's like a big deal. Erin Fetherston is no stranger to producing ethereal and beautiful videos, in fact her first small film starring Kirsten Dunst shot by Ellen Von Unwerth in Paris really put her on the fashion map in a big way.
Here's the link to watch the beautiful Birds of a "Fether" VIDEO

If you want to vote for Fashion 2.0 Social Media awards you can HERE
Voting ends February 8th 2010 so hurry!

Medicine Cabinet Makeover

As part of the greening process of my life..I have recently changed my diet for health reasons I decided to take a hard look at all of the products in my life. Everything is under scrutiny and review. Toothpaste, shampoo, moisturizer, facial cleanser, mascara, and the whole lot.
Without getting too technical here I used www.CosmeticDatabase.com to figure out what products were really worth their snuff and which ones were hype. See there are many companies jumping onto the 'natural' bandwagon in skin and beauty but few are delivering true organic, and non chemical products without harsh preservatives. Even within products lines there are some products which are better than others. For example there are some burt's bee's that are great and some that do not score so well from cosmetic database (0 being good). Pretty much everything in the drug store has a bad list of ingredients-forget Aveno! But Vaseline 100% petroleum passed with a flying zero. Here's a list of the new ones' which I brought into my life:
Juice Beauty Green Apple moisturizer sp 15
Korres Natural Mascara
Lush imperalis moisturizer
Lush fresh mask Ayesha
Pangea Organics Blood orange cleanser
Kiss My Face Exfoliating Cleanser
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste with no fluoride or SLS
Onurth French Lavender Relaxing oil
Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Nourishing shampoo
Burt's Bee's grapefruit conditioner

Good places to find healthy products-Whole foods, health food stores, and a few from Ricky's.

One's I plan to check out as they are online:
Belle's Botanicals http://www.belles-botanicals.com/
Herbalize http://www.herbaliz.com/
Non-Toxic http://www.nontoxicskincare.com.au/
I'm super excited to order BEE LESS VATA from Solavedi http://www.solavedi.com/

Movies of Grandeur

Sometimes I watch movies just for the costumes...ok well a lot of times I watch them only for that reason. But right now The Young Victoria is playing at the cinemas and it is not only visually stunning but a great story. I recommend it highly and suggest you visit the Clearview Chelsea Cinema if you are in New York City because they have a few costumes by Sandy Powell on display in their foyer. A wonderful escape into royalty and grandeur during this cold winter.
A good DVD option is the classic The Lady Eve
Happy viewing!

Bra-leluiah

I never thought I would tout Victoria's Secret...especially since they haven't paid me a dime but I'm going to. (BTW-all of my posts are strictly editorial)
As a small chested woman I have always been personally challenged when it came to finding a brassiere that fit me well and that I could stand more for than 20 minutes. The wireless ones always left me flat chested looking. I've tried so many and most of the time go commando because frankly it's more comfortable and I can't stand the thought of wearing a bra that is frankly slightly bigger than my actual cup size and that's my usual conundrum. For a while I thought I might be a AA but this has always been denied by 'bra experts'. So I finally broke down and tried the Very Sexy Push Up Wireless Bra with success. It is not only comfy it's giving me the best cleavage of my life. It just goes to show you that I should always follow the advise I impart on my clients-'TRY TRY TRY AGAIN until you find one that fits'.
I'm sure you know where to find them but they are having a sale right now. I think I may just order a couple more..
www.victoriassecret.com

A new era for women-glamourous till we die

Anyone else jumping for joy for the fact that 'older' are finally being portrayed in the movie as hot? I am! It seems that over 40 set is the new 30. You go Meryl, Julianne Moore in Single Man, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, and Judi Dench in Nine. I laughed so hard during 'It's Complicated' but was even more delighted by the fact that Meryl just glowed her way through the whole movie. My Mom is a gorgeous woman over 60 and it's about time Hollywood stopped putting these women out to pasture.
Thank you.

Onurth for a new earth

Skincare handcrafted and made with the purest ingrediants. Synthetic free, organic, unrefined, and made in small batches. Music to my ears. I've recently gone through a medicine cabinet makeover shake up and this is one of the lines that is here to stay. I discovered them 2 years ago at the holiday market at Bryant park and initially bought at few items as Christmas gifts. But something amazing happened-the women who I gave these products too flipped over them and asked for them again. Now it's a holiday tradition and I have personally fallen for them too. The serums are amazing, the relaxing oil is by my bedside and I use just before bed as it's a delicious blend that includes my favorite scent lavender. My cousin swears by the rose hydrolat... I could go on and on. But please check out their story and philosophy on their website and support our local artisans making wonderful products.
www.onurth.com

The next 2nd 'other' livingroom

I simply cannot wait! A chic upscale cocktail lounge opening up a stone's throw from my atelier in the former post office by the people who brought us the Campbell Apartment?
Color me happy. Will it be inexpensive? No, but who cares. I really know how to pick real estate. First the Ace opens and now The Empire Room in the ground floor of the Empire State building. So glad my little nabe is getting swankified. I will have a great time 'taking meetings' in my new 2nd other livingroom-the Ace is still my number 1 but hey that can change.
Now if only I my date...I mean client could wear a tux...
Opens this month
350 5th Avenue
212.980.9476

Liddabit of sweets-lots of love

Nothing I love more than chocolate as my good friends know. So when I stumbled upon the lovely Liddabit stand at the Gifted market I was excited to taste some of their concoctions. I loved the chocolate sea salt caramels and hope to try more treats. So happy to support those following their passions.They are local-artisanal-seasonal and can be found at www.liddabitsweets.com or at the Brooklyn Flea every Saturday.

Best new mini cupcake source in nyc

At a bowling birthday party in Brooklyn I brought mini cupcakes from Kumquat. They were such a hit I decided to blog about them. I got so many inquiries about them due to their unique flavors. I bought the assortment box and one of the cupcakes was topped with bacon. My top pick was the chocolate peppermint. I figure they are so small they've removed the guilt for the eating experience. So they bake in brooklyn and sell at the cool fleas in nyc. Right now during the holidays they are stationed at Gifted (check their site for days and times) on lafayette and 4th street.
If you want more info on this company you can visit their website or follow them on twitter.

Best in show at Basel

Before my trip down to Art Basel I talked to a good friend of my who is a very talented art advisor. Nicole Laroca gave me the lowdown on her top fair picks. She told me PULSE, NADA, ART, and obviously Art Basel. I had figured out that the best way to see Art Basel was during the press preview and VIP showing so I made it a point to get down their early, get my press pass, and see it the first two hours. The people watching made it worth it. The fair was also very manageable with a small number of wealthy collectors wandering the show. I saw a Louis vuitton gold sequin eclipse speedy bag, berkin bags, kelly bags, Cartier jewelry, missoni, ysl, and gucci ware, professional hair and makeup. These women were put together top notch style and fresh off a private jet. These were the wives not the mistresses. For a while I forgot I was in Miami-that is until the 'private' vernissage at 6pm when it was clear that locals were invited.

Need help navigating the art world-reach out to Nicole@artadvisory.net

My top picks at Rubell Collection

david noonan

aneta grzeszykowska

cindy sherman

rachel harrison

rashid johnson

takashi murakami

'Beg Borrow Steal' show was a highlight of my Art Basel trip. What a difference between an art show and a well curated private collection. The Rubell's have done well for themselves and each purchase seems to be smart choice.
I was facinated by the photographs by Aneta Grzeszykowska more info: www.raster.art.pl/gallery/artists/grzeszsamga/grzeszsmaga.htm

Art Basel Miami the show

mathew monahan

luis gispert

david altmeid sold for 130k

"Like anything so far?
Too overwhelming to tell"

More like underwhelming.
Yes Basel is blue chip art and it is a huge show-impressive really. But I was left with the feeling of continuity. As if all of the artists were of the same sensibility, the same style, and almost interchangable. I didn't see a huge different between each booth. Galleries shoot me now...well Sylvester Stalone's booth which was crammed all the time was different no I re-frase UGLY. I'm just saying.
With the high price to show at this show blue chip art is derigeur to make money but I'm wondering if it's worth for galleries to avoid risk? Who suffers?
Some highlights which I enjoyed:
"SILENCE IS GOLDEN

DUCK TAPE IS SILVER"
The people watching on the VIP/Press preview during the day was phenomenal. The quality of the collectors were so high. Very well dressed in designer garb, jewels, leboutins, jimmy choos, ,limited edition louis vuitton bags, kelly bags, and much more. Women were better turned out than at fashion week. These women have the time, cash, and the style to dress. I know we are in a recession but in the first hour or probably even before the show started a bizarro piece by david atmejd sold for 120K-just pocket change for the Aby Rosen's of the world. There are sales being made.
I was anticipating the night time vernissage but it was the poor sister event-lots of flash but fake bling. Just goes to show you in the art world the REAL and VERY first view is the best.

Nina Loren Head Bling

Last night at GenArt's event I spotted this amazing head bling/hair art and met the artist. Nina Loren is based in Miami but she has a website of hand crafted jewelry. Check it out and order away. With the whole obsession with headbands, feathers, mini hats, this look is one to take off.
www.ninaloren.com
305-270-7747

GenArt-Stylish shakers

Still enjoying the BK (brooklyn) flavor of Genart's party at Aqua Art. Fashions were in full force. Performances by Overthrow and DJ's Ray Milian Off The Radar were off the hook. Art was so intoxicating they had a hard time kicking the art lovers out at the end of the night. Leave it to Ian Gerard to curate another great fete in foreign territory.Very stylish men at this party. My good friend Fritz who lives in Miami filled me in on his last 4 years as publisher of 'The greatest erotic art of today' a coffee table books which he's on version #3. He introduced me to a very interesting artist named Perego artofperego. He paints in this jacket and uses his hair as a paint brush.
This musician whose music can be downloaded at www.darkjet.com has unique style and flair for jewelry. He was filling me on the fact that his heart isn't even metal and I told him some style secrets are left unsaid.

4 shows

Crammed 4 shows into one hot day.
Here's my rundown:
Pulse-a total winner. So creative and fresh. I loved that each booth was so different but truly talented. A very well curated show. I voted for Arthouse on twitter whose bodega project with genius and hilarious.
Photo Miami-underwhelming. I was disappointed. Turn out was flat. A few pieces that peaked my interest. The surprise was running into a photographer turned gallery-ist Ports Bishop who is repping a score of a client Rinko. Don't worry he's not giving up his own photography and is currently developing a documentary. Can't wait for more deets on the project but he did let me know if involved the artist... who is performing tonight at Deitsch beach party.
Art-Also an excellent and playful show. A few eye tricks but fun and funny.
Red Dot-a total let down. Saw some tacky art. Really found it so much better when I had seen the show in NYC two years ago.

WTF at the W

I thought I got on a plane and left New York!! Wait I did. So why am I hanging out at the bursting at the seams uber hot new W in South beach watching all of New York walk by? Art Basel week has not only brought collectors from all over the globe but the cool cats of new york who can afford to get away. Today at Pulse I saw a tall guy who I've eyed (but never met) at least 4 New York/Hamptons parties. So back to the W where my girlfriend and I are flies on the wall ie one with the the sofa-people watching through the night. There's a lot of coming and going and the killer high heels and BOOTS are astonishing. Art Nexus is having a party out by the pool and in the front bar it looks like cougar central-too much botox in that lighting for our taste. We awarded this young girl in sailors hat as top pick. Other notables were those in suped up legging versions-bedazzled and glittery, one in pink silk strapless pantsuit probably from the 70's.-belted and billowy, Naomi Campbell in a nurses hat type head piece, Farrell Williams of NERD in white t-shirt and jeans (what is it about famous people wearing clothes that look like nothing but cost a fortune???-like prada)

Fashion at Moca Miami Party

Overheard at Vanity Fair/Moca fete, 'F*% the art!' Apparently no dress code either.
Fashion wise this party is a mixed bag of art nuts. You've got the ladies who lunch and buy art all decked in designer cocktail dresses dripping in jewels and their token napping husbands, you've got the drag queen couple, woman in a Mohave desert print ensemble with tennis shoes and white socks, artists too cool to dress in white t-shirt (def not Hanes) and jeans, cute straight guys (although I don't have the pics to prove it) young hipsters doing the American apparel look, orange head trying way too hard with a sequin dress waaaaay too short, a woman wearing her dress inside out (not sure if on purpose), guy with panda bear head piece and very very small people. Very good bedroom lucite sex kitten heels.
It must be a good party..Shaggy the famous NYC party crasher is here.