The School of American Ballet's 2016 Winter Ball

A elegant evening of dinner, ballet performance and dancing at Lincoln Center

I attended The School of American Ballet's exquisite 2016 Winter Ball. The event took place at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater on Monday, March 14, 2016 and raised nearly $1.2 million. Legendary French jeweler, Van Cleef & Arpels of 5th Avenue sponsored the glamorous, black-tie dinner dance for the ninth consecutive year. The evening began with cocktails at 7pm and dinner at 8pm, followed by a student performance choreographed specially for the occasion, and The Encore dessert and dancing. The proceeds from the event enhance every aspect of the School's extraordinary ballet training program, including helping to provide $2 million annually in student scholarships, as well as supporting faculty, maintaining world-class studios and offering vital student programs beyond the classroom.

Rain did not daunt the Winter Ball attendees.

"SAB is grateful to our sponsor Van Cleef & Arpels, our wonderful event chairs and all the generous attendees for a successful evening, which raised over $1.1 million for the School's scholarship and student life programs," said Margie Van Dercook, executive director of the School of American Ballet. 

This glamorous annual dinner dance was attended by 500 patrons, including the School's board members and alumni as well as leaders from the New York corporate and social communities.

Here are some of my photos from the evening which included an originally choreographed dance performance by the SAB students. I was told that last year the school gave away over 3 million in scholarships to deserving dance students. Sharing a dorm building with the Julliard School, the have four floors on site available for The School of American Ballet students.

Emerald necklace and jewels by Van Cleef and Arpels

Diamond necklace,bracelet, pin and new styled jeweled watch.

Cocktails with Van Cleef & Arpels Boutique Director, Magali Jallot who was Corporate Chairman for this event.

Fe Fendi   PHOTO by Erin Baiano

Lovely couple arriving for dinner.

Roasted Halibut, Spinach filled Artichoke & puree of Carrot and Potato with Beet Frites

Overview of the Winter Ball dance floor

Arriving at the Winter Ball

My Winter Ball Outfit:

Dress: Martine Sitbon

Shoes: Calvin Klein

Crystal Cocktail Watch: Isaac Mizrahi

Silver leather shoes by Calvin Klein

Evening Makeup:
Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer
Mineral Air Foundation
NARS Orgasm Illuminator
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Desireable
LORAC Unzipped Eye Shadow Palette

Note: I will be doing a "Get Ready With Me" Spring Ball Makeup Tutorial this season to show you how to put it all together.

Holiday Style, What to Wear? Outfit Ideas with Designers Martine Sitbon, Calvin Klein and Micheal Kors

Outfits for everything from Christmas Shopping to a New Year's Eve Party, I've got you covered.

This time of year, you are most likely doing the party circuit: Christmas Office parties, Friends & Family Holiday Dinners, Christmas Eve with the In-laws, Hitting the Town on New Year's Eve.
No matter what, you'll want to bring the sparkle with a few core pieces and the right accessories. Let's start with going to the mall or shops over the holidays. You are more likely to see friends and neighbors there so here's how to look your best!

Shopping during the Holidays

Shopping in Comfort But Polished
I'm wearing French designer Martine Sitbon's lace tunic with a silk camisole underneath. Pants are leather jeans with knee high suede boots by Sam & Libby. I have my own red tote to carry little extra packages with my essentials such as a pair of flats in case my feet get tired. Red Tote is by The NYC Subway Line and has a map of NYC's Subway system printed on the inside of this reversible bag. Silver Coin Axelle necklace and Silver Cuff are by jewelry designer Karine Sultan.

Black Leather Jeans

Karine Sultan Silver Cuff & Silver Coin Necklace.

Martine Sitbon Designer Lace Tunic, Karine Sultan Jewelry

Christmas Party
Office parties are a great chance to network. Likewise spending time at a house party with friends and family is equally important to see and be seen by all. Make a lasting impression! I'm wearing the French Sitbon Tunic but now with a lovely winter-white skirt with a sheer bottom panel by Ten Tomorrow. A skirt adds instant polish and the boots, (which you'll need if there's rain or snow) are cute yet functional. Leather Tassel Handbag is by Micheal Kors.

Christmas Party Outfit Idea

Be the Life of the Christmas Party!

Christmas  - Entertaining At Home
If you are the party host, you can wear what you like and be comfortable. Any of these outfits will work in fact but I might not wear a white skirt when I'm involved in serving the wine and cheese! Here I'm wearing the Sitbon Tunic and a cozy cotton cardigan by Pure & Co. While you could wear this out, I would save it for a relaxing house party as it is much more informal.

You're the host? A cozy cardigan is perfect for a house party.

This signed Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Necklace is perfect for a cozy soiree.

New Year's Eve - On the Town
If you plan to be at Times Square in NYC to see the ball drop, wear what you want just as long as it's warm! However if you've been invited to sip champagne at the Waldorf Astoria (which when I went by last, has been renovated), you'll want something more elegant. Here I've changed my shoes and bag from the Christmas Party outfit. My silver shoes are leather and very comfortable by Calvin Klein. My vintage gold clutch has a large jeweled clasp and a gold carry chain. Jewelry by Sophie Blake, NYC.

Arriving in silver leather shoes by Calvin Klein.

Gold Zoe Cuff by designer Sophie Blake, NYC. Citizen Eco Drive Watch

Sima Drop Earrings by Sophie Blake NYC.

The outfit details.

New Year's Eve here I come!