SS2015 Work and Travelwear: Nora Gardner NYC, Oscar de la Renta, Pineda Covalin and SofiaZ Accessorized

Travel essentials for the jet-set! Nora Gardner Gabrielle Dress. Mulholland Leather Bag, SofiaZ Leather Pumps

NYC SS2015 Fashion is all about the accessories and metamorphosing your outfit selections to go from work to travel as the two are often one in the same. Most of us either commute or are required to travel from time to time for our job. Even so, you're going to have time for some FUN so let's plan for that too. This is how we're doing it this spring!

A Working Wardrobe
We all have that favorite power-suit that we always wear for presentations and meetings.  This spring you might want to stand out a little and breathe some fresh life into your everyday work wear with: a bold, colorful dress, silk scarf, bright bag and fashionable shoes.

Large Leather Bag, Pineda Covalin Silk Scarf, SofiaZ Simone Navy Pumps

Your New "Briefcase"! 
If you are still using a laptop bag or open tote for your trip to the office consider an over-sized, zippered leather bag.
This is so much more chic and can also be used as extra on board luggage for an overnight trip. Make sure it has a full zipper to keep everything inside safe. Mine also has a little lock on the flap. Look for one that has metal feet and lots of organizing pockets for your cell, pens, business cards and more. The leather on my Mulholland is beautiful but VERY tough. I don't baby it and it goes everywhere in style with a feminine touch. Tie a silk scarf on the handle and you're good to go!

Your New Briefcase! Try an over-sized leather bag in a bright color.

Fashion Designer Nora Gardner, NYC
This spring, take a look at what NYC Fashion Designer, Nora Gardner has going on. Her collection easily goes from the board room to boarding your plane. Her clothing is made in NYC and she really understands what professional women need from our clothes. In the lead photo I'm wearing her most popular style, the Gabrielle in Fuchsia with Simone Leather Pumps by designer Usha Patel of SofiaZ. Silk Scarf by Pineda Covalin - Mexico. 

Gabrielle in Fuchsia, Simone Leather Pumps

The Gabrielle Dress
So ready for spring in this gorgeous shade of fuchsia. The slits at the elbow length sleeves are genius as are the very deep yet invisible pockets.  Full zipper in the back gives the dress an incredible fit and easy access. Just enough stretch to keep it interesting. Watch how I switch it up a bit by adding a necklace and a different silk scarf!

Gold and Stone necklace by Jaimie Nicole

Here's the 411 on The Gabrielle from Nora Gardner's Website:

Description

Simply put, Gabrielle is your new best friend. Machine washable? Check. Sleeves and pockets? Check. Cute elbow vents that add style and personality and allow your arms to move around easily? Check. A flattering waistline and roomy hips? Check. Luxurious stretch fabric? Check. Need we say more?

Fully lined, zipper at back, hook-and-eye-closure

Runs true to size. Find a sizing chart here.

Model is 5'8" wearing a Size 2

Care: Machine was cold, line dry

Content: Shell 72% Polyester, 24% Rayon, 4% Spandex; Lining 100% Polyester

Proudly made in NYC

Gabrielle Dress with Oscar de la Renta Silk Scarf

Simone Leather Pumps in Navy by SofiaZ
Designer Usha Patel created her line of beautiful high fashion leather shoes with real women in mind. 
These Simone Pumps are easily a 5 inch heel but I was very comfortable wearing them. Nicely balanced and padded in all the right areas, especially the ball area of the foot. The leather is gorgeous and both the soles and heels have grip. See SofiaZ's Spring/Summer Shoe Collection online.

Travel Time - Pack You Bag!
As I mentioned before, investing in a leather bag like this gives you more than a briefcase. It's like having an extra piece of luggage when you fly or hop a train. I like to keep everything close at hand. Still, even if I'm only boarding the train into the city for the day, there are certain things that go with me everywhere as you never know if you will need to spend an unexpected night away from home. 
So this is my Work Survival Kit: 
Mason Pearson Comb, Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets, Mini Emergency Kit, Croc Leather Organizer Wallet, (doubles as an evening clutch), Hand Sanitizer, Phone/Mobile Device Re-charger.

Travel light but travel right!

Pack Some Play Things Too
Lole's Soho Shop has some lovely pieces this SS2015 in the way of Travelwear.  While Lole is primarily known for their active-wear, the Leena Dress (shown below blue), packs easily and resists wrinkling. It is a faux wrap dress and the V-neck details are lovely. Dress it up or down. See Lole's SS2015 Travel Wear Collection online at LoleWomen.com

Leena Faux Wrap Dress in Blue

Packing Tips: Roll everything up to optimize space and keep things from wrinkling. I like to use a steamer at home to take the wrinkles out. Use it before you pack the clothes and you'll be pleased once you arrive at your hotel.

Leena Travel Dresses by Lole. Silk Scarf by Oscar de la Renta.

Mulholland Leather Bag-Mine
Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses-Mine
Silk Scarves-Mine
Gabrielle Dress c/o Nora Gardner NYC
Leena Dresses c/o Lole
Simone Pumps  c/o SofiaZ

Resort Season - Sunsets Swimwear SS2015 Preview and Ryan McGinley, Raymond Pettibon Artist Collaborations

Travel-Ready Essentials for Resort Season!

December kicks off the Resort Season as many of us may fly to warmer places for the holidays or book a Caribbean cruise to a tropical island. If so, you will need something to wear to the beach and spa. Actually the ORIGINAL American resort wear was Lilly Pulitzer with her bright, bold floral and organic patterns. Nowadays, many fashion designers have added a Resort Collection to their line which allows them to sell more clothes throughout the year. Resort pieces also make great holiday gifts if you know someone has booked a vacation to a sandy destination. They can also work for a trip to a day spa or a ski resort which often has a Swedish Sauna, Jacuzzi or indoor pool. I really like the Biosphere indoor/outdoor pool at Crystal Springs Resort in Sparta!

UPDATE! Lilly Pulizer will be collaborating with Target for SS2015. April 19th 2015 will launch a 250 piece capsule collection of specially designed travel gear, apparel, shoes and home goods. Look for "Lilly for Target".

Sunsets Separates Swimwear SS2015 Collection

Works on Whatever Limited Edition Towel is part of the 2014 Artist Series with this original design by Ryan McGinley. As part of a collaboration with the non-profit Art Production Fund and having support from Sotheby's, WOW brings art into the everyday. This luxurious beach-blanket towel is made of 100% cotton and made in Brazil, the perfect Resort destination! Earthlust Stainless Steel Bottle for Cold Beverages has original artwork by Raymond Pettibon. Beautiful! Check all the artist collaborations and collections at WorksOnWhatever.com and ArtMarkit.com

Sunsets Separates Swimwear Island Life Bikini

Sunsets Separates Swimwear SS2015 Collection has beautiful tropical palm designs and cool aqua colorways. The Island Life Style 68T bikini top has double straps with silver clasps and removable pads. The Style 31 B bikini bottom can be folded down or up for extra coverage and has their signature "Sunsets Separates" metal logo sewn on the back.

Island Life Matching Cover Up

Sunsets Island Life Style 960 Cover Up has ruched sides and flat lock seams at the arms. Perfect for when the sun goes down but you want to stay on the beach. Beautiful compliment to the Bikini Separates.

Sunsets Separates - Sea Glass Bikini Top, Bottom and Skort

Sunsets Separates give you many ways to enjoy the surf, pool or spa. I really like the selection of matching pieces as shown in the collage above. The Skort bottom gives you a little more coverage and has a comfortable elastic waistband. Lovely watercolor design reminds me of colored New Jersey Diamonds.

Sunsets Separates in Sea Glass & Merlin Designs beach tote

The Accessories: 
Shades- I like to pack a few pairs of sunglasses and take along the Converse All Star Collection as they are so lightweight. My Rx Sunglasses are in Tortoise Shell from the JLo Collection.

Earphones- I enjoy listening to music when traveling and while on the beach so the Skullcandy Supreme Sound Chops are part of their Sport Performance line for good reason. They are water-resistant and loop over your ears for a secure, hassle free fit.

Silver Vines Cuff from India

Bracelet- Silver Vines Cuff from WorldVision.org is made by local Indian artisans.  It goes with the laid back feel of resort season but adds a bit of sparkle for a night out. Proceeds go to helping third world communities raise their own food and become self sufficient.

Sandals- These are my favorite Gladiator Sandals by Mossimo Supply Company that I picked up at Target. Very easy to get into with the zipper in the back. Despite the four inch heel, they are platformed and so are really very comfortable to wear. I've worn them to pool parties that went on for HOURS and they are amazing. NOTE: Gladiators are trending heavy for SS2015.

Mimi Mini Satchel by Helmer and Converse Sunglasses

Bag- Exotic destinations call for an exotic bag. This is the Mimi Mini Satchel by Helmer in Python. Has a lovely top handle and adjustable carry strap. It's just big enough for your essentials for the day. Remove the strap and carry it as a clutch for evening.

Sunsets Separates Sheer Mesh Tankini & Bikini bottom in Black Sand Crochet

These Sunsets Separates are beautiful together! Sheer Black Sand Crochet mesh tankini top with matching fabric for the bottom. A bit of added coverage while looking very sensual. Mix or match to make your own signature swimwear look. See all of the current Sunsets Separates Swimwear at SunsetsSeparates.com and order pieces from their SS2015 Collection HERE.

Get a little color before you leave with FakeBake!

FakeBake Tanning Butter for Dry Skin is perfect for dry winter air that is part of this season. It really does go on like butter and a little goes a long way. Comes with gloves, the resulting color is very natural and deep. Visit FakeBake.com

Lole's Leena Dress shown in Campari is Travel Ready

Lole's Travel 2015 Collection
I enjoy my Lole fitness wear but this Faux Wrap Leena Dress caught my eye. Made with a combination of organic cotton, polyester and elastane, this dress earns its place in their Travel 2015 Collection. Cool, yet flattering to wear, it offers a UPF of 50+. Has a metal Lole Logo sewn by the right hem. I especially like the V-Neck, wrap lines and elbow length sleeves. Easy to wear right out of the suitcase with no ironing.
Vacationing in a snowy area for some skiing? Check out my review of Lole's Sidonie Ski Bib on LuckyMag.com HERE. See Lole's entire Travel 2015 Collection online at LoleWomen.com

The Perfect LBD for Travel

LBD to Go
I always like to pack a comfortable LBD when I travel. This one is in stretch cool cotton knit by Hanna Andersson. It has lovely, flattering princess seams and pockets. No zippers or clasps to dig in while sitting on the plane. Just slip it over your head. Travels really well and resists wrinkles. Who has time for ironing? Dress it up or down, wear it touring the town and then out to dinner. I'm wearing it here with my Black Onyx necklace my husband gave me last Christmas.

So this Resort Season, be sure to get in some "me time". I've found some lovely hats and bags shopping the resort stores while traveling on vacation. They have become some of my favorite souvenirs, reminding me of those special places every time I wear them!

Grabbing some coffee while shopping!

Hosiery by Bollywood
Swimwear c/o Sunsets Separates
Artist Towel and Water Bottle c/o WOW
Leena Dress c/o Lole

Fashionable Holiday Entertaining Made Easy - Dinner Plans

Holiday Entertaining is a SNAP with my helpful tips. Designer Ray & I at Christo Fifth Ave.

Yes, the Holidays are officially here but you don't have to panic. Whether you are cooking your first holiday dinner at home or visiting with friends and family, here are some sure fire ways to pull it all off in style!

On Location Holiday Entertaining
If you do not have enough seating space or are unable to cook and serve an entire holiday meal at your home, consider hosting your banquet at a restaurant. Most establishments allow your to bring your own spirits and you can even choose to have your guests served simply cocktails or coffee and dessert. This is a lot less of a hassle for you and they can go to Grandma's if they want turkey and all the trimmings! The main thing is that you still get to play the gracious host and spend some quality time with friends and family.

Can't cook? Make reservations! The Lighthouse Restaurant-Chelsea Piers, NYC

Entertaining at Home? Let Guests Help Themselves
I admit that I love cooking and host a traditional holiday dinner at my house for nearly every special day starting with Thanksgiving. I've learned to take the pressure off by setting out chilled Sewansecott oysters and clams, deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, coffee, tea, etc. for guests to help themselves too while I tend to the turkey.

Healthy Holiday Snacking-Lance Whole Grain Cheddar Cheese Crackers 

Tea, preserves, Hum Bugs and biscuits by Crabtree and Evelyn for my guests

Share the Wealth-Ask Guests to Bring Side Dishes & Dessert
If this is your first time hosting a holiday dinner, there is nothing wrong with asking your guests to pitch in. You can even use little chalk boards as shown here to show the name of the dish and who made it. Again, laying everything out buffet style allows guests to help themselves.

Serving guests buffet style

Put your self in charge of that turkey or ham and ask guests to bring: candied yams, mashed potatoes, green beans, a tossed salad, etc. You can even ask them to bring their favorite pie or dessert. This will allow you to focus in on just ONE job without having to worry about multitasking.

My Apple Crisp: Pies like these can be brought in by guests. 

Have an Open Bar
It's always good to offer wine to go with those cheese and crackers. Your guests can help themselves to premixed drinks, cocktails and delicious wines if you make them available buffet style. You might want to try Lo Fruit Organolicious Real Fruit Blend Beverage in Mango & Pomegranate Mojito and Acai-Blue naturally flavored concentrates. These offer a low glycemic index and mix great in all sorts of drink recipes. Here's one from the Ultimate Bar Book The Comprehensive Guide to over 1,000 Cocktails by Mittie Hellmich:

 

Old San Juan Bar Recipe

1 1/2 ounces of Gold Rum
1/2 ounce Lo Fruit Pomegranate Mojito
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Garnish with Lime Wedge

Shake the liquid ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain off ice and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Run the lime wedge around the rim, squeeze it over the drink and drop it in.

Pour a drink for yourself and spend time with guests!

Oysters Rockefeller at the bar.

Showing Off the Main Event-Presenting the Roast
So this is your time to shine! If you've followed my tips here, you will have more time for yourself and the roast turkey or baked ham. Take off that apron, slip on some heels and a pretty cocktail dress to bring your creation to the table...in style! Here is where you should invest a little in your cookware. I roast AND serve my turkey in a Mauviel of France Copper Roasting Pan.

Mauviel Copper Roaster with Rack
and Creekside Farms French Herb Wreath

It is so beautiful yet functional. I lift out the turkey using the rack and make the gravy right in the pan by de-glazing it over two stove burners. My no fail roasting method: Start by roasting your turkey breast side DOWN at 425 degrees for 1 hour. Take it out and flip it over breast side UP for the remainder of the cooking time at 325 degrees. Breast meat will be juicy and flavorful. 
Serving your roast is your Ta-Dah moment so bask in it!

Make the perfect presentation! Mauviel of France

Holiday Hair and Makeup by Ray - Top Designer, Christo Fifth Ave., NYC
Cookware & accessories c/o the companies mentioned here within.

Holiday Gift Guide: Trendy iCoffee and Capresso Presents for Coffee and Tea Lovers

iCoffee's NEW Single Serve Opus

Now trending is the single serve revolution and nobody does it better than iCoffee. They have brought their steam-stir system to a single serve machine that will make you think you've been served at Starbucks.

Single Serve Opus Dial-A-Brew

So easy to use that even I can make the perfect cup of coffee or tea on my first try. So delicious, we had a line forming for everyone in the office to try their favorite blend. The water reservoir holds enough for multiple cups and the dial-a-brew knob allows you to select how many ounces per cup you want, (from 4-12 ozs). Heats up very quickly too. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond, Bloomindales and Sur la Table nationwide. See it at iCoffee.com

Get a Solofill Refillable K3 Cup to go with the Opus

Get a Refillable K Cup
The Opus comes with a set of six delicious K cups of coffee and tea blends to get you started. However, you will want to gift this machine with an iCup Reusable or Solofill K3 Cup which I picked up at Target. This allows you to brew all your favorite ground coffee and even loose herbal tea to your heart's desire. Helps keep the landfills from unnecessary disposable K Cup clutter too.

Capresso On the Go Personal Coffee Machine

Capresso On the Go is the perfect gift for the coffee drinking jet-setter on your list this year! Dispenses up to 16 ozs of your favorite fresh brewed coffee into the included thermal container. The container has a cafe spout and is ready to roll.

Compact enough to take with you on vacation for that perfect cup of morning coffee and tea. Brew, grab and go to: work, your commute, the park, anywhere! Heats up quickly and has a reusable mesh basket that also takes coffee pods. New from Jura at  Capresso.com 

Organic Coffee & Teas
Add some Organic coffee blends like these from Teeccino and Organic India teas to a holiday gift basket. The Chocolate Organic Herbal Coffee is delicious and perfect for people who need to skip the caffeine. Non-acidic too. These are the best of the best and the java lover on your list will kiss you for them!


Solofill K3 Cup - mine
Coffee machines & organic coffees and teas c/o the respective manufacturers mentioned here.

Pineda Covalin's Holiday 2014 and Resort 2015 Fashion Preview

Women's Silk Scarf and Carry All Bag

Soho, NYC In celebration of the opening of Pineda Covalin's new Soho store on Mercer Street, the media was treated to a feast for the eyes at Nespresso Cafe. Pineda Covalin hails from Mexico as the brainchild of two young fashion designers, Christina Pineda and Ricardo Covalin. This fashion house began in 1996 and is headquartered in Mexico City. Their textiles and designs use traditional Aztec and Mayan motifs while collaborating with other designers and jewelers including Swarovski and Jose Cuervo to name a few. 

Lovely silk scarves and jewelry from Pineda Covalin's latest Holiday and Resort Collections.

So here are some of my favorite selections from the Nespresso Cafe in Soho preview and the new Pineda Covalin store itself:

Filed under "Man-Bag" handsome leather 24 hr carry all.

Mexican Self Portrait Painter and wife of Artist, Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo silk scarf.

Pineda Covalin Ladies Handbags, and colorful clutches below.

Sculpture statue celebrating Mexico's "Day of the Dead"

Pineda Covalin's New Soho Location

Once again, this Holiday 2014 and Resort 2015 preview coincides with the celebratory opening of Pineda Covalin's new store in Soho. They are neighbors to Ivanka Trump and Phillip Lim's trendy studio. Here are some shots of the Mercer Street shop.

Pineda Covalin show plays on the wide screen above.

Flowing, cool resort wear.

Bags with Matching Silk Scarves

Bright colors and bold ethnic patterns abound.

Special thanks to the lovely LeAura Luciano of EverSoPopular.com for taking photos of me!

Visit PinedaCovalin.com online!