Little Navy Blue Dress - Resort Style with Designer Nora Gardner, NYC

Office to Beach - Alyssa Dress by fashion designer Nora Gardner, NYC

Resort Style means being ready for everything with a dress that packs well yet has a bit of structure for just the right amount of "polish". My go to designer is Nora Gardner, NYC who understands the needs of the professional or corporate woman who is in Manhattan at a board meeting in the afternoon but attending a resort event in the evening.

Easy to Pack
This is a feature I look for when choosing an outfit. I can pack this dress along with all of these accessories you see here and quickly hop a flight to The Hamptons. It is really very wrinkle resistant and fits inside of my pink tote you see here below in the room at Montauk. This is important to me because the last thing I want to do is iron once I arrive at my destination. The Alyssa Dress was lightly folded, packed and required little or no ironing before the cocktail party.

Yes, this dress plus accessories all arrived in that tiny pink tote----------^

I also specifically choose shoes and accessories which are lightweight. This is important when traveling by private plane as weight is going to be a major issue. Get even more helpful resort packing advice by reading "What's in My Day Bag?"

A shell necklace, jeweled sandals and a sea-themed clutch complete this resort look.

Accessorizing for the Occasion

As you can see here, I am on the beach at the Bridgehampton Surf & Tennis Club for the annual Party Under the Stars charity event. My accessories and even the dress in Navy Blue are a nod to the obvious nautical and ocean resort themed beauty.

Statement Necklace - Pearls would also work here but I wanted to go with the warmer golden tones of my evening clutch. My necklace is made from Mother of Pearl and shells native to the island of Maui, off  Hawaii.
  
Clutch - My evening clutch is by Loeffler Randall and has a beautiful sea coral bow on the front. Easy magnetic closure, a zippered inner pocket and stow away wrist strap made it the perfect cocktail accessory.

Sandals - My sandals are by Fergie (Fergalicious) and have sewn on gold-silver beads. Very comfortable suede foot-bed makes them a wear all day sandal. As you can see, I've kicked them off to enjoy the delicious surf and sand!

Bracelet - This is one of my resort favorites from the Horizon Collection in white calf leather with a rose gold icon (Natural Frequency Technology) by watch luxury designer Philip Stein.

RAPP Black's Lady Angry Dragon in Rose Gold

Watch - My lovely RAPP Black Lady Angry Dragon Timepiece is done in rose gold with an interchangeable pink patent finish strap. It has a chic chronograph or seconds sub-dial with Japanese quartz movement. This is a bold, yet chic statement watch that adds a pop of color and a bit of interest to the outfit.

Easy care, easy wear Alyssa in Navy.

The Alyssa Dress shown here in NAVY is made of a three season machine washable fabric and is a wardrobe essential. I also have this same dress in black and it's my go-to Little Black Dress. The V-neck is very flattering but not too deep and the hemline is just right. The Alyssa also has two pockets, is fully lined and has a generous zipper in the back. The dress does have a little stretch as well for total comfort. 

A beautifully sound investment for your business to pleasure wardrobe! See Nora Gardner's complete collection of elegant professional-wear at NoraGardner.com

Hamptons Chic

Dress c/o Nora Gardner, NYC
Watch c/o RAPP Black, CA
Bracelet c/o Philip Stein Watches
Hair by Christo 5th Avenue

What's in My Day Bag? Vineyard Tours, Dinner and Cocktails in the Hamptons

Essentials for a whole day out!

Summer is time for beach weddings, long vacations but also shorter day trips and 24 hour tours. Day trips can be more of a challenge as you don't want to bring too much to carry, but since you'll be away for nearly 24 hours, you'll want to have all the essentials.

Right now I am packing for a day in the Hamptons. I grew up vacationing in the South Fork villages of Sag Harbor, South Hampton and Montauk Point, Long Island. We had an A-Frame beach house right on the shore and I can remember the soothing sound of the loons and ocean waves. So restful! We shopped in the little hamlet of Sag Harbor which was originally a whaling village and mentioned in Moby Dick. This summer I've been invited to a VIP event hosted by Women's Health Magazine. We leave early from NYC and will be gone all day into the night. There is a luncheon, fitness activities, pool time, dinner and a cocktail party all planned for the day/evening. American Tourister Luggage has dubbed me "A Stylish, Savvy Packer" so this is what I plan to bring along.

 

Outfit, bag and accessories for pool time and a luncheon.

Hamptons Beach Time, Poolside Parties and Luncheons
If you have to transition from the beach or pool to a luncheon, you could wear this lovely long organic cotton tank dress from Indigenous. Add a pair of metallic strappy sandals and you are ready for lunch. 

My Courtney Allegra designer bikini.

Bring your swimsuit, flip flops and sunblock packed in this FitMark Sport Tote. It has a separate "wet bag" to keep your swimsuit apart from the rest of the contents. Has lots of lined, dedicated pockets to organize your electronics, sunglasses, makeup, shoes, swimsuit, an extra dress and other items. Lightweight and comes with a detachable shoulder strap too. Check them out at FitMarkBags.com

A Sport Tote carries everything you'll need for a day trip.

Day Trip Packing List
So a day at the Beach which may have a Vineyard Tour and then Lunch would include the following items in your Day Bag:

1 Pair Dressy Yet Comfy Sandals
1 Pair of Walking Shoes
Swimsuit
LBD for Dinner/Cocktails if you wish
Jewelry 
Sunglasses 
Sunblock (Obagi Medical Sun Shield SPF 50)
Sunhat (straw Fedoras are popular)
Cardigan or Cover Up
Makeup Bag with Rake Comb, Travel Hair Brush, Clips
Insect Repellent (The Hamptons are known for their horrible biting flies)
Minimergency Kit with 22 travel essentials in a tiny case.

Lump Crab Salad - from the beach to lunch

Going from Lunch to Dinner
There are a lot of "White Parties" in the summertime in the Hamptons so the design of the Indigenous tank dress here would be perfect because the length gives it a bit more formality and elegance. If you are attending a White Party, add a pair of white strapped sandals, a white hat and bag with jewelry that's white with accents of gold or silver. 

Otherwise, I would recommend dressing it up with a statement necklace or pearls if your day trip will include dinner and you don't want to bring another dress to change into.

I've simply accessorized this same white dress with a pop of color from the evening clutch and high heeled sandals in coral-pink tones. Your watch is also a fashion accessory. I like the pink accents of this lovely RAPP Black Lady Angry Dragon Timepiece in rose gold with an interchangeable pink patent finish strap. It has a chic chronograph or seconds sub-dial with Japanese quartz movement.

You can also play it "white" with a satchel in bone a la Phillip Lim for lunch but a clutch will work better for dinner and cocktails.

Dinner Table Tips: Speaking of dinner and clutch bags, after being seated, place your bag behind you in your seat. Never place your bag on the table (or floor) as it is considered bad manners. After that, take your napkin from your place setting and fold it in half, laying it in your lap. Below is a diagram of how to silently signal the wait-staff of where you are in the dinner service. 

Cocktail Parties
If you are invited to a cocktail party or a country club, a more formal LBD (little black dress or a little navy blue dress for ocean resorts) are both great choices. I like NYC Designer, Nora Gardner's dresses which pack well and I've worn to a formal charity dinner given by Crowned Prince and Princess HRH Alexander and HRH Katherine of Serbia & Yugoslavia.

Evening clutch and sandals for a beach party

Since it is summer, brighten it up with white pearls or shells, gold, diamonds and a bit of sparkle. Here I am wearing a Mother of Pearl shell necklace from Maui, Philip Stein White Leather Bracelet with Rose Gold emblem and the RAPP Black Lady Angry Dragon watch. My sandals are by Fergie (Fergalicious) and have little gold-silver beads sewn on. You may want to bring a pair of sandals with a heel but take note if the cocktail party is being held outdoors on an uneven lawn or on the beach. Otherwise a cocktail dress with little metallic accents would also work towards looking fabulous. So know your itinerary and pack these travel essentials for an enjoyable summer day trip that includes some evening fun!

Hamptons Chic: Nora Gardner "Alyssa" Dress in Navy at the annual "Party Under The Stars" - Bridgehampton Tennis + Surf Club

Timepiece c/o RAPP Black, Los Angeles
Eyewear c/o Jack Eyes, NYC
Tote c/o FitMark Bags

Fashion Avenue Style - Bocca Di Bacco's New Chelsea Location

Bocca di Bacco 7th Ave. Grand Opening party.

Chelsea, NYC I'd have to say that Chelsea is one of my favorite NYC neighborhoods as we've been attending the Ice Theatre of NY's Benefit Gala at Chelsea Piers for a number of years. This upscale part of Manhattan has its own vibe and style so I was excited to attend the grand opening of Bocca di Bacco's (Mouth of Baccus - the Roman god of wine) new 7th Ave. location. Formerly known as IL Bastardo, this central location has now become the fourth Bocca Di Bacco restaurant in NYC.

Front bar and flowering trees of Bocca di Bacco

BDB Chelsea
I really like the cozy decor and rustic exposed brick of this spacious bar and Italian restaurant. We got the chance to sample some delicious hot hor dourves & appetizers being passed around at the party: Pizza Bites, fried rice balls will mozzarella & marinara sauce and savory stuffed mushrooms were some that we especially enjoyed. BDB is known for their feast-like weekend brunches now called IL Bastardo Brunch at Bocca di Bacco. Hailed also for their delicious selection of Italian wines and specialty cocktails, we enjoyed one of their concoctions called the "Butterfly" made with fig flavored Vodka and Champagne.

BDB's signature "Butterfly" with fig flavored Vodka and champagne.

BDB Wine & Dine
The new 7th Ave. location has a lot of room with three distinct areas for dining, cocktails and private parties. The Grand Opening event was very crowded and held all the way at the back of the restaurant. It has its own bar, DJ area and a middle section for dancing where I saw a few attendees really getting into the music!

Grand Opening party at BDB

There are a lot of comfortable spots to meet and eat at this 7th Ave. location so if you want to find a little corner to be alone, you can. Still it seats well over 400 guests. The decor is rustic and provincial giving it old world charm without being pretentious.

Table for 4 in the main dining area at BDB

Chelsea Style
Chelsea is the apex of downtown urban chic but you can see many fashion styles represented at BDB. After all, it is located on Fashion Avenue! It is informal enough to make you feel at home but you would not feel out of place if you came dressed for cocktails. So what was I wearing to this Grand Opening event?

Moro Designer Jewelry: Fish in Rose Gold Necklace

The evening's outfit and accessories c/o the following designers:

Alyssa Dress by NYC fashion designer Nora Gardner
Crystal Cocktail Watch by NYC fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi

Vintage Gold Leather Clutch with Jeweled Clasp

Alyssa Dress by NYC designer Nora Gardner.

We would love to come back for the IL Bastardo Brunch at Bocca di Bacco or a sumptuous dinner but want to thank the restaurant and their staff for inviting and accommodating us at this amazing Grand Opening event. Visit BDB online for their extensive Italian menus, delivery service and wine lists at Bocca di Bacco
 

Your Desk Survival Kit

Keep these survival essentials in your desk and car to be ready for anything!

This is the time of year where people are getting stuck in snowstorms and delayed in traffic. What you need is a Desk Survival Kit that has more than a manicure set. Here are my travel ready office essentials that I take en route to the office and beyond:


1.) First Aid Kits-Smart Travel & Minimergency
I keep a small Ultralight-Watertight .3 Adventure Medical Kit in my cosmetic bag but you should get a larger Smart Travel Kit for the office. It has a full assortment of bandages, first-aid creams and meds. I add my own aspirin and feminine supplies so I'm always prepared.

Smart Travel First Aid Kit for the Office and Trips

Minimergency by Pinch Provisions
The "Her-mergency" mini kit in this NEW red and gold candy striper pattern is so complete! It packs 17 essential womanly must-haves in a very tiny case: Hairspray, emery board, tampon, lip balm, clear elastics, stain remover, nail polish remover pad, deodorant towelette, earing backs, safety pin, adhesive bandage, pain reliever, double sided tape, breath freshener, mending kit, dental floss and clear nail polish. Measures 3.5" x 2.25" x 2.25.
See more designs and colors at PinchProvisions.com

Packing my Minimergency Kit

2.) Good iCoffee
If you have the luxury of access to your own personal office coffee machine, you should definitely check out the NEW iCoffee Machine by Remington. At home, you can program it the night before to start your brew in the morning as a pleasant alarm clock.

 iCoffee makes THE BEST brewed coffee at home or at the office.

The iCoffee Machine makes the best coffee with no bitter taste due to a unique stir and steam process. No need for paper filters either as it has a golden mesh one built right in.
iCoffee's SteamBrew™ technology is unlike the usual drip brewers and you can use any type of coffee you like.

The iCoffee Machine makes Bistro Cafe quality coffee!

3.) Insulated Drink Container Pour yourself a thermos-full to take in the car and enjoy at the office. My Insulated Klean Kanteen keeps liquids piping hot for more than 6 hours. If you are stuck in traffic or break down, a hot cup of coffee or cocoa can go a long way for warming from the inside out.

My Insulated Klean Kanteen with Cafe Top

4.) Food Thermos & Eating Utensils
Heaven forbid you get stuck in your car or at the office (with the power out). I am very particular about my diet so I often pack my own healthy hot meals to take with me in the car. I got this amazing Stanley 20 oz Insulated Food Container from CampSaver, who is also my favorite outfitter. Fill this bad boy with hot soup, stew or whatever you like. There's a metal "spork" inside the lid so you can eat right out of the container. I also like the Baladero Cutlery Set also from CampSaver, that has: spoon, fork, cork screw, knife, can opener and screwdriver all in one!

Hot Won Ton in a Stanley Food Container and compact Baladeo cutlery via CampSaver.com

5.) Non-Perishable Foods
Nuts: High in protein, vitamins and minerals, I especially like SunRidge Farms resealable packets of Tamari Almonds, Pistachios and Organic Fancy Walnuts.

Delicious nuts. Don't forget the hand sanitizer!

Complex Carbs: My latest passion are the Corn and Rice Cakes from Element.  Keep a bag in your desk for a quick energy boost and to quiet a growling stomach at about 3pm. My favorite flavors are the Orange Yogurt and Milk Chocolate covered varieties. Yum!

Dark Chocolate Mini Corn Cakes from Element of Italy 

Dried Fruit: I like dried cranberries or Craisins, prunes, apples, etc. All are delicious and offer much needed nutrients and fiber while keeping very well at your desk.

Avenue of the Americas NYC, New York office.

 

Coffee Brewer c/o iCoffee.com (Remington)
Food Container & Cutlery c/o CampSaver.com

Your New Year's Eve Dress is in the Bag!

Chic Fashion with the blue velvet Jennifer Dress in a Bag by NYC fashion designer, Nora Gardner!

If you are looking for the perfect dress for that Christmas Party or New Year's Eve, take a look at NYC fashion designer Nora Gardner's NEW Dress in a Bag. Perfect for that holiday destination and travel, it rolls up and then wears wrinkle free.

Nora Gardner's Jennifer Dress in a Bag fits in it's own satiny pouch. Take it out, NO wrinkles!

The Jennifer Dress
This design by Nora is very easy to wear and perfect for a posh touch of winter elegance. Black or Navy Blue velvet, the cut and fit of this dress has a bit of stretch. This dress is very size forgiving and would make the perfect gift for the fashion forward woman who travels.

Add a touch of elegance with this vintage gold leather evening bag.

Proudly Made in New York City-Visit Online at NoraGardner.com

PRESS UPDATE:

NEW DESIGNGER NORA GARDNER will hold their first showroom sale TUESDAY through THURSDAY,  December 10, 11, 12 

UP TO 80% OFF RETAIL - FASHION FORWARD WORKWEAR - OFFICE READY DRESSES AND SUITS WITH SOPHISTICATED STYLE

339 West 51st Street (between 8th and 9th), #1C * New York, NY 10019

HOURS:  NOON -3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. - and/or by appointment

Text Nora directly at 203-550-1022 for appointments

Keep a Dress in a Bag in your desk drawer at the office. Add some pearls for after-hours!

Jennifer Aniston Gift Set
You'll want to top off your holiday look with the perfect fragrance accessory. Layer this celebrity scent creation with pampering creams to the finishing note of eau de toilette. Beautiful presentation just as glamorous as Jen! Jennifer Aniston's Gift Set available at QVC.com  Set the holiday mood with these beautifully handcrafted Volcanica Candles from Bali.

Jennifer Aniston's fragrance gift set for the holidays. Volcanica Candles handcrafted in Bali.

 

Dress, Fragrance Gift Set and Candles c/o Nora Gardner NYC, QVC and Volcanica of Bali respectively.

Bling in the Holiday with NYC Designers Isaac Mizrahi & Nora Gardner

Your Holiday Style begins with the perfect LBD blinged out with these key accessories. Dress: Alyssa by designer Nora Gardner, NYC

New York, NY Tis the season for holiday office parties and corporate events where you want to let your personality shine. Never underestimate to power of first impressions. At one corporate Christmas Party, I was introduced to the dean of a local college who recommended me for a teaching position which I accepted! How you present yourself is key and a polished, elegant look is what to aim for. Start with the perfect Little Black Dress from NYC based designer, Nora Gardner. Here is her "Alyssa":

"Alyssa" transitions perfectly from the office to an evening affair with a few accessories.

Alyssa Dress by Nora Gardner
First of all, let me say that this is one NYC fashion designer who "gets it" when it comes to clothing for active, young professional women. I love Nora Gardner's Alyssa for its V-neck and lovely fitted waistline thanks to a generous invisible back zipper. The bit of Spandex means this dress is comfortable for sitting and walking. The slit pockets make it perfect for a day at the office but the fit says anything but matronly. Wide shoulder bands means no worries about wearing a strapless bra underneath and the length is just right.  Wear it to the office during the day and add a statement necklace for after hours.

Alyssa Details

Offered in Dark Grey and Jet Black

Hits at the knee

37" from high point of shoulder

Model is wearing Size 0

Fit: Narrow Hip (see size chart)

Shell: 50% Polyester, 46% Rayon, 4% Spandex

Lining: 100% Polyester

Care: Dry clean only

Find a Sizing Chart Here.

Proudly Made in New York City-Visit Online at NoraGardner.com

PRESS UPDATE:

NEW DESIGNGER NORA GARDNER will hold their first showroom sale TUESDAY through THURSDAY,  December 10, 11, 12 

UP TO 80% OFF RETAIL - FASHION FORWARD WORKWEAR - OFFICE READY DRESSES AND SUITS WITH SOPHISTICATED STYLE

339 West 51st Street (between 7th and 8th), #1C * New York, NY 10019

HOURS:  NOON -3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. - and/or by appointment

Text Nora directly at 203-550-1022 for appointments

Isaac Mizrahi Live!
NYC fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi has a beautiful collection of watches this season. His Live! line offers lots of bold designs but I fell in love with this much more dressy, demure Crystal Watch.

Isaac Mizrahi Live! Crystal Bracelet Watch

Unlike my other bracelet watches, you don't need to take this watch to the jewelers to shorten the band. Simply open and remove the extra links by hand to get the desired wrist width you need. My wrists are extremely skinny so for a watch to fit me without falling off is quite a feat. Face is a lovely white Mother of Pearl with Roman numerals. See this watch and more at QVC.com

Isaac Mizrahi's Crystal Watch at a NYC party.

Crystal Bracelet Watch Details

• Silvertone; stainless steel backing and crown
• Round and square, clear crystals border case and bracelet links
• White mother-of-pearl dial; Roman numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12; bars at other hours; silvertone hour, minute, and second hands
• Bracelet with two removable foldover clasps
• Japanese movement
• Adjusts from small to large
• Approximate measurements: Bracelet 8"L x 1/2"W at links; Removable links 3/4"W; Case 1-1/8"L x 3/4"W
• Box, instructions
• 5-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty

The Crystal Bracelet Watch comes beautifully gift-boxed.

Add Some Sparkle! 
You can really add interest to a little black dress like the Alyssa with both a watch and a little vintage evening bag. This is not the time to be shy, especially if your dress is monochromatic. Here my evening purse has an added snowflake pin over top the silvery sequins. It goes perfectly with the Crystal Watch!

Detail showing the snowflake pin I added to this vintage evening bag.

Sparkly Evening Bags 
Don't be afraid to add even more bling to bag or clutch for the evening. A dark, solid dress needs a bit of sparkle and your bag and bracelet (watch in my case) can give you the glitter you need to stand out. Also keep in mind that your nails can be accessorized with some beautiful sparkle finishes shown in the Holiday 2013 Collection from China Glaze.

Don't forget to bling those nails too. Happy HoliGalze Nail Lacquers from China Glaze

Happy HoliGlaze Nail Lacquer Collection from China Glaze
NEW for Holiday 2013 are these eye-blindingly sparkly nail lacquers from China Glaze, Los Angeles, CA! These all have built in nail hardeners and dry to a gorgeous finish. Pop one or all in a festive design for your next holiday party. See more holiday collections online at ChinaGlaze.com

PHOTO: Nail Lacquer Colors Left to Right
Bells Will Be Blinging - Elfin' Around - Your Present Required

Dress, watch and nail lacquer c/o Nora Gardner- NYC, QVC and China Glaze respectively. 

Fashionable Celebrations: Hosting Your First Holiday Party

Pick out an outfit, put on an apron and pour yourself a glass of wine!

Your House, USA If you are hosting a holiday dinner at your house this year, don't despair. Even if it is your first time, don't worry, these tips and a killer Easy Roast Turkey recipe will make the event a breeze!

Pick Out an Outfit
If it's a daytime event, wear a pretty dress or skirt with a blouse and ballet flats topped with a full apron while you are cooking. Your clothes will be fully covered but once dinner is served, take it off and make your entrance sans smock and in a pair of high heels. Wear a statement necklace or some pearls. BOOM!

Make your entrance without the apron but with some heels! Dress by designer Nora Gardner, NYC.

Simple Buffet Menu
The holiday super-stars are the turkey, stuffing, ham and candied yams. Don't go crazy trying to make too many dishes and don't be afraid to ask guests to bring one of their favorites if they'd like. Put everything out buffet style so they can help themselves. Do the same for desserts & wine. Need more inspiration? Google holiday entertaining menus online.

A simple salad and sandwich buffet can be put out for your guests while the main course is still cooking.

Make Dishes Ahead of Time
Another way to coast through your holiday party is to make your side dishes ahead of time and then refrigerate or freeze them. You can make your mashed potatoes, green beans, candied yams and pies days before. I use my Temp-Tations Oven to Table serving set because each piece has its own plastic lid. Bake, store and serve in the same dish! 

My apple pie with crisp, crumb topping. Temp-Tations in Old World Style Spice.

Easy Perfect Roast Turkey
Speaking of cooking, don't be afraid of roasting a turkey. Here are some very easy tips that will make you look like a gourmet chef the first time out:

Perfect Roast Turkey the EASY Way
Try these simple tricks to roast your best, juiciest holiday turkey ever!


1.) Skip the brine.  Most large turkeys are infused with a broth solution to make it extra juicy.

2.) Rub your turkey with a flavored butter, (chive is good), and roast breast side down at 425 degrees for the first hour.  Turn and continue cooking at 325 degrees breast side up.  Leave the turkey uncovered and baste every hour with butter to finish cooking.

3.) Use Bell's Seasoning in your stuffing which can also be made outside of the bird.  


4.) Try whole berry cranberry sauce instead of the jellied type.  Whole berries add extra texture & crunch.

5.) Make turkey gravy right in the roaster pan by adding a little white wine, water and flour. The Mauviel Copper Roaster is perfect for this purpose as it caramelizes the pan drippings and releases them for a delicious gravy.

Presentation is part of the allure of your Holiday Party. My Mauviel Copper Roasting Pan with wire rack.

Turkey Tetrazzini with Portabello Mushrooms & Sherry

Enjoy Yourself!
Be the star of your own party and with a little planning like this, you'll have time to mingle with your guests. I play the guitar and someone else plays the piano so we sing Christmas Carols and Auld Lang Syne for New Year's Eve!  Accept help for the clean up and offer "doggie bags" to your party go-ers to take home. Another sweet thing to do is to make up little goody bags of whatever you like and give them out at the end of the evening. GaveThat.com has some super tips on how to put them together HERE. Even if you don't get around to getting everyone there a Christmas present or sending a card, the dinner and the gift bags will be very much appreciated.

Don't forget to be the "star" of your own party! Make sure to welcome and entertain everyone.

Cookware c/o QVC and Mauviel, France respectively