Angeleno Magazine's Generation Next Spring Fashion Event

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to catch Angeleno Magazine's spring fashion event at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Los Angeles.  My day started at the fashion show where Angeleno Magazine's Fashion Style Editor, Elizabeth Varnell, helmed the latest spring fashions with two trend experts.  I am always interested in dresses for the red carpet, so I was thrilled to find a Mad Men-inspired black and white dress by Betsey Johnson and a pair of black and natural wedges by Charles David on the runway.  Both of those items wound up in my shopping bag after the event.  After the show, I was treated to a manicure by Venetian Spa and a makeover by Heaven's Makeup Bar to complete my new look.  To end the day, I hit the VIP Lounge for a cocktail and treats by Kate Mantilini and Snow Monkey Shaved Ice.  Admission to the VIP lounge was pretty easy, all it took was "Like" of Westfield Topanga Mall's Facebook page.

Cute and quirky Betsey Johnson dress in a bird print....look closely, those are birds. 

If this sounds like a fun day to you, hit the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks this Saturday, May 5th from 1-6PM for all of the complimentary beauty and fashion fun.  Here's an insider tip for you too:  if you buy $500 worth of merchandise, you also get a gift with purchase.  Guess who received two free tickets to Cirque du Soleil's Iris at the Kodak Theatre?  Yep, I'll tell you all about it after the show on May 17th.

 I loved this spring dress with a pop of color from Macy's.

This model had the perfect body for the jumpsuit silhouette.  I'm jealous.

I bought this right off of the runway, a Betsey Johnson polka dot dress that is featured on the home page of her website.  I can't wait to wear it to my next big event.

Here I am shopping right off of the runway again, I bought those incredible Charles David "Letti" wedges for the summer.  Dress by Angl.

 So many fun color choices, but I went with......

 ........purple instead.  

 Oh man, the "before" pictures are never fun, but here you go.

This is what I looked like after my makeover by Heaven's Makeup Bar.  I also took a fun picture with my makeup artist that is posted on my Facebook page. Check it out here. 

 Ahhh, cocktails in the VIP lounge: The Mark Alberto Tequila Traveler prepared a "Spring Day in Mexcio" drink:

Casa Noble Reposado Tequila

Lime Juice

Ginger Beer

Fresh Stevia

Fresh Ginger

Dried Hibiscus Garnish

I'm a little obsessed with the yellow Vitamin Water. It's been a three-year addiction.

I was invited to this event by a PR Firm, but all opinions posted above are mine. The event is free and open to the public.  

Shopping in New York

As you know from my previous trips here and here, NYC is my home.  I can't get enough of the sounds, the smells, the food, the theatre, and the shopping!  It took me only 32 minutes to make a dent in my wallet with a ring, pendant, and earring purchase, followed by my coveted Jessica Simpson shoe splurge.

I wasn't planning on buying any jewelry, but I stumbled into the place on my way out of my favorite NYC sandwich joint, Cosí.  It's called Secret of Treasures (488 7th Ave, New York 10018) and everything is approximately $2.99 and under, so it's a costume jewelry fan's dream.   I scooped up a Murano glass ring.

How can you resist?  This colorful pile of Murano glass pendants was so enticing.  I only picked up one, but I could have sorted through the pile for days.  I also grabbed a pair of earrings bringing my shopping total to $9.77 for three pieces of jewelry.  Now, that's what I call a bargain!

Finally, you know I have been coveting these shoes from Jessica Simpson.   The girl may be a mediocre singer and actress, but she has a billion dollar fashion empire.  Yes, I said BILLION.  These are the Dany shoes that department stores and online sites cannot keep in stock.  It is a huge 5" heel with a 2" platform heel, but they are comfortable and easy to walk in.  I wish it was warm in NYC right now so I could sport them to the theatre tonight.  I think I have finished with my shopping here in the city, but I still have another 12 days to go.........wish me luck!

Weekly Wrap-Up

This week flew by for me.  I had all of the intentions of getting a lot of home items checked off of the list, but somehow, it never happened.  I am going to start out of order this week, since many of you joined me yesterday with the launch of my OpenSky store.  I opened with my first item, a KC Malhan clutch, that I was going to pair up with an outfit at the red carpet premiere of collidE dance's blink/drEam.  If you are a fan of any of the dance shows on TV, you would have been thrilled to see many of the So You Think You Can Dance and America's Best Dance Crew alumni.  I will have the video up in a few days and wait until you see who I made cry.  Oh boy, what a moment on the red carpet!  Now, I unveil my look on the red carpet:

On the red carpet with my KC Malhan clutch

Here's the breakdown on the outfit:

Dress:  AnM $37 from Roni B.

Belt:  It was a purchase from Roni B.--designer and price unknown 

Shoes:  Tahari $75 from DSW

Last night's accessories

Accessorized with my Grandmother's vintage necklace and a huge sparkly floral ring.

Clutch: KC Malhan $58 

Wednesday:  

A new Web Files episode came out with a look at one of the most ambitious web series out there, Tyranny.  With a Bond girl in the cast, you can't go wrong:

And many thanks to Tubefilter writer, Mathieas McNaughton, for the great write-up about this episode.

Yes, another episode of MoreWireLess from Broadcom.  This week's episode goes back to Bluetooth 101 with "How to Connect your Wireless Mouse and Keyboard".  I think you all know how to do this, but if you don't, here's a step by step tutorial hosted by me:

Tuesday:  Yes, I said we were working backwards through the week, so I want to thank Jeff Lewis, the OCD real estate investor and designer from Bravo's Flipping Out, for sending so many of his fans on a treasure hunt for information on the Casa Vega remodel.  Hundreds of you came out in full force looking for spoilers on what happens with the Mexican restaurant renovation.  The famous hot spot is a place I frequent often and I haven't noticed any renovations lately.  Does that spoil the show for you?  Head on over to my original post that had the Jeff Lewis fans come en masse.  

Okay, my weekend is filled with rest and relaxation since next week will be a busy one.  I also hope to make it over to Macy's to cover the Glee clothing line launch at the Beverly Center.  If you are interested in attending, here are the details:

Where:  Macy's, The Beverly Center, LA--Juniors Department, Level 1

When:  August 21, 2010 from 2-4 PM

What:  Glee Clothing Line Launch/Autograph Session

Who:  Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Kevin McHale (Artie) and Heather Morris (Brittany)

**The first 300 customers who make a $50 purchase of Glee merchandise will receive a free autographed poster.

Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday at Red Carpet Closet.

  

Material Girl Hits LA

I grew up as a part of the MTV generation back when kids ran home to watch "Thriller" and I thought MTV VJ, Adam Curry's, feathered hair was really cool.  Yet even with all the glitz and the over the top glam of the '80's, no one could ever top the style of Madonna.  She became an icon with her fingerless gloves, holey fishnet tights, and puffy crinolines as skirts.  While her style has evolved beyond that decade, she has never departed from her icon status.  This time around, she's the designer of all the fashions and she brings her daughter, Lola, along for the ride.  Sold exclusively at Macy's is the new Material Girl line, and Los Angeles is getting a first glimpse on Tuesday, August 3rd.  Here are the details:

Where:  Macy's Glendale Galleria

When:  Tuesday, August 3rd at 10AM

The Fun:  *The first 200 customers will receive a FREE Material Girl bandeau top.

              

                 *A KIIS-FM DJ will be holding 3 contests:  a trivia quiz, look-a-like contest, and a  

                  dance-off.

              

                 *Prizes for the contests include Madonna autographed items.  

              

                 *Dress in your favorite Madonna inspired look (I wonder if I could dig out those     

                   fingerless gloves from storage?)

I was also able to grab a sneak peek at a few photos from the line and I'm thrilled I can share them with you.  The Material Girl line offers everything from handbags to jewelry to apparel and footwear with reasonable price points from $12-$40. (Let's hear it for Madonna for keeping the prices real.) The Fall 2010 collection is all about prints and embellishments to offer some depth and texture to your fall wardrobe. And true to Madonna and Lola's style, notice the combination of hard and soft elements.  They will pair a tutu skirt (Hello, 1980's crinoline!) with combat boots or an oversized boyfriend sweatshirt with a floral print mini skirt.  

To learn more about the line and the event in LA on August 3rd, click here.  Otherwise, I will see you dressed in your Madonna finest at Macy's at the Glendale Galleria on Tuesday.  

    

                

The 64th Annual Tony Awards

It's that time of year again.  Yes, a time of singing, dancing, and channeling your inner theatre geek with the 64th Annual Tony Awards.  If I could move Broadway to Los Angeles, I would.  That's how much I miss the rich theatre scene in New York.  However, LA is starting to step it up their relevance in the theatre world and I am going to throw a few of my hard earned dollars at Reprise's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying this week starring John O'Hurley, Ed Asner, Vicki Lewis, and Simon Helberg. Run by Jason Alexander (Yes, George Constanza runs a theatre program.), the organization does a great job of breathing new life into "rarely revived" musicals and enhancing the LA theatre world.  If you're like me though, you want the glitz and glam of award show season and The Tonys rarely disappoint.  I don't know how they will top last year's fun with host Neil Patrick Harris, but here are a few opportunities to participate in some of the fun:

Macy's wants to send you to the Tony Awards!  Instead of just an "enter and win" scenario, Macy's is going to make you work for it.  Show off your talent and you could be on your way to the Big Apple and hobnobbing with Broadway's elite talent.  Here's how it works, head on over to the Tony Awards page at CBS, sing your heart out, record it, vote, vote again, and hopefully win!  Simple right?  Here are the details:


Macy's Invites You to Sing Your Way to the Tony Awards

Upload a video of yourself singing one of the following songs and you can be in the running to win a trip to the 64th Annual Tony Awards on Broadway.

96,000, In the Heights 
Gimme, Gimme, Thoroughly Modern Millie 
Good Morning, Baltimore, Hairspray 
I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa my Hair, South Pacific 
Lonely Goatherd, The Sound of Music 
Maybe, Annie
One, A Chorus Line
Stars, Les Misérables 
Ya Got Trouble, The Music Man

MUSIC CLEARANCES FACILITATED BY MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, THE RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN ORGANIZATION, AND TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY. SONGS PROVIDED COURTESY OF COPYRIGHT HOLDERS.

Get Started:
1. Upload your video by May 27th noon PT
2. Vote on yor favorites from May 27th to June 1st to help determine the top 5 videos.
2. Return on June 3rd noon PT to view and vote for your favorite of the top 5.

There are some great songs listed.  I am a bit partial to "Good Morning, Baltimore" from Hairspray, but we all know what a winner Annie is, you can never go wrong with that little redheaded mop top.  Good luck!

If you are already going to be in NYC on June 13th, then this is a great affordable excuse to go to a Tony Party.  Broadway producer, Ken Davenport, in conjunction with BroadwaySpace.com is throwing a fun viewing party at Blondies on the Upper West Side.  The night promises unlimited food, contests, raffles, Broadway karaoke, and two Broadway stars from Hair hosting the event all for $25 if you grab your tickets now.  Since Ken is a pal from my NYU days, I know you won't be disappointed.     So, at least there is a Plan B if you don't win Macy's Ticket to the Tonys.  It might not be a seat in Radio City Music Hall, but you still get to hobknob with a few Broadway stars!  

KB is in the Big Apple!

I am finally back in NYC after an 8-month absence.  As an NYU alum, I consider Manhattan my home.  And this is how my home greets me......with lots of rain.  Ugly, ugly rain.  The kind that blows your umbrella inside out and makes sure your jeans are soaked from top to bottom.  Thanks for the welcome, NY!  I think it was a great reminder as to why I traded my winter coat for palm trees.

Of course, I did remember to bring my bright, shiny, yellow rain boots that everyone teased me about in Atlanta. Now that we have traveled to the next city, the only person laughing is me.  I can walk in puddles while my co-workers have wet socks.  However, I made a major fashion faux pas by doing the LA thing of rolling my jeans.  After experiencing soaking wet cuffs, I know why those fashionable Manhattanites tuck their skinny jeans into the boot.  Rookie move on my part.  I forgot how this rain thing works.

I ran through Times Square once called the "Crossroads of the World", but I think they need to rename it the "Crosswalk of the World" now that they have closed down parts of Time Square to accommodate the pedestrians and the constant roadblocks....yes, the tourists, who love to come to a dead stop in the middle of the sidewalk.  I know the city is sensory overload and it can be overwhelming, but "MOVE, dammit!"  Phew, I think I got my NY edge back, no LA fluff for me. I am back on my home turf.   Oh yeah, I got sidetracked.  I went and picked up my ticket to see Promises, Promises starring Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.  4th Row, Center Seat.  NICE.

Holy cow!  This show is STILL running??!!  Hasn't everyone seen it by now?  Mamma Mia plays at The Winter Garden Theatre much like Cats, it is "Now and Forever".

A Times Square staple, Colony Music, a fantastic old-school music store guaranteed to make any musical theatre geek's heart sing.  I spent many Friday nights sorting through the sheet music and Broadway posters during my first semester at NYU with my fellow Massachusetts pal, Ken Davenport.  Where is he now?  Check out his site and be sure to follow him for some of the most valuable and innovative marketing tips around: Davenport Theatrical Enterprises.

The lovely view from my hotel....that's what I get for asking for a corner suite.  I forget how New Yorkers live on top of each other.  So little space, so many people.

After a jaunt to Times Square and a quick stop at my hotel to change out of my wet jeans, I ran over to Macy's Herald Square to shop for Streamy Awards shoes.  I was happy to see the annual Macy's Flower Show was in full bloom on the first floor.  It was fragrant and springy inside.

                                      

While I didn't have any luck at Macy's, I knew I would find some serious shoes at 10022. The place is so spectacular, it warrants its own zip code, the Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Department.  The 8th floor isn't for the faint of heart.  The shoes are works of art and they cost an arm and a leg.

                                             

This pair of Jimmy Choo shoes would be the perfect accessory for my Streamy Awards dress.  However, the price of the shoes is close to 4 times the price of my dress.  So, no Jimmy's for me.

                                                     

So I picked up this pair:  soft, buttery leather, delicate strappy sandals with.....a red leather sole.  Yep, I picked up a pair of Louboutins.  Oh, I wanted these shoes so badly.  They were even better accessories than the Choo's, but darn, they were 5 times price of my dress.  Boo!  They went back on the shelf.

                                                  

So, I traded my Louboutins for a cupcake at the best place in the world, Magnolia Bakery, a Sex and the City staple.

                                        

And this is my favorite cupcake:  chocolate cake with loads of pink frosting and jimmies on top!

                                            

Then it was off to the show and a view that will never get old to me:  Hello, NY, so glad I am back!

xo kb

                                            

Stick around for more NY updates now through April 10th!