Words of Wisdom: Confessions of a Shopaholic

You know that thing when you see someone cute and he smiles and your heart kind of goes like warm butter sliding down hot toast? Well that’s what it’s like when I see a store. Only it’s better. A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn’t fit, you can’t exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed. And when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags… oh yes… oh yes

Masquerading in Manhattan

Last week, masquerades were the popular party theme to start off the Halloween weekend. The official definition of a masquerade is a party, dance or celebratory gathering with guests wearing masks and other disguises, and often stylish, historical or extraordinary costumes. On Thursday, Oct. 28, there was plenty of masquerading going on around Manhattan.

Central Park Conservancy Gala: Green Ball

Imagine walking through the dark of Central Park and into a spooky and magical environment inundated with acid green light. Under a tent at Rumsey Playfield on Mid-central Park at 72 street, over 400 ingeniously dressed New Yorkers were celebrating the spirit of Halloween just a tad bit early.

Fourth Annual Golden Heart Awards

On Monday, October 25, 2010, God’s Love We Deliver held its Fourth Annual Golden Heart Awards. God’s Love We Deliver revealed that noble endeavors certainly don’t go unnoticed as the night celebrated significant contributions of three long-time supporters. This year’s honorees included Joan Rivers — Lifetime Achievement, Philippe Dauman — Outstanding Service to the Community; and Evan Schwartz — Outstanding Volunteer. Among notable New Yorkers who supported the generous organization included Matthew Modine, Gregory Generet, Tamara Tunie, Blaine Trump, John Demsey, Margaret Al. Russell, Marjorie Gubelmann, Ryan Nickulas, Judy McGrath, John Bartlett, Vicente Wolf, Paul Wilmot, Jayne Harkness, Amy Eagle, Jerrold Nadler and Miss USA, Rima Fakih. Guests socialized at the IAC Building in Manhattan with appetizers, and then continued the celebration with a delightful dinner.

Hot Spot: MPD

MPD no longer just stands for the Meatpacking District. To Daniel and Derek Koch it more importantly has a double meaning, one as the name for their new restaurant Mon Petit Dejeuner and the location of their new establishment.

Vimeo Festival & Awards

Attendees from across the world gathered in New York City for the first Vimeo Festival & Awards. The two-day festival from Oct. 8-9 was held in IAC’s white Frank Gehry-designed building, while the Saturday night awards show was held at the Chelsea Theater. The Vimeo Festival and Awards are held because of the video work being shared by independent creators choosing the internet to premiere and share their work.

History Makers Gala

The New York Historical Society’s 2010 History Makers Gala had more than 550 attendees and raised more than $2.7 million for the society’s educational programs and initiatives

Jordin Sparks Introduces New Fragrance

Grammy-nominated, platinum recording artist, “American Idol” winner and Broadway star of “In the Heights” Jordin Sparks introduced her first-ever fragrance line Because of You on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City. The fragrance acknowledges her fans that have helped her reach her dreams.

Jean-Luc Naret of the Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide, the world’s most prominent food criticism publication, has released its 2011 New York City restaurant ratings. Michelin’s stars can affect the path of many restaurants new and old. The star system is defined in terms of driving: one star means “a very good restaurant in its category,” two stars is “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and the definition of three stars is “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” I conversed with the dapper sharp-suited Frenchman in charge of the Michelin guides, Jean-Luc Naret.

14th Annual Military Ball

Friday evening, Oct. 1, The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club (SSMAC) held the 14th Annual Military Ball in New York City. The Pierre Hotel was filled with more than 250 guests dressed in embellished gowns and adorned military attire. The guests flounced around the room to the sounds of bagpipes, as well as music played by Alex Donner and his Orchestra. Tony Sirico of The Sopranos and Joyce Randolph from The Last Honeymooner also attended the Military Ball.