July 14th, 2010

We take a look at the gorgeous new designs that lit up the runway during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Giorgio Armani Prive

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

Stephane Rolland

Stephane Rolland

Stephane Rolland

Giorgio Armani Prive

Giorgio Armani Prive

Giorgio Armani Prive

Elie Saab

Ellie Saab

Ellie Saab

Chanel

Chanel

Chanel

Chanel

Chanel

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Paris, anyone?  Top designers, celebrity fashionistas and sexy supermodels were on hand for the innovative new designs shown during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week on July 5 – 13.

Jessica Alba arrives at the Chanel Show at Grand Palais, Paris

Blake Lively

Milla Jovovich

Leighton Meester

Olivia Palermo

Hugh Dancy and wife Claire Danes

Mario Testino and Carine Roitfeld

Megan Fox

Cate Blanchett

Supermodel Liya Kebede

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz were busy promoting their new film, Knight and Day, all over the world.

Under its iconic neon-red sign and city skyline as the backdrop, The Empire Hotel boasts one of the few non-residential rooftop pool decks in the city which doubles as a posh open-air lounge by night, playing host to several New York elite and A-listers.

Perhaps one of the upper west side’s best-kept secrets, the popularity of the newly renovated rooftop bar has skyrocketed in a New York minute.

New York royalty such as rap-mogul/entrepreneur Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, designer Zac Posen, and Yankee Alex Rodriguez all have been spotted socializing among the intimate (150 max occupancy) crowd.

A ‘rooftop’ bar may sound like a seasonal venue, but The Empire capitalizes on its retractable roof to enclose the 8,000 square foot venue and extend the party all year round.

Model-esque servers, better-than-most-looking bartenders, romantic ambiance, and the fantastic view create an indulgent and escapist out-of-city experience.

You’ll feel like a VIP without having to be a VIP, because cocktails are at the “NYC-affordable” $15 range. Try the Black Cherry Cosmo, it’s earned rave reviews…but the limited wine and beer list has not.

If you’re in NYC, check it out this urban oasis:

THE EMPIRE HOTEL 44 West 63rd Street – New York, NY 10023 Tel.212.265.7400

Want to hang out with the stars? Not a problem. You only need the right look, the right location and mostly – wads of cash. But other than that you’re in.

While we can’t help you out with your wardrobe or cash flow we can tell you where you’ll be likely to get a peek at some of your favorite celebs.

New York’s MEGU, which means “blessings” in Japanese, is  found at 62 Thomas Street, where you’ll find celebs like Jay Z, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Josh Harnett, and Leonardo DiCaprio…likely enjoying Megu’s specialty Sake drinks which range from $60 to $500 per glass.

All work and no play makes for one dull life. And celebs are anything but dull. That’s why you’ll want to check out CAMPBELL APARTMENT at 89 East 42nd Street. It’s a really hot spot in New York City, and rumor has it the hit show Gossip Girl was filmed on location here…and where some say its steamy sexy love scene at the bar was quite…uh…real. But with mega-stars like George Clooney, Liam Neeson, and Heidi Klum hanging out here, you might be able to get over that. Still, I’d be careful where you eat at the bar.

Las Vegas is cleaning up its act—literally—with bathhouse-inspired restaurant and nightclub Lavo.  With Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am at the DJ booth or surprise performances from Busta Rhymes, this club has had a long list of celebrity guests since it’s opening nearly two years ago.

The slew of stars that party here include Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds, Shannen Doherty, Angie Harmon, Selita Eubanks, Mario Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Kevin Connolly and Paris Hilton.

In Latin, ‘lavo’ means to bathe, therefore fitting that the Mediterranean styled space features water basins and mosaic tiling. The 4500 square foot nightclub features DJs Vice, Reach, Galleano and Berrie with a six nights a week from 10 PM to 5 AM.

Lavo is the newest nightclub from the innovators who brought Las Vegas Tao, another celebrity-friendly venue. You can find Lavo housed within the luxurious Palazzo Resort and Casino. This is the club to wash away your sins.

That’s the slogan for the entertainment company Cinespia, responsible for the summer outdoor movie screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Just about everyone in L.A. has at some point either gone or has thought about going to a screening at Hollywood Forever. And while it’s more chill than spooky, it’s also creepy to think that though ghosts the likes of Johnny Ramone, Tyrone Power, Cecil B. DeMille and others might not be close by, their decaying remains are.

I personally have attended screenings every year since I moved to this city, and the experiences have definitely changed over time. It seems that though the number of attendants is relatively the same, Cinespia has hired more people to work the field and run the grounds. But despite more people “helping” to coordinate the large masses of people toting their booze and Trader Joe’s goodies, going to a screening now can turn into one big hot chaotic mess if you don’t know how to navigate. So here are a few tips…

First off, parking inside the cemetery might seem like a good idea, but alas, it is not. It’s going to take you forever to get in as cars line up around the block and you’ll wind up not getting a good seat to watch the film. It will also take you forever to exit the cemetery because all of the drunk pedestrians aren’t watching where they’re going. Park in one of the residential areas and get yourself in line about a half hour before the gates open (check their website as times vary). You ARE allowed to bring booze, so coordinate that when packing your picnic. Thousands of people will be there, so if you have a weak bladder, make sure you sit close to the porta-poddies and can avoid trapsing through hundreds of people spreads. And lastly, just be aware and conscious of others around you. One inconsideration can ruin a groups entire experience.

Hurry! Summer’s almost over. Check out their website at Cinespia.org to see the rest of their line-up for the year. Enjoy the show people!

White, porcelain skin looks beautiful on some people. On others (myself included), it just looks pasty and unattractive, especially in a swimsuit. If you are in the latter category and prefer the look of a sun-kissed glow without the sun’s scary side-effects, tune in for some of this summer’s top products (for any budget) and simple self-tanning tips.

Here are the best options for Sunless Color:

Spray Tan The average salon spray tan can cost around $20-$60 per session. Depending on your preference, there are the automatic stand-up machines that have timed tan sprayers, or you can opt for the more precise and generally costlier professional airbrush tan. Both options allow you to choose your shade of preference. The average spray tan lasts about 5-10 days.

Do-it-yourself Foams, lotions, gels, bronzers, wipes, sprays… There are so many self-tanning options it may be hard to pick just one. But, depending on your application preference, they all offer something different and they are generally more convenient and inexpensive than a salon spray tan.

Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel $33, was voted the top self-tanner of 2010 in Allure’s Reader’s Choice Beauty Awards. This tanning favorite is a quick-drying gel which is great for those with quick hands, but it is more likely to leave streaks than a lotion.

Lotions, like Jergens Natural Glow $9, are generally easier for beginners to create a natural looking bronze shade, but takes longer to dry and has a stronger scent to it.

If you’re running short on time and need a quick, mess-free tan, tanning wipes like Loreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes $10, may become your best friend.

Fool-Proof Bronzing: Don’t be intimated, even if you’ve had an orange or streaky experience before. Try, try again my pale friend! Here are some expert application tips recommended by the St. Tropez Tanning professionals:

1.    Exfoliate regularly. 2.    Wax/Shave no less than 24 hours before you ‘tan.’ 3.    Moisturize generously the night before (especially dry areas like hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet). 4.    To keep palms tan free, try using latex gloves while applying. Or you can use hand sanitizer or wipes. 5.    When applying the tanner, make sure to cover all areas of body. It will only be splotchy if you miss spots. 6.    Gently smooth the tanner on skin, different sections at a time. 7.    Let the product dry and do its work. (May take a few hours for the tan to fully set in).

My own tip: If for some reason your tan turns out splotchy or too dark in spots, try using lemon juice and a washcloth to gently rub those areas and remove some of the tanner.

Good Luck and Happy Tanning!