Haute and the City

It has become an increasingly popular notion in the fashion industry that what was once a tightly-sealed industry-only event, fashion week must be brought “to the people.” DKNY Men made New York Fashion Week history yesterday by becoming the first-ever collection to be presented at the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square, which was broadcast on the screens to the pedestrians outside on the 12 Reuters JumboTron screens.

The crux of this season’s DKNY Men’s collection pays tribute to the timeless 1950′s gray suit, modernized by a slim silhouette, skinny ties and paired with platform Doc Marten’s and Tevas. Unstructured blazers and the (disappointing) presence of cargo shorts provided a more casual feel to the overall collection.

The message here is clear: whether you need an outfit for your nine-to-five or for the weekend, DKNY men has you covered with the American classics.

Photos courtesy of Style.com.

DKNY

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Haute and the City “How To Dress Like a Tourist” guide, we’ve decided to help you summer travelers out with a handy list of pointers for style while visiting New York this summer.

Traveling in the massively uncomfortable heat of summer can be particularly brutal in NY, so please enjoy the following list of summer fashion essentials you’ll need in NYC:

Running Shoe

There’s no denying it: New York City requires a lot of walking. So why not equip your feet with the best money can buy? Plus, you can use them for your marathon training.

OR…

Crocs!

Although we wouldn’t know, apparently these things shoes are extremely comfortable. As you can see, they have randomly placed holes, apparently designed for ventilation in those hot summer months. Jazz it up while you’re in NY, though; go for a splash of color like you see above.

Unnecessarily Long Socks

We  never really understood the trend of shorts and long socks. If you’re wearing shorts, certainly it’s hot enough to keep your ankles warm?

Cargo Shorts

Like the fanny pack, the large pockets on cargo shorts come in handy for the storage of tourism-friendly nick-knacks. Camo appears to be very ‘in’ right now.

Your Brand New ‘I [Heart] NY’ T-Shirt

New Yorkers are very impressed by I Love NY t-shirts. That’s why we wear them to the gym. These are best paired with foam Statue of Liberty crowns.

A Paparazzi-Style Camera

Nothing says, “Rob me! I’m slightly lost and outside my comfort zone!” like a several-thousand dollar camera hanging around your neck.

A Sensible Hat

For the sun. Ideally, choose a style and color that doesn’t match anything you’re wearing.

CROAKIES!

You never know when one of us psycho New Yorkers will make a snatch at your new Chinatown sunglasses, so secure them with ultra-cute croakies, “eyewear retainers” designed for skiers.

Please note: We have nothing but love and respect for the tourists who bring millions of dollars of business to NYC each year. This post is intended as good-natured humor, just like how tourists poke fun at us for cursing you out for getting in the way as you admire our landmarks (you do find that endearing, right??).

Check out our last post, Luxury + Glamour + Danger = k2o by Karen Ko.

fanny pack

Nearly one year ago, while I was working running around like a madman talking to media at the Fashion Fights Cancer gala I helped to organize and execute, I stopped short when I saw a woman dressed in some of the most interesting jewelry I had ever seen. That woman was the lovely accessories designer Karen Ko, president of Intersect Designs, a family a of jewelry brands that emphasizes creativity, design and innovation.

I came to learn more about one of Karen’s brands, k2o by Karen Ko, which was one of her edgier collections. k2o by Karen Ko is a jewelry collection for women who have a bit of a fine taste and want a luxury item, but a bit too independent with their style to be confined to diamonds and pearls.

k2o’s signature piece is the Avant Rock Spike Ankle Cuffs, which are used to dress up + glam out your heels. You can actually enter a giveaway to win a pair of ankle cuffs from FashionIndie.com here.

You can purchase k2o by Karen Ko pieces at the online boutique, Modern Mix.

Be sure to ‘like’ k2o by Karen Ko on Facebook!

In a city full of people, it’s not uncommon to find yourself with a weekend full of birthday parties to attend. On one particularly busy weekend of birthday bashes, I attended the birthday fiesta for entertainment and fashion maven Misti Schindele (editor in chief of Entertainista and contributor at KENTON Magazine).

Misti’s celebration was hosted by SoHo lounge and restaurant, Lair. Lair’s excellent location (201 Lafayette Street at Kenmare Street), elegant décor and strong cocktails make it an ideal spot for drinks and a bite to eat without being too over the top.

Although I arrived to the celebration on a full stomach, I couldn’t help indulge in a nibble or two of Lair’s dry aged black angus beef dumplings and splashes of Maid In The Cave (Hibiki 12-year whiskey, ginger-infused agave, muddled cucumbers & club soda), both of which are beyond delicious.

If Sex & the City were still being filmed today, there’s no doubt Samantha would throw a drink in someone’s face or the four girls would gab over Cosmos at Lair.

I didn’t sample the bone marrow dish, but I heard it was to die for!

If you are in need of a new spot to have a nice drink before hitting the town or need a good post-work place, check out Lair!

Disclosure: the food and drinks were provided free of charge for the purposes of review.

cocktail dress

I’ve loved candles for as long as I can remember.

A long time ago, I appreciated candles for their soft light and subtle fragrances. Lately, I’ve found a sense of comfort in lighting candles and curling up with a good book or a candle-lit shower at the end of the day.

If you haven’t gotten to enjoy NEST Fragrances yet, you are missing out on a premium luxury experience. Here are three must-have candles from NEST Fragrances to check out:

Bamboo

I keep this light and fresh-smelling candle in my bathroom for candle-lit showers at the end of the day. It contains essence of bamboo, white florals, sparkling citrus and fresh green accords (I have no idea what any of that means, but trust me, it smells good). Red wine + this candle’s soothing light + shower = anti-stress win for this busy publicist. Available at Bloomingdale’s.

Wild Oats + Bourbon

Scents of wild oats, mandarin orange and bourbon were combine to make this candle’s fragrance, which is by far my favorite from NEST. The exotic combination of fragrances in this candle evoke a sense of comfort (which is why I keep it in my living room).

Moroccan Amber

Moroccan Amber is the perfect candle for summer nights. The scents involved in this guy include moroccan amber, sweet patchouli, heliotrope, bergamot accented and a hint of eucalyptus (a scent known for it’s relaxation properties). I highly recommend burning this candle before bed!

You can find NEST Fragrances (which includes a variety of products, including candles, reed diffusers, soaps, etc.) at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and several online boutiques. I also highly recommend following the super fun and chatty NEST Fragrances Twitter account!

NEST Fragrances

Longtime followers of Haute and the City know how this writer regards his underwear as highly as his outerwear. While relatively few brands have made the cut for my top drawer, I have recently been introduced to an excellent Australian underwear brand that has made its way to America.

MensFit was launched in July 2003 with the philosophy: “that every guy should look just as good on the inside as they do on the outside.” [My thoughts exactly!] They offer a range of briefs, trunks, boxers, hipsters, g-stings/thongs, swimwear, shapewear and sleepwear.

The MensFit pieces, particularly the briefs and trunks, are extremely comfortable and have very nice cuts. When it comes to design, anything in a fun print wins in my book for underwear (and socks- but I suppose that’s another post).

If you are in the market for a new pair of undergarments, absolutely check out the MensFit website (plus they have free shipping!!).

underwear

As busy publicist and blogger, things like staying organized sometimes evade my grasp.

To the point of this disaster:

Look at how horrified puppy Nathan is. He’s even confiscated a few escaped socks.

This disaster zone includes: Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet, Bridesmaids movie ticket, charity raffle ticket, Ben Sherman tie, Urban Outfitters hat and hoodie, H+M and American Apparel shirts, college hat, Coach wallet, laptop case strap, deodorant, three tote bags (two from fashion week), VIP card to the Kim Crawford bar at NYFW, various business cards, bag of fragrance samples from MiN New York, Voss glass full of change, three CHRISHABANA necklaces and 13 pairs of sunglasses.

With a delayed onset of spring cleaning inspiration, I went to work.

Want to see how I fared?

A bit more organized, no?

We’re left with a just a few items, including leather flowers by Brahmin and a ‘Moroccan Amber’ candle by Nest Fragrances.

John Derian soap dish, CHRISHABANA necklace, Kilian ‘Back to Black’ fragrance + keys.

If you keep your place organized, you’ll find a lot of other things in your life seem to fall into place!

Disclosure: certain items were given to me for the purposes of review and/or coverage. These items include fragrances from MiN New York, candle from Nest Fragrances, Brahmin leather flowers via the Vogue Influencers Network and John Derian soap dish via Ink + Roses. AND I LOVE THEM ALL.

It. Is. Hot.

Like, really hot. So-hot-I-can’t-believe-I-have-to-wear-clothes hot.

You catch my drift. But seriously, anyone who has experienced the baking heat of a NYC summer knows that it is an (uncomfortably sweaty) mess like no other.

So, it’s no wonder that you can’t throw a stone in NYC after June 1st without hitting five guys in tank tops. Instead of getting jealous of their breezy attire (or getting Botox under your arms to prevent sweat, let me guide you with these great options for a cooler summer wardrobe:

ASOS Racerback Dropped Armhole Tank (Blue)

This tank top is a perfect pick for the really hot summer days (i.e. the entirety of August). With the curved racer back, dropped armholes and relaxed fit, it’s ideal for letting the rare breeze hit you. Plus, I really like this color.

Zanerobe ‘Fleet’ Trim Fit Tank

If you’re adding tank tops to your wardrobe, light stripes are a staple.

DRKSHDW By Rick Owens Basic Tank

Need something a little more off-the-beaten-path? Rick Owens is the man for you boys who demand high fashion, even in the sweltering weather of summer. TIP: Save your dark-colored tank tops for the clubs. You’ll cook wearing black during the day.

MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Bernie’ Trim Fit Tank

Nautical stripes seem to be an essential of summer, even in the city. Instead of going with a traditional nautical theme, try something a bit more fun, like this multi-color Marc Jacobs option.

On a budget? Fear not, friends!

Another major trend for the summer tank is the DIY tank. I recently tried to do this and failed miserably, so I will leave you with this YouTube tank-cutting expert to explain:

tank top

With Memorial Day right around the corner, I’m sure you all are counting down the hours until the long weekend full of friends, the beach and a little time to breathe (I know I am!).

If you’re going to be getting a little festive and plan to enjoy a few splash this Memorial Day (maybe during a rooftop picnic?), let Chandon Sparkling Wine take care of your holiday with these cocktail ideas:

Chandon Brut Mojito
2 oz Chandon Brut Classic
1 oz 10 Cane Rum
½ oz simple syrup
7-10 mint leaves
Juice from quarter of lime

Directions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice. Add rum and shake with ice. Strain into glass filled with ice. Top with Chandon Brut Classic and stir. Garnish with mint sprig.

Suggested Glassware: Rocks

A mojito is the perfect cocktail to kick off the summer and the Chandon adds a bubbly delight to this drink!

Chandon Cucumber Peel
2 ½ oz Chandon Brut Classic
2 inches of raw cucumber with peel
½ oz simple syrup
5-7 spearmint leaves

Directions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber with mint leaves and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into glass filled with ice. Top with Chandon Brut Classic and stir. Garnish with slice of cucumber or mint sprig.

Suggested Glassware: Rocks

Between the flavors of the cucumber and the mint, this cool and fresh cocktail will complement any of your Memorial Day festivities.

Chandon Bubble-Tini
2 oz Chandon Rosé
½ oz Belvedere Vodka
4 Fresh cut strawberries
½ oz simple syrup

Directions: In cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries. Add Belvedere and shake with ice. Strain into glass and top with Chandon Rosé. Garnish with strawberry on the rim or diced strawberries in the glass.

Suggested Glassware: Martini Glass

I tried this one with the Chandon Classic Brut and it was delish!

Chandon Sparkling Wine is also a great wine to enjoy by itself (for you purists out there). If you’ve never enjoyed Chandon, it’s definitely worth a try!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!!

Be sure to check out Chandon on Facebook and on Twitter for all the latest!

Disclosure: Chandon generously provided Haute & the City with a sample for purposes of review.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love sunglasses. At last count, there were somewhere around 20 pairs of sunglasses in my collection.

With summer around the corner, I’m itching for a new pair of sunglasses.

I know, I know. I have a problem.

Here are some of my top picks for a new pair of sunglasses:

Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal

A gold spin on the classic.

Tom Ford Martine

I. love. Tom. Ford.

Ray-Ban Club Masters

Ok, so I already own these. But they’re hot.

Ray-Ban Limited Edition Wayfarers

One of the most beloved sunglasses styles in history, remixed.

Prada Caravan Sunglasses

I’ve wanted these for years.

Sunglasses, the beach, margaritas… What are you guys looking forward to this summer?

sunglasses