Haute and the City

February is American Heart Month, and for the fourth consecutive year, fashion icon Heidi Klum has joined forces with Diet Coke to raise awareness and funds to women’s heart health and education.

Once again, Diet Coke has partnered with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to support The Heart Truth® campaign.

Heidi, Chelsie Hightower (“Dancing with the Stars”), Natasha Bedingfield, Ryan Kwanten (HBO’s “True Blood“) and Diet Coke kicked off the campaign yesterday at an all-star “Capture the Flag” game in Los Angeles. Two teams faced off at the University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) Drake Stadium to raise funds for the UCLA Preventative Cardiology Program and the University of California, Davis Women’s Cardiovascular Medicine Program.

As part of the annual campaign, The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection will kick of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC on Feb. 9. Stars such as Kelly Rowland, Dita von Teese, Audrina Patridge and Stephanie March (“Law & Order: SVU” — my personal fave!), will walk the runway at Lincoln Center to remind women of the need to protect their heart health and inspire them to take action.

Check back on Feb. 10 for behind-the-scenes coverage of The Red Dress Collection!!

Disclaimer: Diet Coke is one of my clients.

No red carpet fashion recap would be complete without the best dressed Hollywood ladies of the evening!

The Top Five Best Dressed Ladies at the 2011 Golden Globes:

Angelina Jolie

The Jolie-Pitt duo were by far the best dressed couple of the evening (but, let’s be real, these two would look dynamite in paper bags). Both wore Versace.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Emerald was a very popular trend at this year’s Golden Globes ceremony. Catherine Zeta-Jones joined the bandwagon with this stunning Monique Lhuillier gown.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman showed off her burgeoning baby bump in this incredible Viktor & Rolf dress.

Megan Fox

This is one of those dresses that makes you gasp. A beautiful Armani Privé for a beautiful Megan Fox.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde wins the glamor award of the evening for this breath-taking Marchesa gown paired with the latest version of Christian Louboutin‘s Pigalili design, this time in a platform gold peep-toe.

Who wore your favorite looks from last night’s Golden Globes?

While other publications only pay attention to the red carpet fashion on the ladies, here at Haute and the City, we like to note the dapper dudes who also light up the red carpet.

In no particular order, please enjoy The Top Five Best Dressed Guys at the 2011 Golden Globes:

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt donned a super-classy Versace suit and bow tie last evening. Those extra large peak lapels would have mercilessly swallowed a lesser man, but, of course, Brad looks amazing. He and Angelina should be a lesson in “glamor” to all.

Chris Colfer

In addition to gracing us with the most adorable acceptance at an award show EVER, Chris Colfer looked–dare I say?– a bit sexy in his perfectly-cut Dior Homme suit. Whoever is dressing this boy for the red carpet deserves an award, as well.

Robert Downey, Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr., in Prada, looks perfection. That is all.

Zachary Levi

Zachary Levi keeps it simple and sleek with an uber-elegant three-piece suit and black tie.

Justin Bieber

Surprise of the evening: Justin Bieber looked fantastic in his modern D&G suit. From the Chace Crawford-esque haircut down to his “I’m still a teenager” sneakers, this look just worked. Bravo, little one!

For those of you pining for the Fall/Winter 2011 New York Fashion Week schedule, your prayers have been answered! Fashionista shared an early version of the NYFW schedule, which you may find in its entirety below.

Please note: because this is such an early version of the schedule, it is likely to change and will be updated periodically.

**Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week shows at Lincoln Center are indicated as Stage, Studio or Box. Other NYFW show locations are indicated individually.

Wednesday| February 9^th
7:00 p.m. – The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection, Theatre

Thursday | February 10^th
9:00 a.m. – Nicholas K, Studio / Lyn Devon, TBD
9:30 a.m. – Porter Grey, Box
10:00 a.m. – BCBGMAXAZRIA, Theatre
11:00 a.m. – Richard Chai, Stage
1:00 p.m. – Duckie Brown, Studio
3:00 p.m. – Luca Luca, Stage
3:30 p.m. – Mara Hoffman, Box
4:00 p.m. – Tadashi Shoji, Studio
6:00 p.m. – Eva Minge, TBD
6:00 p.m. – Tim Hamilton Redux, MILK Studios
7:00 p.m. – Christian Siriano, Stage
8:30 p.m. – W Hotels Global Glam, Box
9:00 p.m. – Irina Shabayeva, Studio

Friday | February 11^th
9:00 a.m. – Ruffian, Studio / Blanc de Chine, 673 Fifth Ave.
9:30-10:30 a.m. – Tess Giberson, Box*
10:00 a.m. – Peter Som, MILK Studios
11:00 a.m. – Perry Ellis, Stage
12:00 p.m. – Rag & Bone (Menswear), 82 Mercer / Farah Angsana, Studio
1:00 p.m. – Jason Wu, TBD
1:30 p.m. – Buckler by Andrew Buckler, Box
2:00 p.m. – Costello Tagliapietra, MILK Studios / Rebecca Taylor, Stage
4:00 p.m. – Doo Ri, Eyebeam Gallery
5:00 p.m. – Rag & Bone (Womenswear), 82 Mercer
5:30 p.m. – Tommy Hilfiger (Menswear), TBD
6:00 p.m. – Nicole Miller, Studio
6:30 p.m. – Tommy Hilfiger (Menswear), TBD / Joy Cioci, Box
7:00 p.m. – Cynthia Rowley, Stage / COMPLEXGEOMETRIES, The Westway
8:00 p.m. – Sally Lapointe, 548 W. 22^nd St. / Academy of Art University, Theatre
9:00 p.m. – Venexiana, Studio

Saturday | February 12^th
10:00 a.m. – Libertine, Exit Art
10:30 a.m. – Binetti, Box
11:00 a.m. – Jill Stuart, Staeg
12:00 p.m. – Prabal Gurung, Studio / Sanga, TBD
1:00 p.m. – Edun, TBD / Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Aeffe USA
2:00 p.m. – ADAM, Stage / ARAKS, TBD
2:30 p.m. – MANDY COON, Box / Gant by Michael Bastian, TBD
3:00 p.m. – Vivienne Tam, Theatre
4:00 p.m. – Mik Cire, Studio
5:00 p.m. – Alexander Wang, Pier 94
6:00 p.m. – Charlotte Ronson, Stage / Band of Outsiders, Sir Stage 37
7:00 p.m. – G-Star RAW, Theatre / Suno, MILK Studios
8:00 p.m. – Altuzarra, MILK Studios
9:00 p.m. – Toni Francesc, Studio

Sunday | February 13^th
9:00 a.m. – Victoria Beckham, TBD
10:00 a.m. – Derek Lam, Stage
10:30 a.m. – Timo Weiland, Box
11:00 a.m. – Lela Rose, Studio / VPL by Victoria Bartlett, TBD / Tom  Scott, 327 W. 13^th St.
11:30 a.m. – Preen by Thorton Bregazzi, MILK Studios
12:00 p.m. – SIMON SPURR, TBD / Malandrino, TBD
1:00 p.m. – DKNY, TBD
2:00 p.m. – Calvin Klein Collection (Menswear), 205 W. 39^th St. / Tory Burch, Studio
2:30p.m. – Yoana Baraschi, Box
3:00 p.m. – Max Azria, Stage
4:00 p.m. – Diane von Furstenberg, Theatre
5:00 p.m. – Y-3, 82 Mercer / Cynthia Steffe, Studio / Romas by Linda Rowe Thomas, The Michaelangelo
6:00 p.m. – Thakoon, 548 W. 22^nd St. / Carmen Marc Valvo, 4 Times Square
7:00 p.m. – Custo Barcelona, Stage / Patrik Ervell, MILK Studios
7:30 p.m. – Behnaz Sarafpour, Box
8:00 p.m. – Tommy Hilfiger, Theatre
9:00 p.m. – Zang Toi, Studio

Monday | February 14^th
9:00 a.m. – Jenny Packham, Studio
9:30 a.m. – Callula Lillibelle, Box
10:00 a.m. – Carolina Herrera, Theatre
11:00 a.m. – Zero + Maria Cornejo, TBD / Carlos Miele, Stage
12:00 p.m. – Theyskens’ Theory, TBD / Woolrich John Rich & Bros, TBD
1:00 p.m. – Tracy Reese, Studio / Ohne Titel, MILK Studios
2:00 p.m. – Donna Karan New York, TBD
3:00 p.m. – Monique Lhuillier, Stage / Rad by Rad Hourani, TBD
3:30 p.m. – Barbara Tfank, 535 W. 24^th St.
4:00 p.m. – Yeohlee, TBD
4:30 p.m. – Chris Benz, TBD
5:00 p.m. – Thom Brown, TBD / Alice + Olivia, TBD / pamella roland, Studio
6:00 p.m. – Chado Ralph Pucci, 536 Broadway / Betsey Johnson, Theatre
7:00 p.m. – Mackage, Stage
8:00 p.m. – Marc Jacobs, N.Y. State Armory

Tuesday | February 15^th
8:30 a.m. – Kate Spade, 48 W. 25^th St.
9:00 a.m. – Rebecca Minkoff, Studio
9:30 a.m. – Trias, Box
9:30 a.m. – Rachel Roy, TBD
10:00 a.m. – Badgley Mischka, Theatre / Karen Walker, Exit Art
11:00 a.m. – Vera Wang, Stage
1:00 p.m. – Jen Kao, Studio / Diesel Black Gold, Pier 94
1:30 p.m. – Bibhu Mohapatra, Box
2:00 p.m. – Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Theatre
3:00 p.m. – Dennis Basso, Stage
4:00 p.m. – Marc by Marc Jacobs, N.Y. State Armory
6:00 p.m. – J. Mendel, Studio
6:30 p.m. – Halston, TBD
7:00 p.m. – TIBI, Stage
7:30 p.m. – Frank Tell, Box
8:00 p.m. – Narciso Rodriguez, Theatre

Wednesday | February 16^th
9:00 a.m. – Yigal Azrouel, Studio
9:30 a.m. – Domenico Vacca, Box
10:00 a.m. – Michael Kors, Theatre
11:00 a.m. – Nanette Lepore, Stage / Derek Lam, TBD
12:00 p.m. – Oscar de la Renta, 583 Park Ave.
1:00 p.m. – Oscar de la Renta (2^nd showing), 583 Park Ave. / HERCHCOVITCH;ALEXANDRE, Studio
1:30 p.m. – Adrienne Vittadini, Box
2:00 p.m. – 3.1 Phillip Lim, St. John’s Center
3:00 p.m. – Milly by Michelle Smith, Stage
4:00 p.m. – Reed Krakoff, 510 W. 34^th St. / Helen Yarmak, 730 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor
5:00 p.m. – Christian Cota, Studio
6:00 p.m. – Anna Sui, Theatre
6:30 p.m. – Odd Molly, Box
7:00 p.m. – Elie Tahari, Stage
8:00 p.m. – Proenza Schouler, TBD

Thursday | February 17^th
9:00 a.m. – General Idea, Studio
10:00 a.m. – Ralph Lauren Collection, Skylight Studio
12:00 p.m. – Isaac Mizrahi, TBD
1:00 p.m. – L’Wren Scott, TBD / Ports 1961, Theatre
2:00 p.m. – Calvin Klein Collection (Womenswear), 205 W. 39^th St.
3:00 p.m. – Calvin Klein Collection (Womenswear, 2^nd showing), 205 W. 39^th St.
5:00 p.m. – Bill Blass, TBD
6:00 p.m. – Elene Cassis, Studio
7:00 p.m. – Naeem Khan, Stage
7:30 p.m. – LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Box*
8:00 p.m. – L.A.M.B., Theatre
9:00 p.m. – IVANAhelsinki, Studio

Photo credit: Flickr

“And it’s a world of dreaded fear | where the only water flowing is a bitter sting of tears | and the christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom. | Well, tonight thank God it’s them instead of you” – Do They Know It’s Christmas?

As the holidays come swiftly to a close , it’s more important than ever to remember that giving back isn’t just part of the more festive seasons; there are people all over the world who need year-round support.

As you read these words, the Democratic Republic of Congo is hosts to the world’s deadliest war since WWII. Over the last decade, more than 6 million people have died, and nearly 1,500 people continue to lose their lives each day.

While the war in the Congo involves some of the more heinous acts against humanity ever seen, one of the more sobering traits is the use of child soldiers.

Worse yet, children too small to hold a gun are sent to the front of the battle lines armed with only a whistle. Their role is to make enough noise to frighten the enemy with their whistles and take the first round of bullets.

I know — horrifying.

Falling Whistles, an advocacy group that raises money to provide relief for war-stricken children and raises awareness for the plight in Congo, hopes to change this despicable practice.

The charity, which held a fundraising and awareness event in October at The Box, sells whistle necklaces and t-shirts so you can join the fight by helping to spread the word.

“Around the world, the sound of the whistle means stop. Pay attention. Speak up and say the same. Make their weapon your voice and be a whistle-blower for peace.”

Yes, the holidays have likely left you strapped for cash and you’d rather be hearing about opportunities to raise money for yourself rather than for a charity, but as January arrives and you fall back into your regular routine, please consider supporting this incredible organization.

Falling Whistles Facebook Fan Page
Falling Whistles Twitter

Ladies, I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked about womenswear or anything at all for you gals, so here’s a little treat!

And it has to do with shoes!!

Footwear designer Mallory Musante is having her first trunk show in New York at Brooklyn Stone Boutique (366 Myrtle Avenue , Brooklyn , NY) on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Based in Mystic, CT, the Mallory Musante Shoes collection pairs art with shoes to create unique shoes for women who want shoes to reflect their personal style.

Trunk shows are an excellent way to get first dibs on pieces that nobody else has, meet the designer and enjoy some wine. Plus, everyone who makes a purchase at the Mallory Musante trunk show will receive a special gift bag featuring items items from Endless Noise NYC, Plia Designs, Mallory Musante, Stiruppz and Popcorners!

Enjoy the sale, ladies! Let me know what you find!

There are a few things residents of New York City will do that people in other cities wouldn’t dream of. One thing is carry all of your clothing six blocks to get your laundry clean. Another is get up at 5:00 a.m. to wait in line for the Christian Louboutin sample sale. And, of course, there is the purchasing of a ticket for the opportunity to spend more money buying clothes while drinking.

Well, I can at least help you out with that last one! ShopSwagg, an upcoming fashion and beauty shopping event, has given me a free ticket to give away to one of my readers (so you don’t have to pay in order to get in!).

ShopSwagg will take place at the trendy Manhattan club, Tenjune, on December 3 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. There will be more than 20 vendors selling clothing, jewelry, beauty products and home décor at deeply discounted prices.

I’ve been to events like this before, and they’re tons of fun!

So, want to attend for free? Enter to win a ticket any of the following ways below:

• Follow @TylerHWilliams on Twitter and tweet this: “I just entered to win a ticket to @ShopSwagg with @TylerHWilliams at www.hauteandthecity.com: http://bit.ly/SSNYC10 “
• “Like” Haute and the City on Facebook and comment on this post that you became a Fan!
• Vote for Haute and the City in the Blogger’s Choice Awards and comment below to let me know you voted! (This method actually counts for three entries – vote here!)
• Follow Haute and the City on BlogLovin’ and comment below to let me know you followed

You can enter as many times as you want! I hope to see one of you at the event!

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to translate your spirit of giving into a spirit of giving some back.

In the spirit of giving back, I wanted to share information on an upcoming benefit for one of my favorite charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, being held at 1Oak on November 10th at 7:00 p.m. The invitation reads:

“Come make a difference in a child’s life by bringing a Wish to life. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of ticket sales will directly benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.”

Get your tickets at www.wishnyc.com. Or, if you are unable to participate but would still like to support Make-A-Wish, make a donation at  http://bit.ly/toasttowishes.

I hope to see you all there!

Last week, I attended the INC International Concept men’s SS11 presentation. Normally, I don’t enjoy these presentations as they’re pretty formulaic and boring: Models standing (sometimes on boxes) in the new collection, people milling around taking pictures and drinks-if you’re lucky.

Generally, I’m out the door with in 15 minutes.

However, the INC presentation was really cool. In additional to the standard models, there were also photographs from the collection’s look book and illustrator Richard Haines (from What I Saw Today) painting life-size sketches of the models to match their outfits. The effect created a really interesting visual art installation.

Oh, and there was champagne and tiny food. We love tiny food.

Above you can see Richard in action. His work was amazingly fast – he had all of the sketches done in under an hour.

The INC SS11 collection featured a lot of the on-trend camel/khaki/tan/whatever-the-hell-color-they’re-calling-it-this-time, silvery-blue and the basic black. Each of the pieces was pleasantly manly, while maintaining the GQ-worthy modern twists INC is known for.

My favorite piece was the silverish-white shirt seen on the model above left. Oh, and the shoes:

Want.

To check out more from the INC SS11 collection, check out my Flickr set (sorry, I’m not much of a photographer), the Factory PR Facebook Fan Page and the coverage at Orange Juice and Biscuits! The collection will become available at Macy’s in the coming season!

All of the looks were a great blend of classic and trendy; enough to make you think “wow, he looks great,” but understated enough so it’s not, “wow, look at that fashion roadkill.” Always a delicate balance in menswear!

As a final note, I leave you with this-

Camera + Champagne + Fashion = Blogger hard at work

Some photos courtesy of Factory PR.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the premiere of “The Lights,” a web series that chronicles the journeys of four women entrepreneurs, at the Empire Room at the Empire State Building. The show, which is the brainchild of New York City PR‘s Christina Esther, takes the idea of “The City” or “The Hills,” but instead glamorizes hard-working entrepreneurs (instead of socialites).

Personally, I enjoyed the glimpse into how four very young professionals run their own businesses; that must take a lot of courage!

The premiere, hosted by Phillip Salem, featured an inspiring speech from mogul and author Stella Moga (whose book was also in the gift bag – very inspirational read!) and a fashion show of cast member Emily Brickel‘s designs. It was great to catch up with many of my writer friends while sipping “The Lights” cocktail (vodka & pineapple) and playing with hats from Village Scandal.

Check out all the episodes of “The Lights” here and cast descriptions below to learn more!

Christina Esther: A visual communication major with lots of ideas is a multi-entrepreneur. We will see her hit the streets with “FudgeHim”, the go to product for a break up­,— flavors such as “No More Rocky Road—Relationship” , “Banana Split His Assets” and “He can’t comMint Mojito”. She multi-tasks her other ideas of “Couturent” where 50% of the profits go towards helping entrepreneurs, models, actors and musicians help pay their rent in NYC. There is one last business model that she thought of and designed in college that will make Coffee Bean/Starbucks and Fed Ex Office think, “Why didn’t we think of that”?  ——> Will not focusing on JUST one brand hinder her success? Will being on MSN.com’s “The Tastemaker” take Christina’s life in a whole new direction?

Emily Brickel:  A graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology gets let go of her executive assistant position at Sergio Rossi. After a short time at Elle Magazine, Bryan Reyes and dressing celebrities with freelance stylists, Emily is forced to move back in with her parents in Long Island and risks it all to attempt to follow her life long dream of being a fashion designer in the middle of a recession.

Marigo Mihalos: Is a publicist who craves a constant challenge. This New Jersey bred dynamo knew what she wanted to do ever since meeting PR Elite, Lizzie Grubman at the age of 17. While attending Fordam University, Marigo was the executive publicist for Soho Fashion and landed press in major magazines from Lucky, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Ebony, Complex, People, Star, The New York Post, Life and Style, OK! Magazine, Seventeen, CosmoGirl, Self and Shape.

Sarah Austin: A Tech Diva who lives in her own world as an internet celebrity. She was one of the first lifecasters on Justin.TV with over two million views and is sought after by top companies, including MTV for advice on social media and internet ratings.