The City’s Best-Kept Holiday Secrets
As the end of the year approaches, travelers will flock to New York City in record numbers to celebrate the season. I have put together an exclusive list of the city’s best-kept holiday hot spots perfect for out-of-towners and locals.
Dine – Indulging in food is must over the holidays and there is nowhere better for this than New York City. For an upbeat atmosphere combined with the traditional Sunday night Italian dinner try Primola, Elios or Il Vagabondo. For Steak & Lobster, head to the original Palm or Raouls where “my favorite dishes are the steak au poive, goat cheese salad and steamed artichoke with yummy mustard sauce,” says Robin.
Pamper – The holidays can be stressful so a break to pamper yourself is always needed. Robin’s top treat is a trip to Mario Badescu for a holiday glow. “This is a no frills place with the best facials in New York. I have been going since I was 16 and am partial to Joanna who gives the best treatments,” says Robin. She also recommends the glycolic peel that comes in at a reasonable price of $40 and makes you feel like you just left the dermatologist.
Play – Another way to de-stress during the holidays is by having fun. To avoid the crowds, but experience a true New York Holiday try:
- Ice Skating at Wollman Rink – “A visit to New York during the holidays is not complete without a trip to the ice skating rink. I recommend heading to the Wollman Rink in Central Park in the morning before the crowds arrive. Its amazing, the rink is bigger than Rockefeller Center and I mean, it’s Central Park!”
- Mary Arnold’s – Perfect for kids and adults, this specialty mom-and-pop toy store carries classic toys that parents would recognize and latest must-have items that are on every modern kids’ Christmas list.
- Gaga’s Workshop – This holiday season Lady Gaga has joined forces with Barney’s New York to create Gaga’s Workshop for their Holiday 2011 Campaign. The workshop is Lady Gaga’s interpretation of Santa’s Workshop and will be on display on the entire 5th floor of the Madison Avenue flagship store, and all of its windows.
Shop – Visitors should have no problem checking everything off their shopping list while in NYC. Robin knows that the amount of options can be overwhelming, so she recommends the following for the finest in accessories:
- Lingerie & Co. – This intimate store’s atmosphere matches what it sells. The onsite staff is happy to assist with fittings (for her) or when looking for gifts (for him).
- Chuckies - To top off any new outfit, stop at this shoe store to find all of “the” designers in footwear.
Splurge – Luxury is not lost in New York City and for those looking to really splurge, Robin knows where to go:
- Hermes – “My favorite store in NYC,” says Robin. ”Indulge in a scarf or a Hermes date book; it will be a purchase you will have forever. Even if you are not looking to splurge, just go to check out their items, they are truly beautiful.”
- Four Seasons Restaurant – “The best place for the holidays. It is decorated like nothing you have seen before. Worth the expensive price tag!”
I hope you enjoy these holiday hot spots and that they give you even more reasons to explore New York City during this magical season!
On the list: Dasha Wellness Hamptons Poolside Soiree
The end of Summer 2011 has proved to be a banner year for Dr, Emily Splichal, creator of the #1 fitness dvd’s Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery, with the success of her very first Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Hamptons Fitness & Wellness Soiree to benefit Soles4Souls. The fitness and wellness event, held on August 13, 2011, was hosted by PIX 11’s Dr. Steve Salvatore. YOUAREONTHELIST.com was proud tohave been invited to such a fabulous event.
The chic private Hamptons home was filled with 70 guest who quickly lined up to sample services from Dasha Wellness, who provided massages, Wink Eco Beauty (manicures/pedicures), and reflexology services provided by Shana Lee, The Body Sattva. Sponsors including Chef Brian Johnson delighted guest with an array of healthy appetizers from fruit skewers to Curry chicken salad on cucumber rounds. Pearl Vodka wowed VIP guest with cucumber specialty cocktails. Hint Water and Magners pear and original cider kept guests nice and cool throughout the day.
Major highlights of the day included Dr. Emily Splichal and Dr. Steve’s speech which focused on overall health and wellness, while inspiring others. Dr. Emily gave a heart-felt speech as to why she chose Soles4Souls as the benefactor. Other highlights included the Ask The Doctors panel sponsored by Aetrex. The Ask The Doctors panel was an open forum for all of your health questions led by Dr. Daren Pollack (Chiropractor), Dr. Emily Splichal (Podiatrist), Dr. Steve Salvatore (Emergency Physician) and Dr. Ancy Verdier (Periodontist). Last but not least, Dr. Emily Splichal transformed into her infamous Dr. Legs alias and featured copies of her new book “Everyday Is Your Runway” as well as pre-signed copies for guest. Dr. Legs then ended the event with a very fun runway showdown with stiletto lovers from her Catwalk Confidence dvd. Hostess provided wellness gift bags with products worth over $500 from a number of our sponsors.
Dr. Emily Splichal has a commitment to merging the health, medical, and wellness industries in order to encourage overall healthy and quality of life. Dr. Emily Splichal is currently in the process of calculating all proceeds from the event. 
Next look for all the Fashion Night Out Events we think are ON THE E-LIST!
THE SHOPPING LIST!! with our BIG DROP Insider
YOUAREONTHELIST.com is psyched to have as our guest blogger “Big Drop Insider” Vivian K. Gomez, who has dressed for Dior and a broad base of celebrity clients! We wanted to preview all the must-haves before the YOUAREONTHELIST.com POP-UP SHOP SERIES on November 11, 2010
The last two items I purchased are actually two things I’m planning on wearing tonight, one is the Naven Bombshell dress $334.00 in purple, seen on numerous celebrities like Kristin Cavallari. I’m pairing it with my new go-to favorite accessories, METALSKIN bracelets, the prices on these bracelets may vary as they come in exotic skins, widths and finishes. You can wear them singularly or as a bunch. I like to buy about 5 and stack them up all at once for the more dramatic effect, starting at $65.00, I’m sure this will become your new obsession! On November 11th YOUAREONTHELIST.com will host one of their POP UP SHOP SERIES at Big Drop on UES. Get your own personal YOUAREONTHELIST.com Shopping List so you will be in style all Winter long. Shop the items on the list and get a complimentary Invitation Only List membership to YOUAREONTHELIST.com
ON THE LIST with Hermes!! Our favorite ways to tie the infamous Hermes carre!
Thanks to Bergdorf Goodman, one of our favorite places to shop and lunch, who hosted an amazing event with our all time 1 top of our shopping list Hermes. The focus how to tie those gorgeous twirly, classic or accordion. Here are some of our few favorites
1) the twirly bracelet
2) the belt
3) the rosette
4) our newest favorite the bag strap for our kelly bag
5) the accordion -we finally found out how to wear the accordion besides as a belt. We can tie it around our neck and then with some clever maneuvering we get it into this gorgeous one of kind bows. Each time is different which is what we love.
6) Or as a scarf!! either with a scarf ring so it hangs down over a sweater or as the ascot meets western look by wrapping around your neck letting ends hang then tie them into a knoti n the front. Looks amazing see below
We will be getting you pictures of each one but if you want go to Hermes.com for your closest Hermes shop or BG and they can help you pick out new scarf and show you all the fabulous ways to tie it! For now tie it around your bag and enjoy!
THE ELIST’s Shopping List
YOUAREONTHELIST.com loves to shop so here our list for upcoming shopping events!
OCTOBER 28th, 2010:
- 8am YSL Friends and Family Sale Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street
Yves Saint Laurent Friends and Family Sale: up to 75% off original retail prices. 10/28 & 10/29: 8AM to 8PM and 10/30: 9AM to 4PM. Contact: 212.478.9093
NOVEMBER 5th, 2010
- 12pm Lucky Shops Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)FRIDAY GENERAL ADMISSION: November 5, 12PM – 8PM, $35. ZYNC Cardmembers allowed early access beginning at 10AM. SATURDAY SHOP-A-THON: November 6, 11AM – 5PM, $30. ZYNC Cardmembers allowed early access beginning at 10AM. New! SAVVY SHOPPER 2-DAY PASS: Friday, November 5, 11AM – 8PM and Saturday,November 6, 11AM – 5PM, $60. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.luckyshops.com
NOVEMBER 10th, 2010
- 10am Shoshanna Fall 2010 Sample Sale Shoshanna Showroom, 231 West 39th Street, Suite 422 November 10th, 10am-6:30pm and November 11th, 10am-6pm. Up to 75% Off Collection & Swimwear.
NOVEMBER 16th, 2010
- 8:30AM Hanky Panky 2010 Sample Sale 260 Fifth Avenue, Between 28th & 29th Streets Tuesday & Wednesday, November 16th & 17th: 8:30am-8pm. Thursday, November 18th: 8:30am-7pm. Friday, November 19th: 9am-1:30pm.
ON THE E-LIST with Paul Johnson Calderon
YOUAREONTHELIST.com had Paul Johnson Calderon guest blog for you. A natural influencer in the New York Scene with an educated eye for wild prep style. Paul’s infamy only grew when he became the sole male cast member on CW’s High Society. He continues to be out and about at New York’s most sought after events. So YOUAREONTHELIST.com is so excited he could report for us.
This past Thursday, I had the honor of attending a truly amazing fundraiser for Afghan Hands, an organization that provides educationand occupational training for Afghani women. The event was held at
the Longchamp boutique in soho in a great event space on the third floor which had a lovely terrace for us cigarette smokers and talkers. The crowd was rather attractive and boasted not only hosts Cynthia Nixon and Claire Danes, but also fun New York social types like (committee member) Emma Snowdon-Jones, Laura Rubin, and Vogue Beauty Director, Sarah Brown. Always a delight and hilarious, I took Emma aside for a good laugh and to catch up on our summers and plans for the fall. The organization had a raffle and embroidered shawls and scarves made by the women of Afghan Hands were available for purchase during the event. For more on how you can help and be a part of Afghan Hands, please check out their website at www.afghanhands.org.
xopjc
ON THE LIST with Alexandra Osipow
YOUAREONTHELIST.com is thrilled to have as our guest celebrity blogger Alexandra Osipow. We sent Alex as our guest to the Harper’s Bazaar Style Suite for the Launch of Fendi Fall / Winter 2010. Alex is a born and raised Manhattan socialite, as made public on CW’s High Society. A true “Charlotte York” she’s often seen out and about representing New York’s charity scene. With three stepchildren and a law degree she finds an easy balance between social society and domestic life. Her passions for fashion, family and animals make her a sought after journalist of the happenings of NYC.
“Dressed in my Gucci navy trapeze rain coat, discreetly protecting my Dior handbag from the rain, I head over to the Shoreham Hotel for the Harper’s Bazaar presentation of Fendi’s Fall 2010 collection. Arm and arm with my friend and jewelry designer Nicole Romano, we enter the Harper’s Bazaar Style Suite which has been meticulously transformed into an inviting Fendi showroom mimicking that of the actual boutique.
Apparently, my decision to wear a pointy toe stiletto was a poor choice (hey, I heard they were making a comeback) considering that all of Fendi’s fabulous footwear are round toe. The “FendiShire” a luxe take on the wellies and rain boats seemed to be their statement piece, both available in a shoe and boot ranging from satin to suede, and versatile enough to be worn with leather pants, leggings, dresses, and skirts.
Now for those who love fur (and for those who don’t please skip this paragraph) there was plenty of it in Karl’s collection for Fendi. Whether a touch of fur on the pocket of a trapeze coat, a trim on the collar of a trench, an intricate trim on a dress, or a full on knee length lynx coat, it was prevalent.
Among the fur and cashmere, the gray, camel, and mustard color palettes, was a variety of looks dating back to the time when skirts were full and moved with every step. My personal picks for classic staples from Fendi are the fur knee length vest, a must for when the temperature drops; the versatility of the Black and White peplum tweed suit makes it my favorite as it can be worn separately, creating 3 distinct polished outfits; and the Vertigo adorned low boot that can be worn with pants, skirts, and dresses.
After an intense look into Fendi’s Fall 2010 Collection and tutorial by Avril Graham Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, detailing the trends for the season, I headed back out into the drizzling and dark skies of the city, inspired and excited about my upcoming Fall/Winter looks.
Remember, classics will overrule trendiness. But whatever you wear, always wear it with confidence!
-Alexandra Osipow
ON THE LIST: Opening of the The Limelight Marketplace, No Not the Club!
YOUAREONTHELIST.com was out last night at the LIMELIGHT…no your not having an 80’s flashback…but it could be first time inside with the lights on…still YOUAREONTHELIST.com had the velvet ropes drop on the all VIP crowd, including Real Housewives of NYC Jill Zarin and husband Bobby Zarin and Kelly Bensimon, totally not looking out of place at this famous NYC location. Also having flashbacks was designer /the original club kid Richie Rich who remembers a thing or two about the infamous club daze. If only these walls could talk!! or maybe not! All celebs and VIP guests shopped ‘till they dropped at the Grand Opening Party for Limelight Marketplace. Manhattan’s landmark “Limelight” opened its doors once again on May 7th as the Flatiron District’s new and innovative shopping haven. The brainchild of fashion retailer Jack Menashe, this historic 163-year-old venue has been transformed into a three-story “festival of shops,” with over 60 vendors featuring a veritable “who’s who” of fashion, beauty, art, and foodie retailers, including: Hunter Boots, Havaianas, Caswell Massey, J. Sisters Salon, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Brocade Home, LeSportsac, IT’SUGAR, Selima Optiques, Lulu Denim, Silly Souls, Thérapie New York and Sue Devitt, among many others.
An inimitable shopping destination, Limelight Marketplace houses an exceptional scope of retailers where uptown merges with downtown, and street meets luxury. A one of a kind space designed for consumers to explore and enjoy the most compelling aspects of Manhattan, all under one historic roof. Of course there was plenty to eat and drink and plenty of time to make new memories in this spectacular new shopping haven. Robin Ross
ON THE LIST: LOFT PARTY
YOUAREONTHELIST.com was so excited to be able to attend the super cool Ann Taylor (can you believe) Loft Style Studio at The Bowery Hotel. Loft Style Studio has brought together super hip stylists Joanne Blades, Tina Chai, Kate Young and Alia Ahmed-Yahia to create their individual twist to the Loft Fall Style. Alexa Chung was there to spin a DJ set and Ra Ra Riot performed on stage to complete the evening. We loved that these four women were able to create versatile looks from 10 fashion forward fall essentials. It’s not style by committee, its style by community. Style studio is where diverse style personalities come together to create looks that women relate to, connect with and derive inspiration from. We derived inspiration from the fabulous looking scenesters and of course the celebs that were there to show their support. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alexis Bledel, and Mena Suvari. Also on hand to support the Loft Stylists were fellow designers Phillip Lim, Henry Holland and Rebecca Minkoff. We can’t wait till we can attend the next Loft Style Studio event because whats better than mixing smart fashion and music. Robin Ross
On the List at Jill Zarin’s Book Launch & Latke’s
Last nite YOUAREONTHELIST.com went down to the lower eastside for the book launch of Real Housewife of NYC Jill Zarin’s “Secrets of a Jewish Mother“. The well heeled Upper Eastside Crowd noshed on Elegant Affairs fabulously delicious snacks of latkes, kugle, and cookies and milk just like Grandma used to make. There was even Borscht shots. The party was at Zarin Fabrics and even though guests had to detour around the giant crane being used to dismantle the burnt out buildings from the horrible Chinatown Fire at 283 Grand Street it seemed everyone’s SUV’s and chauffeured cars were able to navigate the detours to deliver Jill’s guest’s to the fabulous affair. Those negotiating the cordoned off Grand Street included Jill’s mother Gloria and sister Lisa Wexler both co-authors, cast mates Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, Luann Lusseps plus some of the Jersey Girls of RHONJ Fame Dina Manzo and Caroline Manzo as well as of Bravo’s Andy Cohen with Kelly Cutrone fresh off her first season of Kell on Earth.YOUAREONTHELIST.com can’t wait till the Jill’s Book signing on April 15th at Borders in Time Warner Building from 7-9pm. “THE GUY”
