::MBNY Fashion Week::

Next on my NYFW schedule was Hassan Pierre’s Way It Should Be (WISB) Spring 2012 fashion show at The New Museum on September 9, 2011. Haitian designer Hassan Pierre created a line of eco-friendly and organic wares suitable for a weekend trip to the Hamptoms. From sailor stripped separates to chic white dresses suitable to replace the little black dress for spring. Some of the dresses invoked a retro Kennedy look with a modern twist.
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Let the fashion games begin!!!

My first event of a long evening began with the best event ever: ModCloth and Swap.com ‘s Blogger Swap. I love clothing swaps. I love ModCloth. Together in one space, my night was made. I was part of the original SwapTeam and they are the most eco-friendly way to reinvent your wardrobe. I certainly lucked out that night. Ladies were asked to bring two items to swap. We got to choose one ModCloth item and then swap among the other options brought by an array of other blogger fashionistas.

Jack by BB Dakota Rebel Yell Jacket :: $65.00 ::

My goodies included a faux leather ::aka vegan friendly:: Jack by BB Dakota Rebel Yell Jacket ::picture above and available at modcloth.com for $65:: I love everything about this jacket. It is all in the details from the bronze like buckled sides, asymmetrical front zipper, seamed elbows, and detachable, grey, sweatshirt hood. Now the most versatile piece in my closet as you can dress it up or down.

I ran around NYC looking for an event that would satisfy my sustainable craving and it was an epic fail. That is until I reached Sustainable Fashion Night Out hosted by Textile Arts Center in Manhattan, EcoSalon, Of Rags, and the NYC Fair Trade Coalition.

Sustainable designers sold their wares, while I overindulged in Gone Pie‘s vegan apple bars and a glass of wine. Designers included: Arcadia, Global Goods Partners, Tompkins Point Apparel, Digs, Of Rags, A.D.O Organics, Afia, Feral Childe, Wool and the Gang, Erin Considine, Shabd, and Kaelyn Garcia. An array of dresses, accessories, shoes and more were displayed. There were also interactive displays that chart the flow of clothing in the global marketplace

While I appreciate the aesthetics, treats, and thankfully discovered the Textile Arts Center, a more diverse palette of attendees and designers is definitely welcomed for future events.

The word touché is from the French from verb “toucher” to touch. It also means an acknowledgment of a hit (usually in fencing). I started Touché Tuesdays to highlight pieces, people, and places that are touching and/or a hit.

Dolci Nocciola Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce :: $12.00

Today I bring you foodgasm in jar. And it’s vegan! This is an informal introduction to Dolci Nocciola Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce from Bella Cucina. Think couture Nutella but even better. It is decadent and smooth Belgian chocolate with roasted hazelnuts ; rich and subtle notes of Espresso highlight this chocolate symphony. So far, I’ve used it on coconut milk ice cream, on biscuits, waffles, and licked it from a spoon. A little bit goes a long way. If you don’t watch it though, your jar will be empty in a week. I’ve personally paced my use and still have half left. You can also find Dolci at Dean and Deluca, Eataly in NY, or purchase online.

angelrox chocolate bamboo wrap :: $158.00
I meet designer Roxi Suger in 2002/3 when we were both starting out in the fashion world. She was a new designer and I was an co-editor and curator one of the first online e-zines. I had the pleasure of running into her after years at a show and see we are now on the same path of eco-friendliness and sustainability.

Wraps and the “I can wear it 10,000 ways” dress were heavy in the fashion market last summer. AngelRox makes this versatile ware sustainably focused by using bamboo. There are so many creative ways they have come up with to wear them from dresses to outfit accents and in a multitude of colors. Check out AngelRox.com to see her full line.

Updated 2011-09-02 9:40am est.

I use to avoid fashion night out because I thought oh just a bunch of snot nosed teenagers looking to spot some couture designers. Yes, I was wrong in my assumption. Depending on where you are, the crowd can get out of hand. But if you plan and go earl, you can get lots of of your FNO evening. Fashion Night Out in NYC is fun time to meet other fashion and beauty lovers, meet and interact with brands, and have a fabulous time. I attending last season with my sister and enjoyed events at some of my favorite brands like Aveda and Korres. There are several events happening at department store locations such as Bergdorf, Bloomies etc. I’ve only highlighted the ones hopefully I’ll be able to get to. Most of the locations will be hosting FNO from 6-10pm unless otherwise noted.

Here are my top picks:

Beauty

• Aesop
  232 Elizabeth Street New York NY 10012
  This is Aesop’s first store in the United States: Aesop Nolita is a example of sustainability, crafted from reclaimed newspaper and human ingenuity. Light refreshments will be on offer while Aesop staff provide skin care, body care, and hair care consultations.
• Aveda
  10 Columbus Circle Suite 308 New York NY 10119
  + additional stores. Visit fashionsnightout.com/fno to see the complete list.
  Connection Beauty, Environment and Well Being. I’m not exactly sure what they have planned, but last year my sister has her hair blown out, I received a wonderful back massage. Definitely stop by.
• Bare Escentuals
  44 West 34th Street New York NY 10001 :: 212-220-1900
  + additional stores. Visit fashionsnightout.com/fno to see the complete list.
  

  “Call the individual boutiques to make your reservation for a FREE make-under! PLUS… Take home a FREE limited-edition tote bag with any $50 Bare Escentuals purchase.* Be the first to score Drop Red Gorgeous before it launches in October! Our coveted 6-piece collection will be available one day only to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out”

• C.O. Bigelow
  414 Sixth Avenue Main Floor New York NY 10011
  They will host a night of cocktails, fun, and mini makeovers.
• Ricky’s
  2387 Broadway New York NY
  6-10pm
  Free food and drinks, including makeovers and manicures by Dashing Divas. In-store appearance by “Hair Battle Spectacular” judge Derek J.. Raffles all night long and $25 blow-outs by their Revolver Salon staff.

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