Okay, I know that it might be hard to think about wearing short silk dresses with nude stilettos while sipping mimosas when there's still snow on the ground but, you know what they say- "March goes in like a lion and out like a lamb." So lets just imagine a SPRING Fete, shall we?

Spring Obsessions:

(Click Picts to get more info)

Fabulous Frocks:

A Treat for Your Feet:

Arm Candy:

xx

Sam Jones

The New York Women’s Foundation hosted their Fall 2009 Dinner, Stepping Out & Stepping Up, Wednesday night. The event honoring Elizabeth and Herbert Sturz, Sheryl WuDunn, and Nicholas D. Kristofat, along with host Deborah Roberts, ABC News Correspondent, was held the gorgeous Gotham Hall.

The evening began with a Cocktail Reception, which was followed by Dinner, Dancing and a special performance by Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Mary J. Blige.

The Stepping Up Award is presented to recognized New Yorkers who serve as role models of courageous leadership, vision and commitment to women and girls as individuals and as partners. Ana Oliveira, CEO & President, spoke about NYWF’s expertise in leveraging strategic partnerships to build economic security for women and families in New York City.

Honorees Elizabeth and Herbert Sturz, who founded 24 nonprofit and government agencies between them, saluted the Foundation for their work in supporting women. Sheryl WuDunn spoke movingly about the importance of investing in women and girls locally as a prerequisite to investing globally.  Nicholas Kristof praised NYWF for holding up "two thirds of the sky". Islyn Matthews, a successful entrepreneur and participant of WHEDCo, a long-time NYWF grantee partner, moved audiences with a personal story of transformation, embodying the mission of the Foundation.

NYWF funds programs in that promote economic security and justice, health and sexual rights, positive development of girls and young women, and safety.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who arrived to support his girlfriend and co-chair of the event, Diana L. Taylor, stated: " There's never been a time in New York City where relations between communities have been this great, because we are all in this together now."

Nine-time Grammy award-winner Mary J. Blige, performed her hit, “No More Drama” and her collaboration of “One” by U2. The Queen of Soul received a standing ovation for her moving speech and heartfelt performance.

SEEN: Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Diana L. Taylor, Mary J. Blige, Deborah Roberts, designer Catherine Malandrino, record executive Steve Stoute, and New York socialites; Muffie Potter Aston, Ann Rapp, Sharon Bush, Denise Rich, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Debbie Bancroft, Katlean De Monchy, Susan R. Cullman, Agnes Gund, and Jean Shafiroff.

SCENE: Under the ambient lighting of Gotham Hall, guests enjoyed delights such as; Toasted Walnut, Mission Fig and Whipped Goat Cheese with Sherry Vinegar and Walnit Oil Dressing, Sliced Filet of Beef, Haricots Verts with Lemon Zest and Cracked Black Pepper, with wines from Leaping Horse, and for dessert... Individual Pumpkin Cheese Cake with Mountain Huckleberry Sauce and Golden Apple Tart Tatin with Salted Caramel and Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.

To see more photos by Wire Image and SBS: click HERE

*photo 1 courtesy © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by Steven A. Henry: Mary J. Blige

*photo 2 © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by Steven A. Henry: Debbie Bancroft

*photo 3 by SBS: Mayor Michael Bloomberg

*photo 4 courtesy © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by Steven A. Henry: Mary J. Blige

"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.

SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?

KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.

SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?

KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.

SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?

KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.

SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?

KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.

SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?

KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.

SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?

KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.

SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress?

KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.

SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?

KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

For more photos: click here

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha