City Harvest
Britten Heft: NYC's Newest Notable Blogger and Birthday Girl
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Our dear friend and birthday girl: Britten Heft, what isn’t there to say? She is thoughtful, loving, selfless, super sweet and is always there when you need anything.... She’s the new girl in town as Editor of Scene B Seen, covering who’s hot, what’s not, and where’s where in NYC and the Hamptons. Obviously, this society gal knows how to throw a party.
Last night it was time to truly be scene and be seen at the utterly jaw dropping Hudson Terrace Rooftop Lounge, for one of the best birthday parties to date. Guests included everyone from the most charming Heft family members to fabulous friends Stephanie and Jesse Newhouse, Jen Marden, designer extraordinaire Allison
Parris, host and promoter Malik so Chic, Karen Biehl with cutie patutie Eli the Chihuahua- accompanied by magician Matt Wayne, and publicist queen Hillary Schupf, artist Jenny Belin… to name drop a few.
Whoever said you couldn’t have your cake and eat it too, should have made it to the beautiful bash! Cameras caught the many who stopped by- hugging, laughing, dancing and taking a bite of their very own little slice of delicious life, eh hem, I mean cake. Hey, we are New Yorkers; we know how to do that.
I finally stopped dancing to ask Britten why this Birthday was particularly special, she responded, "I left the east coast when I was 18 and spent the next dozen years moving around the west. I was trying to figure out how I fit in this world. I suppose I was searching, learning, and questioning so much, I forgot to just be. Now, I finally feel like I'm living- triumphs and tribulations." ...and may I add... Back in New York City- exactly where she belongs!
We need more big hearted “Britten’s” in this city, especially in times like these where some of our best organizations are getting hit hard by the lack of donations due to rising unemployment. Prior to the festivities the sensational guest of honor requested as her birthday wish, for those who were able, to donate a small amount to help out a great organization here in our beautiful city of New York: City Harvest.
It’s a small organization with a big feat. Day in and day out, City Harvest helps feed hungry men, women and children all around our city. They collect and deliver excess food to over 600 community food programs every week. Britten knows it is no tiny task to reach over 260,000 hungry New Yorkers find their next meal.
With Britten's many generous and kind friends- such as Walt Freese, Chief Euphoria Officer of Ben & Jerry’s, and two donors she had never met before she made her wish, City Harvest is now able to help a few more people. Britten raised $555 in just two days via Causes on Facebook.
A huge thank you to Britten and all the unbelievably wonderful donors! Happy Birthday, Britten, we adore you!!!!
To see more party picts, click HERE and please visit: Guest of a Guest, Alan Barry Photography, and Marc Stamas Photography
*Photo 1 courtesy of Guest of a Guest by Ben Hider: Stephanie Newhouse, Britten Heft, and Jen Marden
*Photo 2 courtesy of Marc Stamas: Beau Thebault, Hillary Schupf, and Britten Heft
*Photo 3 courtesy of Marc Stamas: Britten Heft
Socially Superlative: Bon Anniversaire
+June 23rd, 2009, Hamptons Undercover and Simply Chic PR, threw Socially Superlative, the blog that covers parties, launches, fashion shows, shopping events, and cultural events, a One Year Anniversary party at Inc Lounge. The fete was also to benefit City Harvest, a fantastic organization that helps to end hunger in NYC.
Being fairly new to the NYC social scene, I merely wanted to see what the buzz was about, and of course, check out who was wearing what. Well, I nearly missed Inc Lounge, as it was cleverly hidden in the tourist filled area on 49th st., inside the Time Hotel. Just as I thought to turn away and second-guess my navigational skills, a dapper doorman asked, “Are you looking for the party?” Ha! Now that makes up for what I first considered was a fabled locale. He personally escorted me inside the elevator, pressed #2, and wished me a wonderful evening. What can I say? This girl still loves a bit of chivalry.
I entered the packed swanky lounge to camera flashes and funky beats. I walked about and tried my best to get a feel for the room. Before I knew it, I ran right into the founder of Socially Superlative herself, Ms. Mo (Mosaka Williamson -Editor in Chief) and was able to steal her away for a few minutes.
Scene B Seen: Hey Mo, nice turnout. Can I ask you a few questions about the site?
Mo: Sure of, course
SBS: How did Socially Superlative get its start?
Mo: Well, to be honest, it was just a hobby. I’m really in shock that it turned out to be this big and [it] has been so much fun! I’m just so very thankful.
Enter Von (Yvonne Lee, Managing Editor).
SBS: What did you guys do before this?
Mo: Well, I was in Book Publishing and Von here….
Von: I still have my full time day job in product development.
SBS: Wow. Well, I guess that makes for a busy week! So when did you officially see SS start to grow like wild fire?
Von: Oh, my, I have to say the Spring 09 fashion week this past fall…. It was crazy but so much fun! We were able to meet and talk to so many people about the site.
SBS: How did you get into the shows?
Von: Oh, ha. We had to work it… A lot! I mean, when we first started going to parties and didn't know anyone, or anything about the party scene. During Fashion week we coordinated coverage with PR firms.
SBS: Has SS conception changed since its’ inception?
Mo: Ha. Oh yes. My first website will remain nameless, but yeah, very different, so glad I changed it!
SBS: And since you’re out on the social scene so much, what’s been the best party to date you’ve attended?
Mo: Oh, I have to say the 901 Tequila launch at Tenjune last week. Justin Timberlake actually came. And the process to get in the door… Genius! I think everyone had a secret password. Mine was Pepino or something, ha, either way it was so creative to do. And I still can’t believe that Justin showed.
SBS: What’s one of the best highlights at some of these parties?
Mo: Uh, the swag of course!
SBS: Ha, I should’ve known that one ; )So what are your future goals for SS? 
Mo: Well, to inform and reach more people. And to get those people even more tips on where to party and get free drinks! Oh, and of course to have fun!
I must say that throughout my fifteen minutes with these two ladies, the thing that struck me most was their down to earth attitudes. They were just so genuine and sweet. You’d think being in this industry, people could and would turn a little pretentious, but not these girls. They were definitely Socially Superlative, by every account.
After bidding adieu to the fab SS girls, I turned around and immediately noticed a dress worn by one of the Chic Pr girls. “Well, Ms. Sabrina, where did you get this wonderful dress?!” And before I knew it Sabrina Chapman escorted me directly to the designer herself, Ms. Allison Parris, who also wore quite an amazing strapless number, I remember feathers… A very chic black strapless LBD with a feathered mini skirt and a zipper all the way up the back, g-o-r-g-e! I was able to snatch up one of her look books of the fall season. May I just say, I am now officially a huge fan of Ms. Allison Parris!
As I was falling in love with the Parris collection, an amazing jewelry piece caught my eye. I took the bait and followed to ask where it had been purchased. “Actually I m just modeling it tonight for the designer who s over there by the bar.” Of course, I went straight over. I was
introduced to April Torres, couture jewelry designer and founder of Isabella Grace Originals. All I could say was ‘Wow’. What great stand out conversation pieces! She gracefully thanked me and began to explain that each piece is a one of a kind and handmade from recycled vintage originals. They like are pieces of glorious art that can spruce up an everyday outfit or an elegant evening gown.
After making the rounds one too many times too many, I decided my cute shoes were finally taking their toll, but not before trying two of the goodies accompanying the evening’s events… The fresh organic rum cocktails made with Cuca Fresca, and a build your own cupcake made by Ivy Bakery. I sipped on a delicious Caipirinha, whilst ordering my vanilla cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Heaven. A perfectly delicious ending to a decadent evening of divine hosts, guests, and delectable fashion.
With all of my senses completely satisfied, I was walking toward the door when I was stopped and offered one of the aforementioned “swag” bags. Mo definitely hit the nail on the head. It felt like 5 pounds and was chock full of amazing goodies including, e.l.f. cosmetics and a generous gift certificate for One Little West 12th. I m still not quite sure if it was an actual Socially Superlative birthday or a Socially Superb night made for just me. Thanks girls!
-Melissa Nicole for sBs
Photo and Wardrobe Stylist
*Photo 1 by Fedele Spandafora: Designer Allison Parris and Danielle
*Photo 2 by Fedele Spandafora: Enrique Crame III, Matt Fox of Fine and Dandy Shop, and Michelle Smollerphoto
*Photo 3 by Phil Nee: April Torres of Isabella Grace Originals- showing jewelry
*Photo 4 by Steven Rosen: Yvonne Lee, Andriis Verschelden, and Stefan Goossens
