Interior design, jewelry, and beautiful clothing. I love all these three things independently (none more than the other of course). So when my three loves were all displayed together at the Runway to Room event this past Monday evening, I had to play it cool and keep my giddiness to a minimum.

The New York Design Center teamed up with three interior designers and displayed their work in mini showcases at The Grange Showroom. Proceeds from the vintage clothing sale and silent auction goodies (personal shopping, handbags,and personal training to name a few) went directly to New York favorite Housing Works and their continued efforts to uplift the homeless community and the underprivileged living with HIV/AIDS.

It was quite a luxurious layout on the second floor of the NYDC. Interspersed through the gallery floor amidst a display of quality furniture pieces, photography prints, and stunning light fixtures were glossy stark white mannequins decked out in beautiful floor length gowns. Refreshing drinks provided by Cabana Cachaca and yummy noshes, compliments of The Works Catering and Baked By Melissa, were served up in abundance. I even spotted the ever so fabulous Derek Warburton of dereklovesshopping.com– who also co-hosted the event– giving styling tips to a gal trying on a daringly chic bolero.

The main attraction of course were the rooms on display by the following designers: Harry J. Daniell, Armando Lugo, Lydia Marks, and Lisa Frantz. Each space was beautifully arranged and no two were alike. Each concept was fueled by a fashion inspiration. My favorite room of the three was the perfect combination of homey minimalism; when combined with lighting fixtures, soft color palettes, and the utilization of objects in the space, made me feel at home. In addition, magazine clips of models dressed in Alexander McQueen, lined the walls; indeed a touching homage to one of the greats.

The Julie Collection summer trunk show was divinely laid out in the back section of the gallery. My eyes danced from piece to piece; two tables of knockout jewelry pieces had me in a daze. This was my first encounter with the Julie Collection and it surely won't be my last. I could only think about all the ladies I know who would adore a ring, necklace, or a pair of earrings from this alluring line. I ended up purchasing a pretty citrine jewel stackable ring that I can either wear alone or layer with my lucky ring, which I wear daily.

Whew! This event was definitely one event that I thoroughly enjoyed. I even got a kick out of spotting Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen of Real Housewives of New York fame. Tons of people walked out with shopping bags in support of a great mission: supporting Housing Works' ability to provide lifestyle services that can empower and inspire a community of people who will not be left behind.

Derek Warburton, aka Derek Loves Shopping, hosted the VIP Gala Grand Opening of the new Housing Works thrift store in Hell's Kitchen on Monday and helped the organization raise $6,000 in sales that night. The charity has provided services for homeless and low income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS since 1990, from housing, job training, help with treatment and prevention- with a focus on making life more manageable for those living with AIDS.

Mr. Warburton and the President of Housing Works, Richard Vorisek, individually addressed guests, expressing the importance of the organization's objectives and supporter appreciation. Their words serve as a testimony to the arduous success of Housing Works and the lives they touch. Words Mr. Warburton lives by: "Help, Teach, Inspire, Love and have Fun."

SEEN: The Real Housewives of New York City(I wonder how Jill Zarin feels about her snide comment now...), Bravo TV's Host Andy Cohen, former members of Project Runway including Fashion News Live's host for the night, Jack Mackenroth, designer Allison Parris, and Loris Diran.

*Photo 1 courtesy of Getty Images: Derek Warburton, Andy Cohen and Alex McCord

*Photo 2 courtesy of abcnews.com: Derek Warburton and stylist Jessica Carroll

Thursday, November 19, 2009, socials, celebs, and young philanthropists showed up for Once Upon a Time in Manhattan to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of New York City.

The night hosted by Fox 5's Dari Alexander featured with a live performance by Bradford. Although the event was held at the B&T nightclub Marquee, it was a delightful success which included red carpet shenanigans, guest speakers, food catered by Cipriani, cocktails by Diageo Spirits, and music by celebrity DJ Catherine Oulette (a.k.a. "SynCity").

Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. provides a temporary “home-away-from-home” for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The House is a supportive and caring environment which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. is the largest facility of its type in the world.

The whole club was filled with friends catching up and introducing each other to new friends, thus expanding this staple social do good feel good circle of NYC. As guests chatted and sipped on an abundance of bevs, they checked out the amazing silent auction which featured items courtesy of the Autograph Store, Winspire Travel, Judith Ripka and Steiner Sports.

As if the night couldn't get any better, each guest walked away with a VIP gift bags from a host of luxurious brands. 'Tis the season...

*All photos by Keith Lew

Thursday evening, I attended the Cipriani Wall Street Fashion Series featuring designer Duncan Quinn. Alex Merkin, who relayed the designer’s regrets for not being able to present the collection personally, introduced the menswear collection. Mr. Quinn is currently in Miami in preparation for the opening of his forthcoming Limited Editions pop-up shop in Miami's design district… featuring its own indoor croquet pitch.

The London-born, New York based designer and “recovering lawyer” found inspiration for his featured designs in film and classic works of art; including all things Alfred Hitchcock, The Thomas Crown Affair, James Bond, Eastern Promises and the Mona Lisa.

I found the color palette for the line to be both regal and playful, with heavy plums, burgundy and charcoal tempered by lavender and rose accents in ties, handkerchiefs and dress shirts. There is an intellectual sharpness and meticulous attention to detail in the cufflinks, leather duffels, and umbrellas.

After the show, I caught up with Mr. Merkin, donning Duncan Quinn garb head to toe. The Director of the upcoming film Across the Hall, indulged my questions about the December 4th New York release. He told me that the film, featuring Danny Pino, Brittany Murphy and Mike Vogel, is a thriller about a standoff between a young man, his fiancée and his best friend, who occupy hotel rooms across the hall from one another. I gathered it’s a little dark and scandalous, a delicious combination.

Later into the night, I had a lively chat over drinks with Simon van Kempen and stylist Derek Warburton, who lamented over Editor Britten Heft’s absence. It seems they just missed each other at an earlier charity event. Designer Peyman Umay joined us for a spell, offering style expertise and exchanging opinions of the evening’s presentation.

I left Cipriani picturing how dapper and tailored my man would look in a “bespoke Duncan Quinn suit” while defending clients in the courtroom and for all our upcoming Holiday festivities… I think Christmas may have to come early this year.