One Little West 12th
The Luxury Spot's Own Vivianne Lapointe's Birthday Bash
+A Speakeasy, A Birthday, and A Time Warp
+I was so not prepared whatsoever for the shenanigans that were to take place Thursday Night. It seemed like it would be a typical SBS eve; Designers for Darfur Benefit in Soho and my friend from The Luxury Spot, Vivianne's birthday party in the Meatpacking District. So wrong.
It all began at one of my fave restaurant's, Salt, on Macdougal. A few glasses of vino rojo and a scrumptious beet ravioli dish later, we headed to the uber exclusive Speakeasy with the password on hand.
Through the unmarked gate, down the stairs, and beyond the metal door, was a room full of fashion mavens and Justin Parks. Although it is not unusual for Mr. Parks to be surrounded by a bevy of beautiful ladies, I still had to giggle, as he seemed a bit perplexed. Naturally, I promptly reached out to greet him and introduced him to my friend and photog. The source of Mr. Parks' quizzical smile: Step and Repeat. Apparently, this was the first time there was to be a Step and Repeat at the Speakeasy, and Mr. Parks was simply curious how it would turn out.
The Answer? The photogs were pretty sweaty under the lights, but those being snapped: Glamtastic.
Luckily, Mr. Parks had Ms. Amanda Parenti of The Green Room NYC, in charge, making sure it all the S & R ran smoothly. She also was not opposed to having a few photo ops of her own. And why shouldn't she? She looked lovely.
Also making appearances: Derek Warbuton (looking a-maze-ing), Guest of a Guest Editor Rachelle Hruska, Designers Pooneh Mohazzabi, Caroline Cameron, Amy Britt, Christine Marchuska, and many many more...
After making the rounds a couple times, being thoroughly entertained by Josh Beckerman's magic tricks, and few gin 'n juices later, I was ready to take my Betsey Johnson peep-toe kitten heels to Viv's birthday bash at One Little West 12th.
Viv was all smiles and looked smashing. As she was introducing me to a few of her friends, I got a panic call from my cohort who was trapped inside with our drinks.
When I went to the rescue, I also went into the twilight zone. Yes my friends, it was an apropos meat market, specializing in sausage circa 1984. Acid wash jeans and men with poor hair product choices surrounded me, entrancing me with their white man's overbite dance routines.
I kid you not.
Highly entertained, we found a prime real estate banquet to survey the talent.
Unable to resist a well-aged man with a thinning ponytail and a faded floral and striped short-sleeve button-down doing "the jerk" (I think), I leapt to my feet. I just had to dance with this silver fox in clogs.
Sadly, after some nifty moves with me, he moved on to bump and grind with acid washed jeans boy.
As I sat back down feeling used, a group of women who must've been wearing their dresses from middle school, gathered in front of our table and began some serious booty dancing. I desperately wanted Viv and her crew to witness our entertainment, but I found myself trapped in a sea of unfortunate dressers.
Perhaps the whole evening was a fashion history lesson. After all, one cannot become a style visionary without a solid foundation of what has already been done. Likewise, one cannot appreciate those trendsetting efforts without grasping the alternative of remaining in the past.
To view more picts from Designers for Darfur: click HERE
To view more picts from Viv's party: click HERE
*Photo 1: Derek Warburton
*Photo 2: Brett Helsham
*Photo 3: Men Gone Wild
*Photo 4: Courtney Kline and Vivianne Lapointe
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