You name it, we'll be wearing it in Leather over the next few chilly months. Leather shirts, dresses, shorts, leggings... and more.... Think you can't pull it off....think again!

(Click the Pic to be directed to site)

Leather Dresses: Pair with opaque tights and suede platform heels to pull off a polished sophisticated look.

Leather Pants: Work it with an over-sized men inspired blazer and ankle boots for a chic edgy ensemble.

Leather Skirts: Ladies, the key to pulling this look off is HEIGHT- I'm talking 4-6 Inch skinny heels. Pair with any slouchy top (Think Kain White Muscle tee or over sized sweater)

Leather Shorts: You must be very careful to properly execute this look without appearing dumpy.... HEIGHT HEIGHT HEIGHT is once again key. Pair with sheer tights (unless you're going for short shorts then go for opaque tights), a cropped blazer or an elegant silk blouse. (Stilettos will elongate your legs so, if you don't have long skinny gams stay away from ankle boots instead opt for a pointy closed toe stiletto)

Leather Tops: Fitted leather tops should be paired with subtle loose fitting bottoms. If you're wearing a loose fitting leather tank/shirt pair with skinny pants/Jeans and ankle boots, over the knee boots or stilettos.

xo~ Samantha Jones, The Leather Queen

The last thing on my mind as I headed to the Empire Hotel Rooftop for an “Evening of Fashion, Adventure and Jazz”, sponsored by Patrizia Pepe, Cadillac, Adventurati, and Carsten Institute, was a yachting excursion through the sunny British Virgin Islands. It was October in New York, and the weather didn't exactly lend itself to an evening at sea. Still, we have David Aidekman, founder of event sponsor Adventurati, to thank for bringing visions of sunny skies to a cold New Yorker's mind. Adventurati is described as “a community for people who want to live life by participating in extraordinary activities around the world with like-minded fellow explorers.”

As for me, I privately assessed the likelihood of rooftop space heaters and cozy fires. Surely, like the Super in my apartment building, the powers that be at Empire would magically sense when to turn on the heat.

On arrival, I met with Editor Britten Heft, who shared my climate control concerns. Our worry turned out to be for naught as we discovered plenty of enclosed warmth atop the Empire. Our contented warmth on the rooftop, of course, does not compare with the splendor of sunbathing atop one of a fleet of yachts afloat in the Caribbean.

David smirked when I asked him what he did prior to planning luxury yachting trips for the young elite. He divulged that while he is a trained captain, he didn’t always spend his time organizing yachting and ski trips for the jet-set.

David, a Harvard graduate, spent seven years working for the U.S. government and still consults as a defense and security strategist. Adventurati grew organically from vacations he planned with his friends, vacations with friends of those friends, and so forth. Everyone would query, "Hey Dave, when’s the next trip?" We know now that the next trip is on New Year's Eve to the BVI, long known for its raging NYE celebration.

Groups of friends, singles, and couples alike are encouraged to book Adventurati’s available yachts (sleeping cabins and showers included). Adventurati provides captains to skipper through the islands while participants enjoy water sports, explore beaches, local shops, and restaurants, and snorkel in destinations renowned for beautiful caves and coral.

David noted that Adventurati will typically provide concierge type services to guests on the yachts: recommending various restaurants, making reservations, coordinating with favored nightlife venues for the group, and, in some instances, flying in famous guest DJ’s from Paris and London to rock the beats at the group’s nightlife destinations. On New Year’s Eve, for example, the Adventurati yachts hopping along the British Virgin Islands will anchor in the Great Harbour of Jost van Dyke Island, joining thousands of other revelers for a two-day New Year’s Eve beach party at Foxy’s Bar.

In 2010, Adventurati is also planning a six-week yachting escapade through Croatia, Greece and Ibiza, with guests welcome to sign up for their destination(s) of choice. Not to be forgotten: ski bums and bunnies, as well as general adventure seekers, are invited to participate in an online survey for potential ski-trip destinations.

We also caught up with April Lynn Martin, who helped organize the fashion flavor of the evening: Patrizia Pepe gift bags were handed out to the first 50 lucky ladies. Among the included goodies were cocktail vouchers and a free haircut from the Carsten Institute. Bonus: Dr. Matthew White, MD (Cosmetic and Reconstuctive Facial Plastic Surgery) was on site offering complimentary consultations.
Though the live Jazz Trio gave the crowd a comfortable jazzy hug, I have to say I left the event with more tropical notes in my head. Who cares if Halloween and Winter are creeping up on me faster than those two ill-advised shots of Patron? Contemplating Adventurati’s laid-back a-la-carte yacht jaunts has precipitated an untimely case of beach fever and its companion complication: bikini anxiety.

S.O.S.

-Article by Carolina Gonzalez for Scene B Seen

*photo 1 courtesy of Adventurati
*photo 2: Carolina Gonzalez, Clarissa Silva (Executive Director of SMART, April Lynn Martin, and guest