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.

Wednesday, May 7th: The American Heart Association hosted the kick-off to their 14th Annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball at the Hotel Chandler . The event was graciously hosted by committee members, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen. Invitees came out to celebrate the Heart of the Hamptons Ball which will be taking place on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton.

This year, The Heart of the Hamptons Ball, Co-Chaired by Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Isom, Mr. & Mrs. Justin Kennedy, Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Mark, will honor Dr. Karl Krieger with the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding work as the Vice Chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center. In addition, the Heart Hero Award will be presented to Philip H. Geier, Jr., a heart transplant survivor who has made significant heart-health changes in his life.

With the charming theme of Turn The Beat Around, friends and colleagues from NYC, Long Island and the Hamptons will enjoy the beautiful setting of the Hamptons while eating delicious heart healthy foods, drinking delightful local wines, and dancing, as well as the opportunity to participate in the live and silent auction.

Join the American Heart Association as we work together to reverse the affects of heart disease and stroke. As a community and as a family we can live healthier lives. Through partnerships, education, fundraising, grassroots efforts and everyday lifestyle choices and actions, we can TURN THE BEAT AROUND.

The Heart of the Hamptons Ball, is a lively and swanky affair focused on raising funds for the mission of the American Heart Association: To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases; heart disease and stroke- America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. The American Heart Association funds cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. Please visit: Americanheart.org for more information.

*photo 1: Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen

*photo 2: Philip H. Geier, Jr. and Dr. Karl Krieger, 2010 Hamptons Heart Ball honorees

*photo 3: Committee members: Sharon Goldstein, Layne Lieberman, Elaine Hammond Saladino and Debrah Halpert

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.

Tuesday night, SBS joined guest of honor Alex McCord on the Upper East Side, for the grand opening of the consignment boutique, Second Time Around. Her husband Simon van Kempen, along with Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Frankel, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Ramona Singer, were right by Alex’s side to celebrate.

Among the stylists, shoppers, socialites, and camera crews, I quickly recognized several other A-list names in the room. The store was resplendent with like-new and new designer apparel, shoes and accessories by Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Kate Spade, Escada, St. John, and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few. I am still kind of obsessing about a certain fuchsia Nanette Lepore shift dress…

However, I fared relatively well in the face of a trifecta of temptation. I resisted attractively priced designer duds (up to 75% off retail) and tiny but delectable treats from Cupcakes by Melissa (my trainer would be proud). Yet, I did indulge in a little sparkling wine by Voga...

I was also treated to a chat with Alex about her involvement with Second Time Around (aka: STA). She informed me that attendees and shoppers had the chance to feel twice as nice last night. Through joint efforts with STA, a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales would be donated to Bottomless Closet. Founded in 1991, Bottomless Closet is the first workforce development nonprofit organization of its kind to address the need for services that would increase the potential for low-income women or those on assistance to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Many of Bottomless Closet's clients are single women, forced to choose between providing necessities such as food and shelter for their children, or having the right clothes to wear for a job interview.

As Alex was giving me the scoop on the cause, we were joined by fellow supporter, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, who joked that it was her “second time around” joining Alex for a Second Time Around grand opening. (The Soho store at 262 Mott St. opened in June.)

Shortly after, Ramona made her grand, wide-eyed, entrance, with wrapped gift in hand. No, it was not a congratulatory gift for Alex. Ramona promptly handed the ribbon-adorned box to Bethenny. All smiles, Bethenny opened it to find a cute white and green onesie for her recently announced baby on board. Aww…

I was also delighted to meet Simon, who graciously introduced our own Scene B Seen Editor, Britten Heft, and I to Sophie Newman, Manager of the STA Soho store. Sophie gave us some insight on how the consignment process at STA works. Generally, prospective clients make an appointment to bring in garments and/or accessories for consignment. STA then carefully reviews all items, as the donor is asked to enjoy the neighborhood shops for a half an hour, to ensure they are in exceptional condition, in season, and in line with current trends.

Consigned merchandise remains on sale for ninety days (proceeds are split 60/40). Clients are able to track the status of their items through their STA online account. Any unsold items, are returned to the consignor. FYI: Unsold or ineligible items can also be donated by STA on behalf of the client  to various charities.

After another quick survey of the shop, and maneuvering my way through the cameras, the cameramen, and their conjoining cords, I made my way towards the exit. Just as I hit a bottleneck at the door, a tall woman called out, “Where are my interns?”… Enough said.

*all photos  courtesy of PMc by Ben Gabe

*photo 1: Alex McCord and Anisha Lakhani

*photo 2: Bethenny Frankel, Jennifer Gilbert, Jeff Casler, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and Alex McCord

*photo 3: Michel Witmer, Edward Garou, and Simon van Kempen

Fourth of July is not only my fave holiday, it also equates house hoppin' in the Hamptons. So where better to start my evening of sparkling adventures then at the Social Life Estate in Water Mill for the Social Life Magazine dual celebration of Independence Day and the July Issue launch, hosted by its' cover model, Kellan Lutz and Publisher, Justin Mitchell. Though co-cover model Lydia Hearst was slated to co-host the soiree, she was a no-show to the privé event. Not to fret my fabulous readers, the eve produced exclusive guests and some delicious threads bedecked on the next generation of the Hamptons' jet-setters, taste-makers, and socialites.

My girl Melissa and I were escorted though the magnificent great room and out to a crowd of beauties ensconced around the candle lit pool. As we descended the stairs, I spotted my lovely friends, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen. Always delighted to see them, I stopped for a kiss- kiss and to congratulate Alex on the opening of Second Time Around Consignment on Mott Street. Alex informed me that she, Simon (feeling better), and the kids will be heading to Australia for a few weeks for some family fun and some much need relaxation, but would be back in time for my birthday fete. Alex was promptly swept away by Plum TV for an interview, so Melissa and I attempted to make our way to attain a bevy or two.

An impermeable swarm enclosing the bar, we opted to catch a breather in the back yard. Of course there were others who had our idea, and who other but one of the hosts of the soiree, Mr. Lutz- being photographed and assessed by an earnest young journalist about Twilight, 90210, and his Social Life Magazine editorial spread with socialite, Ms. Hearst. Not wanting to intrude, I noticed Devorah Rose, Editor-in-Chief of Social Life, observing her guests on the stairs. She immediately called me over, introduced herself to me and told me the charming young man next to her was going to be the next it actor... or so people keep stating (meeting Parker and commingling with him late-night, I believe they all may be on to something).

Ms. Rose, in a champagne color just above ankle silk dress, is more gracious and gorgeous than I ever could have expected. With a genuine smile and openness, we chatted a bit and she thanked me for attending. There is definitely something to be said for expectations and being pleasantly surprised. Ms. Rose singled out one of her ladies, leapt up to embrace her friend, and Melissa and I excused ourselves to continue our rounds.

We immediately passed Annalynne McCord of Nip/Tuck and 90210, in a cute denim romper, sipping H2O while conversing with a friend and there to support her 90210 co-star- Kellan Lutz, and fashion designer Allison Parris. Pausing to take in our surroundings and make a game plan to secure some vino rojo, we located Kelly Killoren Bensimon, NASCAR Development Driver Tim George Jr., and gossip blogger Micah Jesse.

After enjoying a private fireworks show, catching up with my good friend Arthur Mandel of Nolcha, and one last peek around the magnificent 10,000 square-feet abode- we decided it was time to meet up with our peeps and get ready to hit the dance floor at Axe Lounge.

July has proved to be off to a great start with the glam help of Social Life. And while I will not divulge how the evening progressed, I will mention that it included Leonardo DiCaprio, the Social Life crew, Kellan Lutz, a Real NYC Housewife's daughter, and 'you heard it from Ms. Rose first'- Parker.

For additional exclusive snap shots: click here

*Photo 1 by Jerritt Clark for Wire Image: Twilight and 90210 actor Kellan Lutz

*Photo 2 by Jerritt Clark for Wire Image: Social Life Publisher Justin Mitchell, Annalynne McCord, and Social Life Editor-in-Chief Devorah Rose