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

On June 24th, New York City Opera and City Opera Thrift Shop held their 4th annual DIVAS Shop for Opera at City Opera’s Pop Up Shop on Madison Avenue.

Lydia Fenet, Gillian Miniter, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion Fern Mallis, Alex McCord, Simon van Kempen, Amy Fine Collins, Dame Lori Sutherland, and Designer Austin Scarlett, were among the guests enjoying cocktails and music, while skimming the racks of a “diverse selection of alluring merchandise from today’s most fashion forward designers- at jaw-dropping discounts.”

Merchandise included designs by Alice + Olivia, Carmen Marc Valvo, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tamsen Z by Ann Ziff, Oscar de la Renta, Nanette Lepore, Rubin Singer, Chado Ralph Rucci, Tuleh, DKNY, Luca Luca, Roberta Freymann, and many more.

This fab event, co-chaired by Patricia Field, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Faith Hope Consolo, Rebecca Taylor, Elsa Klensch, and Lorry Newhouse, helps fund the design and creation of new costumes for New York City Opera.

*Photo 1 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lauren Estigarribia and Rubin Singer

*Photo 2 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lorry Newhouse, Lauren Bridgeman, and Amy Fine Collins

What better then to spend a Sunday with the girls nibbling, sipping, shopping, and flirting with the camera all on a lavender carpet? Not much except to know that our antics were actually helping local businesses get a much needed economic jump start.

Celebrity stylist Derek Warburton (Derek Loves Shopping) and Simply Chic Public Relations, hosted the Shopaholic Sangria Sunday brunch at Room 18 in the boutique infiltrated Soho/Nolita hood. In effort to stimulate local Nolita/Soho businesses, encourage the use of fresh local produce, Room 18 was a chic, charming, family owned and most suitable locale choice.

The Shopaholic Sangria is made with house wine infused with fresh fruit from local New York farms, which can be found on Saturdays at the Union Square Farmers Market, with most notably the fresh raspberries from Fruit Valley Orchard. The Shopaholic Sangria is available in both red and white, and is a refreshing compliment to Room 18's fresh crepes, Asian-influenced tapas, and assorted brunch fare.

Room 18 is also a perfect blend with DerekLovesShopping.com- a premier website devoted to fashion and fabulousness. So, of course, the attendees included; Alex McCord, Simon van Kempen and their two boys, Francois and Johan, my besties Stephanie Newhouse and Jen Marden, celebrity blogger Tia Walker and her effervescent Mom- Peggie, askmelissa.com gorgeous writer Jennifer Wright, and Eli Biehl, the Celebrity Chihuahua. I was delighted to discuss Derek's love of ribbon utilization and obsession, whilst pondering my passion for feeding the economy by continuing to shop... Hey, we all need to do our part, why not join Derek on his crusade and declare your love for shopping too?

To see more photos, click here

*photo 1 by Zach Hyman/patrickmcmullan.com (L-R: Sabrina Chapman- Simply Chic PR, Derek Walburton, and Justine McCarthy- Simply Chic PR)

*photo 2 by Zach Hyman/patrickmcmullan.com (L-R: Francois, Simon van Kempen, Derek Walburton, Johan, and Alex McCord)