A few weeks ago, I was trying my luck at a blind date. I figured if someone wants to get to know me, why not accompany me to an event? I'm not sure if it was the brightest idea having someone meet me at Hearst Tower for an Esquire Magazine celebration, as if 1st dates aren't overwhelming enough. I was thankful to cut the tension when I bumped into Justine McCarthy from Simply Chic PR. When my date inquired, "So, who are all these people and how did they get invited?" Justine promptly introduced us to Robin Ross of YOUAREONTHELIST.com.

SBS Readers- Here is the WWW.:

Scene B Seen: Robin, you are the founder of YOUAREONTHELIST.com, when and why did you start this site to provide insider access to some of the most exclusive events in NYC and LA?

Robin Ross: Because why shouldn’t everyone experience the best events that are out there?! I am spoiled and have been to all the best events from Sundance to the Academy Awards to backstage at Fashion Week etc., as well as, shopping with designers at their showrooms and getting insider pricing at hotels and spas... So, I wanted to bring that to those who want it and can afford it, but do not know how to do it!

SBS: So, how does it work?

RR: Well we have an annual membership for the Invitation Only list for $500. Then we send out invites and after you RSVP, we get you on the list.

SBS: What’s the difference between being on The List and Invitation Only List?

RR: The List is a complimentary service, where you receive invites to open events, our e-list newsletter and clipboard photos. The more exclusive or sought after events are only available to our Invitation Only List members. The Invitation Only List membership is $500 a year for access to all the exclusive events in NYC and beyond. Plus insider pricing on spas, hotels, fashion etc. You receive save the dates about upcoming events and on-site assistance at all the events to guarantee entry. Also for Fashion Week, only Invitation Only List members have access to the events- unless you buy one of our Fashion Week Packages. Privileges are listed on www.youareonthelist.com/invite_only

SBS: Speaking of... Have any hot parties lined up for Fashion Week?

RR: Yes of course! Check out the entire fashion calendar- we have access to it all. We are offering our YOUAREONTHELIST.com Fashion Week Insider Pass, which get you access to some shows at Bryant Park and other venues, after parties, a membership to YOUAREONTHELIST.com, as well as, amazing gift bags. We also have other surprises with a portion going to charity for the arts. We are only offering 15 of these and we are not taking new memberships during fashion week. The only way to be a member and attend the shows is to purchase the package. You can visit www.youareonthelist.com/dates or email us at events@youareonthelist.com for details.

SBS: That sounds like a stellar deal! I'm so curious what the parties are going to be like considering this is the So Long Bryant Park Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Do you think the NYC Scene has changed in the past few years?

RR: OMG! Yes and NO!

SBS: Ha! How?

RR: I grew up in NYC on the Upper East Side, where going out at night to clubs bars like Odeon, Studio 54, Xenon, and Dorian’s, was just like going to the movies or the mall. We always got in and we always knew where to go. They weren’t websites that told you every night what was going on- you were only in the know or you weren’t. Nowadays, the really exclusive events are few and far between. So we try to have access to those and the more publicized events. What's funny is that some of the same venues are still popular like Dorian’s. Every Tuesday, it's mobbed with young hip professional for their karaoke night.

SBS: Seriously? I suppose Karaoke is a healthy and cheaper alternative... With the economic state of affairs this past year, there’s been an influx of independent promoters trying to fill clubs via email lists and Facebook, should guests be wary of such things?

RR: Yes, you should... but not all promoters are bad or shady. I see a lot of the reputable promoters on Facebook as it has become the new marketplace to advertise and promote your business, and nightlife is no different. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is all things social media! Facebook page and twitter...

SBS: So, what separates YOUAREONTHELIST.com from those types of promoters?

RR: I am not a promoter, not that’s there is anything wrong with that, but we are a service that provides access to events and experiences in NYC and beyond. We do not work for the venues, clubs, or restaurants. We work for our members, to provide them with experiences they would never know about or are too busy to find out about and get them access. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is like a best friend who knows everyone and takes you with them.

SBS: Love it! What’s in the future for YOUAREONTHELIST.com?

RR: We are rolling out to other markets YOUAREONTHELIST.com Boston, Chicago, Miami, SF... We are excited to be launching YOUAREONTHELIST.com KIDS. So that kids can be on the list too!!

SBS: A kids list? That rocks. How fun is that?!

RR: Plus in NYC we will be creating YOUAREONTHELIST.com pop-up lounges at marquee events in NYC and this summer in the Hamptons. So- SBS Readers will have to see where we will pop-up next!

Photo 1: Robin Ross and Tracy Stern
Photo 2: Ryan Nicklaus of Ryan Darius Salon and good friend TJ enjoyed Front Row at Russell Simmons courtesy of YOUAREONTHELIST.com
Photo 3: 901 SILVER TEQUILA LAUNCH PARTY, NYC June 13, 2009: Actor and promoter Danny A with the beautiful people

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

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)