Oh my, oh me.... how lucky are we? We all know that Urban Outfitters has partnered with some independent designers to create an ongoing series of collections available only at Urban Outfitters. However, it has just been officially released that starting this week, this exclusive series will include one of my fave lines, Boy Meets Girl®.

Urban Outfitters selects designer Stacy M. Igel of Boy Meets Girl® for their next designer collaboration

Boy Meets Girl® by Stacy M. Igel is a fiercely independent label but, when you are approached by Urban Outfitters to create an exclusive collaboration available only at Urban Outfitters stores nationwide, you join the party.  Stacy Morgenstern Igel is the latest up-and-coming designer to collaborate exclusively on a collection with Urban Outfitters.  The imaginative, youthful and exceedingly wearable Boy Meets Girl® collection features edgy tiered tunics fused with prep sensibility, alluring smocked tunics featuring trademark Boy Meets Girl® button detail, and impeccably tailored empire waist mini-dresses with pleated detailing and a vintage vibe.  All items are available at Urban Outfitters for under $100. -Press Release 05/06/09

Available starting May 1 at Urban Outfitters stores and online:

Boy Meets Girl Cinched Tunic

Boy Meets Girl Rouched Tunic

Boy Meets Girl Cinched Tank

Now- bring on the sun, so we can be seen in these BMG exclusives.

Thursday night, April 23rd, was the all inspiring Young Survival Coalition's Annual Benefit: In Living Pink at the Edison Ballroom. The Tenth Anniversary honored David J. West, President and CEO of The Hershey Company and celebrates YSC's mission to provide the highest quality education and support to young women affected by breast cancer.

Various silent auction items, such as: vacations, sports memorabilia, spa packages, and jewels, lined the recently renovated Edison Ballroom... as well as some pretty tasty treats. The age diverse crowd circumnavigated the room and then all convened on the main floor to listen to various speakers including-Patricia Velasquez, Kristen Martinez, and David J. West.

I have to admit, with all the glitz and glamour, I was not at all prepared to hear the heart wrenching and warming stories, experiences, struggles, and triumphs. I bit into a raspberry milk chocolate meltaway from the tier above the gathering, to fight back tears I was not ready to shed. It was not that it was a bummer, it was the overwhelming energy of courage and affirmation that permeated the room. Amazing.

Just that struck me, the fantavulous and my personal fave fashion designer, Betsey Johnson, passed by me and my girls. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her and her daughter, Lulu. As she spoke candidly to me, honesty, love, and seemingly- life, poured out of her crystalline eyes. In the few moments we spoke, I learned two extremely important things:

1) Mind over matter is so very crucial.

2) The bond between Mother and Daughter is the most significant, beautiful, and strongest thing above all else.

Thank you Betsey.

Today, I have adapted how imperative a support system is, whether it be family, friends, or an organization such as Young Survival Coalition. I also feel absolutely honored to have been in the presence of such a large group of people all gathered to advocate a tremendous cause.

Thank you Stacy Morgenstern Igel- Creative Director of Boy Meets Girl® for inviting me to In Living Pink and all those that made the event happen.

*photo 1: courtesy of Jonah Anand/startraksphoto.com (Kristine Tanno- YSC Benefit Co-Chair, Betsey Johnson, Stacy Morgenstern Igel- Creative Director Boy Meets Girl)

*photo 2: courtesy of Jonah Anand/startraksphoto.com(Patricia Velasquez)

The sun emerged through the ominous rain clouds just in time to shine on the Penthouse Rooftop deck of The Cooper Square Hotel for the unveiling of the mini-bar exclusives. Tuesday evening, Klaus Ortlieb, CSH's managing partner, and Evan Altman, the sales and marketing director, welcomed guests to a gorgeous view and an introduction to the honorees of the soiree and their designs .

Ortlieb had been looking to round out the hotel's distinctive design, atmosphere, guest services and amenities. He turned to three VIP New York talents to make The Cooper Square Hotel's mini-bar stand out. As a result, the mini-bar features; things by tina thor, a custom Tina Thor jewelry line, the Pretty Pak, a Cooper Square Hotel- exclusive Loraine make-up kit by celebrity make-up artist- Loraine Abeles, and Stacy Morgenstern Igel- creator/founder of Boy Meets Girl®, has designed a t-shirt solely for the hotel.

The fashionably savvy crowd sipped wine and mingled whilst nibbling on delectable hors d'oeuvres from Chef Govind Armstrong of Table 8, examining the exclusives, and daring to approach the free standing deck. Some felt the panoramic view was better seen through the floor to ceiling windows. I personally enjoyed creeping up to the just above waist high glass railing.

I would now like to take a moment to recognize the renaissance this area of Lower Manhattan is undergoing and how The Cooper Square Hotel is a brilliant addition. We all have our personal feelings, revelations, and/or reservations about the Bowery overhaul, yet I feel that there are some things honoring innovation, such as the hotel and the inclusion of the aforementioned artists/designers.

Most skyscrapers appear to just pierce through the air (hence the term skyscraper, and the eminent free association with phallicism), however, The Cooper Square Hotel- standing 21 stories, by acclaimed building designer Carlos Zapata, seems to be supported by the negative space and the environment around it. It is absolutely breathtaking and surprisingly comforting.

But alas, I returned inside to blend into the trendsetting attendees: Billy Devlin, Bobby Flay, Euince Quinones, Laura Zapatu, James Vazquez, Jason Patric, Stephanie March, Ami Ankin... oh gosh, am I name dropping? So sorry, it was just way too fabulous to go without mentioning a few.

Conclusion: Stopping by The Cooper Square Hotel to get a peek at the uber exclusives available for purchase, is a fantastic idea and while you're there, you might as well have a bite at Table 8, your taste buds will be glad you did. I also highly recommend checking out Boy Meets Girl® online or visiting Bloomies or eModa to acquire the signature current collection.

To see more photos: click here

*photos 1 courtesy of Marion Curtis/Startraksphoto.com (Jason Patric and Stacy Morgenstern Igel)

*photo 2 courtesy of yours truly (Loraine Abeles and Tina Thor)

*photo 3 courtesy of Marion Curtis/Startraksphoto.com (Bobby Flay and Stephanie March)