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

Being a wardrobe stylist myself, I believe that true style shouldn’t have to cost you a down payment on a car. Mixing high-end pieces, chain store staples and topping it off with your own personal favorite touch is how I’ve learned trends get their start. Style comes from within, not from the magazines, and being the transplant from Boston that I am, I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement when I heard we here in our beloved NYC were finally getting our very own Second Time Around Consignment shop.

Now I know there are tons of consignment boutiques here in the city, but I ve been spoiled with this particular family-run chain of shops in Boston for so many years. They sell everything from new to barely used t-shirts from American Apparel all the way to Louis Vuitton. I have personally bought and consigned with them on numerous occasions. Consigning is so easy and even trackable with their online spreadsheets that tell you when and how much your piece sold for. It’s like watching your bank account grow without lifting a finger! It really doesn’t get much better than this.

I discovered them in 2001 in the infamous Boston fashion hub called Newbury Street. But come to find out, there were so many more I hadn’t even known about. Apparently, owner Jeff Cassler’s mother opened their first store 35 years ago in a quaint Boston suburb called Newton. Jeff proceeded to tell me that there are now locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and even my wonderful hometown of Washington D.C., where have I been!? This latest location is now their 19th store, and can I say bea-u-ti-ful. They softly opened their doors this past Friday, the 19th, at 262 Mott St, but threw the big opening bash Tues evening to wonderful reviews.

Alex McCord of Bravo’s The Real House Wives of New York City, along with Tracy Stern of the scrumptious ‘Salon Tea’, and blogger Tia Walker, helped to make the evening a fashion love affair for us savvy shoppers. We were also enticed with amazing complimentary treats provided by the city’s first mobile gourmet cupcake truck, ‘Cupcake Stop’. They are the ‘mud coffee truck’ equivalent to cupcakes, and may I say super delicious- I definitely recommend the Oreo. But for you Oreo haters, fear not, they also carry other flavors such as; red velvet, pb & J, and vanilla- appropriately colored to match a gamut of beautifully colored summer dresses.

For this fashion loving recessionista with Second Time Around finally here, I think we can all finally decide it's ok to start shopping again.

-Melissa Nicole for sBs

Photo, Wardrobe Stylist

*Photo 1 by Jerritt Clark for Wire Image (L-R: Designer Kevin Christiana, Alex McCord, Jeff Casler, owner of Second Time Around, and John Bartlett)

*Photo 2 by Jerritt Clark for Wire Image: Tracy Stern

Tia Walker, celebrity blogger for The Quest for "it", chair and host of the second annual Save the Eggs Benefit, took place at the Williams Club Wednesday evening. The elegant soiree, presented by Diamond Club Jewelry, is a fund raising effort for Fertile Hope to increase awareness of egg harvesting.

Always an appreciated staple around the trendsters of NYC, the ever so dazzling Ms. Walker assembled friends from the fashion and press industries. Ms. Walker mingled amongst her tres fashion forward guests with her co-chairs, Emma Snowden-Jones and Peggie Walker, who were all more than happy to support Ms. Walker's endeavors and Fertile Hope. Also among the attendees, were members of her host committee: Alex McCord, Simon van Kempen, Benjamin Emile Le Hay, Douglas Marshall, Christine Marchuska, Juliana Ilvento, Robin Ross, Jeremy Logan-Cavendish, and Robert Levine of the Icon Group.

What exactly is this event Save the Eggs all about that it brought together such a fabtastic group of people? Well, there is only one way to answer that, ask the lady of the evening.

SBS: Why did you choose Fertile Hope?

TW: I chose Fertile Hope because it specifically addresses the issue of infertility as a possible result of cancer treatment more specifically chemotherapy. This was of course close to my heart after undergoing chemo last year! Fertile Hope not only addresses the issue for women through egg freezing but for men through sperm banking. Lance Armstrong's Foundation is partner and my own group Save the Eggs (not yet a S01c(3)) is an unofficial partner.

SBS: Congrats. That's great. What is your goal with the Save the Eggs Benefit?

TW: My goal last year and this year was to raise as much as possible on behalf of Fertile Hope. Future goals would be to further defray the coast of egg freezing through conduit funding... stay tuned!

Pretty intense. This is not something that we generally think about being a concern, and I imagine, unfortunately until it is too late. I found it so admirable for Ms. Walker to showcase and champion a cause that really does not get that much attention. This also led me to wonder how some of the host committee members got involved. I turned to fashion designer, Christine Marchuska.

SBS: Can you tell me a little bit about your clothing line, cmarchuska?

CM: cmarchuska is a new eco-friendly clothing line that offers chic sustainable clothing for today's sophisticated socially conscious woman. Each piece is made domestically in NYC's garment district out of sustainable blends, recycled and organic materials. My designs are influenced by the amazing women around me, hence, why each piece is inspired and named after a different friend, family member or female mentor.

SBS: Very cool. How did you get involved with Fertile Hope?

CM: I got involved in Fertile Hope through my dear friend, Tia Walker.

SBS: What was your participation in Save the Eggs 2009?

CM: I was part of the host committee for last night's event and also had the pleasure of dressing Tia and her mother, Peggie, for the event. I hope to be involved in future events for the organization and to raise awareness for the cause.

SBS: I've seen you and your company affiliated with other events, are you actively involved in any other charities you hope to bring awareness to?

CM: I am on the Junior Council for Safe Horizon, which is a NYC based charity that fights domestic abuse and violence. In general, I always give a portion of any of my event proceeds from cmarchuska to charitable organizations and am currently working on expanding my charitable giving with other organizations such as, The Nature Conservancy and Make-A-Wish. I feel very strongly about giving back and want cmarchuska to always be aligned with philanthropy.

SBS: Ok, I already thought you were pretty fab, now I'm really impressed. Also to boot, my family is a big supporter for The Nature Conservancy.

Conclusion: "it" comes in all shapes, sizes, platforms, dreams, and while Ms. Walker's quest Save the Eggs is for life and is a mission for lifetime, I have no doubt that Tia Walker will achieve "it".

*photo 1 courtesy of © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by D. Arnoult: (L-R: Alex McCord, Tia Walker, and Emma Snowden-Jones)

*photo 2 courtesy of © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by D. Arnoult: (L-R: Tracy Stern and Pooneh Mohazzabi)

*photo 3 courtesy of © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by D. Arnoult: (L-R: Tia Walker, Peggie Walker, designer Christine Marchuska and Maria LaBrutto)

*photo 4 courtesy of © 2009 WireImage (A Division of Getty Images, Inc.) by D. Arnoult: (L-R: Kristian Laliberte, Carol Han and Timo Weiland)