SEBAGO SUMMER - ON THE WAY!

BOATS OFF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF FRANCE PH: JASON JOBSONDust off the lawn furniture and roll out the Grills because the warm weather and summer sun are finally on the way!   I know winter is over the first weekend it feels warm enough to wear my favorite boat shoes!  Growing up on the East Coast, boating is never that far away.  Between the Atlantic Sebago Spinnkaer - Red/ Navy / WhiteOcean, the Hudson River, and endless Lakes, a harbour lifestyle is not hard to find.   In fact, there are few pastimes more popular than nautical pursuits.   From the JASON JOBSON SHOPPING IN ST. TROPEZ IN SEBAGO DOCKSIDESSouthern coast of France to the Southern Coast of California, the beauty of the seashore is unmatched by anything man made.   Of course in the fashion world, there are few reference more timeless and valid that boating and nautical style.

Boat shoes from companies like SEBAGO have  been a tradition for all hands on deck for generations.  Since the 1940's the New England company has been providing hand sewn mocs to a dedicated audience.   Of course now the shoes are known worldwide.   Even the trendiest retailer in Paris - Colette - carries a special collection of these American Classics.

Everyone should have a pair in their closet.  They are the perfect go-to shoe for that weekend trip out of town, or just pounding the pavement of NYC or any Metropolis you call home.

Personally, I size down a half a size because the leather of my Sebago Docksides stretch a bit.   I'm not timid about wearing them everywhere.. weekends on the dock or even during the week when I'm on the clock!

SEBAGO SPINNAKER -WHITE / NAVY / TANClick- NORDSTROM  to visit their web-store now - you'll have them worn in for next weekend!

If you prefer something a little dressier, of courseSALVATORE FERRAGAMO BOAT SHOE - NAVY / BROWN Italian designers like Ferragamo also offer their version of boat shoes.   Beautifully crafted in Italy, click BLOOMINGDALE'S to shop a great selection.    

Of course the folks at Zappos have revolutionized the way people shop on-line for footwear.   The innovative shopping site has numerous Sebago styles to choose from - click Sebago to shop Zappos now. 

Happy Summer!  Hope to see you on the dock in your SEBAGOS!

Royal Reception in Dumbo, Brooklyn

ROYAL RECEPTION UNDER THE BRIDGE IN DUMBOWhile all eyes were on London last week, the folks at the BBC, the Big Apple Brits, The Photo Booth & Video, & The Dumbo Improvement District  put together their own celebration for the Royal union!   Those interested in viewing the festivities live were able to watch in full color and life size video Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass.  The party started THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE ON THE BIG DAYat 4:30am and sources say - there wasn't an empty seat under the bridge!  I trust the sources because I didn't make it to the celebration until about 2pm.   At that point, the projection screen was replaying a recap of the whole event.   Included were enough shots of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and that now famous hat - the one that almost upstaged William & Kate!  I say almost because Kate was so beautiful in that Alexander McQueen dress - she was not to be missed.  

While the outfits worn by both Princess Beatrice & Princess Eugenie were ridiculed, they were no simple frocks.  Beatrice was wearing Valentino Couture &  Eugenie wore Vivienne Westwood.PRINCESSES EUGENIE & BEATRICE IN VALENTINO & VIVIENNE WESTWOOD AND PHILIP TREACY HATS  Both wore hats by Philip Treacy. 

Queen Elizabeth seemed happy, or as happy as she can seem.  Prince Philip seemed in good form and with news that he is turning 90 this year - I hope I can be as attentive at a ceremony like that at the same age.

JASON JOBSON & THE ROYAL COUPLEThe Big Apple Brits kept the part going well into the night.  The space in Dumbo was the perfect venue for the biggest wedding reception in NYC this year!  Visit their website to see what the BAB are planning next!

 The folks at the booth photo & Video were also on hand.  These masters of lighting and photography give party goers the chance to snap their own pics - you pick the venue! 

I snapped my pic with the royal couple themselves! 

OLD CURE IS NEW CURE

Any fan of the music world knows just how dramatically it has changed over the last 10 ROBERT SMITH - THE CUREyears.   Of the creative fields, it is the least recognizable from what it was even 5 years ago.   Film, Theater, Dance - all have morphed into a modern version of what they once were - but music is a whole new beast.  With digital downloads and the ability to play music on an endless number of machines from ipads to cellphones,  the industry has become vertical. Many artists are now managed by the same people who sell their music, and sell concert seats.  In some cases, it is the artist themselves selling music directly from their own website.

The Cure is a band that ruled the 80's.  While the hair bands of Rock roared, Robert Smith and his cowardly Lion routine of Goth punk angst mixed with pop beats and smooth rhythms won him a legion of fans around the world.  It was the quintessential Alternative music.  His style was as much a part of theJOHNNY DEPP- EDWARD SCISSORHANDS appeal as the music and his cross between Boy George & Edward Scissorhands put him in his own unique category.  To say the band had a cult following is an understatement.  The music legacy of The Cure has influenced a generation of young artists around the world.  Now absent from the scene for over a decade, music from The Cure is as relevant and hot as it ever was - even if listeners don't know the original.    To hear new music from The Cure - click  - NEW CURE

ADELE - 21British sensation Adele released her second album - 21 in January 2011.   A powerful ballad is the stripped down LOVE SONG.   The sultry singers sharp vocals tears at your heart strings.   Adele was able to make the song her own while still keeping the melancholy that The Cure was known for.

Rihanna's S&M has is one of the hottestRIHANNA - LOUD FEATURING S&M dance tracks in the world.  The sexy song has an unmistakably Cure sounding sample of Let's Go To Bed.  If you own the song, listen around 2:32 and hear LGTB in the chorus - unmistakable.  If you want a great song to work out to, just click S&M

As if these two references by the hottest artists in the business weren't enough to confirm The Cure is back, the hottest fashion show in Paris also paid tribute to Robert Smith.   That's right - The Fall 2011 CHANEL show feautured a thundering remix of A Forest from The Cure.   The genius behind Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel music is uber DJ Michel Gaubert.   Gaubert is the hottest DJ in the fashion industry.   This creative soul bounces around the world spinning at party after party and reinventing music from every genre -perfectly fitting the mood and scene.  

  THE CURE - A FORESTThe music at a CHANEL show is usually as exciting as the collection itself.   I know any CHANEL show I have be to, it was the music that stuck in my mind and haunted me until I could find the source of Michel Gaubert's wonderful mixes.  If you get invited and any fashion party and Michel Gaubert is the DJ, be prepared to have a great time!   Gaubert also created the mix for Karl Lagerfeld's double disc "My Favorite Songs" from 2007 - still one of my favorites.   To purchase on Amazon click- KARL

To listen to more samples of The Cure - click THE CURE FOREVER.

AVOCADO IN YOUR EYE?

I am a true fan of all things avocado.   Although I must admit, my experience with this green fruit is typically in the ground up dip variety in the form of guacamole.    As you can imagine this is usually enjoyed with a lavish serving of a bottomless Margarita.  Thank you to my friends at Jose Cuervo!

Little did I know that this wonder fruit was also a miracle worker on your eyes.   Of course it was the skin care masters at Kiehl's that schooled me on the topical application of the Avocado.   Kiehl's has been keeping people beautiful since 1851!    The company has some sales incentives going on at the moment, and they always have amazingly generous samples available.    To learn more about the creamiest eye cream around - click KIEHL'S.

KEN STEPPING OUT ON BARBIE?

BARBIE & KEN PRESS PHOTOWhile I don't usually write about gossip, one story was too big not to mention.   I promised Ken's people I would hold off until the new year to talk about it, so now that it is 2011 - I felt the need to share.   It's not often the worlds most famous couple of dolls act out in public. 

A few months ago while the designer world was celebrating Fashion's Night Out,  it seems Ken was having his own night on the town.  Barbie was seen at the hottest boutiques in NYC,- Chanel, Dior, & Ferragamo to name a few.   KEN FLIRTING WITH THE LADIES ON FASHION'S NIGHT OUT PH: Jason JobsonShe was also spotted with girlfriends at Bergdorf Goodman, as it was the hottest department store that night by far!   While no one questioned the fact that super fashionable Barbie was solo because she was out with the girls, who would have guessed Ken was in town and doing his own window shopping - or window selling!  

That's right, Ken spent the night driving around town meeting hundreds of girls.   Flirting and smiling while they took his picture, he didn't seem to miss Barbie at all.   Some say it was a clear sign of an identity crisis as Ken had his multiple personalities in tow.   We can give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was trying to spruce up his style for Barbie, but I'm not so sure.KEN ESCAPING PAPARAZZI PH: Jason Jobson

Barbie and Ken have been acquainted since 1961 when they met on the set of a commercial.   While Mattel has never specified the nature of their relationship, the two have thought to have been romantically linked.   Rumors have never stopped about Ken and his flair for fashion (and highlights!), but he is always by Barbie's side on the red carpet.  

Maybe Ken is feeling neglected?  Actually on Barbie's website she has a game which let's you pick Ken's new style!  It can't be easy when your girlfriend is the most famous doll in the world and she invites the masses to give you a make-over!   Barbie famously turned 50 last year, and while she has more beauty tricks than Cher, she too might be having her own mid-life crisis.  Although how could she be anything but thrilled?  Bloomingdale's had a nationwide celebration of her birthday and iconic sense of style!  The two have been mum on the subject and their reps both issued a "no comment" when I asked for a response. 

Of course it could all be just one big publicity stunt!

It will be interesting to see waht 2011 has in store for these two fashion plates.   For the latest news visit BARBIE.COM.    To help Barbie choose a new look for Ken- click KEN'S STYLE.    Super fans of the duo might want to head to Cali to see them in person.  Malibu is usually where they are seen out and about.  They say Barbie's dream house is just next to Cher's palatial estate.  See you at the beach! 

Update on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 6:04PM by JASON JOBSON

KEN'S CAMPAIGN TO GET BARBIE BACKWell I called it back in the Fall..  seems there was trouble in plastic paradise.  As it turns out Barbie was not so cool about Ken's performance on Fashion's Night Out back in September.  Although they officially broke up back in 2004, the two remained inseparable year after year.  That is until early October.   Sources say that Barbie was not laughing about Ken's cavorting on the big fashion night.   Barbie hit the stores with friends and worked the crowds as usual while Ken flirted like a bandit all over town.BARBIE'S REACTION TO KEN'S CAMPAIGN

Ken mounted an all out PR campaign to get Barbie back.   This shot was taken in NYC in late February where the plastic Hunk spent a fortune on electronic billboard ads begging Barbie to take him back.   Seems it worked because Mattel issued a press release saying the two got back together on Valentines day.  The dates don't really match up, but a convenient version huh?.    My sources say there is still trouble behind the scenes but the two are making nice for business.  After all, they are the King and Queen of a multi-billion dollar empire of all things Barbie & Ken.

Did he really win her back?  Never one to miss a P.R. opportunity, Ms. Malibu responded by asking the public if she should forgive him Ken.   Not sure that really addresses the issues they have or not.  Insiders say part of the reason Ken strayed was because he felt Barbie didn't take the relationship serious.   Does a yes / no vote on the matter sound serious to you??  

To see what America's (former?) Sweethearts  are up to - click - BARBIE.

ANGEL ON 5TH AVENUE

SELITA EBANKS - VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOWNew York has everything.   The city that never sleeps attracted more tourists last year than ever before.   2010 broke the record with 48.7 million people visiting the big apple.   I can't blame anyone who wants to visit this beautiful city!   Every day in NY is exciting and you never know who you will run into or what will happen. 

Case in point:   I attended a launch party at the Ferragamo Flagship one night this fall.SELITA EBANKS - SULTRY IN FERRAGAMO   Ferragamo is known to have great parties and the crowd is always cool and eclectic.JASON JOBSON & SELITA EBANKS - FERRAGAMO NYC   However, I never thought I would meet an Angel.   That's right, Victoria's Secret Angel - Selita Ebanks was in the house and causing a commotion.   This beauty was beyond in that Ferragamo dress- even with those famous curves covered. 

A native New Yorker, Selita has a great personality and is a major flirt!  When I asked to get a photo for the blog she said "sure, but don't you want to be in the picture with meeeeee?".    How could I say no to that?   Selita has also gotten temperatures rising in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.   To see more of Ms. Ebanks, visit her website :  SELITA EBANKS

SIP IN THE NEW YEAR - TEQUILA FOR 2011!

CASA DRAGONES "SIPPING" TEQUILANew Year's Eve is one of those nights that leaves many searching for the "perfect" plan.  I think I can suggest the perfect drink!  A champagne toast is,  of course mandatory as the clock strikes 12.  A great alternative - or addition for those with a connoisseur taste level -the most exclusive tequila South of the Border in Mexico.   Casa Dragones is 100% Blue Agave Joven Tequila - hand-made in small batches in Tequila, Mexico.  This ultra smooth tequila was created with the goal of achieving such a flavor - it can only be called a sipping tequila.   Each limited edition bottle is signed and numbered by hand. 

I was lucky enough to sip this ultra smooth specialty a few weeks ago at the Salvatore Ferragamo opening party in Palm Beach Gardens!  The master of Italian craftsmanship unveiled the brands latest U.S. boutique in style, hosting a super chic group from Palm Beach. PALM BEACH GARDEN'S LATEST LUXURY ADDITION  I caught up with actress / model -Margaret Luce.  This beautiful jet-setter was head to toe Ferragamo.   Her suede trench coat had heads spinning!  So luxe!   Margaret is always in-the-know as she bounces back and forth between New York, Palm Beach, and all around Europe. MARGARET LUCE IN FERRAGAMO

Ferragamo's Fall collection is on fire and has been a core resource for every major fashion mag this season.   The boutique took the occasion to preview the Spring Runway Collection that hits stores just after the holiday season. 

Palm Beach Gardens has become the go-to spot for the young blood of Palm Beach.   While Worth Avenue still has its cache, PBG  or The Gardens as it is known is a cooler destination to shop for the latest from New York, Paris, & Milan.

Casa Dragones is available exclusively through the following retailers:

Crush Wine & Spirits, Astor Wines & Spirits ,  D&M Wines & Liquors,  Wally's Wine & Spirits

Sip Responsibly & have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

KARL'S HEIR APPARENT?

KARL LAGERFELDMr. CHANEL himself -Karl Lagerfeld seems to have an idea for the future of the house that tweed built.   Recently,HAIDER ACKERMANN when pressed to name a designer who should succeed the him at CHANEL, Karl named Belgian designer Haider Ackermann as the man for the job.   Not that Mr. Ackermann should start sketching tweed ensembles too quickly, after all - Karl has a contract for life.   Even though the German born designer is nearing 80, there is no stopping him.  Lagerfeld has no plans to retire.  (Marc Jacobs must have winced when he read this).  Furthermore, just because Karl thinks Ackermann should take the reigns one day - doesn't mean it will happen.   Remember, Coco Chanel herself said she thought Yves Saint Laurent was the most talented young designer in France at the time and should take over for her someday.  Never Happened!