ART TO THE RESCUE - AN EVENING TO BENEFIT THE LITTLE GUILD

ART TO THE RESCUE - OIL PAINTINGFriends in Connecticut, Fashion designer John Bartlett, renowned for his tireless work with animal shelters and the humane treatment of animals is hosting an evening to benefit - The Little Guild.   TLG is a wonderful no-kill shelter in the North West corner of rural Connecticut.  It has a dedicated staff that work wonders to place dozens of pets month after month, year after year.   Co-hosted with By Request -Home Concierge Service, the evening is sure to be a stylish affair.  JOHN BARTLETT ARRIVES AT THE CFDA GALA IN JUNE 2018 - WEARING JOHN BARTLETT CAMO AND VEGAN SNEAKERS DESIGNED BY BARTLETT & RUTHIE DAVIS

On Saturday June 23rd, the Judy Black Memorial Park and Garden in Washington, CT will be the place for an evening of cocktails, plant based hors d'oeuvres, and a range of fine art and designer items for home and garden via silent auction.    Broadways's leading man, Hugh Panaro (Phanton, Les Mis, Show Boat) will also be in attendence.  Panaro is an avid pet lover and fundraiser for the care and welfare of animals.   (Be sure to get there early to bid on the auction items!)

*If you can't attend, please do consider buying a ticket.  Your donation goes so far to feed and house these loving animals while they wait to find a home*    To purchase tickets visit: Little Guild Benefit / Art to the Rescue

For More information about shelter - visit THE LITTLE GUILD.

John Bartlett's own Tiny Tim Rescue Fund  is also a great destination for information about all things animal rights.. and also a place to buy unique designer items that benefit the welfare of animals.

Please spread the word about animal cruelty and pet adoption! 

CHANEL CHANGED EVERYTHING

I've always known, but this video really spells it all out.  In fashion - BC (before CHANEL) is really the dark ages.. AC (After Coco) is the modern world.   This legendary house upholds these standards and ideals every day, around the world.  Wherever you see the CC logo - luxury lives.

Explore “The Vocabulary of Fashion,” Chapter 14 of Inside CHANEL.inside-chanel.com

Posted by CHANEL on Monday, February 22, 2016

SPRING TEA DANCE NYC - GAY HUSBAND HUNTERS TAKE NOTICE

CLICK IMAGE TO BUY TICKETS - EVEN WITH ROOM FOR THOUSANDS - THESE EVENTS SELL OUT.. FAST!!As Gay culture has gone mainstream there is at least one casualty to all the fantastic equality that comes with equal rights.  New York has joined Los Angeles and Miami in loss of cool gay night life.   For years (decades), the coolest night life was always a gay bar - ANY gay bar in most cities.  These days.. it's more often a straight club with bottle service - ewwwwww.  Because the sexiest guys with the coolest style are now straight guys.  They were called metrosexuals in the nineties and the 2000's.. but these days.. they are just your average guy. 

The advent of social media and hook-up sites has also decimated the gay social scene.   We gained equality, but we lost social ability.   These days too many guys just point and click instead of smile nod... so much for innovation.

With this in mind, I'm happy to announce that Robby Browne and Chris Kahn have organized an old fashion Spring Tea Dance.PIER 60 IS HOST TO ANOTHER FANTASTIC PARTY - WITH A MILLION DOLLAR VIEW (MAKE THAT $5 MILLION AT LEAST)   Same location as the famous Toys Party (Toys For Tots) on Pier 60 - Chelsea Piers.   Sunday May 18th from 5-9pm.   Tickets are $100.00 for the open bar event that will enjoy the beautiful sunset on the Westside.   These events are famous for drawing out the most eligible gay men in NYC, and they are the most eligible gay men anywhere!   As the saying goes.. you're Gay in NYC and Queer everywhere else.   Things have changed, but not that much.  Husband hunters - take notice - this is not one to miss.CAPTURING PART FO THE CROWD AT THE ANNUAL XMAS "TOYS" PARTY AT CHELSEA PIERS - MAYOR BLOOMBERG THANKS THE CROWD A FEW LUCKY GUYS MEET ONE OF SANTA'S HELPERS.

Proceeds from the event (after they cover the space rental and booze bill!) will benefit the Ready For Hillary fund. RFH is the Super PAC urging Hillary Clinton to run for president in 2016 and laying the groundwork for her candidacy.

TRUTH OR DARE - TAMARA MELLON'S NEW GIG?

The darling of the designer shoe world - Tamara Mellon comes roaring back to the world of fashion this month with her own namesake collection.   Mellon created the sensation that was Jimmy Choo in the 90's and 00's.   I opened the email blast announcing Mellon's new shoes sent from the designer - only to be stopped in my tracks by the logo at the top of the press release.   I couldn't help but think it looks too similar to another diva's pet project - Madonna's - Truth or Dare Fragrance.  Wouldn't you think with all Ms. Mellon's money, she could have a logo created that doesn't look this much like Madonna's that has been in use for several years?  You be the judge - and happy shopping.

JOSH GARCIA - ADVENTURE TRAVELLER AROUND THE WORLD!

JOSH GARCIA - VIDEO JOURNALIST & TRAVEL HOSTNew York City is home to travellers from all over the world.   If you can name a country, you can bet it is represented in here in NYC.   Millions of people dream of getting here to follow that dream.   Then there are those of us that live in NYC, and spend our time travelling around this big beautiful world.   I travel for assignments in the fashion world and people like my buddy Josh Garcia do it for the adventure and thrill of exploring exotic locations.  Garcia is a video journalist and travel host, so his trips take him to all sorts of exotic places.  He might be cliff diving in Mexico or climbing mountains in far East, but it is always an adventure.   Josh and I first met in a hot tub on the set JOSH PRACTICING HIS MANDARIN?modeling in a Heineken ad here in New York, but that's a story for another article on how crazy NYC is!  These days, Josh is a finalist in not one, but TWO amazing travel host contests that could take him around the world with a fat budget, a film crew, and a smile from ear to ear!   

It's clear to see why out of almost 50,000 entries from over 200 countries, Josh was chosen as a finalist by the Australian Tourism Board for the Outback Adventurer Host.   Josh has a genuine curiosity, and passion for meeting people and learning about different cultures.   You can see how children react to him, even when they don't speak the same language - they want to connect, and so does the viewer.  Josh was born and raised in Southern California and I'm sure that has more than a little to do with his outgoing, adventurous personality.  If Josh wins this one, he's off to the massive countryside of Australia's Northern Territory.  You know,JOSH GARCIA CLIFF DIVING IN MEXICO the part you haven't been to on holiday!  I hope he brings some strong sunscreen!  

Exciting enough?  Apparently not - Josh is also a finalist in MY DESTINATION'S Biggest Baddest Bucket List.   This adventure will take him around the world for six months - visiting famous sites from all the continets on everyone's bucket list!  The journey begins with one week in the U,K.  Don't forget the passport Josh!

I don't think it is a coincidence that both contests singled Josh out of all the thousands of entries.   This guy deserves to win!!   Click on the links above to learn more about both contests.   Hey, you might want to enter next year.  Why not? 

While you are clicking around, connect with Josh on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  Also, watch his videos on YouTube.  Follow along with him.   If you like travel and like to smile, I promise you won't be disappointed.

GOOD LUCK JOSH!!

PROENZA SCHOULER "SCHOOLS" NEW YORK

OSCAR de la RENTA as styled by JOHN GALLIANO - FALL 2013The Spring 2013 fashion season in NYC proved to be a bit of a sleeper.   The biggest news the main stream press covered was the "will he" or "won't he" take a bow speculation about John Galliano and his strange "residency" at Oscar de la Renta.  This would have been Galliano's first appearance in front of a fashion crowd since his very public fall from grace in 2011.   In the end, Galliano was nowhere to be found when cameras were snapping and Mr. de la Renta was coy and awkward about Galliano's contribution.   Even at 80, Oscar wants all the attention.   Good for him I guess as it is his name on the label.  However it must be said, the collection never looked better...you decide who to thank.

The most creative New York designers in my book are the dynamic duo of  Proenza Schouler.   $SQUARE TAMBOURINE BAG - $4,695.00 Jack and Lazaro have been able to do what few American designers have in the past few years.   Create original fashion.  New York based collections have always been over shadowed by those inPROENZA SCHOULER SPRING 2013 EXOTIC COAT AND LEATHER SKIRT Paris and sometimes Milan.   A generation ago, super talented creatives like Geoffrey Beene and Bill Blass broke the mold and emerged as unique, international houses of fashion.  

While the American design companies of today are global names with billions of dollars in sales, too many are produced in PROENZA SCHOULER PRINTED SILK & LACE DRESSChina and watered down versions of collections already shown in Paris or Milan.

Proenza Schouler has found a niche with handbags that don't look like CHANEL (surprising how unusual this is!) and tapping into print and color stories that are modern, flattering, and creative.   Magical.   Let's watch as these two talented young designers become legendary before our eyes.  Click Proenza Schouler to learn more.

TIE ONE ON - HOW TO CHOOSE MEN'S TIES

I'm so happy to have the guys from Style Pilot guest blog here this week!   A great topic with Father's day not far behind Mother's day - Choosing a Tie.   This critical accessory for many men can be challenging.   I've inserted a few of my favorite ties I've worn to accompany the article.  With that, I'll turn it over to Style Pilot:

DARK JACKET / CRISP WHITE SHIRT / STRIPED PINK TIE - RITZ CARLTON GOLF - NAPLES, FLThere are so many different styles and patterns of ties that it is no wonder many men are confused as to the best choice. Here we take a look at what it takes to find the right men’s tie for the right occasion.

What tie to buy?

When you are thinking of buying a new tie then one of your first considerations should be the colour of shirt you wish to team it with. If is it is a tie for a special occasion then you can afford to go a little wild and to spend some money on something unusual and eye catching. Do remember however that you must never wear too much pattern at one time or you will look eccentric rather than stylish.

ALIGHT SUIT / PINK SHIRT / DARK TIE - ALL FERRAGAMO white shirt is a perfect canvas to begin with if you are unsure of what suits you or if you are new to wearing ties. Any colour and shape of tie will go well with a crisp white shirt. Whether it is skinny or kipper shaped – well maybe steer clear of kipper shaped – you will find that for the beginner this will be your best bet!

In general, a skinny tie looks best with a close fitting single breasted suit and not a large “boxy” style or double breasted jacket. When choosing a skinny tie, you cannot go wrong with classic black and a textured fabric will add more interest. You must also always remember to choose one which looks in proportion to your frame. Try a few on and see which looks best. Skinny ties are a style classic.

What colours go with what?

Ok, so we all have our tried and tested favourite colours which we know suit us. However safe can become boring and sometimes we all need to step out of our comfort zone! So let’s say that you have bought a:DARK JACKET / PALE SHIRT / DARK TIE

• Light blue shirt – this will go well with ties of virtually any colour, especially those in shades of deep yellow, gold, deep red and dark blue
• Tan coloured shirts look good with bronze ties, sometimes with black
• Light pink shirts can be worn confidently by most men and a deep burgundy tie will compliment this look very well
• If you wish to play it safe then matching your shirt colour to your tie colour is always acceptable too

How to match the right tie with the right suit

• If you are looking to match a tie to a full suit, begin with the suit first. Buy one which you know looks good on you and which fits you well. Choose your shirt next and then make the tie the finishing touch!
• Be on the lookout for clashing colours or patterns. All stripes is a no no, also do not mix many patterns at once. Combine patterned with plain and take your body dimensions into account when choosing pattern size. Big flowers will swamp a smaller fellow!
• Always combine a mix of small stripes with larger when wearing a pin striped suit and tie.
• Colours should harmonise and balance!
• Be careful with checks, you don’t want to look like Rupert the Bear!

If in doubt, keep everything simple. A simple white shirt and dark suit can look amazing with a patterned or coloured silk tie. Keep having fun with your ties and it will all come together! 

GET YOUR PAINT ON - CHUCK TAYLOR STYLE

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR "BLANK CANVAS" SNEAKERS - UTRECHTArt supply Mecca Utrecht has an exclusive that is getting major attention from art fans from coast to coast.  Converse Chuck Taylor "Blank Canvas" sneakers are available at Utrecht now!  Available in low and high tops, and as of this week - kids sizes!   The shoes are popular with kids of all ages and are found at the center of attention at birthday parties with themes of all types.   Quickly becoming a favorite with artists, the shoes also disappear once they have been customized.   I'm sure you have already seen them without knowing it.

Customized kicks already have cult status and finding them for $250 orSBTG CUSTOM CHUCK TAYLOR - CLICK TO LEARN MORE higher is not uncommon. 

Fendi had a handbag similar to the blank canvas sneaker FENDI PAINT IT YOURSELF HANDBAGa few years back.  The limited edition bag came with a set of magic markers to custom design your one-of-a-kind bag.   Too bad most luxury shoppers aren't as in touch with their inner artist as the Chuck Taylor fans are!  ** Fendi is re-launching the iconic baguette this year!

Get your own blank canvas kicks now.   Make them part of any party you are having for kids of all ages - even those 50 and older!   Visit Utrechtnow - point and click and get them shipped ASAP.