THE 100 - MADE UP OF CREDIT CARDS & COMPUTER CHIPSIt was late October when Arianna Huffington hosted her HuffPost's 2011 Game Changers Event.  The night was a celebration of the 100 innovators, visionaries, and leaders, who as Arianna puts it -are changing the world and the way we live in it.    Huffington gave her readers 12 categories to choose from including Politics, Media, Green Technology, etc.   One from each category was chosen to be honored on a cool New York night in October.ANDREW CUOMO & ARIANNA HUFFINGTON 

Aside from Kim, the event was a really smart evening, honoring brilliant people in Science, Medicine, and Charitable causes.  Of course, Huffington herself is at the top of any Game Changer list.   Arianna proved once again that America is the place where dreams can become reality.  BELLES OF THE BALL - NICOLE ARRIGO & SIA SANNEHWhen a girl from Greece moves to America and works her way up from political housewife, to syndicated columnist, to media personality,  to Editor in Chief of a company she has sold this year for $315 Million,  that has American dream written all over it.   Huffington is as smart as a whip and charismatic as can be.  Undoubtedly the magic combination of brains and charm made her success possible.   But the point is that there are women in countries all around the world with brains and beauty and charm that are not given the chance to shine.   Instead they are routinely passed over and held back by the men who run the establishment.  

I expected to meet people of great substance at the Game Changers event, but I never expected to see some really stylish women!  I was pleasantly surprised to find the sexiest dressed woman of the night was also one of the smartest.   Nicole Arrigo is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University - excuse me!!  That's right, forget everything you thought about scientists spending all their time in lab coats, because Nicole proves there is a whole new generation that are highly educated, and also appreciate great style.   When I saw Nicole across the room in this awesome printed dress, my first thought was Stella McCartney.   When I asked Nicole if it was Stella, her face lit up with a smile as she laughingly said "I wish".  I'm guessing Postdoctoral Research Scientists aren't paid nearly as much as fashion models, too bad!   In any event, Nicole was right on trend from head to toe and I really have to commend her on the great work her talented team is doing at Columbia involving infectious diseases.   The lovely lady with Nicole, also very chic in her little black dress is Sia Sanneh.  Ms. Sanneh is a Yale educated Lawyer and much sought after professor at Columbia.. I told you the room was chock full of smart!  JOHN PRENDERGAST - ENOUGH PROJECT

Ms. Sanneh is also the wife of John Prendergast, one of the honorees of the night.   Mr. Prendergast is a human rights activist and founder of the Enough Project - an organization to end genocide and crimes against humanity.  The project is focussed primarily on the crisis in the Sudan, Congo, and areas in Africa where some of the worst atrocities in the last century have occurred.  

For this debonair crowd, fashion was really just the icing on the cake - refreshing!

Thank you to Ms. Arrigo, Ms. Sanneh, Mr. Prendergast, and of course Ms. Huffington for making the world a better place one day at a time.  click HUFFINGTON POST GAME CHANGERS to read more.

JASON JOBSON & JUDITH LYNCH AT FERRAGAMOReaders of this site know that sales of any kind are not the usual topics covered on any of our pages.   In fact, in the three years since I launched aLIFEofSTYLE.com, I have never written about the oh-so-popular designer resales.   Although the requests come in regularly, I've never felt comfortable giving one my stamp of approval.  COCO'S PROFILE - CALF/ FELT W/ COSTUME JEWELRY That is, until this month!  A very special private sale is happening now in Michigan and it is one that any serious fan of designer handbags should not miss.    It makes sense that a super chic woman is behind this rare event.  GUCCI TOTE & DRAWSTRING IN PRISTINE CONDITION Judith Lynch has style by the mile, and she is that special type of collector that has put her on the "best customer" list of the biggest names in fashion.   Ms. Lynch is a trunk show staple at the Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue in Troy, Michigan - however that's just when she is in her home town.   A connoisseur of fashion like Judith has the private numbers of sales associates in New York and Beverly Hills, and she has been known to do some serious shopping in Florence, Paris, and a list of international cities.  Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel are among her favorites, as well as Dior and Celine - and her inventory is in the hundreds.

In all my years in the industry, I have never seen a collection like Judith's. VINTAGE LOUIS VUITTON VALISE  In fact, I personally witnessed many of the purchases made in Troy, during various events and trunk shows over the years.   If a handbag was unique or limited, Judith was drawn to it.   Like a serious collector of fine art or jewelry, Ms. Lynch has the skill of an editor.   Her natural instinct and style gives her the ability to look at a collection of thirty bags and know which will be the top three or four best sellers.   Obviously one smart cookie, it is no surprise that Ms. Lynch has an engineering degree and has worked in the automotive industry for many years.  Even with the tremendous challenges that industry has seen, Lynch remains a sought after consultant in the field, specializing in drive systems.  Style and brains - winning combination!CHANEL COSTUME JEWELRY - NECKLACE, BRACELET, EARRINGS

It makes sense that handbags have attracted a serious class of collectors over the last ten years.   The quality and savoir faire that are utilized to create these bags has never been higher or finer.   Certainly, the price points too have reached astronomic levels.    Putting everything in perspective - handbags and shoes have risen dramatically when compared to ready to wear clothing.     When I worked with Thierry Mugler fifteen years ago, a skirt suit retailed for $3,000.00, and that was one of the most expensive in the industry. CHANEL -PINK TWEED CLASSIC  At that time, it was possible to purchase a designer handbag on the main floor of Neiman Marcus for $800 - $1,000.00.    Fast forward fifteen years and a designer skirt suit is now about $4,000.00 - (typically broken up as a $3,300.00 jacket and $900.00 skirt).    Handbags on the other hand now regularly retail for 3, 4, and $5,000.00 from many designers - some with no legacy at all.  So while clothing has increased 30% to 40%, bags have increased 4 to 500%!     Serious collectables indeed!

Ms. Lynch's love of designer creations doesn't stop with handbags. CHRISTIAN DIOR TOTE WITH HARDWARE  Her collection of costume jewelry is probably the largest private collection in the U.S., and that means - probably in the world!   In many cases, Judith would buy multiples of the same style - keeping them intact and ticketed - just as any true collector would!

Just like many who collect antique furniture, fine art, or jewelry, Judith has reached the point where she is finished collecting.   No one can say when or why, put only the collector knows when they are done.  Judith and I caught up at a Ferragamo Creations event in Troy and she let me know she was planning her sale.WRIST TO ENVY! - ARM FULL OF LOUIS VUITTON RESIN BRACELETS    After gifting dozens of items to friends and family, she has decided to sell her carefully cataloged and organized collection.  The bags are kept packed away like little works of art, and they are carefully stored in a professional facility.  Judith plans to arrange small group showings, or one on one appointments before the holidays, and a public sale sometime in the new year.

This opportunity is not to be missed, and I highly recommend passing along this information to any fashion fan you have in your life! 

To inquire about this most spectacular collection-Click- Email Judith

STARBUCKS - GIVING BACK TO AMERICANSIn addition to creating tens of thousands of jobs for hard working Americans, the coffee giant has seeded a program to help even more Americans get back to work.   For every $5.00 you donate, you get a made in the U.S. red, white, and blue bracelet with the message - INDIVISIBLE.   Click over to Starbucks site to see how your $5 donation, actually turns into $35.00 in the community. 

Bravo Starbucks!CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION   If all corporate giants took similar actions - the unemployment rate in this country would fall.  Let's hear from other corporations that have a plan to help the U.S. economy!

Don't forget to order your gift cards today... trust me - who wouldn't appreciate one?

JANE'S CAROUSEL - DUMBO, BROOKLYNIf you haven't been to Brooklyn recently, you don't know Brooklyn.  The borough with some of the liveliest residents and most famous reputation, has been undergoing a transformation in every way.  New parks, new housing, and new transportation.  You name it, it's new.  From the massive Ikea in Red Hook, to the gourmet market Foragers in DUMBO, there are new things to discover every day.THE HAPPY HORSES - JANE'S CAROUSEL

One of the most beautiful additions to the borough is Jane's Carousel.   A full scale carousel from 1922 that took 25 years to restore is not something you see every day.   A gift from Jane and David Walentas, the carousel is the icing on the cake of the newly developed Brooklyn Bridge Park.   DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass)is the lucky neighborhood to receive this beautiful addition, and the Walentases basically created and own DUMBO, via Two Trees Management.  David is a developer with an eye on the future, and wife Jane is an artist with an eye for design.  The two purchased the carousel at auction in the early 80's saving it from being broken off and sold piece by piece. JEAN NOUVEL PAVILLION - JANE'S CAROUSEL

The steel and glass structure that now houses the carousel is designed by world famous Architect- Jean Nouvel.   The sleek structure is as modern and clean as the carousel is vintage and detailed, and the two are a perfect compliment to each other.   Of course, the setting on the East River between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge, and backdropped by lower Manhattan creates just about the most postcard worthy pictures you can imagine!

Housed in a nearby brick warehouse (next to St. Ann's Warehouse Theater) for the past 20 years, you can almost see the horses smiling about their new home! READING THE WHOLE STORY - JANE'S CAROUSEL

Visit the Carousel anytime.  Open or closed, it is a great place to visit.  DUMBO is also the easiest area to visit in Brooklyn for all you Borough-phobes.   You know who you are.. in fact, I used to be one.  Trust me, taking the F train to the first stop in Brooklyn is about as easy as it gets.  JANE'S LOGO AGAINST THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE The whole trip takes about 15 minutes from 34th street in Manhattan.

JANE'S CAROUSEL - DUMBO, BROOKLYN

AMY WINEHOUSE DIES AT 27

British singing sensation Amy Winehouse was found dead today.  At age 27 she joins a tragic list of legends, who like herself struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.   Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, & Jimi Hendrix all died of overdoses at 27.  Kurt Cobain committed suicide at 27.  Winehouse's death is likely to be ruled an overdose, but it was also a suicide.  How else can you describe actions so reckless?  While Winehouse had a voice that set her apart from most female performers of her generation, however it was her very public addiction to drugs and alcohol that stole the spotlight as her fame grew.   Her last performance earlier this month in Serbia was a disaster, with Winehouse being booed off the stage.

Winehouse's sexy style became as famous as her voice right from the beginning.   A mix of Bettie Page "kitten with a whip" overt sexiness, with a dose of grunge thrown in to cool it off.   Her style influenced fans and fashion designers around the world.  She can be credited with bringing back the big hairstyles ala the 50's and 60's.  (MTV Media monster Snooki is sure to have copied the style).

It is a sad day for music, and humanity.  That someone would allow themselves to destroy a life so rewarded seems unbelievable.    Someone could have, and those close to her should have helped.  

It seems her BACK TO BLACK  album will be the last we remember her for.   The songs were destined to be classics, but with her overdose Amy made sure it happened even faster.   Her most famous song to date was ironically titled Rehab.     Click the Album cover here to visit itunes now.  I know I'll be listening to all the songs again now myself. 

The mention of music and hills might have you thinking of Julie Andrews twirling on a mountain top in Austria - but I'm referring to rolling hills much closer to NYC.   The picturesque setting of the Poconos is home to the best new music festival in the country.   The Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival was founded in the Summer of 2010 and was a smash success.  With a focus on music education, the festival made an immediate impression on a wide range of music fans - from the novice student just starting to express an interest - to the seasoned professionals who have generously joined the festival.  This unique program brings together classical music lovers at both ends of the spectrum.ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - PETER MARK

The festival was the brainchild of Dr. David Mazza of NYC.   A homeowner in the Buck Hill Falls & Skytop community, Dr. Mazza was inspired to promote his interest of classical music through an educational approach.   Education is really at the core of the festival, and it was how Mazza was able to assemble a dedicated board of directors and creatives in a short period of time.  Acclaimed Opera Coach, Master class teacher, & Conductor Peter Mark is the founding Artistic Director of the festival.   HISTORIC SKYTOP LODGE Mark's commitment to the program is a testament to the quality and integrity of what is being created at the Buck Hill Skytop Festival.  

The setting for the now annual event is the historic Skytop Lodge.   Just a two hour drive from NYC and Philadelphia, Skytop is an excellent weekend destination any time of year.   With a range of outdoor activities from horseback riding, to skiing, to golf - the lodge has a storied past dating back to 1928.  (The modern spa facility was a welcomed addition to the amenities in recent years and has made Skytop host to many weekend spa retreaters).   Skytop lodge and the BHST Music Festival are featured on the official website for the Poconos region.SKYTOP LODGE AND THE AMAZING VISTA

The festival has a wide range of programs to enjoy with a wide range of price points - from $20.00 for a morning show to $150.00 for a performance with dinner.  To see the 2011 program - scheduled July 22-30th - click BUCK HILL SKYTOP TICKETS.    Why not drive out for the day, experience a great performance, and then retreat to the Inn for some peaceful R&R - many make it a seasonal trip. (book now as the Inn fills up FAST).   It's a great way to spend a relaxing weekend and support the arts and art education.  With a suggested donation of $10.00 - you can even catch a production of CARMEN this Summer on Saturday July 23rd.

Once you spend a weekend in the Buck Hill Falls & Skytop community - you might not want to leave.  After all, with thousands of acres as your back yard - who wouldn't want to call this picture perfect post card setting home?   To view real estate in Buck Hill Falls - visit Buck Hill Falls Real Estate  See you at the Festival!! 

BLONDIE - THE BANDWith all the talk of the end of the world, I thought if anyone should profit from "the rapture" it should be Debbie Harry herself.   After all, the blond bombshell was so ahead of her time when she released this single and video on the early 80's.   Before any other female artist - Blondie was rapping and doing it alongside Fab 5 Freddy!

Click over to itunes and download Rapture now!  If the world is ending Saturday - what's one more itunes charge?  Watch the video below.

See you on the other side!