Instyle Magazine's Summer Social

 After a hot, humid summer, the InStyle magazine brought together bloggers for an influencer event of treats and pampering. How nice is it to cool down with stylish peeps you haven’t seen in ages? The party had everything that a heat-exhausted lifestyle writer could need to refresh.

 The summer social was hosted at 404 NYC, a loft-like event space west of Moynihan Station where the new NYFW shows will take place. The main floor hosted a range of cool white wines that I (and clearly everyone else) sampled from Brancott Estate. It was no surprise they were a hit. The Estate also provided sparkling bling for bloggers to enhance their phones. 

Essie nail polish, one of my favorite brands, introduce their new color palette for fall by providing manicures. I particularly liked the copper shade to match the foliage. Next to Essie was a small fashion presentation by Peony, a stylish new athleisure collection. They rocked some easy, flattering tops paired with graphic prints. I like the comfortable but fashion forward look of this collection. I can imagine it being the go-to label soon for every fashionista I know every weekend.

The second-floor lounge was for spa and nibbles. You could get your spray tan on from Sally Hansen or massage from the Think Thin team.  The main attraction, however, was the nibbles from Gardein. I had the opportunity to sample their fall and winter menu at the Single Edition Media blogger event last year. I was happily enjoying their fish and chips and mini-tacos before ever realizing they were vegetarian. I sampled their “chicken” satay and crab cakes this time around. I can honestly say that I was fooled again. I don’t know what kind of chefs or wizards transform the combo of soy and quinoa into these tasty bites, but it works. I am going to try and hunt some down for my party tomorrow night.

The top floor was for hair. The styling gurus from Jose Eber were on hand to consult on your next great look or assess your scalp condition. The handsome team was also on hand to dole out samples of their top products. Meanwhile, the stylists of Sarah Potempa had a station to curl and style the guests to glam perfection. The complex hair creations were quicker than I expected, aided by their signature range of curling irons and tools.

At the end of the summer, the Single Edition Media and InStyle Magazine Summer Social was exactly what was needed! Now onward to fall.

Disclosure: This post was presented by Single Edition Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Single Edition Media.

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Instyle's $3000 Shopping Spree and Holiday Gift Guide

Thanksgiving week means the pressure of holiday shopping is ON! One of my favorite sites, InStyle.com is helping busy people like us with a curated pop-up boutique until December 27th.  How about something even more helpful?  Enter to win InStyle.com’s $3000 shopping spree to make gift shopping really easy, especially when it comes to treating yourself.

I browsed through the InStyle holiday boutique selections and was most fond of their designer fashion and accessories offerings.  They have chosen over thirty fashion forward brands to feature.  My personal holiday party strategy leans to luxurious fabrics in black or red in lace, velvet and sparkly embroideries.  On my shopping list for the next soiree is the sexy Nic & Joe top paired with a sequined mini-skirtfrom Garnet Hill.  When it comes to jewelry, I love rich jewels in deep colors and the more bling, the better.  On my wish list, (hint hint) are Marco Bicego’smulti-gem drop earrings.   I have a weakness for big statement rings and jewel studded watches too.

Handbags are an easy gift for me or for any of the stylish women in my life.  For this season, metal hardware embellishments and snakeskin textures are hot.  Longchamp or Dooney & Burke is eternally on my (and my sister’s) gift list.  I am coveting Longchamp’s crossbody clutch or the big red and black Dooney &Burke shopper (and it can hold gifts for others!).  A more wallet-friendly option would be Kenneth Cole’s studded red bag that looks great at parties.

You can’t forget shoes.  The silver and black leather pumps from Kenneth Cole are also going to be my go-to dancing shoes for late nights of the holidays. 

Some of my favorite romantic gifts, even to myself are sets of luxurious lingerie.  Again, I love black and red.  Figleaves has a beautiful collection this season at some reasonable prices.  I am partial to their Pour Moi set. 

Seeing my loved ones open their gifts is the best moment of the holidays for me.  Imagine how much fun you can have surprising them with a fashionable $3000 shopping spree that you could spend together!  Well, you have to be in it to win it, so make sure you enter the InStyle Holiday Boutique sweepstakes before December 27th, 2013. 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by InStyle via Single Edition Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of InStyle.

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Win a $1000 Shopping Getaway to NYC and View InStyle in 3D!

Talk about interactive magazine experience… This month’s InStyle holiday issue has a few added features that you don’t usually find in print media. The special gift giving section is set up so you can participate in an interactive three-dimensional experience with the help of a webcam and internet. Click: InStyle Gifting in 3D to download the plug-in and immerse yourself into their most stylish picks for gifts. You’ll find messages for deals, tips, and you can even make your favorite items go viral!

Once you are sufficiently wowed by this new technology (think Matrix meets Neiman Marcus, or Lawnmower Man made over by Chanel). You can be really nice to yourself and a girlfriend … Enter to win the trip for two to NYC with a $1000 shopping spree. Click through to InStyle’s sweepstakes here and when you get to New York, I’ll share my best brunch spots over a cocktail!

Good luck, shop chic and beware the blue pills!

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