Havaianas Does Summer 2015

New York has finally hit beach weather. Brazilian brand Havaianas got summer style fans ready to hit the sand. While the Dream Hotel in NYC's Meatpacking District is a long way from the ocean, hidden on their second floor is a tiny pool and beach club, with sand, cabanas and fresh coconuts to fulfill all of your needs.

Every chic destination I have found ventured near a beach has stocked the gigantic range of these colorful flip flop shoes. South Beach, the Hamptons, Santa Monica, Venice Beach... They make them in every color, print, metallic finish or texture imaginable. You can upgrade them with jewels, you'll find your favorite pop culture icons on them, children and men all have an endless selection to choose from as well.

I challenged a PR rep to actually name how many actual styles were offered if she could. She admitted that it was somewhere around 400-600 styles, but beyond that, she was embarrassed to say she couldn't pin down. The company produces so many looks on a constant basis, that it was impossible to keep track.

My fellow New Yorkers and I were treated to pedicures to coordinate with a pair of summer-ready Havaianas. It was fun watching a bunch of wound up writers awkwardly learn to relax into the beach mentality. As you can see, people could not let go of their laptops and phones, even for a moment.

The appeal of Havaianas over other companies making flip flops is their sense of fun and Brazilian pride. They proudly manufacture in their own country with a commitment to sustainability.  They are major supporters of several organizations like the Ecological Institute and Conservation International.

I love how Havaianas has turned casual beach footwear into a fashion statement for all tastes. They even have a bridal collection for those walking down the aisle in the sand. Thank you Havaianas for being the first brand to give me a taste of summer this year!

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Moussy Japan Invades NYC

There is a not-so-little denim line called Moussy that looks anything but.  The Japanese import has taken residence on a chic stretch of the Meatpacking district.  It takes its inspiration men's jeans originally, then re-styles them with an edgy, feminine fit.  This season has a lot of rock n' roll influence as you can see from the skinny fit and leopard print bottoms.  

Footwear consists of stacked platform heels and boots meant for dancing or kicking undesirables out of the way.  Jewelry has a hardware, Gothic edge.  Vintage-look t-shirts are printed with classic rock images.    

I enjoyed the rope/pulley decor, which I was told was functional (allows displays to be yanked up and down for parties).  

Unlike another Japanese import, a certain cute kitty...This Moussy is no sweet wallflower.

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Urban Zen and Industrial Feng Shui on the Highline

The Highline was originally built between 1929-1934 to lift food-laden trains off the streets to warehouses and factories in what was then the largest industrial district of Manhattan. Eventually phased out, (the last train ran in 1980), the elevated structure was abandoned, covered in graffiti and became a somewhat impromptu 'museum' of discarded beer bottles. (Volunteers found garbage and junk dating from several decades ago).

Now, it has been re-purposed into a very cool public park. The Ipe wood used on the High Line was chosen for its longevity and durability. The High Line's plantings are inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after the trains stopped running. It looks like a lush, wildflower path gone rogue.

Depending on what time of day or week you choose to visit, the park can be overrun with tourists, or a an organic runway of Manhattan chic. Double width lounges allow you to overlook the Hudson river. A stretch under a hotel allow you to converse with the hotties at the Standard. (Be a dear and make sure you don't show up with fanny packs and cheap sneakers please...keep New York beautiful).

Need some art? For Spencer Finch’s "The River That Flows Both Ways" he snapped 700 photos of the Hudson River and crafted a glass pane to match the color of each shot’s center pixel. (First photo).

The layout of the benches, plantings, rails all have a very feng shui sensibility. The overall flow is relaxing and smooth. Benches come from curved beams leading up to the seat. Plantings are staggered into the curves. My chi-loving mother would love it. For more on the design, check out their site.

As of July, there are five entry points, at Gansevoort, 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th Streets, with elevators at 14th and 16th Streets. Park hours are 7am–10pm.

Photos by JakeRome, Dror7, Miss Pior, Marie Ray and David Berkowitz from Flickr's Friends of the Highline Pool.

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