Photo Credit: The Fashion Reporter; In this photo: Stacey Schieffellin (ybf), Priscilla Monteiro (The Fashion Reporter)

Today was all about girl power as the women of the Make Mine A Million Organization rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange this morning, in style. Being amongst other successful and fashionable women was quite empowering and conversing over champagne and delightful treats was even better at 10am on a Friday just before the long holiday weekend. Do I love my job, YES!  What was even more refreshing was sitting down with successful women entrepreneurs like Lisa Price, who started Carol’s Daughter back in the early 80′s while on The Cosby Show, Stacey Schieffelin, who founded the ybf (your best friend),  Rosa Alfonso, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at American Express, and Julie Goldman, famous for her amazing runners including the breathtaking 196 foot black and white carpet she did for Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries wedding.

Photo Credit: The Fashion Reporter; In this photo: Lisa Price (Carol's Daughter), Julie Goldman (The Original Runner Company), Stacy Straughter (Count Me In/Make Mine A Million)

The highlight of my experience was hearing testimonies particularly from Angela Jenkins, Co-Owner, Bell ’s Professional Services (small business currently growing through M3),  who briefed me on the program’s initiatives. What I’ve gathered from these very influential women is that it takes a certain level of determination and passion in order to succeed. You have to be willing to throw yourself out there and be open to criticism. Never take NO for an answer . Make sure you network beyond your own comfort zone. Always look your best and never limit yourself. Brand your business and let everyone know who you are and what you do upon the first handshake/initial introduction, “Hi, my name is Priscilla Monteiro, and I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Fashion Reporter.com,  online magazine covering all things fashion and we share/license our content to many entities such as NBC, AOl/Time Warner, The NY Post….“.

A link to the bell ringing will be posted to Count Me In’s website www.makemineamillion.org and on YouTube (NYSETV1) following the event. The bell ringing can also be followed via Twitter @NYSE_euronext and @M3Award or on Facebook “NYSE Euronext – Official Page.”

My challenge was to find something to wear to a VIP event while looking chic and comfortable while doing so. I wore a classic 70′s inspired khaki flowy skirt from Hugo Boss, a comfy pair of flats and nautical top with dramatic sleeves from Esprit – something with a little edge but still comfortable enough to shop in for a woman like me who is always on the go.  And then I was off!

Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

My fabulous day at Time Warner Center began at the luxurious Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York, a perfect place to center myself and prepare for my whirlwind of a shopping day. Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York, is a perfect oasis tucked away in the heart of Central Park, perfect for brief lunchtime getaways or extended stays for a discriminating clientele.  The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers a pampering array of services in the most serene of environments.  There, I enjoyed a soothing one hour Holistic Hot Stone Manicure where hot volcanic lava rocks were used to massage my hands followed by a hot paraffin wax to sooth and smoothen my skin. I finished my mani off in one of spring’s trendiest colors, aqua green- a color that reminds me of a tropical water. After this momentary calm, it was off to The Shops at Columbus Circle at Time Warner Center for a long day of shopping!

Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

For my shopping excursion, I was joined by NFL draft pick, Tandon Doss, who I was also dressing for a premiere event later that evening at Samsung Experience in Time Warner Center.  Our first stop was the Thomas Pink store which houses a large range of shirts, ties and accessories. There I selected a very versatile yellow and navy striped tie and silk paisley printed pocket square that can be paired with just about any color suit.

Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

Next up was BOSS Hugo Boss, where I selected timeless black lace-up shoes for Tandon.

Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

We then headed over to the sunglass mecca, Solstice – a must visit for the latest and best sunglass styles. It was there that I picked out a fabulous pair of Jackie-O style gradient Gucci shades in brown,  a very chic jetsetter must-have a timeless pair of sunglasses!

Available at www.solstice.com- Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

Since Tandon had to run to NFL related meetings, we closed out our joint shopping experience at the iconic label, Esprit. The up-to-date, casual yet modern styles from Esprit were the perfect pairing for Tandon’s everyday attire, especially given his upcoming jump into the pro-football arena. There I selected pieces from the understated and sophisticated Spring 2011 collection, including an earth tone suit, and a classic white slim-fit button down to fit and accentuate Tandon’s athletic frame. Perfect for all the formal occasions that will soon be a part of his life as a professional NFL player! Then I went to the women’s section to find my VIP look – a simple yet sexy taupe suede dress that comes just above the knee. I love taupe and flesh tones; they are very timeless and pair with just about anything. Nude is the new black, so I knew that finding shoes would not be hard at all.

My actual day of shopping ended at Stuart Weitzman, who is one of my favorite shoe designers by the way! Stuart Weitzman offers a selection of shoes and handbags for all occasions,  and since I was shopping for a VIP party, I had to pick the hautest shoe in the store -  a double platform heel encrusted with a double row of rhinestones -  what every fashionista needs in her life!

1. Stuart Weitzman ‘Jazziest’ platform sandal, $498 at www.stuartweitzman.com, 2. Esprit ‘Illumination’ necklace, $39.50 at www.espritshop.com, 3. Esprit ‘Spring Bliss’ charm necklace, $45.50 at www.espritshop.com, 4. Esprit ‘Oriental Magic’ necklace, $25.50 at www.esprit.com, 5. Esprit crinkle rayon scarf with crochet trim in white, $25.50 at www.espiritshop.com

Time Warner Center was so good to me. I got everything I needed to prep for my evening without having to travel north, south, east, and west. I was able to grab a bite to eat, along with a Cappuccino at Bouchon Bakery to tie me down and head over to Sephora to grab some make up essentials.  The Shops at Columbus Circle is the perfect place to find every thing you need under one roof. There is nowhere else in New York City where you can get a manicure, touch up your make-up, fine dining or a quick bite to eat, fabulous sunglasses, amazing clothing and a VIP party all under roof!

And here I am with Tandon in our final looks. Time to party!

Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

To enter to win a Mandarin Oriental Manicure at Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York, as well as my statement necklace from Esprit, join Inside The Circle here, which gives you the inside track to everything foodie and fashionista at Time Warner Center. The winner will be announced on their Facebook page on May 4^th. And stay tuned for my final unveiling of our looks on the webisode of this extravaganza this Friday!

Fashion and Football host and curator of The Fashion Reporter.com tackles Fashion Week in front of the 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG with NFL’s finest from Steve Jackson of The St. Louis Rams, Chris Canty, Sam Norfleet, Danny Ware, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown to William Beatty of The New York Giants, who happens to have his very own men’s and women’s collection in the works. As Priscilla gets the inside style scoop from a males perspective she discovers that men share similar interests in the kitchen that women do and also pay close attention to fashion do’s and dont’s so DON’T be caught wearing last season’s look to a current season show.

Video and Stills shot by Roland Hyde/Rol Model Media and Maxine King/Pure Fame Media