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 4th. And stay tuned for my final unveiling of our looks on the webisode of this extravaganza this Friday!
