2011 Tribeca Film Festival - Neon Flesh

Perhaps my favorite part about now living in New York City is that all those exciting events that I used to see covered in the news and magazines are literally just a few city blocks away.  Case in point: the Tribeca Film Festival.  Before my relocation the only access I gained to this event was through the lens of E! News' camera. This year however, I had the privilege of attending a screening of one of these cinematic masterpieces: Neon Flesh (Carne de Neon).

Quick History: The Tribeca Film Festival was founded by Jane Rosenthal, Robert DeNiro, and Craig Hatkoff in hope of raising tourism and vitality into the neighborhood.  

The film: Neon Flesh is a Spanish film written and directed by Paco Cabezas.  It tells the story of Ricky, who was left alone on the streets when his prostitute mother was sent to jail.  Due to his desire to gain acceptance from the mother he barely knows, Ricky sets a plan in motion that will tangled and threaten to destroy the lives of everyone around him.

While I was hesitant at the start of the film, I was instantly hooked. Despite what appears to be an excessive amount of violence, sexism, and impossible chance occurrences many themes are still evident.   Messages such as: the great measures a child would take to gain a mother's love as well as the sacrifices a parent makes for the safety of their children are just a few examples.  My favorite underlying message is perhaps the fact that despite a harsh life full of drugs, sex, and violence, one doesn't have to lose what they believe - as evident throughout Ricky's actions and choices. 

While I detest action movies of today, Neon Flesh shows that action movies can be just as fulfilling as some drama films.  Perhaps because it doesn't rely on an overdose of special effect tools to do its work.  If one has an opportunity to see this film, I would recommend you jump at the chance!

Sunday Brunching in New York City

Thanks to a little show called Sex and the City a spotlight had been casted on a little tradition called weekend brunching.  What more can someone ask for than the freedom to wake late and catch up with your nearest and dearest over fresh made waffles and bellinis?

Brunching in the city however can be much more complicated than it sounds.  The concept of brunching is probably as old as the city itself.  As a result, many restaurants overcharge their brunch menus.  As much as I love a good omelet with my mimosas, I can't bring myself to fork over $50+ for the simple meal.  Worst part of it is that the food never lives up to expectations - congealed eggs and cold potatoes come to mind. That's all not considering that good service is hard to come by - even in the finest first-class locations.  Many servers throw you your food and push you out in order to serve the next table.

With all of this in mind, one has to plan their restaurant with great care.  This is how the Jane Restaurant in the West Village was such a treasure to find.  With its intimate bohemian climate and accommodating staff, it's all you can ask for.  The best part however is its food.  A fine selection of eggs benedict and omelets are there for your choosing; their incredible french toast however should not go ignored!  

A fabulous brunch should be with fabulous friends! :-)

There was one word that properly described the food experience of Jane Restaurant: Throat-gasmic!!

Top Spring 2011 Trends from LIM College

LIM College hosted its annual spring fashion show on Friday, April 8th with much anticipation.  With a line that circled around the block, hundreds gathered at the Roseland Ballroom in Midtown for the unveiling.  The night's theme was "A Night with the Pharaos."


The parallel runways were sprinkled with draping neutrals, bold color, and statement jewels that reflect the lost styles of ancient Egypt. These are just a few of my favorites of the night:

Animal instincts should definitely be unleashed this season. Keep it to one statement pieces, or go all-out like this asymmetrical dress and simple black sandals.

Hem lines are longer this season, draping below the knee. An update to last season's neutrals is a draping effect. 

The full skirt is back! The lengths are not only getting longer, the skirts are getting fuller.  A recall from the classic styles of the 40's and 50's. It's all about highlighting the waistline! 

This look proves that white doesn't have to be boring! 
Playing with texture and adding embellished jewelry will
bring excitement to any white ensemble! All just in time for spring!

 Keeping to this year's 70's trend, bold vibrant colors were also present - Cleopatra jewel detailing a must by the way!

My favorite of the night?  The Herve Leger of course! :-)

Final walk - A job well done!

With the fabulous Seira Abe!

Front row ready at the pre-show

If you're going New York, you gotta get that trench coat!

As Spring creeps its way into the city, so does the unpredictable and confusing weather.  One day you ditch the puffer jackets and scarves and reach for a cardigan to put over your new dress; the next day it's snowing outside, this seriously happened a few weeks ago.

Humphrey Bogart's trench
 in the classic film Cassablanca

And of course, with Spring comes rain.  But not any kind of rain, cold rain that's pierces through your skin like ice blades.  The rain comes whenever it feels ready to fall from the sky, which had me asking: What jacket do I reach for in the morning?

The solution came to me while watching my favorite classic, Breakfast at Tiffany's.  What I need was... a trench coat!  Not one of those fashion trench coats that's only for show. I'm talking about a real waterproof, fully lined, tradition trench coat.  It surprised me that such a simple solution took so long for me to realize.  I mean, trench coats are so chic, so timeless and classical, so very NYC! I had to act immediately, good trench coats with the perfect fit are hard to come by. And so, after weeks of frustration and too many retailers to count, I finally got my own version of this timeless classic. My choice? DKNY's Envelope Collar belted trench! Bring on those April showers NYC! 

Audrey Hepburn donned a classic trench for
the final scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Harry Potter's Emma Watson posed for Burbery's
  2010 Spring/Summer campaign

History Blast- How did it all start? Trench coats were popularized during WWI when French and British soldiers were looking for a better alternative to their heavy serge greatcoats.  The trench coat became an optional item of dress in the British Army, and was obtained by private purchase by officers and Warrant Officers Class I.  No other ranks were permitted to wear them.  Thomas Burberry submitted a design to the UK War Office in 1901.  Burberry trench coats still stand the test of time.

In my new trench while strolling Soho's cobblestone streets.