Fashion

Last night, I caught a glimpse of the always-gorgeous Jamie-Lynn Sigler with Joe Jonas, as well as Dominic Monaghan, while sipping champagne at the ultra-chic, intimate Sayers Club in Hollywood. The occasion: a private celebration of the GQ November music issue and the new GUESS online miniseries with the fashionable, Brooklyn-hip-hop-style-inspired Theophilus London, who gave a special live performance. Also in attendance were TV stars and hosts galore, such as 90210′s Shenae Grimes, and of course GQ Luxury Advertising Director Brendan Coolidge Monaghan.

Check out the miniseries exclusively on the GUESS Facebook page. And thanks to GUESS for inviting us to this amazing event!

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I was honored to be chosen by legendary costume jeweler Miriam Haskell to be one of two bloggers they partnered with for the launch of their new collection with Decades. Along with Brooklynite Lucy Laucht,  I was tasked to interpret the collection’s Uptown/Downtown vibe.  If you’ve followed my style blog The Hsu Closet, it shouldn’t be difficult to guess that I was chosen to play the Uptown role and spent the day yesterday capturing some of my favorite haunts north of 57th St.

I captured the quintessential early morning Park Avenue shot, an essential part of an uptown wardrobe, and a very uniquely uptown treat, and of course, the uptown gal’s drink of choice. The day culminated at the Lisa Perry store where Miriam’s new collection was presented alongside a wonderfully curated selection from Decades.

Miriam Haskell and Decades also popped up a downtown shop at Soho House, featuring a distinctly downtown selection of clothes and accessories.  Both stores are a must visit- not just to admire the jewelery collection but also to find some seriously amazing vintage and like-new clothing.  The only downer of the day was finding a pair of dream Jimmy Choos, one size too small.

If you would like to visit the pop-up shops (and you definitely should), RSVP to the Soho House or Uptown at Lisa Perry by emailing rsvp@dtwo1.com. Follow Miriam Haskell on Twitter and Facebook for more up to date info!

I am so starved for a shopping spree, I’m obsessing over way too many things to count right now. But the cotton blend Emerson Black Suit has been lingering on my mind the longest. Each piece, sold separately, is bound to stay in my wardrobe forever.

Of course, at $594 (that’s $188 for the ankle-length Little Black Pant, $228 for the jacket and $178 for the belted skirt), I might have to wait. Of course, I’d also have to get the Emerson White Shirt, $128, the currently sold-out Oil Linen Cummerbund Belt, the Bag-O-Turtlenecks, $58, and every blouse on the site … oh, and the new London Coat, $368, and the Emerson hot-pink-lined Camel Coat, $315, and … gee, is there anything Emerson makes that I don’t want?!?

Donatella Arpaia, that is. You may have visited one of her many numerous restaurants, seen her sitting next to Jeffrey Steingarten as one of the judges on Iron Chef America or recognize her as the winner of Meatball Madness, beating out chefs like Andrew Carmellini. She returns to the New York Food and Wine Festival September 29th to defend her title. We caught up with her before her meatball battle and next big project: the birth of her baby! Read on to see what pregnant chefs crave and her favorite munchies in New York City.

The Daily Obsession: Legend has it that you used to be a corporate lawyer before going into food. How did you decide to make the switch and why? Were you wrestled with indecision?

Donatella Arpaia: I grew up in the restaurant business and my father and brother are both restaurateurs so it’s in my DNA, but from early on I was encouraged to be a lawyer. I enjoyed the study of law but hated the practice of it. At the time I was living in a small studio above my brotherls restaurant, Cellini on 54th st. I was grabbing a bite at the bar when I saw my brother needed help because his hostess didn’t show up I got up and pitched in. That was it! I knew at that moment I needed to change directions. I struggled a bit because I studied so hard and a lot was invested in my education, but really, I had no doubt about the change of course I was about to embark on. I never looked back!

TDO: For many people, pursuing a career in food is a dream—what advice would you give to them for success?

DA: Food is a wonderful and exciting ride but many people have only a very limited idea of what the reality of this industry is like. It’s hard ! I recommend they work in area of food they are interested in to get a really good taste of the reality of this industry. You must be extremely committed and passionate to succeed. (more…)

Layering is a necessity as the weather transitions from warm to cool. We’ve been looking to the Dawn Baker Essentials collection for…well, essentials! Dawn Baker (a triple-threat – Emmy-nominated costume designer, stylist and boutique owner) created chic, must-have pieces that will work year-round. We’ve picked two of our favorites below!

While the weather still has some warmth, choose the Long Sleeve Raglan Sweater in Linen/Cotton. Skimming your body, the shape is open, slouchy and casually sexy. It’s light and airy enough to throw on over a swimsuit or tank top, yet cozy enough to keep warmth when there’s a bit of a chill to the air.  When the days turn even colder, we’d turn to the Cashmere version of the same style. Ultra soft and enveloping, it’s perfect to keep you warm. We’d totally throw it on with a favorite pair of jeans and a cute pair of booties for the weekend.

To view more styles and to shop, visit dawn-baker.com.

Click to enlarge. What are your favorites?

I recently went to a blogger event at the Rossano Ferretti Hairspa in Beverly Hills, where I had the pleasure of getting a Shu Uemura Art of Hair conditioning treatment and a blowout. Let me tell you, they sure know how to treat a client. I was immediately impressed by the staff’s honesty, grace, personal attention and passion for hair.

While I didn’t have time for a haircut, I did watch lead stylist Michele Finessi work his magic on another blogger’s hair, and I was extremely flattered when he began spontaneously studying my face I was getting the conditioning treatment. “I want to cut,” he said in his heavy Italian accent, gesturing with his hands. He recommended taking off some weight (I’m in that weird in-between stage) and keeping the length just above my chin in the front to expose my “beautiful” jawline. (Seriously, I wanted to hug him.)

Then, when it came time for my blowout, stylist Christian Serafini used a diffuser on my naturally straight hair to bring out whatever slightly wavy, sexy texture he could find. During what felt like a 45-minute hair massage, I thought, “Wow, my hair looks messy.” But afterward, I thought, “Wow I feel like sex on a stick!” (I have NEVER used a diffuser on my hair. I’m buying one right away.)
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More pictures after the jump. (more…)