2017 Lupus Handbag Luncheon Supports Science with Style

NEW YORK, NY – April 4, 2017. Nearly 300 prominent women and men from New York’s fashion, society, entertainment, publishing, philanthropic and lupus communities came together today to raise funds for lupus research. The 8^th annual Lupus Handbag Luncheon & Silent Auction was the first hosted by the Lupus Research Alliance, formed by the recent merger of the Alliance for Lupus Research, Lupus Research Institute and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation.

Lauren O’Steen Yetman from Ted Baker is wearing head-to-toe Ted Baker!!

Maria Travlos from Montreal is wearing Tristan & Iseut.

Betsy Cherkasky is wearing a classic leather top with pants by Worth. Her scarf is Hermes, her bag is by Fendi and her shoes are made by Aquatalia.

Nadine Spring is wearing a dress by Banana Republic, shoes by Calvin Klein, a bag by Michael Kors. Her scarf is a treasured gift from someone who went to Turkey.

Andrea Abrams is wearing a Delpozo jacket, her pants are by St. Laurent, shoes are by Gucci. David Chines is wearing a Valentino suit, his shoes and shirt are by Gucci.

Viktoria Cameron is wearing a MaxMara dress, Her bag is Hermes.

Carla Alalu is wearing a Chloe top with Alice & Olivia slacks, and is carrying a Karen Mitre bag. Karen Mitre is wearing a Karen Mitre bag, dress by Alexander McQueen. Her boots are by Stuart Weitzman.

Katherine Saunders is wearing a Giorgio Armani outfit with Prada shoes and purple bag for a pop of color.

Women of Achievement Saluted

The 2017 Women of Achievement were: Claudia Cividino, Chief Executive Officer, Bally Americas and Alison Lee, Lupus Warrior, Cancer Survivor and long-time Lupus Advocate and Volunteer. Both honorees have worked with the organization for years in the fight against lupus.

“I knew that accepting the Woman of Achievement award meant that today, April 4, 2017, would become a red-letter day in my life as the moment I shared that I am not an empathetic bystander, but an active participant in this cause as a woman living with lupus myself,” commented Ms. Cividino. “The disease has never defined me but rather, has informed how I lead my life.”

“I also hid my lupus as if it was a shameful secret,” Ms. Lee shared.  “I never wanted to be known as ‘the sick girl’. But when I found this organization, I met other young women with lupus and realized I wasn’t alone, and have no reason to hide. The Lupus Research Alliance is a beacon of hope amid the health battles I face.”

Founder of the fashion and retail services consultancy firm Abrams Global, Andrea Abrams chaired the luncheon, enlisting industry colleagues to donate numerous luxury handbags. Honorary luncheon co-chairs include: Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Former First Lady of New York State, Founder and Chair of Mentoring USA; Jessye Norman, international opera legend and long-time voice for lupus worldwide; and Brett Heyman 2015 luncheon honoree and founder of the fashion company Edie Parker.

2017 Women of Achievement: Claudia Cividino and Alison Lee

The Auction Room

Carole Hochman, Mary Belle

Karen Mitre, Jennie DeScherer, Andrea Abrams

Teri Wilford-Wood

NY’s Leaders Turn Out for Lupus

Many members of the Lupus Research Alliance leadership were actively involved in planning the luncheon including Jennie and Richard DeScherer, Fern Kaye Tessler, Carol Weisman and Teri Wilford Wood.  Noted philanthropists and socialites in attendance included Felice Axelrod, Arlyn Gardner and Joan Sarnoff.

Fashion Luminaries Put Lupus Cure in the Bag

The fashion industry was out in full force with leaders from design, retail and editorial including: Nancy Berger, Publisher, Marie Claire; Carole Hochman, Chief Creative Officer, Carole Hochman Design Group; David Chines, Founder + CEO at COPIOUS ROW; Elizabeth Schweitzer Miller, Director, Merchandise Planning & Allocation at Bloomingdale’s; Laura Pomerantz, Vice Chairman And Head Of Strategic Accounts, Cushman & Wakefield; Velvor Rhone, Chief of Staff, Bloomingdale’s; Claudia Silver, Executive Fashion Director, Town & Country Magazine; and Craig Tharkur, Chief of Staff, Bally. Lupus Research Alliance volunteer and fashion industry leader Mary Belle was an active participant in the Luncheon Committee.

A silent auction featured close to 90 handbags donated by top designers to fund lupus research.  In addition, exclusive “experiences” were a first this year!

“A hallmark of the New York spring season, this year’s luncheon is the first hosted by our new organization,” bringing new perspective, new energy and new enthusiasm,” said Co-CEO Margaret G. Dowd.  “We welcome this increased support as we unify the lupus community behind one mission – to free the world from lupus through the power of science.”

Thanks go to Modern Luxury for providing guests with the latest issue of Manhattan Magazine.

 About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of lupus sufferers are women, mostly young women between the ages of 15 to 44. Women of color are especially at risk. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues and organs — the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

About the Lupus Research Alliance

The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest private funder of lupus research, united to free the world from lupus by harnessing the power of innovative science to make a difference for people living with the prototypical autoimmune disease.  Through the power of collaboration, we are relentlessly focused on seizing every opportunity to transform the lives of all affected – patients, families, loved ones and the entire lupus community.

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Lupus Research Alliance Inaugural Gala Honors Founding Board & Pfizer Inc. – Raises Over $2.5 Million for Lupus Research

November 22, 2016 – New York, NY – The newly merged Lupus Research Alliance celebrated its debut at the Inaugural Gala, uniting the three world leaders in lupus research as the driving force for better treatments and a cure. In just one night, the country’s largest lupus fundraising event raised over $2.5 million – with every dollar going directly to support lupus research. The organization unveiled its iconic new symbol in grand style, marking its identity as the catalyst, champion and creator of scientific innovation in lupus and autoimmune disease.

Lupus Research Alliance Chairman and CEO of the New York Jets, Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV, co-hosted the evening with Vice-Chair Richard K. DeScherer, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Bloomberg L.P. along with founding Board members Robert Pittman, Chairman and CEO, iHeartMedia, Inc. and Carol Weisman, long-time supporter and lupus patient. As emcee, Emmy-winning journalist, lupus advocate and devoted mom to her daughter with lupus, Brenda Blackmon charmed the crowd with her vivacious warmth.

Freda-Lewis Hall, MD, DFAPA, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Pfizer Inc for their ongoing dedication to improving lupus treatment. “Our commitment to patients with lupus is tied closely to our mission to develop new, safe and effective therapies, especially where there is high medical need. We are proud to collaborate with the Lupus Research Alliance because together we are stronger and smarter than either of us alone.”

“We recognize Pfizer tonight as an exceptional partner in the lupus community,” said Mr. Johnson. “The company’s vision closely aligns with our own – to apply the finest science to improve health across the globe. And we share a deep commitment to work not just for the patient, but with the patient to develop the best possible treatments.”

All 18 members of the Lupus Research Alliance Founding Board of Directors were honored for their visionary leadership in uniting the Alliance for Lupus Research, Lupus Research Institute and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation into one organization with a singular quest to free the world of lupus through the power of science.

 

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“Tonight we recognize the leaders who spearheaded this historic merger,” noted Mr. DeScherer. “Every person on our Board either has lupus or cares deeply about someone who does. That personal connection is transformed directly into action to accelerate the emerging science we need to find better treatments and a cure.”

Watch this video to experience the enthusiasm of the 600 guests in the room as the new symbol and identity of the new Lupus Research Alliance came to life in its very first public appearance.

About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of lupus sufferers are women, mostly young women between the ages of 15 to 44. Women of color are especially at risk. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues and organs — the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

 About the Lupus Research Alliance

Born from the merger of three organizations with a common belief in the potential for science to overcome lupus, the Lupus Research Alliance is at the forefront of driving innovative research that can make a difference for people living with the prototypical autoimmune disease. With that shared conviction, the Board of Directors promises to fund all the organization’s administrative and fundraising costs, ensuring that 100% of all public donations go directly to funding research programs to realize our vision of a world free from lupus.

More information can be found at www.lupusresearch.org.

2016 CancerCare Gala Raises $1 Million

Event Honored Bloomingdale’s Frank Doroff and Bristol-Myers Squibb

April 21, 2016 – New York, NY – CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, raised $1,000,000 at its annual Gala, which took place yesterday at Cipriani 42nd Street. More than 500 members of New York City’s philanthropic, fashion and health care communities attended the event, and honored the contributors who make it possible for people with cancer and their families to benefit from CancerCare’s services, including counseling, educational workshops and publications, childcare, transportation to treatment, and financial assistance.

Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman, Bloomingdale’s was honored with the 2016 Help and Hope Award for his commitment to supporting CancerCare’s mission. Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Tony Spring presented the award to Doroff, acknowledging his decades of dedication to the organization, and highlighting his “unwavering commitment to the people who have sought CancerCare’s support.”

Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Tony Spring presenting Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman, Bloomingdale’s with the 2016 Help and Hope Award

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Doroff, who lost his wife, Kate, to cancer at just 49 years old in 1993, shared “I was very lucky to have the support of my family and friends, as well as my Bloomingdale’s family, and often think about others dealing with cancer who do not have this same level of support and resources. I appreciate that CancerCare is there for them in so many ways, during such a difficult time for families and loved ones.”

CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith announced a generous $100,000 gift made by Dorothy Schachne, CancerCare Board of Trustees member, in memory of her husband, David.

CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith and Dorothy Schachne, CancerCare Board of Trustees member, who made a generous $100,000 gift in memory of her husband, David

Goldsmith proceeded to honor Bristol-Myers Squibb with the 2016 Partnership Award for the company’s dedication to helping people living with the disease, and acknowledged the vital role the company played in transforming CancerCare from a community organization to an incredible national resource over the past 73 years. Teresa Bitetti, Senior Vice President, US Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

At the encouragement of Event Chairs Annette and Andrew Pizzo, attendees also offered enthusiastic applause for the CancerCare social workers who serve people with cancer and their families each day, more than a dozen of whom were in attendance. One of the most moving speakers of the evening was Michael Hahn, who lost his wife Karissa to cancer and was joined on stage by his 6-year old son Ryan.  Together, they shared how CancerCare’s Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp helped both of them, along with Ryan’s 9-year old brother Ethan, learn how to joyously celebrate Karissa’s life and connect with other families who were experiencing the same challenges.  Michael reinforced to attendees how important this was to his family, saying “You made a difference in our lives.”

 

Event Co-chairs Annette and Andrew Pizzo; Honoree Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman Bloomingdale’s; Ryan Hahn and dad Michael Hahn, who shared how they were helped by CancerCare; CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith, and Michael Parisi, President, CancerCare Board of Trustees pose at the 2016 CancerCare Gala

Led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Hugh Hildesley, the live and silent auctions featured more than 100 selections of fine wines, exquisite dinners, luxury items, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and vacation getaways. These included a basketball signed by all 11 legendary members of the 1992 Gold Medal Men’s Olympic Basketball Team, tickets to the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” with memorabilia signed by cast member and cancer survivor Javier Munoz, and two 5-course private dinners for 15 guests prepared by Chef Pasquale Martinelli. Auction Co-Chairs were Marsha Palanci & Edward Lauber.

CancerCare Gala 2016 Committee Members include Michael Baraldi, Carolyn Bernstein, John Brierty, Renata and Flavio Figueiredo, Susan and Paul Friedman, Carmen Garcia, Joshua Goldsmith, Jason Greenstone, Renee Nicholas, Elizabeth Ostow, Lori and Michael Parisi,  Heather and Michael Schechter, Cornelia and Rob Spring, Michael Tumminia, Susan Smirnoff and Kirk Zachary, Anna and Burt Zweigenhaft.

Chef Pasquale Martinelli, founder of WarmPalate.com, who donated two dinners to the CancerCare Gala Live Auction which raised $36,000

Cipriani 42nd Street is set up in style for the 2016 CancerCare Gala

 

Supporters John and Gerry Gentile, CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith and Michael Parisi, President, CancerCare Board of Trustees

Cornelia Spring ,Board of Trustees member, Chef Pasquale Martinelli, and Rob Spring

About CancerCare

Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.

To learn more, visit http://www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Celebrates Innovation at Gala 2014

November 24, 2014– New York, NY – The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute raised $2 million at the annual Life Without Lupus Gala to support novel research that can transform patients’ lives while advancing towards prevention and a cure. Close to 600 members of the metropolitan New York’s philanthropic, government, business, art, music, society and health care communities joined to “Celebrate Innovation” in lupus research and care.

Seventeen-time Grammy-winner and beloved singer for seven decades, Tony Bennett was introduced via videotape by his collaborator and close friend Lady Gaga. She noted, “Fighting lupus is a cause very close to me, my family and to my friend, the one and only Mr. Tony Bennett.”

This year’s Gala Honoree Iris Cantor, Chairman and President of the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, was celebrated as a trailblazer in bringing the power of philanthropy to transform medical research and care. Particularly fitting, the award was presented by Herb Pardes, M.D., retired president and chief executive and current executive vice chairman of New York-Presbyterian Hospital’s Board of Trustees. There Ms. Cantor led the creation of the Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center as well as New York’s first men’s health center. She noted, “Philanthropy and innovation go hand in hand. Through philanthropy we can accelerate the path from concept to practice.”

As Scientific Honoree, Bahija Jallal, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, AstraZeneca, Head of MedImmune was recognized for her leadership in helping the company fulfill its commitment to furthering biomedical innovation that can change the face of autoimmune treatment. “We believe great science will bring great medicine.”

As the biggest single lupus event and highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the Gala was appropriately held at another larger-than-life New York institution, the American Museum of Natural History. New York City’s chic crowd came out to support the cause in some of fall’s best looks:

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One of the city’s beloved television personalities, NBC’s Today Show Co-host Willie Geist entertained as Master of Ceremonies for the fourth consecutive year. Opera legend Jessye Norman served as Honorary Gala Chair and Gala 2014 Dinner Chairs were: Jennie and Richard DeScherer; Anna R. Fisch; Susan Golick and Alan Wasserman, D.D.S.; Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; Pamela and Arnold Lehman; and Bing Yao, Ph.D.

Other prominent guests included Former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; philanthropists Edward and Arlyn Gardner; Joan and Arthur Sarnoff; Carol and Michael Weisman; Christina and Robert Baker; and Fox-TV political commentator Jeanine Ferris Pirro; and Miss New York 2014 Jillian Tapper.

 

A live auction conducted by Sotheby’s Chairman Jamie Niven generated donations for research and services to help people with lupus now and in the future. Thanks go to Modern Luxury for providing copies of the latest issue of Manhattan Magazine.

About S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and Lupus Research Institute

Formed over 40 years ago, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is dedicated to advancing lupus research, patient education, advocacy and awareness. In 2000 the Foundation helped launch the Lupus Research Institute to support only bold novel research in lupus – the creativity and innovation needed to drive scientific discovery in this complex autoimmune disease. Together the organizations have generated over $185-million for cutting edge lupus research, delivering many of the most pivotal scientific breakthroughs of the past decade. Today the LRI is the world’s leading private supporter of innovative research in lupus.

Best Dressed Guests: Our 10 Top Looks From S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Hosts the Life Without Lupus Gala 2013: Turning Lupus Research Upside Down

By Cathy Berger

November 26, 2013– New York, NY – The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute raised over $2 million at its annual Life Without Lupus Gala 2013 to support innovative novel research that can improve care while advancing towards a cure.  Nearly 700 members of New York City’s philanthropic, government, business, art, music and health care communities joined to help turn lupus research upside down and patients’ lives around.

Gala honorees Simona and Jerome Chazen were celebrated as pioneers of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and Lupus Research Institute. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg received the Distinguished Public Health Leadership Award in recognition of his many contributions in helping New Yorkers lead healthier lives and for his long-standing support of the organization’s work in improving the well-being of people with lupus.

Mayor Bloomberg stated “The Lupus Research Institute deserves a lot of credit. Thinking about their intellectual capacity focusing on this one disease, it gives you great comfort that we’re making progress and that, hopefully, sooner, rather than later, we’re going to discover what causes lupus, how to prevent it, and how to cure people who already have the disease. On behalf of 8.4 million New Yorkers, I want to say thank you and keep up the good work.”

From ivory ensembles to shades of vivid green to classic black, we were impressed by the colorful display of looks we saw on guests supporting this formidable cause. Here are some of the most notable looks on impressive ladies who grabbed our attention last Monday night.

Sarah Friend is wearing a gorgeous Zac Posen gown in silver. We couldn’t imagine a more flattering dress for this beauty than this halter style open back number, which features a soft, billowing hem.

Cipa Dichter (standing with husband, Misha) opted for a midnight black ensemble, donning a gorgeous simple studded sheath dress with sheer sleeves by Vivienne Tam. Her bag comes from Rio, Brazil as designed by Glorinha Paranagua.

Gwen Marder combined menswear and vintage- two of our favorite trends- by wearing a Magaschoni vest underneath a Petite Bois jacket. Her black sequin pants are vintage, and she carries a vintage beaded bag to complete her look.

Wendy Jeffers pulls off the “anything but a cocktail dress” with a huge dose of style. She pairs her satin-collared Armani jacket with a full skirt by Herve Leger. Her chic eyeglasses are by Alain Mikli.

Alana Levine is a young stunner who keeps things fresh with an emerald green hue J. Crew dress in silk shantung and jewelry styled by Dannijo. The wrap detail dress was perfectly tailored to fit her frame, with the above knee length creating just the right amount of sophistication for this event.

All eyes murmured “wow” when this pair turned for our camera– Alicia Goldstein is wearing a sophisticated black number by Max Mara and is carrying an Edie Parker bag designed by Brett Heyman. By her side is galpal Raina Seitel who rocks a shirred cherry red dress by Beyond Vintage, Both ladies’ shoes are by Jimmy Choo.

Lauren Rosen’s vixenish look is courtesy of an ivory Cushnie et Ochs dress which she styles with sexy stilettos by YSL. She showed just the right amount of skin, while the length and long-sleeves keeps her look chic and elegant.

Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg shimmers in an Oscar de la Renta number that flatters her curves and elevates her exquisite look. Next to her is Carol Weisman looking polished and graceful in a to-die-for classic Chanel maxi dress with a high mock turtleneck. Both ladies are carrying Edie Parker clutches.

Lauren Roberts is sensational in a stunning vintage Chanel suit and Gucci handbag. Next to her is Denise Wohl, wearing an alluring Yves St. Laurent dress paired with a bag from the new elegant and practical handbag collection Deesigns by Dee Ocleppo, aka Mrs. Tommy Hilfiger.

We couldn’t help but notice the statuesque Adrienne Nicole upstairs during dinner as she was rocking a vibrant multicolor Moshood Creations dress with metallic accent that she found in a local independent African Euro boutique.

 

As the world’s biggest fundraising event for lupus, the Gala was held against the fitting larger-than-life backdrop of the whales and dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. NBC’s Today Show Co-host Willie Geist entertained with wit and style as Master of Ceremonies, while Jazz legend and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis literally blew guests away on trumpet.

The Gala was held against the fitting larger-than-life backdrop of the whales and dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is the country’s preeminent organization delivering direct patient services, public education and novel research at a national level. Founded more than 40 years ago in New York City by lupus patients and their families as the first nonprofit to serve the lupus community, it remains the cornerstone of comprehensive care in all five boroughs in the continuous battle for a Life Without Lupus.

Long Island Hospitality Ball 2013: Great Food, Great People, and Great Fashion!

The 2013 Long Island Hospitality Ball at Crest Hollow was a spectacular event with great food, great drinks, and was very well-attended! Some of the delicious restaurants featured at the gala included Mio Posto, Nisen, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Rare650 and many, many more. Guests danced to great music at the VIP party, where an awesome disco band stole the show! An array of beautiful fireworks were set off to add to the beautiful atmosphere at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Upon entering the event, guests were lined up down the street in their cars, and even parked all the way up the block to make sure they made it in to this wonderful evening. Unfortunately, the parking situation was not as great as the food and music, but everyone made the most of it! Of course, it can’t be a fabulous evening without some fabulous fashion, so we made sure to capture the best dressed guests of the night and featured them here for you to see — enjoy!

Alanna Carcich wore a fabulous navy blue jumpsuit by BCBG and topped it off with a bright red bag and great nude pumps.

Edana Brady looked amazing in this black and white classic, knee-length dress that she purchased online at boohoo.com.

Krystie Buccellato looked stunning in this glamorous dress by Naeem Khan that draped in all the right places. Krystie’s classic black pumps were the perfect addition to this great piece.

This beautiful white and black lace dress by BCBG was worn perfectly by Jennifer Petrocelli, matched up with a pair of BCBG black pumps.

K. Shneider, Paul Anthony and Joan Macri were just three of the many fabulous guests of the evening.

Jody Felicetti of Felicetti Brother’s Pizza in Lindenhurst rocking a pair of Gazelle glasses!

Here’s Terry Vogel from Event Kings NY rocking a leopard dress and leopard heels!

Shoes – the Down and Dirty About ‘Um, by Cathy Berger

There are different degrees of shoe-awareness. There are people with “shoe fetishes” – obsessive collectors with Imelda Marcos-like stockpiles that fill closets. There are the Carrie Bradshaws of the world, patrons of Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo‘s high fashion. There are those who seek out form over function and make comfort their main priority over style. Then there are those who never know the right shoe for the occasion.

There are different degrees of shoe-awareness. There are people with “shoe fetishes”, there are the Carrie Bradshaws of the world, there are those who seek out form over function and then there are those who never know the right shoe for the occasion.

I was recently at a reception, and the honoree’s shoes had really seen better days – they needed a scrubbing, a polish and a resoling. I can’t tell you how many people I overheard talking about it. Both men and women noticed. It isn’t just a cliché –shoes really can “make or break the man”.  Sadly, sometimes, we do need to send a favorite pair to shoe heaven.

Why is footwear perplexing? Any pair will provide basic protection from the mean streets of the world. But which to wear can convey so much about ourselves. Even when times are tough, spending a little more on a classically designed, well-made pair of shoes not only shows you are practical (real leather, sturdy stitching, and quality soles last longer and can be repaired over time at a fraction of the original price) but they tend to fit better and be more comfy. Remember this: A good pair will outlast almost any other item in your closet, especially true for high quality men’s shoes and classic women’s designs, like basic pumps, flats, and loafers.

But, some of you may be protesting, what about fashion? What about sexy stilettos, platforms with embellishments, and pointy-toe boots with kitten heels? Shoes are an important fashion statement, and we all know, it often takes some discomfort to look good.

Have you ever seen pictures of women who participated in the ancient Chinese custom of foot binding? It’s extreme, but it’s the result of, for lack of a better term, a “fashion craze” that went overboard. Even today, sitting in a pedicure chair, you can see the evidence of women (and men) who are victims of ill-fitting shoes. Pointy-toe styles cram toes into narrow spaces and can cause ugly, painful foot afflictions down the road. Wearing a shoe that fits well is so important, no matter the trend du jour.

If the proper shoe truly makes the person, then it’s important to wear the right shoe for the right occasion which looks good and feels good. It’s an obvious way to ramp up your social and professional image. When you get right down to it, out of anything you wear, shoes are the clearly the most important element of your style.~

Women’s Mafia Fashionable Fridays: Beauty & Style Gifting Event

Listening to Lora read from her book

J. Rudy Lewis and his staff

J. Rudy bracelet

Lora reads from book

Yanil Flandez, Monroe Steele,Sahra of EffortlessyCool blog

posing with LaDorian Morris

What a fabulous event last night in Soho at Arrojo with the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup Group.  Enjoyed the tousled curls hair styling from Arrojo’s Gardner, and my style consultation from Emily.. really re-thinking my do after our chat!

Lora Condon read from her book Spa Wars – The Ugly Truth about the Beauty Industry – which was hilarious. The book is quite an entertaining read.

J. Rudy Lewis’s new collection was SO unique- I will wear their earrings  tonight 🙂 and have a yearning for the wide cuffs forged from sterling silver with 18K yellow gold accents set with rough diamonds– looks like it is ancient, hugely stylish and could have been buried treasure.

Yanil, Monroe and Sahra were warm hostesses – it was fun getting the group shots with the crowd and LaDorian ~