Shine Brightly!

Snow is not my friend.  We do not like each other.  I am a warm weather girl, but I cannot imagine actually living anywhere other than New York City, so I suck it up and take the bad with the good.  I have, on occasion, contemplated Los Angeles, but every time I visit I feel a bit alien and am anxious to return home to my city.  I have been accused of being an elitist New Yorker (granted, it was by my parent's neighbor in FL who had to ask what a fig was when I described how I had stuffed them with blue cheese and wrapped them in prosciutto for an appetizer).  But, I digress...

So, I just took the long way around or the scenic route to simply say that I hate snow, but love New York!  Suffice it to say that it takes a very special occasion to get me out of my sweatpants and warm, dry apartment and into sub-freezing temperatures, wicked winds and slushy puddles.  Well, yesterday was one of those very special occasions.  I risked the tundra and nearly got 'taxi splashed' all over my charmeuse to attend the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Awards.  My very dear friend and talented jewelry designer, Wendy Brandes, was among the five finalists in the fine jewelry category.  BRAVO!

Center: Rising Star finalist in the fine jewelry category, Wendy Brandes

Left to Right: me, BarbaraB, Christine, WendyB, Alyssa, Tina

Tensions were high in Cipriani's grand ballroom, but Team Wendy was confident.  FGI President, Margaret Hayes, introduced host, Jamie Pallot of Conde Nast who cleverly joked, "Snow is the new black."  Keynote speaker, Norma Kamali gave an inspiring speech and commended all of the finalists for achieving what only the most elite in the industry have.  And that is not an understatement.  Although WendyB may not have won (this time!), it was an extremely close race and she could just as easily have taken home the award yesterday.  Congratulations Wendy!!! 

Hot Kamali

Norma Kamali is one of the most diverse and innovative designers to date.  She runs the gamut from puffer jackets to bathing suits and in every category, Kamali infuses her unmistakable, edgy style.

Anna Kournikova in a Kamali bathing suit in Sports Illustrated, 2004

I did a post on puffer coats back in January when we were all freezing our booty's off in NYC, and I mentioned Ms. Kamali.  So, I thought it is only fitting to do a Kamali bathing suit post since it's been hot, hot, hot!

Kamali bathing suit, 1977

Photo Credit: Fracesco Scavullo for Conde Nast

Her suits are sexy, revealing, head-turning.  They are not for the shy girls, but the bold, confident woman who loves attention and doesn't mind crazy tan lines.

styles from Norma Kamali, OMO Swim (Foil Collection), 2010

It's not too late to make a purchase, summer isn't over yet!  Visit Norma Kamali Swim and check out her 2010 collection -- there is even a special grouping for Wal Mart.  And of course, you've got to pair the suit with Norma's fabulous sunnies.

Kamali sunglasses

Puffers

We've only had two days in January above the freezing mark here in Manhattan and although temperatures are supposed to warm up slightly for the weekend, I know it will be short-lived.   I'm a warm weather and sunshine kind of gal, but a Manhattanite through and through.  So, I just suck it up and tough it out every winter complaining every step of the way!  I generally spend as much time as possible inside during the months of January and February.  Mornings are particularly difficult.  When I feel the cool air on my arm as I stretch for the snooze button (which I've resolved to only hit twice!), I feel like I would sell my soul in exchange for spending the day wrapped in my cozy comforter. 

Fashion takes a bit of a back seat (only slightly) during this time of year because I basically live in my puffy jacket for eight weeks.  On one hand, this is a good thing.  Since I'm covered down to my ankles, it almost doesn't matter what I've got on underneath if I'm just running around town doing errands and such.  But, on the other hand I have a hard time (as do most of you, I'm sure) wearing the same jacket for TWO MONTHS!  I need options, dammit.

Norma Kamali shawl collar puffer

Luckily, Norma Kamali offers a variety of posh puffy jackets. While on a camping trip in 1975, Ms. Kamali came up with her most famous design, the "sleeping bag" coat.  She realized how cozy it was to wrap a huge sleeping bag around her at all times -- not unlike the way I feel snuggled in my comforter every morning.  Stay warm darlings!