The Luxury Spot » Britten

Rock Out With Your… Reeve Rocks Out!

Britten — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:04:37 +0000

Ever feel like you want to do good and have a stellar time, but the bills are due and the recession is hitting you hard? Well, now you have a chance to give back for very little.

Tuesday, July 28th, promises to Keep everyone rockin’ at the Inaugural Reeve Rocks Benefit Concert. “Bringing together some of the country’s finest rock talent to raise money for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The spirit and dedication to get people out of wheelchairs is the driving force behind the generosity of those involved.”

As Christopher once stated, “It comes down to us. You have to take action, and believe me, it works. We have the power to make an enormous difference.”

Check out the four W’s to get your Rock On:

WHAT:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF) will hold its 1st Annual Reeve Rocks benefit concert on Tuesday, July 28th at Le Poisson Rouge featuring up and coming musical acts including the Jamie McLean Band, Edison, and Jesse Reuben. Appetizers and bottle service will be provided by Libation, the Lower East Side’s hottest nightclub.

WHO:

Hosted by Matthew Reeve and Torsten Gross, the evening’s musical acts include:

- Jamie McLean Band: Known for performing alongside musical icons such as Elvis Costello, Widespread Panic, and Dave Matthews, the Jamie McLean Band offers drops of southern roots rock, blues, R&B, funk and soul oozing from their amplifiers.
- Jesse Ruben: Jesse Ruben boasts a trio of sold out CD release shows in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
- Edison: Just off a successful European tour, Edison celebrates an ever-endangered brand of underground rock-n-roll spirit. Fresh off the release of their debut album “Aiming for Honesty”.

WHY:

Proceeds from Reeve Rocks will benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. To purchase tickets, please visit: REEVE ROCKS

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Doors open at 7pm

WHERE:

Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street @ Thompson
New York, NY 10012

Rockumentary+Urban Zen+Michael H.=Rock Punk Extravaganza

Britten — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:18:19 +0000

Having just returned from a relaxing vacay on the Island, Long that is, I was more than up for benefit at Le Poisson Rouge hosted by the debonair Justin Parks, CEO of Scottparks Organization. As an advocate for Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation and a pension for throwing stellar parties, Parks put together a soiree featuring a screening of the rockumentary on Mick Rock and Iggy Pop “Raw Power Redux”, directed and produced by Dean Holtermann, followed by a concert featuring rock punk fashioneur- Michael H. with members of Alice Cooper and Spacehog.

Translation: An epic eve of punk, debauchery, rock, friends, and rollin’ into a speakeasy.

Mick Rock is a photographer best known for his iconic shots of 1970s glam rock icons such as Queen, David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Lou Reed, Kevin Ayers, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones and Blondie. One of his most (in)famous photos from this era is his shot of a naked Iggy Pop.

About two years ago Holtermann began filming Rock and Iggy, as he found there was nothing like the connection the two of them had. Off-stage, they interacted like average bros- James Newell Osterberg, Jr. and Mick, but on-stage, James became Iggy and no one could capture that magnetic essence better than Rock. The result: “Raw Power Redux”.

To read more, please click here

*photo 1 courtesy of Susan Anton: Mick Rock and Michael H.

*photo 2 courtesy of Susan Anton: L-R: Dennis Dunaway, Michael H., Jonny Cragg, and Jimi Bones

Why I love Apple: The Masturbation App

Britten — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:04:40 +0000

Being National Masturbation Month, a lot of questions, comments, and/or concerns have arose. Such as: Has there been an increase in masturbatory injuries? Are people sharing their tales of self-discovery?

So I turned to most obvious source of social communication from my bed to the bottom of these inquiries- my mobile Facebook. Of course, I immediately found what I was looking for posted by a friend of mine:

Txts Frm Lst Nght

Remember that text you shouldn’t have sent last night? They do.

TFLN is a compilation of musings from anonymous texters chronicling Best Nights and Worst Nights and purely for our enjoyment.

Then scrolled down my touch screen to yet another reason why I love Apple:

(281): How do you jack off and text at the same time?
(1-281): On my iPhone- they have an app for that.

I was not only tickled pink, I was ecstatic that drunk dialing was so 2 years ago.

*photo courtesy of BL.com

Boy Meets Girl Collaborates With Urban Outfitters

Britten — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:29:07 +0000

Oh my, oh me…. how lucky are we? We all know that Urban Outfitters has partnered with some independent designers to create an ongoing series of collections available only at Urban Outfitters. However, it has just been officially released that starting this week, this exclusive series will include one of my fave lines, Boy Meets Girl®.

Urban Outfitters selects designer Stacy M. Igel of Boy Meets Girl® for their next designer collaboration

Boy Meets Girl® by Stacy M. Igel is a fiercely independent label but, when you are approached by Urban Outfitters to create an exclusive collaboration available only at Urban Outfitters stores nationwide, you join the party. Stacy Morgenstern Igel is the latest up-and-coming designer to collaborate exclusively on a collection with Urban Outfitters. The imaginative, youthful and exceedingly wearable Boy Meets Girl® collection features edgy tiered tunics fused with prep sensibility, alluring smocked tunics featuring trademark Boy Meets Girl® button detail, and impeccably tailored empire waist mini-dresses with pleated detailing and a vintage vibe. All items are available at Urban Outfitters for under $100. -Press Release 05/06/09

Available starting May 1 at Urban Outfitters stores and online:

Boy Meets Girl Cinched Tunic

Boy Meets Girl Rouched Tunic

Boy Meets Girl Cinched Tank

Now- bring on the sun, so the boys can check out us girls in these BMG exclusives.

Design Cares 2009: A Kaleidescope of Dreams

Britten — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:49:10 +0000

That’s what it is about. Tonight is about the children.” Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D’Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

To Read the Insider Interview with CEO of Nolcha and Backstage Director: click Kerry Bannigan

For more photos: visit www.scenebseen.com

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

Once, Twice, Bryce is The Lady: Her 25th B-Day Was Crazy

Britten — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:28:45 +0000

Mirror Mirror on the wall,

Who is the chicest lady of them all?

Bryce! Bryce! Bryce Gruber, we say-

As we celebrate her 25th Birthday!

They came in droves, with lines ’round the block-

To join the fete on The Empire Hotel Rooftop.

An Open Bar sponsored by Peroni,

After that, it sort of cost lots of money.

But that didn’t stop the peeps from getting sloshed,

Not even guests from Top Chef or Steph Georgopulos.

NHK was there, to film all the madness,

Along with Photogs and Botox,

And a DJ straight up hotness.

Ashley presented a cake that was, of course, a little racy,

Made by Tasty Lacy’s own Lisa Lacy.

It was a tres glamster fashion galore-

And as if we didn’t know this before,

This isn’t just my opinion,

Ms. Gruber is a Queen,

And her 1000 guests happy to be her minion.

On this-

Her special day,

We wouldn’t have had it any other way.

*Photo 1: Bryce Gruber and Kai Hsing

*Photo 2: Sam, Stephanie Georgopulos, and Jean-Luc

*Photo 3: Bryce’s Bday cake made by The Luxury Spot’s and Tasty Lacy’s Lisa Lacy

The Box

Britten — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:16:59 +0000

The evening began by meeting my fantavulous and vivacious hostess of the evening, event planner and publicist extraordinaire- Christine Coppinger. Dressed to kill and a megawatt smile that lit up her eyes, Christine chatted me up on our way the ever so exclusive The Box.

Now all I had heard thus far was: a) you could not just show up and expect to get in, you had to have rezzies at a bottle service table or be on the list, b) there is nothing like it in Manhattan, and c) expect the unexpected.

Okay…

Hence, I decided to not try and figure out what this place was. Sure I grew up in the tri-state area and went to the underground galleries and lofts of the East Village and Soho in the 80’s (thanks Mom and Dad) and spent many high school evenings partaking in the the “scene” that was NYC back in the day (sorry Mom and Dad). However, it’s long since the days of keys, cards or those little tiny ziplocs manufactured for one reason, to grant entry into the latest hot spot.

So, like a transplant from Kansas City, as Christine gave her name to one of three door guys dressed in vests, one with a bowler hat, and general 20’s gangster style, I belted,”I feel like we’re going into a speakeasy during the prohibition!” Hopefully, they either could have cared less who I was to even care what was coming out of my freshly glossed lips, or ignored me out of courtesy to Christine.

Regardless, the door opened for us and Christine pushed aside the velvet curtain…

Fantastic.

Two gorgeous crystal chandeliers lit the deep oak bar, garnished with two male bartenders in similar garb as the door dudes. Everywhere was an unmistakable decor of another time. I felt like I was in Doris Duke and Mrs. Astor’s estate sale, amidst a flea market in an Upstate New York town; minus the must and Guerlain Shalimar perfume scent.

Faded velvet cushions, a mini wooded rocking horse, dodged photographs from the year one, and I swear there were a few lace doilies around. My eyes were in heaven and awe.

Christine led me around, giving me the lay of the land, and informed me there was to be a show. We walked into the main room, adorned with banquettes and and tables- reservations and bottle service only. And at the far end: a closed curtain adorning a stage. I looked up to see sheer curtains hanging above the balcony.

We headed upstairs where I discovered the uber privee booths and immediately envisioned Moulin Rouge- men in silk top hats and women in lace and gabardine dresses with beaucoup cleavage, leaning over the banisters cheering on -La Revue de la Femme.

I absolutely adored this place and nothing had really happened yet, despite the fact that it was just before 2am.

We headed back downstairs, found a spot at the bar and dutifully sipped our champagne.

The energy was magnificent, but I couldn’t quite make out the crowd. It was by NO means B&T, yet, I couldn’t help but feel a little disconnect. Just then, some definite New Yorkers walked past me to reveal a guy dancing tout seul, with the light of his mobile acting as a glowstick… Euro. Come on, he had this all worked out, nobodies back-light stays on that long. But who doesn’t love a little opulence from a guy who acts like he doesn’t give a f*#k, but is really saying- check me out…?

Beat.

A rush to the main room, and Christine sprung up and took me with her.

MC: Raven- the man with a ridiculous set of abs to match his persona, started the show and inclusively, it was part Hedwig and the Angry Inch (minus the inch and add a back tatt of a tiger), Cirque du Soleil, Madonna in her Vogue/Sex book period, and part David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. All this was reminiscent of the underground punk pop art scene of late 70’s London, with the millennium flair of half nude Silk acrobatic performers.

I’d go further into detail, but you will just have to find out for yourselves, and you must, I insist. I’d also provide detail on how to do so, but The Box is just that exclusive and I am fond of the fact that they have managed to retain their integrity and privacy of those who enjoy the establishment.

Conclusion: Pearls meets leather and lace corset. This is one experience you absolutely have to have. I think it would be the perfect place for a special event or private party. Yes- they not only do those, but they love to. Lucky me, my birthday is this summer and I think I know who’s planning it and where it’s going to be…

*photos courtesy of Raven-O

** Special thank you to Christine Coppinger, and The Box for being an impressive, unique, and stellar venue.

Bartule: Even More Ways to Screw

Britten — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:58:28 +0000

I have always wished I could offer a mean bevy whenever or wherever for whomever. It would require more than a bottle opener, more than a corkscrew, but still be able to fit in my hobo bag du jour.

Finally, come April 15th, I will be able to be the Sassiest Mixologist around, that is unless you concur how awesome the next generation of bar tools is, and get one for yourself.

I would like to introduce to you: Bartule: The Ultimate Bar Accesory.

This Party-Ready Bartule is comprised of five 100% recyclable materials multi-use, interlocking parts- ice bucket & bottle chiller, solid stainless steel bottle opener, simple design corkscrew , 4oz jigger with 1oz increments, citrus juicer with built-in handle and spout, ice bucket lid & wine/champagne coaster.

Bartule is available in six decor friendly colors, and dishwasher safe.

This is an absolute must for all your drinking/partying needs. So don’t leave home without it, or money for a taxi to get your happily intoxicated selves home safely.

Wild Girls Gone Green…

Britten — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:12:38 +0000

Or one could only hope…

I had been propositioned earlier in the week to attend, “Wild Girls Gone” Comedy Industry Cocktail Reception at Greenhouse. While the title was indeed titillating, I need to know what exactly was going to ensue. Naturally, I directed my inquiry to my trusty promoter, Poull Brien of Way Over Budget Productions. This was his response:

Lots of funny people with comedian Mike Birbiglia. Should be…well, fun!

Sold.

Given the nation’s economic state of affairs, everyone’s affinity to tell complete strangers how broke they are, and the fact that I have just been informed- at any given moment, I could be stampeded by stilettos, I felt an evening of laughter in The City’s latest hot spot would do me some green good.

I later found out the Mike Birbiglia’s (I always give kudos to a comedian with a jocular surname) show, Sleepwalk With Me, had been extended at the Bleecker Street Theatre. Thursday night at Greenhouse, he was set to judge a comedic video competition. Oh, and p.s., complimentary vodka from 9-11pm.

I had just come from a horrendous art closing reception (all I will say, is that I was very thankful the show was over and so is NYC) and I was now desperate for some giggles. As always, Greenhouse was packed, and I will try not to presume it was for the free booze. However, all I encountered was an awkward moment with an ex co-worker and two older, albeit nice-ish, gentlemen from Queens.

I could list the oddities of the aforementioned run-in, but I would like to take this time to point out how men have so lost their game. Yes, all our pockets are a little lighter and we are all willing to go dutch… but FREE VODKA! There has to be something seriously wrong with you to not at least offer to make the trip to the bar to acquire a lady a beverage you don’t even have to pay for. Or is that dollar tip stretching it?

True, I don’t partake in that particular liquid refreshment, which I disclosed to them later on (yes, there was a later on because I was astounded they were still trying to talk to me), but nonetheless, have men lost their panache?

While that was a rather amusing engagement, I realized I had been sidetracked and missed the real show. Poull, aka- Mr. Amazing, filled me in:

Comedy group, Sans Pants Productions, won the “Wild Girls Gone” video competition, which judged by Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Their video titled, “Hot Girl Body Spray“, earned them a vacay package courtesy of Barnacle Kove. The package included beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and luxurious beach pillow.

It was nearing 11:00pm, and as the crowd started to filter out, the DJ began to lay down some sick tunes, thus amping up the vibe and the urge to get down.

Perhaps loaded to the gill with vodka, all pretension was left on the eco-friendly couches and the crowd, comedic or not, took to their strong desires to get down.

My conclusion: it does not really matter what the showcase is slated to be, Greenhouse promises to be a fun time and, it goes without saying, “Way Over Budget knows how to make s*#t like, really fabulous.”

St. Patty’s Day Shenanigans

Britten — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:33:24 +0000

How does a nice freckle-faced redheaded girl end up with her heels raised towards Jesus and screaming the Lord’s name in vain? She spends the drunkest holiday at the oldest bar in Brooklyn. That’s right, P.J. Hanley’s was established in 1874 and has been the local hot spot ever since, there are even pictures to prove it.

Anyone from the neighborhood knows all to well, that it doesn’t take a national holiday to have a kickin’ time at Hanley’s, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Serving a variety of beers on tap, including Guinness and local brews, and your favorite spirits, is a staff of super cute female bartenders.

You definitely won’t be drinking on an empty stomach either. Hanley’s has a tasty menu, from mini-burgers to entree salads, and a kitchen that stays open late.

So put on your party hat, and if you don’t have one- Ruben the Manager or resident hottie bartender Pilar will provide you with one, and prepare yourself for a hysterical evening. However, ladies beware- for better or for worse, it’s about a 10:1 ratio on any given night.