Girl…look down at your tired, dry cuticles and stretch out your beat-by-summer-heat-feet. If you’re wondering when you’ll have 45 minutes to squeeze in your routine mani-pedi and still make time for drinks with the girls this week, you’re going to SO love me after this one:

Close your eyes and think about Hemmingway’s Classics, sultry nights on a Cuban beach and delicious Bacardi Mojitos. Then, when you can’t stand another moment of delayed gratification, book an appointment for you and your girls for MOJITO TOE-HITO, mani/pedis from Just Calm Down Spa in New York City.

Experience the celebrated Cubano hand and foot facial at Just Calm Down and revitalize your nails with fresh lime, mint and cucumber, spiked with a twist of Bacardi Superior. The special mixture will nourish, cool and decrease the effects of summer swelling and their secret scrub will serenade your toes.

If all of this isn’t enough to make you break out in a Rhumba, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 27-29), Just Calm Down will treat customers to fabulous Bacardi Mojitos, made by expert Mojito-ists, just for spa clientele. And (drop the mint sprig, sister…I’m not finished yet) clients who get a signature Bacardi treatment will receive two free movie tickets.

So there it is: your dry dull hands and feet get star treatment, you get a cocktail of major deliciousness with the girls AND free tix to check out the latest summer release. Miami Vice, anyone?

JUST KITTYNG AROUND!
By Alisa Leonard

Let me just say first off that I am a total weenie when it comes to waxing. Brazilian… yeah, um hello, can’t even go there! And I have to admit, I’m not the most super-duper high maintenance kind of gal… oh I love my pedi’s and a blow out from my deliciously adorable stylist to be sure, but so help me if it takes me three days to shave (ick, I know)! ‘Sides, I know I’m not the only one. And honestly, summer rolls around and looky here, the forest you’ve neglected for the better half of the year is in need of dire attention, lest your new Chanel bikini be defiled by unsightly you-know-where-hair! I had to laugh at first when I came across this (cough) very private grooming collection… JUST KITTYNG intimate hair kits… what? You heard me girl… get your groom on, ahem, downtown. Yep, this nifty kit, complete with waxing, trimming, and decorative paraphernalia is all about business… your biz-Nass. And just one tiny word to the dear boyfriend about said kit and voila! the ESPN went off and suddenly he’s all ears… so maybe there’s something to this “intimate haircare” dealie-bop after all.

So let me ‘splain by quothing from the femmy care experts: “Make your personal preparation whimsical, artful and fanciful.” Indeed, why not? In every Just Kittyng Kit you get wax strips, Just Kittyng Soothing Gel, Sex Symbols, Kittyng Comb, Just Kittyng Tweezers and Just Kittyng Scissors. The sex symbols? Yah, I knew you’d ask about those, you dirty-birdies. Oh, those are hearts, arrows, stars, tulips, lightening bolts, or x’s that can be not-so-subtly applied to your newly trimmed and shaped patch. Travel light? Well then keep the smaller, compact BIKINI ART KIT handy for those last minute dashes to St. John’s. The Bikini Kit holds just the essentials: four sex symbols, scissors, and a comb. And if you’ve got the pain tolerance of a two year old (like me), there’s the uber-soothing and creamy Just Kittyng Shave Me! shave cream that’s guaranteed rash free! (Because what’s the point of a perfectly coiffed bikini line if you’ve got the battle scars from shaving afterwards?)

And here’s my brilliant suggestion darlings… you know those four bachelorette parties you have coming up in August? Presto! Perfect party gift… and I’m not kittyng! You really gotta give it up to intimate care diva, DIANE PAISLEY, owner & creator of Just Kittyng: “Keeping your private business beautiful is our business. We keep up with the latest styles so our clients don’t have to!” Cheers to that, mi ladies, and happy grooming!

www.justkittyng.com
playtime@justkittyng.com
866-WAXXING

SNIFT SOME BRANDY AND SMOKE A STOGIE
By Amber Roniger

Think of a room overlooking the Hudson River, solicitous of a glamorous time gone by, where women swished and men always offered an escorting arm. Not too many places like that in NYC that I’ve come across. The first time I went to SALON LOUNGE I was sooo psyched. I was convinced the venue was part of the Riverview Hotel, where John Cameron Mitchell led his band of tranny pranksters in the stage run of Hedwig And The Angry Inch. What a fantabulous history! Sadly, though it isn’t, but it is right next door and part of the same building, which makes it still ‘pretty dang cool’ on my bizarro sub-cultural random rating scale. But what Salon is, is completely transplendent. A real classy joint, ‘ya know what I mean? A spot where you just wanna sit back and swirl a snifter of brandy, smoke a stogie, chill out in your flapper gown and feathered headdress and admire the fashionable people ambling by. Seriously, Salon is all that.

I was lucky to be invited to a swing party last Saturday night (no, not that kind of swinging, you little vixen, you). Of course I know not the first thing about swing dancing, but I do know that Salon is swanky, so I take a little extra time to primp (and pin a fancy feather on my lapel). The crowd is totally hopping, all dressed to the nine’s, with beautiful cigarette girls selling (gratefully not cigs) swing CD’s and chewing gum. Much more wholesome by my accounting. But it’s the actual space that is just so breathtaking. I can only imagine sunset views of the Hudson River at magic hour. But even under the cover of night, it’s one of the most gorgeous party rooms in NYC. It just reeks of chic (and scotch). And there are great special events going on all the time, as this one is, complete with a swinging live band and some really pro-looking dancers (muy impressed am I!). Although the stand-up comedian leaves something to be desired… really, what were they thinking, my friend and I squeeze into a plushy booth to watch the action, so we don’t have to fake the swing (phew!). And there are only two drunken glass smashing incidents by my count, not too shabby. The French inspired mural over the bar is really beyond breathtaking, and the whole of the art deco interior is just, well ‘ya know, high-class, baby. It oozes romance and pishy-poshy decadence. Me likie!

Salon was originally a ballroom built in the early 20th century to accommodate ritzy travelers from luxury liners upon their arrival in New York. And this is where the Hedwig lore comes back into play… Hotel Riverview housed the surviving crew members of the Titanic and since its part of the same building… at least that’s some kind of boaty connection (am I reaching here?). And although I wouldn’t necessarily advocate a stay at the hotel (it was once a straight-up flophouse, but now it’s more of a cheap boarding house), I would most definitely support a trip to the swanky Salon, where the men know how to dress, the atmosphere is lush, and the women are treated as ladies.

Salon Lounge
505 West Street
(NW corner of Jane St.)
www.salonnyc.net
(212) 292-4303

“We can turn over a bucket for you to sit on if there’s no more room on the benches outside.” I can admit that JUBBS LONGEVITY DELICATERIA TAKE OUT AND CELL REJUVENATION CLINIC definitely isn’t your ordinary café. In fact, I’d be rueful to call it a café at all, unless you consider overturned buckets the lap of European luxury. It’s really more like a raw food depot with incredibly yummy lifefood eats, natural body care products and herbs, and of course, the icing on the raw carrot cake, Dr. Jubb himself, somewhat of a work of art. I initially heard about Jubb from a girlfriend repeating mantra-like over and over, ‘you gotta go to Jubb, Jubb, Jubb.’ So it’s already stuck in my head like a broken record. And I’ve also been plotting to start some sort of cleanse or fast. Quite frankly, I’ve been feeling a bit toxic lately (mos def not in the Britney Spears sense of the word) and really need something radical to clear away all the built-up internal gunk. I’m on the lookout for this root, which I read is supposed to help block carbs. So me thinks, why not take a jaunt on down to the Jubb joint and see what all this mantric fuss is about.

So I enter the spot, tiny and basic, but packed with a lovely menu of raw foods, delectable looking desserts, health and beauty products, books (including works of the Dr.’s own creation), and a very knowledgeable staff. Okay, so far perhaps unconventional (a vast understatement), but I’m digging on the homeopathic vibe. I definitely want to sample some yummies, so I inquire of counter-boy to walk me through the extensive menu. A short while later, I end up on a bench outside (much fancier than the bucket) with a delicious stuffed cabbage smothered in some absolutely heavenly nutty sauce, and a serving of their cheddar ‘cheese’ and flax crackers to go, the perfect late afternoon snackie. I do struggle a bit with the food with just a spoon, cause they don’t have knives and forks, but hey that’s just fine by me cause the whole alfresco bench set-up feels a bit picnicy, as it were. And I must say, as little as the cheddar concoction resembles the look of actual cheese, the flavor is surprisingly right on.

But the gorgeous desserts are singing unto me like sirens, tempting, teasing and taunting (c’mon you’ve never heard desserts sing your name?!). I choose to sample the marzipan cake (research, it’s all research!). Now I must tell you, this is no ordinary ‘cake;’ you must prepare yourself for a far nuttier, heavier, and more nutritiously dense experience than conventional desserts hold. You really could just eat it as a meal and call it a day, that’s how damn healthy it is. And frankly, I’ve never dropped so much moolah on a slice of anything, not even at Bouley, but I would have to say that it was well worth it. And seriously, who could imagine being able to order pizza (which is rumored to be stupendous), tabouleh (sans grains… interesting), a burger deluxe (come on and admit it, you wanna, don’t you?), or a falafel wrap with hummus (as a self-declared Mamoun’s addict, I’m certainly curious about this one) in a raw place? Oh holy fiesta in mi boca, I cannot wait to test-drive all the luscious treats (again, research, my friends, all in the name of research!)

So yah, what in the bejeebers is this touted lifefood anyhow? Well, its fresh and organic, uncooked and non-chemically processed fruits and veggies, sprouted seeds and nuts, and some fermented foods, that are properly combined for digestion and biophoton-rich, which preserves the food’s energetic, enzymatic and nutritional integrity. Jubbs Longevity doesn’t use any grain, bean, corn, banana, date, dairy or animal products. The lifefood ‘awareness’ encompasses the concept that food is best when consumed whole, with its life force and vital electrics intact.

But frankly, the thing that by far impresses me the most about Jubbs Longevity is Dr. David Jubb himself, a fascinating shamanic-looking character like no other (this side of Tazmania). Which brings me back to this whole carbo-blocking root thing I was seeking in the first place. When I ask him about the root he tells me, ‘No, I don’t agree with this at all.’ And he sits me down (on the one chair in the place, at the reading table), and works up a fasting-cleanse specifically for me, which I was totally not expecting. Now it wasn’t the easiest to find readily available fresh aloe vera, but once I closed in on my source, it’s been easy as raw apple pie ever since. I’ve been cleansing for six days now and the changes in my body have been amazing. Well worth the major duckets I dropped on the herbal powders that the Dr. mixes himself. So if you think you’re a total foodie and know the whole of the NY eating scene inside and out, I bet even you will be in for a few surprises at Jubbs Longevity, where the chairs are scarce, the cheese is raw, but everything in the joint, especially the desserts, is actually good for you!

Jubbs Longevity
508 East 12th Street
(212) 353-5000

REDEEM YOURSELF
By Amber Roniger

‘Tis the season for giving, or so it seems. Yah, I know Santy Claus won’t be shooting down your chute anytime soon, nor the Chanukkah Bunny hop-hopping by neither, but this summer is chockablock with really great fundraisers for issues we all care deeply about. And they’re swanky too. I just love that THE LIBBY ROSS FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL SUMMER COCKTAIL BENEFIT, to be held this Wednesday, will be at Redemption Bar & Lounge; it just seems so apropos for a function to fight breast cancer.

The Libby Ross Foundation was founded in 1999 in memoriam of Elizabeth “Libby” Ross, who lost her battle with breast cancer. The Foundation is a New York based, non-profit run by young professionals, whose heartfelt mission is to make a significant dent in the fight against breast cancer, as momentous as it may sometimes seem, through supporting development of outreach programs, treatment and research.

The many highlights of the evening will include a three hour primo open bar, featuring LRF signature cocktail drink specials: The Libby Lychee-Tini (just like they drink in Bali), a brand spanking different take on the classic martini, and Passionate About a Cure, a frozen passion fruit mimosa (how brrrr cool is that?!), both sponsored by EFFEN Vodka (distilled by Geffen? anyhoo…), top-shelf food, rockin’ music, a silent auction and sweepstakes, including vacations, jewelry, sports tickets, spa packages and much more (oooh the sweet anticipation!), and of course, our good friend, raffle prizes. And if you’re into planning your social calendar waaaay ahead, pencil in another great fundraiser on Thursday, November 2nd at the New York Design Center.

And you know I’m too, too in love with the fact that the Foundation and OM yoga have teamed up to offer three different components of OM’s Yoga Program for Survivors, now you’re talkin’! Downdog anyone? Ladies… So put aside a few dollars (this is one fundraiser which won’t break the bank) and come out and sip the frozen passion and schmooze your heart out for a great cause that has undoubtedly touched us all.

The Libby Ross Foundation
Annual Summer Cocktail Benefit
Wednesday, July 26th
6:30 à¢â‚¬” 9:30pm
Redemption Bar & Lounge
1003 Second Avenue (53rd St.)
For tickets:
http://www.thelibbyrossfoundation.com or (212) 831-9592

Are you on the list? The list, the list, the list… that’s about all you ever hear when even considering crossing the street to that stompin’ hot happening over there. And isn’t it just the dopest ever to be able to whisper oh so demurely to that holy-of holies, the list-keeper, ‘but of course I’m on the list, dahling!’ Hence the birth of THE LIST, spawned from that irrepressible desire to be in the know about everything golden and hip, and never ever be forced to wait on line (Gott verbieten!). When you sign up for The List at www.thelistnyc.com, exclusive Perk Alerts magically appear in your inbox. But not just any discounts my chickadees, deep discounts, complimentary services, free gifts, and much more at many of the city’s top boutiques, salons, and spas. Sales especially for you because you’re… you guessed it, on The List. How beaucoup is that?! And so, armed with my Perk Alerts, I set off to shop…

It’s about 6:45pm on the hottest day of the year when it hits me: fall is coming. It’s inevitable, huh? Well cool, so be it. And this isn’t just some heat induced delusion, I don’t think… but rather the musings of a die-hard shopper witnessing a summer-winter retail transition sale in full effect (three cheers!) at Greenwich Village’s recent addition, ADDICT. Mid to late summer is the perfect time to take advantage of massive discounts on still-wearable warm weather gear, and let me tell you… mama’s been itching for a new pair of Kors, oh yeah. Be still my beating heart. Like a late blooming summer romance, my affections are equally torn in three between the Allesandro Dell’Acqua half leather boots, the Jacqueline Tobotoff leather and shell bracelet, and the amazingly beautiful, white Camilla and Marc dresses. (I wasn’t born loose…I just shop that way, I swear). The store isn’t huge (but then again, what IS in this city, apart from rent?), but owners Ashley Thompson and Megan Johnson have managed to fill the space with mainstream favs such as Barbara Bui, Tracy Reese and Jill Stuart, alongside some fresh young talent… insert cavilling here. I’m especially impressed that the store carries Kristen Lee and Carmen Ho shoes, two young designers near and dear to my heart. And although the casually chic Sass and Bide is definitely in the house, this is definitely the shop-stop for that white dress I thought I could get through summer without… not! A warning however: Addict is the kind of store where you go in for “just a look,” and end up leaving replete with dressy, casual, and party looks, complete with shoes, jewelry, and handbag. Yah, it’s just addictive like that.

Although I’m a little disappointed not to get a call back from the owners to schedule my style consultation, me ‘n my same-old-style leave Addict together for the next summer hot stop: Plaza Too. With locations throughout Westchester, Plaza Too is another relatively recent addition to the Manhattan shopping scene. And it’s not often that I grace the Upper West Side with my potentially lethal Amex, but for heavy discounts off Kors, Chloe and Isabella Fiore… let’s just say the afternoon had the makings of a fabulously accessorized West Side Story. The Plaza collection is the perfectly balanced ratio of funky, fashionable and practical and it’s clear from the selection of new fall arrivals that this coming season should be mighty impressive. I mean, can you say Marc Jacobs quilted purse? Oh the ecstasy. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. It is still summer and a steamy one at that – more than enough time to enjoy the mouse toe Marc Jacobs flats or the Chunky Chloe platforms at only a fraction of the original price. Plaza Too’s solid collection of leather goods including rich belts, handy wallets and even a couple of lovely Luella bags is so delicious, it’s hard to imagine that this Westchester gem has been kept from our eager city clutches for so long. Apparently though, the island natives have gotten wind of the find. And so I leave, skipping down the West Side, with my new gorgeous Isabella Fiore shoulder bag. Well, maybe there is a bit less skipping than dragging myself through the oppressive sheets of heat, but with new purchase in hand, my insides are as cool as an autumn day.

All in all, I’d have to say that The List facilitated quite a successful shopping day… and veritably emptied my new purse before I could even fill it. But such is the life and hazards of the shopping fiend turned loose with discounts galore. And don’t forget to mention ‘The List’ to the list-bitch at the door (er, rather the cashier) to get your exclusive savings. The List is by invitation only, so hurry up and sign up for your fab Perk Alerts and let’s get a’shopping, a’spa’ing and a’saving!

www.thelistnyc.com

Addict
20 East 12th St.
(212) 633-2672
www.addictny.com

Plaza Too
2231 Broadway at 79th Street
(212) 362-6871
www.plazatoo.com

HIGH SOCIETY ON THE HIGH SEAS
By Michelle Quinn

Although it’s true that NYC becomes something of a ghost town during the summer, there are still some kickin’ events going on in the sweaty city. So climb on down from your if-it’s-not-the-Hamptons-it’s-not-hip high horse and join me for the 22nd annual ULTIMATE SUMMERTIME PARTY, hosted by THE MANHATTAN SOCIETY on July 27th. This “Caribbean Nights” themed fete is rumored to be one of the hottest singles scenes en la cuidad, with more than 2,000 young professionals expected to attend (read: eligible, cause-conscious, hardworking, strapping young men in ‘da house = hot!), in addition to being a fabulously worthy charity cause. The party will be going off at none other than The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, which is set to close for the next few years for massive renovations. So you’d better hop on board before it sets sail (for the chop shop). Aren’t you just aching to stare down into the flowing water of the Thames (okay fine, the Hudson River), win raffles (fingers crossed), sample yum food and bevies provided by local establishments, and boogie to dancy calypso tunes?! Aye caramba!

So by this point you’re wondering, what in tarnation is The Manhattan Society?!? I’m sooo glad you asked! The M Society is one of the most successful young professional organizations in NYC. They’re affiliated with the New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and deeply committed to ending the devastating effects of MS. They’ve raised more than $6 million by throwing high-profile social events, with the funds going toward serving thousands of New Yorkers and their families living with the crippling disease, as well as critical MS-related research. The Man-h-Society supports more MS research, offers more services for people with MS, provides more professional education programs, and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. Now that’s something to kick up your heels over!

The Society has set a lofty goal of raising $200,000 for the Ultimate Summertime Event, of which I have contributed $100 from my purse-funds for a coveted VIP ticket (must be purchased prior to July 25th). Well worth one less bag and more room in my already over-stuffed closet, if you ask me. Regular tickets are $75 until July 25th, or $85 a pop at the door, day-of. So what better excuse to party do you need in the empty city? Come on out, shake it, move and groove it for a great cause…. and maybe a teensy bit to catch the eye of those hot suit ‘n tie guys scoping your booty-shake across the deck! Ahoy matie!

The Manhattan Society
Ultimate Summertime Party
July 27th from 7:30-11:30pm
The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
(46th Street & 12th Avenue)

For tickets:
(212) 463-7787
www.msnyc.org
info@msnyc.org

If you’re aware of another venue where I can chill for a sunny afternoon and hear a mishmosh montage of sonic of beats from Romania, Yemen, the Balkans, North Africa and Tel Aviv, followed by ba-ba-ba-Afro-Cuban drumming and brass blasts mixing it up, by all means I’m all ears. Stumped, flamoogled? Yah, I would be too if not for the amazingly eclectic line-up going off at this season’s SUMMERSTAGE in ‘da Park. Summer Stage’s 21st season is the must place to bear witness to incredible musical talents drawn from all over the globe and presented to you by the City Parks Foundation in conjunction with Snapple.

I saw BALKAN BEAT BOX (www.balkanbeatbox.com) rocking out the circus-like atmosphere and jamming for peace in the Middle East in a crazy fusion of Israeli, Egyptian, Klezmer and Balkan dance rhythms, in their self-proclaimed musical attempt to erase political borders and keep fans listening with a common music ear. I must say that they put on a helluva show and positively hypnotized the audience with the captivating gyrations of a blue-clad belly dancer (seemingly more trance-inducing than snake charming, if you ask me). This summer, you’ll sooner see Balkan BB in Israel as in BK, but if you can wait till September, you won’t have to fly to the holy city to mosh out and practice your Horah in good company.

Following up the Balkan boys was ANTIBALAS AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA (translation “anti-bullets” or “bulletproof”) (www.antibalas.com), a slammin’ Brooklyn-based cooperative absolutely cranking out the Afrobeat rhythms passed down by the late Nigerian singer and activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and sparking up the SummerStage. Their sound busts up a unique synthesis of jazz, funk, and traditional West African rhythms, coupled with heartfelt political themes. I mean frankly, any band that covers Marley with such a unique and modern twist tops off my list (yes, Marley is sooo my man).

In addition to spectacular world music, this SummerStage season’s amazing line-up boasts a roster of free events including dance, film, and spoken word. There are also several ticketed shows that support the SummerStage festival and help keep it (by in large) free. Some of the upcoming events that caught my little eye include: Lady Sovereign on Sunday, July 30th (I mean, anyone who calls themselves Lady Sovereign rocks my femmy-world), The New Pornographers on Thursday, August 3rd (yah, for obvious smutty reasons), and of course the great Edie Brickell and New Bohemians on Friday, July 28th (with a suggested donation of $15).

And just a teensy word to the wise, if I were you, I’d stay far away from the sold out Fiona Apple show on Wednesday, July 26th. When SummerStage says ‘sold out,’ they really mean it. Savvy New Yorkers have already devoured the Apple tickets, and in case you haven’t made the pilgrimage to the SummerStage space before, it is quite (ahem) compact, thank you very much, and probably not worth converging on sans ticket. You just wouldn’t believe how long many city folk are willing to wait in endless lines for fabulous music (would not believe), and frankly, I’m just not that artistically ambitious most of the time. But come a sensational Sunday afternoon this summer, sometimes it’s truly great to scope out a friendly patch of grass just outside the pearly gates, pop a squat, and listen to the breezy beautiful music wafting through the SummerStage trees.

www.summerstage.org

IN THE LAB-OR-ATORY
By Alisa Leonard

To wit, ladies… summer is in full-tilt-bozo swing. And what between killer sample sales and The Devil Wears Prada, we must fully and consciously commit ourselves to not whittling the summer away and missing out on the brilliant NYC theatre scene. It’s high curtain time for LAByrinth THEATER’s revolutionary lineup, brought to you by (drum-roll please)… nobody-plays-Capote-like-him Philip Seymour Hoffman and his thespian band of merry pranksters, running theatrically amok down on Lafayette St. at THE PUBLIC THEATER. And exxxxxcuse me for being unable muster the endurance to sit through even one more night of Wicked! No ma’am! You’ll far sooner catch me zooming over to The Public to view me some of the creme de-la of NYC’s homespun theatre groups’ current season. I know how you thought PSH was just some Oscar-winner-player caught up in the clutches of the Hollywood celeb doldrums, ho-hum… but nay, nyet, no! You must understand that Grand-Master P is truly my every-man hero, NY-local, uber-genius, just-keeping-it-real actor/director/producer, charged with keeping me entertained on the stage. The consummate character actor turned dashing leading man (Cold Mountain is one of my guiltiest pleasures and holla-up for Brandt in Big Labowski), Mr. Phil is the Artistic Director of aforementioned brilliant theatre group. And I just feel all twiggily inside that Eric Bogosian, longtime staple of the downtown performance scene, keeps PSH in very good company. And if you don’t know Eric B, shame on you! (Proceed immediately to see Suburbia at Second Stage in September. Do not pass go, do not collect $200!)

I’m feeling the need to scoop out a little dish on the production currently up and running on LAB’s summer menu… viva le revoluccion! Uh, wait, which revolution? Che Guevara’s revolution, of course – the revolution that never artistically dies. You all know very well that after feasting your lusty ‘lil eyes on the delicious Gael Garci­a Bernal in The Motorcycle Diaries, you’re positively fiending to slurp up SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS. School depicts the true chronicle of Che’s imprisonment in the heart of the Bolivian jungle and his conversations with a young schoolteacher who insisted on speaking with him. I strongly suggest grabbing your trusty gal pal or favorite geeky-adorable bookstore cashier, putting your bi-monthly trip to see Irena for your next waxing far from your mind, and sharing in an evening of live high art, NYC style.

And thespians take note, LAB hosts a Master Class taught by one of the company’s senior members (of course the Big P himself, uh-huh)… but there’s an eensy catch – you have to qualify for the class first. I know for myself, I can just as soon act my way out of a small brown bag as double process my own hair to perfection (clearly why I rely on Bergdorf’s, thank you). But major shout-out to my BFF, who had the balls to interview for the Master Class – fingers crossed! And if I may direct you in the worthy direction of www.labtheater.org to purchase golden tickets and LABPASSES, scope out the diverse company roster, and browse photos of past snazzy, celeb LAB events.

Oh and PS: your fav hotshot stars gracing covers of all the glossies out there L-O-V-E the LAB, go figure. And your attendance, you drama queen you, at just about any show is sure to offer up some tasty www.gawker.com moments. Cheers girlies!

www.labtheater.org
at
The Public Theatre
425 Lafayette, NYC
www.publictheater.org

I know why you tune in every week… for the City Pulse snark. Yah, everyone does, no shame in that game. But every once in a while even we, the queen bees of fresh, need to take a step back and talk shop. So here it is: the ‘C’ word. Nobody ever in life wants to hear it à¢â‚¬” let alone be diagnosed with any form of the disease. And because the effects of cancer are so devastating to women everywhere who suffer from it (and those that love them), we at BN loudly applaud compassionate companies who find innovative new ways to help conquer it. And what is one of the most visible effects of the affliction? Hair loss, of course. I’m sure your mind goes directly to the courage of Melissa Ethridge strutting her fabulously bald stuff on stage and what a strong statement that made, effectively making the disease impossible to ignore. You go girl! So in tribute that that kind of winning spirit, the strand specialists at PANTENE have decided to play their part and come out fighting strong in this war against cancer by getting seriously proactive. What are they up to? This absolutely brilliant and thoughtful new program called BEAUTIFUL LENGTHS, which launches on July 13th with quite a bang… more on that below.

Beautiful Lengths is an initiative that encourages women and men to grow, cut, and donate their healthy hair to create wigs for women who have lost their locks due to treatment. What could be more personal than that? Pantene Beautiful Lengths is working with HairUWear to design some seriously stylie wigs, and hair will be collected through January 2007. So there’s plenty of time yet to grow out those tresses! This is a very similar program to Locks of Love, which makes hairpieces for children in need. But Beautiful Lengths is the very first campaign of its kind to work toward adorning and empowering adult women. Rah Pantene!

Pantene kicks off their giving mission with a generous $1 million donation to the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION’S WOMEN’S CANCER RESEARCH FUND. And get a load of the serious star power behind them… sexy screen siren and award-winning actress, Diane Lane, is signed on as the campaign’s official spokesperson, and will cut her own silky strands during the launch to get this party started right. She will be shorn live on NBC’s “Today Show” to inspire others to join her in helping to demonstrate solidarity with, and beautify women undergoing cancer treatment.

There are some specific requirements to be eligible to donate, but the process is really a breeze. For more information about this spectacular program, and to sign up to receive a free donation kit, log onto: www.beautifullengths.com. This is the perfect way to combine beauty and compassion and show some real unity for the sisters out there who need our love and support the most. And hey, it’s right on time to shed those long locks and go bare for summer!

www.beautifullengths.com

A CHOICE FOR CHANGE
By Amber Roniger

Have you ever had your stomach fingered? How about combined psych with bodywork? Laughed in response to pain? Strutted around in your undies practicing your posture? Been instructed on the proper way to stand up from a chair? I know, a pretty bizarre set of criteria to be sure. So what could possibly be the common link? Entree HELLERWORK and the healing hands of ALINA FAYE, one of NYC’s very few Hellerwork practitioners. I know, you’re thinking, slow down City Pulse maniac, I have absolutely no freaking idea what you’re talking about. Truly, it’s like trying to decipher Pig Latin, backward. So okay, allow me the pleasure of elucidating you on something that was, until very recently, utterly unknown to me. Let’s face it, I’ve participated in a lot of different and unusual bodywork techniques: from your common Shiatsu and Tui Na massage, to acupuncture and reflexology, to kelations and reiki, to craniosacral therapy and Indian peace pipe ceremonies. I like to think I’m fairly well versed in a pretty broad range of healing arts. And so just to blow me off my high horse, Alina introduces me to Hellerwork, a technique of structural integration for the body, mind and spirit. Whosie, what? Uh, still lost. Okay, allow me to enlighten further…

Hellerwork’s founder, aptly named Joseph Heller (go figure), built off the basics of the Rolfing technique of deep-tissue structural bodywork, layered on some theme-based verbal discourse exploring how thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and feelings impact the body, threw in some movement education to guide you to groove in ways that minimize effort and tension on the body, and voile, the birth of Hellerwork. Alina, a California-native, licensed practitioner, takes her clients through an 11-step program of systematic bodywork in a hands-on process of working over (and I do mean working over) every little inch of your body, even the insides. Hellerwork is a systematic process working with the connective tissue, called fascia, which surrounds the muscles. You rarely hear anyone proclaim ‘oh my aching fascia,’ but often this is exactly where the root of the pain lies. The purpose of the program is to realign the entire musculo-skeletal structure, restore balance, and address physical pain and stresses, and who doesn’t have those? Go on, ask me how I am, I’m never one to lie or skim over the truth… I’ve got aching arches, sore muscles, a cricky neck and sticky hips, thank you very much. So I am the perfect victim (er, client) for Hellerwork, to release the effects of gravity (that stoopid gravity always pooping on my beauty party), chronic pain and tension.

So what’s the big whoop, you’re thinking, it’s deep tissue massage, blah-blah-blah, yah-yah-yah. Ah so, but it’s much, much more than that, Grasshopper. The kicker is the rooting out of emotional seeds behind the physical stress. This is actually some pretty radical thinking, because most healing arts address only the physical symptoms, and psychology often deals only with the effects of emotions, but not the causes. I was fortunate that my first chiropractor always sought out psychological reasons for my injuries. Lying prone on his table in mortal pain he’d ask me, ‘now why did you go and hurt yourself?’ Through wanting to kill him and make him feel my grief, I realized how profound his questions were. And this is exactly the beauty and uniqueness of Hellerwork. As Alina works over the physical body, she asks questions relating to whatever part she is focusing on like: what inspires you, when working on the heart area, and how does it feel to be independent and stand on your own two feet, while working on your legs. And although it may seem a bit odd at the time, believe me, you leave there with these thoughts ruminating around your brain and at some point they click in. They did for me.

And don’t make the mistake of being fooled by Alina’s slight demeanor, her ballet background and powerfully developed physique renders her a compelling practitioner who understands the mechanisms of the body and it’s aches, pains and tears. And try to listen to her when she tells you to ‘just breathe,’ as hard as it may be. She is always the first to say that Hellerwork isn’t for everyone, and it takes an extremely open mind and heart to truly take in the work. And I’ll admit, I was much relieved that when I asked her if she thought my aching soul(s) is emotionally based, she responded, ‘no, it’s probably just because of the wear and tear on your feet from walking so much in NYC.’ Thank God!

Alina Faye
Hellerwork Structural Integration Practitioner Extraordinaire
(917) 892-9433
alinafaye@mac.com
www.hellerwork.com

Have you ever partied with a nose? Well neither had I until the opening of L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR PARIS’ new store on Madison Avenue, which I can only describe as enticingly intoxicating. I’m sure the glass of bubbly I downed had a teensy bit to do with it, but not that much. ‘Cause the heavenly smells wafting down the Mad Ave spoke for themselves. So what is this nose-man of which I speak…some wacky foray inside a Tolstory short story? Nein, nothing that zany. Simply the chance to interview one of the perfume industry’s most famous noses, Bertrand Duchaufour, while sniffing some of his luxe concoctions. To begin with, I never knew there was a ‘nose’ profession, sorry, it’s just news to me. And secondly, I’d never thought of a scent as telling a story or recalling a memory. And so I was really delighted to realize just how artistic and narrative the creation of world-class aromas actually is. Bertrand’s nose is legend: the instant he inhales a smell he is able to break it down into its component parts and categorically store the formula in the sniffer part of his brain for future use. Quite impressive. He tells me how the just-launched Timbuktu fragrance elicits his recent visit to Mali. Again, impressed.

I dropped by the store after the revelers had long departed to grant my (average) nose the gift of whiffing L’Artisan’s full array of scents. Sales associate, Allison Winston, happily guided me through my premiere perfume flight, explaining the constituent parts of each fragrance, and some of the stories behind them. My absolute fav brew of the bunch is Machant Loup, which Allison described as inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, and which I now refer to as the Big Bad Wolf scent (rrrrfffff!).

It’s not as narcissistic as you may think to say that I absolutely lurve the L’Eau D’Ambre scent. Please allow me to ‘splain. I had this wonderful boyfriend many years ago who was always doused in amber oil. The first time we met, I sniffed him and proclaimed ‘Amber.’ And his perfect response, “nobody’s ever known that before… you’re a keeper,” just melted my little heart. Now every time I smell that heavenly scent, I’m instantly reminded of Phily. So my point with this wandering and vaguely romantic antidote? That smell is indeed the most powerful of senses, strong enough to evoke the memory of good times past at the drop of a droplet.

The store also stocks many lovely handmade bits and bobbles just begging to be touched and explored, an ummy-yummy line of scented candles, and their Amber balls (hey, it’s not my fault if I smell awesome). Many of the lovely perfumes at L’Artisan are also produced in an extreme version, more bold and full-bodied. I mean hey, if you can have Doritos Extreme (shout out to Harold and Kumar) and NFL Xtreme (yah, we all know how that turned out), then why not extreme scents? How about extremely alluring, extremely exhilarating and extremely beautiful? Me thinks so. So drop on by L’Artisan Parfumeur Paris, bury your nose in a garden of heavenly scents and give it a much-needed holiday from the i’d-rather-not-know-what-that-was smells of the grimy city.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Paris
1100 Madison Avenue
(212) 794-3600
www.artisanparfumeur.com

THE ORIGINAL DOCTOR OF SPIN
By Lauren Baccus

Okay, tell me this… how appropriate is it that as France prepared for battle with Italy on the soccer field, the DAHESH MUSEUM OF ART dedicated its current exhibition to one of France’s most notorious citizens… you know who… and his military campaign into Egypt. Oh that silly ‘ole Napoleon – he may not have been much of a football player, but he sure knew how to hype his own legend. In fact, despite the failure of his expedition, Napoleon returned to France a victorious conqueror, spinning more tall tales than Suri Holmes-Cruise’s (if she does in fact exist) PR rep. And I’ll say this, high school history certainly would have been a ton more bearable had we gotten the real scoop on this Napoleon character. I for one would have bolted to sign up for Historical Spin-Doctors 101, or to write an essay entitled, Josephine Bonaparte: Gold-digging Hussie or Misunderstood Feminist, now wouldn’t you?

In spite of the fact that the Dahesh cleverly avoids such sensationalist themes (and awkwardly interesting questions), the exhibition is amazingly compelling. Now hang on just a sec before you groan and pick up that copy of Us Weekly, and hear me out. The collection of drawings, hieroglyphics and hand-written letters from little man Napoleon himself are quite impressive. But the juicy insights into his quest for Egypt can only be called awesome, as I catch myself tittering (yes, tittering) at an English cartoon poking fun at some of his most spectacular defeats. The Museum is also running the doc, “Napoleon’s Obsession: Quest for Egypt,” written and hosted by renowned Egyptologist (and diehard Napoleon groupie), Professor Bob Brier, which further fleshes out the historical chronicle from a real life perspective. Total conquest proved illusive for Napoleon, who may have gotten off on the wrong foot by sending his men into the baking Egyptian desert in wool uniforms and no water bottles…. in July. Uh yah, he was clever like that. This is the same military genius that sent his men into the Russian winter in summer gear. Hey, some people just aren’t fashion-oriented; give the guy a break and pick on someone your own size!

Despite all his faults and fears, Napoleon was doubtless an inspirational leader. His foray into Egypt sparked not only the modern discipline of Egyptology, but set in motion the deciphering of hieroglyphics, and the “Egyptomania” and “Orientalism” movements in western fine and decorative arts for two centuries. Death, infidelity, and as Cosmo Kramer infamously declared, “unbridled enthusiasm,” are all subplots in Napoleon’s truly fascinating saga. So grab a latte, take a crunchy bite of a creamy Napoleon (uhg, my fav) and swing on by the Dahesh Gallery to catch talks and family programs, which round out this well-executed Napoleonic exhibition running through December 31st.

Dahesh Museum
www.daheshmuseum.org
580 Madison Avenue
(btw 56th and 57th Streets)
(212) 759-0606

I can admit it, I’m not half as urbane as I’d love to be. Sometimes I just want to dive down the rabbit hole of culture and history and get swallowed up somewhere around the age of innocence. Oh yeah, that’s right. Well… maybe INDIGO can be my Yellow Brick Roadmap. For those who seek adventure, new experiences, good company and fresh perspectives in the gritty city, Indigo is like a bump of speed, a cultural cure-all capsule for immediate consumption.

Holly Arnowitz, Indigo’s founder, likes to dibble and dabble in a little bit of everything, dahling. She creates custom tailored urban excursions for the serious, curious questor: lip-smacking art tours, fashion and shopping trips, personal growth seminars, wellness and pampering services, home and entertaining guidance. Pourquois mes amies? To keep you sitting pretty atop the cultural curve, in the know, right on the crux of the intellectual storm… and of course, to squeeze every ounce of pleasure outta life! Seriously. An ennobling and worthwhile cause. Like having your own personal everything maven, to mold you into the dashing intelligentsia, diva of wry witticisms, poet laureate in training of your erudite fantasies. Imagine your own loftiest vision of yourself… being all enlightened ‘n shite.

Indigo organizes all manner of highbrow personalized events: dinner salons (I so romanticize the existence of old-time salons where people practiced the art of conversation and “dress for dinner”), private art and museum tours (think cocktails at the Guggenheim after dark, bubbly) walks and talks (simultaneous show ‘n tell-intellectualism you oh-so-crave), food and wine delicacies (lay it on me, Wolfgang), and workshops (like mind-expansionism stuff).

So now that I’ve decided to tango with Indigo’s cultural intrigue, you’re wondering what unique treats are on the summer menu, right? Indeed…in light of the waves of ultraviolet heat and the wacky rain of late, Indigo offers to savvy urban divas the opportunity to come on over and get in touch with their INNER BEAUTY. Perfect, right? I mean, we spend enough time getting acquainted with our outer beauty, so how refreshing to actually focus on what’s going on inside, exploring joys and pleasures of internal wellness. Nomi Bachar will lead a private workshop on Thursday, July 20th, with a series of guided exercises and meditations (yup, it always comes back to exercise and relaxation, don’t it?), and offer simple and practical tools for eliminating that familiar self-critical inner chatter (zip it… zip…it), and connecting to new beliefs about our ravishing, stunning selves (you know you are). Believe it. And afterward, step out into the world with a more loving, compassionate and beautiful sense of your radiant self (or so they declare, and you better believe I’m anxious to find out).

Indigo offers so many… fun (there I said it, that’s the only word for it… fun) packages and experiences to test-drive your far-flung tastes. I sooo love the concept of the on-going circle set-up: a standing date with a group of friends for custom scheduled experiences. Absolutely no
forethought necessary, just show up and go with it. (And I’m quite sure the single menfolks out there could benefit from some sort of Fletch type of romantic dating service… just a little brainstorm, Holly, you can have that one for ‘nuthin.)

Some of Indigo’s notably hot events in the near past include: Edit Your Closets with Help from Our Stylist, NY Fashion – Uptown/Downtown: at Barneys NY, Summer Strategies, Shop Til Their Jaws Drop – Master Stylist Excursion, and my personal favorite, Reveal Your Inner Diva for a Day. That is exactly the ticket, yah.

So go on now, allow yourself to be a smidgy intrinsically vain won’t you? Be more
fully involved, engage with life on a deeper level? C’est la vie, carpe diem!

www.indigoexperiences.com
Inner Beauty Workshop
July 20th, 11-2p.m.
RSVP by July 11th

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL LIFE
By Michelle Quinn

Look here… I get it. I know the bind you’re in. Your shopping quandary, so to speak. You ‘n me both, sister. We women each have our one particular obsession when it comes to accessories. My current fixation (read: àƒÂ¼ber-fascination) is with handbags: be they hobo, tote or evening. I just can’t stop the fixation!

I had a moment of truth the other day, while moving. I realized, after packing yet another box of finely-crafted, very pretty and oh-so cleverly designed purses, that my accessory collection obsession now teeters dangerously on the fringes of Betty Ford intervention status. But do I crumble? It’s true that my funds might be less than endless (as in frustratingly finite), so I frequently find myself overspending.

Between un-packing the collection in the new loft, and meditating on past-purchase-guilt (accentuated by my latest YSL purchase, equal to half of June’s rent à¢â‚¬” but sooo worth it), coupled with the recognition of my utter self-centeredness at forking out mini-me fortunes for veritable evening-time key-holders, I experience a profound panicked moment of regret.

How to assuage my half-Jewish/ half-Irish guilt? The warring voices in my ancient shopping brain duke it out, driving me half-mad: spend-thrift, spend-thrift! If I really stop and think about it for a moment, my rational brain wonders what kind of difference my purse funds could have actually made had they been donated to a worthy cause (eg benefiting people other than myself or why am I contributing to Donatella’s empire)? Deeper into my growing guilt/ charitable vibe, I do some quick math (well honed from snap-calculating purse-resources) and discover that my May shopping funds alone could have funded a small village in Africa for the month. Reflecting on the coveted YSL makes me wince. I am forced to ask myself: has my handbag mania gone awry?

I commence upon a googling frenzy. And I’m much relieved to learn that many of my fav fashion houses are already deeply committed on the charitable front. Could it be possible for my accessories obsession to live in peace and harmony with this newly burgeoning global-awareness complex? Could I channel my passion for accessories into a bona fide do-gooding mission? Am I having an epiphany? Entree CLAIRE V. (la vie Claire translation: it’s a beautiful life).

The company was founded by Laura Bradford (with partner, Jennifer Jen) in 2002 in response to her travels through South East Asia, where she witnessed firsthand the utter destruction and human devastation caused by genocide and landmine injuries in the Cambodian Provinces. Overcome with compassion and determined to make a difference in the decimated lives of one of the world’s highest amputee populations, Laura created Claire V.’s silky-fruity collection of women’s handbags and accessories (www.clairev.com). Gorgeous handcrafted silk yummies (all over the fashion pages for summer into fall) in so many flowery, draw-string, pouchy, sinewy sexy styles, all made by landmine victims. Workers are (of course) paid fair wages, which would be otherwise unlikely because of being an amputee; which would typically force them back into the same landmine-laden fields. Claire V. also contributes 10% of annual net profits toward health initiatives and education for woman and children in South East Asia.

Claire’s mission is right on point, and will help guide me in my quest for fashion coupled with altruism. So I’m thinking: it’s time for all of us to be more conscious about where, to what and whom our hard-earned duckets go. We can be more proactive about seeking out public information (thank you Freedom of Information Act – rock on!) so we can find out which companies support public interest, and which are simple opportunists. We can begin to make fully conscious choices about where we lay down our dollar, peso, pound, euro or yen.

I’ve already started yapping the good-purse word to my fellow handbag style mavericks about Claire V.’s juicy collection and their cause, which is more than worthy of the balance of July’s rent allocation.

Claire V.
www.clairev.com
877-CLAIRE-7

We’re in full swing for summer – these are some of my faves for beating the heat and looking hot!

When I tell you that I wore this concealor stick under my eyes during a recent heat wave here in NYC, was literally dripping with sweat, and had zero, ZERO!!, creases, believe it and get on the website. Judith August’s Everything Pencil is perfect for covering under eye circles, age spots, bruises – you name it – and it comes in six colors sure to match each skintone. www.judithaugustcosmetics.com

How tired are you of your mascara melting down your face as you marathon through your day? Pick up Dianne Brill’s Lash Lingerie Extensions Kit and you will worry no more! Inside the sweet little hatbox lie a set of corner lashes for when you’re feeling more natural, full lashes for more drama, and sparkly lashes for the Britney in all of us. www.beautyhabit.com.

Who didn’t see the Vanity Fair cover of Tom Ford with Keira and Scarlett lying nude in all their ivory skinned glory? Well, the man doesn’t just pose with naked girls, he also has come up with a beautiful new line of neutrals for Estee Lauder. My favorites are The Eyeliner in noiree – a creamy chocolate brown liner that gives the perfect smudge – and The Lip Shine in coralee – an intense orange lip color that leaves the perfect soft apricot color if applied lightly.

If you’re spending all your time out on your boat (then we need to get to know each other!) and your sunparched lips need some attention, pick up by terry’s Rose Balm Flaconnette. Its creamy texture stimulates cellular renewal and protects with an SPF 15. The smell of roses certainly doesn’t hurt either! www.eluxury.com.

If you’re a grease slick like me you’ve found that no mattifier really helps. So, we snuggle up to blotting sheets and powders that end up leaving us look like we’ve been dunked in talc. Check out Three Custom Color’s Loose Translucent Powder. The formula works on the palest of pale to fairly deeply toned skin, absorbs oil without leaving you chalky looking, and gives a silky, breathable finish to the skin – I love it! www.threecustom.com

Often we’re caught up in the monotony of every day life, and forget to stop and take time to enjoy the glorious season of summer. We need reminders, aromas that can transport us to an exotic locale or a sandy beach, even if we’re really just cooped up in an office.

That sweet aroma of sun-kissed skin and just back from the beach glow is uniquely captured in Bond No.9′s newest scent, Fire Island. An ode to the popular summer escape, Fire Island recalls the perfume of vintage European bronzing oils and the essence of bare skin.

Created with top notes of pungent cardamom, a heart of sweet and spicy neroli accentuated by sexy white musk, the scent mellows with heady tuberose and earthy patchouli. A spicy floral concoction, Fire Island adds heat to your summer routine. The sun and sea bottle echoes with shades of sunburst yellow and ocean blue.

So do summer Bohemian with a touch of glamour, and take a jaunt with Bond No.9 to Fire Island anytime you like!

For more information on Fire Island, visit www.bondno9fragrances.com.

Lash Envy. You know what I’m talking about – you’ve had it. It might be a friend, coworker or girl at pilates class. You’ve even given in and asked her what mascara she uses. You rush out to Bendel’s to buy the same brand and find yourself utterly deflated when you slather on layer after slick black layer, only to find you resemble a raccoon more than a sexy doe-eyed siren.

Well, my friend, I am about to deliver a little holiday gift to you…5 months early. You CAN ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR LASHES. Yes, I’ll say it again. YOU CAN ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR LASHES! Nope, I’m not talking about another $30 tube of mascara or fake lashes that eventually fall out (inevitably on your cheek or plate, at the most inopportune moments, and always taking a few of your own meager lashes with them). I am talking about how to really improve your lashes by actually nourishing them.

Ok, so I agree with you…it’s amazing how the most obvious things sometimes take the longest to really ‘get’. I mean, lashes are hair, and we condition our hair regularly. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before now!?! Don’t even dwell on it, sister, I have spent plenty of time on that myself. All I can tell you is that, as of today, you have the chance to change your lashes.

FNS (Folicle Nutrient Serum) Nutrilash by Osmotics is the answer to your “if only I had those lashes” prayers. To quote the company on the specifics, “Based on ground breaking research in wound healing, this proprietary mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids provides the essential nutrients for growing strong, healthy lashes and brows. This all natural formula is ocular tested, completely safe, and non-irritating. Uniquely designed for the eye area, Nutrilash is packaged in easy to use, hygienic, single dose applicators.”

In my own words: I tried the Nutrilash product. I found it easy to use, even though I wondered how on earth I’d make it a full 28 days to see the results (the company says it takes about 4 weeks to see results). After about a week and a half I started noticing a change in the texture of my lashes; I even received several compliments on how thick they were. By the third week, I got a taste of life on the other side of Lash Envy; getting compliments almost daily, from friends and strangers alike. Now I use Nutrilash once or twice a week for maintenance and my lashes have never looked so healthy or felt so strong. Mascara goes on better, when I even bother wearing it. I’ve also used it on my sometimes over-waxed brows, and have noticed some added fullness there as well.

Take the first step towards healthier, thicker, fuller lashes by picking up your own FNS Nutrilash kit at www.osmotics.com or at your local Lord & Taylor or Nordstroms.