The Quest for "it"

Chambord Stirs Up Fashion Week: Fashionable Cocktails with a Twist

                                                      Hi!

Let the games begin! What's the preferred liqueur of choice on the cocktail front come Fashion Week...which BEGAN TODAY?--It's Chambord of course!  Chambord Black Raspberry liqueur, an all-natural liqueur produced in France's  Loire Valley, will serve as the Official Liqueur of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, and will for the first time offer fashion show attendees the chance to be sketched by local fashion designers.

This is the fourth consecutive year Chambord has been on the scene at New York's premiere fashion event, and this year brings even more excitement to the mix.  Guests attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week can enjoy Chambord at the event bars and lounges in passed cocktails in the lobby.  Guests cal also visit the Chambord booth to pose for a complimentary, digital fashion sketch performed by local fashion designers.  Ones sketched, visitors can download their sketch.

Touted as the "perfect accessory" Chambord's event bars will feature classic Chambord French Martinis, the Velvet Elvis (a rocking combination of Chambord and Jack Daniels) and for the calorie conscious, the Chambord Lemonade (Vodka, Chambord and sugar feee lemonade) during the showing of the Fall 2009 Collection (February 13-20).

*photo courtesy of Brown-Forman Corporation

Conde Nast's Fashion Rocks 5 Pre-Party

                                                                                                         Hi!

This year's Fashion Rocks 5 is highly anticipated and the Conde Nast sponsored pre-party has done well in rallying the troops. The invitation only event held at West Chelsea's Mansion boasted a king size red carpet, several hundred well heeled revelers and what else a LIVE performance from the hot, hot, hot Pussycat Dolls.  Toasting the evening away with several fine cocktails followed by several rounds of hors d'oeuvres was a given and while the crowds quelled there palates the celebs poured in one by one. 

As the crowd got their groove on to the tunes of celeb DJ Jus Ske, there were glimpses of America's Next Top Model Judge J Alexander, Black Eye Peas' Will.i.am, several previous cast members of America's New Top Model,and so on. The mezzanines searing had it's privileges waiters catered to our every whim with constant cocktail requests--we declined politely.

Shortly after 9:00 pm the Pussy Cat Dolls took to the stage immediately belting out an number of their early hits including Buttons, Stick Wit U and  Dont Cha. The choreography SIZZLED as the Dolls lit up the stage ins sexy black and leather, vinyl and whatever else won't rip when kicking your legs several inches above your head. The show ended with their current smash hit When I Grow Up.

This performance was for the record books and the party ROCKED...make way for Fashion Rocks 5 it's going to be even HOTTER!

*photo from Poplife.biz

FIRST LOOK: Checking in for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008

                                                                 Hi There!

Care to see what the check-in process looks like for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008?  Oh come on? sure you do.  Check out the pic of the almost
eager coveted media, as seen picking up their press credentials from about 12:10 pm today. Yes, we  here at The Quest for "it" were pretty savvy--we had it all completed by 12:30 pm noon or so.  Even more curious? Media check-in will continue over the next few days.

Save for one or two more select posts  our OFFICIAL COVERAGE is almost here!

So you know what that means...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Fashion Week Prep 101: Beauty Rest

                                Hi!

There's ABSOLUTELY nothing more stressful than the week before Fashion Week except maybe...well FASHION WEEK! So as always I am gearing up physically for the big week by what else? beautifying.  A recent photo of me from a very swank cocktail party yielded a somewhat PARTIED OUT look according to my business partner.  So, in my quest for the ultimate glam look for next Wednesday's opening day, I've decided to get into gear. This morning I put on a face mask , and yet by mid-afternoon my face looked no better.

What's my routine for the next few days outside of writing releases, confirming and re-confirming shows, and squeezing in appearances at select events? Simply the WORKS, I'm opting for sauna time, drinking TONS of water, and rest.  I did receive some luscious body products that smell like milk chocolate more on that one another time. So tonight I am in and relaxing on the first day of my beautification process.  While it's the start of Labor Day Weekend for most, I am going to do a bit of research under eye products for dark circles*** -- they seem to be really doing me in lately...YUK!

Stay tuned....

***-regarding the dark circles a friend recommended Tarte's Eraser concealer and Benefit's Eyecon for youthful bright eyes.

The Quest for "it" OFFICIAL Countdown To Fashion Week Clock

Hi!

Above is the OFFICIAL countdown clock to be found here on The Quest for "it" until kickoff.  The clock will appear at the end of each post from today until the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 08 Shows begin. So again check in DAILY to see what's going on!

The Quest for "it" OFFICIAL Countdown to Fashion Week

                                Hello!

Oh my! looks like it's time to step things up a bit as New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 08 is but...um...1 WEEK AWAY! Can you believe it? Well depending on who you are, I suppose you can.  So if anyone's curious as to what precisely is in store...um...well...this one is for you.  As I pondered what to reveal this season while chilling on vacation last week (see photo at left) I decided not to make this ALL ABOUT ME.*** Yes, it's true The Quest for "it" is officially registered yet again to cover the tents as press; yes, the entire 8 days will be captured in glorious living color on video as in the past 2 seasons and yes, the footage will run elsewhere other than this here blog.  That's the BORING stuff; what is more fun is an OFFICIAL countdown to the momentous day. Which designer's show is expected to be the HOTTEST?  What celebs are expected to attend which show? What parties will be worth attending?

If anything mentioned in the above paragraph sounds vaguely of interest than The Quest for "it" Countdown Clock which starts TODAY should make it all extremely interesting. Outside of the countdown clock, expect juicy tidbits of reality in regards to the prep process of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week from the industry's movers and shakers that we happen to have access to.  So, that's really it...looking forward to sharing...and LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!

***-all about me...OK I LIED! For those out there interested in what a Celebrity/Lifestyle Blogger goes through to prepare for this a 3rd season of official coverage and what the nuances and caveats are of the prep process...read this countdown DAILY...you may just find out!

FIRST LOOK: The Bryant Park Tents Go Up!

Hey!

Wondering what the famed Bryant Park Tents of New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week will hold this season (SPRING 08)?  Well um...don't we all? While we wait on baited breath it may interest everyone to know that the tents are being CONSTRUCTED as we speak!  Here's what I saw this afternoon at about 1:48 pm Eastern Time:

 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SPR 08--Less Than 2 Weeks Away!

                                        Hello!

How quickly the time rolls around; yes, again it is time for Fashion Week.  Those in the industry from designers to make-up artists to hairstylists to press have been anxiously preparing for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SPR 08 in recent weeks.  As always with so much to do and now so little time to do it, what EXACTLY does all this mean?  Well, perhaps this will shed some light--on August 7th a press release (IMG) went out to all previously registered for New York's Fashion Week announcing  the line up for the Spring 2008 Collections.  This season 65 designers will show from September 5th-September 12th.

The happiest of realities is that Bryant Park will again be home to The Tents--after much ado last February many of us just were not sure this would be the case. Most importantly the MAJOR players i.e.: Donna Karan/DKNY, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Diane Von Furstenberg return in living color.*** Newcomers L.A.M.B., Miss Sixty, are ones to watch.  Additionally, the title sponsor Mercedes Benz will be joined by supporting sponsors that range from the recurring LYCRA, MAC Cosmetics, Moet & Chandon, and the like to Ultra HD and Getty Images--we're they on board last season?  It's always so hectic, who knows.  What we do know is that The Quest for "it" will be covering the tents (yet again) bringing the best in backstage, celebrity and designer interviews, and runway footage with maybe even a party or two.

There's only a few weeks to go before the whole 8 days unfold, sooo... let the games begin!

***-return in living color to the tents of Bryant Park as several seasons in recent years have been offsite.

Gearing Up For Fashion Week 101: What To Wear

Hi,

Oh my! Can life be any more "stressful" right now?  I am at that grateful yet exhilarating time of nailing down what I am going to wear for Fashion Week.  Perhaps I should warn you...this post is going to be good...it's going to be juicy, it's going to be telling, it's going to be...my final public plea for some HOT designer clothing!

Here's the Deal

OK, well I don't want to get all Star Jones** on you, but I actually have secured a watch to wear for Fashion Week.   I will not name it, I will not flaunt it ... all I will say is that the brand is Italian, the watch is being given to me, I will be videotaped wearing said watch, and the PR firm it comes from is top notch.  That said... my fear is that I really will be going COMMANDO (much like Naomi in that picture to the left) come September 8th when I am at the Bryant Park tents with my videographers (camera man 1 & 2 respectively.)  I explained a week or so ago how I made a request for designer clothing; I then hinted again a few posts ago about my frantic goal of getting to a smaller side of size 6.  I share all of this not for pity, but so that others may understand my dilemma, and just what it takes to prepare for the amazing experience that is Olympus Fashion Week.

So, you may be thinking "Tia, you cover all of these designers, all of these happenings all of these...whatever, how could this be?"  Well, that is precisely what I'd like to know...any takers on this question? The first thing that came to me is to cry DISCRIMINATION*** but that's SILLY...that doesn't exist anymore.  Besides what would that do?...that only works in law suits or like when you enter retail stores after hours, and people don't recognize you or something ... not in simple clothing requests.  Next thought, perhaps I should  be seeking out designers that specialize in incredible jaw dropping looks for tall chicks.  Let's face it...the idea here is to WOW my viewing audience with the quintessential aura of a designer's ARTISTRY to provide an elusive air of EXCLUSIVITY, and as always to look HOT!  Unfortunately, it is still undetermined as to how this all will pan out...I am trying my best not to be a nervous wreck!

I guess my real concern is feeling sexy and carefree; in other words, feeling on top of the world (if I do not get warm fuzzies from the clothing I'm wearing...FORGET IT!)  Well, I guess that's it!  In a nutshell, these are my rampant thoughts; hopefully, I will get my hands on some amazing clothing...and soon.  Funny, the fact that millions of viewing eyes will be taking note of what I'm wearing during Fashion Week doesn't make me at all nervous.  I'm already preparing for that type of pressure via my upcoming TV show appearance this weekend.

OH MY GOD!!!! What the h#@! am I going to wear for that?

:(

**- Star Jones -- I love ya Star, but I gotta be careful about flaunting my receivables around.  Funny,  I am actually an Al Reynolds supporter ... such a sweetie... always so smiley when you see him.  You go Al! anytime you decide to run for office you got my vote!

***-discrimination -- of course it exists, but that has no place in my lil deal.  I just thought I'd stir things up.  I myself am equal opportunity, but by and large I buy and wear American, of course I may lean towards Parisian wear as my finances improve.

Gearing Up For Fashion Week 101: Securing The Shows

                     Hi!

Hmmm ... as you know I am so consumed with Fashion Week it is scary! so I figured I would share just what is going on for those who are curious as to how one prepares...I mean from a press point of view.  Presently, myself and other prominent fashion/lifestyle bloggers have just secured (some are still securing) which coveted shows we will appear at...OK, what shows we will cover.  This all seems like a piece of cake, but I assure you it's not, even for lil ole me the competition is FIERCE this year.  After an initial request is made, follow-ups with all PR contacts or event coordinators is needed and this can be quite a lengthy process. What to do?  What I'm going to do is make note of the fashion correspondent icons who have gone before me, and somehow find the strength to carry on through this very EXHAUSTING process with confidence and grace.

In regards to the shows, my favorites*** are as always uppermost in my mind, and the ones I find that are vital to attend as an "it" blogger can unfortunately be viewed as long shots.****  So just what is the criteria for attending? ... it ranges, some shows prefer attractive celeb types, some shows prefer hard hitting fashion publications (Vogue Editors, WWD), some prefer prominent friends of the designer and so on, and so on.

So are you thinking ..."well Tia, what do you have to offer?" -- good question, with an even better answer...ME!  If you read this blog faithfully you know that "me" via The Quest for "it" begets insightful, poignant, of the moment analysis that showcases carefully selected material in the best possible light.  So how is that worthy of A-List treatment? ... I'm not going to answer that...all I am going to say is I am trying to get back to the smaller side of a size 6 and I'm almost there ... I'm going be looking HOT... isn't that enough?

The horses are on the track!!!

***- my favorites DKNY Men, Zang Toi, Cynthia Steffe, Naeem Khan, Luca Luca, Diane Von Furstenberg, Baby Phat, Carlos Miele, Badgley Mishcka, Zac Posen, Zaldy (although he is not showing this season) etc., etc, etc, and I do mean etc.

****- any show of great prominence can be a longshot.  If I've contacted a PR company and they have never responded in kind with a fab seat...then yes, that would an example of a longshot.