Sothys Spa NYC Sensitive Skin Facial

I was recently invited to visit the NYC flagship of Parisian luxury Sothys Spa to try their new Sensitive Skin Facial.  Located in Midtown West just 2 blocks south of Central Park, Sothys has been setting the standard for the professional beauty care industry for more than 60 years and is represented in 20,000 spas in over 115 countries worldwide.

My skin was feeling very sensitive, especially with the changing seasons, and the area around my nose was dry and peeling after a recent cold. The 50 minute facial treatment was ultra calming and soothing and is perfect for the most sensitive and reactive skins.  The sensitive skin facial also included their unique decongesting facial massage with chilled porcelain spoons, which at first felt very cold, but also surprisingly calming.  Afterwards my skin was super soft and moisturized.  My face really glowed and looked dewy and clean.  Thanks to Sothy and my amazing facialist, Zina!  I'm excited to try the samples I received of the new sensitive skin line that was used in my facial. 

Sothys’ complete professional face and body treatments and high performance home care products provide both the spa industry and consumer with products that promote well-being while providing authentic, proven results.  It was also interesting to learn that Sothys uses SpaTM Thermal Water, which is a very pure natural spring water with a low mineral content and a pH similar to that of the skin.  The water comes from the Belgian Ardennes, and has been used by spas since the 16th century, and its balancing properties have now been scientifically proven. 

Boots Beauty Launch Event at Duane Reade with Marina and the Diamonds

I recently attended the launch of The Boots Beauty Experience Launch at Duane Reade with a special performance by British sensation Marina and the Diamonds.  The British brand now offers customers "The Beauty Experience", at Walgreens and Duane Reade shops in the NY metro area.   

Customers will receive complimentary access to incredible service and the opportunity discover and play with all the Boots beauty brands in one location: No7 Skincare & Cosmetics, Botanics Skincare & Cosmetics, Expert, Extracts, Mark Hill, Champneys, and Indeed Labs. 

 Boots Beauty Advisors were on-hand to offer advice, tips & trends, free samples, complimentary skincare consultations, makeovers, and quick touch-ups!  They also offer complimentary Match Made Service, which matches you to your perfect foundation shade in just minutes.  At the party we got to sample products, get makeup touchups and of course, take photos at the photobooth! 

With fellow fashionista TijanaStyle.

I was excited to learn about the Boots Botanics product line which is free of parabens, mineral oils, paraffin waxes, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), replacing man-made chemicals with natural ingredients where possible.  I also can't wait to try the popular Botanics Organic range that is rich in Organic Rosehip to nourish and boost skin’s radiance.  The Botanics Facial Oil is 100% organic and the first mass market facial oil to lock in moisture for up to eight hours.

We then headed to a The Bailey Pub for performance by popular British pop star, Marina and the Diamonds. She performed her songs "Primadonna Girl" and "Froot" which were super catchy and fun!  See the video below for her amazing performance!

Metro Curates 2015 Show at The Metropolitan Pavilion

The Metro Curates Show 2015 held at The Metropolitan Pavilion (Jan 21 - 25) is one of my favorite shows to attend.  It is definitely one of the must-see art shows for its unique and interesting pieces.  I attended the preview last night and noticed a few themes in the pieces that attracted my attention:  animals, nature, wearable objects and accessories, and bright colors!  Some of the pieces were ancient, thousands of years old while others were modern, but all had great stories behind them!

The first booth that caught my attention was Adelson Galleries, Boston (Booth 216) featuring Colombian artist Federico Uribe who uses unconventional materials to make his objects, such as color pencils, books, forks, and bullets!

Colombian Artist Federico Uribe

I fell in love with a pair of ceramic poodles by the late artist Kirk Mangus (Booth #104 Mindy Solomon Gallery of Miami). 

Eva Kwong with Juneau (white poodle) and D'Artaguan (black poodle) by Kirk Mangus

 I met the artist's wife, Eva Kwong, who told me that the poodles were a source of entertainment for her children and their classmates who enjoyed hugging and climbing the sturdy sculptures.  They are easy to care for too, just wash with soap and rinse!  

A side profile of Juneau

Ceramic sculptures by Kirk Mangus (Mindy Solomon Gallery of Miami)

(Mindy Solomon Gallery of Miami)

Coronet from Yoruba Culture, Nigeria (Douglas Dawson, Chicago)

Coronet from Yoruba Culture, Nigeria (Douglas Dawson, Chicago)

Yoruba Culture, Nigeria.  Gail Martin Gallery

Young Boys' Hats, Turkey 17th century, Gail Martin Gallery

Ceremonial Piece, Gail Martin Gallery

Young Woman's Skirt, Iraqwa People, Tanzania, Early 20th Century (Gail Martin Gallery)

I could spend so much time looking at these intricate and colorful "dresses" by Jane Lund (Forum Gallery NYC).  The artist is also originally from Queens, NY!  She assembles collected objects to create the pieces and incorporates self portraits into some of her work.

Garden Dress, 2012 by Jane Lund (Forum Gallery, NYC)

Dress by Jane Lund (Forum Gallery, NYC)

Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwich 3pm- 6pm

Capital One opens its new branch on Columbus Avenue & 97th Street today and to celebrate, they are giving away free Coolhaus Ice Cream. Just stop by outside the store from 3 - 6pm and cool down with Coolhaus.

Events this Week: May 19 - May 23: The Homepolistudio at BoConcept, The Allies Opening Party, and The Market NYC 2yr Anniversary

Events May 20 - May 23

May 20, 6:00pm:  RSVP The Homepolish Studio at BoConcept Chelsea here.

Meet the Japanese Masters at Atelier Courbet on May 17th, 12-5pm

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Concept Korea Fashion Autumn 2014 Show

(UN)Fair Show

Does the thought of Art make you quiver in fear? THE(UN)FAIR exhibition promises an exciting art experience--at once fun, wondrous, thought-provoking, and maybe even surprising. THE(UN)FAIR returns for its second year at 500 West 52nd St. 4th Fl in midtown Manhattan from March 5–9, 2014. This art-filled extravaganza, was established to celebrate passion rather than fashion!

Tracy Snelling's fun grown-up version of the nostalgic grade school dioramas. You can't tell in the photo, but some of the windows in the building had videos of some very adult situations going on...I felt a bit voyeuristic.

Tracy Snelling - Bad Girl, mixed media

Tracy Snelling - Drift Liquors, mixed media

 THE(UN)FAIR rekindles the guerilla-style art show amidst the bustle of Armory Arts Week, exhibiting paintings and sculptures from both established and emerging artists,

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Zang Toi Autumn 2014

The master of drama, Zang Toi, does it again with an Autumn 2014 show, Shanghai 1930's, "Paris of the Orient", inspired by jazz-age Shanghai glamour.  The show started with a model wearing Loro Piana cashmere Geoplaid 1930's Gangster's trouser suit with a silver fox stole.  It felt like I was in the setting of a 1930's film noir.  Capes, trench coats, fedoras angled perfectly atop coifed waves, sensual thigh high stockings and boots, added to the mystique.  The hue of the evening was a brilliant jade green.  

Macaron Parlour: Second Location Upper West Side

Dessert lovers rejoice!  Macaron Parlour owned by talented married couple, Christine Ha and Simon Tung, has a new location in the Upper West Side located at  560 Columbus Avenue between 87th & 87th Streets.  I was fortunate to be invited to their press launch and sampled lots of delicious treats.  

Aside from the traditional macaron flavors (chocolate, lemon, hazelnut, etc.), Macaron Parlour has some unique flavors such as Cheetos, Rosemary and Olive Oil, and my personal favorite, the savory Thai Chili.

Vivienne Tam Fall 2014 Collection

This season, Vivienne Tam's Fall 2014 collection was inspired by a well-kept memory of the hidden treasures of DunHuang, the gateway to the West, at the heart of the Silk Road and pays homage to one the most revered cultural heritage sites and art shrines in the world.  It celebrates the beauty of the cave murals and underscores the imperative of historic preservation. 

The exquisite, ancient frescoes are captured in the collection through digital prints and the artwork developed for them transcend time to be relevant today.   


Earth tones of sepia, amethyst, carnelian, lapis lazuli, oxidized and jade green, sometimes interlaced with metallic gold and bronze,

The Village Voice Holiday Spirits Event At Studio Square, LIC

The holiday season...the perfect time to gather with loved ones and overindulge in foods rich in sugar/butter/lard/salt and beverages of the alcoholic variety.  The Village Voice Holiday Spirits Tasting Event at Studio Square, Long Island City, Queens, NY, was the perfect place to sample a multitude of spirits to warm your hearts and stomach.

My favorites were definitely the drinks that were sweet, spicy, or served warm. Scorpion Mezcal mixed with Abuelita hot chocolate and bit of cinnamon...yes, please!  Another favorite was the Southern Hooch, which was Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine and sweet tea.   

Atelier Pronovias Barcelona 2014 Collection

Atelier Pronovias presented its 2014 bridal collection, hosted by supermodel Petra Němcová, at the St. James' Church yesterday at 865 Madison Avenue.  The church was the perfect setting for the romantic collection which consisted of effervescent, ethereal gowns that delicately highlighted the body.

  I'm not the type of woman who has fantasized or planned out my wedding since childhood. However, after watching the show, I had a few ideas about my future wedding gown!  Silhouettes ranged from sleek and polished to princess-like looks with full-bodied gowns.  The collection featured sumptuous fabrics such  as luxurious French silk and lace, and lavish materials such as rebrodé, and chantilly lace, Parisian organza, and taffeta.  Models wore gorgeous golden, floral headpieces which created a lovely glow.

4th New York Chinese Film Festival Red Carpet and Opening Ceremony

The 4th New York Chinese Film Festival kicked off at Lincoln Center's Alice Tuly Hall.  Actor/Director Vivian Zhao Wei, Singer/Actor Miriam Yeung, Action Star Donnie Yen, Wu XiuBo (Finding Mr. Right), Larry Yang (Director, Sorry I love you), Wesley Wong, Vivian Dawson 錦榮 and Jade Lin were among those who walked the star studded red carpet.

Vivian Zhao Wei

Chinese heartthrob, actor Wu Xiu Bo

Hong Kong Singer/Actor Miriam Yeung and husband Real Ting

Beautiful Couple: Action Star Donnie Yen 甄子丹 and Wife Cecilia Cissy Wong 汪詩詩

JSong and ...Way Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

The JSong and …Way Spring/Summer 2014 collection of easy-to-wear pieces in vibrant colors and flattering silhouettes, showed that comfort is not a compromise to style.

The color palette was a splendid and full of pretty pastels and bright colors, with appealing names that conjured up images of springtime picnics like green apple, honey yellow, and butter yellow.

Here are some highlights from the show:

The show began with a models in bold contrasting navy linen pantsuit and skirt suit with ice blue geometric stitching.

Next came some everyday looks, such as a versatile pleated surplice top that could be worn as front or back.

Layered pieces followed in a bright pink and pastel chiffon top paired with pastel pink chiffon A-line skirt and a layered citrus green & light green chiffon top with grass green classic linen pants.

Draped chiffon dresses in cream were pretty and romantic, as well as elongating to the figure.

We then traveled back in time for mod and chic look in the form of a orange multi color block dress and orange multi color block top paired with white pants.

One of the showstoppers was a white circle lace pillow tunic paired with beige linen embroidered with white geometric stitching, an unexpected but beautiful combination.

The show ended with an elegant long sleeved red lace dress that was reminiscent of the wedding gown worn by Duchess of Cambridge.

JSong and …Way showed a lovely collection of their signature embroidery and linen pieces, both feminine and wearable.

Article written by Alice Chin, also posted on 247feature.com and AsianinNY.com

Photo credit Emily Cheng/AsianinNY.com