The Black Dress Traveler

Have Dress. Will Travel!

Put on your favorite little black dress and join me on April 8 for a great evening with Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go. The evening will also feature sweet treats from Dolce Italia and delicious wine! Click here to order your tickets!

No matter where I travel, I always have at least one little black dress in my suitcase.  I don't   pack a dress just in case. I bring a black dress as a PROMISE to myself that my trip will include at least one outing that is elegant and special. There are very few places in the world where a little black dress and simple jewels don't fit the bill for proper attire.  And, being a "dressaholic", I tend to have a few more dresses, of all colors, in my valise.

The little black dress is not just a garment but a reminder to live life with a dash of flair whether you are traveling to work or circling the globe. Try to have a little black dress approach to life no matter where you are or what you are wearing.

I  love exploring my hometown of New York City just as much as venturing to far-flung destinations and I truly believe that travel is a state of mind.  There are places right in our own backyards that can elicit powerful feelings of wonder and inspiration. Films, food, books, fashion and music can all transport us to new places.  

Remember, adventure is always in fashion!

Wanda

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Ten in My Town: Amy Reimer's New Orleans

Amy Reimer
General Manager, International House

New Orleans is perhaps America's most magical city. Known for great jazz, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning architecture and spirited people who live life to the fullest and bounce back in the face of adversity, New Orleans magically melds diverse cultures into a unique and seductive social gumbo.

If anyone knows New Orleans, Amy Reimer does! A New Orleans native, Amy is general manager of the acclaimed boutique hotel, International House, and its sister property, Loft 523. She is a past Chairman of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau and was selected by New Orleans CityBusiness Magazine as one of fifty New Orleans area women who have made notable contributions in business and the community. Currently President of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association, Amy also sits on the Boards of Directors of the Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, and on the Executive Committee of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. 

Amy is an avid runner and loves to travel to see what other places have to offer. If you are heading to New Orleans, check out Amy's picks on the best places in the Big Easy to let the good times roll!

1. To Buy the Perfect Little Black Dress: The place that I can always find that perfect dress is a shop on Metairie Road called Elizabeth’s. The 2 men that own it always have a great eye for the dress that is just perfect.

2. For a Night Out with the Girls: We always start at Loa, the bar in International House, the hotel that I am the General Manager of. It is the perfect place to start and finish a night of fun!

3. For a Romantic Dinner: Café Degas on Esplanade is a great French bistro. The food and the setting are always great.

4. To Take Out of Town Guests: There is so much to do in New Orleans but a night out must always include Frenchmen Street. There are 8 or so live music venues that allow you to see and hear great music from 6pm until 3am so you never feel like you are missing anything.

5. For Something Sweet: My favorite picks for dessert are Emeril’s banana cream pie, the flan at Rambla and, of course, the Bread Pudding Soufflé at Commander’s Palace.

6. For Cocktails: Loa in International House is not to be missed, the bar at Arnaud’s is a perfect setting and has great drinks and, of course, a Pimm’s Cup at the Napoleon House.

 7. To Connect with Nature: The parks in New Orleans are great. City Park has a great lake that has a jogging path around it that you can take to wind down after jogging through the majestic oaks. There is also a bike path that starts downtown and takes you all of the way to Lake Ponchartrain.

8. To Connect with the Past: The French Quarter offers so much history as does the Garden District. You can walk through the French Quarter and then take a Streetcar to the Garden District to see the magnificent homes.

9. Where I Go to Unwind: The best place to unwind is with a group of friends at one of the many outdoor restaurants and bars in NOLA. There are so many to select from: Martinique, The Columns, Lucy’s, Nona Mia and the courtyard at Commander’s Palace.

10. To Learn Something New: Don’t miss the New Orleans Museum of Art. There is always something to learn as you take in all of the exhibits.

To learn more about New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!

The Orchid Show: Cuba in Flower
Through April 11. $20 for All Garden Pass.
Experience the tropical beauty of Old Havana in the Bronx. The New York Botanical Garden’s exotic floral displays transports visitors to the romantic intrigue of Cuba.

California Dreaming Wine Tasting at Bacchus
Tuesday, March 9. 7:30pm – 9:30 pm. $39 (plus tax)
Experience the California flair for yourself on a California Wine Tasting Tour right here in NYC. Taste through a diversified selection of varietals and appellations from California. Pinots, Cabs and Merlots! Each participant will receive a beautiful Riedel Crystal Vinum Extreme stem from which to drink and to take home at the end of the evening.

Opera in Harlem at Gospel Uptown
Thursday, March 11. 7:30 pm. $35 food and beverage minimum.
Leopoldo Mucci, the owner of the world famous  Caffe Taci, brings the operatic sounds of bella Italia to Harlem. If you can’t make it to the MET or La Scala, hop the subway to Harlem for for an enjoyable evening of  opera and fine dining at Gospel Uptown.  

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Thursday, March 11. 8:30 pm. Free!
Unwind with a free concert in the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center. Artists of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will give an encore performance of Niels Gade's String Sextet.

Eat. Drink. Be Married.
Thursday, March 11. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. $15
Astor Center presents the ultimate food-focused wedding expo. Enjoy tasty treats from Momofuku Milk Bar, The Cleaver Company, Landmarc Catering, Roni-Sue’s Chocolates, Love Street Cakes, Thomas Preti Caterers, How Sweet It Is, Tumbador Chocolates, LiddAbit Sweets, Cake Alchemy and more. Attend a guided Champagne tasting or just take your time enjoying the wide array of beverages provided by Astor Wines & Spirits and Sixpoint Craft Ales.

EAT: World Financial Center Restaurant Showcase
Friday, March 12. 11:00 am – 2:30 pm.
Beat the winter blues at EAT: World Financial Center Restaurant Showcase. Sweet and savory treats for $1-5 include Au Mandarin’s famous pork dumplings, PJ Clarke’s mini-cheeseburgers, Starbuck’s Hot Chocolate, and Financier’s Blueberry Panna Cotta. All Night Cookin’, a popular blue grass band, delivers a delicious live performance!

Paquito D’Rivera: Reflections of a Man Facing South
Friday, March 12. 8:00 pm. $35.
Don’t miss this magical night of classical and jazz interpretations of Spanish, South American, Afro-Cuban, and Afro-Caribbean music with legendary jazz clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera.

Meet the Actor and Director Yvan Attal
Saturday, March 13. 7:30 pm $12.
Acclaimed French actor and director Yvan Attal will introduce screenings of I Got a Woman and New York, I Love You, and participate in a Q&A session with the audience at the French Institute.

Home to Grace Kelly & Sylvia Plath: Vanity Fair Remembers the Barbizon Hotel for Women

One of the most interesting articles in the April 2010 issue of Vanity Fair is Sorority on East 63rd Street - a lively chronicle of the legendary Barbizon Hotel for Women on New York City's Upper East Side. 

Now a luxury condo building, during it's heyday the Barbizon housed young women with big dreams, including Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford, Ali McGraw, Liza Minelli, Joan Didion, Cybill Shepard, and Sylvia Plath. During her stay, Ms. Kelly was known for "performing exotic dances in the hallways, while scantily attired, and for her facility in in arranging covert romantic assignations in the darker corners of the hotel lounges." Way to go Grace!  

Although fellas, including famous ones like Ricky Gervais, now live at the Barbizon, surprisingly the Big Apple still has women's only residences where gentlemen are only allowed in the lobby. Read the November 2009 New York Times article Where the Boy's Aren't for more information about the Webster Apartments, the Brandon Residence for Women, and the Jeanne D'Arc Residence.

I must admit that whenever I walk by the Barbizon, the theme song from the 1980's sitcom Bosom Buddies pops into my head. Starring Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari as two men in drag who move into an all women's hotel in NYC when their apartment is demolished, Bosom Buddies showed that people will do just about anything for cheap rent in Manhattan.

Tips from Catey Hill on How To "Travel Like a Queen on a Pauper's Budget"

Catey Hill, the author of Shoo, Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More, is a stylish expert on living fabulously without going broke! Her lively and informative book is a must-read for any fiscally-challenged diva looking for solid financial advice. I heard Catey speak tonight and she shared great information about travel websites that help adventure loving ladies "travel like a queen on a pauper's budget." Check out Catey's picks!

TabletHotels.com offers significant discounts, up to 40% off, on luxury hotels around the world. The site also showcases the favorite hotels of celebrity travelers like Sir Ben Kingsley, Richard Meier, and Selita Ebanks. Jetsetter.com, from the creators of the fashion website Gilt Group, e-mails big travel deals to their members.  

Save even more money by skipping the hotel and doing a house swap with HomeExchangeVacation.com or rent an apartment or vacation home with HomeAway.com. Airbnb.com, known as the"Ebay for space," is an online marketplace for traditional and non-traditional accommodations that offers everything from private rooms to treehouses!  

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!


Greg Lauren: Counter Couture
Through Saturday, March 6. Free!
Artist Greg Lauren presents a site-specific installation of striking sculptures of clothing made from paper. A nephew of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, the artist will investigate both the artistic process of creating fashion by hand-sewing each piece, as well as the intriguing concept of clothing as a component of self-image.

Chopin 200: A Bicentennial Celebration of the Composer and His Music
Monday, March 1 – Friday, March 5.  Performances on five pianos, 9:00 am–7:00 pm daily. Free!
CHOPIN 200 is a weeklong series of performances celebrating the 200th birthday of Romantic classical composer Frederic Chopin. The festival features 200 hours of the composer’s works performed on four pianos by an eclectic line-up of pianists.

Classic Cocktails, Classic Film at Astor Center
Friday, March 5. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $45
Some of the greatest films of Hollywood’s Golden Age feature cocktails in unforgettable supporting roles. Sip on a series of delicious drinks while the Astor Center rolls a collection of clips from some of American cinema’s best-loved classics-as well as from few lesser-known celluloid gems. Learn the colorful stories behind the cocktails, and get practical tips on how to mix up a perfect batch for yourself at home.

Chita Rivera at Jazz at Lincoln Center
Saturday, March 6. 8:30 pm (limited availability) and 10:30 pm. $45-$95.
An icon of American musical theater, Chita Rivera offers a lively evening of songs from her illustrious career. Rivera has given definitive performances in such classics as West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and countless others. 

Live Louisiana Zydeco
Saturday, March 6. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Dance lesson at 7:00 pm. Music 8:00 pm – midnight. $22.
Get your bayou boogie on in the Big Apple! The Grammy nominated Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will rock the house with their progressive Cajun sounds.

Academy Awards Party at City Winery
Sunday, March 7.  7:00 pm. $6 admission, includes a glass of wine.
Enjoy great food and wine specials while watching the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. They claim to have the biggest screens in Soho and there will be prizes! 

Oscars Viewing Party at Comix
Sunday, March 7. 6:00 pm. Free admission and drink specials. RSVP required.
Watch all of the glitz and glamour of the Oscars with food & drink specials, trivia and prize packages!

Culture is Always in Fashion at the NY Times Travel Show

Traveling the world in a New York minute was a breeze at The New York Times Travel Show. From Alaska to Zambia, more than 500 destinations and travel companies gathered at the Javits Center this weekend with the hope of enticing curious travelers. In addition to adding some new places to my travel wish list, I was captivated by the traditional attire worn by many of the exhibitors and performers. Here are a few photos of my favorites.

   
India

The Ukraine

Hawaii

 

Dominican Republic

Mexico

Panama

Bhutan

Sri Lanka

Blame it on the Dolce: Sweet Treats from Italy

When desserts are truly excellent, there's no need to feel guilty about indulging your sweet tooth. Thanks to Francine Segan, the USA Spokesperson for the Italian Confectioners Association (whom I have affectionately nicknamed The Dolce Diva), I have been guiltlessly blissing out on the most delicious sweets from Italia. From crunchy cookies to creamy chocolates, I am amazed by the rich variety of Italian treats made using simple, fresh, and natural ingredients. Here are a few of my favorites. You can find them at your local gourmet shop or online. Mangia and take your tastebuds on a trip!

Venchi Chocolate: Founded in Turin in 1878, beautifully wrapped Venchi chocolates please the eye and seduce the palate. I've been enjoying their 75% pure extra dark chocolate - just a little square is so satisfying. Venchi's nougatine, ground and candied hazelnuts covered with chocolate, is legendary.

Vanini Chocolate: Each square of Vanini tells a delicious story. Founded in 1946 in Lake Como, their collection includes a wonderful selection of single origin chocolates from Madagascar, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. For something really special, try the Vanini Liqueur Pearls filled with grappa, limoncello and other Italian spirits.

Falanga Cookies: Talk about buttery goodness, these all-natural Sicilian treats are simply divine. Falanga's assortment includes an absolutely perfect Chocolate Covered Pistachio Macaroon. Falanga's Pistachio Almond Crisps won the top prize at the 2008 Parma Fancy Food Show.

Vicenzi Amarettini Cookies: Tiny and crunchy, these almond flavored cookies get their distinctive flavor from bitter apricot kernels. Not too sweet, these sophisticated little treats are addictive.

Corsini Cantuccini: We may know them as biscotti, but if you want to sound authentically Tuscan, call these crunchy treats cantuccini. Sure, you could have these with coffee or tea but go ahead and enjoy cantuccini Italian style and dip them in Vinsanto - a sweet, fortified Tuscan wine. The almond cantuccini are a classic but Corsini also bakes these biscuits with both chocolate and orange pieces.
P.S. To learn more about Italian desserts, read my article about Francine Segan's talk on the history of Italian sweets. For example, did you know the world famous BACI chocolates were invented by a woman?

Shoo, Jimmy Choo: Save Money for Your Next Vacation

Let's face it, even budget travel requires money! Whether you are saving for a weekend escape or your dream vacation, join The Black Dress Traveler for a special evening with Catey Hill, author of Shoo, Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More.

This fun evening will take place on Tuesday, March 2 at the Williams Club (24 East 39th Street bet. Park and Madison Avenues) at 6:30 pm. The cost is $15 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and soda. To reserve your space, please send an e-mail to programs@williamsclub.org and let them know The Black Dress Traveler sent you. Once you have made your reservation, you can pay cash at the door.

Catey will show you how to evaluate why you spend, tweak your spending habits (without completely depriving yourself), get out of debt, create a savings and retirement plan that even lets you splurge sometimes (because, really, who can live without at least the occasional mani-pedi or brand-new dress?) and how to make your travel dreams work with your fiscal reality.

Catey Hill is the money editor for the New York Daily News online. Previously, Hill was the marketing manager at Plum TV and the author of The Plum Wealth Report, a specialized blog focusing on the purchasing behaviors of affluent consumers. She first realized her need to kick her shoe habit and get her finances in order when working as the financial marketing manager for Forbes magazine.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Get out and have some fun!



Drink Ribera. Drink Spain.
Tuesday, February 23. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. $55.
Taste wines from 100 classic and boutique wineries from Ribera del Duero at the Puck Building. With an extreme climate perfectly suited for quality grape-growing, Ribera del Duero wines represent the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking and the ultimate expression of Spain’s most noble red grape: Tempranillo. 

French Conversation Rendez-Vous at the French Institute
Tuesday, February 23. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $12
Mix and mingle with other Francophiles. Speakers at all levels are invited to enjoy wine and snacks while chatting in French. 

Hold Me Tight and Tango Me Home
Thursday, February 25. 6:30 pm. $30. includes a copy of the book, snacks, wine, beginner’s tango lesson & tango music.
Join author Maria Finn in celebrating the release of her new book, Hold Me Tight and Tango Me Home! A true tale of surviving a broken heart, Maria Finn's husband was cheating. First she threw him out. Then she cried. Then she signed up for tango lessons. It turns out that tango has a lot to teach about understanding love and loss, about learning how to follow and how to lead, how to live with style and flair, take risks, and sort out what it is you really want. 

Food in Film: Flavors from the Silver Screen
Thursday, February 25. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. $40.
A perfect event for movie buffs and foodies! Just in time for the Academy Awards, food historian Francine Segan hosts  an amusing lecture on the meaning behind famous food scenes in favorite films, view hilarious film clips and participate in a movie trivia contest (with prizes). Talk includes a taste of the delicious pasta pie (timpano) featured in the classic foodie movie Big Night.



The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra Goes Carioca
Friday, February 26 – Saturday, February 27. 8:00 pm. $35.
The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra goes Carioca features guest Music Director Cliff Korman, and friends. The evening will be a celebration of the Samba, the Bossa Nova, and other Afro Brazilian rhythms.

The New York Times Travel Show
Saturday, February 27 – Sunday, February 28. $15 per day.  
Travel to over 500 destinations without leaving New York City! The New York Times Travel Show features information about getaways, deals & giveaways, live cultural performances, tastings, seminars and more! Some of the biggest names in travel will be in attendance, including Arthur and Pauline Frommer, Susan Orlean, and Valerie D’Elia.

Pauline Frommer Inspires & Informs at Women & Wanderlust

Close to 70 travel loving ladies (and a few fellas) joined The Black Dress Traveler at the Williams Club in NYC on February 18th for the first Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo! Each guest was greeted with a glass of champagne - the perfect way to start this elegant and fun evening! Pauline Frommer, the award winning author of guide books and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio program The Travel Show, shared a captivating slideshow of her recent travels to Mexico and Hawaii along with great money-saving tips.

“Women can go almost anywhere men can go and no longer be looked at like harlots or hussies like they were just 20 years ago,” stated Frommer. Don’t over plan, “get lost for one day and explore,” she proclaimed. However, she recognized that personal safety is often an important issue for women and advised that traveling with women’s tour groups is a great way to get out and see the world for women who prefer not to travel alone.

Thank you to everyone who attended Women & Wanderlust! A special thank you to our exhibitors - The Tourist Office of Spain, JG Black Book of Travel, Rock Hall, and Italian Days. One lucky guest won a facial and message courtesy of Lia Schorr Day Spa, and another one a complimentary mid-week stay at Rock Hall. Each guest also received a special gift from Moxie. What a night! Enjoy the photos. Hope to see you next year! 

Sarah Mansourian (Romero & Miller Wines) and Nagore Espinosa (Tourist Office of Spain)


Pauline chats with guests and signs books.

 
The Black Dress Traveler & The Elegant Tightwad - style maven Pamela Parisi.

Guests get more info about Rock Hall from Stella Somers.

Italian Days shared info about their luxury getaways.

 
Allisson Griesedieck & Emily Westaby from JG Black Book of Travel.
  
 
    Travel agent Patricia Jones (center) and friends!

Clamoring for more info on Spain's many splendors!
  

Stella Somers (Rock Hall) & Wanda.

A good time was had by all!

Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo with Pauline Frommer

Thursday, February 18, 2010, New York City

6:00 pm: Doors open. Refreshments and Tour Company & Destination Exhibitions

6:30 pm: Presentation by travel expert Pauline Frommer

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Networking, Refreshments, Exhibitors, & Book Signing

$10 per person with reservation in advance. $15 at the door (space permitting).(includes wine and light hors d’oeuvres). All ticket purchases are strictly final sale. Click here for more details and to purchase your ticket.
Several of Pauline Frommer’s books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Join The Black Dress Traveler for a great evening of travel information and inspiration! Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss the Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo. Network with other travel loving ladies while getting expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Get valuable information that will help you plan your next girlfriend getaway, solo trip, dream vacation, or long weekend.

Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four months old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides. Pauline Frommer's London was named "Best Guidebook of the Year” by the Society of American Travel Writers.

A select group of tour companies and destinations have been invited to display their information at Women & Wanderlust and representatives will be available to answer your questions. Confirmed destinations include the Tourist Office of Spain, Italian Days, JG Black Book of Travel, and Rock Hall. One lucky attendee will also win a one night stay (midweek) at Rock Hall or choose to receive a complimentary night with a paid reservation. Each guest will also receive a special gift from Moxie (gorgeous and girly feminine hygiene products.)

Click here for more details and to purchase your ticket.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!

Sommelier’s Secrets: 
Secrets of Wine & Food Pairing with Marnie Old
Wednesday, February 17. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $95
Learn wine and food pairing 'tricks of the trade' that will surprise and delight in this unique interactive wine seminar. Marnie Old is one of the country’s leading wine personalities, known for her common-sense approach, energetic performance style and incisive insights. She is Director of Wine Studies at Manhattan’s renowned French Culinary Institute and an expert on drinks of all kinds. Cheers!

Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo
Guest Speaker: Pauline Frommer
Thursday, February 18. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$10 includes wine & hors d’oeuvres
Join The Black Dress Traveler for a fabulous evening of networking with other travel loving ladies. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss this great event. Get expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four months old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides.

Harlem Fine Arts Show
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21. Adult admission is $20.
The Harlem Fine Arts Show is an exciting, interactive exposition showcasing contemporary works created by African-American artists in a variety of mediums.




2nd Annual Chocolate Day at the Morris Jumel Mansion
Saturday, February 20. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. $20.
Enjoy your chocolate with a side dish of history at Manhattan’s oldest house – the Morris Jumel Mansion. Carol Ward will present a lecture entitled “Social Drinking in 18th Century France & America.” Then watch as Susan McLellan Plaisted creates chocolate using tools and techniques that date back 2000 years.

The Accidental Husband
Saturday, February 20. 2:00 pm. Free!
See this chick flick for free in SONY’s 73-seat HD theater. Firefighter Patrick Sullivan (Jeffery Dean Morgan) finds his life turned upside-down when his fiancée suddenly calls off their pending nuptials per the recommendation of radio love guru Dr. Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman). Determined to get even, Patrick forges a fake marriage license accidentally marrying Emma, who’s already engaged herself. British heartthrob Colin Firth also stars.


Mardi Gras Dance Party featuring CJ Chenier
Sunday, February 21. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show from 7:00 pm –10:30 pm. $22
If you can’t make it to New Orleans, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mardi Gras then grooving to the sounds of the “Crown Prince of Zydeco” - CJ Chenier. One of my favorite musicians, CJ Chenier is considered by many to be the best living Zydeco singer and accordionist. His powerful voice, soulful rhythms, and Louisiana charm make this a can’t miss event. Let the good times roll!

Savile Row: If It's Bespoke, Don't Fix It?

Why is The Black Dress Traveler writing about Savile Row - London's legendary tailoring district where men of refined taste and deep pockets have commissioned bespoke (custom-made) suits for more than 200 years? Blame it on Sundance. You see, I'm avoiding the mayhem of Fashion Week in NYC and while channel surfing I stumbled across the series Savile Row on demand. I couldn't resist the program description: "Three part series about Savile Row, the London street famous for its bespoke tailoring shops. The tailors fear for their future when giant company Abercrombie & Fitch arrives on the street." History, fashion, conflict - I'm in!

As a traveler, I am intrigued when I hear about historic areas that are being modernized. Not all change is bad but some changes are perplexing - I never could have imagined a Payless Shoes on Fifth Avenue or a McDonald's in the Louvre.

So far, I've watched the first episode of Savile Row and I've learned that women can also receive the royal treatment and be fitted for bespoke suits. And, why would anyone pay a minimum of $5,000 for a suit? According to the narrator, "a bespoke suit can make the Hunchback of Notre Dame look like Justin Timberlake." That's some suit! Imagine what they could do with a little black dress?

Savile Row premieres on Sundance on  Sunday, February 14. You can also watch it on demand.

The Ziplock Files: Fabulous Travel Worthy Beauty Products

How I miss the good old days when I could board a plane with a bag full of my must-have beauty lotions and potions! Aren't we all praying for the day when the TSA no longer thinks of perfume and shampoo as the enemy? Until that glorious day comes, I spend my time searching for products that are worthy of space in my Ziplock bag. Here are three great finds that meet the Transportation Security Administration's 3 oz. rule.

Pucker Up with NIVEA: Dry airplane cabins can leave your lips less than luscious. Bring the sexy back with NIVEA. Long known for their excellent body and hand creme, NIVEA has developed an affordable line of products that will hydrate, protect and add shimmer to your lips. I am a big fan of the Kiss of Shine line. Available in natural, red glossy, and pink glossy, NIVEA's A Kiss of Shine vamps up naked lips with a sexy and subtle sheen and also adds a sleek shimmer when applied over lipliner or lipstick. Priced at about $3.29 and available at drugstores, I keep one tube in my makeup bag and another in my gym bag. For a shine-free look, give NIVEA's A Kiss of Moisture, A Kiss of Protection, A Kiss of Relief, and A Kiss of Rejuvenation a try. Happy smooching! 


De-Puff and Brighten Up with EyeSlices: Eyebags are not the kind of luggage that you want to schlep around! Travel can really disrupt your sleep pattern and before you know it your pretty peepers are puffy and swollen. EyeSlices treatment pads provide a cooling sensation and reduces the appearance of red eyes, dark circles, and puffy eyes in 5 minutes. Re-usable up to 10 times and only $20 (with case), EyeSlices are a great value. Refills are $15.

Pack It Up with Giella: One of my favorite makeup lines is Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics. Do you have a beloved lipstick or nail polish that has been discontinued? No worries, Giella can duplicate it. Can't find a foundation or powder that is a perfect match for your skin? Giella can create it. Ready-to-wear colors are also available. Once you've selected the perfect products, pack them up in the Giella Travel Kit. Priced at $18, this sturdy plastic zipper bag contains empty travel-size containers to hold your favorite cleanser, toner, shampoo, and more. For $45, Giella offers a travel size skin care set with Vitamin E Cleanser, Vitamin C Toner, and other great products.

Book a Babymoon: Six Luxury Getaways for Moms-to-Be

Ooh baby! Finally, pregnant women can get the special pampering they deserve when traveling. Babymoons are the perfect escape for moms-to-be in search of round-the-clock TLC. Just imagine - room service at your beck and call to cater to your midnight cravings and a masseuse to massage those swollen ankles. From New York City to Parrot Cay, these six destinations are just what the doctor ordered.

Parrot Cay
Parrot Cay’s three-night Babymoon Package is designed for couples to have some alone time before the little one arrives. Indulge in a 75-minute prenatal massage, an hour-long private yoga session, and a COMO Shambhala Massage that uses blended oils to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. You and your sweetie can snuggle up for some alone time with a castaway picnic or private tiki hut dining. Prices start at $3,070 per couple.

Metropolitan London
Head to London for the royal treatment at the Metropolitan. The Met-Mum-to-Be package includes a visit to the Urban Escape spa for pre-natal massage incorporating a specially-designed ‘Body Cushion’ for support and relaxation during your treatment. Packages from £319 per night for a Deluxe City Room include mineral water in the room at turndown and a healthy breakfast for two.

Rosewood Mayakobá
The luxurious Mexican Riviera will seduce your senses at this swanky property where ocean, jungle and sky meet. Book the four-night Babymoon Package for two and receive daily buffet breakfast, a prenatal yoga instruction session with consultation for two, a romantic candlelit beach dinner, and more. Rates start at $1,183 per night including tax and service for a minimum five-night stay through December 15, 2010.

Nantucket Island Resorts 
Looking for a quaint getaway? Reserve a Nantucket Babymoon Package for two nights at either The Wauwinet or White Elephant. Relax with a one-hour soothing prenatal massage. And, Mr. Mom can use a “Daddy Coupon” of $25 towards any treatment at either spa. Other goodies in the package include, the White Elephant's signature "Trunket" stuffed elephant, celebration cigars for the big day, and complimentary gourmet Continental breakfast at The Wauwinet.

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
Do you have only a few hours to spare? Spoil yourself with a Maternity Massage at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York. This gentle massage is designed for mothers-to-be after the first trimester, relieving tension in stress-prone areas such as the lower back and hips. Indulge in 60 minutes for $195 or 90 Minutes for $295. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA in both New York and Chicago also offer a special Pre-and Post-Natal Treatment for $320.

ESPA at Acqualina Resort & Spa
Bask in the Florida sunshine with your beautiful baby bump! Book a room at the Acqualina Resort & Spa through December 23 and take advantage of the resort’s Babymoon Package and ESPA spa. The package includes an 80-minute Maternity Massage and an 80-minute Deep Tissue Massage. From now through April 4, the Babymoon Package starts at $675 for an Intracoastal Hotel Room and includes daily continental breakfast for two with a minimum stay of three nights.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!

 Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls 4th Annual Rock & Roll Auction
Tuesday, February 9. 8:00 pm. $25 general admission, $75 VIP.
Help support the next generation of female rockers by attending this fun and worthwhile event at the Knitting Factory. Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls is a non-profit music and mentoring program that empowers girls and women through music education and activities that foster self-respect, leadership skills, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Yappy Hour: A Benefit for the Humane Society
Tuesday, February 9. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. $50
Join Wendy and Lucky Diamond (Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue advocate, TV personality) to celebrate the release of her new book, It’s a Dog’s World. Yappy Hour® is the premiere cocktail party for people looking for true puppy love. It’s the only place where pet parents can party like animals with their animals.

Barney’s Warehouse Sale
Thursday, February 11 – Sunday, February 28.
Enjoy 50-75% off designer clothing, shoes and accessories.

New York Flamenco Festival
Thursday, February 11 - Sunday, February 14. $35-$90.
New York’s annual flamenco celebration, now in its 10th year, features mesmerizing performances with renowned dancers and musicians direct from Spain!

 


Jane Birkin in Concert
Thursday, February 11 & Friday, February 12. 8:00 pm. $50
Accomplished singer and actress Jane Birkin returns to FIAF for two wonderful evenings of song. Birkin, who began her career in the 1960s with singer Serge Gainsbourg, will perform songs from her most recent album, Enfants d’hiver, as well as old favorites from her days with Gainsbourg. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Mae Tao Clinic, which provides free health care for Burmese refugees on the Thai border.

Unmasked: The Story of the Venetian Carnival
Thursday, February 11 – March 15.
The Italian American Museum presents “Unmasked: The Story of the Venetian Carnival.” The exhibition will feature actual Venetian carnival masks, as well as acclaimed photographer Anita Sanseverino’s colorful interpretive essay of the centuries-old tradition.

Chinese New Year Film Series
Thursday, February 11 & Thursday, February 18. Free!
MOCA presents a series of Lunar New Year Films from Hong Kong and mainland China that celebrate the New Year. All films are in Cantonese or Mandarin with English subtitles. Light refreshments will be provided at each screening.

Free Performance at Lincoln Center: Year of the Tiger (A Chinese New Year Celebration)
Thursday, February 11. 8:30 pm.  
Every Thursday the brand new David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center hosts FREE concerts. This celebration of the Chinese New Year features the amazing mask-changing, intricate make-up, and choreography of Chinese opera; the daring contortions of Chinese acrobatics; and the opulence of costumed folk dancers. 

I Hate Valentine’s Day Celebration at Nolita House
Thursday, February 11. 10:00 pm – 4:00 am.
Come to Nolita House and be one with the players, haters, lovers, singles and couples who share a common disdain for Valentine’s Day. What better way to shake off the stresses of love and relationships than to reject the institution of Valentine’s Day and eat, drink and shake your merry-makers until life seems, well, better. There is no cover charge. Nolita House’s late night bar menu will be available until 2am.

Aphrodisiacs Tasting with Culinary Historian Francine Segan
Friday, February 12. 12:00 pm. $20.
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Discover the foods reported to have unleashed passion in everyone from Cleopatra and the Marquis de Sade. Explore the stories behind aphrodisiacs like frog saliva, rhinoceros horns, oysters, truffles and caviar. Lecture includes a sampling of several aphrodisiac dishes!

Pre-Valentine’s Day Cognac & Chocolate Tasting
Friday, February 12. 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. $75.
Enjoy fine cognac and chocolates at Cipriani Wall Street. This tasty event hosted by the Fifty Best features 5 ultra-premium cognac brands of various vintages-- VSOP and XO. Indulge in an abundant array of artisanal gourmet chocolates from elite producers such as Vosges Haut Chocolat and Neuchatel. An enticing selection of appetizers provided by Cipriani will be served during the event.

Romancing the Grapes Tasting at Italian Wine Merchants Saturday, February 13. 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. $75.
On the day before Valentine’s Day Italian Wine Merchants will be sharing some truly wonderful wines, starting with a lovely Sicilian sparkling rose and working their way up to the marvelous Montevertine Le Pergole Torte--with lots to love in between, including a rare white wine from the Guiseppe Quintarelli, the Bianco Secco Ca' del Merlo.

Valentine’s Day Zydeco Dance Party
Sunday, February 14. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show from 7:00 pm –10:30 pm. $22
Celebrate Cupid with some authentic Louisiana Zydeco in the heart of the Big Apple.

Love in the Parlors: A Valentine in Concert
Sunday, February 14, 5:30 pm. $20
The Merchant’s House Museum presents a 70-minute program of romantic songs and arias by 19th-century composers performed in the Museum’s Greek Revival double parlors.

Save the Date!
Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo
Guest Speaker: Pauline Frommer
Thursday, February 18. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$10 includes wine & hors d’oeuvres
Join The Black Dress Traveler for a fabulous evening of networking with other travel loving ladies. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss this great event. Get expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four years old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides

Navarra in New York (and DC too!): A Wonderful Week of Wine & Food from Spain

Are you craving Piquillo red peppers, Rosado wine and Iberian pork? Don't worry if you can't jet off to Spain right now - New York City and Washington, DC are celebrating cuisine from the Kingdom of Navarra from February 6 - 14.

Located in the north of Spain, Navarra borders the Basque Country, La Rioja, Aragon and the Pyrenees. Known worldwide for the running of the bulls in Pamplona and immortalized by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises, the experts state that the "climate and topography make Navarra an extraordinarily fertile region…an historic distinctive cuisine with multi-national influences. Navarrese cooking incorporates local products of the highest quality, with a great variety of mushrooms and other fungi; superb meats, game, and fowl; Cantabrian fish; regional cheeses like Roncal, Aezcoa-Valcarlos and Idiazabal; and locally produced olive oil." I say, DELICIOUS! 

During Navarra Gastronomic Week, acclaimed chefs and wine experts will host a variety of tastings and serve special menus. Participating restaurants in NYC include Boqueria, Casa Mono (one of my favorites), and Toledo. In DC, Jaleo, La Bodega, La Tasca and several other eateries are putting the spotlight on Navarra. Enjoy!
 
For more information, visit www.navarragastronomy.com.

Don't Forget to Pack Some Happy: Travel Tips from Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project)

Gretchen Rubin's book The Happiness Project is not just a #1 New York Times bestseller, it is a MOVEMENT. I keep hearing about how this book is really inspiring people to bring the happy back. Rubin describes it as "a memoir of the year I spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happy--from Aristotle to Martin Seligman to Thoreau to Oprah."

One of her tips for happiness is to take a vacation! Recognizing that relaxation is a must, Rubin made "resolutions to Be serious about play, Take time to be silly, Force myself to wander."  Other travel related posts on The Happiness Project blog include 5 Tips for Happiness Reinforced by My Family Vacation and Eight Tips for Items to Carry When Traveling with Kids.

Be happy, take a trip!

Grossest Vacation EVER: NY Post Reporter Gets Cozy with a Prosti-Dude in Nevada

I believe in going above and beyond for my career but New York Post reporter Mandy Stadtmiller must really love her job. The overly dedicated journalist hopped an overnight flight to Las Vegas and then drove 2 1/2 hours to rendezvous with Nevada's first-ever legal male prostitute - a 25 year old former Marine and greasy gigolo who calls himself Markus. 

Mandy shelled out $500 to spend 2 hours with Markus at the appropriately named Shady Lady Ranch. In spite of the fact that Markus trades sex for money, he insists "I'm not a hooker. I'm a surrogate lover." Ok......

I don't shock easily but I was stunned as I read Mandy's very detailed account of her "date", which included taking a shower with Markus and getting a massage. Although clothes were shed, Mandy insists that they did not go all the way. To make matters worse, she had to listen to Markus babble all kinds of nonsense. Mandy writes, "In addition to comparing himself to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks (“I’m breaking through sexual segregation”), he also identifies with Lady Gaga (“I’m a performer”), van Gogh (“I’m an artist”) and Moby (“I’m an eccentric”)." Oh my.

Sorry Markus, but this is one trip The Black Dress Traveler won't be taking.

Click here to read the article "My Night with a Prosti-Dude."

Learn a Language for Free with Livemocha

A recent article in The New York Times about using the web to learn a language reminded me that flirting with French chefs isn't the only way to improve my linguistic skills - a little studying might help too. So, I decided to sign up for a FREE online beginners French course with Livemocha. The price is certainly right and I like the idea of logging on and learning.

Of course, interaction with other people is a big part of learning a language and Livemocha makes it easy to connect with other users from around the world via your personal home page - kind of like Facebook. In addition to the free basic courses in 30 languages, Livemocha offers affordable Travel Crash Courses in everything from Arabic to Swedish. You can also upgrade your free membership for more intense instruction, such as submitting your voice recordings for feedback from a native-speaking tutor.

I'll keep you posted on my progress with Livemocha. The response from my favorite French chefs will be the litmus test for my progress! ooh la la!

Flying with Fido: Seven Tips from Wendy Diamond and Lucky!

If flying takes a toll on us humans, imagine how four-legged passengers must feel! I asked every doggie’s favorite diva, Wendy Diamond, to share her expert tips on flying with your pooch. Wendy is the founder of Animal Fair – the premier lifestyle magazine for animal lovers and pet owners. She and her famous Maltese, Lucky, have traveled the world raising money and awareness of animal rights. True to her name, not only was Lucky a rescue animal but she has cuddled with many of the world’s most famous people including President Bill Clinton and Sean Connery.

Here are a few travel tips from Wendy and Lucky. For more advice on everything from pet health to choosing the perfect pet, buy Wendy’s new book It’s a Dog’s World: The Savvy Guide to Four- Legged Living.

1. Fly the Pet-Friendly Skies! American Airlines and Sherpa have introduced the “Guaranteed on Board” program. Of course, Lucky is always guaranteed a spot on- my lap!” Continental Airlines is also one of the most pet friendly airlines.  Check with your airline before you reserve anything – policies differ for each. Also, make advanced arrangements. Just like Noah’s Ark, only two animals per plane!

2. Check with your veterinarian before taking a long trip. Give your “doggie doctor” all of your necessary travel information, make sure your pet has had the proper vaccinations and make sure your pooch is able to travel. Some dogs may be too old, young, or just not ready, so it may be better for them to be with a dog-sitter.

3.  Sedatives for your pet when flying are a red flag! Ask your veterinarian for the best way to calm them down! Sedatives + high altitude = danger! The last place you want your pup to get “sick as a dog” is an airplane! Also, bring necessary health documents, proof of vaccinations, etc.

4.  Your pet needs proper ID! Make sure your name and contact information is on the collar, the crate and anywhere else. With all the travel commotion, you don’t want little Fido to end up thousands of miles away!

5.  If your pet is traveling in a crate, make sure it feels comfortable and gets used to being inside. Fill it with your pet’s favorite blanket and toys so it feels more like home. Make sure your canine can lie down, sit, stand, rollover and fetch. Well, not the last one.

6.  Check your hotel’s pet rules. For example during the holidays, Loews Hotels launched the Houndly Holidays Package. This real-life “Hotel for Dogs” treated four-legged companions like VIP’s, providing them with walking and sitting service, as well as food and toys.

7.  Bring plenty of water, food and snacks, his or her favorite toys and blanket so they feel comfortable. Make your pooch feel like he or she never left their comfy dog house!

From Bali to Brooklyn: Seven Sexy Valentine's Day Getaways

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you and your sweetie have fallen into a romance rut, a trip could be just what you need to bring the sexy back. And, single ladies, instead of staying home why not take one of these fantastic trips with your friends or spend a weekend pampering yourself? From Bali to Brooklyn, from the budget-conscious to the truly decadent, here are a few suggestions on where you can go to connect with Cupid.
 
Naughty & Nice: The Liaison Capital Hill (Washington, DC)
Prices start at $169 per night thru Dec. 31, 2010. Also available at Affinia Hotels in New York & Chicago. Mention offer code PASSION.
Our nation’s capitol has hosted more than its fair share of frisky trysts so why not choose Washington, DC for your romantic getaway? The Naughty and Nice romance package at the Liaison Capital Hill (an Affinia Hotel) includes a bottle of bubbly, rose-petal turn-down service, a romantic in-room movie, a box of Jacques Torres hand-made chocolates, an Agent Provocateur Strip Poker set, a "52 Ways to Stay in Love Forever" deck of cards to inspire romance, and guaranteed late check-out. Sounds like a winning combination.

Better Off in Bali: Uma Ubud (Bali, Indonesia)
Starts at $665 per room, double occupancy.
Is Cupid working your last nerve? If you prefer to spend Valentine’s Day getting to know YOU, book a trip to beautiful Bali. The Ubud Escape includes trips to local villages, temples and artisans’ workshops. Get a 60-minute massage, a daily Yoga class, and a daily group guided walk. A three-course dinner at an open air restaurant next to a waterfall-fed pond is also included. And, remember, Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) met her soul mate in Indonesia, so you never know!

 All Aboard the Love Train: Heart AC (Atlantic City, NJ)
Hop the ACES train with your honey from the Big Apple to Atlantic City and enjoy a weekend of Valentine’s Day events that will stimulate all of your senses! Save 20% on rooms at Harrah's, Caesars, Bally's and Showboat. Event highlights include a champagne and chocolate tasting with Jacques Torres, concerts by B.B. King and Air Supply, a speed dating event with VH1's Tough Love hosts, and the Atlantic City Group Valentine Wedding Vow Renewal. Best of all, you can start your celebration on the train ride – ACES serves cocktails and upscale nibbles.

What’s Cooking Good Looking?: Hotel Monaco (Seattle, Washington)
Prices starts at $399
Don’t just go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day – take a cooking class together! The Little Bit of Lovin' package includes a cooking class taught by Sazerac restaurant Executive Chef Jason McClure, a 3-course meal paired with wine, a signed copy of the Savor Seattle cookbook and more!  After the cooking class, get cozy in your room at the Hotel Monaco, a luxury boutique hotel that is rated one of the Top 100 Hotels in the World by Travel & Leisure. To book, call VIP reservations at (206) 516-5097 

Sexy Seclusion: Ponto Dos Ganchos (Brazil)
4 night package starts at $6495 (includes all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, VIP check-in at the airport and more)

Located on a private peninsula on Brazil’s sultry Emerald Coast, Ponta Dos Ganchos is just a fifty-five minute flight from Sao Paolo. With only 25 bungalows and a minimum age requirement of 18 years, Ponta Dos Ganchos is perfect for grown-up beach lovers seeking laid-back elegance, romance and seclusion. Although Valentine’s Day coincides with Carnival, you and your sweetie can skip the mayhem and create your own magic with this special package that includes daily yoga classes, a relaxing flower bath, a special dinner and more. Be sure to book a treatment in the Christian Dior Spa.

Whatever Floats Your Boat: BargeMusic (New York City)
$57 per person.
Let the sweet sounds of Schubert and Mozart sweep over you and your sweetheart on Bargemusic  - a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge that presents chamber music. The East River and lower Manhattan skyline make for a romantic backdrop while you toast each other with your glass of complimentary champagne and chocolates. 

Relax & Reconnect: Rock Hall (Colebrook, Connecticut)
Rates starting at $240 per night
Rock Hall, a historic home in the Southern Berkshires, melds the essence of New England with a dash of Palm Beach. Built by famed Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner, Rock Hall is a 10,000 square foot manor house with four luxurious guest rooms. If you do decide to leave your room, there is much to do at Rock Hall, including marked hiking trails. On-site massage and private yoga classes can be arranged, as well as a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh-ride with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. A Mediterranean-style breakfast is included. This package is available for the entire month of February.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to The Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!
 

Save the Date!
Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo
Guest Speaker: Pauline Frommer
Thursday, February 18. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$10 includes wine & hors d’oeuvres
Join The Black Dress Traveler for a fabulous evening of networking with other travel loving ladies. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss this great event. Get expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four years old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides.

$20 Tickets at Lincoln Center
Through Tuesday, January 26.
Get day-of discounted tickets for performances at Lincoln Center. Tickets available daily at noon, limit of 2 per person. 

NYC Restaurant Week
Monday, January 25 - Sunday, February 7. $24.07 for 3 course prix-fixe lunches and $35 for dinner. (beverage, tax & gratuity not included)
Dine at some of NYC's best restaurants without going broke. Some of my favorite eateries are participating, including Allegretti, Beacon and DB Bistro. Early reservations strongly encouraged. To grab some gourmet goodness on the go, follow the route of the first-ever NYC Restaurant Week Truck that will be serving soup from 24 of the city’s best restaurants. $1 of each $6 purchase made at the truck will aid earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
Monday, January 25 and every Monday. 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
$15 cover charge and $15 food/drink minimum. 1 drink minimum at the bar. 
Say goodbye to the Monday blues! Put on your little black dress and join Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks for a great evening of dinner & dancing at Sofia’s Restaurant in the theater district. In 30 years as a bandleader, Vince Giordano has become the authority on recreating the sounds of 1920s and '30s jazz and popular music. Giordano has worked on half a dozen Woody Allen soundtracks. He and the Nighthawks were featured on the big screen in Gus Van Sant’s Finding Forrester, Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, Robert DeNiro’s The Good Shepherd, and many other Hollywood productions.

Himalayan Happy Hour
Wednesday, January 27 and every Wednesday. 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
This weekly event at the Rubin Museum of Art is no ordinary happy hour. The Rubin, located in the old Barney’s department store in Chelsea, is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. The space is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy 10% off selected wines, specialty teas, and snacks in the cafe as local musicians fill the room with sounds from across the globe. 
 
Free Performance at Lincoln Center
Thursday, January 28 and every Thursday at 8:30 pm.
Every Thursday the brand new David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center hosts FREE concerts. Tonight’s performer is Master kora player Muhamadou Salieu Suso. Born into a family of Mandinka griots. Muhamadou draws on this millennium-old practice to infuse tradition with modern-day Afro-Jazz. 


Free Wine Tastings at CRUSH
Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29. 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Sip some tasty vino at one of the Big Apple’s most popular wine stores. 



Twilight Visions: Surrealism, Photography, & Paris International Center of Photography
Friday, January 29 – Sunday, May 9.
Voluntary contribution on Fridays from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, $10 general admission all other days and times.  
Paris was a city of fantasy and chance encounters for Surrealist artists of the 1920s and '30s. In Twilight Visions: Surrealism, Photography, and Paris, guest curator Terry Lichtenstein has assembled over 150 photographs, films, books, periodicals, and Surrealist ephemera to show how real and imaginary versions of Paris were constructed through photographic images.
(image: Ilse Bing, Eiffel Tower, 1934 © Estate of Ilse Bing/Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York Courtesy Galerie Karsten Greve AG, St. Moritz, Switzerland)

Voz Latina: Concert featuring La India, Tito Rojas & Milly Quezada
Saturday, January 30. 8:00 pm. $50-$125.
VOZ LATINA features three of Latin music’s most acclaimed artists - LA INDIA, ”PRINCESS OF SALSA”, MILLIE QUEZADA, “QUEEN OF MERENGUE” and TITO ROJAS, “EL GALLO SALSERO” in a sizzling evening with exciting voices, great hits and throbbing rhythms.







Beyond Funderdome: Comedy Blowout with Stars & Writers of Saturday Night Live
Sunday, January 31. 8:00 pm. $85 General Admission. $150 VIP ticket includes pre-show drinks with the performers at 6:30 pm.
Getting tickets to a taping of SNL is virtually impossible but now is your chance to see many of the stars of the hit show! Beyond Funderdome features sketches, music and stand-up comedy from Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, Will Forte, Jason Sudeikis, and other cast members. The event is a fundraiser for the stage adaptation of the graphic novel “The Diary of a Teenage Girl.”
 

Lil’Mo & The Monicats
Sunday, January 31. $20. Complimentary dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Live music 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Lil Mo and the Monicats will rock the Big Apple with their traditional country and rockabilly with swing and a touch of bluegrass.



Save the date! WORKWEAR CONVERSATIONS: An Evening with Donna Karan at Parsons The New School for Design. Thursday, February, 4. 6:00 pm. Free!

Spain On My Mind: The Black Dress Traveler on AmeriSpan.net

Long time readers of The Black Dress Traveler have probably figured out that I have a real passion for Spain. When AmeriSpan, one of the most successful study abroad programs on the planet, invited me to write about my love of this enchanting country I said sí, sí, sí!

Please read Spain On My Mind and discover how I went from a little girl in New York City pretending to speak Spanish to a young woman studying and living life to the fullest in Barcelona and Toledo. Gracias!

Can You Wear a Little Black Dress in Space?: Virgin Galactic Info Session

Just the other day I was feeling stressed out and whined to my brother, "Get Richard Branson on the phone. I want to go to space." At that moment, a trip in a rocket ship seemed like the best way to escape the craziness of life in New York City.

Apparently the universe was listening because last night I received an e-mail about an upcoming Virgin Galactic information session in the Big Apple on Friday, January 22nd from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Dashing billionaire and adventurer Sir Richard Branson has already made his mark on the airline industry and now he has his eyes on space. As the world's first commercial spaceline, Virgin Galactic will make access to space accessible to us non-astronauts.

The presenters at the information session are Pam Hurley (owner of Hurley Travel Experts and one of the few Accredited Space Agents) and Stephen Attenborough (Commercial Director of Virgin Galactic.) If outer space is on your travel wish list, attend this event to learn how you can book your place in space. if you do go, let me know what the spacesuits look like! More details below.

When: Friday, January 22. (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Presentation at 6:30 pm)

Where: Thos. Moser New York Showroom 699 Madison Avenue. 2nd Fl. bet. 62nd and 63rd Streets.

RSVP:   Space is limited (no pun intended!)
Phone: 212-753-7005
E-mail: NewYorkShowroom@ThosMoser.com