Wine With Wanda

Sexy Scent: ILARI Roll-On Perfume is Travel Friendly & Alluring

Why not carry a little love potion number nine with you on your next getaway and everyday? ILARI roll-on perfume is an exotic blend of jasmine, sandalwood, musk, ebony wood and orange blossom encased in a convenient roller-ball applicator (.35 oz) and packaged in a small gold satin bag that makes it easy to carry. The suggested retail price is $65 and ILARI is availble at Barneys in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and online at www.ilarinyc.com.

The story behind the creation of ILARI is as intriguing as the fragrance itself.

"When Hillary Schneider, ILARI'S creator first moved to New York City from the Midwest she aspired to find what every post-graduate, twenty-something seeks; to have fun, make new friends, forge an identity and just maybe... find love. It quickly became clear she needed an edge  in this ultra-competitive world of New York City dating. She embarked on a quest to create her own, personal Love Potion Number Nine. Donning a complex mixture of scented oil and body mist, Hillary was stopped in shops, restaurants, and even on the street with inquiries about her complicated and not easily attainable fragrance blend. Approached outside a downtown restaurant one evening, an attractive, fellow diner remarked, with what she likes to believe was complete sincerity, "I could fall in love with a woman who smells as beautiful as you..." Hillary and the attractive stranger were married in July, 2009 in a very New York City wedding."  WOW!

HIllary generously decided to share her attention getting potion with the rest of us ladies and ILARI's signature blend gives a "slightly varied yet equally intoxicating aura on each woman who wears it." Will it work for you? Well, I gave ILARI a test run yesterday and received 2 compliments - I like those odds!

Take a Dive: World's Largest Underwater Art Musuem in Mexico

Confession: I barely swim and don't scuba or snorkel but I really want to put on my little black bathing suit and visit Mexico's underwater art museum MUSA (Museo Subacautico de Arte). This amazing museum was created in the waters surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc and consists of 4 installations created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

Perhaps the most ambitious of the installations is The Silent Evolution, which consists of 400 life size statues that were made using the casts of real people. "Each of the sculptures is made from specialized materials used to promote coral life, with the total installations occupying an area of over 420sq metres of barren sea bed and weighing over 180 tons."

Stunning and eerily beautiful. 

You can book your dive for $120 per person with Aquanauts Dive Adventures.

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve: Conscious Chic Clothing from Peace Love World

Looking for clothes that don't just make you look fab but really make you feel great inside too? Recently, I was invited to check out a fashion line called Peace Love World - "the clothes that give you life!" Founded by dynamic Miami gal Alina Villasante, Peace Love World combines fashion with positive life affirming messages such as HAPPY, BLESSED, PEACE and LOVE. Really, it's much harder to stay in a bad mood when you are wearing a garment that reminds you that life is beautiful. Best of all, Peace Love World really does share the love by generously supporting breast cancer awareness and Haitian earthquake relief.

Lest you think I spend 24 hours a day decked out in a little black dress, please know that I am a fan of casual clothes as long as they are still feminine and chic. I am not anti-casual, I'm just anti-sloppy and anti-shapeless! One of the things that I really like about Peace Love World is that many of the women's garments aren't just comfortable but they are body conscious.

Here are a few of my favorite travel-friendly pieces from Peace Love World.



As seen on the female models, Peace Love World also offers logo free options. However, all garments are branded inside with Alina's message "Love is not something you look for, love is something you become." In addition to fashions for women, men and children, the brand has jewelry, home goods and more!

 
Weekender Bag - Lightweight with padded straps and lots of compartments. Plenty of room for your laptop too! ($118)

Palm Spring Slub Throw-Over  - An easy and stylish way to stay warm on chilly airplanes. ($78) 


 
Meeting Peace Love World founder Alina Villasante was a blast!


For more information, visit www.peaceloveworld.com.

Feeling Bold and Bodacious? Add a Dash of Burlesque to Your Day

With tassles, feathers, and plenty of va va voom, burlesque entertainers from Gypsy Rose Lee to Dita Von Teese have captivated audiences with their artistic shimmying. Maybe you don't have plans to hit the stage anytime soon but here are some fun ways to add a dash of burlesque to your day.

See the Movie: Starring Cher and Christina Aguilera,  Burlesque doesn't open until Thanksgiving Day but the film is already generating big buzz. I love a lavish Hollywood musical and this film is bound to have some great tunes and dance numbers. And, it's been way too long since we've seen Cher on the silver screen - she's always been a bit burlesque!

To learn more about burlesque pioneer Gypsy Rose Lee (pictured above), rent the 1962 film Gypsy starring Natalie Wood and Rosalind Russell.

Take a Class: Want to learn the basics of burlesque from glove peeling to chair dancing? Enroll in a course at The New York School of Burlesque, Miss Indigo Blue's Academy of Burlesque in Seattle, Ginger Valentine's Burlesque Charm School in Dallas, or Studio L'Amour in Chicago. Also, many dance studios across the country offer burlesque classes.

Buy the Book: Written by Jo Weldon, founder of the New York Burlesque Academy, The Burlesque Handbook has info on basic moves, costume selection, and even making pasties! 

 
Get the Look: Fishnet stockings and red lipstick are simple ways to add a sexy burlesque touch to your everyday look. Find these versatile goodies at any drugstore or department store. I'm a big fan of HUE fishnets - they seem to last longer than other brands I've tried.

Pump up your manicure with an OPI nail lacquer inspired by the film Burlesque. The 12 attention getting colors include Show It & Glow It, Take the Stage and Bring on the Bling ($8.50 each and available at Amazon). 

Play up your peepers with a fringe of faux lashes - try the Japonesque Complete Lash Kit ($9.80 at Amazon).

Airport Security Gets a LIttle Freaky: TSA Unveils New Scanners At JFK Airport

We knew this day would come - the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is installing new full body scanners (officially known as Advanced Imaging Technology) at JFK and LaGuardia Airports in New York City. Yes, these high tech machines can see through your clothes and reveal your curves from the front and back to airport security personnel. Newark Airport will have a less invasive model of the machine that will only detect objects under the clothes of travelers.

The machines may make us safer but now I have to worry about sucking in my abs along with taking off my shoes, removing my laptop, and cramming all of my toiletries into that darn ZipLock bag to get through security. At this rate, soon we will all be flying in our birthday suits!

Visit  www.ny1.com for more information

Little Heels with Big Style at Scarpasa.com

My Grandmother warned me. She said pounding the pavement day after day in skinny high heels would take a toll on my tootsies. Ouch, was she right. But hey, even Lady Gaga occasionally has trouble managing super high heels - poor thing took quite the tumble at Heathrow Airport over the summer.

These days, when I go shopping, I look at the height of the heel before the price and will gladly pay more for a shoe that is comfortable AND stylish. The problem is that the comfy shoes tend to look more dowdy than sexy. I often look at the pretty sky high stilettos and contemplate chopping off the heels to a more manageable height.

Apparently, I'm not the only lady who has been hoping for a sexy sensible shoe genie. Well, that genie has finally arrived in the form of a website called Scarpasa.com. Founded by Christina Lahur, Scarpasa's motto is "lower your heels, not your expectations" and  they only sell shoes with heels that are a maximum of 3 inches high - a height that is practical for travel and everyday. Here are a few of the chic and comfy styles that will jazz up a little black dress. 

Rebecca Sanver - Lopez red leather pump. $275


Biondini -Viviane peep toe pump. $185

Miezko - Jana convertible brushed suede bootie. $255.

Homers - Laura short hair flat. $250.


Miezko-Christina knee high boot. $375.

Very Hollywood, Very Chic, Very Michael Kors

In a world obsessed with Kardashians and Hiltons, a girl could be fooled into thinking that bad behaviour is the only way to get noticed. Am I the only one who reminisces for the days of old Hollywood where celebrities had real talent and weren't just savvy self-promoters? Dorothy Dandridge, Ava Gardner, Bette Davis  - those ladies had style, grace and class.

Maybe a trip to La La Land isn't on your agenda, but designer Michael Kors makes it easy to add a dash of Hollywood glamour to your everyday life. The reigning king of classic American style (and the most lovable of the Project Runway judges), Kors specializes in easy sophistication.  Here are six fabulous finds from Michael Kors that will make you feel like a star of the silver screen no matter where you are!

 Michael Kors Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum ($45-$85) - This sultry scent is a classy composition of iced bergamot, mandarin and gardenia. My beau could care less about what is in the perfume but he did say that Very Hollywood  was very seductive. I call that a five star review!

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Studded Yoke Dress ($120-$130) - The gunmetal studded yoke at the neckline gives this little black dress a modern edge on a classic silhouette.

Michael Kors Tortoise Double Wrap Watch ($180) - Don't keep your fans waiting! It's easy to be fashionably on time for your next appointment or flight with this timepiece surrounded by golden metal and a tortoise double wrap chain. A very elegant bracelet & watch all-in one!

Michael Kors Rehearsal Sunglasses ($350) - Oversized sunglasses are a Hollywood must and the perfect solution for jet lagged eyes.

 
  MICHAEL by Michael Kors Heidi Clutch, Dark Sand Python ($198) - This python print clutch is timeless and perfect for an evening out. I often use a clutch when I'm traveling to stylishly carry my passport and other travel documents - just insert the clutch inside your larger purse or tote.

Limited Edition Hollywood Signature Pen ($25) - Even in a high tech world, an old-fashioned pen is a must - you can't sign an autograph with a Blackberry! Write with this pen and your postcard from Hollywood will make them swoon -  the ink is scented with the Very Hollywood Michael Kors fragrance.

Winemaking in Brooklyn: Who Knew?

Napa. Bordeaux. Brooklyn? Yes darlings, New Yorkers can now crush grapes (instead of only being crushed in crowded subways) and make wine right here! Located in hipster haven Williamsburg, Brooklyn Winery is a fully functioning facility where you can make your own private label wine from grape to glass. The varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel. Chardonnay and others.

Get a group of friends together to create a custom barrel that yields 300 bottles of wine for $5,700. Half and community barrels also available. Adjacent to the winery, a wine bar will open soon that features house vino and selections from around the world. Cheers!

Click here to watch NY1's video segment about the Brooklyn Winery.

Three Spectacular & Spooky Halloween Getaways

It's been years since I've celebrated Halloween but I love any holiday that involves playing dress-up and carefreely consuming copious amounts of candy. While Halloween may not be a huge travel holiday, there are plenty of places that show major love for the great pumpkin. Here are three picks on where to go for a spectacular and spooky getaway. Pack this sexy pilot costume (available at Amazon) in your bag and go!

New Orleans - Yes, the Big Easy knows how to party but this town also considers itself the most haunted city in the world (hello Anne Rice).  NOLA's official Halloween Day parade, the Krewe of Halloween, unwinds through the Boo Carre on Saturday, October 30th. Put on your snazziest costume and let the good times roll. Music lovers should snag tickets for the Voodoo Music Experience (October 29-31). Performers include Kermit Ruffins, Ozzy Osbourne, Janelle Monae, Macy Gray, and many others. While you are in town, will you dare to go on a ghost/paranormal tour? Also, New Orleans' cemeteries, with their aboveground tombs, are hauntingly beautiful places to visit and often referred to as "Cities of the Dead.

New York City - As a native, I assure you that you can wear a costume 365 days a year in the Big Apple and no one will give you a second glance.  However, the great thing about Halloween is that practically the whole city will play dress-up with you! The raucous and colorful Village Halloween Parade (Sunday, October 31) will celebrate its 38th year of winding through the streets of Greenwich Village. Don't just be a spectator - everyone in costume is invited to march in the parade! For a real fright, cross the terror threshold and visit the Blood Manor or Nightmare: Superstitions haunted houses. For a more spiritual escape, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will host a Crypt Crawl (Saturday, October 30) where guides will lead visitors through the crypts and explain the origins of Halloween. Green-Wood Cemetary in Brooklyn, founded in 1838 and the final resting place for many famous New Yorkers, also has a Halloween tour (October 30 & 31).

Las Vegas: Doesn't everyday in Las Vegas seem like Halloween? Last year I coincidentally found myself in Sin City on October 31st and those of us without costumes really stuck out.  Practically every hotel and nightclub in Las Vegas is hosting a special Halloween soiree - click here for a comprehensive list of what's happening in this adult playground. Other fun events include the Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

  PS - Wherever you go, get ready for Halloween with a relaxing bath. This Fizzy Baker Halloween Cupcake Bath Bomb looks like the real thing but is actually a calorie-free scented soak. "Hand decorated, the frosting, sprinkles and decorations are made of soap! In the tub, the 'cake' fizzes and releases skin softening coconut oil and glycerin, while the frosting floats free to use just like soap." Nibble on some candy corn and let this cupcake take you away! ($5.50 at Amazon)

Five Fab Events: Weekend in New York City

  If you find yourself in the Big Apple this weekend, put on your little black dress and check out one of these great events!







www.eleganceafrica.com

Open House New York
Saturday, October 9 & Sunday, October 10. Free!
America's largest architect and design event, Open House New York reveals what lurks behind the doors of some of the City's most intriguing places. Get exclusive peeks at private clubs, design studios, and more.

  Harlem Harvest Festival and Fresh Food Summit
Saturday, October 9. 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Explore one of New York City's most exciting culinary destinations, the one and only Harlem. In addition to a farmers market, one of the highlights of the day is A Taste of Harlem where attendees can enjoy tastings from local eateries. The day also includes film screenings and workshops.


Celebrity Chefs at The Edible Garden (The New York Botanical Garden)
Saturday, October 9 - Monday, October 11. $20 ($8 for kids)
This is the perfect event for the little foodies in your life. The children and/or grandchildren of Lidia Bastianich, Bill Telepan, and other celebrity chefs will join them on stage as they prepare recipes with pumpkins, squashes, or gourds.

Live Louisiana Zydeco
Sunday, October 10. $22. Dance lesson at 6:30 pm. Live music 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Put on some cowboy boots with that little black dress and do the bayou boogie in the Big Apple! Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys will rock the house!

For more October events, read my newsletter.

Chocolate Chic: La Nuit de Gateau Comes to NYC

Darlings, save the date of Wednesday, November 3rd for a chic and sweet celebration! In honor of the 20th anniversary of the arrival of La Maison du Chocolat in New York City, the public is invited to indulge at La Nuit de Gateau (which translates to "the night of desserts").

A tent will be set up in front of La Maison du Chocolat's boutique at 1018 Madison Avenue from 7pm - midnight and will feature complimentary desserts, drinks, and live jazz. Tastings will also take place at the 30 Rockefeller Center and 63 Wall Street boutiques from 7-9 pm. Sweet!

The sTARTElette will be the unabashed star of the evening. This sweet and spicy treat is a "crunchy sable enrobed with ganache infused with ginger, passion fruit nectar and Sancho pepper."

La Maison du Chocolat started in France 30 years ago and some of their most popular Parisian treats will make their debut at La Nuit de Gateau - including their famous eclairs. I was treated to a preview tasting of some of  the tarts, macarons, and cakes that will be served on November 3rd. Believe me - you don't want to miss this event!

PS - Sign up for my newsletter to receive a reminder about La Nuit De Gateau and other great events.

Fear is an Accessory I Refuse to Wear

 I usually focus on the fun and glamorous side of travel but the US State Department's travel warning about the possibility of coordinated terrorist attacks in Europe is the angry elephant in the room that won't be ignored. Although the advisory does not specifically say that Americans should cancel their vacations, it does encourage travelers to be vigilant.

I live in New York City. I was here on 9/11 and increased vigilance has been a part of my life ever since. Immediately following the attacks I was almost paralyzed by fear and avoided riding the subway and visiting landmarks. But after a few months I realized that I was only cheating myself. Yes, I know the world has changed and as a result I am more aware of my surroundings, but I put on my little black dress and go about my day. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I refuse to let fear kill my spirit and zest for life. I hate to think that some young girl would consider giving up her dream of visiting Paris, London, Barcelona, or even New York City, because of terrorism.

Are You the Next Tonnino Chef? Win a Trip to NYC & $5,000 Towards Your Culinary Education

Do you watch TV shows like Top Chef and know that you have what it takes to simmer, saute, and sous vide with the best of them? Would you love to quit your day job to pursue a career in the culinary arts? If so, the Tonnino Tuna Chef Challenge is looking for you!

If you are a whiz with tuna, Tonnino may pick you to be their next chef ambassador. More than a cool title, the winner will win a $5,000 cash prize for the advancement of their culinary education, an all-expense paid trip to NYC, and a year's supply of Tonnino Tuna. Tonnino contains only the finest cuts of hand-packed Yellowfin tuna and is available in a variety of flavors including Garlic, Oregano, Jalapeño, Spring Water, Olive Oil and Ventresca.

To enter, submit a 1-2 minute video to Tonnino by December 1 that shows you preparing your unique tuna recipe. Be creative and let your personality shine!

Good luck! If you win, I am expecting you to make me the best tuna sandwich EVER!