Wine With Wanda

The Oscars 2020: Sip Like the Stars with Champagne Piper-Heidsieck and The Family Coppola Wine Cellars

Ah, it’s that time of year when my dormant little girl daydreams of being a movie star bubble to the surface. Perhaps I’ll never get the chance to deliver my well-practiced Oscars® acceptance speech, but I can sip like a star of the silver screen thanks to Champagne Piper-Heidsieck and The Family Coppola Wine Cellars. On February 9^th, guests at the 92^nd Academy Awards will be toasting Hollywood’s biggest night with wonderful wines from these respected wineries and you can too.

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck is back for the 6^th year as the sole Champagne served during the Oscars® awards season. The snazzy retro look of this year’s limited-edition Oscars® magnum pays homage to the Roaring Twenties. Not only was the decade an exciting time for cinema but Prohibition, that atrocious affront to alcohol, started 100 years ago in 1920. Inspired by history, Piper-Heidsieck opted to adorn the bottle for the 92^nd Academy Awards with a replica of their label from the Prohibition era. “In the 1920s, bootleggers would smuggle Piper-Heidsieck into the United States where it would be secretly served in speakeasys throughout New York City. Now, Hollywood’s biggest stars will get to enjoy the same Piper-Heidsieck Brut during the biggest awards show of the year,” declared Benoit Collard, General Manager for Piper-Heidsieck. While the bottle with the Oscars® label isn’t for sale, the bubbly within is Piper-Heidsieck’s widely available and delicious Cuvée Brut (around $45). Look for Piper-Heidsieck’s iconic red label and create your own red carpet magic with this perennially elegant and exuberant bubbly.

All of Hollywood dreams of clutching a gold Oscars® statuette but only a lucky few are chosen. However, everyone can have that winning feeling with gleaming gold bottles of 92^nd Awards Chardonnay 2017 ($65) and 92^nd Awards Pinot Noir 2018 ($75) from The Family Coppola Wine Cellars. Representing the synergy between the worlds of cinema and wine, these limited-edition wines will be served at the 92^nd Oscars® and the official after party, the Governors Ball. Six-time Academy Award winner Francis Ford Coppola is also a celebrated vintner and his family’s winemaking tradition spans several generations. Limited supplies of Coppola’s 92^nd Oscars® bottles are available for purchase on the Coppola website. More than just eye- catching, these keepsake worthy bottles contain artfully crafted wines from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. I recently tasted the Chardonnay and it is rich and creamy yet impressively crisp with a hint of tropical fruit. There’s all kinds of Oscars®-worthy delicious drama in this glass!

The 90th Oscars: Hollywood's Biggest Night Is a Wine & Food Extravaganza!

 

“We are particularly proud to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Oscars. This anniversary bottle represents the history of excellence that unites the Academy and Piper-Heidsieck. These magnums, bottled in Reims and enjoyed in Los Angeles, are the very expression of the universal magic of cinema, to which we are paying tribute.”
Benoît Collard, Executive Director for Piper-Heidsieck

Film buffs and fashionistas are in a frenzy as the 90th Oscars approach. Who will win? What will they wear? But there's another important question that must be answered on Hollywood's glitziest night - What will they drink? I can't predict the Best Picture winner but I can tell you that rivers of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and the wines of Francis Ford Coppola will flow on March 4th at the Oscars and the official after-party, the Governors Ball. 



An astounding 1,500 bottles of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne will be served - that's more than 8,500 delicious glasses of bubbly. The stellar offerings from the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio will include the limited-edition magnum that was designed especially to commemorate the 90th Oscars and Hollywood's Golden Age. You can't buy the special Oscars magnum but the fabulous Champagne within is Piper-Heidsieck's widely available Cuvée Brut.  

 “The Academy Awards is a ceremony that honors daring, fearless, innovative storytelling, and in that tradition, we have developed two exquisite Director’s Cut wines that reflect innovative excellence.” - Corey Beck, CEO, Francis Ford Coppola Winery   

More than 14,000 glasses of Francis Ford Coppola wine will be poured at the Oscars. The 2,400 bottles will include his Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Chardonnay 2016.  A fourteen-time nominee and six-time Oscar winner (including the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award), filmmaker and vintner Francis Ford Coppola has had a long relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and these special wines are his tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Oscars.  

Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002 Champagne paired with Chef Wolfgang Puck's Roasted Potato with Caviar. 

Of course, these fantastic wines deserve to be paired with an exceptional menu and legendary Chef Wolfgang Puck is leaving no truffle unturned. The 90th Oscars mark Puck's 24th year as the caterer of Hollywood's biggest night. The menu will include Chicken Pot Pie with Black Truffles, Osetra Caviar with Roasted New Potato, Wagyu Sliders, and Caviar Parfait with 24k Gold!  

Best-Dressed Bubbly: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Returns for 90th Oscars®

image courtesy of Piper-Heidsieck

Few are nominated, and even fewer walk the stage in victory, but everyone at the 90th Oscars® will drink like a winner thanks to Piper-Heidsieck! The most-awarded Champagne house of the century returns to the world's most glamorous red carpet as the sole Champagne to be served during the 90th Oscars awards season. To mark the milestone occasion, Piper-Heidsieck has created a stunning limited-edition magnum that captures the elegance of Hollywood's Golden Age. This best-dressed bottle is engraved with "90th Oscars®" and adorned with a 360-degree golden appliqué that evokes the Art Deco architecture of legendary Los Angeles theaters like the Crest, Pantages, and the Wiltern. After all, a beautiful bubbly deserves a beautiful bottle! 


In addition to the awards ceremony on March 4th, Piper-Heidsieck Champagne will be poured at the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, Governors Ball, and other events hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, New York, and London. Alas, the limited-editon Oscars magnum is not for sale, but you can still sip like the stars because the wine within the bottle is the widely-available and acclaimed Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut. A seductive and superb wine to savor while you watch the Oscars, Piper-Heidsieck connects you to a long Hollywood tradition - Marilyn Monroe famously started her day with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck and this iconic Champagne's strong connection to cinema dates back to 1933! 

Sip Like the Stars with Piper-Heidsieck: Official Champagne of the Oscars

 

On more than one occasion my nearest and dearest have deemed moi a drama queen. Alas, my theatrics won't make me a contender for an Academy Award but I can sip like a movie star with Champagne Piper-Heidsieck. Piper-Heidsieck has the distinction of being the sole Champagne to be served during the 2017 Academy Awards season. In honor of the partnership, Piper-Heidsieck has created a limited-edition magnum bottle to be poured exclusively at the Oscars ceremony and the official star-studded after-party: the Governors Ball.


The exclusive Oscars red magnum with a gold film design encircling the bottle is not available for sale BUT you can sip the same bubbly: elegant, refreshing, fruit-forward, balanced, and award-winning Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV (around $45 for a standard 750 ml bottle.) Created in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of France's oldest and most awarded Champagne houses. Piper-Heidsieck's winemaker, Régis Camus, has been named "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" eight times over the past ten years (statistically speaking, this may make Régis the Meryl Streep of Champagne!)

So fret not if your invitation to the Oscars was somehow lost in the mail: cook up some popcorn, sashay to your sofa like it's the red carpet, pop the cork on a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck, and watch the drama unfold on your television! 

Drama You Can Drink: Coppola Winery's Director's Cut Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon

“Winemaking and filmmaking are two great art forms...in both cases you have to start with top notch raw materials—whether it’s the land or a script.”
- Francis Ford Coppola

Would you expect wines bearing the name of iconic filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola to be anything less than expressive and superb? I had high expectations when I was invited to taste wines from Coppola Winery's Director's Cut collection and I'm delighted to say they delivered a blockbuster drinking experience. (I apologize for the movie puns sprinkled throughout this article, I couldn't resist!)

Coppola Winery has a diverse portfolio of wines but those in the Director's Cut collection are quite special - they are limited production and sourced from Sonoma’s diverse and distinctive microclimates. In the same way that the director's cut of a film is the version which most reflects the director's vision, the Director's Cut wines represent winemaker Corey Beck's sensibility and intention to express the essence of the grapes and the terroir. Every bottle of Director's Cut also pays homage to the history of filmmaking and is adorned with a wraparound label inspired by a Zoetrope strip - one of the earliest moving picture devices. Each Director’s Cut label is a replica of a strip from Mr. Coppola's personal Zoetrope collection.



Full-bodied and far from bland, 2014 Director's Cut Chardonnay (Russian River Valley, Sonoma County) spends just enough time in French oak to add enticing spice, vanilla, and cream notes without overwhelming the luscious flavors of tropical fruit and citrus. Vibrant with a lively acidity, this Chardonnay has the grace and charisma of a leading lady on the silver screen. Suggested retail price is $23.


2013 Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, Sonoma County) is a bonafide scene stealer. I was wowed by the richness and elegance of this blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) with a touch of Malbec (8%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Flavors of blackberries, cassis, spice, chocolate, and earthiness meld together to create a truly beautiful wine. Suggested retail price is $29.


image courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola Winery

The Director's Cut collection also includes Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and the red blend Cinema. If you're planning a trip to Sonoma, the Coppola Winery welcomes visitors. Mr. Coppola describes the winery as “a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life: food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life.” Let's drink to that!

Identitá Golose Heats Up New York with Michelin Starred Italian Chefs

Jet-setting to Italy isn't your only option if you fantasize about experiencing the culinary artistry of Michelin starred chefs like Massimo Bottura and Carlo Cracco. Identitá Golose, a prestigious culinary organization devoted to showcasing the best of contemporary Italian cuisine, will unite Italian and American Michelin-starred chefs for a series of master classes, dinners, and celebrations at Eataly in New York (September 30 - October 3) and Chicago (October 6-7).

The Identitá agenda is full of amazing events that no modern Italian food enthusiast should miss. For example, on October 1 at Eataly New York, there will be a four-course gala dinner  ($190) with wine pairings and each course will be prepared by a different Michelin starred chef from Italy.



What a unique opportunity to take your taste buds on a journey orchestrated by some of Italy's most celebrated chefs! The all-star lineup on October 1 features:

Antipasto: Massimo Bottura, from Osteria Francescana – Modena

Primo: Andrea Migliaccio, from Ristorante L’Olivo – Capri

Secondo: Moreno Cedroni, from Madonnina del Pescatore – Senigallia

Dolce: Ugo Alciati, from Guido Risotrante – Serralunga d’Alba

Founded in 2004 by Italian food journalist Paolo Marchi, Identitá Golose highlights the best of contemporary Italian cuisine, showcases the culinary excellence of each Italian region, and honors the top Italian chefs who proudly blend traditional techniques with modern methods. Visit the Eataly and Identitá Golose websites for more information.

 

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A Modern Wine with a Classic Touch: Fattorie Melini La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (2011)

Hollywood & Vine: Who Knew Kate Hudson Made Wine?

"Winemaking is not something you do to make real money. It’s something you do because you are passionate about it." - Kate Hudson

 I often give celebrity wine ventures some serious side-eye but actress Kate Hudson has now been added to the list of people that I would love to share a glass of wine with. Kate's interview in the film issue of Wine Enthusiast shows a sincere passion for wine.

Winemaking is a real family affair for Kate - her stepdad, actor Kurt Russell, is also a winemaker and encouraged Kate and former fiancé Matt Bellamy to give it a try. Hudson Bellamy Wines produces wines in Santa Barbara in partnership with Peter and Rebecca Work of Ampelos Cellars. I look forward to giving Hudson Bellamy wines a swirl! The May film issue of Wine Enthusiast also features Kurt Russell, Drew Barrymore, Gia Coppola, and other famous wine fans.

Thank You, Dr. Maya Angelou

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

 

Dr. Angelou, reading "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" at boarding school filled me with so much inspiration - it was the first book I read in high school with a voice like my own, from an author with roots like my own. Reading your other books later on, your journey made everything seem possible. Meeting you years later when you were honored at an event that I produced, was a moment I'll never forget. I'm sure your green room up above is abundant with white orchids and Kendall Jackson Chardonnay! Rest in peace and thank you, thank you, thank you.

My New York: Celebrating Pampano's Ten Year Anniversary with Placido Domingo & Chef Richard Sandoval

 

Opening a restaurant in New York City is no easy feat but staying fresh and relevant after ten years in business is an absolute cause for celebration. So, I was delighted to raise my Hibiscus Margarita in a toast to Chef Richard Sandoval and opera legend Placido Domingo on the great success of their culinary collaboration - Pampano. Located in East Midtown Manhattan (209 East 49th Street), Pampano serves sophisticated coastal Mexican cuisine, inspired by the shores of Mexico, in an elegant and airy space.

The Pampano Margarita with white tequila and hibiscus is as delicious as it looks. 

In celebration of their ten-year anniversary, Pampano is offering a "Best of Pampano" prix-fixe menu through March 31st for lunch and dinner. Don't miss out on their savory and fresh ceviches  - especially the refreshing and bold Halibut Ceviche with Mango, Red Onion and Cilantro. Pampano's tacos are also a thing of beauty - try the lobster and filet mignon. And, don't forget the Margarita!

So tasty - a mouthwatering selection of ceviche.

Inspiration: Josephine Baker

Today, during a very boring meeting, I found my mind wandering to Paris. Specifically, the 1920's Paris of Josephine Baker. In this vivid daydream, my business attire was replaced with shimmer, feathers, and a whole lot of va va voom. My coffee mug transformed into a champagne flute and the office became a very chic cabaret with moi on stage. A little crazy, I know, but I've always felt inspired by Josephine's fearlessness. She left her home in St. Louis and took Paris and the world by storm with her talent, charisma, and sensuality. She was also an activist and a highly honored member of the French Resistance. Josephine wasn't afraid to explore the world, live her truth, and let her light shine. Even if you don't want to wear a banana skirt a la Josephine, she sets a fine example for the great things that can happen when we let go of the places and situations that hold us back.

 

Dressed to Impress: Lupita Nyong'o Lights up the Red Carpet

Lupita is gorgeous in Gucci at the 2014 SAG Awards.
Credit: Mark Davis, WireImage

Screen Actors Guild award winner and Oscar nominee, stunning actress Lupita Nyong'o (Twelve Years a Slave) is on an amazing journey and she's been ultra stylish every step of the way. Hollywood loves to appoint "It" girls and Lupita beautifully breaks the mold. All eyes will be on Lupita on March 2nd at the Academy Awards to see if she brings home the Oscar and to ooh and aah over what fabulous dress she wears next!

Time for a Giveaway! Burt's Bees & Lipstick Angels Tote

I was instantly thrilled when I learned about the collaboration between natural beauty products powerhouse Burt's Bees and Lipstick Angels - a non-profit organization committed to helping hospitalized women feel beautiful through makeovers. Cosmetics may seem like a trivial thing when someone is fighting for their lives, but I have witnessed the power of beauty therapy: when my beloved Grandma Bertha was hospitalized for cancer treatment, she would ask me to bring her lipstick and nail polish. Those cosmetics lifted her spirits and helped her to feel glam again - even in a hospital gown.

From now until September 30th, you can support Lipstick Angels by bidding on a specially designed "Nature Knows Color" tote personally signed by a range of celebrities; including Heather Graham, Denise Richards, Mena Suvari, Isla Fisher, Selita Ebanks, AnnaSophia Robb, Camilla Belle, Melanie Fiona, and others. Click here to bid.

I also have 4 totes to give away - one each to 4 lucky readers. The bags I'm giving away are not signed by a celeb but each tote will include a lip treat from Burt's Bees. These stylish bags are great for running errands around town. To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below by 5pm (EST), October 1, 2013. Winners will be selected at random and will be contacted by October 4, 2013.  Prizes can only be mailed to addresses in the United States. Winners will be notified via e-mail and will have 3 days to provide a valid mailing address or another winner will be selected. Good luck!

Picture Perfect Paris: Magnifique Moments from the City of Lights

Breathtakingly beautiful, energetic, and chic; Paris is one of the few places on the planet that actually exceeds the hype. The only rule to traveling in Paris is to be open to seduction because all of your senses will be teased. Your taste buds will be tantalized by fine food and wine, your vision dazzled by the stunning architecture and stylish residents, your ears will buzz with the musical sound of French, and luxury is at your fingertips in the form of a fine silk scarf or a crusty artisan baguette.

The famous "Love Locks" on the Pont des Arts. Hopeless romantics proclaim their undying love by writing their names on locks, attaching them to the bridge, and tossing the key into the Seine. Litter conscious lovers opt for padlocks. 

My last trip to Paris was in 2007, so my recent visit there was akin to a reunion with an eternally chic friend. Unlike last time, I took this journey to Paris with a friend of 20+ years and sharing the experience with someone dear to me made it even more special. Together, we sought out familiar places and new experiences.


The very ornate Pont Alexandre III is now one of my favorite bridges in Paris - it is adorned with many stunning statues and gold accents.

The first new experience was our lodging: instead of booking a hotel, we rented a Paris apartment on Airbnb. I'll admit to being a little apprehensive about this process, but it enhanced our trip in countless ways. We gave up hotel amenities like room and maid service but we gained our very own stylish pied-à-terre in Paris. Also, renting an apartment was much less expensive than a hotel and we had more space. There are many Paris apartments available on Airbnb, from luxurious to modest, and the site has many protections in place to make sure that you don't get scammed.


Our Paris rental apartment was in the Rue Montorgueil neighborhood. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, it had a lovely pedestrian walkway lined with cafes, bakeries, and shops.

Paris is, without a doubt, one of the world's great walking cities and a comfy (but cute) pair of shoes and an excellent guide book are indispensable. I highly recommend the Michelin Paris Guide from their Green Guide Series - it was in my bag everywhere we traveled in Paris. We used it frequently to learn interesting facts about the sights and the maps helped us to navigate our way around by foot and Metro. For example, as a Hemingway fan, sipping a café crème at  Les Deux Magots was on my must-do list. The Michelin guide confirmed that the cafe was in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, provided a map of the area, walking directions to the cafe, and a brief description of Les Deux Magots as a long time gathering place for Left Bank intellectuals and artists.

Perhaps the most magical thing about Paris is how history surrounds you at every turn. Yes, it is a bustling modern metropolis but the roots of Paris go way back to 30 BC. It is impossible not to feel the pull of the past in winding cobblestoned streets and the soothing rhythm of the Seine.

One of the many winding paths in Père Lachaise cemetery.

Paris's past is strongly felt at the serene and beautiful Père Lachaise Cemetery. Easily reached by Metro, it is the final resting place of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Colette, Richard Wright, Chopin, Balzac, Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, and many others. Navigating the 99 acre cemetery can be very confusing and the map & legend in the Michelin guide were much needed companions to the free, but not incredibly detailed, maps available for free in the cemetery office.


  After a quiet morning with the silent residents of Père Lachaise, the energy of Paris is especially intoxicating. I spotted these newlyweds walking towards the famous pyramid, and their future, in the Louvre courtyard.

These were a few of my favorite sights in Paris - what are yours? Stay tuned for my upcoming post on dining in the City of Lights.

 

TV for Travelers: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown on CNN

I must confess that I don't watch CNN too often, but I am one of those travel loving food fanatics who will tune in on April 14th at 9pm (ET) to check out their new show Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

Few television personalities can spark wanderlust as strongly as Anthony Bourdain. I've been missing his old Travel Channel show No Reservations since it ended in 2012, so I'm hungry for his new one-hour lifestyle series on CNN. Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown will follow the chef, author, and raconteur as he travels across the globe to uncover non-touristy and off-the-beaten path areas of the world. Bourdain will explore some war-torn areas, meet with locals, and occasionally spend time with an internationally acclaimed hot shot chef. 

The premiere episode of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown offers an inside look at Myanmar. In his maiden voyage to the country formerly known as Burma, Bourdain and his crew discover the beauty and cuisines of a country that had been, until recently, off-limits to outsiders. Future episodes include tours of Libya, Colombia, the Quebecois side of Canada, Koreatown in Los Angeles, Tangier, Peru and the Congo .

Will you be watching? Following original episodes of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown on Sunday nights at 9pm, encores will air on Friday nights at 11pm, Saturday nights at 9pm, and Sunday nights at 8pm. (all times Eastern)  Click here to learn more about Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

Wow! Wine Spectator Gives Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie's Côtes de Provence Rosé a Blockbuster Review

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Apparently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt aren't content with being gorgeous, world-famous movie stars with impressive real estate holdings and a gaggle of beautiful kids, now they make wine too. I'll admit that I received the news with a bit of skepticism but I may have to reconsider after learning that the esteemed Wine Spectator rated their Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé an outstanding 90 points out of 100 in a blind tasting.

A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah red grapes with the white grape Rolle (aka Vermentino), Wine Spectator described Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé as "refined and elegant, with pure flavors of dried red berry and tangerine, and a focused finish with flint and spice notes." Not too shabby! And, there are no reports of the Jolie-Pitt kids stomping the grapes!

The wine is produced at the Jolie-Pitts' 1,000 acre Miraval estate in the South of France and their winemaking partners, Perrin & Fils, said that the dynamic duo participated in the blending sessions for the wine and also helped to design the label. The first 6,000 bottles of Jolie-Pitt sold out within five hours of being offered online in France. Starting in April, 15,000 cases of Miraval will be imported to the US and are expected to retail for about $30 a bottle.

So will you give Miraval a try? For more information, visit the Wine Spectator and the Miraval websites. 

Wolfgang Puck's Mouthwatering Oscars Menu

I know Hollywood stars tend to practice dietary restraint but I hope they tossed caution (and Spanx) aside and indulged in the amazing menu created by Wolfgang Puck for the 85th Academy Awards Governors Ball. Puck assembled a culinary brigade of 300 kitchen staff and 650 waiters to pamper the tastebuds of the glitteratti. And, 100 bottles of Dom Pérignon bubbly were delivered to the winners' tables. Feast your eyes on a few of the menu items. More images can be viewed at Wolfgang Puck's website. How I would have loved to have been there in a glittery little black dress!

Recipe for Sustainable Domestic Bliss: Adrian Grenier + SHFT Red Wine + LG Studio Kitchen Appliances

 

SHFT Co-Founders Adrian Grenier & Peter Glatzer with their private label red wine

Whether it is a perfect pan of paella, a bubbling pot of bouillabaisse, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich - a home cooked meal prepared with love and skill is hard to beat. Now, imagine that meal in a shiny new energy efficient kitchen where you sip sustainable red wine and actor Adrian Grenier sautés your organic vegetables. Ok, I can't deliver Mr. Grenier but I do have some suggestions for the kitchen and the vino!

 

Courtesy of LG Electronics (the "life's good" people), I was invited to attend an intimate discussion about environmentally friendly home design at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC. There were several stars in attendance that evening but the biggest were Adrian Grenier and the LG Studio suite of premium kitchen appliances.

In addition to being a talented actor/filmmaker, Adrian is also a passionate environmentalist and the co-founder of SHFT - a sustainable lifestyle platform. The SHFT website highlights all of the little shifts that we can each make in our everyday lives to protect our planet's resources. On the home front, saving energy is a good way to start and the LG Studio line delivers efficiency in a sleek-stainless steel package. For example, the refrigerator uses at least 20 percent less energy than required by federal standards yet offers the greatest capacity of any 42-inch width side-by-side fridge (hmm, imagine how many bottles of bubbly that can hold)! The LG Studio line also includes a gas cooktop, a double wall oven, a steam dishwasher and more.

Adrian lives a very green but design conscious lifestyle at his solar-paneled home in Brooklyn and said that he wouldn't mind having the new LG Studio line in his kitchen. (He also said that sharing a plate of food is a good way to build a relationship and keep your weight down!) Maybe Adrian won't be sharing a plate of couscous casserole in your dream kitchen anytime soon but you can enjoy a bottle of his SHFT 2009 Paso Robles Rhone Blend ($24.99). This organic and sustainable red wine is a bold and fruit forward blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre with big dark berry notes. Now, Adrian and SHFT just need to get started on a white wine so we can stock it in our LG fridges!

Visit LG and SHFT for more information.

Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection in Philadelphia

Talent, beauty, and style - the Supremes had it all. From Stop! In the Name of Love to Where Did Our Love Go, their Motown hits have stood the test of time and a new exhibition shows that many of their fashions have held up too! You can view the Supremes' fantastic frocks up close and personal at the African-American Museum in Philadelphia from January 25, 2012 to June 30, 2013 in the fantastic exhibition Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection.


Mary Wilson strikes a pose with a few of the Supremes' dresses from her collection that will be on display at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

A few weeks ago I was invited to get a sneak peek at a few of the dresses and to meet the marvelous Mary Wilson. A founding member of the Supremes, Ms. Wilson became the guardian of the dresses when other members left the group - the singers may have come and gone but the dresses stayed with Mary. Sadly, some of the dresses vanished when Motown moved from Detroit to Los Angeles but occasionally they pop up on eBay and Ms. Wilson has found herself in the surreal position of purchasing back the gowns. (Really, if you're reading this and have a Supremes gown in your collection, can you please return it to Ms. Wilson and not charge her? Come on people - show some respect for a music legend!)

More than just a dazzling collection of sequins, beads, and feathers, the dresses displayed in Come See About Me send a powerful message about achievement and overcoming obstacles. The original Supremes were poor young women from Detroit who made their dreams come true and went from singing in the housing projects to topping the charts and performing at the request of the Queen Mother. And, through it all they made a conscious decision to appear glamorous and to show the world that young black women could be elegant and sophisticated. Bravo! I think every woman can be inspired by the Supremes' story.

Today, Ms. Wilson still performs and has just released a solo CD. I asked her to share the secret to her incredibly youthful appearance - "Prayer and Bikram Yoga," she said with a dazzling smile. Amen and sign me up!

For more details on Come See About Me, visit the website of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. This exhibition is a great girlfriend getaway.

Where to Stay: I recommend the Loews Philadelphia Hotel at 1200 Market Street for your stay. Within walking distance of the Come See About Me exhibition (about 10-15 minutes), the Loews Philadelphia Hotel was recognized as one of the "World's Best" by Travel+Leisure readers. Located in the first skyscraper ever built in Philly, the Loews is in the heart of the city and boasts 581 guest rooms. I stayed here on my recent trip to Philly and the room was spacious and the bed very comfortable. The Loews is also just down the street from Macy's in case you feel inspired to buy a new dress after viewing the exhibition! Check out VisitPhilly.com for more tips on planning your Philly getaway.

 

Counting Down to Fashion's Night Out - Get Pampered at Frederic Fekkai

Last September, a gentleman friend sent me a text message wondering why there were larger than usual throngs of stylish women bearing shopping bags storming the streets of Manhattan. Handsome, if you're reading this, the event is called Fashion's Night Out and it is happening again on September 6th in NYC and beyond. Prepare yourself!


Purchase an item from the 2012 FNO collection, like this cool canvas tote bag for $50, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund in the NY Community Trust.

Fashion's Night Out celebrates fashion and supports retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York.

One of the FNO events that caught my eye is Fekkai Mademoiselle hosted by actress AnnaSophia Robb (star of the CW’s upcoming new series The Carrie Diaries - a prequel to Sex and the City) at Frederic Fekkai Fifth Avenue at Henri Bendel. The Mademoiselle Package includes a choice of a New York signature blow-out, St. Barths’s Sexy Beach Waves or the perfectly undone chignon along with a makeup application and Ciate’s Caviar Manicure for $75. Or, you can opt for the Petite Mademoiselle - a customized Nail Rock Designer Nail Wrap Application ($25). Fekkai Mademoiselle will take place on Sept. 6, 5pm - 8pm. To schedule an appointment, call 212-753-9500.

Frederic Fekkai

And, how gorgeous is Frederic Fekkai? I would totally trust him with my hair! Ok, I digress. For a complete listing of the many fabulous Fashion's Night Out events, visit their website.

 

Ready for a Road Trip? Go Further with Ford

"We want to be green, global and high-tech. We are using our global resources to produce innovative technology for safer, cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles."
Bill Ford, Executive Chairman
Ford Motor Company

I may not drive but I love being a passenger in a snazzy vehicle and I do care about the strain that automobiles can place on the environment. Not knowing much about cars, I was very intrigued when Ford Motor Company invited me to attend their annual trend conference Go Further with Ford. Hosted in June at their campus in Dearborn, Michigan, the conference explored global trends and issues facing consumers today and in the future - everything from the environment and design, to urbanization and accessibility. I was surprised to learn that Ford incorporates materials such as soybeans, denim, coconuts, and even retired currency into the construction of their vehicles. As more consumers clamor for cars that use fewer or no fossil fuels, Ford has expanded their offerings to include electric vehicles and hybrids.

Here are a few highlights from my Ford adventure. My knowledge of cars increased tremendously and I had some fun along the way!

The highlight of our first evening was a private dinner hosted by Bill Ford (Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company) on Ford Field - home of the Detroit Lions. I never imagined that I would be wearing a little black dress on a football field!

Actor and environmental activist Adrian Grenier participated in a lively panel on eco-psychology. I assure you that I did not let his boyish good looks distract me from the serious nature of the discussion on what it really means to be eco-friendly. Adrian is truly passionate about this topic - he is the co-founder of the sustainability lifestyle platform SHFT.com and Ford is one of their partners. Bill Ford is featured in the Big SHFT series on environmental innovators.


Wow, cars have come a long way. I loved visiting the Henry Ford Museum. More than just automobiles, the museum has trains, planes and more on display. Historical treasures include the Rosa Parks bus, the Lincoln Chair, and the Kennedy limousine. Definitely a must-visit!


2013 Mustang GT Premium Convertible

On my last day in Dearborn, I was treated to a drive in a 2013 Mustang on the Ford test track with a professional stunt driver. Whoa! Sleek, strong, and swift, the Mustang rocked my world - a true adrenaline rush. This would absolutely be my car of choice for a summer road trip. What could be better than driving across the country in such an iconic American car? And, if Adrian Grenier wanted to be my driver, I'm absolutely fine with that!

Black Dress & Bubbly: Megan Hilty Rocks a London Times Frock, Sips Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne

Megan Hilty looks very chic in this London Times little black dress. And, it only costs $88 - wow!


I tend to avoid featuring celebrities on this site, but when I received this image of the marvelous Megan Hilty rocking a little black dress by London Times and sipping Nicolas Feuillatte bubbly, I decided to bend the rules - she seems to be a girl after my own heart! An amazing vocalist, I tuned in to NBC's SMASH every week to hear Megan sing her heart out and unleash her inner Marilyn Monroe. 


Megan recently wore this London Times Crochet Detail Dress to the SMASH Season 2 kick- off dinner. She looks like a million bucks but the dress only costs $88 - you don't need to go broke to look stylish! Available in sizes 2-16, it features great details like a high-low hem and a lovely lace applique at the back yoke. It pairs beautifully with Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne - one of my favorite bubblies.

Chanel's Little Black Jacket in New York

Model Joan Smalls is artfully wrapped in two Chanel little black jackets.
image: Chanel

You can't mutter the words little black dress and not think of Chanel but darling don't forget those iconic jackets! If you find yourself in NYC's Soho neighborhood June 8-15, pop by the Chanel boutique from 12-7pm to view the exhibition The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited. More than 100 celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Yoko Ono, and Lady Gaga were photographed by Chanel's Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carine Roitfeld (the former editor of French Vogue) wearing a fresh interpretation of a Chanel little black jacket. The images will also be featured in a book scheduled to reach bookstores this fall. I'm already having fantasies of sitting outside at a Paris cafe, sipping Champagne, and looking ever-so-chic in a Chanel little black jacket. Until then, I'll enjoy the exhibition while wearing my favorite Chanel red lipstick!
Sarah Jessica Parker is ready for her close-up with Karl Lagerfeld.
image: Chanel

For more details and images, visit thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com

Unleash Your Inner Supermodel with Beverly Johnson Hair Care

I've been a fan of the beautiful Beverly Johnson for years. A true trailblazer, in 1974 Beverly was the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. Beverly is a timeless stunner, and best of all, she is sharing her beauty expertise with the world via her new line of haircare products. Model Logic by Beverly Johnson and Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails will be available at select Target stores nationwide starting February 26th.

Model Logic by Beverly Johnson ($12.50 - $25) is a multicultural line of seven luxurious haircare products geared towards women and men of all ages. To keep your tresses looking supermodel chic and healthy, the products are enriched with vitamins, botanicals and emollients. The line includes Top Model Super Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo, Photo Finish Mist, and other essentials.

Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails ($19.95-$25) come in a range of colors from golden blonde to off-black and varying textures from silky straight to a loose straw curl. A blend of synthetic and natural hair, the ponytails can withstand the high heat of a curling iron or flat iron for numerous styling options. I know many women that love to pack a ponytail when they travel for an effortless yet elegant look. Just slick back your own hair, cinch the ponytail, and go!

2012 looks like it is going to be a fantastic one for Beverly - she also has a new reality show, Beverly's Full House, debuting on OWN (3/31). I'll be paying close attention to her hair!

Hot Guys in Philly: Tanner, Van Gogh and Springsteen

Philadelphia lives up to its moniker as the City of Brotherly love with three amazing exhibitions that pay homage to 19th century painters Henry Ossawa Tanner and Vincent Van Gogh, and modern-day rock & roller Bruce Springsteen.

Henry Ossawa Turner: Modern Spirit
Through April 15 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)

This comprehensive exhibition features more than 100 pieces, including 12 paintings that have never been shown in a Tanner retrospective. Henry Ossawa Tanner was not only an internationally acclaimed African-American artist, Philadelphia was an important part of his life: he lived there after the Civil War and actually studied at PAFA from 1879-1885. The exhibition includes his career-making Resurrection of Lazarus, which is making its first trip to the continent.

Van Gogh Up Close
Through May 6 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Some question whether Van Gogh actually cut off his own ear but few would dispute that his use of color and exuberant application of paint distinguished him as a true master of his craft. This exhibition focuses on the tumultuous years before Van Gogh took his own life - a period of feverish artistic experimentation that began when van Gogh left Antwerp for Paris in 1886 and continued until his death in Auvers in 1890.

From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen
Through September 3 at the Constitution Center
He's talented, iconic, and still turns heads in a pair of Levi's - Bruce Springsteen just gets better with age. Never before seen outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this first major exhibition about the American songwriter takes a comprehensive look at Springsteen's catalog, from early bands through his work with the E Street Band and as a solo artist. The exhibition includes more than 150 artifacts, including the Fender Esquire guitar from the cover of Born to Run, the outfit Springsteen wore on the cover of Born in the U.S.A., numerous handwritten lyric manuscripts, posters from all phases of his career, and various honors including his Academy Award for the song "Streets of Philadelphia." In addition, the exhibition features Springsteen's 1960 Chevrolet Corvette, which he purchased after the success of Born to Run.

Click here for more news on what's happening in Philadelphia.

Can't Escape the Golden Globes: Fave Red Carpet Looks

I really tried to avoid blogging about the Golden Globes but the red carpet was too strong to ignore! Since the awards program is hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association I could make the argument that it promotes some type of global understanding. But, lets be honest, I watched the show for the dresses. Here are a few of my fave looks from the evening.

Claire Danes looked absolutely stunning in this elegant number by J. Mendel. It looks relatively simple from the front but the bejeweled back elevates this dress to va va voom. The red lips, sleek hair, and Bulgari jewels complete the look. Congrats to Claire - she won the Best Actress award for her amazing work in Homeland - I'm addicted to that show.


Viola Davis shows off her fabulous shape in this goddess inspired design by Emilio Pucci.The rich bordeaux color is very flattering and the thigh high split shows off her great legs and those Jimmy Choo shoes!


I love a red dress and Reese Witherspoon is absolutely sizzling in this Zac Posen creation. She has really come a long way from her cute Legally Blond days - Reese is officially a bombshell!


Wow - Jane Fonda clearly practices what she preaches. I can not believe she is 74 years old. This beautiful black dress by Jack Guisso perfectly hugs Jane's slim and aerobicized silhouette. Timeless and sexy.


Helen Mirren is another great example of a woman of a certain age that is as sexy as ever. I love the details on this Badgley Mischka Couture dress - the dress is dramatic but not overwhelming.


Tilda Swinton looks like a beautiful alien ice queen in this sky blue fitted jacket and skirt by Haider Ackermann. On someone else this could look like a mother-of-the-bride ensemble but Tilda's androgynous look elevates this dress to high fashion.


Queen Latifah dazzles in this sparkly black dress by Rani Zackhem. The fit on this dress is perfect and proves that you don't have to be a size zero to look absolutely gorgeous!


A platinum dress is not easy to pull off but Nicole Richie looks celestial in this Julien Macdonald dress. From her playful hair to her Jimmy Choo shoes, Lionel's little girl has secured her place as a red carpet princess.


PS. If I had to choose a red carpet date Golden Globe best actor winner Idria Elba would top my list! He looks beyond handsome in his double breasted black tuxedo. Love the black flower on the lapel! And, that smile.....