Whether you catch me at an event, see me talking to someone on a show or you just happen to catch me out, you know that clearly I'm all about style. When I'm out and about, people will ask what made me think of Kitten Lounge back in 2007 and I always let them know that Kitten Lounge actually originated as an Internet show back in 2004 when it covered my favorite artists and blended my love of fashion but even that is not an accurate description so I thought it would be good to tell you how it came to be and why it is such a driving force for everything that I do. First off, hi - I'm Kimmie, the Editor in Chief of this site and although I'm not really into the whole "Letter from the Editor" setup, it's nice to understand who is bringing you all of this content and why it's all here!

I fell in love significantly twice when I was younger the first time was at the age of 3 when I remember looking through Vogue and loving gorgeous dresses that showed me that you could be a princess everyday. For those that know my love for accessories, only the big baubles caught my eye! I loved going with my mom to fabric stores where she would make items from Vogue patterns into reality and when she later opened a boutique of custom design clothing in Indianapolis, I was in love. My world opened up to gorgeous brides, sequins, shantung, gaberdines and more and I had an AMAZING closet. That love came from my mother.

My father gave me a second love - at the age of 5, he taught me how to use a computer. We had an Apple and I loved it (don't ask me why I have an HP now although I have to give it some love too even though I continue to dream about a Mac book haha). I loved playing games on it and wondered what would the possibilities of that machine be? Who knew that in college one of my majors would be Telecommunications with a focus in New Media? Leaving IU and coming to NYC, I began doing PR for independent music artists who were only available online and I assisted them in getting spins and getting them booked. Why not, my Great Uncle was Joe Henderson, tenor saxophonist with Blue Note, Verve, etc so it was in my blood and I loved it. But then again fashion kept pulling me back in.

Is it true that I modeled (yes lingerie/swimwear), had a fashion line and currently have my own jewelry line Kitten Couture, and also assist firms with their Social Media via my other company Sikara Designs Group - check it all. But is it true that Kitten Lounge has been around more than two years? Absolutely. It initially came on board in 2004 as an Internet Radio show that I hosted daily for an hour each day for 3 years. Then I played DJ's who had crazy mixes and then talked with indie artists about their personal style. I loved it but realized after I began blogging for another site that I wanted to talk about more than just accessories on that site and do more than just host a radio show. The Kitten Lounge became my place to talk about fashion, style, beauty, food, music and travel. I believed that as a whole person all of this was important to me and that I wasn't alone.

I realized that I'm around stylish and amazing people who they need advice on where to go or how to dress when they are not in the settings that tend to go to all the time. People have always gravitated towards the way I present things and what better way then to introduce my world of showrooms, designers, industry shakers and more to you! Where do I go from here? Because of Kitten Lounge, I have been able to attend Fashion Weeks, go to Project, Magic, see private presentations, launches of all kinds and more. But I truly loved it when I made the cross over to personality when I shot an episode of To Be a Star which comes out later this year. Sharing the importance of accessories, finding your signature look and ultimately branding yourself was so important to me and to the 6 aspiring models that I worked with to achieve it, I'm very proud that I could be apart of that experience.

It is my goal and vision to continue to push various themes that are not only keys to my success but are core mental investments: I feel that accessories are an essential way to set yourself apart and that in the vein of Audrey Hepburn, you can take great classic pieces and look amazing. In addition, you can be someone that crosses over into a lot of areas (hello - I run a style blog, have my own jewelry line, create Social Media strategies for fashion/entertainment firms and am a personality as well) and yet still make it truly your own. Finally and most importantly, Kitten Lounge is about community whether it's introducing you to my favorites that you may not be aware of, reaching out via Twitter (@cocoabebe) or checking in with such favorites as the Holiday Gift Guide which launches Nov 1st (I can't wait to share the fab giveaways that we'll have, those who will be in the guide and a list on who to keep an eye out for in terms of industry must knows for your business). The experiences that I have had and those that will come have come to pass as I'm always open to reaching out, learning and helping someone else. In doing so it has created friendship, trust and has allowed me to interact with groups that I would have never come across if I had done it alone. The power of collaborations and having good people as your checks and balances definitely come in handy when you're running 300 miles an hour - no you're not crazy, you just know that you can do 48 hours of work in a 24 hour cycle and still go out to grab drinks and have a little fun! I want to thank everyone that has made this brand successful and who has been with me in each phase of re-invention that I have been through and look forward to sharing a lot of AMAZING items that are coming up soon!

Picture courtesy of NY Eater

Earlier this summer, Paul and I headed out to Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn. They had been featured within New York Magazine for their Cast Iron Chicken and we knew it would be tasty as the ex chef from Freeman's, Jean Adamson was one of the co=owner's of the restaurant. It was an amazing night where we were able to sit outside in the garden area (although someone was renovating their home and we could hear their saws at 10pm) and enjoy a great meal. We knew that we would want to come back and taste what they would do for the fall. So last Fri, after dropping in on a Burlesque Festival, we came to a crowded Vinegar Hill House. Fortunately, we were able to get a seat at the bar while we waited. The vibe is very rustic and I love all the wood that's around. As packed as it is, it definitely feels very intimate. I love their basic approach to the overall decor. Although they have a limited amount of alcohol at their bar, they have specialty drinks that are always very satisfying.

As opposed to my last visit where I had a sea bass I believe, I ended up having their famous cast iron chicken! It's important to note that they have 3 appetizers, 5 entrees, 3 sides and a choice of two desserts. The chicken is the only entree that doesn't include a side that comes with your meal. Of course I looked at the available sides and somehow the squash puree, long beans and bitter greens were not something that I wanted. Although the waiter said that I couldn't choose a side that came with the entree (apparently they buy enough sides for each entree), Paul asked someone else and fortunately my fingerling potatoes came with my meal. If you're looking for a nice vibe and a place for a date or group of friends, this is the place. Their coal burning stove kicks out amazing dishes that make you feel at home - the chicken was perfection. For dessert, we had the Guinness Cake which I LOVED when I came the first time and enjoyed having again! If you're in the area, take some time to have a meal here and bring your friends along! If you're brave, try the Apple Cider and let me know what you think of it (4% alcohol but tastes like a mix of apple vinegar with olive juice - it's an interesting taste). I wonder if this could be a future brunch spot or a fun place to have a holiday dinner as long as you're cool with the wait.

Vinegar Hill House

72 Hudson Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11201

718.522.1018

PGA was so much fun and I just got in last night. Of course I went straight to a Super Bowl Party and so today is a quiet day; however, posts will resume tomorrow and tonight I will add my top 3 fave restaurants that I went to while I was away. Thank you guys for all the emails on a lot of items that will be posted on here within the next few days and if anyone has some spa suggestions, let me know!

We are at Day 4 of Fashion Week. I write this now as I am going to bed soon so that I can be ready for one of my most hectic days at the show. There are so many exciting shows that i can't wait to share with you AND Friday I turn 29 - so there is a lot to be done. In addition, the Pink Lounge just opened so please check it out as it keeps you connected to all those that have products and services that benefit the awareness of Breast Cancer! This will run from today through Nov 15th! In other news WNBC, the local NYC affiliate, is not only only covering Fashion Week but is also showcasing bloggers such as myself that are Fashion Bloggers On the Move - I have this image which is a print screen but you can check out other bloggers as well (many of them who I keep bumping into at the shows) and if you're on Twitter (username: CocoaBebe)say "hi" as I love building more followers and chatting with you! In addition, if you run a blog, let me know as I would love to continue adding to my links in the sidebars.

If you read See Pretty Things yesterday, you know that I was still giddy post my DVF shoot! I still can't believe how much fun it was and all the people that we were able to meet that were apart of the Coutorture network. It's amazing to see Bloggers (which while talking with Sarah I explained that I prefer the term Digital Journalist since many of us treat our writing as something that is a career and a major focus due to having multiple assignments and consistent content) that you read about on a daily basis in front of you! I also loved that we wanted to know about basic things such as what keeps us inspired and how we got into what we love so much! It was not only a little girl's fantasy come true but also an education and being able to reach out to those that work within our industry as professionals and not competitors!

Beyond gushing about that, I am already spending "yet to be deposited" checks to think about all the pieces I want in my closet. Obviously this gorgeous dress would be one of them and I would be more than happy to wear this (hello Alicia Keyes wore this dress) to a function launching a new collection of my line Kitten Couture (I was pleased that I was able to wear one of my pieces within this pic - so glad that Grace fit in!). With all of that being said, it was an inspirational and amazing night that i will definitely think about. Of course you can never go wrong wearing Diane Von Furstenberg which I am a huge fan of and would be more than happy to be invited to any future event that is out there! Thank you so much DVF team, Coutorture and everyone else that made this experience one that will be remembered!

UPDATE: As a side note, Trendy Thursdays will now incorporate Beauty! I am so excited about this as this is something that I have always wanted to add as a regular fixture. As many of you know, there are a variety of new things that will be popping up on the site. I look forward to sharing these great finds with you! Tune in to the next Trendy Thursdays to get the best of what's out there in the beauty world.

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ones. You'll find you get more compliments and it took you much less time than the outfits that you labor over for hours. So when it comes to going out and picking up a few great pieces with no idea in mind, I always head out to Forever 21 and if the lines are too much, I go online! I love this Ruched Cami because it would look fab with skinny jeans and a great pair of heels. Love the fact that it's not pricey but that I can pair it with pieces from my collection, Kitten Couture and a cuff from my designer friend Ted Rossi. The possibilities are truly endless! Take a peek at some great finds whether it's popping in new colors or new looks for a truly great price.

So this post is another one of those where it hits a number of themes. Today, I will be doing the ultimate mingling! I am attending the Henri Bendel's Open See for Designers in NYC which runs from 9am - noon today. This is a great event that allows emerging designers to be seen and to be picked up by this amazing store. To all of those who will be here, I wish you the best and hope that you enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome (I say this and I have to keep telling myself the same thing) I will be chatting with other designers and I will also be in line since I will be having my pieces looked at by the lovely buyers as well! Obviously, I will share with you what happened and would love to also provide some information on designers that I think we should keep an eye out for! So send me all your virtual well wishings whether they are comment or whether you just happen to think of it - all support is appreciated! In addition, since today is the last day of THINK CITRUS, you'll enjoy one of the pieces that I recently designed as an exclusive (it's not even on my site) that has pops of the theme that we have had on the site.

Let us hope that this piece which is something that I just designed a few weeks ago is one that the buyers fall in love with! I named her Alexandra and she has Carnelian (that would be the citrus), Snail Shell, Sea Shell Chips (that would be another citrus in lemon), Turquoise, Polished Wooden Beads and Mother of Pearl. I love it and hopefully they will as well. Feel free to give some love by visiting my site, to see the other pieces which are currently available!

As many people know, I am a gin girl; however, I have become a fan of Christiania Vodka. I have enjoyed sipping this with many of my favorite drinks - cranberry, pomagrante, guava juices and much much more. I truly enjoy the crisp taste and love how it works with so many drinks. I also enjoy sipping it on the rocks.  In addition to loving the taste, I love the bottle which is such a classic and minimal look. I don't have an amazing name for how I enjoy drinking this, but I wanted to share what it is that I love to drink with this crisp vodka To date, my favorite way to enjoy this is:

Kimmie's Cocktail

Passion Fruit

Guava

Christiania Vodka