Kitten Lounge

Swoonfest Saturdays ~ Summer Accessories Protect Your Tech

Kimmie Smith — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:00:00 EDT

It's the summer which makes us more social and want to capture our moments, stay in the loop when we're having a great time as well as to invite those to come out! Our phones mean so much more with our cameras, apps and so much more. For the iPhone users out there, it's an essential to protect your phones (I have heard way to many wompy stories about broken screens after a night out) and as an Accessories Expert, it's always about rocking your look! I have a number of cases in order to reflect my style and to add a bit of sass to the look!

Roll over the above images for more info. Your search just got easier with a number of cases available at Best Buy which will get you the look you want and the added security that you won't have to worry about ending the fun too soon due to recovering and getting a new phone! Best Buy has a fave brand of cases that they suggest - click here for Mophie iPhone cases (select ones) that are available at a 10% discount (from June 14 - June 28).

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Wearable Wednesdays ~ His Style - Casual Luxe

Kimmie Smith — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:10:57 EDT

Tommy Bahama Perforated Panama Straw Fedora $108 - Nordstrom

Cordovan Cigar Case $428 - Brooks Brothers

Burberry Prorsum Leather Messenger Bag $1495 - Mr. Porter

Ben Minkoff iPad Leather Case $165 - Bloomingdale's

In his world, the concept of 9 - 5 doesn't exist as a potential business option can take place at any moment, thus he must be ready. His office could be at home, walking through the UWS on his iPhone or sitting in his favorite deli waiting for the Godfather sandwich! His Style reflects the changing times and if business can be done anywhere, why not merge pleasure and work together? With the outdoor smoking band, you're less likely to see him smoking a cigar in Central Park but perhaps he's in the Carnegie Club enjoying a cigar as he works from his iPad (they have wifi there). Being a fan of Rebecca Minkoff's python studded case (love it and use it all the time), it's only fitting that he rocks a stealth camo Ben Minkoff case. Bringing a full supply of cigars or just having this case from Brooks Brothers on the off chance that he may purchase a new find at the Club is always a good idea. Work and play have merged so why not have a fedora to cap of the look a la Tommy Bahama and everything can be casually be carried away in this fab Burberry bag!

Mingling Mondays ~ Meet Alex Samuel (Beauty Editor of Self Magazine)

Kimmie Smith — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:09:07 EDT

Also on Self's HBAs (unexpected but loved) Beyonce Heat Gold Sparkling Body Lotion. Alex didn't think that a lotion with a fragrance and gold sparkles would have been so loved by readers!

Alex is obsessed with Batiste Hair! I included this in Kitten Lounge's Kimmie's Gimmies Spring Breah Tweet Up, but it's also in Self's Health and Beauty Awards as well! I agree having dark hair, this dry shampoo doesn't leave white spots behind.

Next vacation on her list - Marrakech!

24 may be no longer but she just got bitten by this action packed show and via the wonders of Netflix, she can get in on the fab episodes! Working with fab ladies every day is fun - but this is where she gets in a little testosterone!

Self Magazine Beauty Team: Runa Bhattacharya, Nicole Catanese, Elaine D'Farley (Beauty Director, SELF), Alex Samuel, Pia Battacharya

Happy May! The week and month has just begun and yet there are so many things that are going on! So of course we had to think how to get fully ready and amaze looking for the summer! Of course, beauty is the best way as there are tons of fab products out there but with so many to choose from, we could all use a little help. You can also check out our faves from Self Magazine as they just released their Health Beauty Awards for 2011 on this week's Trendy Thursdays post! With all of that intel, we had to take a moment to chit chat with Alex Samuels, Beauty Editor of Self Magazine and to find out about what she's into and what guilty pleasures we should know about!

We all have that meal that gets us and leaves us salivating for it even if we can't get our hands on it! For Alex, she loves Pala Gluten Free Pizza whether it's the etna pie or the arrabbiata depending on her mood (always good to have a back up morsel)! Seriously. she has dreams about it! Of course as I always say what you love to eat vies for first or second place with what keeps you connected! It's no surprise that Alex's iPhone is key! Now when I want to know how to get around the city, you'll find me using a combo of Google Maps or HopStop but Alex just took navigation to another level! Since she lives in Brooklyn, she's always on the subway and ExitStrategy lets her know where she needs to be on the subway in order to be close to her desired exit! Not only is this super efficient and convenient but there's no trial in error - ie continuing to take the same line to figure out the best way to stand! Beauty and brains is always a good thing in my book!

Last month at Spa Week's Media party, everyone was buzzing about Hair Feathers and at the event, you had the opportunity to get them! They add a little panache to your overall look! Stacey Gersten put these on her and she has been receiving compliments daily since then - it's such a cute trend and perfect for summer! Check out above to see more of her loves and what readers said about a few of the products that were included in Self Magazine's Health and Beauty Awards for 2011 which is based in the ultimate best of the best beauty recommendations of 2,200 SELF readers in 48 states who tested 1,187 new products that have been developed over the past year to determine the top picks for Hair, Face, Makeup, Body and Sun products! The 87 winners that are included within this list standout from a possibly overwhelming beauty aisle! Self takes it a step further for ease of shopping with the ability to download the full list on Self.com! With over 62% of SELF readers relying on word of mouth for their beauty purchases, it gives you a great way to know what's out there! This Thursday, I will share some of my favorites from the list as well!

If you loved finding out about Alex, make sure that you check out Aljoud, founder, of Niftee last week.

Mingling Mondays ~ Meet Andrea (Founder, Designer, of Marla Cielo)

Kimmie Smith — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:37:48 EDT

You'll find her heading back to Mumbai for vacation and she has amazing pics on her iPhone from her travels with Marla and locals!

Andrea creating the first step in her collection, Marla

She loves the carrot cake at 10 Downing!

If you haven't checked out the windows of Bond St (they went up this weekend), then you're missing out as there is an amazing installation of handbag designer and artist Andrea Tobin who has created the phenomenal line, Marla Cielo. In essence she paints amazing pieces on her canvas of fabrics and then cuts them into bags! This way you have something from a very specific collection while also having a one of a kind piece at the same time! We had to sit down and talk with this phenom designer and artist and find out the usual questions that have our interest!

Of course you can't have a conversation without asking someone about their favorite meal and based on her description alone, I'm super excited to try out what Andrea loves, "My mind keeps going straight to dessert so I’m going to run with it – the carrot cake at 10 Downing. The frosting is the best I’ve ever tasted, not too sweet but perfect consistency, and last time it came with caramel ice cream which was to die for. I also love the vibe of the restaurant and appreciate the owner’s efforts to showcase original works of local and established artists on the walls. In my world, carrot cake and artwork go hand in hand." I have a few guilty pleasures but I love that her #1 pleasure especially in the winter is her ‘movie in a bath’ routine. She props a screen on her sink at the perfect vantage point from the tub, turning off the lights, sipping red wine, and watching a movie, or lately multiple episodes of Mad Men, for probably too many hours at a time. What a great way to enjoy fashion and style all in the same place! Just like most of us, where would we be without phones, her iPhone allows her to take tons of photos and videos and post them simultaneously to Facebook and Twitter (thank you Hootsuite). Travel is a big part of the Marla brand and nothing makes her happier than bringing her to new places and filming or photographing her with the locals. She captured some great iPhone content in India over the holidays and the photos have been priceless. Along with loving the phone for her connections, she loves Cheers to Swipe. This app keeps her very happy and relatively organized, at least with the financials. Swipe is directly linked to her merchant account and then a little console for her phone so she can accept credit cards and process transactions on the fly. Each purchase takes under 3 seconds and the app logs all the payment history so she can easily add everything up when it’s time to report income to the authorities. Love this and super essential to know!

She has such a passion and love for Marla. "I love what she stands for and I love that the fashion and consumer market is in line with her goals. My biggest devotion is original art as fashion and I truly believe in the energy that is created when products are made from scratch. There is an overwhelming sense of purpose that comes from creating and building things hands on and I’m thrilled that this concept is making a comeback." Although she is adding her mark to the fashion and art industries, we all need a break so I had to know, where is she going on her next vacation - "Funny I was just thinking about that. I’m dying to go back to Mumbai, I only got a night there when I was in India this winter. Other than that, Namibia is probably next on the list. I got a chance to see wild elephants and a tiger in Mysore and I’m dying for another opportunity to watch big game animals in their natural environment and to study their social habits and patterns."

With some one doing so much we have to know what to excpect. Look out for more gadget related bags and computer / Ipad sleeves from Marla and hold your breath for ‘Marla for Man’, she's so excited to launch a line of accessories that bring original art and Marla’s inspiration to men’s pockets and murses... If she had the opportunity to have anyone as the face of her brand, "same answer every time, Helena Bonham Carter. I love the spirit she reflects in her movies and I know she would connect with the deeper social and artistic goals of Marla Cielo. Maybe you can give her a ring for me ☺."

If you love finding out about Andrea, make sure that you check out Colin, mixologist for U'Luvka and star of Cocktail Kings on the Discovery Channel from last week.

Mingling Mondays: Meet ~ Jessica Perez (Victoria's Secret & Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model)

Kimmie Smith — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST

Photo taken by Douglas Lyle Thompson

Jessica stays connected and couldn't be without her iPhone and loves playing Backgammon - there's an app for that! You can also download the SI app to vote for your favorite model to get a spot in the 2012 Swimsuit edition AND to see who is in this year's issue!

She's always craving this guilty pleasure!

Jessica's Favorite Meal: It can be found in Brooklyn at Bahia, a Salvadorian restaurant at 690 Grand Street in Williamsburg. She loves the cheese & bean pupusas!

Jessica NEVER goes to bed without using this makeup remover it's her must! Bioderma - Crealine H2O - Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser - 250 ml $28 - Beauty Habit

Jessica's Fave Bikini: her Polka Dot one from Victoria's Secret of course! Beach Sexy® Metallic Polka-dot Triangle Top $29 - Victoria's Secret

As promised, Mingling Mondays are now focused on meeting people within the fashion industry and various influencers. You'll find out about special things they're working on and the burning questions that I love asking people when I get the chance to meet up with them for a quick chat. Each week there will always be something new so I'm super excited to kick it off with a personal favorite - Jessica Perez. In case you may have missed it, she's a Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model and she is currently 1 of 8 girls that's in a competition as she attempts to be included in the International Sports Illustrated 2011 Model Search where the winner is guaranteed a spot in the 2012 issue. From the beginning, she has been ahead in the votes but with the last day being this Wednesday, you can still make your vote count by clicking here as well as finding out a little bit more about this Costa Rican born beauty who lives right here in NYC (coming to the US after living in Ecuador and Honduras).

Between all the photoshoots and travel, I love knowing that sometimes the happiest things are those that are simplistic - her guilty pleasure is a coke and she's always craving it. Just like I have my favorite go to jewelry that you never see me without, she always wears her black leather ring and when she's not looking phenom in her bikinis, she loves rocking comfy skinny jeans and a button down boyfriend shirt! I remember the first time I went to the Dominican Republic and had the pleasure of staying in Punta Cana for 9 days - it felt like a completely different planet. So of course the fact that I go to DR for work in creating my line, I can definitely see how Jess loved when she had the opportunity to go for work and can't wait to go back there just to enjoy the amazing beaches there! Take some time to check out some other fun facts about Jess above from her fave meal in Brooklyn at Bahia to her love for Bioderma and more! Of course, remember to vote for her so that she can be apart of the International Sportswear Illustrated Issue in 2012!

Swoonfest Saturdays ~ Tis the Season

Kimmie Smith — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST

Tis the season of holiday cheer and excitement. Whether you're a Green Tea Soy Latte girl or a Ginger Latte person - there is something about walking the streets with your cup of joe and taking a moment to take it all in to understand you're in one of the greatest places possible. There is something about seeing NYC blanketed in lights, bows and yes eventually snow (only for a bit as I end up getting annoyed after a point). Today, I will catch my first glimpse of holiday windows but my favorite part of welcoming in the holiday season, is the Swarovski ornament on 5th Ave. Earlier this week, I was sent my favorite holiday image via an Instamax (which those who have an iPhone are so lucky to have to create amazing images) by one of my first holiday surprises that I received this season.

If the past few days are any indication, I feel that this year will be full of amazing memories, changes and a lot of unexpected items! I love that this time of year brings a lot of closure to items in the past as well as hope for amazing new paths that are ahead. With just a few days left in the year and as we speed ahead to 2011, I think it's even more important to focus on friends, family and those significant others that are in our lives. Ultimately, this is the best gift that we can have regardless of what we are gifted this year!

Treasure Tuesdays ~ Tiffany & Co Ensures Engagement Success

Kimmie Smith — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EDT

Yesterday Tiffany & Co stepped boldly into the App world by releasing one that allows you to select from 44 engagement rings to find your perfect match! You can create the one that you like, find out your size by placing a ring you currently have over the circle on the App and of course finding your setting as well! Currently, it's available on iPhone (and I so hope that they will have one for Droid as well!) and with this fab video, you can see how easy it is to get that much closer to walking down the aisle! There's an App for everything and this free tool is definitely going to be one that brides to be will enjoy using! Start playing with your ring by getting your Tiffany & Co App today.

Snazzy Sundays ~ Crystal Glams Your iPod & iPhone

Kimmie Smith — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:55:37 EDT

Last week I was sent the best gift ever! If you want a little decadence for the everyday, how about charging your iPod, iTouch or iPhone in one of four docks from Crystal Dock? Starting as low as $199 and up (there is a version where they make limited quantities), you can have your favorite technology charge in this uber chic dock! Above, you'll see my iPod as I don't have an iPhone (unfortunately, my My Touch can't charge on this dock). I love that this looks great, that whether you have the Aurora, Beau, Celestia (what I have) or the Dune, each version has different etchings. Also note that every one of these docks are handcrafted and when you visit the site, you can learn a lot more about this process. Simply put your phone into the dock, then take your USB cord and attach it to the back of the dock and connect it into your USB port. You're all set! When you receive this in the mail, it comes in a cute box and your piece is suspended in foam as each of these pieces are packed with white gloves on! I love this bit of luxury and can't thank Crystal Dock enough for sending one! Check out the site as these make great gifts!

Sippin Saturdays ~ Gucci Enters the App Life

Kimmie Smith — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:50:28 EDT

The world of Apps, it's hard to remember what it was like in a pre-App world. Everything is much easier to access and it makes you really think about your phones. I have a Blackberry and I'm convinced that the best apps have been created for the iPhone and Android. This is one of the reasons that in Dec I will have to decide between the two phones. But I digress, this week Gucci jumped into the App World and I have to say that theirs incorporates a lot of fun elements.

This free App is available on the App Store and is for the iPhone and iTouch. Frida Gianni worked with Mark Ronson to create Gucci Beats which allows you to create various mixes and of course to share it with your friends. If you've always wanted to know what Frida and Mark listen to, then you have their playlists as well! Enjoy a music stream channel, a Gucci Little Black Book City Guide, get access to their fashion shows, look books and more news about the luxe brand. I think this is definitely an app that I would want to have if I had an iPhone and it will be interesting to see what features they will continue to add to this.

Sippin Saturdays ~ Beaterator Hits the Shelves

Kimmie Smith — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT

Timbaland knows how to make a hit record and now you have the ability to have professional quality music that you can create at your fingertips! Beaterator, created by Rockstar Games, hit the shelves last month and is available to use on your PSP now and will be available on your iPhone and iTouch as well! Now you have a way to create your own beats and to include your vocals whether it's fun amongst your friends or you're trying to put together a song for the studios. Watch the video and once your song is created, you can export and share with your friends!