This week’s Book Club choice is so AWESOME!!!! Born To Party, Forced To Work by Bronson VanWyck. You probably have seen at some point one of Bronson’s parties on Instagram. He is known as the “Wizard of Oz” of NY party planning, the Rolls Royce of party planners. After a year of living in a covid fueled world, we really need this book…..
The internationally acclaimed event producer shows his ideas and inspiration for ultimate and intimate celebrations
What defines a truly great party? Most of all: generosity of spirit. In his first book, Bronson van Wyck, the man Vogue called ‘The Wizard of Oz of New York party planning,’ distills the essential pillars of the art of celebration into one volume, with examples drawn from his many successes – and, admittedly, a few entertaining failures. Lusciously illustrated with images from van Wyck’s most spectacular events, this is the perfect primer on throwing parties that are as much fun to give as they are to attend. – Amazon.com
For more information or to order this book, click HERE.
Here is a sneak peek:
I have been obsessed with Bill Cunningham for years. I worked at 57th and 5th and loved seeing Bill in action on the “Bergdorf Corner” where he would photograph fashionistas, for the New York Time’s Style Section. His book, Bill Cunningham: On the Street, Five Decades of Iconic Photography by The New York Times is this week’s Book Club choice.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The first published collection of photographs by the icon of street style, bringing together favorites published in The New York Times alongside never-before-seen work across five decades.
“A dazzling kaleidoscope from the gaze of an artist who saw beauty at every turn.”—André Leon Talley
Bill Cunningham’s photography captured the evolution of style, of trends, and of the everyday, both in New York City and in Paris. But his work also shows that street style is not only about fashion; it’s about the people and the changing culture.
These photographs—many never before seen, others having originally appeared in The New York Times and elsewhere—move from decade to decade, beginning in the 1970s and continuing until Cunningham’s death in 2016. Here you’ll find Cunningham’s distinctive chronicling of the 1980s transit strike, the rise of 1990s casual Fridays, the sadness that fell over the city following 9/11, Inauguration Day 2009, the onset of selfies, and many other significant moments.
This enduring portfolio is enriched by essays that provide a revealing portrait of Cunningham and a few of his many fascinations and influences, contributed by Cathy Horyn, Tiina Loite, Vanessa Friedman, Ruth La Ferla, Guy Trebay, Penelope Green, Jacob Bernstein, and a much favored subject, Anna Wintour. More than anything, On the Street is a timeless representation of Cunningham’s commitment to capturing the here and now.
For more information or to purchase this book click HERE on the Pittsburgh Mercantile site…
I found today’s Book Club choice, Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went From Sunday Best To Fast Fashion by Clare Press absolutely fascinating. A reader, who is living in London read it during this second lockdown and messaged me about it. I immediately bought it and started reading…
Who makes your clothes? This used to be an easy question to answer it was the seamstress next door, or the tailor on the high street—or you made them yourself. Today, we rarely know the origins of the clothes hanging in our closets. The local shoemaker, dressmaker, and milliner are long gone, replaced a globalized fashion industry worth $1.5 trillion a year.
In Wardrobe Crisis, fashion journalist Clare Press explores the history and ethics behind what we wear. Putting her insider status to good use, Press examines the entire fashion ecosystem, from sweatshops to haute couture, unearthing the roots of today’s buy-and-discard culture. She traces the origins of icons like Chanel, Dior, and Hermès; charts the rise and fall of the department store; and follows the thread that led us from Marie Antoinette to Carrie Bradshaw.
Wardrobe Crisis is a witty and persuasive argument for a fashion revolution that will empower you to feel good about your wardrobe again. – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
I saw so many great festive drink recipes over the holidays. My husband started drinking Old Fashions a few months ago. It is always served with a huge block of ice and 4 ruby red cherries. I started thinking that there is so much creativity that goes into creating the perfect cocktail. I found this week’s book, Let’s Get Fizzical: More than 50 Bubbly Cocktail Recipes with Prosecco, Champagne, and Other Sparkling Wines by Pippa Guy.
Add some sparkle to your life with this irresistible cocktail recipe book, featuring over 50 drinks made from Prosecco, Sekt, Cava, Champagne, and other sparkling wines.
An inspiring mix of classic cocktail recipes such as bellinis and mimosas, alongside exciting variations and twists, Let’s Get Fizzical offers tips, tricks, presentation ideas, and technical know-how to make your cocktails as sensational for the eye as they are for the palate.
The introductory chapter, A Beginner’s Guide to Bubbles, explains the differences between sparkling wines to help you tell your spumante from your frizzante, or your extra-brut from your demi-sec. Everything you need to know about fizz is here, including insider secrets such as how to make sure your drink keeps its bubbles.
The Know Your Fizz section gives you the low-down on your bubbles of choice, whether that’s a budget Cava or a fancy Champagne. Get The Party Started gives you the drink mixing skills to impress your guests, from essential cocktail shaking techniques to the perfect glass shape.
Drink your way through the recipe-packed remainder of the book – master delicious classics, such as Aperol Spritz and French 75, and discover how to make your drink a little bit special with creative reinventions and original cocktail recipes.
Impress your guests and make every drink a celebration with Let’s Get Fizzical: cheers! – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
I am sooo in love with today’s book club choice, Kenneth: Shear Elegance by Giuseppe Longo. In case you didn’t know Kenneth was THE hairstylist to the stars wayyyy before any of the other big-names of today came along. He was the pioneer of the celebrity hairstylist. His salon was located in the amazingly iconic Waldorf Astoria and opened in the early 1950s. His star-studded elegant clientele included Jackie O, Maralyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Lucile Ball and so many more grande dames and then also MY MOTHER. Yes, my mother would go to Kenneth’s every month. She loved it there and so did I. Throughout most of the ’70s and 80’s we would make the trek into NYC and go to Kenneths. Of course, being the first major celebrity to the stars, the Salon was so gorgeous. There was a huge round center banquette for all the ladies to wait for their turn with an enormous tall gorgeous plant right in the middle, which always looked like it was just assembled that morning. The talented Billy Baldwin decorated the space and it was truly incredible. I was so excited when I heard this book was being published this month.
Discover the story of the pioneering hairstylist who obliterated the once-omnipresent hat and transformed the fashion industry through his A-list clients at his iconic 54th Street Salon. Kenneth Battelle, known simply as “Kenneth,” started his 50-year career in the early 1950s in New York City and built a loyal client list who swore by his skills, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Countess Consuelo Crespi, Diana Vreeland, Lucille Ball, and Gloria Vanderbilt. This biography not only celebrates his extraordinary talent but examines his behind-the-scenes life and career struggles, including the disastrous fire that destroyed his salon, and his perseverance moving forward. Through personal memories of those closest to him, including friends, clients, and former employees, the man who created a cult of classic, timeless ladies comes to life. Previously unpublished photographs, notes, clippings, and original Joe Eula illustrations richly exhibit both his myriad achievements and America’s 20th-century high-fashion scene. – Amazon.com
This book has been so popular that it is currently backordered but will arrive in time for the holidays so it makes a PERFECT gift..for more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
The Fabulous Kenneth Salon…..How I would love to be sitting there right now!!
Happy Columbus Day!! I hope everyone had a relaxing long weekend….If you are looking for a fun, easy read choice for your October book club, I recommend, Barbarians at the PTA by Stephanie Newman. Dr. Newman is a psychoanalyst/psychologist/author and public speaker has practiced in New York over 25 years, treating adults/adolescents and families struggling with anxiety, depression, workplace concerns and more recently Covid-19 stress.
Barbarians at the PTA is a hilarious must read, with the same sharp and witty tone of Mrs. Maisel. Here is the story:
Desperate Housewives Meets Mean Girlsin this Heartfelt and Hilarious Debut Novel about a Mother-Daughter Duo Facing Cliques, Cyberbullying, and Snobs in a Wealthy NYC Suburb
Victoria Bryant is starting over. After a rage-inducing scandal and the realization that her dreamy fiancé is faker than a faux Fendi purse, she moves her psychology practice and 10-year-old daughter, Rachel, to Mayfair Close, an idyllic Westchester, NY, suburb known for its manicured lawns and excellent schools.
The transition is initially seamless; several PTA moms befriend Victoria, her already busy practice booms, and Rachel finds a group of friends. But before anyone can say “helicopter mom,” in walks Lee DeVry. Wealthy, glamorous and perfectly toned, the PTA president is everything Victoria is not.
Vic tries to fit in with Lee and the other SUV driving, athleisure-wearing mothers. At first, she manages to balance the demands of her practice, single parenthood, and her budding romance with Jim, a handsome school administrator. All seems well until Rachel is suddenly targeted, first by the girls at school, and then by an anonymous cyberbully. As Rachel spirals, becoming isolated, playing hooky, and exhibiting signs of depression and disordered eating, Victoria vows to find out who has been messing with her daughter.
After she learns a secret that will help her rescue her child, Vic faces the ultimate dilemma: should she expose the bully publicly, despite the potential consequences to her professional reputation and relationships with Rachel and Jim? – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE. Also, Dr Newman is available to come speak to your book club via Zoom and talk about the book in detail!! I cannot wait to do this! If you are interested Email Me and I can help set it up!!