Coach x Advanced Style: Man Repeller Meets Lynn Dell
They say that everything old becomes new again, and for myself, Lynn Dell, this moment in fashion is just that: new again. With fashion finally referencing the bygone days of ubiquitous glamour and endless sophistication, I have compiled my fashionable tastes into my shop, Off Broadway Boutique. As a result of creating a playground of style for women over 40, I have managed to maintain a high fashion profile for over 40 years. I live my life in the fascinating world most of us only see from afar - for it is my eye for originality that makes me an unduplicated fashion icon for baby boomers!
Come visit my glamorous store on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 139 West 72st New York, NY 10023
Or if you are not a New York City local, my store has gone viral just for you!
Visit us at http://boutiqueoffbroadway.com/ as well!
And don't hesitate to friend me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Countess-of-Glamour-Lynn-Dell/177421788991192/
May 18, 2013
May 18, 2013
The Countess of Glamour in Look Magazine
Hi, everyone! After our New York Times article went to press, Off Broadway Boutique got a boost across the pond - the result being a fantastic article in London weekly, Look Magazine, about yours truly. Describing me as “a fabulous Manhattanite” who always lives by the motto - “Dress for yourself. If you are happy, you will make the world happy.” it was such a thrill to hear about this pleasant surprise from my good friend, Ari Seth Cohen.
In making it our business to instill this value in every single customer that walks through our door, it’s no surprise that they leave our shop with an appreciation for creative style. It is the very reason why I’d love for you to come to Off Broadway Boutique, as you deserve to indulge in the very essence that makes me look and feel as fabulous as I do every single day!
May 16, 2013
Hello, everyone! Throughout our decades on the Upper West Side, we have helped many a fashionable femme follow their style destiny. It’s all the more pleasing when we are graced with the presence of an accomplished woman such as Mitsuko Shimomura, who stopped by Off Broadway Boutique last Saturday.
One of the most prolific journalists and authors in the world, she was in town for some R&R and instantly fell in love with our world of glamour and glitz. To say that I was charmed by her visit is an understatement, as she was enthralled to see my oft-mentioned motto of dressing for the theatre of one’s life come to fruition through Ms. Shimomura.
We at Off Broadway Boutique were honored to host her and look forward to her next visit.
May 4, 2013
My Night at the Benefit: An Off Broadway Boutique Story
Hello, darlings! Although my life has been quite exciting lately, it pales in comparison to spending time with my lovely daughter-in-law, Cheri, and my beloved granddaughter, Olivia. I had the pleasure of doing so when they both came in to visit me in the city a few weekends ago. Though we’d had plans to attend the A-T Children’s Project benefit, these lovely ladies arrived a few hours earlier in order to spend time with me.
Meeting me at Off Broadway Boutique, Cheri and Olivia filled me in on the latest happenings in their lives while perusing through our latest fashions and glamorous jewelry. Olivia, in particular, found a beautiful dress that she simply had to have and snapped it up quickly. Soon after, she joined yours truly in trying on a flamboyant wig that looked fabulous on me.
From there, we went to the benefit and arrived at 8PM without a clue on what to expect. While Olivia and Cheri had wanted to see a mutual friend of theirs dancing onstage, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of wonderful performances that the show produced. As the lovely emcee, Priscilla Lopez, kept things moving along smoothly, we enjoyed the diverse performances that she’d introduced – such as the bass and piano-playing singing couple that first took the stage, as well as the trio of singers that performed apart and together secondly.
A wonderful actress delivered a riveting monologue as the third performance, while Cheri and Olivia’s friend, Kyla Piscopink, wowed us with her mesmeric dance as the fourth performance. Although the last performance was from a melodic chamber ensemble, the most moving moment of the evening was the following reading of heartfelt letters that were written and recited by two twenty-something women who suffered from Ataxia-telangiectasia – a disease that has sadly claimed the lives of too many people who succumb to it before they even reach adolescence.
To say that the evening was an inspiring success is an understatement, as I was privileged to meet a fantastic group of people – including Jordan Fife Hunt and Kyla, who were kind enough to take a photo with Cheri, Olivia, and I.
Needless to say, it was a lovely evening that was emphasized by a wonderful request that I had received in the mail.
Apparently, this gentleman had seen the Off Broadway Boutique profile in the New York Times profile and simply had to get an autograph of mine. I certainly acquiesced to his request, as it’s always an honor to be recognized for the hard work that I’d put in to make our shop a smashing success. It never ceases to amaze me that I was introduced to a world of wonderful entertainment for a worthy cause while being recognized as the owner of the most glamorous locale on the Upper West Side!
April 27, 2013
My beloved Off Broadway Boutique in Sunday’s New York Times
Hello, everyone! I am elated over the magnificent write-up that my shop, Off Broadway Boutique, recently received via the fabulous New York Times article, “Dressing for the Theatre of Life”. To have my boutique considered as one of the must-visit ‘neighborhood joints’ in the metropolitan section of the Sunday edition is truly an honor. What’s more, it was a fantastic feeling to see it being captured in some of the most vivid photos and moving language that I’ve ever read!
Having survived many trends that have come and gone in 50 years, it was thrilling to invite the esteemed newspaper into our fun and fashionable world. I was determined to show them why we’ve lasted as long as we had through my magnificent team of fashion consultants and our beloved customers. Describing every piece of our gorgeous clothing and stunning jewelry, I made sure to go above and beyond to present the full Off Broadway Boutique experience to the New York Times.
I also had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of the talented photojournalist, Victor Blue, who spent an entire Saturday snapping countless pictures of our shop. From capturing the camaraderie between our intensely loyal clientele to portraying an intimate look at every facet of the boutique, he presented Off Broadway Boutique in such a wonderful light that I consider his take to be incredibly invaluable. It was such a pleasure to spend the afternoon with him, as well as the lovely Rebecca Flint Marx that had written the lovely article for the New York Times.
Please don’t be a stranger and stop on by our shop and we’ll definitely treat you to the very experience that convinced the newspaper that we will be providing this very elegant style for another 50 years!
March 2, 2013
My Sensational Stay in San Miguel
Hello, darlings! Sandy and I just returned from one of the most relaxing vacations that we’ve had in a while. Although one of my dearest friends, Lucille, had been prompting us to visit her for months, we finally decided to take the plunge and fly down to the soothing seventh heaven of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
To say that we had a wonderful time is an understatement, as we were blessed to meet intriguing people while visiting interesting places along with our loved ones. What’s more, my lovely sister-in-law, Sue, was kind enough take snapshots of the fantastic memories that we created – snapshots that captured the fantastic time that we had. Upon arriving in San Miguel, Sandy, Sue, and I were struck by the beauty of Lucille’s palatial home. After showing us around, she led us to her gorgeous garden.
As we took in the spacious pool that sat in its center, we enjoyed ourselves with sparkling conversation while marveling at the picturesque sunset that greeted us later that day.
One of the highlights of my time there was meeting the charmingly irresistible Toller Cranston. A former figure skater with a gold medal under his belt, Lucille introduced him to me as an amazingly-talented painter and sculptor with the gift of gab – a gift that I fully luxuriated in when we hit it off. After chatting with him for hours, he invited Lucille and me to a dinner that I readily accepted.
Dressing in ravishing red to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I decided to go to dinner in two layered strands of stunning handmade red bead necklaces with silver spiritual amulets that I had bought earlier in San Miguel. The result was a flurry of compliments from Toller – as well as anyone else that I came across – which is precisely why I am having them made in order to debut at Off Broadway Boutique in May. To say that Lucille and I made a beautiful pair of best friends in radiant red is another understatement, as I truly believe that we were a sensational sight to see on the most amorous day of the year!
Lucille and I were thrilled to be in the company of the talented and engaging Toller Cranston, who introduced us to his breathtakingly beautiful artwork and sculptures. I would’ve taken him up on his next invitation for dinner in my honor, but I unfortunately had to bow out when Sandy had fallen ill towards the end of our stay in San Miguel de Allende. Nevertheless, I was so bowled over by his incredible talent that I vowed to pick up his book, Zero Tollerance: An Intimate Memoir by the Man Who Revolutionized Figure Skating, of which I am currently devouring at every spare moment that I’ve got!
Sculpture by Toller Cranston
Painting by Toller Cranston
I was also pleased to have our resident shutterbug, Sue, join us for a delicious Valentine’s Day lunch. Keeping in the spirit of love, we had a fantastic time in wonderful weather with great conversation that resulted in a great time that was had by all!
Sandy and I also visited one of the newest local attractions in San Miguel de Allende, which led us to Rose Wood – a new hotel that enjoys the distinction of being the tallest in the town. Deciding to sit on the rooftop, we were treated to a fantastic performance of flamenco dancers who wowed us with the way that they moved to the melody of the beautiful music. As I sipped on my mojito and took in the stunning sights along with my beloved Sandy, I pinched myself for being able to enjoy a wonderful experience with my loved ones.
January 5, 2013
Paving the Way for a Terrific 2013
Hello, everyone! I hope that you rang in the New Year with plenty of style, as there’s plenty to look forward to in 2013. My year started out as quite a pleasant surprise when I saw myself on The Insider on New Year’s evening.
Part of a segment on Advanced Style, I had the privilege of shining alongside some of the most stylish older ladies around. Even better, everyone in the free world got to see one of my finest Off Broadway Boutique ensembles on the show – an ensemble that captured the vibrant dreams that I have for the New Year.
If my guest spot on The Insider was any indication, the best is yet to come. At the eve of my 80th birthday, it is wonderful validation to be showcased for being my one true self.
December 23, 2012
Lunching with Lynn Dell and her beloved Sandy
Hello, darlings! Although I can go on and on for hours about my love for my beloved Sandy, I believe that the recent fete that we had in his honor illustrates just how special and dear of a man he truly is. Staged by our divine cousin Ilene – who is a party planning dynamo – in her spacious loft, it was filled with delicious food and sparkling conversation that made it absolutely memorable. The two thumbs up that Sandy, who notoriously isn’t a fan of parties, gave at the end of the night proved that this one was a rousing success!
One big reason why this party was the time to be had was because of the presence of our loving family. Orchestrated by our cousin Ilene, she had invited our strapping two sons, their wonderful wives, and our lovely grandchildren to the party:
(from L to R: Yael, Bradley, Boaz, myself and Sandy, Olivia, Cheri, and Keith)
To say that Sandy was thrilled to see his son, Keith, is an understatement, as he definitely played the role of proud papa very well. The look of love and pride on Keith’s face pretty much says it all:
(from L to R: Keith and Sandy)
Sandy was also thrilled to see that his grandson, Boaz, has inherited my love of fashion. After all, his spiffy vest and hat showcases that he definitely has a future in the industry:
(from L to R: Sandy and Boaz)
Although our cousin Ilene was a bit exhausted from the party planning, she nevertheless managed to look fabulous in a floating pearl and horsehair necklace. Available at Off Broadway Boutique, we’re proud to say that it is designed and made in the USA:
(from L to R: Ilene and yours truly)
Of course, I couldn’t resist taking a photo with the guest of honor. After all, we make a smashing pair for a bride and groom that have been together for 61 years:
(from L to R: yours truly with my beloved Sandy)
Another factor in this party being a smashing success is the caliber of friends that stopped by to wish Sandy well. Also invited over by our cousin Ilene, it was a reunion of his nearest and dearest friends who have been a part of his life for years – such as Off Broadway Boutique bookkeeper, Nilda:
(from L to R: Nilda with yours truly)
Having been Sandy’s bookkeeper for over 60 years, it was fitting to have her here to enjoy the festivities with our family. What’s more, she looked absolutely darling in the copious amounts of chic pearls that she had on – pearls that can be found at Off Broadway Boutique:
(from L to R: Olivia, Cheri, and Nilda dining in style)
Nilda even had the chance to catch up with another old friend of ours, Honey Feilder:
(from L to R: Honey Feilder and Nilda)
who, incidentally, is the wife of one of Sandy’s good friends, Norman Feilder. He was also there at the party and thrilled to catch up with Sandy, who he hadn’t seen in quite a while:
(from L to R: Norman Feilder and Sandy in an intimate conversation)
I also credit the delicious cuisine as a reason why Sandy’s party was such a big hit. Catered from Citarella – where our son, Keith, works – it was arranged in a gorgeous setting on a buffet table:
(Our delectable buffet table)
Naturally, I had to dig into this scrumptious spread, as well as the dessert table on the other side that was arranged magnificently as only our cousin Ilene could’ve done:
(Yours truly at the lunch buffet table)
After everyone got their share of lunch and dessert, they sat at the main table and commenced to enjoying a spirited meal with fantastic banter. Even Sandy, who isn’t one who enjoys being the center of attention, was having a great time along with everyone. It is to the credit of Cousin Ilene that we were blessed in having a fantastic time with the people that we love!
(The result of a wonderful meal with loved ones – a fantastic time)
December 15, 2012
Hello, everyone! I’ve never made a secret that my motto to living a fulfilling and fabulous life is all about dressing for the theatre of one’s life. This saying plays a strong role in every single piece that I have hand-picked for Off Broadway Boutique’s collection for over 40 years! Sometimes, fabulous fashion gets discovered in our shop when I least expect it, as this was the case when our newest fashion consultant, Tracy, came across a purple fox fur and wool hooded neckpiece that she had seen in our vintage and consignment department yesterday.
Having decided to dress in a gorgeous purple ensemble, I certainly wasn’t expecting to find another complementary piece to add to my wardrobe. Yet, Tracy insisted that I try on the hooded neckpiece, as she was convinced that it would make a wonderful complement to my look. After slipping it on and spying my reflection in the mirror, I immediately fell in love with its luxurious look and comfortable feel. What’s more, the end result was absolutely magical! To say that Tracy’s fashion-forward intuition was correct is an understatement, as it exceeded my expectations on the stunning looks that one can put together from our lovely vintage and consignment department!
Looking back, it certainly isn’t surprising that Tracy convinced me to purchase the purple neckpiece. In addition to being quite the savvy salesperson, she recognized a style-defining look and made it her business to ensure that I left the shop looking absolutely fabulous. Originally $110, she sold it to me for a 20% discount that brought my purchase down to $83 plus tax. Though I’m usually the one that is doing the selling to our wonderfully loyal customers, I was beyond thrilled to snag such a sensational piece from Off Broadway Boutique’s reruns and consignment department.
December 1, 2012
Friendship: The Ultimate Fashion Do
Hello, darlings! A major reason why I am able to live out the theatre of my life is because of the wonderful people that I have been blessed to call my friends. Whether our relationships have spanned a few months or many decades, I am fortunate to have a diversity of people in my life that have been there for me through the good and hard times.
One of my dearest friends, Lucille, is someone that has fulfilled my life in so many ways. Not only does she share my zest for life, but her style is a fine representation of her sparkling personality – all the more reason why I was thrilled to have her as my dinner date at The Friars Club last week. After all, I needed some cheering up after I’d broken my toe and figured that she would be the perfect pick-me-up after a rough couple of days.
Imagine my surprise when Lucille arrived at Off Broadway Boutique in a brace on her leg, as she, too, had a run-in with a few bumps in the road. Never one to let an injury get in the way of a great time, she made sure that she dressed in an all-black ensemble that was simply divine. What’s more, we made quite a pair in our finest fashions as we dined at one of the most entertaining venues in the city.
Needless to say, I am hoping that I will get the opportunity to visit my dear friend, Lucille, at her home in San Miguel Allende in February. After all, Mexico is a wonderful place to spend a few days catching up while kicking back and relaxing in her picturesque abode. Alive and kicking to our hearts content is precisely why our wonderful friendship will never go out of style!
October 21, 2012
My Starring Turn on The Today Show
Hello, darlings! Although I had returned from my fabulous European vacation last Monday, I hadn’t been able to arrive home until the following day due to my beloved Sandy becoming while we traveled back to New York. Completely exhausted after I had spent the night at the hospital with him, I wasn’t going to answer the ringing phone that greeted me as I stepped into our apartment. Yet, something told me to grab it and that something led me to one of the most exciting experiences of my life!
It all began with my good friend, Ari Seth Cohen, mentioned over the phone that we were both invited to participate a segment on The Today Showthat coming Thursday morning. Scheduled to appear during the Kathie Lee & Hoda segment at 9:15, I was about to prepare for the big day when I received a call 10 minutes later that informed me that we were bumped up to the Matt Lauer segment at 7:45. To say that I was over to moon to hear this new is an understatement, as being a guest on this show is akin to being invited to the Academy Awards!
The next day and a half was a blur as I prepared for my upcoming debut on The Today Show, while marveling over the fact that this was yet another blessing that was brought to me by my involvement in Ari’s blog and subsequent best-selling book, Advanced Style. After all, had it not been for both, I wouldn’t have ever gotten the opportunity to enjoy the whirlwind experience that was my second talk show appearance in less than a month! From the minute that I set out to begin my Thursday, excitement greeted me as everything happened in an instant. As soon as I was dressed and out the door, a limo picked me up from my apartment to take me over to the studio. From there, I was whisked over to the makeup room to get ready for my appearance. Upon introducing myself as the owner of Off Broadway Boutique, the makeup girls mentioned that they were fans of the shop and had shopped there before. What’s more, they did a splendid job with my makeup while giving me the great eyelashes that I had requested. By the time I was done, I looked and felt as glamorous as a movie star!
Joining Ari onstage in the studio, I had the pleasure of sharing the spotlight with my fellow Advanced Style icons, Iris Apfel and Ilona Smithkin. While I am the spring chicken of the three at 79-years-old, 91-year-old Iris proudly introduced herself to the world as a “geriatric starlet” as 92-year-old artist, Ilona, shared her passion for her cabaret singing and her famous homemade eyelashes. As Matt Lauer asked us each a question, we eagerly responded with our typical joie-de-vivre as Ari divulged the inspiration behind the success of Advanced Style. Iris, in particular, chimed in by pointing out the underrepresentation of women over 50 in fashion, thus driving home the need and reason why the blog and book has been such a success. A highlight of the interview was Matt Lauer loving my signature line – “I dress for the theatre of my life!” – as I delivered it with a wink and a smile!
After taping wrapped up, we stayed onstage to chat with Matt, who was a very charming fellow. Feeling like the A-listers that visit The Today Show on a regular basis, I was thrilled to spend time backstage with the rest of the guests on that morning’s program. A highlight of mine was meeting the fabulous Cee-Lo from the hit talent show, The Voice. Although I hadn’t known who the young man at first, he quickly won me over by agreeing to take a photo with me. Needless to say, we made quite a wonderful pair! 
From there, I left the studio in another limousine as it drove me over to the hospital where Sandy was recuperating. After arriving there, Sandy informed me that everyone on his floor came into his room – even the nurses – to see me on television. What’s more, my beloved son, Keith, watched the show from his Citarella store in East Hampton, inviting both employees and customers to watch his mother be interviewed as if she were a Hollywood star. Eventually returning home to my building, I stepped out of the limo only to be greeted by a lady who expressed that she hadn’t known that I lived here – let alone owned a shop. Her sincere congratulations touched me as I thanked her from the bottom of my heart. After entering my apartment, I received an astounding 15 telephone calls and voicemail messages offering congratulations. To say that the wonderful wishes were overwhelming is an understatement, as I hadn’t had the time to even tell anyone that I was going to be on The Today Show that morning. Nevertheless, I basked in everything as I marveled at yet another once-in-a-lifetime experience that I achieved simply by being true to myself.
Although both Sandy and I ended up with the flu that was eventually passed on to his caregiver, Moody, while I am nursing a broken toe in bed, I am on cloud nine and it is all thanks to the excitement over this past week. The fact that I am glowing over this success means one thing and one thing only – all the pandemonium was absolutely worth it!
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October 6, 2012
My Marvelous Turn on the Marla Wynne Runway Show
Striking a pose on the red carpet.
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
Dressed for success!
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
Hello, darlings! Last Saturday provided a whirlwind of excitement, as I got to indulge in the ultimate fantasy of being a top runway model in designer, Marla Wynne’s, fashion show at a party for the Fab Over 50 website. Taking place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in the Flatiron section of Manhattan, it was a star-studded affair that was helmed by the divine Ms. Wynn along with Geri Brin, the creator of Fab Over 50.
Marla Wynne struts her stuff.
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
Initially meeting them when they decided to visit Off Broadway Boutique, we had struck up a friendship over our mutual desire to showcase fabulous women over 50. Needless to say, I was very pleased to hear that they loved the fashion collections that we featured and quite honored when they asked me to be a part of their fashion show.
Making a lasting impression.
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
As I arrived backstage, I was immediately taken by the flurry of activity that was happening around me. From the lovely Idiosyncratic Fashionistas bloggers Jean and Valerie - who were kind enough to allow me to use fabulous photos– covering the show to my fantastic travel agent, Joan Werner of Valerie Wilson Travel, joining the audience outside, it was a heady time that was brimming with excitement. What’s more, Cousin Ilene also showed up to support my turn down the catwalk as I was being directed by the fabulous Brett Cooper, who – along with his partner – did a fantastic job in managing the chaos backstage.
Linda Derector in a fabulous Claude Montana shirt.
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
It was also great to see the many different brands proudly representing themselves at the Fab Over Fifty party. While a skin care line and the Essie nail care collection were prominently featured, I was especially pleased to see my friend, Linda Derector, promoting her eyewear line, Out of the Ordinary. Dressed to the nines in a gorgeous Claude Montana shirt, her collection of new and vintage eyeglasses was quite a hit at the show!
Having wonderful fun with Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, Gerri Shute, Debra Rapoport, and Joanna Avilez
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
To say that participating in Marla’s show was exciting and fun is an understatement, as every single lady on that runway looked radiant in their lovely outfit. Basic fashions with bold accessories were the theme of this collection, which was epitomized by the stunning turban, flowing scarf, and exquisite jewelry that I wore with my look. In spite of the razzle-dazzle of the production, it was abundantly clear that the appeal of Marla’s collection lies in each piece’s wearable quality and accessibility – all the more reason why it has been such a hit on HSN and QVC. Despite the rousing applause that Marla garnered from her fashions, she was kind enough to mention Off Broadway Boutique on stage while profusely recommending it as a must-shop destination.
The fabulous Brett Cooper and his partner, enjoying the success of Marla’s show
Photo: Jean and Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
While the clothing looked and felt wonderful, it was the great time that I’d had around such beautiful and accomplished women that made Marla’s fashion show, as well as the Fab Over 50 party, such a memorable event. I certainly cannot wait for such a wonderful time to happen again, as it would be such a pleasure to be a part of the magic that both she and Geri created so effortlessly. Meanwhile, I am also waiting with bated breath to see the results of the book that Marla is writing about her life after being a television producer. As I know all about turning the page to a second chapter of the book of life, I am confident that the end result will be a worthy read that will resonate with plenty of women.
September 29, 2012
A Celebration of Life and Love
Hello, darlings! Last Saturday was such a joy to experience, as it was the day that we celebrated my wonderful sister, Ronnie’s, surprise 40th wedding anniversary party. In order to capture the excitement and anticipation in the air, I dressed in one of my foolproof Fashion Dos – a golden silk dupioni jacket over a flattering black outfit with a matching silk dupioni cap. Needless to say, everyone at Off Broadway Boutique gave my look rave reviews when I stopped by the shop on the way to the party!
When we arrived at the lovely Mamma Vittoria’s restaurant in Nutley, NJ with my beloved Sandy, I immediately felt the warmth and love that was reserved for the guest of honor. Needless to say, Ronnie was over-the-moon to when she stepped into the restaurant. As we embraced her with hugs and kisses, she offered many thanks to all that had taken the time to plan this spectacular event.
For the rest of the evening, I celebrated the love that Ronnie has shared with her soul mate while enjoying the delicious food that was served. We were blessed to be a part of such a heartwarming event, as I was pleased to see my sister enjoy the outpouring of love that we had for her. After all, love and devotion will certainly never go out of style!
August 25, 2012
My Fun Friday with Friends and Family
Hello, darlings! Since I adore spending time with friends and family, I do my best to make sure that each meet-up is special in its own way. Living in the Big Apple makes it so easy to find creative ways to have fun, which is why I managed to treat my loved ones to a fun Friday that they would never forget. After agreeing to meet one of my close friends for an afternoon in the city, I decided that we should see one of the most buzz worthy movies of this summer – Meet the Fokkens. Showing at one of my favorite theatres in the city – the Film Forum – I thought that it’d be such a delight to treat her to a 70-minute movie about a pair of twin 70-year-old women who happen to be ladies of the night. 
Ruddy-cheeked and Rubenesque, Martine and Louise Fokkens cheerfully told their story about how they came to “put the sex in sexagenarian” – as the Independent newspaper put it – by offering their sexual favors in a picture window in Amsterdam’s infamous red-light district. Earning every bit of its four-star rating, Meet the Fokkens charmed us with its relentlessly upbeat tone on a subject that would be dour in someone else’s hands. What’s more, my septuagenarian friend was pleased to see two women who were unashamed to portray themselves in their sexual glory. After bidding adieu to her, I decided to meet my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson for dinner at the fabulous Seven’s Turkish Grill just across the street from Off Broadway Boutique.
Having been a lengthy two and a half months since I had seen my daughter-in-law and my beloved grandson, Boaz, before they had departed for Israel, it was such a pleasure to welcome them back. As we enjoyed a wonderful dinner, we caught one another up on the many changes that life has brought us over our time apart. 
Darlings, I believe in living life to its fullest, which is why I make it my business to make every day as enjoyable as my Friday was. Being blessed with lovely friends and a wonderful family, I want them to enjoy life as I see it – a feast that we are all meant to savor.
August 12, 2012
A Wonderful Day with Ari Seth Cohen
Hello, darlings! As is always the case when it comes to finding fashion inspiration, this week has been one wonderful whirlwind of excitement. In the throes of the magnificent Moda Manhattan trade show at the Jacob Javits center, I received a call from my good friend, Ari Seth Cohen, who wanted me to participate in a music project of his. Although it was the last day of the three-day-long fashion convention, I simply dropped everything that I was doing and agreed to work with him. After all, it is always a pleasure to be in his company and I wanted to help him out in any way that I could.
Since I wasn’t quite able to film away from the Javits center – after all, I was still reviewing stunning fashion and jewelry to add to our collection – I arranged for Ari and his wonderful colleague, Lina Plioplyte, to meet us there at 1PM that afternoon. Meanwhile, my wonderful fashion assistant, Brianna, was thrilled to take part in what would be yet another amazing adventure and offered to photograph our meeting – as you can see from these stunning photos that she had taken.
Fresh off the plane from San Diego where they were shooting the Advanced Style film, both Ari and Lina looked San Diego sensational with their colorfully mismatched outfits. They were such a lovely sight because they were doing their own thing and brought their own flavor to the Jacob Javits center. Overjoyed to see Ari after a few months of not seeing him, I immediately decided to get the show on the road and start conveying the idea of happiness for his music project as Lina started taping.
Although the passing buses, loud construction, and scorching heat were challenging to get through, we persevered by continuing on with the filming at the Javits center. We were quite a sight as we managed to catch the eye of the vendors and buyers who were otherwise busy. In spite of them having seen it all, it tickled me to see these accomplished fashion industry people become so excited to see us taping our project. If I hadn’t known better, I’d think that this was a Hollywood project by the way that we all captured their attention.
Soon after, I received a pleasant surprise in the form of an old and dear friend, Teri Venture, who decided to stop on by after spotting the hubbub that our production was causing. Having loved her for years, I was delighted to see that she was at Moda Manhattan to promote one out of the many fashion lines that she represents. After I introduced her to Ari, Lina, and Brianna, she mentioned that I stood apart as one of her special clients – a sentiment that echoes my thoughts of her as my special vendor. Inspired by our camaraderie, Ari decided to interview her as we all shared the best of laughs in front of the camera.
As much fun as I had in filming with Ari and Lina, I was completely exhausted from the three days that Brianna and I spent at Moda Manhattan. After thanking both for a delightful afternoon, I bid Brianna adieu and headed straight to the nail salon for a much-needed manicure and pedicure. As I relaxed in the comfortable seat, I mused on how lucky I was to have such a full life that presents plenty of opportunities to have wonderful days like the one that I just spent with Ari Seth Cohen.
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