CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Where to find great bachelorette gifts

July 8, 2010 by Jackie | Comments (0)

Summer is wedding season and that means many bachelorette parties to go to for us New York girls.  Gifts for these soon-to-be brides can be hard to come up with.  Everyone wants to get the perfect gift and we CRAVE this list of ideas.

Hanky Panky (hankypanky.com)

What is the number one gift to get a girl for her bachelorette party?  Lingerie for the wedding night.  We CRAVE Hanky Panky’s large selection of gifts for the bachelorette.  They began 30 years ago in New York and still influence trends in lingerie and sleepwear.  They pride themselves on providing brilliant solutions for fashion fit issues by remaining dedicated to innovative design, comfort and quality.  They have been manufacturing in the New York area since 1977 which is something we CRAVE in a company.  Get your girlfriend the perfect gift, she deserves it!

373 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-4996

Helen Julia New York (helenjulia.com)

Girls love candles.  Especially ones with smells that we CRAVE!  Bachelorette parties can be rough the next morning, so let your bride relax with one of these hand-poured scented soy candles.  Each candle inspires distinct moods.  These candles include: “I Do” (how perfect!), Prima Donna, Pearl Drop, Pink Diamond, Powder Puff, Terrycloth Robe, Sexy Suede and Soft Mink.  Who won’t be able to have fun with names like those?

(718) 619-2267

Poppies and Posies Events (poppiesandposiesevents.com)

The perfect gift from the maid-of honor is a perfect bachelorette party!  Poppies and Posies Events can make your bride’s party exactly how she would want it.  PPE is co-owned by Sierra and Juliet who have both worked with some big names such as Donald Trump and Martha Stewart.  They specialize in flower arrangements that are perfect for any event!

132 W88th St, Apt B
New York, NY 10024
(646) 386-7347

Hello, Summer!

June 21, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!

A picnic is a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.

If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.

Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.

Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.

An Interview with Merci New York

June 15, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (1)

Planning a wedding in a city like New York City is hectic. From coming up with floor plans while in a crowded subway train to e-mailing vendors from your smartphone, finding time to perfect it to the tiniest  detail is going to be a tough challenge. Known for its fashion and style, a lot of brides strive to keep up with the city’s flair. Thankfully, Jacqueline Weppner created a company called Merci New York that specializes in focusing on the smallest details from perfecting the bride to styling the event that will make you and your wedding unique from all others.

Extra hands and expertise is something we always CRAVE for. Find out why Jacqueline is your go-to gal!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
“Chic and stylish inspiration for the busy city bride.”

What are your most popular products or services?
Quite simply, Merci New York focuses solely on providing chic and stylish details for the busy city bride. We have two very popular services: fashion and event detail styling.   We focus on providing our clients with highly stylized “wow factor” details that make their event positively posh and wonderfully memorable.

New York City brides face a tough struggle when planning their weddings; they’re often juggling a demanding career while organizing their big day.  They love fashion and have a keen eye for style, but they don’t necessarily have time to translate their chic aesthetic into their wedding day look, or the event details that will make for a memorable affair.

Merci New York jumps in to create these details… We work with a bride to create gorgeous accents worthy of a wedding magazine tear sheet.  Whether its a show stopping candy/dessert bar, chicly thoughtful attendant/out of town guest gifts, or fashion styling for the wedding and all the events leading up to it, we marry our client’s style with chic design sensibilities that will have guest swooning.

People may be surprised to know…
I just completed a bridal fashion editorial shoot on top of the iconic Chrysler building.  It was the only bridal shoot ever to take place at the historic location! We spent the day on the windy 61st floor mezzanine (where the famous eagle statues look over the skyline).  It was exhilarating!

What’s a place that inspires you and why?
Paris.  The art, the culture, the lifestyle of its people… Parisians live to enjoy life and then take such pleasure in little, special details.  I find that wonderfully inspiring.

In 10 years you want to be…
Continuing to grow Merci New York to new heights, and laughing with my husband about all the silly obstacles I thought would stop me.

How do you relax?
I have a hard time standing still, so ballet and yoga are wonderful ways for me to relax.  Then again, so is a nice glass of red wine!

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?
A black quilted Chanel bag and a pair of classic Christian Louboutin pumps.  I love to mix high/low pieces in my wardrobe and I ADORE a great sale, but those two items just epitomize all things polished and pretty!

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
I passionately volunteer my time and effort to charitable organizations which work to better the lives of women and children in New York City.  I have served Vice Chair of Public Relations for the New York Junior League, and work as an active New York Cares volunteer. New York City is such a magical place, but there are so many people here who need our help. I think it’s important to give back to the community.

Curious to see how detail changes everything? Check out Jacqueline’s amazing work and allow her to place finishing touches to make your wedding perfect in every way at mercinewyork.com.

Also check out her blog! Visit mercinewyork.blogspot.com.

Best in Bridal Blogs

March 31, 2010 by Emily | Comments (4)

The hottest trend in the wedding business is the blogging boom? Brides everywhere have turned to the blog-o-sphere to get the very latest on event tips and trends in the event and wedding world. Read up on the wedding bloggers that we CRAVE at this moment. With stunning real wedding pictures, tips and tricks on pulling off your big day, and the best in eco-friendly events, these bloggers have so much to offer!

Iris Fields (irisfields.com/blog)

Iris Fields is an eco-friendly and green event planning firm that strives to bring the best in green events to party go-ers everywhere. Their blog features the best green products–currently showcasing the 9 best green makeup products. They also provide book recommendations, organic cocktail recipes, and other tips and trends in the green world. Looking to plan a completely eco-friendly event, this is definitely a blog you should check out.

Tammy Golson Events (tammygolsonevents.blogspot.com)

Owner of the full-service boutique event planning firm, Tammy Golson Events, Tammy combines her Midwestern values and experience to bring warmth, sincerity, and style to your events. Her blog gives expert advice from selecting the right venue for your event to tips on maintaining a successful blog to picking the perfect floral arrangement. In addition to her tips and advice on planning your wedding or next event she also regularly feature the most beautiful and inspiring photos from a variety of events.

Bridalease (bridalease101.blogspot.com)

Though not a wedding planner, Lisa Barr knows her stuff. Hanging to the slogan, “Taking the stress out of wedding planning with your bridal fairy-godmother,” Lisa gives readers insite on the hottest trends, and the best tips to successfully pull off your bid day. Just as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother was there to guide, advise and give the hard truth, Lisa has established a blog worthy reading that does the same for you wedding planning fairy tale!

Interview with Jo Laurie Design

March 26, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (3)

Jo Laurie, an international phenomenon and President of Jo Laurie Design, took the United States by storm with her exceptional talents in interior design. Traveling to and from four continents, Jo attributes her amazing insights to the influences of different cultures and incorporates them throughout her work. She not only finds the time to accommodate her international clients but also finds down-time to enjoy the simple things in life!

Her sophisticated and amazing talents are what we absolutely CRAVE, bringing new innovations to the table. Find out more about Jo and get inspired!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
Don’t look back in life with too many regrets..this is not a dress rehearsal!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Innovative, Bespoke, Cosmopolitan.

What are your most popular products or services?
For hospitality & commercial projects – concept origination, then implementation on all levels of interior architecture down to the website  and logo, if required. Residential – we turn you vision into a reality on time and on budget!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Seeing my mothers generation not have the financial resources to escape bad relationships. Plus I love what I do–making a living from being creative. What a blessing!

If you weren’t running this business, what would your life look like?
Money no object–Winters in Australia, NYC Spring & Fall , Summers in Europe… painting.

Describe your perfect last meal.
Part of a great day in Paris March 13th, yummy desserts and a glass of champagne in the Hotel de Crillon, after lunch at Costes.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
Women’s reproductive rights. Had I not been born in the west, I could have been barefoot with ten children and no education. I think we forget how incredibly lucky we are, and what we owe to previous generations.

Check out Jo’s website and some of her work at jolauriedesign.com!

An Interview with Poppies and Posies

March 19, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (0)

NYC Bloggers We CRAVE

March 17, 2010 by Emily | Comments (3)

Do you absolutely CRAVE blogs like we do? Since you’re reading this one, we’re going to go with yes! Check out the most CRAVE-able bloggers that we’ve found posting up content about fashion, style, food, and so many other exciting happenings in this city we love so much. What are your favorite blogs that you’re following? Keep us posted so we can add them to our blogroll!

What I Wore (whatiwore.tumblr.com)

What I Wore is the fashion and personal style blog of Jessica Schroeder. Each day, Jessica photographs her outfits and posts the when-where-what-why that accompanies each look. Among her other features are behind the scenes sneak peeks from thrift store adventures, runways and blogger meet-ups, do it yourself step by step projects, super sale notices and beautiful photography.

We absolutely CRAVE Jessica’s quirky writing, relatablility to today’s woman, and her killer style! Also, we are so excited for Jessica and What I Wore celebrating their second blogging birthday.

You have to love Jessica’s take on style and fashion. “I truly believe that the clothes we wear can affect our moods as well as the impressions we give of ourselves to others.  Looking your best doesn’t need to cost a lot of money – just a little imagination.”

Bobbin Talk (bobbintalk.com)

Aneta Genova is an accessories designer, a writer and a fashion instructor at Parsons The New School for Design in NYC and the Academy of Art University online. She was born and raised in Bulgaria in a family involved in fashion and creativity, and always wanted to be a designer. She has worked for companies such as Marc Jacobs, Polo Jeans and Ralph Lauren, and freelanced for multiple design houses. She now has her own luxury leather goods company, based on the concept “fashion for technology.”

Her newest venture is the fashion blog Bobbin Talk, and we totally CRAVE it! Aneta gives us her insight on the biggest fashion trends of the season, video interviews, and controversies that are hitting the blogosphere. So much to offer and so much to follow, keep up with the latest on Bobbin Talk.

STYLEMOM (stylemom.com)

Not only do we CRAVE Nichelle Pace and her blog, but we also love her self-proclaimed title of “Chief Fashionista.” STYLEMOM is the ultimate woman’s guide that helps women achieve a balance between her style self and her mommy self, ensuring that moms have the tools and insight to translate the sometimes obscure runway fashions and lifestyle trends into tangible chic and useful information that is relevant to a moms’ lives and stylish women as a whole.

Are you a mom? A fashionista? Someone in desperate need of style advice for your lifestyle? This is most definitely a blog that you will want to check out!

Looking for others to check out?

If you’re looking for a tasty lunch spot to hit up on your lunch break, check out Midtown Lunch (midtownlunch.com).

Share in your love of all things food related when reading A Full Belly (afullbelly.com).

And if you’re just looking for something to make you smile or make you think, check out the simple notes that have been posted on Post Secret (postsecret.blogspot.com).

An Interview with Tamiko Hargrove of Helen Julia

January 29, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (0)

After growing up in a household full of inspiration, and learning what  fashion really was through her style icons, her mother and grandmother, Tamiko Hardgrove developed a desire to make people both look and feel good. Combining her creativity and flare for crafts and fashion, Tamiko developed a line of scented candles called Helen Julia that can give any overworked, tired and stressed out mom and business woman the feeling of peace in a hectic world. With unique scents like Terrycloth Robe, Sexy Suede and Soft Mink, she has created a business and product that provide inspiration and beauty to many!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Luxury. Classic. Natural.

What are your most popular products or services?
Our most popular products are our hand-poured beautifully packaged scented soy candles. A particular best-seller is our Cashmere Cloud Soy Candle scented in Amber, Jasmine and Musk.

People may be surprised to know…
The name Helen Julia was inspired by my grandmothers; Helen and Julia.
What or who inspired you to start your business?

Having a passion for both beauty and candles, I had no luck finding great scents combined with beautiful packaging. Therefore, I was forced to create my own.  And thus, Helen Julia was born!

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is my grandmother, Julia Annette. I am blessed to be able to listen to her wisdom on life. Grandma knows best… “When you receive love, you give love.” -Julia Annette

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Saying “No” to a project that I thought wouldn’t be worth my time. Turns out, I should have said “Yes”. It was worth my time to work on a celebrity client’s candles. The client wasn’t revealed until after I said “No”.

How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time with my family. My two year old niece is the cutest to watch as she explores and discovers what she’s capable of doing.

What is your indulgence?
My indulgence is shopping at my favorite apparel store for new designs (hopefully on sale).

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My favorite place to go with girlfriends is Sunday brunch. There are so many great places in NYC. We just have to pick one on a nice early afternoon for girlie chat!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave being happy doing what I love! Life is short and I intend to make it sweet!

Favorite Places:
Soho Sanctuary Day Spa (the eucalyptus sauna is heavenly!), Hotel Gansevoort Spa for a mani and pedi, and Soho House to end the day for an upscale social scene.

Favorite Things:
My blackberry – I never leave home without it, my Louis Vuitton Speedy (my quick grab and go bag), Ugg boots because they are the most comfy to run errands in, and my black leggings that are super comfy to wear with my Uggs.

Visit on the Web: helenjulia.com