Another holiday season

Yes I know I haven't blogged all that much this year. 2010 hasn't been kind to me on many levels, and, I'll be glad to see it go. I hope 2011 holds much better times for me in all areas of my life. Maybe I should just go back to my own version of Mr Big, and, take it from there.

It's funny, I watched "Sex and the City" last night - the movie (the first one), and, my own Mr. Big and I are very much like Carrie and Big... Even the on again, off again thing for the past ten years. Alas, it is me who has the commitment issues. (And, I'm not thrilled that he has baggage... Never have been thrilled with that part since I'm always being put in last place. And, I do mean always.) And, this has made me extremely gun shy about dating any guy who has kids at at this point - even if the "kids" are now college age.

I'd love to find a guy who is 45 - 50 (since I'm now actually 44, I just kept the title of SWF42 because that is when I started writing this saga)... Anyhow, I'd like to find a guy who is 45 to 50 who doesn't have any kids - and I know you're out there - who loves to travel and likes the finer things in life and can afford to do them with me.

Somehow, I do believe my Mr. Big is planning on making yet another come-back into my life. Once again, the flowers, the dinner invitations, and, everything that he can do to romance me have once again started, but, I'm older and wiser - and I'm not going to fall for it so readily this time. I have to see that I get some type of priority once in a while and for once let work, his kids, his mother and his ex-wife take a back seat to me. If he would do that just once... Then and only then might I start taking him seriously again.

In the meantime, any other takers out there? Email me... I'll even give you a hint, somewhere on this website you'll find my email....

Another Fall

I've been trying to be good and work today, but, I'm finding it hard to kick into gear after the long weekend. It's a bit too warm and my mind is wandering a little too off the beaten path to be productive, so, I'm allowing myself a rare "goof-off" day and hopefully the motivation will return to work later this evening or first thing in the morning. I've found that - at least for me - when I am experiencing one of these days, it means my mind is in overdrive and I need to just chill and let things fall into place. I have lots on my plate this Fall including Fashion's Night Out on Friday night.

I also have a very special friend coming to visit at the end of October, and, I'm trying to figure out a great weekend for us. I want enough to do without running ourselves ragged and not having time to talk about things and events that have transpired this year.

Yes, per usual, my Fall social schedule is heavy, and, as always it is self-imposed. I keep myself busy because I find the Fall a bit depressing - like the end of things. Another year has passed - my New Year's resolutions and things to do list is only about half done (par for the course) and I face another birthday in November.

This year will be tougher than some recent past years. No, I don't have a milestone birthday or anything like that taking place, but, I did have a friend betray me in every possible sense. I saw it coming from a mile away and he certainly wasn't the guy I was going to marry or have any type of long term relationship other than friend with - but - it was still a blow to find out he was the cause of my of personal troubles this past year. I'm am still struggling whether or not I want to press legal charges against him - that's how serious this was - but, that is why this Fall will be harder than past Falls in recent years.

So, with that I am going to head outside and enjoy the weather, and, with any luck, I will kick into gear and get working this evening...

Pardon me - I have one anger feline waiting for me

Yes, I've been bad - the last time I blogged was back in July and here it is September 2, 2010. Sorry things in my life have been in turmoil - I've been the victim of ID theft and getting my life back in order has been nothing short of a nightmare.

Anyhow, since I'm getting back to normal or as normal as one can get after having their life invaded and stolen from them... Here is what I found absolutely interesting today...

I signed into my Twitter account for the first time in God knows when and it turns out I have nearly 300 followers. Strangely enough most are women, well, I guess it isn't so strange, after all - when you hit a certain age there are always more single women than single men - even with the high divorce rate.

Anyhow, if you'd like to follow my Tweets - be forewarned, I don't use Twitter often, my link is: http://twitter.com/swf42

So if you have been kind enough to follow me - you will now find that I am following you. Thank you for your loyalty and readership.

Of course I have other things happening in my life but for now this is all I will blog. I'm actually on my way out to the food store. I am out of cat food and I'm dealing with one very impatient feline at the moment!

Stay tuned... I'll be blogging more as Fall and Winter set in

Oppps - haven't posted in a while

There was personal drama, work - more work - the end of a friendship - more work. So that's where I've been the past few weeks. Fall is a hard time of year for me, very depressing. I find it sad to see the end of yet another year coming to a close, and, it does make me depressed. I often find myself thinking about the things I didn't get accomplished and the goals I failed to meet. I also think of lost friends and family who will no longer be celebrating the holidays with me. So, instead of allowing myself to wallow in the sadness for any length of time, I keep myself busy - super busy during the Fall so that's why I haven't had time to blog.

Fact of the matter is that it's 6:30 and I'm still at work and have been here since 7:30 am. And, I've been doing this for 6 days a week for the past few weeks and, it will not let up until after New Year's Day.

On the bright side of things, I've made a great new friend, and, if he's reading this - you know who you are and I look forward to cruising with you this summer (wink). And, addition to the cruise with my friend I have several other great trips lined up for 2010 including one I will reveal later in the year. I'm holding off because once it goes public I am sure it will book up fast and I am waiting for answers from family and friends before announcing what it is that is planned. All I will say is that involved travel, a well known chef and tv personality, and, it will be taking place in Europe.

Intrigued? Stay tuned!

Snow in October in NJ? Guess it's the season...

Photo credit: Robert Sciarrino/The Star-Ledger

Yes, you are reading correctly it is officially snowing in Sussex County, NJ and the date is October 15, 2009. And, yes, this is HIGHLY unusual. You know, it's amazing but being a life long resident of the greater New York City tri-state area - to see snow (even if it is on tv) this early in the season is a bit of shock. New York City's high temperature was on 40 degrees today... Here's the link about the snow: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/flurries_hit_sussex_county_mar.html

As for me, this is a night to skip the gym and head home and make a big bowl of pasta. Oh and if you're curious - yes, I make my sauce from scratch. And, no, you can't have my recipe. It's from my Italian Grandmother so you know it's got to be great and it is... :P

Are we Carrie and Big or what??

It's been a trying week in every possible way, and, in the middle of it all was my own version of "Big" (referring to the Chris Noth character on Sex and the City). My own version of Mr. Big had a birthday this week, and, of course, being the good friend I am, I tried to do everything right. And, in true "Big" form, I got a dig of sarcasm for my efforts. It wouldn't be so bad, but, I really did try to make everything perfect for him, but, sometimes the best laid plans (no pun intended, we don't do that - anymore) fall to the wayside due to work commitments.

I also hurt another friend because of my work commitments and sometimes I feel like my life is spiraling out of control. And, to my other friend - whom I hurt this week, if you happen to read this - again my apologies. I hope you read your email...

Anyhow, my own Mr Big and I made up and laughed about this week. The truth is his schedule is worse than mine, but, was reminded that I am to circle the weekend of November 14th in red letters. It's a weekend we've been planning since Spring time - my birthday weekend which includes going to the theater and finally getting to see Billy Elliott and dinner is still up in the air, but, 21 is a real possibility at this point. However, when it comes to my own Mr. Big all bets are off. When we were dating it wasn't unusual to have such plans in place only to have them tossed into the wind and we'd be off to Atlantic City or some other destination on nothing more than a whim.

I miss those days when my life wasn't so complicated, no so jammed packed I literally carry around a daily planner and breath a sigh of relief if I have 15 minutes to myself... Speaking of which, I need to wrap this up because yep, you guessed it - I have a work related meeting in about 30 minutes.

Can someone stop the world for a minute? I want to get off!

A summary of Fashion Week: Spring 2010

It was a long, busy and sometimes overwhelming week as I covered Fashion Week for my editor. Fashion Week was a bit different from years past - swag bags ("goodie bags" with high end merchandise) were pretty much non-existent. However, celebrities were present from Madonna to Courtney Love. And, of course, the stars of the show were the clothing by the various designers.

Overall the Spring 201o collections feature bright colors as well as neutrals (and even some matalliacs) and all have an overall positive feeling. Cut-outs and peak-a-boo features not to mention feathers will be seen in many garments in the Spring. Other trends to watch are: the return to the preppy look with blazers and knee socks; and the return of leisure suits (thankfully not the horrid ones of the past) but rather up-to-date casual clothing; and there is a hint of the 80s in the air. Dress hem-lines are all over the place but overall seem to be coming in at or just below the knee. It's going to be a great Spring!

My verdict? Thumbs up!

Christmas Catalogues

It's already starting... Christmas Catalogues are beginning to get sent out and if your mailbox is like mine, you'll start seeing an increase in your "snail mail". While some people hate getting holiday catalogues, I actually look forward to them - mainly because I have friends and family who pretty much have everything and coming up with ideas for presents can be time consuming and frustrating!

My favorite catalog of the year is always the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog. You never know what you're going to find. A speed boat, a hot air balloon, a BMW - if it's unusual then NM will probably have it in their Christmas catalog. If you want a peak at the 2008 catalog it can be found here: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/sitelets/christmasbook/christmasbook.jhtml and I will post when the 2009 catalog is available.

In the meantime, I am still trying to come up with an idea that doesn't involve stuffed animals or clothing for my 4 year old niece. Talk about the girl with everything, this child wants for nothing! And, while I tossed the idea of taking her to Radio City for the Christmas Spectacular around - my brother and sister-in-law pointed out that she probably doesn't have the attention span to enjoy it this year and so my search for a great present continues.

Tomorrow I will wrap up Fashion Week and all the fun things I saw. And, yes, I enjoyed my three day weekend - I earned it!

Michael Kors: Spring 2010

The Michael Kors collection for Spring 2010 is one of my favorites of this Spring 2010 show. Michael Kors goes for pastels, blacks, and, hems are being shown just below the knee. The show featured cuts out, geometric shapes and angles along with more traditional garments once again proving Michael Kors knows his audience and how to please them.

There is one way to sum up Michael Kors - it's wearable. And this writer is grateful to him for it!

The Last Day of Fashion Week

It has been a week of celebrities, fashion, parties and sometimes bizarre behavior. The clothes have been a mix of classic elegance to artistic to a few leaving many to wonder what the heck the designer was thinking.

Stay tuned as things wrap up for Fashion Week: Spring 2010 comes to a conclusion.

Narciso Rodriguez or Courtney Love? Which one was on display?

Can someone please pay attention to Courtney Love so she doesn't have to attend fashion shows to drive attention to herself? Ms. Love sat in the front row fidgeting, pointing, hair twirling, and, overall was a huge distraction to the Narciso Rodriguez show. Not only was it rude and lacking any class, it has people talking and not in a good way.

Getting back to the Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2010 collection (by the way, the show started 30 minutes late), Rodriguez as always, presented a classic collection (sticking to elegance and sophistication for which he is known.) One of the most memorable garments was a beautiful white gown that had a high/low effect (coming to the knee in front and cascading down into a full gown length in back.) Then again, this writer has always been a sucker for the high/low dress.

You can look forward to seeing Narciso Rodriguez on E-Bay in 2010. Yes, really.

Narciso Rodriguez

I'm on my way to the Narciso Rodriguez collection this evening. I am posting now since it promising to be a long evening. The show is being held in "The Tent", and, I'm sure he'll need the room. It's no secret that First Lady Michelle Obama is a fan (as well as some celebrity power-houses such as Sarah Jessica Parker) and that has helped Rodriguez's popularity, and, hopefully will give his business a much needed boost.

Rodriguez was able to purchase back 50% of his name in October, 2008 when he signed a deal with the Liz Claiborne empire in May, 2007. I think this is a sign that Narciso is indeed on his way back to the top, and, I'm personally hoping that is where he remains. He is one of this writer's personal favorite designers and, I am looking forward to tonight's Spring collection. And with that, this writer is running out the door to the show!

Announcing My Trip of a Lifetime - World Cruise 2011

Well, it's official I am now booked on the maiden World Cruise aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth which sets sail on January 13, 2011 from New York City. I will be reporting live on this sailing which will be followed up with a book about the 2011 World Cruise aboard Queen Elizabeth.

I am currently working with fellow travel writer and travel agent, Jackie Thresten about an on-board Meet and Greet and we are arranging for signed copies of my book about the 2011 Maiden World Cruise on Queen Elizabeth for all who book through Jackie Thresten. For more information about this sailing please visit: http://www.worldcruise2011qe.websiteworks.com/

Now back to fashion week!

Christian Siriano: Spring 2010

As Fashion Week continues I want to introduce you to someone I met over this weekend. She is truly an inspiration and I urge you to follow her blog: http://howtoattractthem.blogspot.com/ If you've ever felt alone, unwanted or full of self doubt this woman will inspire you along with her true story.

Back to Fashion Week...

Christian Siriano: Spring 2010

If you are a Project Runway fan this man needs no introduction. Christian Siriano's collection was a bit of everything but, the most notable statement of the show...THE SHOES! The outrageous spiky 6 inch heals had models walking (or was it shaking from instability) down the run way. One model actually gave up and took them off during the final walk. These shoes cannot be meant for real people, can they?? And for the Payless discount shoe store market? I'd think again Christian!

Couture Fashion Week Ball at the Waldorf Astoria September 12 2009

Fashion week continues to be an amazing blur of fashion, parties, fun, oh and work (wink). Last night was the Couture Fashion Week Ball dubbed the "Red Carpet" at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. The black-tie event was kicked off by a runaway show followed by a wonderful dinner and entertainment.

Andres Aquino continues to turn his shows into a true performances and this year has been incredible, and, I say BRAVO to the maestro!

A full report on the entire week's events is forthcoming so keep checking back. In them meantime, I am off to yet another event.

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Things to do in Fall 2009 in NYC

Just helping a friend out by helping her earn some clicks. If you have nothing better to do please click through this link: http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d27-NJ--NYC-Fall-And-Holiday-Events-2009

Oh yes, I am off to another event this evening, this is merely a pit stop!

A new sponsor for this blog AND Fashion Week updates

What a way to end a great week! This blog is now being sponsored by Uprinting.com and I couldn't be more thrilled! Thank you Uprinting for approaching me, I will continue to work hard to make this blog better and better! Please visit and sponsor Uprinting.com

Fashion Week has kicked off with huge success. As part of Fashion Week last night (Thursday, September 10) stores, celebrities and designers sponsored "Fashion's Night Out". I attended the event at Saks Fifth Avenue and was graced with the presence of Carolina Herrera, Chris Benz and Elie Tahari who also attended the event along with Vogue’s Editor In Chief, Anna Wintour and Justin Timberlake. Fashion week continues with shows and parties through September 17, 2009.

Lastly remember today is 9/11 and never let any of us forget the events of that horrible day in 2001.

Fashion Week September 2009 featuring Spring 2010

Fashion Week September 2009 featuring Spring 2010

Today marks the first day of Fashion Week in NYC. For those unfamiliar with Fashion Week it is the week when designers reveal their spring clothing lines. The schedule is as follows - the shows in Blue Text are being attended by yours truly.

THURSDAY	SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
9 AM	MICHAEL ANGEL Salon
10 AM	BCBGMAXAZRIA Tent
11 AM	DAVIDELFIN Promenade
1 PM	DUCKIE BROWN Salon
2 PM	MARA HOFFMAN / NICHOLAS K / WHITNEY EVE Promenade
3 PM	PORTS 1961 Tent
5 PM	ROSA CHÁ Salon
6-11 PM	FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
7 PM	CESAR GALINDO M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W 28th Street

FRIDAY	SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
9 AM	CYNTHIA STEFFE Salon
11 AM	YIGAL AZROUËL Promenade
Noon	TWINKLE by WENLAN Salon
2 PM	CHARLOTTE RONSON Promenade
3 PM	MONARCHY COLLECTION Tent
4-6 PM	LEIFSDOTTIR 209 W 38th Street, 7th Floor
6 PM	NICOLE MILLER Salon
7 PM	ARISE: AFRICAN PROMISE COLLECTIVE Promenade
8 PM	ERIN WASSON x RVCA Tent
9 PM	VENEXIANA Salon

SATURDAY	SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
10 AM	LACOSTE Tent
11 AM	GEORGES CHAKRA Promenade
1 PM	ANDY & DEBB Salon
2 PM	ADAM 450 W 15th Street
3 PM	ACADEMY of ART UNIVERSITY Tent
4 PM	CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Promenade
7 PM	CHADO RALPH RUCCI Tent
8 PM	VIVIENNE TAM Promenade

SUNDAY	SEPTEMBER 13, 2009
10 AM	LELA ROSE Salon
11 AM	DEREK LAM Promenade
Noon	TONI MATICEVSKI Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
1 PM	DKNY 711 Greenwich Street
2 PM	THUY Salon
3 PM	HERVÉ LÉGER by MAX AZRIA Promenade
4 PM	DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Tent
5 PM	REBECCA TAYLOR Salon
	Y-3 Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave
7 PM	TULEH Promenade
8 PM	CUSTO BARCELONA Tent
9 PM	VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS Salon

MONDAY	SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
9 AM	ZAC POSEN The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
10 AM	CAROLINA HERRERA Tent
11 AM	CARLOS MIELE Promenade
Noon	JILL STUART New York Public Library
1 PM	TRACY REESE Salon
2 PM	DONNA KARAN NEW YORK 711 Greenwich Street
4 PM	YEOHLEE 225 W 35th Street, 16th Floor
5 PM	TADASHI SHOJI Salon
6 PM	TONYCOHEN Promenade
7 PM	GOTTEX Tent

TUESDAY	SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
10 AM	BADGLEY MISCHKA Tent
11 AM	BRIAN REYES Promenade
1 PM	PAMELLA ROLAND Salon
2 PM	MAX AZRIA Tent
3 PM	DENNIS BASSO Promenade
6 PM	WILLOW Salon
7 PM	TIBI Promenade
8 PM	NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Tent
9 PM	TONI FRANCESC Salon

WEDNESDAY	SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
9 AM	TORY BURCH Salon
10 AM	MICHAEL KORS Tent
11 AM	NANETTE LEPORE Promenade
2 PM	3.1 PHILLIP LIM Tent
3 PM	MILLY by MICHELLE SMITH Promenade
5 PM	ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH Salon
6 PM	ANNA SUI Tent
6-9 PM	MARIA PINTO Banchet, 74 Gansevoort Street
7 PM	DOO.RI Promenade

THURSDAY	SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
9 AM	RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
10 AM	RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
11 AM	RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
1 PM	ALLUDE Salon
2 PM	ISAAC MIZRAHI Tent
3 PM	TRIAS Promenade
4 PM	CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION 205 W 39th Street, Ground Floor
5 PM	CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION 205 W 39th Street, Ground Floor
6 PM	CHOCHENG Salon
7 PM	ARGENTINE DESIGNER COLLECTIONS Promenade
8 PM	TOMMY HILFIGER Tent

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SHOWS ARE BY INVITATION ONLY.

Fashion Week September 2010 Begins Thursday the 10th

Yes, I've been very busy getting ready for Fashion Week, accepting and declining invitations. Making sure my passes are in order, and, it's been a frantic week already. Tomorrow I will report from Fashion Week so stay tuned!