Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

Every summer, we see a brand new trend or group of styles that are all the rage. Last year, terry cloth moo-moo dresses, and lots of hanging, loose peasant type clothing. This year, fashion takes a turn for the more classy looking outfits.

1. Eyelets- This classy look gives off rays of beauty and purity. It reminds us of a virgin porcelain doll during the 50’s time era. BCBG, Betsey Johnson, and Shelli Segal all have their renditions of the eyelet.

2. Puff or Bubble Dresses- Straight from the 80’s, this summer ’06 trend could be called the puff, balloon, or poof. Basically, the style calls for a magnified hem at the bottom of a dress, shirt, or skirt- giving an enhanced ladies figure. Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, and H&M all have renditions.

Tommy Hilfiger, the father of American apparel has cashed in $1.6 billion from Apax Partners in exchange for his company this past week. Hilfiger now owns his own entertainment company, Tommy Hilfiger Entertainment. After his huge sellout, Hilfiger is placing a $20 million investment into a film called “Rags”; an inside look into the New York fashion industry. Hilfiger has owned his media company for over six years and he plans to invest quite a bit of capital and time into development and production.

The film will take a ground breaking look at the fashion industry from the viewpoints of a fashion publicist, model, aspiring designer, and a manager, just to name a few. The film was written by Dale S. Lewis and will act as director as well. Get ready for high-energy drama, laughter, and lust. The film will be a joint venture production along with Hilfiger’s son’s company, Young Rich and Famous Entertainment.

Following the lead of some of today’s hottest female actresses, Julia Roberts jumps on the beauty endorsement bandwagon. Avon has announced that Roberts will be the new representing face of Avon. The campaign will pay out a cool salary of $2 to $4 million. Salma Hayek is also signed with Avon; however her pay stubs are a bit lower, averaging about $1 million annually.

Julia’s new endorsement deal comes at a perfect time; just as she was dropped as Dior’s spokeswoman. Apparently, Roberts was not famous enough to carry the weight of the House of Dior.

A few years after the release of the Erin Brockovich giant utility pollution story, played by the very talented Julia Roberts, another lawsuit is pending. In real life, Brockovich’s law firm, Massry and Vititoe, entered into a huge $6 billion lawsuit against the familiar makeup empire, Avon; claiming that unsolicited orders were shipped to their sweet sales representatives, followed by a demand for payment. It is quite interesting how cyclical and ironic the world is.

FHM is one of the fastest growing men's magazines in both the US and UK. Is it the hard-hitting feature stories? Maybe it’s the book reviews? No! FHM has figured out what young men [everywhere] want to read about most…SEX! And come July, the US version will raise temperatures, and the stakes for men’s magazines, by featuring a porn star on the cover.

Earlier this year, the UK version of FHM scored big when they put popular adult film star Tera Patrick on the cover. The sexy spread helped make the issue one of their bestselling ever and pushed them to feature Patrick on the US cover for the month of July. As if that wasn't enough good news, Tera's husband Evan says, “FHM Executive Editor Sam Barclay said it is not only the sexiest and best looking FHM covers ever, but it's one of the most arresting images Sam has ever seen in his life.”

We’ll have to wait and see if FHM can reach the same climax again in the States. My guess is that they have plenty of stamina for a second go with Tera.

I realize in this world we live in that we face so many issues. Teen pregnancy is still on the rise, more people than ever have contracted AIDS and the US economy is a disaster. Now we have yet another issue on our hands….Anna Nicole Smith is pregnant.

Yesterday, after a month of speculations, Anna Nicole Smith confirmed she is pregnant with her second child. The father has not been named…heck she probably doesn’t even know who it is. As confirmed by Anna in a video clip posted on her website, Anna had the following to tell her fans:

"Let me stop all the rumors. Yes, I am pregnant. I'm happy, I'm very very happy about it. Everything's goin' really, really good and I'll be checking in and out periodically on the Web and I'll let you see me as I'm growing,"

Mind you, all this was said as she was floating on an inflatable raft in a swimming pool as a small white dog barks in the background….a real classy girl.

Anna Nicole has a 20 year old son, Daniel, from her first marriage. If any of you watched Anna’s reality show on the E! Television channel obsessively like I did, you will remember him. Anna could barely remember his name much less her own. How is it that this woman can still reproduce!?

She married Texas oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994, when she was 26 and he was 89. He died the following year. Since then, she has feuded with Marshall's son, Pierce Marshall, over her entitlement to the tycoon's estate. Last month, Smith won a judgment from the Supreme Court last month that allows her to continue to seek part of Marshall's fortune.

After Anna wins her entitlement (because we have a spiteful God) and she has a baby girl named Becky Sue (because that only makes sense), she will actually be living the life of the Beverly Hillbillies!. Stay tuned…

According to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2005, males comprised 16 percent of all cosmetic plastic surgery consumers—a five percent increase from 1996, when they made up only 11 percent of total patients. Their decision to seek plastic surgery may parallel the reasoning of their female counterparts, but just like the procedures themselves, the rationale behind the surgery comes with an exclusively masculine twist.

"More and more men are considering plastic surgery than ever before," says former Dr.90210 surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn. "As baby boomers continue to age, many men are using plastic surgery as an aid for competing in the workplace."

2005 American Society of Plastic Surgery
1. Rhinoplasty
2. Hair Transplantation
3. Liposuction
4. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
5. Gynecomastia Repair (male breast reduction)

"The newer, less invasive procedures are extremely popular because they don't need to take time off or show the tell-tale signs of traditional plastic surgery," comments Dr. Youn.

Wouldn’t you hate to wake up one morning and rub your face trying to recall what you did yesterday? Your head pounds and all you can think about is the cup of Joe and aspirin you desperately need. You roll over and lying next to you is a pair of jeans, and a receipt that says that $300 was credited from your account for three t-shirts…scary? you bet…

If you make your way through West Hollywood, or if you’re a local, you may want to keep this place in mind on your next trip; Lisa Kline, a trendy, urban Los Angeles clothing store popular with such celebs like Britney Spears and Denise Richards is bringing the class of wine and spirits to your daily shopping routine. While you hunt for a new pair of jeans, or a new shirt, you can enjoy an ice cold corona, an exotic cocktail or a glass of wine, whatever suits your passion. I visited Lisa Kline Men located at 123 S. Roberston Blvd. across the street from the popular women's Lisa Kline and down the street from the uber cool Kitson and ever-popular The Ivy Restaurant.

This double edged sword brings the benefit of feeling like an elite client; a great feeling that any customer would enjoy while they shop. On the other hand, even a small amount of alcohol can impair our judgment. That polo you were contemplating will surely become a quick dash (or stumble) to the cashier.

This represents a new form of marketing. By altering the perception of your customers, their altered judgment could lead to higher sales.However, it can also lead to dissatisfaction and many returns after customers realize their purchase may not have been worth the money. For those who love to shop and have the wallet to fit those big eyes, go for it. If you spend your money wisely and you enjoy the most bang-explosion for your buck while dressing eloquent and in style, try more reasonable urban stores.

On Monday, the London-based Dennis Publishing announced that they have signed a $1.2 billion dollar plan with real estate developer Concord Wilshire Partners to build the Maxim Hotel & Casino. This catapults Maxim into the same league as other men’s powerhouses Playboy and Hooters, both of which have launched casinos in Las Vegas (Playboy is launching later this year).

Spending on luxury handbags, jewelry, shoes and clothing could triple over the next four years, with companies that focus on a single brand, such as Burberry Group Plc., more likely to benefit than companies like LVMH that oversee a stable of brands, according to research released on Monday.

Sales of luxury goods rose 2 percent annually from 2001 to 2005, but that growth rate is expected to jump to 6 percent yearly through the end of this decade, consulting firm Bain & Co. said in a report.

Luxury goods spending in Asia is expected to rise the fastest -- at about 9 percent per year -- Bain predicted, defining luxury goods as high-priced personal items sold in an environment that emphasizes exclusivity.

In the 10 years ended 2004, Bain found that so-called monobrands, including Polo Ralph Lauren Corp., Tiffany & Co. Inc. and Chanel, which market their products under a single brand name, grew 60 percent faster than a group of top multibrands including cosmetics company Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. and apparel and handbag specialist Gucci Group

Magazines aimed at men and parents and families, as well as to fans of travel and outdoor recreation, rarely contain ads for sun protection products, a new study shows.

Researchers note that middle-aged and older men are the group least likely to use sunscreen, while they are at the greatest risk of dying from melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Alan C. Geller of Boston University School of Medicine and colleagues reviewed six years' worth of issues of 24 popular magazines for groups at high risk of skin cancer, including men, women, teens, parents, travelers and people who enjoy outdoor pastimes such as tennis, running, golf and bicycling.

Of the 783 sun-care product ads they identified, 77 percent appeared in women's magazines, Geller and his team report in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

While women's magazines contained, on average, four sun protection product ads per issue, parenting and family magazines contained less than one such ad per issue, and outdoor recreation magazines carried sun protection product ads only once every six issues.

Furniture and home accessories retailer Bombay Co Inc said on Monday it hired David Stewart as chief executive officer effective immediately.

Stewart, 67, who also will join the company's board, served as president of Blockbuster Video Canada, a unit of Blockbuster Inc, from 2000 until April 2006, according to Bombay.

The company's former CEO James Carreker was to leave the company on June 3, Bombay said in a statement on May 15.

Menswear Designer of the year Thom Browne, left, and presenter Harry Connick Jr., right, pose backstage for photographers at the 2006 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York, Monday, June 5, 2006

Their gowns and tuxedos are on the red carpet all the time, but fashion designers themselves were primed for the spotlight Monday night at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards.

Ensuring no shortage of famous faces, though, most designers were bringing a celebrity as their date. Max Azria, the Los Angeles-based designer of his signature collection and BCBG, announced he planned to attend the black-tie ceremony at the New York Public Library with his wife, Lubov; actresses Jaime King and Amanda Bynes; and singers Rihanna and Amerie.

Jeremy Piven, star of HBO's "Entourage," was the ceremony's host.

The top prize at the CFDAs, the fashion world equivalent of the Oscars, was best womenswear designer. The nominees were Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs for Marc Jacobs.

Forget the dirt on Michael Jackson - lets talk jewelry. Yes the queen of glam is at it again and this time - it's diamonds, pearls and gold, oh my. Actress Elizabeth Taylor appears above in an exclusive interview with talk show host Larry King on CNNs Larry King Live at the CNN studios in Los Angeles showing her latest project; House of Taylor Jewelry collection.

Launching this week at the JCK show in Vegas. JCK Mag reports:

True Religion Apparel, Inc. a maker of high-end denim jeans, said Monday that Mark Saltzman, chief operating officer and director, is stepping down from his post for undisclosed reasons, and named Daryl Rosenberg to replace him.

Rosenberg formerly served as vice president involved in production at l.e.i., a sportswear and denim business owned by Jones Apparel Group. His appointment was effective June 1.

True Religion Apparel Inc. Names Daryl Rosenberg as Chief Operating OfficerTrue Religion Apparel, Inc. to Relocate World Corporate Headquarters and Distribution Center to Accommodate GrowthBombay Announces New CEO Saltzman will stay on as a consultant until September 30.

An increased demand in tourism interest from European and Far Eastern visitors will soon see a greater number of cruise ships transiting through Dubai. SNTTA Emir Tours braces for increase in visitor influx as travelers explore UAE's developed tourism infrastructure Pointing this out, a senior official of SNTTA Emir Tours, a member of the Dubai based Liberty Investment Company, said that world-class facilities, liberal environment and a diversity of attractions have all helped in positioning Dubai in the European market as a leading port of call for major cruise liners operating out of Europe.

'Tourists are extremely keen about enhancing their cruise ship experience by seeking destinations that are exceptionally safe, warm & friendly and offer a good mix of culture and heritage,' explained Jyoti Panchmatia, General Manager of SNTTA Emir Tours. 'Dubai has all those elements and more. At the same time, it offers a blend of modernity and tradition, making it an exotic destination for international travelers.'

Allergan, the Irvine-based maker of Botox, announced Monday that the Food and Drug Administration has approved three products designed to plump away facial creases. The line, called Juvederm, represents Allergan's first new products since March, when it moved to create a beauty empire with the $3 billion purchase of Inamed. The Santa Barbara company makes breast implants and facial fillers, which are often used along with Botox to reduce signs of aging. Juvederm was developed by Inamed. While Botox temporarily relaxes wrinkles around the brows, facial fillers smooth facial wrinkles and folds around the mouth. In a survey last year of patients who used Botox, 29 percent had tried a filler, according to The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation. The global market for dermal fillers in 2005 was $442 million, a 200 percent increase since 2000. The Juvederm treatment, which is injected into the skin, lasts about six months. Juvederm will compete with Restylane, which is made by Medicis, as well as another filler awaiting approval, said Allergan spokeswoman Caroline Van Hove.

Both brands use hyaluronic acid, as opposed to collagen or animal proteins. But Allergan describes Juvederm as "next generation" because the gel is smoother and works on all skin types and colors. "It creates a really smooth, natural look," Van Hove said. Allergan officials would not say when Juvederm will be available for sale or how much they expect to earn. But Van Hove said Allergan will heavily market the treatment. Like Botox, Restylane appeals directly to consumers with ads in women's magazines and brochures available in dermatology and plastic surgery offices.

Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth was adored by the media and press during her 71 fabulous and royal years. Four years after her death, Princess Margaret’s personal jewelry and accessories collection travels around the world before going up for auction in London.

Some pieces include a necklace she wore as a toddler to the tiara she walked down the aisle with. The collection tour included jewelry, art, personal items and Faberge pieces. Visitors had the opportunity to drop their jaws in Moscow, Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York. The collection will be dispersed at the sale in London on June 13th and 14th and the prices will not be quite that cheap.

This one-of-a-kind history making sale, organized by Christie’s Jewelry, will feature over 200 royal touched pieces and over 600 other pieces of fur furnituree, china, decorative items, and accessory boxes. The pre-sale tour was designed to strike a buzz in interest, converting to higher sales. Christie’s expects to bring in several million dollars from the exclusive sale. For example, her wedding Poltimore Tiara, worn at Westminster Abbey during the first ever televised broadcast royal wedding, will pull in about $350,000. Other pieces include a sapphire and diamond brooch with a handwritten note from Queen Mary on her confirmation day as well as as the many ruby gems that adorned the royal style of princess Margaret throughout her life.

The revenue from this sale will go towards Britain’s steep death or estate taxes. Her children will be hosting and conducting this once in a lifetime sales event. “Christie’s are honored to have been instructed to sell jewelry and works of art from the private collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon,” said Francois Curiel, deputy chairman of Christie’s and international head of jewelry. “We will stage an auction that pays tribute to her glamorous style and beauty.”

I love it how these big business tycoons toting their enormous, obnoxious umbrellas feel the need to dominate the sidewalk leaving us more fashionably oriented umbrella handlers squirming around trying to avoid collision. Is there some umbrella hierarchy that I’ve failed to learn about? Feeling inferior to the finance men in black with huge umbrellas big enough to fit the pre-gastric Star Jones walking steadily in the middle of the sidewalk, I move to the side holding my fab Louis umbrella and hope that I don’t get side swiped by the big men in black.

Speaking of Louis, since it seems like the rain will never go away, more and more New Yorkers are turning to designer umbrellas as their final attempt to never be caught out of style. From Prada to Louis Vuitton, our desire to be fashionable has taken over every aspect of our lives. Seems like the trend is bigger is better—just make sure that whatever you do, you follow New York City umbrella etiquette.

This past week I had the pleasure of attending the JCK Show (a jewelry trade show) in Las Vegas for a fab new client, Fantasy Diamond. What a fabulous way to spend my week—looking at gorgeous jewelry! My eyes were blinded from the sparkle and bling that was everywhere. It was a fascinating show because it was well attended by international press and also the show was GY-NORMUS! I actually got lost on the international floor somewhere between the Thailand Pavillion and the China Pavillion. I did however invest in a beautiful pink sapphire ring in 14k white gold. It is a square solitaire and it will keep my finger happy until I can afford that gorgeous Fantasy Diamond ring—a flower with a hug diamond cluster in the center.

Trade shows are a great place to mingle with editors and learn about an industry you aren’t familiar with. I have worked in jewelry and accessories for a while and was still amazed to see how many retailers, manufacturers and just in general how many businesses attend these shows. I am always intrigued by the floor for manufacturers of display cases and jewelry boxes, along with any other supplies retailers may need for their stores. It often makes me think about how the average consumer may not always realize what exactly goes into owning a store. I mean, those display cases have to come from somewhere right? As an avid shopper, and someone who works in the industry, I too sometimes forget about all of the little, yet important, logistics involved. It just goes to show that there is always more work involved in businesses that the general public can sometimes overlook. So, in closing I suggest we all take action and think about what really goes into putting the world together! Maybe we will stop to appreciate things a little more often.

When American Idol contestant Taylor Hicks, 29 years old, was recently named the next American Idol, many viewers rejoiced, but perhaps none as loudly as those with gray hair. In one interview following his win, Hicks noted, “I didn't have any idea that America would embrace gray hair as much as they have."

Although Hicks is only 29, his gray hair has touched a cord with many older folks. Most notably, the baby boomers who are nearing the retirement age and struggling to accept the inevitable signs of old age, have been inspired by Hicks’ choice to not dye his hair. According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, Hick’s win can be viewed as an indication that Americans are embracing the mantra that for men, “it is okay to be gray.”

Who doesn’t Heart H&M? It’s the eclectic retailer of affordable, mass-produced individuality. Whatever the trend or style, it seems they’ve got it, and it’s been that way since they Hennes & Mauritz ventured Stateside around the turn of the century. They sent New Yorkers into a tizzy when they had a brief, but successful affair with Karl Lagerfeld. That launch saw lines around the block. Then they had a tryst with Stella McCartney. Now, they’ve selected a new mistress, and it’s none other that the Material Girl, Madonna. While on one hand I love both Madge and her new business bedfellow for their ability to be so many things to so many people, I am a bit angry at their joint role in one of the most unflattering trends of summer ’06: Leggings. Yes, I loved them under my skirts as an 80’s/90's kid. Yeah, it was a bit cool to see the woman who inspired me to wear them back then wear them again. But no, IT IS NOT FUN to see everyone jump on the bandwagon. It’s said that she will have her own specially designed track suit at the stores. Let’s all hope it’s more flattering than the noisy ones my friends and I wore in ’94. Madonna and her back-ups will also be given entire offstage wardrobes and will wear H&M accoutrements in the upcoming ad campaign, which launches in August and will run through the fall. I can’t lie… I’m dying to see what it looks like.

My mother always said there was nothing better for you than a good night’s sleep. Now I took this advice to heart and am a big advocate of sleep (the more the better!)

Recent research results from Ohio’s case Western Reserve University have just reinforced my mother’s reasonable and news that could shake the world of Jenny Craig and Slim Fast and many other organizations/schemes that promise us a better more beautiful life.

It was clinically proven that a good night’s sleep can help keep you slim! More naps – less Nutrisystem!

And this is not just idle speculation, these tests have been being conducted for the last 16 years… and they showed astounding results! It was concluded that women “who slept five or fewer hours a night were a third more likely to put on at least 33lbs than a sound sleeper”.

It was also concluded that loss of weight had nothing to do with the with the amount of food eaten by the research subjects but more patients gained more from an extra hours sleep then by skipping a meal.

So forget going out on the town for a few drinks and a slap up dinner this evening…. Stop off at home to enjoy a sensible dinner and an early night!

May not sound so appealing now but it will be worth it in the long run!!

According to a recent study of 1,619 brides conducted by the Condé Nast Bridal Group, 16 percent of couples now have a destination wedding, a 400 percent increase in the past 10 years.

The trend has been fueled by the desire to save money: Because guests traditionally pay their own way to the wedding venue, fewer guests make the trip, resulting in lower reception costs. Also, many resorts will kick in a free basic wedding package when a couple honeymoons at the resort for at least a week.

But the money-saving aspect of a destination wedding may be waning. The Condé Nast study reported that destination weddings cost an average of $26,000 - only $2,000 less than a traditional wedding - and that's just for the ceremony and reception; airfares and lodging are extra.

Modern Bride magazine surveyed 6,000 travel agents last year - its ninth-annual survey on the subject - and came up with a Top 10 list of honeymoon destinations and lodgings. But what if these trips exceed your budget? We've added our own suggestions on how to bring them within bounds.

Pros offer advice to help your greenery survive summer

When temperatures exceed 100 degrees, most of us stay in the shade or air-conditioned confines of home, office or car. Our landscape plants don't have that luxury. They must cope with the sun and heat day in and day out.

It isn't unusual for plants to die, turn crispy or droop as temperatures rise. However, just because we live in the desert doesn't mean our landscapes have to look barren. And it doesn't mean your water bill needs to exceed an extra $100, either.

Gardeners at Valley resorts and hotels face the same challenges as your neighbors, but the gardeners' business is to keep the grounds looking fabulous for weddings, banquets, meetings and guests. Replacing dead plants on a daily basis isn't good for the bottom line, so gardeners plant what they know will grow well, look great and enhance the landscape.

Spa Finder, the global spa resource, has launched Spa Finder Europe, Ltd. to better serve its European spas and spa-going customers. US based Spa Finder currently reaches millions of health conscious consumers via its web site Spafinder.com and its Luxury SpaFinder Magazine.

Spa Finder Europe websites will feature Spa Finder's industry-leading spa property database, content and research tools, including a spa travel booking engine to some of the finest spa destinations in the world. In addition, regional European markets will be better served with localised day spa information and an expansion of the Spa Finder Gift Certificate/Voucher Programme - a business that has doubled each year for the last five years.

A world-renowned Swiss clinic has been given its second prestigious accolade of 2006 following a win at The European Spa Awards in Monaco. Clinique La Prairie, situated in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, was awarded the title of Best European Medical Spa on Saturday just a month after being named the ‘world’s best medical spa’ by a leading UK newspaper.

The awards took place as part of the second edition of the European Spa Exhibition from 21st -23rd January, at which major international professionals from the medical, wellbeing and spa industries were gathered.

Organisers said the awards rewarded the best achievements in these fields throughout the world with announcements of the winners taking place at a gala dinner at The Hotel Paris in Monaco.

“We’re thrilled to receive such a prestigious award,” said Yael Bruigom, marketing manager for Clinique La Prairie. “It is testament to the major investment we’ve made in our spa and thalassotherapy facilities over the past year and the way in which our history of medical excellence complements the more traditional aesthetic treatments we offer.”

This Father's Day, give the No 1 man in your life the No 1 selling fragrance for men - give him Sean "Diddy" Combs' "Unforgivable." Since Combs and Estee Lauder launched "Unforgivable" in March, it has been a runaway success. In department and specialty stores across North America, "Unforgivable" is flying off the shelves and people from New York to LA are talking about not only the sensual-smelling fragrance, but also its racy advertisements. To celebrate the popularity of "Unforgivable," Combs' is offering a special, limited edition Father's Day Gift Set for $75, which includes both the eau de toilette and aftershave.

"As you know I'm a recording artist, I'm a designer, actor, producer, and let's not forget, a marathon runner. But the thing I'm most proud of is that I'm a father," said Sean Combs, creator of "Unforgivable" and founder of Sean John. So this Father's Day, give the leading man in your life a gift that reflects all facets of his personality, including his sexier side.

It was a wonderful night of singing and dancing at the 60th Annual Tony Awards.

The History Boys triumphed winning six awards, including Best Play. The History Boys actually hold the record for the most Tony Awards ever given to a play. Also winning Best Actress in a play this year from History Boys was Frances de la Tour, whom you might recognize as the huge tall giant in the last Harry Potter movie.

Jersey Boys rightfully won for Best Musical. John Lloyd Young from Jersey Boys won Best Actor in a musical and LaChanze from the Color Purple won Best Actress in a musical.

Although there a many stars on Broadway, the most famous of all celebrities graced the stage with her presence…Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is one of the producers for the Color Purple and although her musical did not win the “Best Musical” trophy, she can be relaxed knowing The Color Purple already has a two year sold out run.

As I headed last night to and from different Tony parties, I was able to congratulate and even meet a couple of my inspirations…no I didn’t get to meet Oprah this time. At one time last night, Julia Roberts was five feet away from me on one side and on the other Chita Rivera. It was quite an experience. I respect the Tony Awards more than any other award given. When you’re on stage in front of hundreds of people, you can’t ask the director to stop the camera. Please remember to support the arts and try to see all of these Tony award winning musicals this year.

I have recently been in the market for a new messenger bag. Since my time has been limited, I decided I would browse online to see what brands I liked and where I could buy them. Don’t get my wrong, I love my Tumi, but it can be too large for my needs. I wanted something smaller and more casual. I prefer a designer bag (or at least “designed”), a good price (around $300 for a designer label –OUCH, I KNOW – and under $100 for a non-designer brand), highly functional and of good quality (it MUST last).

It’s been a couple of years since I shopped online. I remember it used to be easy to shop with sites full of functionality and images. I’d simply point, click and be done… but not anymore. I went through many sites and found very few that had decent stock, site functionality, product details or even an option buy them! I visited: Bloomingdales.com, LouisVuitton.com, Prada.com, Macys.com, Barneys.com, SaksFifthAvenue.com, JackSpade.com, ManhattanPortage.com, Bluefly.com, Gucci.com and Diesel.com.

A goodbye “roast” was given to Meredith Vieira of the “The View” this past Friday. What should have been a funny grand farewell turned into an embarrassing awkward goodbye show fit for someone that might be leaving a local cable show.

Mario Cantone, Joan Rivers and Gilbert Gottfried joined for a Friar's Club-style roast with Vieira giving as good as she got. "You guys put a show together that looks like it took the time that Bill takes to comb his hair," she said, as the camera panned to bald executive producer Bill Geddie.

No one was sure why Gilbert Gottfried showed up. Mario Cantone was only there because he had been a guest 31 times and Joan River’s half way awkward joke was when she cracked, "It's going to be very hard to do 'The View' without you and without Star -- oh, sorry, that's next week!"

Kelsey Grammer made a quick appearance but only to (jokingly) plug his new movie XMen:3. Seriously.

Barbara Walters also tried her hand at comedy but failed miserably. She seemed so uncomfortable reading the teleprompter. She peaked with "We just hope that given your drinking habit you're able to tell 'Today' from tomorrow and, more importantly, Matt Lauer from Al Roker." My inside source at ABC tells me that Barbara is actually furious at Meredith for leaving “The View” and can’t believe ABC didn’t try to counter the offer given by NBC.

All in all, the farewell show was a total bore. I was able to watch Katie Couric’s farewell and they had such stars as the cast of “Jersey Boys,” Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood and many others. This doesn’t include the many prerecorded goodbyes given by various A-List celebrities. My source at ABC also told me that as soon as Meredith’s farewell show was over, she immediately got in her SUV and never looked back. Good for you Meredith!

If you’ve been under a rock, you may have missed the ravings of Pierce Mattians throughout the city. We have arrived, ladies and gentlemen and the address is smack dab in the heart of Times Square. This week I had the pleasure of hosting editors at the Pierce Mattie Media Oasis to promote an in-salon service made famous by Joico Hair Care.

Now, I’m certainly not going to reveal all of the photos…we are still planning our fabulous launch event; but I will tell you that the chameleon we call the Media Oasis turned into a top notch beauty salon just for Joico. For clients like Phytomer and SamPar, the Oasis will be a magnificent spa. For Jane Iredale, the most indulgent makeup counter yet and for health and exercise clients, the Oasis becomes a fitness studio.

Just as an oasis in the middle of the desert transforms into your most insatiable desires, so does the Pierce Mattie Media Oasis…but it’s real, baby…so real! Keep your fingers crossed, ladies and gents. Maybe you’ll be among one of the dynamic movers and shakers to get a coveted invite to our grand opening.

Who knew? Ethnic Personal Care is a huge market! Different hair textures, different skin tones and totally different needs than women with less melanin and silkier hair. African American women spend two to three times the amount of money on hair care and maintenance than do other ethnicities.

My editor sister friends, take notice! Women of Color read your words. We want to live by them but it is hard, oh so hard! We want you to lead us to products that work for us! And that, oh sister friends, is why I am here. Check out some stats below and let’s get some ethnic hair care brands- both independent and corporately owned- on the page!

Just when one magazine folds, another swoops in to take it’s place.

On February 24th this year, news spread fast that the luxury magazine Absolute was folding after Domingo Cuadra reportedly lost interest in funding the Spanish-origin magazine. Then rumors starting circulating that real estate tycoon William May was ready to shell out seven figures to bring the publication back. Now the word on the street is that New York Home, owned by Hour Media, a Michigan-based publishing group, is ready to bring the magazine back. Whatever the case may be, I wish they would finally make a decision. I personally loved the magazine, and every time I hear a rumor that it is re-opening, it is the same as hearing that Sex and the City is moving to the big screen - always on the edge, but never reaching full climax.

In the world before Tom Ford, Gucci fell into suede loafer obscurity, requiring a serious face lift. After a few seasons at the Italian design emporium, Ford’s input swiftly reinvented the house of Gucci, making The G a status symbol yet again. Images of smoky-eyed models on a black runway sporting dresses with strategically placed cut outs come to mind. A stunning Gwyneth Paltrow wearing that red velvet suit shot the line into the celebrity stratosphere. The result was a revamped Gucci brand and lifestyle that screamed sex, wealth, beauty and elitism. The average citizen needed not apply.

However, once street vendors in New York City started selling imitation hobos and sunglasses with rhinestone G’s glued on the temples, Ford must have gotten bored by the baseness of it all. He then sunk his teeth into another brand needing a boost, Yves Saint Laurent. Once again, the famed American managed to resuscitate a stuffy old European brand desperately in need of a shot of adrenalin. Although you’d be hard pressed to find Yves Saint Laurent copies for sale on Canal Street, Ford’s signature YSL runway Grecian goddess looks and ladylike ruffles can be found anywhere from be be to Ann Taylor at this point.

Ford has since struck gold again at famed cosmetics powerhouse Estee Lauder where he is busy reviving the namesake’s line of color and fragrance. After relaunching Youth Dew with Ford’s sexy touch, their fragrance sector saw a 27% growth, claims the company website. This summer’s Azuree line that Ford designed is sure to boost the company’s cosmetic sales, given that the packaging is incredibly chic and the colors universal for all skin tones.

Given his resume, it is safe to say that Tom Ford is a sure thing.

Perhaps that is why he felt so inclined to design his own line of eyewear. He banked on his own bankability, and as a result, every five faces from 86th street down to Houston have sunglasses with “TF” on the side. Ford has successfully pimped himself out. Did he not realize that he would be giving commoners a VIP pass? Does he not want anything to remain sanctified?

At this point, he might as well sell his shades at the Gap. Don’t get me wrong, I do admire his successes and his inspired vision. I just don’t see him as a household name. I cringe at the thought of him designing an ipod or a line at H&M. You just know that one of the two has got to be next on Ford’s agenda.