Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Apparently the end of the world has been pushed up from December 2012 to this Saturday. Yikes.

Haven’t heard about it?  Here, let me Google that for you.

This Sunday.

If you happen to believe in that sort of thing, you’re probably not reading this blog right now. You may be stockpiling bottled water, protein bars, heavy blankets and Bactine in your fallout shelter, or on a plane to tell that special someone you do, in fact, love them. That’s cool.

But if you do happen to casually be surfing the Web in search of apocalyptic advice, you’ve come to the right place. I happen to be a worrier of epic proportions with epic shopping suggestions. I’ve already played out the different scenarios, and have attire picks for optimal survival odds.

Should the world end in fire, Arizonans will have the upper-hand, as we already deal with fiery-hot conditions on a daily basis.

I can barely recognize these without the reflection of explosions in them.

Some Michael Kors aviators are timelessly disaster-chic, and remind me of every Independence Day-style movie I’ve ever seen. If these are good enough for Will Smith, they’re good enough for me.

Perfect for sunning or running from catastrophe.

An Agent Provocateur swimsuit like this Lyssandra Underwire Plunged Swimsuit fits the bill in a Halle Berry, 007 sort of way. Strap a knife to your hip and emerge from a body of water in slo-mo for the full effect.

Should the world end in ice, we may be a little off our game.

Not too bulky, but still warm enough for a nuclear winter.

First things first, we’ll need nice warm coats. This Burberry Brit Quilted Motorcycle Jacket will be great for layering over cardigans and bulletproof vests.

Protects your ears from the cold and the sound of bombs detonating.

Also on my list- head warming gear like these Karl Donoghue Rabbit Earmuffs. Ordinarily, I’d be completely against fur. But in times of superhuman, bitter cold, it may actually be the difference between human life and death. Plus, there won’t even be a fur industry to perpetuate after the apocalypse and these are already dead.

Also great for running from aliens.

Either way, there’s going to be sludge or ashes to wade through. Jimmy Choo’s Biker Wellingtons fit the bill, and look 2012-chic to me. Bonus, the soles are made in a way that doesn’t slip on debris.

*Note: I didn’t bother including prices on any of these items, for obvious reasons.

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1. Fashion Designers Offer Japan Relief Items
2. What to Wear on Vacation

I always run into the little conundrum when gearing up for a vacation: Do I buy a vacation wardrobe, or spend my cashola on items from faraway places? The obvious answer is both. While you can’t leave a vacation without a souvenir, you also can’t wear boring old clothes in your vacation photos. You’re playing the part of a local! You need to look fabulous.

Could Ms. Bardot be any more fabulous?

Lucky for us, there seems to be a “1950′s Holiday in Capri” movement happening in fashion, with bright colors, lightweight fabrics and espadrilles by the ton up for grabs. All spring fashion is warm-weather chic, but this year seems to be making a shift from bohemian beachy to the preppy beachy. In the first of a two-part blog post, I’m sharing my favorite vacation staples for the year. Today: Accessories.

Hard to pack, but worth it.

Obviously, a hat is a go-to for vacations. They’re even worth the trouble of actually packing a hat. I love love LOVE this Eugenia Kim Max Straw Fedora. I’m not tired of fedoras yet, but it’s important to look current- this is different enough from that ubiquitous tan fedora with a black ribbon we all know so well.

Here, kitty kitty kitty.

Tom Ford’s Nikita Sunglasses ($360) are so deliciously retro, how could you resist? The exaggerated acetate frames keep from going over-the-top thanks to the go-with-everything tortoiseshell coloring. Plus, you and your gentleman friend will look like Don and Betty Draper having cocktails by the pool.

In colors True Love and Morrel

Love Quotes Scarves ($75-95) are the perfect summer accessory- they’re lightweight and easy for packing in a suitcase or tote, comfortable in the sun or a cool museum and perfect for covering your shoulders, when appropriate.

Less scary on than it looks, and it makes you feel tanner!

An easy touch that makes a big impact when painted on your short, oval nails: Essie’s Geranium polish. Super-retro for your trip, and adult-enough to look approp at the office when you return.

Huge tote bags are not always necessary on vacation.

The Eastward Avenue Kayla Straw Clutch ($225) from Kate Spade is beachy and summery, but because it’s a clutch it can go sightseeing or to dinner with you. Please resist the urge to fanny pack-it or buy one of those under-the-shirt passport holders.

Callista and Vonya (both $225)

Every time I turn on my computer it’s an internal struggle not to buy Kate Spade shoes. These little guys fall under the trend of this season’s “flatforms”, which are a flatter version of your usual platforms. They’ll keep your legs looking long without hindering your ability to keep up with your travel mates on your sightseeing strolls.

Hard-shell suitcases are worth a try, trust me.

Of course, you’re going to need a Globe-Trotter® Centenary 33″ Extra-Deep Suitcase with Wheels to keep all your fabulous vacationwear in. Built to withstand the weight of a one-ton elephant (for realsies!), the Globtrotter has a Vulcan Fibre shell and comes in tan or lemon yellow.

Related posts:

1. The Arrogant Butcher, Kate Spade Revamp and Water Bobbles
2. Fashion Designers Offer Japan Relief Items
3. Wake Up and Smell the Spring Fashion

This weekend was Celebrity Fight Night, and I was lucky enough to receive an invitation from my pal Mark Rosendahl from Aventura Catering, who did all of the beautiful food for the Celebrity Fight Night Founder’s Dinner the evening before. (THANK YOU, MARK!) If anybody needs incredible food for parties big and small, Aventura is amazing.

Celebrity Fight Night was pure luxury, from the unbelievable ice scuplutre Champagne bars to the pink and white ranunculus and custom Chiavari chairs (hey, if you plan events you know those are about $11 each to rent). Not to mention the performances from Matchbox 20, Jackie Evancho, Bret Michaels, American Idol Top Ten finalists and the original American Idol herself, Kelly Clarkson. Reba McEntire, Halle Barry, Bo Derek, Verne Troyer, Frankie Muniz, Billy Crystal and tons of other celebs made appearances, too.

Each year the event raises money for The Muhammad Ali Parkinsons Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, and this year brought in an astonishing $6.6 million, thanks to a $1 million donation from Bob Parsons and crazy auction items like a signed “Glee” guitar, photos signed by every James Bond and dinner parties at celebrity homes.

Of course, the highlight of the event (and my life) was when all the ladies were asked to join Kelly Clarkson onstage to dance and sing to a rousing rendition of “My Life Would Suck Without You”. Of course, being the Idol fanatic I am, I was crowding the stage waiting to lunge, made it up to the front first and was thisclose to her for three entire minutes. She stuck her mic in my face at one point, and I knew the words (thank god) and didn’t embarrass myself.

While I didn’t have it in the budget to drop $400k for an evening with Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro in the auction, I did spy a little something I need to add to my shopping list. My friend/date Dove works at Kate Spade and has an incredible Lella clutch, which is beaded and super skinny, but fits a phone and digicam perfectly. Unfortunately, her black one is already sold out. However I did see, when stalking Katespade.com, that there’s another colorful and spring variety available:

Swoon. You will be mine. Oh yes.

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First and foremost, I must address the complete and total MINX Kate Winslet has become! Check out her bombshell platinum pixie on the cover of British Vogue. I’ve always been afraid of white hair because of my dark eyebrows, but she’s trailblazing in the blonde hair/dark brow department. She looks like she’s a 25 year-old Elite model!

She’s come a long way since Titanic.

Whenever I open a (national) magazine, I’m always most excited for Chloe’s floating head advertisements. I am not sure what it is, but ever since the days of high school, I’ve been obsessed with their models. The undone hair (how do they get that perfect wave?) sun-kissed skin and a glimpse of their magic Chloe threads make me want to tear them out and tape them on my desk.

I’ve finally accepted I will never be as cool as these girls.

In local news (haha like either of those last two photos had anything to do with news), invites are out for Xavier College Prep’s annual Fashion Show Luncheon, the one event every year I actually agree to attend on a Sunday. If you ask me, Sundays are typically meant for brunch with GFs from college, Postino, TiVo, baking or Target. This par-tay is worth making an exception for.

Does anybody think of Madonna whenever they see or hear the word ‘Cherish’?

The XCP fashion show kickoff mini-event each year is held in Saks Fifth Avenue- this year’s kickoff involved H&M touch-ups from cosmetic and hair professionals, shoe trend seminars and a denim bar.  My high school fundraising consisted of “Battle of the Band” competitions and car washes. Everybody should have lives as glamorous as the Xavier girls.

The gumball-filled 2008 ‘That Girl’-themed event.

So, needless to say, the Xavier College Prep & Saks Fifth Ave fashion show collaboration event is a fantastic way to raise ton of cold hard cash for their scholarship program. This year is expected to top 1,600 guests! The luncheon involves a 10:30 a.m. cocktail hour with fun revenue enhancers, a delectable lunch (with lunch dessert) and Saks spring fashions coordinated by mastermind Amy Videan, followed by numbers performed by the XCP seniors. For more info and to buy tickets, click here.

Perfect for your beach bag.

Finally, I want to give cosmetic junkies and NARS fans a hot little tip. Last summer NARS released a trio of sheer, “The Multiple Tint” makeup sticks (named after destinations like Beverly Hills, Cadaques and Turks & Caicos) that are just plain juicy when slicked on over a tan or fake-tan. The prob is, they’re completely sold out across the globe. I have Googled, visited boutiques in Phoenix, Chicago and Portland (everywhere I’ve traveled since I discovered them) and searched high and low to no avail. Lo and behold, Saks Fifth Ave Phoenix has a few of each color tucked away. Pop by! Highly suggest.

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“In a time when luxury is an over-used claim by far too many brands, I believe this relationship between Bentley Motors and Astor & Black not only underpins one of our key brand values of craftsmanship, but the commissioning experience that is associated with each of our products will inevitably provide more prospective customers with an insight into our respective brands,” said Joe Ashworth, head of marketing, Bentley Motors.  ”It’s a win-win situation for both brands.”  

“Bentley is synonymous with luxury,” said David Schottenstein, Astor & Black CEO. “We plan to hand select the fabric for these suits. The new Bentley owners will also receive a hand-made silk tie and shirt. We are very proud to be an integral part of this promotion.”

Most recently, Astor & Black made fashion history as one of their long-time clients was recognized as Esquire’s 2010 Best Dressed Real Man.  The company has also made strides to bring the fashion industry its first online tool where consumers can virtually design and create their own custom clothing. This October, they launched the Astor & Black Bespoke Visualizer at the new www.astorandblack.com. Notably, Founder and CEO, David Schottenstein, was featured as one of the “30 Under 30″ (young entrepreneurs under 30) by Inc. Magazine.

About Astor & Black

Founded in 2004 by, then 21-year old, David Schottenstein, Astor & Black Custom Clothiers specializes in fully canvassed, custom handmade suits, jackets, pants and shirts.  Also available through Astor & Black are bespoke and exotic handmade leather belts, leather jackets, luxury cashmere and bench made shoes. Today, Astor & Black can be found in all major U.S. cities and Canada, as well as Europe. Astor & Black is committed to offering the highest quality for unprecedented value. Satisfaction is guaranteed.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.astorandblack.com.

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Art, music, storytelling and access to Taos Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited structure in North America, make up just a few of the opportunities for residents and visitors alike to experience the region’s great beauty, and revel in the deeply authentic.

Now in its 36th year, The Taos Fall Arts Festival kicks off with its Arts & Crafts Fair September 24, 25 and 26 in Kit Carson Park. This year more than 80 vendors from Northern New Mexico will take part. The event is free, with gates open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Running concurrently through October 11 are three major Fall Arts Exhibitions, “Living Masters,” “Taos Invites,” and “Taos Open.” For the full slate of events visit www.taosfallarts.com.

On Sunday, September 26th, Society of the Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) will present a very special evening with actor and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sam Shepard. A long-time visitor to the region, Mr. Shepard will read from his latest book of short stories (one that even describes a visit to Taos), “Day Out of Days.” Tickets are just $20 in advance, $30 at the door with proceeds benefiting SOMOS’ Youth Mentorship Program. www.somostaos.org

One of Taos Pueblo’s most culturally significant and visually compelling feast days, San Geronimo, is held every year on September 30th. Foot races on the ancient racetrack begin in the early morning, and in the afternoon, sacred clowns climb a towering pole to celebrate the coming of Fall and the bounty of the harvest. The oldest continuously inhabited structures in North America, Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its San Geronimo Day is a singular Northern New Mexico event not to be missed. www.taospueblo.com

TAOS OFFERS A VARIETY OF FALL EVENTS

Now in its 27th year, The Taos Wool Festival takes place rain or shine October 2 and 3 in Kit Carson Park. Sheep, yak, rabbit, goats, alpacas, lamas, and even baby bison are just some of the critters that will be on display. This year, with the theme of “Earth’s Palette Natural Dye and Color,” workshops will run from September 26 to October 7 and include instruction in spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, dyeing and other topics. Some 68 vendors will showcase regional fibers, art and accessories, and organizers expect 4,000 to 5,000 visitors to attend the free event. www.taoswoolfestival.org

Storytelling gets its due on October 16th when the Society of the Muse of the Southwest, (SOMOS) presents popular storytellers Bil Lepp, Cisco Guevara, Liz Manqual & Bob Kanegis, and local favorite Cipriano Vigil performing with son and daughter Cipriano P. and Felicita Piñon. Workshops and programs include “Getting Folks to Lie Well,” with Bill Lepp, a “Storyswap” sponsored by the Taos Public Library, and a “Storytelling Concert” that caps off the evening. For a full listing
visit http://somostaos.net/

The Taos Chamber Music Group performs two concerts this fall on Saturday October 23 and Sunday October 24. Some of New Mexico’s finest musicians as well as performers from around the world will present familiar masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Dvorak, as well as provocative contemporary compositions. For more information, visit www.taoschambermusicgroup.org.

On the last weekend of Taos’ fall festivals, the 28th annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally will send up to 50 hot air balloons into the dazzling blue sky over Taos. While it may not be the biggest ballooning event in New Mexico, it surely takes place in one of the most scenic spots on earth. And flying over the Rio Grande Gorge can be the experience of a lifetime. www.taosballoonrally.com

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Perfect Gift for the Holidays for Golfers of all Levels – Makes Learning Golf Easy & Fun

Made of the highest quality cabretta leather, SensoGlove is the perfect gift for the holidays for golfers of all levels. Everyone that has tried to learn golf knows how hard it is to achieve the perfect light grip necessary to swing the club correctly every time. Most beginners grip the golf club too tightly causing a bad swing and even injury. With SensoGlove, all golfers, from beginner to advanced, can quickly learn how to hold the club, avoiding bad habits and improving every part of their game, from backswing, downswing, impact, follow-through, to driving, putting, and chipping.

SensoGlove Avoids the Death Grip

“Every golfer wants to hit the ball far and the natural instinct is to swing harder and faster,” said David Bauer, President, SensoSolutions. “But trying to swing with more power causes a death grip, creating tension in the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. The result is a less than smooth swing and, even worse, tightened muscles. Tight muscles result in slower – not faster – club head speed.”

Emphasized by golf instructors throughout the world, grip pressure is a very important skill for all golfers to learn. Using SensoGlove improves rhythm and timing, higher club head speed, and a more efficient and repeatable golf swing. To use SensoGlove, golfers should first try it in the driving range to test various pressure settings until they find one that gives them the perfect swing. The grip pressure settings can be stored in SensoGlove’s memory to use throughout the swing, allowing you to exert just the right amount of pressure for a natural, effortless swing. During practice, golfers can set the monitor to low to high sensitivity from 1-18. The highest settings (13-18) are the most sensitive and encourage a very light grip pressure, particularly useful when chipping and putting. The lowest settings (1-12) are less sensitive and are designed to help golfers develop a lighter grip.

SensoGlove is available immediately online at www.sensoglove.com and through regional sales partners and golf schools around the world for both men and women in right or left hand configurations, sizes small to x-large, priced at $89 (replacement gloves are available for $25). Made of the highest quality cabretta leather, the built-in digital monitor can be removed to use SensoGlove as a regular golf glove. For more information, please visit www.sensoglove.com.

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“Many auto enthusiasts are passionate for Audi’s attractive and sleek, sexy designs. The Audi A5 definitely turned heads for its great style,” said George Peterson, President of AutoPacific. “The Audi A6, chosen as the Best ‘Country Club’ vehicle, was shown to truly represent its owners – well-to-do, educated, financially savvy and frequent travelers.”

The award-winning Audi A5 coupe features a sophisticated, yet striking design that commands road presence. An elegantly appointed, driver-oriented cockpit combined with standard quattro® all-wheel drive, an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, and an incredibly powerful yet efficient engine, makes the A5 is a true driver’s sports car.

With one of the most luxurious interiors available, according to U.S. News and World Report, the Audi A6 combines exceptional performance with an unmatched driving experience. The elegant design of the A6 is defined by iconic touches such as the unique Singleframe® grille, striking LED daytime running lights and taillights, optional entertainment choices such as the BOSE® Surround Sound system, industry-leading safety features and the convenience of HomeLink® and Bluetooth®.

This year’s Motorist Choice Awards went beyond editorial reviews and performance test data to address the wants and needs of today’s motorists, like total cost of ownership, driving experience, fuel economy and resale value. The awards included 15 new areas in which buyers might categorize their potential purchases, also including Best Cargo Hauler and Best Value Car. The exhaustive national value data and consumer lifestyle studies were performed by the consumer automotive analyst IntelliChoice and automotive market research firm AutoPacific.

For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com.

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Are you a patron of the arts seeking a unique legacy opportunity in Boston? Consider this very exclusive offer: simply by booking the “$6 Million Dollar Suite” at Taj Boston for the weekend of October 15-17, 2010, your name will grace the dramatic new performance complex at The Boston Conservatory, Boston’s prestigious independent performing arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, dance and musical theater. Or select one of several other Boston Conservatory weekend offers that include admission to gala performances and events as well as luxury hotel amenities and services.

Book-ending the Back Bay neighborhood, Taj Boston and The Boston Conservatory both play a large role in Boston’s long history and cultural landscape. The two organizations are now joining forces to bring new awareness to the Boston community’s role as a training ground for the performing artists of the future.

Taj Boston, the landmark hotel at Arlington and Newbury streets overlooking the Public Garden, created the special weekend offers to commemorate its new collaboration with the celebrated college for performing artists. Founded in 1867, The Boston Conservatory is undergoing an exciting revitalization with the opening of its new $32 million theater building, featuring new large volume performance studios and a 300-seat state-of–the-art theater. The Boston Conservatory will officially reveal its new spaces October 13-16 with a series of Opening Note! performances, ribbon cutting ceremony, guided tours and special events reserved for major donors and guests of Taj Boston’s special $6 million suite. Details are available at www.bostonconservatory.edu/openingnote.

$6 Million Boston Conservatory Suite Weekend at Taj Boston, October 15-17, 2010 includes:

Naming rights to The Boston Conservatory’s new theater building performance complex
Private round-trip jet transport from anywhere in the world to Boston for two, and limousine transfers to and from hotel
Two nights’ accommodations in Taj Boston Presidential Suite, a 1,540-square-foot space with large parlor overlooking the Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue, dining room and kitchen area, spacious master bedroom and lavish marble master bath, with 24-hour butler service
Gift of a new Jaguar XJ to enjoy during your stay and then to take with you or garage in Boston, with lifetime valet parking privileges at Taj Boston
An exclusive itinerary of Boston Conservatory grand opening events, including ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of “your” new theater building and Opening Note! performance on October 15; VIP reception, dinner and Opening Note! performance featuring guest artist on October 16, followed by post-performance Champagne and dessert after-party for patrons and performers
Lifetime tickets for two to all Boston Conservatory performances, arranged by the Taj Boston concierge staff
A collection of commemorative items honoring your generous donation, including an engraved Christofle sterling silver platter, etched Tiffany Champagne glasses and a magnum of Cristal Champagne Rose
A festive farewell Sunday Champagne Brunch on The Roof at Taj Boston
For more information, contact Claude Dubois at Taj Boston, 617-536-6700. Please note that all offers are subject to availability and do not include tax and gratuities

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The stress-free experience continues inside the exclusive Smartwater Model Lounge, where the most recognizable faces in the business can get their runway groove back. Models representing the top ten modeling agencies in the world are invited to soak in the lounge’s soothing vibe after wardrobe fittings or between runway shows. They can also enjoy the Gansevoort Park Avenue South’s luxe amenities, including its rooftop swimming pool and gym. Leading up to Fashion Week, Porsche also provided transportation for models to and from the Union Square Lounge at The Coffee Shop.

With precision performance and classic Porsche sports car lines curved around a generous four-passenger interior, the Panamera turns heads wherever it travels, making it a perfect partner for Fashion Week’s style icons. The Porsche Cayenne also sets its own style agenda, combining the sport of spirited driving with the utility of five passenger seating and loads of cargo capacity. Engineered to effortlessly carve through even the toughest Manhattan traffic, both Porsches will be in motion throughout the week.

While these Porsches are reserved for the women who work the runway during Fashion Week, you don’t have to be a top model to enjoy Porsche style in New York. In August, Porsche announced its partnership with the Gansevoort Hotel Group. Through the partnership, Porsche offers the Gansevoort’s guests complimentary in-town car service and VIP airport transportation in a 2011 Porsche Panamera 4S at both the Meatpacking District and Park Avenue South locations.

For more information regarding the new 2011 Porsche Panamera or the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, please visit www.porsche.com/usa.

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