MOVERS and SHAKERS: Susan Ledyard, President and Designer of CASS Luxury Shapewear Sponsored by The Ellen Christine Millinery

Susan Ledyard

The Best Milliner in Manhattan

& Official Milliner of Whom You Know: 

http://www.ellenchristine.com/

By appointment in her showroom

Ellen Christine is a Mover and Shaker:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/07/movers-and-shakers-ellen-christine-hat.html

***

Susan Ledyard is the first to admit that starting CASS Luxury Shapewear and designing its INVISIBELLAS® Collection of body-slimming seamless tops and boy shorts wasn’t something she always planned to do. But after the birth of her two children – both of whom weighed more than 10 pounds – Susan discovered that it’s not just the babies that have to deal with baby fat. A former dancer of many years, Susan never had to battle the bulge before, but she couldn’t bear to wear her delicate cashmere sweaters, clingy blouses or even the little polos with such unsightly bulges in the bra area and above the trousers.

A lifelong fan of couture clothing, Susan wanted to get back into her beloved svelte and sexy clothes as quickly as possible. She needed to find an item that would give her shaping support and tie her wardrobe together. In her search for a smoothing top that could be worn as both inner and outerwear, she found constricting styles that did nothing to offer support where she needed it. Susan wanted something light, comfortable and breathable that could offer enough support to be worn without a bra. She soon realized that she was going to have to create something herself that would make women look good – no compromises.

Having lived in the United States and Italy during her teen years and twenties, Susan had grown up with a strong interest in fashion with both European and American taste. She had years of background in classical dance, during which time she gained much experience with body-hugging dancewear and how one should be able to feel and move while wearing it. Susan studied the body’s natural curvature, muscle development and movement as a sculptor for several years, as well. That combined with three generations of couture fashion design in her family and sewing background that started at the age of three, made Susan a natural designer of seamlessly shaping tops and bottoms for women.

In addition to pulling from her varied background, Susan worked to select the best textiles and develop a unique knitting process to execute her designs. She began working with a Santoni, the seamless knit specialist from Italy and together, they created a patented process that can lift and shape a woman’s curves naturally, without pinching, squeezing or binding. The result is INVISIBELLAS – a comfortable shape and support line of tops, bottoms, bodysuits and dresses that smoothes bulges and can be worn without a bra (up to a DD).

Today, the INVISIBELLAS® Collection from CASS Luxury Shapewear is a favorite at retailers Kirna Zabete, Lane Crawford and Bloomingdales, as well as hundreds of upscale specialty shops across the nation. We are so pleased to present Susan Ledyard as our latest Mover and Shaker!

Peachy Deegan interviewed Susan Ledyard for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: What kind of dancing did you used to enjoy? 

Susan Ledyard: Classic, Modern, Ballet, Swing, Salsa, Hip hop, belly dance, African

Do you still dance, and do your children? 

On my own- I would love to join a group in Philadelphia one day when I have some time. My boys dance on their own and have amazing rhythm.

What is the difference between regular shapewear and luxury shapewear? 

An easy way to look at this is that regular shapewear is mass-distributed and usually made with inexpensive polyesters and yarns that do not perform or feel as good as CASS luxury shapewear. We created the yarn and process that goes into making CASS fabrics feel, look and perform for the life of the garment.

We know your top we tried out was made in the USA and we love that. Where specifically do you manufacture and when will all of your products be made here if that is possible? 

We produce on west and east coasts. 90% of CASS is made in USA- we have just brought back 5% more and plan to stay because we can assure quality and performance.

Where did you live in Italy and how did you like it? 

I lived in Rome, Italy more specifically Eur with my parents. Much of my mother’s family was there and that made our stay exceptional. We had traveled to Italy since I was 13 years old and at 18 years old, I was very fortunate to have moved there with my family. The Italian boys were a bit of a problem though.

Would you like to tell us about your family's fashion history? 

 Of course, my great Aunt, Italian Seamstress of fine coats, taught me to sew at 3 years old on an old singer pedal machine. I still have the machine. My Mother also designed elegant suiting and dresses, and my sister (every boyfriend she has had sewed!!!) and husband had a childrens clothing company called “Laughing Dog” all fleece fabrics were made from recycled plastics.

What is your favorite outerwear? 

So so many designers.. mostly Celine, Stella, Alaia

What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence? 

 My grandmother… she never ran out of gas. When I was three years old she put me to work and paid me to answer the telephone and take messages. She was a STELLAR woman!

What are you proudest of and why? 

Design collaboration with Camilla Staerk for Anthropology. Cass created the innerwear and Camilla the outerwear to be worn together. Launches in ANTHRO stores in 2 weeks.

What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do? 

Design innerwear that is sewn directly into major designers clothing.

What honors and awards have you received in your profession? 

Patents, Top Woman in Business in Delaware and trademarks.

What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan? 

Carl Schurz park on east end river

What is your favorite shop in Manhattan? 

Kirna Zabete

What is your favorite drink? 

Tequila and tonic up

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party? 

Danced all night on pillars!!

What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan? 

Gramercy Tavern

What is your favorite Manhattan book? 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Who would you like to be for a day and why? 

A character from Christopher Moore’s “It’s a Dirty Job”. This is an amazingly creative book and all of the characters are so full of color and spirit.

If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why? 

NY Public Library- full of history

What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience? 

Roller blading back in the 80’s up and down the west side

What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else? 

Eat and drink my way through the city morning to night.

If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why? 

Bill Clinton- he means well and has enormous charisma.

What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience? 

Visiting Graham Arader’s house and Galleries

What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world? 

As a young girl I worked for an inner city school to help 13 -16 year olds gain work habits through construction projects- Habitat for humanity and other HUD projects in the city of Wilmington. My husband and I are adamant land preservers and have been responsible for saving over 150 acres of land in our area from development. YEAH!!!! We also support and are on the board of the Brandywine River Museum.

What do you think is most underrated and overrated here? 

Underrated – inner beauty

Overrated - outward beauty

Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it? 

See Manhattan on Your Feet and Shoe of the Week for coverage of Anna Baiguera ballet flats

Have you drank The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not? 

I look forward to my first Peachy Deegan!

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you? 

I’ve been sculpting animals and people since 10 yrs of age.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers? Visit www.cassluxuryshapewear.com

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Mummy and Baylor Bear Celebrate Halloween at Whom You Know!

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See Manhattan on Your Feet Kicks Off Coverage of ROPIX, Recommended by Whom You Know!

It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW!

How do we know anyone?  We pop into their store and talk to them!

In the inaugural days of Whom You Know, Peachy Deegan used to pop into stores on Madison Avenue and make friends with people (that was before she had hundreds of emails per day).  That is how she met Mover and Shaker Pilar Rossi.

And it is also how she met Dennis Dwyer!

And we could not be more excited to tell you about Dennis's latest innovation.

ROPIX, founded by Dennis Dwyer, has created the very first sports shoe designed specifically with fore foot training in mind. Ideal for jump rope, calisthenics, weight training and all activities with forefoot impact, Ropix users will benefit from the first shoe of its kind. Ropix will not only satisfy a sports specific need, but will also provide a new look for the casual footwear and street chic market. 

Oooh we love love love to be the first to know about a major footwear innovation!

We love the look of the all-white shoe we are featuring.

The clean lines echo the rope you might be jumping while wearing these!

Totally comfortable, Ropix stay tied and are unisex, like Converse or Keds are (though we have not featured them).  Specific shoes are made for specific activities in mind- half-jogging and half-looking in the windows is one of Peachy's favorite Manhattan sports-but when she does anything with forefoot impact, now she will wear Ropix!

Ropix started as an idea in a boxing gym in 1991. As every boxer knows, jumping rope is an integral part of their training. However, there has never been a proper shoe for it. Years later, Dennis Dwyer decided to create a shoe that would fulfill this need. To ensure the shoes were the highest level performance footwear, Dwyer partnered with expert industrial designer Joe Napurano and production manager Jimmy Tsen for a solution. Although Dennis Dwyer had an extensive career in high-end Men’s footwear, he knew it was necessary to find experts in the sports footwear Industry. 

Joe Napurano is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. He has been designing footwear for over 20 years. Millions of shoes have been produced from his designs. Athletes have worn his designs from the local gym to NBA basketball courts, the grass courts at Wimbledon and in the Summer Olympics. He has consulted for a wide range of companies in the US and internationally. 

Jimmy Tsen is an industry sourcing and product development executive with 25 years experience, working for some of the major brands such as Stride Rite, Keds, Timberland and New Balance. 

The collaboration produced a system that enables the wearer to be light on their feet, provide quick response and protection from injury. This is what makes Ropix the premier forefoot training shoe. 

The Forefoot trainer is a system of materials, design and function. The sole is sleek and smooth. It is lightweight and flexible shoe that is made of a dual density rubber material with soft cushion “landing pad” in the ball of the foot area to dampen forefoot impact. The mid-sole forefoot turbine insert is designed to attenuate shock and is made of soft “bounce” rubber material. 

ROPIX shoes are available in lace-up and Velcro strap versions and six color schemes. They are priced from $80 - $90 at retail and will be available at retailers and 

www.ropixshoe.com

Please check the website for up-coming retail outlets. 

The first shoe of its kind, Ropix will benefit all sports enthusiast who participate in any activity with forefoot impact is a key component. Aerobics, calisthenics, martial arts, and jump rope are only a few of the potential applications for this premier forefoot trainer. 

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Prints by Major Contemporary American Artists Featured in New Exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

The exhibition "Multiplicity" features contemporary prints from the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum that embrace many styles, techniques and approaches with which artists have worked over the past several decades.

       

        "Multiplicity" is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum from Nov. 11 through March 11, 2012. The exhibition is organized by Joann Moser, senior curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and will travel following its presentation in Washington, D.C.

        "It is a special treat to be able to put on public view so many large-scale prints by some of the most influential contemporary artists working today," said Elizabeth Broun, The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

        "Multiplicity implies abundance and variation," said Moser. "These prints are the result of collaboration between the artist and professional printers who help realize the artist's vision. This interaction alters the stereotype of the artist working alone in the studio and celebrates the power of collaboration."

        The exhibition features 83 works, created between 1972 and 2009, by contemporary artists such as John Baldessari, John Cage, Vija Celmins, Chuck Close, R. Luke DuBois, David Hockney, Sol LeWitt, Brice Marden, Julie Mehretu, Martin Puryear, Tim Rollins and K.O.S., Susan Rothenberg, Kiki Smith and Kara Walker. Nearly half of the prints included in the exhibition are recent acquisitions, and 38 were acquired by the museum in the past five years. The exhibition is the first time the museum has shown the majority of these artworks.

        The concept of making multiple images from the same matrix has been integral to printmaking ever since the earliest prints were pulled from woodblocks and metal plates in the 15th century. Each impression is considered to be an original work of art. "Multiplicity" brings together a selection of prints by artists for whom the concept of multiplicity in its many forms provides a touchstone for their artistic expression. Many of the artists in the exhibition have expanded the idea of multiplicity beyond editions of identical impressions by creating series, sequences and images that comprise numerous parts. They explore repetition, pairing and variations on a theme as artistic strategies. Implicit in their exploration of multiplicity is a challenge to rarity and uniqueness as determinants of value. All of the prints in the exhibition are part of an edition, and each impression is considered to be an original work of art.

        A slideshow of all artworks included in the exhibition is available on the museum's website.

About the Smithsonian American Art Museum

       

        The Smithsonian American Art Museum celebrates the vision and creativity of Americans with artworks in all media spanning more than three centuries. Its National Historic Landmark building is located at Eighth and F streets N.W., above the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station. Museum hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Follow the museum on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, ArtBabble, iTunes and YouTube. Museum information (recorded): (202) 633-7970. Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000; (202) 633-5285 (TTY). Website: americanart.si.edu. 

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December 2011 Exhibitions N-Y Historical Society

NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
170 Central Park West, New York, N.Y. (212) 873-3400 www.nyhistory.org
EXHIBITIONS
December 2011

TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS:

REVOLUTION! THE ATLANTIC WORLD REBORN

November 11, 2011 – April 15, 2012

The path-breaking exhibition Revolution! The Atlantic World Reborn, is the first exhibition to relate the American, French and Haitian struggles as a single global narrative. Spanning decades of enormous political and cultural changes, from the triumph of British imperial power in 1763 to the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815, Revolution! traces how an ideal of popular sovereignty, introduced through the American fight for independence, soon sparked more radical calls for a recognition of universal human rights, and set off attacks on both sides of the Atlantic against hereditary privilege and slavery. Texts and audio guides are in English, French and Haitian Krèyol. Highlights on view:

·

the original Stamp Act as it was passed by Parliament in 1765, setting off the riots that led to the American Revolution, on loan from the Parliamentary Archives, London, displayed for the first time outside the U.K.

·

the only known surviving copy of the first printing of the Haitian Declaration of Independence (1804, National Archives, London), recently discovered and exhibited here to the public for the first time

·

Napoleon's authorization to French negotiators to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States (1803, New-York Historical Society), as a direct consequence of the Haitian rebellion





MAKING AMERICAN TASTE: NARRATIVE ART FOR A NEW DEMOCRACY

November 11, 2011 – April 1, 2012

Featuring 55 works from the New-York Historical’s great collection, Making American Taste will cast new light on both the history of American art and the formation of American cultural ideals during a crucial period from roughly the 1830s to the late 1860s. The exhibition includes the long-awaited debut after conservation of Louis Lang’s famed monumental history painting of 1862: Return of the 69th (Irish Regiment) from the Sea of War. The painting is a centerpiece of our commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.





FREEDOM NOW: PHOTOGRAPHS BY PLATON

November 11, 2011 – April 15, 2012

This installation of large-scale images by the celebrated photographer Platon, gives the historic struggle of the 1950s and 1960s a stirring contemporary presence. Julian Bond—statesman, professor, writer and a leader in the Civil Rights movement—has written a personal introduction to the exhibition. Among the subjects of the photographs are the Little Rock Nine, whose attempt to enter Little Rock Central High School in 1957 became a national cause celebre; Joseph A. McNeil and Franklin E. McCain, participants in the 1960 Greensboro lunch-counter sit-in; Southern Christian Leadership Conference members Joseph Lowery, Fred Shuttlesworth, C.T. Vivian and Andrew Young; Student Non-Violent Co-ordinating Committee leaders James Lawson, Robert Moses and Diane Nash; Chris and Maxine McNair, parents of Denise McNair, murdered in the bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church; Black Panthers Kathleen Cleaver, Emory Douglas and Bobby Rush; Muhammad Ali; Harry Belafonte; Congressman John Lewis; and Jesse Jackson, Sr.





Treasures of Shearith Israel

November 11, 2011 – ongoing

In the midst of the American Revolution, two British soldiers broke into the Mill Street Synagogue and desecrated two Torah Scrolls. The place of worship was home to Shearith Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in North America, founded by a group of Sephardic Jews in 1654. Remarkably, the Torah scrolls survived the act of vandalism. One of them is displayed at the New-York Historical Society, on loan from Congregation Shearith Israel in the City of New York–The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue.



Other objects and documents from the incomparable collection of Congregation Shearith Israel (established 1654), including manuscripts, maps, liturgical treasures, and historical artifacts, will be featured in the The Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture.



The history of New York’s Jewish presence began in 1654 with the arrival of twenty-three refugees of Sephardic ancestry from Recife, Brazil. Soon after their arrival the group established a congregation, the first in North America. This foundation was the beginning of a rich legacy that has culminated in the growth of what is now one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, and, importantly, set the stage for the religious and ethnic diversity for which our city and nation are known.





A NEW YORK HANUKKAH

November 25, 2011 – January 8, 2012

Hanukkah lamps, or Hannukiot, are candelabra characterized by nine candle branches and used in the ritual candle-lighting associated with the celebration of Hanukkah, the festival that commemorates the 165 B.C.E. liberation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah lamps were made up of eight oil wells or candle-holders, separated from a ninth traditionally used as a shamash, or server, to light the others. These lamps remain distinct from menorahs, which generally have seven candle branches and are not associated with a specific use or holiday. Hanukkah lamps were present in European synagogues by about the 13th century, and often designed in the form of menorahs or as standing table lamps.





IT HAPPENED HERE: THE INVENTION OF SANTA CLAUS

November 25, 2011 – January 8, 2012

Though legend has it that Santa Claus hails from the North Pole, he was actually a New Yorker who came into the world on West 23rd Street in what is now the trendy Chelsea neighborhood. The modern Santa was born in the imagination of Clement Clarke Moore, a scholar who penned a whimsical poem about St. Nicholas, the patron of old Dutch New York, for the amusement of his six children at Christmastime. Soon after the publication of "A Visit from St. Nicholas"—popularly known today by its opening line, "Twas the night before Christmas…"—St. Nicholas became a popular feature of American Christmas celebrations. Moore's poem permanently connected St. Nicholas to Christmas, and led to our idea of Santa Claus. Santa's popularity, appearance and many of the holiday traditions that surround him owe much to the imaginative work of two other New Yorkers: Washington Irving, the creator of Knickerbocker's History of New York, and Thomas Nast, an artist whose drawings of Santa were reproduced all over the country in the years following the Civil War. To celebrate the winter season, the New-York Historical Society is presenting It Happened Here: The Invention of Santa Claus, an installation tracing the modern image of Santa Claus, the red-suited, pot-bellied descendant of the medieval bishop St. Nicholas of Myra, which emerged only decades after the first Congress met in 1788 in Federal Hall in New York. The exhibition features Robert Weir's 1837 painting of a rather sly St. Nicholas and Thomas Nast's Harper's Weekly cartoons of Santa. Clement Clarke Moore's desk is on display in the Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture.





PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS



DiMenna Children’s History Museum





The DiMenna Children’s History Museum is the first museum dedicated to bringing American history to life through the eyes of children.



Kids of all ages can become History Detectives and:

• deliver a presidential address at the First President kiosk

• use the Historical Viewfinder display to see how sites in New York City have changed over time

• go to the polls at the Cast Your Vote pavilion

• add their voices to the DiMenna Children’s History Museum at the installation You Are An American Dreamer, Too.



A series of biography-based pavilions and interactive elements are a major component of the Children’s History Museum. These stories of young New Yorkers from different historical periods offer a way for today’s children to make a compelling connection to the past and develop an understanding of the history of New York City and the nation.





The Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History

Dedicated to telling the story of America through the lens of New York, this new gallery features such works as a piece of ceiling from Keith Haring’s “Pop Shop;” Here is New York, a rotating selection from the approximately 6,200 photographs taken by the people of New York City on September 11, 2001, and immediately afterward; History Under Your Feet, an educational scavenger hunt for visitors featuring our “history manholes;” and Liberty/Liberté, an installation by New York-based artist Fred Wilson. This permanent installation will provide an overview of New-York Historical’s diverse collections and orient visitors to the experiences and exhibitions waiting deeper in the Museum.







TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS:

The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision

Columbia Museum, Columbia, SC
November 17, 2011 – April 1, 2012

Curated by Linda S. Ferber, Senior Art Historian, the New-York Historical Society has organized an exhibition drawn from the rich collections of 19th-century American landscape painting.Nature and the American Vision: Masterpieces of the Hudson River School will include 45 iconic works including Thomas Cole’s five-part series: The Course of Empire and other masterworks by Cole, John F. Kensett, Albert Bierstadt, Jasper F. Cropsey, Asher B. Durand and many others.







INFORMATION HOTLINE:



(212) 873-3400



ONLINE INFORMATION:

www.nyhistory.org







MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 am-6 pm
Friday: 10 am-8 pm (pay as you wish from 6 pm-8 pm)
Saturday: 10 am-6 pm
Sunday: 11 am-5 pm



ADMISSION:

Adults - $15
Teachers and Seniors - $12
Students - $10
Children (7-13)- $5
Children (under 7) -free

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What Witches Say, by Shakespeare! Amy, Lucy and Eleanor, this one's for you!

"Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble."

- Shakespeare "Macbeth"

(from that famous Rennie McQuilkin English class...)

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Gorgeous Gifts for Mr. and Ms. Impossible to Shop For: Tea Treat by Crabtree & Evelyn Recommended by Whom You Know! Perfect for the Gift-Giving Season, Now Upon Us!

New from Crabtree & Evelyn!!!  Create your own tea party combinations with this lavish collection of biscuits, teas and preserves: Chocolate Chip and Strawberries & Cream Biscuits; English Breakfast and Afternoon Teas; Organic Strawberry and Raspberry Preserves; and Breakfast Marmalade.  There is something for everyone in this sweet little package and it makes an ideal gift we believe!  Who does not like to take a break for teatime?!  We all knew Crabtree & Evelyn has it covered with lovely skincare and fragrances, and now we also know their English Excellence extends to tea and biscuits!  Make sure you are wearing your proper Ellen Christine hat during teatime...

All Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread100g, Strawberries & Cream Biscuits 100g English Breakfast Tea 20g Afternoon Tea 20g Strawberry Preserve 57g Morello Cherry Preserve 57g Breakfast Marmalade 57g

http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

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Peachy's Pet Pals Celebrates Halloween with Bentley! (His Mom: Melanie Mueller of Mel Boteri!)

Farnsworth Bentley (goes by Bentley for short): “One of my favorite holidays (other than my birthday) is Halloween! I couldn’t wait to see what my mom would bring home for me to wear this year, and when I saw this jailbird suit my tail would not stop wagging! I’d like to think I am a sweet boy most of the time, but every once in a while I do get a bit rowdy and mischievous. I like to pick fights with my older brother, I love hiding my family’s socks, and when Ernie the cat is least expecting it I will pounce on him. I can’t wait to use Halloween and my jailbird suit as an excuse to act up, but I will be sure to make up for it with my kisses, cuddling and unconditional love.” 

Whom You Know celebrated our 7,000th post with Bentley's mom:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/02/whom-you-know-celebrates-our-7000th.html

& we interviewed Melanie Mueller too:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/02/peachys-got-it-in-bag-exclusive.html

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KEEPING AMERICA ON TOP: WHOM YOU KNOW CELEBRATES AMERICAN STYLE INTELLIGENCE and EXCELLENCE WITH THE MAKE-UP-MATTE! Make-Up-Matte™ Chic Workspace & Portable Carryall for Cosmetics Recommended by The Gorgeous Women of Whom You Know

There was a young Peachy who lived in New York

She had so many beauty products- a lot more than when she lived in Cork

Finding them when she needed them was a challenge indeed

So then she got the Make-Up-Matte, which took an organized lead!

AND WE LOVE THAT IT IS MADE IN THE USA!

In Seattle!

Then she had the gorgeous women of Whom You Know try it, and they say:

If you travel as often as I do, you have routines. Some of my routines bring about the comforts of home. Others are annoying, such as having to unpack my makeup from my toiletry bag and then spread out over the bathroom counter (requisite towel underneath). Hello Make-Up-Matte! It is a new way to pack up your makeup and then have it all handy in a roll out patch (think like a jewelry roll but for your makeup). It is not only super cute so you can carry it in your bag, but easy to clean and holds all the day-to-day necessities. If you travel at all, this is an absolute must. I think I found a new Christmas gift for all my girlfriends!

We love stylish products, especially when they are functional, just like the Make-Up-Matte! This portable cosmetic case holds brushes and your make up too. The great thing is this case works with all your make-up needs, specifically mineral and powder make-up. The secret is that the Matte absorbs any loose make-up, allowing for quick and easy clean up. If I had a dollar for every-time my husband yelled at me for make-up on the counter, this product solves that problem in a flash. The Matte is available in numerous patterns and colors, all very stylish! We love the "Lilly" collection of course! The fabric is made of micro-fiber, super soft, and fits in any purse or bag. This is a must-have for frequent travelers. The best part is the Matte is machine washable and made in the USA! When it comes to cosmetic cases it doesn't get any better than that!

Roll out your Make-Up-Matte, and get busy being beautiful! This brilliant little self-containing mat has one side lined in terrycloth, to absorb loose bits of powder, with plenty of sleeves for make-up brushes, et al. Designed by a busy Mom, the mat gives us all a workspace on the go. The ingenious compartments, and the flexibility give you the opportunity to unroll the entire thing on your briefcase, if need by, for touch-ups before a big lecture. Or in the car, before you run out to the next meeting. Colors vary with the seasons, and the collections presented in their video and online show a wide range for gift giving. This is the stocking-stuffer of the year! 

Make-Up-Ma​tte is the best portable workspace solution out there. I have been looking for a great way to bring my brushes along and not make a mess. This Make-Up-Ma​tte is compact and easy to take on the go. Comes in fun designs and really makes applying makeup a snap. The best part is get this product dirty - NO PROBLEM - just throw it in the wash! Voila it's back to brand new. This is a wonderful gift idea too for those makeup lover that don't have time to waste.

***

The Make-Up-Matte™ is a mineral and powder workspace solution and portable carryall for your cosmetics and brushes when you are on-the go. Unfold your Matte and use at home on your vanity, at the gym, in your car, a hotel bathroom or anywhere you apply your makeup. The Matte’s not only provide a clean workspace to apply your makeup they also absorb excess particles and enable quick and efficient cleanup. Chic print fabric designs combined with luxuriously soft microfiber make the Matte’s ideal for gifting. Make-Up-Matte’s are machine washable for easy-care convenience and are proudly made in the USA. 

A new, Seasonal Favorites Collection has just been added to the web site featuring a variety of styles including Chic Animal, Peace Out and Retro Dance Party. The Make-Up-Matte’s retail for $22.95 and the generous assortment of print fabrics enable you to find an option for all your makeup-wearing friends and family. 

For more details visit: 

WEB: 

http://www.makeupmatte.com

FACEBOOK: 

http://www.facebook.com/makeupmatte

TWITTER: 

http://www.twitter.com/makeupmatte

YOUTUBE: 

http://www.youtube.com/makeupmatte

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VINTAGE TUBE KEY BY CRABTREE & EVELYN HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY WHOM YOU KNOW

A vintage 'find' from London's Portobello Market inspired Crabtree & Evelyn to recreate this ingenious metal key.  Oooh you know Peachy just loves Portobello Market -if you see her in her black velvet coat-she got it there.  All of the London charms on her charm bracelet-she got them there. This genius key slides onto the end of any Crabtree & Evelyn tube, to dispense the perfect amount every time - right down to the very last bit. A model of efficiency, handsomely engraved with the distinctive Crabtree & Evelyn monogram. And at only $3.50 this might be the best deal we have EVER told you about. You need this for all of your creams in a tube, your toothpaste, you get the idea! Timeless and brilliant, thank you Crabtree & Evelyn we love all that you do.

http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

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Holiday Peachy: Best Halloween Costumes Peachy Saw in Manhattan This Weekend!

Granted, this was Friday night, because everyone knows we had the biggest storm this early in the season since the Civil War according to what we heard Governor Cuomo say on Saturday!  At the top we have The Mad Hatter of Alice in Wonderland, as played by Johnny Depp in the movie.  Below we have Claudia and Adriana as some convincing witches!  Happy Halloween, Manhattan!

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Nouveau Glow Bilberry Bergamont Peel by Votre Vu Recommended by the Beautiful People of Whom You Know

Peel your way to healthier looking skin. If you have started to notice some damage from the sun, act right away. The votre vu nouveau glow can have instant results. Just smother your face in the citrusy goodness and peel your way to perfection. After using this, you will feel as if the top layer of skin has magically restored itself to younger more even-toned skin. Papaya and sunflower oil feeds your skin incredible nutrients and your skin thanks you with a radiant glow.

Votre Vu Nouveau Glow gives me a fresh new look in minutes. I apply a think layer all over my face and neck. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and bam! There you go - beautiful radiant skin. I love the way I look. I use this once or twice a week depending on how my face is looking. My skin looks fresh and hydrated. I really love this product.

I am very picky when it comes to using a peel on my face because of how sensitive and red my face is already. Because Peachy recommended I try this one, I knew it had to be good. I am so glad she did. It had the lightest aroma to it which made my senses come alive. I also love that it didn't irritate my face like most peels have. Even though I did use a moisturizer after for added protection, I felt that after washing the peel off with a warm washcloth, I didn't need the moisturizer. My face felt like it could really breathe. I don't remember my face ever feeling so clean. I don't think I could use any other facial peel but the Nouveau Glow by Votre Vu.

If there's one beauty regimen that I love participating in, it's facial peels. It always makes me feel like I'm doing such a good deed to my skin! Votre Vu's Nouveau Glow Bilberry Bergamont Peel contains a delicious recipe of Bilberry, citrus fruits and sugar cane! This provides your face with a delicious treat while also gently resurfacing it, revealing smoother and younger looking skin! It is great for all skin types, so those with sensitive skin need not worry. Other ingredients, such as vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil help sooth and protect your skin while also feeding your skin with deeply moisturizing antioxidants! Just leave it on your face for 3-10 minutes at night, 1-2 times per week and gently remove with a warm cloth. Your face will be thanking you!
***

http://www.votrevu.com

This delicious recipe of sultry bergamot, omni-healing bilberry, AHA loaded citrus fruits of lemon, grapefruit and orange, and sweetened with sugar cane will ever-so-gently peel away the damages of fun and sun. Great for all skin types, it dramatically resurfaces your complexion without irritation. To further enhance the succulent experience, vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil feed your skin with deeply moisturizing antioxidants and vitamins that soothe and protect your skin from any potential irritants and congestion.

Directions:

Apply a thin layer over clean face and neck, avoiding eyes and lips. Leave on for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on skin’s sensitivity. Gently remove with a warm cloth. Follow with the Votre Vu skin care regimen of your choice.

1-2x/week

Best used in PM to avoid immediate contact with sunlight.
Good Food to Have On Your Face.


• Immediately visible results.

• Gentle ingredients resurface without irritation.

• Eliminates damaged and dead skin cells at surface.

• Reveals smoother and younger looking skin.

• Stimulates new, healthy cell growth.

• Reduce age spots (sun spots) and discoloration with regular use.


Power Ingredients:

Tomato Extract

A true gift of nature, tomato extract packs a powerful punch in the form of lycopene – one of the most revered antioxidants. Antioxidants are lauded for their protective qualities and their ability improve the texture, tone and overall health of skin.



Lemon Extract

The lemons in this case won’t make you pucker! Instead, they are the basis for a powerful and soothing skin care product ingredient. Produced from the outer peel of the lemon fruit through cold pressing, Lemon oil and extract tone, moisturize and purify skin. As used in a facial masque, this essential oil aids in unclogging pores as well as relieving dry skin and reducing the appearance of blemishes.



Grapefruit Extract

Naturally high in antibiotic properties and having a strong antioxidant effect, grapefruit extract is very good at alleviating skin problems that cause skin damage. It is known for helping to reinforce collagen and elastin thus producing stronger skin.



Bilberry Extract

Bilberry is a relative of the powerful blueberry and a key ingredient due to its Vitamin C and antioxidant content. Antioxidants are lauded for their protective qualities and improve the texture, tone and overall health of skin.



Citrus Aurantius Bergamia

Derived from a citrus relative of the orange, bergamot


Citrus Aurantius Dulcis

An orange fruit extract used for gorgeous fragrance and skin conditioning properties. Beneficial to your skin’s overall health because it effectively disinfects and calms the skin.


Citrus Medical Limonum

Obtained from the fresh peel of the lemon, this extract has antibiotic, astringent, and antiseptic benefits as well as acting as a natural agent for exfoliating, clarifying and cleansing.



Caprica Papaya

Containing the enzyme papain, this papaya extract gently exfoliates damaged and dead skin cells as it reduces inflammation and creates softened, rejuvenated skin. Also known to help reduce the appearance of brown spots caused by over exposure to sun.


Full Ingredients:

PROPANEDIOL DICAPRYLATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, WATER (AQUA), SU- CROSE LAURATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SUCROSE STEARATE, TOMATO EXTRACT, LEMON EXTRACT, GRAPEFRUIT EXTRACT, BILBERRY EXTRACT, PAPRIKA, CITRUS AURANTIUS DULCIS, CITRUS AU- RANTIUS BERGAMIA, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM, MALTODEXTRIN, CAPRICA PAPAYA

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SHU UEMURA ART OF HAIR INTRODUCES SHUSU SLEEK A COLLECTION TO ADDRESS COARSE, UNRULY HAIR

Inspired by the lustrous shine and fluidity of Japanese Satin Shusu, SHU UEMURA ART OF HAIR created SHUSU SLEEK, a revolutionary hair care collection designed to discipline coarse, unruly hair while creating a light, silky smooth style with the resplendent finish of Japanese satin. Enriched with Black Cumin Oil combined with essential lipids and minerals, Shusu Sleek is formulated to meet the essential needs of unmanageable hair.

Inspiration:

Over 500 years ago, a silk weaver from the imperial town of Kyoto introduced a new technique for weaving silk. The fabric he created was the smoothest, most delicate ever seen, with resplendence, shine and fluidity. The new art of weaving was called Japanese Shusu. Traditionally Shusu silk was used exclusively for ceremonial kimonos for noble patrons. The new hair care collection for Shu Uemura Art of Hair pays homage to the tradition of Shusu silk – the hair is left smooth with lustrous shine and natural fluidity.

Key Ingredient:

Black Cumin Oil intensely nourishes and smoothes the cuticle, taming the hair fiber and calming volume for glide-through detangling and flawless elegance. Known as “the oil of the pharaohs,” it is harvested from the black cumin’s dark, fragrant seeds and has been revered for millennia as one of the most potent medicinal ingredients. Today, modern research has uncovered the complex structure of this exceptional ingredient: composed of over 100 elements, it contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidants, and offers an optimal balance of essential fatty acids, omegas 3, 6 and 9.

New In-Salon Ritual:

Coinciding with the launch of the Shusu Sleek Collection, Shu Uemura Art of Hair is proud to introduce The Shiatsu Shampoo – a complimentary in-salon shampoo massage that provides a glimpse of the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ceremony through slow shiatsu gestures (circular movements while applying pressure). Clients feel their whole head has been thoroughly cleansed with a fresh tingling scalp, ultimately feeling rejuvenated yet calm. Meanwhile the hair has the healthy, natural signature Art of Hair touch.

To experience Shu Uemura Art of Hair at a salon near you, please call 866-914-8750 or visit

www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com. For more information, fan us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ARTOFHAIRUSA and follow us on Twitter @Shu_ArtOfHair.

Shusu Sleek

For Coarse, Unruly Hair



A smoothing hair care range, without parabens, that disciplines and nurtures coarse, unruly hair. Recreates for the first time a result as soft, radiant and fluid to the touch as the luxurious Japanese satin – Shusu



Key Ingredient: Black Cumin Oil

• Revered for thousands of years for its health and beauty benefits, this powerful combination of antioxidants, which contain over 100 concentrated actives, protect and restore the cuticle from degradation from environment aggressors



Key Technology: Scalp Respect Complex

• Moisturizes and revitalizes the scalp



Benefits:

• Smoothes even the most unruly hair

• Provides amazing shine

• Fluid natural touch from roots to ends

• Intensely moisturizes the hair fiber

• Cleanses and supplements the hair fiber while respecting the essential balance of the scalp



Fragrance: Floral Oriental

• A unique scent, inspired by the richness of spices and oil



Shusu Sleek Collection:



Shusu Sleek Smoothing Shampoo – Delivered in a paraben- and silicon-free formula with an unusually high concentration of cationic polymers to deeply smooth the hair fiber

10 fl. oz / 300 ml

SRP: $48



Shusu Sleek Smoothing Conditioner: This exceptionally moisturizing paraben-free conditioner immediately and intensely tames the most rebellious manes with its unique combination of active ingredients

8.5 fl. oz / 250 ml

SRP: $58



Shusu Sleek Smoothing Treatment: This paraben-free masque intensely nourishes and tames unruly hair, helping attain long-lasting sleekness, while preserving the lightweight, vivid and fluid hair touch

10 fl. oz / 200 ml

SRP: $68


In-Salon Smoothing Ceremony: A soothing experiential 10, 15 or 30 minute hair ritual that delivers intense moisture, sleekness and shine to unruly hair

SRP: $25-$75

Availability: Visit http://shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/ or call 866-914-8750 for salon locations

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On Halloween, by Arthur Cleveland Coxe

'Tis the night - the night

Of the grave's delight,

And the warlocks are at their play;

Ye think that without

The wild winds shout,

But no, it is they - it is they.

- Arthur Cleveland Coxe

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Kuhn Rikon SoftEdge Stainless Steel Tongs Recommended by Whom You Know

Have you ever seen tongs as glamorous as THESE?

Of course not, because we're just telling you about them now!

The latest in the Kuhn Rikon Hit Parade are the SoftEdge Stainless Steel Tongs.

With the holidays approaching, you want to be prepared for all of the entertaining you'll be doing!

And you don't want to burn yourself or get your hands dirty....these are perfect and work exactly as tongs should.  Peachy Deegan has been using them!  They clean off easily as well and the rubber gripping on the ends is absolutely genius.  The silicone edge is great for nonstick cookware. One side holds juices in, the other side drains them.  Sleek and beautiful, what more could you want!?

Get a few for your holiday parties today, and they make a great gift as well for the person who has everything...hmmm, we don't have any of THOSE kinds of people in Manhattan, now do we?!

http://www.kuhnrikon.com

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Atsko's Sport-Wash Residue Free Detergent Recommended by Whom You Know

There are many great equalizers in the world. Laundry is among them. Rich, poor, famous, unknown, EVERYBODY has laundry. And thanks to Atsko, everyone also has access to one terrific detergent. Their Sport-Wash Laundry Detergent not only removes odors and tough stains, but it also rinses completely, leaving behind absolutely NO residue. Consequently, the fibers of clothing are left completely unclogged. All kinds of fabrics, from cotton and wool to Thinsulate and Gore-tex are left completely clean, with their breathability restored, so that they're able to work to the best of their ability. Also, since no residue is left behind, this detergent is ideal for those who have sensitivities or allergies to regular detergents. No residue = no skin irritation! Safe and effective even for "delicate-care" fabrice, Atsko's Sport-Wash Laundry Detergent is a gem of a find for anyone with laundry...which is to say, EVERYONE!

Atsko's Sport-Wash Residue Free Detergent rinses completely leaving absolutely no residue behind. This is good news for those who own active wear. High performance active wear with all its fabulous features (wicking, odor control, water repellency, etc.) can be compromised by residue left behind by other detergents. However, Atsko's Sport-Wash Residue Free Detergent not only rinses clean, it actually restores those high performance features! Testing done by Clemson University School of Textiles and Polymer Science is available on the Atsko website. All kinds of fabrics can benefit from this detergent, anything from cotton to gore-tex! This detergent is also ideal for anyone with sensitivity/allergies to fragrance. Leaving behind no residue means no skin irritation! This is a great product perfect for...well, just about anyone!

Atsko Sport-Wash is the answer to all "how do I clean these?" questions! Scent free, the wash restores the performance of all your high tech fabrics, such as coats, sleeping bags, ski silks and more. It leaves fabric clean and fresh but does not leave behind any chemical residue, like traditional detergent. Did we mention it is also biodegradable, how awesome is that! If you are like us, we are always afraid to wash our ski jackets and pants because we don't want to ruin the special performance of the fabric, well, fear no more, Atsko Sport-Wash is here! We tested it on our sleeping bag and exercise clothes and the results were great! Clean, fresh, and looking great. This not only cleans your performance gear but will save you time and money from those other cleaning methods. We can't wait to get outdoors this winter with our fresh, clean and protected Ski gear, knowing we will be able to properly clean it when we get home!

I lead a very active lifestyle. I love getting a good workout at the gym when I can't be outdoors. I buy sports clothes that wick away moisture so that I can guarantee comfort while I'm in action. I have to wash these clothes often, but am concerned about how long they will last. I am aware that washing these clothes too often can diminish my clothing's wicking ability. With Atsko's Sport-Wash Residue Free Detergent I can worry no longer! This detergent is an alternative solution that leaves no detergent residue behind on my clothing. The detergent actually restores the high performance features in the items I wash! It cleans the clothing just as well as other high-end detergents but keeps my clothing in just as good shape as the day I purchased it!

Summer and fall are my favorite times of year. I love them because I am always outside doing something. Because of that, my clothes become sweaty and gross much faster. I usually have to buy a special detergent to help get the smell out of my clothes. I am so glad I found Sport-Wash. It worked wonders on my sweaty clothes. It left my clothes feeling just as soft and clean as any other detergent. I also liked that it kept my sport clothes features in tact as well. I have noticed that the more I washed some of my sport clothes in regular detergent, their features, such as letting my skin breath and repelling water would deteriorate. Not with this detergent. I am no longer going to wash my sport clothes in any other detergent. This is the perfect product for anyone who loves to workout, play sports, or do any activity that requires sport type clothing.

http://www.atsko.com/


BONUS: You can email info@atsko.com and request a FREE sample of Sport-Wash. They will mail a little pillow pack that washes 1 machine load of clothes.

***

Sport-Wash Residue Free Detergent

Sport-Wash is safe for all washable fabrics, and yet powerful enough to remove odors and your toughest stains such as soil, blood, and grass.

Its secret is that unlike other detergents designed to leave brighteners, fragrances, and other residue behind, Sport-Wash rinses completely. Nothing is left on your clothing to clog the pores of your fabric. Cotton, wool, and synthetic materials and left completely clean. Insulation like down, Thinsulate®, and Hollofil® fluff up for maximum warmth. And even difficult to clean sportswear materials such as Gore-Tex® have their waterproofing and breathability restored.

The total rinsability of Sport-Wash® leaves nothing behind to smell, clog, or radiate UV glow from brighteners. While Sport-Wash® does not contain phosphates to "brighten" your clothes, you'll find it does not need them because on its own it leaves fabrics cleaner than any other detergent.

In addition, if you or any members of your family have sensitive skin or are allergic to the residue left behind by commercial detergents, Sport-Wash® eliminates the rash, redness, and irritation you've suffered through with other detergents. No more itchy, irritated skin.

Sport-Wash® is safe and effective even for "delicate care" fabrics. It will remove stains and odors without harming bright colors. It likely costs less per load than your regular laundry detergent and completely eliminates the need for fabric softener (another source of odor and chemical irritation).
Sport-Wash and Sensi-Clean are the same detergent. They are labeled to address different needs and features. Every claim we make about either, applies to both. Sport-Wash/Sensi-Clean is highly recommended for all brands of H.E, high-efficiency horizontal-axis and front loading laundry machines. You can expect to get the same results using 20% less detergent in an H.E. machine.

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On Halloween, from an Early Nineteenth Century Halloween Postcard

On Hallowe'en the thing

you must do

Is pretend that nothing

can frighten you

An' if somethin' scares you

and you want to run

Jus' let on like

it's Hallowe'en fun.

- - - 

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New York City Aims to Break World Record for Largest Scavenger Hunt Saturday, November 19th at 12:00 Noon

Pillage The Village: World's Largest Scavenger Hunt

Kicks Off On Saturday, November 19th at 12:00 Noon



DealEvents.com and the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of CommerceAttempt To Break World Record To Benefit Four Charities
There are many things that New York City does better than Chicago. In the vital departments of pizza, baseball, the weather and bagels, The Big Apple leaves The Windy City in its dust. On Saturday, November 19th, DealEvents.com, New York's favorite new daily deal website, and the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce will attempt to add one more item to this list: scavenger hunts. DealEvents and the Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to organizePillage The Village: World's Largest Scavenger Hunt, a prize-filled marathon event to promote their Shop Local Initiative, all while benefiting four non-profit organizations.



The University of Chicago set the current Guinness World Records™ record with a scavenger hunt that drew 924 participants earlier this year. Pillage The Village organizers expect New Yorkers to shatter that record by coming out to support downtown businesses.



"New Yorkers never settle for second best. It's not our style. That's why we hope to draw as many people as possible out on November 19th, not only to kick Chicagoan butt, but to boost local businesses and help charities at the same time," said Deal Events CEO Lorne Fierbach. "We thought a scavenger hunt would be a fun way to bring New Yorkers together and introduce them to some of the shops and restaurants in their own backyard."



Throughout Pillage The Village, hunters must gather items and complete tasks at locations all around Greenwich Village. Winners will take home prizes including Kindle Fires, travel vouchers, restaurant gift certificates, movie passes and more. The event is open to all ages and participation is free. Pillage The Village will kickoff at a soon to be disclosed location in downtown New York at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 19th. Participants can register now at http://dealevents.eventbrite.com/. To keep up with Pillage The Village news, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/dealevents, http://twitter.com/#!/dealevents http://www.dealevents.com.



Pillage the Village will support Hudson Guild, the LAMP, the McBurney YMCA and ACE.



Hudson Guild is a multi-service community center serving those who live, work, or go to school in Chelsea, with a focus on those in need. The Guild offers various programs including community service projects for at-risk teens and mental health counseling for low-income individuals.



The LAMP is a non-profit organization creating a grassroots movement to reform and improve media. This is achieved through free media literacy workshops and public events for youth, parents and educators.



The McBurney YMCA is an inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.



ACE works with homeless men and women throughout New York City, providing job training, work experience and a lifetime support network to help our program participants achieve their goals and establish economic independence.



About Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce

Serving Greenwich Village, East Village, Union Square, Chelsea, Flatiron, SoHo, and NoHo, the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization made up of businesses and acts as a community resource and voice for local business. The chamber champion the voice of business in government and community affairs and Provides programs and events that connect members to other members, customers, suppliers, and community leaders..

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NEWLY DISCOVERED PORTRAIT BY VELÁZQUEZ TO BE SOLD AT BONHAMS

A previously unknown portrait by the Spanish artist Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660) will be the highlight of the Old Master Paintings auction on Wednesday 7^th December 2011 at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street, London.  The work is a Portrait of a gentleman, bust-length, in a black tunic and white golilla collar and measures 47 x 39cm.  It is estimated to sell for £2,000,000-3,000,000.

 

Andrew Mckenzie, Director of Old Master Paintings at Bonhams, comments, “This is an extraordinarily beautiful portrait which after extensive research we believe to be by the hand of Velázquez.  We expect there to be great interest from around the globe as works by this master so rarely come to auction.”

 

In August 2010 a number of works by the nineteenth century British artist, Matthew Shepperson, were consigned for sale at Bonhams Oxford office.  Among these works was a portrait of a gentleman, which was brought to the attention of the Old Master Paintings department in London who advised the Oxford saleroom to withdraw it from sale for further investigation.

 

The stylistic similarities to works by the great Spanish master led to extensive research by the department and consultant Brian Koetser; their views were confirmed by Dr Peter Cherry, Professor of Art History at the University of Dublin and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Velázquez and his school.  In an article published in the Spanish arts magazine ARS, Cherry writes “the particularized likeness and recognisably lifelike texture, weight and colours of the fleshy face speak of the actual encounter between subject and painter; while the style and technical brilliance of the representation itself betrays its author.”

 

Carmen Garrido, Head of Technical Services at the Prado Museum in Madrid and author of the authoritative work on the artist’s technique, Velázquez: Technica y Evolución was consulted about the painting, and technical analysis and an x-radiograph further confirm the attribution to Velázquez.

 

The identity of the sitter is unknown but it is possible that it could be Juan Mateos, Philip IV’s Master of the Hunt.

 

Andrew Mackenzie comments, “Velázquez is one of the greatest geniuses in the entire history of Western art. The discovery of this lost treasure is a once in a lifetime experience and it is tremendously exciting to be able to bring it to the world’s attention.”

 

Further information and a fuller account of the technical research into this work can be found in an article from Bonhams magazine which is available on request.

 

www.bonhams.com/oldmasters

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Australia and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go towww.bonhams.com 

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Peachy Picks Gabriel's

It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and now we know Gabriel!

Of course, that is Gabriel and Peachy.

For the past 22 years, Gabriel has been pursuing excellence on the Upper West side at his namesake restaurant that caters to the uberfamous as well as neighborhood clientele and tourists alike wishing that they could find this in their hometown.  Well, they could, if they just moved to Manhattan!  Every dining occasion at Gabriel's is one to remember, whether you are the guest on Anderson Cooper's show across the street (oooh you know Anderson's very cool mom went to MPS!), Betsey Johnson and her husband (who were there when we were; now Betsey we have seen you at dinner on both sides of the park), and more that we were too busy to notice because Peachy was in a scallop trance...

.

Gabriel's hit parade began with some welcoming bruschetta.

Crispy and delicious, this super start boasted amazing olive oil and cheese sliced to perfection.

Gabriel's was first featured in Terrific Takeout:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/10/terrific-takeout-gabriels.html

& it advanced to Tasty Tidbits:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/10/tasty-tidbits-gabriels.html

The phenomenally creative and high-quality cuisine, the collegial, warm atmosphere, the convenient location and the genuine care and commitment exuded by Gabriel himself make Gabriel's a clearcut Peachy's Pick.

Peachy Deegan began with the Caesar Salad: hearts of Romaine tossed with Maine Crab meat, sesame seeds, and croutons.  Topped with shaved parmesean and marinated anchovies, this was a delightful start!
You know who has visions of crabmeat dance in her head on a regular basis, and she was entirely floored to see this in a caesar salad which is often joined by chicken or shrimp, which is not as succulent or creative as crabmeat.  And the crabmeat itself was a total winner and lumpy like we love it!
If your Caesar isn't crabby you have to ask yourself why you don't know Gabriel, yet!
You can see the atmosphere is quite warm from the lighting and that adds to the overall appeal.
Gabriel's must be highly commended on their excellence in cocktail-making and you know we know a few things about THAT.  Peachy tried three Bellini's: blueberry, peach and blood orange and each was pure, freshly squeezed juice in a party of prosecco and delicious!  Finding a restaurant that makes high-quality juice for their cocktails is not a regular occurrence, even in Manhattan.  

First off, look at how gorgeous the presentation is of these knockout sea scallops.

You'd think they were in costume for their performance at Lincoln Center!

Served with Tarragon Aioli and dancing above their skirt of roasted potatoes, these hot scallops were served in a party of grape tomato and corn salad that will delight even the most discriminating connoisseur.

The menu is well-thought out and though the choices are not endlessly overwhelming like they are at many venues of this caliber, you will find everything you want and exactly what you want.

A side of asparagus was cooked to perfection joined by fresh parmesean!

This is a side dish not to miss!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes became fast friends with Peachy and subsequently her stomach...and by the way the bread on the table is fabulous, by Tomcat Bakery.

Edis the Bosnian waiter was perfectly pleasant the entire evening.
Warm chocolate truffle cake had Peachy's name written all over it.
With vanilla gelato, the soft-hearted cake of grand mariner was drizzled with raspberry sauce making the experience of this dessert orgasmic.  You absolutely must order it.

Our esteemed panelist adds:

What a great evening I had dining at Gabriel’s. I knew I was off to a good start when I walked through the door. A warm gentleman immediately thanked me for choosing Gabriel’s. This warm man catered to (personally or instructed someone) to address our every need. 

I started with a Vodka Gimlet. I was impressed they remained consistent throughout the evening. The raisin walnut bread was sooo amazing (I think I ate a whole loaf). We were offered Bruschetta that was very fresh and the aged Balsamic Vinegar…SPECIAL! 

I chose the Bresaola served with Baby Arugula and Parmesan Cheese drizzled with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as my appetizer and really enjoyed it. I had a tough time deciding on my entrée. I couldn’t decide if I wanted the Marinated Lamb Chops, Baby Chicken or the Beef Shorts Ribs braised in Dark Beer, Orange and Sage. I decided on the Chicken marinated in Garlic, Lemon and Rosemary, served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Broccolini. I REALLY enjoyed it but should have followed my gut (no pun intended) and gone with the Lamb Chops. 

Peachy Deegan always asks if the owner would join us for dessert to converse about their vision and get to know them. Not only did the owner (THE WARM GENTLEMAN) I spoke of earlier, join us, he shared our dessert! 

Overall, Gabriel (the owner) made me feel as if he invited me into his home for dinner. The service, quality of food, his conversation and attention to detail reminded me of the years I lived in Italy. 

I will return…and those Lamb Chops will be mine!!!

Peachy Picks Gabriel's!

Gabriel's is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.

Gabriel's

11 West 60th Street

212 956 4600

http://www.gabrielsbarandrest.com/

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