Cole Haan Hitches Up with Ceci New York

When it comes to wedding shoes, I caution my clients to consider form AND function when shopping for the right pair. Between photo shoots, gracing the aisle, and rocking out at the reception--why have to sacrifice style for comfort as the event goes on? And who wants to be aching before the cake cutting!

Enter Cole Haan's new bridal collection designed in partnership with Ceci New York, the luxury wedding invitation design shop headed up by Lisa Hoffman. The best part of these super-stylish shoes is that they come with Cole Haan's signature Nike Air technology. Yep, you heard me right! And, they're dyeable (they come with two swatches for testing). Browse their selection (which start at $298; although my favorite, the Rose Sling comes in at ka-ching $428).

Chandelier Tip: Worried about spending another cent? When you're back from the honeymoon, dye them black! It's like two shoes (and a sneaker) in one gorgeous stiletto.

Sweet City Candy!

Indulging your inner child at Dylan's Candy Bar -- and your credit card? Well, if you're planning to buy your favorite sweets in bulk, look no further than the new supplier Sweet City Candy.

Wholesale pricing once available to retail shops and party planners is now accessible to you, too.
Sweet City Candy carries a full line of bulk candy (swedish fish!), chocolates (the most delish non-pariels ever!), retro candy (we're talking candy lipsticks), nuts & dried fruits, wrapped candy, sugarfree products, packaged candy, count goods, novelties, boxed chocolates, cookies and seasonal products, ice cream toppings, pez dispensers, the list goes on and on.

Note:the prices on this web site are for minimum quantities. You can save by purchasing in full case amounts (bulk items only) please call for details and quantity pricing. Call TOLL FREE 866-971-3360.

(Disclaimer: this site is run by candy guru -- and my oldest childhood friend -- Lauren Sachs...but I use her all of the time for events because the pricing and selection is simply unbeatable.)

Recipe for a Great Party

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a close friend's private cooking party to celebrate her birthday at New York City's Rustico Cooking. About 25 of us were invited for an intimate night of Northern Italian cooking and eating in this 4,000-square-foot cooking loft, complete with a state-of-the-art kitchens and spacious dining room, and a spectacular view of the Empire State Building.

We arrived to appetizers and delicious wine, and then teamed up to create a tailor-made menu. My husband and I chose to make the dessert course (semi-freddo) and entree (a Mediterranean sea bass dish), while our counterparts made the appetizer (crispy crab ravioli served over asparagus and mixed greens), and two sides (a spinach-artichoke frittata and roasted fennel). Chef/owner Michol Negrin and her chef Gerry Biordi led us through crafting these delicious eats in an organized, yet fun manner (and I actually learned something!). And then, we dined! On the food we made! And it was good!

I urge you to check this out for your next bridal shower, anniversary party or even corporate teambuilding event (if there are any these days). Call 917-602-1519 or email to inquire about hosting this unique food & wine event at Rustico Cooking. Bon appetit!