Spotlight On: Flatiron District

The Flatiron District is one of my absolute favorite areas of the city. There is so much to see (and eat!) in this area that it is definitely worth checking out.

This small area in Midtown got its name from the iconic Flatiron building. It is located at the intersection of 23rd, Broadway, and Fifth. You literally can't miss it due to the unique triangle shape of the building. There is also a large area in front of the building with tables and chairs which is amazing for people watching.

As cool as the building is, my favorite part of this area is across the street. Madison Square Park is just steps away from the iconic building and it is gorgeous. I love the parks in NYC because they provide such a necessary feeling of suburbia to the concrete jungle. Madison Square Park in particular isn't huge, but it is still beautiful and a perfect place to relax. A small section of the park is even used as a "dog run" space.

What Madison Square Park is probably best known for though is the original Shake Shack and its infamously long lines! Seriously, if you come at lunch, plan to wait for a looooooong time! But, if you've never experienced the little bit of heaven that is a Shake Shack burger, fries, and shake, then it is totally worth it.

If burgers aren't really your thing, you HAVE to go into Eataly. Eataly is basically an amazing slice of Italy smack in the middle of NYC. You can shop in the market for amazing Italian ingredients, eat a meal in one of the many restaurant areas, take a cooking class, or even grab a drink at their rooftop beer garden, Birreria. In other words, you need to go here ASAP!

Lastly, if you're looking for a unique shopping experience, check out Fishs Eddy. This store is located at Broadway and 19th and has really cool housewares items.

The Flatiron District is a really cool area to explore whether you're just visiting or a lifelong New Yorker and is absolutely worth checking out!

TV Experiences with Seventeen Magazine

For those of you that follow me on Twitter (@ashleysantucci) you probably saw my tweets in April about my experience filming some TV segments with Seventeen Magazine. I have been lucky enough to model for Seventeen a few times in the past and absolutely love working with them! They are the nicest group of people and they always make being on-set so much fun.

The segments were a prom feature that highlighted the some of the trends for prom dresses this season. First, we filmed for Fox's Good Day NY. I was super nervous for this one because it was live and I was so afraid that I was going to trip!!! Thankfully I didn't and everything went smoothly. Then the following week we filmed for Better TV which was nationally syndicated on about 155 stations around the country! I am so thankful to have had this experience and to meet the other girls that I worked with because they were awesome. Check out some behind the scenes pictures below and the link to check out the clip of the segment!

Check out the Better TV segment here: http://better.tv/view/fashion3-fashion-perfect-prom-dress
Unfortunately, the Good Day NY segment is no longer available online.

Thanks for checking it out, guys!

My NYFW Experience - Round II

We are in the midst of fashion month and I was lucky enough to work some shows during New York Fashion Week again! Last season, I was interning at one of the top fashion PR agencies, PR Consulting. With them, I had my first fashion week experience. I was able to work a bunch of SS '12 shows and even work the Versace x H&M event a few months later! This season, they asked me to come back and help out with some preparation and work some shows again. Of course, I excitedly accepted!

Zero + Maria Cornjeo invite

Stunning color and movement at Zero + Maria Cornjeo

Love the makeup case in the gift bags at Milk Studios

My favorite part of this experience was working the Narciso Rodriguez show because it was part of Mercedez Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center! Somehow, all of the other shows I have worked in the past were all held at Milk Studios and other outside locations. While there is definitely an amazing, unique element to a show at an outside location, I was excited to work one at MBFW because it is the essentially epicenter of NYFW.

Having these will never get old.



Empty theatre at MBFW before Narciso Rodriguez

Final walk at Narciso Rodriguez

Everything at Lincoln Center was amazing and super organized! The entrance and lounge area is a fashion-lover's heaven! Plus, MBFW has select volunteers to help with preshow setup, which makes it a lot easier on the PR staff. A show at The Stage of MBFW is an amazing experience. The venue is huge and the stadium seating creates such a cool effect. While I am so grateful for every fashion show opportunity that I have, this is definitely one that will not be forgotten!

Until next time Fashion Week...

I am so thankful that PR Consulting let me come back and intern with them again for FW '12 New York Fashion Week. I learn so much with every new experience that I get and have so much fun just being in the Fashion Week atmosphere! London Fashion Week has since wrapped up and now we are on to Milan before finishing with Paris! I am really looking forward to seeing what all of the designers show.

Do you have any questions about what it's like to work a fashion show?

PR Couture

A few weeks ago, a feature was done about me on a wonderful site called PR Couture. They have a section called "Getting IN" where they interview interns who are just starting out in the PR industry about their experiences. I was lucky enough to get asked and love the finished product! I have the link posted in the "Features" section of the blog, but here it is again incase you haven't checked it out yet:

http://www.prcouture.com/2012/01/24/getting-in-fashion-pr-internships-with-prada-pr-consulting/

"There is no “off” switch for PR. Everyone in the industry is basically always working and you always have to be accessible and ready to handle anything at any given moment. -Ashley Santucci"

Seventeen Magazine Photoshoot

A few months ago, I had the amazing opportunity of being in a Seventeen Magazine photoshoot for a "Hot Looks for Less" story in their special Prom issue. It just came out, so everyone should go out and pick up a copy because the issue is awesome!

The concept for the story was really cool. They picked four of us bloggers to style our own prom looks by using some of our own accessories and incorporating our own personal styles into the outfits. The shoot was SO much fun and everyone was so nice. I absolutely love how it turned out and so I am appreciative of Seventeen for giving me this opportunity!

So, everyone go pick up a copy of the issue and turn to page 126! Also, if you're looking for some great people to follow on Twitter, might I suggest Seventeen Mag and the other bloggers from the shoot: @SeventeenMag, @wordbyjessie, @Dashing_A, and @saraINKS.

Spotlight On: New York for the Holidays

There truly is no place like New York during the holiday season. I feel so lucky to have grown up near such an amazing city. Some of my favorite holiday memories have been going to visit the tree in Rockefeller Center and seeing festive shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. NYC is featured in so many holiday movies and it is just such an iconic place to be during this time of year. So, I decided to list some of my favorite New York holiday hotspots that really get me in the Christmas spirit!

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is definitely touristy and overcrowded, but it's obviously a must-see. Even if you see it every year, the tree is always iconic and spectacular. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you turn the corner and see this thing lit up in all it's glory just a few days before Christmas. (@Christmas30Rock)

Bryant Park is another one of my favorites. There is so much to see and do here around the holiday season including another fabulous Christmas tree, ice skating at the Citi Pond at Bryant Park, and shopping at The Holiday Shops. My favorite pop up shop is the Ooh La La boutique - definitely check it out!(@BryantParkNYC & @TheHolidayShops & @OohlalaNY)

Take a walk down 6th Avenue. In addition to seeing Radio City looking its finest for the holidays, there are a number of other festive decorations including giant ornaments, huge Christmas lights, and colossal toy soldiers. Nothing like getting in the Christmas spirit through continuous photo ops.

Saks

Barneys

Bergdorfs

Do some serious window shopping! It is very necessary to hit up all of the classics like Saks, Bloomingdales, Barney's, Bergdorf's, Bendel's, Tiffany, Cartier, etc. I love to compare them all and pick my favorite every year. Even though it's so hard to choose, I think for 2011, Bergdorf's is the winner!
(@Bergdorfs & @Saks & @Bloomingdales & @BarneysNY & @BendelGirls & @TiffanyAndCo  @Cartier)

The Plaza is always such a gorgeous, iconic place to visit, but this holiday season it's even better! This year, Betsey Johnson designed a Christmas tree that is inspired by Eloise! Personally, I can't think of a better collaboration. In addition to an amazing super-pink tree, Betsey Johnson also has a pop-up shop at The Plaza for the holidays. There's always room for new holiday traditions in my book! (@xoBetseyJohnson & @ThePlazaHotel & @ThePlazaEloise)

What are some of your favorite holiday spots in New York City?

Spotlight On: Buddakan & Chelsea Market

Last month my boyfriend and I wanted to go out to dinner in NYC to celebrate our year and a half anniversary. It was so hard to choose where to go because there are so many amazing dining options in New York. We ended up using my OpenTable app to make a reservation at Buddakan and I'm so happy we did!

First of all, Buddakan is technically in the Chelsea Market, even though the entrance to the restaurant is outside of it. If you've never been to the Chelsea Market, I highly recommend it! It's such a cute indoor shopping center that is filled with great shops and restaurants. There's classic favorites like Anthropologie and Hale and Hearty Soups in addition to places like Bar Suzette creperie, Fat Witch bakery, and One Lucky Duck organic restaurant. There is so much do to (and eat!) in the Chelsea Market and it has so much character that it's definitely worth a visit.

Buddakan itself is part of the Chelsea Market, but the entrance is outside. They call themselves "modern asian cuisine" but it is essentially an asian fusion restaurant. Regarless, it was awesome. When you first walk in, you are greeted at a front desk that almost resembles that of a hotel. When you turn around there is a huge bar/waiting area that is absolutely gorgeous. The actual seating area Buddakan is just as nice. The dim lighting along with the rich colors and festive decor make for a great ambiance and vibe throughout the restaurant.

The food was hands down the best part. To start, we ordered the sesame shrimp toast, tuna tartare spring rolls, and the pork potstickers. All of them were ridiculously good! Just thinking back on it is making my mouth water. As far as the main course goes, it's best to order a few entrees and sides and then split everything instead of getting individual meals. We ordered shacha chicken, charred filet of beef, and lobster fried rice on the side (a must!). For dessert, you absolutely CANNOT leave unless you order the crying chocolate. You seriously will regret it forever; it's that good!

In addition to the Buddakan here in NYC, there are also locations in Philly and Atlantic City. If you ever are looking for a delicious, trendy place to eat, I highly recommend stopping into Buddakan!

Spotted: Hottest NYFW Trends for Spring/Summer '12

So, I know this is insanely late being that NYFW has been over for a little while. I've been SO busy! But anyway, there were TONS of wearable trends that kept popping up for SS '12 during New York Fashion Week. Literally, there was something for everyone. From bold prints to pastels to the LWD (little white dress), the designers truely outdid themselves. So, without further adue, the hottest trends from NYFW:



Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Prabal Gurung, Anna Sui, DKNY

1. Bold Prints. Prints were seriously on just about every runway this season.

Sophie Theallet, J Crew, DKNY, Jason Wu

2. Pink. Be prepared to be pretty in pink this season.

 

Altuzarra, Derek Lam, Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Taylor, Rag & Bone

3. Crochet Sweaters. Behold: the perfect spring sweater!




Preen, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Vera Wang, Reed Krakoff, Jill Stuart

4. Pastels. Sugary sweet and perfect for Spring.



Sophie Theallet, Lela Rose, Christian Siriano, Suno, Jenny Packham

5. LWD. The LWD has slowly been replacing the classic LBD the past few seasons, and it has no intention of stopping.




Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, Suno, Zac Posen, Herve Leger

6. Trumpet Skirt. Make some noise for this interesting hemline!



Anna Sui, Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren

7. 1920's. Gatsby glamour and flappers galore.

Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, Michael Kors, Donna Karan

8. Safari/Tribal. Get ready to go on a trip with these fun collections.




Prabal Gurung, DKNY, Narciso Rodriguez, Jason Wu, Jenny Packham

9. Uneven Hemline. Can't make up your mind on the perfect length of a skirt? Why not wear them all at once!



Nanette Leporre, Christian Siriano, Rag & Bone, Jason Wu, Tracy Reese

10. Neon. 80's neon is back in a big way!

Vera Wang, Marchesa, Jason Wu, Suno, Rodarte

11. Peplums. Good thing this style is super flattering on everyone!

Sophie Theallet, Derek Lam, Vivienne Tam, Jenny Packham, Rebecca Minkoff

12. Orange. Orange you glad this is still a trend? It was huge last spring and personally, I'm glad it's sticking around!

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone

13. Sporty Chic. I love howt his trend is comfortable AND cute.




Proenza Schouler, Jill Stuart, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Zoe, Rachel Roy

14. Short Suit. Here comes the new power suit!




Sophie Theallet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, J Crew

15. Color Blocking. This is another trend that has been around for a few seasons now, so if you haven't tried it yet, now is the time!