We really enjoyed working with Bryce, Tom, Todd, and all the wonderful retailers at The Promenade Shops last fall to bring you the Man Up! feature. It was a long day and there were many wardrobe changes. Here are some Behind-the Scenes photos of our morning at Evolve Salon and our guys at their wardrobe sessions.

Great Pieces for the Season from Sorrelli Jewelry

Just a few minutes west of the Valley, in the small town of Kutztown, you will find the home of Sorrelli Jewelry. Handcrafted from genuine semi-precious stones and high quality Austrian crystals, Sorrelli’s jewelry is easy to get hooked on because each season they surprise us with even more exciting collections. Their latest collections: Electric Blue, Harmony and Running Water—gives us three more reasons to love this local retailer.

Electric Blue

Shades from the sky and ocean were the inspiration for this beautiful blue collection. From clear water blues to dark midnight sky, the Electric Blue collection features an antique silver finish and styles ranging from demure post earrings to chunky bib necklaces. Wear with crisp white ensembles or the all the navy-colored styles trending this season. Blue-eyed beauties: This collection will draw attention to those peepers and make them twinkle.

Sparrow Pendant Necklace, $94.60; Stacked Circular Stud Earring, $26.40; Glittering Multi-Cut Crystal Bracelet, $79.20; Abstract Cluster Ring, $46.20

Harmony

The Harmony collection is ideal for the woman who doesn’t shy away from color and likes baubles in a rainbow range of colors. Set in a Victorian-inspired antique gold finish, Harmony pieces feature an amethyst purple, accented by rich greens, blues, reds and yellows. The mixture of color will brighten up a neutral or accent a punchy pattern, easily creating harmony in your wardrobe. Pieces from this romantic collection are perfect for summer picnics or date night with that someone special. Dark-haired beauties: The antique gold finish and deep color palette will perfectly play off your deep-colored locks.

Glam Crystal Cluster Necklace, $173.80; Circular Stud Earring with Rhinestone Edging, $30.80; Glam Crystal Cluster Bracelet, $103.40; Princess Center Stacked Crystal Ring, $39.60

Running Water

The Running Water collection (seen in this month’s Fashion & Beauty Report) mixes simplicity with classic, artful design. A combination of pastel jewel tones, including white crystal accented by light purples, greens, blues and even a hint of orange, this collection is no doubt inspired by the pristine waters of the area’s lakes and streams. For those subtle sisters who prefer light colors, the pieces in the Running Water collection will flow through your wardrobe of monochromatic neutrals. Fair-haired beauties, the pale colors and antique silver finish make this collection perfect for blondes of all shades.

Modern Facets Bold Crystal Bib Necklace,  $114.40; Multi Crystal Cluster Earring, $57.20; Regal Cabochon Bracelet, $151.80; Irregular Hexagon Crystal Ring, $39.60

Sorrelli | 220 W. Main St. Kutztown | 610.894.9857 | sorrelli.com

The Met

Fashion was out in full force Monday evening at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Annual Costume Institute Gala in New York City.

In any event of this nature you have the showstoppers, the traditionalists, and the true

Beyonce in Emilio Pucci

fashionistas. You also get the individuals whose adornments “wear them” as opposed to the other way around. Here are our biggest offenders in this category:

Beyonce’s splashy black and gold mermaid number was so tight from the waist on down, she needed to be physically assisted up the stairs.

Hoping at least one of these helpers is Jay-Z

Christina Ricca did not fare much better as her dress’s designer Zac Posen actually helped get his creation up the red carpeted steps.

Ricci with her dress's designer, Zac Posen

Rhianna was another beauty in black struggling with her dress.

Don’t you just hate when you feel you just can’t control your own clothing? When she was able to tame the lace beast it was actually a gorgeous look on her.

Rhianna looked amazing once she addressed this train issue

Others that really hit the fashion mark for the night were: Sarah Jessica Parker in vintage (2005) Alexander McQueen, Jennifer Hudson, Gwenyth Paltrow and Madonna (absolutely loved her in this).

Madonna: Still rockin' it!

SJP

So who got the worst style grades for the evening? Mary Kate Olsen, Isabel Lucas and Ginnifer Goodwin all made ill-fiting misguided color choices…

The biggest disappointment came from the Met Gala’s most noted benefactor, Vogue EIC, Anna Wintour. She is usually the epitome of style, however, she must have made a deal with the devil to wear this less than flattering frock.

Anna and her daughter in red.

Our favorite photo of the night was Renee Zellweger in her backless Carolina Herrera.

And how was your Monday night?

Mary Kate

This just didn't work on Jenn G.

Now that's glamour. Thanks, Renee!

The March issue is in the house and our spring home feature looks gorgeous (thanks to Anne Gridley and Gary Graves). My bi-monthly column “In the Kitchen With…” debuted with Babette Nicolas and I think it really does prove how easy and accessible French cuisine can be. This weekend I’m taking home the April issue proof book including the fabulous spring fashion feature Lori Smith and I shopped for around the time of my last blog. The shoot was a lot of work, but well worth it. Let’s take a look at this day and others, shall we? I’ll check back soon…I promise!

Here are the interns, Kellyn and Abbey, diligently working together to steam the dresses. Abbey’s experience at J. Crew definitely came in handy!

There’s Lori getting the perfect shot of one of our models, Jackie.

Here I am accessorizing one of our super-tall models. I’ve never felt so small in my life!

This adorable pooch belongs to Angelique, the woman behind the Angelique de Paris jewelry line you’re going to learn about in our May issue. Pom Pom was just waiting for her close up.

That’s Jaime Karpovich, our next “In the Kitchen With…” She’s super-excited to share her vegan recipes with you in our May issue. Yum!

First of all, the one feature we noticed over and over again was the synched with a belt waistline. No one looked better pulling this look off than Claire Danes in this frilly feminine floral print gown by Louis Vuitton.

Other winners in this category include  January Jones in Carolina Herrera, Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen, and our overall top pick for best dressed, but we’ll get back to that.

And although we loved her strappy heels, the synched waist aspect of Jennifer Lawrence’s bubble-gum pink Oscar de la Renta dress did not help in her cause for best-dressed; just too gimmicky for our tastes.

But Oscar redeemed himself with our next pick. The award for Most Improved goes to Tina Fey—known for her questionable choices—in her flaming red Oscar de la Renta.

The winner in the Va-Va-Voom category has to go to Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli. While we usually associate the color blue with cool vibes, this was definitely one red-hot dress and puts her high on the Style list.

White-on-white just didn’t look right on best supporting actress nominee, Amy Adams in Hervé Leroux.

In the Trying-to-Hard category, Eva Longoria in her a-strap-here-and-a-strap there number by Georges Hobeika was another not-so-great moment in white; too much emphasis on skin and short on style. This was still not the worst ensemble of the evening, however.

Although Mad Men’s Cara Buono’s dress was certainly well-suited for the name of the award show itself—SAG—it was certainly sag-gy, it was also baggy. There was definitely too much going on with that dress. Not a great look for her and our least favorite of the evening.

So what ensemble do we think was the best of the evening?

Lea Michele of TV’s Glee was our clear winner. Her simple, sophisticated beaded blush gown with a gilded belt and puddle train by Oscar de la Renta was the definition of exquisite; certainly the Most Stylish of the evening. So what was your favorite look?

View of Bethlehem Steel from Fahy Bridge.

I had a rather interesting Labor Day weekend. It was pleasantly relaxing, but surprisingly eventful, too. My extended weekend began with a walk around the South Side visiting the usual characters for a lively First Friday.

After popping into some of my favorite shops, my sister, Jess, and I walked down to Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center on Third Street for the opening reception of “More Serious Business” featuring some 55 well-respected artists from in and around the Valley including my friend Josh “NoNo” Novak of the LVAN.

The place was a maze! From one room to another, people shuffled in and out viewing works from photos to oil paintings and even 3D stuff. My sister, having been a Fine Arts major at Kutztown University, ran into several of her former professors. I spent a few moments chatting with Anthony of Connexions in Easton.

To start my Saturday off, I headed to Art n Soul Studios in Allentown to finish a new tattoo with Curtis Richter. Nothing like the sensation of a tattoo gun to wake you up (I love it!). After an afternoon family picnic, I retreated to the South Side and found myself at Molly’s (formerly Lehigh Pub and Bridgeworks) with Jess and a few of Homebase’s finest.

Where’d we go next? The Bookstore, of course! The motley crew (sarcasm!) and I sat around a candle-lit table and mulled over the menu and the “rules,” which I don’t quite remember from previous visits. Perhaps a new addition? Check them out the next time you’re there. Number 5 is silly!

The original crew had come and gone but was replaced by Aaron from B104 and his girlfriend and Cap Cee of Audio Dynamkiz and his fiancée. Our waitress spilled one-and-a-half drinks across our table, but apologized profusely the moment the first glass tumbled. No worries!

At 2 a.m., Andy, the group, and I decided to check out one of the new hookah lounges. Has anyone else noticed that they’ve been popping up all over the Valley lately? Sultana Lounge was far too club-y for our liking so we walked down the street to Essence Hookah Lounge, but there was a $5 cover charge–something none of us wanted to pay. I’ve never been to a hookah bar before, but I’d assume it’s much nicer on a chill night without dance-y beats and loud bass. The group agreed and we all parted ways for the night.

That leads me to Sunday. Did anyone attend Sophistikate’s grand opening celebration on Friday night? This new soho-chic boutique is located on Main and Broad streets in North Bethlehem. I couldn’t make the opening (I admit, it took me far too long to choose an outfit that night) so I decided to take advantage of the beautiful afternoon and walk there. Knowing that it was supposed to be open until 5 p.m., I timed my walk for plenty of time for boutique browsing.

Only, apparently I didn’t. According to my trusty iPhone, it was 4:40 p.m. when I arrived, but the double glass doors were locked. A woman came to the door to announce that she was closing and handed me a flyer. I’m sorry, but I thought I had 20 minutes to shop. Instead of saying something, I took the snub, turned around, and patronized Moravian Book Shop. I purchased Little Bee and walked to Wired Café for a smoothie then sat outside at a little table to read in the sun–the perfect way to spend my day.

Then, I found myself at the bar at Hotel Bethlehem with friend and former LVS intern (now contributor) Amanda Harding. We both opted for the Hotel B Sweet Tea–a much better version of a Long Island Iced Tea–and chatted for a good hour or so before I left for my journey home to the South Side.

OK, it’s not really a journey. The walk is about 20 minutes or so. As I crossed the Fahy Bridge on that gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Bethlehem all over again. It was the prettiest day. The sunshine and crisp, blue sky made every detail on every tree and building stand out so vividly. The river sparkled below. The movement of the city was alive and I was a part of it.

In a flash, I straightened my hair, changed my shoes, and found myself at a late dinner at White Orchids. It was my first visit and I left feeling satisfied. Thai isn’t exactly my favorite food, but my curry chicken dish was yummy albeit a bit too spicy for my bland palate. Beautiful place, though!

My Labor Day weekend concluded with a girls’ day/night with long-time friend Erin, who recently moved into a condo at Riverport, and a friend from high school who I haven’t seen since we graduated. I Skyped (is that even a verb?) for the very first time with two good friends who are traveling Ireland. We ordered a large half plain, half Hawaiian pizza from Lehigh Pizza. We gossiped, drank wine, played dress up, took photos, and totally vegged out. It was perfect!

Have I mentioned that I love living on the South Side? For obvious reasons, some aforementioned, Bethlehem surely helps to make my weekends lively and exciting.

Announcing the "What's Your Lehigh Valley Style" contest. Silk jumper courtesy Loose Threads Boutique, Bethlehem.

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of announcing a very special contest after each of the Lehigh Valley Mall’s Fall Fashion Shows alongside my Friday afternoon co-host, B104’s Eric Chase.

If you were there, thanks for coming! The chairs were filled and it was standing room only along the runway’s perimeter. There were even onlookers from the second level peering down below at the upcoming season’s best fashion statements as modeled by the Mall’s Teen Board.

After each show, I (nervously) announced the “What’s Your Lehigh Valley Style” contest where you have a chance to win a $5,000 Lehigh Valley Mall shopping spree in addition to gift cards, concerts, and more.

Here with Eric Chase.

The best part is, entering is easy as one, two, three. All you have to do is update your wardrobe with a new piece, upload the photo to lehighvalleymall.com, and vote for your favorite looks.

If I were allowed, I would totally enter this contest! The show went off without a hitch, and everyone involved came together to produce a great afternoon event.

Style’s Pam Deller stayed behind the lens to capture some of the runway show. Check out the gallery here:

Thanks again, Shannon and Amanda from the Lehigh Valley Mall, for inviting me to announce this fall’s biggest contest! I’m flattered and had a blast. Thanks, also, to my great friends at Loose Threads Boutique for outfitting me in the gorgeous blue strapless, 100 percent silk jumper. It was stunning!

Get shopping and good luck!

As the April issue hits the stands and appears in mailboxes all over the area, one question still remains, “Who’s that girl?”

For those of you who haven’t figure it out yet, our mystery cover girl is…drum roll, please…me! Weird, huh? My two-day fashion shoot went a little something like this:

Back in November, I created this color-blocking concept to focus specifically on spring accessory trends. I envisioned strikingly beautiful pieces on vibrant backgrounds for bright and cheery pops of color.

Before setting out with photographer Lori Smith to collect bags and bags filled with goodies, she asked if I was interested in doing a little leg and hand modeling. Sure, why not? I thought. No one will know it’s me.

It was settled. We would incorporate a few limb shots to mix up the overall appearance. On our first day of shooting, we labored over the details of each set up to successfully complete three of the six shots. On day two, once I arrived at Lori’s studio, she asked if she could stick me in front of the camera for three beauty shots.

AHHH! What? Me? I work for the magazine, remember. Suddenly, I was whisked away and found myself sitting in a chair at Enzo Giarratana European Concept Salon having my hair sprayed and straightened into sections of ribbon-like pieces that were eventually pinned to create the pretty chignon-inspired ‘do. Back to Lori’s house, and I was having my makeup done while I painted my fingernails. I hardly even had a chance to decline the offer!

We did the green shot first then flew right back upstairs to do a quick makeup change as I, again, painted my nails to match the turquoise backdrop. A few shots here and a few shots there, and we were on to the purple page. Twelve hours later and we were finally finished shooting for the day, because Lori and I decided to shoot stills of each model shot just in case.

There ya have it. I guess our accidental photo shoot worked out! And now you know the behind-the-scenes story of our April cover girl.

I have a tattoo. In fact, I have two. I was 18 when I officially declared that I was going to get inked and wanted a frilly fairy. I poured over designs. Did I want something pretty or woodsy, blue or orange? My mom quickly kyboshed the idea and I was furious because, after all, I was legal.

A couple of years later, I was sitting atop a cushioned table inside The Quillian in Allentown getting a lucky ladybug with seven spots on the top of my right foot. I had just finished my sophomore year in college, and my mom was sitting right beside me.

My second came just after I graduated college. After waiting months to link up with Little Chico of Steel City Tattoo in Bethlehem, I approached him with my idea and he got to work. Two sessions and about four and a half hours later, a beautiful hibiscus and Bethlehem Star tattoo was finished.

This blog isn’t to brag about my tattoos. It’s actually to prompt my next observation. I was paging through the March issue of W magazine and noticed Chanel’s latest muse and her prominently displayed neck tattoo (might be real, might be fake?). Seemed rather progressive especially for Chanel. Then, as I continued, was surprised to see models baring similar tattoos throughout this month’s fashion feature. I’m sure it’s been done many times before (I don’t read W religiously), but it struck me as interesting. Perhaps the fashion world is looking to the Megan Foxes of our generation for inspiration.

I’m not ashamed of my tattoos. I think they’re an artful expression of my personality. And I think it’s fashionably edgy yet quite elegant to incorporate them into couture fashion. No Photoshop needed! What was once seemingly shunned is now finally becoming more mainstream, acceptable, and normal. By the way–if you’re wondering–I never did get that fairy and I’m glad I didn’t. They are permanent after all!

Winter and I have a love-hate relationship. Most of the time he’s rather dull and unattractive, but from time to time we actually get along with one another.

Like today, for instance, I quite enjoy these lovely warmer temperatures. But I know he’s going to turn a cold shoulder and show me his ugly face without warning. The funny thing is, I snowboard. So when I say I hate winter, people tend to ponder my choice to partake in such a winter sport. I may not exactly love the cold, but what I do love is the adrenaline rush that comes with snowboarding.

This season, my first trip to the mountain actually came on New Year’s Day for a nice evening session at Windham Mountain in New York. Really nice place! Unfortunately, only the lower half of the mountain is lighted so my group and I didn’t really have the opportunity to experience the more challenging runs. It snowed the entire time we were there so it was really nice to ride on real snow rather than the man-made stuff you find around here.

Speaking of man-made, on Wednesday night I drove up to Bear Creek for a quick two hours. Did you know they added a Waffle Hut at the bottom of the mountain? They had one of those at Windham, too. Must be the new thing.

Another thing they had at Windham was a Big Air Bag. Skiers and snowboarders launch off a small-ish kicker and land onto a huge air bag that sort of just immediately dumps you off. A few of us really wanted to try it at Windham, but riders need to wear helmets. Fortunately, Blue Mountain just added one, so perhaps in the very near future I will check it out.

Despite the cold that winter brings, the after-Christmas sales are seriously hot. I’ve managed to avoid the mall, surprisingly, but today at lunch Gap was calling my name as I walked by. I gave in. And walked out with a great sweater dress, two button-down shirts with ruffles, and a pair of tights for next to nothing. All sale items were an additional 25 percent off. How could I say no? I’m having a bit of buyer’s remorse, but I know as soon as I wear those items I’ll realize it was totally worth it.

Winter, sometimes I love you and most of the time I hate you. Actually, I just love to hate you. Spring, I am so incredibly looking forward to our reunion.