KEVA by Keva J: Starting the Summer countdown

Yesterday I had the chance to sit down with designer, Keva Johnson of KEVA by Keva J. A Caribbean native, now based in New York, her intricate designs of stylish swimwear are guaranteed to keep you in style during the long summer months. Which is a good thing because I got slightly confused a few weeks ago and said yes to a press trip to Panama City, which I thought had something to do with the canal. Turns out I'm going to Spring Break! Which in turn got me thinking about Summer wardrobes. It's been a while since I've sported cut off denim but with these innovative designs, there's hope for us all.

KEVA's Serengeti 2010 Collection features an African safari vibe with striking animal prints, jungle hues and detailed cut outs which are sure to impress. Past offerings include bold color combinations of yellows and blue, rich metallics and black and white classics.

Destined to become hot property, if you haven't already checked out the designs of this talented 27 year-old, then I suggest you start. It's time to get that summer wardrobe in shape. And yes, will keep you updated on my first Spring Break. Ha ha!

Marilyn Monroe Auction: Owning a piece of the legend

"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I'm out of control and at times I'm hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

This is by far one of my favorite quotes from Marilyn Monroe, the icon that proved that blondes really do have more fun. As yet another batch of Monroe memorabilia goes under the hammer, I thought it would be nice for us all to own a little piece of Monroe magic even if it was only in the form of this great quote.

Come June 26-27, those itching for a more tangible piece of the legend will be able to buy everything from bank statements to a chest x-ray courtesy of Legends auction at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Don't want to wait until their dead? A soiled tissue from Scarlett Johanson recently sold for $3,500. Justin Timberlake's breakfast leftovers? $3,154 for some half-eaten french toast. Ah, good times.

Vacheron Constantin: Watching style

When it comes to watches price is no object, at least for some. Sure, as a child I may have searched Pat Pong Street for questionable Gucci's and yes, in my teens I may have sported a "sensible" Swatch, but as we grow older and come into our own style, a statement watch can be an investment that will last a lifetime. The latest to catch my eye, is Vacheron Constantin's Collection Excellence Platine Patrimony Contemporaine pocket watch. Yes, it's a mouthful but a timepiece such as this deserves a title.

Inspired by the discovery of the first pocket watch made by Jean-Marc Vacheron and dated circa 1755, the Collection Excellence Platine Patrimony Contemporaine pocket watch is both stylish and practical. Enclosed in its own leather pocket this little gem is the first in Vacheron Constantin's Patrimony line. A limited edition of 50, individually numbered watches are available so you'll have to be fast to pocket this one. Priced at around $50 000 however, I may well be window shopping for a while yet...

Five reasons to love Spa Week

1) Green Phoenix Spa
29 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10036
212.221.1330
http://www.myphoenixspa.com

Steals & Deals Treatment:
60 Min Hot Stone and Deep Tissue Combination Massage.
Special: $50; Originally: $75

2) Queen Jane Day Spa
37 East 28th Street, Suite B103
New York, NY 10016
212.684.4548
http://www.queenjanedayspa.com

Steals & Deals Treatment:
Choice of Signature Cucumber Spring Facial, 50 Min Swedish Massage, or 30 Min Signature Cucumber Polish.
Special: $50 Each

3) Serena Spa
1270 Broadway, Suite 503
New York, NY 10001
646.373.0409
http://www.serena-spa.com

Steals & Deals Treatment:
Choice of 45 Min Microdermabrasion, 45 Min IPL Photo Facial, or Deep Cleansing Facial with 15 Min Neck and Shoulder Massage.
Special: $59 Each; Originally: $95 - $115


4) Vada Spa & Laser Center
387 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10014
212.206.1572
http://www.vadaspa.com

Steals & Deals Treatment:
Choice of Microdermabrasion Treatment with Out-to-Lunch Facial, Teeth Whitening, or Full Body Wax with Manicure.
Special: $59 Each; Originally: $109 - $125



5) Deva Spa
425 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
646.454.4300
http://www.devachansalon.com

Steals & Deals Treatment:
Choice of Deva Express Facial for $50, normally $95, 60 Min Deva Micro with Deep Pore Cleansing for $145, normally $185, or any 60 Min Massage and 30 Min Scrub for $195, normally $225.

Do we all secretly want to be a Real Housewife?

You may remember when I lived life without TV. It was a simpler time, one where I read three novels a week, where friends could bribe me with cable, where I devoured commercials like award-winning short films.

It wasn't long however, before the good folk on my block discovered I lived TV-less and delivered one straight to my door, such is the generosity of Harlem.

I have since upgraded to quite an impressive flat screen yet, on principal, I won't sign up for cable. The main reason: I come from a country that has four TV channels and I fear with seven hundred, I may never turn the damn thing off, particularly since I have yet to desensitize my entertainment senses.

And although having a TV has stopped me from considering mugging others in order to support my book habit, I have to admit it's giving me bad ideas, career wise... mainly from my new, sinful indulgence, The Real Housewives of New York City.



Introduced to this reality train wreck via it's other incarnations, I have found myself watching "Housewife" marathons in hotel rooms, completely dumb founded by the seemingly inane, verging on venomous, goings-on of these so-called grown ups.

How in the hell do they have the time to create all this drama? These people "do lunch" for a living! Which begs the question, if your most poignant, life-changing decision becomes whether to leave Ramona's long weekend BBQ in the Hampton's to drop into Lu Ann's Summer long weekend BBQ in the Hamptons, then how bad can life be?

I'd definitely ditch the "friends," but being a Real Housewife of New York City doesn't seem like a bad gig. It's certainly a more credible title than "Page Six Scandal Boy" or "Trust Fund Partier" as seen on IMG's latest reality show - not that I watch that sort of stuff!

Armani Easter Eggs: Fashion Eats

I'm not the only one who believes in the three fashion food groups—caffeine, champagne and chocolate. This year Armani Dolci has released it's own little Easter delight. Featuring a large letter "A" and packaged to impress, this exclusive range of chocolate Easter eggs are available from the Giorgio Armani flagship store on 5th Avenue.

Forget the Easter bonnet, take these to your long weekend soiree and you'll be the belle of the ball.

Tanuki Tavern: The New Summer Haunt

Dining beside supermodel Hilary Rhoda in the glorious courtyard of Tanuki Tavern, it became all too clear that the time has come to decide upon where this season's good-weather hang out will be. My vote: Tanuki Tavern.

Located within the Gansevoort hotel, in the heart of the Meatpacking district, Tanuki Tavern has two floors of gorgeous decor in which to dine. Better yet, it features an amazing outdoor courtyard, the perfect setting for sun-filled brunches at this hip, Japanese gastro-pub.

Created by the good folks at China Grill Management you know the food will not disappoint. And the cocktail menu? Well, let's just say there is plenty of room for a Sunday afternoon of fun and frivolity. If you have some time mid-week, their $24 lunch pre-fix menu is great value. The service is attentive and the atmosphere is far from potentious. Tanuki Tavern is the perfect place to relax rain, hail or shine.

Favorite dishes: Crispy baby bok choy, Spicy Blue Crab Pizza and the Yellowtail Jalapeno sashimi style.