After recently inter-stumbling upon a real estate story stating that Hong Kong Real Estate hit a new high.. (an apartment sold at approx. $61million, putting the price paid per sq ft ($9,773 USD) as the highest in HK history ) My curiosity got the best of me and I had to delve in further. The sale was for an apartment at the Frank Gehry-designed Opus building in Hong Kong.

After checking out a few initial photographs on google photos, I just had to look up the building. I inter-stumbled to the Opus HK building website and found a delightful documentary on Frank Gehry’s visionary collaboration with HK developer, Swire Properties.

The documentary puts HK in a light I had never seen, all of a sudden all of the imagery I’ve sodden my mind with of a smog-laden environment was wiped away and accented with lush greenery and stunning views.

Please delight yourself and watch for yourself.
—–

OPUS HONG KONG is a visionary collaboration between Frank Gehry, one of the world’s most influential architects of modern times, and innovative Hong Kong developer, Swire Properties.

Set in a remarkable hillside location between Happy Valley and The Peak on Hong Kong Island, OPUS HONG KONG comprises two double-level garden apartments and ten unique apartments – each one occupying an entire floor, enjoying unprecedented 360° views and some 6,000 to 6,900 sq ft (560 – 640 sqm) of space.

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY ON THE BUILDING HERE –> http://www.opushongkong.com/en/Film.html

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The collaboration launch party was held at an amazing store in Tribeca called Patron of the New. It is a really beautiful store and carries many hard to find, avante garde designers… During the party I literally had to restrain myself from filling my arms with clothes and running to the nearest dressing room. Thankfully the drinks were flowing and the crowd was pretty so I was able to keep distracted and not let myself be overcome by the shopping bug.

Want a pair for yourself? Well I hate to disappoint you, but unless you live in New York you’ll have to wait a bit as The Oliver Peoples for Parabellum sunglasses are currently available exclusively at Patron of the New but will be available for purchase on the Oliver Peoples website in September.

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My fav is this beautiful Light Blue Fouta from Father Rabbit hailing from New Zealand. Don’t be shy, your Fouta can also be used as a table cloth, a sarong, scarf or throw.

Cost = $45 USD

#2 – What would a beach day be w/o a bit of intoxicant to put you into a state of blissful retreat. Now I’m not suggesting intaking hard liqueur while basking in the sun, but a nice glass of rose or chardonnay never hurt anyone. Right? Well with my next must-have you can keep that California white cold from sun rise until the last rays pass over the horizon.

The Swell bottle, made in the US, is designed to keep a full bottle of wine cold for the whole day, even while sitting in the sun w/ you. Unlike you however, it doesn’t sweat. Another point to note is a portion of all proceeds go to help Water Aid, a 5013c organization.

Cost = $45 USD

# 3 – Keep that pout puckery. No one wants to kiss chapped lips so how do you guarantee you’re kissable for the sunset? Try Elizabeth Ardens Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick with a high profile 15 SPF. I use it myself and for a day at the beach its perfect, as a clear cream you don’t have to worry about looking too put together so you can perfect the chill beach chick look.

Cost = $19.50 USD

#4 – Now that you have the items to throw in your tote, you need the tote. I am absolutely in LOVE with this Anthropologie Imogen Tote. It fits your Fouta, your favorite beach read, the sunblock, sandals, your swell bottle and a few snacks perfectly without leaving too much extra room so your boyfriend can’t shove extra items in to load you down. Besides it’s so cute you can use it as a day shopper when you don’t have time to make it to the beach.

Cost = $49.95

I don’t know about you but I’m going to attempt to make it to the beach this weekend after all summer is half over! I wish you all sunny days and big waves!

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Here you have it, the first ever “Your Weekend, Undressed” where we’ll give you a tiny tiny taste of the best goings on of the weekend. Fend for yourself at the door.

TO THE EAST WE HAVE—

#1. ART FOR LIFE BENEFIT – Russell Simmons East Hampton Estate
SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012, 6PM Cocktails 7PM Dinner & Program

Why: If you’re deaf AND blind you’ve probably still heard about this event; most likely via a dream where you woke up salivating over not only the food porn worthy foodie treats but also over the celebrity porn walking amongst your breathing space. Case in point, Last years attendees included Edward Norton, Mary J. Blige, Gwyneth Paltrow, Donald Baechler, Marc Leder, Yoko Ono and included a performance by Jennifer Hudson.

Be warned – a single ticket comes in at a smooth $1,500

#2. – 15TH ANNUAL SUPER SATURDAY – Nova’s Ark Project – Water Mill
SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1PM – 6PM

Why: FINALLY, A day time event. You can keep it family friendly, sip on a cocktail, bask in the (hopeful) sun, shop your heart out on discounted designer yes?, and all before the sun sets. Famous faces to be included (Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan, Courtney Cox, Star Jones, Beth Ostrosky, Melanie Fiona and “Empire Girls” stars Adrienne Bailon and Julissa Bermudez). YAY’s all around.

After spending a days pay on a ticket ($450)..go home, bbq by the pool, pass out for a few hours after downing 3 bloody marys with your grilled salmon burger, wake up at say 11PM, put on an american apparel something and then go mingle with models and bottles at SL East. Why, well because where the models play, people sashay and you know how much I love waiting outside of a club for hours so I can see them sashay. You work it out.

STAYING IN THE CITY LIKE ME? EVENTS FOR THOSE NOT WANTING TO MAKE THE 3 HR + TREK TO THE HAMPTY HAMPS

#1 – EDIBLE MANHATTAN PRESENTS THE 4TH ANNUAL “GOOD BEER” FEST – 82 Mercer St, NY
SATURDAY, JULY 28, 6PM – 8PM

Why: We’ve all been there, you get back to the office on Monday, your coworkers tell their amazing tale of hiking a mountain and witnessing a bear attack and then ask “So, what did you do this weekend?” you are sufficed to say “NOTHING” and then turn slowly and walk away. Well… don’t be the boring office log, go to GOOD BEER, spend a measly $55 on all you can eat and drink beer and food from 30 RESTAURANTS. Just go to the gym on Sunday and then you can reallyfeel like a productive human being.

#2 – Honestly, nothing exciting happens in the city on the weekends…

Why: Everyone is in the Hamptons. BUT if you don’t like the trek, loathe the wasp or just need a break from the fresh air every weekend, well then we might have another option for you. If you don’t enjoy GOOD BEER, you could check this out THE 1ST(!) ANNUAL CATALPA MUSIC FESTIVAL, little bands like THE BLACK KEYS, TV ON THE RADIO, GIRL TALK and MATT & KIM are playing. Who knows, might be good.


I’m sure there are countless other events to mention but if we gave you every choice then you might find yourself in a conundrum of where to go. These are my choices. What are you doing this weekend?

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Circa Tabac is one of, if not the very last, remaining places that allow you to legally smoke inside. Cafe by day, lounge by night, here you never need to worry about hiding your cigarette beneath a table or leaning down to discreetly blow smoke out of sight as someone walks by (anyone who has snuck a cigarette inside a club can feel me on this).

As a dedicated smoker, I had lovingly looked back on the days of smoking sections in restaurants and ashtrays in bars. So naturally, the first time a friend took me to Circa Tabac and I discovered that these memories could be relived, I died a little bit and instantly fell in love.

Upon walking in, you feel as though you’ve been transported back to the 20‘s. You almost expect to look over and see a group of flapper girls sitting at a table, chain smoking and drinking. Ashtrays and matches adorn every table and you need not worry if you forgot your smokes – they have a plethora of options for sale.

Located at 32 Watts St in the “South Village” neighborhood
(btwn Thompson St & 6th Ave)

Happy Smoking

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Held annually, The Bay Street waterfront benefit is the theatre’s biggest fundraiser of the year and the success of their year round programs depends on funds raised from tickets sales and the live auction that concludes the evening. Artistic Director Murphy Davis was this years auction “officiator” while guests bid on everything from a walk on role in BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES, a crazy luxurious St. Bart’s vacation provided by Wimco Villas, VIP Yankees tickets, golf with Richard Kind a catered cocktail party for 25, and a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.

No benefit would be complete without snagging a giftbag on the way out, this years gift bags included items from L’Oreal, Colgate/Palmolive, Dirty Blonde Cocktails, and Bai by Snapple among others gifts.

We can’t thank Bay Street enough for having us out and we wish them much success with the rest of their season and into next year!

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With 13 events on our list, the NY Undressed team really had to put our time management skills into full gear this last weekend. First stop was the Rand Luxury Rolls-Royce Brunch Ride & Drive at the Social Life House in Watermill.

Now a trip to the Hamptons just wouldn’t be the same without your standard dose of reality star lurk-age. Well, apparently the weather was so so amazing it not only brought out the Real Houseweives of New York star Jill Zarin, but it even lured a Real Housewives of Orange County star out of her natural habitat. We caught Tamra Barney and her sexy fiance Eddie Judge staying cool in the shade at the Rolls Royce event while they mingled with other well dressed east enders.

As we were leaving the event the only lingering thoughts that shouted out determining event success were coded in white and grey… if only, if only… all the well clad men taking puffs on Cohiba cuban cigars while juggling glasses of Glenlivet Single Malt(yum) were actually within my age range.

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What I love most about her lines is the choice of stones! I recently got into a crystal kick after reading a MASSIVE amount of information on the benefits of their healing properties. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few I recognized in the Rebekah Lea displays. One of my favs is Golden Rutilated Quartz! Yes please.

For more information head to www.rebekahleadesigns.com

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