Categories
Fashion Living

Trend Report Tuesday: Summer Swimwear Trends

Trend Report Tuesday is here, so channel your inner fashionista.

It’s FINALLY summertime (well, tomorrow technically) and we already know the temperatures are rising fast. It’s time to fill your wardrobe with those summer necessities; hats, sandals, sunglasses, bright colors, you know the drill.

Most importantly, it’s time to hit the pool or the nearest beach, and we at Downtown are here to keep you looking stylish. The swimwear trend, one-piece bathing suits, has gradually made a comeback over the past few years, but this year they’re at an all-time high, coming in all different styles and giving you many different options.

For your benefit, Downtown has put together a list of 10 one-piece bathing suits for all different types of women in a fashionable manner.

Camilla – “Patch Me Up Reversible One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Camilla 

For the bohemian fashionistas.

Tory Burch – “Lipsi One-Piece”

Photo courtesy of Tory Burch 

For the chic fashionistas. 

Zimmermann – “Divinity Motif One Piece” 

Photo courtesy of Zimmermann 

For those elegant fashionistas.

Flagpole – “Hudson”

Photo courtesy of Flagpole

For vibrant fashionistas.

Trina Turk – “Jakarta Embroidery High Neck One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Trina Turk

For those fun fashionistas.

Laundry By Shelli Segal – “Bold Cut-Out One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Laundry By Shelli Segal 

For the exotic fashionistas.

Kaohs – “Rio One Piece”

 

Photo courtesy of Kaohs

For those confident fashionistas.

Beach Riot – “Bridget One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Beach Riot

For festive fashionistas.

Stella McCartney – “Swimsuit”

Photo courtesy of Stella McCartney

For those sporty fashionistas.

Lisa Marie Fernandez – “Mira Black Flounce Maillot”

Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

For the trendy fashionistas.

Now that you’ve got your swimsuit fix, it’s time to show it off. Downtown Magazine wishes you a happy summer!

Categories
Events Fashion

Trend Report Tuesday: 2017 Tony Awards’ Looks

The 71st Tony Awards premiered Sunday, June 11th and took place at Radio City Music Hall here in Manhattan, presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. The Tony Award recognizes achievements on Broadway. Although there were mixed emotions regarding the performance from the host, Kevin Spacey, this show was full of outstanding talent.

Along with the talent in the crowd, the fashion was phenomenal. Not only was the Red Carpet full of those in Broadway productions, many other stars, related or unrelated to this industry, were seen there in support — looking fashionable as always, like Chrissy Teigen, who was there in support of her husband, John Legend, as well as Anna Kendrick, a former nominee.

Although there were many stunning looks, here are Downtown’s top 8 looks from the 2017 Tony Awards’ Red Carpet for this week’s Trend Report Tuesday.

Anna Kendrick in Miu Miu

Chrissy Teigen in Pamella Roland

Scarlett Johansson in Michael Kors Collection

Candice Swanepoel in Prabal Gurung

Laura Osnes in Badgley Mischka

Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors Collection

Jenn Colella in Elizabeth Kennedy

Cynthia Erivo in Chris Gelinas

Putting aside the amazing fashion, we would like to congratulate the following Tony winners for their achievement, as well as the other nominees in their categories. Here are the 2017 Tony Awards’ results.

Best Play: Oslo

Best Musical: Dear Evan Hansen

Best Revival of a Musical: Hello, Dolly!

Best Revival of a Play: August Wilson’s Jitney

Best Actress in a Musical: Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!

Best Actor in a Musical: Ben Platt, Dear Evan Hansen

Best Actress in a Play: Laurie Metcalf, A Doll’s House, Part 2

Best Actor in a Play: Kevin Kline, Present Laughter 

Best Book of a Musical: Dear Evan Hansen, Steven Levenson

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Dear Evan Hansen, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Michael Aronov, Oslo

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Cynthia Nixon, Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Gavin Creel, Hello, Dolly!

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Rachel Bay Jones, Dear Evan Hansen

Best Scenic Design of a Play: Nigel Hook, The Play That Goes Wrong

Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Mimi Lien, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Best Costume Design of a Play: Jane Greenwood, Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Santo Loquasto, Hello, Dolly!

Best Lighting Design of a Play: Christopher Akerlind, Indecent

Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Bradley King, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Best Direction of a Play: Rebecca Taichman, Indecent

Best Direction of a Musical: Christopher Ashley, Come From Away

Best Choreography: Andy Blankenbuehler, Bandstand

Best Orchestrations: Alex Lacamoire, Dear Evan Hansen

Recipients of Awards and Honors in Non-competitive Categories

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: James Earl Jones

Special Tony Award: Gareth Fry & Pete Malkin, Sound Designers for The Encounter

Regional Theatre Tony Award: Dallas Theater Center, Dallas, TX

Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award: Baayork Lee

Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre: Nina Lannan, Alan Wasser

Kudos to you all.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Tony Awards Production

Categories
Fashion Health

Fitness Friday: 5 Must-Have Activewear Brands

Here at Downtown, we strongly believe that fitness and being active is crucial and along with that, we affirm the saying, “when you look good, you feel good.”

Activewear is becoming more and more popular and continuously new and old brands come out with activewear lines to look your best while doing your best. These lines include tank tops, jackets, vests, leggings, pants, skirts… You get the point. There are many ways to be active, for example, playing tennis, doing yoga, or boxing, but is best done dressed right to make you feel your best — before, during and after your workout.

Here are our top 5 activewear brands Downtown Magazine can’t get enough of, and we are positive you will look AND feel good.

361 Degrees

Photo courtesy of 361 Degrees

At 361 Degrees, they sell activewear in a variety of colors and patterns, creating a fun, colorful look for a fun workout. Selling award winning shoes and apparel — everything from tops, sports bras, bottoms, and jackets, to a a few accessories, including unisex beanies and socks, this brand is all you need. Especially a great brand for runners, it has a line of footwear specifically for running or training — but can be used for every activity!

Tory Sport

Photo courtesy of Tory Sport

If you’re a fitness guru as well as a fashionista, this Tory Burch spinoff is the brand for you. Tory Sport was launched as designer performance activewear for women. Its goal is to modernize workout gear and balance style and function creating elegance in sportswear as well as aims to embrace ambition. Offering everything from clothing, shoes, and accessories, it specializes in six different categories: tennis, running, golf, studio, coming & going, and swim. Tory Sport is the whole package, providing a variety of fabulous options for a fashionable output.

Pheel

Photo courtesy of Pheel

Made of hand picked Brazilian fabrics, Pheel’s colors, quality and patterns are spot on. Everything from its tops and leggings has body contouring and slimming lines, making you look your absolute best! And even better? Every piece is made in the US, so you can wear it with a good conscience. The pieces are always stylish and are mostly inspired by current fashion trends, which means you can wear it day into night, gym to street, or just for a relaxing afternoon on the couch.

Fabletics

Photo courtesy of Fabletics

Kate Hudson’s activewear line, Fabletics, is becoming sensational all around the world, with stores opening and sales going up. Its stylish active, fitness, and workout gear has everything you could imagine, and is customer-driven through offering monthly-paid memberships that allows you to customize your wants and provides outfits chosen for you, along with offering VIP prices. Fabletics always keeps you in style — in the gym or just on the go, you will be content.

Everlast

Photo courtesy of Everlast

While many associate Everlast with boxing, the brand is much more — not only does it sell a great deal of fitness equipment, it also have a wide range of quality apparel promoting high performance at all levels. It’s stocked with a variety of tops, sports bras, bottoms, and jackets for all activities. Keeping up with boxing though, Everlast has a limited amount of accessories, including training gear for boxing, as well as specialized footwear specifically for boxing. Available at Sears

 

Lastly, always remember the full circle: look good. feel good. do good.

Categories
Events

Freshpet Celebrates Take Your Pet To Work Day

It’s a dream come true – the Soho Grand Hotel is celebrating “take your pet to work day” by providing a luncheon and a playdate for you and your — or the animal shelter’s — dogs on Wednesday, June 21 from 11 am to 2 pm located in their dog park at the hotel.

Photo courtesy of Condé Nast Traveller

This event is put on by Freshpet, who strives to be the first, and only, maker of fresh, real food for pets. Freshpet has transformed the pet food industry solely by providing real food, fresh out of the fridge. And if you’re lucky, you just might be the winner of fun prizes such as a customized fridge full of Freshpet, benefitting you and your furry friend.

You will also be given the opportunity to talk to the experts, one of which being celebrity Veterinarian Dr. Katy Nelson, the host of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy”, who will share tips on giving your pet a healthy, and happy, lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre

Being overwhelmed or stressed is common, but it is said that animals, specifically dogs, can be a stress reliever. According to Animalsmart (n.d.), “playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.”

In addition, dogs come with multiple benefits. According to Morin (n.d.), “dogs offer more than just companionship. Owning a dog can benefit you by exercising more, feeling less stressed, improving your social life, detecting cancer earlier, your children being less likely to allergies, a healthier heart, less likely to be depressed,  age gracefully, decreased risk for general illnesses, and the feeling of being safe.”

Interested in adoption? This event is definitely for you. You will be given the chance to meet the animal shelter’s dogs, which could transform their life and yours positively by adopting a pet on site at the adoption station. In order to do this, you must fill out a form and submit it to Freshpet, who will pay the fees for the adoption. However, all adoption papers must be filled out and approved by June 5, 2017.

Whether you are interested in adoption or just love animals, make your way to Soho Grand Hotel, located at 310 West Broadway, NYC, for this amazing opportunity to take a break from your day and spend time with furry friends. There will be free food, dogs to play with, and you will receive a Pet Swag bag with coolers, pet attire, and more.


Photo courtesy of Paula Goldstein

Remember to RSVP by June 12 to Diane.Lilli@bendergrouppr.com.

Categories
Dining Living

Say Yes To The Wedding Cake

Weddings are always in season. Every day there are brides and grooms constantly on the search for the perfect cake, delicious and beautiful, for their special day.

Wedding cake tasting however can be so bittersweet. Sometimes its overwhelming because of the numerous places that make wedding cakes. In the city alone, you will find bakeries on almost every street, but where can you get the cake of your dreams?

To help, Downtown Magazine has put together a list of the best 7 places that would undoubtedly be a tasteful choice for your wedding cake, pleasing you and your guests.

Bon appétit!

Ron Ben-Israel

Photo courtesy of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

Ron Ben-Israel’s cakes are said to be the “Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes,” according to the New York Times. The cakes can be part of collections like romance, bold, lace and beading, graphics and texture, bling, etc. These cakes also can be “edible fashion” by creating gown-inspired cakes. His cakes are truly a piece of artwork and the whole package, gorgeous and yummy, for your wedding day. Ron Ben-Israel would love to be part of your special day.

Address: 247 West 38th Street, Floor 13, New York, NY 10018

Sylvia Weinstock Cakes

Photo courtesy of Sylvia Weinstock

Sylvia Weinstock’s cakes are described in two words: elegant and exquisite. Her cakes are made with such craft and are classy, but in a unique way. The cakes come with a sudden “wow” factor and the wedding guests are constantly in awe. She is known for her “edible art” and floral cakes. Along with looking perfect, they’re also tasteful. Each cake is made with her heart and soul, and in the end, the cake is flawless.

Address: 273 Church Street,#3A, New York, NY 10013

Madison Lee’s Cakes

Photo courtesy of Madison Lee

Madison Lee’s wedding cakes are one of a kind. After a long time of training and experience, she finally developed her own style and put the effort into making masterpieces. Her cakes have won many awards and has been recognized worldwide. In the field of cake decoration, Madison Lee is one of the best in the world. Prepare yourself for a luxurious and delectable cake made just for you.

Address: 336 West 37th Street, Suite 330, New York, NY 10018

City Cakes

Photo courtesy of City Cakes

City Cakes is a high-end cake shop who took inspiration from New York City’s diversity and used that to create their artsy yet edible cakes that are simply splendid. They have multiple gourmet chefs who create cakes that get awe-worthy reactions from their clients. They have a variety of types of wedding cakes and looks that are so unique from other cake shops. Choose an elegant pearl wedding cake or customize one that tells your own story. 

Address: Lower level, 251 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011

Empire Cake

Photo courtesy of Empire Cake

Empire Cake’s wants to “bring you the best in American baking with a gourmet twist.” They feature fresh-baked and sophisticated looking cakes, aiming to make the perfect cake for you. The use the finest ingredients including fresh, pure ingredients from quality local producers and seasonal produce from Union Square Greenmarket along with Belgian chocolate. They offer both fondant and buttercream wedding cakes and they’re confident they can design the cake of your dreams.

Address: 112 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Sugar Sketch

Photo courtesy of Sugar Sketch

Sugar Sketch is an Italian ‘cakery’ with one-of-a-kind cakes that are “a sketch from scratch.” Sugar Sketch works one-on-one with you to create a custom cake of your dreams made just for you. Their cakes guarantee freshness and features high quality ingredients, including their delicious marshmallow fondant, to create a memorable cake for you. Martina Nardo is the pastry chef and cake designer for Sugar Sketch and she aims to “combine Italian traditional flavors with modern American designs.”

Address: 172 East 2nd Street, New York, NY 10009

Categories
Culture Fashion

Trend Report Tuesday: The CFDA 2017 Awards Red Carpet

This week on Trend Report Tuesday, we are featuring the CFDA’s, Council of Fashion Designers of America, red carpet from last night’s award show hosted by Seth Myers, taken place in New York City at The Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom. The CFDA award show, partnered with Swarovski, recognizes the best of the best at their award show and the attendees and nominations included both newbies and classic icons in the fashion world along with an audience full of celebrities of all kinds wanting to be a part of this night otherwise known as the “Oscars of fashion.”

The red carpet was fabulous and emphasized beauty and liveliness. A sudden spring/summer trend has been neutral along with bright colors, and the looks this year mirrored the color trends making the atmosphere sophisticated, as well as cheerful and the guests appearing more radiant than ever.

Another current trend incorporates the use of patterns in garments, which was popular among the red carpet as well. It is appropriate that this year’s red carpet was one of the most fashionable red carpet’s of the year, seeing as we were recognizing some of the most talented fashion designers in the industry.

Fashionistas from all around the world take this night to debut their best looks, and this year, the red carpet was a success. Some of the fashion designers who dominated this year on the red carpet included Kate Spade, Coach, Christian Siriano, and more.

Here are Downtown’s favorite looks from the 2017 CFDA Red Carpet.

Gigi Hadid in The Row

 Josephine Skriver in Naeem Khan (with Naeem Khan)

Kerry Washington in Prabal Gurung

Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen

Brooke Shields in Sachin & Babi

 Sara Sampaio in J. Mendel

Lily Aldridge in Jason Wu

Olivia Palermo in Banana Republic

 Olivia Munn in Tanya Taylor

 Mandy Moore in Kate Spade

Elsa Hosk in Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Zhenya Katava in Nicole Miller (with Nicole Miller)

Heidi Klum in Zac Posen (with Zac Posen)

Above Photos courtesy of Getty Images via Vogue

Adwoa Aboah in Coach

Bella Hadid in Off-White

Imaan Hammam in Adam Selman

Above Photos courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images via Refinery 21.

Tory Burch

Photo courtesy of South China Morning Post

At the end of the day, the CFDA awards are more importantly recognizing pure expertise and triumph among fashion. Below are the results from the 2017 CFDA Awards.

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Raf Simons for Calvin Klein

Menswear Designer of the Year: Raf Simons for Calvin Klein

Accessory Designer of the Year: Stuart Vevers for Coach

Fashion Icon Award: Franca Sozzani

International Award: Demna Gvasalia for Vetements and Balenciaga

Founder’s Award In Honor of Eleanor Lambert: Pat McGrath

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent: Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia for Monse

Swarovski Award for Positive Change: Kenneth Cole

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Rick Owens

Board of Directors’ Tribute: Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem and Janelle Monáe

These winners, along with the other nominees, take authority of the current and prospective fashion. So sit back and applaud these hard-working recipients and see what they do with the future of fashion.

Bravo!