Cocktails with Yvonna

Retrofête

2022-12-02T10:35:00.016-08:00

Alessandra Ambrosia in Retrofete

Welcome to the party! I was in SoHo this week and noticed the Retrofête pop-up boutique and went in to check out the sexy collection. Yes I have been noticing the chic yet affordable fashion line poping up everywhere.

Retrofête Vinci dress

From Paula Abdul, Chloe Bailey, Heidi Klum, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Carrie Underwood, models, actresses, and singers are flocking to the line and looking very sensual and fun.

Kelsea Ballerini

Perfect for extroverts to show out in the evening and parties.

Selena Gomez wears Retrofête’s S & G Alphabet Earrings

There is casual stuff like midriff tops, splatter jeans, and curvy dresses too that are equally hot. Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin co-founded Retrofête in 2018, passionate about carving out an underserved market for statement pieces.

Mickey Guyton

A throwback to the all-out glamour and exuberance of decades past, the New York-based label takes its name from a melding of synonyms for “vintage” and “party.”

"White Lotus" star Simona Tabasco in Retrofete

If you don't know now you know.

Retrofete Kendall jumpsuit and Frankie gloves

Winnie Harlow wore the Serafina Open Crochet Dress in Almond Lurex

Stars in Retrofete

Tinashe in Rerofete

Alexander Vauthier RTW SS 23

2022-09-30T16:35:00.006-07:00

Alexander Vauthier SS 23

Alexander Vauthier Ready to Wear is for a strong sensual woman who commands attention. No wonder celeb icons like Rihanna Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne, Bella Hadid, Ciara, Beyoncé, and Dua Lipa covet his designs. For Spring/ Summer 23 his RTW luxurious and futuristic fabrics, Parisian chic and body con designs are for strutting your stuff. have allowed. Alexandre Vauthier who trained alongside Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier is the go to designer for the woman who kills on the red carpet with no crumbs left. Blade Runner meets Pretty Woman. I am here for it! These are my favorites💋

Alexander Vauthier SS 23

Moschino SS 23

2022-09-26T09:27:00.001-07:00

Moschino Spring 2023

“It’s not possible to constantly hold onto crisis. You have to have the love and you have to have the magic. That’s also life.” –Toni Morrison

Moschino Spring 2023

Creative director Jeremy Scott’s here to bring joy and mood buoyancy: The collection is a prism of optimism while being present.

Moschino Spring 2023

The symbolic uplift starts with daytime looks featuring faux-blow up hearts, pool toys, life rafts and life preservers.

Moschino Spring 2023

A touch more formality with the collection’s evening dresses and gowns with Art Deco Erté artwork–adds lighthearted adding humor to a pair of inflatable dolphins flanks the arms.

Moschino Spring 2023

In Moschino’s long-standing manner, some wink or trick of the eye, and is layered with double entendre and wit. That’s where joy may be found.

Moschino Spring 2023

St. John Redux

2022-06-06T08:42:00.028-07:00

Brooke Shields in St. John

Candace Bushnell in St. John

St John Spring 23

Elizabeth Moss

Shonda Rhimes in St John

Everybody is wearing St. John again. I am seeing the most gorgeous new looks from St. John on stars. The company has been around but now a very fresh take with colors and styles. The designs always had a classic Chanel and Norell vibe to me but this is very sexy and elegant at the same time.

Andie MacDowell in St. John

Katy Perry in St. John

St John Spring 23

Marcia Gay Harden in St John

Rebel Wilson in St. John

Julianne Hough in St John

St John Spring 23

Regina Hall in St John

St John Spring 23

Phillips Soo in St. John

Aquazzura

2022-01-20T11:56:00.009-08:00

Aquazzura

Sometimes a sexy Italian comes into your life and all you can feel is "I must have you". Aquazzura designed by Creative Director Edgardo Osorio and handmade in Italy since its debut in 2012 is that big get. Not just me look at the great beauties who have succumbed to the charms of this designer's line the likes of Hollywood stars such as Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa among many others, and royalties including HRH the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Exquisitely crafted footwear with names like sparkling Tequila Sandals and the sky-high Luna Plateau to flamboyant Papillon Sandals and the metallic shades of the Sundance Plateau with the signature golden pineapple on the bottom. Irresistibile!

Eva Longoria

Nicole Kidman

Aquazzura

Taylor Swift

Aquazzura

Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex

Aquazzura

Gabrielle Union

Aquazzura

Scarlett Johnassen

Sarah Jessica Parker

Aquazzura

Cindy Crawford

Aquazzura

Gigi Hadad

Aquazzura

Reese Witherspoon

Aquazzura

Rihanna

Aquazzura

Lucy Liu

Julianna Moore

Aquazzura

Ana De Armas

Elie Saab Star Power

2021-09-18T18:56:00.038-07:00

Heidi Klum at the UNICEF Gala

Halle Berry at the Oscars

Today I was at a Manhattan showroom looking at Elie Saab couture. I am still aghast at how beautiful and sensational the designs. No wonder he is the go to designer for every A- List star on the red carpet. Ever since Halle Berry's Oscar winning night gown the most beautiful women in the world wear Elie Saab. Now I have to let my keyboard cool down.

Taraji P. Henson at The Emmys 2021

Jurnee Smollet at the Emmys

Katy Perry at The Met Gala

Jennifer Lopez at Vax Live

Alexandra Ambrioso at AmFar Gala

Lady Gaga celebrates 'Love For Sale' album

Salma Hayek on her way to late night with Jimmy Kimmel

Jessica Chastain at The Venice Film Festival

Danai Gurai at Wakanda Forever Premiere

Amy Adams at the BAFTA Awards

The Writing Life

2021-09-07T09:42:00.002-07:00

Breads Bakery NYC

I haven't written in my blog for a while because I have been doing a lot of creative writing. I have written two screenplays, The Billionairess, Minister of Self Defense. During the pandemic,I wrote a new screenplay, Live Free or Die. When I went to Equinox Gym I would see The Rock working out, he would be perfect as my lead.

I did a lot of research at the gorgeous new Stavros Niarchos Library.

NYPL

My first novella , SNATCH is at Amazon Books. Now I am deep into a new e-book about friendship. Inspiration comes from everywhere, I checked out "Beautiful Creatures" at The American Natural History Museum.

Beautiful Creatures at AMNH

Still on my beat with my journalist post at Medium. Covering the arts, philantrophy and fashion scene is joy for me. However my first love is show business so I have put my back into writing every morning.

Cocktails at The Plaza Hotel

China Fashion Gala

Oysters at POPULAR

Wine and Writing

Writing SNATCH

2020-12-14T14:26:00.003-08:00

Dear reader,

I wrote my first novel SNATCH . A Manhattan tale of show business and romance based on my own adventures as an actress. My twenties through my thirties were just as glamorous, fun and scrappy as my characters.

The only difference was technology. It was challenging to incorporate the changes to the business and life of current times. Even now during the pandemic, actors are auditioning on Zoom and being cast on Actors Access by agents and casting directors. Not only that but relationships instantly connected by text, DM and cell phones.

Some things remain the same. The random magic of good fortune, the hustle of survival and kismet of romance. Soon I will do a paperback and hopefully a book party. Champagne and chocolates. Won’t that be nice.

Yvonna

Blushington

2016-10-26T11:38:00.003-07:00

I had a gift card for a makeup application in my International Emmy's Gala swag bag. So off I went to the Le Parker Méridien Hotel to Blushington before attending The Rita Hayworth Gala last night. What a find! Pretty salon with a wonderful staff. All the best brands Nars, Estee Lauder, Clinque Urbaan Decay you name it. Keyerra did my makeup beautifully. I will definitely return again and again.

Little Black Dress Reading

2016-10-05T12:45:00.001-07:00

Madame X

I was so inspired seeing Sargent's Madame X at the Met I wrote a HuffPost , Little Black Dress. I love the power, mystery and sexy feel of wearing a LBD. My summer reading led me to two wonderful novels of lives touched by the glamour, elegance and romance of dressing well.

Donyale Luna

2016-08-08T13:37:00.001-07:00

When Donyale Luna was discovered by photographer David Mc Cabe she was a creature of her own invention. Behind her was her family in Chicago where she was raised by her mother who was a nurse and father who worked in a construction. She was no longer Peggy Ann Freeman who performed in local theatre productions. She had come to New York City to be a model and fate answered. The editor of Harpers Bazaar sent her to an illustrator and used the drawing for the cover. The 6’2” stunning beauty went on to take Europe by storm walking in the haute couture shows.Then the achievement of any model Donyale became the first black model to grace the cover of Vogue. She was lionized by the press where she gave colorful and controversial interviews. She partied with Salvador Dali, the Rolling Stones and had a romance with Maxmillian Schnell. Film roles followed in Skidoo, Andy Warhol’s Camp, Salome, and the lead in director Federico Fellini, Satyricon. Unfortunately Donyale had a drug habit that began to deteriorate her relationships and career. Her engagement to actor Klaus Kinski was called off. She married the photographer Lugi Cazzangina and had a daughter Dream. Sadly her drug addiction overtook her life and she died of a heroin overdose at 33 years old in a Rome hospital.

Bici Chic

2016-06-11T11:36:00.001-07:00

Schwinn Cruiser

Everyone thinks it's vintage I get so many compliments on my Schwinn cruiser I bought at Toy R Us. I love packing my basket with lunch, books and a blanket and riding around the Pier or through Central Park. Sometimes I ride to parties just like Bill Cunningham. I wear flip flops and put my stilettos in the basket. More difficult is sticking to a two cocktail minimum. Below are some images of Bici Chic.

Doris Day

Bill Cunningham

Audrey Hepburn

David Lauren

Brigette Bardot

Romona Keveza

2016-06-02T10:47:00.001-07:00

Nicole Kidman

Kendall Jenner, Kate Beckinsale and Angelina Jolie in Romona Keveza

The woman that wears couture designer Romona Keveza is a star of the red carpet or her wedding. My first impression of her designs was seeing Arianna Grande in her sleek red gown at The 2016 Grammy's. I went to her elegant penthouse salon for a cocktail party for The 11th Annual Taste of Hope. I took the phots below of her stunning creations on her beautiful house model.

Romona Keveza cocktail sheath

Romona Keveza gown

Salon

The Bird's Nest

2016-05-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Lopez

Monica Brown

Jennifer Morrison

I hate to comb my hair. I usually use my hands. So anything sexy, messy and easy is my go to look. I am loving The Bird's Nest. I found a fabulous YouTube to help me out on the construction. Now all I need are cute earrings to accessorize.

Manus x Machina

2016-05-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Dior

Norell

Chanel

CHANEL

Excited to see the press preview of Manus X Machina at The Anna Wintour Costume Institute at the Met this week. My Mom was a seamstress in Philadelphia. Often she would bring home piece work to make extra money. Many of the 175 haute couture dresses on display featured beautiful handmade details. The exhibition is breathtaking and timeless. Here are a few designs featured. I also added my favorite red carpet looks from the Costume Gala.

Beyonce

Karolina Kurkova

Anna Wintour

Karli Kloss

Zoe Saldana

Cindy Crawford

Emily Watson

Lupita Nyongo

The Billionairess Redux

2016-05-02T17:46:00.002-07:00

The

Emily Dickinson's quote, "I dwell in possibilities " is one of my favorites. I have a screenplay, "The Billionairess" I have been working on for three years. It has gone through a few rewrites. First the location was London. Susan Seidelman gave it a read and gave me great notes. I've also been researching my character. What would she wear? Where would she live? I have a wonderful opportunities to explore. I went to a Resident Magazine party for Dylan Lauren. I attended a live auction at Christies. Last week I went to a cocktail party at Romona Kezeza's penthouse salon. But my lightbulb moment came when I realized basing the character's father on the richest billionaire Carlos Hedi Slim was too literal. What did I believe was possible? Can two people find each other that need each other despite financial, social and spiritual differences? Yes! So if you see my dream leading ladies Beyonce, Halle, Taraji or Kerry please tell them I have a script.

Cheating on Manolo

2016-04-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Century 21

These things start innocently, I was in Century 21 getting washcloths. I found a great deal on periwinkle 100% Egyptian cotton for .69. Then I wandered into designer shoes. Who am I kidding I went out the store. Maybe to Sushi Bento and went in the designer shoe department in the basement. The designers shoes are 75% off. I know not to go there! I've always been loyal to Manolo Blahnik so sexy and elegant. I have a side thing with Stuart Weitzman but that's just boots. I went and fell for a pair of Gucci sandals. So impractical and decadent. There was another time to with a pair of Diors sandals. I have to walk so slow and I love it. Now Manolo's teamed up with Rihanna on a new shoe collection. I know I will be good.

Gucci

Dior

Manolo Blahnik and Rihanna collection

Hillary Clinton Style

2016-02-28T08:18:00.001-08:00

Hillary Clinton

When you are running for Leader of the Free World you have to have your power look on lock. Hillary Clinton who has been First Lady, Senator of New York and Secretary of State owns it. As the Democratic front runner for President of the Untied States of America, Hillary is working the pantsuit. All hail the pantsuit!

Zara

Inspiration

2016-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

Read books by my sheros Mindy Kaling, Candice Bushnell and Shonda Rhimes recently. I came away with wonderful inspiring lessons from each one to take into 2016. My favorite came from Shonda Rhime's commencement speech at Dartmouth. How she dreamed of being Toni Morrison but found her own dream. "Don't be a dreamer. Be a doer". Words to live by.

Trumbo screening and after party NYC

2015-11-30T19:21:00.001-08:00

Bleeker Street Films hosted a screening of “Trumbo” on Tuesday, November 3rd at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Dalton Trumbo was a top Hollywood screenwriter until he was blacklisted by Hollywood after refusing to name names to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Despite being jailed and ostracized for his political beliefs and principals, he went on to write two Oscar winning screenplays under various aliases.

The triumph film recounts Trumbo’s wit and grit used to expose the absurdity and injustice under the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. The all star cast Bryan Cranston, DianeLiane, Helen Mirren, Louis CK, Elle Fanning, Michael Stuhlbarg,screenwriter John McNamara and director Jay Roach attended the screening and after party. Producers Michael London, Monica Levinson, Shivani Rawat, Kevin Kelly Brown reveled with guests Tim Daly, Robert Wuhl, Julie Taymor, Taylor Hackford, Peggy Siegel, Dana Delany, Niki and Mitzi Trumbo to enjoy cocktails and antipasti at Villagio on the Park after party.

Helen Mirren and Bryan Cranston

Jay Roach and Robert Wuhl

John McNamara and Diane Lane

(Photo Credit: Marion Curtis/StartraksPhoto.com)

The Spec

2015-11-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have been busy writing a television spec script. I am basing it on the Freddy Grey case in Baltimore with an interesting plot twist. The script is based on "Blue Bloods". My good friend Ben Scott, a retired detective in Philadelphia provided a perspective from years of arrest and convictions. When I attended the Urbanworld Film Festival I learned about the Writers Initiative at Fox. I wrote a Huffington Post about the Producers Guild of America conference, Produced By : NY. I have written two screenplays, "The Billionairess" and " Minister of Self Defense" over a leisurely three years. This is very creative and challenging especially because I can't spell or type!

Celebration of Black Women on Television

2015-09-23T11:45:00.001-07:00

Viola Davis made history this week as the first African American Actress to win an Emmy Award for Best Actress. Her emotion acceptance speech was so gracious, uplifting and empowered. I am so proud of the actresses of color in Primetime television shows. Viola mentioned Harriet Tubman in her speech and here is one of her best quotes.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

Harriet Tubman

Orpheus Group

2015-08-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I caught up with Orpheus Group at The Lenora for a wrap party for "Exposed" the next Keanu Reeves film. The ladies Maria Nelson and Ellyn Long Marshall are on the move. Seriously to new offices. The casting directors are the go to team for independent film. Very selective of their projects they have the best eye for talent in show business.

Still from "Exposed" starring Keanu Reeves

Don't Send Me Flowers

2015-08-24T12:58:00.001-07:00

Manhattan Flower District

I hate flower arraignments. I think they are pretentious and stiff and better suited to a restaurant or hotel. When people send them I say thank you and give them away. If you know me at all I love flowers from a corner store or flower cart. Just bring by a bouquet in paper( if your invited) of roses, sunflowers, gladiolus and yes even carnations.

One of my favorite books is " The Botany of Desire". I have beautiful heavy crystal vases I have collected over the years. My favorite is an Hermes bud vase perfect for one rose or orchid and the simplicity is elegant. So don't send me flowers, send a vase.

Waterford Crystal Vase

Soiffer Haskin

2015-06-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I met a lovely lady Anna from Charlotte who moved to Manhattan. As we chatted about shopping she was so happy I turned her on to Soiffer Haskin. This is every New York fashionista's secret weapon. Get on the mailing list for the best deals ( up to 90% Off Original Retail ) for the best designers. You'll find deals on Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Escada, Dennis Basso, Bally, Tourneau, Carolina Herrera, Yves Saint Larent, Calvin Klein, TSE, Ippolita and more. Not only steals on women's fashion but also men's clothing, jewelry and home furnishings. You"ll see the hottest stylist, best dressed perennials and stars there but keep your eyes on the prize and get the best deals. I almost missed out on the last Bvlgari satchel. The staff is lovely and professional. Bring your plastic money (Amex, MasterCard, Visa etc) they don't take cash. I'm a good fashion diva and need all the good karma I can get. Things are tight when you think Rihanna's song " Bitch Better Have my money" was written about you. So my work is done here.