Girl's Night Out Shopping Party
Thursday, April 1st, 5-8 PM
Ella Blu
5410 N. Mesa
915/881.9999

Photograph: Marcos Gurrola

On Saturday, March 27, 2010,The Woman’s Club of El Paso will host its annual fundraiser and fashion show. The Jewels of the Desert 2010 Civic Benefit Luncheon and Fashion Show will take place at the El Paso Country Club at 11am. This fashion extravaganza will treat guests to a dazzling runway fashion show featuring the hottest new styles of the season. Local designers from the Fashion technology Department at the El Paso Community College will showcase their creations and for the first time in El Paso International designer Guillermo Jop will be presenting his GUiSHEM of New York and Guatemala collection. The designs will be presented by Bazaar Models (www.bazaarmodels.com).

The Woman’s Club of El Paso was founded in 1894 and has an impressive history of community support and involvement. They are a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been holding Civic Benefits and fundraising events for over 26 years. The money raised at these events is donated yearly to charitable organizations in the El Paso community. This year they have chosen the Highland Presbyterian Northeast Food Cupboard and Bob Kelly Trinity Methodist Food Pantry to be the recipients of the 2010 benefit. Both of these non-profit organizations are local and most deserving. The need for food has increased dramatically in the past year in El Paso.

Reservations can be made through the Woman’s Club of El Paso at 532-6131. Doors open for the event at 11 am. The Silent Auction will be from 11 – 1pm. Monies are raised at the Benefit through ticket sales, a raffle, a silent auction, and underwritten through community support. Southwest Airlines has generously given two round trip tickets, Hyatt Tamaya Resort donated a two-night stay at their lovely resort, and the Inn of the Mountain Gods gave two rounds of golf on their beautiful course. Last years successful event had an attendance of 400 and was able to contribute $20,000 to the Baptist Free Clinic in South El Paso.

Last night, I met my sister, Kiki, and her friend, Kivas, at Earth Matters, a delicious health food cafe in the East Village. After dinner, we wandered across the street to well-known pool bar, Max Fish. To my surprise (and delight!), Kivas is great friends with former Scissor Sister drummer, Patrick Seacor, whose music studio is underneath the bar. Well, long story short, we were invited to an impromtu jam session of sorts, where I had the honor of attempting to play the hand drum to Patrick, Kivas and Kiki's badass (real) drumming and listen to some great music.

I only had my iPhone on me, but here are a few photos I was able to take. Such a fun, surreal night.

Kivas keeping up

I shot a quick pic backstage as the orchestra warmed up

Friday, March 12, 2010 at 7:00pm

Dress Shoes, Kohl's

For the less-formal events, add a V neck to your suit for a sexy, casual look.
V Neck, Kohl's

Add a bow tie to a blazer and dark slacks (or denim) for a preppy look.
We think this is so adorable, reminds us of our stylish friend, Farzad of TMFB
Bow Tie, Topman

Add some texture to your look by pairing a velvet blazer with some dark slacks.
We suggest pairing it up with a charcoal v neck or a black dress shirt.
Velvet Blazer, Forever 21

Add a skinny tie for a modern-day Don Draper look.
(We promise there isn't a woman who doesn't love him).
Pair up your skinny tie with a fitted, gray suit.
You can also pair up your skinny tie with a
v neck sweater, blazer, dark denim, and some nice dress shoes.
Skinny Tie, Forever 21

There are plenty of inexpensive options when it comes to the shoes. Payless often partners up with upscale designers and affordable, fashionable footwear.

Just a quick pic I snapped yesterday. I've always loved the flower vendors here--what a great, inexpensive way to brighten someone's day (or apartment!)

I've got a big interview I'm studying for this afternoon, but I'll have more up later. Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

I am officially a New Yorker.

I moved up last week with a two suitcases in tow and a few great girlfriends to call on. Since then, I've been busy getting my room (and life) in order and coordinating job interviews, sending out resumes, etc. Of course, I've been taking in the city, too, and am really feeling so lucky and at peace.

I'll have more updates this afternoon, but I'll leave you now with a photo I took from my iPhone: NYC from the watertaxi I took to Ikea in Brooklyn.