Sir Charles Arrested for DUI

It seems like the New Year's Eve festivities started early for "Sir Charles" Barkley. The former NBA star was arrested early Wednesday morning in Arizona for driving under the influence. He was stopped at a checkpoint about 1:30 am. According to Arizona police Lieutenant Eric Shuhandler, "He was very nice and professional". Ha! Well, Charles refused a breathalyzer test when he was stopped, so a blood test was taken. After his arrest, he was issued a citation and released. Barkley could face 10 days in jail, suspension of his driver's license and a fine. People, please don't drink and drive. Call a cab or a friend.

Where's the Fire?!

According to People.com, Matt Dillon was arrested in Vermont last night for going, get this, 106 miles in a 65 mph zone. Dillon was arrested, had his mug shot taken, was fingerprinted and then released. He is due in court at the end of January. mee-meep!

All Dressed Up...Now Where To Go?

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and 2009 is just around the corner. I, for one, am looking forward to the new year and I'm hoping that it's going to be better to me that 2008 was. New Year's Eve means party time in NYC, and I'm putting a spotlight on some of the places that are going to be doing it just right. Check them out. Click the photos to link to sites.




Banc Cafe
431 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212) 252-0146

I'm a little biased when it comes to Banc, because that's where my husband and I met, by chance about four and a half years ago. Banc is having a champagne toast and party favors on New Year's Eve. DJ Jam is playing. The best thing...no cover charge!




Guest House
542 W 27th St
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 273-3700



A surprise world-renowned DJ will be spinning the tunes on New Year's Eve. The cover for CASH Bar service is $35. 8pm-4am. Age 21 and over.





BLVD
199 Bowery St. ( at Spring St )
New York City, NY 10002
212 982 7767

BLVD is a hip, trendy mega-club and is frequented by celebrities like Scarlet Johannson, Jay-Z and Janet Jackson. They're offering a triple New Year's Eve bash tomorrow night with Club PINK and Crash Mansion. General admission is $495, $60 after 12:30. Age 21 and over.




Cipriani 23rd Street
200 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212-755-0900



Cipriani 23 is located in the historic Toy building on Fifth Avenue. General admission is $150. 21 and over.

TIMES SQUARE

The ball drops at Midnight

Dressing for the Party

New Year's Eve is only a couple of days away and you know what that means. Watching the ball drop at midnight and attending some fabulous parties. Good times are to be had by all, but what to wear? What to wear? Here's a few looks I've put together.



Oscar de la Renta Pailette Embelleshed Dress
Guiseppe Zanotti Suede Ankle Boot
Prada Degrade Clutch





Antik Batik Sequin Mini Dress
Max Studio Salsa Sandal
Botega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch





ZacPosen Reglisse Silk Dress
Steve Madden Trinnittie Pump
Judith Leiber Ritz Fitz Clutch





Aqua Scutum Pippa Cocktail Dress
Rupert Sanderson Zircon Gold Pumps
Michael Kors Jeweled Python Clutch





Marc Jacobs Striped Lame Dress
Jimmy Choo Presta Metallic Sandal
Salvatore Ferragamo Pitone Clutch







Mint Jodi Arnold Rose Mini Dress
Christian Louboutin Pigalle Paillette Pump
Carlos Falchi Slim Roll Clutch







Preen Drape Dress
Prada Ruffle Peep Toe Pump
Nancy Gonzalez Python Clutch

Love This!

I absolutely love this look from Burberry Prorsum's Fall 2008 runway. It's so in keeping with the trend for fall of the curved silhouette, clothing that focuses on the waist. Check out the detacable peplum belt at Prada or the more architectural look at Balenciaga.

L: Prada RTW 2008

R: Balenciaga RTW 2008

Winter Wardrobe

Christmas is over and I'm positively thrilled. Life can get back to some kind of normalcy. What I have realized is that I need a new coat for the winter. Below are some coats that I think are fierce. Some are practical, some not so much, but they are all beautiful. I'm showing the coats with looks that might complement them.

Coat: BCBG Max Azria Fall 08 Ready to Wear
Dress: Banana Republic Belted Sheath
Shoe: Manolo Blahnik Patent d'Orsay
Clutch: Carlos Falchi Flat Python Clutch

Coat: Sari Gueron Fall 08 Ready to Wear
Blouse: Oscar de la Renta Chantilly Lace Blouse
Pants: Oscar de la Renta High Waist Pants
Shoe: Dior Cutout Wedge Sandle
Bag: Treesje Patent Mini Avalon Bag















Coat: Ohne Titel Fall 08 Ready to Wear
Skirt: 3.1 Philip Lim Wool Blend Ruffle Skirt
Top: Crumpet Cashmere Tank
Cardi: Catherine Malandrino Wool Blend Cardigan
Shoes: Givenchy Lace-up Ankle Boot
Bag: Yves Saint Laurent Flat Front Croc Tote

Seriously?!

An ex is an ex for a reason. And Exes should stay exed in my opinion. Well, Megan McCormic, 22, of Miami doesn't agree because she went before news cameras on Christmas (of all days) to say that her 5 month son was missing. The baby, whom she described as having a mohawk, a fake tat (all the fashionable babies today sport hawks and tattoos) and one tooth, had been left with her French nanny, and the two had gone missing. Well, it turns out the story was a fake and there was never even a baby. She cooked up this little scheme to win back an ex-boyfriend. He did come back briefly, thinking that he had a son that he didn't know about and even pleaded for he return of his son at the news conference. Believe it or not, something about Megan's story didn't ring true with the authorities and eventually the ruse was discovered. She's been charged with filing a false police report. Chick is troubled. Doesn't she look a little like Jill Hennessey? Read the story on CNN.

Fabulous Finds

It's the day after Christmas. The madness is almost over! I say almost, because I'm sure there are still those people out there trying to take advantage of the after Christmas sales. Supposedly, because of the fact that the sales numbers for retailers have been so low this season, many of them are offering deep discounts on their merchandise. December 26th has become the new Black Friday. Just don't run anyone over when you're hauling butt into Best Buy OK?

When I come across a fabulous product or service, especially one that makes life easier, I make sure to share with family and friends. I've been subscribing to the following two services for a little while now and wanted to bring them to you.

The first service is Lifebooker. Lifebooker is a personal, online concierge service, that let's you browse, search and book online appointments with many NYC salons and health spots. Lifebooker is super convenient, because you can make just any beauty appointment; hair cuts or color, facials, manis and pedis, with some of NYC better salons and spas, and do it all online. If the fact that you don't have to pick up the phone isn't enough of an incentive, Lifebooker negotiates with vendors to offer exclusive discounts for their services. You also get rewards for future appointments. Sounds good to me. You can sign up for Lifebooker at lifebooker.com

The second fabulous find is The List NYC. The List NYC is an e-newsletter that gives to access to many VIP fabulousless, like sales and deals at some of NYCs salons, spas and boutiques. All you have to do is sign up at thelistnyc.com and ever so often you'll get an e-mail really offering great discounts for a fantastic service.

Eartha Kitt Passes Away at 81

What sad news on Christmas day. The legendary Eartha Kitt, passed away today at the age of 81. She died at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital of complications from colon cancer. She was an actress, singer and dancer. An icon really. I thought she was fierce. I just loved her. She will most definitely be missed. My condolences to her family. R.I.P. purrrrrrrr.

Merry Christmas

Love,
Kara

Um, Merry Christmas?!-Woman Found Alive After Being Buried For Three Days

Talk about a Christmas miracle. The woman on the right, Donna Molnar was buried under the snow for three days. Three days! Donna went grocery shopping in the middle of a blizzard in-20 degree winds. Not me.
The authorities went out on a search and rescue mission and Ace, a rescue dog is the one that found her, buried under the snow. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia and frostbite. When the rescuers found her, she was conscious and talking. Amazing. Wow. See the full story on cnn.com.

Love These!

Love these Jimmy Choo Platform Booties. Here they are, along with a more affordable counterpart.








Jimmy Choo Platform Bootie
$950
bergdorfgoodman.com



















Nine West, Boutique 9
Adya
$150
ninewest.com

I saw this Bebe dress in November's Vogue, and I thought it was so cute. I would accessorize with the pieces below. In theory, of course.

Bebe Organza Multi Layer Dress

$169

bebe.com

From top to bottom:

Jose & Maria Barrera Triple Drop Earrings $440

ABS by Allen B Schwartz Topaz-Hued Crystal Ring $95

Carlos Falchi Puff Python Clutch $1860

Stella McCartney Satin Platform $665

ALL ACCESSORIES ABOVE AT neimanmarcus.com

Hawaiian Memorial for Barack Obama's Grandmother

While vacationing in Hawaii, President-Elect Barack Obama and family held a memorial for his grandmother Madelyn "Toot" Dunham. Madelyn Dunham, Obama's maternal grandmother, passed away a few days before the presidential elections.

Mo' Money, Mo' Problems?

That may be true. And if you're Plaxico Burress, it's mo' guns, mo' problems. Police raided Plaxico's house on Tuesday and not only did they find a pair of bloody jeans and sneakers, they found a handgun, a rifle and some ammo. His lawyer is saying that the rifle may be registered. Well, phew, that's a relief. This guy is not too bright is he?

All I Want for Christmas-Revisited

Last night when I posted my Xmas Wish List, I forgot to add a piece of jewelry. I love big cocktail rings and I found two that I like. One, for my alter-ego who lives on Planet Fabulosity in the galaxy of No Recession and the affordable one for me, who lives here on Earth. Check them out.

Judith Ripka

Pave Olivia Ring

$6600

neimanmarcus.com

Sparkle Cocktail Ring

$75

jcrew.com