CitySeat a Cyclist’s Treat

Summer is here and so far, it’s hot! Whether I’m riding my bike through Central Park, snagging a CitiBike downtown, or begrudgingly hitting up a SoulCycle class to get my booty into summer shape, there is only one thing I know – my seat is sweaty, sticky and in need of a bubble bath!

In Kindergarten we learn that sharing is caring.  And, today’s entrepreneurs have taken that lesson to brand new heights.  From shared rides and shared bikes to wear and return clothing and jewelry, we seem to live in an age where we share everything.

It makes me wonder, how sanitary can this possibly be?

Well, CitySeat has come up with the perfect solution, and I took one for a test ride on a recent getaway to Asheville, North Carolina.

CitySeats are portable, padded bicycle seat covers that allow any cyclist to ride comfortably and in style.  There are so many patterns to choose from, all offering a fun aesthetic that allows your bike to stand out from the pack.

This Edge Padded CitySeat is part of the brand new line.

Get your CitySeat bike cover at http://www.cityseat.com  #RIDEON

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of CitySeat. The opinions and text are all mine.

The Modern Milliner

As a lifelong New Yorker I am supposed to subscribe to the ethnocentric idea that there is no city on earth that compares to the city that never sleeps.  In my early twenties however, I spent a brief period of time living in London.  The Old Smoke entered my lungs and nearly a decade later, a small piece of London still lives within me.  The history, the art, the beauty and the strong sense of tradition instilled within Brits is unlike anything I have ever seen.

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Keeping history and tradition in fashion alive and well is Allon Zloof, a man to whom I believe has earned the moniker, The Modern Milliner.  In 2013, Zloof, who stems from generations of designer hat-makers, revived the centuries-old business, Tom Smarte, bringing fine British hat design into the 21st Century.

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From the heart of London, Tom Smarte creates urban hats for a cosmopolitan look.  
From Savile Row to Hoxton, Tom Smarte’s English hats style travels well and is equally at home in Paris, Tokyo and New York.

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As a testament to the pure craftsmanship that goes into Tom Smarte hat design, I recently took one of my perfect fedoras for a lengthy bike ride from Manhattan’s picturesque Upper West Side to its ultra-trendy Meat Packing District.  It was a particularly windy day as I rode my fixed-gear beach cruiser along Riverside Park’s visually stunning waterfront.  With this kind of weather, I would typically be holding on to my hat (pun intended!) with great fear that my headpiece would soon be floating down the Hudson River.  However, my Tom Smarte fedora did not budge as its design and fit is so refined and well perfected..

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Allon Zloof’s enormous passion for preserving only the finest hat making skills and traditions are what makes Tom Smarte products so special.  While the brand gears toward men, I firmly believe these marvelous hats are perfect for women as well.  Allon couldn’t agree more, even his wife often wears his perfectly fitting Tom Smarte hats!

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Be sure to visit www.TomSmarte.com to get a hat of your very own!

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How to Keep Your White Kicks White

Don’t kick your dirty white kicks to the curb just yet.  From tennis shoes to slip-ons, the white sneaker trend is going nowhere fast and The Eden Edition has the down-low on how to keep your stark white footwear crispy all year round.

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I eagerly unpacked my brand new pair of Backyard Footwear Tivoli white canvas sneakers but with that extraordinary excitement came rapid heart palpitations and a surprising shortness of breath indicating my massive fear of sporting my new kicks on the streets of New York City!  Everyday in Manhattan feels like that iconic scene from the opening credits of Sex & the City when our beloved Carrie Bradshaw gets splashed by a large, dirty puddle, courtesy of our lovely city buses. It’s nearly impossible to remain spotless all day which is why I carry a tide pen with me everywhere I go, and wish I could somehow waterproof and stain-proof my entire body from head to toe.  Okay, perhaps I’m not the most careful person in the world, but I’m a busy woman with places to go and people to meet!

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Tivoli White with Navy + Red Stripes

The shoe of the Seventies is the sneaker of today.

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So, if you’re like me and are incapable of keeping your whites white, then definitely utilize the tips below.  Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!

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PREVENTION

The first step in keeping those white kicks spotless is prevention.  Protect your new shoes before they hit the streets.

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1. I recommend Scotchguard to protect the fabric.  And remember, once is not enough.  Repeat this crucial step every few weeks to keep your footwear protected from the dangerous variables of the great outdoors.

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2. Your shoes are like your skin.  To prevent damage, you must keep them away from the sun.  Believe it or not your shoes can get a tan just like you (not me, I strictly burn).  To prevent any kind of sun damage, it’s best to store you white shoes inside.

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KEEP UP

As much as you try to prevent a stain on your white athletic shoe, accidents still happen.  We all step in dirt or drop a piece of food near our feet on occasion.  That is when the following tips will come in handy.

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1. Do you believe in Magic?

He might be bald and muscular, but Mr. Clean is more than just eye-candy.  Who knew?  Use Mr. Clean Wipes, Magic Erasers, or a washrag dipped in vinegar to erase unappealing spots and stains

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2. Toothbrush = Best Friend

I have multiple toothbrushes, but only one is used on my teeth.  For diamonds, I use a soft-bristled toothbrush and Windex at the recommendation of my jeweler (works like a charm)!  For my tennis shoes, I dip a separate toothbrush in warm water and gentle soap and I lightly scrub those hard-to-reach areas.  In the case of more severe stains, use a very gentle shampoo.  I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

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3. Living Life on a Shoestring

The washing machine might be the world’s greatest invention, but when it comes to your white shoelaces, you’ll want to avoid that convenient mechanism like the plague.  Wash those shoelaces the old-fashioned way, by hand.  Let them air dry and they’ll be as good as new.

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It might seem overwhelming, but ultimately, you can’t go wrong utilizing the tips above!  Did we miss anything?  Would love to hear how you keep your shoes clean!

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xoxo,

Brand Spotlight: Elegantees

As many of you know, Instagram has become a new obsession of mine!  While perusing the profiles of other influencers on the highly addictive app, I came across a wonderful company called Elegantees.

Have you ever wondered who actually makes the clothes you buy?  Well, with Elegantees, you shall wonder no more.

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Elegantees is without a doubt an amazing outlet for trendy yet simple cotton tees for everyday wear.  But what sets them apart from other retailers selling similar products?  It’s the women who ardently and passionately sew each garment.

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Based in Nepal, the sewing center employs survivors of sex trafficking, providing hope to victims as well as a positive source of income that reinforces independence, a healthy self-image and confidence.

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After reaching out to Elegantees to learn more about their mission, they shared with me this inspiring story of survival, hope and resilience:

Growing up in a Hindu home, Mary’s parents would not accept her back home after she was rescued from trafficking because of the bad karma she might bring back into her family. Mary was heartbroken by this every time she attempted to regain acceptance. Then she learned to sew and was introduced to the Gospel and through this she gained confidence and hope. Mary sent money to her family and this surprised them so much they accepted her again. For a woman to earn an income in Nepal is a rare thing… Today, Mary’s relationship with her family has been restored and better than ever. She is an inspiration to many women.

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Who knew a t-shirt could save a life? Check out www.Elegantees.com to shop amazing styles and above all else help other women find a path to both happiness and success.

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See some of my favorite tees below!

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Let’s Go Orange (and blue)!

Nothing excites a Syracuse University alum more than one of 2016 NYFW’s biggest trends, the colors orange and blue!  Luckily my closet is filled to the brim of my two favorite colors.  Designers like Opening Ceremony, Jeremy Scott and Tory Burch covered their runways with stylish models clad in the beautiful and spirited color combination.

Tory Burch; Opening Ceremony; Guilietta

From contrasting pants and shirts to dresses flawlessly combining the colorful hues, get ready to see an ample amount of “Syracuse” couture lining the windows of Saks, Barneys and Bergdof’s.  I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time…

Embracing the trend is one of Instagram’s most fashionable Social Influencers:

 

Kinza |@Latresor | Algeria / Norway

Kinza and her sister, Zozo (@mczozo) are personal style bloggers at http://www.lesfleursdor.com.  The pair have an eye for both style and a bargain.  The outfit above, which appears haute couture is actually a steal!  Her dress is from Mango, trousers from Bik Bok, jacket from Monki, shoes from Zara and adding in some additional style, a vintage handbag.  If there’s anything The Eden Edition loves completely, it’s something vintage, and of course, a good deal!

In fact, if you think dressing on a budget won’t get you attention, well, you couldn’t be more wrong!  While in Oslo Runway, international street style photographers were eager to take pics of the sisters.  David Nyanzi (@davidnyanzi) posted one of their photos, making the girls beyond excited!

We do not wear expensive brands from head to toe.  We are concerned with style and the ability to combine different garments together.  Even if it is bought on budget it can still look good.

Kinza reminds us that Norway has very long winters, and most embrace neutral tones.  Therefore, she goes for color… and these colors are right on trend!  Known as the “Fashion Sisters,” Kinza and Zozo are extraordinarily ambitious and determined to encourage and inspire women from all walks life.  In 2014, they founded the socially oriented women’s organization CLÉ WOMEN with a friend Sheery K.  They hold seminars and events that address relevant issues and works toward empowering women in everyday life and work.  Their goal is to create a community of women who inspire and support each other.

Kinza and Zozo are such an inspiration to us here at The Eden Edition.  Their goals are ambitious but their desires are pure.  Women helping women.  We couldn’t agree more!

Kinza leaves us with a few words wisdom:

If there is something you really want, then do it.   The only thing you need is to set yourself a goal and work toward it. Never give up.  You will fail many times but it is important to continue. That’s when the success comes! Trust us 🙂

Go Kinza and Zozo!  Check out their blog and Instas!  You won’t be disappointed!

Also, GO ORANGE (and blue)!!!

Better Look Good for Saul (Zabar)

New York City, and the Upper West Side particularly, has no shortage of specialty grocery stores.  From Citarella to Fairway, Manhattanites have some of the world’s most delectable options right at their doorstep.  But, as an almost decade long Upper West Side resident and a lifelong New Yorker, it is my humble opinion that nothing compares to the family run, neighborhood market known as Zabar’s.

On almost every shopping trip to the century-old emporium you can find Saul Zabar, one of the owners of the famed store, roaming up and down the narrow aisles that shelve Jewish appetizers and global confections.  Checking in on customers, who of course know him by name, Saul makes every trip to 80th street not just a chore, but an event.

My father, perhaps Zabar’s biggest fan, is on constant runs down Broadway for pounds of stuffed cabbage, onion rolls and pastrami (very thinly cut, of course).  And, it might be his excitement that makes me feel that if Saul can bring so much joy not just to my family, but to families all over the city, then it should be my responsibility to at least look somewhat presentable as I roam from his carefully curated cheese section to my favorite coffee nook whose intoxicating aromas delicately tickle my nostrils.

So the next time you find yourself in a catering pickle, I say, you better call Saul!

Boots: Ted Baker; Shawl: Free People; Bag: Zac Posen; Sunglasses: Prada; Shirt: Zara;

Necklace: Rachel Zoe; Watch: Shinola Detroit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 Korean Beauty Trends

I was always told I have great skin.  I was always told to stay out of the sun, to take care of my youthful face.  My father always told me to “STOP” furrowing my brow.  “It’ll cause wrinkles,” he’d say.

On July 23, I turned 30.  On July 24, I noticed the fine lines on my forehead.  And, what was that on my cheek?  A smile line? I’ll never smile again, I vowed.  What’s there to smile about anyway?  I’m old now.

While I can’t turn back the hands of time, the K-beauty industry just might have the secret.  Check out these trending products below:

1. Snail Cream/Sleeping Packs: Fighting wrinkles and attacking those fine lines every night, snail extracts are all the rage – so pick up some snail slime ASAP.  I’ll be trying the Mizon Snail Wrinkle Care Sleeping Pack. 
2. Enhanced Water: This sounded odd to me too.  Apparently soaking your face in sparkling water can help smooth out any uneven complexion by removing dead skin cells, reducing puffiness and firming the skin.  WARNING: Do not drink. [Innisfree] Jeju Sparkling Mineral Essence was recommended to me.
3. Sheet Masks: Clay masks are so last year.  Skip the spa and treat yourself at home to one of these hydrating, brightening and moisturizing masks that are easy to apply and require basically no clean-up.  Did I mention how great you’ll look wearing it?  Proof below:

The list of Korean beauty products is never-ending and always evolving.  And while many of the products seem a little wacky, they almost always hit the western market…. years (and many wrinkles) later.

Flying in Style

Exactly one month ago I married my best friend, and in less than one month from today, my new husband and I will be jetting off to Thailand for our honeymoon!  Traveling is one of my truest passions, but getting from point A to point B is not always a timely or comfortable process.  In preparation for my own vacation, I have put together a list of travel essentials and luxuries.

 

 

1. I love this large printed pouch from J-Crew.  It is perfect for storing all of your overnight flight necessities like moisturizer, chapstick, your travel toothbrush and floss.  This stylish sack can be easily stored in your carry-on bag!

2.  Altitude will dehydrate your body.  It is important to drink fluids, apply lip balm, and use moisturizer to avoid dryness.  Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is a rich, non-greasy, rehydrating moisturizer.  Be sure to pick up this lotion for a smooth flight.

3. Eye masks are essential for quality airplane sleeping.  This Aroma Home eye mask is extra luxurious as it is filled with lavender seeds to help soothe and relax your body and state of mind.  Sweet lavender dreams!

4. These Beats by Dre noise canceling headphones are not only versatile (they come in every color of the rainbow), but also offer superior audio for your inflight movie, music or gaming.

5. The temperature on an airplane always seems to fluctuate.  That’s why I like to layer!  It is always best to wear a cardigan sweater or zip up hoodie as they are easy to get on and off.  This Zoe Karssen Leopard Cashmere Cardigan is perfect for keeping warm on those chillier flights.

6. There’s no better time to catch up on your reading than when you’re trying to pass the time in a claustrophobic, confined space.  While a plane might bring you to different country, a book can immediately transport you to another world.  With the Kindle Paperwhite in tow, you won’t be restricted by one or two books.  Instead, you will have an entire library at the tip of your fingers!

7. Socks!  As discussed earlier, we never quite know what the temperature will be 36,000 feet in the air.  No one likes cold toes or even worse, swollen legs.  For extra long flights, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of knee-high compression socks.  Keep that blood flowing so the party can start immediately upon arrival!

8. Passport covers are a fun and (sometimes) cheap accessory for traveling.  If you’re a newlywed, like me, grab a set of the Mr. & Mrs. passport covers.  Yeah, it might be cheesy, but you’re on your honeymoon!  Bring on the cheese!

9. Last but certainly not least, investing in a quality neck pillow is essential.  TravelPillow by Tempur-Pedic cradles your neck and supports your head to relieve pressure, allowing your neck and shoulder muscles to relax. So you can sleep and arrive refreshed.

What are your travel essentials?  Leave your tips for The Eden Edition in the comments section below. Happy Travels!

9 Staples for Skiing In Style

It’s been a chilly winter so far, but that shouldn’t stop any of us from enjoying the season and all it has to offer.  Avoiding cabin fever is at the top of my to-do list this January.  How, you may ask?   By planning a ski trip!  While I look forward to speeding down the slopes, the wind in my hair and the snow softly falling on my face, I can’t help but wonder what to wear and what to bring.

Below, 9 Ski Essentials for survival both on the slopes and in the lodge.  Have any suggestions?  Share below!

1. Arc’teryx Jacket. 2. Sno Skinny Ski Trousers from Topshop 3. Saloman BBR Starlight Skis. 4. Marni Waistcoat. 5. Leather Headphone Earmuffs. 6. Fur-lined Kask Helmet. 7. The North Face Lace Boot.  8. Warby Parker Sunnies. 9. KENSIE after-ski pants

1. Vest from The North Face.  2. Men’s Furano Jacket.  3. James Perse Lightweight Jersey Hoodie.  4. Fleece-lined Turtle Fur hat.  5. A Maker’s Mark on the rocks is a great way to end a day on the slopes.  6. Track your activity with a Fitbit.  7. Patagonia Men’s Ski Pants.  8. Ski Goggles with a GPS system.  9. Burton Touchscreen Liner Gloves.

Splish Splash I Was Taking a Bath

A bath can be the most relaxing experience.  However, if you don’t have a luxurious bathtub, the joy of sinking into a steaming hot basin of water can seem a bit lackluster.  The tubs below are cleaning vessels made of dreams.  Take a dip in one of these!

So now that we’re all upgrading, I bet you’re wondering what to do with your old bathtub?
Well, you can always turn it in to furniture!

Happy Bathing!  Let’s keep it clean from now on!