Bachelorette Party Ideas Recap

It has been a fun month of bachelorette party ideas, including many incredible destinations, a week long look at Vegas, bachelorette party games, bachelorette party playlist, outfits to wear and much more.

A friend asked what was our favorite part of the month. Without a doubt it was the posts from our guest bloggers: Big thanks to Ava, Kerri, Lorena and Ashley!

At the end of the month, we're still deciding where we want to head--that's the delicious problem of having too many options. We're leaning towards Vegas, though Miami may prove the winner, unless of course, the decision goes to a wild card option. Wherever we wind up, you know we'll share all gory details--or at least all the ones that are fit to print!

Sephora's Fall Line

A few weeks back, we went to a Sephora event showcasing the new Fall line and Kat Von D's fragrances which we are in love with! (She was a towering beauty in six inch heels covered in incredible tattoo artwork...and she smelled great from her perfume!) She has two perfumes, the "Saint" and the "Sinner", one smelling sweet and the other smelling dark. Both are rich and very feminine.

The theme of the makeup line is geared toward bringing out the femme fatale in every woman. The makeup will let you be a diva, a sneaky villain, or simply a hot number when you go out!

A few of our favorite pieces from the collection are:
• Doe Eyed Felt Eyeliner ($12) – A paraben-free fluid felt eyeliner which is easy to use and stays put for hours and hours,
• Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – A collection of 54 beautiful blendable shadows that can be applied wet or dry for both a sophisticated and a natural look,
• Tricks of the Trade Mineral Loose Setting Powder ($18) – this sheer powder gently absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of lines and pores. It is extremely light which is important especially in the summer when you don't want your makeup to get cakey after a day of humidity and heat!
• Last, we loved the Perfect Complexion Brush ($35) – a complexion color-dipped brush, featuring a foundation brush on one end, and powder brush on the other. The bristles really pick up the color of your brush and powders, giving you a natural look.

The complete product assortment will be available in the Fall in all Sephora stores. Look forward to the leaves turning colors, because this line will not disappoint!

Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan and Tiffany

Just in time for the U.S. Open, Maria Sharapova was at Rockefeller Center on Thursday to launch her collection with Cole Haan. Maria says her inspiration is "street style for girls around the world."

We're fans of the metallic gold satchel:


and the military-inspired boot



Maria also collaborated with Frank Gehry creating a pair of covetable silver and diamond earrings for Tiffany she'll be wearing this week (and presumably beyond). The shape and angles of the earrings are designed to reflect light.




Catch Maria, Venus, Roger, Rafael, Andy and more at the U.S. Open starting today.

Check out the t-shirt Venus Williams designed for the U.S. Open.

Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa in Beverly Hills

For the West Coasters - here's a unique, full service nail salon in Beverly Hills: The Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa. The owner, Fawn Ton combines her beauty knowledge from her mother, a beauty industry veteran, and her grandfather, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. All treatments are use 100% natural ingredients and organic products. They're blended with natural soy products so there are no toxic smells. Your mind can rest easy that what you are applying on your fingers is healthy!

Maybe this explains how all the treatments help to rejuvenate the body naturally. When you go, you might bump into celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, Leann Rimes, Jessica Lucas, Heidi Montag and Regina King.

The spa offers a wide range of natural treatments - Caviar Pearl Facial, Jade Hot/Cold Stone Massages and hand/foot treatments such as Coconut Hand & Foot mani/pedi or the signature Himalayan Green Tea hand & foot treatment which includes Green Tea Soak with exfoliating Himalayan Pink Salt scrub and hot towel wrap with organic cream massage. We feel better just hearing about it...too bad we're in NY or we'd be there in a heartbeat!

NYC Lounge The Gates For Fall Fun

We recently ventured to the Meat Packing District to check out the newest lounge, The Gates. We must say – don’t be sad that summer is winding down and outdoor bars will soon be a thing of the past. This lounge promises to be a fun, posh, and luxurious place to seek refuge from New York’s chilly fall and winter weather. The name isn’t just clever; the bar is literally kept private from the street by brass gates. Think castle meets party – gold lavishness and crystals vibrating to the sounds of great DJs who don’t stop playing until the early hours of the morning. Put on your highest heels though, because there is seldom a night where models aren’t roaming around. The drinks are pricey but the bar is long so you won’t need to bite the person in front of you to quench your thirst. And hey, if you’re not enjoying yourself, just walk outside and find another chic lounge to walk into. They’re all in a 3 block radius.

Head down during Fashion Week--we're sure The Gates will be a maje celeb and model hangout!

Bachelorette Party Ideas #31: Shows in Vegas

Once upon a time, shows in Vegas were synonymous with showgirls. Now, you can take your pick between the acrobatics of Cirque de Soleil, any number of singers, and, yes, showgirls.

While we're fans of Cirque, we suggest heading to one of the sexier, adults-only shows like Zoomanity at New York, NY. It's billed as the "Sensual Side of Cirque." We haven't seen it, but if Jeronimo (below) is any indication, you won't be disappointed.


We also recommend checking out Cher at Caesar's Coliseum. Despite her questionable fashion choices, the lady knows how to rock a house!



For years we bugged our SO to take us to one of Times Squares remaining peep shows. When he finally did, it was so gross we couldn't high tail it out of there fast enough. Chances are, the Peepshow at Planet Hollywood will be far, far more enjoyable. It currently features Holly Madison who transforms from Bo Peep into a "sensual woman" with the help of Peep Diva.

While we're not personally fans of magic shows--maybe we haven't seen the right one yet--we hear great things about Criss Angel's Magic. Hey, there has to be some reason he reportedly bagged a babe like Cameron Diaz.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 30. Shopping in Vegas

That photo was from our last trip to Vegas, for our friend Shawn's bachelorette party two years ago (Shawn's in red.). We went in April and stayed at Caesar's Palace. While most of the hotels/casinos have some shopping, none rival the Forum Shops at Caesar's, which we confidently call one of the best malls in the world. The stores include Nanette Lepore, Seven, La Perla, Longchamp, Burberry, Tory Burch, Pucci, Jimmy Choo and much, much more. Basically, name a designer and they have a store there. Word of warning: while the hotel and the shops are physically attached, it's still a trek. Annie actually wanted to take a taxi to the shops when she was going back for her second trip of the day (no dice).

If you have time--and a car and driver--a trip to the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas on the California/Nevada border is well worth it. The outlet mall has high end stores along the lines of Burberry, Bally , Kate Spade and Tod's.

With any luck, you and your bride will find a sugar daddy to underwrite your shopping spree. (Kidding!)

RIP DJ AM

We’re deeply saddened by the death of DJ AM. How tragic that Adam Goldstein overcame drug addiction for several years and survived an airplane crash only to die in an apparent overdose at the age of 36. We were big fans and even checked his schedule last week to see if we could hit one of his fall shows. He was a talent and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Web Snob Roundup 8-28-09

Stiletto Jungle features basic black wardrobe essentials for a steal.

Allie is Wired fashion face-off: Angelina Jolie vs. Jennifer Aniston.

Bag Bliss: Instyle turns 15 and celebrates with exclusive deals, freebies and a shopping spree giveaway!

Coquettesays, be sexy without going bare with dresses with hints of sheer fabric.

Fashion Pulse Daily just can't get enough of uber-cool West Coast eco-brand Spun.

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating Hermes Sac Mallette bags.

Second City Style believes sometimes it’s not what you buy; it’s what you kick to the curb. 5 Trends To Toss.

SheFinds finds the top options of all the best new fall shoe trends .

Shopping and Info loves these edgy Italian made rings.

StyleBakery.com hunts down your body's best jeans.

Stylehive shows you how to get Leighton Meester's look in the the music video for Cobra Starship's "Good Girls Go Bad."

The Beauty Stop has tips for doing mascara right every time.

Want to know what's inside Tinsley Mortimer's carry on? The Jet Set Girls peek inside.

If new shoes aren't in the budget, give your wardrobe a new look with patterned tights!

eye4style is giving away a year's supply of Pantene haircare for 5 lucky readers. Enter to win here.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 29. Best Restaurants in Las Vegas

When it comes time to make dinner ressies, we suggest you chose a restaurant in your hotel or head to the hotel where you're going out that night and eat there. This way, you won't have to wait in the dreaded taxi lines in the middle of your night out and risk killing your buzz. Fortunately, the options are endless.

Lame as it may be, we do enjoy sticking with what we know in Vegas. On that note, we're excited to check out fellow NYCers' Mario Batali's and Joe Bastianich restaurant, Carnevino, at Palazzo. The name literally translates to meat and wine and that's about all we need to know. It's an Italian steakhouse, which practically guarantees that all the girls in your party will find something they'll want to eat.

Looking to branch out? Hit the stunningly gorgeous Bartolotta at the Wynn (below). It's an Italian seafood restaurant (apparently the Soprano influence in Vegas is still alive and well). We're pretty sure you could serve us up a bowl of dirt in the Alice In Wonderland setting and we would still enjoy it.



We've never even set foot in the Luxor before, but now we have a reason: Cathouse is part restaurant, part night club and 100% sexy. The bordello-themed space will definitely get you purring.



We're partial to a lunch at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris. You can sit on the patio overlooking the fountains at the Bellagio while sipping a glass of pinot blanc and recover from the night before with a brie and spinach crepe. They also have a killer bloody mary bar on Sundays.

Headed to Vegas for Labor Day? Take part in Vegas restaurant week from August 31-September 6 to benefit Three Square, a charity that fights hunger in southern Nevada.

Q&A With Stacey Bendet

Stacey Bendet loves sequins almost as much as JSG's Hope. Her Alice + Olivia designs, just make us happy. Check out the Q&A with her on Cusp. We heart her even more now that we know her nickname is StacyPants and sake bombs are her weakness!

Dream Job: Pool Ambassador

Among the many careers we've dreamed about--concierge, pilot, cheese taster--pool ambassador never made the list. That's only because we never knew such a dream job existed, until The New York Post profiled Natasha Ferguson, the pool ambassador at the Thompson LES. From what we gather, it's Natasha's job to keep people happy around the pool by being friendly, changing their seats and helping the wait staff if necessary. Natasha even shares her own SPF when needed. Surely there's a marketing opportunity in there for an enterprising SPF purveyor.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 28. Tao Group Bachelorette Coordinator

A couple of years ago, when we were just starting JSG, we met Kiki Kuzmerik while celebrating our friend Shawn's bachelorette party. At the time she was doing marketing for Tao, the mega-nightclub at the Venetian. Kiki has a larger-than-life personality, she's gorgeous, fun and super helpful, especially when it comes to getting into a great club and bypassing long lines.

She recently took over as Tao's Group Bachelorette Coordinator. She can put together the end-all-be-all party for you and your friends at Tao, Lavo, or Tao Beach. She designed the Bachelorette Guide which has a handful of great packages, from VIP passes and tables, to Tao Beach sunbeds and dinner packages. She can do just about anything to make your stay in Vegas fabulous even arrange helicopter service, butlers and bodyguards (helpful for some clubs), mobile spray tan (because everyone needs a good tan in Vegas), an erotic cake presentation, and a personal photographer. To get your own copy of the Bachelorette Guide or to plan the best party ever, contact Kiki at kiki.kuzmirek@taogroup.com.

New Feed Bags for Fall

Lauren Bush and Feed are having a busy fall. The Feed/Read Bags should be available at Barnes & Noble soon. Developed in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program and Room to Read, for each $25 organic cotton tote sold, a child receives three school lunches and three story books.

Feed is also doing a backpack with Kenneth Cole and Millennium Village. For each $125 backpack sold, another bag, filled with bandages, syringes, condoms and more, is given to a traveling health care worker. Available at Kennethcole.com.



Finally, later this fall, Bobbi Brown is launching the Feed 10 Pouch, a makeup bag filled with three of her best-selling lip glosses for $50, according to WWD. It will also benefit the charity. Check back for more details.

This reminded us of one of our favorite, totally addictive online non-profit games, FreeRice. It started as a vocabulary quiz and for each question you get right, 10 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Program. We're excited to see they've added new categories. Now you can answer questions about world capitals, grammar, famous paintings and more. You can even quiz yourself on chemistry symbols, but we wouldn't be able to feed a mouse with our chem knowledge!

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 27. Laid Back Las Vegas

Two years ago, our ski trip was canceled just days before we were supposed to depart. What's a girl to do but find a replacement trip asap? We looked at the weather across the U.S. and the warmest spot that weekend in February was Las Vegas with highs in the 80's. Vegas has long been a welcome beacon to last minute travelers; but also those of us seeking sun during cold spells back home. That's great if you're a gambler and/or a partier; but what if you're not? Luckily (no pun intended), Vegas has resorts without casinos that cater to a low key bachelorette party too.


The Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas lies 17 miles from the strip. Its position on the shores of a 320 acre lake that includes a white sand beach and waterfall adds a huge water element even by Vegas hotel standards. It also has all those amenities we've grown to love from the Ritz Carlton: great club level food service, luxurious beds and linens, spacious marble bathrooms, pool side sunbeds and service fit for a queen. You'll hear "It's my pleasure" over and over again. It is far enough away that if you plan on taking advantages of the strip's shows, restaurants, and shopping you may want to consider renting a car.

If you're looking to be closer to the action; but want a quieter atmosphere, check out the Palms Place Hotel. It's connected to its sister property The Palms by a short indoor people mover (in case you want to experience a little of the noise and action; but don't want to live in it). The Palms Place sedate lighting to calm your nerves, large suites (see above), a smaller pool scene (see below)and no casino noise to rattle your nerves. It's a favorite with celebs because of its private low-key feel. If you go ask for a suite with a view of the strip. The Palms Place is still a good 20 minute walk to the strip; so we recommend cabbing it at night to save your feet. Otherwise head towards to strip and you'll end up at Caesar's, right in the middle of everything. The Palms Place is offering packages starting at $159 for a studio suite which includes a poolside cabana, VIP nightlife pass and spa access. For only $50 extra you can upgrade to a one bedroom.

Amanda Seyfried's Eyelashes on the Cover of Allure

When we opened up our mail box today, we turned a serious shade of green over Amanda Seyfried's TDF eyelashes on the cover of the September Allure. We tore open the issue right then and there: Would Allure admit they Amanda's wearing falsies? The answer is yes. Makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Anderson did fess up, "Amanda has huge doe eyes that I brought out even more with tons of fake lashes." She does not, however, spill which ones she used, though it does say she used individuals.

Our best guess is the Ardell Duralash. These are the favorites of celeb makeup artist Sandy Litner--or they were before she discovered Latisse.


Want more on Amanda? Read how to get Amanda Seyfried's hair from Mamma-Mia.

La Mer: The Radiant Concealer SPF 25

This September, La Mer introduces The Radiant Concealer for use on both dark circles and blemishes. We're impressed it carries an SPF 25, especially when we use it under our eyes, because those sneaky crows feet are the first lines to appear as we get older. The Radiant Concealer boasts a cream to powder finish which promises to stay flexible and crease-resistant throughout the day. We look forward to trying it ourselves and will report back with our results.

La Mer's The Radiant Concealer will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and lamer.com.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 26. Luxe Las Vegas

If you decide to brave your bachelorette party in Las Vegas, you'll have a tough decision choosing where to stay. We're always interested in the latest and greatest hotels.

The Palazzo Las Vegas has a great location in the middle of the strip next to the Venetian. We like that you can walk to clubs like Pure and Tao, not to mention its own uber popular nightclub, Lavo, which we dished about earlier this year. Its rooms are super sized suites (think Venetian and Bellagio), it has fantastic shopping (hello Barneys, DVF, Christian Louboutin!), and it's home to the Canyon Ranch Spa.

Emeril Lagasse is planning to open a new sports bar in Palazzo this fall called Lagasse's Stadium. It'll have 100 screens and his signature New Orleans dishes. Ladies, there's no better place to run into guys than at a sports bar (except maybe a steakhouse).

We're interested in the LAVO Nightlife package which includes a luxury suite, a $50 dinner credit at Lavo, complimentary line pass and admission in the club, and a $25 cocktail credit. Prices start at only $169 per night.

The other hotel we have our eye on is Wynn Las Vegas, particularly the Tower Suites (more to come later this week). Our friend Deacon stayed at Encore earlier this summer and had nothing but raves about it. If you go, don't miss the Tryst nighclub and shopping which includes Chanel, Manolo, and Dior.

Fashion's Night Out

Do you know what you're doing on the night September 10th? Chances are it involves shopping, if Anna Wintour has anything to do with it. In New York and and 12 other cities around the world, Vogue is spearheading the effort behind Fashion's Night Out. (Too bad we advise: Don't Shop.) Stores will be open later, many will be serving up food and drinks and offering special gifts with purchase. Best of all, designers and celebs will be out en masse to support the effort. A few can't misses in our hometown:

Barney's: Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, Narciso Rodriguez, Isabel Toledo, Jonathan Adler, and more.
Bergdorf Goodman: Hosting a designer cook off between Cynthia Rowley, Peter Som and judged by Padma Lakshi, Zac Posen will be painting in the windows, the Olsen twins are scheduled to make an appearance (good thing the stores are close!)
Saks Fifth Avenue: Carolina Herrera, Chris Benz, Donna Karan, Bobbi Brown, Frederic Fekkai and models Coco Rocha and Daria Werbowry
Intermix: in Soho (98 Prince Street) Sienna and Savannah Miller with music by DJ Harley Viera Newton and Cassie Coane
Jeffrey: Hugh Jackman is scheduled to show, as is Jason Wu.

For a complete list of participating stores, check out Fashion's Night Out. Can't make it to an event? Order the T-shirt on Gilt.com.

Below see a clip from last night's David Letterman, featuring Anna Wintour addressing her title as "Ice Queen."

The Ultimate Girls Getaway at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda

Pack your little black dress and PJ's for the Ultimate Girls Getaway at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda! The Ultimate Girls Getaway, October 22-25, is three fun filled days where women of all ages get to be girls. Best of all, JSG readers are offered an exclusive reduced rate!



The weekend includes a Friday night Pajama Party with Karaoke and cocktails and a Saturday night LBD calypso shindig with wine tasting and dinner followed by a night out at one of Bermuda’s hottest clubs. During the day, you can learn how to play Texas Hold’ em; take a belly dancing class; partake in afternoon high tea in classic British fashion; pick up some cooking tips from one of the Fairmont’s acclaimed chefs or learn what your wine personality is. Of course if you prefer to lie by the pool, there’s plenty of time for that, too! We highly recommend you take advantage of the discounted spa rates and schedule a treatment. Lunch on the spa patio is simply a must!



The Fairmont Southampton is known for its generous-sized rooms, the largest on the island. It’s right on the beach so you can experience Bermuda’s famed pink sand or opt to relax by the pool. Golf lovers will want to schedule in time to play a round on the Fairmont Southampton Golf Course.



The Ultimate Girls Getaway package includes:
• Three nights accommodations
• All organized meals
• Afternoon Tea luncheon at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess
• Ultimate Girls Getaway Pajama Party including Mix & Mingle reception, Dinner, Bermuda Karaoke and more!
•Inspirational Authors that have appeared on Oprah, Comedians, entertainment, famous Psychic, Bermuda Salsa and much more!
• Little Black Dress Dinner Party with live island music entertainment.
• a 15% discount on all spa treatments at the Willow Stream Spa
• 20% off a scooter rental at Smatt’s Cycle Livery

JSG readers get all this for $849.00 per person, double occupancy, a $50 savings off the regular rate.


To book: Contact A Girl’s Gotta Go for more details and reference code: JSGUGG

To view more photos of last year's event, go to Nadja's Pajama Party.

Annie on Stylecaster

You know how much we love to look in fellow jet-setter's carry ons. This time around, the tables were turned, and we let the ladies over at Stylecaster peek inside our purse. Find out what JSG's Annie has in her carry on.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Collection

We recently sampled Kiehl's latest: the Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Collection which features fairly traded Amazonian white clay. The goal of this set is to use natural ingredients to detoxify and refine your skin and reduce the size of your pores. It's recommended for normal to oily skin and includes Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, Rare Earth Pore Refining Tonic, Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion, and Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque.

Our favorite products are the lotion and the masque. The Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion uses Amazonian white clay to absorb excess surface oil for hours. If your skin is oily, chances are you're not going for a dewy looking, instead you're looking for a way to reduce your shine. In a test run by Kiehl's, 80% of people who used the lotion had a matte finish to their skin for 8 hours. While we didn't have a stop watch for our test, the lotion kept our shine at bay for the bulk of these long hot August days. If your skin is on the dry side or combination, you may need to use an extra moisturizer on top of this. We can't imagine needing more except on the driest of winter days. The Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion is $28 for a 2.5 oz. bottle.

The Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque uses the same Amazonian white clay to not only absorb oil but also remove bacteria and dead skin-cells which clog and enlarge pores. We used this at night and our skin feels smoother and tighter. The masque also helped calm down the acne flare up that came with our monthlies. The masque is $22 for a 5 oz. jar.

The Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Collection is available at Kiehl's stores, select department stores, and Kiehls.com.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 25. Vegas for 20-Somethings

One of the questions we always ask ourselves when trying to decide which hotel to stay at in Vegas is: Is such and such hotel too young? While we adore our 20-something friends, we're not so crazy about partying with someone who looks like they may have a fake ID. Our days of doing consecutive tequila shots are long behind us; but if that's what you're into, this post is for you.

The first time we went to Vegas, we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. The pluses: The Beach Club, with real sand and one of the best pools in Vegas. You can eat at Nobu without ever having to step outside (yes, we can eat at Nobu at home, but black miso cod is a favorite in any city). The concert venue The Joint re-opened this April at twice the size--Kelly Clarkson and Creed are on the lineup this fall. The new Paradise Tower looks pretty swank and if we could stay in the Penthouse with its own personal bowling alley, we would book it faster than you can say, "double down."


The downsides: It's not right on the strip, so if you want to go anywhere, you're in for a longer taxi ride. And aside from the Hard Rock store, a lingerie shop and a jeweler, there's no shopping to speak of.

We stayed at The Palms for our friend Heidi's bachelorette party. This was shortly after it opened, when Ghostbar was the place to go. Somehow or other, we were mistaken for VIP's and got free use of the hotel's green limo all weekend. We would love to go back to check out the Playboy Club and Moon, the 53rd-floor nightclub with a retractable roof and to stay in the Barbie Suite or Hugh Hefner Sky Villa.


Like the Hard Rock, it has little going on in the way of shopping and it's set off the strip. Maybe they're trying to keep the youngsters away from the grown ups?

A Peek Inside Tinsley Mortimer's Carry On Bag

JSG recently had the chance to ask Tinsley Mortimer, socialite, handbag designer and Dior Beauty Ambassador what she must have in her carry on when she travels the globe.

What carry on bag do you use?

For Fall I designed for Samantha Thavasa a big tote bag covered in fringe called the Madison bag. It is perfect to use as a carry on. (JSG note: Tinsley's Samantha Thavasa collection is gorgeously wearable and surprisingly affordable, like the ruffle bag, below. Not to mention, we're big fans of fringe!).




What are some of your must-have beauty products in your carry on?

The Dior L'Or de Vie travel kit is a must! I also carry Dior Addict Lip Glow, Neutrogena hand cream and Evian spray.

Do you have a favorite wrap that you travel with?

I have a huge gray Nina Ricci sweater that I am obsessed with. I take it with me always when I travel. It is so big that I never get cold with it. I also can bunch it up and sleep on it.

What books or magazines do you like on the plane?

All the Us Weeklys, In Touch, OK, and Stars I can find, and a bunch of home ones like Elle Decor, AD, etc.

Any fave plane snacks?

Peanuts, dark chocolate and lots of water.

What music do you like to listen to when you travel?

I like dance, electronic, and pop music. I like music that cheers me up.

Anything else you always keep in your carry on?

My Dr. Dre beats headphones and my Apple computer. I love to get a TV series and watch it for most of the plane ride. Right now I have Mad Men season 2.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 24. Charleston

Today's bachelorette party idea comes from Ashley DeGroff (third from left) who went to Charleston, one of our favorite cities for her bachelorette party.

I went to Charleston with a group of seven girlfriends, mostly from New York City but also from Chicago and South Carolina. We chose Charleston because we wanted somewhere that would be warm enough for us to get some sun in early May, that was fairly inexpensive, and that was easy to get to from the East Coast. You can fly directly to Charleston from New York City pretty cheaply if you book early enough. The flight is only about an hour and a half, so it's easy to fly down after work or early in the morning and still get in a full day. The airport is close to downtown and really easy to get to. Our size was very manageable for the trip - I think most of the restaurants there are used to large groups, whether it's because of the college (University of Charleston) or families that vacation there. We had no problems getting dinner reservations or getting around!

I had been to Charleston many times before, but always with family. So I knew it had great restaurants and shopping and would have good weather in May. I wasn't so sure about nightlife, but figured we would make our own party if we had to! I think we were all surprised by how many other bachelorette parties we ran into while we were there!

We stayed at my parents' condo in Charleston, but there are tons of great places to stay. Charleston Place is a gorgeous hotel with a perfect location right in the middle of it all on King Street, or the Market Pavilion Hotel is a beautiful old hotel with a fantastic roof deck and a pool! There are also lots of adorable bed and breakfasts if you want to go that route. If you stay downtown, you can walk just about everywhere You can take rickshaw taxis too (often pedaled by very cute guys!) which are a great option.



We were really only in Charleston for one day and one night -- we wished we were there longer! We spent the day sunning poolside since the weather was absolutely gorgeous. My wedding was in early June and we were all looking to get a little sun and relaxation after a long New York winter! We had a little pre-bachelorette party at our place with cocktails and appetizers so I could open gifts before we went out. Then we jumped in a cab and headed to Fleet Landing for dinner. It was a fun, inexpensive restaurant with great food and a laid-back staff (who didn't mind rowdy groups of girls!) so it ended up being a great choice. Plus it was right downtown so we could walk to a number of bars afterward.

We weren't sure where to go out, so we asked the hostess at the restaurant, who gave us a couple of great recommendations. We ended up at Treo, a great bar downtown with an incredible live band. The crowd was young but not too college-y, and really fun. Lots of preppy cute guys who were more than happy to buy us drinks! It has two levels, so the band plays downstairs and there's a DJ upstairs, so there's a little bit of something for everyone. There is a back patio too for you to cool off after too much dancing! It seemed like most of the people there were locals since it was a little off the beaten path, but it was a great find.

I would absolutely recommend Charleston for a bachelorette weekend! It's convenient, affordable, and everyone there is just so nice. I'm going back for Labor Day weekend and my girlfriends are trying to plan a return trip!

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 23. St. Maarten

St. Maarten is another smart option for a Caribbean bachelorette party. Half the island is French, while the other half is Dutch. Those in the know dine on the French side and party on the Dutch. In true Dutch fashion, St. Maarten is known for its nightlife. Last time we were there, we stayed at the affordable Caravanserai Beach Resort. It was on the sketch side--it's super close to the airport, so planes fly quite close and the beach is quite small. It does have a happening beach side bar, where we met the international crew of a yacht, including a flirtatious French man and a drunk Norwegian. That was all before hitting the clubs.

If you're budget allows, you should upgrade to the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa (shown above). It's close enough to the nightlife, yet far enough removed to have a nicer beach and better rooms. As a Westin-you know it's going to have amazing Heavenly Beds and a Heavenly Shower.

It can be cheaper to rent a car in St. Martin/St. Maarten than it is to take taxis. It's always a bit of a drag to have to worry about drinking and driving on a trip, but if you have a responsible, sober friend, you'll save a lot of money. It's especially worth it if you do want to hit the French side for restaurants, like Le Bistro Nu or Sol e Luna.

The island is easy to get to with nonstop flights from the East Coast on American, Continental and Jet Blue.

Web Snob Round Up 8-21-09

Stiletto Jungle shops for Cindy Crawford's luxe cut off shorts.

Keira Knightley photoshopped nude for Chanel ad - Allie is Wired.

Bag Bliss loves Thomas Wylde's "Day of the Dead" Clutch!

Bag Snob- Fall Must Have: The Red Bag!

Beauty Snob tests Parissa Wax Strips!

Coquette picks her favorite bold plaid shirts for fall.

The Daily Obsession finds the best scents for summer.

Fashion Pulse Daily just can't resist this fall's military trend - thanks a lot Balmain & Michael Jackson!

STYLE360 announces Fashion Week show dates and designers . I'm Not Obsessed has the info.

Win a free Brazilian Blowout treatment at NYC's Concept Salon, courtesy of The Jet Set Girls.

Kristopher is using SensEpil home laser hair removal

Second City Style is ready to go mad for plaid this fall!

Shopping and Info needs the Balmain suede boots celebrities are wearing for Fall.

StyleBakery.com has the real dirt on flip flops (ewww) and offers some stylish flip flop alternatives

Stylehive is loving the look of leather jewelry and has a slideshow full of ways to adopt this edgy fall trend.

The Beauty Stop shares tips for creating fall's cat eye look.

Throw out those ugly Uggs! The Shoe Goddess solves your problem of finding warm, yet chic winter boots with these Tashkent by Cheyenne shearling booties!

eye4style talks Very Hollywood with with designer Michael Kors.

Bachelorette Party Ideas: 22. Cabo

While we keeping focusing on getting ourselves down to Cancun, Mexico has another, less populated coast that is easier to get to for all our west coast based readers.

While swank hotels abound, we're partial to Girls Getaway Package at the Presidente InterContinental Los Cabos. Each morning, mimosas are hand-delivered to your room--sure beats coffee! After spending the day at the beach or the pool, you can choose between a girls' night in with movies and manis in your room or a nightclub tour of Cabo.

Packages begin at $250 USD per room and requires a minimum stay of two nights and a minimum five rooms booked.

Be sure to pack the sunscreen!

Marc Jacobs and Miss Piggy

As children of the 80s, we adore Miss Piggy. So even though we're not quite sure what to think of Marc Jacobs collaborating with her for tonight's Glamorama event in Chicago, we wanted to share the pics. Is that a sneak peak of Marc's spring '10 collection?