I have been sitting on Santa’s lap for decades now whispering my desires in his ear.  Sometimes my wishes are noble like helping a friend’s talented daughter get a scholarship to art school and other times completely frivolous (you haven’t lived until you’ve gotten a faux mink car ice scraper.)  For  those of us in the Hamptons we have many reasons to count our blessings.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to light up the Hamptons holiday season.

By Heather Buchanan
Okay, so maybe you weren’t the girl slathered in baby oil with the foil face sun reflector but that doesn’t mean you are not at risk for skin cancer.  According to a 2005 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of women under age 40 diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma has more than doubled in 30 years while cases of squamous cell carcinoma among women under 40 increased almost 700 percent.  And that’s when global warming …

By Heather Buchanan
For a happy Hamptons Thanksgiving we have a few HipHamptons Do’s & Don’ts as well as a list of great activities for the weekend.
Don’t mess with the stuffing –
Let’s face it – It’s not really about the turkey, it’s about what’s inside.  The family wants the old fashioned stuffing served every year.  Don’t go all crazy on it with truffles, dates, and cognac.  Your family will be upset… for a while.
Don’t play with the turkey parts –
Yes it seems super …

By Heather Buchanan
There’s a lot of buzz around the 2012 Hamptons International Film Festival running from Oct. 4th to 8th.  What was once perceived as a serious bunch dressed in black has turned into one of the chicest international crowds.  Now in its twentieth year the festival has reached a maturity and has honed its eye.  Academy Award winning films like Slumdog Millionaire, Black Swan, The King’s Speech and The Artist have all previewed here as well as many of the winners …

By Heather Buchanan
Greetings at the third annual Harvest East End Food and Wine Classic went something like this:
“Orlmmm, yermm, hold on a sec and let me get a napkin.”  With so many delectable edibles and fine wines, it was literally hard to get a word in edgewise. Organized by Merliance and the Long Island Wine Council and presented by Wine Spectator, Harvest East End was the epicurean destination, held this year at the regal Hampton Classic show grounds.

by Heather Buchanan
Photos Rob Rich www.societyallure.com
Bridgehampton Polo celebrated the grand finale of its 16th season on Saturday August 25th with a fabulous field-side flourish.  Team CIRCA emerged victorious over White Birch by a score of 11 to 10 in the Vertu Hamptons Cup.
The members of CIRCA and their ponies fought valiantly for the win in a close match which went down to the wire.  The Official Timekeeper of Bridgehampton Piaget had crucial importance.

What’s Your Hamptons Summer Bucket List?  Here’s some not to miss moments.

EVENTS:

Harvest East End – Saturday August 25th 6p to 9p
Here is the food version of speed dating. No need to commit because you have so many delicious options of local food and wine from top chefs and vintners. Benefitting the Group For The East End, Peconic Land Trust, and East End Hospice this epicurean festival is a true delight. Be sure to check out …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Rob Rich www.societyallure.com
Safety first is the motto of Bridgehampton Polo so with the rain-slicked fields the match was cancelled to ensure safety of player and his trusted mount.  Both ponies and players enjoyed a day off with some of polo’s top stars stopping by the VIP tent to enjoy the afternoon reception including Mariano Aguerre, one of the few players to reach the perfect 10 goal handicap.

Listen up fans of Sunset Beach.  Attention s’il vous plait.  Gilt City has a special offer right now for a three course dinner at Sunset Beach on Shelter Island hosted by Lee Schrager, the impresario behind the Food Network South Beach and the New York City Food and Wine Festivals.

On Sunday August 19th you’ll get not only the gorgeous sunset views with their very female flattering hues but Mark Zeitouni, the Executive Chef from Miami’s The Standard Spa to walk you …

By Heather Buchanan
If you ventured under the tent for the East Hampton Library Author’s Night 2012 on Saturday you were treated to a vast array of literary talent.  You simply felt smarter.  With so many accomplished authors in one place you had to do a bit of speed dating, or perhaps more aptly speed reading.  Each of the 120 writers had a tale to tell ranging from novels to biographies, memoirs, cooking, decorating, self help and children’s books.  The event which was …

By Heather Buchanan
photos by Rob Rich www.societyallure.com

The third time is the charm for Bridgehampton Polo where the weather gods cooperated to allow match play on August 4th.  Larry Boland, President of Piaget N.A. the Official Timekeeper of Bridgehampton Polo commented, “Rain or shine, Bridgehampton Polo is a great fit for Piaget…though we prefer sunshine! We’re looking forward to welcoming our clients out this weekend to enjoy the festivities and hopefully, another exciting match.”

It was a heroic effort for both teams in …

By Heather Buchanan
If you’ve never descended down the rabbit hole to Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center’s annual gala, you have missed one of most coveted experiences in Hamptons fundraising.  This year’s Big Bang proved that the creative spirit is alive, well and being nurtured, raising over $1.5 million for the Watermill Center’s year round artist residency and education programs.  With input from all these creative minds this was no business-as-usual benefit under the big top.

There was na’er a plastic glass of cheap wine …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Rob Rich www.societyallure.com

Although rain cancelled the polo match, the exclusive party in the VIP tent at Bridgehampton Polo continued on Saturday July 28th.  Designer Nicole Miller didn’t get the chance for the opening coin toss, but still displayed her signature style.  Many a fashionable Hamptons woman was checking the weather on her iPhone with its special Nicole Miller designed case.

If you look at the list of accomplishments of Jimena Fama you might be expect someone far older than this young Argentinean beauty who has taken the musical world by storm with Tango Conspiracy.  “Normally you meet someone who really knows tango or really knows electronic music,” notes Jimena, “It’s rare to find someone who understands both.” She explains that traditional tango can be intimidating and she is finding a way with her compositions to translate tango to the next generation.  “This …

Your first clue was the number of Rolls Royces parked out front that there was a veritable who’s who of the art, design, and Hamptons social set at the Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Gala.  This year celebrated the “creative spirit of the East End” on July 14th by honoring director/choreographer Patricia Birch, visual artist Chuck Close, author/historian Barbara Goldsmith, interior designers Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper, musician G.E. Smith, and choreographer Paul Taylor.

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

Bridgehampton Polo 2012 opened its Sweet Sixteenth Season on Saturday July 21st, albeit with an exhibition match due to the slick rain-soaked field. Luckily the sun was shining on the who’s who of the Hamptons sophisticated social scene.  Guests under the VIP tent were happy to luxuriate in the lounge area with a crisp Bertaud Belieu Rosé or Grey Goose Vodka Hamptons Punch infused with fresh grapefruit and strawberries.

Beautiful picnic baskets from Gabby Karan De Felice’s Tutto …

By Holly Buchanan
“I have but one regret in life, that I didn’t drink more champagne.” John Maynard Keynes
Well, that’s certainly a fate I don’t intend to share.
Giddy is the only appropriate word to describe what I felt walking into the James Beard Foundation’s 2012 Chefs & Champagne® New York at the bucolic Wolffer Estate Vineyard.  Ah, so many inspired, delicious dishes, fabulous champagne (and wine) and so little time.   It was like speed dating for foodies – a whirlwind tour of over …

There comes a point in a long, social summer where you just can’t look at another boring glass of chardonnay. Hennessy decided to spice things up, treating guests to the Holidays Hamptons-Style.  In this heat, you can’t beat a dose of a wintery wonderland filled with amazing cocktails with a gentle water mist blowing pool side.  While you may picture yourself sipping cognac by the fire in Aspen, you may be surprised that Hennessy V.S. is a go-to spirit for mixed …

The spotlight is back on Bridgehampton Polo and this year firmly focused on the field. In its 16th Season Bridgehampton Polo 2012 returns to Two Trees Farm for six consecutive Saturdays from July 21st through August 25th.   The game itself is front and center this year with a more luxurious viewing experience.  Former years of “bigger is better” are being replaced with a “quality over quantity” approach.

Last season, the Bridgehampton Polo Club brought in veteran polo publicist and event organizer Shamin Abas …

ArtMRKT Hamptons running from July 19 – 22nd at the Bridgehampton Historical Society brings a fresh mix of contemporary and modern art from 40 leading galleries across the U.S. from local favorites like the Eric Firestone Gallery in East Hampton to the Peter Mendenhall Gallery from Los Angeles.
For viewers of every taste, the array of media includes painting, sculpture, drawings, photography, video, and installation.  And for the buyer, numerous options at affordable prices.  Although one woman was heard telling her daughter on …

A new boutique Pachute East has popped up in Sag Harbor for the best of the easy breezy Hamptons style with women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags and accessories.  Pachute which means “simple” in Hebrew is for the woman who wants a unique style all her own.  With heat and humidity ruling the Hamptons summer, women need to shed the Spanx and enjoy the breathable fabrics and flowy silhouettes.
Pachute has been opened by Sharone Komoroff, owner of the two year old women’s boutique on …

The Empire State Pride Agenda set a new record of 1500 attendees to support the LGBT rights organization at the Hamptons Tea Dance on July 14th which celebrated its 20th Anniversary.  We clearly must have started coming when we were six.
Not only were there impressive leaders of business, design, the arts, politics and finance, there were some serious white gogo boots we were envying.

By Heather Buchanan
Hamptons fundraisers are supposed to be like children – you love them all equally.  But we know that’s not really true.  Everyone has favorites. The James Beard Foundation Chefs and Champagne® New York on Saturday July 21st is consistently is a top pick for the finger-licking good food, top notch bubbly and wine, spectacular setting, silent auction that has your Master Card maxing out, and great camaraderie.  Chefs may be known for their egos but when you see them all …

ArtHamptons July 13- 15, 2012 at Nova’s Ark Sculpture Field in Bridgehampton features $200 million worth of art: 3000 post-war and contemporary works from 80 galleries from 10 countries.
Tongues and tails were wagging over artist and showman Kevin Berlin’s “Tiger Training For Beginners” where art, the cause of tiger conservation in the wild, and four gorgeous naked girls painted with stripes meet.  The tigers, Jenni from Texas, Tessa from Sag Harbor, and Ksenia and Alina from Siberia said it’s the artists job …

Hamptons women with beautiful skin have a secret weapon.  Veronica Taylor.  With Skin By Veronica, she approaches skin as your largest organ and guides clients not just in the topical treatment but from the inside out.  Her motto is, “Being healthy is beautiful.”  Veronica describes her approach as East meets West with the best from both worlds to create glowing, healthy skin.  As a paramedical aesthetician and an educator in the industry, she also has done the research to know what works …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Owen Hoffman for Patrick McMullan Company

It wasn’t only the lightning that set off sparks in the tent for the 650 Hamptonites who came out support the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education at Love Heals at Luna Farms in Sagaponack, raising over $300,000.  Unlike the senior blue-blazered crowd found at many Hamptons benefits, this was the sizzling social set.  You know an organization is dedicated to safe sex when they make sure every goody bag contains a “Proper …

Wednesday July 4th – Montauk Grucci Fireworks on Umbrella Beach
Any town beach is good viewing.  Go early for parking and bring a picnic – this is hugely popular.  Remember your flashlight or your iPhone flashlight app.
www.montaukchamber.org

Men’s Lives at Bay Street Theatre – July 3 – 29
If there is one classic play about the Hamptons it is Men’s Lives when fishermen and not financiers ruled the Hamptons.  This is the 20 year revival from Sag Harbor’s own Joe Pintauro based on the book …

A new spa has opened its blue and white doors in Sag Harbor.  The Rejuvenation Spa has the affordable price of $79 for an hour massage (Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, shiatsu, pre-natal, sport, jet-lag, Tui-Na, and aromatherapy.)  Book me early and often and for sure tell me what Tui-Na is!
Owner Therese Lindstrom and husband Bill Kamaras wanted a boutique spa that focused on healing to serve the local community with very affordable pricing, about half of the price of a massage at …

If you’re not a hedge fund manager in North Haven who has the deep pockets to put on a private fireworks display for your wife’s birthday – don’t feel bad.  Here is how you can enjoy Hamptons Fourth of July fireworks.
With Independence Day falling on hump day this year, Hamptons fireworks are more spread out than usual.  The key is to secure a prime viewing seat early whether it is a waterfront restaurant reservation or a beach chair set up well before …

Kelly Killoren Bensimon arrived at Chris Burch’s C. Wonder boutique on Main Street in Southampton on Saturday to sign her new book “I Can Make You HOT!”
You have to love an event where the first person standing in line is an aging man in a polo to buy “I Can Make You HOT!.”  He was a bit surprised to find out it was about dieting.  Rubbing herself in honey is, alas, only Kelly’s skin softening trick.
It is admittedly hard to resist the …

Jetsetters in the Hamptons are used to the best of the best and demand the same for their four legged friends.  For the pampered Hamptons hound, the Hamptons Canine Concierge has arrived.  This includes everything from 24/7 house calls for routine or emergency care to  massage therapy, furcials (facials), pawdicures (pedicures) yoga, swimming lessons, play dates, personal stylists, gifts, acupuncture, private jet services, drivers and more.  The dog days of summer just went luxe.

If you are looking for one of the top Hamptons spas, Naturopathica is your destination.  They have some of the most highly trained therapists who not only give the best Hamptons massages, they know how to work with injuries, stress and fatigue and you leave feeling at least a few inches taller.  They are starting a new program to give back to the community and give you a great discount.
On Friday, June 22, 2012, Naturopathica Healing Arts Center and Spa celebrates local …

On the eve of the summer solstice – health and well being are front and center.  If the only thing front and center is your protruding muffin top or emotional baggage here’s a chance to get the scoop on cleansing and juicing as well as Astrology/Psychology readings at WellNEST in Sag Harbor.  Also be sure to check out their yoga/healing classes and visit the store which carries Floracopeia some of the best essential oils around.  Here’s the inside scoop from one our …

You know the moment.  You feel on top of the world and you walk into a party only to see – horrors – someone else in the exact same dress.  For the fabulous female (or male) you want something unique.  The new Michelle Farmer Collaborate which opened on Main Street in Bridgehampton has a collection you won’t find anywhere else with emerging talent from the fashion scene.  This is your best Hamptons boutique destination.

Michelle whose hand designed jewelry adorns many a graceful …

2012 HAMPTONS BENEFITS
It’s a full Hamptons Fundraiser season benefiting many worthy causes. Here are a few ways to make the most of each event:

Take time to learn about the cause and find out how you can further get involved.
Note there are often ticket discounts if you are a member of the organization.
Some events have a cocktail hour or junior ticket which is less expensive.
Buy in advance – there may be a discount and some Hamptons benefits do sell out.
I’m going to …

It wasn’t just Delilah who knew the power of good hair.  Your best Hamptons hairdresser ally is Francesca Mercer Padilla.  The worldly “Frankie” as she is affectionately known has traveled from London to Manhattan to Palm Beach and Bogota and has now fixed on the Hamptons.  She has been trusted with the tresses of Hillary Clinton and high level diplomats at the US and British Embassies in Columbia.  Clearly she can keep a secret which is amazing because there is a theory …

Loraine Boyle, Blythe Danner, Martha Plimpton, Reina Schiffrin Pres/CEO PPHP
The Bridgehampton benefit for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic on Saturday celebrated its 25th and also its most important year to date with the rallying cry of what guest speaker award winning actress Martha Plimpton called, “taking care of the needs of women versus the ambition of politicians.”  Plimpton who has been active in the organization for years encouraged everyone to participate to protect, “the most recognizable and trusted source of sex education and …

Hidden away off Town Lane in Amagansett is your Hamptons horseback riding heaven.  If you’ve been dying to take a riding lesson or have your child atop an adorable pony, Stony Hill Stables is your answer.  Open to the public, the five decade old Hamptons horse farm opens its stall doors to anyone interested in learning horsemanship.  Says Founding Board Member of the new Stony Hill Stables Foundation Maureen Bluedorn, “It’s a labor of love to stay in business.  It’s like farming …

Lexington Clothing Company, a Stockholm based company with outposts all over the world opens its first anchor store in the US in true red, white, and blue fashion.  Just in time for Memorial Day this home ware and clothing store delivers everything from comfy bedding for your new summer home to table décor for your first soiree to a stylish sweatshirt for a beach BBQ.  Located at 73 Main Street in East Hampton, it’s also a great stop for the perfect hostess …

By Heather Buchanan
Right out of the Hamptons social season starting gate, one of the most important fundraisers of the season leads off Memorial Day Weekend. The Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic East End Benefit will be held on Sunday May 27, 2012 from 5pm to 7pm at the Silas Marder Gallery in Bridgehampton.  Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with catering from Nick and Toni’s and have the chance to bid on a silent auction.  The proceeds will support PPHP’s medical and …

The Hamptons are quite familiar with revenge but mostly as a dish best served cold.  While the hugely successful series “Revenge” on ABC is supposedly set in the Hamptons, it actually films in Manhattan Beach, California with the famous Grayson Manor and Emily’s beach house located in North Carolina.  Star Emily Van Camp who plays Emily Thorne just tweeted “Checking out the Hamptons for a photo shoot today.  There’s a first time for everything:).”  Girlfriend!  You are the most stylish bad ass …

If you think Hamptons men are commitment phobic – they’ve got nothing on Hamptons restaurants.  Each year new eateries emerge in time for Memorial Day madness.  Yet after the seasonal rush many quietly shut their doors and abandon their facebook pages.  Here are some summer romances we hope will last.
Welcome the lineup of new Hamptons restaurants for summer of 2012.  See if you can follow the in and out.  Cheers!

photo Megan Whitmarsh and My Barbarian  “Tourists From The Future” photo by Rosalie Knox
One of the Hamptons best secrets is a secluded cultural oasis where some of the most amazing emerging artists from all over the world gather to experiment and collaborate.  And guess what?  You’re invited.
The Watermill Center was founded by Robert Wilson to provide a living laboratory where artists in residence could explore new ideas in a unique environment.  Tucked away on the back roads from Southampton, the six acre …

The Hamptons Players Club is riding in style into East Hampton to no doubt be one of the Hamptons hottest new restaurants. The polo/equestrian themed restaurant and lounge takes over at 103 Montauk Highway where Beachhouse used to reside. Think bareback beauties meet polo empresarios with the Hamptons unique mix of locals and jetsetters.
Owner and Operator Frank Cilione gave us a personal tour to describe his vision for this three tiered dining experience. Cilione says of the allure, “The …

By Heather Buchanan
In the beginning there was the word – or in the case of modern day screenwriters, the blinking cursor.  Film directors are often credited for wonderful movies, but without the script there would be nothing but a bunch of people standing around a craft service table.
The Hamptons International Film Festival celebrated the 12th year of its HIFF Screenwriters’ Lab on April 13th to 15th.  I actually founded the Lab after working with the festival and noting its director-centric concentration.  As a …

This is the see and be seen event to kick off the Hamptons Social Season of 2012.  Mingle at the Parrish Art Museum fundraising event with artists, socialites, and moguls.  There will be a live band by Todd Barrie Music, delectable hors d’oevres donated from Sant Ambroeus, a bargain silent auction with everything from designer accessories to local business services, and an open bar featuring delicious specialty drinks, free wines from Niche Import Co., martinis by Glacier Potato Vodka and Southampton Public …

It’s back!  One of the top Hamptons Happy Hours is game on starting this Friday April 20th at 5pm, Wolffer Vineyard Wine Stand’s Sunset Fridays.  They kick off with a kick *** band – namely drummer Richie Siegler of Escola de Samba BOOM fame who brings his quartet Jazz Meets Samba to serenade the crowd.
Wolffer Sunset Fridays are held out on the lawn with a view of the vines – what could be better than hot jazz, cold wine, and old and …

Photo Credit: WW Burford
One of the great things about the Hamptons is we never know what power player is going to show up in our own expensively landscaped back yard.  Better yet, we may not have to crash the VIP tent at Polo or a Meadow Lane cocktail party to meet them.  At the most recent Writers Speak Wednesdays at Stony Brook Southampton College sponsored by their MFA in Creative Writing and Literature Program, the New York head of Amazon Publishing Larry …

Top Five Reasons I’m Glad Alec Baldwin is Engaged to Hilaria Thomas
Yeah Yoga!
Apparently the way to teach an old dog a new trick is “downward dog.”  Yoga instructors around the world will be cheering or maybe chanting for Hilaria Thomas who is newly engaged to Alec Baldwin.  He says not only does she have a nice asana but a positive effect on his own health to slim down and shape up.  Just wait until he can do camel pose.
A Hamptons Romance
Best yet …

Whenever there’s a new kid on the restaurant block in the Hamptons there’s a flurry of excitement.  When the new eatery comes from one of our favorite restaurateurs it’s even better.  David Loewenberg with his co-owner Sam McCleland is taking over the old Oasis Restaurant in Noyac to open The Anchor.  Loewenberg and McCleland are the team behind the amazing waterfront Beacon restaurant in Sag Harbor.  David also is co-owner with Kirk Basnight of Southampton’s little|red (opened 2011) and red|bar brasserie and …