The Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field hits its full stride with intense competition on the field with the top goal players and their steeds braving the heat while the coltish long legged gals got to cool off in diaphanous dresses under the VIP tent with cool Patron tequila cocktails.
We caught up with restaurant owner Stratis Morfogen who was there with Chef Philippe Chow of Philippe.  Stratis was toting adorable daughter Beatriz who said her favorite part of the experience …

Ladies, divas, iron women and wall flowers, here is your chance to experience a whole new work out experience which promises to bring out your inner goddess.
Sheila Kelley is in the Hamptons with her S-Factor class, a popular pole dancing workout which puts the Fun back in Fitness.  The class combines ballet, yoga, and pole dancing to nurture a woman’s natural S shape and promote health, confidence, and empowerment. 
We have a feeling men will be pulling out their platinum cards to treat …

Friday August 6
Jill Lynn & Co Art Opening
6p to 9p
Aside from the beautiful custom made jewels from designer Jill Lynn you can check out the artwork of Grant Haffner and Dana Bell.
Jill Lynn & Co., 66 Jobs Lane, Southampton.
 
Phao Thai Kitchen – Chill Lounge
This great thai restaurant turns up the heat – body heat that is with music all weekend. 
Project Vibe is Friday from 10 pm – 1am with a $10 cover
Saturday is DJ Cana from 10:30pm – 2am
Sunday is Reggae at …

SATURDAY JULY 31
Clothesline Art Sale
9 am to 4 pm
A vast array of artists display and sell their art work at Guild Hall.  Discover the next Pollock in the making.
Guild Hall 158 Main Street, East Hampton, www.guildhall.org 631-324-0806.

LongHouse Reserve Book Signing and Music In the Gardens
5:30 p
This Saturday, July 31st, LongHouse Reserve will host THREE exciting events in its 16-acre East Hampton sculpture garden – the worldwide release of Jack Lenor Larsen’s LongHouse by Molly Chappellet, a preview of this year’s second art …

And they’re off.  Jetsetters and their entourage donned their Saturday afternoon and it’s bloody hot out best and headed to Blue Star Jets Field at Two Trees Farm to enjoy the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge opener between Great Oaks and La Alegria.  The series runs every Saturday from 4 -6 through August 28th and proceeds from the gate go to support the very worthy South Fork Breast Health Coalition.

FRIDAY JULY 23
Fridays At Five – Author Series
5pm
Bridgehampton Library hosts this event each Friday in their grassy back yard with wine and other refreshments.  Authors of various books (books, actual hard cover books, think pre-Kindle) are there in person to give you their first hand accounts of their stories.  This week’s author is Frances Osborne talking about her biography of her enigmatic great grandmother Idina Sackville a proper British woman breaking the boundaries in the jazz age.  Admission is $15.
Bridgehampton Library, 2478 …

 
If ever there was a supernatural sense of time and space it is the experience of the annual gala at the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, this year entitled Excentrica with donations supporting its mission to exemplify living with art in all forms.
Alexandra Munroe’s description of the LongHouse Award honoree Laurie Anderson, “She shares a shimmering knowledge here and now of the universe,” perfectly described not only the performance artist but the whole evening.

By Tracey Toomey
 Sure, it’s a famed vacation destination and the beaches are ranked the best in the world.  But when traffic is so bad it takes you 45 minutes to drive two miles, it can be challenging to find peace in the Hamptons. And when the person in front of you at Citarella grabbed the last head of romaine (and you were craving a Caesar salad!), it’s damn near impossible to stay centered!  Thankfully, the ladies here at Hip Hamptons have a …

EXcentricA comes to the LongHouse Reserve for their annual gala which is truly a midsummer’s night dream.  This Saturday July 17 they will turn their 16 acre East Hampton sculpture garden into a magic forest to honor artist Laurie Anderson and arts patron Jan Cowles.  Click here for the special video invite by Laurie Anderson.

Photos by Lianne Alcon Charles Ferri with Maurico Devrient, Melissa Hornung
 
Body shots take on new meaning when your new vodka company sponsors a co-ed polo team which isn’t afraid to go full out in this contact sport.
The fetching Charles Ferri launches his new Star Vodka on and off the polo field, picking his favorite “divot” stomping grounds, the Hamptons.  HipHamptons visited him as he cheered on his Star Vodka polo team at Southampton Polo.

Looking for bright shiny objects in the sky?  Cascading tendrils which resemble Tina Turner’s hair?  Things that go boom in the night in a good way?
Here is the round up of Hamptons Fireworks for the Fourth Of July 2010
SATURDAY JULY 3rd
Sag Harbor Fireworks -9:30 pm in front of Breakwater Yacht Club on Bay Street
Viewing: Long Wharf, Marine Park, Havens Beach, B Smith Restaurant, Dockside Restaurant, any fine yacht you can charm your way onboard (bring lots of Veuve Clicquot)

 
photos courtesy of Rossa Cole
Despite the local lack of rain, “There’s no draught of talent,” stated juror and king of exterior decorating John Danzer of the garden desginers competing in Planters On & Off The Ground III and Open Bowls at the LongHouse Reserve sculpture gardens last Saturday in East Hampton. 

By Tracey Toomey
It’s not easy to get your boyfriend or husband on his knees – for cat/cow pose that is.  Take it from me – I’ve been practicing yoga for years, and my hubby has yet to step foot inside a yoga studio.  “I’m not flexible!” He protests.  “Yoga is for girls!” I turned to Rodney Yee, famous yoga teacher of Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor, for some ideas on how us ladies can get their men to practice yoga with them and …

Saturday June 26 
It’s one of those weekends with too many fun Hamptons events.  With the warm weather, the full moon, and the full docket of activities HipHamptons picks out a few favorite Hamptons events for the weekend.

Truly one of the most memorable summer events is the Full Moon Kayak on Georgica Pond.  I guarantee you God is not at The Pink Elephant, He/She is hanging out here.  Lars Svanberg from Main Beach Surf & Sport in Wainscott teams up with Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga in East Hampton for the greatest combination since “you got chocolate in my peanut butter” or in this case “headstnd on my paddle board.” 

By
Heather Buchanan
Gentlemen, are you looking for the last stop of civility in the Hamptons?  We’ve found it.  Southampton Inn is hosting the ultimate Hamptons golf guys getaway (yes golfing gals you will want in on this too), Steer, Scotch, Sticks, & Stogies.  The two day package gets you teed up with life’s great pleasures on Thursday June 24 and Friday June 25.  For all you men who feel forgotten in the Prosecco sipping, designer shoe shopping, tofu tasting Hamptons events, this one …

 
Looking for a private beach and a cold glass of rose´ to toast the setting sun with a lobster roll or plate full of fresh oysters in front of you? Look no farther. There’s a new kid on the Hamptons beach scene and she’s wearing a vintage bikini and serving up coastal and comfort food with couture cocktails. The new cool Hamptons hot spot is Navy Beach Restaurant in Montauk tucked off the beaten path where you can dip your toes in …

For every woman who says, “Oops, summer is here and I forgot to stop drinking Chardonnay and eating carbs and have to be in a bathing suit this weekend,” there is ice running through her veins, and it’s not just the mocha frappe.  What winter months, Spanx, and strategically placed fleece blankets have kept hidden is emerging in the world and frightening ourselves, our boyfriends, and small children. 

The dreaded muffin top.
While it is the best part of a freshly baked breakfast product, …

So if you didn’t have the 8 mil to bid on Bernie Madoff’s Montauk beach house or couldn’t wrangle a weekend invite from De Niro or Ralph Lauren then how can you get a Hamptons’ oceanfront room with a private beach and a kick ass view of those famous surfin’ waves?
What if we told you that you can – and as for as little as $245 a night?  No, really.  Well okay that price only lasts until June  24 but then it’s …

by Tracey Toomey 
When you’re paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for your summer rental, you’re not going to commute back and forth with a Toyota Corolla you rented at Hertz.  According to a representative at Gotham Dream Cars, New York and Miami-based exotic car rental company, summer is peak season for luxury car rentals in New York City.  The most popular cars?  Ferraris and Lamborghinis, which can cost between $2500 and $5000 for a weekend.  But, in the grand scheme of things, …

Do you suffer from peony envy?  Haven’t stopped to smell the roses?  Or just want to impress your date with a secret garden?  In these busy times we may not be able to indulge our inner green thumb but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fruit of other gardener’s labors.  Think Lady Chatterly.  Here is a guide to the Hidden Best Hamptons Gardens.

You had me at hello. That’s the reaction when you walk into the new oceanfront boutique Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach and are greeted not only by warm wafting breezes but by the effervescent Danielle who is there to wave Omphoy’s magic relaxation wand.
Have you been feeling stressed after a long cold winter? Would you describe your skin tone as powdered sugar pasty white? Has the only heat wave you’ve experienced been your hormones run amok? Before the madness starts here in the …

 
Harborfest in Sag Harbor which runs from Sept. 11 – 13 is a hallowed local tradition which lets you know front and center that you are lucky to be in a maritime village with a rich history. How many times have you walked by historic buildings or cemeteries or heard something about a famous author who lived here. Now is your chance to find out.

celebrity photos courtesy of Jerritt Clark
Just as there is a signature scent, there is also a signature sound which suggests great things to come.  Gentlemen start your Ferrari engines.  For enthusiast and collector Nathaniel Christian who founded the first annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally, the best moment came when 40 Ferraris, the world’s finest driving machines, fired up their ignitions (think how 25 million worth might sound) to get ready for their tour of hallowed Hamptons lanes. 

The first Labor Day took place in New York in 1883 and was a “workingmen’s holiday.” with a parade to exhibit “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.”  For everyone out there who has been busting their butt all summer, now is the time to express your own personal Hamptons esprit de corp and set up your perfect holiday.  We have the best of the weekend laid out here for you to enjoy, no permission slip required.  …

As the Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field galloped to its finale, spectators crowded to the rails to see the match where team White Birch emerged victorious after a fierce and pounding hooves and heat battle with an impressive team performance including rising star fifteen year old Santiago Torres who was awarded Most Improved.

You could tell it was male fantasy because of their comments, “gorgeous,” “sexy,” “smokin’ hot.”  You just knew that these men wanted to touch but were keeping a respectful distance.  Yet the headlights and curves they were referring to had everything to do with luxury transportation instead of a woman.  That sort of eye candy was a secondary consideration for these men of means.

The Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge redefined “hot” as the battle for the Cup at Blue Star Jets Field was in its second to last week.  You could tell the competition was compelling as spectators in the sponsor VIP tent even braved the blazing sun to get right up to the fence to watch the match.  Considered a gentleman’s sport and increasingly a gentlewoman’s sport (although the new female competitors are hardly wilting flowers) polo invites at least small acts of chivalry where the …

 
Tax-deductible dating continues in the Hamptons with social events raising money for causes ranging from Breast Cancer Patient Support to homeless animals, to local cultural institutions.   As always fine food and wine and let’s face it, perfect pretty people watching abound whether you’re listening to Gershwin under a tent or sliding into home base (literally or should we say literarily).  Read on.

em>Photo courtesy of Hamptons International Media
 
For better, for worse, but not for polo.  Is it the warm summer breezes wafting through diaphanous sun dresses on beautiful women, successful men checking out the newest CLK Mercedes Benz?  Excitement in the air with the pounding hooves of world class steeds and their accomplished riders?
The Hamptons Hot Spot has definitely been the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge 2009 at Blue Star Jets Field, and couples who have broken up must be consulting their lawyers on who gets to …

Where else can you meet female icons Candace Bushnell and Barbara Walters, taste morsels from chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, eat rasberries picked moments before from the field, and do yoga with your dog?  It has to be a weekend in the Hamptons.
Friday August 7
Fridays at Five – Author Steven Gaines
Take the time to enjoy this witty author whose Hamptons’ and world views always entertain, giving you a glimpse into the true inside stories of the rich and famous, or infamous …

Love is in the air – literally.  The newest high end social networking is in the sky.  Instead of sharing photos on Facebook, share a private plane.  Todd Rome of Blue Star Jets told us he has started Share A Jet Exchange where people travelling the same route can share a private plane and share the cots. 
Think super luxury HOV fast lane to the Hamptons.  Wonder if Michael Lohan and ex Dina Lohan who both showed up at the VIP tent would …

Truly one of the most memorable summer events is the full moon kayak on Georgica Pond.  I guarantee you God is not at The Pink Elephant, He/She is hanging out here.  Lars Svanberg from Main Beach Surf & Sport in Wainscott teams up with Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga in East Hampton for the greatest combination since “you got chocolate in my peanut butter” or in this case “headstnd on my paddle board.” 
Wave to Steven Spielberg and Ron Perlman (or their security guards who are looking at you …

The very definition of hip, artist Laurie Anderson spoke as a guest of the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton on Friday, entertaining the crowd with her fascinating world view and startling wit.   How better to spend a night thank hearing about art in an artistic setting.
There was much to learn from this acclaimed multi-media artist who never has a rut.  She’ll continually put herself in situations where she has no idea what to do like working at McDonalds or on an Amish …

By Vanessa Gobright
There was an excellent turnout for the Wounded Warrior Project this past Saturday where hundreds of people gathered to support and recognize our severely injured service men and women that are supporting and protecting our country. Soldier Ride, The Hamptons was dedicated to the memory of Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter who attended Pierson High School with many of those that joined in on the 4 mile walk throughout Sag Harbor. Being a classmate of Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter who …

ROCK OUT — HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING OF “IT MIGHT GET LOUD” AT GUILD HALL
Academy Award winning director Davis Guggenheim reveals the personal stories of three generations of electric guitar virtuosos – The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and Jack White (The White Stripes) in this documentary film, “It Might Get Loud” part of the SummerDoc Series with HIFF and Guild Hall which is sponsored by American Airlines, Altour, and c/o The Maidstone.
Series Host Alec Baldwin will participate in a …

Here’s the some of the top pix for this weekend’s hip destinations in the Hamptons:
 
Who Are The Gems?  Jewelry Designer Jill Lynn teams w/ Christina V.
Attention ladies the men who love them – a best kept secret of originally designed jewelry, Jill Lynn & Co, welcomes Christina V. to share her collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings of precious and semi-precious stones at a trunk show Friday 7/24 from 2 – 9pm.  Jill Lynn & Co. 66 Jobs Lane Southampton, www.jilllynnandco.com.

Excitement was in the air with chomping at the bit and jockeying for position, and that was just to get into the invitation only VIP tent when Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge 2009 kicked off at Blue Star Jets Field hosted by the Bridgehampton Polo Club on Saturday.
We all know double bagging and double dipping are bad but now there is double banding which is good.  It’s not enough to get into the VIP sponsor tent.  Now the bar is set even higher to get to …

If you were hallucinating men in Chinese robes with invisible chirping birds, beautiful ornate dolls come to life, lily pads you could surf on, red wine glasses spinning through the air, and Edward Albee in a colorful head band, it wasn’t the drugs it was just “Asian Laughter” at the LongHouse Reserve’s annual benefit honoring textile weaving queen Carol Cassidy.

On Monday nights Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack turns into a magical mystery tour of locals and special respectful visitors to enjoy a fantastic drum corp as the sun sets behind the dunes at about 7pm.  This is a spontaneous gathering – not hosted by anyone – bring your own everything – child, dog, picnic, hula hoop.  If you come, please note the rules: (NOTE – no drumming on Monday Aug 3)

In the Hamptons where memberships at golf clubs can cost $600,000, where can you play without maxing out your platinum card?  We caught golf expert and author Tom Clavin at the 19th hole to gives us the inside Hamptons golf scoop.
By Tom Clavin
In and around the Hamptons are some of the best golf courses in the world, including Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links, the Bridge, and the new Sebonack Golf Club. That a course is private shouldn’t dissuade you from wanting to …

So the sun is shining and everything is bathed in an orange golden hue. Handsome men without shirts are everywhere, and there is all the free Veuve Clicquot you can drink. I believe I have found heaven.  Or the next best thing – the Veuve Clicquot Petanque Tournament at Sunset Beach Hotel in Shelter Island in honor of Bastille Day.

“The integration of useful and beautiful” is the end game according to HRH (Honored Really-charming Horticulturalist) P. Allen Smith who judged the Invitational Garden Container Exhibit at the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, a place he reminded us we are darn lucky to have in our back yard.  Top landscape designers, artists, designers and garden professionals put forth their creative visions which take the ordinary to the extraordinary. 

In order to obtain a Hamptons beach parking permit you must arrive at dawn at the third tree to the left past the windmill with a suitcase of unmarked bills and a tiger’s eyelash.  Just kidding.  But figuring out where to park at the beach if you are not lucky enough to have a resident sticker can be a daunting task.  Here’s the inside scoop on where you can buy Hamptons beaches day parking passes which are generally required between 9am and 6pm in the …

With two of the most famous yoga poses named after our canine companions, Downward Dog and the lesser known one I practice often, Passed Out Puppy, it is no wonder that we’d like to include our pets in our yoga practice.  Kari Hardendorf will be offering Hamptons Dog Yoga or Doga at Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor on Sunday July12 and Sunday August 9 from 4 – 5pm.