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 …

Attention literary snow birds: for those of you heading to Palm Beach you can experience two of our favorite things – warm weather and amazing authors.  In its eighth year the Author Breakfast Series at the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club kicks off on Friday Jan 20th and runs through March.  You’ll get to interact with wonderful authors many whom have Hampton ties as well such as Nelson DeMille and Ivana Lowell whose amazing memoir “Why Not Say What Happened?” includes …

With some of the most expensive zip codes in the country, the Hamptons draw the world’s wealthiest to play in their very exclusive oceanfront sandbox.  While the news spelled doom and global gloom in 2011, the 1% continued to buy up high end Hamptons properties.
According to Suffolk Research Service here are the top 10 Hamptons real estate deals of 2011 and why they were worth the money.

So what is the perfect gift for the the guy or gal who seems to have it all?  An experience they won’t forget.  The Let’s Go Flying Program, www.letsgoflying.com, has set up nationwide opportunities for introductory flight lessons to get the experience of being your own pilot (with of course a seasoned instructor by your side.)  This gives whole new meaning to wingman. 
Here at the East Hampton Airport Sound Aircraft Services offers the opportunity for $185 and gives you an hour of personal air time.
Our reporter Jennifer Seidun …

When the tryptophan haze wears off, you’ve successfully buried Aunt Rosemary’s fruit cake in the back yard, and you’re ready to put on your expandable waist pants and venture out into the world, the Hamptons have plenty to offer this weekend.  Get in the holiday spirit, shop for charitable causes, and get ready to dance off the pumpkin pie.

By Heather Buchanan
Santa has a new stylish spot to load up on goodies for all the naughty and nice girls, and guys too.
Just in time for the holiday season, Alex and Ani opens a new store in SoHo.  First introduced to the brand at Bridgehampton Polo, we loved the luxury experience with affordable prices.  With flagship locations in Newport, Boston, Palm Beach, Martha’s Vineyard and Rhode Island, and carried in the finest stores you might be surprised to know that the average …

SL EAST PARTNERS WITH EAST HAMPTON STUDIO AND OCEAN SOUND AND LIGHT TO HOST LIVE MUSIC DANCE PARTIES FEATURING
THE AREA’S BEST COVER BANDS EVERY SATURDAY FROM 9PM TO 12AM FOLLOWED BY DJ BIGGIE SPINNING ‘TIL CLOSE
NOVEMBER 19 WILL FEATURE THE BAND FULL HOUSE

As if darkness setting in at 4pm wasn’t enough to make you bring out Sylvia Plath and Mozart’s Requiem, the cold and flu season is upon us as well.  If you’re looking for a natural way to fight not only the dreaded germs but the depression brought on at this time of year, Maureen Dodd of WellNEST has a solution. 
 
She will be conducting free medicinal oil consultations on Saturday Nov. 12th from 11am to 3pm at WellNEST located at 125 Main Street …

HipHampton-istas know that our favorite four letter word is SALE.  Only more enticing when preceded by SPA.  There are a few specials this week at Top Hamptons Spas.

Photos courtesy of CIRCA – photo credits Billy Farrell Agency, Juan La Marca (polo shots)
By Heather Buchanan
If ever someone embodied the phrase “Go big or go home,” it would be Chris Del Gatto.  What started as a childhood fascination with the back room of a cousin’s jewelry store grew into a world leadership role in the jewelry business.  Chris Del Gatto founded CIRCA in 2001 which has become the leading global buyer of jewelry, diamonds, and watches from the public with offices all …

HIFF is ready for its close up.  Filmmakers are coming in from all over the world so this is your chance to explore the myriad of cinematic talents both virtuosos and fresh new voices.  The box office opens September 30th.  You can either stop by Design Within Reach in the parking lot behind Main Street in East Hampton or go online to buy tickets at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.
INSIDER TIP:
The only way to get party tickets is by buying a pass, either the all-access Founders …

If ever there was a high end pu pu platter of the best of the Hamptons food and wine it could be found at Harvest East End.  The weekend long event dedicated to showcasing local food and wine proved definitively how important it is to protect and nurture our local farms and vineyards.  At the Festival Tasting at the Ludlow Farm in Bridgehampton, guests were enjoying their favorite nibbles and wine from local restaurants and vineyards but more importantly making new discoveries.
Distinguished …

As the weather begins to turn, jet setters start fueling up for their next destination.  We’ll be letting you in on some of our favorite travel spots and great deals here at HipHamptons.  Our pick for fall is the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach which is only two blocks from the ocean and a walk to Worth Avenue’s famous five star shopping.  Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels 2010 ranked them #1 in South Florida and #3 in …

What started as a one day local horse show with a lemonade stand has turned into the prestigious and elegant Hampton Classic where patrons can sip Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal ringside as the top grand prix show jumpers in the world compete.  As an ode back to the days when the show first grew to its 5 day rated status, a hurricane again derailed the show.  But in what is now called “miracle Monday” the entire show grounds were re-assembled in a …

Labor Day is time to play.  For everyone who has spent hours at their computer or inside an office or cursing Irene because you are still using baby wipes for a shower this is your chance to blow it out.  HipHamptons gives you pure pleasure permission.  Here are a few of our favorite things.

 
 
It was hard to tell whether it was the newest Ferraris or the beautiful brunettes which were turning heads at the entrance to the JetFlite International Southampton soiree, Only The Best, on Saturday.  The evening of Fashion, Ferraris, and Fun hosted by JFI Jets brought out the well-high-heeled set to enjoy the luxury brands JFI Jets has partnered with in their effort to elevate the jet set just a little higher.

On Saturday evening, WellNEST hosted the 1st annual MAMA GLOW Film Festival at WellNEST Studio, 51 Division Street in Sag Harbor, which raised funds for Every Mother Counts.
The evening began with Tender Shoots Wellness founder Latham Thomas and WellNEST co-founder Rachel Paletsky introducing the festivals first film, Christy Turlington-Burns’ No Woman, No Cry, by.  With more than 500,000 women dying each year during childbirth (90 percent of which are preventable deaths) this powerful film shares the stories of at-risk pregnant women in …

Proving that the Hamptons are mother’s favorite – Mother Nature that is — the threatened storms stepped aside for fabulous weather at the Hamptons Cup at Bridgehampton Polo on Saturday.  There was plenty of thunder, however on the CIRCA Championship field where team Equuleus faced team KIG and emerged victorious 7 – 5 with Kris Kampsen being crowned MVP.  Guests under the Blue Stars Jets VIP tent had the front row seat to the action.  Remember not only are the players galloping …

In part of their Make A Difference program Uptown Pilates is offering a special fundraising charity class on Tuesday Aug. 23 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  The class will be held at their Sag Harbor 126 Main Street location from 3:30 – 5pm and the $50 donation goes entirely to the charity.  The Ronald McDonald House is a national organization which provides housing for families of seriously ill children while they are getting treatment. 

“The dog days of summer” can be a beautiful thing in the Hamptons when you have animal welfare activists working tirelessly for their four legged friends.  Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States launched his new book, The Bond: Our Kinship With Animals, Our Call to Defend Them, at Georgica Restaurant on Saturday.  Hosted by Amanda Hearst, Annie Churchill, and Frances Hayward the launch party treated guests to cocktails and vegan bites.

I have a few great loves in my life: dogs and jewelry and occasionally men.  Here’s the chance to combine my passions.  The Pet Project which will be held Friday August 19 at 6pm at London Jewelers in East Hampton benefits ARF, the Animal Rescue Fund.  There will be raffles and a silent auction and the chance to adopt a new love (four legged loves definitely, two legged loves we’ll see who shows up.)  They’ll have cocktails and shopping and pet portraits by …

Exhibit running from August 21 through October 9, 2011
Artists Choose Artists is the Parrish Art Museum’s second juried exhibition celebrating artists on the East End and the dynamic relationships that unite the area’s creative community. For this exhibition, seven distinguished East End artists served as jurors, each making two selections from 200 online submissions and subsequent studio visits. Artists Choose Artists will include painting, sculpture, photography, and video.

photo credit Jerritt Clark
Stilettos can be an effective weapon, either the small thin knife to slay an attacker, or the super sexy high heels which can slay Prince Charming.  The love/hate relationship women have with their high heels is the subject of Dr. Emily Splichal’s business.  “Dr. Legs” as she is known kicked up her heels in the Hamptons with her successful #1 fitness dvd’s Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery.  Dr. Splichal hosted the very first Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Hamptons Fitness & …

This Wednesday August 17 from 5 – 8pm Main Street and Newtown Lane in East Hampton will host Shop at Sunset to benefit The Retreat of East Hampton.  A percentage of proceeds from all sales will benefit The Retreat,  the East End Provider of safety, shelter and support to victims of abuse dedicated to breaking the cycle of family violence.  Shoppers will be treated to trunk shows, gifts with purchase, sips and snacks, music and more.

By Heather Buchanan
The 7th annual Authors Night to benefit East Hampton Library gathered enough literary talent under the big top tent to entertain, educate, and enlighten us for years to come.  As a card-carrying member of the East Hampton Library it was a pleasure to see the success of the fundraising event and the passion for reading more than “U R HOT.”

Beth Ostrosky Stern tosses out the ball in style. 
Aside from the excitement on the Circa Field, Bridgehampton Polo draws an interesting and eclectic crowd  – both spectators and sponsors.  Getting their inside story is half the fun.
We had the chance to catch up with Janera Soerel Program Director and Myra Magaletta Executive Director of Urban Zen which has a tent next to the Blue Star Jets VIP lounge.  They are using the opportunity for the foundation’s Hope, Help & Rebuild Haiti initiative.  …

The tres chic Lifestyle Boutique in Sag Harbor expanded their space this season to include women and men’s clothing and accessories.  On Saturday Aug. 13 from 1pm to 6pm J Brand fit specialists will be on hand to help you into your perfect pair of jeans.  Jean shopping is an all hands on deck experience to find the perfect flattering fit.  Whether we gals are having what we call a muffin top issue or a skinny girl day we can use all …

Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Introduce Hamptons Fitness/Wellness Fundraiser
 

East Hamptons fitness & wellness soiree to benefit Soles4Souls, hosted by PIX 11 Dr. Steve Salvatore
Saturday August 13 2p- 6p

Dr. Emily Splichal creator of the #1 posture and balance workouts “Catwalk Confidence” and “Stiletto Recovery” has partnered with Dasha Wellness to launch a luxury East Hamptons fitness & wellness soiree to benefit Soles4Souls on August 13, 2011.   The event will be hosted by PIX 11 Dr. Salvatore.

photo credit Suzanne DeChillo/the New York Times
Harboring Hearts will host its Summer Fête, sponsored by The Phoenix Foundation at The Paige Estate in Sag Harbor on Saturday, August 13th 2011 from 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm. Guests will be treated to dinner by Stone Rose and Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy. Moët Hennessy will provide the night’s open bar.  Attendees will also receive complimentary admission to Harboring Hearts’ Official After-Party at AXE Lounge (1181 North Sea Rd, Southampton) beginning at midnight.   …

If you haven’t been over to the programs at Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center you are missing some of the best and most creative talent from around the world.  Always fascinating, these cutting edge artists who are either in residence to work on new projects or visiting for lectures thrill and delight and stretch the imagination.  Be sure to make reservations as these are highly in demand evenings.  Thursday August 11 the magnificent Eric Fischl reveals his creative process.

Read a good book lately?  And no The Great Tweets of Ashton Kutcher doesn’t count.  If you venture to the 7th Annual Authors Night benefit for the East Hampton Library on Saturday August 13 you will have literally an entire tent full of good options from some of the most talented writers around.  Whether it’s fiction, poetry, biography, non-fiction, self help, or cook books, you will find amazing options.  The best part is you have the opportunity to talk to the authors …

By Heather Buchanan
I’m the first one to play in the sandbox, dive down the rabbit hole, or pull the genie out of the bottle so when I had the chance to go through the Grey Goose Blue Door – I was the first one to arrive at the blue velvet rope.
Grey Goose Vodka launched their Blue Door series to celebrate the best in life, inviting guests into their Hamptons summer wonderland for a curated cultural experience.  Held in a private estate in …

The sculpture gardens of LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton are one of the most zen peaceful places in the Hamptons and now you have the chance to take in the view from Downward Dog.  Saturdays on August 13, 20, and 27th at 8am, you can bring your yoga mat and blanket and practice Integral Hatha Yoga with Tsuyumi Aikawa, a respected instructor of 30 years.  Aikawa brings a love of gardening and yoga together for the personal transformative experience — physical, mental, …

This Saturday, August 6th 4-6pm wellNEST Studio welcomes Terri Cole and her ”Live Fearless and Free” campaign!  
Terri is a life coach, psycho-therapist, natural comedienne,  an original member of the Kris Carr- Crazy Sexy Posse- co-authoring Crazy Sexy books, VH1 TV host, and won her own battle with cancer.  This will be a fun 2 hour event of motivation, movement, getting you out of your own way, and revamping your blue print of getting your life moving forward NOW.  Terri will be joined …

Bryan O’Leary at 4 North Main Street Gallery
Come check out the new works by this very talented artist. 
August 4 – 9 from 1p to 6p Daily
Opening Reception Friday August 5th from 5 – 9pm
1 North Main Street, Southampton 631-283-2495  www.4northmaingallery.com

Safe sex arrived in style in the Hamptons when the Trojan Good Vibrations Truck pulled into the Surf Lodge in Montauk during the SPIN Magazine Summer Concert series.   The truck brought treats of another good humor kind for the sophisticated young social set who rallied around the free giveaways.  Clearly the condom and cosmopolitan was the perfect complement.  Trojan is just launching a new line of vibrators so guests had the chance to find out ““What’s your vibe?” with the Trojan iPad vibes quiz.

 
By Heather Buchanan
You’ll never look at your tuna tartare in the same way again.
Ted Danson headlined the Hamptons Splash Party to benefit Oceana this Saturday July 30.  Guests enjoyed a lovely soiree at the luxurious oceanfront home of Margie and Michael Loeb.  With a starlit night where romantic couples could wander to our world class beaches and gaze at the Atlantic it was more apparent than ever how important it is to support Oceana which works to protect the world’s oceans.  As …

 
You know the summer is sizzlin’ hot when safe sex arrives by the truckload to the Hamptons.  Trojan is going to get things steamy when they arrive at the Surf Lodge in Montauk on Saturday.  We of course will be getting first hand information and will report back.
Trojan takes on New York’s “Food Truck” craze by bringing vibrators to the masses via the Trojan Good Vibrations Truck Tour
On Saturday, July 30th, the Hamptons will be buzzin’, as Trojan Brand Condoms brings the …

One of the great pleasures in life is having a true local bookstore you can visit and ask “Read anything good lately?” and they can tell you everything from children’s books to beach reads to biography to historical gems.  Canio’s Book Shop in Sag Harbor at Main Street retains the personal touch.  It is a true literary gathering place with readings from authors and poets.   Along with a calendar of authors they also display work from local artists .
Rob Calvert’s art work “Summer’s Time” new works on paper …

Ted Danson headlines the Hamptons Splash Party to benefit Oceana this Saturday July 30 in Southampton.  Get ready to kick off your shoes and dance the night away at a luxurious private oceanfront home in Southampton (i.e. leave the stilettos and wingtips at home).  With Hamptons beaches as one of our most prized assets it’s important to support Oceana which works to protect the world’s oceans.