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
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.

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
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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

 
 
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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

 
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 …

By Heather Buchanan
While some elements of Bridgehampton Polo were familiar such as the lightning fast polo ponies which can turn on a dime, fearless players, and the beautiful Two Trees farm setting, others were new.  For the sophisticated spectator the Blue Star Jets VIP Tent and newly christened Circa Championship Field feltmore civilized with  a breath of fresh air (despite the sweltering heat.)
 
 

Peter Brant has taken the reins this year for the 15th anniversary season of Bridgehampton Polo and a new team, …

By Heather Buchanan
Don’t trend on me!  Founder Spencer Antle is the anti-fashionista who doesn’t adhere to following trends but instead remains true to his classical instincts for his successful resort wear line Island Company.   Don’t let the Nantucket-red baseball cap fool you, this casual dude is ruling a growing world-wide fashion line which just landed this season with a flagship boutique in East Hampton at 66 Newtown Lane.

It’s a celebration!  Jill Lynn & Co., 81 Jobs Lane, Southampton is hosting a Jewelry Designer Showcase for its 12th anniversary party at its new location.   We remember when Jill Lynn was just cutting her gem stone teeth and now her dazzling designs position her as a first rate original jewelry designer.  For the woman (or the man who wants to impress that woman) who wants to stand out from the crowd, Jill Lynn’s baubles are a Hamptons jewelry must have.  She also offers jewels in …

 
Photos courtesy of wellNEST Studio
A new healing center, the wellNEST Studio arrives in Sag Harbor, opening new paths for those looking for inner peace, physical balance and optimal health on a soul-ullar level.  Offering everything from yoga to meditation to alchemical arts and medicinal oil and healing, the new bright white studio at 51 Division Street complements the 125 Main Street boutique.

High-end Hamptonites do pampering like nobody’s business so here is the chance to bring the entire spa to you, either to your home or yacht.  Reach out to grab your Sugar Daddy’s black AmEx because you have serious work to do.  Manhattan salon & spa guru Paul Labrecque (recognized by Vanity Fair as one of country’s top 3 stylists) is going mobile – bringing his beauty VIP team to the Hamptons directly to you. 

The Hamptons benefit season is upon us and Memorial Day weekend kicks off with the Planned Parenthood fundraiser on Sunday May 29th with Heat Wave which we hope will inspire Mother Nature to turn up the temperature here on the East End.  Held at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, this is a not to miss event with a Silent Art Auction from major name artists like Ross Bleckner, Eric Fischl and April Gornik and Pop Up Boutiques from your favorite designers …

 
By Heather Buchanan
photo credit hotel images Rick Lew
As a fellow Scott, Hotelier Alistair MacLean could have had me at Cheers, especially with the astoundingly good Bloody Mary that even Eric Ripert said was the best he ever had.  But truly, the new Shelter Island boutique hotel and restaurant La Maison Blanche adds a fresh flare to the Hamptons social scene without the velvet rope mentality. 

LIGHTS!
 The East End is famous for its natural light but romantics will appreciate the villages’ megawatts holiday lights.  If you’re looking for your Rudolph moment (Valentino that is) take advantage of the romantic display of lights:

Before you sink into a tryptophan, family overload, I ate so much my button burst off my pants and almost blinded the Pug coma, get up and head out to enjoy all the Hamptons have to offer this holiday weekend.  ’Tis the season to receive… um to give.”

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 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.

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, …

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, …

he fresh, new face of home design debuts at 83 Main Street in East Hampton.  The hamlet’s historical landmark “Home Sweet Home” may now become “Home Stylish Home.”  If it looks slightly familiar you may recognize HB Home Design from one of its other “only the best addresses” locations in Westport, CT, Greenwich, CT, and Manhattan’s upper east side at 74th and Lexington. 

Something bold and beautiful is in the air, and it’s not just the scent of Melody Parfume roses blooming early this year.  Amateur grillers go boldly forth with lighter fluid and undercooked chicken.  Ex husbands and wives join forces to travel to the Hamptons together so they can take advantage of the HOV lane.  Whole teams from Price Waterhouse debate the magic number for the price of lobster salad.  Farmers markets re-open with the anticipated return of mushroom man, pickle Pete, and …

It’s on our mind all the time.  The thing we fantasize about day and night.  That three letter word which starts with S.  Spa.  We know that other than green tea or perhaps a dirty martini the best antidote to stress is to get to the nearest spa and do something nice for ourselves.  Luckily in these stressful economic times some of our favorite Hamptons spas are offering specials to reduce the cost and the guilt factor.

 
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.

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.