East End Trends: Season-Ending Sweaters

August 23, 2012

Hamptons dwellers are bidding the beach goodbye and gearing up for end-of-the-season fêtes. A warm pullover is just the ticket for when the temperature drops from hot and humid to cool and crisp at nighttime soirees (and soon, for good). Below are some sweater finds that are as cozy as they are chic.

—MEGAN WILLETT

 

Q&A With: Christina Savescu of Salon Bar

August 22, 2012

With all the parties—and the ensuing pictures—it’s essential to have glowing, radiant skin out East.  That’s why we rejoiced a few weeks ago, when beauty industry veteran Christina Savescu opened Salon Bar to offer up indulgences like 24-karat gold eye treatments, 24-karat gold facial collagen masks, and wine and chocolate body wraps.

In addition to facials and body treatments the spa/salon lists Botox, fillers, lasers, microdermabrasion, and other anti-aging treatments on its menu, performed by Savescu’s husband, Dr. Napoleon Savescu. Manicures, pedicures, makeup application, blowouts, and more are also available. We got the scoop from Savescu on her unique treatments, DIY recipes, and more.

Tell us about some of your signature treatments and what makes them unique.
CHRISTINA SAVESCU: Two examples of our signature treatments are the 24-karat gold collagen facial and the 24-karat gold eye treatments. What makes the facial unique is that it combines the classic facial with the calcium masque and a collagen and mineral mask made with real 24-karat gold flakes that plumps, tightens, and lifts the skin, helping to diminish signs of aging. This advanced facial increases hydration, balances the skin’s pH levels, and restores the skin’s elasticity.

The 24-karat gold eye treatments are relaxing massages around the eye area that stimulate blood flow and oxygen, and eliminate puffiness and discoloration. A serum and 24-karat gold eye masque, made with real 24-karat gold flakes, following the massage revitalizes and protects the skin from premature aging.

You have some treatments tailored to men. Are you finding that more men are getting into spas?
CS: I think the reason more and more men are turning toward spas is because they want a place to relax and enjoy services that make them look and feel good.

Can you give us a recipe for a DIY scrub?
CS: My favorite recipe:

• ½ cup oil – use sweet almond, grapeseed, or another light, massage-only oil.

• 1 cup of Baleine sea salt – don't use simple iodized table salt, it’s too harsh. If you have sensitive skin, you can substitute sugar.

• 5-15 drops high-quality essential oils. The essential oil you choose for your salt scrub depends on the result you want. Lavender is relaxing, lemongrass is refreshing, rosemary is stimulating, etc.

Put the salt (or sugar) in a small bowl. Add the oil and mix well with a spoon or wooden stick. The texture should be moist enough to hold together, but not overly oily. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve that texture. Gently tap in the drops of essential oil and mix well. You can customize your recipe using different essential oils. You can use a body buffer and apply the mixture and scrub away.

What do you consider to be essential for maintaining healthy skin?
CS: Facials, body scrubs, massages, and using sunscreen daily. Needless to say, the proper amount of sleep, diet, and exercise will help slow the process of aging and will keep the skin looking healthy longer.

Do you have tips for extending the post-massage zen feeling?
CS: I tell my clients to relax in a bath, light a few candles, and meditate. Winding down for an extended period of time will continue to extend the zen period—just don’t forget to turn off your cell phone. 66 Newtown Lane, Ste. 10, East Hampton, 604-5500

—SHARON FEIEREISEN

 

Kellan Lutz Adds Star Appeal to Scoop Beach's Abbot + Main

August 22, 2012

Denim brand Dylan George founder Danny Guez partnered with Twilight actor Kellan Lutz last year to launch sister brand Abbot + Main. This summer the ready-to-wear men’s line will be sold in the Hamptons, exclusively at Scoop Beach, with a new collection featuring ultrasoft sweaters and T-shirts that are perfect for postbeach on late-summer days on the East End.

“Abbot + Main’s knitwear are essentials,” says Lutz, who’s also the face of the brand’s Fall 2012 ad campaign. “They feel great on the body and are built for every shape.” Key pieces from the line include button-down henleys, which Lutz has even worn on the red carpet. With the upcoming campaign styled with Abbot + Main tops and Dylan George denim, Lutz and supermodel Kate Upton—who helped debut the brand’s first foray into womenswear—appear ready for an incredibly sexy day lounging at Cooper’s Beach. Scoop Beach, 51 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, 329-6800

 

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Redefines Luxury SUVs

August 21, 2012

When we were invited to join Mercedes-Benz on a recent vehicle launch program, I was given the assignment and immediately let my imagination run wild with the possibilities of testing and reviewing a super-luxurious vehicle from the German lineup. I envisioned a sleek autobahn killer such as their SL550 Roadster. Then I discovered the invitation was for the international launch of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV. Was I disappointed? Not in the least. Practically speaking, a luxury SUV with a third row was ideally suited for me. Who better to evaluate such a vehicle than the father of five kids involved in soccer, football, karate, gymnastics, and trumpet lessons?

The GL-Class comes in four levels including: the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with its 3.0-liter single turbo diesel V6 producing a solid 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque; the GL450 with a 4.6-liter biturbo gasoline V8 capable of 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque; a GL550 with its direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 cranking out an impressive 429 horsepower along with 516 pound-feet of torque; and the GL63 AMG with its beastly direct-injection 5.5-liter biturbo V8 that pumps out 550 beastly horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque—all of which will undoubtedly take care of getting the kids to practice and rehearsals in record-setting time.

But most intriguing of all was the GL’s third row seating. Yes, the famed "third" row seating that other manufacturers tout but fall short on. Was the GL's third row actually usable and, dare I say, comfortable? To answer this, I subjected myself to the third row in a GL350 while our driver hurriedly shuttled me to the airport—a drive filled with sudden braking, responsive acceleration, evasive highway maneuvers, and above-average speeds. Throughout this adventure, I experienced an unexpected level of comfort in the third row. The ride was so smooth that I failed to realize the actual speeds at which we were traveling. This was a true testament to the GL350’s performance and the very comfortable and enjoyable GL-Class third row.

The GL-Class does, however, suffer from what I would refer to as “multiple personality disorder.” The chiseled, aggressive front facade is bold, sporty, and athletic, while the flowing lines of the side profile comes across as sophisticated and modern. Its design will appeal to those sporty moms and dads who still want to ride in style for a date-night out on the town.

Out of the three GL categories experienced, I was most impressed with the GL350. The GL450 and GL550 are also absolutely solid performers, but often with an entry-level vehicle, you feel as through you're sacrificing or settling. This is absolutely not true with the GL350, especially when you factor in standard features such as the ATTENTION ASSIST, created to alert the driver and prepare the brakes for maximum stopping power, and mbrace2, which provides an array of vehicle diagnostics and concierge services. And with the estimated 600-700 mile range from the 26-gallon fuel tank, you may start to walk with a certain swagger thanks to the fuel saving provided by the smooth and uncharacteristically quiet diesel.

Additionally, there are a host of attractive features, such as the panorama sunroof, massaging driver and passenger seats, power outlets for your road-trip devices, optional electronic folding rear seats, Active Parking Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist.

The 2013 GL-Class goes on sale this September, with the GL350 hitting showrooms with a beginning MSRP of $62,400, while the GL450 starts at $63,900, and the GL550 comes in with a starting sticker of $86,900. The wicked GL63 AMG version will become available during the first quarter of 2013 with pricing not yet available.

—LEON BRITTAIN, automotiverhythms.com

 

Hamptons Have to Haves: Ammara Yaqub

August 21, 2012

What does Ammara Yaqub Have to Have in the Hamptons? See some of her picks below, check out HavetoHave.com for the full list, OR make your own list of Hamptons Have to Haves on HavetoHave.com.

"My Hamptons style is chic but comfortable. We frequently entertain at our house, so I like to always be put-together but comfortable!"

—AMMARA YAQUB FOR HAVE TO HAVE

 
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