Cocktails and Couture at Westfield Mall

By Ashley Kromrey

Last Thursday, VUE had the opportunity to attend an event from the latest in luxury at Cocktails and Couture at Westfield Mall. Hosted by Real Housewives and Skinny Girl brand founder, Bethenny Frankel, the event featured charity, fashion, entertainment, celebrity and all things high-end luxury lifestyle.

Upon arrival into the new wing of Garden State Plaza in Paramus, the sound of strings were welcoming as violinists played. This lavish event had a turn out of over one hundred guests. Neiman Marcus models made their way around the floor, wearing the latest designer fashion pieces of the season and making fashion fans gleam enviously over each ensemble. Attendants at Cocktails and Couture at Westfield Mall munched on a delicious wide spread of food catered by Fabulous Foods, which began with lush salads, creamy soups, then onto tapas style plates like savory braised ribs and rich pumpkin raviolis, followed by scrumptious petite decadent desserts.  Skinny Girl Cocktails were the brand beverage featured including infused champagnes, white wines, vodka and even a signature chocolate martini. Many more delicious cocktail recipes and ideas can be found in Frankel’s new cocktail book, which was take home gift for all guests.

While all attendees wined and dined, smooth duet sounds of cello accompanied a vocal performance, which also included a  featured dance performance from the New Jersey Ballet. Ladies enjoyed the NARS  lip bar, where makeup artists touched up and beautified guests throughout the afternoon. After touch ups eager guests looked forward to snapping a glam photos on the red carpet at a photo booth. Top handbag designers showcased their latest desirable pieces, with a silent auction to benefit the events featured charity, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education). FARE works on behalf of 15 million Americans with food allergies.

Cocktails and Couture at Westfield Mall featured celebrity guest Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Kathy Wakile, Kim DePaulo, Dolores Catania.  As the lavish and upscale event carried on, VUE spoke to event host and original housewife, Bethenny Frankel on what luxury means to her.  “Simple luxuries like remembering to spray lavender oil on my pillow before I go to sleep, and good products like moisturizers and face masks. Buying well, things on sale, I keep my things for a long time. However, laying with my daughter in bed and watching a movie is the greatest luxury.” But with all the success of her empire, Frankel recognizes other woman and the importance of empowering them. Frankel has been connected to the charity Dress for Success for several years. Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. “It’s about inspiring women to have clothes and dress well, to not only get jobs, but to keep jobs and then inspire other woman to do the same” says Frankel.