Inside the RHONY’s Fabulous Summer Homes

Want a sneak peek into the luxurious summer homes of our favorite Real Housewives of New York? My friends and “Bravo-lebrities” Aviva, Ramona, and Countess LuAnn were kind enough to allow me to share these fabulous photos of their summer abodes (including some intimate family photos too). Check out what these lovely ladies said their favorite thing is about the summer while spending time at their fabulous Hamptons retreats.

30 Things We’re Looking Forward to in the Hamptons

As Editor in Chief of Gotham and Hamptons Magazines, Samantha Yanks is the authority for what’s hot and new in the Hamptons.  If you’re heading out East this weekend or any time this summer, check out her fab picks for what to do, see and eat. Be sure to bookmark this one! xxMelissa

Retail:

Marie Eiffel
8 Grand Avenue, Shelter Island Heights
Marie’s simple designs have complex meaning. The best-selling Jackie shirt was inspired by the plight of sex trafficking slaves. A portion of the sale of each shirt is donated to the Katie Ford organization to combat sex trafficking.

Everything But Water
66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
Boardwalk floors and cabana fitting rooms make you feel like you’re already at the beach. Browse through racks of swim and resortwear by Lisa Curran, Eberjay and Shoshanna in a “laid-back yet lux” environment.

C. Wonder
5 Main Street, Southampton
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this pop-up will be more than just a store. There will be ice cream socials every Saturday afternoon and live DJs and dance parties every Saturday and Sunday.

Ruby and Jenna
78 Main Street, Sag Harbor
Young shoppers will find reasonably priced clothes in a high-end environment. New merchandise arrives daily, so they’re always stocked with the newest trends, from colored denim to high low dresses.

James B. Fairchild
619 Hampton Road, Southampton
The store’s stunning décor is only the beginning of the unique finds this store has to offer. Everything they sell is one-of-a-kind, like the fabulous vintage Hermes and Chanel accessories.

Topshop
Montauk
The one-day only pop-up party is back! Topshop is headed back to Montauk after the success of last summer’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pop-up store. The shopping extravaganza will be held on July 28th at Ruschmeyer’s.

Nili Lotan
38 Main Street, East Hampton
The new store, opening Memorial Day weekend, aims to be a little piece of TriBeCa in the Hamptons. We hear they are planning special summer items that will be more colorful than the neutral palette Nili is known for.

Bespoke Global
46 Jobs Lane, Southampton
The high-end home furnishing pop-up will feature pieces by international artisans, rotating until Labor weekend. Products from their exclusive collection, Be:Sotted, will be on display, and as the name suggests, all are fully customizable.

 

Ask Melissa: Fashion and Beauty Essentials for the Hampton Classic

I am visiting friends in the Hamptons and they are taking me to the Hampton Classic. What are your suggestions of what to wear there?

As an equestrian, I am in awe of the elegance and beauty of horses and their riders while watching the Grand Prix from the stands at the Hampton Classic. Being a spectator there can be a social sport so it’s best to look effortlessly chic. Here are my Hampton Classic essentials to spend your last breezy days of summer with style!

Beauty:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Extreme
The best sunscreen for under make-up, water resistant, absorbs quickly and not greasy. Excellent protection from harmful rays!
Buy Now, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Extreme SPF 60, $22.11

Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
I never leave home without a little bronzer! This one goes on evenly, stays put and looks very natural for daytime–love the matte formula.
Buy Now, Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess, $29

Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
Fresh is one of my go-to brands for everything from it’s famous body scrub to cosmetics.  This lip balm provides a hint of color as well as sun protection.
Buy Now, Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50

Nars The Multiple in Orgasm
This cream blush comes in a stick in a universally flattering shade! It’s the perfect solution for a no-fuss make-up routine as it can be used on eyes and lips too!
Buy Now, Nars The Multiple in Orgasm, $35

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Zaire or Tanzania

Sue Devitt is one of my all time favorite make-up lines! I’m a huge fan of these gorgeous water resistant eyeliner shades. They glide on, last all day long and are sure to withstand the sun.
Buy Now, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Zaire, $22
Buy Now, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Tanzania, $22

Fashion:

Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Mayan Flutter Caftan
I purchased this dress at Intermix in Southampton and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Katie Lee told me she has the same one!
Buy Now, Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Mayan Flutter Caftan, $250.75

K Jacques St Tropez Diapason metallic leather wedge sandals
I seem to buy a new pair every season. They are extremely comfortable and never go out of style!
Buy Now, K Jacques St Tropez Diapason Metallic Leather Wedge Sandals, $290

Salt. Caden in Burlywood
I have been obsessed with my oversized sunglasses all summer long. These quality frames are stylish and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of sun.
Buy Now, Salt. Caden Sunglasses in Burlywood, $400

Hat Attack Classic Panama Fedora

I am really into fedoras this summer! I bought this one, with a dusty pink band around it, at Big Drop in East Hampton.
Buy Now, Hat Attack Classic Panama Fedora, $84

Alexander Wang Donna Washed Hobo
I love the zipper details of this relaxed, super soft leather hobo. Blush is the perfect color!
Buy Now, Alexander Wang Donna Washed Hobo, $795

Creel Mack Hipsters
If you’re more of a minimalist and like to go hands free, Creel Mack makes a great line of “hipsters” for you to stash your essentials. Love the Pucci-esque belt of the Hamptons Hipster!
Buy Now, Creel Mack Hipsters, $325

Hermes Arceau GM Watch (natural)
I am wearing watches with large round faces these days. This one by Hermes is a favorite of mine and of course is perfect for any equestrian outing!
Buy Now, Hermes Arceau GM Watch (natural), $2,575

View the Hampton Classic schedule here.

Buy Groundswell by Katie Lee, $15.67

Buy Groundswell by Katie Lee, $15.67 Fun beach read A sentimental tale about the healing powers of surfing Shop the Full Story: Hot and New In the Hamptons

Buy Savoring the Hamptons by Silvia Lehrer, $19.73

Buy Savoring the Hamptons by Silvia Lehrer, $19.73 Divided by season Comprising more than 250 recipes as well as stories and photos of local wineries, farmers, fisherman, artisans, and restaurateurs Shop the Full Story: Hot and New In the Hamptons

Buy Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, $94.50

Buy Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, $94.50 A sneak peak into the East End’s most exciting private gardens Handpicked for this visually stunning tome Shop the Full Story: Hot and New In the Hamptons

Beth Ostrosky Stern Supports Animal Rights with a Workout Fundraiser at Exhale Spa, Bridgehampton

Saturday, August 6^th – Beth Ostrosky Stern and other animal-loving friends, including Katie Lee, hosted a fundraising workout event at Exhale Spa in Bridgehampton to benefit the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons. Supporting attendees experienced one of Beth’s favorite workouts (and mine), Core Fusion, taught by Exhale co-founders Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. The Wildlife Rescue Center is a not-for-profit corporation that operates a full-time professional wildlife hospital staffed by licensed rehabilitators, biologists, animal behaviorists, and volunteers.

” [My husband] Howard and I love the Hamptons so much and the most beautiful part for us is the wildlife that surrounds us. I feel that it is our responsibility to help animals that are sick or hurt. We’ve pretty much taken over their natural habitats, so that’s the least we can do. I have been calling the wildlife rescue of the Hamptons for years when we’ve witnessed animals in distress. Their center is in Hampton Bays and the work they do there is just phenomenal.  When an animal is in need of help, I ask that everyone call the Wildlife Rescue Center immediately. They arrange for transport for the animal to come back to the center for evaluation and medical assistance, and when the animal is better, they will release him into the environment in which he was found,” Beth said at the event.

I was so touched by Beth’s story…

“Last summer we found a deer in our lawn.  She was obviously a Mama Deer because she was lactating.  It looked like she had been hit by a car and found her way to our lawn. I called wildlife rescue immediately and they came to our home and transported her back to their facility.  She was lying comfortably in a secluded area at the center. There was a fawn who came into the center a week prior and was emaciated and would not accept milk from a bottle. This fawn was in the same area as my Mama Deer and overnight something magical happened. The baby was feeding off of my deer! The baby continued to feed off of her until she was strong and healthy. The sad part of the story is that the momma deer didn’t make it, but the fawn ended up getting released into her natural habitat shortly after, due to the Mama Deer feeding her. Nature amazes me!  So, whether you see a turtle run over by a lawn mower, a hurt or sick bird on the beach, an opossum by the side of the road, a deer stuck in a fence, or a squirrel or a fox in trouble, etc., please call The Wildlife Rescue Center at 631-728-4200. Let’s save some animals!”

For more information or to make a donation, visit wildliferescuecenter.org

The annual Wildlife Rescue Center cocktail event is August 20^th in Southampton. Check the website for more details.

Top photo: Beth Stern, Elisabeth Halfpapp, Fred DeVito and Katie Lee

 

Hot and New in the Hamptons

Melissa Meyers: What hot Hamptons restaurants should we all be trying this summer?

Samantha Yanks:

Almond
Almond’s move to the former One Ocean Road location comes as delightful news to me: it’s one of my favorite spots to have steamed mussels with shallots and white wine, and is now steps away from my home.  Eric Lemonides and Chef Jason Weiner always deliver delicious French bistro fare using local produce and products, and their bouillabaisse is divine.

Tutto Il Giorno
After the enormous success of Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor, Southamptonites are now blessed with a Tutto to call their own.  With fresh grilled fish set in the most serene environment, the second location from Gabby Karan and Maurizio Marfoglia will be seeing me quite a bit this season. The rustic Italian fare is outstanding and the house made papardelle is a personal favorite.

Nobu
Richie Notar has finally found an East End home for Nobu at the newly renovated Capri Hotel in Southampton.  Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley was enlisted to add her chic perspective to the interiors, as well as an expansive poolside and event area called The Bathing Club and her new on-site boutique. The best part, you ask? Oodles of Nobu catering at fabulous events this summer.

Page at 63 Main
Natural, local organic ingredients are the focus of all the dishes at Page at 63 Main in Sag Harbor.  Try the Soba noodles and Asian steamed buns. They also have a fabulous quick-service cafe and juice bar – Back Page Café – located in back serving healthy, organic juices, smoothies, coffees, pastries, hot entrées, picnic lunches and other pre-packaged fare.

Ruschmeyer’s
New to Montauk is Ruschmeyer’s and its farm fresh restaurant courtesy of the boys behind Manhattan’s Fat Radish. With an emphasis on local ingredients, the menu focuses on clams, mussels and other seafood fresh from the ocean.

La Maison Blanche
As if you needed another reason to visit Shelter Island. The restaurant at this new 8-room boutique hotel near Crescent Beach features a solid French brasserie helmed by Charles le Tous (of L’Absinthe fame) and thoughtfully designed wine and cocktail menus.

Little Red
Red Bar Brasserie is opening a sister spot, Little Red, near Agawam Park. A more casual dining option, the menu promises delicious American fare and an extensive wine list

South Eddison
A favorite that opened last year is Todd Mitgang’s South Eddison, located by the sandy shores of Montauk, with its extensive raw bar, the all-important lobster roll, and other summertime classics.

MM: What gift do you like to bring when visiting friends in the Hamptons?

SY: Two great books to bring if you’re a houseguest this summer: Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet offers a sneak peak into the East End’s most exciting private gardens, handpicked for this visually stunning tome; Savoring the Hamptons by Water Mill resident Silvia Lehrer is a culinary celebration, divided by season and comprising more than 250 recipes as well as stories and photos of local wineries, farmers, fisherman, artisans, and restaurateurs.

MM: What’s your favorite beach read this summer?

SY:  For a fun beach read, check out Katie Lee’s Groundswell¸ a sentimental tale about the healing powers of surfing. It even inspired a Stila makeup palette called Stunning in Sayulita ($14), available at Flying Point Surf & Sport in Southampton, featuring casual hues perfect for warm days on your long board.

Buy Now, Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, $94.50
Buy Now, Savoring the Hamptons by Silvia Lehrer, $19.73
Buy Now, Groundswell by Katie Lee, $15.67
Buy Now, Stila makeup palette: Stunning in Sayulita, $14

MM: Where are the trendy places to get polished and pampered?

SY: 

Paul Labrecque Hamptons Traveling Salon & Spa
Paul Labrecque and his team of expert beauty professionals are now making house calls in the Hamptons. Clients will find the same range of services they can get at any of Paul’s three NYC salons – cuts, colors, spray tans, facials, nails, waxing – either in the comfort of their own home or, if applicable, on their boat.

27 Hampton Salon
This summer sees Bianka Leffert debut an expanded 27 Hampton Salon in Southampton that includes a private VIP room to cater to higher-profile clientele. Of course she still carries lines I love like Oribe, Trish McEvoy and Kerastase, and the complete Ouidad line for curly hair.

Bond No. 9
Bond No.9 opens its first Hamptons outpost, sweetly nestled inside The American Hotel in Sag Harbor. Decked out with a deep-sea-blue chandelier and mirrored accents, the stores carries all 45 scents, including Long Island-inspired eaux like Hamptons and Andy Warhol Montauk. Scented candles, soaps, body cream, body lotion, and other little luxuries are also on hand and a Sag Harbor fragrance is even in the works.

MM: What are some of the chic boutiques and stores we should check out?

SY:

Artisan Workshop Beach Bohemia Luxury
Amongst the reptilian skin-clad beach bags from handbag designer Carlos Falchi lies the ultimate luxury – a python surfboard. And yes, I want it.
38 Main St, East Hampton, 631-324-5859.

Eres
I love Eres for its lingerie and now the East Hampton outpost is spoiling us with chic swim separates.
55 Main St, East Hampton, 631-604-5544; eresparis.com.

Lacoste
There’s more to Lacoste than classic polos in a rainbow of hues; the new store offers jewelry, accessories, beach towels and fragrance.
48 Main St, East Hampton; lacoste.com.

Stuart Weitzman
My one-stop-shop for wedges and sandals this season. Also stocking an array of patterned espadrilles from Theodora & Callum, the great new label by Desiree Gruber and Stefani Greenfield.
53 The Circle, East Hampton; theodoraandcallum.com.

Sunbarth
Still looking for Father’s Day goodies? This swimwear boutique from St. Barth’s specializes in men’s beachwear, with swim trunks from the likes of Orlebar Brown and Sundek.
53 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-873-4121.

Yigal Azrouel
I love the huge Cut25 selection, Yigal’s secondary line of baby blankets and T-shirts made from the excess fabrics of his RTW collections.
2415 Main St, Bridgehampton; yigal-azrouel.com.

Maison 24 Beach Couture
I have always loved Louis and Allison’s modern approach to Hamptons’ homes and knew their fantastic Beach Couture shop would be stocked with great finds.
2424 Main St, Bridgehampton, 631-537-2488; maison24.com.

SAMANTHA YANKS Editor In Chief, Gotham Magazine, Hamptons Magazines Samantha Yanks, Editor in Chief of Niche Media’s Gotham and Hamptons magazines, is an extraordinary talent in the publishing business with 10 years experience in the fashion and publishing fields. As Editor in Chief, Yanks is responsible for overseeing the editorial pages and securing and managing the magazines’ high-profile contributors and covers. She generates content that focuses on New York and Hamptons-based personalities, establishments and the best that the city has to offer in the worlds of beauty, business, culture and dining, entertainment, fashion, interior design, and real estate. Prior to her current position, Yanks was Fashion & Accessories Director for Niche Media where she scoured the country for fashion in every city filling her pages in Aspen Peak, Boston Common, Capitol File, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Michigan Avenue, and Philadelphia Style with the hottest trends around. Before that, Yanks was Senior Accessories Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine where she oversaw the department and assisted Oprah Winfrey in compiling her monthly “O List”. Yanks nurtured and honed her talents at Vogue Magazine in the Fashion and Accessories department where her career quickly blossomed from Associate Accessories Editor to Accessories Editor in her five years at the magazine.Most recently Yanks has become an on-air expert on numerous television segments discussing fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She has appeared on News 12, NBC’s “The Today Show”, “Nightly News” and LX TV, and is regularly featured on Taxi TV. Samantha Yanks graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelors degree. Today she lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and daughter.

Samantha Yanks

Editor-in-Chief, Gotham and Hamptons

Samantha Yanks, Editor-in-Chief of Niche Media’s Gotham and Hamptons magazines, has over 10 years experience in the fashion and publishing fields. As Editor-in-Chief, Yanks oversees the editorial pages and secures and manages the magazines’ high-profile contributors and covers. She generates content that focuses on New York- and Hamptons-based personalities, establishments, and the best that the city and beach communities have to offer in the worlds of beauty, business, culture and dining, entertainment, fashion, interior design, and real estate.

Prior to her current position, Yanks was Fashion & Accessories Director for Niche Media where she scoured the country for fashion in every city, filling her pages in Aspen Peak, Boston Common, Capitol File, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Michigan Avenue, and Philadelphia Style with the hottest trends. Prior to Niche Media, Yanks was at O, The Oprah Magazine, as Senior Accessories Editor, and Vogue, in the fashion and accessories department, going from Associate Accessories Editor to Accessories Editor in her five years at the magazine.

Most recently Yanks has become an on-air expert on numerous television segments discussing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. She has appeared on The Today Show, Nightly News, and LXTV, as well has having a regular segment on Plum TV in the Hamptons.

Samantha Yanks graduated from Tulane University. Today, she lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and daughter.