2009-2010 Board of Directors Kickoff

An Evening in Paris

September 16, 2009 ~ NYC

AICI NY Tri-State members kicked off the 2009-2010 season in style.  The members were introduced to Runway Soho boutique in the Soho Village located at 450 Broome Street in NYC.  Best known as the Original SoHo Boutique, Runway evolved as the direct connection between Europe's fashion runways and Soho's most discerning New York and international clientele. 

Lynn of Runway

Lynn, Fashion Director and Owner of the store, was on hand to graciously welcome the AICI members and their guests.  The attendees enjoyed shopping at a 10% discount while sipping on wine and munching hors d'oeuvres.  Runway Soho offers cutting-edge fashion and one-of-a-kind items that are personally tailored to your physique.  

Visit www.runwayconnection.net and find custom tailored blouses, skirts, pants and jackets.  You will be sure to get the perfect fit!

Top (left ~ right) ~ Zovig Garboushian, Jacqueline M. Peros, Terri Murray, Lisamarie Virola Banko ~ Bottom (left ~ right) ~ Desiree Naccrato, Christina Salerni, Camille Branda, Kate Ringo suzuki

Runway caters to the young and hip woman as well as the modern sexy and confident adult woman and anyone searching for an unusual and fabulous fashion identity.  A friend to the stars, Runway's celebrity following includes contemporary Hollywood stars as well as rock and roll icons that enjoy the custom tailoring, cold champagne and hot new trends. 
 
To add that "individual sense of style" when dressing your clients, visit www.runwayconnection.net and you will most certainly exceed your clients' expectations!

(left ~ right) Carol Ridolphi, Terri Murray
and Malaine of runway Soho

September 26, 2009 ~ Diabetes Expo, NYC

As Image & Style Advisor for "Divabetic," the national nonprofit organization that helps women at risk of and affected by diabetes, Catherine Schuller headed an image workshop at the Divabetic Expo held in NYC at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC on September 26 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Catherine's passion for health, fashion and beauty led her to become a core team member and the image and style advisor of Divabetic:  Makeover Your Diabetes, an outreach program that tours ten major cities in the United states each year and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

Catherine Schuller - Divabetics Expo

AICI NY Tri-State Board members volunteered their time, in support of Catherine Schuller, to provide a "mini-commercial" about various image topics such as personal style, body shape, color analysis, accessorizing, foundation fitting, and more.  Terri Murray, Zovig Garboushian, Camille Branda, Carol Ridolphi and Shanna Wu Pecoraro, AICI NY Tri-State Chapter Board Members, contributed their time and expertise at the Divabetic Expo.  

Shanna ~ Color Analysis

The attendees of the Expo were thrilled to learn about how to improve their image.  The philosophy behind the importance of image and those dealing with diabetes is that image can and will provide an upbeat mood to individuals even though they must deal with the constant regimen of medication, diet, and exercise.  Visit www.divabetic.org.

Camille ~ Accessorizing

Top image consultants from AICI NY Tri-State Chapter collaborated with 421 Small Business Marketing Co. in an effort to promote the importance of wardrobe and personal style in the business world.  The event was held at Andreas Ristorante in NYC from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on October 1, 2009.  If you would like to know more about this event, contact Joel and/or Angela at events@andreaspr.com. 

Angela Morris and Joel Pennyfeather

The owner of 421 Small Business Marketing, Joel Pennyfeather, came up with the idea of hosting an image-based event to help individuals in business "break out of that 'same old, same old' rut-of-depression dressing."  The speakers of the evening were Catherine Schuller, Annie Brumbaugh and Susan Sommers.  Carol Ridolphi, Terri Murray, Camille Branda and Shanna Wu Pecoraro, members of the AICI NY Tri-State Chapter Board, assisted in the program. 

(left ~ right) Catherine Schuller, Susan Sommers and Annie Brumbaugh

I had the pleasure of being invited as a member of AICI to judge the 2009 Miss Teen New York City Pageant over a two-day period on October 30 and 31 through Nationals Incorporated.  The pageant event included 4 parts of competition. Day one took place at the Crown Plaza La Guardia hotel where personal interviews were held. On day two, the pageant production was held at Bishop Ford High School in Brooklyn and included Casual Wear Competition, Formal Wear Competition & Semi-Finals/Top Ten.

(left ~ right) Miss Pre-Teen (10-12 years old); Miss Jr. Teen (13-15 years old ); Misss Jr. Pre-Teen (7-9 years old); and, Miss Teen (16-19 years old)

All I can say is that my position as a judge was a very difficult one because the young ladies were exceptional.  I judged the Teen Division, the oldest of the divisions. The young women were not judged on talent or swimsuit competition, nor were the contestants required to meet any height or weight requirements. They simple answered questions and projected their style through their formal and casual fashion selections.  It truly was a "Pageantry with Purpose," the purpose being to empower and encourage these young women by boosting their self-esteem and confidence.  Now the winners have the opportunity to win between $20,000-$70,000 in cash, gifts, and scholarships in the Cities of America Pageant held in Orlando, Florida.

I am so glad that I accepted the invitation and would encourage anyone to participate in such a worthwhile event!

(left ~ right) Camille; fellow judge Donna Halperin; and, Lisa D.Miss (New York American Coed Teen 2009)

Glam More Fear Less Workshop

November 14, International World Diabetes Awareness Day, Novo Nordisk will presented Divabetic:  Makeover Your Diabetes ~ a free and fabulous afternoon of education, empowerment, entertainment and enlightenment for women affected by, living with or at risk of diabetes. 

AICI worked at the Divabetic event in the Makeover Station GLAM MORE FEAR LESS with Image and Style Director, Catherine Schuller, AICI, CIP.  AICI NY Tri-State Chapter Board Members Cathy Berger, Camille Branda, Terri Murray, Kerry Cordero, Elethia Deal and other AICI member volunteers were on hand to provide information on personal style, body shape, color analysis, accessorizing, foundation fitting, and more.  

AICI Volunteers in Motion

There were fashion shows ~ one on the "Little Blue Dress " (color of world diabetes awareness) featuring Ashley Stewart.  Other makeover stations were available to help women (and men) learn about fitness, nutrition, counseling, staying upbeat and on track about their diabetes management.  This was held at the Riverside Church located at 91 Claremont Avenue (near Columbia University) in NYC.  Visit www.divabetics.org.