A Party For The Broadroom

Last week, I headed over to Barney’s on Madison Avenue for More magazine’s premiere party for Candace Bushnell’s new webisode series, "The Broadroom."

Meredith Corporation and Maybelline, co-producers of the series, took over Fred’s restaurant for the swanky soiree, which boasted a crowd of well-coiffed fashionistas and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres (my favorite: the truffled risotto balls).

The Broadroom ladies: (from left) Lauren Devereux, Jennifer Esposito, Jennie Garth, author Candace Bushnell, Mary McCann and Talia Balsam

“The Broadroom” follows five businesswomen who meet in a conference room and end up sharing their gripes about, among other things, husbands, wardrobes, careers and juggling it all.

“Caramel kiss -- when did they start naming lipsticks after food?” asks Roan (Jennifer Esposito)
“When food became more interesting than sex,” quips Natasha (Jennie Garth).

Jennie Garth raved about Bushnell and her co-stars

Garth, looking fabulous in a black bubble dress, told me she jumped at the project because of Bushnell’s smart writing and clicked immediately with her castmates as soon as the cameras start rolling.

Jennifer Esposito rocked a form-fitting silver mini dress

During the party, I ran into journalism school classmate and news editor Iris and her colleague Erica.

Catching up: Iris and I were classmates at Columbia University’s J-school

We traded war stories about one of the most treacherous types in the dating world – the married man who masquerades as a bachelor. Erica mentioned a friend who didn’t discover until she became engaged after a year with her beau that he was already married to someone else. Yikes.

Speaking of marital escapades, you can watch episode one of “The Broadroom" (“Husband Hijinks”) here. Episode two airs online September 25th.

An Evening With Two Chick Lit Authors

Last Tuesday, I headed over to the 92nd Street Y to listen to prolific chick lit authors Jennifer Weiner and Candace Bushnell.

Chick Lit Queens: Weiner and Bushnell charmed the sold out crowd

Longtime friends, the two ladies talked candidly about their life experiences and their passion for writing.

With self-deprecating wit, Weiner told the crowd that anything is material as a writer – from teaching her 21-month-old daughter to say boobies to her mother coming out as a lesbian at age 54. All of us in the audience laughed as Weiner recounted the awkwardness of sharing her debut novel’s title, Good In Bed, with her mother.

A newspaper reporter for 10 years, Weiner always wanted to be a writer. Bushnell had five completed novels in her drawer when she started writing her legendary “Sex and The City” columns at age 34. Her favorite subjects—

“Focusing on what makes me uncomfortable and on people’s choices. I’m fascinating by the choices people make and what they do to get ahead.”

With a draft of her latest work – Carrie Bradshaw’s high school diaries – due next week, Bushnell also shared her observations about life as a teenager.

Candace and me: The author signed copies of One Fifth Avenue after the lecture

“When you’re young, you look for tools to help you understand the world,” she said.

“You go through it skinless,” Weiner added. “Everything hurts more. That time is so fraught and intense.”

My favorite quote of the night – Weiner describing friendship as an opt-in sisterhood. DNA-induced ties notwithstanding, it's usually the best kind of sisterhood to be a part of.

A Star Studded Week

If you’re the kind of person who gets starstruck, New York is an ideal place for indulging this particular inclination. For me, that’s never been more true of my hometown than over the last seven days.

From spotting the “Sex And The City” gals in action and meeting SATC author Candace Bushnell to saying hello to famed Chicago chef Tony Mantuano and fashion royalty, it’s been quite a week.

My favorite celeb encounter? Meeting 90210’s Kelly Taylor, the lovely Jennie Garth.

Jennie Garth and me at the premiere party for Candace Bushnell’s new webisode series

Jennie stars in Bushnell’s new webisode series, "The Broadroom." Coming up…more about that and my eventful week -- including a surprise visit from an old flame.

Another Glimpse Of SATC2

Yesterday, I joined the throngs of onlookers in Midtown lined up to watch “Sex and the City 2” in action.

I managed to catch a glimpse of Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis filming a few takes of a breezy stroll in front of NYC’s legendary Plaza Hotel.

SJP and Kristin Davis on the set of SATC2

SJP rocked a semi-sheer white Halston dress that she also wore in scenes shot last week with Chris Noth. Kristin was at her Charlotte chic best in a bright pink Christian Dior skirt suit with a matching satchel and heels.

Primping between takes. Check out Kristin’s two-toned pumps!

After shooting wrapped for the day, Kristin flashed a smile and waved at fans. Despite being completely mobbed, SJP graciously did likewise and even stopped to sign autographs and pose for a few pictures.

SJP was all smiles for her adoring fans

Later, my SATC-themed fun continued when I had the chance to meet author Candace Bushnell at a book signing. More details about that coming up.

SATC2 continues filming today around 58th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue, and 59th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison. For the latest about SATC2, check out Cosmo Guy, the best source for “Sex and The City 2” news.

A New Season Begins

Now that Labor Day has come and gone and there’s a slight chill in the air, it feels like fall is officially here. And so far, the new season is shaping up to be an eventful one for Single Gal In The City.

Sex And The City 2: The Fab Four was reunited on set today. I’m hoping to catch them in action later this week.

This week, I’ll be stopping by the premiere party for Candace Bushnell’s new webisode series, "The Broadroom." Also on the calendar – going backstage at Fashion Week with the Dashing Diva crew, a second visit to the set of SATC 2 and a date with Ali, an adorable photographer that I met at my friend Cindy’s recent farewell to NYC party.

Ali has already managed to get me out of my comfort zone – a goal I’ve been pondering quite a bit since doing a radio interview last week on the subject. I took the initiative to ask him out. Technically, Ali made the first move by giving me his card as I left Cindy’s soiree. Though I figured it was a safe bet that he was interested, I still felt slightly daring in doing the asking.

Sometimes, it’s fun to break the rules.

Maybelline's Colorful Contest

As someone who works in PR, I always appreciate a great marketing idea. Maybelline has launched a fun and fabulous contest, Colorful Life, that’s worth checking out.

Maybelline’s Colorful Life contest offers some fabulous prizes

The cosmetics giant is looking for “colorful women” to submit their stories for the chance to star in a Maybelline New York short film, win a trip to NYC and meet “Sex And the City” author Candace Bushnell at her Webisode Premiere Party.

According to a member of Maybelline’s marketing team, here’s the kind of women they’re looking for--

“Maybe you’ve started your own business based on a personal passion, or you’re a community leader everyone looks up to. Perhaps you’ve dedicated time and energy to a cause, or use art as a means of creative expression.”

The contest deadline is June 30th. Click here for more information.