Venus By Maria Tash

I have volunteered in the past in Manhattan at Red Cross events – (a great cause if you’re looking to support one) and Jackie from Blue Star Jets wanted to wear some on my jewelry for their charity event this summer out in East Hampton. Initially, I was a bit frantic, cause she told me she was wearing a brown gown with a gold chiffon overlay, about 10 days before the event. I know that Jackie loves bold goddess chokers and bracelets, and I quickly envisioned an 18k gold MT crown segmented necklace – and debated which stones I could get quickly assembled and set for her in a few days. I really wanted to use champagne diamond ovals flanked with white diamonds to accent the brown in her dress, and have the high karet yellow gold complement the gold flecks in the chiffon overlay. The problem was getting and matching 20 champagne ovals together, and then whipping the setters to get it done in time! Never mind having to get jewelry together for myself and another friend in attendance, and deciding what to wear. Because of the tight timetable, I ended up bringing three necklaces I already had made. She picked the first one I presented to her – a 22k gold and cabochon ruby goddess necklace.

All night Jackie told me how beautiful she felt wearing the necklace and all of the positive commentary she received. I was pleased, because I was in good company, as Russell Simmons was there promoting his own jewelry line. Apparently Jackie got a lot of positive commentary about the necklace and my other jewelry did as well. And Hamptons.com wrote up a great review and sandwiched commentary about me in between that of Tory Burch and Russell Simmons. Yea! (click here to see the review – note: you have to scroll down a bit). I was THRILLED to be there—as I love an event where I get to dress up and help others dress up. The icing on the proverbial cake was winning a raffle for a cruise for me and 5 others around Manhattan in a 50 foot yacht – good for one year courtesy of marine max yachts. I immediately thought how great it would be to take the staff out, and film the antics of course!!

The after party at Kobe bar was fun (Russell Simmons was there as well with his new, very young model girlfriend). Then a few friends and I attended the after-after party at the Talkhouse. I wish every Saturday night could be like that one….

*To donate or find out more about red cross ball events click Red Cross link above.

**for all events happening out east visit Hamptons.com

The next morning, Marjorie and I continued our Sunday morning routine, of getting up early to visit, feed, clean, and ride her horses at the Big Sky Ranch at Nova’s Ark Project in Watermill.

This ranch transforms every summer into the location for Donna Karan’s Super Saturday. This is a spectacular event open to the public every July and a great event to attend. This year, I had to be torn away by my friends who also wanted to attend polo. All sales from super Saturday go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and you will find spectacular deals on designer clothing, bedding, underwear… all of which I bought!

I ended up buying silk Jersey dresses from Issy, undies from Elle Macpherson’s line, and bedding from Marlo Lorentz. I do love excellent quality pillows and bedding as I treasure the time I spend horizontal. If you wait till the last hours of the event, you can get even more amazing deals on whatever items are remaining. The entrance fee is $650, but you will save way more than that with the great prices and it goes towards a good cause, as all vendors donate their goods. I really think this event gets better every year!